Gardening Reaches Record Levels; Consumers Say Activity is an Outlet for Creativity and an Escape from Hectic Lifestyle MARYSVILLE, Ohio, May 16 /PRNewswire/ -- According to new data from the National Gardening Association (NGA), more people than ever are getting exposed to the outdoors by working on their lawns and gardens -- a record 91 million households last year. And cultural experts believe there is a direct link between the increase and peoples' growing desire to literally slow down and smell the roses. This data and more was recently released during a special media Web teleconference to discuss the physical and psychological benefits of gardening and other outdoor activities. The event was led by industry experts from the NGA, Iconoculture, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. Vickie Abrahamson, executive vice president and co-founder of the consumer research firm, Iconoculture, noted several cultural trends driving the growing participation in gardening and other nature-oriented pastimes. "People are continually bombarded by technology throughout the day, so they are looking to slow down by engaging in simpler, more natural and relaxing pursuits," said Abrahamson. "The same consumer attitudes that are driving increased spending on spas and visits to farmers markets are driving increased participation in garden activities and creating livable outdoor spaces." New research conducted by the National Gardening Association also revealed the benefits gardeners say they get from the activity. "Not only are Americans gardening in record numbers, but they also are saying that they see direct physical and emotional benefits from going outside and getting their hands dirty," said Bruce Butterfield, director of research for the NGA. "Our research shows that people see gardening as an outlet for their creativity and a way to recharge by reconnecting with nature." Diane Relf, professor emeritus with Virginia Tech's Department of Horticulture who has studied this growing area of interest for 20 years, presented academic and scientific research that suggests gardening yields measurable physical and emotional benefits. "Gardening is moderate -- and sometimes strenuous -- exercise that incorporates many important elements of accepted exercise regimes, such as stretching and stance, repetition and movement," said Relf. "Some gardening even involves resistance principles similar to weight training." According to Relf, trimming shrubs or trees requires about the same amount of exertion as walking at a moderate pace. Raking the lawn takes as much energy as a leisurely bike ride or water aerobics. And mowing the lawn with a push mower or tilling a garden can equal the exertion you would expend swimming laps. Relf also noted that simply spending time in the garden could hold potential health benefits. She cited a study from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City that found women recovering from breast-cancer surgery recovered more quickly and exhibited reduced depression after walks in a garden. With all these benefits, what would help encourage more people to get outside and garden? According to Tim Key, vice president of marketing research for ScottsMiracle-Gro, simplification and ease of use are top priorities for consumers. "As innovators in the consumer lawn and garden industry, our job is to understand the homeowner and develop and design products that meet their gardening and lawn care needs," said Key. "We want to make it easy for consumers to achieve great results and experience all the positive physical and emotional benefits of gardening." About ScottsMiracle-Gro With more than $2.3 billion in worldwide sales and more than 6,000 associates, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Scotts Company LLC, is the world's largest marketer of branded consumer products for lawn and garden care, with products for professional horticulture as well. The Company's brands are the most recognized in the industry. In the U.S., the Company's Scotts(R), Miracle-Gro(R) and Ortho(R) brands are market-leading in their categories, as is the consumer Roundup(R) brand, which is marketed in North America and most of Europe exclusively by Scotts and owned by Monsanto. The Company also owns Smith & Hawken, a leading brand of garden-inspired products that includes pottery, watering equipment, gardening tools, outdoor furniture and live goods. Additionally, the Company owns Morning Song(R), a leading brand in the wild bird food category. In Europe, Scotts' brands include Weedol(R), Pathclear(R), Evergreen(R), Levington(R), Miracle-Gro(R), KB(R), Fertiligene(R) and Substral(R). For additional information, visit us at http://www.scotts.com/. Editors Note: For an audio and visual playback of the Web teleconference in which this information was presented, please visit the Web sites for The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company at http://www.scotts.com/ or the Garden Writers Association at http://www.gardenwriters.org/. To obtain a copy of the presentation or to arrange interviews, contact Kim O'Halloran at (312) 240-2742. Contact: Su Lok The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (937) 578-5169 DATASOURCE: The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company CONTACT: Su Lok of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, +1-937-578-5169, or Web site: http://www.scotts.com/ http://www.gardenwriters.org/

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