Garden Center web news and social media highlights from May 2018

Multimedia | Video

Spring trials coverage

Each year, we return from the California Spring Trials with a wealth of previews of some of the hottest new plant varieties coming to the market, and 2018 was no different. Whether it’s learning about Sakata Seed America’s Veranda mini cyclamen, new perennials from Walters Gardens, another member of Bailey Nurseries’ Endless Summer line or cutting technology from Dümmen Orange, there was no shortage of stories to be told and knowledge to be shared. If you couldn’t attend the trials yourself, our video interviews with representatives from several influential breeders can help you get caught up.

Watch here: bit.ly/2p8UWLa

What’s trending on Instagram

During the 2018 California Spring Trials, plant breeders and growers pulled out all the stops to display their new varieties in interesting, eye-catching ways. Terra Nova Nurseries went with a playground-themed flower display, complete with a merry-go-round, a picnic table and even an ant hill. Naturally, the display lent itself well to Garden Center’s Instagram feed, where its playful nature and merchandising potential made it popular with our followers.

See it here: bit.ly/2jdEsQG

Your Turn

Each month, we ask readers a different question about their retail operations, inviting them to answer via email or social media. You can send your answers to associate editor Conner Howard at choward@gie.net.

THIS MONTH’S QUESTION:

“How has your spring been going so far? What were Mother’s Day sales like at your store?”

Answers to this question will be published in a future issue of Garden Center.

5 stories in brief

Top industry news from our website

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1. In Memoriam

Family, friends and colleagues mourn the loss of Laina Margrete Molbak, co-founder of Molbak’s Garden + Home.

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2. A new look

Colonial Gardens in Blue Springs, Mo., hosted a grand reopening after two years of renovations.

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3. Fire recovery

Martin’s Garden Center in Tyrone, Pa., was damaged by a fire and lost more than $50,000 worth of inventory, but was luckily able to return to normal operations.

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4. Get on the list

Garden Center magazine is now accepting submissions for the 2018 Top 100 IGCs list. Apply by June 4 to be considered.

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5. Food for flowers

Floralife launched a global, integrated marketing program to stress the importance of proper hydration and nutrition for cut flowers.

bit.ly/2r5yRQs

Correction:

In a previous issue of Garden Center, it was incorrectly stated that the 2018 Arett Sales Open House will take place in Atlanta, Ga. The actual location is Atlantic City, N.J. We apologize for this error.