Terra Nova Nurseries launches new technology to engage online communities

Terra Nova Nurseries recently announced the official launch of a new technology program including social media channels, informative videos, QR codes and a smartphone application. The goal of this outreach is to create a multi-channel system for communicating with growers, retailers and consumers as well as engaging with diverse online communities.

One of the channels is Facebook, a social-networking site where fans can view plant and nursery photos, and converse with Terra Nova staff members through posted comments and questions. Users can also find plant and collection introductions, breeding highlights, liner specials for growers, support content for retailers, and even how-to articles for home gardeners. A new blog is being used for longer narratives and photos to include a range of subject-matter from plant availability to personnel bios.

An image-hosting network has been set up on Flickr where community members can view, share and comment on photos of new varieties, events, tradeshows, and gardens. Twitter has been activated as a new micro-blog site for Terra Nova Nurseries, enabling staff members and followers to send tweets or messages to one another.

Terra Nova Nurseries also completed production of nine videos and uploaded them to a new YouTube channel. The new videos showcase information such as breeding advancements, new introductions, on-site gardens, and plant series.

QR barcodes linked to smartphone applications were developed to tighten the circle between plant branding, growers and point-of-sale for retailers. The QR codes, which supply consumers with interactive access to plant information through their phones, have been added to Terra Nova’s plant tags, a new mobile website, and online plant profile pages. The tags are free to grower customers with liner orders.

The new social media channels can be accessed via icon links on the bottom of each website page at www.terranovanurseries.com.