In This Issue
Squires grow to 16 centres with purchase of Heathlands from Wyevale
Canadian Cannabis Grower buys UK Bedding and Ornamental Grower
Growing Sustainably with Vegepod
Primeur take top prize as GIMA Award winners announced
2020 – Work begins for creative minds and practical brains of Garden Pride
Smart Garden Products voted GCA Supplier of the Year
Picture Special of the glitzy GIMA Awards evening
A cheque for £8,000 presented to Greenfingers
Hillier to supply plants on a contract-only basis from December
Choice Marketing recruits three new members
Heat takes the edge off sales
Ansell GC rises from the ashes...with Newspan in support
Dobbies submits plan for Dunfermline expansion
2019 plant sales down on 2018 at half year
Fryers launch two charity roses at Hampton Court Garden Festival
Growers stay upbeat despite labour and plant health challenges
Two step up to centre manager roles at Squire's
See you all at Solex
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Solex Awards to be presented at the show on Tuesday
End of June was too hot for garden product sales
Smart Garden Products makes Stock Exchange 'inspiration' list
Growing Media leads the way
Planners throw out Fresh@Burcot housing application
Wild Bird Care holds its own
GCA announces regional award meetings
Veg--2-Gro is a star for 2019
Candleight ignites garden centre interest with new display unit
Five winning plants for 2020? Try these...
Choice adds three more garden centres
The best of last week's
The magnificent GIMA Team WingWalk for Greenfingers Charity
GYO leads the way as Dobbies roll out Elho concept
Garden Centre Photo Tour - RHS Wisley New Plant Centre
Hillier begins re-brand of four former Wyevales
Beware hosepipe 'backflow' warning as weather warms
New Hopetoun Gardens owners hand control to employees
Garden Centre Photo Tours
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to GTN Bestsellers
All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering
It’s a chaotic yet profitable recipe for garden centre catering
Work starts on new 250-seater restaurant at Notcutts Woodbridge
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Email neil.pope@tgcmc.co.uk, or trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call the GTN News team on 01733 775700






Squires grow to 16 centres with purchase of Heathlands from Wyevale

Wyevale Garden Centres (WGC) have announced this morning that Heathlands Garden Centre has been sold to Squires Garden Centres...


Wyevale Garden Centres (WGC) have announced this morning that Heathlands Garden Centre has been sold to Squires Garden Centres

 

The sale is expected to complete by early August, with WGC continuing to operate the centre until this date.

 

Anthony Jones, Chief Operating Officer at WGC, said: "We are delighted to have sold Heathlands Centre to a highly respected operator, and that it will continue to be run as a garden centre. I would like to take the opportunity to thank our colleagues at Heathlands who have been so instrumental in making it the brilliant operation it is today and wish them all the best under new ownership.”

 

Sarah Squire, Squires Chairman, said “We are delighted to welcome Heathlands to Squire’s Garden Centres. As a family business, firmly rooted in south-west London and nearby home counties, Heathlands is an excellent addition to our group. The centre brings us to 16 sites in all. We look forward to working with the team at the centre and really getting to know and understand the local community.”

 

As a result of this acqusition Squires move to seventh, equal with Hilliers, in the ranking of garden centre groups by number of centres.

 

Leading Garden Centre Groups by number of outlets
         
Jul-19 Jun-18 Group Outlets change since June 18
1 2 Dobbies 69 35
2 1 Wyevale Garden Centres 42 -103
3 4= Blue Diamond 30 9
4 8= British Garden Centres 24 14
5 3 Klondyke 22 0
6 4= Notcutts 18 0
 7= 7 Hilliers 16 4
 7= 6 Squires 16 1
9 8= Cherry Lane 14 2
10 8= Hillview 8 -3
         
Source GTN - updated 09-7-19, includes transactions in progress    
Canadian Cannabis Grower buys UK Bedding and Ornamental Grower

Bridge Farm, Spalding, has been bought by Canadian Cannabis grower Sundial Growers Inc. with plans to produce and sell high-quality CBD products globally...


In response to the growing global demand for health and wellness products, Sundial Growers Inc. ("Sundial") has announced a new venture to give consumers more choices to meet their needs. Sundial has acquired UK-based Bridge Farm Group ("Bridge Farm") with plans to produce and sell high-quality CBD products globally.

 

Bridge Farm is a market-leading producer of ornamental plants, flowers and herbs in the United Kingdom. It currently operates three growing facilities with 1.5 million square feet and plans to expand to 3.5 million square feet by the end of 2021.

 

 

 

Using a phased approach, and subject to necessary regulatory approvals, Sundial intends to use parts of these facilities to cultivate hemp and cannabis. The Bridge Farm acquisition will establish Sundial's presence in Europe and represents an important milestone for its international expansion.

 

“This is a significant acquisition for Sundial, taking us one step closer to our goal of being one of the leading cannabis companies in the world,” said Torsten Kuenzlen, Chief Executive Officer of Sundial. “We recognize that expedient global expansion requires a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Bridge Farm’s experienced management team, strong market position and operational excellence made it an ideal acquisition.”

 

Sundial will now have two operational geographic regions: a business focused on premium inhalable products in Canada and a low-cost producer-at-scale in the United Kingdom. This positions Sundial more holistically as a company that proudly crafts pioneering cannabis brands to Heal Help and PlayTM.

 

“I am excited and confident that Sundial will continue to improve the operational excellence and the quality of the products grown in the Bridge Farm facilities,” said David Ball, Sundial’s President, Europe. “There is a local, European and global demand for CBD and other cannabis products, which we are well positioned to supply. Sundial is poised to become a leader in the Help sector.”

 

In conjunction with the Bridge Farm acquisition and evolved corporate structure with two geographic regions, Sundial is promoting Andrew Stordeur to President of its Canadian operations. Andrew joined Sundial in 2018 as Chief Commercial Officer, after previously working for Molson Coors as Chief Commercial Officer for Canada.

 

For more information about Sundial, visit www.sundialcannabis.com and follow us on Twitter @Sundialcannabis and Instagram @SundialCannabis.

Growing Sustainably with Vegepod
GTN Xtra promotion

Vegepod believes sustainability is a question of the product’s overall effect on the environment – not just on the initial footprint. So, are the company's plastic pods user-friendly, durable AND eco-friendly? You bet they are...


Recent studies have shown us that failed first attempts are a significant barrier to continued home gardening. The lesson? If we want people to grow their own and create a happier, healthier environment, we must make it easy for them. With this in mind, we at Vegepod believe sustainability is a question of the product’s overall effect on the environment – not just on the initial footprint.  So, are our plastic pods user-friendly, durable AND eco-friendly? You bet they are.

 

With the focus of many gardeners shifting further and further to more sustainable options, we’re constantly asked about the sustainability of the Vegepod’s polypropylene plastic, eco-climate covers and containers.  Are they necessary?  Are they sustainable? What about timber or iron raised beds, how do they compare?

 

 

User Friendly Gardening

Our containers are resistant to rot, insect damage, UV and moisture. Similarly, our eco-covers manage the climate of plants by allowing water and air to penetrate but not insects, encouraging plant growth. The compost required is half that typically needed for a raised timber bed of the same dimensions. This makes our beds transportable and inexpensive to set up and maintain. Lastly, our containers are self-watering. The container uses wicking and nutrient recycling systems so plants can last weeks without water. Compared to standard timber and iron raised beds, they reduce water use by up to 80%.

