The Garden Plot

Join our e-Book Club TODAY

2013-05-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

At Garden Media we know that without a good reputation, you’re sunk. As experts in creating brand leaders within the garden industry, we know a lot about the power of a good reputation, and we’re excited to share some of our insider secrets with you!

Each month we have decided to release a new e-book featuring a case study that illustrates a specific public relations strategy, along with tips on building your reputation and strengthening your brand.

“Branding The Knock Out® Rose”, the first case study in the series, outlines the public relations strategies used to help launch The Knock Out® Rose, now one of the best-selling shrubs in America.

But the most exciting part of the case study series is our new monthly eBook club. At the end of each month, I’ll host a On Air Hangout on Garden Media’s Google + page. Just sign up for our virtual book club to receive the eBook of the month, discussion topics and an invitation to the On Air Hangout. During the Hangout we will dig deeper into the case study and answer all your questions.

Additionally, we’ll have four new blog posts a month with corresponding content right here on this blog to help you better understand the topic and spark discussion topics.

Our goal is to propagate more business successes within the garden industry by sharing our expertise, PR tips and secrets, and we hope you’ll join us!

If you would like to receive a new e-book each month and be part of the conversation – sign up here!

GMG's Friday Find: It's Cicada Crunch Time!

2013-05-17T09:00:00.000-05:00

The cicada hype is becoming as deafening as the noises we'll hear when the Brood II eruption occurs. This year, the 17-year old insects will emerge along the East Coast from North Carolina to Connecticut. For anyone who hasn't heard the facts, here's a quick recap:

* The cicada is not a locust; they are related to aphids and leafhoppers.
* Brood II cidadas live underground for 17 years, going through several stages of youth into adulthood.
* When the soil temperature reaches 64 degrees, it's party time! That's the signal for the cicadas to emerge from their underground homes where they shed their skin and start feeding on grass and shrub roots. And of course mating is the #1 priority. They sing, they fly, they mate and then they die, leaving behind an enormous amount of skeletons.

The word from the experts is that suburbanites may see anywhere from a few hundred thousand to 1.5 million cicadas per square acre! That's a lot of crunch people. How will that impact your yard or garden? Here are a few suggestions for how to survive the cicada invasion.

Have fun! Nothing excites people more than oddities, and a bug that lives underground for 17 years certainly qualifies. This can be a good learning opportunity for kids. They can capture, collect, observe, photograph, draw and write about cicadas. There are books to read and websites to follow to help young scientists glean knowledge while having fun. Capturing the cicadas is easy as they are slow and easy to grab, or you can use a butterfly net to capture one in flight. Arm your child with a flashlight and spot them coming out of the ground at night; you can even see them shedding their skin on small tree branches. With a magnifying glass your children can get up close to these crunchy critters for a thorough examination. Doesn't that sound like fun Mom and Dad?

Have a cicada cookout! Apparently cicadas are high in protein, low in fat and are best enjoyed just as they emerge from the ground still soft from shedding their skin. Although I am hard pressed to compare them to other arthropods like shrimp, lobster and crabs, there are people who say the flavor is similar. Some say they taste like asparagus as well....wow, shrimp and asparagus, a tasty combo all in one nugget! Cicadas are enjoyed by many, including birds, dogs, fox, raccoons, possum, and just about anything flying or stalking. Word of caution, although harmless for your dogs and cats, too many can make your pet sick. I get sick thinking about eating one.

Cleanup the Cicada Crunch! If you live in a rural area the aftermath of the cicada invasion may result in piles and piles of dead cicadas and shed skeletons. Collect the remains as soon as possible and add them to your compost pile or discard in the trash as they may become a little 'stinky'. Check your gutters for possible clean-up as well. Cicada females lay their eggs on small tree branches so if you have young trees with small branches an arborist can help you determine the best line of defense.

Watch Out For Wasps! Wasps LOVE cicadas so you may see an influx during this Brood II eruption. Protect yourself from these stinging insects with a RESCUE® W-H-Y trap so you and your family can enjoy the spectacle without worrying about stinging wasps.

We'd love to see any photos you may capture of these amazingly creepy insects, so please feel free to share. And let us know how they really taste. Happy cicada days!

~Peggy
Garden Media Group

Garden Media's new case study series is here!

2013-05-15T12:38:00.000-05:00

Garden Media is set to release a series of six public relations e-books over the next six months. Each e-book will feature a case study that illustrates a specific public relations strategy with tips and tricks to increase a company’s reputation and grow their business.

Public relations starts by building a brand’s reputation. Without a credible reputation and solid brand, your products will fall flat.

“Branding The Knock Out® Rose”, the first case study in the series, outlines the public relations strategies used to help launch The Knock Out Rose®, now one of the best-selling shrubs in America.

This case study shows how The Conard-Pyle Company benefited from our branding capabilities and built the brand with consumers for more 10 years with public relations alone.

We have 25 years of experience and hundreds of case studies, launching such brands as Endless Summer, BrazelBerries™ and O2 for You. We believe it's time to share our secrets to help home and garden industry businesses understand how PR can help manage their brands and save hundreds of thousands of dollars in advertising!

