2020 Garden Trends Report, Seeing 20/20, LIVE

For nearly 20 years we have peered into the crystal ball searching for future industry trends. This year is no different. The 2020 Garden Trends Report, Seeing 20/20, offers a peek into what will trend in horticulture in 2020 and beyond.

Why trends? Staying on top of trends allows garden-focused businesses to take advantage of new opportunities and stay on the cutting edge.

For years we’ve identified shifts in habits and growth that affect both consumer and professional horticulture. From the way we design our cities to the people who work in them, the green industry will be at the forefront of urban growth and development in 2020.

This year’s trends are reinventions from a bygone era — helping to reconnect us with nature, rejuvenate the soil and lead us to a more thoughtful approach to life. Certainly, times have changed, but if we can combine the wisdom of the past with the science and technology of today, our future could be very bright. 

Technology and data have revolutionized many industries over the last century, including gardening. As the world moves to a more urbanized focus, with some estimating that 70 percent of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050, Central Recreational Districts are on the rise as people search for new and more effective green infrastructure opportunities. 

The 2020 trends also emphasize the role sustainability will play in consumerism and the green industry, from regenerative gardening to a shift to a circular economy. According to Accenture, a circular economy could generate $4.5 trillion in new output by 2030.

Not to mention, the millennial plant parent movement only continues to grow. Moving beyond simply plants in apartments but to create relationships and introduce a new demographic to gardening. 

The plant swaps are the new garden clubs.

Download the 2020 Garden Trends Report today

Garden Media has published its highly anticipated Garden Trends Report annually since 2001. The firm offers information about trends in a variety of formats including a free annual report and YouTube series. The 2020 Garden Trends Report is available for free download now. Read Garden Media’s GROW! blog for trend updates and industry news. 

Sneak Peek into the 2020 Garden Trends

We work year-round to source trends for our Garden Trend Reports. And this year, we couldn't wait a day past April 1 to share some of the biggest trends we’re predicting for 2020.

Grow a Garden on Your... Face

First it was garden crowns, and then it was garden beards, but the newest trend in flowers in your... garden brows. The trend features whimsical garden-themed accents fit for a fairy, including tiny flowers and butterfly stickers intricately placed on and around the brows, as well as a lush-green base that imparts a grassy effect. 

Glitter Food

There is something shiny! Eat it! From lattés to donuts, glitter is making its way onto the food scene, providing dazzling aesthetics and social media-friendly images. People like putting glitter on their bodies—so why not also on their food? Now, don't get us wrong; glittery coffee is admittedly a tad (OK, extremely) unnecessary. But hey, we're all for adding a little more sparkle to our daily routine. 

via GIPHY

Sustainable Living Powered by... Poo

The Pakistani port city of Karachi announced plans for a new bus network with a difference: the 200 city buses will be powered by cow poo 🐮💩 The network will serve 320,000 passengers daily, and reduce carbon emissions by 2.6 million tonnes over the next 30 years. City authorities say the buses will be running in 2020. Water buffaloes, we salute you! 

And that's not all poo can do! At Elephant POOPOOPAPER PARK 🐘💩🌴in Chiang Mai, eco-friendly recycled paper is made with Elephant poo! 

 

While these might seem a bit outlandish, Garden Media Group has been accurately predicting industry trends for over a decade. But you’re right, today, April 1st is a wee bit early for our annual predictions, so stay tuned to find out which trends really make the cut for 2020 …

And if you haven't downloaded 2019 yet, please do so today!

Garden Media Invited to Present 2019 Garden Trends at Exclusive Event in Italy

Katie has been invited to present the 2019 Garden Trends Report at an exclusive event hosted by the Orlandelli Organization, Orlandelli Horizon.

Held September 27, 2018 in Bologna, Italy, the Horizon conference will raise awareness of the importance of gardening and, in turn, inspire new gardeners.

Marco Orlandelli, managing director of Orlandelli Organization, wants to increase the value of the green industry around the world. But knows that he can’t realize this dream alone. This is why he created the event and brought together the top speakers in their fields.

