GTN June 2017 by Garden Trade News

gtn JUNE 2017

Advice and information for garden centre professionals

gardentradenews.co.uk

Velcro and Petface forge strong bond

Investment by global company Velcro Companies in Petface is being seen as an opportunity for the innovative pet products company to grow internationally. Velcro Companies acquired a minority stake in Petface at the beginning of April, and the move is already starting to pay dividends for both companies. Peter Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Petface, said: “The investment by Velcro Companies represents a resounding endorsement of our success to date and acceptance of our commitment and enthusiasm towards pets and pet owners. “We are looking forward to working with their development teams, and both businesses are dedicated to the details that make products functional, durable and easy to use. This significant investment aligns the business and gives Petface the perfect platform to grow internationally.” Petface was established in 2011 and the company has over 3,000 products in the its range, with 17 brands covering collars and leads, feeding, bedding and toys, across dog, cat, small pet and wild bird categories. The pet company’s products are already incorporating Velcro’s fastening solutions, which are used by companies and individuals around the world. Mark Sater, Vice President of Strategic Execution for Velcro Companies, said: “This new shared venture with Petface represents another strategic step in building our presence in growth markets, and we are enthusiastic about the significant further potential for Petface to develop and deliver innovative products

“The investment by Velcro Companies represents a resounding endorsement of our success to date” and expand globally. “This agreement reflects our commitment to create a powerful global consumer business by developing new products and leveraging the strong consumer awareness of the VELCRO® brand. With a heritage of innovation and a passion for great product design, Petface is an ideal partner to help us realise this goal.”

For more information on Petface visit www.petface.com

Launching for the new season

Introducing our new mid-market range of feeders. The combination of pressed steel and die-cast metal components will impress those looking for a durable yet affordable bird feeder. As with all our other feeders we set out to deliver a range to not just function superbly but also to look great in the garden too. The LokTop feeders have a unique patented system that locks the lid closed. This ensures that the feed stays drier and fresher by keeping the elements out. It also deters â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;unwanted visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; from opening and stealing the feed and, should the feeder become dislodged and fall to the floor, the lid will stay closed. The LokTop system locks the lid closed when the wire hanger is rotated to the up-right position or is folded to the front of the feeder. When the hanger is folded to the back the lid can easily be pushed open for filling. The all important aspect of feeder hygiene is taken care of with no fuss, tool free disassembly. The feeder is held together using a single stainless steel central pin. Once this is unscrewed all the main components can be separated for cleaning.

Available for Pre-order. Please contact your Petface representative or Petface on 01462 832000 or info@petface.com

SOLEX L SPECIA e major

Inspiring ideas Spotlight on a great way to inspire customers p16

gtn

Preview of th oor Summer and Outd ow Sh re isu Le

Food & Drink How two garden centres cater for all tastes p14-15

Advice and information for garden centre professionals

JUNE 2017

gardentradenews.co.uk

Millbrook customers are made to smile

Creating memorable experiences Part two starts on p18

Tammy Woodhouse reveals her teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ingenious idea Exclusive interview p2-4

Chelsea Flower Show report and pictures

The TOP InTervIews People in the news

INTErvIEW

“From our initial test, 50% of the people given free a free planter have come into our store and joined the Millbrook Family”

Millbrook Make their custoMers sMile... Tammy Woodhouse runs three garden centres in Kent and East Sussex with a mission to ‘grow smiles’. GTN caught up with Tammy as she joined her team delivering free planters to new houses on the Ebbsfleet Garden City development which is next door to Millbrook Gravesend. How do you go about winning customers from new housing developments? That was the challenge facing Tammy Woodhouse and her team at Millbrook Garden Centres. New housing developments at Ebbsfleet are set to produce 15,000 new homes over the next 15 years, and the Millbrook team have now come up with a masterplan to tempt residents to make a visit to their local garden centre. “After trying to liaise with developers and builders, the team decided the best way would be to get out and deliver free plants to potential customers with vouchers against further purchases if they joined the Millbrook Family reward programme,” Tammy told GTN. “From our initial test, 50% of the people given free a free planter have come into our store and joined the Millbrook Family. So now we have a plan to get out regularly, delivering 100 or more planters to new homeowners this summer. “The cost is less than an advert in a local newspaper and the results are really tangible and long standing.” Delivering a free planter certainly generates smiles, after the initial surprise and doubt about something being free, as our picture above shows. And within minutes, comments were being added to the Millbrook Facebook account from happy smiling customers: “Just had these lovely folks knock at my door, certainly brightened up my morning...thank you very much.” Now that’s a really great way to deliver and grow smiles, both with customers and the team who get a great buzz and loads of positive feedback from the exercise. During a break in delivering plants to potential new customers, Tammy spoke to GTN about how she became so heavily involved in the garden centre industry, although it wasn’t her chosen career. I understand you vowed never to work in the family business, what made you change you mind? When my dad Dick Allen had a stroke and then died in 1997 I was working and travelling in Australia. I came home and mum asked

2 June 2017

me if I would come and work with her for a year while she decided what she wanted to do with the business. During those 12 months I realised that all the weekends working at Millbrook and the conversations over the dinner table meant that I had a better understanding of the business than I realised. Have you any regrets about that decision? Once I had decided to come back to the business and mum had decided to carry on, we agreed that it would be good for me to get experience outside Millbrook. I worked for Debenhams for a few years completing their graduate training scheme and working as a sales manager. I also completed a garden design course at the Chelsea Physic Garden. Once I came back to Millbrook I felt ready for the challenge – I have no regrets. Do you think what it would have been like if you’d followed a different career path? Not really. I had already decided that geology wasn’t for me. Too much maths involved! So I

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think I would have pursued a different career, possibly in retail, anyway. What’s a typical day look like for you? There is no such thing as a typical working day. On a weekly basis I visit the three centres and catch up with the managers. We always have an ops conference call on a Monday morning to talk about last week’s sales and plan for the next week so that gets the week going. At the moment I am spending more of my time planning for our next development project at Gravesend. What keeps you awake at night? Usually staff issues. Do you still rely on your mum for advice? We will always talk through what is happening at Millbrook. She is on our board so she’s still involved at that level. However my husband Ben, me and Tracey, our Hr director, set the direction that we want to take the business.

gtn gardentradenews.co.uk

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING The Garden Communication & Media Company Ltd (TGCMC), The Old School, 4 Crowland Road, Eye, Peterborough PE6 7TN Tel 01733 775700 Fax 01733 775838 gardentradenews@tgcmc.co.uk www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Can you describe your style of management? I think I am quite open with people. I like to involve the team in what we are doing and give them the autonomy to make decisions. Do you try to make your staff and customers feel a big part of your family business? Yes I would say we do. Our mission is to grow smiles and we work hard to deliver that to our team and customers. I think we have grown up as a business so our managers are part of the decision-making process rather than family members. We support all our staff and work hard to make sure we develop them. We encourage open and honest communication through the business and try to have fun while we are working hard. For our customers, The Millbrook Family – our reward programme with over 65,000 members – gives our customers unique offers but more importantly makes them feel special. We know from surveys that customers feel like part of our family. What gives you the most pride? Seeing us improve and move forwards.

