Part of a megatrend

Katharina C. Hamma: Technology and relaxation are terms that don't necessarily have to be contradictory. A smart garden means that I can make good use of technology to support me in basic work and general care. Whether it's with an app for watering the garden, controlling the outside lighting or for the outdoor camera system. It's more about making work easier. I can decide for myself to what extent I wish to make use of this extra help. It gives me free space for creative or artistic projects in the garden, and I can still use the rose secateurs or spade on them when they're finished.

Hamma: The importance for the market is constantly growing and is directly linked to the general digitalisation of our society. And it will continue to grow: the smart garden is a part of the connectivity and security megatrend. My garden is becoming more networked and a part of the Internet of things. I can also fulfil my need for security using this network, for example. I can manage and maintain my garden using apps and I can already protect my house using the camera on the garden gate.

Hamma: Smart garden and automation are a part of a megatrend which we cannot ignore and are often enquired about by our visitors and exhibitors. But despite the fact that smart products have already established themselves, there are still lots of uncertainties on both sides of our clientèle, i.e. our exhibitors and visitors. As a platform for communication and themes, we see ourselves as mediator between product and trade: imparting understanding, providing security and opening up opportunities, that is the message of Smart Gardening World 2017 at the Spoga+Gafa.

Thorsten Muck: Smart garden solutions help to automate routine tasks, so there's more time for the things in the garden which are really relaxing and fun. So intelligent solutions like EGC products (editor's note: easy garden control) by Oase, for example, make child's play out of checking the quality of water in garden ponds or managing garden…