Besides the newest trends in gardening, managers and entrepreneurs who attend the conference will learn more about consumer interaction, digital branding and creativity. Katie is one of three speakers from three countries: America, France, and Italy.

Marco’s passion for building a global green industry has inspired us to think about worldwide trends. We are thrilled to be presenting our trends to a European audience for the first time.

Attendees will have the opportunity to network with other professionals in the garden industry and interact with experts.

The Orlandelli Group LLC, based in Canicossa (Marcaria), Italy, is a five generation floriculture business. They are innovative leaders in creating special containers, production benches and landscaping software for displayers in garden centers, carts and flower shops.

For more information about Orlandelli Horizon visit www.orlandellihorizon.com.

To download our latest trends, visit http://www.gardenmediagroup.com/trends. 

Happy 30th Anniversary to Us!

September 2018 marks our 30th birthday. Being in business for 30 years is a milestone for any company. But for us, it marks 30 years of growing, changing and finding focus.

Do you know the story? It all began in 1988 when Suzi put her young daughter, Katie, on the bus for the first day of school and opened the doors to IMPACT Marketing, a general practice PR firm. She started the business on the principle “Your vision is our mission” and envisioned a company whose sole purpose was its clients’ success. 

That vision lives on today in Garden Media.

Today we pride ourselves on providing top-notch public relations and social media campaigns, high-quality service, and worldwide media exposure for an international portfolio of clients in the world of horticulture and outdoor living.

The past 30 years have been incredible. We are deeply thankful to all of our innovative clients and creative team members who have contributed to our success. While we might be small in size, we deliver huge results-driven campaigns that impact the bottom line for clients all over the world.

In 1995, IMPACT landed its first horticultural client, The Conard-Pyle Company. Following enormous success with Conard-Pyle and the introduction of The Knock Out Rose, Suzi made a strategic decision to focus on the lawn and garden industry. In 2002, the company changed its name to Garden Media Group.

Focusing on gardening and outdoor living was the second best business decision we ever made. It allowed the firm to be a major player in a big industry. 

The first best decision? Bringing Katie on board.

Throughout the years, Garden Media has stayed true to its mission: To instill a passion for nature and a love of gardening to all generations to improve environmental health and support human wellbeing. With services including traditional and social media marketing, promotional tie-ins and product launches, we serve clients big and small throughout the gardening world.

We are so proud to reach this milestone as an agency. Suzi’s vision and mission will always be our north star to guide us as we serve our clients and help grow our industry.

In addition to lawn and garden PR services, Garden Media releases an annual Garden Trends Report to reflect the changing attitudes and behaviors of consumers and predict areas of growth in the garden industry as a whole. 

The 2019 GTR will be released on the company anniversary, marking the 17^th report.

Today, we continue toward our goal to inspire 320 million Americans to live a healthy gardening lifestyle 52 weeks a year. 

I still can’t believe how fortunate we've been to have built a company that has lasted this long.  

It's no longer ‘fake it ‘til you make it’. Cheers to us! We’ve made it!

Add Some Zen to the Great Outdoors!

As the saying goes, home is where the heart is, and there’s no better way to show your home some extra love than to turn your garden into a beautiful retreat.

Knowing how to turn your backyard into an outdoor oasis can be a transformative experience that will bring you hours of relaxation and fun.

With the right updates, you can capitalize on the green space you already have and impress your friends with the sense of calm that your backyard will bring.

If your garden is currently a blank slate, try adding these simple updates:

• Create a Zen garden: using stones and sand instead of flowers and foliage is an easy fix for any garden to create a modern, serene atmosphere. Leave space for a yoga mat amidst your new Zen space for hours of exercise and relaxation!
• Add a fire pit: there’s nothing like sitting around the fire at night with friends and roasting marshmallows. Place a patio fire pit anywhere in your garden and prepare yourself for that rich bonfire smell amongst your plants.
• Install a water feature: adding a water fountain or waterfall is a great idea for any garden, as the sounds of tranquility will flow to guarantee you some peace and quiet. Many water features are easy to maintain, and some are eco-friendly, powered by the sun!
• Add some lighting: stringing fairy lights throughout your garden trees or placing outdoor lanterns along a pathway will turn your outdoor space into a spiritual sanctuary. After all, there’s no better way to set a mood than by using soft lighting.
• Decorate with statuary: in order to turn any patio into a work of art, you should consider buying a nice statue for decorative value. Many Zen gardens include a small statue, like a Buddha, to help set the tone.

