November/December 2022 - 4

EDITOR'S LETTER
Talkin' to (and
About) Plants
Do you talk to your plants?
If you do, you're not alone -
according to a survey from Trees.
com, 48% of people reported
talking to their trees and/or
plants. What's more, of the 1,250 people surveyed to
learn more about their plant-talking habits, one in five
said they speak to their plants every day, and (TMI,
anyone?) nearly one in four even said they have kissed
their plants.
So why do we talk to our plants? Perhaps we think of
them as our babies, à la plant parents? But it's not just
houseplants we talk to - although they are evidently
the most conversational; 80% of respondents said they
talk to their houseplants, while 62% talk to outdoor
plants and 37% talk to trees.
But back to the question of why: 65% of respondents
believed it helps them to grow, 62% said it helps their
own mental health to talk to plants, and 24% think of
their houseplants as pets.
Do you talk to your plants? Maybe we all should be!
In This Issue
This issue features something you're sure to be talking
about around the garden center - 15 varieties that have
earned recognition from notable industry associations
for their strong performance, bold colors and resilience.
Every organization has a slightly different method of
choosing its standout performers, but one thing all
these varieties have in common is success in numerous
trials. Turn to page 18 for all the details.
Outdoor living is a product category that soared
during the pandemic and continues to dominate. In this
issue, organizers from the international spoga+gafa
trade show share some of the latest developments in
outdoor furniture and accessories, garden tools and
outdoor kitchens. See page 46 for more.
Your IGC is much more than just a place to buy plants
and mulch; it can serve as a key source of information.
" Knowledgeable and trained staff, targeted communication
strategies matched to your store's demographics, and
effective use of technology to provide accurate landscape
management information are means by which you can
establish your garden center as the destination for landscape
answers, " writes author Tim Dungan. " While sometimes the
competition can beat you on price, don't let them beat you
when it comes to preparation and knowledge. " Turn to page
24 for more insights.
So, spill it: do you talk to your plants? Let me know at
tmcpherson@greatamericanpublish.com.
EDITORIAL
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EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
JD Boone
Melissa Frank
Jessie Jacobson
Jennifer Moss
Tiger Palafox
Stan Pohmer
Danny Summers
Kate Terrell
Dothan Nurseries
Weston Nurseries
Tonkadale Greenhouse
Moss Greenhouses
Mission Hills Nursery
Pohmer Consulting Group
The Garden Center Group
Wallace's Garden Center
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Garden Retailer do not necessarily reflect those of the editors and publisher. Appearance
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Teresa McPherson, MANAGING EDITOR
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4 | LAWN & GARDEN RETAILER | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022
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November/December 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of November/December 2022