Landscape Architects as Related to the Landscape/Nursery Industry: II. Selection of the Production Nursery and Plant Availability

Abstract

Abstract Information concerning the role of the landscape architect in verifying plant availability and selection of the production nursery where landscape contractors obtain plants can help growers develop effective marketing plans. A survey of Georgia landscape architects indicates that about 84% of the respondents confirm availability of plant material specified. A higher percentage of large firms (about 92%) confirm availability compared to medium (85.7%) and small (79.3%) firms. The three most frequently used sources of information for landscape architects to confirm plant availability are favorite local grower, nursery catalogs, and landscape contractor likely to install plants. The top three choices are the same regardless of firm size. Survey results demonstrate that landscape architects not only confirm availability of plants but also play an important role in selecting the production nursery where landscape contractors obtain plants. Approximately 61% of all respondents indicate they determine/recommend the nursery where landscape contractors obtain plants. There is a significant difference among firm size in response to this question with large firms most active in selecting the production nursery (about 92%) followed by medium (57%) and small (50%) firms. The two factors that most influence the decision of large firms are plant quality and plant varieties. Large firms are more price conscious than medium or small firms. The results suggest that growers can enhance their sales by marketing their product directly to landscape architects.