Crystals and gemstones play a pivotal role for some meditators, and with the growth of mental wellness in gardening, this is an important topic to understand. Learn more about the popularity of zen gardening, popular crystals and how customers can use them in their gardens. Then, design helpful labels and combinations that make shopping easy for new gardeners. In a world where anything can be bought online, provide a unique shopping experience and a personal connection.
The Popularization of Zen Gardening
Color Associations
Last year, Greenery was dubbed the color of the year by Pantone because of its earthy and relaxing quality. This year, Pantone has declared ultra-violet the color of the year, a color associated with mysticism. These color choices are symbolic of other shits happening in the horticulture industry.
2017 Trends
Imperfect gardening is increasing in popularity. Lack of time, lack of commitment, and an increase in appreciation of the natural state of things all play a role. And, it’s also bringing peace of mind to your gardeners.
Mental wellness is also growing in popularity. Millennials and young green thumbs are looking to create spaces that enhance their air quality. As metropolitan areas grow, clear air becomes much more important. Gardeners of all ages are also looking to create a private, tranquil space to use for their meditation practice. Many meditators like holing crystals and stones during their practice to provide clarity and focus.
What does this mean for growers?
So, as zen gardens grow, so will the desire to adorn them with crystals and gemstones. Even if your customers don’t meditate, the beauty and color enhance the natural aesthetic of the plants you sell. Provide people with a unique, inspirational in-store experience to set yourself apart from your competition, including e-commerce.
Popular Crystals & Gemstones
First, learn the history & significance of crystals and gemstones. Do your research to provide customers with an authentic and educational experience. Expertly pair crystals and stones with plants that match.
Below are some of the major stones and their spiritual associations.
Amethyst
Often associated with clear thinking, and dreaming. In ancient Greece, “Amethystos” was said to prevent drunkenness.
Aquamarine
Enhances all things associated with voice and provides clarity of mind when articulating thoughts without anger.
Clear Quartz
This stone is considered the most powerful meditation and healing stone there is. It is also known for amplifying the energies of other stones.
Red Jasper
Red Jasper is thought to bring a calm and grounding energy to the holder, ideal for meditation or prayer. It also stimulates creativity, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives.
Rose Quartz
Motherhood heavily surrounds this stone. If one has lost their mother, it inspired self-nurturing, and if one is becoming a mother, it’s good to place on the belly or have nearby during the birth. It is also considered the stone of love.
Indoor Uses
Obviously for customers who have a mediation area filled with plants, a small tray of crystals help to have nearby. This makes it easy to grab before they begin their practice. Adding crystals and gemstones to containers for air plants is a subtle and minimalistic way to achieve the same goal. Plus, air plants won’t get the stones dirty. Planting tilandsias onto crystals or gemstones saves room while adding to the decor.
For those that merely appreciate the aesthetic look, incorporate them into containers. Use them as plant accessories, either inside the container, or sitting next to it. Again, using them with air plants brings beautiful color to the item year round.
Outdoor Uses
The main consideration for holding outdoor stones during a meditation practice is cleanliness. For some customers, bringing indoor stones outside is the only way to go. Leaving a tray of stones out on patio furniture, under an umbrella, is another option. For others, picking up a raw gemstone adorning the back garden is ideal. Either way, larger pieces that compliment the aesthetic look of the garden are best.
Partner With Local Businesses & Supply Customers In-Store
When it’s not a great fit…
Crystals and gemstones may not be a good fit for your brand and not an ideal item to have in stock. Regardless, know local businesses who do sell the items in order to refer curious customers. This also relieves you of the pressure to be an expert on the topic. While it’s important to understand the trend and the symbolisms, partnering with an expert enhances customer shopping experiences. Providing local spiritualistic stores with air plants for their stones works as a business referral to your advantage as well.
When it’s a great fit….
By offering customers crystals and gemstones in-store, you also provide inspiration. Show them how to use stones through your displays. Don’t be afraid to get specific and create a meditation or zen garden which features various stones. Offer books on the topic. Provide meditation classes where customers can hold the crystals during the practice like a test run. Dive in and provide customers with a truly unique shopping experience they won’t get anywhere else. With the expansion of e-commerce, this is crucial.
Use Promotional Label Design
Whether you’ve partners with a local business, or you offer stones in-store, create promotional labels advertising good matches with plants you sell. Booklet-style labels are a great option when looking to expand content with more label space. It even allows for a basic overview of the stone’s spiritual associations. Or, use an inspirational image of a zen garden.
When making combinations of various plants with crystals and gemstones, use the promotional label to break down various prices. As mentioned, ultra violet is the color of the year. Try creating a purple combination with a large raw amethyst nestled inside. Then, create a buttermilk yellow label to pop from your product, while complimenting the colors.
This way, while you inspire customers, you’ll also highlight plants’ value points.
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