In This Issue
Exeter garden centre stays open but cannot sell plants - Cherry Lane close all centres
Horticultural Sector Worth £1.4 Billion Could Be Wiped Out By Coronavirus Shut Down In Just Weeks
Calling all businesses in garden retailing to sign HTA/RHS/NFU petition
Orangutan Books specialise in extremely high-quality bespoke gift books for your Christmas event
For sale - A long Established Garden Centre Business
Stay safe and well
40th Annual GIMA Awards Cancelled
National Plant Show Cancelled
Perennial prepares for increase in demand as Coronavirus (COVID-19) hits UK horticulture workers and businesses
How the humble houseplant became the garden industry’s fastest growth category
Glee at home
GTN Bestsellers Garden Re-Leaf Subscription Offer
WIldlife world
The HTA announces a subscription payment holiday for all members
Keukenhof will not open in 2020
How Primeur’s charity partnerships are making a difference
Huge surge in seed sales
Evergreen Garden Care, helping hands to combat coronavirus
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Record week for Growing Media sales
Growing peaks before the fall
Plant sales almost double before lockdown
Wild Bird Care benefits from pre-lockdown boom
Dig for Victory sends Veg sales soaring
Christmas Grotto Gift Books
The best of last week's
Garden Centres close their doors "We want to be part of stopping the spread of Coronavirus"
Dobbies remain open and social media gets heated
Pop up Veg shops - Garden Centres help ease pressure on buying fresh food
Dobbies close their centres this morning
David Domoney gives garden centre delivery services a lift on national radio
Garden Centre Photo Tours
Haskins Snowhill re-opens after £15m re-vamp
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to GTN Bestsellers
Casual Dining & Commercial Kitchen cancelled until 2021
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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


Exeter garden centre stays open but cannot sell plants - Cherry Lane close all centres

After trading through the first week of the emergency lockdown Cherry Lane Garden Centres have now closed.  Plants Galore in Exeter, after being served with a prohibition notice, have been allowed to carry on selling hardware and pet products but not plants...


After trading through the first week of the emergency lockdown Cherry Lane Garden Centres have now closed.  Plants Galore in Exeter, after being served with a prohibition notice, have been allowed to carry on selling hardware and pet products but not plants.

 

The East Devon News reported last week:  "Plants Galore, in Topsham Road, near Countess Wear, Exeter, became one of the first business in the UK to be served notice of an offence under new Health Protection regulations that came into law this week to protect the public from coronavirus – including shutting non-essential shops and retail outlets.

 

"The notice said the branch had continued to open to the public as a garden centre and must stop immediately.

 

"The notice was served after Exeter City Council received complaints from members of the public.

 

"The council said the store can continue to operate ‘via electronic means’ and function as a store for other permitted items."

 

Read the full report at https://eastdevonnews.co.uk/2020/03/28/exeter-plants-galore-garden-centre-is-one-of-first-businesses-in-uk-served-with-prohibition-notice-for-staying-open-during-coronavirus-lockdown/

 

Plants Galore owner Tony Joyner told GTN Xtra "I've had to cordon off all my plants.  Why then are Aldi, just 500m up the road still allowed to sell plants?"

 

The 14 strong Cherry Lane Garden Centres, part of the QD Stores Group, closed all of their centres at the end of the day on Monday.  GTN Xtra understands that police were asking customers in some centre car parks why they were out shopping for non essential items.

 

At The Barn Garden Centre in Peterborough on Sunday they were only allowing 15 people into the centre at any one time and customers were shopping for gardening supplies, pet supplies and food items.  All other product lines normally stocked by the garden centre were also available for sale.

Horticultural Sector Worth £1.4 Billion Could Be Wiped Out By Coronavirus Shut Down In Just Weeks

The ornamental horticultural industry is facing a crisis point which will severely impact the availability of British grown seasonal plants and flowers.


Due to the plunge in demand following the UK shut down, the value of lost plant sales in the UK will be £687 million by the end of June and if it continues £1.2 billion by the end of December.


The perishability and seasonality of plants means that the sector potentially faces total stock write off unlike that of any other industry...


The ornamental horticultural industry is facing a crisis point which will severely impact the availability of British grown seasonal plants and flowers.


Due to the plunge in demand following the UK shut down, the value of lost plant sales in the UK will be £687 million by the end of June and if it continues £1.2 billion by the end of December.


The perishability and seasonality of plants means that the sector potentially faces total stock write off unlike that of any other industry.


Hundreds of UK growers face complete loss of income, cannot afford to take on the debt of a government loan and many may not even be eligible.

 

A major part of the UK’s gardening industry worth £1.4 billion, which includes hundreds of family businesses up and down the country, could be destroyed following the UK coronavirus shutdown, claims the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA).

 

Peak season has only a matter of weeks left for the horticulture sector which has formed an essential part of British life for over 350 years. It includes the ornamental crop sector, which grows bulbs, bedding plants, cut flowers, pot plants and stock mostly sold through garden centres, supermarkets, florists and DIY stores.

 

Around 650 businesses across the UK produce ornamental crops, which contribute £1.4 billion in total to the country’s GDP annually and employ over 15,000 people directly and almost 30,000 indirectly. Many of these jobs form a vital lifeline for rural communities.

 

The perishability and seasonality of plants means that an estimated £200million of seasonal plants will have to be scrapped across the ornamental horticulture industry.

 

Since Mother’s Day weekend when demand is typically high but people were beginning to self-isolate, sales dwindled dramatically, while lockdown means that there is unlikely to be any sales through to the May bank holiday, the busiest trading period of the year.

 

Alan Titchmarsh MBE said: “This spring could well bring about the end of British horticulture as we know it. Hundreds of nursery owners and growers are facing huge losses of plants and revenue simply because the stock they have spent many months nurturing for the spring market - their peak season - will have to be destroyed since garden centres and other outlets are closed for business. This means not only a loss of billions of pounds to the UK economy and of thousands of jobs but, more than this, it will decimate an industry that will be unable to recover for the foreseeable future.

 

“Our gardens and green spaces - the very things that provide spiritual and physical sustenance at times like this - will no longer be able to call upon the variety of plants that are currently available - a range that has taken decades to develop. Without some form of rescue package, we are destined to see our gardens and public open spaces decline as growers find it impossible to recover from unsustainable losses. Businesses will disappear overnight in a situation that will take many years to reverse.

 

“I urge the government to put in place a rescue package which will enable British horticulture to survive. Without it, our gardens and open spaces - a vital source of solace and nutrition to those at home - will suffer irreparable damage.”

 

Speaking on behalf of the HTA, Chairman James Barnes said: “We have hit a perfect storm in the UK. The seasonality and perishability that is unique to our industry means that growers are potentially facing stock losses on an ever-rising scale as each day passes. Stock is one of the biggest components of asset value in the sector - stock write offs will destroy the balance sheets of many and make it impossible for them to continue.

“We are calling for the government to work with the HTA, as the industry’s representative body, to come up with a financial support scheme to help those businesses which have had to scrap perishable stock and are facing a huge financial crisis.

