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

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.

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.

Another upscale trend is taking place in landscape lighting. Consumers have traded up inexpensive plastic sets toward metal die-cast products with more ornate looks, such as lanterns and tulip shapes. Color has also come on the scene, with floating solar lights from Inter-solar and fiber-optic patio pavers by Cooper Lighting.

Edging, steppingstones and patio pavers likewise are enjoying a resurgence, with sales strong both in both affordable, easy-to-install plastic products and more costly concrete blocks. The new sandstone system from Pavestone is expected to be its most popular, with a natural look of mock steppingstones that fit together like a jigsaw to form a porch or walkway. Plastic products have improved considerably, with elements such as flexibility and stacking capability now common.

Due to improvements in plastic and foam molding technology, pottery also is becoming more stylish and affordable. Classic Italian designs with ornate relief and textures appear to be the most popular, judging by the offerings at companies such as Norcal, Fiskars and Duraco.

Another pottery vendor, Worldwise, has created a unique niche with its products made of recycled plastic. Mulch products made of recycled rubber were featured at several booths.

Sales in patio furniture may be moving away from inexpensive resin products toward steel and aluminum sets, according to a representative of Gracious Living. This company is expanding its presence in this area with coordinated tablecloths to match patio umbrellas and seat covers. New in the patio category is Sunbeam, which launched its Coleman BackHome line of patio furniture, lights, sun shelters, heaters, fireplaces and accessories. Umbrellas and awnings also are in demand, such as large freestanding umbrellas from Southern Sales & Marketing. Another trendy look appears to be lighting that accents patio umbrellas.

Grills are trending toward higher price points as well, with added features such as burners, gas tank monitors and storage space. Weber added a premium stainless-steel Vieluxe gas grill line, with models priced at $4,900 and $6,000. Among CharBroil's launches were the Quick Set gas grill, a product that requires no tools to assemble, and the Thermos Grill 2 Go, a lightweight and portable gas grill that fits in a trunk and sets up in minutes, complete with its own fold-down stand.

Overall, the prevailing trend in lawn and garden seemed to be that consumers are willing to pay more for products to outfit their yards and add a dose of personality in the process.

COPYRIGHT 2000 Lebhar-Friedman, Inc.
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