27^th September to 5^th October

The ABCG (Association of British Conifer Growers) is teaming up with Plant forLife to launch National Conifer Week which will run between 27^th September and 5^th October.

We are showcasing the modern day conifer, highlighting colour, structure and style and their suitability for all types of garden. It’s time to challenge the view that conifers are old-fashioned!

With a fresh focus, new market research and striking contemporary photography, National Conifer Week 2008 will inspire even the most hesitant gardener to set off to their local garden centre, looking for the modern day conifer.

Research

We will create news story appeal with specially commissioned consumer market research as the foundation. The research will explore the desires of the ‘no time or space’ gardener and how conifers can fulfil these needs.

Photography

With fresh new lifestyle photography, directed by a professional stylist, we will target glossy lifestyle magazines, appealing to an audience who may not have considered conifers for their gardens before.

Download the Modern Day Conifer look book here.

All images are available for HTA members to order free of charge for their own garden centre mailings and websites.

For more information about the conifers featured in our look book…..

As a conifer retailer, what can you do?

We’ll give you the tools to translate what our audience will see in the media into your garden centre. However, maximising the potential of the promotion to take profit straight to your bottom line is up to you!

• Capture the spirit of the consumer lifestyle media in your garden centre by using our free National Conifer Week POS using striking photography from our shoot to support your conifer displays. Look out for the HTA’s Merchandising Masterclass for extra help in creating eye-catching displays.
  
• Consider putting on an event, demonstration or Q&A session with your in-house conifer expert. These will also help to attract local media interest.
  
• Our stunning photography is available for you to use free of charge for your own garden centre mailings and website.
  
• Engage your local press with our press release and photography.
  
• Purchase copies of the RHS/HTA ‘Easy Guide to Growing Conifers’.
  
• A DVD is also available, focusing on the trimming and shaping of conifers, which is suitable for customers and staff.

Garden centres and retailers who registered for NCW 07 will automatically receive POS in early September. If you want to take part too, get on the list by emailing James.Young@the-hta.org.uk