 

“For those that can stay in business, there are also significant longer term issues as growers may not have time to plant next year’s crop, leading to a two year supply hit on the whole industry including retail, which will severely impact the availability of British grown seasonal plants and flowers.”

 

The HTA claims that while the government’s financial measures related to the agriculture and horticulture firms are welcome, in many cases they are not suitable for ornamental businesses. Investment in stock means that many nurseries do not have the reserves to take on the debt of a government loan, and often fall out of the scope of any support scheme due to EU state aid rules.

 

The HTA estimates that a minimum of a third of UK ornamental producers may fail in a matter of weeks, leading to a loss of around £250m in direct GDP contribution to the UK economy annually. Allowing for a 2.4% per annum growth factor, the value of this lost contribution to GDP over five years would be £1.34 billion.

 

Around 70% of bedding plant sales are made between March and the end of May. Many of these growers are facing huge difficulties and a near complete loss of income due to the coronavirus.

 

Horticulture not only provides a great deal of grow your own produce but also contributes to positive physical and mental wellbeing and serves some 23 million gardeners in the UK. The longer-term impact from the failure of the UK businesses will be significant. The wipe out of British commercial growers will increase the volume of imported plants, raising the risk of Britain being hit by plant pests and diseases - undermining efforts by the garden industry and the government to manage the nation’s biosecurity strategy.

 

Case studies:

 

Porters Fuchsias is a family run wholesale bedding plant grower based in Merseyside, that needs urgent action now or the family risks losing their livelihood. Natalie Porter, who helps run the business said: “The uncertainty surrounding the length of the coronavirus crisis is hindering the industry’s ability to make quick and efficient decisions to save businesses like ours. Time is running out. Most of our summer stock has already been planted and will be ready in three weeks. Our remaining stock due to be planted will be ready in five weeks and go to waste in eight.

 

“We are facing a potential write-off of £350,000 in the next three weeks due to perishable stock. This would jump to £200,000 per week thereafter.”

 

In the likely event that the impact of coronavirus continues beyond three weeks, the outlook for Porters Fuchsias looks bleak. Natalie continued: “In this case, a loan becomes unfeasible. Even if the payback deadline were extended, it would mean writing off many, many years of future potential profits.”

 

Kernock Park Plants based in Cornwall has traded plants for nearly 40 years. The firm produces up to 12 million plants per year and the turn of Spring would normally be the start of peak season, however when the Covid-19 pandemic was announced and subsequent measures enforced across the UK, the business had to prepare for uncertain times ahead.

 

A specialist provider of carpet bedding the firm also produces a vast range of ornamental plants including herbs and vegetables. Managing Director Bruce Harnett said: “The recent fall in sales and mass cancellations from hundreds of our customers is extremely worrying, as we are now nearing full capacity with approximately seven million unsold plants on the floor.”

 

Like thousands of nurseries up and down the country, Kernock is now faced with the difficult decision of closing its doors, resulting in a massive revenue hit and numerous job losses.

Bruce fears for the British garden and plant industry and calls for a form of scrappage compensation, to help cover the costs of plants that will inevitably have to be destroyed.

 

“We have already paid and produced for the inputs and the labour to create the products for nearly all of our sales, catering for the peak demands in spring and summer. We can’t simply shut the doors and struggle through waiting to reopen. I can only hope that we can continue trading in some way and secure some sort of compensation for our unique sector.”

 

Alex Newey is Managing Director of the Newey Group based in Chichester and agrees that the ornamental growers’ sector is particularly unique: “I can’t think of another sector which invests throughout the year for such a short sales window to recoup the costs. We are about to lose an entire industry which will severely impact the availability of British grown seasonal fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers.

 

“We need to access funding immediately to avoid a catastrophe. This pandemic is hitting our industry at the worst possible time. We have made all the investment but have made virtually none of the sales. It is a low margin sector and, with all sales outlets closed, the costs will swamp businesses very quickly.

 

“Our problem is not one of freezing fixed costs or even controlling staffing costs but of the massive amount of money already sunk into the crop. This is crop that is perishable and will very soon be completely unsaleable.”

Calling all businesses in garden retailing to sign HTA/RHS/NFU petition

As growers experience huge issues the HTA have created a lobbying alliance for horticulture with the NFU and RHS...


The HTA have created a lobbying alliance for horticulture with the NFU and RHS.

 

Boyd Douglas-Davies explained to GTN Xtra their 3 objectives:

 

"Our first objective is to get govermnent agreement to a Plant Scrappage Scheme that would provide help for growers, landscapers and retailers who will lose seasonal plant stocks.  We've included into our calculations that stocks which can be maintained for sale later in the year are maintained but that prompts our second ask of government.

 

"We need the government to confirm that ornamental plant workers at growers, landscapers and retail are allowed to travel to work through the lockdown.  Apparently there have been instances in Scotland where workers at Pentland Plants have been turned around on their way to work.  I suggest all plant workers travel to work in their uniform to make it obvious that they are heading to work and there is also a letter template on the HTA website that members can adapt and give to their employees.

 

"Thirdly, we want horticulture to be allowed to be at the frontline of getting back to normality as part of the fresh produce industry."

 

"The HTA are co-ordinating a campaign to raise awareness of the situation within our industry and are asking for as many signatures as possible to send an open letter to the government.

 

"We need to add as many industry signatures to the letter as possible but we need to be quick.  Please send an e-mail to Boyd Douglas-Davies via BDD@britishgardencentres.com  with your name, business details and "YES", nothing more needed, if you are happy to add your signature"

 

An idea of the scale of the issue facing young plant growers can be seen in this video from Bruce Harnett at Kernock Park Plants in Cornwall.

 

 
Orangutan Books specialise in extremely high-quality bespoke gift books for your Christmas event
GTN Xtra Promotion

If you are looking for that special gift for your Grotto, Orangutan Books (formally Hometown World) are the only publisher in the UK that specialise in producing extremely high-quality bespoke gift books for your Christmas event...


 

If you are looking for that special gift for your Grotto, Orangutan Books (formally Hometown World) are the only publisher in the UK that specialise in producing extremely high-quality bespoke gift books for your Christmas event.

 

Using a wealth of publishing expertise that has in the past created the best-selling local book series Santa Is Coming To and Santa’s Sleigh Is On His Way, our team will create a gift for your visitors that will be kept and treasured for many years. 

 

This bespoke range contains storybooks about the child’s Visit to Father Christmas or to Santa, a Magical Grotto visit that features a ride on a steam train, a Sticker Activity book and the favourite family Christmas classic story The Night Before Christmas. Your book will feature your name or brand on the cover and throughout the story as well.

 

Order before April 30th and your unique books will be available for delivery from the beginning of October.

 

For more information call Garry or Roger on 01225 478444 or email sales@manning-partnership.co.uk so that we can tell you about all the book options that we have available and how with your input we can create that truly bespoke book.

For sale - A long Established Garden Centre Business

Available for sale due to retirement...


Available for sale due to retirement:

Location: Greater London / Home counties.

