The Garden Plot

Tips for February Gardening

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

The Feb 1916 cover of House and Garden

Preparation. Preparation. Preparation.

January's garden was all about planning, buying seeds and dreaming of Spring. February brings us one month closer to that delightful season!

The main tasks and priorities this month are:

Paint a fun, bright color on all tool handles. It will keep them looking fresh and help you find them in the yard.
February is also the month to get the lawn mower going and check that it's in good working order. Sharpen the blade and lubricate the moving parts, it'll be busy before too long. The shears and other tools will appreciate a tune up or spring clean as well.
Dig in some soil amendments like Soil Reef around the roots of shrubs and trees. This will help kick start them into action when the weather starts to warm up.
Deciduous vines should be trimmed back now and shaped if needed.
Your roses should also be pruned back now if they haven't been done yet.
If you didn't do it in January, get buying those seeds!
@KatieGMG

Advertising vs. Public Relations?

2012-01-30T10:06:00.003-05:00

If there is one question we get asked at the Garden Media Group all the time it is: What is the difference between advertising and public relations?

In advertising, the product does all the talking. You are being subtlety (or not so subtlety) “manipulated and persuaded” to buy whatever it is they are selling. You've seen paid ads and by now, know the language of advertising.

In this 21st Century of information overload, advertising is like wallpaper. We are so bombarded with ads that we don't notice them anymore. We don't hear them, we seldom click on them, and we don't remember them - unless they are really awesome or it's 'our' brand.

In public relations, it's a trusted source doing the talking and people take notice of what people they know and follow say.

We read PR generated "news and reviews" all the time. We follow our favorite blogger and take a vested interest in their product likes and dislikes. And sometimes, a PR person was involved in making the news happen. It's still magic.

What makes PR trust so powerful is that you can't buy it. You have to earn it. You can't influence when a great story about you or your product is going to run or where it is going to appear. You have no say in exactly what is going to be printed, what's going to be said or how it's going to be presented. Your product has to authentically stand out. In other words, unlike advertising, you have no control.

It’s this lack of control that makes PR so powerful. People trust what they read in the paper, hear on TV or read on the Internet. The message is far more persuasive and is remembered longer than an advertisement, and it gives you instant credibility and makes your reputation soar and -- sales go up.

Public relations makes customers like you and your product, and I mean really like it, not just on Facebook, even though that is a form of PR, too. And we all like to buy from people we know, like and trust.

All in all, PR is a better bang for your marketing buck. Of course, advertising is beneficial, but studies show that for businesses in the $10 to $20 million range, PR is the most efficient use of your marketing budget. Dollar for dollar, the value of a news story is worth 10 times that of a paid advertisement.

According to Wilson Harrell, former publisher of Inc. magazine, "One idea from a good PR firm can be worth several times what you'll pay in advertising and promotion. Astute PR brings out strengths you never knew your company possessed." He went on to say that entrepreneurs get so caught up in sales and advertising that they forget how much can be accomplished with "the most effective and least expensive of all marketing tools: public relations."

Advertising and public relations should work hand-in-hand, but they aren’t always in the marketing mix together.

So when dividing up the marketing pie, save a piece for public relations.
@SuziMcCoyGMG

GMG's Friday Find!

2012-01-27T10:27:00.002-05:00

Its Friday again and time for our Friday Find. This week's is slightly different with a Rock N Roll theme! I've already blogged today about ANLA's Garden Idol competition tonight so I tried to keep in the same theme....Be a Rock Star in your garden!

Petal Power Record Plantable Paper (Say that fast three times...)

I found this colorful creation on aHa Modern Living website. Lots of cool items there. Check them out!

Here is their description...Inside the Petal Power 45 record sleeve are two amazing sheets of plantable paper filled with wildflower seeds ready to sow. Add a melody of flowers to any patio container with Petal Power. Each is packed in a clear plastic sleeve with simple graphic instructions on the back. The seed paper is 240 gsm weight and has flower seeds. Planting the paper is easy, you don't have to be a rock star to grow a garden!

Dimensions: 7" in diameter
Price: $8.95

What a great gift for the record collector in your life! Very cool packaging...almost too cute to plant!