By adding any of these features, you can improve the ambiance of your garden without breaking the budget.

Knowing ways to create a Zen outdoor space will help update your backyard and turn it into a place where you can go and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors with family and friends.

2018 Garden Trends to be Unveiled at Cultivate ‘17

Attendees at Cultivate ‘17 will have the first look at Garden Media highly anticipated 2018 Garden Trends Report. 

Susan McCoy and Katie Dubow will unveil the seven new trends at AmericanHort’s annual conference July 15 in Columbus, OH.

Cultivate brings together horticulture professionals from across the globe. It’s one of the biggest and best horticulture trade shows, making it the perfect place to reveal our trends.

The report, which will not be available for download until September, takes a deeper look into the role wellness plays in the garden. People are becoming increasingly aware that mental health is just as important as physical health – and it’s affecting the way they garden.

We already know gardening works wonders for our health. Now we’re looking at the ways people are transforming their gardens to further improve their mental and spiritual well-being.

From how plants form their own social networks to people creating indoor breathing rooms, gardening will once again shift to reflect global changes. The report closely examines how these changes affect gardeners.

Garden Media has released its annual trends report every year since 2001. Along with the report, the firm releases a YouTube video series and weekly blogs to keep consumers informed all year long.

Cultivate ‘17 takes place from Saturday, July 15 to Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH.

To learn more about Garden Media Group’s report, visit GardenMediaGroup.com. Download the 2017 Garden Trends Report now.

Exclusive Sneak Peek at 2018 Garden Trends Report

It might feel like 2017 just started, but here at Garden Media Group, we are working hard on our 2018 Garden Trends Report. 

Since we’re looking into the future, we have decided to give you an exclusive sneak peek at some of the biggest trends we’re predicting for next year.

Moss is Boss

Moss is going to be a key player in the garden industry in 2018 – and we’re not talking about Kate. 

For your next garden or home improvement project, consider growing a smog-eating moss roof. Moss naturally absorbs air pollutants like nitrous oxide and ozone. It also attracts beneficial insects, salamanders and frogs. Not only will your moss roof improve air quality, it’s also a good way to add some new pets– a win/win.

Like all of our favorite plants, moss can be beneficial in more ways than one.

Ever since people have become more aware of what they put in– and on – their bodies, we’ve seen an increase in plant based beauty products. Many shampoos, soaps and moisturizers contain lavender, rosemary and other ingredients you can grow in your garden.

However, recent studies have shown that moss contains essential nutrients and vitamins that are great for your skin too. Another benefit of your moss roof! So, when your skin feels in need of repair, just head up to your roof, harvest some moss, add it your favorite moisturizer and wait to see the glowing results.

Unicorn is the New Black

The unicorn trend is prominent in the fashion, food and beauty industries. Pink and purple pastel colored hair, lipstick and makeup brushes are just a few of the items unicorn lovers can don. In January 2016, Too Faced launched a lipstick with an iridescent shimmer of bluish purple called Unicorn Tears, which reached the status of Ulta’s No. 1 lipstick.

Young consumers’ demand for all that glitters, shimmers, is colorful, and name-drops a mythical creature continues to keep trending. Now, this colorful and whimsical trend is crossing over into the garden and kitchen, too.

Your food shouldn’t just taste good, it should look good too! Eat the rainbow typically refers to eating colorful fruits and veggies for a well-balanced diet. Now, unicorn noodles give this phrase a whole new meaning. That’s right – you can have pretty, pastel colored noodles for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The best part is the dye is all natural and can come right out of your garden.

