So far, spring 2018 hasn't been typical. The Northeast and Midwest - and even some parts in the Northwest and South - are dealing with cold temperatures, heavy rains and snow storms. These wintry weather conditions are unusual for this time of the year and makes growers nervous.
Consumers are not thinking about decorating their gardens with plants. Even though, business continues in the greenhouse. The plants are ready to be sold, but growers cannot ship them out - and might even need to throw some away - because of the lack of demand.
When is spring to sprung? It is one of the main questions, but unfortunately it might take a while for several parts of the country. According to the weather forecasts, it does not seem to improve much the coming days. Some growers were already forced to throw away some of their pansy production and there is even a fear that they will go directly into summer and pass spring. And this may not be beneficial for growers either. When temperatures are high, people are again not looking for plants.
Californian growers, however, are having a good spring. It has been a rainy winter so the "drought topic" is not withholding consumers to buy plants anymore.
Positive atmosphere
The CAST attracts growers, distributors and retailers from across the nation. So how is the weather issues affecting the atmosphere at the CAST? Is it the sun minding off things or are growers just looking ahead to the 2019 season? Fortunately the atmosphere does not seem to be affected. This year, Spring might not be good for growers, but it has been over the last years. So next year, new season and fresh hopes.
CAST 2018 nearing the end
It is the fifth day of the event, which means that the event is nearing its end (April 19) - and at some spots, it already ended. So far, the participating companies are pleased with the number of visitors. Every year, it seems to become more busy at the spots. This also may have to do with the locations of the companies - they used to be more spread out in the past - and the shorter event - several years ago, the Trials were held over a period of 2 weeks.
FloralDaily.com
The FloralDaily team is also at the event and will make a full photo report of the show. This report will be published next week, but below, we already give you a preview.
The FloralDaily team is also at the event and will make a full photo report of the show. This report will be published next week, but below, we already give you a preview.
BirdieLenard Fountain of PanAmerican Seed presenting Tattoo Tangerine Vinca, a new series. Each petal looks like it is inked or airbrushed with soft brush strokes of black. And to fully implement the theme at the CAST, they were handing out tattoo stickers, see the wonderful tattoo on Birdie's arm!
Sirekit Mol of Beekenkamp presenting Dreams; their begonia concept that helps to position this diverse product with a clear message. The concept simplifies the assortment for the consumer as it divides it into 4 categories; indoor, garden, waterfall and perfume.
Marco Laan of Hem Genetics and the Limbo Picotee series. New in the series are Violet and Blue and for the coming year, they will only be available to the US growers in a mix. Next year, the varieties will be introduced individually.
Ralph Cockburn of Floranova presenting Reach Out, a new series of F1 Ivy Leaf Geranium consisting of 6 colors. It has a rounded and compact habit with shorter internodes.