Growth boosts landscape demand

THE continued growth in home ownership and increased emphasis on leisure and ecology is fuelling increased demand for landscape services and garden products, according to a Teagasc specialist, speaking at the Teagasc National Nursery Stock Conference in Naas last week.

Patrick Gleeson, Nursery Stock Adviser with Teagasc, said the latest survey of the Hardy Nursery Stock Industry showed continued growth since the previous census period. However, he also highlighted a degree of uncertainty within the industry and concern regarding increasing costs and import levels.

At farm gate level the value of Ireland’s amenity sector is in excess of €52.0m with 1,500 people in full-time and part-time employment. This is an increase of 18% in full-time employment since the previous census.

Patrick Gleeson said that imports, particularly from the Netherlands and Italy, by nurserymen and landscape contractors and retail outlets, have grown significantly in recent years. “The continued growth of the Irish Hardy Nursery Stock Industry will be largely influenced by the ability of Irish producers to withstand this competitive pressure from abroad and also how they can manage their own costs and improve margins” said Mr Gleeson.

“Diversity and imagination are key driving forces within the industry. The introduction of 12 new plants by Irish nurseries over the last 10 years, many of which are now commanding a large market share both in the home and export markets, is an example of the type of diversification needed in the industry. These new plants have brought fresh colour, new foliage and features of special interest to enhance our gardens and landscape projects.”

Speaking at the same conference, Grainne Murphy, Annaveigh Plants, who recently set up a wholesale nursery, stated that Irish people have more disposable income than ever, but with less time to spend it. This has given rise to the demand for a-la-carte garden developments. Grainne said that demand for larger sizes is increasing, both in the amenity sector and retail sector, and will lead to a reduction in imports and improve profitability for nursery operatives. It will also provide a major instant landscaping impact in the many new estates now being built.

Philip Moreau, Glenbrook Nurseries, said that because a product is ‘Dutch’ does not mean it’s better. He stated that there are many better growers in Ireland producing plants more suited to the Irish climate.