Here’s how you can create beautiful, Instagram-worthy noodles:

• Instead of using processed food dyes, all you need to do is grow some purple cabbage in your garden.
• When the cabbage is ready to harvest, cook for five minutes in a pot of water. Less water will produce bright blue noodles and more water will produce lighter hues.
• Remove dyed water from heat and add in cooked noodles. Rice noodles or gluten free options work, too.
• Let noodles soak for 5-10 minutes.
• For varying shades of pink and purple, add blue noodles to one of your favorite dishes and squeeze on some lemon or lime juice.
• Before you eat and enjoy – don’t forget to post an Instagram and get ready for crazy amounts of likes.
• 
  

Belly Button Beer

As the demand for unusual and craft beer flavors intensifies, so do the techniques homebrewers are using to create artisanal beers. From growing their own hops and wheat to enhancing flavors with berries and flowers, it’s no secret that home brewers love sourcing their own, homegrown ingredients. 

As the beer renaissance continues, homebrewers are taking it one step further and digging deeper to find unique flavors, even deep within their own belly buttons.

Belly-button lint can be used for everything from flavors to yeast. We've all heard of beer bellies, but how about belly-button beers?

“Belly Button Beer is a great way to come full circle with locally-sourced ingredients for home brews,” Katie Dubow, creative director of Garden Media said. “And it’s so practical. For years belly-button lint has just gone to waste. Now there’s no need to toss it, just pick it out and brew it.”

While these might seem a bit outlandish, Garden Media Group has been accurately predicting industry trends for over a decade. Today, April 1st is a wee bit early for our annual predictions, so stay tuned to find out which trends make the cut in our 2018 Garden Trends Report…

Want to learn more? See what’s trending in 2017.

Garden Media RevampsTrends YouTube Series for 2017

Video is the future of news consumption, and we're is streaming our way into 2017 and beyond by reviving our  YouTube video series  to deep dive into the top lawn and garden trends for 2017, offering tips for consumers to incorporate each trend into their everyday lives. 

The future of the way we consume news is video based, and we’re excited to continue providing our fans the trends in this format and help teach them how they can grow 365 days-a-year in a modern way.

A new trends video will post the first week of every month on Garden Media’s YouTube channel and social outlets with #LightsCameraGarden and #GardenTrends. The 2017 series premiered this week and looks into the Peak Season trend. It also outlines how beginners can start their own hydroponic garden.

In addition to the videos, Garden Media incorporates the 2017 trends into its #TrendingThursday Grow! Blog series.  Each #TrendingThursday post expands on the month’s video and offers an in-depth look into the trend.

For more information about the 2017 garden trends, subscribe to Garden Media Group’s YouTube channel or visit gardenmediagroup.com. And check our latest video out here! 

2017 Garden Trends Report: Grow 365 highlights eight trends that inspire clean gardening

The backyard and kitchen counter have a lot in common this year; they’re both ideal places to grow.

New changes in indoor gardening technology combined with an ever increasing demand for clean food means it’s easier than ever to garden 365 days-a-year. 

Our annual Garden Trends Report for 2017, Grow 365, introduces eight industry trends that inspire gardening year-round. It reflects consumers’ increasing desire to access healthy food, fresh air and clean medicine no matter the season.

The 2017 report mirrors what modern technology has known for years: Mother Nature doesn’t have jurisdiction indoors.

Top Outdoor Tech Trends for Labor Day

We spoke to TecHome Builder about top trends driving the outdoor market. We believe millennials are continuing to drive growth, but a new demographic is starting to catch-up. What do you think? Read the full post here! 

Dogscaping Creates Safe Paws

Pets run through the lawn, roll in it, dig in it and often eat it so it’s no wonder that pet owners are thinking more and more about how to make their gardens pet friendly and pet safe.

Dogscaping is creates a safe place for pets to roll, run and roam outside.

Check out our Youtube video about this top 2016 Garden Trend! And download our 2016 Garden Trends Report to see what's buzzing in the industry. 

For more information about our trends, subscribe to our YouTube channel and see what else we have to offer at gardenmediagroup.com. #LightsCameraGarden.

