Posted by Matthew Macri on 21st Feb 2023
Home Gardening in the 1990s vs. Today: How Gardening and Garden Centers Have Evolved
Home gardening has undergone significant changes over the past few decades, with a shift towards organic, sustainable, and urban gardening styles. Since the 1990s, there has been a growing interest in gardening as a way to reconnect with nature, promote wellness, and provide fresh and healthy food for the family. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in gardening, spurred by concerns about climate change, food security, and environmental degradation.
One of the most significant changes in home gardening has been a shift towards organic and sustainable practices. This trend began in the 1990s and has continued to gain momentum in recent years. Gardeners are increasingly interested in using natural and organic methods to grow their plants, from composting and using natural pest control methods to choosing plants that are well-suited to their local environment. This shift towards organic and sustainable gardening reflects a broader societal trend towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Another significant change has been the rise of urban gardening. With more people living in urban areas, there has been a growing demand for compact and space-saving plants and gardening equipment. Urban gardeners are looking for ways to grow their own food, create green spaces in their neighborhoods, and promote biodiversity in the city. This has led to a surge in popularity of container gardening, vertical gardening, and rooftop gardens.
Local garden centers have played an important role in responding to these changes in home gardening. Garden centers have adapted to meet the growing demand for organic and sustainable products, offering a wider range of soils, fertilisers, and pest control products that are free of synthetic chemicals. They have also responded to the trend towards urban gardening by offering more compact and space-saving plants, as well as gardening tools and equipment designed for small spaces. In addition, garden centers have embraced social media and online marketing to connect with customers and offer advice and guidance. This has helped to create a sense of community among gardeners and made it easier for people to learn about gardening from a distance.
With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, many garden centers have adapted their business models to offer online ordering and curbside pickup, as well as virtual consultations and classes. This has helped to meet the needs of customers who are looking to garden while practicing social distancing.
Overall, home gardening has evolved significantly since the 1990s, with a shift towards organic and sustainable practices and a rise in urban gardening. Local garden centers have played an important role in responding to these changes, adapting their products, services, and marketing strategies to meet the needs of their customers. With ongoing concerns about the environment, food security, and health and wellness, it seems likely that home gardening will continue to evolve and grow in popularity in the years to come.