Mar 31, 2021

Costa’s Season Premiere Adds Virtual to the Mix By Tim Hodson

In case you missed it, Costa Farms in Miami, Florida, recently wrapped up its 2021 Season Premiere. If you were unable to attend this year’s event in person, the folks at Costa have created a website to offer the opportunity to experience it as much as possible — virtually.

Click here to access the Season Premiere website.

In addition to the website, Costa’s R&D team has produced a YouTube video highlighting some of the top performers in the garden so far this year: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ODTAb798Fg.

You can also “stroll” through the trial garden via a 360-degree photography experience. Click here to walk the row beds both Week 3 and Week 8 to see how the new varieties have performed. This page will have updates as spring and summer progress.

Costa Farms also has created a video series highlighting the breeders’ top picks in the trial garden from Week 8 with their voiceover.

You can see the hot annuals at www.costafarmsevents.com/annuals,  and the hot new perennials at www.costafarmsevents.com/perennials.

Costa plans to offer more videos highlighting top-performing genetics later into spring and summer.

There also are photos of the event on Dropbox. Click here to check them out.

— Tim

SpringFest Debuts at Lowe’s This Month

On March 25, Lowe’s announced it is inspiring people to transform their homes into a destination this spring with a month-long “SpringFest” featuring free, curbside family project kits, as well as project inspiration that will transport households to the destination of their choice without ever having to leave home. SpringFest will feature great values on spring products and opportunities to learn new skills through online and in-store demos, all following safety and social distancing guidelines. Beginning April 1, customers can register on Lowes.com for free Garden-to-Go kits. The first curbside event will take place April 8 and occur each Thursday through the rest of the month.

Home Depot, Habitat for Humanity Partner to Bring on Spring

The Home Depot and Habitat for Humanity International are partnering to empower communities to “Bring on Spring.” Providing more than $200,000 in products, The Home Depot will give Habitat for Humanity organizations across the country the tools needed to help local communities tackle spring DIY projects and neighborhood revitalization efforts. “After an exceedingly tough year, we know communities are ready to get outside and take on spring projects from painting to landscaping,” said Jeff Kinnaird, executive vice president of merchandising. “We are excited to partner with Habitat for Humanity to provide the products and know-how to meet the needs of communities looking to complete spring projects.”

Whole Foods, Headspace Team Up for Consumer Spring Well Being

Whole Foods Market and Headspace are working together to help revitalize consumers’ overall well-being this spring. The cross-platform collaboration includes a mood-brightening IGTV recipe series called “Food for Mood,” three new meditations focused on mindful shopping, cooking and eating, a one-month free trial of Headspace Plus and more. “After a year of dramatically shifting routines and priorities, we know customers are eager to reprioritize well-being, and the beginning of spring is a great time to reset your meals and renew your mind,” said Kylie Bentley, registered dietitian and team leader for Nutrition & Compliance at Whole Foods Market.