Each case study will offer a range of information from goal setting to public relations tactics that benefit businesses new to PR as well as those with established marketing departments.

“Branding The Knock Out® Rose” is available for download today. A new eBook case study will be released each month, you can also now sign up to be part of Garden Media's E-Book of the Month Club and have them mailed automatically to you monthly and be part of a discussion group!

Boost Your Memory with these 6 Brain Foods

2013-05-13T08:37:00.000-05:00

What did I need from this room? Where did I put my keys? What is her name?

On any given day, we ask ourselves countless questions like these--all centered on mental lapses.
Forgetting things is often a part of our lives and as humans age, we remember tasks less and less. Luckily, we have a solution, and no, it does not involve cluttering your desk with multi-colored sticky notes. It's easy, simple, and delicious.

Joy Bauer, author of Food Cures, informs us that, "A sharp memory depends on your total number of brain cells, the smooth flow of communication between the cells and the health of cells." So in order to have a sharp memory, you must spark brain cells!

To increase your memory and reduce forgetfulness, Bauer suggest snacking on these six, brain-enhancing foods below!

1. Beets regulate heartbeat.

It makes perfect sense that a vegetable, with the shape and color of a beet, would be beneficial to your heart. "Every cell in the body needs a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to stay alive and work properly," says Bauer. Keep blood pressure levels in check (less than 120/80), exercise regularly, and stock up on foods such as beets that improve blood flow, ensuring a steady supply of nutrients to the brain. Beets help your heart which in turn allows your brain to function better. "A brain filled with well-nourished neurons enables you to think and remember more clearly," says Bauer.

Enjoy beets on a daily basis by growing your own delicious certified organic and heirloom beets by starting seeds from Sustainable Seed Company.

2. Fish maintains brain cell health.

"When it comes to food and memory, fish should be the star of the show," says Bauer. Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel contain generous amounts of omega-3 fatty acids which are important for maintaining the health of brain cells. Bauer recommends eating a four-ounce portion (slightly larger than the palm of your hand) of a fatty fish at least three times a week.

3. Lean protein improves cognitive skills.

Chicken, turkey breast, eggs and low-fat milk are excellent sources of vitamin B12 which is an important protein to maintain cognitive skills. A 2012 Tufts University study showed older adults who were mildly B12 deficient were at higher risk for cognitive decline. Lean meats also keep you feeling fuller longer and reduce the amount snack breaks, leaving more time for the task at hand.

4. Berries prevent brain cell breakdown.

Berries are busting with antioxidants called anthocyanins which help prevent the breakdown of brain cells. A 2012 Harvard study found women who eat at least one cup of blueberries and strawberries per week experienced a 2.5 year delay in mental decline compared to women who rarely ate berries. "Blueberries in particular have received a lot of attention because they can enhance spatial memory and learning," says Bauer. She recommends eating four cups of berries per week.

Try growing your own berries at home. BrazelBerries^® offers different berry shrubs that can easily grow in a garden or pot that you can pick fresh for yourself. Add some berries to your morning smoothie or bake them into your pancakes.

5. Walnuts improve memory.

Another connection can be made for food and a body part with this connection relating a walnut and the brain. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that walnut consumption was associated with better memory scores and cognitive function. Walnuts are also a great source of alpha-linolenic acid -- a plant-based form of omega-3 fatty acids. Sprinkle some walnuts on your salad or yogurt or enjoy a handful of them for a healthy snack.

6. Coffee provides focus.

Caffeine can sharpen your focus and memory in the short term. While Bauer says a couple cups of coffee are OK to drink during the day, she recommends avoiding caffeine at least eight hours before bedtime so it doesn't interfere with your sleep. "Quality sleep is a critical component to a sharp mind," she says. So don’t go overboard on the coffee, but drink it for an uplift in brain functionality.

Looking for more interesting facts such as these? Download our 2013 Garden trends Report today!

GMG's Friday Find: Garden Goodies for Mother's Day!

2013-05-10T09:37:00.000-05:00

We know mom can be tough to shop for, so here are some ideas to make Mother's Day gift giving a breeze.

Easy Edible Pickins

Since moms everywhere love to feed their families healthy food, a gift of these brand new, low maintenance, small fruit shrubs will be most loved. These compact berry shrubs provide ornamental beauty and delicious berries! RaspberryShortcake™ is a thornless dwarf raspberry shrub that reaches 2-3 feet and fruits the first season. This compact, rounding plant requires no staking or trellising, no companion pollinators and very little space, and has sturdy upright canes. Raspberry Shortcake loads up with full-sized, super sweet raspberries and is ideally suited for large patio containers, balconies or any size yard.

Take Mom to the Tropics
Busy moms will love the Tropic Escape Patio Collection from Costa Farms®. This collection pairs bold flowering hibiscus with trailing/climbing mandevilla - an unbeatable combo for mom's patio or garden! And the best part is these plants bloom non-stop from spring until fall and are easy to care for. Look for the Tropic Escape collection at your local home improvement store or mass merchandiser and turn mom's outdoor space into a tropical paradise!

