CONTENTS MAY 2022 | VOLUME 21 | NUMBER 5 On the Cover: Turn to page 18 for merchandising tips and ideas for accent and décor items. FEATURES 12 Signs of Spring DEPARTMENTS 06 Editor's Letter 08 Headlines/Calendar MARKETING Signs of Spring Hicks Nurseries, Long Island's largest garden center, kicked off the spring season with its 32nd annual Flower & Garden Show. By Teresa McPherson Local Love Find out how two IGCs are partnering with local businesses for mutual success. By Teresa McPherson MERCHANDISING Merchandising Accent and Décor Items Garden center customers are shopping for unexpected and unique accent and décor items - here are some tips and tricks to sell more of these items. By Teresa McPherson Retail Inspiration at California Spring Trials: Part 1 Put these ideas from plant breeders at CAST into your own retail displays. By Stephen Kloosterman TECHNOLOGY Digital Payments on the Rise The pandemic resulted in more garden retailers turning to digital payment methods. By Keith Loria 36 24 4 | LAWN & GARDEN RETAILER | MAY 2022 Retail Inspiration at Spring Trials In This Issue: Garden Center Technology Exterior Design Trends Pandemic Gardening Miss our April Issue? It's now available to view on lgrmag.com 18 18 24 Merchandising Strategies Merchandising Accent and Décor Items 12 27 Organics in the Garden Center Products to help your customers' home gardens grow. 14 38 Pohmer On... Traditional Versus Modern Marketing By Stan Pohmer 42 Industry Pulse 44 Marketplace 48 Ad Index 50 5 Minutes with ... Peter Mezitt By Teresa McPherson vhttp://www.lgrmag.com