Everyone is talking about this weekend’s House of Cards binge - even the cast of Sesame Street. 

In a new clip titled “House of Bricks” a cruel politician named Frank Underwolf attempts to blow down the three little pigs’ houses and take over the strong “White Brick House.” 

This clip has everything, House of Cards references, basic math problems and even an appearance by the three little pigs. (And yes, Underwolf speaks directly in to the camera.)

The Sesame Street version of House of Cards demonstrates a valuable public relations lesson. Brands can reach more consumers when they cater their messages to appeal to target audiences. 

Continue reading to learn how garden brands can appeal to new consumers.

“Power pinners” and bloggers were not happy with Pinterest this month after the web-based inspiration board began to ban affiliate links posted by its users.  

According to Wired.com, “Basically, Pinterest is removing the ability for its most influential ‘Pinners’ to make money via outside marketing networks, including rewardStyle and Hello Society, according to an email obtained by VentureBeat.”  

Wired reported that Pinterest removed these links and redirects because they caused “irrelevant pins in feeds.”

Though the social site is making changes (that many assume will ultimately help it make money), PR professionals can still utilize pins to create a dynamic campaign.

Continue reading for more information about your brand can use Pinterest to create a successful PR campaign. 

New York Fashion week ends today, which means the world’s most stylish influencers are packing their designer bags and looking to a new city for this season’s inspiration.

Trend spotters at Garden Media are feeling especially inspired and are gathering materials from the shows for our 2016 Garden Trends.    

Though one deals with fabric and the other deals with soil, the garden and fashion industry have a lot in common.

Continue reading for more information about what garden brands can learn from New York Fashion Week.

Garden Media Group is ready for its close up. In addition to releasing our in-depth trends whitepaper, today we launch our new YouTube video series highlighting top industry trends for 2015. The Garden Trends Report for 2015, “Unearthing the Best Life,” identifies nine consumer trends that will shape the garden and outdoor living industry for the coming year. Each video in the series highlights one trend to help viewers understand why it resonates in the industry.

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, which means thousands of people across the country will demonstrate their love and affection thought cards, candy and dinner.

While a lot of people offer different opinions about the Feb. 14 holiday, there’s one thing professionals in this industry can agree on: working in public relations is like dating.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, here is a list of reasons why we equate this industry to the dating scene. 

Continue reading for more information about why working in public relations is like dating.

Elena of Avalor is the newest princess slated to appear on the Disney Junior network in 2016.

While Disney fans are used to meeting a variety of new characters on a regular basis, Elena proves significant because she is the first "princess inspired by Latin cultures." 

According to Mashable, “Elena, described as a "confident and compassionate" 16-year-old, will be introduced in a 2016 episode of Sofia the First and that arc will set the stage for the launch of a solo series, Disney said.”

Elena of Avalor’s introduction also demonstrates a new top garden trend: appealing to a diverse customer base.

Garden brands need to focus on the industry’s top new consumers for 2015: Hispanics, millennials and young men. 

Continue reading for information on how brands can connect with the new consumers.

It’s no secret that email is the most convenient form of communication when it comes to most daily tasks, but especially in public relations. PR professionals use email hourly to pitch media, coordinate interviews and talk to clients around the world.

Garden brands also use it to connect with consumers in a variety of ways.

While it is easy, instant and efficient, the tone of a message doesn’t always translate from screen to screen.

According to PR Daily, an email send off, also known as a valediction, can be just as important as the body of the message itself.

Its list of 39 ways to close an email demonstrates that valedictions can also show creativity while still remaining professional.

Garden brands that structure their emails professionally and show creativity will see higher response rates.

Continue reading for tips on how to close an email.

Awards season is here, which means television audiences have another chance to see artists recognized for their work, admire celebrities as they walk the red carpet and most importantly, watch Tina Fey and Amy Poehler host the Golden Globes for the last time (or so they say).

These shows also allow viewers at home to participate in a classic tradition - speculating about wins. Garden Media’s favorite Golden Globes win of the evening was Gina Rodriguez - Jane the Virgin – for Best Actress in Musical or Comedy. Not only did she beat out serious competition in her category, the award shed light on the industry’s growing group of new consumers, Hispanics.

Just because televised awards shows are considered extravagant, formal events in Hollywood, doesn’t mean recognition is only reserved for the rich and famous.

Those invested in the PR industry know that “awards” come in a variety shapes and sizes, and can be filtered through a lot of different mediums.

Continue reading to learn how PR insiders recognize clients, coworkers and members of the media for their hard work.  

Cat lover. New York City enthusiast. Reigning millennial pop queen. Public relations genius.

Taylor Swift is everywhere.  And if 2014 was any indication, she isn’t going anywhere for a long time, whether you like it or not.

Swift’s latest album, 1989, dropped Oct. 27, 2014. It sold 1.2 million copies in its first week and remains on the top of iTunes charts.

Additionally, Swift has 48.6 million followers on Twitter, 16.5 million fans on Instagram and has mastered Tumblr since joining in September.

She didn’t fall into this new-and-improved image entirely by chance. Garden brands that take a page from her PR book will ultimately see an increase in sales and brand ambassadors. 

Continue reading to learn how your garden brand can “Taylor Swift” in 2015. 

Garden industry insiders should never be at a loss for ideas.

People always seem to be starting new companies, creating new lawn and landscape products, and even producing different publications.

When these businesses start, they ultimately look to public relations professionals to help spread the world about their new brand.

A recent PR Daily article titled “8 questions startups should ask before hiring a PR firm” highlights what new companies should look for when hiring outside help to promote their product or image.

One key point the article doesn’t mention is that it works both ways.

Not only do startups have to carefully interview the companies they want to promote their brand, public relations firms also need to choose their clients wisely. Ultimately, a client list contributes to any PR firm’s overall image.

Continue reading to learn more about how your garden PR firm should pick clients.