How Grower-Retailers Can Promote the Value of Gardening to Their Community
April 19, 2020 
Grower-retailers are at a critical point in the season, as stay-at-home orders due to COVID-19 affect how they are able to sell their plants, or if they can even be open at all.
To share the good news about gardening, industry leaders Sid Raisch of Horticultural Advantage Inc. and Danny Summers of The Garden Center Group have developed a messaging program that garden centers can use to inform their customers and promote and defend the industry to friends, family, neighbors, and officials at the local, county, and state level. This link includes a draft letter, FAQs, and marketing and communication ideas.
Below are some insights directly from Raisch and Summers:
“The greatest opportunity in horticulture may be upon us during this COVID-19 crisis, to immediately increase awareness of the benefits of plants and to mobilize consumers to be vigilant and prepared to promote and defend our industry to their peers and officials in their localities, counties, and states.
“The entire supply chain has a stake in this effort, and it is requested that they publish the following message immediately to their audience, especially garden centers who can then publish to their consumer lists.
“It is imperative, as well as urgent, that our industry mobilize to spread the good news about the benefits of plants now. This effort stands on its own merit; however, this spring there is pressure upon local and state governments to decide whether our industry is essential and should operate in the best and greater interest of our country. Within the letter are statements that clarify the importance of horticulture in these dire times, as well as a plea to the consumer to act in this belief.
“Time is of the essence. There is no time to waste, as it may be the very thing that helps you in the near futureand beyond. It can have lasting benefits by creating more awareness for the importance of horticulture in your area as well as around the region and country as similar efforts are made by others.”
Check out the link above for additional messaging copy and ideas to implement.
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