Until next week...Keep sending me your garden products to highlight!
-Karen
GMG

Tonight is Garden Idol!!!!

2012-01-27T09:54:00.002-05:00

Tonight is Season Three of ANLA's Garden Idol! Our client, Hines Growers, is one of the Garden Idol 'contestants' and will be singing and dancing their hearts out about their new Bloomtastic! plants...Buddleia Lavender Veil and Bahama Bay Hibiscus 'Amazon Queen.'

Garden Idol, hosted by Lloyd Traven, is all about growers entering new plants to win "best in show" with clever performances in some over-the-top costumes. They'll be strutting their stuff in front of a panel of celebrity judges and the audience. Last year was cool; this year promises to be a Rockin' Eve!

And when its all over you can cast your vote for who should hold the exalted title of Garden Idol Winner. Vote early AND Vote often! (As soon as the link to vote is posted I will post it here! Until then here is the link to the Garden Idol page ANLA!)

-Karen
GMG

Headed to ANLA Clinc to Feed Our Minds

2012-01-25T11:04:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite industry events of the year is the ANLA Management Clinic sponsored by the American Nursery and Landscape managers at the top of their game. About 1,000 owners of progressive garden centers and the top companies they deal with gather in Louisville, KY for an intense week of learning, networking and seeing what’s new.

The Clinic is invigorating, it’s innovative, and it gets my juices flowing. It is one of the few conferences I attend where I actually have a hard time picking between speakers.

This year’s theme is “Feed Your Mind, Grow Your Business.” As the ANLA says, “We eat, breathe and dream of speakers who matter, creative new ways to learn, and ides that will grow your team, your business and your bottom line.”

Powerhouse speakers this year include:

Jeremy Gutsche, The TrendHunter, who is going to talk about one of my favorite subjects; how our lives are changing and how we are spending our time and money. Most importantly, he’s going to clue us in on how to get them to spend more of it on plants and flowers.

Scott Stratten, author of Un-Marketing, is going to tell us how to quit “shouting at our customers: ads, commercials, flyers” and start communicating with them, engaging them in dialogue and positioning yourself as a trusted expert.

Isn’t that what Public Relations is all about – being a trusted friend?

Scott Ginsberg, HELLO! my name is Scott. He’s my kind of guy since I have such a challenge remembering names. Scott wears a name tag 24/7! Why? Because he wants people to feel comfortable coming to him for help with computer or smartphone problems. Being a solution provider earns customers and sets you apart from your competitors.

I’m privileged again this year to be one of the Clinic Specialists. From solo presentations, Lunch and Learns to drill downs after keynote speakers and speed rounds, I feel an intensity and excitement that charges me. I’m speaking on a range of topics from branding and cause marketing to trends and trade show PR.

And our clients, American Beauties Native Plants, Campania International, Hines Growers and SoilReef™ Biochar are sponsoring "A Taste of Kentucky” hospitality suite featuring Kentucky bourbon, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Kentucky Derby Pie – along with Ellen Wells’ homemade Oreo bourbon cookies.

And when I get back, I’m going to be ready to make 2012 great. In the meantime, follow the Clinic on Twitter using #ANLAClinic. It will be worth your time.

Stay tuned for updates.

Suzi
Garden Media Group

A Taste of Kentucky: ANLA Style

2012-01-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

We are headed out TOMORROW for one of our favorite trade shows, the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA) Management Clinic.

The Clinic brings together the top minds in our industry for lectures, educational sessions and bootcamps. Our own Suzi McCoy is one of the esteemed speakers. Catch her talk on 'Garden Trends' on January 26th and 'Making the Most of Out a Trade Show' on January 27th.

And, speaking of education, we are hosting what promises to be yet another great GMG event, A Taste of Kentucky. Come taste different bourbons, eat delicious, crunchy fried chicken and devour Derby Pie.

If you have questions OR if you'd like to attend- please email Katie!

This event is sponsored by our clients, Hines Growers, American Beauties Native Plants, Soil Reef and Campania. We hope you can make it!

