In the March/April issue of GTN: Shaping a new future at Coolings - Paul Cooling explains all about the Employee Ownership Trust, Blue Diamond Awards – GTN Photo Exclusive, Garden Centres Aid for Ukraine, Primeur – Ready for 2022, Latest trends and products from the Garden Press Event, LOFA’s Plant a Tree Campaign, Greetings from Woodmansterne – GTN meets the suppliers, Easter Trading records broken – GTN Bestsellers Exclusive, GTN Bestsellers – Subscribe Now!, YPHA member opens Dor’s Garden in Ross On Wye, Glee 2022 Update, Garden Re-Leaf Day 2022, LOFA Column – Working Together, HTA Column – Reasons to be Cheerful, GIMA Column – Sourcing New Products

It is with great sadness that the family of Peter Long, founder of Longacres Garden Centre, have announced his passing on Friday, April 15.

Born in 1932 in Wokingham, Surrey, Peter was followed by a sister, Wendy, three years later.

Leaving school at 14, as most people did at that time, Peter first trained as a chef, working in a restaurant in Camberley. He then became a gardener at Pinewood Hospital in Crowthorne, which is where his lifelong interest in horticulture began.

After leaving Pinewood, Peter started to grow vegetables on a few acres of land in Sandhurst (this was known as Greenacres), supplying retailers including local Woolworths stores. He then expanded the range to include flowers (dahlias and chrysanthemums), and these he supplied to his sister amongst others, who was by now running a shop called ‘The Flower Basket’ in Crowthorne. The only building at Greenacres was a small potting shed.

He met Mary whilst on holiday in Blackpool, and they were married in Rhosllanerchrugog in Wales in 1960. Peter and Mary had three children; Carol, Nigel and Julie, all of whom are actively involved in running Longacres today.

The first venture beyond the vegetables and flowers were Christmas trees, and then to go alongside those was a greetings card spinner.

The site we know as Longacres today (initially as Longacres Nursery, later as Longacres Garden Centre) first took shape at the end of the 1970s. The house he and Mary lived in for most of their lives (to the east of the Longacres site) took two years to build, with Peter actively involved in the construction. During this time the family all lived on-site in a caravan.

In the 1980s Julie and Peter realised they needed more flowers to supplement what they were growing themselves, and the first trips to Covent Garden Market took place. This soon led to the recruitment of the first florist, and the floristry department grew quickly from this point. 

Staff levels climbed rapidly in the mid-90s as the centre developed and the number of product ranges grew. There are staff at Longacres who are into their third decade working for the business now. A second store based in Chobham opened in 2009, followed by Shepperton in 2013, Bybrook Barn in 2016 and Chelmsford in 2019.

Sadly, Mary passed away in 2018. She and Peter had travelled the globe together, enjoying holidays and cruises across the world, often with family and friends.

In his 70s and even into his 80s Peter was involved in the day-to-day operations of Longacres – often onsite doing small maintenance jobs and keeping everything clean and tidy. He still kept his eye on our prices and made sure we continued to offered the best value for money!

Peter is survived by his three children and their five grandchildren, and by his sister Wendy. The horticulture business he started, in an empty field many decades ago, now employs nearly 650 people in five stores across three counties.

Peter’s funeral will take place at 4.30pm on Friday (April 29) at:
St. Michael and All Angels Church

Lower Church Road

Sandhurst

Berkshire

GU47 8HN

The first of three phases at Garston Docks, Liverpool, has recently been completed to increase Meadow View Stone’s washing and pre-pack production by 60,000 tonnes/annum.

The facilities, designed and constructed to include an additional 16 external storage bays, a state-of-the-art washing plant, four fully robotic bagging lines, and a new 20,000 ft² warehouse which provides the group with an additional stock holding of £5million.

Having won the 2021 GIMA Supplier of the Year award due to an ability to efficiently meet customer volumes and delivery schedules, this further investment enables the business to react to its continued growing demand.

High levels of stock are now held across the groups four production sites and three dockside storage facilities. As well as ensuring the product range is readily available and close to its customers, these strategically located sites help to reduce vehicle movements/mileage so contribute to reducing the businesses carbon footprint.

Sarah Hill, Managing Director, stated: “The fundamental strategy of the Group is to be fully in control of the whole supply chain. We have worked hard in developing key supply agreements and new products with our European partners. 

“Managing the bulk shipping of these products and investing in the infrastructure with the latest production processing equipment is the next step for the business. 

“Our existing, and new locations such as Garston, place us in very strongly positioned to facilitate further growth in the garden centre market.”

www.meadowviewstone.co.uk

There’s a new generation of garden lovers who have only recently discovered the pleasures of spending leisure time in their outdoor spaces and caring for plants. They may never have used a garden sprayer or spreader before, so they represent a great new opportunity to grow the category.

The new Defenders range of spreaders and sprayers is designed to appeal to all gardeners, especially those novices who need simple, easy to use products.

Many customers are moving away from single use RTU sprayers and the Defenders range is made from durable, high-quality materials to give many years of serviceable life – and they’re all recyclable too.

On top of quality and value, the Defenders range has some unique product innovation too. Reaching tricky areas with a great quality sprayer is now easy thanks to the unique All-ways home & garden sprayers which work at all angles – even when upside down! And the cleverly designed Soda Bottle Sprayer turns a used drinks bottle into a fully adjustable sprayer, making it a great low-cost sustainable option.

Nick Hood, Marketing Manager, said: “Sales of the Defenders range were very strong online during 2021 and we’ve seen some really great reviews from consumers. We want to make sure our retail partners now get to share in the success of this range and we’re offering some great trade discounts.”

To find out more about the Defenders range go to www.stvuk.com/defenders

STV International Ltd

Forge House,

Little Cressingham,

Thetford,

Norfolk, IP25 6ND, GB

Phone 01953 881580                

Email info@stvuk.co.uk

Whilst overall plant sales were slightly down on 2021 volumes for the same week, tomato plant sales were a massive 56% up on last year.

And although total plant sales were 5% down on last year they were 25% higher than the same week in 2019 and 7% higher than 2017 when week 15 was also the first Easter trading week. Great news for volume plant sales and a good indicator that whatever the economic situation is, plants are still a purchase of choice for well-being.

Highlights of the week were:

• Zonal Geraniums more than doubled their sales to move up to No 2 in the GTN Plants Chart – it won’t be long before they start their long run at No 1.
• Pelargoniums were the highest climber up the chart, moving up 28 places to No 22.
• Argyranthemum were the highest Top 50 re-entry, in at No 34.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

The Four Oaks Trade Show will celebrate its 50th anniversary on 6 & 7 September 2022 and is keenly anticipated by the horticulture industry after a two-year Covid enforced gap.

The comprehensive, international event takes place on a 23 acre nursery site in Cheshire UK, close to the Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope, covering an area of 13,000m² under glass with additional outdoor areas.

Massive displays of plant material form the heart of the show, with young plant producers using the platform to launch the next season’s lines. Mature stock and specimen plants from across UK and Europe create magnificent showcase displays to appeal to retailers, landscapers and garden designers.

Machinery, growing media, sundries, a diverse range of retail products including Christmas ware, services and practically everything the sector can use or re-sell is found on the aisles at Four Oaks.

With over 35% of participating companies coming from Europe, plus the wide variety of exhibits, attendees can be assured of a very productive visit that simply can’t be replicated at any other UK show.

New for this year is an enhanced conference program to include technical workshops on a range of subjects and continuous professional development, plus debates on key issues such as sustainability and attracting young people into the sector.  