 

 

Recyclable

Recycled plastic is unable to be certified as ‘foodsafe’ as it contains many different grades of plastic. Vegepod will not allow such material to be used for organic food growing despite the appeal of the tagline “Made from recycled plastics”.  However, our eco-covers and containers are completely recyclable and do not just become landfill or breaking down into harmful elements. This makes them an ideal gardening tool with a reduced carbon footprint.

 

Durability

Because our containers are durable and designed for optimal plant growth, an individual Vegepod has a minimum 10 year lifespan! Most untreated timbers are lucky to last longer than 2 years before rotting and breaking down. The impact of such timber production, the repeated timber growing, harvesting and rebuilds would make an interesting study when compared to a one-off plastic container that lasts up to 10 years.

 

 

Are Natural Materials Sustainable?

When it comes to garden materials, there’s nothing more beautiful than timber. Unfortunately, termites agree.  Untreated wood also has very little resistance to the elements - moisture, mould, fungi, heat and pests.  This significantly shortens the lifespan of such beds.  Corrugated iron beds also eventually rust and breakdown and can leech harmful elements into the surrounding soils and plants.

 

In our opinion, when you look at all the factors (initial production, durability, potential harmful elements, recyclability etc) polypropylene pods are safer, more productive and a more sustainable way to garden. They’re durable, long-lasting, affordable, water efficient, and when all is said and done, 100% recyclable. What are your opinions on the issue?  We’d love to hear from you.  

 

www.vegepod.co.uk

info@vegepod.co.uk

Primeur take top prize as GIMA Award winners announced

Primeur won the Sword of Excellence at the GIMA Awards on Thursday night with their Tierra Verde Recycled Rubber Planters. Other winners on a spectacular night of celebration at Celtic Manor in Wales included: Smart Garden Products, Hozelock, Gardena,  EP Barrus, Chesneys, Farplants, Forest Garden, Treadstone, RSW International, Vitax and Westland…


 

Primeur won the Sword of Excellence at the GIMA Awards on Thursday night with their Tierra Verde Recycled Rubber Planters. Other winners on a spectacular night of celebration at Celtic Manor in Wales included: Smart Garden Products, Hozelock, Gardena,  EP Barrus, Chesneys, Farplants, Forest Garden, Treadstone, RSW International, Vitax and Westland…

 

GIMA Sword of Excellence
Winner: Primeur Ltd (Tierra Verde Recycled Rubber Planters)

 

GCA Supplier of The Year
Winner: Smart Garden ProductsFinalists: Meadow View Stone, Woodlodge Products

 


Gardenex Export Achievement
Winner: Smart Garden Products
Finalists: Tildenet Gardenware, Trimetals

 


Garden Care
Winner: Hozelock (Hozelock Pure BioMix)

Finalists: Vitax (Vitax Acer Feed), Block Blitz Ltd (Block Blitz Shield)

 


Growing, Planting Equipment and Sundries
Winner: GARDENA (GARDENA Metal Hose Trolley)
Finalists: GARDENA (GARDENA Textile Hose Range – Liano), The Juliana Group (Juliana City Greenhouse), Itip Handles Ltd (Itip Handles)

 


Decorative Pots & Planters
Winner: Primeur Ltd (Tierra Verde Recycled Rubber Planters)
Finalists: Apta (RHS Interiors Pot Covers), Woodlodge Products (RHS Interiors Pot Covers)

 


Garden Tools, Machinery and Implements
Winner: EP Barrus (Wilkinson Sword Ultralight Digging Spade)
Finalists: Darlac (Heavy Duty Geared Lopper), Burgon & Ball (Corona Convertible Branch and Stem Pruner), GARDENA (Corona Convertible Branch and Stem Pruner)

 


Outdoor Leisure
Winner: Chesneys Ltd (Chesneys Heat & Grill)
Finalists: La Hacienda (Santana Black Metal Firebasket and Icarus Oxidised Firepit), Zest 4 Leisure (Noah’s Arbour)

 


Plants, Seeds and Bulbs
Winner: Farplants (Spiraea Walberton’s Plumtastic)
Finalists: Suttons (Suttons Pollinators...and Predators Retail Seed stand), Mr Fothergill’s (Children in Need Range)

 


Garden Landscaping
Winner: Forest Garden (Victorian Walkaround Greenhouse)
Finalists: BJA Trading Ltd (Fence Mate DuraPost Fence System), The Juliana Group (The Halls Qube Greenhouse)

 


Gardening Clothing and Gifts
Winner: Treadstone Products (ClipGlove)
Finalists: E P Barrus (Mastergrip Gloves), Fallen Fruits Ltd (Terrarium Set)

 


Pet Care, Aquatics and Wild Bird Care
Winners: RSW International Ltd (Smart Choice Dog Ball Launcher (The Stomper)
Finalists: Marriages Specialist Foods (Heavy Duty Feeders), Smart Garden Products (Peacock Glass Birdbath)

 


Garden Lighting, Water Features and Ornamentation
Winner: Smart Garden Products (Bug Lights)
Finalists: Smart Garden Products (Firefly Balloon and Oak Leaf)

 


Best Point of Sale Material
Winner: Treadstone Products (ClipGlove Merchandising Stand)
Finalists: Smart Garden Products (Solar Cool Flame Hard Wired Stand), Woodlodge Products (Consumer Engagement Boards)

 


Best Consumer Packaging
Winner: Vitax (Plant Guard)
Finalists: Burgon & Ball (RHS Gifts for Gardeners ‘British Bloom’ boxed tool gift sets), Durston Garden Products (Multi-purpose Compost with John Innes)

 


Best Marketing Communication Campaign
Winner: Westland  (New Horizon Launch Campaign)
Finalists: Westland (Peckish - Love Every Bird Campaign), elho (‘The Beauty of Waste’ TV campaign)

 
2020 – Work begins for creative minds and practical brains of Garden Pride
GTN Xtra promotion

It's already that time of year again when the creative minds and practical brains get together to design and manufacture our 2020 ranges. Garden Pride is working hard to add new and improved products to each of its 10 core categories: Pot care, rusty range, plant supports, climbers, growing, brackets, patio planters, accessories and gift ware, Autumn and Christmas.


It's already that time of year again when the creative minds and practical brains get together to design and manufacture our 2020 ranges. Garden Pride is working hard to add new and improved products to each of its 10 core categories: Pot care, rusty range, plant supports, climbers, growing, brackets, patio planters, accessories and gift ware, Autumn and Christmas.


"This year we have really listened to our customers and their customers feedback and taken on board suggestions for new merchandising stands and adaptations of long standing tried and tested products as well as some new unique pieces," said a Garden Pride spokesperson.

 

"We are very busy putting our plans together for Glee and working to make Glee 2019 our biggest and best yet. This year we will have more new products, new merchandising solutions and one or two surprises you’ll have to visit us to see…"

 

Our Values – We are a family run business started almost 30 years ago. To this day we pride ourselves on our customer service, attention to detail, loyalty and consistently high-quality products.

 

Designs & Manufacturing – As a proud UK manufacturer we are able to ensure we produce top quality products at competitive prices. All our products are made from high quality steel and hand crafted.

 

Glee Stand number: 7H36 – J37

 

Smart Garden Products voted GCA Supplier of the Year

 

Smart Garden Products were voted GCA Supplier of the Year at the GIMA Awards....