Leasehold. Turnover c. £4.2m

 

For further information please contact Allen Evans on 07540 268866 aevans@gilbertevans.com or Mike Gilbert on 07540 281960 mgilbert@gilbertevans.com

 

Stay safe and well

On Monday 23rd March, garden centres across the country took decisions to be part of the solution for the COVID-19 Emergency and closed their doors.  That means this is the last week we can produce the GTN Bestsellers Newsletter and Top 50 Charts for a while...

 


On Monday 23rd March, garden centres across the country took decisions to be part of the solution for the COVID-19 Emergency and closed their doors.  That means this is the last week we can produce the GTN Bestsellers Newsletter and Top 50 Charts for a while.

 

We’d like to say well done to all the owners and managers who made the decisions to close so quickly.  We know many of you were determined to keep the doors open but the risks of being party to any increased spread of the virus became really evident last weekend and the GTN Bestsellers EPoS analysis bears that out.  Total sales last week were close to Easter or May Bank Holiday levels and the highest level for the third week of March since 2011.

 

We’ve also taken decisions not to ask printers to work on our behalf, hence this newsletter being printed in the office on this occasion.  We are also not publishing the April issue of Garden Trade News as that would be sent to thousands of garden centres where nobody is at work.  GTN Xtra will continue to be published on-line during the crisis and if you have any news you’d like to get out there please contact trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

 

There are many challenges ahead of us all regarding business continuity and business recovery.  If you’d like to share your thoughts on this challenges and ideas for business recovery please let me know and we can share them vis GTN Xtra.

 

Also, while we’re are not able to create charts for the next few weeks if there are any ideas you have for longer term analysis from the GTN Bestsellers database then please do ask.

 

Stay safe and well.

 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 12

•           Garden Products Top 50 – up 39%

•           Growing Media Top 50 – up 137%

•           Wild Bird Care Top 50 – up 32%

•           Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 119%

 

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 12

•           All Plants index – up 20%

•           All Items index – up 28%

 

Trevor Pfeiffer  trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk 

 

07973 504214  Potting Shed Press Ltd.

40th Annual GIMA Awards Cancelled

Last Friday GIMA have taken the difficult decision to cancel this year’s GIMA Awards...


Last Friday GIMA have taken the difficult decision to cancel this year’s GIMA Awards.

 

Whilst the health and wellbeing of everyone in our sector is our main concern, it would also not be appropriate to be planning a celebration at a time when many of our members and their customers have had to temporarily close their businesses during their key trading time.

 

GIMA would like to wish all members and their customers the very best wishes at what is a difficult time for everyone, and we hope to be able to celebrate our glorious industry once again with you all again in the near future.

 
National Plant Show Cancelled

Following the Prime Ministers announcement of 23 March, the HTA has taken the difficult decision to cancel the National Plant Show 2020...


The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) continues to adhere to and follow Government Advice about Coronavirus (COVID-19). This is a unique and challenging time for so many people and of course, the health and safety of our members, exhibitors, sponsors, visitors and employees remains our number one priority.

 

Following the Prime Ministers announcement of 23 March, the HTA has taken the difficult decision to cancel the National Plant Show 2020. This decision has been made under careful consideration and we are sorry for the disappointment this will cause our exhibitors and visitors; however, we feel we have a responsibility to prioritise the health and safety of everyone involved in the show.

 

All exhibitors have been made aware of the situation and if there are any further questions please contacts the HTA Events team at events@hta.org.uk.

Perennial prepares for increase in demand as Coronavirus (COVID-19) hits UK horticulture workers and businesses

Perennial is the safety net for people in the horticulture industry and is here to help anyone working in, or retired from any job involving trees, plants, flowers or grass...


Perennial is the safety net for people in the horticulture industry and is here to help anyone working in, or retired from any job involving trees, plants, flowers or grass.

 

As the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continue to evolve for the horticulture industry, Perennial is urging anyone who is worried or has questions about how it will affect them, or their family, to get in touch. The team’s clear message is ‘we’re in this together’ and wants everyone in the industry to know they are here to support you.

 

Perennial’s helpline is operating as usual on 0800 093 8543 or visit www.perennial.org.uk for the latest updates.

 

Julia Hayne, Director of Services at Perennial, says:

 

“We know people are worried; it’s only natural to be concerned about your own health, your ability to continue working and to support your family. We’re here to reassure, advise and help you through the coming weeks and months. We all need to work together on this. We are all facing unprecedented challenges as we adjust to new ways of working and Perennial is determined to remain available and active for everyone we help.”

 

Perennial has a range of support services online and its advisers are available by phone, email or video call free of charge and in complete confidence. The online budgeting tool can be used to help understand finances and makes it simple to see what is coming in and out, with useful hints and tips to support you to adjust to changes in income. Perennial’s online mental health network, launched earlier this year in partnership with Big White Wall, can help everyone maintain their mental wellbeing.

 

Perennial’s team of professional, highly trained caseworkers and debt advisers can:

  1. help people understand and get access to government arrangements for financial  support
  2. help people make arrangements to reduce or delay bill payments, including credit debts where necessary
  3. provide financial assistance to cover essential items, particularly food and heating

Peter Newman, Perennial’s Chief Executive, says:

 

"In these unprecedented circumstances many people will be anxious about both the present and the future. For 180 years Perennial has stood alongside people in horticulture and our unswerving determination is to continue to be available to help through these difficult days.”

 

Over the last few days Perennial’s whole workforce has responded to the evolving government guidance and will continue to monitor daily updates and promote the clear home-working, self-isolation and social distancing guidelines. The charity's gardens at York Gate near Leeds and Fullers Mill near Bury St Edmunds will not now open as planned, and all volunteer activity has been suspended until further notice. Peter Newman continues:

 

“The focus of the whole Perennial team is now on meeting the practical and social needs of people in horticulture, as the entire country faces up to the COVID-19 challenge, and its aftermath."

 

Perennial’s team of advisers all work from home and are available for phone calls, emails and video calls. Perennial is posting daily updates to an information hub on its website giving people up to date information on how you can manage your current situation, how Perennial can support individuals affected by the pandemic and links to other organisations who may be able to help. To keep up to date with new information as it emerges, follow Perennial on social media or sign up to the charity’s e-newsletters. If you have any concerns about how Coronavirus COVID-19 will affect you or your family, don’t hesitate to get in touch 0800 093 8543 or visit www.perennial.org.uk/coronavirus for further information.

How the humble houseplant became the garden industry’s fastest growth category

It’s official: - 2019 was the year of the houseplant...


It’s official: - 2019 was the year of the houseplant according to the GCA’s Barometer of Trade (BoT) report.  Last year, the houseplant sector saw the biggest increase in sales at garden centres across the country with an increase of 17.6% compared to 2018.   It is estimated that the millennial generation is responsible for one third of all houseplant sales but how did they become so popular?

 

How the resurgence began

One main element is the fact that bringing the outside in has become fashionable again.   Particularly popular amongst “Generation Rent” and millennials, this urban trend for houseplants has taken off as residents with a lack of outside space start to create their gardens indoors. 

