What’s the “it” color for 2020? With two predictions in so far, it looks like we’ll be singing the blues, or I should say, seeing the blues.

Paint giant Sherwin-Williams has chosen Naval SW6244 as its Color of the Year for 2020. The dark-leaning blue was picked because it evokes “calm and confidence” and acts as a “luxe neutral,” according to the company’s press release on the topic.

Then we have the trending color prediction from the Garden Media Group, who says indigo and all things blue—from blueberries to salvias and so much in between—is the color for 2020.

Now, I know there’s some blue-hued foliage out there, but is blue-green as close as we’re going to get to these two predicted hot colors for 2020? How would you take advantage of blue in the tropical world? Write down your thoughts HERE.  

Stone mulch, specifically. Euro Quarries—a regular at TPIE, where I’ve seen them most often—won one of the coveted Cool New Product awards at FNGLA's Landscape Show in Orlando, Florida, a few weeks ago. This award is chosen by the attendees, which makes it quite an honor.

But what exactly is stone mulch?

It looks like wood or bark mulch, doesn’t it? But it’s not—it’s all stone. And as such, lasts a lot longer than wood products, too. I’d call that a cool product and it would look cool in tropical landscape jobs. If you’re interested in Euro Quarries’ stone mulch, better get on that—they have a limited supply currently in stock.  

Joanna and Chip Gaines—the dynamic decorating/demolition duo—are now selling live plants. Sure, it was just fine when they were selling pillows and arm chairs in Target, but their decorating empire has just crossed over into our own territory. Where won’t these two go when it comes to dishing up the décor?

Magnolia, the couple’s official company name, has started selling live houseplants. On the sales list are fiddle leaf fig, string of bananas, hoya, olive tree, sweet bay tree, monstera and sanseveria. Prices? You know the saying, “If you have to ask the price …?”

One of you out there is supplying the Gaines’ houseplant offerings. Is it you? Drop me a line if it is.  

Let’s all send a big congratulatory shout out to Danielle Daum of Lake Placid, Florida, a caladium grower from Happiness Farms. Why? Because Danielle was honored by the Highlands News-Sun for Women in Business 2019.

Danielle is in ag and she’s in business, so that’s a doubly good thing, in my opinion. She’s more than just an office manager at Happiness Farms; she advocates for all of Florida agriculture and is a co-founder of Highlands County Ag-Venture, sits on the Florida Ag in the Classroom advisory board and is a board member of Florida’s Farm Bureau. And in her spare time she gets her work done on the family caladium farm.

You’re inspirational with all you’ve committed to, Danielle. Keep up the great work and the accolades will keep coming.