 

Smart Garden Products were voted GCA Supplier of the Year at the GIMA Awards.

What the judges said…

Smart are a pleasure to deal with. Meaningful innovation, quick to respond, accurate deliveries and paperwork, flexible approach and nice people.

 

Finalists: Meadow View Stone, Woodlodge Products

Picture Special of the glitzy GIMA Awards evening

 

Here's our picture special from Thursday's glitzy GIMA Awards evening, hosted by TV  celebrity Vernon Kay. Pictures taken by Steve Burden and Trevor Pfeiffer...


Read more and see the complete GIMA Awards picture gallery

 

Here's our picture special from Thursday's glitzy GIMA Awards evening, hosted by TV  celebrity Vernon Kay. Pictures taken by Steve Burden and Trevor Pfeiffer.

A cheque for £8,000 presented to Greenfingers

 

A cheque for £8,000 was presented to Greenfingers Charity at the GIMA Awards. The money was raised at the GIMA Golf & Activity Day in June...


 

A cheque for £8,000 was presented to Greenfingers Charity at the GIMA Awards. The money was raised at the GIMA Golf & Activity Day in June.

 
Hillier to supply plants on a contract-only basis from December
Nursery will focus on supplying its own expanded portfolio of 16 centres

Hillier is to stop distributing plants outside its own garden centre group unless they are grown on a contract basis...


Hillier is to stop distributing plants outside its own garden centre group unless they are grown on a contract basis.

 

The group said the move followed completion last week of its acquisition from Wyevale Garden Centres of centres currently undergoing refits at  Cheddar, Dorking, Lechlade and Marlow.

 

It added that the acquisitions had opened up opportunities for Hillier Wholesale (shrub and herbaceous sales to retail outlets). A £1million investment will enhance the facilities at the Hampshire nursery and from December, plants grown there will only be distributed to and available to buy from Hillier centres or through contract growing.

 

 

Chris Francis, director of retail and wholesale at Hillier, said: “Hillier have a reputation for great quality plants. It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to focus the nursery on growing plants for our own centres and their customers. Acquiring these four new centres and expanding our portfolio to 16 in total, means that our nursery is able grow an even greater volume of product for our own centres in the future. Along with the new investment, this enables us to continue to innovate, building on the top quality horticulture that Hillier is known for.”

 

The company has confirmed that with no external sales, there will be no need for a sales team so redundancies will be made, although efforts would be made to retain staff in other positions.

Choice Marketing recruits three new members

Three more garden centres have joined Choice Marketing. Highfield Garden World (Whitminster) joined from the 1 July,  while existing member Blackbrooks of Sedlescombe has added its new garden centres at Hastings and Lower Dicker...

 


Three more garden centres have joined Choice Marketing. Highfield Garden World (Whitminster) joined from the 1 July,  while existing member Blackbrooks of Sedlescombe has added its new garden centres at Hastings and Lower Dicker.

 

It brings the total number of Choice centres to 45, with a group retail turnover in excess of £135m.

 

Michelle de Lavis-Trafford, CEO of Choice Marketing said “We are delighted to welcome Highfield Garden World to the group. They are a highly significant garden centre in the West Country, and are sure to make a major contribution to the organisation. We are also delighted with the acquisitions from Blackbrooks which can further share the benefits that Choice Marketing can bring”.

 

Choice also announced it has put its marketing in the hands of a new agency, Encompass, a significant move for the group. “As the group continues to expand, we felt it was time to look for a larger professional marketing agency who could develop our members’ marketing further and bring us new services and initiatives,” de Lavis Trafford said. “We have found the perfect solution with Encompass, whose client base includes some leading high-street retailers and other large businesses”.

 

Choice Marketing was established in 2002 with 10 independent garden centres as a buying and marketing organisation whose members benefit from cost effective professional marketing and enhanced purchasing power. The group has become a major player within the industry. “We are rapidly heading towards 50 members, at which point we will take a break from active recruitment whilst we consolidate our new membership”, the CEO added.

Click here to email a request for information about Choice. info@choice-marketing.co.uk or go to the website

 

www.choice-marketing.co.uk

Heat takes the edge off sales

 

After all that rain we wanted the sunshine, but not the heat. Sales for the last week dropped by 4% and that meant June overall sales volumes, as measured by the GTN Bestsellers Epos data, were down by 12% on June 2018...


 

After all that rain we wanted the sunshine, but not the heat. Sales for the last week dropped by 4% and that meant June overall sales volumes, as measured by the GTN Bestsellers Epos data, were down by 12% on June 2018. 


Given the great June we had last year the comparison against 2017 and a nine-year average maybe more telling:  Up by 0.4% vs 2017 and up by 4.6% vs our June nine-year average.


Now that we should have worked all of the spring/early summer seasonality out of the year the half year position for total sales volumes gives a clear indication of the market:  Up 1.9% vs 2018, up by 0.4%. 


How many other retail businesses will be reporting that strong a performance? Garden centres continue to perform well! Long may that continue. See you at SOLEX.

 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year (week 26)
Garden Products - down 8%
Growing Media - down 4%
Wild Bird Care - down 3%
Veg-2-Gro - up 6%
All Plants Index - down 24%
All Items Index - up 1%

 

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Ansell GC rises from the ashes...with Newspan in support

In November 2016 Newspan shared the industry’s shock at seeing Ansell Garden Centre destroyed by a devastating fire.  “There couldn’t have been a worse time to suffer such a blow to our business,” said Ansell’s MD Paresh Raithatha. “We were holding more stock than at any other time of year and looking forward to a busy run up to Christmas. All our stock was lost to fire and water damage, six weeks before Christmas”. Fortunately, nobody was injured in the blaze, although the damage to the garden centre and all its stock was catastrophic. This is what happened next...

 


In November 2016 Newspan shared the industry’s shock at seeing Ansell Garden Centre destroyed by a devastating fire.  “There couldn’t have been a worse time to suffer such a blow to our business,” said Ansell’s MD Paresh Raithatha. “We were holding more stock than at any other time of year and looking forward to a busy run up to Christmas. All our stock was lost to fire and water damage, six weeks before Christmas”. Fortunately, nobody was injured in the blaze, although the damage to the garden centre and all its stock was catastrophic.

 

Within a couple of days of hearing the news, Newspan were on site to offer support and to try and help find a way forward for Ansell. “Support from our customers, suppliers and the industry afterwards was overwhelming,” recalls Paresh, whose team were unwavering as they sought a way to start trading again as soon as possible.  “Within just a few days, we had reopened from a gazebo in the car park, and that was how we continued to operate while planning the new garden centre”.

 

Initial discussions with Paresh made it clear he had bigger plans than to just replace what had been on site previously. Ansell wanted to use the opportunity to rebuild in a way tailored to their needs in a brand new centre. Newspan were quickly shortlisted to provide a proposal on the new masterplan. “We opened a dialogue with Newspan early on inviting them, along with other contractors, to look at architects Malcolm Scott’s plans and submit their proposal…we quickly narrowed down the list of potential building suppliers.”

