- - AGRICULTURE CORE CURRICULUM - -

(CLF6000) Advanced Core Cluster: ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE

 (CLF6500) Unit Title: SELECTION, PLANTING, AND CARE OF ORNAMENTAL PLANTS

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 (CLF6507) Topic: SALES AND MERCHANDISING   Time              Year(s) 
                    OF PLANTS                 1 hour             3 / 4 
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         Topic Objectives: Upon completion of this lesson, the student
                            will be able to:

         Learning Outcome #:

           (I-8) - Discuss the various aspects of the sale and 
                     merchandising of plants.

         Special Materials and Equipment: None

         References: Ingels, Jack E. (1985). ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE: 
                       PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES. Albany, NY: Delmar
                       Publishers.

         Evaluation: Quiz, test, or observation.

TOPIC PRESENTATION: SALES AND MERCHANDISING OF PLANT MATERIAL.

NOTE: Sales and merchandising of plants cannot be covered within the limits
      of this lesson which will serve as only an introduction to the topic.

A. There are several types of retail nursery outlets.

   1. Discount Chains (K Mart, Target, etc.)

       a. They have a small inventory and limited selection of plants.

       b. There is not always a knowledgeable saleperson in the nursery
           section.

       c. Usually they are not a year-round or complete nursery.

       d. They sell plants seasonally based on low prices.

   2. Retail Nurseries

       a. They have a medium to large selection of plants.

       b. They need repeat customers to do well.

       c. There are knowledgeable salespeople to help the customer.

       d. They sell plants based on quality and service.

   3. Large Retail Nursery Chains

       a. They carry a large selection of plants at economical prices.

       b. They have knowledgeable salespeople.

       c. They have the advantages of both the discount stores and the
           standard nursery.

B. General Methods of Displaying Nursery Stock

   1. Nursery Beds - This is the standard layout of a rectangular area on
       the ground where plants are placed in rows.

   2. Mass Display - This is where large numbers of the same kinds of
       plants are displayed near a main walkway.

   3. Demonstration Plantings - This is where the plants are placed in a 
       sample landscape so the customer can see how the plants might be 
       used.

   4. Other Display Tips

       a. Always move color to the front or near walkways.

       b. Put up information about the plants on signs to help the
           customer.

       c. Salespeople should be easy to find.

C. General Guidelines for Retail Nurseries

   1. Salespeople should know where the reference books are.

   2. Employees should know the company rules/policies on plant returns,
       etc.

   3. Emplyees should know how to treat customers.


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         ACTIVITY: 
 
         1. Have students role play as nursery salespeople. 
             Afterwards each group of students should discuss what
             happened, what was good, and what could be improved.
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1/6/91 MT/clh

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