Then, the store manager did something that made me decide that she was REALLY smart. She asked me what I thought of the setup. I told her it was grand, with one caveat. "What’s that?" she inquired. I said, "I would add a sign in the area that says, 'See something you like? We’ll help you put it in your yard.' " That way, I explained, the store not only would sell a book or a magazine; it might just sell a garden, given that much of what is displayed in a book or magazine feature also can be found throughout the garden center. In essence, the store could let the "Library" sell the store’s wares.

Doing the book and magazine thing is a relatively new phenomenon at garden centers in this country. However, stores in the United Kingdom have long taken advantage of the notion that those who plant, read — almost insatiably. I recently stumbled upon www.ciao.co.uk/Garden_Centres_5024583_3, a Web site devoted to reviews of British garden centers that might give you a feel for what the Brits do with book sections — and other intriguing merchandising opportunities.

On the domestic front, some garden centers, such as The Golden Gecko Garden Center in Garden Valley, CA, have taken the marketing of books and magazines to a new level. Golden Gecko uses a portion of its Web site, thegoldengecko.com/books.htm, to highlight “recommended” publications. I like this marketing approach for a number of reasons. Certainly, it serves the purpose of "getting the word out" about what the store has to offer. Better yet, by "recommending" the various books, Golden Gecko is instantly upgraded from "source of" to "authority on" all matters gardening.

Perhaps you have sold a book or two. Or perhaps you’re wondering how to go about it. Either way, click on the blog link below to discuss this burgeoning niche area. And, by all means, scroll down and READ ALL ABOUT what this month’s issue of Garden Center Products & Supplies has in store for you.