We are constantly looking at what we do and how we can improve. People taking pride and ownership in what they do and working for Millbrook. You’re a big part of the GCA, how important is that to you and what do you get from the association? I am a strong believer that united we stand, divided we fall. Personally I get a lot from great friendships in the GCA. It can be a lonely job running a business so it is great to be able to share issues and ideas with like minded people. As a business we benefit from the audit which is really motivational for the teams, training through grow, benchmarking and area meetings. Would you like to add more centres to your portfolio? Maybe eventually. Our focus at the moment is to make the most of what we already have. We have planning permission for a 300-seater café at Gravesend which will involve a new layout and shop fitting through the centre. We hope to open that in the summer of 2018. We would then like to make improvements to our Staplehurst site.

THE GTN TEAM Editor: Neil Pope neil.pope@tgcmc.co.uk Associate Editor: Mike Wyatt mike.wyatt@gardentradenews.co.uk Managing Director: Trevor Pfeiffer trevor.pfeiffer@gardentradenews.co.uk Publisher: Mandy Davies mandy.davies@tgcmc.co.uk Advertising: Alan Burdon alan.burdon@tgcmc.co.uk Ben Greenwood ben.greenwood@tgcmc.co.uk HOW TO SUBSCRIBE Tel 01733 775700 or email subscriptions@gardentradenews.co.uk Subscription rates UK: £145 Subscription includes a password for full access to GTN Online plus a weekly copy of GTN Bestsellers OUR PUBLISHERS GTN is published by The Garden Communication & Media Company Ltd (TGCMC), who also publish: * www.gardentradenews.co.uk website * Weekly GTN Xtra and Pet Trade Xtra newsletters * Garden Radio * Official Glee Catalogue and Glee Daily News Online – the only official guides to the garden industry’s leading annual trade show SMALL PRINT All material © TGCMC 2017. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever, either for sale or not, without the express permission of the publishers. The information contained in this publication is published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. TGCMC Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by reliance on information contained in this publication or in the event of any bankruptcy or liquidation or cessation of the trade of any company, individual or firm mentioned, is hereby excluded.

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June 2017 3

news update

TALKING POINTS 5 stORIes tHat Made tHe HeadLInes

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company received from Exponent Private Equity LLP a binding and irrevocable offer for its European and Australian consumer operations. The proposed transaction is expected to close before September 30, subject to regulatory approval and prior information and consultation with Works Councils and employee representative bodies. The proposed sale includes ScottsMiracle-Gro operations in Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Poland and the U.K. Under terms of the proposed deal, Scotts Miracle-Gro associates in these locations would become employees of the Exponent-owned operations upon closing. Scotts Miracle-Gro brands and products would continue to be manufactured and marketed in Europe and Australia.

As part of the ongoing review into the management structure, the HTA Board have appointed Mrs Alex Vick as the Senior Executive Director with immediate effect. Alex brings to this role a wealth of experience in financial and commercial management as well as proven leadership experience. Alex is a Statutory Director of the HTA, having joined the Board in April 2016. Adam Wigglesworth, President, said: “I am delighted that Alex has accepted this position. Her commitment and enthusiasm to improving the HTA for the members has become clear to the Board.”

Blue Diamond Ltd, has reported strong profits for 2016. It has also announced the acquisition of its 20th garden centre at East Bridgford. Following record profits of £6.6m in 2015, Blue Diamond managed to increase profits again in 2016 by 28% when they reached £8.5m. Even excluding the profit on the sale of its holding in David Dumosch Ltd, the Jersey-based agricultural merchant, profits rose by 26% to £8.3m. MD Alan Roper (pictured) said: “I believe that Blue Diamond’s consistent growth has come because we are successful in exploiting the opportunities of an increasingly broader nongardening offer.”

Crocus buys its first bricks and mortar garden centre. Dorney Court Kitchen Garden located at Court Lane, Dorney, Buckinghamshire, has been sold to online garden centre and plant supplier, Crocus. The sale was handled confidentially by Alexander Mackie Associates Ltd on behalf of their client, Ryan Wasmuth. The acquisition is Crocus’s first bricks and mortar garden centre. A spokesman for Alexander Mackie said: “We would like to convey our best wishes to our client and his family and to Crocus for the future.” Meanwhile, the Kelling Estate has acquired the business and assets of EMCY Garden & Leisure in North Norfolk from Mike and Caroline Crane.

The latest Greenfingers garden was opened at Helen & Douglas House in Oxfordshire. Garden designer and Greenfingers Charity Patron, Ann-Marie Powell officially launched the new Greenfingers Kaleidoscope Garden at Helen & Douglas House in front of hospice staff and patients and many supporters of Greenfingers Charity. Ann-Marie cut the ribbon to open the garden with Amanda Beale. Fundraising by the industry helped to raise the funds to complete the special garden.

Full versions of these reports first appeared in GTN Xtra, our weekly e-newsletter mailed direct to registered email addresses to keep readers in touch with industry news as it happens. To register, send your email address to: trevor. pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk and put ‘GTN Xtra’ in the subject line.

4 June 2017

Career Moves

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Kelkay has announced the appointment of Sarah Downing to the senior management team in the newly created role of Head of Marketing. Sarah comes to Kelkay with many years’ industry experience including several years at Gardman where she was latterly Marketing Director until 2015 when she relocated to the Yorkshire region to take up a similar role with Humber Bondholders.

Squire’s Garden Centres have appointed Mark Wilson as their new Finance Director. Mark joins Squire’s with a wealth of experience, having worked for Unilever for nearly 25 years in a variety of Finance, Buying and Corporate Strategy roles, as well as working for 10 years as Finance Director at Vitacress, a family owned supplier of fresh produce to the grocery trade.

Deco-Pak has appointed a new National Sales and Key Account Manager, with Rod Slater, previously the decorative aggregate specialist’s General Manager, becoming company Director. Bruce Atkinson, formerly of Pacific Lifestyle, comes to the company after over 15 years garden industry sales experience. His role will be Deco-Pak’s National Sales and Key Accounts Manager.

