The garden products market will grow by 15% over the next three years, according to the latest forecast by AMA Research.

Their new report suggests that while consumer confidence and spending is under pressure, garden products are often relatively low-cost and either hobby or leisure-based and are generally fairly resilient to the economic climate. “Interest in gardening (and, more recently, ‘’grow-your-own’’) still remains strong,” the report says.

They estimate the value of the  “large, mature” garden products market at well over £4billion in 2012. The chart shows that horticultural products, garden sundries (paving, fencing, pots/planters etc) and garden buildings together product account for an estimated 66 per cent of turnover. “Market performance is highly dependent on the prevailing economic conditions, the housing market, consumer confidence and spending, and the weather,” they say. After the weather-hit 2012 season, the market is expected to bounce back in 2013, given reasonable weather, with forecast growth of around 5%. “Longer term prospects are relatively optimistic as the garden remains a key area of interest and improvement for many homeowners”.

AMA emphasise that internet sales are growing in importance, both through emerging specialist garden product retailers and traditional retailers with strong Internet-based sales sites (Argos, B&Q, John Lewis, Tesco etc.). “The use of social media is also increasing both promotional messages and customer feedback, which is challenging traditional routes to market.”

They put market growth at 15% over the 2013-2016 period.

AMA Research’s “Garden Products Distribution Market – UK 2013-2017 Analysis” report, hard copy or electronic, £675 ()  0871 310 3450.