The 17th annual National Lawn & Garden Show, featuring the biggest crowd of vendors and buyers in recent times, officially got down to business Tuesday. Some 130 companies representing lawn and garden suppliers took turns meeting with 67 companies representing garden centers, distributors and allied purchasing groups during Day One of the industry’s premier appointment-driven trade conference.
The principals gathered in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Rosemont, Ill. with one purpose in mind: to meet face to face in an effort to buy and sell the latest gardening products. Vendors and buyers convened during 10 minute sessions throughout the day, which NLGS President Bob Mikulas deemed a rousing success. “This is the best turnout we’ve had in recent years,” Mikulas said. “We’re up 26 percent in total numbers over last year, so we’re very pleased.”
In all, 305 individuals participated in the various appointments, which focused on products that could be “the hot items” in the retail garden market in 2012. Each day, Garden Center magazine will highlight products that drew a buzz, starting with the following six items:
Bite-Lite Mosquito Repelling Candles: Featuring Cloak & Scatter technology, these candles are a new development in natural Mosquito Control. Bite Lite Candles contain a scientifically formulated, natural, proprietary blend of lemongrass, spearmint and citronella essential oils that is amazingly effective against mosquitoes and other flying insects. www.bitelitecandles.com
The Classic Kid's Wagon from Millside Industries Inc.: These heavy-duty, red wagons feature hand- sewn, water-repellent fabric half canopies and red pads. They have removable hardwood racks with hardwood decks and 4-inch x 10-inch pneumatic tires for a gentle, quiet ride. www.millside.ca
Aspects’ Quick Clean Big Tube bird feeder: This large feeder has a 3½-quart capacity and six feeding ports. The Quick-Clean removable base makes for easy cleaning. The seed tray is removable with the base. The feeder is available in two distinct finishes and has wide perches that are ideal for cardinals. www.aspectsinc.com
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The Fruit Fly Trap from Contech: This practical product has become one of Contech’s better-selling items. It includes an attractive and reusable plastic trap, and two lures and two sticky pads. The lure will attract fruit flies for about five days. The sticky pad will trap flies until it is full of flies, at which point it can be replaced. www.contech-inc.com
Decorative Faucet Posts from QualArc: This faucet post with scroll hose holder and ornate faucet was creating quite a stir among buyers at the show. It holds up to 100 feet of hose and features a decorative aluminum post with a powder coat finish, so it is built to last. www.qualarc.com
Kansas City Art Statuary’s Girl Bust: Despite stagnant sales in many garden art niches, company officials said they have had one of their better years with their elegant statuary, which is available in both upscale and lower-end lines. One reason is the detail and composition of products such as the Girl Bust. It measures 30 inches x15 inches x 9 inches and weighs 90 pounds. It is shown here in Bronze. www.kcart.com