The Birds #1 Best Friend
Does your mom love to feed the birds? These new bird feeders from Perky-Pet® look like old-fashioned mason jars. The Mason Jar Collection is reminiscent of the vintage blue glass canning jars used in the 1800s. They bring rustic, shabby chic elegance to any yard while attracting various types of birds. Perky-Pet® offers three types of Mason Jar feeders including Wild Bird Feeder, Hummingbird Feeder and Wild Bird Waterer. Mom can have beautiful outdoor décor while enjoying watching the birds.

Eco-Friendly Containers
Moms love to get handmade gifts from their kids, but if that's not happening this year give her the next best thing - handmade pottery containers from Native Cast. These eco-friendly concrete planters are individually hand-cast, lightweight and durable. Easy to move and stunning in design, your mom will love this planter for indoor or outdoor, all year long. The heart-shaped cast- your-own kit is a fun project you and your mom can spend time doing together; after all, that's all she really wants!

Twists on Tradition Cookbook
The next best thing from taking a break from cooking is cooking a meal together with family. James Farmer's newest book, A Time To Cook is a celebration of garden to table lifestyle recipes updated for today's conscientious cooks. Steeped in Southern tradition, A Time To Cook offers scrumptious recipes that are fresh from the land and garden and will be one of your mom's go-to cookbooks for years to come.

Celebrate this Mother's Day with a gift that says "I love you", a gift she'll use and enjoy for years, and a gift that will remind her of just how special she is.

Happy Mother's Day!

~Peggy
Garden Media Group

GMG's Friday Find: Eat Your Weeds, They're Good For You!

2013-05-03T08:51:00.001-05:00

Everything is greening up here on the east coast, and yards and gardens are popping with, well, weeds! Before you go mow or spray and snuff them out for good, maybe you'll consider harvesting some of those annoying, yet edible weeds for a tasty spring salad. There are many weeds that are packed with vitamins and also taste good; however, before you pop something in your mouth check to see what you've picked is truly good for you. Wild Edibles is a great app to get you started identifying, and then munching nature's free produce.

Dandelions - These yellow yummies are sprinkling most lawns right now and they'll return with gusto in late summer. Pick them while they're young in early spring for a nutritious treat. With more beta-carotene than carrots, you can add the leaves and flowers to a salad or saute them lightly and add to pasta. You can even brew the roots for a coffee substitute.

Purslane - Found almost everywhere, this weed is becoming very popular in the edible landscape community, and with good reason. Purslane has 5 times the amount of Omega-3 fatty acid than spinach has, and its stems are high in Vitamin C. This succulent weeds' stem is round and smooth and trails along the ground like a vine. It has small, oblong green juicy leaves and it's best harvested in early morning or early evening. You can use purslane raw in a salad or saute for an interesting peppery flavor -- and don't be surprised if you see it on the menu of an upscale restaurant!

Japanese Knotweed - Early spring is the best time to harvest this weed, which is sometimes confused with bamboo. Pull this weed when it's 6-8 inches tall, before it gets to woody, and steam or simmer it for a rhubarb-like flavor. And keep pulling, this weed is very invasive.

Lamb's Quarters - This weed is sometimes called wild spinach, and with good reason. It starts emerging right after the spring spinach is on its way out. Loaded with vitamin A, K and C, this weed can be delicious sauteed in olive oil with garlic, salt, pepper and a splash of lemon. As with all the weeds mentioned, rinsing the leaves thoroughly is recommended.

Watercress - Spring beckons the opening of trout season in local streams, and also the emergence of watercress around these streams and riverbanks. Demanding a high dollar at grocery stores, you can pick a bunch for free and enjoy it raw in your salad, maybe alongside that trout!

Kudzu - This crazy southern weed is referred to as the weed that ate the South covering over 7 million acres! This means there is an over-abundant supply available to be eaten. You can make jams and jellies but if you're a first-timer it's best to steam or boil the roots until tender. Adding soy sauce or miso gives this weed a lovely Asian cuisine flair. Kudzu has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries for treating allergies, colds, fevers and also as a digestive aid. Chop a cup of leaves and brew for 30 minutes for a healing tea.

Red Clover - You see this weed all over and it has been commonly known as a folk remedy for cancer, containing photoestrogen genistein. Sprinkle red clover flowers over rice or with soy sauce, adding a punch of protein along with beneficial health aids. You can eat white clover too, but it's not as flavorful.

You can find many of these weeds in your backyard or growing along sidewalks and crevices from suburbia to urban streets. So don't be shy and grab a handful of weeds for a tasty, nutritious alternative to your salads and sauces. Happy foraging!

~Peggy
Garden Media Group

Light up your space with a glowing plant

2013-05-01T11:10:00.001-05:00

Like something out of a science fiction show, a group of researchers have successfully modified a Arabidopsis plant with luciferin genes, which are most commonly found in fireflies and deepsea creatures like the Anglerfish, in order to have it glow. A recent Kickstarter campaign started by Antony Evans, the head of a team of bio-engineers based in San Francisco, hopes to bring awareness to an alternative to the energy being used for electrical lighting by using bioluminescent lighting, Backers who pledge $40 or more will receive a packet of seeds for their own glowing plants. The original goal of $65,000 to create the plants has been well surpassed. An extra goal of $400,000 has been set in order to work on creating glowing roses, in which they are already at the halfway mark.