This ain't American Idol- it's Garden Idol

2012-01-23T09:51:00.002-05:00

We're heading out to Louisville, KY next week (1/25-1/28) to attend ANLA Clinic (American Nursery and Landscape Association) that promises to be informative and FUN!

ANLA knows how to put on a show with top speakers and presenters (like our own Suzi McCoy) on subjects that range from practical solutions to real-world problems, to current and upcoming Garden and Horticulture Trends to watch.

We always enjoy meeting the happy mix of retailers, growers, scientists, media and a few errant minstrels thrown in. And the dinners and hospitality suites are always a great time to let your hair down while we meet and greet old friends and new.

For me, the highlight is Garden Idol. This year, Season Three is setting up to really be a rockin' evening. Our client, Hines Growers, is one of the Garden Idol 'contestants' and wow...all I can say is... hot new Bloomtastic! plants and a smokin' performance!

Not trying to sway you (too much) but their new Bloomtastic! Buddleia Lavender Veil and Bahama Bay Hibiscus 'Amazon Queen' are amazing plants that really are star performers. Want to know more?

Growers are entering new plants to win "best in show" with clever performances and some over-the-top costumes and They'll be strutting their stuff in front of a panel of judges and the audience. Last year was cool; this year promises to be even better!

Check out last year's Garden Idol that gives you a chance to see what plants (and performances) won over the judges- and audience!

And when all's said and done... cast your vote for who should hold the exalted title of Garden Idol Winner. Vote early AND Vote often!

~Lynne

GMG

GMG's Friday Find!

2012-01-20T10:35:00.000-05:00

We had a great response to our first GMG Friday Find last week so here is the second installment...
Our eyes have come across Garden Cookies Make & Grow Kit! How cute is this?

Here is the product description directly from their website..."Finally a creative kit to share the love of gardening with "little helpers"!! Garden Cookies are currently selling VERY well as gifts for "future gardeners". Make & Grow Kit can be made AND PLANTED directly in the warmer soil of the spring season. Kit includes everything needed to make real flowering cookies: Recipe and growing instructions, rolling mat, child-size rolling pin, flower seeds and clay. Available in Hummingbird/Butterfly and Wildflower varieties. Made in USA!"

What a great way to enjoy some time with your little ones and encourage their interest in gardening!

Not to mention the very old-fashioned packaging. Nice touch!

Do you have any 'finds' we should know about or that you think we should feature on our GMG's Friday Finds? Let me know!

-Karen
GMG

Using Nature to Heal

2012-01-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

Biophilia. You've heard about it. It's hard to ignore. And, it's catching on. Coined by biologist Edward O. Wilson, biophilia suggests that there is an instinctive bond between human beings and nature.

And, most recently, The National Wildlife Federation released a Whole Child Report on the physical and mental health benefits of nature.

Their report indicates that nature experiences buoy our mental and emotional well-being.

Why else would people watch a sunset on the beach, spend weekends gardening or take long walks? Being in nature is calming for our mind, body and spirit.

We encourage you to get out of the house or out from behind your computer screen and be one with nature! GO!

Katie

The Garden Media Group Trends Report: How Do We See into the Crystal Ball

2012-01-16T10:58:00.000-05:00

The Garden Media Group has been spotting garden and outdoor living trends since 2001. How do we predict these trends?

We begin by looking at consumer home and fashion trends on a global level to see how these fit in with gardening. Plus we follow what’s happening in American fashion, real estate and food industries. And, of course, we look at research to see what's hot in the garden now.

And we talk to lots of people -- those breeding and growing plants, garden center owners, garden editors, horticulture professors, researchers, and landscape designers. We know, for example, if a black plant is going to be trendy the following year by the number of requests we get from different magazines six to 12 months in advance.

Because we’ve been doing this for more than a decade, we connect dots, see patterns and spot trends coming on the horizon two or three years in advance.

Over the past 10 years, what trends has Garden Media Group spotted that have lasted?

We first started talking about outdoor living in 2001 when the backyard was just becoming the new living room – dining room – and kitchen. Now living outdoors is a lifestyle.

By 2002, 2003 we saw homeowners moving away from traditional gardening to decorating their yards, particularly with annuals in containers.

