The view from the top...

Now that you’ve pored over the array of trendly reminders that will help ensure your most successful decade yet – or, at least, better equip you for the challenges of a new year – here’s another collection worth noting. These are the five most-viewed products on our Web site (www.gardencentermagazine.com) since it went online earlier this year. Indeed,  these are the items that you can mix and match with all the ideas we’ve presented to create the trendliest store in town. 

What is it? The attractive, eco-friendly rain saver from Tierra-Derco. Why should you sell it? The stylish contemporary design looks like a planter, but this is actually a 79-gallon rain saver. It is also the most popular item in the Products section of our Web site. This rain saver is constructed from 100-percent recycled, grey, UV-resistant polypropylene – in other words, it’s so “green” it’s gold. Where to find it? (812) 482-1644; www.tierraderco.com
What is it? The line of Butterfly Tags from Novus Innovation Inc. Why should you sell it? A huge hit from the moment they were posted, these tags are natural in appearance and have an integral attachment feature that allows the tag to be attached to a flower stem with ease. They can be printed on the reverse side for branding, or you can hand-write a personal message. Where to find it? They are available through Coastal Distributors, (800) 545-8956; www.butterflytag.com
What is it? The Cover Rock Series from Replications Unlimited. Why should you sell it? This innovative decorative item features artificial boulder rocks that are designed to cover and hide unsightly utility boxes, meters, irrigation back flow preventers, septic vent pipes and other similar applications. They’re also frequently used in landscaping. Where to find it? (314) 524-2040; www.replicationsunlimited.com
What is it? The powered wheelbarrow from Curb King. Why should you sell it? These “next generation” wheelbarrows are designed to assist the landscape contractor or anyone that has to move a heavy load. Each gas-powered model is a propelled by a powerful 4-cycle Honda motor that is easy to start and use. Where to find it? (800) 937-2872; www.curb-king.com
What is it? The Snap ‘n Shape tomato trainer from Twisted Gardens. Why should you sell it? How hot is the Snap ‘n Shape? This product was submitted to us about a month ago, and it’s already the fifth-most viewed item on the Web site. And why not? The user can turn tomato and pepper growing into an art form. Snap the product around a young cherry tomato or pepper, then slide the clip in place. The shaper does the rest, gently molding the growing tomato into a heart, a process that takes an average of seven to 10 days.  Where to find it? (630) 981-4852; www.snapnshape.com