All those working in garden retail and the wider horticulture sector are welcome, with free entrance, free parking and free catalogues available at site.

Visitor registration opens May 2022: www.fouroaks-tradeshow.com #fots50 @fots50

Sales during the first Easter week of 2022 bounced back to above 2019 levels, up by 26% on the same week, and were the highest volume sales for the first Easter week since 2015 with the exception of last year.

Analysis of the weekly GTN Bestsellers Epos data shows that whilst sales were 10% down on the same second week of April last year, they were up by 27% on the previous week, and that’s without a day’s trading for Easter Sunday.

Last week’s sales volumes were also 10% higher than the volumes of the first Easter week in 2019 which was later in April that year and bodes well for sales during this second Easter week, provided the weather holds fine.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week in 2021: week 15.

• Garden Products Top 50 – down 34%
• Growing Media Top 50 – down 21%
• Veg 2 Gro Top 50 –up 23%
• Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – down 17%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week in 2021: week 15

• All Plants with Barcode index – down 5%
• All Items with Barcode index – down 11%

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

A new store on the high street for gardeners. That is the vision of owner Stacey Gibson who now has the first weeks trading from her outlet in Ross on Wye, Herefordshire up and running.

YPHA Member Stacey told GTN Xtra: “For many years I have had this concept in my head to combine my skills in design, my knowledge of plants and the experience I have built up in sourcing, supply and merchandising into a retail outlet which is accessible to all. 

"My love of plants and the enjoyment and benefit they bring came from my mother who inherited that from her Mother, my Nan and the difficult times of lockdown brought it into focus. Starting with some on-line trading, I knew I wanted to get the shop up and trading and despite the years of thinking about it, it has really all happened quite quickly. Since I got the ball rolling it has quickly turned into an avalanche.  

"I was very lucky, just before Christmas, I found a local estate agent, who had a local landlord, both of whom believed in my concept. The Herefordshire Council high street focused Revive to Thrive grant supplements the Back Business loan I have secured from HSBC to help towards the costs of establishing the shop.

"The Marches Growth Hub Herefordshire has provided around 30 hours training in business skills and access to a business mentor for one- to-one sessions, so I have had support in sanity checking my plans as well as their skills in marketing. My landlord has been great, converting the redundant solicitor’s office into the modern, niche retail outlet I was after has all taken place and I managed to get open for trade just in time for the bank holiday weekend.” 

Read more in in the next issue of Garden Trade News magazine.

As Bents Garden & Home welcomes Manchester Mind as its new charity of the year, it can also announce a fantastic amount raised during 2021 and has presented Solving Kids Cancer with a cheque for £44,597.00.

Customers and colleagues have once again shown enormous generosity in helping Bents raise this incredible amount for its 2021 Charity of the Year, money which will help this fantastic children’s charity in its fight for a future where no child dies of neuroblastoma or suffers from its treatments.

The charity has been one very close to the hearts of everyone at Bents, following the loss of the company’s Financial Director’s great niece, 6 year old Jossie Leaver who bravely battled with neuroblastoma.  Jossie’s parents’ Stewart and Cassie Leaver and younger brother Dougie were joined by Gail Jackson CEO of Solving Kids Cancer to accept the fundraising total.

Gail said:  “We are honoured to have been chosen by Bents as their Charity of the Year.  It has been our absolute pleasure working together over the past year, the Butterfly Ball being a highlight, it was the most magical evening. 

"To receive £44.6k from Bents is incredible, this amount of money will make such a huge difference to Solving Kids’ Cancer UK and allow us to support children diagnosed with the devastating cancer neuroblastoma and invest in clinical research.  Bents support and enthusiasm for fundraising activities has been magnificent.  Thank you so much to everyone at Bents and Stewart and Cassie Leaver.”

This year’s handover took place before the annual Bents’ Bunny Hop, returning after a two year absence due to lockdowns, and the team from Solving Kids Cancer was also joined for the occasion by representatives from Manchester Mind; Bents 2022 Charity of the Year.

Manchester Mind has been supporting better mental health for all in Manchester for over 30 years and this year will be supported by Bents with all fundraising to be donated to help on a local basis.

Matthew Bent, Managing Director at Bents Garden & Home said: “We are absolutely delighted to have raised so much for Solving Kids Cancer and I would like to say a big thank you to all our customers and colleagues who have helped throughout the year to make the campaign such a success. 

“We are now looking forward to working with Manchester Mind, another fantastic cause which we hope to not only raise funds for, but also awareness of the fantastic work they do to support mental health.” 

Representatives from both charities were joined by Bents’ sponsored Leigh Centurions Rugby Player, Tom Nisbett, in the countdown to the Bunny Hop, an event which kickstarted the 2022 fundraising campaign.

Catering sales at garden centres across the country have performed well in March according to the latest Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade report.

Sales in the department were 3,679.31% up compared to the same month in 2021 and have been up throughout 2022 so far.

GCA Chief Executive, Iain Wylie explains: “We’ve seen an understandable surge in catering sales so far in 2022 and this has carried on into March. The figures we’re seeing very much reflect the situation in 2021 rather than now, and the issues we were all facing then, and how different things are this year.

“We’re now in the current post-pandemic phase and people are keen to be out and about again. They are once again using garden centres as social centres, places to meet friends and family for a morning coffee, afternoon tea or a lunchtime meal.

“Our members have always been community hubs and important for all sorts of wellbeing reasons including socialisation. Catering facilities are central to this and while many customers are keen to sit outside still, and garden centres are naturally providing for this, others are happy to be indoors again, especially when the weather is inclement, which was the case in March. This has all helped boost figures tremendously, but these still need to be tempered to reflect how things were in 2021. Comparisons with figures from 2019, pre-pandemic, perhaps give a slightly clearer picture for this category. Here we see that catering is on a par or just slightly ahead for most garden centres.

“Other departments that also saw good sales during the month, year to date, were clothing up at 36.83%, gifts 12.13%, buoyed by Mothering Sunday, and pet and aquatics up 3.46%.

“We saw sales of furniture and barbecues decline year to date to -21.68%. This perhaps reflects the weather in March more than anything else. And as people are going out and about more, we’ve seen sales of houseplants go down slightly for several months in a row. March’s BoT year to date figure for houseplants was -1.07%.

“Also down were outdoor plants -11.7%, seed and bulb sales -9.14% and garden sundries -18.13%. Again, a reflection on the chillier weather we experienced in March. Plus, hard landscaping was down at -27.24% and food hall and farm shop sales were -13.95%.

“The figures illustrate a change in consumer habits, as people are now able to holiday abroad again and move about much more. Also, many gardeners will have used their time in the previous two years to complete any major gardening projects, while the restrictions were ongoing, therefore this activity inflated figures in 2021

“Now we’re seeing things settle down again into a more ‘normal’ pattern of activity. The nation’s love affair with plants and outdoor entertaining at home is ongoing. Once the weather consistently improves and events like the Chelsea Flower Show, back in its traditional spring slot in May, take place, gardeners will be out in their outdoor spaces again, inspired and brimming with vim and vigour.”

The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.

The BoT reports allow members to compare their trading positions with other centres.

British garden equipment manufacturer Handy has unveiled a new display concept which is being introduced across 67 Dobbies Garden Centres this Spring. 

The display combines strong branding, clear product specifications and pricing, and easy access to stock. Brands featured in the new Handy display include Webb, Greenworks, Flymo and Q Garden, and cover all power types and sizes to meet Dobbies’ full customer demographic and different garden types. 

