Re: Consumer story ideas in 2010

**"* P* <R*@Comcast.net>**

Ryan,

One of the most common questions I get at Farmer's Markets, where I 
volunteer as a Master Gardener (if you really want to know what the consumer 
wants or likes, this is a great place) is...

How come this shrub did not bloom this year? AND, of course after a few 
specific questions, it is usually a Big Leaf Hydrangea (H. macrophylla).

My area, Oakland County, Michigan is mostly a 5A-5B Hardiness Zone...as you 
are probably aware, since Spring Meadow Nursery is located in Michigan. The 
general public in the shoulder zone (5) is not aware of the touchiness of 
these traditional, Hydrangeas that only bloom on old wood and that many are 
listed as Zone 6 hardy. Michiganders and many other shoulder zone areas want 
to grow them anyway. We like to push the limits of the zones...sun...etc. 
The public sees old established Big Leaf Hydrangeas in older neighborhoods 
and want them also...because they are so showy and fit with modern or 
traditional gardens. When and how to prune, frost care, fertilizing, how 
much sun or shade, color, etc. are constant questions during the summer 
blooming season.

Hope that helps. Gosh, I'm sure you have never got this question 
before...HA...I don't believe it!

Have a great New Year and good luck in the new position!

Sandie Parrott
Freelance Writer and Photographer
Contributor to:
Michigan Gardener
The Herbarist
the Oakland Press
the Flint Journal
theMulch.com
treemoving.com
Phone: 248-394-1532
email: info@SandieParrott.com
Website: www.SandieParrott.com

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ryan McGrath" <ryan@springmeadownursery.com>
To: <gardenwriters@lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: Monday, December 28, 2009 2:45 PM
Subject: [GWL] Consumer story ideas in 2010

> One of our jobs at Proven Winners Color Choice is to help educate the 
> public
> on how to select, buy and maintain shrubs in general (not just our 
> plants).
>
> Many of you give seminars, work with master gardeners or write columns. So
> you know the common questions that consumers ask. I am specifically
> interested in hearing about the top questions from consumers about shrubs.
> What questions are you constantly being asked by your friends?
>
> If you have any suggestions for educational topics on shrubs that might be
> the most interesting to the buying public in 2010, please let me know. We
> might include your ideas in press releases, articles, newsletters or
> advertising for the consumer audience.
>
> I will make sure to give you credit for your suggestions, if at all
> possible, such as quoting you in press releases, suggesting you as a 
> source
> for media interviews, or plugging your blog, book, column, etc. in our
> newsletter.
>
> At your service,
>
> Ryan McGrath
> Marketing & PR Specialist
> Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc.
> 12601 120th Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417
> 616.223.3368
> www.springmeadownursery.com
>
>
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