 

According to the English Housing Survey, “Generation Rent” makes up 48% of households aged 25-34, up from 21% ten years ago. With many living in flats or houses with no garden, and the RHS revealing that city dwellers spend an average of 90% indoors, it is little wonder that this urban demographic are creating their own little green havens inside their homes.  With the right plants and modern planters, tiny flats are being transformed into aspirational urban jungles.

 

Another reason why houseplants and lush indoor greenery have become so popular is thanks to their ease of care, and ability to add colour to interiors cheaply and easily.  They have become the new ‘pet’ for many, or as many refer to themselves, ‘plant parents’. In a time when the traditional signs of adulthood seem out of reach, millennials have become obsessed with houseplants as they offer a sense of responsibility and home ownership without the obligations of children and mortgages. Houseplants also offer instant impact, perfect for such a busy and time-poor generation.

 

Additionally, houseplants also tap into the increasingly important ‘wellness’ trend, as they work to purify the air that we breath and remove toxins and other chemical nasties found in furnishings, paints, detergents and cosmetics around the home. The RHS lists several health benefits too, including reduced blood pressure and breathing problems and, if you work from home – as many of us currently find ourselves doing - studies have shown that houseplants increase attention span and improve productivity.  Plants also provide a sense of connectivity, with Wyevale Garden Centre Garden Trends Report 2018 finding that 43 percent of people questioned remarked that houseplants make them feel calm.

 

Social Media

The GCA’s recent Barometer of Trade (BoT) report also revealed that houseplants topped the sales leaderboard for almost half the of the year, making it them a trusted and popular sales opportunity.  One of the key drivers for this is said to be social media.  Visual platforms such as Instagram, Tumblr and Pinterest have made houseplants so much more than a trend, they have become the must-have for millennials in the photo-centric universe of social media.  Hashtags like #plantsofinstagram, #urbanjungle, #plantparenthood, #plantsmakepeoplehappy or #succulentsunday adorn carefully crafted posts and are available to view in their millions. 

 

And that enthusiasm for all things green and leafy is something that leading indoor pot supplier Ivyline is benefiting from.  “People tag us on Instagram all the time - they use #MyIvyline to be part of the community,” Ivyline Director, Scott Thomas explains.  “Online and general retail have seen a huge upswing in the younger demographic. and we are also now seeing them being drawn into garden centres to shop for plants. Interior plant accessories grew by more than 40% in like for like YOY sales in 2019, whilst 2020 Q1 growth is at more than 40% once again.”

 

This is echoed by air plant specialists, Key Essentials.  “Social media is one of the main drivers for houseplants. A customer buys a houseplant, makes a display or terrarium, names it, takes a photo and puts it on Instagram.  They don’t do that with a hydrangea or rose planted in the back garden,” said Director, Mark Smith.  “When we first started in 2013, air plants were a hard sell in a difficult market.  Today, the business is four times larger, with strong growth up 20% at the beginning of this year.  We bring out new products on a regular basis to keep our range fresh but that is not the key to future success - we must make more people aware of the product and where they can buy them, give them the confidence to buy and to support them afterwards.  The internet and social media are perfect for this.”

 

Technology

With 95% of millennials now owning a smartphone (Statista), the garden industry is having to embrace the technology or risk being left behind. QR code technology has proven to be a fantastic aid for engaging the younger generation with horticulture, especially houseplants.   SmartPlant is an app launched in 2017, that is bringing the world of plant care into the digital age and making it accessible for both the younger generation and more experienced gardener.  With a simple scan of a houseplant’s QR code using the app, novice houseplant owners have immediate access to information on their new plant and monthly reminders on plant care, as well as access to horticultural experts for advice and tips.

 

Key Essentials is just one of many suppliers using this technology to help with sales.  “The market for air plants is still very young with a huge proportion of customers finding them for the first time,” added Mark Smith.  “This means we have to put more effort into education and promotion.  We have signed up with the SmartPlant app, and all our products now carry their labels which is a great way for customers to get specific care information.”

 

With millennials consuming more and more content through their smartphones or tablets in an instant, many want information and they want it NOW. Dobbies is just one garden centre chain that has acknowledged this thirst for knowledge and has partnered with SmartPlant to digitise its entire indoor plant ranges for Spring 2020.  The digital initiative enables Dobbies customers to receive rich plant content either in-store or at home.

 

“The SmartPlant partnership is tremendously exciting for Dobbies garden centres both from an online and offline perspective and we see enormous potential going forward.  This will help us to better inform and engage our customers whilst learning from unparalleled customer insights,” explained Marcus Eyles, Horticulture Director at Dobbies.

 

Trends

Dobbies is also one of the pioneers of the houseplant trend and is constantly refreshing and adapting its range to appeal to the fastest growing group of garden consumers in the country as Claire Bishop, Houseplant Buyer explains: “The millennial houseplant obsession shows no sign of slowing and Dobbies wants to be at the forefront to fulfil their indoor gardening obsession. 

 

“Foliage is set to be big.  One of the most popular selling houseplants are Calatheas, due to their many different textures and colours.  With over 100 different cultivars, their bright, bold leaf markets and many shapes and sizes mean they cater for every houseplant enthusiast.  Smaller specimens are excellent picks for tabletop displays or windowsills; the whilst larger varieties make fantastic statement floor plants or on plant stands. 

 

“Cactus and succulents are still bestsellers, but we are finding that collectors are looking for more special and unusual varieties to add to their collections, so we have been diversifying our range in-store.  Our most popular varieties include Haworthia, Aloe and Echeveria which are easy to love and care for and perfect for well-lit interiors and windowsills.

 

“A big trend emerging is hydroponics. Growing plants in just water and nutrients has seen an increase in recent years as planters don’t take up as much space and can be grown in any shape to suit. Ideal for the amateur garden, hydroponic plants are straightforward to care for and have now been made contemporary, thanks to LED lighting, ideal to brighten up a desk or any dark corner. Most plants can be grown in water as long as the base leaf is kept above the water line – Clusia are great, as are Monstera and Spathyphyllum with their lush green foliage, making them ideal of those wanting to create a contemporary urban jungle.”

 

With sustainability in the forefront of the public’s minds, Dobbies has also recently introduced its fully sustainable EasyCare range, grown in recycled coir, and great for those with busy, hectic lifestyles as they can last up to 45 days without watering. 

 

As more and more recognise the health benefits of having houseplants in the home, Dobbies new Air So Pure collection is scientifically proven to detoxify the air in living spaces and improve our wellbeing by reducing stress, enabling relaxation, as well as help improve mood and sleep quality.

Dobbies has ensured it is trendsetting and leading the way explains Claire: “We have been sourcing plants and products that will appeal to consumers for next season.  Even the demand for the Phalaenopsis common orchid, the number one flowering houseplant is changing with customers now looking for something new.  Dobbies has listened to demand and introduced longer flowering varieties such as Clivia, Cymbidium Orchids, Bromeliads.   The houseplant trend is certainly thriving and looks to be going nowhere anytime soon.”

 

So, what next for houseplants? New varieties? New ways of growing? How will technology shape consumer engagement? Only time will tell……and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

 

Hornby Whitefoot PR  Email: kimberley@hornbywhitefootpr.co.uk

 

Glee at home

Bringing people together is at the heart of what Glee does...


