Scotts and Miracle-Gro Bribe Legendary Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil to End Winter

With Groundhog Day upon us, Scotts and Miracle-Gro are launching a fun and timely campaign for the holiday. 

As we are approaching the third year of the pandemic in the dead of winter, it’s fair to say that people everywhere, especially Scotts and Miracle-Gro’s lawn and garden lovers, are looking for a light at the end of the tunnel – the Groundhog tunnel. 

So this year, the spring fanatics at Scotts and Miracle-Gro aren’t taking any chances.  Alongside VaynerMedia, they’re gonna bribe Phil – the legendary groundhog based in Punxsutawney, PA who is imperative for predicting how long the winter season is. Tradition has it that if Phil sees his shadow on Groundhog’s Day, the winter season will continue for six more weeks. If he does not see his shadow, it means that spring will come early. 

To bribe Phil, Scotts and Miracle-Gro teams will be on the ground at Punxsutawney, PA to put the pressure on him– from newspaper and radio ads, to roving billboards and yard signs – they’re determined to sway the prediction and secure an early spring for all. 

If Phil delivers an early spring, the brands will donate $10K to Phil’s care takers to turn his home at Gobbler’s Knob into a groundhog oasis. But if he doesn’t, and we’re sentenced to six more weeks of winter, the deal’s off for Phil and Scotts and Miracle-Gro will unlock a one-day 22% off deal (a nod to 2/2) on orders over $99 to help soften the blow for our beloved yardeners and gardeners.  Consumers can help bribe Phil and follow the on-the-ground activity in Punxsutawney via Twitter with #ScottsBribesPhil.