The new display encompasses a lay flat area with product presented in a ‘good, better, best’ proposition, and stock instantly available from this area rather than held in a back stock room which was previously the case. The back wall area has also been completely redesigned and now features a simplified selection of core cordless and handheld equipment clearly marked with POS. The result is a simplified customer journey, through mowers and hand-held equipment, across all power types. 

A long standing Dobbies’ supplier, Handy has been working with Dobbies’ team on the new display concept since July 2021, reviewing the category performance by line and considering new product options, whilst also looking at how to improve stock availability from the shop floor but within the same footprint. This latter aspect proved to be one of the biggest challenges, but was addressed through a clever redesign of the lay flat area to feature new lawnmower risers with stock (over 30 boxed lawnmowers) sitting behind each lawnmower on display. Machinery was carefully selected to ensure all customers are catered for, from a new gardener with a small garden through to experienced gardeners with large outdoor areas to maintain. Now, the customer journey at this display starts with electrical rotary mowers, through to cordless lawnmowers and on to petrol mowers. Continuing round the lay flat area, you then see the hover and upright storage mowers, before reaching push cylinder and scarifiers. 

In addition to lawnmowers, Handy’s Webb branded electric and Greenworks cordless hand held machinery are showcased in the new display at Dobbies. These items, which include 20v, 24v and 40v models, are located on a new branded back wall bay on brackets that allow the products to be clearly displayed and enable customers to remove them for inspection. All products include a magnetic POS which is simply positioned either on POS holders or next to the product on the metal wall bay, which details product specifications and pricing. The bright, fresh design of the new wall displays feature imagery of long, lush grass at the base and application shots on the top panel.

The new displays for Dobbies have been developed in partnership with GEM Merchandising who have over 30 years’ experience within the DIY and garden market, making them the ideal partner to deliver this project. GEM Merchandising has also been appointed to clean and restock the displays monthly, to keep them in pristine condition.

“We are confident this new relationship will really help us achieve the desired results in Dobbies Garden Centres” states Mark Moseley, Handy’s Sales & Marketing Manager. “It’s important to us that we maintain high standards to uphold Dobbies’ reputation and, of course, present the brands in a way our customers would expect to see them. We have invested significantly in this and, although it is very early days in the project, we are already seeing a significant spike in sales which is all down to the hard work and efforts of the Dobbies Buying team, Handy’s sales team and GEM Merchandising.”

Mark is also keen to point out that Handy’s support stretches to other retailers: “We look to work with all our retailers where possible to improve our brand visibility and help improve the overall garden machinery category.” This support comes in a variety of forms, such as the provision of wooden mower plinths or metal wall bay stands and supporting POS. “We want the customer experience to be easy and enjoyable and introduce a level of enthusiasm when it comes to buying garden machinery. After all, what’s better than a beautiful, well-kept garden?!”

For more information, please go to www.handyonline.co.uk

Leading UK lawn seed supplier, Johnsons Lawn Seed, has issued a rallying call to the garden retail sector to shed new light on what some suppliers are placing in their lawn seed box, the contents of which have the potential to dent consumer confidence.

There is no question that supply chain issues have impacted all corners of the garden retail sector, with many imported lawn seed suppliers also hit hard. Not wanting to miss the key sales period, it has become apparent that some suppliers are cutting corners to ensure stock availability with little regards for the quality of the product on sale.

Johnsons Lawn Seed Consumer Manager, Guy Jenkins, explains more: “Many boxes on the shelf for the 2022 season are filled with different lawn seed mixes to that purchased in 2021, leaving gardeners with a totally different appearance and growth habit. Estanzuela ryegrass is the perfect example of this. Cheaper and easier to obtain, it is being used to bulk out traditional lawn seed mixes, however as an agricultural annual ryegrass this seed will create a sharp carpet of grass when mown, grows exponentially fast and has an average life span of 18 months. Adding this to existing lawns is going to cause lawn owners endless amounts of headaches and will make many brands enemies for life. The same principle is also seeing wildflower mixtures being added, which, again, is going to cause nothing but issues for anyone reseeding, patching or starting a new lawn.”

With so much to potentially turn off consumers, Johnsons Lawn Seed is asking retailers to carefully look at the products they are stocking and to ask more questions of suppliers to ensure quality is consistent.

Guy added: “At Johnsons Lawn Seed all our products have been developed as part of an extensive R&D and breeding programme. Working with our parent company, DLF Seeds Ltd, we can develop the correct balance and blends of the highest quality lawn seed.   Our Green Lawn Technology features tetraploid ryegrass, whereas our previous formula only featured a diploid variety.  Tetraploid ryegrasses have three times as much energy as ordinary seeds and are quicker to establish, deep-rooting and more tolerant to stress compared to diploids due to the increased number of chromosomes per cell in the grass plant.

“As a result, retailers can be assured that every single seed that fills its boxes has been carefully researched, evolved and selected by a dedicated team of experts, with no substitutes added. We proudly do not, nor will we ever, cut corners so if retailers are looking for a brand they can trust in, then look no further than Johnsons Lawn Seed.”

Find out more

To find out more about Johnsons Lawn Seed products please visit www.johnsonslawnseed.com

The team at Tong Garden Centre in West Yorkshire has invested over £280,000 to treble the capacity of an existing warehouse.

The 10,000 sq. ft. extension to Warehouse 3 at Tong Garden Centre has been prompted by the need for additional storage space for both the existing Tong Lane site and for the Tingley garden centre that will open later in 2022.

"Due to impressive growth over the last 12 months, we need additional space to house stock to widen the range at Tong and to allow for further stock storage for the new build at Tingley," said Andy Mears, Centre Manager. 

"With our ongoing commitment to an increasingly sustainable operation, we have invested in an electric reconditioned forklift truck, we have reused the original warehouse doors and the excavations from the foundations will be repurposed to make hardcore for future projects."

The warehouse expansion has been built by Yorkshire businesses, ACN Groundworks and A and J. Stead Structural Steelwork and Cladding. The project brings Tong's warehousing capacity to 24,000 sq. ft.

Tong Garden Centre occupies a 19-acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire's biggest independent garden centres with 125,000 square feet of retail space and parking for up to 700 cars.

For the past seven years, the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund has helped emerging brands break into the UK garden retail market, with the most recent winners, Pot-mate, scooping the award in September 2021.

Here we find out more about how the brand has progressed and worked to grab itself a slice of the thriving gardening industry pie.

Pot-mate is a simple, yet highly efficient solution to a common problem associated with container gardening. So often, pots – whether on a patio or deck – suffer from drainage issues or leave unsightly marks and rings where dirt and mould has been able to go undetected underneath the pot. 

However, with Pot-mate’s innovative, UK-manufactured design, these issues are a thing of the past. 

Made from 100% recycled and recyclable polymer, the Pot-mate is a simple tripod ‘ring’ that lifts pots off the ground, allowing for better air flow and drainage to the base of the pot, as well as allowing for better manoeuvrability of pots. Pot-mate is currently available in three sizes to suit containers with base diameters of up to 36cm and is supported by recycled material waterproof labelling and video instructions, available via a QR code.

Talking at the time of receiving 2021 GISCF, Pot-mate’s creator, Phil Wilson said: “The Pot-mate is the result of 10 long months of product development, as well as a significant personal investment. So, to be recognised by such a valued industry award is truly amazing! I am so humbled and honoured to follow in the footsteps of previous winners and have no doubt that the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund will help spread the word of Pot-mate. I am excited for the future.”

