Inflation seems to be slipping on green lovers like the rain that has been pouring down on Friday. Until April 16, the Saint-Jean-de-Beauregard estate is organizing a new Plant Festival*, spring edition. A very popular horticultural event, which brings together 230 exhibitors and can accommodate more than 20,000 visitors in three days, 15,000 since the health crisis. The showers did not dampen the garden enthusiasts who flocked from the first day.
Neither did the price hike. Many people leave with arms full of plants of all kinds. The most far-sighted even have carts, which are also overflowing. “Of course we see a little inflation here too, testifies Muriel, a fifty-year-old living in Melun (Seine-et-Marne) who has notably bet on dahlias, roses and boxwood. This is played at a few tens of cents more, even a few euros. But it’s such a pleasure. I prefer to go a little less to the restaurant and beautify my garden. I also recognize that I can afford it. »
“When we love, we are less hesitant about spending”
Christine, from Normandy, is on the same wavelength. “I love plant festivals,” she says. I have been coming to that of Saint-Jean-de-Beauregard for 25 years, I go to that of Chantilly, to Les Mureaux, to all those that are two hours away from my home. I notice a small price increase, like perennials that are now available at 6-7 euros. So that can be a hindrance. That said, you can find all the plants here, and they are of much better quality than in garden centres. When we love, we hesitate less to spend. »
Exhibitors also seem to find that inflation is currently “contained” in the horticultural sector. “The price of our raw materials has increased, if only for fuel to come to the plant festivals, says Willy, from the Lac des Joncs nurseries in the Dordogne. I therefore offer perennials at 4.50 euros whereas I used to sell them at 4 euros. It bothers me but I can’t help it. Customers seem to continue to buy a lot of plants, I’m pleasantly surprised. »
Citrus fashion
Visitors may think more about the plants they buy. A little less favorites for purchases that better correspond to climate change. Evidenced by the success of the stand of the Jardin de Morvan, which offers perennials “that don’t care about drought”. “With the increasingly frequent heat waves and the lack of water, I try to plant plants that are more resistant and require less watering,” says Arthur, in his twenties who cultivates his balcony in Arpajon.
Daniel, a nurseryman in Charente, confirms these new expectations: “In Île-de-France, we are selling more and more citrus fruits. This was not the case a few years ago. But with the rise in temperatures, the inhabitants of the Paris region manage to grow lemon, orange or yuzus trees. Especially since we offer some that can also hold the frost down to -10°. »
For the National Horticultural Society of France, inflation has even brought a new public to the garden. “It started with the Covid, believe several representatives of this eminent learned society active for more than two centuries. With many people who wanted a return to nature. Either by moving to the countryside when they could, or by applying for a plot of allotment gardens. The requests have exploded, there is for example up to three years of waiting for those of Ris-Orangis. And we see a craze for the vegetable garden. Many people try to grow their salads and other vegetables, whether they have a garden or a balcony. Rising product prices in stores are accelerating this trend. »
*This Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Saint-Jean-de-Beauregard estate, rue du Château. Prices: 12 and 15 euros, free for children under 18. Free parking. Information on 01.60.12.00.01.