 

 

During the design phase there were many changes to the building and Newspan maintained a flexible approach throughout, taking the time to discuss each potential modification with Paresh in depth. The planning process was made slightly more complicated by the centre’s location within the bounds of ‘The London Plan’, which imposed stringent performance ratings that the buildings needed to achieve.  To accomplish this within the budget of an independent, family-run business Newspan value-engineered the project wherever possible. “Newspan worked closely with us through every revision of the design and maintained constant communication to make sure we ticked all the bureaucratic boxes, without going over our budget,”Presh said. The constraints of ‘The London Plan’ and the site’s close proximity to Heathrow Airport meant the planning took 28 weeks, rather than the 14-18 weeks Paresh and his team were hoping for.

 

Whilst still working through the building design, Newspan optd to demonstrate the ‘delivery’ phase of their approach and to provide a live and impartial review of their service. A meeting was arranged between the team at Ansell and an existing customer - without anyone from Newspan present. The landlord of the then named Bridgford Garden Centre, Edward Tarbatt, showed Paresh and his team around the project, which was well under way. Newspan were in the thick of their ‘Delivery’ phase on site at East Bridgford Garden and Home, with 12 weeks to completion. The aim was for Paresh to see the onsite teams in action and get live feedback from the customer.

 

Paresh described his aims of the visit. “We wanted to get a genuine picture of what it was like working with the guys, rather than seeing the honeymoon after opening a new building when it’s all finished”. Natta, a potential main contractor for Ansell, were actually working with Newspan at Bridgford at the time, which gave Paresh a valuable insight to both companies, their relationship on site and the overall delivery. “What we found was that Newspan and Natta had a really good, well established working relationship…it was seeing the teamwork in action that made the choice for us.”

 

The Ansell team managed to keep trading through the project in all weathers, still with the tills underneath the gazebo they purchased two days after the fire. Once the build got under way, Paresh’s time was understandably being pulled in all directions so Newspan maintained pretty much one point of contact for him in the office, with the rest of the team working in the background. “Rather than always needing to go via the main contractor, direct contact with Dan Woods improved communication, which was excellent throughout.  Newspan’s team in the office gave great support too.”

 

Following a mid-May start, the Newspan team were done on site by mid-August, ready for a soft opening in November 2018, almost two years to the day after the fire. The stunning new 2,090sq.m. garden centre incorporates a café, a polycarbonate canopy, an aquatics concession, three staircases, mezzanine floor and a lattice rafter framed entrance porch. Paresh and his team now have a purpose- built, modern, high performing garden centre ready to welcome not only their loyal customer but also those new to the Ansell experience. Paresh and his customers are thrilled with the outcome. “Feedback from our customers has been amazing and we’re really looking forward to our first summer of trading in the new building.”

 

Although the new store hasn’t been open long, Paresh has progression in mind. “We already have plans for more development within the next couple of years, and Newspan have put themselves in a strong position to be back here working with us again then.”

Dobbies submits plan for Dunfermline expansion

Dobbies is seeking permission to extend its 10-year-old Dunfermline garden centre to provide more retail space and improve the farm shop and food hall...

 

 


Dobbies is seeking permission to extend its 10-year-old Dunfermline garden centre.

 

The plans for their Fife Leisure Park store would allow it to increase the size of the retail area and improve the farm shop and foodhall area.

 

An application submitted to Fife Council includes a modest extension adjacent to the present warehouse store, to increase the internal retail area and replace the existing warehouse.

 

 

Dobbies says the the project would also provide scope for improving the farm shop/foodhall area to improve the customer experience, maintain the viability of the unit in the long term and provide further employment opportunities.

The planning application follows a company review of the recently-refurbished  3ha site and feedback from customers.

 

The planning statement said: “In the last few years, some retail space was lost with the provision of the internal children's soft play area which has proved to be a popular draw with families.

"The proposed extension will therefore restore the previous loss of area and then add to the general square footage available

2019 plant sales down on 2018 at half year

After last year’s brilliant May and June for plant sales everyone said we should wait until the end of June 2019 to make real year-on-year comparisons. And the results are in:  Year to date plant sales volumes are down by 6% on 2018 but up by 2% on 2017...


After last year’s brilliant May and June for plant sales everyone said we should wait until the end of June 2019 to make real year-on-year comparisons. And the results are in:  Year to date plant sales volumes are down by 6% on 2018 but up by 2% on 2017.


So, what would you rather have a mad May and June after a poor March and April or a poor May and June after a good March and April?  Answers to trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk please.

  • Orchid sales increased by 75% at the end of June to move 20 places up the chart to No 23.
  • Bellis continued to be very popular this year. An 80% increase moves them up to No 19
  • Penstemon were the highest re-entry into the GTN Top 50 at No 28.

All Plants volume sales change: Week on week DOWN 8.5%.  Year to date vs 2018 DOWN 6.0%, vs  2017 UP 1.9%..

 

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Fryers launch two charity roses at Hampton Court Garden Festival

Fryer’s Roses, part of the Blue Diamond Group, launched two new roses at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, which closes today (Sunday 7 July)...

 


Read mores and see GTN's photos from the show

Fryer’s Roses, part of the Blue Diamond Group, launched two new roses at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, which closes today (Sunday 7 July).

 

‘Reach for the Stars’ (left) will help to raise funds on behalf of Alder Hey Children’s Charity and ‘Friends’ on behalf of the Greenfingers charity.

 

‘Reach for the Stars’ is a large flowered, climbing, nostalgic style of rose whose colour changes from apricot-yellow to peach when opening. Disease resistant and with a rich, sweet-spice fragrance, it can be trained up pillars or pergolas or grown as a shrub rose to a height of 2-3m. £1 from every sale through Fryer’s Roses online and Blue Diamond Garden Centres will be donated to benefit Alder Hey, one of Europe’s biggest and busiest children’s hospitals.

 

The proceeds will support the children’s wishes for a green Alder Hey by helping to enhance the distinctive outdoor play decks on the hospital wards. Enjoyed by young patients and their families, these safe, open spaces allow the children to enjoy playing outdoors even when they are being treated in hospital for long periods.

 

‘Friends’ (pictured right) celebrates the work of Greenfingers charity, which has launched an initiative to encourage supporters to become Friends of the charity.

 

The hybrid tea rose, with buttercup-yellow flowers against dark green, glossy foliage, has a mid-strength fragrance and grows to around 90cm.

 

Greenfingers is dedicated to supporting life-limited children and their families who spend time in hospices around the UK by creating well-designed outdoor spaces for play or therapeutic rest and relaxation. To date, Greenfingers Charity has created 57 inspiring gardens in children’s hospices around the country and is planning to open more later this year.  The charity will receive £1 from each Friends rose sold.

 

See GTN's photo gallery from Press Day at the show below which includes trade stands by: Plantworks, Jardinopia (Potty Feet), Garland, Bulldog Tools, Fryers Roses, Sthil, Cooks Garden Centre, Kadai, Patio Black Spot, Hotbin, Bramblecrest plus GIMA Award winners; Gardena, Hozelock, EP Barrus and Chesneys.

Growers stay upbeat despite labour and plant health challenges

All 15 members attending the HTA Ornamentals Committee meeting last week reported they were ahead of budget with strong demand for UK grown stock across amenity and retail sectors...

 

 


All 15 members attending the HTA Ornamentals Committee meeting last week reported they were ahead of budget with strong demand for UK grown stock across amenity and retail sectors.

 

Geoff Caesar, the committee chair, said: “It was felt that given all the challenges and uncertainty with regard to the economy that ornamental production had fared very well. Strong sales have meant that businesses are in a positive mood although there is widespread recognition that the sector has a number of real issues to deal with in the times ahead.”