Since winning, Pot-mate has garnered a strong response from garden retail buyers; with one of the country’s largest garden centre chains, Blue Diamond, securing stock. In fact, Pot-mate is now available in 55 garden centres, from Manchester to the south coast.

Phil added: “One of the biggest challenges for us following the win was being able to react quickly enough to meet demand. We went from zero to a hundred miles an hour and had to learn quickly about all aspects of delivering product to market. From ensuring our product facility could maintain volume, to developing our website and merchandising support, and sourcing supply partners for our packaging and distribution, it was a baptism of fire – but we got there! The help we received from GIMA and its partners, as part of our GISCF winners’ package, has been incredible and far beyond anything we could have achieved on our own.”

In more recent times, Pot-Mate has also expanded its consumer reach, following a successful Garden Press Event. 

Phil added: “Gaining consumer coverage and creating new relationships with influential members of the press has been another aspect of our brand development that we did not expect to achieve in our fledgling years. At the Garden Press Event we met with the national newspapers and leading consumer gardening titles and are now able to provide them with product and information for their future features. We’ve also built relationships with influencers and gardening personalities, with Pot-mate already being showcased on TV. It’s been amazing.”

Looking ahead, Phil and the Pot-mate brand will be returning to Glee 2022 in June with high hopes of securing more stockists ahead of the 2023 season. 

“For us, Glee cannot come quickly enough! We are keen to start talking to more garden centre buyers about our new product introduction and to showcase the hard work we have undertaken since September 2021. Pot-mate is already so different to what it was just seven months ago, so we’re excited to see people’s reaction.”

Find out more

Any businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators interested in entering the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund in 2022 are invited to do so by visiting http://gima.org.uk/innovators-seed-corn-fund/ and completing the online application form ahead of the late May deadline.

Further details about GIMA can also be found at www.gima.org.uk or by calling 01959 564947.

Further details regarding Pot-mate can be found at www.pot-mate.co.uk

Following a sell-out event in 2021, the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair returns to Beaulieu in Hampshire from 29 April to 1 May with a glorious gardening day out.

Visitors can expect a feast of plants and flowers, garden inspiration, expert advice and shopping all set in the stunning grounds of Beaulieu, with tickets including entry to Palace House and the National Motor Museum.

Bringing the magazine pages to life, editors of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine take to the stage, along with BBC2 Gardeners’ World presenters Adam Frost (Friday), Joe Swift (Saturday) and Frances Tophill (Sunday), with seasonal tips to help visitors get the most out of their Spring gardens, wildlife, sustainability and planting choices.

Stage sponsor Regent Seven Seas Cruises host daily Plants of The World sessions hosted by Gardeners’ Question Time regular Matt Biggs, and ‘In Conversation’ style talks take place with the TV presenters in Beaulieu’s renowned Victorian Walled Gardens, a totally unique experience.

Visitors will be able to glean a wealth of ideas from the garden features, including headline sponsor Hillier Nurseries’ impressive design that will contrast a contemporary side with a focus on outdoor entertaining, with a traditional cottage garden with vibrant border and Gertrude Jekyll inspired planting. As part of the Hillier Experience, experts will be on hand to offer 1-to-1 advice and visitors will be able to buy plants seen in the display from the Hillier shop, including some of their newest launches. The inspiration keeps flowing with nine Beautiful Borders and four Showcase Gardens, many influenced by Hampshire and surrounding areas.

With a head full of ideas, visitors will be able to shop for a wide range of plants from up to 30 nurseries and specialist growers. Popular nurseries return to the Show including Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants and New Forest Hostas, along with a range of new exhibitors such as Hampshire Carnivorous Plants, Pheasant Acre Plants and lily specialist H.W. Hyde. Visitors will also be able to shop for a range of gardening kit and accessories including Stihl tools, Brightstar Fires and Pepe Garden Furniture and enjoy their day bag-free by taking advantage of the Plant Crèche supported by charity Maggie’s Southampton. 

Heading into the BBC Good Food Market for artisan food, drink and street food will be a temptation! An alfresco bar will sit alongside the Bandstand where visitors can enjoy the dulcet tones of The Estrellas and jazz singer Chris Weeks, with BBC TV presenter Chris Bavin as compere and Bandstand sponsor Gordon’s will be sampling their latest Tropical Passionfruit Gin.

Visitors will be able to drop in at flower-crown making workshops run by the local NAFAS group, meet the Woodland Trust team giving out free trees and advice, experience the Shinrin-yoku Green Wall by automotive sponsor Lexus, and be wowed by the National Motor Museum’s planted-up 1928 Austin Twelve Clifton as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations.

Find out more and buy your tickets at www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/bbc-gardeners-world-fair-spring.

RHS Harlow Carr Flower Show returns this summer (Thurs 23 – Sun 26 June 2022), marking the start of the flower show season at RHS gardens. The show offers visitors the opportunity to browse and purchase beautiful plants, take in inspirational displays, and enjoy an exciting selection of talks, demonstrations and live music.

A must for garden lovers, the four-day event will bring more exhibitors to the beautiful 58-acre garden in Harrogate than in recent years. Discover early summer blooms, tempting edibles, shrubs, bulbs, and rare and unusual perennials. Speak with the growers to learn more about what will work in your garden, and browse a beautiful range of garden ornaments and metalwork, handmade garden gifts and tools at the high quality trade stands.

The exhibiting nurseries have unrivalled expertise. RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medal award-winning nursery Hare Spring Cottage Plants are owners of the National Collections of Camassia and Sidalcea, cottage garden must-haves which work well in containers or beds. Camassias are perfect in a naturalistic setting and are excellent for brightening up shadier areas, while Sidalcea are a magnet for pollinating insects. Lancashire-based Brighter Blooms specialise in growing high-quality Zantedeschia suitable for a UK environment. Brighter Blooms will also be exhibiting this bold, exotic-looking plant, known as the Calla Lily, at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022.

Visitors to the Harlow Carr Flower Show can also enjoy demonstrations and workshops throughout the event. Renowned Yorkshire-based gardener and RHS judge Martin Fish will be sharing his advice and insight from more than 30 years’ experience, while floral designer Jonathan Moseley will demonstrate how to create stunning cut summer flower displays. Relax to live music and tuck into a delicious selection of local food and drink, including the iconic Bettys Tea Rooms.

Tickets for RHS Harlow Carr Flower Show must be pre-booked and the show is open from 9am – 6pm each day. Visit www.rhs.org/harlowcarr for more information and to book tickets.

Husqvarna Group's has invested USD 7.5m of venture capital into Moleaer, a global leader in advancing nanobubble technology. Moleaer designs and manufactures industrial scale nanobubble systems that deliver extraordinary improvements in sustainable food production, chemical free water treatment and the recovery of natural resources.

“To always remain at the forefront, we are selectively investing in disruptive technologies and products that can further strengthen the Husqvarna Group. Moleaer is a very good fit and we truly look forward to being a part of their journey, with the ambition to create new sustainable nanobubble solutions together”, says Henric Andersson, President and CEO of Husqvarna Group.

Moleaer is the seventh investment for Husqvarna Group's venture capital fund. By investing in Moleaer, Husqvarna Group’s Gardena Division will be able to explore nanobubble technology’s potential in addressing water scarcity.

“This investment enables Husqvarna to discover new opportunities resulting from a technology addressing key sustainability challenges within relevant adjacencies, such as agriculture and horticulture”, says Mark Johnson, who heads up Husqvarna’s Corporate Ventures.

