British Garden Centres 58th centre at Harrogate opened yesterday where Charles Stubbs and Anthony Harker enjoyed the welcome sunshine with the rest of the BGC team.

Harrogate centre manager: Peter Williams

Charles, Amy and Libby Stubbs welcome the Harrogate centre and their customers to the family.  Amy Stubbs led the project from start to finish.

BGC were delighted with trade on the first day.  "As the team had worked late into the night on Friday we chose to not say anything online about the opening. Over the last couple of weeks we have had potential customers stopping at the site every single day so we were confident that we would be busy enough once the signs changed on the roadside," reported BGC's Boyd Douglas-Davies.

"Last weekend we handed out 4,800 leaflets at the Harrogate Spring Essentials (Flower Show) to the public promoting the new centre and the wider group. The voucher on the leaflet started to appear yesterday, which is great."

Charles added: "Huge thanks to all of our suppliers, both growers and manufacturers for finding us a garden centres worth of stock at the busiest time of year. The merchandising teams have been fantastic and worked alongside our team to create the centre really quickly."

"BGC colleagues have helped from all areas of the business and coped with the short time frame and some appalling weather.  Thank you to them all."

A Leicester-based company which makes children’s books with a difference has secured investment to grow the business after appearing on the BBC One hit series Dragons’ Den.

Willsow Books supplies books that once children have finished reading them they can cut off the back cover and pant them.

Each book tells the story of a vegetable or a herb and the back cover is impregnated with 500 seeds that grow into carrots, parsley, dill, basil or lettuce. The books retail for £9.99.

Company founder Tom Willday and business partner James Coulthurst pitched the product in the Den, and Dragon Sara Davies agreed to put £20,000 into the business for a 15% stake.

“It’s a unique concept. I’ve never seen or heard of anything like this before, so it seems like a great idea,” said Sara.

James Coulthurst said in his pitch: “As soon as we got the book into people’s hands we knew it would be a success so we set out to sell to as many garden centres and gift shops as we could.”

The business partners accepted Sara’s offer after she reduced her demand for 20% of the company to 15%, beating off fellow Dragons Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden, who also wanted 20%.

Tom Willday and James Coulthurst can be seen entering the Dragons’ Den in BBC iplayer at

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000w81f/dragons-den-series-18-episode-8. Their pitch begins 30 minutes into the programme.

We have all experienced the ups and downs of a very turbulent year, but for Hartman the year has offered a plethora of exciting opportunities. We are moving to a brand-new Headquarters in Telford, doubling the warehouse space and office capacity and have expanded our team with the appointment of 8 new members to service the growing number of customers and a booming year for consumer demand.

The shiny new HQ will be the home to our 2022 collection trade show in June, with an impressive 800sqm showroom to showcase the full range.

What to expect...
A bigger and better space means a bigger and better show, allowing us to unveil our latest collections for 2022 and we're hoping you're just as excited as we are! Its’ hard to keep such exciting news under wraps.... but we have to.... just a little longer. With new products on the way, we want you to be the first people to cast your eyes on all the newness we have to offer. 

New for 2022...

• New 800sqm Showroom
• New Headquarters in Telford
• 7 New collections to view
• Hartman favourite ranges have been extended – Dubai, Heritage, Vienna 

You won't want to miss this year’s trade show, so don't hesitate to book an appointment to come and visit us! Spaces will fill up quickly and we are only accepting appointment only due to covid-restrictions. Lunch and refreshments will be available for our guests.

Our COVID secure show opens: 14th June 2021. We're looking forward to seeing you all! 

Website: www.hartmanuk.com
Instagram: @hartman_UK -  www.instagram.com/hartman_uk

Facebook: Hartmanuk - www.facebook.com/HartmanUK

Twitter: @love_hatman – www.twitter.com/love_hartman

The new Corby + Fellas Customer APP is available across a multitude of platforms and features:

• A personalised, digital loyalty card for use online and instore
• The ability to manage personal details
• Review shopping history online and instore (digital receipts)
• Receive specific, targeted coupons, and general offers
• Support notifications and alerts
• Shop Online within the APP
• Keep up-to-date with the latest news feeds, bogs and video content 

The APP can be downloaded via the App Store and Google Play.

Dansand NO GROW is a joint filling sand infused with minerals to create desert like conditions by raising the pH value to naturally inhibit weeds. It’s simple to use and effective at preventing weed growth for up to 10 years, allowing paved areas to stay attractive for longer.

A great addition to your landscaping range, it will appeal to customers either repairing paved areas or working on new projects. It’s especially attractive to those responsible for keeping areas weed-free and should become a regular purchase in Spring when people clean outdoor spaces.

Available in 20kg bags in three varieties: Dansand NO GROW Natural Jointing, Granite Jointing and Top Lock. Natural Jointing is buff coloured and ideal for narrow joints (up to 3mm). Granite Jointing is better for wider joints (up to 10mm) and complements slate coloured pavers. Top Lock is also buff coloured, although hardens to lock your paving stones in place, whilst still allowing water to drain freely.  All products deter weeds and insects, and are environmentally friendly.

Dansand NO GROW is supplied on pallets of 49 bags with free point of sale and product leaflets.  Staff product training is also provided and there are no stock issues, so delivery will be prompt.

Application instructions can be found here: www.dansand.co.uk

Please contact your local agent mark.watson@active-products.co.uk or call the national sales enquiry line on 01371 872 842.  Further products, see dansand.co.uk

Klass ladies wear has opened a new clothing department within Bourne Valley Garden Centre in Surrey...

Klass is a family business based in Rochdale employing over 450 staff throughout the UK. The ladies wear range is currently available in over 150 retail sites, of which half are in garden centres. 

Designed for the more ‘young at heart’ lady, Klass is recognised for its style, quality and value for money. 

Paul Elding, owner of Bourne Valley Garden Centre, said: “I am delighted to welcome Klass ladies wear to Bourne Valley. Since Edinburgh Woollen Mills lease ended earlier this year, we have been looking to introduce a fashion retailer known for their modern designs in keeping with our core customer and Klass certainly fits the bill. Their approach throughout our negotiations has been one of creating a long and fruitful partnership which has been very refreshing.”

Klass director David Cohen commented: “When I first visited Bourne Valley it was clear there was a real appetite for a quality ladies wear brand so it's very pleasing to have been approached by Paul and his team. It’s been a strange year but Klass continues to seek expansion within garden centres and are in a unique position to take advantage of any opportunities that present themselves.”

Klass contact: email david.cohen@eleganze.com or call 07715 495 967. 

See gallery of Klass clothing range below:

Nobody ever expected sales for last week to be near to last week last year as that was the first full week after the Lockdown #1 closures, however the GTN Bestsellers data is also showing signs of the continued "Autumn in Late Spring" weather causing a slow down in sales.

The GTN Bestsellers All Sales index was down 15% week on week for last week and 29% down on the same week last year.  

Please note our last week, year on year comparisons, below, are now back to 2020.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week in 2020: week 21.

• Garden Products Top 50 – down 56%
• Growing Media Top 50 – down 54%
• Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – down 54%
• Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – down 50%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week in 2020: week 21.

