Garden centers are retail stores that specialize in selling plants, gardening supplies, and related outdoor products. They typically offer a wide variety of plants, including flowers, vegetables, herbs, trees, and shrubs, as well as gardening tools, fertilizers, soils, and other landscaping supplies.

Garden centers may be standalone stores or part of a larger home improvement or hardware store. Some garden centers also offer services such as plant and lawn care advice, landscaping design, and installation.

In addition to plants and gardening supplies, garden centers may also sell outdoor furniture, grills, and other outdoor living products. Some may also offer seasonal items such as holiday decorations, pumpkins, and Christmas trees.

Garden centers are popular among both experienced gardeners and those who are new to gardening or landscaping. They provide a convenient one-stop shop for everything needed to create and maintain a beautiful and functional outdoor space. Many garden centers also offer educational programs, workshops, and events to help customers learn more about gardening and plant care.

According to a survey conducted by the Garden Center Group in 2021, the most commonly sold products in garden centers are bedding plants, followed by trees and shrubs, garden decor, fertilizers, and pesticides.

The same survey found that the most profitable category for garden centers is a landscape design and installation services, followed by the garden decor and hardscape products.

The garden center sector has seen several innovations in recent years, including:

Online sales and e-commerce: Many garden centers have expanded their offerings to include online sales and e-commerce. This allows customers to browse and purchase products from the comfort of their own homes and has them delivered directly to their door.

Smart gardening technology: With the rise of smart home technology, there has been a corresponding increase in smart gardening technology. This includes products such as smart irrigation systems, soil sensors, and weather monitoring systems that can help gardeners optimize their growing conditions and conserve water.

Sustainable products and practices: Many garden centers have made a conscious effort to reduce their environmental impact by offering sustainable products such as compostable pots and organic fertilizers, as well as implementing eco-friendly practices such as water conservation and recycling.

Educational programs and events: Garden centers are increasingly offering educational programs and events to help customers learn about gardening and plant care. This includes workshops, seminars, and classes on topics such as vegetable gardening, composting, and pest control.

Customization and personalization: Some garden centers are offering customization and personalization services to help customers create unique and personalized outdoor spaces. This includes services such as landscape design and installation, as well as customized planters and garden decor.

These innovations are helping to make gardening and outdoor living more accessible, convenient, and sustainable for a wider range of people.