Susan and others had asked me to report back shortly after my return from Cultivate last week in Columbus – my first show since COVID dramatically altered our lives – however after two days of social activity after spending so long distancing myself I needed time off to recharge before visiting Scott Beuerlein in Cincinnati for several days of recuperation.
Scott Beuerlein showed us Cincinnati without nudging me off course – much to my relief!
Cultivate is usually an enormous show, featuring new plants and equipment for gardeners and professional growers for the following year (2022). But although Cultivate this year was somewhat smaller, I quickly recognized some basic professional skills were needed after having not practiced them in too long:
“… We engaged in small talk, big talk, card exchanging and taking some decent photos under poor lighting conditions – all things I know will make a good time with people I don’t care for…”
Walking 300 miles on trade show floors while appearing fresh requires too many late nights and early rises; finding decent coffee at every turn and then spending too much money for lackluster results.
Avoiding Too Much Free Candy Additionally, trade show ailments must also be managed; such as Trade Show Shoulder (caused by 40 pounds of new catalogs), Shin-Splints (I shouldn’t have worn those sandals!), Trade Show Dehydration (I’ll drink something at lunch – don’t want the extra weight!), etc etc etc
Louisa Roberts and Marianne Willburn I was joined on Day Two by Louisa Zimmermann-Roberts from Thanksgiving Farms.
Yes, it can be exhausting but still exhilarating!
My humorous banter aside, it was truly heartwarming to witness so many members of the horticultural industry coming together with caution — not only to reconnect with old acquaintances but also learn what has happened within their industry.
Viewing plants and faces on a screen simply is not equivalent to being with them in person. Even the most ecstatic introverts know this to be true.
Before I discuss some of the notable things I saw (i.e. plants), let me briefly mention…
“Hold on. Are You Attending an Indoor Trade Show During a Global Pandemic Without Wearing Masks?” was the response from my double-vaccinated UK friend (still under government lock downs) when I sent him my photo from Proven Winners’ booth to showcase their new caladium and calla series.
Yes.
With COVID vaccines reducing the likelihood of serious illness or death for those vaccinated to near zero and reports showing they’re working effectively against Delta strain, people began feeling more secure about allowing the pandemic to shift into “endemic” status. Non-vaccinated individuals were advised to wear masks as is their right; immunocompromised people likely remained home as is still wise course of action at present.
Handshaking and general touching were entirely up to each individual attendee – although many perfected the Napoleonic bow. Others reflexively reached for familiar faces while silently thanking the vaccine for personal peace of mind. With less Canadian, Asian, and European attendees present this time, more space was available overall for everyone’s enjoyment.
Hand sanitizer stations were available throughout, tables and seats were strategically arranged, and plenty of hands-free options from card paying to badge printing were made available to visitors.
Congratulations to the organizers for making these concessions and for having the courage to back attendees’ choices! Many would criticize and/or shame anyone making decisions that lean in favour of in-person conferences – it takes great bravery for organizers to return these choices back to attendees themselves.
Now to the original purpose of our trip….
Tropicals are back in fashion! Don’t click away from my apparent obsession; I promise I’ll only devote a few lines here.
Summer-outdoor tropical foliage was everywhere this past summer. So much so, that its prevalence had started veering toward Victorian bedding schemes with over-the-top-gaudiness.
How’s that for an eye-catching display?
Houseplants aside, industry has recognized that people desire bringing that jungle feeling/sultry evening/island vibe/exciting accent outdoors (especially since there haven’t been many vacations recently) and this industry has responded by making plant choices much more easily available to consumers.