By 2004 we began to see the resurgence of the organic movement. Being “green” was gaining star power' and becoming 'eco-chic'. Leonardo Dicaprio was talking about the environment every chance he got and driving a Prius instead of a Hummer.

In 2005 we saw an uptick in growing your own veggies driven not by the economy but by foodies wanting great tasting veggies and herbs for cooking at home – and bragging to their friends that they grew it themselves.

By 2009, people were beginning to identify themselves as good stewards of mother nature, perrenials, particularly natives, were coming on strong.

By 2010 edibles were moving out of the vegetable garden and into the landscape.

What do you see as the big trend for 2012?

"Gardening for the New Good Life” is our overriding theme which has evolved over the past few years. In our high tech, high stressed world, people are searching for balance and purpose. Research shows that by tapping into the power of plants we can find some peace and harmony and restore our mind and body.

We have seen for the last few years people aren’t just decorating the yard anymore. They actually are gardening with a purpose, whether it’s growing their own food, building a butterfly garden or creating a place to just sit and relax. And they are looking for the best way to garden with as little impact on the environment as possible.

The bottom line is: Plants are powerful. We really can’t live without them. They provide oxygen and filter VOCs from the air. They give us food and make our lives beautiful.

But even more than that, Harvard professor Edward O. Wilson in his famous book, Biophilia, says we are hardwired in our DNA to have an incredibly positive bond with nature. Plants play a vital role in our lives.

Plants are more than just a pretty face. They are vital for our health and well being. The more plants you have around you, the happier and healthier you are.

Ove the next year, we will be taking an indepth look at one trend a month and look at what is emerging as new trends for 2013. Follow us, and please add your comments and own insights.

Suzi McCoy

Garden Media Group

GMG's Friday Find!

2012-01-13T04:50:00.000-05:00

I came across a very cool product for the very FIRST GMG Friday Find!
Edible Flowers Garden Bon Bons (I love the Bon Bons part!) by Moulton!
These garden truffles are for planting - not for eating!

From the Moulton website...Seed balls are a centuries-old planting technique. The compost provides nutrients to the seeds and the clay holds it together and protects against insects. Find a sunny spot, toss into the garden or indoor container, add water and watch them grow!

Not to mention they come beautifully packaged. This Edible Flowers selection pictured above contains anise hyssop, calendula, nasturtiums and violas.

Garden Bon Bon descriptions:

Round Red Clay Truffle - Viola 'Helen Mount'/Viola tricolor. Heirloom purple, yellow and white blossoms. For garnishes, candying and salads. 5"-7" tall.
Red Clay Truffle rolled in cinnamon - Calendula/Calendula officinalis. Bright orange heirloom flowers. Teas, salads and soups. Peppery. 12"24"tall.
Red Clay Brownie Square - Anise Hyssop/Agastache foeniculum. Licorice-mint flavor. Blue flowers and leaves for teas, salads and garnishes. 24"-36" Tall.
White Clay Truffle - Nasturtium/Tropaeolum majus. Peppery red, orange and yellow flowers for salads, soups and garnish. 14"16" tall.

A great gift for your favorite gardener...Valentine's Day is coming up...But don't forget the REAL chocolate too! (And please don't get them confused!)

-Karen
GMG

What's New & Hot for 2012 at GMG

2012-01-12T10:20:00.002-05:00

As the office manager of a leading PR firm in the gardening industry I get to see some of the newest and greatest products before the public. Now, I am not an avid gardener but I garden, I don’t have a green thumb but I do have plants in almost every room of my home, so remember my view is one of a novice.

2012 is shaping into a banner year for GMG and for our team of clients. We’ve got some very cool products and plants to promote from both our seasoned and newly joined GMG team members.

American Beauties Native Plants will again reach star status with the new “Blue Moon” plants.

Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) will launch their own “What’s Hot” this year, showcasing beautiful landscape ideas.

Biltmore will host their annual “Festival of Flowers” April 7 – May 20, with new events to enjoy and a breathtaking kaleidoscope of Spring blooms to engulf your senses.

Costa Farms has released a beautiful new family of oversized blooms in spectacular colors. The Tropic Escape Hibiscus Collection can transform your backyard into a tropical escape.

