Connecticut growers to launch marketing program

The Conn. Greenhouse Growers Assoc. and Conn. Nursery & Landscape Assoc. have teamed up to launch the Connecticut GardenStars marketing program. Starting in April 2010, the program will promote 39 plants over a period of 30 months. The program, which will promote both woody and flowering plants, is scheduled to end in Sept. 2012.
The campaign is backed by a $75,000 USDA specialty crop grant aimed at boosting sales of plants produced by Connecticut greenhouse and nursery growers. The grower will have access to marketing materials and there will be a partnership with retailers and wholesalers to promote the performance of these plants.
The official roll-out of the GardenStars campaign will occur at the Conn. Flower & Garden Show in Hartford, Feb. 18-21. Pieris (Andromeda) and viola species will be the first plants promoted starting in April.