February 2025 - 10

HEADLINES/CALENDAR
ThinkPlants Expands With New
Shrub Program
ThinkPlants is expanding
into the North American
shrub market with the
launch of a new shrub liner
program. This initiative
signifies a strategic move
to enhance the ThinkPlants
portfolio, which has
primarily focused on
perennial genetics since its
inception in 2018.
In collaboration
with Monrovia Nursery,
ThinkPlants aims to promote
young plant sales for shrubs
across North America. Monrovia has long been a leader in
introducing innovative shrub genetics, gaining a wealth of
unique plant offerings over the years.
" This partnership with ThinkPlants allows us to expand
our young plants sales further, " said Jonathan Pedersen,
president and CEO of Monrovia. " We are committed to
producing the best liners available, similar to our approach
with finished plants, while establishing a high-quality supply
chain and introducing unique genetics. "
Creekside Greenhouses, a participant in the ThinkPlants
network since 2021, will also play a significant role in this
shrub initiative, focusing on the introduction and sales of
pre-finished hydrangeas.
In alignment with its perennial program, this initiative
makes all shrubs available without branding restrictions,
allowing various programs to use leading market genetics
and reach more consumers.
Suntory Flowers Announces
European Division
Suntory Flowers Ltd.'s acquisition of European partner MNP
(Moerheim New Plants) in the Netherlands aims to enhance
Suntory's business in bedding plants, as well as fresh cut
flowers. MNP is now officially Suntory Flowers Europe B.V.
" With the launch of Suntory Flowers Europe, we are
aiming to accelerate our foreign business operations,
focusing on Europe, our most important region, " said
Suntory Flowers president Yasunori Yomo. " More than ever,
I believe that Suntory's flowers can decorate and change
the landscape of Europe's cities. "
MNP's Jeroen Egtberts is now president of Suntory Flowers
Europe. Emphasizing the integration's significance, he said,
" This union marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
This is the natural evolution of a long-lasting and fruitful
partnership, years of support and commitment from all our
stakeholders - our employees, partners and customers
alike. We remain fully dedicated to delivering the quality and
innovation that have defined MNP for decades, with a firm
commitment to future growth and prosperity for all involved. "
Monrovia Expands Pollinator Program
Monrovia's Bee a Winner giveaway program will include
two giveaway periods this year to best fit regional timing and
key shopping days - with deadlines of Feb. 28 and March 14.
After registering, garden centers must place a $2,000
minimum order of Monrovia's pollinator-friendly plants to
receive 10 free additional plants to use as customer prizes.
The orders include posters with an easy-to-use QR code
that links to a customer entry form, ready-to-link online
entry forms, digital graphics and other marketing tools.
Participating garden centers are encouraged to create a
fun in-store display using the pollinator plants and their
communication channels to promote the program.
To create even more buzz this year, shoppers will also
have a chance to win Monrovia's Grand Prize nationwide
Instagram giveaway for a $500 shopping spree at their
selected Bee a Winner location.
Each year, the Bee a Winner program grows as gardeners
focus more on attracting pollinators to their gardens.
" Our research shows that interest in attracting pollinators
continues to expand. Gardeners are searching for beautiful,
climate appropriate plants that create diversity in the
landscape and draw pollinators in, " said Katie Tamony, chief
marketing officer. " Attracting hummingbirds is the latest
10 | LAWN & GARDEN RETAILER | FEBRUARY 2025
http://www.weeddragon.com
February 2025

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of February 2025