Fall Creek Nursery is just beginning the buzz about their new BrazelBerries Collection. These ornamental berry shrubs are sure to be the talk of the garden world in 2012 and be a wonderful edition to everyone’s garden in 2013.

Havahart has some great high-tech ways to rid your yard of pesky critters. New motion activated sprinkler repellents provide caring control solutions that safely rid animals from your yard. They even have an option to integrate their traps with a smart phone for you phone techies.

Hines Growers LLC, is launching Bloomtastic!, a new line of branded plants that are low maintenance and give continuous color throughout the summer and into fall.

RESCUE! a division of Sterling International will showcase their traps to get rid of the pesky insects to make time in the yard (and your home) more tolerable.

Soil Reef will have us all asking first what is Biochar? And when we find out the soil enhancement benefits, we’ll be asking “Where can I get it?”

The Grower’s Exchange is the newest member of the GMG team and we look forward to educating consumers on everything herbs! They have wonderful products and packages.

I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to see and use these products in and around my home this year! Only 67 days til the first day of SPRING!!!

In 2012 GMG will highlight a new, innovative or hip garden industry product every Friday, so make sure you check us out weekly for our “Friday Find”.

Happy Gardening in 2012!

Tracey - GMG

http://sneakpeak2012.weebly.com/index.html

Follow GMG to MANTS

2012-01-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Follow the Garden Media Group as we live tweet from MANTS.

@SuziMcCoyGMG @StaceyGMG

@Seedsforthought @KarenCreelyGMG

@KatieGMG @PeggyGMG

@GMGBeeKeeper

@JamesHammondGMG

Use #MANTS to see all tweets coming and going!

Now in its fourth decade, MANTS® is the premier, private green industry marketplace for finding plants and nursery stock, landscape and garden items, heavy and light duty equipment, tools, furniture and hundreds of other allied industry products. Companies’ exhibit and industry members attend because they know that MANTS is the place to buy, shop, meet, see, be and be seen every January. MANTS is one of the largest private trade shows serving the Horticulture Industry which is why industry members say that MANTS means business!

Tune in to #GardenChat tonight at 9pm EST

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

If you haven't tweeted with #GardenChat yet, you don't know what you're missing.

But, if you tuned in last Monday for the garden trends discussion, THANK YOU! It was so much fun to hear what you thought of our trends and hear many new ideas!!

Tonight's topic is BioChar Soil Reef (TM)!

Do you what biohar is?
Do you know how biochar is created?
Do you know how long biochar lasts?
Do you know how biochar can add to a sustainable future for our planet?

Come learn, grow and tweet with us tonight at 9pm EST to find out the above answers and much, much more!

How #gardenchat Connects: A topic is picked and a guest host specializing in that topic is usually present to help answer questions and add to the conversation. Questions are submitted in advance. Everyone attending the chat is encouraged to share their experience and answer questions as well. A transcript is saved after each Monday event that can be downloaded from the transcript page.

Garden #2: What should I plant?

2012-01-06T11:41:00.000-05:00

My Husband and I are trying to decide what we are going to plant in our veggie garden this year and if we should attempt an even bigger garden this year! We have ideas of grandeur for our second attempt. Last year's plot was 2- 6x8 areas...we are thinking this year's will be 22x15!

I am not saying last year was a failure! NOT AT ALL! We are still enjoying the fruits of our labor with amazing homemade pasta sauce. (See last picture.)

But the entire process was a lot of work...fun work. We were going through the pictures from last summer and came across this little timeline in film of our very first veggie garden. WOW...what a transformation...from the row of bushes that were occupying the space which we (by 'we' I mean Mark & Dad) removed to make room for our spur of the moment idea!

So I thought I would share a few shots from beginning to end...from just plain dirt to amazing sauce!

Big JUMP in the timeline here...

FYI...These are all tomatoes.

The green fence stakes are 3 feet tall. Needless to say we had VERY tall tomato plants!

What I would like to know is what are your favorite tomatoes to grow? I think we will grow from seed again this year...so I need to get those seeds bought!

Please help a novice gardener out and give me some suggestions of some of your favorite veggies (not only tomatoes) that you have had success growing and enjoying!

