Mitre 10 Mega owners Peter Rogers-Jenkins and Ondine Waddle are expecting a busy spring and summer.
Gardengoers, of the green-fingered variety, look set to keep garden centres and nurseries busy this spring.
Mitre 10 MEGA Whangarei owner Ondine Waddle says that since its garden centre reracked at the end of last summer the business has seen strong growth in garden sales that has continued over the winter months.
"Gardening has always been a popular pastime in the North and it is undergoing a renewed resurgence as people appreciate a return to being more natural in the way they live," Ms Waddle said.
"Growing your own herbs and vegetables is very popular but the NZ indoor/outdoor way of living means we are beginning to design and decorate our outdoor spaces with the same enthusiasm for indoor spaces.
"Our garden centre is very busy this time of year but outdoor furniture and barbecues are also huge categories for us. We anticipate very large demand this summer for the outdoor furniture range which is bigger than last year."
Ms Waddle says herb and vegetable seedlings are popular but this time of year is perfect for planting a wide range of plants. Stocks of popular varieties have been increased and include lavender, hydrangeas, perennials, trees and shrubs, natives and low-maintenance grasses.
And there is plenty of stock on hand.
"Our garden team are very experienced and we have anticipated a growth rate over last year, particularly in the favourites of seedlings, perennials and potted colour.
"There are some interesting new varieties in the range this year as our suppliers are continually innovating and bringing new products and plants to the market."
Ms Waddle, who bought the Porowini Ave business about a year ago, says business growth has been good and expects some busy months ahead.
"We expect this spring/summer to be significantly busier than last year as the Northland economy remains buoyant and the drift of Aucklanders escaping to the north continues.
"Our garden centre and cafe are a destination for many of our customers."
She says there is definitely a sense that Aucklanders of all ages are cashing up and moving north - some to retire and some choosing a better lifestyle.
"They are buying and improving their homes both indoors and outdoors. We see them in our store every day."
Up the road in Maunu, Sciadopitys is carrying a large amount of stock in all categories in readiness for spring.
Owners Peter and Kris Ruddell say it is interesting to note that once again fruit trees have been very popular during winter. But because of a general shortage of deciduous fruit trees from growers, they in turn will have limited numbers to sell to the public. Some varieties had already sold out.
Spring can be a good time to plant if it is not too wet but warmer, they say.
"If it is too dry during spring and we get a dry summer, then this can be disastrous for the gardener.
"Spring generally is also the green light for putting your vegetable gardens in for summer and from now until December sees an enormous amount of seedlings go out the door."
The Ruddells have also seen an increase in numbers of customers in the past two years.
"Certainly a lot of new people are coming into the area and more lifestyle blocks being sold and people are wanting to put orchards in. Also revamping of old gardens or changing gardens so that they cope with the climatic conditions a lot better."
The Warehouse also sees demand for gardening-related product start to build as spring arrives. General manager for leisure and outdoors Andrew Piggin says customers are starting to think about getting out into their gardens, planting early vegetable crops and enjoying the outdoors.
"Gardening does become top of mind, particularly around planning vege gardens and flowers plants," he said.
Mr Piggin says the store is well stocked.
"Having the right stock in the right volumes and at the right time is not a perfect science, however we rely on historical sales patterns to get as close as possible to meet demand.
"Of course more favourable weather does impact on the availability at certain times."
Alter-Natives Nursery & Landscaping, in Kioreroa Rd, grows and sells plants directly to the public all year round.
Owner Ian Fox says sales are steady because they sell a wider range of species to a wider range of clients.
"We have a dip in sales from some types of client but when one type is dipping another is on the high. We are busy all year round."
Mr Fox says the nursery has at any point of time about 300,000 plants spread over about 600 species in stock.
"Some we may have only 50 of at any one point of time while others we may have 40,000."
He says the business' customer base is growing all the time with supply from the Far North to Auckland. "Business growth this year is on par with our average growth rates over the 13 years in business. Our average growth per year is about 20 per cent.
"This requires a lot of planning and management as we are growing some [species] one to two years ahead and we need to also work around seed harvest and plant the right amounts of seed as well."
Mr Fox is always optimistic for the future. "Good always comes and if there is a bad turn then good will come after it."