“Husqvarna shares our passion for innovation and sustainability and we are excited to work together to address the need for products to help industries adapt to new climate realities and protect vital resources,” said Nick Dyner, CEO of Moleaer. “This investment allows us to expand our presence further in Europe and accelerate the development of more products and innovations that help industries protect the environment and utilize water more efficiently.”

Husqvarna Group Ventures

Husqvarna Group Ventures is looking for startups to invest in and partner with, where Husqvarna Group’s industry knowledge and distribution network will deliver value and help scale these companies to maturity. Moleaer represents a great example of how Husqvarna Group likes to get involved at the early stages to help co-develop customer solutions.

Moleaer Inc

Moleaer™ is the leading nanobubble technology company with over 1,500 nanobubble generator installations in more than 30 countries. The company deploys the unique power of nanobubbles to enhance and improve the performance and productivity of many of the world’s most critical industrial processes, unlocking the power of water to help farmers grow more food, empower businesses to manage their water needs more effectively and efficiently, and restore aquatic ecosystems sustainably without added chemicals.

Nanobubbles, which are 2,500 times smaller than a grain of salt, allow the scarce resource of water do more with less. They supersaturate water with oxygen, form natural oxidants for disinfection, improve plant health, and increase water’s ability to permeate soil and rock. Moleaer’s patented nanobubble technology also provides the highest oxygen transfer rate in the aeration and gas infusion industry, with an efficiency of more than 85 percent per foot of water. Its nanobubble generators are a cost-effective, chemical-free solution proven to increase sustainable food production, reduce the use of chemicals, restore aquatic ecosystems, and improve natural resource recovery. Moleaer technology has been validated by extensive research and renown universities.

To learn more, visit:www.Moleaer.com

GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards Special Issue - 36 pages of Garden Centre Christmas Greatness.

In this issue:

• Peter Seabrook “Mr Gardening”.
• A record year for Choice Marketing.
• Thinking outside of the box 4 – Pughs Garden Kitchen.
• GCA Awards for 2021. Cultivation Street 2022.
• GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards. 
  Christmas at: Altons, Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, Bents, Blue Diamond, British Garden Centres, Cherry Lane Podington, Downtown, Fron Goch, Garsons Esher, Gates Garden Centre, Hillmount Cheshire, Little Dobbies Richmond, Millbrook Gravesend, Newquay Garden Centre, Pengelly, Planters, Pughs, Rosebourne, Sapcote Garden Centre, Silverbirch, Squires Badshot Lea, The Old Railway Line, Webbs of Wychbold, Woodlands, Kent.
• The Greatest Christmas Awards judges and sponsors.
• BBQ Gourmet – LOFA Member Profile.
• HTA Column – Christmas is here to stay.
• Garden Re-Leaf Day 2022-What are your plans for the Big Day?

Or use this link: https://issuu.com/gardentradenews/docs/gtn_jan-feb_2022?fr=sN2VmODQ2ODEwNTE

with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox.  The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.

Subscribe for free using this link

Plant food and lawn care products were the most sought after garden products in the first Easter week of 2022. Tomato food led the way with three separate SKUs in the Top 10.  

In total there were 14 plant food lines in the GTN Top 50 including the new entry of Westland’s Boost at No 47 on the back of their new TV ad campaign.

Highlights of the week were:

• Evergreen Garden Care Levington Tomorite 1litre + 30% Free continues at No 1 and is joined in the chart by the 1 litre + 20% Free version at No 10.
• Smart Garden 14 inch Coco Basket Liner Twin Pack is a new entry at No 32.
• Woodlodge Terracotta Pot Fee more than doubled sales to climb 20 places to No 6. 

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

Veg-2-Gro sales volumes keep soaring to new heights. Last week’s Top 50 volumes were the highest for the third week of April since 2015 and were 20% higher than 2017 when Easter was at the same time.

Plants from Cheers Nurseries accounted for seven of the Top 10 Veg-2-Gro lines last week with Cucumber Female Femspot 9cm just edging out Tomato Gardeners Delight 9cm for the No.1 spot.

Highlights of the week were:

• Cheers Courgette Ambassador 9cm is a new entry at No 26.
• Quantil’s Grafted Cucumber Derby 10cm is the highest placed grafted veg plant re-entry at No 41.
• Retail Solutions Rosemary Officinalis 14cm is the highest placed herb plant, moving up 16 places to No 34.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

Growing media sales bounced back well and truly last week, up by 42%, even with a days less trading.

Compared with 2017 when Easter was at the same time, the GTN Bestsellers Growing Media Top 50 sales volume for 2022 is up by 12%.

Highlights of the week were:

• Evergreen Garden Care Levington Multi Purpose Compost 40 litres saw the biggest percentage sales growth week on week, up by 273% and moving up to No 4 in the GTN chart.
• Westland Decorative Mini Bark 70 litres is the highest chart re-entry of the week, back in at No 36.
• The Real Soil Company Super Soil Garden Topsoil 25 litres moved up eight places to No 40 on the back of a 66% week on week sales increase.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

Once again Wild Bird Care Top 50 sales volumes in the GTN Bestsellers Epos data didn’t live up to expectations.

With the huge increase in footfall week on week a rise of only 1% from last week underlines the lack of priority this sector is grabbing from gardeners.

Compared with the same week in 2017, also a first Easter trading week, the GTN Top 50 Wild Bird Care sales volumes were down by almost a quarter.

Hihglights of the week were:

• Gardman Sunflower Hearts 4kg were the highest chart climber, up 24 places to No 19.
• Tom Chambers Fat Balls, pack of 12 were the highest re-entry, back in at No 26.
• CJ Wildbird Foods National Trust Vierno Drinker Water Dish was the only Top 50 new entry, in at No 34.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

Brambles Pet and Wildlife is advising retailers to stock up on Brambles Hedgehog Food ahead of the forthcoming Hedgehog Awareness Week (HAW).

David Tracey, sales manager, said: "We’re getting ready for a bumper week of activity on Social Media during HAW where we’ll be giving away over £1000 worth of wildlife food and associated products for Wildlife Rescues in our popular giveaways.

"There’s always a huge increase in demand for our food during this period so we recommend retailers ordering much more of our hedgehog food than normal in time for HAW."

BHETA is working with GIMA to host a Meet the Buyer event with Stax Trade Centres.  The event will take place on Tuesday 26^thApril at the Worsley Park Marriott Hotel, Manchester.  

This speed networking event allows potential suppliers to meet with a key garden and home improvement / DIY distributor, in timed 25-minute appointments.

The event is being held with the full buying teams who are interested in meeting with new, potential suppliers looking for a distribution solution.  It should be noted that they do not wish to see any current suppliers.

The Stax team is interested in meeting suppliers from the following categories:

Garden & Outdoor Leisure

BBQs & Garden Furniture, Garden Sundries, K.D Furniture, Garden Tools, Garden Chemicals, Bird & Pet Care, Garden Power, Watering, Garden Plastics, Landscaping Products, Water Features, Garden Décor, Garden Care, Propagation, Pots & Planters, Plant Support, Garden Clothing.

Home & DIY

Car Care, Housewares & Christmas, Paint, Appliances, Electrical, Lighting & Batteries, Household Chemicals, Plastics, Cleaning Materials, Doors & Ladders, Plumbing, DIY, Interior Decorating, Hand Tools, Power Tools, Workwear, Ironmongery, Hardware.

