Monthly Archives for August 2012
Building the virtual trade show
While it would be nice if everyone could attend trade shows like The IGC Show in Chicago, the fact is not everyone can. To help those who cannot make some of these trade shows we developed a Facebook page, IGC … Continue reading
Keep your e-newsletter short and sweet
During our “social media success panel” at the IGC Show an audience member asked how often to send out e-news letters to their fans (customers). They also wonder what was considered too often to send out. They looked at me … Continue reading
Make it easy to connect
Met a marketing consultant/nurserywoman at The IGC Show today. I thought her business cards we’re cool. The front is a typical biz card, but it’s the other side I liked most. It has all the different way’s you can reach her, with the … Continue reading
Chicago, the city of flowers and vegetables
Some cities just know how to put on a show. Chicago has plantings like this all over town. Each one seems unique, and all are kept looking great. I attended a talk this morning at The IGC (Independent Garden Centers) … Continue reading
A perfect match
These folks have the right idea! Located near Half Moon Bay, Ca. this is Blue Sky Farms. In the late 70′s I almost wen’t to work for the landscaping division of this company, but moved to the mountains instead. Nice to … Continue reading
Success by thinking small
Finding businesses and people who have become successful by thinking and staying small is a pleasure of mine. “Small is cool” is about people and business who have found success by traveling a different path. The competition in the nursery … Continue reading
“BOTANICUS INTERACTICUS”: Interactive Plant Technology
This is a research project from Disney where plants with electrodes placed in the soil turn the plant into a multi-touch interface that can operate computers and other electronic devices. Fascinating stuff. “Botanicus Interacticus is a technology for designing highly … Continue reading
Monrovia branded plants to be sold in Lowe’s stores
According to Today’s Garden Center Magazine, “Monrovia will begin selling its branded plants in Lowe’s stores in 2013. As a result of an exclusive agreement with Lowe’s, Monrovia plants, currently sold in Home Depot in plain pots, will pull out … Continue reading
Groupon sinking
The daily deal site Groupon, was all the rage in the retail world just a year ago. It seemed that retailers had found the secret to success. Just give your product or service away, and watch the customers flow through … Continue reading
Capitol Nursery in Sacramento closing it’s flagship store
Capitol Nursery in Sacramento will be closing it’s original retail outlet on Freeport Blvd. this Labor Day. According to The Sacramento Bee, “The chain’s longtime owner, Chuck Armstrong, whose father and uncle founded the company in 1936, will retire at … Continue reading
