The UK garden industry is well placed to be an engine of ‘green economic growth’ says the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) today (Friday), as it publishes positive industry monthly sales figures (up 25% v Sept 19) and a new consumer trend analysis report detailing changing consumer behaviours and how they’re here to stay. However, keeping garden centres open in the event of further restrictions is key to keeping this economic recovery and growth agenda and supporting physical and mental health wellbeing.

 The HTA’s Consumer Trends and the Opportunities for Garden Businesses post-COVID report shows how the nation has adjusted to steps taken by government to guide people through the pandemic, with concerns for health and wellbeing and high levels of anxiety seeing people wanting to reconnect with nature and personal connections with domestic gardens strengthened as consumers realise the benefits and relief they have provided during the crisis.

With a mixed bag of reports on consumer confidence due to Covid-19 and figures at odds with actual sales, what are you seeing in terms of customer sentiment?

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