Garden Trends Video Series Returns

It's s crucial to understand what's trending in order to be successful in the garden industry, so we're behind the camera once again and reviving our garden trends YouTube video series for 2016! 

“Syncing with Nature,” our 2016 Garden Trends Report, highlights eight new trends that demonstrate how people are using technology to connect with nature in different ways. Each video in our series will deep dive into one trend and teach viewers how it is impacting in the industry.

A new trends video will post the first week of every month on Garden Media’s YouTube channel and on social outlets with #LightsCameraGarden and #GardenTrends. 

2016 Garden Trends Report: Sneak Peek!

For the first time in the company’s history, Garden Media is offering a sneak peek into its 2016 trend research. Below are a few of the trends on the company’s radar for 2016.

Urine Luck! "Peecycling:" the Next Trend in Sustainability

You’ve heard of recycling, and even upcycling, but there’s a new cycle in town. "Pee-cycling" is the gateway to truly living a sustainable lifestyle. This sterile human waste can be converted into a valuable fertilizer. And 2016 is the year it will happen in the U.S.

The stuff that makes up plant food: nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, are all secreted in the average person’s urine. Budget-conscious consumers know that they don’t need to pay top dollar for fertilizer when they can just make it themselves. Plus, since it’s usually sterile, using it as plant food is generally safe: Even the World Health Organization has guidelines for reusing urine in agriculture.

Several wastewater treatment plants in the U.S. have been making and donating biosolids to farmers for years. But the practice has been considered controversial up until now.

Although this trend is just starting to become mainstream (some might still consider it midstream) in the U.S., according to National Geographic, "peecyling" can be documented back to 1867 and is a mainstream notion elsewhere in the world. Nepalese studies have tracked the efficacy of using urine to fertilize sweet peppers and Amsterdam's water facility held public demonstrations to encourage men to use public urinals to collect their urine for use in rooftop gardens. 

 

So think about how you can incorporate pee-cycling into your daily activities, and how can your business capitalize on this upcoming trend.

There's no such thing as waste, only waste of resources.

It All Tastes Like Chicken. We Swear.

In an effort to return back to nature and cut back on carbon footprints, edible pets are on the rise.

Today’s homesteaders and DIYers, proud backyard chicken and goat farmers, have added other high protein animals to their farmettes. From bunnies and ducks to guinea pigs and snakes, these animals are plenty of fun while they’re alive and tasty when they’re on the dinner table. 

“The idea of the good life is rapidly changing,” says Suzanne McCoy president of Garden Media. “People are not only concerned about what they’re putting in their gardens, but also about what’s on their plates. They’re taking charge of the entire food chain — even using organic animal droppings to fertilize their gardens.” 

With most millennials just being dirt poor, raising and eating pets enables this generation to save on groceries and still feel like they’re splurging on the organic food they crave. The added responsibility of taking care of live animals is a bonus for this generation that’s tired of playing Farmville on their smartphones. 

“There used to be this stigma attached to eating your pets,” says millennial Latie Dubow. “But no one cares about that anymore. I’m more concerned about where the food I’m feeding my baby is coming from and there’s no better place than from my backyard. Since you can put practically anything in a stew, we’re raising goats, fish and even some smaller creatures so my daughter can grow up playing and eating all kinds.” 

Garden companies can capitalize on this new lifestyle by offering organic pet foods and hosting pot luck events. 

Stay tuned in 2016 for our full complement of garden trends.

Trends: Fall 2013 Color Report

It's September, which means the leaves are beginning to change, yellowjackets are on the hunt for sweet morsels of food and it's New York Fashion Week!

Yes, gardening and Fashion Week have something in common... Can you guess what it is? 

Trends!

This week, we get a glimpse of what colors and shapes are coming out of New York during Fall 2013's Fashion Week from Pantone, a global authority on color. Check out the seasons' hottest colors below.

The Fall 2013 Pantone Fashion Color Report supports Garden Media’s own research, predicting consumers’ preference for a "structured, sophisticated color palette." 

Green, the Color of the Year, and gardeners' favorite hue, evolves and develops with the changing season. 

