As hot weather spells are set to continue this week, Waitrose reports a rise in sales of autumn bulbs as people plan to get back out in their gardens and embrace the glorious weather.
With many shoppers rediscovering their green fingers over lockdown, sales of autumn bulbs are up 40% for the week at Waitrose compared to this time last year. Tulips - valued for their brilliant flower colours and shapes – are proving the most popular among customers.
Oliver O’Mara, Horticulture Buyer at Waitrose, comments: “As the nation continues to spend more time at home than ever before, our customers are taking advantage of the warmer September weather and prepping their gardens to look beautiful through the autumn and winter months and into spring next year. The benefits of gardening have been discovered - or rediscovered for some - over the past few months and we see no sign of this slowing down.”
Many shoppers are also embracing gardening inside the home, with sales of large green houseplants up 158% at Waitrose. Houseplants are the perfect solution for those with an interest in gardening but might not have the outside space and they are also an increasingly popular interior design trend. With many people spending more time either at home or working from home, houseplants are a great way to brighten up home spaces. Indoor plants have also been linked to a boost in overall wellness with their air purifying properties. Examples of plants which will remove toxins from the air and pump out oxygen include Snake Plants, Peace Lilies, and Aloe Vera.
Sales of large Yucca and Dracaena plants have risen by 78% and 80% respectively this year, as shoppers look to invest in bolder, more striking houseplants for their home spaces. Easy to maintain succulents with their architectural foliage also remain popular, especially when paired with a contemporary, minimal ceramic.
Oliver O’Mara continues: “The growing trend for indoor plants has encouraged us to expand our range and introduce more premium statement plants. In addition to looking great in the home, houseplants are helping to support our wellbeing during these times and our growing range of indoor plants makes it easy and affordable for customers to creatively decorate their homes or create a relaxing space.”
Waitrose