Fall Traditions & Group Synergies

by Danny Summers

Having the opportunity to see many of our Garden Centers' messaging throughout the year offers a chance to see unique local and regional differences (as well as similarities) across the country. What I see in Spring seems to be more similarities with only differences in timing based on your location... Southern-most Centers getting kicked off earlier, and other markets follow as spring rolls out. But overall, the message of a beautiful spring ahead seems pretty consistent. And especially with The Group Centers where we have been sharing ideas on the benefits of plants and gardening.

Fall seems to have some differences or at least some areas of uniqueness. Here are some examples...

An important Fall & Winter seasonal emphasis across the Midwest is Porch Pots (also called Patio Pots in some areas.) It begins with Fall and can range from simple to extremely elaborate. Many Centers have make-and-take workshops for these. Others simply have a wide variety to choose from for sale. Here are a few examples I have recently seen.

Some years ago, we shared details of a Group Center making the first Pumpkin-Succulent combination we had seen. It was an amazing look. Now you see a number of Centers doing this as well as make-and-take classes. You can see photos all over Pinterest and other social sharing platforms.

In the Southwest, they have something you really don't see elsewhere... Ristras! In Spanish, Ristras simply means strings. These are dried chile peppers. The photo below is from Jericho Nursery, a Group Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The traditional straight Ristras are the most common, but you can also find Ristras in the shape of wreaths, hearts, crosses, and even squares and triangles.

Rich Hobson at Jericho Nursery said, "These Ristras are a quick fall item at harvest time. Most are grown in the Hatch Valley in southern New Mexico. Some people refer to these Ristras as Hatch Chiles, but that's not the actual varieties, it is just referring to the region where they are grown, similar to Vidalia Onions. They are a beautiful addition to fall decorations."

Ristras are a way to dry and preserve chiles and have been a Southwest tradition for a very long time. In New Mexico, because Chile Ristras are so prevalent, many people simply just use the word Ristra to refer to a Chile Ristra. Some people consider Chile Ristras to be a great welcoming decoration next to their front door. For others, a Ristra is best in the kitchen, where they can conveniently cook with the dried chiles.

We could spend even more time discussing Christmas Trees and Greens. Some Centers have all their cut trees in water. Some have center-bored and on stands, and some even hang theirs so customers can spin them around to easily see all sides. Some, as has been discussed in GroupEs this past spring, decided not to carry cut trees at all and only carry live trees. But Christmas greens are a category most are still actively carrying.

Oh, and don't forget the idea that came from some of our Ohio Centers a few years back... naming every Christmas Tree! When a family sees a tree named after a loved one, often they are more enticed to take it home with them.

There are a number of unique Fall & Winter Traditions in different parts of the country. While they are well-known and cherished in one area, it could be a totally new idea in others. Having the ability to share these product ideas could provide new opportunities.

These are just a few Fall & Winter Traditions in some parts of the country, but I know there are many more. If you have a local traditional item, please share them in the GroupEs eList. You may be surprised by what it could mean to others!

Sharing these items is another example of Group Synergies!

Danny Summers
[email protected]
Tel: 678-909-7770
Cell: 678-761-7145

REMEMBER: Your interaction (by phone and email) with Group Service Providers such as Tim Quebedeaux, Sid Raisch, John Kennedy, Jean Seawright, and of course Danny Summers are included in your retainer!