Award presented for outstanding contributions to the lawn and garden category

The Scotts Company (NYSE: SMG), the global leader in the consumer lawn and garden market, announced today it has been named "supplier of the year" in the lawn and garden category by Wal-Mart in recognition of its results in improving the sales and productivity of the category in 2002.

It was the second time in four years that Scotts has won the honor.

"We truly value our long-term partnership with Wal-Mart and are honored to be named 'Supplier of the Year' by one of the world's top retailers," said Jim Hagedorn, president, chairman and chief executive officer of Scotts. "In a year in which Scotts was focused on execution, this recognition speaks to the dedication of our team, the impact of our improved supply chain as well as our ongoing effort to create strategic alliances with our retail partners. We look forward to continuing to build an even stronger relationship, not only with Wal*Mart, but with all of our retail partners."

The Company's business development teams, located in the headquarter city of each major retail partner, are key to helping those respective partners maximize the potential of their lawn and garden departments. Scotts has 20 associates in its Bentonville, Arkansas office dedicated to the Wal-Mart business. The Bentonville team, which is led by vice president Brian Kura, implemented programs in 2002 that led to higher sales and profits, improved customer service levels and innovative programs that are exclusive to Wal-Mart. Until August of 2002, the team was led by Mike Berg, who is now vice president of North American sales for mass merchants and national accounts.

"The Scotts team did an outstanding job for us in 2002 and the distinction of 'Supplier of the Year' is one that was truly earned," said Doug Keiser, vice president and divisional merchandising manager for Wal-Mart. "Their team drove an effort that helped us meet the needs of our customers and contributed to the overall success of our company. We look forward to continuing to build on our relationship with Scotts in a way that benefits both of our companies, as well as consumers of lawn and garden products."

With 2002 sales of $1.76 billion, The Scotts Company is global leader in the consumer lawn and garden market, with a full range of products for professional horticulture as well. The company owns the industry's most recognized brands. In the U.S., the company's Scotts®, Miracle-Gro® and Ortho® brands are market leading in their categories, as is the consumer Roundup® brand which is marketed in North America and most of Europe exclusively by Scotts and owned by Monsanto. Scotts LawnService® also is the No. 2 company in the "do-it-for-me" lawn service market. In Europe, Scotts' brands include Weedol® Pathclear®, Evergreen®, Levington® Miracle-Gro®, KB®, Fertiligene® and Substral®.