Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Knock Out Fireworks for the 4th of July

According to the National Retail Federation’s 2009 Independence Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, the July 4th holiday is looking to be a well-celebrated event, with about 63 percent of the population having a cookout, barbeque or picnic.

That's 114 million people, about 5 million more than in 2008. Two reasons for the increase: July 4th is on a weekend and steadily rising gas prices has everyone taking “staycations” closer to home.

What will everyone be buying? According to the BIGresearch, burgers, ribs and all the trimmings for a July 4th food fest. And patriotic merchandise, of course. Lots of Americans already own flags, decorations and assorted red, white and blue stuff, but about 14% plan on buying more of it. This 4th of July you may want to take your outdoor holiday decorating up a notch.

We went to terrain at Styer’sfor some help creating a “green” red, white and blue “party decoration”. With help from Melanie Miller, one of terrain's garden experts, we paired a classic red Knock Out® rose with veronica 'Icicle', white calibrachoa and the new blue geranium ‘Rozanne'.

Here's the trick. Just put the Knock Out® in its pot in the larger container and arrange the other plants -- still in their containers – around the rose. Top dress with pine straw, moss, coco husk or just drape the trailing plants to cover the tops of the pots. Keep them watered and give them a shot of Liquid Fence Speedy Grow for a little nutrient boost.

With a little imagination, you can create an instant outdoor 4th of July celebration container that will last well past Labor Day.

2 comments:

TiffanyJBausch said...

Cool! I love these!

Anonymous said...

And, we are supposed to have nice weather on the east coast! finally!!!