Page 8 - Griffin Gazette Summer 2016

A Feast

for the Eyes

Highlights from the 2016 California Spring Trials

Suntunia Electric
Apricot petunia from

Dümmen Orange

By Jeanne Svob, Seed Business Manager; and Dennis Meisch, Assistant Product Business Manager

Each spring, the plant-breeding companies Irresistible appetizers better with age. Growers were gifted with
throw a gathering akin to a roving dinner Marketing ideas are the appetizers in this four new SunPatiens introductions: three
party, except that all three courses of scenario. The breeding companies get new SunPatiens Compact colors (Fire Red,
the meal are served at each stop. The creative with ideas to help CAST visitors Orchid and Tropical Rose) and one new
appetizers are the fabulous marketing see plants in new ways and leave a SunPatiens Spreading variety (Pink Kiss.)
displays, the entrées feature the new lasting impression.
introductions, and for dessert, the best of Meat and potatoes
the best from their entire assortments. The Benary took a unique approach to their CAST is all about what’s new, and the
California Spring Trials (CAST) is a feast for new-variety showcase by staging a fashion meatiest introductions – the ones that most
the eyes of plant enthusiasts. show complete with a runway, attractive often turn heads and grab headlines –
models, lively music, and, oh yeah… are the completely new series and
The Griffin live-goods sales team traversed plants! The catwalk presentation earned standalone varieties.
the CAST tour this spring – more than 400 high marks from trial visitors and the
miles from north to south – and found some trade media. Syngenta Flowers always serves up a
delicious plants and fabulous new recipes smorgasbord, spanning annuals and
for sales success along the way. Here are The scene at Sakata was decidedly festive, perennials (both seed and vegetative)
some of the highlights, with compliments as the company threw a birthday party as well as their home-garden vegetable
to the chefs: for SunPatiens! The SunPatiens collection assortment. Two crops dominated this
is 10 years young and definitely getting year: geranium and pentas.

8 Griffin Gazette Summer 2016