-Karen

GMG

Tips for a January Garden

2012-01-05T09:17:00.001-05:00

Most gardeners are dreaming of Spring during this cold, blizzardy winter month of January. Although, most of us east coasters had been experiencing a VERY mild winter, there is still a lot to be done.

The main tasks and priorities this month are:

Planning! What plants are you going to focus on for the coming year? Analyze last year's planting, fertilizing and spraying. Make notes to reorder successful varieties as well as those you wish to try again.

Dig out those seed catalogs for inspiration! When reviewing for new varieties, consider American Beauties Native Plants, which have improved insect and/or disease resistance for your area. Watch also for drought-tolerant types.

If the ground isn't soggy or frozen, January is a good time to turn the soil. This will expose insect eggs and help reduce the number of pests. Consider adding biochar to the mix for greater water retention and increased nutrient absorption.

Feed the birds to help them survive through the cold winter.

Prune shrubs and bushes.

Brush snow from evergreens as soon as possible after a storm. Use a broom in an upward, sweeping motion. Serious damage may be caused by heavy snow or ice accumulating on the branches.

Indoor Hyacinths and Amaryllis should be in full bloom adding a touch or much needed color to windowsills or heated greenhouses. Other house plants will appreciate a feed with a good quality liquid plant food.

Increased humidity in your house by placing plants on trays lined with pebbles and filled with water to within one half inch of the base of the pot. If you heat with wood, keep a pot of water on the stove. The added moisture will be healthier for you as well as your plants!

What other tips can you offer?

TREEcycle your Christmas Trees

2012-01-03T08:54:00.001-05:00

Are you wondering what to do with the beautiful tree that brought you so much joy this holiday season?

The answer is simple- treecycle it! Treecycling is the simple act of re-purposing your Christmas tree instead of throwing it away. (And, before all the needles fall into oblivion on your living room rug!)

Why buy REAL?
There is an ongoing debate as to which is better for the environment, real or fake. And instead of discussing, I propose these facts from Earth 911 for you to make your own judgement:

There are approximately 25-30 million real Christmas trees sold in the U.S. every year.
85% of artificial trees are manufactured in China.
For every real Christmas tree harvested, up to three seedlings are planted in its place the following Spring.
There are about 350,000 acres in production for growing Christmas trees. Each acre provides the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people.
It can take 15 years to grow a tree of average retail sale height (6 ft), but the average growing time is 7 years.
The top Christmas tree production states are Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Washington.

Why Recycle?
Recycled trees are most commonly used for mulch, erosion protection, habitat creation and shoreline stabilization. However, the possibilities don’t end there. Every year communities across the country are finding new ways to use treecycling, from energy production to wildlife habitats. Check out Seasonal Wisdom's multitude of creative ways to recycle your tree!

More and more communities are offering seasonal treecycling programs, and it has never been easier to participate. Check out Earth911’s Treecycle Program recycling options that range from curbside pickup to consumer drop-off and DYI projects. We can't think of a better way to start your year!

Who is Blue? You?

2011-12-28T08:30:00.000-05:00

With winter in hiding this December, I am missing the beautiful blues of icicles, frozen ponds and even cold blue lips! Blue is one of my favorite colors. Getting true blue in the garden is easy with some lovely ideas like those pictured below from our APLD members.

http://www.apld.org/

What a lovely statement for the garden. What is your favorite color?

What a cool job!

2011-12-27T08:30:00.000-05:00

Meet the man who takes care of the Rockefeller Center tree, Erik Pauze.

“There’s a lot to do,” he said. “You’ve got the tree. You’ve got the angels. You’ve got to make sure about the poinsettias. You got to make Christmas look good.”

#GardenChat with us

2011-12-26T08:30:00.000-05:00

(Re) Introducing #GardenChat! A Twitter based chat forum where garden enthusiasts from all walks of life connect and interact sharing ideas and asking questions about their experience in the world of gardening.

And, we want YOU to chat with US tonight! Join us at 9pm, EST on Twitter, as we discuss our forecast for garden trends in 2012. This years theme: ‘Cultivate the new good life with the power of plants!’

