New Varieties Get Online Attention

Each year, Garden Design magazine features a “Way Hot 100” issue showcasing the newest annuals, perennials, shrubs, tropicals and vines that are being launched in the spring.

Until now, consumers had to buy the magazine to keep them in the know about the Way Hot 100, but now home gardeners can log onto a new Web site, www.wayhot100.com” to learn about the varieties.

“But the search doesn’t stop here,” said Diane Turner, publisher of Garden Design. “This Web site takes the search one step further by enabling the user to find a local garden center carrying the new plants. It’s the perfect combination of information and shopping and should really help drive sales at the local level.”

Any retailer, garden center, grocery store or florist can take advantage of this local search and close the marketing loop by signing up for a free listing on the Web site.

“Ultimately,” said Steve Cissel, CEO and founder of GIYP, the driving force behind the directory, “the site will drive demand for these plants at participating retailers, and this will translate into higher sales. All a retailer has to do is check off the plants they will have from the Way Hot 100 list, and the consumer will be able to see if the garden center carries what they want.”

Cissel cautions that the opportunity for a free listing will not last long. June 2006 is the cut off date for garden centers who want to participate at no cost.

Garden Design magazine will be promoting the site in upcoming issues of the print magazine and GIYP will help drive home gardeners to the Web site via Internet media sources and through the www.lgyp.com” portal.