Bringing people together is at the heart of what Glee does.

 

That’s why, with the rapid spread of COVID-19 continuing within the UK and around the world, the Glee team want to stay connected with our community during this uncertain time.

 

Matthew Mein, Glee & Pawexpo Event Director at Hyve Group explains:  "Like many of you, the spaces we work from right now are looking a little different – from home offices to shared dining room tables. We understand though, that for some businesses, this is not possible and some of you are facing unprecedented challenges to keep your businesses up and running."

 

"We want you to know that our inboxes are open, and our phones still running as we continue to work remotely. We are reaching out to as many of you as we can directly, and we urge you to get in contact with us if you have any concerns about exhibiting."

 

"If you're interested in keeping your message in the market and maintaining strong brand awareness in the coming months, please reach out to us to find out more about our online platforms and other publication services as a part of your marketing strategy."

 

Glee will take place, alongside Pawexpo, on 15-17 September 2020 at the NEC Birmingham.

 

"Stay safe and stay connected."

 

 
GTN Bestsellers Garden Re-Leaf Subscription Offer

As we approach trading times that are uncertain now is a good time to access information that could help with managing sales and expectations during what could be a slow Spring.

 

Over the coming weeks we’ll be keeping GTN Bestsellers subscribers as informed as possible about what sold when during March, April and May of 2018 and 2013, when we also had slow starts to the season.

 

Take out a subscription this week and we'll donate money to Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day too...


As we approach trading times that are uncertain as a result of the Covid-19 Virus pandemic now is a good time to access information that could help with managing sales and expectations during what could be a slow Spring.

 

GTN Bestsellers has been recording and analysing garden centre EPoS data for over 10 years so we’ve got history of how garden centres have traded through slow Spring seasons in the past.

 

Over the coming weeks we’ll be using that analysis to keep our GTN Bestsellers subscribers as informed as possible about what sold when during March, April and May of 2018 and 2013.

 

To receive that information along with our weekly printed Top 50 chart updates of what is actually selling well this year all you have to do is take out a subscription to GTN Bestsellers which costs just £145.00.

 

And to add to the funds of Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day, for every new subscription purchased during the lockdown we’ll send £10 to the Greenfingers Charity.

 

To buy your subscription on-line use this link or the button below:

 

 

Thank you for subscribing and helping Greenfingers too.  If you have any questions about GTN Bestsellers please e-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 07973 504214.

 

The GTN Bestsellers weekly EPOS analysis combines data from a pool of independent garden centres whose annual turnover is around £100m.  Data from the same centres is received every week which makes the week on week and year on year comparisons particularly useful and great indicators of trends as and when they happen.  By subscribing to GTN Bestsellers you don’t have to wait until the end of the season and next year to see if a new product or a new sector of products are selling well.

 

GTN Bestsellers subscribers stay ahead of the game.  Buy your subscription today.

WIldlife world

Wildlife World wanted to let you know what actions they’ve put in place to reduce the impact of the virus on our business, and how they can help you!


Wildlife World wanted to let you know what actions they’ve put in place to reduce the impact of the virus on our business, and how they can help you!

 

Vanessa Marshall, Sales Manager said: "We hope that you, your family and your teams are safe and well at this difficult time

"We wanted to make contact with you to reassure you of a series of actions we’ve put in place to reduce the impact of the virus on our business, and ensure good service levels for all our customers.

 

"We have oogd levels of stocks of our most popular products. Stock of new products that have now arrived with us too (e.g. OASIS bird bath, new CAM1080 Wireless Wildlife Observation Camera, etc).

 

"Our dispatch operations has been split into 2 teams to ensure that any impact of Covid-19 will not impair our ability to dispatch products to our customers. Back up of fulfilment workers from our workshop team can fill in for our dispatch team, if illness strikes on a more significant level.


"We have set up “home working” administration services, enabling our teams to carry on helping customers with both processing of orders and helping with marketing support (e.g. providing videos that supports the use our products).

 

"Lastly, to remind you of our ability to drop ship products, which may help you if you are increasing your online offering?

"Our sales teams may well have been in touch with you already, and please don't hesitate to contact them if there's anything you think we can help with.

 

"In the meantime, if I can be of any assistance to you, my contact details are: Vanessa@wildlifeworld.co.uk

 

"Our best wishes from all at Wildlife World."

 
The HTA announces a subscription payment holiday for all members

Recognising the difficult period for garden industry businesses through this unprecedented time the HTA has announced a 3-month subscription payment holiday for all members...


Recognising the difficult period for garden industry businesses through this unprecedented time the HTA has announced a 3-month subscription payment holiday for all members.

 

Members will receive a credit note for 100% of their subscription for the months of April-June. Also, any businesses that apply and are accepted to become new members will be entitled to this 3 month subscription holiday as well.

 

Members will receive a credit note, direct debit holiday or offset against an existing balance.

 

HTA Chairman James Barnes comments, “Garden industry businesses are being hard hit by the current COVID-19 situation, in what would ordinarily be the peak trading period for the sector. At a time when financial pressures on businesses are so great, it was unanimously agreed at last weeks HTA Board meeting that a 3-month payment subscription holiday for all members would be actioned immediately.

 

“We are committed to representing members and seeking the necessary recognition and support for our sector from Government and providing the latest information to allow members to make the necessary business decisions to get through this uncertain and worrying time”.

Keukenhof will not open in 2020

Keukenhof will not open in 2020, however an enormous flower art installation in the shape of a pair of lungs, kicks off #flowers4oxygen campaign...


Keukenhof will not open in 2020.  On March 23 , the Dutch government extended the measures to prevent the spread of the corona virus. All meetings and events will be cancelled until June 1, even with fewer than 100 visitors. This means that Keukenhof cannot open in 2020.

 

In the months leading up to spring, a lot of hard work has gone into providing visitors with a beautiful experience. The park is already blooming beautifully and will become even more beautiful in the coming weeks. Keukenhof likes to show this to people under the slogan "If people cannot come to Keukenhof, we will bring Keukenhof to the people". Keukenhof will open Virtually via the online channels. That means beautiful images of Keukenhof 2020, an explanation from gardeners or other people who show how beautiful the park is.

 

The first flower and plant artwork by #flowers4oxygen on the grounds of famous Dutch flower park Keukenhof is ready. Photos and drone images can now be seen online using hashtag #flowers4oxygen and at www.flowers4oxygen.com. The movement calls similar creative initiatives around the world to share them online and spread the message of love and happiness during this corona crisis. By using the tag #flowers4oxygen our motto “Together we stand strong and with united forces we are powerful” is reinforced.

 

With this enormous flower art installation in the shape of a pair of lungs, #flowers4oxygen kicks off its campaign. Everyone can join the global initiative with their own creative expression. This can be a work of art in the form of lungs, but also another personal message. By massively posting our own initiatives online with the hashtag #flowers4oxygen, we jointly spread the message of joy and positive energy that everyone needs so much right now.