Emerald, linden green and deep lichen green rule the Fall 2013 runway, good news for us in the original green industry. 

Garden industry take note: this year's outdoor accessories, furniture and decor will be influenced by the styles, patterns and, of course, colors that we glimpse from the runway.

Here's a peek at what's coming down the color trend pipeline:

• Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate, emulating luxury and elegance.
• Linden Green brings a lightness and brightness to the deeper shades of fall.
• Mykonos Blue, a bold, meditative blue, goes well with green for a classic and relaxed fall look.
• Acai adds mystery and richness to the palette, and can be incorporated with the other colors to create a number of powerful fall combinations.
• Koi, a decorative orange with dazzling and shimmering qualities, is a statement color that serves as a pick-me-up for your wardrobe--and garden.
• Vivacious, an unruly and wildly deep fuchsia, adds an ebullient sensuality .
• Turbulence, a dark mercurial gray, and Carafe, a rich, glamorous brown, provide more interesting and sophisticated alternatives to the black basics usually worn in colder months.

From fashion and food to plants and outdoor décor, color has the power to spark purchasing choices people make everyday for their homes, gardens and outdoor living spaces.

Remember, color is a powerful tool to have in your marketing arsenal, and knowing the trends allows you to provide what customers are looking for. 

Want to learn more about why YOU should care about trends?  Download our GROW! e-Book today!

  

*thanks to Pantone for the images

Discover 2013 Public Relations Trends

Garden Media Group is the premier green gardening PR firm, and it's our job to spot the hottest upcoming trends while keeping our eye on this year's trends - both in PR and gardening.
Recently, I stumbled across a stellar infographic from Monaghan and InkHouse, which details the trends of the public relations world in 2013.

You know the drill: I'll layout the 2013 public relations trends in depth, and then, you can peruse the infographic yourself!

 

Reign of the Bloggers

Up until a few years ago traditional media sources: journalists, newspapers, and magazines had ALL the power - but not anymore.

In 2013 and beyond, our crystal ball is showing that bloggers are gaining more and more traction. In 2011, there were roughly 164 million blogs worldwide, with numbers still ticking upwards. All of these blogs have a very specific, niche audience, which is perfect for your specific, niche product.

Gaining the full attention of your target market is far more important than a second of attention from the masses. Blogs allow you to pinpoint and influence your direct consumer easily, and there are a plethora of well written and well-read blogs to choose from.

 

Death of the Press Conference

Press conferences simply don't make sense in 2013; these conferences are expensive, time-consuming, and irrelevant.

With social media and web tools it's easier than ever to talk to multiple audiences at once. In fact, your garden business has multiple choices of platforms that will work best for your particular business and market. When announcing big news, try engaging your audience via a Twitter Chat, or better yet, invite a Q & A session on Reddit like Obama did!

 

People Have the Power

Long ago, focus groups, customer surveys, and 800-number hotlines were the best ways to get customer feedback, but those days are long gone.

Today, your customers have the power with social media. If a customer has an insight or question about your product, you can be sure they'll be checking your Twitter feed or leaving a comment on your Facebook page. Social media allows brands and businesses to engage their customers in a myriad of ways including receiving feedback, which can be both glorious and terrifying for many businesses!

What public relations trends have you noticed thus far in 2013? Or, what do you see on the horizon for 2014? Let us know in the comments section!

As promised here's the full infographic, which outlines the full array of 2013 public relations trends

Don't Forget to Brush Up On Your 2013 Garden Trends, Too! The Trends Whitepaper Is Below!

Snaps for TechCrunch for the innovative, crystal ball photo!

~Katie

www.gardenmediagroup.com

Missed MANTS? The Best of MANTS 2013 for Garden Industry Leaders

Since MANTS, aka the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, is one of our favorite trade shows of the year, we wanted to recap the experience and the stars for those of you who couldn't attend.

First of all, MANTS is the place to be in January.  One exhibitor from Oregon said, "if you don't show up at MANTS you might as well not be in business”, another said MANTS is the Big Leagues compared to all other shows around the country!” No wonder it’s nicknamed The Masterpiece of Trade Shows™. We couldn’t agree more!

