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Retailers' Choice Awards from Cultivate'26

by: Danny Summers
Category: Danny's Blog
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Jul
16

Retailers' Choice Awards from Cultivate'26

by Danny Summers

Columbus, OH, July 13, 2026: Retailers’ Choice Awards™ were presented to 13 exhibiting firms for 15 products at Cultivate’26 in Columbus, OH on July 13, 2026.

The Garden Center Group’s Danny Summers and Tim Quebedeaux led the search as Garden Retailers selected the best new products to bring excitement and noteworthy interest to their stores in the coming season. Following is a list of firms (presented A-Z) and the products receiving recognition. You may download a full recap below.

DOWNLOAD a full recap HERE.

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How Important is NEW?

by: Danny Summers
Category: Danny's Blog
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Jun
27

How Important is NEW?

by Danny Summers

We all know the answer to this question...

It can be VERY important!

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HIGH Expectations!

by: Danny Summers
Category: Danny's Blog
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Jun
08

HIGH Expectations!

by Danny Summers

As spring winds down and Group Centers begin to promote summer activities and events, we also have major trade shows in our sights. The Group will focus on both Cultivate'26 and Farwest'26. Both of these are listed below in our Retailers' Choice Awards signups. Be sure to participate if you will be at either.

New Plant Varieties and Products Galore
Both events feature large numbers of new plant varieties and new product showcases highlighting what can be found throughout the show floor. It's a great place to begin your search for great new items. Here are a couple of things we already know to expect to find...

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The Search for Amazing!

by: Danny Summers
Category: Danny's Blog
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Mar
27

The Search for Amazing!

by Danny Summers

Last week, I shared a blog post through our main eList GroupEs featuring Ball Publishing's video coverage of the California Spring Trials 2026 (aka: CAST) as they visited each site and the participating genetics firms.

Each morning after their previous day's tour, they shared what they found in video, how each new introduction was unique and why each new plant impressed them. A special THANK YOU to Chris Beytes, Jen Zurko, and Bill Calkins for guiding us through all the Amazing Plants and Osvaldo Cuevas for his professional videography!

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California Trials 2026 - by Ball Publishing's GrowerTalks

by: Danny Summers
Category: General Blog
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Mar
24

California Trials 2026

Coverage by Ball Publishing's GrowerTalks

Most Garden Centers do not attend the California Trails in-person, but you can see what's coming in new plants through the GrowerTalks coverage. Chris Beytes, Jen Zurko, and Bill Calkins provide your best seat to not only read but to see their video coverage.

This is a preview of what we will see at upcoming trade shows and the exceptional new plants that may be selected by you for the Retailers' Choice Awards or Cool Product Awards!

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A Simple Idea That Simply Works!

by: Danny Summers
Category: Danny's Blog
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Jul
21

A Simple Idea That Simply Works!

by Danny Summers

Last week, we had a very active group of Garden Center Owners and Managers participate in the Retailers' Choice Awards™ search at Cultivate'25. The show is always a haven for new plants, and this year was no different. The Retailers had no problem spotting many deserving plants and products – 53 were nominated and 15 were awarded.

What Began 20 Years Ago
As I begin to recap the Retailers' Choice Awards Winners presented at Cultivate'25, I thought I would share how the idea for this effort began. It was 2005, and Karen and I were managing the Southern Nursery Association (SNA) and its large trade show in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center. It was our 17th SNA Show to produce. That year, SNA 2005 was in its 3rd year of a new expanded floor plan, and one section was dedicated to everything Retail.

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The Search for Unique

by: Danny Summers
Category: Danny's Blog
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Jul
07

The Search for Unique

by Danny Summers

If you are like me, late this week I will head to Columbus, Ohio to Cultivate'25. It is one of the industry's largest trade shows and the creation of our national trade association, American Horticulture Association (aka AmericanHort).

A Little Backstory: If you are relatively new to the industry, Cultivate has its origins as the Ohio Short Course, produced by the Ohio Florists Association or OFA, and commonly known for years as The Short Course. Ironically, there really wasn't anything "short" about it. While it had some "florist" related sessions, the event grew into the nation's largest show for greenhouse growers. They were the main targeted attendee, and therefore most of the exhibitors were offering everything a greenhouse grower would need to produce annuals and any other greenhouse-produced plant types.

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California Trials 2025 - coverage by Ball Publishing

by: Danny Summers
Category: General Blog
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Mar
23

California Trials 2025

Coverage by Ball Publishing's GrowerTalks

Most Garden Centers do not attend the California Trails in-person, but you can see what's coming in new plants through the GrowerTalks coverage. Chris Beytes, Jen Zurko, and Bill Calkins provide your best seat to not only read but to see their video coverage.

This is a preview of what we will see at upcoming trade shows and the exceptional new plants that may be selected by you for the Retailers' Choice Awards or Cool Product Awards!

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New Treasures Found!

by: Danny Summers
Category: Danny's Blog
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Jan
27

New Treasures Found!

by Danny Summers

With every Group Gathering, I am excited to see what we will find and what we will learn. It is certainly always the case at The Fall Event. It is also true when we gather at other industry events.

Whether at MANTS, TPIE, Cultivate, or Farwest, the possibilities of new plants, new products and new ideas can bring great excitement!

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