For more information including the more in depth scientifics of the project visit their Kickstarter page and check out the video below!

~ James
Garden Media Group

GMG's Friday Find: Take the Guesswork Out and Put the Plants In!

2013-04-26T08:30:00.000-05:00

Looking at your empty containers wondering what to plant this year?

Photo by Shawna Coronado

Rather than being discouraged or confused, think of your container as a blank canvas that by mid-summer can be filled to the brim with colorful flowers or delicious fruits and vegetables.

Not the artistic type? Then take advantage of a garden center workshop near you for inspiration and know-how and quickly learn the dos and don'ts for a successful garden and stunning containers.

Photo by Shawna Coronado

For example, Schaefer Greenhouses in Aurora, Illinois, is a hosting a workshop with garden and lifestyle writer, Shawna Coronado, TOMORROW, April 27th from 10:30-2:30. Shawna can help you turn your flower/veggie vision into reality.

In Shawna's workshop, gardeners will learn:

How to make a pizza container garden
Techniques for creating drought tolerant organic vegetable gardens
How to utilize the color wheel to create eye-popping color combinations of flowers and plants
How to identify which vegetables are best to grow in containers
About companion planting
What growing mix is best to use that provides continual nourishment and a healthy environment, like PRO-MIX which has patented Myco-Active plant food and water-saving gel right in the mix.

Wait, a pizza container you say? Shawna will teach gardeners which herbs are best for your individual pizza taste and how to grow them. But the best thing about this container is that children love to participate and they can be the 'farmer' who plants and waters these plants. Teaching them the joy and satisfaction of watching plants grow and then creating a delicious recipe from them is invaluable.

And one of the best advantages in participating in a workshop is leaving with everything you need to get started on your way to a season of plenty, from beautiful flowers to the freshest herbs and veggies; and maybe, if you're lucky, you can walk away with a demonstration container! Now that's a few hours well spent. Look for workshops in your area and take the guesswork out and put the flowers and veggies in!

You'll soon learn that there's not much you can't grow in a container. Happy Gardening!

~Peggy

Behind the Scenes: Pro-Mix Photoshoot at Garden Media

2013-04-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Check out this behind the scenes peek at our spring photo-shoot for PRO-MIX®’s fully redesigned line for spring 2013.

A quick 3 step trick on making the perfect container, 'The Perfect Fit' with PRO-MIX potting mix

Great day 4 @promixgardening photoshoot w/ @nativecast containers vine.co/v/bUqnE7PWX55
— Leah Haugh (@LeahGMG) April 18, 2013

A quick and easy pizza garden container with tomatoes, herbs and PRO-MIX organic vegetable and herb mix

Herb garden brought to you by @promixgardening @nativecast vine.co/v/bUq0B6V5MqF
— Katie (@KatieGMG) April 18, 2013

Katie and Leah setting up the shots

Photographer, Rick Urbanowski works his magic

For more information on the complete line of PRO-MIX® growing mixes, visit promixgardening.com and find the products at local garden centers and retail stores.

More #seed starting with @katemanchester & @promixgardening vine.co/v/bUb3rbmxK55
— Leah Haugh (@LeahGMG) April 18, 2013

Arbor Day Event at Awbury Aboretum TOMORROW

2013-04-23T13:17:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow, April 24th, Davey Tree experts will be cleaning up debris, leaves and trees at a Philadelphia institution focused on connecting the urban community with nature, Awbury Arboretum.

To celebrate Arbor Day, April 26th, local certified arborists will clean around the Arboretum, carefully climb the trees for pruning and provide general care.

Visiting the Arboretum on April 24th will provide the perfect example for how to properly care for trees around your home and community.

For more information call the Arboretum at 215-849-2855. To learn more about the benefits of trees, visit Davey Tree's blog, In the Shade.

Where:                        One Awbury Road, Philadelphia, PA
When:                         Wednesday, April 24, 2013, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Who to bring:             Everyone, Families
Contact:                      Katie@gardenmediagroup.com

Perfecting the Social Media Balancing Act

2013-04-22T08:30:00.000-05:00

Social media has been a big play for over five years. Whether you’re a public relations pro or a member of the garden industry, you know you have to be on social media.

It’s the absolute perfect blend of advertising and public relations. Plus, it’s FREE. Social media outlets of all kinds let you connect with your key demographic on a daily basis. Here, you get to interact with your clientele in a cool, friendly, funny manner.

Managing social media is without a doubt one of my favorite aspects of the job. But, realistically, it’s also one of the hardest. It seems like there’s always another social media site popping up, and to stay trendy, you and your garden business have just got to be on it.

How in the world can one business, especially a new, small, blooming business, manage all of these sites?

First, load up on social media tools. Next, take the advice of the pros at Garden Media Group to make sure the social media element in your public relations media plan is realistic and effective.

Balancing social media is an act you’ve got to learn to master quickly—before you burn out.

You Just Can’t Do It All.

This is one of the toughest lessons to learn, but the fact of the matter is that as a small business you can’t be on every social media outlet. If you’re dead set on having a presence on every social media platform, phone in a public relations team to help you manage.

