Plants, organic orders see big surge

Garden centers increased orders for perennials, herbs and annuals in the past 2 years, more than any other categories, a Garden Center Magazine survey reveals. Organic fertilizers and pest and disease controls were also popular products, while traditional synthetic versions were among the weakest, based on those products with the highest number of decreased orders. Only 30% of garden centers belong to buying groups such as Home and Garden Showplace or Commerce. A complete analysis of the survey will run in the magazine's August issue. 244 garden retailers responded to the survey.