 

Shortage of labour – both agency and permanent staff – is proving a challenge across the country. As a way of addressing this, several businesses are looking to take a more flexible approach by recruiting more permanent part-time workers.

 

 

Several businesses spoke about opportunities for mechanisation, although the requirement for capital investment meant this was still a few years away.

 

With new legislation coming into force in December 2019, plant health is a key concern. HTA horticulture manager Alistair Yeomans explained how he is engaging with APHA on plant passporting in order to get clarification on arrangements. He updated members on the current status of the Plant Health Assurance scheme and the work that the work of the Plant Health Biosecurity Alliance.

 

Among the other issues discussed were plastics in horticulture, growing media, pressure on water resources and packaging recovery notes.

Two step up to centre manager roles at Squire's

Squire’s Garden Centres have announced a clutch of appointments, including promotion to garden centre manager roles for two members of staff...

 

 


Squire’s Garden Centres have announced a clutch of appointments, including promotion to garden centre manager roles for two members of staff.

 

Adam Eton (left) has been appointed manager of Squire’s Garden Centre in Reigate. He has taken over from Ian Farmer, who has retired after 25 years with the company. Adam was previously assistant manager at Squire’s Badshot Lea.

 

Sam Jones (right) has been promoted to manager of Squire’s Cobham centre. Previously assistant manager at Squire’s in Milford, Sam is replacing George Bishop (below), who has taken up the position of HR & Training Coordinator at Squire’s Group Office.

 

 

Squire’s have also appointed new assistant managers at Badshot Lea (Tom O’Driscoll, new to Squire’s), Milford (Rupert Slight, previously assistant manager at West Horsley), West Horsley (Ben Bourne, previously assistant manager at Chertsey) and Chertsey (Charlie Watts, previously sundries supervisor at Twickenham).

See you all at Solex

Next week the GTN team are at Solex this week, where we will be publishing the SOLEX SUN during the show...


It was great to see everyone at the GIMA Awards last week, thank you to the GIMA team for an excellent event!

 

This week the GTN team are at Solex, where we will be publishing the SOLEX SUN during the show.  Follow this link to read all the news from Solex 2019.

 

We look forward to seeing you at the NEC.

 

 

 
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Solex Awards to be presented at the show on Tuesday

The Solex Award presentation for the Best Small Stand, Best Large Stand, Best New Product, Best BBQ Retailer and Best Furniture Retailer will take place at 5.30pm in the new LOFA Lounge situated at the rear of Hall 5 on the first day of the Solex show, Tuesday 9 July...


The Solex Award presentation for the Best Small Stand, Best Large Stand, Best New Product, Best BBQ Retailer and Best Furniture Retailer will take place at 5.30pm in the new LOFA Lounge situated at the rear of Hall 5 on the first day of the Solex show, Tuesday 9 July.

 

Trevor Pfeiffer from Garden Trade News and the team of GTN's Greatest Awards Experts, have on behalf of LOFA been out and about visiting Garden Centres up and down the country to find out who are the Greatest BBQ Retailers and Furniture Retailers of 2019 and throughout the first day of the show a team of experts will be judging the exhibitor stands and the new products entries, this will culminate in the Solex Awards being presented by LOFA Chairman, Mark Osborne at the end of Show Day 1. 

 

To find out this year’s winners please come and join us at 5.30pm for Strawberries and Fizz and the award presentations.

 

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Solex Awards: 17:00-17:30, Tuesday 9 July 2019

 
End of June was too hot for garden product sales

The wet June that ended just too hot meant the GTN Bestsellers Garden Product Top 50 sales volumes were the lowest of the last six years, continuing the overall downward Top 50 trend...


 

The wet June that ended just too hot meant the GTN Bestsellers Garden Product Top 50 sales volumes were the lowest of the last six years, continuing the overall downward Top 50 trend.

Highlights of the week were:

  • Smart Solar’s Bonanaza Firefly Balloon was the highest chart climber, moving up 31 places.
  • And the Smart Solar Flutterby Butterfly was the highest chart re-entry at No 29.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

 
Smart Garden Products makes Stock Exchange 'inspiration' list

Smart Garden Products Ltd has been identified as one of London Stock Exchange Group’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2019...


Smart Garden Products Ltd has been identified as one of London Stock Exchange Group’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2019. The report is a celebration of the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium sized businesses (SMEs), with companies representing over 40 sectors and spanning every country and region across the UK.

 

To be selected for the list, businesses had to demonstrate not only positive revenue growth over the last three years but also outperform their sector peers. The result is a unique and varied list of the UK’s most dynamic companies. More details on the companies to Inspire reports and methodology can be found online here.

 

“We’re delighted to be included in this prestigious report for the second year running” stated Jonathan Stobart, MD of Smart Garden Products. “We are committed to an ongoing programme of dynamic product expansion which is helping to fuel such rapid growth.”

 

David Schwimmer, CEO, London Stock Exchange Group:

“Congratulations to all the companies selected for inclusion in the sixth edition of London Stock Exchange Group’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain report, which identifies the UK’s most dynamic SMEs. SMEs drive growth, innovation and job creation and are the lifeblood of the British economy. We believe that supporting the growth of these businesses is critical to the UK economy and the creation of a society that works for everyone.”

 

Use this link to access a full searchable database of all of the companies along with a downloadable pdf of the publication.

 
Growing Media leads the way

Despite June growing media sales being 17% down on last year at the end of the half year overall growing media sales are up by 8% year on year and up 5% on 2017...


 

Despite June growing media sales being 17% down on last year at the end of the half year overall growing media sales are up by 8% year on year and up 5% on 2017.


That is great news for core gardening activity that flies in the face of our garden product sales analysis where sales are down year on year again.


Could it be that the growth of container gardening lends itself well to small bags of growing media sales and that other products are not appealing to this new market just yet?

Highlights of the week were:

  • Westland GroSure Easy Container, 25 litres, is the highest chart climber at the end of June, up 14 places to No 21.
  • Westland Gro Sure Smart Cover, 100 litres, re-entered at No 50 after an 87% sales increase.
  • Evergreen Garden Care Levington Multipurpose + John Innes, 56 litres, continues at the top of the GTN Chart with Westland Jack’s Magic All Purpose Compost, 60 litres, moving up 2 to No 2.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

 
Planners throw out Fresh@Burcot housing application

Planners have turned down plans for housing on the site of Fresh at Burcot garden centre, which would have meant the centre’s closure...


Planners have turned down plans for housing on the site of Fresh at Burcot garden centre, which would have meant the centre’s closure.

 

The centre is owned by Neil Gow, a former director of GIMA, and his wife Nicky.

 

Bromsgrove planning committee refused an application by a developer to build 11 houses there, despite a recommendation from planning officers that the plan should be approved.

 

The committee rejected the proposals on the grounds that they did not offer a suitable mix of affordable housing.

 
Wild Bird Care holds its own

Wild Bird Care sales held their own in June with one very good week at the start of the month and then three weeks that were not so good. At the half year Wild Bird Care is up 7.5% on 2018...


