Open Register

Consumers consider environmental impact of garden products

A majority of American households are concerned about the environmental impact of gardening products, according to the 2008 Late Spring Gardening Trends Research Report released by Garden Writers Assoc. Foundation.

The survey found that 68% of households were either very concerned (34%) or somewhat concerned (34%) about the environmental impact of gardening products they buy. Respondents also said they’re recycling more: 48% always recycle plastic nursery pots/trays, 48% always mulch or compost grass clippings and 41% always mulch or compost waste.

Additional findings:

• Weed and insect control continue to be the top two activities Americans are planning for their lawns this year (48% and 32%, respectively).
• One out of three (33%) said their primary reason for gardening is better mental health, nutrition or fitness.
• The number of gardeners planning to add more perennials to their properties this year continues to grow, increasing from 31% in 2005 to 41% this year.
• Blogs have a strong following among gardeners, with 23% reporting they read blogs of all types. Among those who read blogs, 27% said they read garden-related blogs either frequently (5%) or occasionally (22%).
• Fertilizing is the number one activity for this spring and summer, cited by 31% of respondents. Working in manure and compost comes in a close second with 28%, followed by the addition of store-bought soil mix (25%) and peat moss (14%).

-- Sarah

Doing a world of good

I am one of those people who click “yes” when the keypad at PetSmart asks if I want to donate $1 to help homeless pets. I also buy products, even stuff priced higher, if a portion of the proceeds goes toward a cause. This goes double for the lesser-known, lesser publicized causes. I like to think of it as my civic duty, plus I get to shop. Two awesome things in one.

Currently, though, I am having a blast with a really great E-vent -- the Brenda Novak month-long auction to benefit diabetes research. This particular cause hits home for me as my dad and grandmother both are afflicted with diabetes. I would love to see a cure, greater strides, anything in their lifetimes. The auction started four years ago when Brenda’s young son was diagnosed.

This creative and fun auction is geared toward everyone with donated items ranging from once in a lifetime experiences to jewelry to autographed books and much, much more. There is even an African safari to be won!

Check out this very worthwhile endeavor and bid on a few items. You’ll be glad you did!

-- Jennifer

It’s marketing mania at California pack trials

David Kuack, editor of GMPro magazine, made his yearly pilgrimage to the California pack trials in April. Today, he shares some of the interesting (and eye opening) marketing materials companies displayed. Look for full coverage of the trials in the July issue of GMPro.

This year’s California pack trial displays offered something for everyone, from the whimsical to the provocative. Several companies that participated in the trials said they are seeing an increasing number of retailers stopping and visiting their displays--this includes both big boxes and independents.

Fides’ point-of-sale posters drew the most comments. At many stops people were asking “Have you been to Fides?” Each poster incorporated the specific flower that was on display. Would the posters help sell more flowers? Not sure, but they would certainly get people to stop and look.

Plants, organic orders see big surge

Garden centers increased orders for perennials, herbs and annuals in the past 2 years, more than any other categories, a Garden Center Magazine survey reveals.

Organic fertilizers and pest and disease controls were also popular products, while traditional synthetic versions were among the weakest, based on those products with the highest number of decreased orders.

Only 30% of garden centers belong to buying groups such as Home and Garden Showplace or Commerce. A complete analysis of the survey will run in the magazine’s August issue. 244 garden retailers responded to the survey.

-- Carol

Should you guarantee it?

Check out this interesting discussion on Garden Rant about plant guarantees. What kind of guarantee does your store offer? Have you changed your policy recently?

-- Sarah

Achla Designs joins forces with Koko Co.

Achla Designs has joined forces with Koko Co. to sell its line of indoor/outdoor floor mats to garden retailers.

The mats are made of custom-dyed polyurethane straws and can be hosed down for easy cleanup. They’re available in a variety of sizes, colors and patterns. You can see them for yourself at AmericasMart in July and other fall gift shows. Mats are in-stock for immediate delivery.

Achla Designs and Koko Co. are currently working on designs and colors for 2009.

--Sarah

I spy a case of product espionage

A camera flash caused me to look up from the booth I was manning at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas yesterday. A couple scurried down the aisle The man appeared to be attempting to hide something in his shoulder bag.

“Umm, I think those people just took a picture of your booth,” I told the fellow who was in charge of the booth next to mine. It’s a company that distributes all kinds of goods for outdoor cooking.

“Hey you!” the booth owner shouted. “What are you taking a picture of?”

Within seconds, the middle-age couple had rounded the corner and disappeared into the crowd. Another, younger man in the next-door booth gave chase while a merchant across the aisle called show security on his cell.

I’d heard about such intellectual theft taking place at industry trade shows and markets, but this was the first time I had seen it firsthand.

Another merchant on our row said it’s not at all uncommon for secret photos to be taken at trade shows so unscrupulous manufacturers can copy the product designs and have them manufactured overseas. In fact, she said, one time she brought a prototype of a fire pit to a show, only to see the exact design be manufactured offshore and appear at the next market – even before she could get the fire pit manufactured through traditional channels.

The last I saw, a show official had escorted the photographing couple to the lobby, where she was sternly telling them, through an interpreter, that they are not allowed to take photos of merchandise in booths without the permission of the booth owner. The man who shot the photo was reluctantly deleting photos from his digital cameral.

-- Kevin

New moms get the gift of fresh air

New moms at NYU Langone Medical Center will receive a peace lily plant today, courtesy of Florida grower Costa Farms and the nonprofit organization Earth Day New York. The plants are being touted as natural air purifiers, helping to protect a newborn’s lungs.

“This gift of fresh air launches the beginning of the ‘O2 for You’ public service campaign,” said Jose Smith, Costa Farms CEO. “We want people to understand the health benefits of indoor plants just as they do with blueberries and antioxidants. Research shows plants can help you live a healthier life.”

According to a NASA study, indoor plants remove up to 87% of dangerous volatile chemicals every 24 hours.

As the mother of a 5-week-old I’ve got one question: Do they rid the house of icky diaper odor, too?

-- Sarah

Warming trend shifts hardiness zones

Dueling maps have gardeners questioning plant hardiness zones, USA Today reported. A growing number of experts said that because of the warming climate, the 1990 USDA map doesn't reflect a gradual shift northward of growing zones for many plants. A map published in 2006 by the Arbor Day Foundation shows marked movement of zones.

-- Sarah

Lawn and garden sales up 3% in 2007

Sales of lawn and garden products totaled $35.102 billion last year, according to the 2007 National Gardening Survey. Sales increased 3%, or $1.025 billion more than the $34.077 billion consumers spent in 2006.

“That’s good news because it’s the first year we have seen overall retail lawn and garden sales increase since 2002,” said Mike Metallo, National Gardening Association president. Do-it-yourself lawn and garden activities that saw the biggest increase in spending in 2007 included lawn care, vegetable gardening, ornamental gardening and herb gardening.

--Sarah