As the year draws to a close, trend forecasting is in full swing, from must-have plants to emerging landscape styles. But nothing signals the start of a new year quite like Pantone’s Color of the Year announcement.

And while teal will always be the COTY in our hearts, the Pantone Color Institute has chosen Mocha Mousse—a rich, comforting neutral poised to make its mark in everything from interiors to landscapes.

Pantone describes Mocha Mousse as “a mellow brown infused with a sensorial and comforting warmth.” This shade is a dramatic departure from last year’s boring Peach Fuzz. Its grounding and sophisticated tone feels perfectly on trend. As darker finishes and earth tones dominate both home and garden design, Mocha Mousse is a natural, neutral choice.

I enjoyed attending the Wall Street Journal's Future of Everything Festival in New York City this week.

The event brought leaders from various industries together to share their insights and predictions for the future... of everything. From technology and healthcare to entertainment and education, the festival provided a comprehensive look at the trends and innovations that shape our world. 

One consistent theme throughout the festival was AI and its future impact. Every presenter was asked about their views on AI, resulting in a 50/50 mix of optimism and caution. While some saw AI as a revolutionary force with boundless potential, others raised concerns about increased time spent on devices and cybersecurity risks. This diverse range of perspectives set the stage for a thought-provoking and engaging event.

Read on for my key takeaways from

some of the notable speakers:

As a garden business or horticulture PR professional, you know that securing top-tier media placements can significantly boost your brand's visibility and credibility. Heck, why lese would you be reading our blog?

However, getting the attention of journalists amidst a sea of competing pitches can be challenging. Especially in today's market of freelancers and AI, it's hard for PR pro's and journalists alike to know who to trust.  

There is not one key to breaking through the noise, but it starts with finding the right person to pitch. Journalists are tired of PR pro's who don't do their research or understand what they write about, their beat. 

Once you find the right person, however, the magic lies in crafting compelling pitches that resonate with journalists and their audiences.

There are a few essential steps to land top-tier placements: determining a compelling angle and writing a pitch that stands out. 

Read on to learn How to Land Top Tier Placements with compelling pitches.

I recently had the pleasure of co-presenting with Sam Kirkland of Epicor and Jennifer Hatalski of Calloway's about Customer Loyalty. What is it? How do you get it? And what the trends today are (my section... obviously.) 

We learned that with so many competitors, it is tough for small garden brands to get ahead of the curve. Small brands often double up efforts to get recognized against more established brands. Why?

• 82% stopped dealing with businesses with poor customer service.
• It costs 5% more to acquire a new customer than to keep an existing one satisfied and happy.
• Loyal repetitive customers spend 33% more than new ones.
• 50% of millennials and Gen Zers believe earning rewards is more hassle than it’s worth.

Sam, Jennifer and I described how “Earn and burn,” or pure discount-based programs, are no longer enough. Consumers are looking for something more.

When it comes to loyalty rewards, it’s no longer just about the transaction at point of purchase; it’s about additional experiences and services that create new touchpoints. 

Read more to learn the 5 Trends in Customer Loyalty sure to keep customers coming back.

Hi there,

We made it! Good for us. Before putting 2020 to bed, let's reflect and take stock of this long, extraordinary year.

Who thought on January 1 when I took over Garden Media Group from my mom that this was the year we would have? Yes, there were challenges. Closures. Disruptions. Losses. But despite it all, I look back on 2020 with gratitude and look forward with optimism.

Events, conferences, trade shows, it’s a common tool for buying and selling in the green industry. But it seems like every week we hear of another show cancelling due to COVID-19. Many are choosing to go virtual.

Yes, virtual events can be a headache to attend and plan for, they do offer some unique opportunities to build brand value and trust. The internet can be a strategic resource that can help your business pivot and adapt.

Event marketers agree (97%) — going forward, the most rewarding events will have a virtual component

Read on to discover how you can use online events in your digital marketing campaign and profit from them.

This month, garden industry insiders will gather virtually for Cultivate’20, AmericanHort’s annual conference.

Katie will once again be premiering the firms widely anticipated annual Garden Trends Report and sharing what they see as the future of gardening.

Katie will present the firm’s 2021 Garden Trends Report, The Great Reset, LIVE and offer a peek into what will be trending in horticulture in 2021 and beyond on a panel, “A Retailers’ Planning Guide for 2021: You asked to be declared an essential business, now choose to be one.”

They represent 42 percent of all companies, employing 9.4 million workers and generating $1.9 trillion in revenue, according to American Express research. Specifically, 13 percent of these firms are in the professional / scientific / technical services category, which includes horticulture.

While the number of women-owned firms continues to grow, they only employ 6 percent of the nation’s workforce and contribute just under 4 percent of business revenue—roughly the same share they contributed in 1997.

That’s why supporting women in business to enable them to grow their companies to the next level is crucial. Join Garden Media Group June 1-5 to support, honor and promote these amazing professionals and their achievements during Women in Horticulture Week.

Women play a crucial role in the horticulture industry—not only as entrepreneurs, growers, researchers, marketers and employees at all levels, but also as the largest consumers of home and garden products.

As a second-generation women-owned business, I am proud to celebrate inspirational, hardworking and dedicated women and spotlight their contributions to the horticulture industry with Women in Horticulture Week.

"With women making up the majority of gardening consumers, and the growing percentage and role women play as professionals in horticulture, we need to face—head-on—the incredibly lopsided power and leadership dynamics that currently exist in the industry,” adds Leslie Finical Halleck, Halleck Horticulture, LLC.

Here are some creative ways you can celebrate Women in Horticulture Week.

Nature and plants - indoors or out - are known to have many benefits for adults and children including cleaner air, a healthier environment and they are a good stimulus for mental health.

In times like now, when so much seems uncertain, you can be sure that your plants and nature are still working for and with you. Many organizations have resources explaining the individual benefits and how nature can change your life.

Read more to discover those resources. 

From our friends at the National Garden Bureau...

Your yoga classes, meetings, and concerts are canceled. The kids are out of school and you’re being encouraged to stay home.