Ball Seed Customer Days are swiftly approaching, and preparation and collaboration are a must. One of the event highlights is the inspiring mixed-combo demonstration. In this blog, learn how the Mixed Containers Solutions team has successfully designed this highly anticipated project!

Meet the Team
Below are the four incredible ladies that make this project come to light.

• Joan Mazat; Cut Flower Business manager for Ball Seed
• Beth Boak; Research Assistant for PanAmerican Seed
• Heather Ebl; Supplier Specialist in Supplier Relations for Ball Seed
• Margrit Nitz; Sales Rep Support in Customer Relations for Ball Seed

There are different duties that each team member completes to make the process flow, which this year resulted in over 62 containers!

“We had a brainstorm meeting of who wanted to do what and went down the list,” Ebl said about how they share the load. With the mixed containers team at four members this year, it has been beneficial for a creative vision.

“While Margrit has more of a consumer eye perspective, Heather brings that strong floral design background; Beth brings different colors and textures to the table and I see things more commercialized for the most part,” Mazat said. This close-knit focused team draws from their strengths!

How they Plan
On June 7, the mixed containers were planted and are progressing as we speak. Plans and discussions for this year’s pots began before the previous year’s Customer Days ended, to assess what worked versus what didn’t.

“In August, we review what we did and what was a huge success,” Ebl said. Visitor feedback is another way the mixed containers team decides on what changes need to be made in the future. Overall, there is a lot of collaboration when it comes to putting the varieties together.

“Sometimes it’s artistry of the moment,” Mazat said. “Then, sometimes there's a nice team effort.”

Last year, there was a variety that was not performing at its best, and the team deliberated whether to remove it from the showcase. However, the team decided to delay that option – and they’re glad they did!

“Most gardeners are rewarded for being patient, and this time we were, too. It did turn itself around and became one of the most spectacular containers we had in 2022,” Ebl said.

_{A small sneak peek of the many combos that will be presented at Customer Days in July.}

Getting it Done
The first step is to place the containers, which takes a lot of effort to arrange where each container should go.

“You have to take into consideration what containers complement the one next to it,” Mazat said.

Then, each participating breeding company delivers the plant materials, but the list is often unknown until the day of installation.

“Sometimes the plants we get are not always expected, but it can be exciting to have an unprompted experience rather than a specific structure,” Mazat said.

There are several aspects to consider when preparing all containers, varieties and locations.

“We keep in mind that people are going to walk up and look close, so they have to be able to zigzag through,” Nitz said. “You can’t just have four giant containers all in a row.”

Minimal pruning is performed; the team truly wants these to be as home-gardener-reality as possible. However, watering the containers is heavily monitored by all team members.

“We’re all paying attention to what is going on out there right now with watering the containers because that is really important in the beginning,” Boak said on getting the combos established.

The hot, dry weather has been an unseasonable challenge. But the teamwork has helped.

_{A wide view of the mixed containers photographed June 14.}

Overall, there is a positive difference in preparing this project together.

“For someone who has been doing this for twenty plus years, it is refreshing to see a committee stepping up and doing a part of this puzzle,” Mazat said.

See them in-person
As Customer Days will be upon us shortly, there is much to look forward to.

“My favorite thing to do while showcasing the containers is being with the customers, talking to them and answering their questions as well as getting their fun ideas,” Boak said. Each pot at the 2023 Mixed Container Solutions showcase and demonstration will be labeled with the planting recipe. There’s dozens of sun and shade options to explore!

Want some additional information on the mixed containers? Check out the webpage here!You can also call the number below anytime to connect with an expert for all your questions.

See them all at Ball Seed Customer Days, July 27 & 28 this summer. RSVP today! Visit www.ballcustomerday.com to register online. Have a question? Please call us at 800-879-BALL or email fieldtrial@ballhort.com. We hope to see you this summer in The Gardens at Ball.