Outdoor decor still in, as trend keeps garden sales up - Lawn & Garden

DSN Retailing Today, Sept 9, 2002 by Debbie Howell

No category appeared to be untouched by fashion trends. Even garden pottery is mimicking classic designs. Fiskars, for example, unveiled a new foam planter line that resembles mosaic ceramic pots with crackled exteriors. Dynamic Design copied the look of stylish Asian glazed ceramics in foam, as well.

Garden tools picked up on the trend of ease of use and convenience. Among Fiskars' new items were a line of lightweight long-handled aluminum tools and extended-reach shears with a rotating head to avoid bending and stooping.

Earth-friendly products also were in force at the show. Worldwise has developed a niche for its products made of recycled materials, ranging from pottery to dog beds. Mass retailers have embraced the trend, with sales more than doubling for Worldwise last year. And with the continued crackdown on pesticides by the federal government, low-toxicity and natural alternatives are gaining a following. Woodstream unveiled a 3-in-1 garden spray in its Safer brand, using less toxic insecticide soap to kill bugs, fungus and mites.

As for watering accessories, safety and convenience were overriding trends. An automatic hose reel rewinder powered by water was shown at Hydro Industries, while a new company called Outdoor Inspirations debuted hoses featuring Microban to inhibit the growth of mold, algae and bacteria. Traditional garden hoses made of recycled plastic may be harmful to health if used as a drinking water source or for pet water dishes, but the prime vinyl used in Outdoor Inspirations' line claims to be safer, according to the company.

And with West Nile virus on the rise, products to kill mosquitoes were a hit, ranging from mosquito traps by Mosquito Wizard and Coleman to ultrasonic pest repellants from Sunbeam.

Even though many large vendors pulled out of the show this year, including The Scott Company, Schultz, Beckett and Newell Rubbermaid, the industry remains healthy. Lines are becoming blurred between lawn and garden and decor, with gifts, accents and outdoor living products stealing the spotlight from functional items, such as mowers and fertilizer.