Renewed interest in lawn decor drives new and stylish garden product - gardening equipment at the 2000 National Hardware Show

DSN Retailing Today, Sept 4, 2000 by Debbie Howell

CHICAGO -- Even those who aren't passionate about gardening are getting caught up in the back-to-nature movement that's creating outdoor showplaces at homes across America. Maybe it relates back to the age-old desire for showing off to neighbors who's got the best-kept yard on the block, but for whatever reason, consumers are spending more money to create personalized outdoor living spaces, to the tune of at least $33.5 billion last year.

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Products to accessorize the yard, from patio sets and grills to elaborate fountains, planters and garden art, continue to be hot sellers in the lawn and garden department. The newest items launched at the National Hardware Show in Chicago Last month gave retailers a taste of what's in store for next spring: decorative copper sprinklers in unique designs, classic Italian-style pottery, patio heaters, colored and upscale looks in landscape lighting, lantern-style candle holders and bird feeders galore.

But with all this decor, the yard and garden must be kept in respectable shape: Items that make gardening easier and save time are becoming more important. They range from easy-cut, expandable tree pruners to gardening soil infused with fertilizer or pesticide. In tools, the focus has shifted toward designing products for women, who account for an estimated 60% of gardeners.

One product that epitomized the ultimate in care-free lawn maintenance was a robotic mower from first-time exhibitor Friendly Robotics. The battery-powered, low-noise machine will retail for $795 and mows up to 10,000 sq. ft. on a single charge. The consumer installs a perimeter wire that keeps the machine inside the desired mowing area. The company has signed a licensing deal with Toro to develop a robotic mower for the mass-market and home-center channels in 2001, but for now the product is available through independent dealers and via the company's Web site, www.friendlyrobotics.com.

Another robotic mower on the market launched last year by Swedish company Husqvarna hasn't been widely distributed because of its higher retail price, running at about $2,000.

Black & Decker, which hosted an off-site press conference launching new products, is adding user-friendly features to its outdoor power products line. A new cordless Grass Hog string trimmer cuts a larger path to shorten work time, and has a unique automatic feed spool feature. It also introduced the new Leaf Hog, a three-in-one blower, vacuum and mulcher.

In fertilizer, the trend has been toward more slow-release and hose-end products requiring no mixing. Schultz added a premium line of granular fertilizers and a variety of hose-end liquid plant foods called Schultz Expert. Scotts continues to expand its Miracle-Gro line, launching fertilizer-enriched gardening soils, spagnum peat moss and potting mix that retains water longer.

Meanwhile, Bayer-Pursell, which debuted its new product line at last year's show, is making a name for itself with innovative insect control products. Bayer Advanced Garden 3-in-1 multi-purpose and rose & flower potting mixes combine fertilizer, moisture control and four-month insect protection in one, while yet another new product for trees and shrubs promises to protect against insects for a full year with a onetime application. Also new is a fire ant killer that works fast without the strong odor common in similar products.

Beyond a host of ergonomic, easy-to-use garden tools put out by Fiskars and Ames-True Temper, sales of related accessories are booming. Many vendors launched reusable refuse bags and garden work stations, while a full line of coordinated aprons, kneepads, totes and wall organizers debuted from Arden Companies. Both Wells-Lamont and MidWest Quality Gloves have expanded their gardening glove lineups to more fashionable styles catering to females, with features such as reinforced tips and added grips to improve wear.

While irrigation products continue to improve, with better options for hose storage and innovations in timer systems, making a bigger splash are fashionable water items. Birdbath fountains, water garden supplies, tabletop fountains and decorative sprinklers are becoming more stylish, yet affordable. One of the leaders in this category is Beckett, which expanded its core water gardening supply line to fountains made of durable resin. The products range from cisterns and flowerpot fountains to formal pools with elegant classical designs.

"The whole water feature marketplace is growing double digits," said Jeff Robbins, president of Beckett's consumer division. "People are spending more time in their yards and everybody likes water."

Many companies are expanding to this hot area, such as irrigation product maker Nelson with its new line of decorative copper sprinklers and garden art maker Artline, which debuted pond spitters. Also popular is a nostalgic whiskey barrel and water pump fountain, such as one offered by Red River Lumber available at retailers including Costco and Wal-Mart.

Decorative accessories are moving away from basic designs toward more stylish looks. Hayes' new line of shepherd hooks, trellises, garden stakes, hose hangers, plant stands, bird feeders and windchimes have been themed to create a coordinated garden look. For example, a tiffany-glass and metal bird feeder with a butterfly inset matches similar pieces throughout the line. Frogs, dragonflies, sunbursts, flowers and gazing balls were popular garden decor themes found at Hayes, American Tack & Hardware and elsewhere.

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Renewed interest in lawn decor drives new and stylish garden product - gardening equipment at the 2000 National Hardware Show

DSN Retailing Today, Sept 4, 2000 by Debbie Howell

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