I spotted this in the latest edition of New Zealand Gardener Magazine ... I thought you would find it of interest.
Albany garden designer Sandra Batley picked up a bronze award for her 'Supersize Bee' retail garden for Honda. As well as the living walls of lawn grass, one side of the garden boasted a car painted in bumblebee stripes - while the other sported big, bold daisies with centres made from orange pansies and artifical turf.
Where do you get it?
Ladder, cans.
Why introduce it?
Paint is becoming an integral part of the garden centre mix. Why not create some theatre to promote the fact you're in outdoor fashion paints?
Who did it first?
REF: Mica Bethlehem, South Africa
Where do you get it?
Water pump, wheelbarrow, frame, chain, water sump.
Why introduce it?
This introduces a 'gardeing' element to the department, it could work at the entrance to your garden care department.
Who did it first?
REF: Mica Bethlehem, South Africa
Where do you get it?
Strips of wood and paint available from your local hardware store.
Why introduce it?
Strips of wood can be fixed to the front of any bench to create a seasonal product statement that compliments the plant and fashion trend.
Who did it first?
REF: Ferndale Garden Centre, UK
Where do you get it?
Junk yard or hardware store
Why introduce the idea?
Corrigated iron can provide contemporary room dividers in your plant area
Who did it first?
REF: Mid Ulster Garden Centre, Ireland
Where do you get it?
Don't buy new ones, old ones from a scrap yard are better.
Why introduce the idea?
By repainting them in the latest fashion colours every three months you can show your customers you are fashion conscious.
Who did it first?
REF: GardenWorks, Ireland
Where do you get it?
Your team!
Why introduce the idea?
Sell the story, from the vine to the bottle.
Who did it first?
REF: Mid Ulster Garden Centre, Ireland
Where do you get it?
Timber yard.
Why introduce the idea?
Generation X and Y will love this idea. Keep the colours in the same pattern as a box of crayons.
Who did it first?
REF: Mid Ulster Garden Centre, Ireland
Where do you get it?
Scrap yard.
Why introduce the idea?
Flower power cars will relate to the 'Baby Boomer' market.
Who did it first?
REF: Whitehall Garden Centre, UK
