Your Future Team and Audience

by Danny Summers

Look at the faces above.

Just imagine, this could be your top management team some years from now.

Or you may be looking at some of your best CUSTOMERS in coming years!

But, how do they become interested in plants, or even a career in Garden Retailing?

We all know how important your team is to your success. At the same time, your audience (aka customers) are equally important. These two major pieces of your business, along with the selection of curated plants and garden items you offer, come together to create your Center's opportunities!

I have shared messages for Seed Your Future in previous GROUPtalks. It has become an important outreach to young people to develop interests in plants, gardening and horticulture as a career. Seed Your Future's "About Us" area reveals:

"Seed Your Future is the movement to promote horticulture and inspire people to pursue careers working with plants. We envision a U.S. where everyone understands the power of plants and is aware of the promising careers in the art, science, technology and business of horticulture."

They have developed a number of resources for Students, Parents and Families, Educators, Employers and more. Just like Shelborne Farms in Vermont has developed curriculum for Educators to introduce Agriculture to young people, Seed Your Future is more narrowly focused on Horticulture.

You have an opportunity to help Seed Your Future and also connect to your local schools. I believe connecting your Center to your local schools can be a very important outreach... possibly Your Future Team and Your Future Audience!

Introducing... Seed Your Future's
Round Up at the Register Campaign!

Many Garden Centers have Round-Up at the Register programs at certain times of the year, whether it be for your favorite charity or cause. This one is for Horticulture!

What's in it for Garden Centers?

• Support the Future Workforce: Help cultivate a pipeline of skilled, passionate horticulture professionals.
• Enhance Your Reputation: Show your customers you care about education, sustainability, and industry growth.
• Receive Free Marketing Materials: Seed Your Future provides POP signage, digital assets, and social media content to help promote the campaign.
• Boost Your Visibility: Participating Garden Centers receive national recognition on Seed Your Future’s website and promotional efforts.
• Connect with your Local Schools: Consider offering support for your local schools to utilize plants and gardening in everyday education. (I added this one.)

And, I believe it could be helping encourage some of your very best future customers!

Now take a look at the faces below... Do you see

Now take a look at the faces below... Do you see Your Future Team... or Audience?

It could be both!

How it Works

1. Sign Up: Register your garden center [link to form or contact info].
2. Get Free Materials: Seed Your Future provides everything you need—signage, graphics, and more.
3. Collect Donations: Enable the round-up feature on your POS system or collect set donation amounts.
4. Support Student Programs: Funds raised directly support scholarships, career resources, and outreach to inspire the next generation.

When?
Some Centers are running the program the month of April, others in May. It's your choice on when and how long you run it in your Center.

Ready to Sign Your Center up? SIGN UP NOW!

Summary: There is no cost to your Center, only effort. And it promotes Horticulture to all of your audience. Be sure to visit the Seed Your Future Resource Page for Employers and download the BLOOM! Tool Kit. Find it HERE!

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!