'Easter sales boost' for garden outlets

13:13 15th April 2009

Garden outlets have enjoyed a welcome boost in sales over the Easter break, according to the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA).

The organisation's retail management group chairperson Caroline Owen explained her own garden centre, Scotsdales, had its best ever Easter Monday.

She said the increase in footfall and transactions shows people are becoming increasingly interested in things like growing their own food.

"This is just what the industry needed and sets us in good stead for the rest of the season," Ms Owen added.

Hot items included National Garden Gift Vouchers, which sold in record numbers during March and were snapped up by HTA members during the first two weeks of April.

Core gardening, grow-your-own and plants were also popular areas over the bank holiday weekend.

Gardeners looking to pick up some tips or inspiration can do so at the Royal Horticultural Society's Cardiff show, which runs from Friday (April 17th) to Sunday.