What will consumers want to buy at retail garden centers this year? We know there are plants and combinations that will always be popular, but shoppers are also looking for something new. We think these four trends are important for growers and retailers to know.
1. Pollinator Attracting Plants
Pollinators, especially bees, have been in the news a lot lately. This has caused a surge of interest from gardeners wanting to make their gardens (including container gardens) more friendly to pollinators of all kinds. Most of the buzz has been about bees (sorry for the pun!). Butterflies and birds — which for most people means hummingbirds — have always been popular with gardeners. They have better PR than bees, colorful wings and fascinating habits that are naturally appealing.
Bees, on the other hand, have had a public relations problem. They sting (never mind that if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone), some people are allergic and many people hate bugs in general. If nothing else, the focus on the challenges for bees have made more people aware of how important pollinators are to the world. When we promote pollinator friendly plants, everyone from retailers, to gardens and to pollinators themselves wins.
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