Page 9 - Griffin Gazette Fall 2015

The top criteria for inclusion in the national spring combination are 2016 Spring
frost/cold tolerance and earliness to flower. While that traditionally National Combo
meant using varieties like diascia and nemesia, advancements in Evening Breeze
breeding more versatile varieties like calibrachoa and verbena for
cold tolerance have transformed the look of spring combinations.
Consumer-preferred purples and pinks often comprise the national
spring combination, Evening Breeze, which is advertised in early
spring issues of consumer publications and the Gardener’s
Idea Book.

As summer rolls in, consumers’ color preferences tend to change to
a hotter palette. The national summer combination, Summer Breeze,
reflects this trend by including heat-loving varieties in warm reds,
oranges and yellows. By offering a new national combination for
summer, growers encourage their retail customers to bring in fresh
product for summer sales. Consumers will see the national summer
combination advertised online, through social media channels and
in the Gardener’s Idea Book.

2016 Summer National Combo
Summer Breeze

2016 Fall National Combo To close out the season, the A Web of Inspiration
Autumn Breeze national fall combination, It’s been said that innovations in breeding will keep the industry
Autumn Breeze, features growing. There’s certainly no shortage of new genetics making
a rich, jewel-toned their debut each year at the industry level. But until we effectively
color palette using communicate the messages of how these new plants will make
varieties that thrive gardening easier for consumers, how they provide solutions and
in the cooler fall are relevant to their lifestyles, they’ll continue to go unrecognized
temperatures, are and unsold on the retail bench.
day-length neutral
or naturally long- We all need to do a better job of inspiring and educating consumers
blooming and can about the value of our products. Here’s how the inspiration web
tolerate a bit more moisture. can work to everyone’s advantage:

The national fall combination 1) Plant brands and breeders educate growers on the advantages
gives consumers one more reason of their new genetics and how to produce outstanding finished
products. Proven Winners hosts free Roadshows every fall to
to head back to their local retailer accomplish those exact goals.
for items used to decorate their
front porches and patios for 2) Growers pass along their excitement and key selling points
the autumn holidays. It will be of the new products to their retailers (or better yet, they attend
advertised online and through a Roadshow together) and put them in touch with companies
social media channels. like Proven Winners who can offer useful point-of-purchase
promotional kits for creating engaging merchandised displays.

3) Retailers help consumers overcome the fear of buying plants by
advising them on which plants should work well in their growing
conditions, suggesting combinations and equipping them with the
proper soil and plant food to keep their new plants healthy.

4) Consumers experience success with their plant purchases and
come back to buy more, maybe next time with a gardening friend.

Who will you inspire today? What is your company doing to
“bring your awesome every day?” With the season drawing to
a close, now is the best time to do some deep thinking while
the experiences are fresh on your mind. Make a list of positive
changes you will implement in 2016 and then take action. Spring
is always right around the corner.

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