Handpicked for You® is a plant certification program, organized by a team of breeders, growers, and top independent retailers (aka serious plant geeks) to rigorously identify top performing perennials and shrubs in specific regional markets. We are committed to helping consumers become more successful with outdoor gardening by alleviating the fear of failure.
Handpicked for You® is a plant certification program that awards its valued trust mark to top performing plants, so you can have the assurance of greater garden success!
Selected varieties must undergo a rigorous trial process before being certified as offering superior garden performance for your area. These plant trials are focused on evaluating and testing each plant's garden performance and reliability.
The Handpicked for You® trust mark provides reassurance to consumers that they are making good purchasing decisions, selecting plants that have been tested to work in their geographic area. Just as we may look to the Wine Spectator ratings when selecting the perfect bottle of wine to enjoy with friends, so too may we look to the Handpicked for You® trustmark to help us select the right plant for our yard.
KEY BENEFITS TO CONSUMERS
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Confidence: regionally and independently tested and trusted to thrive in the area where you live, so you can plant without the fear of failure.
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Delight in your home’s appearance: promising you the most beautiful, regonially tested, perennial and shrub varieties for your garden.
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More fun, for you and your children/family: makes the time you spend together, outside and away from screens, more relaxing, connected, healthy, and rewarding.
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Less time shopping: plant selection is faster, easier and less confusing.
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Encouragement for your growing passion: our expert growers select the best to help you enjoy success, and nurture enthusiasm for your new passion.
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New and different varieties: certified plant varieties include unique finds not available at the big box stores.
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Improved property value: thriving plants enhance your landscape—and curb appeal.
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Support local and independent garden centers: feel proud to support the local business and plant community that’s dedicated to your success.
Independent garden center retailers choose to participate in Handpicked for You® because:
- Synergy - it’s our name! We value the collaborative process between plant breeders, growers, and IGCs, valuing your feedback in the plant selection process.
- The plants are certified to work. This helps your consumers overcome their fear of failure amidst the overwhelming amount of plant choices.
- Coordination is our game. We work with plant breeders, introducers, and young plant suppliers to trial plants and get promising new plants to you!
- You’re a true partner. You enhance your customers’ success by featuring plants that are best suited for your area that you helped select. Choose to offer the Handpicked for You® plants that you know work best for your customers!
- You’re the expert! It’s your program - you are able to better differentiate your garden center by being the local plant expert that has recommendations that work.
- Enjoy early access. Our Handpicked for You® partner retailers receive “first dibs” on the new First Look plants each year.
- Maintain your independence. Participate in a flexible marketing program that respects your independence.
- Read our lips: No boxes! Handpicked for You® supports independent, local retailers and is not found in mass merchant stores.