Our favorite products at MANTS:

Lavender Phenomenal

Lavender is one of my personal favorite plants of all time, so I may be a bit biased… But, everyone else loved the Lavender Phenomenal too! This Lavender plant was introduced by our friend Lloyd Traven at Peace Tree Farm and is absolutely amazing. The Lavender Phenomenal  is a survivor; it survives exceptionally well through the winter and can even withstand extreme heat and humidity. This hearty, little plant also is deer proof and attracts butterflies. What more can a gal want?

 

BrazelBerries

We’ve been a lover of BrazelBerries for some time, but we will never pass up the opportunity to celebrate the most delicious shrub we know. These beautiful blueberry and raspberry shrubs are thornless dwarf shrubs can fit on your patio or your front lawn. Best of all, you eat them! They produce the most succulent fruits I have ever tasted, and the shrub looks breathtaking in every season.  Get yours from Whiteflower Farm today!

 

Lavender Veil Butterfly Bush
This flowering shrub is a superstar for many reasons.  It has a low, compact growth habit, grows and abundance of fragrant flowers, is perfect for containers and it is wildlife friendly!  As the name suggests, butterflies and hummingbirds will flock to it.  

Our Garden Media team was also buzzing around MANTS with a video camera. Did you see us?  We were interviewing everyone from attendees to exhibitors and asking what they liked best about MANTS.  Why do they come back year after year?  We also highlighted all the best aspects of MANTS and why it’s SO incredibly important to attend industry trade shows. The finishing touches are still being added to the video, but be on the lookout! As soon as the video’s done, we’ll share it here!

Learn what to do at the next trade show by downloading our e-book now:

The Benefits of Plants

Check out this infographic! This is right in line with Costa Farms' O2 For You Program, which touts the benefits of indoor plants.  Plants make us happy, healthy and even more productive! 

 

HOW PLANTS CLEAN THE AIR 
Indoor houseplants safely, naturally and effectively clean the air you breathe by naturally recycling the air around them

NASA research has proven that specific varieties of indoor plants remove VOCs, Volatile Organic Compounds, from the air around them. As a result studies conducted by NASA and later by the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) and Wolverton Environmental Services, Inc., proved not only the ability of indoor plants to clean the air but also proved which plants are more effective for specific toxins.

Read more about the benefits of plants here.

Garden Trends: Emerald Green, Pantone’s Color for 2013

Being a PR firm for the lawn and garden industry allows us to see a lot of green during our day, aren't we lucky?! While, green isn’t usually the color that stands out, it’s far more common for the spectacular blooms to steal the show, Pantone has identified Emerald Green as the color for 2013.

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature — the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

“As it has throughout history, multifaceted emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world.”

Norfolk Island Pine from Costa Farms

Pantone experts say that emerald is “a vivid, verdant green” and that it “enhances our sense of well-being further by inspiring insight as well as promoting balance and harmony.”

Pantone's opinion falls in line with what we predicted in our 2013-14 "Finding Bliss in the Garden" Trends Report. We identified green as a trending color and have long touted plants as a source for personal health and wellness.

We fully understand the power of the color green but it's refreshing to notice that others are beginning to recognize the positive impact that both the color green and plants can make on our lives, too. But don't simply admire the "hot" color Emerald, get out there and get creative!

A Wall of Rosemary from The Growers Exchange

"As you can imagine, this color is ripe with possibilities for garden retailers," says Ellen Wells, Editor-at-Large at Green Profit. "Search Pinterest for Emerald Green and see how everyone from fashion and interior designers to marketing experts and other retailers are using the color. Here’s a place to start: the “2013 Color of the Year” board from Flourish for IGCs. Word to the wise. The Emerald Green and red/orange combo will get old fast! Try something in lavender and blue hues."

All of us here at Garden Media fully understand how beautiful all shades of green are and couldn’t be happier that Pantone chose emerald as the color for 2013.

Download our 2013 Trends report for more insight on this trend of an enhanced well being.