Campania's Wall of Fame

For several years, Campania has been posting placements on the wall at the world headquarters in Quakertown. Here is Stacey, GMG's buzzmeister for Campania, holding three cover shots in front of the "Wall of Fame"!

Suzi

Garden Media Group

WSJ Falls for Natives

It's always exciting to see a story that you've been working on with a magazine, newspaper or blog finally come to fruition. 

We were thrilled here at GMG to have the opportunity to provide The Wall Street Journal with some wonderful Campania containers and American Beauties Native plants for a photo shoot on fall planting. And I must say, they pulled it off nicely!

As you can see from the article above, they created some interesting fall planter combinations using mainly easy-care perennials. I'm especially loving the texture and colors of the Harvest Hue container, which features one of my favorite plants -- Purple Fountain grass!

Click here to the read full article online and let me know some your favorite fall container combos!

Enjoy,

Stacey

GMG

GMG Creates Buzz for Clients at IGC 2011

The 2011 IGC Show was a huge success. Here are some reflections:

The Garden Media Group dinner at the Park Grill. Kathleen chats with Stephanie Cates from RESCUE! and our friend Eric Liskey from Better Homes & Gardens. And Marta Maria Garcia chats with #Garden Chat's Bren Haas and Jim and Michael from The Organic Mechanic Co.

The Folks from Campania chatted with the team from The Philadelphia Flower Show.

Of course, we went gaga for Jamie Durie. He is so nice, genuine and approachable.
A huge hit at the show was the launch of RESCUE! Stink Bug trap with the indoor light attachment. Move over stink bugs. We've got a trap for that.

Loved the new and old natives from American Beauties, particularly Black-Eyed Susan, one of my perennial favorites!

Hines launched its new line of colorful plants for the garden, Bloomtastics. The collection features new plants and tried and true under-used show stoppers.

Love the new brand from Costa Farms, Berneckers, a premium line of indoor plants for interior-scapers and IGCs. Did you see the flyer for National Indoor Plant Week?

And did you feel the new Organic Mechanic Seed Starting mix - perfect for starting seeds in pots or in the ground.

Suzi

Garden Media Group

A Zone for Zen

A garden is a great place to relax. Of course, knowing that I need to start weeding can be a distraction, but forget all that for a moment! I spotted these Asian inspired garden features in Cleveland at the APLD Conference. Features can be big or small - but they all add calm to a garden space. Is this umbrealla a treasure only found in Bali or a fabu shop? Think again - it is from Pier 1! And before we take it too seriously, be funny - like this meditating frog from Campania. He makes me smile and relax at the same time. How about you?

If you have time to read a blog, you have time to friend the GMG Facebook page -- and get in on some interesting conversations! Already a friend? Well, just leave us a comment.

Kathleen at GMG.

Pick the Right Pot for the Right Spot

Are you as confused as I am when choosing a container for your garden or patio? I never know if I should go for the lightweight option or maybe classic cast stone. With so many choices out there, I decided to check in with our good friend and garden designer Jon Carloftis about selecting the perfect container for my yard.

According to Jon, containers come in a variety of materials including terra cotta, cast stone, and cast iron to brightly glazed pottery and lightweight polyethylene. He says selecting the perfect container depends on personal taste, needs, and affordability. Here are some of his tips for picking the right pot for the right spot.

American Traditional

Cast stone is the traditional material for American decorative garden containers and gives you an immediate look of classic antiquity. Sustainable and durable, they replicate the look of hand-carved stone or marble but at a much more affordable price. “Cast stone containers make a strong focal point for your garden and entranceway,” says Carloftis. “I like to have something tall and elegant in the center surrounded by something shorter.”

Earthy!

Terra Cotta containers, a classic feature of Mediterranean gardens, are now affordable enough for every garden. This natural earthen material, which ages to a lovely patina, is timeless and looks good almost anywhere. Terra cotta is perfect for veggies and herbs because the porous material “breathes” and improves heartiness. These classic clay pots come in a wide variety of quality and prices for every budget.

Glamorous

Make a powerful fashion statement and transform a staid garden setting into an eye-catching landscape with glazed pottery in bold color and artistic designs. Vibrant colors from classic black to rich earth tones or two-toned glazes provide style and contrast especially when positioned with other pieces, such as cast stone, or as a focal point nestled in a garden bed.

Lite & Carefree

For those who want lightweight and flexible features, polyethylene and fiberglass containers are excellent choices. “You won’t compromise style or attractiveness with upscale look-alikes,” he says. Check out Campania International's Lite pots, which replicate the look of terra cotta, cast stone, iron, or lead that you have to touch them to know they aren’t the real thing. They are easy to move and are perfect for apartments or decks.

Classic Beauties

Except in the severest climate, cast iron containers offer gardeners high strength and durability. A classic material for urn shapes, cast iron is especially appropriate for those who wish to create an historical or traditional look.

Now you have all the options that you need for selecting that perfect container to transform your patio, deck or outdoor space!

Photo Credit: Campania International

-Stacey

GMG