The second annual OFA Short Course Merchandising Contest was an even bigger hit this year, drawing good crowds to watch all three rounds of the event. The “Iron Chef”-style contest, held in the convention center concourse, pitted expert merchandisers from garden centers across the country in head-to-head design battles.

The benefit for attendees – besides watching the creative process of four very good merchandisers in action – was seeing how easy it can be to create displays that not only look nice, but also help you sell product.

Contestants were given a theme and materials to work with about two hours before each round, and then had an hour to create an attractive, shoppable display.

The Merchandising Contest winner was Abby Thompson, of Meadow View Growers in New Carlisle, Ohio. Heather Wissink, from Alden Lane Nursery in Livermore, Calif., was this year’s runner up. Heather, who was sponsored by Today’s Garden Center, was recognized by the judges with the Customer Information Award and the Creativity Award for her designs. Click here to see a slideshow of both of Heather’s award-winning displays.

Congratulations Heather!