•           All Plants with Barcode index – down 24%

•           All Items with Barcode index – down 29%

All the garden centres we've visited this week are full of plants and stocks of garden products, apart from furniture, so as soon as the weather warms up we could still be in for a few more bumper weeks before the end of June.

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis together with the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 product and plants charts in the weekly printed newsletter.  Subscribe here.

As the first dedicated garden retail exhibition to make its in-person return post-lockdown, Glee (14th – 16th September, NEC Birmingham) has an important role to play. From networking and educating, to inspiring retailers and suppliers alike, this year’s event will be a highly anticipated showcase of the newest and most exciting innovations that the garden sector has to offer ahead of the 2022 season.

Retailers support the return of Glee 2021

During lockdown, garden retailers focused on running their businesses according to strict Covid-secure guidelines and, in many cases, the task of buying and sourcing innovation and trend-led ranges for the season ahead has been put on the back burner. However, with the country opening up and demand for gardening products remaining higher than ever, buying teams are being charged with finding exciting and innovative new products to entice consumers and encourage loyalty amongst this new, bigger gardening army.

Glee has long been recognised and praised for its ability to bring hundreds of new and emerging brands together, creating an unrivalled showcase for category growth. This year will be no different, with Glee providing the backdrop for the most new products under one roof within the last 18 months – the prospect of which will be music to the ears of many retailers who have felt the absence of this live event, including Justin Williams, from the GCA Garden Centre of the Year, Fron Goch. He said: “I believe trade shows are a crucial part in the sourcing of new suppliers and new products and, with such a buoyant market at the moment, hopefully, our sector is ripe for product development and investment to deliver new products.  Lockdowns and Coronavirus have been a very isolating and a lonely period for so many of us. Trade shows provide a great opportunity to see friends and industry colleagues and enable some very valuable discussions. I very much look forward to their return.”

Justin’s sentiments were echoed by Adam Wigglesworth of Aylett Nurseries, who said: “Subject to all things Covid, we are immensely looking forward to getting back to Glee. We look forward to catching up with suppliers who have done an amazing job and finding new and exciting products to bring to our customers old and new.  Fingers crossed for a return to some sort of normality by then.  Choosing ranges over zoom is ok but not ideal!”

Exhibitors confirm big plans for Glee 2021

It’s not just retailers that are looking forward to the return of in-person events; exhibitors from across Glee’s eight product sectors are raring to go. Whilst the pressures of the pandemic have forced suppliers to work differently, for many, new product development continued at pace. Reacting to consumer demand, suppliers are expected to bring to market products with a defined sustainability ethos, products that make life easier for gardeners, including high-tech innovations, plus latest design updates to core, volume-driven categories, including pots and planters, growing media, and expanded gifting ranges.

Exhibitors confirmed for Glee 2021 include returning brands, such as Hozelock, Ivyline, Woodlodge, DLF Seeds, Zest 4 Leisure, Taylors Bulbs, Traeger Grills, The Solar Centre, Seedball, Durston Garden Products, Fallen Fruits, Burgon & Ball, Deco-Pak, Creative Products, Meadow View Stone, Kaemingk, Jardinopia, Laurica Plants and Primeur. New exhibitors joining the roster in 2021 will include Goodchaps, Collarways, Leon Boots, The Edible Gang, Teal International, Black & Stainless-Steel Creative Metalworks and George Rye & Sons.

One brand that is already deep into its Glee planning is Woodlodge. The principal pot supplier will be returning to Glee with an even bigger stand and a stunning showcase of its four market-leading ranges, including the recently launched Honey & Wild garden décor offering, and the Down to Earth accessories collection. A Woodlodge spokesperson said: “Glee is a hugely vital part of our marketing mix, so there was no question that we would be back once the in-person event was confirmed. We have big plans for this year’s exhibition, including a number of new product launches which we have every confidence will generate conversation and sales amongst our retail customers. It’s good to be back!”

A safe and secure return

The Glee team acknowledge that the positivity surrounding the exhibition’s return is only possible thanks to the ongoing work that is being undertaken behind the scenes to ensure that Glee can throw open its doors safely and securely. Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director explains. He said: “Whilst many of our retailers have remarked that being at the coalface throughout Covid has meant that they are more than comfortable with returning to live events, we appreciate that this is not the case for everyone. I’d like to take this opportunity to reassure everyone that we are going above and beyond to ensure that we will be reopening Glee as safely and securely as possible.

“We are working closely in consultation with the NEC, and the AEO (Association of Event Organisers) in order to confirm that we work within the government guidelines for reopening and will continue to revise these guidelines as the September timeline approaches. The health and safety of everyone involved with Glee – from the stand builders to exhibitors, from visitors to our own Glee team and everyone in between – is our number one priority.

“Everyone is able to access our Safe and Secure guidelines, which covers everything from pre-event to onsite guidance regarding hygiene, stand activity and venue facilities, and advice for a safe end to the show include breakdown and track and trace. All this info is accessible via www.gleebirmingham.com/the-community/safe-secure. The team also remain available to discuss all elements of our reopening plans with the Glee community.

“For now, it just leaves me to say how pleased we are to bring the industry back together under one roof for the first time since 2019. The continued support of the sector has been incredible, and it’s so great to be in conversation with retailers and exhibitors regarding their intentions for the event. As always, the team and I will be working tirelessly to build an exhibition that works hard, inspires and educates. We can’t wait to see you all in September.”

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.

Outdoor garden furniture, wooden products and decorative garden structure specialist, Zest 4 Leisure has been shortlisted in the Best Container Growing Product category in The Great British Growing Awards 2021 for its Raised Herb Planter and Marford Hexagonal Planter Set.

The Raised Herb Planter is a compartmentalised planter ideal for herbs. A free-standing, easy access planting solution, it is deep enough to hold pre-potted plants and has a handy lower shelf ideal for pots and planting tools.  Made from (FSC® C114990) timber from certified forests, it is a great-looking and highly functional asset to any garden.  

The Marford Hexagonal Planter Set is a trio of planters ideal for flowers, small shrubs or herbs and salads.  Elevated off the ground for protection against the cold and damp weather, the set will also keep plants free from pests and weeds.  Made from pressure treated wood from FSC®managed resources, the planter set delivers long lasting good looks, comprises small, medium, and large and comes ready assembled.

The Great British Growing Awards are sponsored by Grow Your Own magazine in association with Glee and look for ‘horticultural heroes’ in a host of categories as nominated by readers.  Categories range from trusted celebrity gardeners, to bloggers, and inspiring gardens to organisations that go above and beyond to help growers up and down the country.  The next stage of the awards is the shortlisted products being tested by the judges in mid-May.

Commenting on the shortlisting, Zest 4 Leisure’s managing director, Steve Morgan said, “It’s fantastic to get the approval of consumers and especially through a respected channel such as Grow Your Own.  The GYO category is exciting and dynamic and it’s vital that we all keep it so with innovative product development.  I’m delighted Zest 4 Leisure products are getting such prestigious approval from such discerning consumers.”

Zest 4 Leisure was established in 2005 to bring high quality, FSC® certified timber garden products to garden centres, online retailers, builders’ merchants, and major purchasing groups across the UK.  

For further information about Zest 4 Leisure’s GYO range and its decorative and furniture products, visit www.zest4leisure.co.uk. 