Potential suppliers are encouraged to focus on product features and benefits, together with cost price proposals.  

Stax distribute and supply to over 50,000 businesses right across the UK on both a delivered wholesale service and a cash & carry wholesale basis. Six branches spread across the UK, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh & Glasgow, stock more than 45,000 product lines from over 1,000 top trusted brands. 

The price of taking part is £60 plus VAT per appointment for GIMA & BHETA members and £120 +VAT per appointment for non-members.

Chief Operating Officer of BHETA, Will Jones commented, “It’s great to be working with GIMA on a really good opportunity for suppliers not already working with Stax.  As ever, we expect a big turn out.”

More details of BHETA’s events programme, which includes webinars, Meet The Buyer events and networking forums with leading retailers can also be found on the BHETA website www.bheta.co.uk.  To register for any of BHETA’s current or future events, contact Zara Miah from the BHETA Member Services Team on 0121 237 1130, or alternatively, email on zm@bheta.co.uk.

Growing at home is fuelling volume garden centre sales at the start of April according to analysis of the GTN Bestsellers EPOS data.  The volume of the Top 50 Veg 2 Gro lines was up by 45% on the same week in 2019 and even up 12% on 2021.

All other GTN Bestsellers indicators were down on 2021 levels but with the exception of Wild Bird Care were significantly up on 2019 volumes.  Comparison with last year is clouded due to the peaks experienced at the end of Lockdown #3 and some panic buying due to the shipping problems caused by the Evergiven being stuck in the Suez Canal.  And comparison with 2020 are now set against the weeks of closure during Lockdown #1.

Overall year to date sales are still ahead of last year, up by 7.5% currently and 21% ahead of 2019.  Veg 2 Gro sales year to date see growth of 51% on 2019 and Growing Media sales are running 25% up.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week in 2021: week 14.

• Garden Products Top 50 – down 42%
• Growing Media Top 50 – down 44%
• Veg 2 Gro Top 50 –up 12%
• Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – down 18%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week in 2021: week 14

•           All Plants with Barcode index – down 43%

•           All Items with Barcode index – down 31%

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

Gary Carvasso, Chairman of Coolings, has recently returned from Krakow in Poland having driven a large van full of sleeping bags, baby milk, medicines, first aid kits, tins of meat and fish plus a huge amount of pasta and rice to a rendezvous point under a bridge in the centre of Krakow, Poland, where Ukrainian minibuses were loaded with aid, having the day before dropped of refugees at the border.

Gary told GTN Xtra: “Operation brock issues in Kent caused by 1000’s of stranded lorries, along with 1,000 miles of driving in the continuous rain to get there was tedious to say the least.  However, in context that’s nothing in comparison to the people who have family/friends not seen or heard from for several weeks, and no idea if their house or flat is in one piece or been looted.

“I have heard some awful and harrowing accounts from people I met. The aid was taken back over the border the same day, with now ongoing permission from the Ukrainian military. Other people I spoke to in Poland were sourcing military vests that allow metal plates to be inserted, night vision googles etc, our focus is purely humanitarian.

“My father-in-law, who used to work on and off in the Donbas region regularly 8-10 years ago, had made good friends and has led to the aid being distributed by a known charity and various churches in the country. The most recent aid was to support women and children in the northern Kyiv area.

“In one town last week 10 nappies were given to each family that required them and sadly most of the queue went away empty handed.

“Staff at Coolings have been brilliant at fundraising and Coolings is donating 10p from every customer purchase. Additional valuable support & donations continue to arrive from local businesses, individuals, churches and other charities, including Morrisons supermarket who have offered a generous discount on palletised food, babies milk and nappies.

Coolings are looking to scale up with more vans and volunteer drivers leaving on the 25th April, as many Ukrainians are generally not able to work and are finding that food and basics are scarce or ridiculously expensive.

Part of the feature being created at BBC Gardeners' World Live at the NEC on June 16-19 to celebrate the incredible horticultural work of the late Peter Seabrook MBE is going to be dedicated to a display of ‘new’ plants.

We all know one of things Peter was always driving forward, was new plant varieties. One of the few gardening journalists who really ‘got’ the publics desire for ‘new’, Peter championed good new plants in the displays he created at shows for over 50 years. This feature has already captured considerable interest from the gardening press. 

How could we honour him better than by incorporating your ‘new’ into this 2022 display? The team of people who have worked for years with Peter creating show displays is now building on his original concept of the display to celebrate the Centenary of the BBC and 60 years of TV gardening, by creating a Mighty Terrace to feature new plants within the 80m² display in the shows Floral Marquee. This display will also highlight two of Peter’s other great interests  — The David Colegrave Foundation and Floral Fantasia. 

How do you get involved?

Whether you have a new variety of summer bedding plant, hardy shrub, fruit or vegetable, then we want to incorporate it into the display - and you will want it to be there for the public to see.

All we need is a good potfull. Ideally in a plastic or lightweight ornamental pot preferably no more than 450mm (18”) diameter (we do need to be able to move them around!). Your plant(s) need not be grown in that pot, but could be plunged and surrounded by support plants to set off your main subject to create an inspirational look. We do not mind if it is still in just its grower pot straight off your nursery! 

What do we define as ‘NEW’?

New for us means launched to the trade for sale to the public to buy for the first time in 2022. Equally it may be something, until now secret, that you have coming on line for the 2023 season.

What do we need?

As we said above a good potfull of plant! Then with your stick in label that has your company name, logo and the plant variety name clearly on it. This needs to be readable by the public who will be held back by the rope and post fence up to 3m away. We also need your ‘magic story’ of the plant and a crib sheet with answers to those questions you know Peter would have asked you! Things like weather tolerance, hardiness, flowering time and period, feeding, pruning and where it can be bought, so those manning the stand can answer questions and promote your plants to the journalists and visitors to the show. Make sure we have any promotion give-a-ways you have too.

When do we need it?

Ideally bring it direct to the NEC on Monday 13th June, but with all that is going on at that time of year we can arrange an earlier date and drop off location if this makes it easier for you to get involved. 

What else?

Peter was passionate about new plants. That was one of his driving forces behind Floral Fantasia the display at RHS Hyde Hall, near his home in Essex. If you agree, your plants may be moved to the display there after GWL finishes. The display we are creating in Birmingham is in part to draw attention to the fantastic work being done on Floral Fantasia, so your participation is supporting that industry initiative. 

Where we get information in time, we will compile a list of the plants on display and promote them to the Press attending the show. We are considering running an ‘audience participation’ aspect of getting visitors to vote for their favourite plant. We might be able to turn this into a prize winning opportunity for a lucky visitor to win some NGGV? If we can find somebody to do this, we might turn this digital!

What next?

Get in touch today and let us know what plants you would like to bring. You can enter as many as you like, (we may have to restrict numbers) so first come first served. We realise ‘on the day’ you might want to change your ‘what’ if you find something is looking better than you thought it might.

For more information email info@davidcolegravefoundation.org.uk

Pictured: Peter Seabrook was always passionate about bringing worthwhile varieties of new plants to market that had commerciality and longevity.

Rachael de Thame with Peter beside his Pyramid of new plants at Chelsea Flower Show 2021 filming a piece to camera for the BBCTv coverage of new plants at the show – here with Verbena Margaret’s Memory. 

Staff and skills shortages at garden centres across the country can be plugged with touchscreen technology says a plant information company at the forefront of the latest developments.

