# Virtual Plant Nurseries Nature Hills is America's Largest Online Plant Retailer By Jana Pijak | Published 2020-09-22 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nature-hills References: [naturehills](https://www.naturehills.com/?SSAID=514792&sscid=91k4_gxn13&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=shareasale&utm_campaign=affiliates) [Nature Hills](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nature-of-things) is described as "America's largest online plant nursery" and specializes in a wide variety of outdoor materials -- from [trees and shrubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/albertsons-companies) to outdoor plants and patio accessories. While traditional home and garden centers are fueled by in-person displays and a consumer's interaction with products, Nature Hills offers a vast database of products that one might not find at their local nursery. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, the retailer aims to meet consumers' unique outdoor needs in a more convenient way by delivering plants and landscaping equipment directly to one's door. Nature Hills is also "protected by [Plant Sentry™](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydroponic-farm), an online service that ensures its compliance with all federal, state and local regulations" meaning the retailer will "block shipments of plant materials to or from quarantined areas" to ensure consumer and community safety -- especially important during the current pandemic. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.4/10 - Popularity: 62% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Virtual Plant Nurseries:** The concept of purchasing plants online is disrupting traditional methods of in-person shopping and expanding the reach of the plant retail industry. - **Direct-to-consumer Plant Delivery:** Delivery services for outdoor plants and landscaping equipment are providing consumers with a more convenient and efficient shopping experience for their outdoor needs. - **Online Compliance Regulations:** The use of online services to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations for plant shipments is providing safety and peace of mind for consumers during the pandemic, while also setting a standard for the industry. ### Where This Applies - **Plant Retail:** The growth of virtual plant nurseries and direct-to-consumer plant delivery services is changing the way consumers shop for plants, creating potential for new market entrants in the plant retail space. - **E-commerce:** The increased popularity of online plant shopping is creating opportunities for e-commerce platforms to expand their offerings into the plant retail market. - **Logistics:** The demand for efficient and timely delivery of plants and landscaping equipment is creating a need for innovative logistics solutions to improve the supply chain for the plant retail industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Aggregated Plant Retail Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/getanyplant.md) - [Biophilic Design Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greenery-unlimited.md) - [Farm-Sourced Christmas Trees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fraser-fir-christmas-tree.md) - [Comprehensive Gardening Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gardenuity.md) - [Enchanting Orchid Deliveries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/westerlay-orchids.md) - [Interior Plant Design Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interior-plant-design-service.md) - [Naturally Derived Plant Food Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-food.md) - [Unique Plant-Based Fertilizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-fertilizer.md) - [Organic Cooking-Themed Plant](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/culinary-plant-collection.md)