MANAGEMENT
Some customers will be looking for more “instant offer customers some cost-saving
gratifi cation” for their gardens; consider container alternatives. To give them an idea
workshops to draw them in and other easy, low- of what I have in mind, I was ready
maintenance outdoor living solutions to keep them with planting plans and photos to
coming back for more. show them. This helps me to keep
them as customers, but reduces
my expenses in plant material and
labor, keeping my profi t margin on
the contract about the same. This is
a win-win solution for both of us.
Keep It Green
One trend that seems to have
weathered the economic storm is
the continued interest in green
products. Recent reports indicate
that people are buying organic and
energy-effi cient products even when
they cost more than standard items.
Sustainable landscapes, water con-
servation, perennials and “double-
duty” shrubs that look good in the
landscape and produce edible ber-
ries are popular. Gardening with
native plants that attract needed
pollinators and provide birds with
food and shelter continue to be of
interest. Consumers are looking for
plants that are easy-care, have great
color, and are pest and drought resis-
tant. Demand is up for sustainable
varieties that provide great impact
with little fuss. And when it comes
to fertilizers and pest control, con-
sumers are looking for more organic
based products that are safe to use
around pets and animals. Providing
these in-demand products makes
good business sense.
Encourage the People -
Plant Connection
There’s no doubt that there are
plenty of distractions these days,
particularly for the younger gen-
eration. And there are many people
who don’t even have the gardening
experience to know which end of a
bulb goes up. So it’s more important
than ever to meet them where they
are and entice them into the world of
gardening. They need eye-catching,
fun and easy ways to enhance the
places where they live and work.
Instant gardens are something
that many people are wanting these
days, and this is where container
gardening can offer an “entry-level”
gardening experience. Container
gardens bring color and interest up
close and personal because they can
be placed on a porch, patio, deck
or near the front door. They are
also fun ways to experiment with
plants to build confi dence in novice
gardeners. Spring and summer
fl ower bulbs are also great ways to
offer people a low-risk way to start
Write in 779
32 Lawn & Garden Retailer January 2010 www.lgrmag.com
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