Vacancies are at a record high and garden centres nationwide are struggling to fill positions so need to invest in technology says Joy of Plants, which offers digital assistance with its ‘Plant Finder’ Touchscreen Kiosk.

Terri Jones, Managing Director at Joy of Plants, said: “There are significant workforce shortages in many sectors including horticulture. 

“The Learning and Work Institute thinktank says there are 1.1 million fewer people in the workforce than pre-pandemic. The population is now smaller, as many people have left the UK and fewer are coming in. Also, young people are spending longer in education. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development says there just aren’t many candidates out there and we’re certainly hearing from our garden centre clients that finding and retaining staff with horticultural knowledge is harder than ever.

“We’re now entering an era where garden centres, which have traditionally not been technologically driven and perhaps have even been technology adverse, are coming to us to ask for help and advice and to find out how our Plant Finder Touchscreen Kiosk can help fill their skills and staffing shortages. Our kiosks act as guides for customers to the plants a garden centre sells and it’s like having a new team assistant in the plant area ready to answer any plant related questions.

“The Home screen can be personalised to specific plant groups, such as easycare plants, fruit or trees for small gardens and there are buttons to quickly find plants by name or criteria to meet a customer’s precise needs.

“As well as customers using the kiosk, staff members can also use it to find answers to plant questions quickly and efficiently.”

Garden centres can also use the Touchscreen Kiosk as a digital advertising tool while the Plant Finder is not in use. Customers can be made aware of seasonal offers, promotions and daily specials. Content can be scheduled any time of the day and kiosks can run targeted campaigns to a single screen or to a network of units across multiple sites.

Terri added: “We have kiosks in 60 centres across the country now with more being added each week. Garden centres are following the kiosk trend started in other retail and hospitality sectors.”

Review Systems Digital Signage, who supply the Kiosk hardware, has recently launched smaller, cheaper 21-inch digital touchscreens as freestanding kiosks or wall mounted units.

Joy of Plants can also apply the Plant Finder technology as a plugin to retailers' websites. The Capital Gardens Group has recently added it to its website along with kiosks in three of its five centres.

Oscar Beardwood, Plant Area Supervisor at Capital Gardens, said: “The Plant Finder is a massive help in the day-to-day operations within Neals Nursery and across all Capital Gardens centres where we have them in use.

“As we continue to navigate these troubling times, while doing our absolute best to make every customer feel as comfortable as possible, but still receiving the best service and care, the Plant Finder is a great help. We are now able to assist all our customers while respecting everybody’s wishes, with the additional help from the Plant Finder, as well as being able to find help from a member of staff.

“Features such as the ability to email plant lists and all necessary care information to customers from the Kiosk, or email directly to us for further research or planning, have been amazingly helpful, as well as the ability for the customers to use the touchscreens and gain access to all the information in peak times when all staff members are busy. Moving forward, I think that the Plant Finder will be an extremely helpful tool that we will look to utilise to its full capabilities, as our team and customers get even more comfortable using all the useful features.”

Capital Gardens has Kiosks at its larger centres at Alexandra Palace in north west London, Wandsworth in south west London and outside London at Sherfield-on-Loddon.

The centres offer customers a diverse and large collection of plants throughout the seasons, suited to our country’s varied climate and seasons.

Joy of Plants’ mission is to make plant information easy and accessible to all. It has created a library of more than 15,300 UK garden plants and trees and offers a platform of tools to help garden centres, retailers, growers and breeders maximise their plant sales and income.

It provides information in many products including an Image and Text Library for ecommerce sites, Plant Finder for websites and Touchscreen Kiosks, and print on-demand Bed Cards.

For further details about Review Systems Digital Signage Ltd, please visit https://www.godigitalsignage.co.uk or call 01772 875536. You can also follow the company’s blog at https://www.godigitalsignage.co.uk/blog-1.

For further details about Joy of Plants, please call 07717 532323 or visit www.joyofplants.com.

Watch the Westland Boost plant feed TV advert that broke on National TV last night.

Find out more about the brilliance of boost and how to achieve 4x more blooms. With Boost in your watering can, you can #morebloomswithboost

Take a look behind the scenes of the new Boost plant feed TV Advert and the work that went into it from the Westland marketing team:

Evergreen Garden Care has launched its new campaign, ‘Keep Growing’. This campaign takes a much-needed fresh perspective on gardening - that it can be relatable, exciting, and enjoyable, while also being functional.

The new campaign, which focuses on the key brand, Miracle-Gro, has been released in the UK, today, 12^th April and is going live across TV, digital and social platforms. It is being released alongside France, Germany and Austria across the month.

Evergreen Garden Care has put a multimillion-pound investment behind the creation of the campaign, in the hope of bringing positive change to the market and leading the way in modernising the industry.

Craig Turner, Head of Group Marketing at Evergreen Garden Care comments: "Gardening adverts and communications are too often stuck in the past, with the whole category missing emotion, modernity and realism. Evergreen Garden Care is on a journey to re-define the future of gardening by making it accessible for all and portray the benefits and positivity gardening can bring."

The Evergreen Garden Care advert depicts a modern and more relatable image of gardening – no more unreal perfect families, unnaturally perfect gardens, sizes that seem artificial and perfectly grown greens lawns. Instead, the advert is purpose lead - championing the doing of gardening and the true successes of it – whether that’s big or small. It highlights the personal wins and shared celebrations that arise from the care of our gardens and green spaces – commemorating the diversity of their people, customers and consumers.

Evergreen Garden Care produces high quality garden care products designed to help people create their own green oasis amid the rush of modern life. Evergreen Garden Care’s mission is to inspire everyone to create and maintain their own green sanctuary, indoors or outdoors, in whatever space they have available. The message is encouraging: keep planting, keep potting, keep going, keep digging, keep nurturing, keep thriving, keep wowing - however you Evergreen, keep growing!

Poised to topple pre-pandemic numbers, Glee 2022 – which is entering a new chapter this year with a move to a late June time slot within the exhibition calendar – is on course to maximise its allocated floorspace with over 85% of the show already occupied and over 400 exhibitors anticipated to be exhibiting this June.

Suppliers and manufacturers new and old have been quick to capitalise on the ongoing popularity of gardening, recognising that Glee is the place to be seen by leading buyers from the multiple and garden centre sector, high street stores, e-commerce giants, home & gift retailers, plus representatives from builders’ merchants, garden designers and landscapers. Now, with just over two months to go until the show takes place, interested parties are urged to book their space now to avoid disappointment.

Glee’s Event Director, Matthew Mein said: “The appetite for Glee 2022 has outstripped any of our expectations. With an anticipated 400+ exhibitors set to fill four halls of the NEC, this year’s event will be bigger and more vibrant than before, proving that our sector is stronger than ever, and that innovation is helping to create an exciting future for gardening.

“With a maximum capacity show on the horizon we are keen to work with any brands wanting to exhibit at the show to ensure they don’t miss out.”

Get set for Glee

This year’s event will deliver more value than ever for both suppliers looking for new and enhanced retail listings, and for those retailers that are wanting to source new and unique brands to help set their offering apart. Featuring eight dedicated show sectors - Garden Care, Landscaping & Garden Decoration, Food & Catering, Retail Experience & Services, Outdoor Entertaining, Home, Gift & Clothing, Plants and PAW for pet and animal wellbeing - the 2022 edition of Glee will be home to thousands of the most exciting product innovations and merchandising support tools to ensure that the 2023 sales season is the most exciting yet.

