When looking at the overall economy and perceptions of how the ornamental horticulture industry will change and grow, or decrease in some instances, random surveys can offer a fair indication of the overall outlook of the industry. The British Columbia Landscape and Nursery Association (BCLNA) recently completed its annual spring survey, with many of the responses echoing what has been said of the entire Canadian market.

     Out of the 52 members who responded to the survey, most involved in the landscape and grower sectors indicated an increase in business in the Spring of 2001 compared to last year. The retail sector in all territories, encompassing the Interior-North Central, Island and South Coastal areas, indicated that business levels in 2001 remained the same or decreased a little from 2000.

     What does remain consistent from region to region and from province to province are the positive and negative factors affecting change in these levels of business. Improvements in quality control, management practices and reducing the cost of doing business was stated as a plus in all sectors, while largely uncontrollable factors such as weather, an uncertain or poor economy and inflation were touted as having a negative impact.

     With education comes acceptance and an increased demand for new and exciting plants and products, which is a trend that each sector of the industry deemed significant. The landscape and retail sectors noticed that customers are more educated, aware, and as a result, more demanding for the latest in garden design, products and plants. This change also impacts on the grower level with businesses noting consumer demand for high quality and new and exciting plants. Other trends on the move are on the environmental level, with consumers looking for a decrease in pesticides and an increase in environmentally sensitive landscapes, native plants, organics, IPM and establishing residential natural areas. Water gardening, xeriscape plants and information, garden art, lower maintenance plants and gardens, the impact of mass merchandisers and an increase in quality service, fuel costs and e-business can also be seen as significant new trends in the horticulture market.

     Issues of importance to be addressed by the industry also show similarities from sector to sector and also province to province, with respondents mentioning labour, the environment and marketing as topics integral to their continued success. Also mentioned were the increasing fuel costs, consumer education on environmental issues, water quality issues and recognizing and promoting the value of locally grown or created product.

     Having compiled this data on trends and levels of business activities, as well as areas in which their members feel the association can improve, the BCLNA will now use these responses as guidelines in its annual planning.