Are you seeing orange as Pantone predicted? What about miniature gardening? Come prepared to discuss what you think will be the big trends in 2012 and lend an ear to our ideas.

Top 10 MUST-SEE Christmas movies!

2011-12-23T11:40:00.000-05:00

Every year I look forward to the holiday classics. I mean the 'best of the silver screen ' that Hollywood has to offer us to celebrate the season! There is a special charm that only Hollywood can bring to this time of the year!

So to celebrate the joy of sharing this Christmas I thought I would extend to you my Top 10 MUST-SEE Christmas Movies! Make sure to gather the 'fam' and enjoy the cinema in the glow of your tree and all the sweets you can eat in a two hour period!

It's A Wonderful Life
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
A Christmas Story
Miracle on 34th Street
Elf
Holliday Inn/White Christmas
Love, Actually
The Muppet Christmas Carol
The Polar Express
Home Alone

Do you have any movies to add to the list?

-Karen
GMG

Glitter, Sparkle and Shine

2011-12-22T15:43:00.001-05:00

Today the Garden Media Group hosted our annual holiday party and luncheon. We had a lot of laughs with a gag and real gift exchange, but taking the time to be together was the real highlight of the day. I firmly believe that there is no other office like the GMG office. Besides the hard work there is real friendship, laughter and sharing. Sometimes the sharing is a pound cake and sometimes it is clothes!

We don't have snow on the ground yet but we really are in the spirit now! From the Garden Media Group to you -- have a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year!

How are you celebrating this week? What are you looking forward to in 2012?

Merry Merry & Happy Happy from Garden Media Group

2011-12-22T15:39:00.005-05:00

Cheers to 2012

We'll be buzzing here at Garden Media Group!

Holiday traditions: Old and new!

2011-12-21T11:21:00.001-05:00

Ah, the holidays are here. Many are scrambling for parking spots at shopping malls looking for last minute gifts they were sure they had already purchased. Others are attending holiday and office parties and spectacular seasonal plays, dance and music performances.

And of course, television commercials are pitching cookies and cars, jewelry and clothes.

From 'White Christmas" to "Scrooge" and "Polar Express" there's comfort in seeing classics that tug at heartstrings and remind us on the importance of giving and sharing love, kindness and good-will toward one another. And isn't that what this season is all about?

I relish timeless traditions handed down from my family and those I started with my own. From making homemade ornaments,and stringing cranberries and popcorn on the tree, to caroling and baking cookies, holiday traditions are touchstones that last, spanning generations.

I remember Dad reading "The Night Before Christmas" to us kids snuggled up around a cozy fireplace, eyes opened in wide-eyed wonder. He passed around homemade eggnog, seasoned just right with nutmeg, that made us feel so "grown up." And of course, we left Santa his cookies and milk.

This year my family is starting a new tradition, a video memoir that will be added to every year.

Around the world, there are traditions for decorating trees and baskets, festivities and food that differ a bit from nation to nation, but the warmth and cheer that seems to surround the world like a cozy blanket brings smiles to children and contentment to even the stodgiest of curmudgeons.

If you're curious about timeless traditions here's a neat site with songs, recipes and wonderful insights to holiday traditions here and around the world.

Let us know your favorite holiday traditions. Send us images- or a video- we'd love to see and share.

From all of us, to all of you, have a wonderful holiday and healthy, prosperous and happy new year!

~Lynne, GMG
photos credits to Wiki images

There is still time to give back

2011-12-21T10:17:00.002-05:00

Have you seen the powerful Subaru 'Share the Love' commercials?

Subaru will donate $250 to the customer's choice of one of the 5 participating charities for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased during the “Share the Love” event- but it ends January 3rd!

But, I'm already a Subaru owner, you say? Me too! Now you can vote for your favorite participating charity on Facebook and Subaru will donate $1 on your behalf. This special $1 to Charity program will run until January 3, 2012 or until the $250,000 donation amount has been achieved, so cast your vote for either American Forests, Make-A-Wish-Foundation, ASPCA, Meals On Wheels, or Special Olympics now.

During the last three years, Subaru has donated nearly $15 million. With your help, they hope to donate another $5 million this year. So, go vote!

Via GOOD