Modest growth fuels optimism in the green sector

Toronto, Ont. — It may be nearing the end of Canada’s growing and gardening season, but as homeowners start to prepare for winterizing their vegetable and flower gardens, landscapers, garden centers and other retailers are busy planning for what they expect to be a strong 2014 season, according to a news release from Landscape Ontario Garden & Floral Expo.

That optimism is fueled by modest growth in the sector over 2012 — according to Statistics Canada, there was an increase in sales of lawn and garden products, equipment and plants by 1.6 percent in the past year. Wholesalers of farm, lawn and garden equipment and machinery also saw a increase in sales of 0.8 percent. Retailers and consumers can be buoyed by a 13 percent increase in wholesale inventory, which could lead to good deals in the coming months.

“We had a great spring for getting gardens planted and making our yards look good,” says Tony DiGiovanni, Executive Director of Landscape Ontario. “We have such a limited opportunity to enjoy time outside in warm weather that it is encouraging to see that retail sales indicate people are looking after their outdoors. We have high expectations that the modest performance this year will continue to improve in 2014.”

Garden center operators and landscape professionals will have an opportunity to see what will be inspiring consumers next year at Landscape Ontario’s Garden and Floral Expo 2013 in October.

Expo attracts more than 1,500 lawn and garden industry insiders to the Toronto Congress Centre.

“Past and current trends like living walls and container gardening will be given a preview at Expo,” says Heather MacRae, Director of Events and Trade Shows.

Garden & Floral Expo 2013 opens Oct. 23 at the Toronto Congress Centre, North Building, and closes the following day. To register for Expo or one of its associated events, please visit www.loexpo.ca.