 

Wild Bird Care sales held their own in June with one very good week at the start of the month and then three weeks that were not so good. At the half year Wild Bird Care is up 7.5% on 2018. 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Gardman Fat Snax, tub of 50 were the No 1 Bestseller again.
  • Tom Chambers Sunflower Hearts 2.5kg move up five places to No 3.
  • Gardman Decorative Squirrel Proof Seed Feeder is a new entry at No 30.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

 
GCA announces regional award meetings

Garden Centre Association members will find out who has come out on top in its annual inspections this year at regional award meetings taking place throughout July...


 

Garden Centre Association members will find out who has come out on top in its annual inspections this year at regional award meetings taking place throughout July.

 

Garden centres are encouraged to attend the event in their area and to bring as many of their team members along as possible.

 

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “Another round of our annual inspections are coming to a close and the early feedback is already looking positive.

 

“We are inviting our members to attend the regional meeting for their area where they’ll be able to hear the feedback in full and where our inspectors will be highlighting best practice and new ideas and will also announce all the category winners.”

 

The North Thames region award meeting will take place on Monday, July 15 at Poplars Garden Centre in Bedfordshire and the inspector attending will be Jane Lawler.

 

Inspector Gordon Emslie will be presenting his findings for the North West/North East region at a meeting at Bents Garden & Home in Cheshire on Tuesday, July 16.

 

The South Thames region will meet at Haskins Garden Centre, Snowhill in Sussex on Wednesday, July 17 with inspector Alyson Haywood.

 

On Thursday, July 18 inspector Michael Cole will present his findings at the Midlands region meeting at East Bridgford Garden Centre in Nottingham.

 

Michael will also be presenting at the Wales & West region meeting on Tuesday, July 23 at Castle Gardens, Sherborne in Dorset.

 

The Scotland and Northern Ireland area awards meeting will follow on Thursday, August 29 at Klondyke, Mortonhall with inspector Jane Lawler.

 

Iain added: “Many GCA members have said that the unique annual inspections and constructive feedback sessions are one of the biggest benefits of membership. It is a fantastic motivational and management tool and really keeps staff on their toes, making sure they are always doing their absolute best.

 

“Garden centres receive no advance warning about when their inspection will take place and they do not have the option to turn away the inspector. It is all about making sure they are offering a consistently excellent service and improving their customer service standards, which is what all GCA garden centres must do to remain members.

 

“The results of the inspections form the basis for many GCA awards, including Destination Garden Centre of the Year, Garden Centre of the Year, Area Winners, Highly Commended and Most Improved Garden Centre. The top 10 centres will receive a Garden Centre of Excellence Award and all centres scoring 75% or above receive the Highly Commended certificate.”

 

Photograph caption: (Second left) GCA Chairman, Mike Lind and (second right) GCA Inspector, Alyson Haywood with (left) Squires Garden Centre Manager, Martin Lines, (centre) Deputy Chairman, Sarah Squire and (right) Plant Manager, James Parsons during last year’s (2018) North Thames awards meeting.

 
Veg--2-Gro is a star for 2019

At the half year Veg-2-Gro cumulative sales are up by 48% and the June increase in sales of 4% helped keep momentum going in the right direction, as opposed to all plant sales. Veg-2-Gro really has performed well as a sector in 2019.


 

At the half year Veg-2-Gro cumulative sales are up by 48% and the June increase in sales of 4% helped keep momentum going in the right direction, as opposed to all plant sales. Veg-2-Gro really has performed well as a sector in 2019.

 

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

 
Candleight ignites garden centre interest with new display unit

Candlelight Products, one of the UK's leading designers and wholesale suppliers of candles and home fragrances, has enhanced its commitment to garden centres by launching a new display unit...


Candlelight Products, one of the UK's leading designers and wholesale suppliers of candles and home fragrances, has enhanced its commitment to garden centres by launching a new display unit.

 

The A-frame style stand, which comes fully assembled and presented in contemporary grey, has been designed for the effective display of Candlelight's new Candle collection of home fragrances.

 

The collection features stylish packaging with foil metallics and bright prints that bring the fragrances to life.  Available in one standard size with a 1sq.m. footprint, the unit is available free of charge for retailers who purchase a full display of Candlelight's candles and home fragrances.

 

"Being able to display candles and reed diffusers effectively is essential to maximise sales," said Debbie Isles, sales director at Candlelight. “We work closely with garden trade retailers to inspire their customers with high quality design-led products that are complemented by attractive packaging."

 

The Candle Collection includes contemporary boxed candles, candle sets, reed diffusers, ring pull candles and wax filled pots, all capturing the latest trends in design and homewares, plus gift potential.

 

Candlelight’s UK warehouse and showrooms include a 150,000 sq. ft distribution centre and more than 10,000 sq.ft of showroom in South Yorkshire where products can be viewed, by appointment.  A showroom in Hong Kong is open all the year around.

 

The company has been designing and selling quality wholesale candles, with a wide choice of design-led ranges, for more than 45 years.

 
Five winning plants for 2020? Try these...

Wyevale Nurseries retail sales manager Colin Stanley has picked his top five plants for garden centres for 2020...


Wyevale Nurseries retail sales manager Colin Stanley has picked his top five plants for garden centres for 2020.

 

Colin explained: “I have selected five plants, which I think really show how we are at the forefront of new and innovative varieties and that display the diversity of our extensive range.”

 

 “We feel these plants will be very popular with retail customers as they all have a certain characteristic that will be very appealing to gardeners, whether it’s their colour, floral display, size or crop of fruit, we feel they are the best of the best for 2020.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dryopteris ‘Jurassic Gold’ is a brand-new addition, which erupts into golden new foliage in the spring. It is shade and moisture tolerant and will grow well in a patio pot or planted in groups for a striking gold contrast. This hardy fern will be available in a 3-litre pot in June 2020.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Potentilla Double Punch Collection is a brand-new collection of breakthrough double flowering Potentilla in a strong colour range. Forming a neat and compact mound, these make ideal container shrubs or suitable for beds and borders.

 

The collection includes Potentilla ‘Double Punch Cream’, Potentilla ‘Double Punch Pastel’, Potentilla ‘Double Punch Gold’ and Potentilla ‘Double Punch Peach’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hydrangea ‘Runaway Bride Snow White’ is one of the most floriferous and vigorous hydrangeas, with masses of white lace cap flowers with a hint of pale pink and six times more flowers than the average hydrangea. The confetti like flowers form in garlands along the full length of the stem at every leaf joint from late spring/early summer well into autumn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 'Agapanthus ‘Fireworks’ has eye catching bi-colour blue and white blooms on supersize flower heads. It grows to a medium height to around 50-60cm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raspberry ‘Yummy’ is a dwarf compact raspberry that will give a crop of fruit in its first year. It fruits throughout the summer and makes an ideal patio plant.

 
Choice adds three more garden centres

Choice Marketing has announced the addition of three new garden centres to the group. Highfield Garden World, from Whitminster, joined on July 1, and Blackbrooks Garden Centre of Sedlescombe, has also added their two new centres at Hastings and Lower Dicker.


 
The best of last week's

If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories...


 
The magnificent GIMA Team WingWalk for Greenfingers Charity

Vicky Nuttall, Mark Portman and Lowri Walker took to the skies over the Cotswolds to raise money for Greenfingers Charity...


On Armed forces Day, from a private grass airfield steeped in military history, Vicky Nuttall, Mark Portman and Lowri Walker took to the skies over the beautiful Cotswolds countryside to raise money for Greenfingers Charity. Blessed with glorious weather, as spectators picnicked, the trio received their instructions before donning red flying suits in readiness for their challenge of a life-time.