Homebase has opened its first brand-new store in Cheltenham. The opening marks a milestone moment for the home and garden experts being the first new store to open in six years.

Located on Tewkesbury Road, the new 36,591 sq. ft store is the one-stop-shop for the products, expertise and inspiration customers need to fix, improve or transform their homes and gardens. Following the successful roll out of inspirational and on-trend small format stores, this new store puts inspiration front and centre with plenty of on-trend ideas and everything customers need for any home or garden project.

The new store has created 29 jobs in the local area and these team members have been provided with externally accredited training, including City & Guilds gardening and kitchen design qualifications, to help customers create homes and gardens they love.

For those looking to redecorate, the store features a Dulux Paint Desk, which offers a paint mixing service, and popular brands including Homebase Paint, Crown, Farrow & Ball, ELLE Decoration and Craig & Rose.

Customers will also be able to shop home furniture and accessories, from occasional chairs and cushions to lighting and candles. One of the most popular trends of the year, wall panelling, is available ready-made and a wide range of tools and hardware to make any DIY task simple. Flooring and tiling options to suit all styles and budgets can be found in-store to complete any home improvement project. House Beautiful and Country Living wallpaper, furniture and home accessories are also available in-store, as part of Homebase’s partnership with leading premium content and experience business, Hearst UK.

The 12,500 sq. ft garden centre* has everything customers need to refresh their outdoor spaces with plenty of plants, pots, garden care. With more than 40 years of gardening expertise, Homebase’s specially trained team members will help customers with the products, advice and inspiration they need for any outdoor space, from balconies to lawns. With the nation welcoming friends and family back into our homes and gardens as lockdown restrictions continue brands including Bosch, Neff and Miele. Expert advice is on hand from Homebase’s team members who can turn customers’ design ideas into a reality through free design consultations, using Homebase’s 3D visualisation software.

Grant Anderson, Homebase Retail Director, comments: “I’m really proud that we’re returning to Cheltenham and our brilliant store team is ready to welcome customers old and new, bringing them the products, style and advice they need to complete any home or garden project.

“This store looks completely different to those we’ve had in the town in the past – it’s designed to make shopping with us easier than ever. From clever QR codes that show customers how to recreate the look in their own homes to the helpful advice our team can offer, we’re ready to inspire the local community.”

'Order and Collect' is also available, making it even easier for customers to buy products from Homebase’s full range of more than 35,000 products, either online for pick up in-store within the hour or order in-store for home delivery.

Following from Homebase’s recent campaign, ‘A Home For All’, wildflowers have been planted in the car park to feed bees and butterflies in a bid to boost biodiversity. These will bloom in the summer months, providing much-needed food and habitats for wildlife. Much of the nation’s naturally occurring wildflowers are in decline and customers can increase biodiversity in their own outdoor spaces with wildflower seeds available to purchase in-store.

Homebase has previously had two stores in Cheltenham between 1993 and 2019.

It’s not surprising Local SEO is getting more and more popular to drive traffic to garden centres since almost half of the searches on Google are targeting something local. While big brands used to have a monopoly on the top search results on Google, the last updates to Google’s algorithm have been significantly beneficial to smaller businesses. 

Sjors Hemmen, business developer at Garden Connect, explains how Local SEO works. He said: “Nowadays, 46% of search queries are related to doing, seeing, visiting or buying something locally. We help garden centres rank well on those keywords that their local customer would use, in turn helping to increase footfall”.

Search intent

An important metric Garden Connect uses is the search intent, e.g. does a user want to do something online or does he want to do something nearby? Sjors continued: “If you’re in the market to buy garden furniture online, you’re using slightly different Google keywords compared to say, someone who’s looking for a nearby store which sells garden furniture. We identify these keywords and the intent users have while using them”. 

Case study

Local SEO proves to work well for garden centres and retail nurseries. “We applied Local SEO to a mid-size retail nursery which is heavily plant focused and found the results to be really positive. Garden centres who are more focused on leisure, with restaurants and playgrounds, can tap into a wider audience by applying Local SEO Marketing,” explains Sjors Hemmen.

“For the nursery, the number of views of their local listings on Google went up 252% compared to the same period in 2020 which extremely encouraging. However, a view is not an action, and as such we also measure the number of people checking the directions from their home to the store, or those that are making a phone call. These numbers went up by 215% for the nursery customer.”

The impact was mentioned by the store owner who said: “Figures are just figures. But if you do get more phone calls and do see new people visiting your garden centre, it becomes obvious Local SEO helps to drive footfall.”

76% visits after searching

Surveys show that 76% of the consumers who were searching for a local business decided to visit one of the places they found on Google.  Sjors concluded:  “We often hear it’s complicated to link online marketing to in-store visits. But Local SEO proves the clear link between a Google query and in-store traffic. 76% of the consumers searching for a local business pay a visit to one of the businesses they found online within 24 hours.”

If you want to reach out to your local customers, please contact Garden Connect at +44 203 475 5541 or email info@gardenconnect.com to learn more

The summer months are fast approaching, offering up the first whisper of warm weather and clear skies, making it the perfect time to add some style to outdoor spaces. By using pots to incorporate plants and foliage into these areas, it’s easy to inject a bit of personal style and provide a habitat for plants and flowers to grow.  

It’s an opportune time for people to reflect upon the design of their outdoor space and create something that truly reflects their personality and style. With this in mind, sustainable plant pot producer, elho, has created the new ‘vibia’ range of plant pots to help inject some individual character to outdoor spaces, no matter the size.

Each vibia pot offers a sleek design with robust materials and a rugged, natural texture. With a range of shapes, sizes and muted shades, including white, terra, anthracite, living concrete, sage green and brique, the vibia collection has been designed to help create a truly personal space and is perfect for those looking to create a classic but contemporary garden.

The vibia campana square pot is  a traditional holder that comes in both 30cm and 36cm, whilst the round vibia campana has a softer shape and is available in sizes from 20cm to 39cm. Try them individually for a uniform look, or mix them up for something more eclectic.

The vibia campana bowl has a unique shape, with its 27cm rounded design offering a classic and ideal home for smaller, wild plants like dianthus and hydrangeas. The vibia straight round displays a more traditional silhouette, making it perfect for contemporary spaces.

For those with smaller outdoor spaces, such as those living within cities and built-up areas, the vibia campana terrace trough is ideal. It is perfect for narrow areas, such as windowsills and terraces, where traditional larger pots may not fit. With its oblong design, the terrace trough allows colourful foliage and a small jungle of greenery to come to life, offering a ruffled sea of nature that masks urban spaces and city sound pollution. The 80cm terrace trough is available in a range of colours including white, terra, anthracite, living concrete, sage green and brique.

To create a tumbling display of colour from above, the vibia campana hanging basketmakes the perfect addition to outdoor spaces such as balconies where floor space is limited, and sits beautifully when hung above seating areas. With a range of colours to choose from the hanging basket can blend in seamlessly with its surroundings or contrast against fences or the plants potted in them.

As with all elho products, the vibia range is 100% recyclable, with 80% of the materials used made from recycled plastic, beautifully combining exceptional design with sustainability.

