Garden Center web news and social media highlights from July 2018

Multimedia | Video

Classified flowers

During our visit to the 2018 California Spring Trials, we were fortunate enough to be given first looks and sneak peeks at several new varieties coming to the market and share our impressions with readers. PlantHaven’s first vertical wiegela collection, Tower of Flowers, was introduced at the GroLink stop during this year’s trials, where PlantHaven team member Tarek Alyusuf explained the colors and unique features of the new vertical weigela. For previews and takeaways of dozens of other new varieties unveiled during the trials, visit our videos page at www.gardencentermag.com/videos/.

See it here: bit.ly/2tUpnZg

What’s trending on Instagram

For some IGCs, this spring brought with it difficult weather conditions. Greenscape Gardens in Manchester, Mo., had a slow start to its spring season due to a snowy April, says general manager Jennifer Schamber. However, business picked up soon after, with custom combination planters selling particularly well. A photo of one of Greenscape Gardens’ vibrant and healthy custom containers, taken during a visit in May, was well received on the Garden Center Instagram feed.

See it here: bit.ly/2MBgOtJ

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:

“What is your process for pricing your plants? How do you create value for your customers?”

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

5 stories in brief

Top industry news from our website

Raid on Corso’s

ICE agents raided Sandusky, Ohio-based IGC Corso’s Flower & Garden Center, arresting 114 employees accused of working in the U.S. illegally. 
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The aftermath

Following the ICE raid on Corso’s, the business released a statement claiming that it requires proper identification from all employees. 
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Representatives step in

Ohio Congressional representatives spoke out and got involved in the ongoing Corso’s/ICE situation. 
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Customers shocked

Long-time patrons of Calgary, Alberta-based retailer Sunnyside Gardens were surprised to find the store was closing after 100 years in business. 
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Losing a branch

Gardens Alive!, an online mail-order plant retailer, announced plans to close down its largest farm location near Grand Haven, Mich., and laying off 300 workers in the process.  
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