PEOPLE

minutes with Phil Gibbs Organiser of SOLEX

As the garden industry gets ready for SOLEX – the big Summer trade exhibition at the NEC in July – GTN has a quick chat with organiser Phil Gibbs to find what’s involved in staging such a major event. How long have you been the organiser of SOLEX? Organiser of SOLEX comes with the job of Secretary of LOFA. I joined LOFA in October 2011, and my fist SOLEX was in 2012 at Telford, before we moved the show to the NEC in 2013 having outgrown the TIC. What’s pleased you most about how the exhibition has grown? The commitment of the members to be involved and improve the show, with high quality stands showing excellent products for the visitors. What did you do before SOLEX? Prior to joining LOFA, and hence organising SOLEX, I had spent 31 years in the Royal Navy, initially as a sea-going Warfare Officer and latterly as an Engineer Officer responsible for Information Systems. What’s the hardest part of your job? Ensuring the many strands of preparation come together at 0900 on the first day of the show. This is a project that cannot be delayed because of something that has been

missed, so careful planning and preparation is vital to ensure everything is ready. What’s the most satisfying? For the members, the provision of free lifting and porterage services, saving them, as a group, in the region of £100k compared to other shows at the NEC Watching the visitors come through the door, knowing we have created a quality show for them to visit and most especially, conduct business. What can visitors expect at this year’s SOLEX? The most exhibiting companies ever in the show, with several new ones who have joined LOFA in the past 12 months. Lots of new and exciting products, with lots of innovation. The bright and welcoming New Product Showcase will be back, allowing visitors a first glimpse of what is new. There will also be a LOFA Stand, which will be explaining to the visitors a particular aspect of what the association is doing to help the garden centres. But the content, for the moment, remains our secret!

Phil has become well-known face at garden industry events. Here he presents Heidi Towse, Buyer at Frosts Group of Garden Centres, with her medal after completing the Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day walk.

6 June 2017

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A day in the life of an event organiser Describe a typical working day at the show, if there is such a thing. the great thing about a day at sOLeX is the variety! the build up phase gives the impression of organised chaos, as exhibitors and contractors descend on a blank canvas and start to build their stands and place product in the hall. they are long days, from 0700 to 2100, problem solving, making decisions and liaising with the authorities to ensure all members are treated equally. During the show, we arrive at about 0745, completing the security checks, then allow the exhibitors in to complete their preparations for the day. we open the show at 0900, and i tend to greet the first arrivals, before commencing the first of many walks around the show, ensuring there are no issues, and that the exhibitors are happy. i also take the opportunity to talk to many of the visitors, getting their view of the show. Although there is an information Desk, i am seldom there, and the staff have to call me back to talk to anyone who needs me. the show covers over 20,000m2, and walking past every stand takes about 1.5km, so i walk about 15-20km a day while the show is open. Although the show officially closes at 1730, we allow ongoing business to continue, and do not actually empty the hall until 1900, ensuring the exhibitors get the maximum benefit. sadly, 30 minutes after closing on the final day, the beautiful show goes into turmoil as stands are dismantled and products removed, until by 1600 the following day, we hand a blank space back to the neC.

SHOW PREVIEW

The UK’s summer outdoor living exhibition Tues 11 July – Thurs 13 July, Hall 5 NEC Birmingham SOLEX, the three-day trade show organised by LOFA for members every July, celebrates its 10th edition this year - and will be the biggest yet. Seven new members will join the exhibitor list this year to give buyers even more choice for the 21018 sales season. The show attracts national and international retail and contract purchasing directors and managers from across the UK. This showe floor brings together all the

leading manufacturers of outdoor leisure products – furniture, barbecues, gazebos, parasols, outdoor lighting and play equipment – and provides a showcase for exciting new developments in design, environmental manufacturing, sustainability and production for both the retail and contract markets. The show’s reputation was the finest place to see and buy new products has built steadily since the first SOLEX in July

2008 at the Telford International Centre, where it remained until 2012 In 2013, the show moved to Hall 5 at the NEC, where it has grown every year since and last year exceeded 70 exhibitor stands. The 10th anniversary show will build on the first nine, with more exhibition space and new developments but ther same relaxed, friendly and business-like atmosphere that made it an instant success. Diary date: SOLEX 2018– 10-12 July

Barlow Tyrie (stand 315) Aura modular deep seating system from Barlow Tyrie is new for 2017. Seat bases are available as single, double, or treble units, which combine with arm and back sections to give multiple seating configurations. Textilene upholstery is in Charcoal, Pearl or Titanium, with Sunbrella Rain fabric cushions in Lead Chine, White Sand or Pepper. Aluminium frames options are Graphite, White or Champagne. All capping is in natural teak. Pictured left : Aura armchairs in the three colour options. Barlow Tyrie is also extending its range of tables. “Some dining tables are never big enough for those bank holidays and unexpected visitors and, of course, the family,” said Mark Tyrie, head of furniture production, “but we have tables that seat up to 12-14 people. Extending and asymmetric tables, plus serving tables, make entertaining that much more enjoyable as you extend your living and entertaining space into the great outdoors.” Information: teak.com T: 01376 557 600

8 June 2017

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SHOW PREVIEW Campingaz (stand 335) Campingaz will unveil a stylish, all-black version of its highly-acclaimed ‘Master Series’ barbecue collection, targeting premium consumers for 2018. Designed at the company’s headquarters in France and available in three- and four-burner versions, the new Master Series LXS Black and Master Series LS Black combine all of the popular technologies featured in the original model with a striking and durable enamelled black coating. Developed for enthusiasts, the barbecue has a double-walled stainless-steel lid to ensure optimum heat retention for effective oven-style cooking in the garden. A large integrated thermometer in the lid makes it easy to monitor the temperature, with each individually adjustable. Campingaz’s patented InstaStart® ignition ensures effortless lighting. A premium, enamelled cast iron cooking surface offers outstanding heat retention, while the barbecue’s stainless tube burners come with a five-year warranty. EvenTemp® technology enables more than 90% of the grilling surface to reach 250C. Large, enamelled warming racks deliver extra preparation space and a stylish trolley stores gas cylinders and other utensils out of sight behind double-walled stainless steel doors. On the LXS, ultra-strong side tables can accommodate weights of up to 50kg. The right-hand table also features an additional burner for preparing sauces and side-dishes. The improved InstaClean® system makes it easier to pre-clean the cooking grids before placing the cooking box in the dishwasher. Show visitors will have a chance to meet Campingaz’s new national account manager, Tara Truman, who is responsible for growing the company’s barbecue category in the garden centre market. She brings more than 20 years of experience, including spells as a leisure buyer at Wyevale and a sales manager at Outback and Sinclair.

The LotusGrill® portable barbecue, distributed in the UK by GMK Ltd, is the safest and fastest of its kind. A charcoal barbecue with a built-in battery-powered fan that supplies the charcoal with air, it is ready to grill after just three to four minutes and will burn for 40 to 90 minutes. Its double-layer construction means the outer bowl is never too hot to touch, so the unit can be moved around while in use. The grill grid and inner bowl are made of stainless steel and can be cleaned in a dishwasher, while the outer bowl is powder-coated steel with a choice of colours. The cooking area cooks sufficient food for up to five people Weighing less than 4kg, the barbecue can be completely dismantled and is easy to clean The LotusGrill Xl version is the standard model’s big brother, with a similar height but a 60% larger grill grid surface that will cook food for up to 10 people. Burning time is 50% longer.