Either way, attempt to cut the fat off of your public relations media plan. Not every social media site is going to be popular with your key audience, so try all of them for a bit. Then, look at the hard numbers, and decide which platforms are most popular with the people you want to connect with.

Invest your time in outlets where your impact will be fruitful.

Test the Soil

Whenever I try something new I have to acknowledge that no matter how much I research, there will be a learning curve.

Do the same on your desired social media outlets; research all the different ways you can utilize social media for your business. Look up different tactics and techniques, and try them all for a bit.

Then, see what your audience wants. They’ll let you know; trust me! An advantage of social media is that it’s social. Your key demographic for your business will vocally let you know how you’re doing via retweets, likes, pins, shares, etc.

Be the Brightest Flower

Surfing through Longfield Gardens website, I always am drawn to the flowers with the brightest hues or shapes I’ve never seen before. In a world of constant overload, we’re immediately drawn and enamored with the unique.

You really have to prove to your followers that you understand them! Show that you care about their interests—even if they’re outside of your business.

By this point, you should have enough data on your key demographic to go beyond the superficial. Tap into their interests, problems, loves, dislikes, and deliver to them what they’re craving!
Your content should be unique! Followers want to hear your voice, and know they can count on you for out of the box content. Don’t worry; you can still recycle content. Just recycle content wisely!

Before long, your business will be booming, and you should be feeling like you’re beginning to understand the intricacies of the social media balancing act. Reevaluate every month or so just make sure you’re on pace. And please, share your sanity tips with us!

Learn how to integrate Instagram into your garden business's media plan with our e-book below!

Special thanks to Panoramic Interactive for the image!

~Katie

GMG's Friday Find: Plant, Share and Care This Earth Day!

2013-04-19T10:19:00.000-05:00

Back in the late 60's most people were not very concerned about our impact on planet Earth; those were the days of the hippie and flower-child power with protest the order of the day. Americans were slurping leaded gas, air pollution was the smell of success and "environment" was a word you may get in a spelling bee.

Then along came Rachel Carson's New York Times bestseller, "Silent Spring," representing a watershed moment for the environmental movement, raising public awareness and concern for all living organisms and public health. Earth Day 1970 capitalized on a new emerging consciousness putting environmental concerns front and center, and that movement has continued uninterrupted with April 22nd marking the 43rd year of Earth Day.

There are many ways to celebrate Earth Day. Almost every city in the country organizes events and activities to mark the occasion, you won't have to look far to see what's happening in your neck of the woods. In Columbus, Ohio they are holding Earth Day 2013: Stand Together, the largest volunteer service effort across the country to make Columbus communities greener. People volunteer their labor and companies, like PRO-MIX, donate growing mixes. In the past 7 years efforts have resulted in over 40,000 hours of labor and 19,000 trees planted throughout the regions.

Here are a few more suggestions you may consider for you and your family:

Costa Farms

Plant a Tree/Have a Plant Party - Recent studies have shown how trees and our health and happiness are co-dependent, and studies have proven that houseplants provide much needed fresh air for the massive amount of time we spend indoors. If you aren't in the market for a tree, you can certainly run to your nearest market or home improvement center for a variety of houseplants that can clean your indoor air for better health. Another fun activity for kids is an Earth Day Plant Party where they decorate a kid-friendly container with stickers and then pop in little green heroes like ferns and snake plants. Remember to look for the O2 for You label!

Build/Design a Birdhouse/Make Homemade Seed - A fun project you can enjoy with kids is making a birdhouse or designing a birdfeeder and then crafting homemade birdseed that you can put in pine cones and other 'natural' finds. Teaching our children the value of caring for wildlife is a lesson they are sure to pass on to future generations.

Perky-Pet

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle all day long - There are so many ways to accomplish these goals, even for just one day. Use less water in your morning shower, walk or bike to work and save gas, turn off your lights until it's dark, avoid using disposable plates and cutlery, bring your own bags to the grocery store and avoid the plastic bags, find a way to reuse an old household or garage item, and recycle everything you can. If it's not already, this mindset for just one day can be the beginning of a lifelong habit.

Hold a garage sale/Donate - Spring is the perfect time to thin out closets and garages of unused or unwanted clutter. A garage sale, whether community or neighborhood, can benefit many who don't have certain necessities or you can donate items to charities to resell for cash. Involve your children and see if there aren't some toys, games and sporting equipment they can include, helping them understand that giving is a rewarding endeavor.

James Farmer

Cook an Earth Day Meal - Plan a menu that uses locally produced food and decorate your table with found and/or recycled objects. Have your guests participate in a wreath-making activity using material from your garden and produce from the grocery store or farmer's market. It's not only fun, everyone gets to go home with a fabulous wreath for the summer season.

Whatever we do on Earth Day is certainly something we can do everyday. We are all stewards of the Earth and as John Muir said, "When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world." Happy Earth Day...everyday!

~Peggy
Garden Media Group

GMG's Friday Find: A Blooming Alternative for Impatiens Lovers!

