Cha-ching! (1-5)

Drake's 7 Dees in Portland, Ore., is definitely kid-friendly. The two-location garden center devotes the most prominent image on its website to this notion:

"A beautiful yard has nothing to do with the Joneses, and everything to do with the Jennifers and Andrews." And that  company mantra is printed on a picture of the proverbial Jennifer and Andrew, two children walking hand in hand in the yard in question.

This "feel-good" image -- and what it represents -- will be further reinforced next month when the garden center hosts "Sprouts Day" on Feb. 25, devoting the day to kids gardening activities. Oh, there will also be an appearance by a local band to keep mom and dad enthralled, as well. But, make no mistake: This event belongs to the youngsters.

By showing attention to the "Next-Generation" gardener/customer, Drake's 7 Dees tells all its customers that gardening is a family endeavor, and that the garden center considers itself to be part of this extended family.

"Cha-ching!" has many faces. The wholesome one depicted by Drake's 7 Dees is one of its more appealing looks.

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