Say What?

MyGardenInsider.com
A new generation gardening website offers gardeners access to many dimensions of gardening.

As popular as gardening is, it remains a mystery to most. In fact, 32 percent of active gardeners say they are not very experienced and 54 percent claim they are only somewhat experienced in gardening. That is a large number of gardeners (86 percent) who do not possess much gardening knowledge.

Where do gardeners get their information? Plant tags are the primary source of information in determining which plants are best for their garden. Fully 96 percent of inexperienced or somewhat experienced gardeners rely on plant tags to make purchasing decisions. But a significant number also note that additional plant information is accessed via the Internet.


New online resource
MasterTag is introducing a new consumer website this fall called MyGardenInsider.com. Created by industry professionals, the website provides an insider's perspective on the horticulture industry that is integrated with clear instructional information, inspiring projects, beautiful images and a searchable library. MyGardenInsider.com is rich in content, taking plant care information far beyond what can be found on a typical horticulture tag.

The website is designed to have a dialog with gardeners through social media and consumer surveys. The site is mobile-ready and can be accessed via QR codes and smartphones to provide instantaneous information at the retail store or on the web in the comfort of one's home.

MyGardenInsider.com promises to deliver a broad spectrum of gardening information that spans the scope of experience levels and varied interest among gardeners. It offers the opportunity to link it all back to the point of sale and the need for immediate access to relevant information. At the same time, it avoids the common mistakes of QR codes that point users to replicating content or difficult to view web pages.


Multiple dimensions of gardening
The heart of the content is a searchable plant database, allowing gardeners to locate detailed information and search by multiple criteria such as bloom time, plant names or desired features such as butterfly attractors or drought tolerant plants.

In addition, gardeners will enjoy pages devoted to sustainable gardening, recipes, inspiring 'how to' projects and interesting articles that take gardening knowledge into new areas of interest and inspiration.


A dialog with gardeners
MyGardenInsider.com has been designed to be a dialog with gardeners. From the social media sites of Facebook and Twitter to blogs and special community areas, gardeners will be able to communicate with the MyGardenInsider.com staff as well as each other.

This open conversation forum will bring a resource of information that will grow and evolve. It will provide a platform for breeders, growers, garden writers and many others to reach the gardener in a personal way. Look for the launch of MyGardenInsider.com during fall 2011.



Gerry Giorgio is an artist, urban gardener and creative director at MasterTag, www.mastertag.com.