April 2023 - 36

MARKETING
Most of the gardens helped are growing vegetables,
and the harvests stay with the schools - with myriad
benefits: healthier choices, offset food costs for the
school, and kids more willing to eat these vegetables
because they grew them.
Bonsey suggests garden centers connect with local
schools in their area to let them know you want to help.
He says creating a deeper sense of community through
giving will also enhance store traffic.
He says getting a mention in school
newsletters is a good way to create
awareness. " School newsletters are
newsletters that actually get read. So
if you get a little line in there that says,
'Skillins Greenhouses donated to our
local high school and was a huge part
of our school garden program,' all
the parents are actually reading it.
That makes a difference - and it's
good advertising. It's good-will advertising. I think that's a
good way to do things.
" And then the little kids are going to potentially say,
'Let's go to Skillins Greenhouses.' Most of our garden
centers do a good job on that. And then some of the
garden centers will call me and say they had the school
contact them - 'Can you help out?' It's always yes. "
Garden Center Response
Kelley says they've helped about a half dozen
gardens through the program, mostly local schools and
community gardens.
" The participants are always so grateful for our help; we
love when they come back and share their success stories
with us, " she says.
" I believe the benefits to the nursery are immeasurable.
It shows our customers that we are
here to help support the community. Of
course, the publicity is an added benefit.
We encourage the participants to tag us,
along with Coast of Maine in any of their
social media posts regarding their project.
This program has helped us to develop
stronger relationships with our customers. "
She says they've seen an uptick in interest in
gardening in recent years, including kids. " There
has been an influx of homeowners to our area since
the pandemic. Many of these new homeowners have never
known the joy of gardening. We are so happy to introduce
them to what we hope will be a lifelong hobby. "
Score Seed and Garden Supply in Wilmington, Delaware,
participates in the Growing Good program and has
also donated sod to little leagues and done some small
sponsorships of local fundraisers.
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36 | LAWN & GARDEN RETAILER | APRIL 2023
http://www.soilmoist.com
April 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of April 2023