 

Not usually one to seek an adrenaline challenge, speaking about her high flying adventure Director of GIMA, Vicky said “Doing the Wing Walk has to be the most bonkers but greatest challenge I’ve ever done, I’d definitely recommend it anyone”

 

Grinning from ear to ear after the flight, Lowri, from SBM Life Science said “That was the most amazing experience to date and for such a worthwhile cause. Bring on the loop the loop!”

 

With a fear of heights, upon safe landing, Managing Director of Evergreen Garden Care simply said “It was just brilliant, I absolutely loved every minute!”

 

Having counted them all out and then counted them all back in again, Director of Fundraising and Communications, Linda Petrons said “I would like to say a huge thank you to them all for taking on the challenge for Greenfingers Charity and in doing so raising such an amazing amount of money. I’d like also to thank the many individuals and businesses who have donated through their Just Giving page. With more gardens now in the planning stages, the money raised really will make such a difference to life-limited children and their families.”

 

The trio have so far raised almost £9k and are hopeful the total will continue to rise in the days ahead. If you haven’t already sponsored the GIMA Wing Walk team but would like to, you can do so here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gima-wing-walkers?fbclid=IwAR2Cg3Us-ziAVEnDFTPIi_lsmvQkV8y3hTRW3PyKJ-GhipLmXZXnkt15hg4

 
GYO leads the way as Dobbies roll out Elho concept

Elho’s branded store concept has been installed across the Dobbies chain of garden centres, with grow-your-own items enjoying particular success...

 

 


Elho’s branded store concept has been installed across the Dobbies chain of garden centres.

 

Dobbies horticultural director says the “significant investment” was already seeing dividends. “Sales of elho products increased by 168% in the first 16 weeks of 2019, compared to 2018,” he added. “And for grow your own in particular, the point of sale supported stands and displays have performed extremely well."

 

When launching in store, elho delivers a bespoke concept based on the individual garden centre's customer demographics and ranges stocked. Stores also receive strong lifestyle branding

 

David Nicholson, elho sales manager UK & Ireland, said sales proved customers want to be inspired. “We attract them with beautiful displays and inspire them with lifestyle imagery. Working with Dobbies Garden Centres, we have created a great customer experience from start to finish.”

 

Elho products are made from sustainable materials in a factory that uses 100% wind-generated energy. Pots are frost resistant and metal components are weather proof, providing modern, flexible and practical products that appeal to a wide range of customers.

 
Garden Centre Photo Tour - RHS Wisley New Plant Centre

RHS Retail Director, Damian Powell, took GTN's Trevor Pfeiffer on a guided tour of the new plant centre and retail areas at RHS Wisley last week...


See our photo tour here

RHS Retail Director, Damian Powell, took GTN's Trevor Pfeiffer on a guided tour of the new plant centre and retail areas at RHS Wisley last week.

 

With 70% extra display space across the shop and the plant centre stocks have been increased stocks to fill the new plant area.  That includes 30 metres of Ferns which are in great demand.

Read the full interview with Damian Powell in the August Issue of GTN.

 
Hillier begins re-brand of four former Wyevales

The former Wyevale garden centres sites at Cheddar, Dorking, Lechlade and Marlow are now in the throes of re-branding under the Hilliers name following the acquisitions announced in April. The quartet brings the Hillier estate to 16 centres.


The former Wyevale garden centres sites at Cheddar, Dorking, Lechlade and Marlow are now in the throes of re-branding under the Hillier name following the acquisitions announced in April. The quartet brings the Hillier estate to 16 centres.

 

An ‘end of stock clearance’ promotion on discontinuing lines will kick off the transformation process pending the arrival of new Hillier ranges in the autumn.

 

Hillier says the centres are looking forward to becoming part of their local communities, sharing the company’s passion for plants, offering gardening expertise and becoming a friendly destination for people to meet, eat and be inspired.

 

Chris Francis, Hillier’s garden centre and wholesale nurseries director, said he was delighted with the additions. “They are all really impressive destinations in the south of England, just like our existing centres, so we feel they are a great fit. We are looking forward to getting to know the local gardening communities and inspiring them with our great range of quality plants and Hillier expertise. It is very exciting times ahead!”

 

The centres officially became part of Hillier on 26 June.

 
Beware hosepipe 'backflow' warning as weather warms

WaterSafe is alerting households about the potential health risks of using a garden hosepipe for watering and cooling off if simple safety measures aren’t followed...


WaterSafe is alerting households about the potential health risks of using a garden hosepipe for watering and cooling off if simple safety measures aren’t followed.

 

The UK register (supported by all UK water companies) of approved plumbers warns that hosepipes that are incorrectly fitted, or left submerged in places like ponds, watering cans or paddling pools, can cause illness when dirty water ‘backflows’ into the drinking water supply.

 

The best way to stay safe – and save water – in hot weather is to swap the hosepipe for a watering can. However, for those using a hosepipe, WaterSafe has compiled a list of tips, backed by The Royal Society for Public Health.

  • Fit an approved double check valve to hosepipes to prevent any water, or contaminants from the garden, ponds or paddling pools, flowing back into your mains drinking water supply.
  • Don’t place hosepipes in drains, garden ponds, buckets or watering cans where they can be submerged as contaminated water could be siphoned back into your homes’ drinking water pipework.
  • Turn off your hosepipe at the tap and ideally fully disconnect it when not in use.
  • Fit a self-closing flow control, such as a trigger spray gun, to prevent it being used when unattended.

 

 

Hosepipes can become a breeding ground for potentially harmful bacteria including legionella, which thrives in warm, stagnant water. Aerosols (a very fine spray which cannot be seen by the human eye) are formed when the hosepipe is used and can be inhaled and lead to legionnaires’ disease.

Whilst legionnaires' disease (a form of pneumonia) is rare, it can cause serious illness or even death particularly to the elderly or those with underlying illness.  These simple steps will help to protect people:

  • Keep your hose somewhere cool and out of the sun.  Particularly, don’t use a hosepipe that has been sitting around and full of warm water to fill a hot tub. The warm water within the tub will allow bacteria – including Legionella and Pseduomonas aeruginosa (a bacteria that can cause a nasty itchy rash) – to quickly grow.
  • Gently run the water out of the hose before you use it – without any form of spray attachment on the end. 
  •  

Julie Spinks, director of WaterSafe, said: “We’re encouraging everyone to follow these simple safety measures to not only help avoid contaminating your drinking water supply but also reduce the risk of contracting a serious illness.

“A WaterSafe approved plumber will be happy to help If you need help fitting an approved double check valve. They’re specially trained in the Water Fittings Regulations and Byelaws that help keep the UK’s drinking water safe.

“Better still, using a watering can instead of a hosepipe is much more water-efficient and won’t pose a risk to your drinking water supply.”

 

For more information about Legionnaires’ disease and hosepipe safety from health expert Dr Susanne Lee, director of Legionella Ltd, check the WaterSafe blog.

 
New Hopetoun Gardens owners hand control to employees

The owners of New Hopetoun Gardens near Edinburgh have transferred ownership to an employee trust to secure the centre’s future for its staff...

 


The owners of New Hopetoun Gardens near Edinburgh have transferred ownership to an employee trust to secure the centre’s future for its staff.

