Is less truly more for gardens, plants’ packaging, or production flow? Minimalism always plays a role, but just how much? There’s a fine line between sparse and thoughtfully simple. In essence, it’s all about how you focus your efforts that counts. Simplicity offers beauty and efficiency when intelligently executed.

Do Less Plants in The Garden Mean Sparse, Ugly Landscapes?

A garden benefits from thoughtful design. So, while a large garden with little effort will look awkward, there are ways to create a more inviting, yet simple, space. For example, a rock garden that features select items as focal points still uses good design. There aren’t many plants growing, but there are, however, rock details to fill up the garden and direct the eye across it. Like most things, there’s no blanket answer. It’s all about execution.

Using One Kind of Plant For A Whole Container

There’s beauty in the simplicity of a single plant container. It contrasts a space filled with various trees, shrubs, and flowers, plus it makes a bolder statement piece. No matter what plant is used, you also know that nothing in the container will clash. It’s a simple solution for intimidated, new gardeners. Or, it’s a breath of fresh air for the more experienced. Trying something new doesn’t always mean it has to be an extreme option, after all.

The Wabi-Sabi and Zen Garden Trend

Wabi-sabi is the art of embracing the imperfect and, as such, a sparse garden isn’t the worst thing in the world. This also fits with the zen garden trend of creating a space to simply find a breath of fresh air. See, perfectionism doesn’t serve customers if all they want is to find a practice that calms them. Or, if they want a wild, beautiful space inside to mimic the great outdoors (such as all renters without yards), imperfection is part of the charm. In fact, space may be so limited that this indoor garden must be sparse to function. 

Again, in outdoor spaces, sparse plants doesn’t necessarily equate to a sparse garden. Plenty of rocks, sand, statues, and wood details are found in calming spaces. The tactile nature is part of the appeal.

Less is Less in Label Design

First, consider the material. A low-grade label stock will perform like a low-grade label stock. Ensure your labels withstand wet and cold conditions by using water-resistant stocks such as WetStick™. A lesser label sends an unprofessional message.

Where design is concerned, make sure your labels tell customers what they need to know as well as add value. Minimalism is trendy, but offering added value is timeless. So, communicate everything that needs to be communicated to ensure grower success.

Innovative Techniques

A simple label will never outperform a label that uses innovative labeling techniques such as foiling or embossing. It sounds simple, but when the label shines in the light, it’s more likely to engage customers. Or, once they approach, the tactile nature engages the senses and creates positive associations with the brand.

Plus, it communicates quality. When you go the extra mile, it tells customers that you care about their experience and want them to be as excited about your item as you are. Again, provide shoppers with added value to stand out against your competition. A little goes  a long way.

Booklet-Style Labels

So, you’re determined to keep your label simple, but you also want to add more value. Luckily booklet-style labeling offers you the chance to provide a minimalistic cover, with tonnes of informational goodies on the inside panels. Whatever you do, don’t offer customers less information than they need. With expanded content, it not only offers them knowledge, but it gets shoppers engaging with your packaging on a hands-on level. Once they pick up the item, they’re more likely to purchase it, so take advantage of that. Make it clear that they need to open up the cover to read more about the product.

Labeling Technology

Another way to keep your label simple while offering more value is through labeling technology such as NFC (Near Field Communication), QR codes, and even hashtags. This provides the flexibility to maintain your established aesthetic, or simplify it, but still provide far more than your competition.

However, Less is More For Creating Lean Production Flow

Save time, money, and labor when waste is eliminated. Automation on all levels contribute to less waste, however, labeling automation saves the focus to be directed back toward your plants. Instead of spending an unnecessary amount of time labeling containers by hand, a Label Gator system completes the task in minutes. Now labor gets directed right back to tending to your products and ensuring a high quality plant.

Same May Just Go For Merchandising

Have you ever been to a store that overwhelms you with signage, pamphlets, and products on shelf?  Smart merchandising improves customers’ experiences and simplicity works to focus them. Most importantly, let your plants shine. Don’t clash with the beautiful blooms and foliage they already offer. Instead, once taken home, the label offers plenty of value when packed with helpful content. That’s exactly why label design is so important. It’s the last point of contact with customers and therefore leaves the longest impact.

Learn about the labeling and automation solutions that Label Gator offers. See how you can save time, money and labor with our Product Guide. Click here to download the guide.

Connect with us on social media!