In an article in Horticulture Week this month, it was stated that the sales of lawn care products have taken a slump and that it is franchises in general, rather than individual garden care operators, who are not new to the market, that are behind this shift in garden centres' lawn-care fortunes.
You could say that this all comes down to opportunities in the marketplace, however, I believe that a lot of what goes wrong with lawn care in general, stems from it not having its own defining body. We have anyone calling themselves experts, from franchises, to many of the lawn treatment franchises too. Are they ALL experts?
Another problem could stem from the garden centres themselves. They sell a variety of lawn care products, not governed by them. Any innovation is reliant on two main players in the market doing anything new or exciting. When I go to garden centres, as a lawn enthusiast I am totally uninspired. Same old products, same old advice, same confused look on many faces trying to buy anything.
The lawn advice given to many in this country will lead to lawns being unsuccessful, period. This comes from the big players too. Its dated, almost non-existent and uninspiring.
Therefore it is no surprise that garden centres have little to inspire customers when we talk of lawn care products. Is there life in selling lawn products in garden centres.....yes there is. However, ranges need to be more innovative and up to date ... something must change!
Advice hasn’t changed much for years and now is the opportunity for garden centres to start to educate both staff and customers in modern day lawn care.
For more information on how to look after your lawn in the modern way throughout the year why not read my 'Modern Lawn Care' book - http://www.davidhedges-gower.com/modern-lawn-care-the-book/