RANGE REVIEW: GARDEN & WOODCARE


a grated grill. With both firepits and chimineas relying on wood to burn, they are a renewable energy source that provides a traditional feel with natural warmth. Not only are they practical outdoor heating but their unique and often colourful designs will add a stylish touch to the garden.” Research has shown that people


are interested in spending more time in the garden, and this could be for entertaining or gardening. “If we are lucky enough to have a good summer, the garden becomes an additional room to the home – a great place to entertain family and friends which is why we always want it to look at its best,” Alwyn says. With future food price uncertainty, the demand for Grow Your Own timber products has increased significantly and we expect this growth to continue. We know that spending time outside with nature is good for you and people enjoy the relaxation and it helps to de-stress.” Katy says “The trend of Brits embracing an ‘outdoor-room’


is


set to continue this year, when our customers transform their outdoor space into a multi-functioning living area that can be lived in from spring through to early autumn. Although the British weather is typically inconsistent,


last year’s


glorious summer has encouraged our customers to consider a year- round living space outdoors for dining, entertaining and relaxing. As such, outdoor kitchen areas – with a food preparation area and a BBQ – have become a growing outdoor trend. Last year, we sold over 260,000 BBQs, showing the incredible demand for outdoor cooking. We predict that we will eclipse this figure and sell just under 300,000 BBQs this year as the hunger for outdoor kitchens increases.”


Small spaces, maximum impact Garden


category manager


at


Homebase, Stephen Pitcher speaks to DIY Week about what is doing well in the garden categories, and says Homebase is seeing “continued demand for customers who seek instant impact plants opting to shop within large statement or specimen plants, with Olives and acers as particularly common choices.” With ‘Generation Rent’ taking an increased interest in having some sort of garden area, however small, Stephen says “these plants are also great for those customers renting or contemplating a house move as they can be lifted in their pots and travel to their new home. Customers are increasingly looking for solutions for small spaces and are maximising walls and vertical space. As a result, customers are now growing their own fruit and veg in more creative ways, departing from traditional container planting and opting for trailing plants instead.”


Stephen also says that of those who want to do up the garden, but lack the skills, often tend to go for ornamental grasses or plants that are easy to maintain, “With a modern look, it tends to suit the amateur gardener who wants to enhance their garden in a low maintenance way,” and he also thinks smart tech is a growing category in the


garden industry for these


particular groups of people, “Our new partnership with SmartPlant will bring a new dimension to our customers’ shopping journey. Homebase customers can use the SmartPlant to track the plants they purchase


the app then provides accessible information and expert guidance to answer any questions they may have. From plant identification to


care tips, marrying up the worlds of horticulture and technology makes gardening easier than ever. Whether the customer is a novice or an expert it will help them bring their green-fingered visions to life.” With a greater amount of young people and first time buyers seeing the benefit of a well-kept garden, Stephen says “Homebase are in a great position to provide our customers with the guidance and products they need to create an outdoor space suitable to their needs. The demand for the products to do so is showing growth with no signs of slowing down and it is important that we ensure that we are receptive to the market.” Alwyn says customers are taking


a more environmentally conscious approach which is reflected in their purchasing habits, as they “continue to look for responsibly sourced items within their gardens and therefore we are committed to using FSC certified timber, which ensures that the timber is grown in certified forests management schemes. Being an FSC certified company is very important to Zest 4 Leisure.”


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Moving forward, Stephen also says sustainability is key when planning future ranges at Homebase, with “both garden and woodcare clearly a focus” and he stresses “we continually review the lines we stock and look to add more environmentally friendly products to our range. We really want to lead the market in terms of sustainability while still offering our customers choice and solutions for their gardens.”


through us and


www.diyweek.net


26 APRIL 2019 DIY WEEK 21


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