Posted by Posted by Kate Spirgen
Published January 26, 2022The Garden Center Group had its largest-ever group of garden retailers participate in the Cool Products Awards at TPIE held Jan 19-21 in Tampa, Florida.
They awarded 14 companies awards for 15 new products. You can read all about them by scrolling through the slideshow below.
Sanseveria m. 'Whale Fin' Variegated from Aroid Greenhouses
This unique form of snake plant resembling a whale fin with a dramatic variegated stripe.

Expandable Moss Totem Pole from Aroid Greenhouses
A unique design allows for the pole to expand as plants grow by stacking another pole on top. Each pole features a cap that finishes off the top. Available in several sizes.

Mad About Mangave 'Mission to Mars' from Florida Tropiculture
A common nickname for Mars is the Red Planet, and this mangave gets its name from its unique, intense red coloration on the leaves. The 2¾-inch wide, thick, green leaves are heavily speckled with burgundy red, with spots that bleed into each other for an overall red appearance. It was one of several mangaves Florida Tropiculture offers.

Planters and Stands from FLORIDIS
FLORIDIS is the exclusive importer of the brand Floridis planters, which are manufactured in Brazil. The planters are made of polyethylene resin, making them super light and extremely tough and resistant. They have a wide variety of styles, sizes and colors to add a modern line of planters to your stores and projects. One smaller style (shown) has a unique stand which flips to offer two display heights.

Tradescantia minima 'Pink Panther' from Holt Nurseries
This dwarf wandering jew is a real eye-catcher as it shows off its tricolor personality of lite green, white and pink hues. As one judge said, “in the sunlight it almost appears pearlescent."

Plants That Perform! from Florida Cactus
Florida Cactus not only offers an extensive line of both cacti and succulents that many garden centers rely on but they also shared a creative visual message for retailers … Plants that Perform! They collected different old musical instruments and displayed combinations of their plants in and around the instruments with the message. Our judges were impressed and took lots of photos to help them at their garden centers!

Expanded Plant Varieties in Kokedamas and Display Ideas from Kazumi Garden
Kazumi Garden has received Cool Product Awards before as they introduced the ancient Japanese art of kokedamas (meaning ball of moss) but this year, they are not only offering a greater number of plant varieties in kokedamas but they also are providing ideas for properly displaying these works of art. While they only sell the kokedamas, the Kazumi Team gave examples of both natural and ceramic bases for these plants.

Alocasia curpea ‘Red Secret’ from Northland Floral
This is a plant that when you first see it you are wondering, “Is it real?” This unusual Alocasia has a metallic look of copper. Northland shared in its maturity, this variety has leaves to 24 inches long. The metallic color is especially pronounced on juvenile leaves, and the back of the leaf is a deep purple.

Assorted Succulent Planters from Popes Plant Farm
When the judges walked by Popes Plant Farm Booth, they were instantly attracted to the wide assortment of succulent combination planters. From small to larger sizes and from natural-look containers to whimsical themes, there is so much to consider.

Bohemian Collection Indoor-Outdoor Planters from Pottery Pots USA
Pottery Pots introduced their new Bohemian Collection which features natural bamboo exteriors and a concrete/fiberglass interior for both indoor and outdoor use. There is a variety of sizes and styles in this collection.

New Heads Planters Collection from Pottery Patch
The Pottery Patch has attracted judges in previous years with their creative styles and this year was no different. Their collection of Head Planters in multiple styles was an instant selection for the judges who are convinced they will sell quickly.

Bendable Plant Poles from Mossify
Mossify was quite busy for their first appearance at TPIE as they introduced their new bendable coir and moss plant poles. Available in two thicknesses (diameters) with one with smaller coir covering and the other larger with moss, each available in 3 sizes. During the presentation, Lucas Picciolo, founder, said, “with Mossify poles it puts creativity in the hands of the plant owner.” During the presentation Lucas also shared details on their new cordless plant mister (Mossify Mistr).

Macrame, Jute and Seagrass Pots, Hangers and Pot Covers from Creation Jute USA
Creation Jute has an extensive line of handmade macrame plant hangers, braided jute pot covers, jute rope pot covers, seagrass pot covers and much more, all in several tones. Creation Jute USA is based in Connecticut and is the wholesale distributer of Creation Private Limited based in Bangladesh.

Xaxim Sustainable Planters from Biofink
A differentiated product, the Xaxim planter is 100% ecological, which is surprising due to its great absorption of water and nutrients, as well as its total similarity with the original fern fiber, which had its sale prohibited due to the risk of extinction of the plant used for its manufacture. The Xaxim pot’s rooting capacity and its ecologically correct manufacturing process also contribute to the wide acceptance of the product and strengthen its position as a concrete alternative to fern tree fern fiber. The Xaxim Pots are available in five different sizes.

Philodendron ‘Red Moon’ from R & D Nurseries
This rare variety shows off a dramatic, red color in both half-leaves and some stems along with vibrant yellows and green colorations. This is certainly not one you will be ordering large quantities of since availabilities are low but certainly one to keep your eyes open for in the future.