Summer is the perfect time to bask in all that nature has to offer and with elho’s vibia collection, it’s easy to create lush outdoor spaces that truly reflect a person’s style – transforming ordinary outdoor areas into the perfect haven to enjoy spending time.

B&Q has launched the first B&Q Gardener of the Year competition, which will come as a relief to gardening enthusiasts up and down the nation who are missing out on Chelsea Flower Show this Spring.

Gardening is an important source of happiness for many, and a year of lockdown has proven to Brit’s that they can roll up their sleeves to improve their outdoor space making it more enjoyable. That’s why B&Q is setting out to celebrate the show gardens of the real gardeners across the UK. But rather than giving out rosettes, the UK’s largest garden retailer is giving £10,000 to one lucky winner. The launch of the competition comes as a study conducted by the retailer reveals that Gen-Zers are taking on the over fifties at their own game, as 85% have become more interested in gardening in the last 12 months and that 93% felt gardening had become trendier in the last year due to spending more time at home.

With the nation’s love for gardening stronger than ever, B&Q has been joined by comedian Jim Moir on a mission to showcase the ‘real’ gardens of the UK by inviting the British public to enter the Gardener of the year competition, covering five criteria including; best use of colour, best use of small space, best use of imagination, best grow your own space and best eco-friendly garden. These criteria have been supported by B&Q’s research, which revealed that making use of space, growing their own, using their imagination, creating a unique space and using colour well, were key things considered when it came to what Brit’s focus on in their garden. 

As it is revealed that Brits take inspiration for their gardens from many different places, with 37% turning to gardening centres like B&Q for advice, 27% asking their parents and 26% checking social media platforms, B&Q has thrown the rule book out the window when it comes to what makes a garden ‘best in show.’ All outside spaces and gardens are encouraged to take part, from window boxes and balconies to colourful expanses and grow your own greats. And of course, B&Q has a whole host of products to help Brits make the most of their gardens, regardless of size. Offering a range of 2,000 plants, which have been vetted for quality at every stage, including 140 varieties of rose, they have something to make every outdoor space bloom. 

Joining Jim Moir on the judges panel are award-winning garden designers, Matt Childs and Humaira Ikram, and B&Q Outdoor Category Director Steve Guy. This mighty team will shortlist entries to crown the B&Q Gardener of the year, who will be awarded £10,000, the prestigious ‘golden trowel’ award, as well as the newly launched B&Q Green Card, giving access to free plants for ten years. Four runners up will also be selected to receive £1,000. 

To launch the competition with a bang, Jim Moir has taken part in a piece of ‘mow-tivational’ video content set to inspire Brits to put their gardens to the test. Jim can be seen tickling tomatoes, consoling a marrow, conspiring with Kenneth the snail, and sitting upon a floral throne as he galvanises green fingers across the nation. The video can be viewed in all its glory here.

But B&Q are not stopping there - they will also be shining a light on community gardens and outside spaces which have been transformed for the better, as part of the B&Q Community garden of the year competition. This separate award will celebrate outdoor spaces which have been created by the community for the community with the aim of improving the life and wellbeing of those in the surrounding area. One garden will be crowned B&Q Community garden of the year, winning a £2,500 B&Q gift card and a consultation with award-winning garden designers, Matt Childs and Humaira Ikram. Matt has been responsible for designing multiple medal-winning show gardens at both the RHS Chelsea and RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Shows, which have been shaped by his people-first approach to garden design, and the power of outside space in contributing to mental and physical wellbeing. Humaira, meanwhile, is a professional garden designer and runs the Garden Design Diploma at the KLC School of Design. She is a regular contributor on BBC Gardeners Question Time, and most recently, appeared on The Big Flower Fight as a judge alongside Jim Moir. 

Jim Moir says; “I am thrilled to be taking part in the first annual B&Q Gardener of the Year competition. I get so much enjoyment from my garden and it’s a real place of solace for me. During lockdown I did develop green fingers, as much of the nation did, and I’ve been lovingly tending to my tomato and courgette plants. My little grow your own patch isn’t much but I take a huge amount of pride in it. That’s what this competition is all about, finding those gardens which might be a bit rough around the edges, but are perfect to those who love them.”

Steve Guy, B&Q Outdoor Category Director says: “At B&Q we pride ourselves on providing the nation with the range of products, plants and flowers they need to make the most of their outdoor spaces. Now, through B&Q Gardener of the year, we want to shine a light on Brits who dedicated time turning their gardens into their own personal oasis. It’s great to see how many people have found a love for gardening in recent times. We truly believe gardening should be for the many and not the few, so we hope the launch of this competition will bring out the creative gardeners from up and down the UK.”

The B&Q Gardener of the year competition is open now and close on 18th June, anyone can enter via https://www.diy.com/projects/outdoors

Pictured: Comedian Jim Moir joins the judging panel, alongside gardening experts Matt Childs, Humaira Ikram and Steve Guy.

Dobbies has announced the online relaunch of its much-loved Little Seedlings Club, to support and celebrate National Children’s Gardening Week (29 May – 6 June).

Packed with activities, tutorials and educational content, the Little Seedlings Club is aimed at children aged 4 to 10 years old, and in its refreshed and enhanced online format, will provide plenty of fun gardening and crafting projects.

Dobbies Little Seedlings Club previously ran in stores across the UK, but workshops haven’t been able to take place in person since March 2020. The relaunched online format provides a fantastic way for budding young gardeners to learn all about plants, wildlife, the environment and sustainability, while supplying them with an abundance of fun facts and top tips to impress their friends.

Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director of Dobbies, said: “Our Little Seedlings Club has always been hugely popular across our stores, and so we are very pleased to be able to relaunch the club in a virtual format, marking National Children’s Gardening Week.

“At Dobbies, we are passionate about helping communities to enjoy spending time outdoors and get growing, and who could be better than the next generation of gardeners? We hope that the relaunched Little Seedlings Club will educate, inform and inspire a whole new host of young gardeners.”

Available for free on the Dobbies website, Little Seedlings will offer a mix of topical online content, including factsheets, educational guides, activity sheets and suggestions for ways to put green fingers to work, with topics spanning everything from creating bug hotels and DIY seed bombs, to learning about composting, plant lifecycles and the anatomy of flowers, plus an array of weird and wonderful facts.

The new-look Little Seedlings Club will also offer free virtual events, coinciding with Dobbies’ current series of online Expert Events. On Saturday 5 June at 10:30, Dobbies will host ‘Get Gardening with Your Little Seedlings’ – a free, virtual event open to everybody, designed to encourage parents and grandparents to enjoy time in the garden with their little ones. Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, and Plant Buyer, Nigel Lawton, will provide a pumpkin-planting demonstration, to encourage children to start their own fruit or vegetable patch at home. Alongside this, there’ll be interactive challenges and fun facts, to get children out in the garden and help them to understand more about the natural world around them.

As well as this, Dobbies will be launching a campaign to find Ambassadors for Little Seedlings, open to children across the UK. The campaign will find the faces of the Little Seedlings Club, who will then have the opportunity to provide their own blogs about gardening for Dobbies customers to enjoy, as well as appearing in Dobbies’ social media campaigns with photos of their gardening progress. Children can apply to become a Little Seedlings Ambassador at https://www.dobbies.com/little-seedlings-ambassadors

For more information on Little Seedlings: https://www.dobbies.com/little-seedlings

For the virtual event: https://www.dobbies.com/events

For National Children’s Gardening Week activity: https://www.dobbies.com/little-seedlings-activities/gardening-week

Tong Garden Centre has partnered with Leeds based garden designer and ITV's Love Your Garden presenter, Katie Rushworth for a fifth consecutive year.