2013-04-12T08:57:00.000-05:00

For years, gardeners have enjoyed impatiens in their gardens and containers, so much so it had become the nation's top selling annual. Then along came impatiens downy mildew, a disease that can carry airborne spores over 100 miles and attacks the underside of standard garden impatiens leaves killing the plant. And worse, the mildew can remain in the infected soil for several years.

Many garden centers are keeping impatiens off their shelves this year, but don't panic! There are several alternatives to impatiens, and a terrific plant that has real flower power is the Summer Wave® Torenia.

This beautiful torenia from The Suntory® Collection is not just a pretty face. The gorgeous blooms that continue from spring until fall are also self-cleaning -- no dead-heading needed. This is a wonderfully durable plant that loves the heat. When other plants begin wilting under the summer sun, Summer Wave® Torenia thrives. She loves the shade but it can't get too hot for this beauty!

Coming in 11 different colors, you can choose from two different varieties. The trailing, creeping variety grows 6"-10" high and spreads to 30". The branches spread wide and abundantly and it's perfect for landscapes, hanging baskets and containers. The Summer Wave® Bouquet Torenia is more compact with a mounding style that grows 10"-15" high, yet can also spread 25"-30" making it terrific for window boxes and containers. These plants look great in combinations, or as standout stand-alone for a dramatic pop of monochromatic color.

Another interesting feature of Summer Wave is a unique 'fishbone' inside each flower that gives the bloom an added dimension. And best of all, these torenia plants resist disease.

Nature works in mysterious ways, as we've all heard and know first hand, and although the dear impatiens may have to step aside, a new garden star is waiting to flower up your landscape, containers and baskets with staying power you won't be disappointed with.

Give The Summer Wave® a try this year. We'd love to hear about your success with this hardy, beautiful alternative to impatiens.

~Peggy
Garden Media Group

Got Spring Fever? No? Then You Must Have Hay Fever...

2013-04-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

If you're anything like me, then Spring for you is a mixed bag. You get to bask in the beautiful weather, attend outdoor events and activities, and stand in line at Rita's water ice (seriously, why aren't these open in the winter?) However nothing comes for free and with the beautiful weather comes an increased pollen count. For some, these three words don't mean much, but for others they are three words to be feared. Allergy seasons can be just as bad, if not worse in some cases, than flu season. Though there is no way to truly combat allergies there are some things we can do to help ease us through the coming months.

You don't need to rid your home of houseplants
Yes, plants, along with trees, grass, mold, etc... are the biggest offenders of high pollen counts. It may seem fruitful to keep your allergies in check at the expense of your houseplants, but fret not as there are several plants you can have throughout your home with low pollen counts including, begonias, nasturtiums, crotons, peace lilies, miniature roses, and passionflowers. However even with these, plants are a large collector of dust, so be sure to dust them (along with the rest of your house) weekly. Also be sure not to over-water your plants as this can eventually lead to moldy soil.

Natural anti-histamines
In addition to your surroundings there are also several natural, ingestible antihistamines like the herbs parsley, thyme and bay or vegetables like broccoli, kale, onions and garlic that can help. Okay, yes, garlic is not a vegetable, it's neither an herb or a spice, so what is it? you tell me. You can even grow these yourself in your home garden, just be sure to plan ahead and find out the optimum times for growing and harvesting. Vitamins D and C also help fight histamines, you can either take vitamin supplements for D and C or eat citrus fruits high in vitamin C.

Other tips and tricks to fight pollen

Oddly enough, I've read washing your hair after a day out is a good way to fight pollen as your hair is a big catcher of it.
Washing your sheets, comforters, etc... weekly.
Dusting and vacuuming your home.
The use of a Neti Pot (several people in the office swear by these)

Or really, when all is said and done, just pop a Benadryl. Happy Spring!

You have any tips for fighting seasonal allergies and Hay fever? Let us know in the comments!

~ James
Garden Media Group

GMG's Friday Find: Celebrate National Garden Month!

2013-04-05T08:21:00.000-05:00

For the past several years April has been crowned the National Garden Month. That seems to make sense, doesn't it? Spring is finally here and the 'itch' to get out and dig and plant can be almost overwhelming if you've overwintered in a cooler climate. Spring is the time to focus on the essential connection between people, plants and the environment and is an opportunity to discover simple ways to tap into the rhythm of nature.

There are so many ways to participate and celebrate National Garden Month, and here a just a few:

Organize or take part in a town beautification day. Here at GMG we helped in the 'Garden Way', a local beautification effort to enhance one of the main entrances into town with over 70 other volunteers. The result was a dazzling island of flowers that won first place in the Keep America Beautiful campaign!

Another idea is to get together with your neighbors and order mulch and compost in bulk quantities. To find out how much may be needed, click here.

Take an inventory of all your gardening gear and donate the excess to a community gardening program or school garden.

Host a plant swap and share cuttings and seeds with family and friends adding sentimental value to the new plants you add to your garden.

Green up your street or local park by picking up trash. Volunteer at your local school's garden or start a neighborhood garden club, sharing ideas, seeds and labor, and then share the bounty with friends and neighbors. Deliver houseplants or flowers to a local nursing home or children's hospital. And speaking of children, have fun doing a gardening project with them. Gardening with children teaches many valuable

lessons, from ingenuity to cooperation and the value of fun labor that translates into productivity. Children that learned gardening from their parent or other adults take these lessons with them and pass them along.

