The Group Intel Report: May 13-May 20, 2026

Pollinator awareness and Memorial Day readiness drive a nationwide shift toward high-performance summer color and heat-hardy perennials.

Reporting period: May 13 – May 20, 2026

By the numbers

Market overview

Independent garden retailers are pivoting from spring planting to summer endurance, heavily promoting 'heat-loving' annuals and drought-tolerant perennials as temperatures rise. Many businesses are integrating lifestyle elements—such as boutique fashion and food truck events—to transform garden centers into social destinations during the peak shopping season. There is a notable emphasis on educational content, particularly regarding pollinator support and pest management, to build long-term customer success.

Who Is the Real Customer of Your Garden Center’s Online Store?

by Souny Kennedy

A recent order inside the E-Commerce Connect network made us stop and think. The order totaled $1,900—all placed in a single transaction with larger quantities of plants. When we first saw it, our initial thought was simple: maybe it’s a homeowner tackling a major landscape project. That certainly happens. Many passionate gardeners will invest heavily when redesigning a yard or installing new beds.

But it also raised a bigger question - Who is the real customer of your garden center’s online store?