Information: www.campingaz.com T: 01480 421720

Information: Lotusgrilluk.com T: 01489 557600

Lotus Grill (stand 400)

Visit us at Solex and discover the best features of our products.

Years warranty

Real wood

Dishwasher safe

Impact-resistant

Stand 345 | 11 - 13 July, 2017 NEC - Birmingham

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E-mail: contact@tramontinauk.com www.tramontina-churrasco.co.uk

June 2017 9

solex preview

Zest4Leisure (stand 555)

Char-Broil (stand 330)

Zest4Leisure is a leading supplier of quality timber garden furniture, BBQ shelters and outdoor living products to garden centres, online retailers and major purchasing group. Visit stand 555 at SOLEX to see the company’s innovative range of dinning sets, benches and picnic tables – manufacturing and sourcing top quality FSC-certified timber products – Zest4Leisure is committed to delivering, beautifully designed, stylish and durable products at great prices. With a dedicated national sales team, Zest4Leisure has a reputation for quality, innovation and outstanding customer service. Zest4Leisure is a supplier of timber garden furniture to the garden trade industry, online retailers and major purchasing groups. Information: zest4leisure.co.uk

Char-Broil is launching new models for the UK, all combining cutting-edge innovation, top performance and impressive design. The new Gas2Coal barbecue is the first hybrid grill to combine gas and charcoal cooking options, putting to rest the debate over the perfect fuel. Users can switch fuels in less than 60 seconds. RRP £389.99 The Professional Series is a new collection of robust models featuring Char-Broil’s TRU-Infrared system to prevent flare-ups and keep meats juicier, with an improved fire chamber and patented emitter plate design for better radiant heat transfer. RRPs £349 to £649. Char-Broil’s first Digital Electric Smoker is perfect for fans of smoked ribs, pulled pork, ribeye steak or delicately flavoured smoked fish. Although compact, it can handle food on up to four stainless steel grates. RRP £349.99. The top-selling Performance Series has been updated with a new design embodying a curved lid and revamped technology. RRPs £299.99 to £399.99. Information: char-broil.eu T: 01993 884810

Primus (stand 730) Swedish stove brand Primus will introduce CampFire, an eye-catching collection of stoves, cooking pots, utensils and accessories ideal for those looking to upgrade to high quality, stylish, versatile and durable cooking options for entertaining outdoors. The new range range, designed and manufactured in Europe, is the result of two years of R&D in conjunction with consumers and retailers. There are three two-burner stoves. The ONJA (SRP £115) is a showstopper crafted from a unique blend of stainless steel, oak, brass, cloth and leather. Although compact and portable it is suitable for large pots and ideal for picnics or camping weekends. An oak lid doubles as a chopping board or a serving platter. The KINJIA (SRP £150) and TUPIKE (SRP £190) are powerful, light and compact. The TUPIKE comes with fold out legs, side windscreens,removable drip-tray and a griddle plate. All three run off LP gas cartridges. The new Kamoto OpenFire Pit from Primus doubles up as a portable cooker for patio, campsite or beach use. It is designed to leave no trace in places where open fires are not allowed. It comes in small or large sizes (SRPs £120 and £140) Information: primus.eu T: 02392 528711

Landmann (stand 340) For more than five decades Landmann has been at the forefront of the barbecue market and is now firmly established as one of the world’s leading barbecue brands. Following another successful season and with an ever- growing stockist network, Landmann will showcase a number of new products at SOLEX, including charcoal, gas and smoker products, plus new in-store display concepts.“We are very excited about the new Triton 6.1 PTS+ gas barbecue that we are previewing in some key stockists before its official launch at SOLEX,” said Darren Rivers, UK sales and marketing director. Jay Bunker of Alton Garden Centre in Essex (pictured left) is among Landmann stockists who have had early access to the new Triton. “We are very pleased to have it in stock,” he said. “It’s a great addition to our collection and includes some fantastic new features that are not seen on other barbecue manufacturers’ models.” Information: sales@landmann.co.uk T: 01480 421720

AEL Outdoor Solutions (stand 240) The Alu-Twist® Centre Pole Parasol from Glatz is made from lightweight aluminum, featuring a smooth wind-up crank handle and a unique twist mechanism which allows you to adjust the canopy pitch with ease, which gradually tilts up to a 45° angle. Another important feature of the Alu-Twist is how well it protects you from the sun, with the cover giving UPF50+ sun protection and 98% UV protection. Available with a wide range of attractive colour options. AEL Outdoor Solutions is the exclusive UK partner for Glatz. Contact: Maxine Chambers, Head of Retail (retail@aelsolutions.com) W: aelsolutions.com T: 0118 923 0300

10 June 2017

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June 2017 11

Quality background music for HTA retail members with no PRS or PPL licences for only ÂŁ450 per year

Garden Radio, The Old School Studio, 4 Crowland Road, Eye, Peterborough, PE6 0TX. Call 01733 775700 or email gardenradio@tgcmc.co.uk

12 June 2017

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June 2017 13

CaTerInG & FooD

taste for change!

Klondyke’s latest new build restaurant forms part of ongoing redevelopment programme. The new build restaurant at Brookside Garden Centre, Poynton, near Stockport, is part of an ongoing redevelopment project by the Klondyke Group, offering a fantastic dining experience for 220 covers. Continuing the modern design style recently introduced by Klondyke, the new restaurant offers both counter and waitress service and offers a regionally inspired menu, with fabulous changing daily specials. Thirty new jobs have been created through the opening. The restaurant at Brookside follows an active redevelopment programme of the restaurant portfolio within the Klondyke Group, with new restaurants opening at Daleside, Lady Green and Houghton Hall Garden Centres within the last 18 months. Group Catering Manager Keren Feeney commented: “I am delighted that our newest restaurant is now open and is already receiving some brilliant feedback from our customers on the delicious food, service and atmosphere. We pride ourselves on serving

14 June 2017

the very best of home made meals using local produce and once again this has proven to be what our customers, new and old, are looking for.” restaurants now account for 22% of

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group sales and this is likely to increase to 25%. The group plan to continue with their investment into restaurants, with future development at Weaver Vale, Polmont and edinburgh centres.

