beatrix potter designed entry and curious george inspired hallway
Consider using a children’s storybook for the theme of a display. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUSAN KEZON

Tips To Create Displays Around the Outdoors

BY AMY MEADOWS

For avid gardeners, the long winters can be tough! When I visit seasonal markets and soak in all things horticultural, I have to remind myself I am still months away from tending to my plants. But fortunately, there are ways to bring the outdoors inside, adding a bit of seasonal color and texture.

planter boxes made out of a bike basket and old sink.
Planters do not always need to be traditional ceramic containers. Baskets, bins, and other empty items can be filled with floral material — real or artificial. AMY MEADOWS PHOTOS

Tell a Story

When designing and executing the Flower Shows for Marshall Field’s and Macy’s, we always sought garden-adjacent stories and tales that lent themselves to interpretation with florals, greenery, and garden tools like aprons, trugs, and trowels.

If you select a children’s literature classic, such as one by Beatrix Potter or something like Linnea in Monet’s Garden, consider tie-ins with your local library or bookstore. This is a win-win opportunity for cross-promotion and creating events. Story time? Painting class?

Choose a Color

Green always works, but I am also thinking about bright red amaryllis, tulips, or hibiscus. If you can, select a single color and then choose the merchandise accordingly for impact.

Grab a Seat, Bench, or Stool

If you have room, bring in an Adirondack chair or garden bench for your trend area or for guest seating. Wood and wicker, complete with outdoor-friendly pillows, help set the theme. An umbrella takes it to the next level!

brick wall with books re-used to look like red mushrooms
This may look like cozy, colorful mushrooms, but look closely — they are books!
doorway painted black with white flowers, window display with stained glass inspired garden features, sunflower interior shop display
Set the stage for all things garden with artwork — inside and outside! AMY MEADOWS PHOTOS

Roll Out the Green Carpet

Do you want to convey the idea of an outdoor setting from the ground up? Bring in moss, which is usually sold in sheets for easy installation, or artificial turf.

Pay attention to quality levels. If you want something that looks like sod in your windows or display cases, spend a little extra money for quality display greenery. In today’s market, it can be so lush, green, and realistic that you will do a double take!

Climb the Walls

If you are pressed for floor space (and who is not?), look for wall areas in your shop that can convey a hint of gardens and green space. Think moss, ivy, climbing vines, and hanging plants.

Don’t Fence Me In

Or rather, please add a fence. A section of a white picket fence makes a great backdrop, as well as a fixture for hanging tools or clipping seed packets. Taller fence segments can act as room divid­ers or screens, allowing you to create a distinct feature zone.

Have an interesting display to share? Or a question about visual merchandising strategies for your business or your district? Visit www.windowsmatter.com for more information.