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
