Buying Trends Can Guide Your Efforts

Watching buying trends across the nation and applying what you learn to your business will give you an edge over your competition and keep your company going during the hard times we continue to experience. Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado recently announced its top 10 landscape trends for 2009. Most of them easily apply to pond and water garden businesses. They are:

1. “Grow your own” is a growing niche. Not only are many people buying more local produce, they are growing their own fruits and vegetables. Even my 5-year-old son is eager to get our tiny back yard ready to plan some produce so he “can taste it.”

2. Staycations remain a popular choice to curb or cut vacation travel and expense. I took my first staycation in April and it was wonderful. I was a little concerned about getting cabin fever. Instead I spent unrushed time in and around my home, which also drew my attention to possible upgrades to increase my entertaining and relaxing options.

3. Curb appeal offers a competitive edge for homeowners looking to sell their homes. Those trying to sell their homes need to make sure the outside offers a good first impression.

4. Green remains a top priority for many homeowners and businesses. Reduce/Reuse/Recycle is a mantra heard across the nation and regulations mirror that goal. For pond and water garden businesses, education plays an essential part because people continue to misunderstand the benefits and truth about ornamental water features.

5. Water-wise grows mainstream. This stems from budget and environmental concerns, and it should be common sense in our industry.

6. Gardening offers therapeutic benefits. Not only does attractive landscaping and water features make the environment appealing, but it also offers stress relief, mental tranquility and physical fitness benefits. After a particularly stressful day at work, I benefited greatly in tackling the weeds in my back yard. Playing in the dirt and improving my personal environment positively impact my mental and physical outlook.

7. Natural air conditioning proves acceptable. Trees provide shade that reduces algae growth, cools homes and offers aesthetic appeal. Providing a place for the local hummingbirds to have their babies is a bonus in my yard.

8. Getting back to the basics takes nostalgia to the next level. Homeowners can relive their memories of gardening with parents and grandparents, while sharing new experiences with their children. Gardening represented a minimal part of my childhood. My son, however, is very interested in life and nature and things growing. Now I share in his nature education and we apply the things we learn in our small back yard. The simplicity and peace appeal to me as we prepare our little garden together.

9. Lighting technology continues to improve and the category represents a fast-growing landscape innovation. New options in fluorescent and LED can mean energy savings, color creativity and increased home security.

10. With the return to basics and cutting expenses, parents seek outdoor activities for their children. Gardening, attracting birds and other wildlife and adding water to the yard all go into creating outdoor environments that parents and children can enjoy.

Looking at your individual businesses, can you see ways to use these trends to benefit your bottom line? Go for it!

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Buying Trends Can Guide Your Efforts

By Sandy Meyer, Managing Editor | Water Garden News