Supporting Glee’s three-day schedule will be a host of live content including the Glee New Product Awards, home to the newest product launches; the Buyers Power List, a celebration of those buyers and buying teams that go above and beyond; plus an unrivalled schedule of seminar content created to provide insight and thought-provoking debate on those issues shaping the garden retail sector and driving consumer demand. In a move to support visitors further, it has been confirmed that all seminar content will be made available online after the show.

Find out more

To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com.  To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2020 call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

Register now!

Registration for free entry to Glee 2022 – 28th-30th June – is now open.

Simply visit www.gleebirmingham.com to secure your ticket and get ready to connect with quality exhibitors, nurture existing relationships and grow new ones at the UK's leading garden and outdoor living trade show.

Burford House (BGC), Brigg (BGC), Squire Badshot Lea, Silverbirch, The Old Railway Line and Bents have picked up Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Team golds in GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards, presented at Spring Fair on Monday. Kaemingk walked away with The Greatest Christmas Supplier gold.

Here are all the winners:

The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team - kindly sponsored by Woodlodge

Gold: Perrywood Tiptree

Silver: Webbs Wychbold

Bronze: Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange 

Finalists: Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, Little Dobbies Richmond, Perrywood Tiptree, Webbs Wychbold

The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team

Gold: Barton Grange

Silver: Millbrook Gravesend, Perrywood Tiptree

Bronze: Pughs Radyr

Finalists: Barton Grange, Bents, Bosworths, Cadbury, Lakeside Plant Centre, Millbrook Gravesend, Perrywood Tiptree, Pughs Radyr, Studley – BGC

The Greatest Festive Food Hall Team

Gold: Barton Grange

Silver: Garsons Esher, Pughs Radyr

Bronze: Bents

Finalists: Barton Grange, Bents, Garsons Esher, Pughs Radyr, Rosebourne – Aldermaston, The Old Railway Line

The Greatest Christmas Sizzle Team - kindly sponsored by Solex

Gold: Altons

Silver: Gates Garden Centre

Bronze: Downtown Garden Centre

Finalists: Altons, Downtown Garden Centre, Gates Garden Centre, Hillmount Cheshire, Pughs Wenvoe

The Greatest Winter Garden Care Sales Team - kindly sponsored by elho

Gold: Gates Garden Centre

Finalists: Garsons Esher, Gates Garden Centre, Squires Badshot Lea

The Greatest Social Media Christmas Marketing Idea - kindly sponsored by Glee

Gold: Pughs Radyr & Wenvoe

Silver: Pengelly Garden Centre, Sapcote Garden Centre

Bronze: Rosebourne Aldermaston, Rosebourne Weyhill

Finalists: Garsons Esher, Pengelly Garden Centre, Perrywood Sudbury, Perrywood Tiptree, Pughs Radyr, Rosebourne – Aldermaston, Rosebourne – Weyhill, Sapcote Garden Centre

The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Video

Gold: Sapcote Garden Centre

Silver: The Old Railway Line

Bronze: Pengelly Garden Centre

Finalists: Pengelly Garden Centre, Pughs Radyr, Pughs Wenvoe, Sapcote Garden Centre, The Old Railway Line

The Greatest Christmas Pets Team

Gold: Planters Tamworth, The Old Railway Line

Silver: Squires Badshot Lea

Finalists: Gates Garden Centre, Planters Tamworth, Squires Badshot Lea, The Old Railway Line

The Greatest Covid Safe Christmas Team - kindly sponsored by Global Journey

Gold: Aylett Nurseries, The Old Railway Line

Silver: Barton Grange

Bronze: Webbs Wychbold

Finalists: Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, The Old Railway Line , Webbs Wychbold

The Greatest Christmas Event Special Award

Gold: Webbs Wychbold

Finalists: Gouldings, Hetland, Planters Bretby, The Old Railway Line, Webbs Wychbold

The Greatest Christmas Community/Charity Initiative - kindly sponsored by Kaemingk

Gold: Pengelly Garden Centre

Silver: Cherry Lane Poddington, Pughs Radyr & Wenvoe

Finalists: Cherry Lane Podington, Groves Bridport, Hillmount Cheshire, Pengelly Garden Centre, Perrywood Sudbury, Perrywood Tiptree, Pughs Radyr, Pughs Wenvoe, Tates South Downs

The Greatest Christmas Supplier

Gold: Kaemingk

Finalists: Festive, Florasilk, Gisela Graham, Hills Interiors, Kaemingk, Otter House, Premier, PTMD, Smart Garden Products

The Greatest Group Garden Centre Christmas Team - kindly sponsored by Woodlodge

Smaller Group Centres

Gold: Burford House - BGC

Silver: Albrighton – BGC

Bronze: Blue Diamond Newbridge, Little Dobbies Richmond, Thatcham – BGC

The Greatest Group Garden Centre Christmas Team - kindly sponsored by Woodlodge

Larger Group Centres

Gold: Squires Badshot Lea, Brigg – BGC

Silver: Blue Diamond Cadbury, Blue Diamond Derby

Bronze: Braintree – BGC

All Group Centre Finalists: Albrighton – BGC, Blue Diamond Cadbury, Blue Diamond Derby, Blue Diamond Newbridge, Braintree – BGC, Brigg Garden Centre – BGC, Burford House – BGC, Little Dobbies Richmond, Squires Badshot Lea, Thatcham – BGC

The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team - kindly sponsored by DCUK

Gold: Silverbirch

Silver: Newquay Garden Centre

Bronze: Pengelly Garden Centre

Finalists: Hillmount Cheshire, Newquay Garden Centre, Pengelly Garden Centre, Pughs Wenvoe, Silverbirch

The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team - kindly sponsored by DCUK

Gold: The Old Railway Line

Silver: Fron Goch

Bronze: Woodlands Garden Centre

Finalists: Bosworths, Fron Goch, Perrywood Sudbury, Tates South Downs, The Old Railway Line, Woodlands Garden Centre

The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team - kindly sponsored by Festive

Gold: Bents

Silver: Barton Grange

Bronze: Garsons Esher, Pughs Radyr

Finalists: Barton Grange, Bents, Garsons Esher, Gates Garden Centre, Millbrook Gravesend, Perrywood Tiptree, Pughs Radyr, Rosebourne – Aldermaston, Woodbank Garden Centre

Watch out for The Greatest Christmas Awards photo tours of the centres in future issues of GTN Xtra, starting this coming weekend and in the next issue of GTN magazine.

See the judges photo tour of ACW Garden Centre at Christmas 2021 below

See the judges photo tour of Allbrighton BGC at Christmas 2021 below

See the judges photo tour of Alton Garden Centre at Christmas 2021 below

See the judges photo tour of Aylett Nurseries at Christmas 2021 below

See the judges photo tour of Barton Grange Garden Centre at Christmas 2021 below

See the judges photo tour of Baytree Garden Centre at Christmas 2021 below

See the judges photo tour of Bents Garden & Home at Christmas 2021 below

Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips.

The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2018 as well as 2019 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

Access is by subscription only.  For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 07973 504214, e-mail karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for last week are here

Highlights of the GTN Plants Bestsellers chart for last week are here

Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for last week are here

Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro Bestsellers chart for last week are here

Highlights of the GTN Wild Bird Care Bestsellers chart for last week are here

WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts seriously improve the business of our subscribers.  Invest 15 minutes each week in improving your sales using the GTN Bestsellers charts and your turnover and customer satisfaction will improve too.

Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters for only £145.00.

GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £100m.

Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.

For further information contact karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk or call 07973504214.

Buy your subscription today and start receiving the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.