Of the renewed collaboration, Tong Garden Centre's Marketing Manager, Jo Dales said: "We're thrilled to be working with Katie again as her warmth, passion and knowledge make her a natural fit to work with the team here at Tong.

"For many of us, gardens have been our sanctuaries over the last 15 months, and we're delighted that one of the projects that Katie will be working on is a Wellbeing Garden with a ‘retreat, relax, retreat' theme."

The 16m2 space will open with plants chosen by Katie for their scent and evergreen structure and the garden will also feature an outdoor kitchen and a seating area where customers can immerse themselves in the garden. Ms. Rushworth will be assisted by Tong's first horticulture apprentice, Alfie Taylor for the initial planting and subsequent seasonal changes.

"This is an amazing opportunity for me to learn from Katie and see how she creates the popular seasonal planting schemes that customers come to see in her show garden at Tong then and replicate at home. I'm already a fan so working with Katie is going to be a wonderful way to help me to grow my knowledge," he said.

Ms. Rushworth, who works alongside Alan Titchmarsh on ITV's ‘Love Your Garden' and ‘Love Your Home and Garden', is delighted to be working with Tong again: "My brand new garden has been created around the theme of wellbeing, drawing on a year of lockdowns where our gardens became havens. There has never been any doubt in my mind that gardening is good for you and studies prove the positive impact it has on our mental and physical wellbeing.

"This is a small plot packed with plenty to inspire you and I will change the plants frequently to show you how to plant what's in season from my selection of ‘VIPS' - those Very Important Plants that I always go to or really love for their contribution to the garden."

Mr. Taylor attends Shipley College one day a week to study for a Level 2 Horticulture and Landscape Operative qualification and works four days a week with the plants team at the Tong Lane centre.

Unprecedented Demand - Record Easter garden centre sales lead to stock shortages.  

In GTN's April issue of news and information for garden centre professionals:

• Back to the NEC for Glee!
• Life – Norfolk Leisure Style
• 1000 years and growing at Coolings
• Investment is back on the agenda for garden centres
• Pictures of a Record Easter from Aylett Nurseries, Burston Garden Centre and Scotsdales
• Unprecedented demand leads to stock shortages
• Enhancing our understanding of New Gardeners
• GIMA Charity Golf Day returns this summer
• B-bag takes Extreme Lounging to new places
  LOFA Update – Are we over the worst of the shortages?
• HTA Column – Success Brings Stress

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

Mark Watson has joined the Active Products Sales Team and heading up Business Development for Dansand NO GROW, the joint filling sand infused with natural weed inhibitors.  

Contact Mark on: mark.watson@active-products.co.uk, call the national sales enquiry line on 01371 872 842 or check out NO GROW at dansand.co.uk

On 19th May members logged on to take part in the Virtual 74th Annual General Meeting of the Shop & Display Equipment Association. Attendees heard about the hard work that had been undertaken over the past year plus all the support given to SDEA members, as well as the exciting plans for the year ahead.  These include the SDEA App and the launch of the Association’s latest technological initiative: Creative Virtual Showcases.

During the day’s proceedings Executive Council elections were carried out with Paul Smart, Business Development Director at arken P-O-P International being voted President of the Association for a second term and Mark Chatterton, Managing Director of Morplan was re-elected Vice President.  

The President opened his report with a reminder of how tough the past year has been for the industry: “What a difficult year for the SDEA and for most of us in the display industry, in particular those who work in retail, leisure and hospitality sectors.  Keeping our heads above water has been the name of the game.”

With the SDEA due to hold the new meet-the-buyer event Creative Design & Display Connections on 23^rd September and The Creative Retail Awards on 14^th October, the President closed his report with a confident outlook: “On a personal note with the 21st June on the horizon I’m very optimistic and positive about the remainder of the year.”  

Chris Shoebottom, Sales Director of Stylo joined the Executive Council this year and joins existing Executive Council members:

Ronald Cohen, Chairman of Foxbarn Ltd,

Bob Garton, Managing Director of Glencourt Associates Ltd,

Nick Wraith, Managing Director of Unibox. 

The Executive Council will work together over the coming months bringing fresh ideas and inspiration, securing the future growth of this highly valued organisation.

June and July are pivotal months in the wild bird calendar, with baby birds growing from nestlings to fledglings. Gardens across the country will fill up with the next generation of all kinds of wild bird species, all leaving the safety of their nest for the first time. In this important season, Henry Bell & Co – the leading quality wild bird and pet food producer – shares its advice on how you can help fledgling birds this summer.

How to help fledgling birds this summer, by Henry Bell Wild Bird Care

• Identifying nestlings vs. fledglings: Nestling birds have yet to fully develop their feathers and are incapable of flight. Fledglings, on the other hand, look fluffy and unkempt with fully formed wing and tail feathers that appear too short, meaning they are close to being able to fly.
• Seeing a fledgling in need of help: Fledglings can often be found on the ground and while it is tempting to intervene to help, it is best not to. In most cases the baby birds are still being fed by their parents who will likely be nearby, even if you can’t see them. If you are genuinely concerned about a fledgling and have observed them from a distance for a prolonged period, contact a local wildlife organisation or the RSPCA.
•  Providing water for fledglings: As always, provide plenty of water in your garden for fledgling birds by placing it in your bird bath or dish every day.
•  Feeding fledglings: Baby birds greatly benefit from rich protein sources like mealworms, which particularly help in their growth. Henry Bell offers mealworms in 100g (RRP £3.99), 500g (RRP £9.99) and 1kg (RRP £19.99). A highly nutritious protein snack, mealworms can be enjoyed from the ground, the bird table or bird feeder all year round.
• Supplementing fledglings’ diets: For a balanced diet, you can also provide a seed mix to ensure fledglings get the nutrient rich supplements they need. Henry Bell’s Superior Seed Mix (RRP £1.99 for 1kg) is a unique blend that is packed with energy and nutrition to keep wild birds fuelled up, no matter the season.
• Being careful with peanuts: The most important thing at this time of year is to put peanuts in a rigid mesh feeder. This is because peanuts can be harmful if adult birds feed them to their nestlings or fledglings, as large nut pieces can choke baby birds. The same goes for fat and bread. Putting wild bird food into feeders allows the right sized pieces of food to be taken to their offspring – such as Henry Bell’s range of Peanut Feeders which start from RRP £3. 99 (see image right).
• Dealing with garden pests: If you get tiny pests such as aphids on your plants, it is best to avoid spraying with pesticides as these will also kill ladybirds and other helpful insects that birds will eat. If greenfly or aphids become a real concern, you can wash them off with a diluted solution of washing-up liquid.

Henry Bell & Co is a fourth-generation family-owned British business that has been producing high quality wild bird and animal foods for a number of years. The company launched its own range in 2019, Henry Bell Wild Bird Care, which features over 140 quality products catering for every type of garden bird, all designed with health and wellbeing of birds in mind. Henry Bell has made sustainable packaging a priority with all their Wild Bird Food packaging being 100% recyclable.