 

In considering their own futures after 40 years running the business, Dougal Philip and Lesley Watson felt selling up to a third party would not guarantee security for the staff and customers and protect their life’s work. An Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) was suggested by their lawyer.

 

The arrangement hands a controlling majority of the shares to the trust, – a limited company run by three employees and an external trustee. The purchase price for the £2m turnover business will be covered by accumulating dividends over the next decade, without staff having to pay for shares.

 

Scottish Enterprise have provided grants to cover a proportion of the costs. Under EOT rules, owners can sell a business to employees without paying Capital Gains Tax.

 

 

New Hopetoun Gardens’ office manager Morag Macrea (above, right, with Lesley and Dougal) takes on the role of managing director, leading a staff of 36. Lesley and Dougal will remain with the business for five years but reduce their input as the new regime takes over.

 

Dougal Philip is a past president of the HTA a vice president of the RHS, for who he is also a shows judge.

 
 
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week

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


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 2017 as well as 2018 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 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

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

Highlights of the GTN Garden Plants Bestsellers chart for this week are here


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

 

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

 

Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro chart for this 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 £120m.

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.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.

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

 
All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering
It’s a chaotic yet profitable recipe for garden centre catering
HTA Catering Conference offers practical insights

Balancing staffing levels through the day, having too many customers at peak times, needing more kitchen space, having a full car park but a quiet location, and managing layout and workflow, all make for a chaotic yet profitable recipe for the garden centre catering arena. Both those looking to develop their catering outlet and those introducing catering for the first time came together at the HTA Catering Conference to find out how they could get ‘A slice of the pie’...

 


Balancing staffing levels through the day, having too many customers at peak times, needing more kitchen space, having a full car park but a quiet location, and managing layout and workflow, all make for a chaotic yet profitable recipe for the garden centre catering arena.

 

Both those looking to develop their catering outlet and those introducing catering for the first time, came together at the HTA Catering Conference to find out how they could get ‘A slice of the pie’.

 

Sponsored by Frobishers, the popular one-day event took place on 3 July at Horticulture House in Oxfordshire, and was packed full of top tips and practical advice.

 

 

Horticultural business consultant Neville Stein hosted the day and set the scene by reminding delegates of the importance of garden centre catering. Weather-proofing a business, increased sales and improved cash flow were on the checklist of what a catering offer should bring.

 

Charlie Weller, from Space Catering discussed the considerations of planning for or redesigning a food preparation area. He explained that you need to really understand your food offer so you can have the right equipment for your needs. Charlie also stressed that a kitchen needs to keep food moving forward in the food preparation process to avoid cross contamination.

 

Paul Pleydell from Pleydell Smithyman outlined what needs to be considered in designing a service area and café space. His top tips included siting the café/restaurant in the back corner of the shop so customers must walk through the shop and pass tempting products to get there. If working out how big a seating area needs to be – use 1.45sq.m. per seat.

 

Helen Joyce from Thirsk Garden Centre told delegates how they solved the problem of becoming a victim of their own success. Turning long queues, a shortage of tables, irate customers, stressed staff and organised chaos in general into a £2 million turnover, attributing 38% to the coffee shop. They increased their offering by, in fact, decreasing it. In the past 12 months coffee shop turnover has gone up by 4% compared to the previous 12 months.

 

Sustainability was the theme for an open forum focussing on managing food waste, sustainable practice and managing without plastic. We are witnessing a cultural shift, not a mere trend. Simple tips included:

  • The pot wash is a useful location to identify food that customers aren’t eating.
  • Use jars instead of sauce sachets.
  • Choose equipment with good energy ratings by Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS).
  • Sell water in glass bottles or offer self-service free water.

A coffee related panel session featuring representatives David Blair from Beanworks and David Beattie from Rounton Coffee spoke about the craft movement surrounding coffee today. Smaller sized, but better-quality coffee and dairy free alternatives. As well as a move toward traceability from farm to cup, where everyone in the supply chain receives a profit, are integral to a good cup of coffee.

 

Caroline Benjamin from Food Allergy Aware looked at customers’ diets from allergies and intolerances to lifestyle choices like vegetarianism and veganism. A key takeaway was that you should treat all your free from customers the same and follow the same process regardless of whether they are allergic, intolerant or free from for environmental or religious reasons. No more asking ‘are you allergic?’

 

James Debbage from Green Pastures, a family run garden centre and farm shop based in Norfolk, shared his menu tips encouraging delegates to have something for everyone. James’ menu included classic choices like cooked breakfast, jams and toast, acai bowls, jacket potatoes, quiche, soup, burgers, ploughmans, roasts and allotments salads. All made with luxurious ingredients and beautifully served.

 

Sarah Willis, Restaurant Manager of Woody’s at Thurrock Garden Centre shared how they linked their ‘A Summer of Fun’ campaign to their catering offer. Great for young families, Woody’s has a soft play and sandpit, and during ‘a summer of fun' they added Disney princesses into the mix. Throughout the summer families could buy tickets for a Disney princess to visit their table followed by a dance performance at the front of the café. The princesses were a huge hit with the children and led onto further characters and family themed events like ‘Glasto babies’ being introduced.

 

Click here  for a full write up on the day where you can also download a free catering report.

 

Headline Partner were Frobisher’s. Exhibitor Partners – Beanworks, Change Tea, CPL Online, Dawn Foods, illy, Meiko UK, Organix, Pleydell Smithyman, Rounton Coffee and Space Group.

Work starts on new 250-seater restaurant at Notcutts Woodbridge

A ground-breaking ceremony marked the start of a major project to develop a new 250-seater restaurant at Notcutts at Woodbridge, Suffolk...

 

Pictured: (L-R) Darren Brooks, Chris Bruce, Andrew Ingleton, Caroline Notcutt, Andrew Notcutt (Image: Warren Page, © Notcutts Garden Centres Ltd)


A ground-breaking ceremony marked the start of a major project to develop a new 250-seater restaurant at Notcutts at Woodbridge, Suffolk.

 

Caroline Notcutt, vice chairman, and Andrew Notcutt, non-executive director – both great-grandchildren of founder Roger Crompton Notcutt, were joined by Darren Brooks, general manager of the Woodbridge garden centre, and Chris Bruce, pre contracts director of Barnes Construction to mark the official start of construction works.

 

 

Pictured: An artist's impression of the new restaurant. (©: Notcutts Garden Centres Ltd)

 

The new and enhanced restaurant aims to provide a modern, light and spacious dining experience for up to 250 people. It will also feature a new outdoor terrace for alfresco dining with views across the garden centre and The Notcutts Garden permanent display, which was designed and unveiled last summer to inspire local gardeners with creative planting ideas. Completion is scheduled towards the end of the year.

 

Caroline Notcutt, Vice Chairman of Notcutts Garden Centres, said: "Woodbridge is where it all began for Notcutts, with my Great-Grandfather purchasing the nursery site here in 1897. Woodbridge was Notcutts first garden centre which opened in 1958 on the same site as it stands today. This garden centre holds a special place in my heart, and it has been an honour to see it flourish and grow over the years. I am thrilled to celebrate the start of construction on this new restaurant, which will enhance the overall experience for visitors."

 

Darren Brooks said it was an exciting milestone. “We very much look forward to unveiling the new restaurant, which will cater for the growing demand and give customers a fresh, relaxed and contemporary dining experience.”