Seasonal color gardens with real, available flowers that WORK
BONES
Garden framework
> Right bed/pot location
> Where do you want people to look?
> You can't hide ugly things
> Instead,...DISTRACT from them!
> Are there any site-specific needs to consider?
> Where do people walk their dogs?
> Are there deer, rabbits, urban mammals?
> Will cars frequently cut a corner and impact the bed?
> Are there irrigation considerations?
> Are there trees in the vicinity that will rob water/nutrients?
> Will bees cause a risk to the public?
> Strong bed build
> Well-planned irrigation
ARTISTRY & ADAPTABILITY
Bringing beauty to the bones
> Sell the end result, NOT plants
> Give yourself wiggle room in your contract agreement
> Set expectations
> Artistry comes before the horticulture
> Start with a color palette
> Build with varying plant heights
> Implement contrasting textures
> Concept to implementation: stay open to change!
> Give teams freedom to make on-site adjustments
> Be gracious with vendors and availability
> Address shortages with kindness
> Don’t fall in love with a “perfect” plan
> Be SOLUTIONS MINDED
> If you’ve sold an end result, minor wobbles won’t derail your artistry
SUCCESS
How do we get there?
> Use real plants, from local vendors and current inventory
> Work with your vendors every day about what is current in their inventory
> Use garden centers
> Instant gratification, anyone?
> Useful for immediate planting
> Everything is pretty and ready to sell
> Consumers don’t buy ugly
> Shoppers don’t want to wait for plants to bloom
> Blooms won’t last but sometimes there’s a party TONIGHT!
> What plants are real? What works longterm? Where do I buy them?
> Start with a Georgia Urban Ag Council member
> Search member directory at urbanagcouncil.com
> Reality ain’t always easy
> Crop failures happen
> Products sell out
> Substitutions occur
> We don’t always get what we want
> Don’t freak out!
> Sell the end result…not the plant
> WOW designs can work with real plants that are available!
> Ask yourself: what IS possible?
> Work with that; you can’t sell invisible plants
> Communicate changes as needed to clients and staff
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
Keep those plants healthy
> Focus on pest prevention
> Use pesticides only as needed
> IPM checklist
> How much is damaged?
> Can you live with more carnage?
> Are you excited about the butterflies/moths that are coming?
> Can you remove one caterpillar today and keep monitoring?
> Does he have friends who will destroy your garden?
> Is it time for a pesticide?
> Is there an environmentally friendly option?
COMMUNICATION
Connecting with your clients
> Really listen to your clients
> Understand their vision
> Manage expectations
> There is no such thing as a 12-month blooming plant
> Plants may be ugly babies when installed but end result will be beautiful
> Plants will grow…and it will be worth the wait
> Be proactive
> Clients like to know what to expect
> Email blasts are EASY and FAST
> Cite reputable sources
> This will save you TIME…lots and lots and LOTS of it!
> And it makes you look intelligent and responsive
> Cultivate relationships
> Clients
> Vendors
> Team
> Community
> Magic words to improve communication and cultivate relationships
> “I need your help”
> “Please”
> “I don’t know”
> “I’m sorry”
> “I was wrong”
> “Thank you!”
SERVICE
Maintaining your projects
> Plants need love…and pruning!
> Service gives you time to interact with clients (and upsell services)
> Keeps plants beautiful until next season
> Honor your contract commitments
> Service guide:
> Plan designs to suit your experience level
> Plan for service commitment
> There are no maintenance-free annuals
Maintenance pros and cons to consider during the planning stages:
> Mixed bed: the (almost) carefree planting
> Pros:
> Bright and happy
> Easy to maintain
> Cons:
> May not read well from a distance (pick just two colors to simplify)
> Requires consistent irrigation
> Wild and carefree may not work for every client
> Sunpatiens: when they work, they WORK!
> Pros:
> Bright and happy
> Easy to maintain
> So many colors!
> Client favorite
> Wide spacing options
> Can grow in full sun
> STUNNING late summer/early fall color
> Disease resistant
> Cons:
> Requires consistent irrigation… or else
> Can grow BIG… especially if planted closely
> Critter candy
> Expensive
> Resistant to pruning – best left alone
> Red salvia: the BEST red
> Drawbacks:
> Pests love it (leaf miners, spider mites, aphids, mealy bugs, slugs, snails, white flies, deer)
> Diseases, too! (botrytis, powdery mildew, leaf spot, stem rot)
> It’s HUNGRY (fertilize regularly)
> Needs regular irrigation
> Weekly deadheading is a must
> Blooms may decrease in heat
> High maintenance
> Vinca: the ultimate love/hate flower
> Pros:
> Deer and rabbits hate it
> Bold colors
> Loves the heat
> WaterSmart
> Easy maintenance
> Cost effective
> Cons:
> Oh! The FUNGUS!
> Will fade/stretch with cooler temps
> Can’t plant two years in a row
> Full sun only
> Risky, but worth it…sometimes
> Cannas: accent plant that works
> Pros:
> Cost-effective accent plant
> Provides an architectural element
> Takes up space
> Lots of colors
> Works in wet or dry(ish) conditions
> Cons:
> Japanese beetle candy!
> Leaf rollers
> Old fashioned – not for everyone
> Messy
> Deadheading required
> Scaevola: cool summer blues
> Pros:
> Great border
> Loves the heat
> WaterSmart (after established)
> Crowd favorite!
> Cons:
> Ugly baby
> Tasty for deer/rabbits
> Takes time to bloom well
> Pricey
When Hardgrave started Simply Flowers, Inc. in 2001 she had $10 in her pocket and a dozen clients; now the company has grown to over 1600 clients! Not only are her designs creative, she understands the importance of caring for the plants once they are in the ground. Simply Flowers has a reputation for unique designs, quality flowers, and outstanding customer service.