Henry Bell Wild Bird Care is available at Dobbies Garden Centres, Blue Diamond Garden Centres and selected independent garden centres, pet shops and retail outlets nationwide.

Microgreens remain as popular as ever for a quick and easy way to add colour and flavour to any meal, all from a kitchen windowsill.

Helen Clayton, Brand Manger for Johnsons commented “We have continued to see excellent sales of our microgreens seeds and seed based kits over the last few seasons. During the last year in particular, people have been looking for different ways to keep occupied and many have enjoyed growing from seed for the first time. Microgreens are perfect for new gardeners as they provide harvests quickly, without the need for outside growing spaces.”

New for 2022, Johnsons has extended their microgreens seed range, introducing eight new varieties, providing added interest and more unusual flavours.

All are ready to harvest within a month and have RRPs from £2.65 to £3.65.

• Basil Lemon has an incredible basil flavour with a fresh lemon twist.
• Basil Red is rich in colour and flavour, delicious in Mediterranean dishes.
• Chervil has a tangy and bright anise flavour, perfect for soups and salads.
• Chicory has mild, non-bitter leaves and is a great addition to salads and sandwiches.
• Mizuna Red is mildly spicy and a favourite for noodles and soups.
• Mustard Oriental produces great looking, full-flavoured spicy leaves.
• Pak Choi has tender leaves and adds interest to salads and stir-fries.
• Spinach Komatsuna is a favourite in Eastern cooking, with oriental leaves and a tangy spinach flavour.

Johnsons is offering a new style hot spot stand for the 2022 season which presents all 16 microgreens seed packets on hooks, along with space to display 36 growing kits. 

Alongside packets of microgreens seeds, the range also includes the Microgreens Growing Kit (RRP £4.99) - a high quality reusable growing tray which includes three packets of seeds. Once the ‘micro leaves’ are ready, Johnsons compact Micro Snips (RRP £3.99), with spring action handles, are an easy way to harvest your crops. The Microgreens Kitchen Seed Sprouter has an RRP £11.99 and is a convenient and economical way to produce continuous crops of fresh seed sprouts such as alfalfa and mung beans, as well as the baby leaves of microgreens.

GROEN-Direkt has been internationally renowned for its continuous, complete range of garden plants for 25 years. The largest green market in Europe traditionally presents its Autumn Fair at the end of August – this year it will take place on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 August.

On top of a tremendous range of more than 5,500 unique batches, this will be a special edition of the fair, marking GROEN-Direkt’s 25th anniversary.

Four reasons why you should visit the company’s Autumn Fair:

1. Best of both worlds: a fair and a webshop

What makes GROEN-Direkt unique is its hybrid formula: the combination of sample fairs and a webshop enables the company to offer a wide, seasonally varying range of garden plants all the year round. Interested buyers can physically view, smell and feel the range at the Autumn Fair, or they can opt to order garden plants remotely via the webshop, where they’ll find easy-to-navigate surveys of the entire range accompanied by up-to-date sample photos.

2. Enormous range of garden plants and Christmas trees

GROEN-Direkt’s Autumn Fair is the ideal opportunity for you to buy your autumn range of garden plants! Besides presenting more than 5,500 unique batches, the fair will as usual also be paying lots of attention to novelties and sales concepts, and launching the exclusive presale of Christmas trees. Orders can be easily placed via the special ordering app on your tablet or mobile phone.  

3. New fair presentation

At its Autumn Fair, GROEN-Direkt will be introducing a new form of presentation on large benches. A number of plants of each batch will be presented on these raised benches, enabling the fair visitors to have a good look at the plants on all sides. The benches will make for an attractive fair presentation while providing a good view of the products, with the added advantage that the plants can be watered, so they will retain their good looks for longer.

4. GROEN-Direkt’s 25th anniversary

This year marks GROEN-Direkt’s 25th anniversary! Needless to say the company doesn’t want to let this historic event pass unnoticed, and would like to celebrate it together with its partners. So the anniversary will be the theme of the coming year’s events, starting with the Autumn Fair, where visitors will be treated to various festivities.

More information

GROEN-Direkt’s Autumn Fair will take place on 25 and 26 August at Noorwegenlaan 37, 2391 PW Hazerswoude, the Netherlands (ITC site). It is intended for traders and buyers from within and outside the Netherlands. Keep a close eye on GROEN-Direkt’s website or call +31 (0)172 21 15 76 for the latest information on the Autumn Fair, the sample fairs and the webshop.  

NB: developments relating to COVID-19 may affect visits to the Autumn Fair.

Renato Canale 1942-2021

It is with the heaviest of hearts that Valerie, Fabienne, (daughters) Kiaran, (grandson), Oscar, Freddie and all the team at Europlants UK Ltd are notifying industry colleagues and friends of the passing of Renato Canale on the 17th May 2021.

Renato came to the UK in 1962 to work at Stuart Lows Ltd where he progressed to Sales & Marketing Director.  

He had a vision to develop the specimen plants & trees market in the UK and set up Europlants UK Ltd in 1991. A partnership was made with Vannucci Piante of Pistoia with Europlants being appointed its sole UK Agent. The relationship is going strong to this day 30 years on.

In 2005 he set up Riverside Nurseries in Marlow.

His nationwide contribution to the industry has been immense.  

As a much valued and well respected colleague & friend in the industry for over 60 years, Renato will be greatly missed and will leave a huge gap both personally & professionally.

Oscar Puig told GTN Xtra: "Renato hasn’t been very well in the last few months and his condition worsened at the end of last week when he was admitted to hospital. Yesterday he lost his battle and passed away peacefully with his family next to him.

"He dedicated all his life to the industry to which he was loyal and supportive until his last day. Magazines, Trade Shows, Garden Centres, Nurseries, suppliers around Europe… The industry will somehow will feel a bit smaller with his absence."

Renato with David Domoney at the Eurplants Open Day 2019.  The Europlants Open Days, started by Renato, have become a "must attend" day in the plant buying diary and have raised thousands of pounds for charities including Perennial and Greenfingers.

A year ago this week we were ‘celebrating’ the re-opening of garden centres after Lockdown #1 and there were queues outside stores as customers sought to catch up for lost time in their gardens and make the most of their outside spaces while the pandemic lockdown and restrictions continued.

Now we can see the effect of lockdown on a whole year’s worth of sales data following on from that memorable re-opening. GTN Bestsellers Epos data for all sales indicates that in the period from Week 21 (2020) to Week 20 (2021) garden centre volume sales were up by 42% compared to the same period leading up to re-opening, which is no surprise after the seven weeks of enforced closure, and 17% up on the same period across 2018 to 2019.

That 17% represents a phenomenal growth in sales activity, especially when you factor in that restaurants were closed for most of that time, social distancing measures restricted footfall, furniture and other products were in short supply and the weather so far this year has been anything but ‘normal’.

When the weather improves – it has to, doesn’t it? – we could be in for another bumper summer of sales.

Please note our last week, year on year comparisons, below, are now back to 2020.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week in 2020: week 20.