 

50,000 plants and 150,000 flowers

The first mega art installation of #flowers4oxygen came about thanks to the cooperation of various companies from the flower and plant industry. They supplied over 50,000 plants and 150,000 flowers to the Keukenhof grounds in Lisse, the Netherlands. In just four days, dozens of volunteers – because of the safety regulations with only a few people at a time – created a huge pair of lungs from half a football field, or 2,250 m2 in size.

 

 

How Primeur’s charity partnerships are making a difference

In the current climate, we are always looking for a good news story to lift our spirits and what is better than giving back to charity and community? One company that is doing just that is Primeur...


In the current climate, we are always looking for a good news story to lift our spirits and what is better than giving back to charity and community?

 

One company that is doing just that is Primeur – the brand behind the game changing ECO Garden and Mighty Mats collections. From raffles to product donations, the business, known for its innovative garden products made of recycled rubber tyres, regularly arranges events and fundraisers to give back to a range of charities and worthy causes. Here the company summarises how its helping charity causes to thrive.

 

Primeur has a strong commitment to working with its nominated charities, Sue Ryder and Greenfingers. The team at Primeur always encourage staff to give back to the local community and have made product donations to make life’s everyday moments more enjoyable for those that desperately need it.

 

For the past year, the West Yorkshire company has been successful in raising considerable amounts of money for Manorlands, a Sue Ryder hospice near Keighley that offers expert palliative care, as well as supporting people with life-limiting conditions.

 

The Primeur team has been generously raising vital funds for the hospice through seasonal raffles for Easter eggs and Christmas hampers, as well as taking part in the Manorlands Challenge Days, the most recent being at the Coniston Hotel last year.

 

Greenfingers, the charity dedicated to creating inspiring gardens for children who spend time in hospices around the UK, has benefitted from Primeur’s generous donations since 2019 when the business donated some of its award-winning Tierra Verde recycled rubber planters to the annual Greenfingers Dinner in October at the RAF Club in London, an annual event which celebrates and recognises the amazing work that the charity’s supporters undertake to help raise money to build therapeutic outdoor spaces.

 

Greenfingers also benefitted from the garden industry digging deep into their pockets to take home Primeur’s beautifully planted containers from GIMA’s stand at Glee last year, with many visitors vying to take the Tierra Verde planters home for their gardens and offices.

 

At the Garden Press Event in March, the Greenfingers team were presented with a special fundraising cheque for a phenomenal £4,000, all raised by sales of the company’s Christmas Glitter Coir Doormat. The mat only became available to stock in August 2019, with the company promising a £1 donation from the sale of each doormat to be given directly to Greenfingers. The demand for this stunning festive product has not only demonstrated the strength and quality of Primeur’s product offering and the potential of seasonal gifting, but it has, more importantly, also showcased how products that support a charity can help to drive sales and raise much needed funds for the charity in question.

 

Primeur’s Sarah McLafferty said: “At Primeur we are passionate about giving back and are very proud to have raised money for Manorlands Hospice and Greenfingers, both vital charities offering care and support to those living with terminal illness. We feel that it is important as an organisation to give back to the local communities and the industry that we serve, as well as great way to boost team morale and get people working together. Every penny we raise will help provide a safe haven to those in need. We’re hoping that our fundraising will continue to raise awareness and support for Greenfingers and Sue Ryder’s work.”

 

To find more about Primeur’s full product portfolio including Mighty Mats and ECO Garden please contact the team on 01274 518800 or email sales@primeur.ltd.uk

 
Huge surge in seed sales

Now that the stricter restrictions are in place, the rate of sale at Mr Fothergills has increased and they have also seen similar sales in their Australian operation with Bunnings even introducing seed packet rationing...


Following a large number of queries regarding Mr Fothergill’s in the current unprecedented situation, the company have issued the following statement:

 

"Since the Coronavirus outbreak began, we have seen a surge in online and postal sales along with increased sales in Garden Centres and other seed outlets. Now that the stricter restrictions are in place, the rate of sale has increased even further. We have also seen similar sales in our Australian operation and Bunnings has even introduced seed packet rationing.

 

"We would like to assure you that, at present, we have plenty of stock in place to fulfil orders though they may take a little longer to arrive than usual. Should any stock run low, we have bulk stocks of seed in temperature controlled storage that can be packed in a short time.

 

"We would also like to add that the health and wellbeing of all our staff is of primary importance. A large percentage of our office based staff are now working from home as are our sales team. We are maintaining a skeleton staff for packing, picking and despatch, working in smaller teams over 24 hours, to fulfil demand while ensuring that appropriate social distancing is maintained at all times.

 

"The Board of Directors is reviewing the situation on a daily basis and will comply with any further restrictions that may be implemented by the Government in future."

Evergreen Garden Care, helping hands to combat coronavirus

The team at Evergreen are adapting and responding on a daily basis to help and support our retail partners navigate through this extraordinary time...


At Evergreen Garden Care, our priority is ensuring that our employees and their families as well as our retail, supplier and agency partners are safe and well. We are fully respecting and adhering to all UK government guidelines and as the situation continues to evolve, we are adapting our actions. We are taking all reasonable and safe steps to continue serving our customers and maintain business continuity. The team at Evergreen are adapting and responding on a daily basis to help and support our retail partners navigate through this extraordinary time.

 

Garden spaces are becoming one of the key sanctuaries for many households during these unprecedented times. The garden will become the non-digital play space, a zone you to retreat to, a safe space to be outside and connected to nature and potentially a garden project could be the one thing that will help most of the UK population to switch off from the constant drone of Coronavirus news.

 

At Evergreen we will continue to produce content to inspire, challenge and enable all gardeners to successfully complete their gardening projects. Hopefully, by the time we re-emerge from this life changing event, we will have more people than ever who have enjoyed the endless benefits of gardening and the real sanctuary a garden space can offer.

 

From all at Evergreen Garden Care, please stay safe and we commit to continuing to extend our help to you at this time.

 

To find out more visit www.lovethegarden.com

 
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra

with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox...





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

 
Record week for Growing Media sales

Last week saw the highest weekly sales volume for Growing Media ever recorded in the ten years of GTN Bestsellers analysis, and by some margin.

  • There are now five Peat Free compost lines in the GTN Bestsellers Top 50...

Last week saw the highest weekly sales volume for Growing Media ever recorded in the ten years of GTN Bestsellers analysis, and by some margin.

  • There are now five Peat Free compost lines in the GTN Bestsellers Top 50.
  • Westland New Horizon Tomato Planter was the highest placed chart re-entry at No 19.
  • Westland New Horizon All Plant Compost 40 litres + 25% Xtra was the second highest new chart entry at No 40.
  • Evergreen Garden Care Levington Multipurpose + John Innes 56 litres was the highest chart climber, up 41 places to No 8

 

GTN Bestsellers Growing Media Top 50 volume sales change:

Week on week UP 150.1%  Year on year vs 2019 DOWN 2.3% vs 2018 UP 22.1%

 

Get the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 every week by subscribing to GTN Bestsellers using this link

 
Growing peaks before the fall

Garden Product sales reach a three year high for a March week as people prepared for gardening during lockdown.

