The country may be deep into a painful recession, but some sectors of the economy are having a good year. Count landscapers among the luckier ones.
Landscapers who are currently setting up displays at the Colorado Garden and Home Show at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver say they've seen a slight downtick in business in recent months, but many are doing quite well.
As the homebuilding business slowed over the past year, homeowners began putting money into remodeling, building decks and outdoor water features.
David Schwank of Colorado Custom Decks says his company has several projects underway right now.
"I just returned from Arrowhead. They're doing some interesting things up there," Schwank said.
Another company official, Andy Hashman, said their research shows that the remodeling business is a good one to be in right now.
"I've heard about slowdowns. But most of the people I'm working with are busy right now," Hashman said.
Jim Frickey, executive director of the Colorado Garden and Home Show, said he's hearing the same thing from many of the 600 exhibitors who'll be part of the upcoming show.
"We're completely sold out as far as the show goesm" he said. "One of our landscaping companies said he's having one of his best years ever. He's one of the people who've convinced me the economy is really going to be coming up soon.
"When I talk to people, I keep hearing about companies moving to town. They're hiring people. Home prices have been going up in the past couple of months. It just feels like we're pulling out of it," he added.
The Colorado Garden and Home Show begins its nine-day run Feb. 7.