• Garden Products Top 50 – down 14%
• Growing Media Top 50 – down 15%
• Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 20%
• Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – down 28%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week in 2020: week 20.

• All Plants with Barcode index – up 25%
• All Items with Barcode index – up 21%

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.

Flower Shows have returned with the Harrogate Spring Essentials Flower Show staring on Thursday 20th May and British Garden Centres were exhibiting ahead of the opening of their Harrogate Centre later this month.  But the weather was far from inviting.

BGC's Boyd Douglas-Davies sent us photos from the show, mainly taken during build up on Wednesday.  The picture above is from the opening ofthe show on Thursday and on Friday morning Boyd reported: "Rivers of water running across show today and 2 coats, gloves, boots, hat and brolly!!!!"

RocketGro are shipping product out right now and have a two week waiting list for deliveries. Please contact the company for further details. RocketGro have signed up multiple independent garden centre chains. 

Launched in March 2021 from their farm in Somerset, RocketGro have two lead products ‘Magic Mulch’ and ‘Plant Fuel’. The farm is a specialist AD plant, and the by-product of the Anaerobic Digestion process is split into a liquid and a fibre (mulch) that are then packaged as Soil Association approved RocketGro products.

The liquid and mulch have been spread over surrounding farms fields for years as a bio nutrient rich source of NPK and fibre. They are so good at raising yields that no chemical fertilisers are needed on these farms.

The crops grown on the farm are then fed back into the AD plant in the form of Maize, Rye, Beet and Grass and so a complete virtuous circle is formed.

A 100% eco sustainable product is derived post the production of gas and electricity that is fed into the national grid. 

A British product, RocketGro believe that the product sells itself, but have added eye catching high spec packaging and design to appeal to a cross generation gardening market.

The growing drive for Peat alternatives leaves RocketGro well positioned for growth as orders come in for the summer.

Current production enables the farm to bag 42,000 of the 50 litre bags per week. 

The all natural RocketGro ‘Magic Mulch’ is a perfect addition to boost tired compost and poor soil that needs an input of structure and water retaining fibre, particularly good for heavy clay soils. 

Mixing the mulch with another medium such as compost makes for the perfect yield boosting potting mix.

The chemical free natural ‘Plant Fuel’ is a concentrated liquid plant food for indoor and outdoor plants.

10% of profits from the sale of RocketGro products go to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, a charity close to the hearts of the RocketGro family.

Please contact the company for further details:

Website: www.rocketgro.co.uk
Email: hello@rocketgro.co.uk

Tel: 07936 928 981

As lockdown measures continue to ease across the UK, there is no sign of the incredible growth in sales by garden centres slowing. In fact, overall sales for 12th April - 12th May 2021 are 22% up vs the same period in 2019; and garden/gardening sales within this are +34%.

 And as all nations except Northern Ireland began welcoming patrons back inside cafes and restaurants from Monday (17/5) there’s great news about consumer confidence, too.  

The HTA have been tracking consumer confidence in visiting both garden centres and garden centre cafes, set in the context of COVID-secure measures being in place. The results from the most recent wave show that 80% of British adults now feel confident visiting garden centres and 67% feel confident in visiting a garden centre café or restaurant. This is the highest these numbers have been since tracking began - welcome news for garden centres, who offer a diverse range of eating experiences.  

Catering is of great importance to many garden centre’s revenue streams, helping to counteract the seasonal nature of business, especially in colder months. There’s a wide range of hospitality on offer across UK garden centres, from small, traditional tearooms, to full-on sit-down restaurants. Garden centre catering follows all the necessary COVID-secure measures but urge customers to be respectful of fellow customers and staff and continue to follow the guidelines set out. 

Matthew Bent is Managing Director at Bents Garden & Home in Warrington, which boasts a Tapas Bar, a Coffee Hut, and various other dining options, including a Pet Café with pet-safe treats such as ‘pupacinos’ and ‘pupcakes’. 

He said: "The past year has been a very challenging time for everyone, and although as a garden centre we have been fortunate to remain open for much of the time, like other hospitality venues our indoor dining destinations remained closed in line with government guidelines. We were delighted when the first steps in the Road Map were announced and we were able to offer outside dining options, and now we are looking forward to extending this to inside.  

“We’ve had to make many changes, including a slightly reduced menu and reduced covers to ensure everyone’s safety. Not all our dining destinations have re-opened yet, but our colleagues have embraced the challenge and created welcoming destinations where diners can enjoy their meal in our bright, relaxing and attractive surroundings.” 

In line with government guidelines, garden centres are doing everything they can to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Many have implemented new safety measures such as hand sanitizing stations and are requiring visitors to remain socially distanced. 

Glendoick Garden Centre and Café in Dundee is adjusting to the new normal with the help of a mobile ordering app to help patrons avoid queueing.

Owner Jane Cox said: “Our cafe brings in a third of our income and the lockdowns have had a huge impact on our turnover. It’s a relief to be open again and a joy to see our staff and customers smiling, glad to be back. Embedding the app has had its challenges in the first two weeks, but staff and customers are now enjoying its benefits. We hope to add more tables as lockdown eases and look forward to serving our customers in a really safe and friendly setting.” 

This month’s Market Update also shows promising news in terms of Average Transaction Values in catering, with a 19% increase on April 2019 and a catering ATV of £10.21. 

The HTA’s Market Update is produced for its members each month and is available for them to download from the website. https://bit.ly/3fsLMo2 

In advance of the launch of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020, GTN's Northern Correspondent, Steve Myatt, paid a visit to Barton Grange to bring you this first GTN Xtra Christmas photo tour.

To add your garden centre Christmas photo tour to GTN Xtra simply get snapping and enter The Greatest Christmas Awards.  See the categories here.  Send an e-mail to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk for more details

Here's a sneak preview of the photo tour submitted by Squires at Badshot Lea as part of their entry in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020.

There's over £7,000 worth of prizes to be won in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020 so get snapping and enter your garden centre team today!

Full details are here.

Here's a sneak preview of Perrywoods photo tour entry in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards for 2020, including the vital ingredient for all entries, team photos. See the gallery of photos below.  Apologies for the wrong photos being included in yesterdays edition.

There's over £7,000 worth of prizes to be won in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards so get snapping and enter today.  Full details can be found here.

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 Garden 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

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.

A leading UK pond specialist has created a new barley straw formula for treating ponds with green water, algae and blanketweed problems, that provides an alternative to unsightly bales. 

Harmless to filters and all species of pond fish and plants, Blagdon’s Wildlife Barley Straw Bugs fall outside the biocides’ regulation that other liquid Barley Straw products previously came under.

New Product Development and Regulatory Manager at Blagdon, Glen Wright, says: “Our new Wildlife Barley Straw Bugs, which we have just launched, are easy and quick to use, and deliver natural results. They work like barley straw without the unsightly bales and the formula is pet and wildlife safe, harmless to filters and all species of pond fish, plants, and water-using wildlife.

“This product offers the perfect solution for anyone with an algae issue in their wildlife pond, who wishes to clear it up and clean it out using a natural pond treatment.”