Toasting Tong’s new food hall Customers at Tong Garden Centre in Bradford have been taking advantage of the latest in a two-year programme of improvements to the Tong Lane site thanks to a refurbished food hall. The Food Hall at Tong has increased its product ranges and configured new layouts in a bid to upgrade the space, improve the shopping experience and attract new customers. With new flooring and butchery fridges, a patisserie counter and improved layouts for the cook shop, it is now a perfect showcase for the regional produce they stock, food hall manager Janice Astbury said. “Feedback about the food hall refurbishment has been extremely positive and customers tell us their shopping experience is much improved and they’re amazed by our choice and range. We’ve noticed the new layout encourages a better flow through the food hall and we can see that customers enjoy browsing and take their time looking through our extensive offering of Yorkshire food and drink. “Levelling the floor has improved accessibility for all customers, and the new beer wall that features 85 ales from Yorkshire alone is a real attraction. It’s lovely to see.” Andy Mears, Tong’s centre manager, said the refurbishment allows the garden centre to support more regional businesses and to inspire customers with the range of choice. “Giving our customers something that they

Tong centre manager Andy Mears toasts the food hall refurbishment. can’t buy in the supermarket makes their experience memorable, whether they come for gardening supplies or to bring the children to Grass Hoppers Adventure Playground, and that is what we strive for. “The timing is perfect too, just as barbecue season approaches, for the in-house butchery team to

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showcase their award-winning sausages and burgers that go well with the Yorkshire beer and condiments that we stock.” The refurbishment of the food hall will be celebrated with a series of tasting days and a food festival in September.

June 2017 15

INSIGHT

how to inspire customers

The Notcutts Garden at the company’s garden centre in Norwich aims to inspire visitors with creative ideas for their own outdoor spaces. It features over 700 plants from 60 different varieties. There are four separate areas within the garden: The Retreat, a tranquil spot to sit and enjoy a wonderful view over the garden; Shady Corner, which is filled with luscious Tree Ferns, Azaleas and Rhododendrons that thrive in shade; Seasonal Colour, which is alive with vibrant colours all-year-round; and The Table, in which culinary kitchen plants and herbs are the star of the show. The garden took just over three weeks to complete and was designed and built by a Notcutts team of horticultural experts. Featuring Buxus sempervirens, Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’, Festuca Intense Blue, Pleached Lime Trees, Variegated Hostas, Azaleas, Heucheras and Dicksonia Antarctica, the garden aims to provide intrigue and colour all year round. Richard Greenacre, Centre Manager at Norwich, said: “The garden celebrates the best of what we do at Notcutts – to provide expert advice and inspiration to customers with all levels of gardening experience, and with outdoor projects of all sizes. 4For more information about Notcutts visit: www.notcutts.co.uk

16 June 2017

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Peckish unlocks Secret Garden range Bird lovers will be invited to seek solace from the outside world in the Secret Garden, a new concept from bird care brand Peckish. The Secret Garden will come alive in-store with bespoke Point of Sale, designed to invoke feelings of entering into a romantic courtyard garden, with stone walls covered in twisting, climbing ivy and a heavy wooden door with an antique metal keyhole. This ‘through the keyhole’ experience is designed to appeal to ‘romantic’ gardeners, a consumer category discovered through Peckish insight, for consumers who want to create an oasis of calm in their bustling worlds. This key trend for autumn/ winter 2017 will deliver feelings of wonderlust and leave them searching for more! Featured in the range will be feeders and hardware with decorative leaf designs, made from hard-wearing metal with an antique finish. Decorative hardware: 4Secret Garden Leaf Feeder – A single decorative leaf feeder with an antique finish and a strong and stable ground spike. Designed to be staked into a bed or border and replenished daily with water or food. 4Secret Garden Bird Bath – An extra wide bird bath with an antique finish, decorative leaf design twisting round the stem and a sturdy wide base. 4Secret Garden Dining Station – With a decorative leaf design, 10 hooks for hanging feeders, a mesh food tray and a strong and stable base fork.

Feeders: 4Secret Garden Small and Volume Seed Feeders – Seed tray prevents mess and waste 4Secret Garden Small and Volume Peanut Feeders – Small mesh size makes peanuts safe for younger birds. 4Secret Garden Nyger Feeder – Slim ports prevent loss of seeds and aids feeding. 4Secret Garden Energy Ball Feeder – Durable metal wire structure is ideal for clinging birds. 4Secret Garden Squirrel Proof Seed and Peanut Feeders – Featuring screw top lid.

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June 2017 17

8-PAGE SPEciAl

Creating a memorable experience

PART TWo

How to keep customers flocking back Excellent teamwork and creative ideas that help to drive footfall and growth are rewarded each year in GTN’s Greatest Awards. ln the second part of this special feature we pick out some great examples.

PUTTING FEED WITH THE PLANTS Where else would you expect to buy your clematis feed? Right there in amongst the clematis plants, of course. So that the packaging doesn’t get wet the team at Burston Garden Centre improvise by using the cover of a child’s buggy. The team ask: “When will clematis feed be available in UV stable plastic packaging?” That sounds like a sales opportunity waiting to happen.

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CREATE COLOUR THEMES Yellow and blue themes allow for more pots and more gloves to be merchandised, all adding to the attraction factor and driving impulse purchases. These examples (main picture and left) were taken from Burston Garden Centre, St Albans.

CLEVER USE OF SPACE â&#x17E;&#x153;

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8-PAGE SPEciAl

‘hIGh rIse’ lIvInG High rise aspirations in flat Cambridgeshire. The development of thousands of new houses and flats in Cambridge, many of which only have balconies or small patio gardens, means that Scotsdales had to adapt their plant sales to meet a new demand for ‘high rise’ living.

Mark notable events

soW the seeds of success

Making the most of notable events is also part of the memorable experience. A right Royal afternoon tea and garden party sets the scene at Scotsdales for the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Make a dramatic statement to spark evocative memories and you’ll sell more. Scotsdales use large images as well as the plants themselves to deliver a memorable summer planting experience.

settInG the scene Even plant sales teams can get creative and set the scene. Use of large backdrops and garden centre props entice plant buyers to re-create a summer memory in their garden.

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FOOD & DRINK IDEAS â&#x17E;&#x153;

CLEVER USE OF SPACE

How do you create memorable displays when you have little space? You merchandise plants with products of course, like these examples from Poppies Garden Centre, Oban. And guess what they sell, both the plants and the products. After all that is how they will be used in the garden.

PRETTY IN PINK

What a superb colour combination to sell these dramatic hydrangeas and a simple tea for two set.

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June 2017 21

8-PAGE SPEciAl

FAVOURITE PLANT OF THE WEEK The plants team at Fron Goch recommend a favourite plant every week so that shoppers can pick up their personal recommendation of what to buy and plant. The team are really proud of their success and loved by their customers.

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PLANTS & POTS SPEcTAcuLAr â&#x17E;&#x153;

HEALTHY OPTIONS The gluten free tray-bakes are so memorably tasty they are amongst the bestselling cake line at Fron Goch. Delicious and good for you! Below: Memorable lunch-time experiences for children and parents. What a great picnic selection at Fron Goch.

