Perennial grower
The plugs come in biodegradable paper sleeves, eliminating the need for plastic pots. Before the switch to Elle Plugs, Walters shipped an average of 4 million plants in plastic pots each year. Growers appreciate that they’re placing less waste in landfill. They’re also fond of the product’s fast turnaround time.
Susan Martin, director of marketing communications at Walters Gardens, recently spoke with a grower who’s using Elle Plugs. He said starter plants grown in plastic pots, which he used to buy from the company, took eight or nine weeks to finish. Elle Plugs, however, take only five to seven weeks, depending on the plant.
“This faster finishing time allows for quicker space turnover, freeing up space in his greenhouse for second and even third crops of some items,” Martin said. “Now he can supply his retail customers with fresh product all season long, not just in spring.”
Top-notch hostas
Elle Plugs aren’t the only exciting development at
To spread the word about Designer Hostas, Walters Gardens created a Web site devoted to the plants: www.designerhosta.com. The site targets end consumers and includes a “Find a Retailer” search function.
The Designer Hosta Web site joins the company’s two other online resources: www.waltersgardens.com, a site for green-industry professionals, and www.perennialresource.com, another site targeting consumers. These Web sites were re-launched this month and feature updated information on more than 1,000 perennial varieties.
“We are very excited to be able to provide such valuable online tools to our customers and consumers, and hope to better service the growing Gen X and Y market with these tools,” Martin said.
{sidebar id=3|
For more:
July 2008