• Wildlife Barley Straw Bugs are available in three sizes: 250ml, 500ml and 1,000ml.
• Wildlife Barley Straw Bugs 250ml SSP £13.99
• Wildlife Barley Straw Bugs 500ml SSP £23.99
• Wildlife Barley Straw Bugs 1,000ml SSP £42.99

Wildlife Barley Straw Bugs are available for members of the trade to order now. Stockists should contact their Area Sales Manager, call/email Blagdon’s sales office or sign-up to its new online ordering system here: https://trade.interpet.co.uk. 

Blagdon is part of Interpet Ltd’s group of brands. Interpet offers one of the largest pet and aquatic ranges in the UK, including products from the Interpet, Blagdon, Kent Marine, Mikki, Nylabone, PetLove, Kaytee, Four Paws and Interpet Publishing brands. 

For further details, please visit www.blagdonwatergardening.co.uk.

Fish4Pets, home of the Fish4Dogs brand based in Worcestershire, has launched its ‘Re-Start’ programme with fellow West Midlands based organisation Birmingham Dogs Home.

Graham Smith, CEO at Fish4Pets, explained: "Birmingham Dogs Home has always been a charity close to our hearts. We have supported the organisation through ad-hoc donations and sponsorship since we were established 17 years ago, however, we felt that we wanted to do something more in these challenging times and give the rescue centre a reliable donation source, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, where it is not yet clear what the impact of a return to a more normal world may have on the plight of unwanted dogs."

As part of the Re-Start’ programme, the Fish4Dogs brand will sponsor 100 rescued or unwanted dogs over the next 12 months, providing individually tailored food and nutritional support throughout the duration of their stay at Birmingham Dogs Home and beyond.

Fish4Pets are well known in the pet food industry as ‘The champions of fish’ and for pioneering fish as ‘the perfect protein’ for dogs. Packed with marine-sourced omega 3 - natural, healthy goodness for our canine companions, the Fish4Dogs range of premium food and treats are recommended by thousands of customers to support healthy skin, coat and joint mobility, as well as effective weight management. 

The extensive programme also includes nutritional education and advice for the staff and volunteers at Birmingham Dogs home as well as a ‘Re-Start’ pack for all the dogs rehomed by the charity.

Founded in 1892, at Birmingham Dogs Home, the mission is to rescue, reunite and re-home the lost, abused, and abandoned dogs from the streets of the West Midlands and South Staffordshire. 

Rescuing over 2500 dogs each year across two centres in Birmingham and Wolverhampton, the charity is one of the region's oldest and best loved animal welfare organisations and is totally reliant on charitable donations to operate.

Fi Harrison, Head of Fundraising at Birmingham Dogs Home, said of the initiative: "We are delighted Fish4Pets are supporting the nutritional care of our dogs throughout 2021. We share the same vision - for all dogs to lead happy and healthy lives and be full of energy, which can be possible with the right diet. We are so pleased to be collaborating with such a highly regarded brand. Lots of tails will be wagging at dinner time at our centres this year thanks to Fish4Pets."

Carly Baker, Fish4Pets Marketing Manager, added: "Many of us at Fish4Pets own rescue animals, a number from Birmingham Dogs Home.  All of our canine owning colleagues really care about the well-being of dogs, and have all seen improvements in our pet’s health since switching to the brand, so we are genuinely proud to be able to help dogs in need of a nutritional re-start in life, in addition to a loving new home."

For more details on the Fish4Dogs range of products, or to become a stockist please contact your representative or call Fish4Pets on +44 (1299) 252 352.

Skinner’ is celebrating 50 years of keeping dogs well fed and happy. To celebrate the milestone and taking inspiration from the great outdoors, the brand has unveiled a new logo, look and expansion of its popular Field & Trial range to include Wet Food and Treats.

With over 9.9 million dogs now in the UK it has never been a better time for us all to treat our canine companion to a nutritious diet, with goodness at its heart.

Made from 100% natural British ingredients and grain free for gentle digestion, the new Field & Trial Wet Food range makes an ideal topper to their ever-popular dry food range or can be given as a complete diet. The food is made up of over 60% meat to provide much needed protein and contains root vegetables such as potato and carrot to provide a good source of fibre, which helps to meet an array of your dog’s different dietary needs. 

From supporting your dog’s recovery, when an upset tummy may mean an easy-to-digest diet is more beneficial, to being the perfect recipe for those fussy eaters, older dogs and those recovering from illness or after intense activity.

The new Field & Trial Treats range are hand baked wholesome treats of goodness, baked by real bakers – yep, you read that right. And much like the full Field & Trial range, you can trust it is all British made with locally sourced ingredients, where possible. The ingredients inthese Treats are from a supplier who share Skinner’s ethos and values, for good nutrition, so you know your hard-working dog is only getting the good stuff. Ideal for when you need to motivate and reward your dog, whilst also supporting their health and wellbeing.

The two new ranges are not only great for your canine but good for the planet too and will look great in your kitchen. As a brand who has a close relationship with the British Countryside and Great Outdoors, it was important that Skinner’s new products had a positive impact on the environment, through choosing Tetra Pak for its new wet food range, Skinner’s is ticking the boxes for sustainability.

The 100% recyclable cartons hold the same amount as a standard size can, tray or pouch! However, being fully sustainable, it helps to reduce your carbon footprint by reducing single use plastics and keeps the food fresher for longer.

The packaging has been made for you to efficientlystore, serve, wash, squash & then recycle. Once recycled it can then get turned into new products like crates, carton boxes and even roofing tiles- making it an environmentally sound alternative to cans or trays and meaning you and your dog can do your bit for the planet.

The treat packaging is also 100% recyclable, plastic free and compostable. Simply recycle with your paper waste once your dog has enjoyed all the delicious treats!

And if that’s not enough to make you want to go out and buy it, Skinner’s has refreshed the packaging to make it look simply beautiful. Teaming up with talented artist Angela Harding whose countryside illustrations have appeared on BBC Countryfile, the eye-catching packaging designs feature gorgeous woodland illustrations, so it can take proud place in your kitchen.

From gun dogs to guide dogs, high performance starts with high nutrition, which is why Skinner’s is delighted to celebrate 50 years of feeding working dogs. The brand has recently launched an ecommerce offering and already been awarded the FEEFO Gold Service Trusted Award - based on independent product & service reviews. You can now get all your favourite Skinner’s products and the new range directly online from the new look Skinner’s website.

Skinner’s is constantly creating new innovative ways to keep both you and your dog happy for years to come, with delicious, nutritious and ecological meals that are good for both of you.

To purchase the new products from the Field & Trial range simply, visit www.skinners.co.uk  where you can buy direct online or find your local stockist.

Royal Canin has announced that it will be delisting its Feline Veterinary Care Nutrition Neutered Young Male and Neutered Young Female diets from June 2021. Royal Canin’s new nutritional recommendation for neutered cats is Neutered Satiety Balance.

Neutered Satiety Balance is an existing diet within Royal Canin’s nutritional portfolio. The diet helps to support an optimal weight for neutered cats, thanks to an adapted calorie and high fibre content.

The combination of soluble and insoluble fibres helps to limit over-eating and support a reduced energy intake.

The diet also has Royal Canin’s S/O index, which helps to promote a urinary environment unfavourable to the development of both struvite and calcium oxalate crystals. Neutered Satiety Balance can be fed to cats aged sixmonths to seven years.