  • Tomorite flew off the shelves to become the No 1 Bestselling garden product again...

Garden Product sales reach a three year high for a March week as people prepared for gardening during lockdown.

 

  • Tomorite flew off the shelves to become the No 1 Bestselling garden product again.
  • Garland Professional Seed Trays, pack of 5 were the highest new entry at No 9.
  • Garland Pro 24 Cell Inserts, pack of 5 were the highest re-entry at No 11.
  • Evergreen Garden Care Roseclear Ultra, Ready To Use 1L moved furthest up the top 50 climbing 31 places to No 15.

GTN Bestsellers Garden Products Top 50 volume sales change:

Week on Week UP 66.5% Year to date vs 2019 UP 1.2% vs 2018 UP 15.0%

 

Get the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 every week by subscribing to GTN Bestsellers using this link

Plant sales almost double before lockdown

Plant sales recorded in the GTN Bestsellers EPOS database increased by 74% week on week in the last week of trading before the lockdown closure.  Volumes were 20% up on the same week last year with young veg plants the star performers...


Plant sales recorded in the GTN Bestsellers EPOS database increased by 74% week on week in the last week of trading before the lockdown closure.  Volumes were 20% up on the same week last year with young veg plants the star performers.

  • Lettuce plants were the highest chart climber, up 28 places to No 14.
  • Tomato and Pepper plant sales both increased by over 300%.
  • Bean plants were the highest re-entry at No 16.

GTN Bestsellers All Plants volume sales change:

Week on week UP 73.7%.  Year to date vs 2019 DOWN 3.6%, vs  2018 UP 20.3%.

 

Get the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 every week by subscribing to GTN Bestsellers using this link

 
Wild Bird Care benefits from pre-lockdown boom

Wild Bird Care sales for last week were almost back to the high levels of 2017 as people shopped prior to isolation.

  • Peckish Natural Balance Energy Balls 50 +20% Free stayed as the No 1 Bestseller...

Wild Bird Care sales for last week were almost back to the high levels of 2017 as people shopped prior to isolation.

  • Peckish Natural Balance Energy Balls 50 +20% Free stayed as the No 1 Bestseller.
  • Gardman No Grow Seed Mix 12.75kg was the highest climber up the Wild Bird Care Chart, moving 29 places up to No 11.
  • Tom Chambers Seed & Nut Mix, 3kg + 50% were the highest new entry for the week, in at No 31.

GTN Bestsellers Wild Bird Care Top 50 volume sales change:

Week on week UP 25.0%  Year to Date vs 2019 DOWN 4.0%, vs 2018 UP 1.8%

 

Get the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 every week by subscribing to GTN Bestsellers using this link

 
Dig for Victory sends Veg sales soaring

Last week as many Veg 2 Gro plants and seeds were sold as for the May Bank Holiday week last year.

  • Tomato Gardeners Delight proved to be the most popular more than doubling sales on last week...

Last week as many Veg 2 Gro plants and seeds were sold as for the May Bank Holiday week last year.

  • Tomato Gardeners Delight proved to be the most popular more than doubling sales on last week.
  • Quantil Strawberry Elsanta Strips moved 34 places up the GTN Top 50 to No 8.
  • Taylors Potato Growing Kit's proved an instant hit to be the highest new entry at No 31.

GTN Bestsellers Veg 2 Gro Top 50 volume sales change:

Week on week UP 205.6%  %   Year to date vs 2019 UP 25.1% vs 2018 UP 73.7%

 

Get the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 every week by subscribing to GTN Bestsellers using this link

 
Christmas Grotto Gift Books

View the catalogue in pdf form


 
The best of last week's

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


Garden Centres close their doors "We want to be part of stopping the spread of Coronavirus"

It's been a sanguine day in the GTN Xtra office as notification after notification has come in from garden centres who have taken the huge decision to close their doors either at the start of today or as business closes tonight/tomorrow...


It's been a sanguine day in the GTN Xtra office as notification after notification has come in from garden centres who have taken the huge decision to close their doors either at the start of today or as business closes tonight/tomorrow.

 

At Perrywood, Simon Bourne said "It was a decision based purely on social conscious.  We want to be part of stopping the spread of the Coronavirus rather than possibly contributing to the passing on.

 

"At the weekend too many customers were using the centre as a place to be rather than just a place to shop and staff were getting increasingly nervous," he added.

 

The list of centres to announce closures either today or at the end of tomorrow includes:  

 

Aylett Nurseries

Barton Grange

Baytree

Ben Reid

British Garden Centres

Burston

Caulders

Cranswick

Downtown

Klondyke

Knights Nags Hall & Betchworth

Millbrook

Palmers

Perrywood

Planters

Poplars

Rosebank

Silverbirch

Squires

Stewarts

Sunnyside

Sunshine

The Old Orchard

Torwood

Trowell

Waterside

Webbs

 

As I write this update, many more centres are staying open and promoting gardening for kids and arranging deliveries, but they are also planning for the future and a possible lockdown instruction from the government.

 

Please do use the comments link below to add your thoughts and ideas.  Or e-mail me: trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk.

 

Stay safe and go well.

 
Dobbies remain open and social media gets heated

After last nights statement from the Prime Minister Dobbies garden centres have decided to stay open, citing that 70% of their turnover represents essential goods...


After last nights statement from the Prime Minister Dobbies garden centres have decided to stay open, citing that 70% of their turnover represents essential goods according to government guidance.

 

So far GTN Xtra has not found any other garden centres that have opened for business today, apart from those only offering local delivery services from phoned in orders.

 

Following Dobbies posts on Facebook and Twitter this morning there have been thousands of comments from customers and other members of the industry.  You can read some of the comments by going to the Dobbies Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=dobbies%20garden%20centre&epa=SEARCH_BOX

 

Normally we would have popped out to Dobbies Peterborough to take some photos of how the Dobbies team are managing the social distancing etc, but as we are on lockdown too we decided that would count as non essential travel.

 

We've asked Dobbies for a comment but as we publish this update we've not heard back yet.  Watch this space.

 
Pop up Veg shops - Garden Centres help ease pressure on buying fresh food

As garden centres shut their coffee shops and restaurants on Friday evening, some were arranging deliveries of fresh veg and other supplies and on Saturday morning Pop Up Veg shops were up and running...


As garden centres shut their coffee shops and restaurants on Friday evening, some were arranging deliveries of fresh veg and other supplies and on Saturday morning Pop Up Veg shops were up and running.

 

At Aylett Nurseries in St Albans the supplies came from their regular coffee shop veg wholesaler and the whole team got involved in the set up with customers hearing about it on facebook and arriving as early as 8:30 ready to shop.  Staff were given the chance to shop from the supplies before the centre opened.  Customers were really pleased to see the Dahlia coffee shop converted into a Farm Shop so quickly.  Adam Wigglesworth said he hoped to be able to add other produce into the space over the coming days.  "this has been more motivating to us all than Christmas!"

