Every last drop

Retailers are well-versed in the ways to conserve water in the garden: Use native selections, choose the “right plant for the right place,” invest in soaker hoses and drip irrigation, water gardens in the morning, keep fountains in good working order—the list goes on.

What’s more challenging is communicating these messages to customers via merchandising and signage. Often, until municipal ordinances are put into place, “save water” falls on deaf ears.

1. Over the past few years, rain barrels have become a garden staple. To generate more interest in rain collection, this retailer promotes the “locally manufactured” angle. This, of course, also ties into overall “sustainability.”

2. Garden centers can create more interest in high-efficiency sprinklers and water wands by offering different colors. Conservation practices and wise water use don’t have to be boring.

3. Irrigation bags and soaker hoses are ideal candidates for cross merchandising. Consider grouping these items with tree/shrub soil mixes, starter fertilizers and woody plants, themselves. You’ll have an entire kit to help customers feel confident their new plantings will survive and thrive.

4. To ensure no water goes to waste, group plants around fountains on display. Drips and splashes will fall onto plants, instead of concrete. Encourage customers to incorporate fountains in landscapes—rather than placing water features in paved areas.

5. and 6. Show customers that the architectural elements of bird baths and fountains can be placed into the landscapes without being a water source. The shallow troughs of these features are ideal for succulents and rock gardens.
 

The folks at The Garden Center in San Antonio, Texas (www.thegardencenter.com), know a thing or two about hot, dry summers—and the water restrictions that go along with them. Owner Wayne Harrell said they do their best to promote water-wise irrigation practices—and it works out in their favor.

“To promote water-wise irrigation —and in the summer—we have a ‘conservation corner’ where we merchandise water wands, soaker hoses, tree gators, etc.,” he said. “During some of our hot, dry summers we use it as a sales opportunity, and place the water conservation stuff on sale.”

When it comes to fountains and birdbaths, many retailers are hosting weekend seminars to debunk myths that these features waste precious water. Some garden centers have even created handouts with estimates of how much water these decorative items lose through evaporation. Consumers are often surprised by the numbers, and pleased to know that a water-wise landscape can still include fountains, ponds and birdbaths.
 

For more water-wise merchandising ideas, take a look at this visual tour.