Halloween is Over. Time to Start Thinking of Holiday Spending!

It seems as soon as Halloween is over, Santa comes out! If this year's number of trick or treaters is any indication, it looks like the economy is turning around, and we might have some good news for which we can be thankful at Thanksgiving.

According to all reports, this holiday season is expected to be the best for retailers since 2007!

After a ho-hum 2009 and a disastrous 2008, holiday retail sales in the US are expected to increase 2.3% this year to $447.1 billion, according to the National Retail Federation.

The results look about the same in the UK, where sales are expected to be up 1.9%, according to a new study from Verdict Research reported in Garden International.

The report says "seasonal products and gardening items will be the main areas to push sales for DIY and gardening retailers. Eye-catching homewares ranges should provide an opportunity for gifting and entertainment."

So here are a few ideas from GMG:

Orchids are a luxury anyone can afford. Orchids from Costa Farms are easy to grow, last for months and make a great hostess gift or elegant holiday decorations.

Containers, statuary or fountains: A great gift for avid gardeners and homeowners, Campania offers a wide variety of garden “jewelry” to accessorize the garden. From classic planters, birdbaths, benches to dancing frogs, pigs, cats and dogs, just wrap them with a big red ribbon and put them under the tree.

Tools -- What gardener doesn't love a new tool in their stocking. The new titanium tipped tools from Centurion are as pretty as jewelry! This folding shovel seems a must for every mom's trunk!

So, this year, put something for your garden on your wish list.

Suzi

GMG

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Still need that something special for your mother, grandmother or any other special lady in your life? With Mother's Day being less than two weeks away, we decided to put together a short list of fabulous garden gifts that would delight any mom.

Make her day bloom.

Orchids are the most glamorous flowering plants in the world and are a great gift for today's budget conscious shoppers. They're easy to grow and the flowers keep blooming for months with little to no effort! Look for Phalaenopsis Mini-Orchids, which come in a variety of exotic colors in decorative 4 inch and 6 inch containers, for under $15 at your local retailer. For more tips on caring for your orchid, visit Costa Farms.

Give Roses That Live Forever.

Why not give Mom something like that will continue to remind her how much you appreciate her long after her special day is over? Shrub roses are a great alternative to cut roses, which only live for a short time. Impress mom with one of the new Drift® Roses. These ever-blooming groundcover plants grow come in array of colors, form a nice compact habit and are highly disease resistant. Plus, they bloom from early spring to late fall giving your mom months of natural beauty.

Pot up a pretty plant that keeps on giving!

For a great gift that will "wow" moms and anyone who loves a pretty plant, look for the Jersey Earlybird™ 'Cardinal' Daylily from Centerton Nursery. The 4 inch bright red flower with ruffled edges held high on 21 inch stems has thick green foliage. Best of all, it blooms early in May and keeps re-blooming for nearly 100 days through zone 6, and 85 days in Zone 5. Look for Jersey Earlybird™ 'Cardinal' at garden centers.

Moms Dig Tools.

Good tools are like good jewelry for gardeners. Centurion tools with the titanium tips and bright yellow handles and the lady's line, Elizabeth's Garden, make great gifts. From by-pass pruners to loppers, the right tool makes the job much easier. Designs based on the latest ergonomic research, making using these tools a pleasure.

Happy Shopping!

-Stacey