Economy affecting your business?

[Gardengates1]

Here in the outskirts of Los Angeles we have been hit really hard by the housing crash and economy. Is anyone else reeling?

[Michelle Derviss]

Hello Gardengates1,
Yes, the economical downward spiraling crash has hit Northern California and its gardening community.
Many of my peers are experiencing a 50 to 75 % decline in their businesses , - small specialty nurseries, designers,and landscape contractors .

This economical climate is causing many of us who are determined to survive to become more creative ( positive spin ) within our businesses.
Within my own business I am offering services that I haven't offered in quite awhile and am expanding my business to include maintenance ( bread and butter accounts ).

I've weathered fairly well during several recessions over the past 25 years of business, but this downturn is by far the most stinging that I have ever endured.

Best of luck to you,
Any ideas and tips that you have that could benefit us all would be appreciated.

Michelle

[Kevinthegarden]

No. It has actually picked up considerably. First things to go are the landscaper and lawn guy. I'm turning away single homeowners and getting them to get a group, like their work, or homeowners assoc., or civic assoc.'s so I can get them all at one time. Spring is coming and I'm running out of time. Can't get to everyone. Garden shows start next month.... I don't care for the website approach because someone in a different planting zone or sunset zone will think it's OK for them to do, and their goes their confidence when they kill something..... So I am constantly in someone elses gardens or with them at a nursery. I'm tired.. Already. It's only January! I'm not selling myself at all. No ads, got 500 business cards, and I have not passed out 20 yet. I don't dare. They find me though. I was surf fishing in Nags Head. A guy walks up to me, asks if I live in Richmond, affirms his suspicion, and starts asking me about his wifes flower beds and herb garden. AT 5 A.M.! I can't eat in public, someone will pull up a chair, and start in on me. It's crazy. I haven't been on TV in 4 years, no articles in the paper for a good while, but they find me. So yes, the economy IS affecting my business! And my own landscape. I'm waaaaayyy behind there....

[christybeth1]

I just got started doing this full time about 8 months ago and the phone rings every day. Los Angeles is in a drought so everyone wants to tear out their lawn. Clearly a boon for folks like us. Word of warning: I shot a segment for ABC News: Nightline last week on Victory Gardens. It's supposed to air next week. I think it's about to get really busy here...

Christy Wilhelmi
www.gardenerd.com

[Kevinthegarden]

On the other Coast. I have been asked to interview with the Richmond Times Dispatch early March. I skirted around the issue with the West End Times. Yep, it's already busy here. I had 70 degree week last week. Made folks mad because I HAD to get my property "pre-Spring-ed". Now I'm 4 appts behind, and it snowed yesterday, and calling for it tomorrow, 60's Wednesday. Yep. February in Richmond.