WINE TASTING EXPErIENcE Tapas and wine tasting in a garden centre! Bents Tapas Bar delivers a really unique garden centre dining experience and you can sample different fine wines with your meal before buying a bottle or two to take home.

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June 2017 23

8-PAGE SPEciAl

PLaNTS aND POTS SPECTaCULaR Here’s the greatest example of plant and pot selling we saw last year - it’s at Burston Garden Centre. Inspirational displays of great plants and pots in a lifestyle patio display with all the plants and all the pots available around the back of the display. Customers can pick and mix their own selection or take a pot and plant from the display which the Burston team can replace straight away to keep the display looking sharp.

DaZZLING DISPLayS WORK WONDERS

maGICaL mEmORIES Memories of a day at the beach, under cover at Bents. Children, parents and grandparents have fun and food alongside the plants and pots all year round. That’s thousands of smiles of satisfaction.

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There are living labels all over Castle Gardens. With a fully grown plant of every bedding variety customers are left in no doubt about the dazzling display they will get in their garden. By the way, with bedding geraniums – the bestselling plant for so many weeks of the year – why isn’t there a bedding geranium plant feed or specialist compost? After all, who would have thought orchid drip feeders would generate so many sales transactions before they were ‘invented’?

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STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS At Castle Gardens the memorable experience starts right out in the car park where staff members keep their own veg plots growing through the season, recommending specific varieties and great products they have chosen to use to make theirs the best.

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June 2017 25

MERCHANDISING

Gardena opens its first UK ambassador store Gardena has opened its first UK Ambassador Store at Gordale Nurseries garden centre on the Wirral. The shop-within-a-shop display showcases the entire Gardena range from watering to tools, secateurs and the new Smart automation system. Gardena’s UK account manager Paul Simpson says Gordale has been a long-term supporter of the brand, which consistently delivers outstanding sales. “They have invested in excellent staff, who have acquired the right knowledge and taken enough time to explain the high performance and special features of the products,” he told GTN. “A good example is our new Smart system, which enables you to control watering and a robot mower via a smartphone app. They go to great lengths to make sure customers understand how the system works.” Another potential selling point the team

26 June 2017

can explain is that Gardena’s new generation of hose-end sprayers is now frost-proof, addressing a common consumer issue in this category. The ‘Made in Germany’ angle is also being highlighted. Gordale’s display is a fully-merchandised dedicated department with comprehensive branding and POS. A new nationwide media campaign, Gardena’s first in the UK for more than 10 years, launched in April and will have reached more than 21 million consumers. TV ads on Sky, ITV and Channel 4 have focused on watering, while print and digital content looked at watering and secateurs. With expansion in mind, the company recently appointed two new account managers, Gary Fisher (above right, left in picture) and Michael Holden. Other garden centres who would like details about how to become an Ambassador Store, are invited to contact Gary (Gary.Fisher@husqvarnagroup.com ).

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

June 2017 27

EVENTS

reasons why home & gift buyers should visit Glee

60+ home, gift & clothing suppliers all ready and willing to do business. Glee’s dedicated Home, Gift & Clothing section has witnessed significant growth in recent years, reflective of the changing trends in garden retailing. Over 60 home, gift and clothing brands will be making their home at Glee 2017, bringing with them a wide selection of products, from seasonal gifts, to garden and outdoor clothing that has found its influence from future high street and catwalk trends.

Garden centre focused. The strength of Glee lies in the fact that its exhibitors are primed to do business with garden retailers, and this year’s exhibitors within Home, Gift & Clothing are no exception. These suppliers are armed with products and services designed to drive sales instore at garden centres, so make sure you don’t miss out on this captive audience.

Year-round sales opportunity. Gifts, homeware and outdoor clothing are increasingly becoming big business within garden retail. Offering an unrivalled opportunity to maximise year-round sales, from Mother’s Day to Christmas, these product categories are also ideal for driving impulse sales as consumers look to add value to their homes and gardens with stylish accessories, as well as wanting to look good in the garden.

More time to compare and contrast. Whilst Glee doesn’t sell itself as purely a home and gift show, that certainly doesn’t mean that its offering is any less valuable. With a more targeted set of exhibitors comes less competition for time. And in a market where time with buyers is a rarity, the real strength of Glee comes to the fore. At Glee, home, gift and clothing retailers and suppliers have more time at their disposal to network, chat and learn more about the products. Better relationships are forged this way.

To keep up-to-date on all the latest news log onto www.gleebirmingham.com

New and lapsed brands provide variety. At Glee this year, visitors will be treated to a selection of home, gift and clothing brands never before seen at Glee, as well as some faces making their return to the show. Look out for Voyage Versand, Villeroy & Boch UK Ltd, Kettle Interiors, Bronte by Moon, as well as wellknown brands such as Aigle International and RHS (Royal Horticultural Society).

Selected, focused offering. Gift exhibitors at Glee know what garden centre gift buyers want to see, which is why they will be bringing with them a targeted and audited product range, featuring the hardest working and most profitable products in their arsenal.

Better use of your time. All available under one roof for three dedicated days, Glee is the perfect way to streamline your purchasing process. Placing orders at Glee means your 2018 product selections are sorted well in advance, freeing up more time for category managers to develop inspirational in-store displays.

Be inspired by new merchandising ideas & linked sales opportunities. Look out for inspirational content from Glee’s 600+ exhibitors, as well as those within the dedicated Home, Gift & Clothing section of the show. Best practice merchandising, the latest trends in POS and exciting linked sales opportunities from across Glee’s eight core product sectors

GIMA wins silver at prestigious awards GIMA has won silver at the inaugural Awards Awards ceremony. This exciting accolade was awarded to the GIMA team for their continued efforts in delivering the annual GIMA Awards, with the event scooping silver in the ‘Best Event - less than 500 attendees’ category. GIMA Director Vicky Nuttall said: “I am so pleased to be able to confirm that the GIMA Awards have been recognised in this way. This is the first time that we have put the awards out there beyond our industry, and to receive such an accolade from experienced and passionate event professionals works to further boost our enthusiasm for the event. “We have always known it’s a great event, but it’s always great to have this echoed by others. Of course, the awards are nothing without the continued support of our sponsors, all those that enter and, obviously, all those who attend, helping to create a real night to remember. This award is yours also.”

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will arm any garden centre manager or gift buyer with a wealth of knowledge, design ideas and concepts that can be put into practice immediately upon returning back to the store.

Access to other exciting products you might not have considered before. Glee is the place to explore additional profit-making opportunities. As the garden retail gift market continues to grow, Glee is the place to source those products that will make your gift offering stand out from the rest, including everything from homeware and seasonal decorations to stationery and greeting cards, music and audio, artificial flowers and curiosities. Glee’s wider categories will also offer exposure to product sectors you may not have previously considered, helping to create a vibrant and unique in-store offering.

