Oct 21, 2010

Proven Winners Takes the Pulse of ConsumersSource: Proven Winners

On Oct. 15, Proven Winners sent out an electronic survey to its database of consumers to get some insight into today’s gardeners. So far, approximately 7,800 consumers responded with their opinions.

On Oct. 15, Proven Winners sent out an electronic survey to its database of consumers to get some insight into today’s gardeners.

As of late last week, approximately 7,800 consumers responded with their opinions on such things as why they garden, where they turn to for gardening inspiration, how they plan their container plantings and what are their favorite gardening websites and magazines.

Proven Winners also was looking for feedback from these consumers on their preference and effectiveness of the print ads the company runs in consumer publications.

Proven Winners’ Marshall Dirks told GPN that the company planned to use the top vote-getting ad in its spring print advertising campaign.

When the consumers were asked when they started planning their gardening decisions, nearly 2/3 of the respondents said they make their gardening plans year-round. About 17 percent said they do not make any plans ahead of time; instead they make their gardening decisions at the garden center when they see something they like. Another 15 percent said they make their gardening decisions during the winter or several months before spring arrives.

The survey respondents said magazines were the top place they turned to for inspiration in their gardening purchases. The number two response was their own previous gardening experience followed by online websites and blogs.

When they were asked why they liked to garden the number one response was “I enjoy watching the plants grow and change” followed by “I find it relaxing.” It beautifies my home was the next most popular response.

Dirks told GPN that the information collected survey will provide valuable Proven Winners as well as growers and retailers with strategic insight into the way today’s consumers approach gardening.

For more information on the company, please visit www.provenwinners.com.