PORTLAND, Orego – As part of the Retail Choice Awards, volunteer gardeners’ judges walked around the floor and highlighted seven different products at the 2021 Farwest Show in Portland, Oregon.
The prizes selected by these judges were presented on Thursday afternoon (August 19) at the show, presented by Green and Garden coach Christina Salvit. Both live equipment and heavy equipment were eligible. The prize winners were as follows.
- Biological Controls – Presented by Biobest USA (Booth # 12030) – The company has acquired many different biological pest control tools, including beneficial insects, termites and nematodes. The company had an eye-catching display with bees in a safe container. Info: www.biobestgroup.com.
- SeaCoast Compost Biodynamic® Decomposition and Clay Soil – by Sea Coast Compost (Booth # 13014) – Sea Coast Compost provides the highest quality biodegradable fertilizers and clay soils made from fish carcasses, crab and shrimp shells, cow dung and red alder. The products on the line include a variety of fertilizer preparations, including yaro, chamomile, stinging nettle, oak bark, dandelion and valerian. “The best product, the most valuable ingredient, is dense,” said company spokesman David Boyer. It can reduce the need for fertilizer. Info: www.redefiningcompost.com.
- Biodynamic® Plants – Available from Suncrest Nurseries (Booth # 9025) – Sunrise sunsets near Watsenville, California, offer a new line of biodegradable and organic ecological beauties that showcase medicinal plants, homes and plants. Suncrest is the first certified Biodynamic® commercial wholesale kindergarten in the United States. Biodynamics is a general, ecological and ethical approach to agriculture, horticulture, food and nutrition, according to the Biodiversity Association. Info: www.suncrestnurseries.com.
- C bit clips – Available from developing designs (Booth # 20056) – These patent clips are designed for trellising and are designed to be used in a variety of gardens such as gardens, plant supports, tomato nests and more. You can connect to each other in three different directions and act as tinker toys for the garden. In addition to wood, one can tie ropes or cloth. UV-resistant, non-virgin plastic is widely used in the US. Info – www.thrivingdesign.com
- Guard-N-Hook-Zaido Innovation (Booth # 13046) – Zeido Innovation is an Oregon-based company that creates and manufactures equipment for the garden, vineyard and fruit and vegetable industries. Their gard-en-hook is a versatile tool specifically designed to pick up and remove flower baskets and bird feeders, to pull heavy or difficult nursery basins, and to hold thorny shrubs and tree branches untouched. Info: www.gard-n-hook.com.
- Kent’s largest excavation shovel – available from Gerard’s Kindergarten (Booth # 13016) Kent Gerard, the owner of the orphanage, was tired of the broken shovels, so he made a strong, sturdy, all-metal shovel with a 15-inch blade and an open metal handle for strength and durability. The shovel is tested by an American digger with 30 years of experience. It weighs only eight pounds and has steps on either side of the handle. “You can step on both sides and not interfere with your boots,” said Allison Howley. Info: www.kentsbigdig.com.
- Protective Handles – Farmers Protection (Booth # 18055) – The company manufactures moisture-proof, lightweight protective handles with polyester blending to protect farmers and gardeners from the weather. Available in all sorts of colorful, artistic designs, or can be made with the company logo for the buyer. “We are making products that are comfortable and safe for the farmers,” said Kaz Cosiolek, a company representative. Info – www.farmersdefense.com
The Garden Center team focuses on business solutions designed to help garden centers increase sales, improve operations, and make more profit. Supporting team of leading industry professionals providing business management, finance, marketing, human resources services and more. The team provides retail innovation resources to increase their chances of success. For information about The Garden Center Group and the services it provides, visit www.thegardencentergroup.com.
The Oregon Child Care Association (OAN) in Wilsonville represents more than 700 wholesalers, retailers, equipments and suppliers. Oregon’s ornamental horticulture industry is one of the state’s largest agricultural producers, with annual sales of $ 1 billion. Oregon’s childcare industry is a business sector. About 80% of the seedlings grown in Oregon are exported outside the state. For information, visit www.oan.org or call 503-682-5089.
The Far East Show, the largest green industry trade fair in the West, is produced by a company that represents and serves the needs of the ornamental horticultural industry (OAN). Any income recognized by OAN will be re-introduced into the industry through education, research, market support and government relations. At the 2021 Farwest Show, August 18-20, visit www.FarwestShow.com or call 503-6825089.