There are many ways to be creative and helpful when it comes to celebrating National Garden Month. By participating in small or big ways, we reinforce our symbiotic relationship with nature by giving, growing and greening our places and spaces. What will you do to celebrate National Garden Month? We'd love to hear your ideas.

~Peggy
Garden Media Group

You won't find vending machines in this building...

2013-04-03T10:27:00.001-05:00

Pasona HQ, located in Tokyo, Japan, is a nine story high, 215,000 square foot office building which is currently undergoing a major renovation, most notably including an urban farm facility integrated within the building. The 'green space' of the building consists of over 43,000 square feet with near 200 species including fruits, vegetables and rice that are harvested and served at the cafeterias within the building. Along with that the building will also have a double-skin green facade and a rooftop garden to boot.

Using both hydroponic and soil based farming, crops and office workers share a common space. Tomato vines are suspended above conference tables, lemon and passion fruit trees are used as partitions for meeting spaces, salad leaves are grown inside seminar rooms and bean sprouts are grown under benches. The main lobby also features a rice paddy and a broccoli field.

There are more benefits besides the aesthetic appeal. It also exposes workers to growing crops and has them interact with farmland on a daily basis. It provides improvement in mental health, productivity and relaxation in the workplace, along with cleaning up the air space within the building.

What do you think? Would you want to work in a building like this?

Source: Architizer

~ James
Garden Media Group

Discover 2013 Public Relations Trends

2013-04-01T11:34:00.001-05:00

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

GMG's Friday Find: The Secret Ingredient for Perfect Soil

2013-03-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

Mycorrhizae is not just hard to pronounce, it's also not a secret. It is a fungus that grows in association with the roots of a plant in a friendly, helpful manner, and this has been occurring for more than 400-million years!

These fungi are a vital component of soil's chemistry and helps to boost the development of the root system and its capacity to absorb water, nutrients and minerals. Unfortunately, some activities like erosion, tillage, topsoil removal, and construction can deplete naturally occurring mycorrhizae.

What does this mean to the average gardener? Now you can enhance the roots of your plants and grow healthier, stronger plants by using the all-natural, beneficial MycoActive organisms (mycorrhizae) found in PRO-MIX® consumer growing mixes. Three new case studies have proven that with MycoActive you can achieve considerably more yield as seen in this chart:

The results are significant, and there are mixes for every gardener's need: An Ultimate Potting Mix, an Ultimate Garden Mix, an Ultimate Organic Vegetable & Herb Mix, even a Cactus Mix. Here's what you can expect to achieve when using these mixes:

Increases water and nutrient uptake
Increases resistance to drought
Increases transplanting survival rate
Increases plant and root system vigor
Increases crop quality
Increases quantity of flowers/fruits
Increases crop yield
Enhances growth significantly

Just take a look at the differences in these lettuce and cucumber plants -- amazing!

Growing stronger, larger and more abundant plants and veggies is what gardeners want, and PRO-MIX® with MycoActive delivers.

We invite you to find a mix that suits your needs at your local independent garden center...and let us know what terrific results you experience. Happy Gardening!

~Peggy
Garden Media Group

Thinking Spring!

2013-03-26T14:51:00.000-05:00

Here in Pennsylvania we got over 2 inches of snow yesterday. What a "happy" spring it's been so far?! Looking at these images make me feel warmth and happiness and I hope they do the same for you.

Above images from a favorite blog, Fennel and Fern

Below images from my dear friend at Fox Fodder Farm

-Katie
Garden Media Group

New eBook Reveals Insider Public Relations Tips

2013-03-25T08:23:00.000-05:00

Our latest guide for mastering public relations strategies is out!

Growing Your Business with Public Relations explains the differences between advertising and PR, offers tips on creating public relations media plans and how to write a mission statement. It also includes a guide on writing a modern day press release.

Public relations is a powerful tool more businesses should be using to grow their bottom line. With public relations, you can fast track a product, build a credible reputation and drive demand. Our new eBook covers PR 101: how to get started.

We broke down the things we do on a daily basis and chose what were the most important to include in the eBook. Our insider tips will help businesses understand how to incorporate PR into daily marketing operations.

Growing Your Business with Public Relations offers a range of information that benefits businesses new to PR as well as those with established marketing departments. The tips can be used as a tool for orchestrating an entire PR campaign for small businesses or simply provide checks and balances for those looking to jump start their reputation.

PR is more than writing a press release. Creating lasting relationships, knowing how to find the golden nugget and having impeccable timing are all big components of PR. But, when you get it and implement it into your companies marketing strategy, you will gain wider exposure and produce better results.

“Growing Your Business with Public Relations” is available for download today:

~Katie

GMG's Friday Find: Eggs-actly Sustainable!

2013-03-22T08:56:00.000-05:00

We have all heard of egg substitutes like eggbeaters, or replacements that contain potato starch, tapioca flour, or tofu. Beyond Eggs is going beyond these to a plant-based egg substitute that the company Hampton Creek Foods hopes will revolutionize the industrial food production process.