And if you miss it all, there is always Glee at Spring Fair 2018! Part of Glee’s ongoing investment and expansion plans, Glee’s Spring Fair concession will provide a second opportunity within the buying cycle to refresh ranges ahead of key retail spikes. Additionally, it will also give retailers the opportunity to see new and best-selling ranges ahead of the spring season, whilst providing garden, home and gift buyers with the latest concepts and trends for 2018, helping them to direct their buying. Categories that retailers can look forward to sourcing will include garden care, landscaping and garden decoration.

GTN PROMOTION

Green Up for professional looking lawns Gardeners looking to enhance their lawns to deliver a pitch perfect grassed area need look no further than Vitax’s Green Up Enhance range. Consisting of three products, it contains two granular feeds and one liquid feed – all of which have been developed to the highest standard to deliver a professional looking lawn. Green Up Enhance Lawn Feed is the most advanced lawn feed available. Containing a unique organic nutrient delivery system (ONDS), it ensures nutrients target the roots for strong growth. Used in the professional turf industry, it combines amino and humic acids as well as a thatch buster to tackle dry spots. Green Up Enhance Lawn Feed is also available in a liquid feed which is used by professional greenkeepers. Green Up Enhance Liquid Lawn Feed can be used on freshly germinated lawns and newly established lawns. Completing the Enhance range is Green Up Enhance Autumn Feed. A granular feed it contains the same ONDS as Green Up Enhance Lawn Feed, but has been specifically formulated to meet the needs of grass areas during the autumn and winter months. To support the Enhance range, Vitax

has developed Green Up Feed, Weed and Mosskiller and Green Up Feed and Weed. Green Up Feed, Weed and Mosskiller keeps lawns in tip-top condition. Its slow release feed formula helps produce a greener lawn whilst controlling moss and weeds. Popular with gardeners who prefer liquid

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fertilisers, Green Up Feed and Weed not only provides essential nutrients for healthy growth, but kills common lawn weeds to encourage grass re-growth. 4For more information about Vitax’s complete Green Up range, please visit: www.gardenworld.co.uk

June 2017 29

PEST CONTROLS

Defeating the armada... While British native slugs and snails kept their heads down during our cold, windy spring, giant Spanish Slugs were waiting in the wings. Now what? It’s been a strange season so far for pest control. After another relatively mild winter in which many pests, including slugs and snails, overwintered successfully and continued to breed, gardeners expected to be facing a spring population explosion for the second year running. But, after one or two false starts, a prolonged cold spell with strong winds, little rain and a few late frosts held back the season and the anticipated slug and snail invasion failed to happen. As a result, sales of slug controls have looked anaemic in GTN’s epos-based Bestsellers Charts. Then in mid-May, temperatures rose and rains returned to many parts of the country, creating ideal conditions for partying molluscs. As we speak, there’s been a significant sales spike for slug controls. However, DIY and homewares retailer Wilko has reported an earlier 28% increase in slug pellet sales over a four-week period in April and May following press headlines about the arrival in the UK gardens of giant Spanish ‘cannibal’ slugs. Experts say that when this species, Arion vulgaris, starts to mate with native British slugs, it will create a race of ‘superslugs’ capable of withstanding hot and dry conditions and will be difficult to control with existing products. And because the trails they produce are even slimier than those of the natives, hedgehogs and other predators will find them less appetising. It’s clear from Wilko’s figures that the ‘fear factor’ created a sales spike in slug pellet sales, as gardeners braced themselves for the invasion by this latest menace. This is not altogether good news for the environment. Most gardeners already overapply slug pellets, especially those based on metaldehyde – good for repeat sales, not so good for predators - and possibly counter-productive as slugs are said to be repelled by the active ingredient that actually kills them, so sprinkling too many can nullify the

30 June 2017

masking effect of the lure (usually cereal) that attracts the creatures. If gardeners now believe they should put down even more pellets than usual in an attempt to halt the march of the superslugs, there is a renewed challenge ahead about how we encourage consumers to use slug pellets responsibly. Over-dosing is less of a problem with pellets based on ferric phosphate, which should be applied more thickly than metaldehyde for optimum control, as the active ingredient is a compound found in nature and those not eaten biodegrade easily in the soil. Barrier controls are increasingly popular with grow-your-own enthusiasts, who are

generally more reluctant to use pesticides. The sales success of Vitax’s wool wastebased Slug Gone proves the point, and copper tape products like STV’s Defenders Slug and Snail Bands are growing in popularity with patio gardeners keen to protect their containers and raised beds. In an age of increasing awareness of the environmental challenges we face, it’s likely that more and more gardeners will choose to go down the chemical-free route. Garden retailers have a role to play here, by giving consumers alternative choices alongside the chemicals shelf and taking pains to educate them about the pros and cons of all the control methods available to them.

Above: Vitax Slug Gone, which creates a fibrous barrier that slugs hate to cross, has become a best seller. Left: the label on Scotts’ Slug Clear Ultra, clearly indicates the correct dosage but is ignored by many gardeners.

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June 2017 31

ANALYsIs

Top 50 bestselling plants The UK Garden Centre Plants Bestsellers Chart Full Year, May 2016 (week 20) to May 2017 (week 19) Full Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

Plant genus Pelargonium (inc bedding geraniums) Primula Cyclamen Petunia Pansy Begonia Dianthus Viola Fuchsia Lavandula Osteospermum Erysimum Lobelia Impatiens Rose Verbena Nemesia Dahlia Bacopa Lathyrus Orchidaceae Ericaceae Salvia Hebe Narcissus Alyssum Poinsettia Hedera Argyranthemum Cosmos Heuchera Tagetes Hydrangea Antirrhinum Calluna Chrysanthemum Helleborus Calibrachoa Clematis Lupinus Anemone Veronica Azalea Campanula Geranium (hardy) Diascia Phlox Festuca Aster Bellis

Revealed: the most popular plants bought by garden centre customers in the past year, according to GTN Bestsellers. Analyst Trevor Pfeiffer takes a look at the first ever annual aggregation of plant sales data from garden centres… Top 10 Constant Sellers It has taken us eight years of Garden centres who subscribe aggregating and analysing garden - sales reported every to the weekly GTN Bestsellers week of the year. centre epos data every week Newsletter service are already to get to this stage with GTN using the charts to improve their 1 Pansy Bestsellers, but we can now reveal plant sales. 2 Lavandula which are the most popular plants The Gardens Group have 3 Rose purchased by garden centre moved forward their start date 4 Orchidaceae customers in the UK. By grouping for selling Poinsettias and Boyd 5 Ericaceae together all plant sales lines in Douglas-Davies used the GTN 6 Hedera their horticultural genus for the Charts to encourage his plant 7 Saintpaulia past 12 months we’ve been able managers to stock more plants to track the Top 50 most popular during January and February, 8 Kalanchoe plants every week and now over a bestsellers of course, and they 9 Buxus whole 12 month period. all sold out. 10 Spathiphyllum And the winner is…. Bedding Geraniums, grouped as GTN Bestsellers aggregates epos data each week from a Pelargoniums horticulturally, followed by confidential panel of garden centres with a combined turnover Primula, Cyclamen, Petunia and Pansies. in the region of £100m. The data is used to produce the GTN Bestsellers Newsletter which include the Top 50 charts for We’ve also been able to create a Top 10 Plants, Garden Products, Growing Media and Veg 2 Gro. A year’s of plants we received some sales data for subscription costs £195.00 (less than £4.00 per week). To buy a subscription please e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or use EVERY week of the year, headed by Pansies the paypal link in the GTN Xtra e-mail newsletter with Lavenders and Roses close behind. www.gardentradenews.co.uk

