Late start to season

The late start to the 2008 gardening year had a negative effect on the DIY market in the United Kingdom, according to GfK Marketing Services UK. Figures from the DIY/Gardening Barometer show garden sales in the first quarter 4 per cent down on the same period last year. Because of the bad weather, British consumers tended to concentrate on DIY projects in the home. However, the market researchers say that “a late start does not necessarily mean a poor gardening season.” Strong sales figures were recorded in August and September last year.