 

Adam said he got the idea from Terry Head at Stewarts where they also set up a Pop Up Veg shop overnight.  "The staff have been so grateful that they can come to work, get all the fresh essentials and not having to worry about battling the supermarkets. The customers are amazed that we have manged to open a fresh produce shop in 24 hours which to some has taken a huge amount of stress off they in these horrid times."

 

Baytree near Spalding has used supplies from it's other centre, Baytree at Hilgay where they have an established Farm Shop, to create a Pop Up farm shop in Bulbland.

 

Take away hot food and drinks were also the order of the day at many centres.  At Blue Diamond Redfields they were offering an extensive take away menu along with cakes and they were contacting all customers who had booked for Mothers Day to see if they would like a takeway service instead.

 

Garden centres are also busy setting up new on-line ordering services.  At Ruxley Manor they say on their facebook page: "Our new trial online ordering system is now live! Until Sunday 22nd at 9pm you can order Outdoor Furniture and BBQs with FREE local delivery. https://ruxley-direct.co.uk/  After this time we will review the system and add more products so during this period of uncertainty there can still be plenty of planting and gardening to do!

This system has been built very quickly, so there may be a few bugs - we will do our very best to ensure your orders are delivered to you quickly and efficiently and appreciate your understanding during our trial period."

 

At Britsh Garden Centres Roxton they are providing a hand wash position at the front door.  Well done!

 

How are you rising to the challenge of the Coronavirus Emergency?  How are you managing customers to avoid crowding?  We hear that most shoppers are making very targetted visits to centres, coming in to buy specific products, paying and going.  With news this morning about National Trust gardens closing we need to be careful garden centres don't get targetted for closure because we have too many people visiting.

 

Here's a comment from Robert Mason at Sturmer Nurseries sent yesterday:

"Today on a sunny day, albeit with a piercing cold wind, we were busier than our best ever May bank holiday (even with our tearoom closed!)

"Customers were mainly after seeds, young edible plants, compost and growing media.

"People were determined to stock up ahead of social inclusion in their own gardens.

"Pensioners were out in force during the week, but today was mainly younger people.

"People were happy to be out in the fresh air - let's hope the garden centres are able to stay open. It's quite clear they are vital to everyone's morale and wellbeing."

Robert Mason
www.sturmernurseries.co.uk

 

See more pictures of the Pop Up Veg shops below

 
Dobbies close their centres this morning

At 09:50am today (Wednesday 25th March 2020) the Dobbies team posted on their facebook page that they would temporarily close with immediate effect...


At 09:50am today (Wednesday 25th March 2020) the Dobbies team posted on their facebook page that they would temporarily close with immediate effect.

 

Woodcote Green Garden Centre, owned by Dobbies but run separately, made the decision to close the garden centre after closing last night but is keeping their Farm Shop open to serve their local community.

 

 
David Domoney gives garden centre delivery services a lift on national radio

David Domoney reached an audience of at least 5million this afternoon on BBC Radio 5 Live telling them the best way to get their garden supplies was to contact their local garden centre who would probably be able to arrange a delivery for them...


David Domoney reached an audience of at least 5million this afternoon on BBC Radio 5 Live telling them the best way to get their garden supplies was to contact their local garden centre who would probably be able to arrange a delivery for them.

 

David also suggested gardening as a great way to keep fit outside in the fresh air and away from smelly armpits in the gym!

 

You can listen to Davids segment in the Emma Barnett show via BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Live using this link:https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000gmqf   Start listening at 2.41 into the programme until 2.47.

 

Stay safe and go well.

 
 
Haskins Snowhill re-opens after £15m re-vamp

Haskins Garden Centre in Snowhill, Crawley, has opened its doors to customers following a 12-month refurbishment costing £15m...


Read more and see GTN Xtras photo tour of the new centre

Haskins Garden Centre in Snowhill, Crawley, has opened its doors to customers following a 12-month refurbishment costing £15m.

 

The new centre boasts a retail space of 11,813 sq.m., including an outdoor plant area and 440-seat restaurant complete with a newly installed pizza oven. Additional space has also been created to accommodate 170 restaurant guests on an outdoor patio.

 

Up to 70 new jobs have been created to accommodate the centre's expansion. Car parking has increased to 346 spaces.  See GTN Xtra's photo tour of the new centre below.

 

Chief executive Julian Winfield said the Snowhill team worked tirelessly to ensure the centre was able to remain open for the majority of the project, with minimal disruption.

 

“We can't wait to receive our customers' feedback on our new and improved facilities,” he added. “Over the years, we have built a loyal customer following and we are proud to be able to give back to them in this way with our new expanded centre.”

 

Haskins acquired the Snowhill site in 2003, inheriting a number of ageing buildings.

 

Haskins also has centres in Ferndown in Dorset, West End in Southampton and Roundstone in West Sussex. The family business recently acquired Forest Lodge Garden Centre, Bird World and Garden Style in Farnham.

 

Pictured (left to right): Julian Winfield, Jamie Haskins, Ally Haskins (married to Jamie) and Warren Haskins, the group's chairman. 

 

The opening event was attended by the current GCA Chairman Mike Burks and three past Chairs; Warren Haskins, Sue Allen and Julian Winfield.

 

 

 
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 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 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 Products 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.

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Casual Dining & Commercial Kitchen cancelled until 2021

This year’s Casual Dining and Commercial Kitchen events, due to take place at ExCeL London in July, have been cancelled. Casual Dining will now run on 10-11 March 2021, with the dates for Commercial Kitchen to be announced...


Diversified Communications UK last week confirmed that this year’s Casual Dining and Commercial Kitchen events, due to take place at ExCeL London in July, have sadly been cancelled. Casual Dining will now run on 10-11 March 2021, with the dates for Commercial Kitchen to be announced.

 

The decision follows the recent and unexpected news that ExCeL is to become a temporary NHS ‘Nightingale’ hospital providing support for thousands of patients with coronavirus.

 

Chris Brazier, Diversified UK’s group event director, says: “Like all businesses, we’ve been closely following the rapidly changing developments during these unprecedented and difficult times. With ExCeL, our venue, now taking on an important role to help the NHS during this national emergency, it became clear that we had no other option but to cancel the shows until next year.”

 

“We appreciate how integral Casual Dining and Commercial Kitchen are to the industries they serve and are very sorry to disappoint the thousands of attendees that were planning on exhibiting and visiting this year. The people working in, and supplying, the foodservice, hospitality, catering and leisure industries have been hugely affected by events of the past few days and weeks and we will continue to support these communities – our communities – in every way we can. I know that we’ll all continue to support each other in the months ahead.

 

“The success, as well as the safety of our exhibitors, speakers and visitors, has always been our priority and I know everyone will get behind this tough but necessary decision.

 

“The Casual Dining and Commercial Kitchen teams would like to thank everyone – our exhibitors, visitors, partners and suppliers, for their continued support and patience, and we look forward to seeing you all in 2021 for the busiest and biggest celebration of our industry yet.”

 

Casual Dining will take place on 10-11 March 2021 at ExCeL London. For more information, please visit www.casualdiningshow.co.uk. Commercial Kitchen 2021 will take place at ExCeL London (dates to be announced). For more information, please visit www.commercialkitchenshow.co.uk.