Working with food science professionals, culinary scientists and professional chefs, the company matched the molecular makeup and nutritional profile of the hen egg with plant-based ingredients to create Beyond Eggs. The functional criteria of coagulation, emulsification, aeration, texture, mouthfeel and flavor provides food operators a match so that products look, taste and feel as if they contained real eggs.

The benefits of food production using Beyond Eggs are numerous. Plants require less water than feed crops. Humane issues surrounding laying hens and food safety concerns are eliminated. No worries about cholesterol or allergins. And as egg prices keep rising, the cost of using Beyond Eggs is dropping.

The product is meant to provide a cost effective and healthy alternative to companies that produce many of the foods we buy including baked goods, dressings, sauces, and pasta, with a cost effective and sustainable product that is good for you and good for the earth. Would you buy a product that contained Beyond Eggs? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

~Peggy
Garden Media Group

Fall Creek® Farm & Nursery Featured in Country Gardens

2013-03-21T08:29:00.000-05:00

We are thrilled to see a gorgeous 7- page feature on Fall Creek® Farm & Nursery in the Spring 2013 issue of Country Gardens Magazine! It’s truly an amazing article on their new collection of BrazelBerries®: a dwarf, thornless raspberry and two ornamental blueberries. All three are the result of decades of research by the Brazelton family. Don’t forget to pick up your copy today!

For the complete article click here or visit our results page!

-James

Makota Azuma's Art of Plants Installation

2013-03-20T10:12:00.001-05:00

Designed by floral artist Makota Azuma, “The Art of Plants” exhibit is an installation that grows within one of Japan's oldest department stores, Isetan Shinjuku. Columns of clothing displays and walls are intricately covered in lush greenery. Drawing a parallel between consumerism and the art of greenery.

Azuma is the head of AMKK, a company which focuses on developing Azuma's experimental creations. This exhibit sees him using rich plant patterns that line walls and sit in window installations. Azuma has also designed mandalas that mimic the design of chandeliers which hang from the ceilings. These complex bunches of plants has the living 'Art of Plants' installation take a more animated approach to department store decals.

To see more images of this fantastic installation visit azumamakota.com

~ James
Garden Media Group

GMG's Friday Find: Lucky Bamboo for St. Patty's Day!

2013-03-15T08:52:00.000-05:00

Costa Farms

What's a cool, lucky plant to give on St. Patty's Day besides the shamrock?...the Lucky Bamboo!

Interestingly, Lucky Bamboo is actually not a bamboo at all, but rather a Dracaena! It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and is the primary plant recommended for improving Feng Shui and for creating spaces where you feel safe and more energized to meet the demands of today's high-pressured world. They are very eye-catching and come with an ancient Chinese tradition-- the number of stalks represent distinct meanings and bring specific fortune.

Costa Farms

• Two Stalks – This commonly represents love, good luck or both.

• Three Stalks – This is meant to bring happiness, wealth, and a long life.

• Five Stalks – This helps with five areas in life; Spiritual, Mental, Emotional, Physical, Intuitive.

• Six Stalks – This is a good gift for prosperity and good luck financially.

• Seven Stalks – This is commonly given to help with good health physically and mentally.

• Eight Stalks – This lucky bamboo plant is meant to give a gift of fertility.
• Nine Stalks – This is a general good luck – and a very beautiful plant!
• Ten Stalks – This is given to symbolize peace and contentment for a person.
• Twenty One Stalks – This is the ultimate expression of good luck and fortune that you can give someone. In addition, it is quite beautiful while still being an easy to maintain houseplant.

So, definitely heed these meanings and give your recipient the gift most appropriate.You can find these Lucky Bamboo at home improvement retailers nationwide. For more information and care instructions, head to Costa Farms.com.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
~Peggy
Garden Media Group

The First Zero Energy Store is... a Walgreens?

2013-03-13T10:18:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not, yes. Walgreens announced that it now has plans to build what will hopefully be the nation’s first net zero energy retail outlet. The building will use solar panels, wind turbines, LED lighting and energy efficient materials for building. And the store will be located in Evanston, Illinois.

Walgreens is committing to reducing their carbon footprint and leading the retail industry in using green technology. Walgreens currently operates 8,000 stores across the nation and believes that their pursuit of green technology will have a positive impact on the environment.

“This planned building development reflects the City of Evanston’s ongoing commitment to the constant improvement of sustainable practices in the natural and built environment and will serve as an excellent example of how responsible development and the environment can be harmoniously combined,” said Evanston Mayor, Elizabeth Tisdahl. “Green building is important to Evanston as it is good for business, good for the environment, good for our health and essential to our future. We are honored that Walgreens has chosen our community to build the nation’s first net zero energy retail store that will be LEED certified as well.”

Walgreens hopes to achieve LEED Platinum status, a green designation by the U. S. Green Building Council and also one of the most stringent. Walgreens has committed themselves to a chain wide 20 percent energy reduction by 2020.

Assuming that this all works out as planned, hopefully other chain stores will follow in Walgreen's footsteps and lead to an overall greater decrease in energy consumption across the nation.

For more information visit the Net Zero Facebook page.
Source: InHabitat

James
Garden Media Group