VIEWPOINT
Editor John Kmitta | jkmitta@epgmediallc.com
In with the New
Well, 2015 came and went, and my
hometown Chicago Cubs did not win the
World Series as predicted in Back to the
Future Part II. But, then again, I also don't
have the hover board or flying car that
were promised to me.
I tried to turn to the movies to see
what 2016 might bring. But apparently
The Dark Knight Rises is the only major
motion picture specifically set in 2016,
and although the outlook for Gotham this
year isn't too great, there is not much we
can take away from that one.
So it looks like we can all approach
2016 with an open mind. But that doesn't
mean there isn't plenty we can't glean
from recent industry trends, as well as
from the technological advancements in
our industry.
This issue looks at some of the hottest
landscape/garden trends (see feature
beginning on page 8). The overview of
Garden Media Group's annual Garden
Trends Report shares insight into what
consumers want in their landscape and
how you can help make a big impact.
Also, if recent industry trade shows are
any indication, there are other trends we
can highlight:
Outdoor rooms/kitchens continue
to be hot topic, with homeowners seeking
outdoor spaces to enhance their lifestyle.
And outdoor fire features continue to be
high on the wish list.
On the equipment side, battery-
powered products continue their rise. In
just the past couple years, we have seen
significant growth in battery handheld
outdoor power equipment. As the
technology improves, charging times
decrease, and run times increase, we will
undoubtedly continue to see a rise in such
product offerings.
Water management, water savings,
and dealing with drought continue to
be interrelated topics that will be at the
forefront of our industry for a long time
to come. Irrigation system/equipment
manufacturers continue to develop
increasingly efficient/water-wise systems,
and the technology is only getting better.
But a huge part of the future will be
educating homeowners/clients regarding
the value of managed turf (and the
negative impacts of removing lawns).
This is something that we will continue to
cover in depth in Landscape and Irrigation
in 2016 and beyond.
As mentioned in NALP's article (see
page 34), legislation will continue to be
at the forefront during 2016. From labor
issues to pesticide regulations, there are
plenty of topics that we to monitor this
year.
Overall, the experts with whom we are
in contact are positive about 2016 and the
potential for industry growth. Obviously,
the weather is always an important factor,
and the upcoming presidential election
is sure to have an impact one way or the
other.
As always, industry professionals
need to stay informed regarding trends,
regulations, legislation, and technological
advancements, as well as the latest news,
tips, and techniques. We are glad to be
your source for that information, so
please keep an eye on Landscape and
Irrigation, www.LandscapeIrrigation.com,
The LINC and Water Management News
e-newsletters, and our social media feeds
for the latest information to help your
business.
Have a safe, healthy and prosperous
2016.
www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation November/December 2016 5
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