What Constitutes a ‘New’ Plant?
I had the pleasure of speaking with Kelly Norris at the GWA Symposium on’ Plants for a Successful Garden. Our talk highlighted many new plant introductions.
We discussed the definition of ‘new’ and that it has multiple meanings; a brand new plant that has never been in the trade or a plant that is new to a grower, retailer or landscaper as just two examples.
At UpShoot, we introduce new trees and shrubs to the trade and consumers. Woody ornamentals take considerably longer than other plants to bring to market. Annuals and perennials, relatively speaking, can easily be in and out of the market within a short time frame.
We rely on garden writers to keep talking about long-term crops such as trees and shrubs far beyond the first date they are introduced to the trade or to garden writers. Keep in mind it can take several years to reach high production numbers needed to get mass exposure of product at the retail level.
Thus ornamental plant introducers ‘need you’ to help us keep the buzz alive! Consider woodies being ‘new’ for more than a year, or two or three please!
FREE Audio Tapings
The PDF list and PowerPoints of all plants submitted by GWA exhibitors and supporters along with additional favorites of Kelli and me from our ‘Plants for a Successful Garden‘ are now available on the GWA website.
Nan Sterman, National Director from Region VI spearheaded the effort to make all symposium recordings and related materials FREE for registrants this year and $5.00 per recording to non-participants.
This is a great benefit and cost savings for the GWA membership! Thanks Nan for your efforts!
