Multi-taskers on the market

As you look to woo customers this spring, you’ll want to tap all the virtues of your product mix. Today’s sophisticated shoppers like items that perform handy garden functions—and if the products can make them feel as if they’re contributing to the greater good to boot, then all the better. Here are five items that “flex several muscles” at once.

What is it? The Gardener’s Hollow Leg from the company of the same name. Why should you sell it? The Gardener’s Hollow Leg is a debris and harvesting bag, made of recycled polyester, that you wear and fill as you go—saving lots of wear and tear on parts that creak. It comes with an attached belt that adjusts to 52 inches, and the bag holds more than 5 gallons.  Where to find it? www.thegardenershollowleg.com

What is it? The Urbin Grower from Nature’s Footprint. Why should you sell it? This flexible raised bed/organic growing system is ideal for urban families, as it is efficient in small spaces of patios or backyards. The multi-purpose containers conserve water and provide trace minerals such as volcanic rock and glacial sand that help plants grow hardier. And that’s better than just hardy. Har har! Where to find it? www.urbingrower.com; www.naturesfootprintinc.com

What is it? Invisible plant feet from POTRISERS. Why should you sell them? POTRISERS are ideal for heavy containers to protect floors and tabletops. They slip under the planter and lift it enough to ensure protection—but you can’t see them. They’re made from recycled material, so that’s a selling point, too. Stop trying to see them. You can’t. Where to find it? www.potrisers.com

What is it? The Moss Milkshake from Moss Acres. Why should you sell it? This convenient, smartly-packaged, dry mix of moss fragments, acidifying agents and water-retention gel combines with water to create a “moss starter kit” for practically any shady spot. (OK, not the shady spot on Uncle Fred’s head). The environmentally-friendly Moss Milkshake is just “cool” enough to be a hit with today’s Gen X customers, especially when they realize it will cover up to 20 square-feet of shade per container. Where to find it? www.mossacres.com

What is it? The CatStop motion-activated cat deterrent device from Contech. Why should you sell it? CatStop can help restore neighborhood harmony while protecting birds and gardens from the natural instincts of cats. It detects motion within 280 square-feet and emits a loud burst of ultrasonic sound audible only to cats. In short order, cats realize that CatStop-protected-areas are off-limits. And, no, there’s not a Mother-In-LawStop available yet. Where to find it? www.contech-inc.com