4The Total Volume of the Top 50 accounts for 51% of all plants sold. 4The Top 5 plant genus: Bedding Geraniums (Pelargoniums), Primula, Cyclamen, Petunia and Pansy account for 19% of the total plant sales volume. 4GTN Bestsellers Plant analysis tracks sales of over 700 plant genus groupings.

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EVENTS

Best New plANts

The New Plant Area is the beating heart of the HTA National Plant Show and is bursting with ideas for new plants. It hosts the New Plant Awards, sponsored by the RHS, which showcase the best in new plant introductions from UK plant suppliers. Over the past seven years the Awards have grown in prestige and are now seen as the place to find the next best-selling plant for the garden centre. Categories for 2017 are: 4Annuals 4Herbaceous 4Perennials 4Houseplants 4Trees and Conifers 4Shrubs and Climbers The 2016 awards attracted over 100 entries, with Salvia Blue Marvel from Darby Nursery Stock crowned best in show.

Salvia Blue Marvel is a striking deep blue Salvia with the largest flowers of this type of Salvia. It re-blooms reliably over a long period. Judging Panel member Jim Gardiner, Executive Vice-President of RHS, commented, â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a panel of judges we were really thrilled with the large number of new plants put forward. The quality and vibrancy of new plant introductions is in good hands in this country. The judges were really excited by the quality of all the category winners. However, the best in show, Salvia Blue Marvel, was for all of us a revelation in breeding of an already established herbaceous plant. The flower quality and in particular the size of Salvia Blue Marvel was quite exceptional. This plant will see uses far beyond the herbaceous border.â&#x20AC;?

There will also be a seminar session focussing on the winners where some of the judging panel will highlight the victorious plants and give the background on their benefits and how these can bolster a planterea offering. 4For more information visit www.nationalplantshow.co.uk

Nursery supply show is New The Nursery Supply Show is new for 2017 and runs alongside the well established National Plant Show. Visitors will now also be able to look at the critical elements suppliers provide to support plant sales. The show will feature a broad range of suppliers, including substrate and growing media, labelling and product information companies through to display benching, potting machinery and everything in

between. There will be a wealth of companies to help you set your ranges apart from the competition as well as the chance to gather advice, networking opportunities and trend led innovations. Together, the Nursery Supply Show and the National Plant Show aim to be the number one event in UK for plants and nursery suppliers. The premier buying event for garden retailers, retail nurseries and growers alike.

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June 2017 33

CHELSEA REVIEW

Sun ShineS on chelSea

The cold weather of early Spring disappeared as the sun came out for Chelsea Flower Show. GTN was there on the first day of the premier event to bring you this special report.

Plant of the year A dwarf mulberry that will be great for growing on patios and balconies won the coveted title of 2017 Chelsea Plant of the Year. Mulberry ‘Charlotte Russe’ (‘Matsunaga’) was shown by the HTA and on the Chris Evans Taste Garden. It was introduced into the UK by Suttons this spring, and the first batch of 2,500 plants sold out in only a week. MD David Robinson (right) said: “We’ll have to start planning for greater production and work out howto get this great plant out to retail too.” The Mulberry also received the Royal seal of approval as Peter Seabrook extolled its virtues to Sophie, Countess of Wessex (far right).

Purple planting Purple was the most dominant colour in the planting this year at Chelsea, with plenty of West Country Lupins standing tall and bold to stimulate sales over the summer (below).

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The HTA stars in the pavilion

40 Sunbury Road, the HTA exhibit in The Great Pavilion, had a constant stream of celebrity and industry guests during Press Day. The garden represented many parts of the UK garden industry and was organised by Peter Seabrook who spent the day showing journalists and celebrities around the garden before being presented with a bottle of champagne by Adam Wigglesworth, HTA President and Martin Simmons, HTA Commercial Director (above left). Top right: Deborah Meaden and Susan George taste the ‘Just Add Cream’ Strawberries from Thompson & Morgan. Above right: Robert Hillier and his wife join Peter Seabrook to take mint tea at Chelsea.

Gold for Taylors

Guy Hands and Gemma Arterton attracted one of the biggest papparazi crowds on Press Day. Gemma will be starring as Vita Sackville-West in forthcoming release Vita And Virginia and will spend most of the summer filming for the role in Sissinghurst Castle in Kent, the site of the famous garden designed by Sackville-West. Guy Hands told GTN on the Burncoose Nurseries display “garden fashions are changing and even experienced gardeners such as myself are buying plants for instant colour. The weather continues to be the most important factor for levels of activity.”

Johnny Walkers wins his 24th consecutive Gold Medal (28 now in total) at Chelsea for the Taylors Bulbs daffodil display. “If I’d not won gold this would have been my last Chelsea,” Jonny told GTN, “but now I’ll have to come back next year in the hope of achieving 25 consecutive wins.”

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June 2017 35

CHELSEA REVIEW

Spotted at Chelsea

Dennis Espley, Chairman of the Tillington Group and RHS Council Member.

Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens Garden Centre, with the Fiddlehead Fairy.

Neil Grant, Ferndale Garden Centre, with his broadcasting team from BBC Radio Yorkshire.

The Ball Colegrave team, “looking for new ideas and new plants.”

Chris Evans and the Radio 2 presenters stole the morning on Press Day with live broadcasts from all of the gardens generating plenty of interest. The gardens based on the senses – taste, texture, scent, audio and bright floral visual displays – are all themes that could be copied by garden centres over the coming months. Judging from the numbers of really good comments from visitors and the profile of Radio 2 listeners matching well with garden centre customers this could be a great sales aid. See more pictures of the BBC Radio 2 gardens in the GTN Xtra newsletter.

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Scotts Miracle-Gro won the award for the Best Discovery Exhibit in the Grand Pavilion at Chelsea 2017. The ‘Come to your Senses Eco-therapy Garden’ illustrates the pressured lives of today’s teenagers and then takes visitors out into the garden where plants are used to create an area of calm, peace and tranquillity.