Comments on: Dear Target, I’m Impressed With Your Garden/Outdoor Section

By: jess

jess — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:10:14 +0000

I feel your pain – I was almost embarrassed by my surprising appreciation for Target’s garden section this year. I won’t buy seeds there, but I am kind of a snob about seeds. I did buy my newest pair of pruners there, though – I went to master gardener class without them, had to drive by Target on the way, they carry Fiskers & are open at 8AM….

Mostly, I think Target appeals to that sort of “inexpensive and vaguely stylish” demographic in the middle, and their improved garden section is just indicative of how popular growing stuff is becoming. I am still dumping money into my local nurseries, but I’m fascinated by the idea of Target producing and supplying worm composting systems, etc. Yeah, you can make your own worm composting system, but I really think the world is better with more people composting, so I can’t be mad about Target coopting vermiculture.

By: Fern

Fern — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:48:49 +0000

Adriana–You wear…lip gloss? I don’t believe it.

Sean–Where do you think Target gets it’s plants?!

By: Sean

Sean — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 01:22:44 +0000

I never said tat Burpee was offering eco-friendly products because they are trying to put other companies out of business. I’m not quite sure where that came from. I’m talking about Target here, not Burpee.

By: Adriana @ Anarchy in the Garden

Adriana @ Anarchy in the Garden — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:12:35 +0000

Love target for toilet paper and lip gloss but like Louise it’s not my go to place for plants nor do I know anyone that goes there specifically for plants. The Target folks are very clever though because I will ALWAYS wander into the garden section. I’ve purchased a plant or two; definitely seeds but I’ll buy seeds anywhere. I am an addict.

Because of the lack of experienced staff I don’t think you, I, or our local nurseries have anything to worry about. Low prices will not beat superior quality and service.

*Excellent post!

By: Fern

Fern — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:42:05 +0000

Sean–I respect your opinion but I don’t subscribe to that sort of conspiracy theory belief system that ascribes a bad intent to any big company that tries doing something “good.” I think Burpee is offering those products in response to consumer demand for them, not because they’re on a mission to squeze smaller seed companies out of business.

By: Mary C.

Mary C. — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:07:58 +0000

I think it’s not a terrible thing that Target and other big box stores are sprucing up their garden centers. It definitely makes it easier for newbies to take a step into gardening – by both making it affordable and a friendly transition through a familiar forum. And anyone who gets into it will likely soon head to the local nursery to find more variety and help. Someone who already sort of knows what they’re doing knows to go to the nursery for real advice, healthy plants and variety – and can use a big box to get better deals on certain supplies. So for now I don’t think it’s the most terrible thing in the world. What I would like to see them do since Target is generally community-oriented is partner up with local nurseries to make sure they’re stocking regional appropriate plants, educating their garden staff, referring customers to people with more knowledge, and perhaps some contracted once a week help with properly tending their plants.

As to the Sean Conway seeds, I’ve tried them and they seem to be pretty good quality and an interesting selection.

By: Sean

Sean — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:28:33 +0000

Don’t do it! I understand how difficult the hypnosis of Targets and WalMarts can be to resist, but you can’t fall into it. If I need a cheap toy for a nephews birthday, I’ll go to Target (sorry, little brat) but when it comes to the food that goes into my body (especially by way the earth’s soil) I’m staying away. You’ll not only regret the eventual lack of nurseries in your area, you’ll soon be consuming the select products one large corporation says you can have. The Burpee products they currently carry are there to stop environmentally-friendly consumers from buying elsewhere. However, once there is no “elsewhere” those products won’t be available any longer. You’ll buy what they say you buy.

By: Katie

Katie — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:17:28 +0000

They always have cute kids gardening stuff. A lot of indie garden centers don’t carry garden tools and stuff just for kids.

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:38:40 +0000

I’ve bought some surprisingly good solar garden lights at Target in the past, in their garden section. In general though, I’m far too picky for Target’s selection. I’m glad you covered this though!

By: Liza

Liza — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:17:33 +0000

I understand your torment at posting this about Target. I love Target. Unlike Walmart (which I haven’t stepped foot in in over 10 years), they treat their employees well and they give a lot back to the community. I like their attention to detail as well. For example, they made their aisles wide so Moms could push both a cart and a stroller down them. Try that at Walmart.

But nothing about Target compares to my love of the local nurseries. So knowledgeable, so wonderful. It’s important to have real people who care about plants when you’re buying them.

I think you made the right choice on your post.