In this New Product and GIMA Awards Special issue of GTN:

• New lines and bestsellers from G Plants.
• Thinking outside of the box 1 – Little Dobbies.
• Blue Diamond ambitions for 2023.
• Thinking outside of the box 2 – The Plant Room.
• A Boost for peat free growing.
• Thinking outside of the box 3 – Hillmount come to Cheshire.
• Poinsettias on social media.
• Illumination Street celebrates the magic of Christmas.
• 2021 GIMA Awards Roll of Honour - 12 Page Special.
• New Product Directory for 2022 - All 283 products entered in the Glee 2021 New Product Showcase.
• HTA Column – A fresh beginning for 2022.    

Garden Centre sales during the first week of December 2021 reached a new seasonal high, up by 8% on the same week in both 2020 and 2019, according to Epos data analysed every week by GTN Bestsellers.

With just two full weeks of trading left for the year, the GTN Bestsellers volume garden centre sales index for the year to date now sits at 28% up on 2020 and 17% up on 2019. 

Record high for November 2021

November 2021 garden centre sales volumes overall set a new record high for the month according to the Epos data analysed every week by GTN Bestsellers.  Sales of all barcoded products were 4% higher than 2020 and 14% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

And that’s despite the last week of November being slightly down on last year by 5%. With three full trading weeks left for the calendar year, year to date sales volumes are now 18% up on 2019 levels.  It would appear garden centres are still winning the hearts and minds of shoppers.  Long may that continue.

Plants up by 27%

November 2021 plant sales were up by 27% on 2019 in the GTN Bestsellers weekly Epos data.

The total for the month was down by 4% on last year, but the comparison to pre-pandemic levels is the indicator everybody will be watching for potential long term market growth.

Garden Products down in November

The Top 50 Garden Products sales volumes are the one area where sales have not matched the overall sales growth post pandemic.

November Top 50 volumes this year were 11% down on 2020 levels and 35% down on 2019 levels when some new garden lighting lines sold in high volumes. 

Growing extending through to winter

November’s Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes were 13% down on 2020 but 44% up on 2019 indicating a continued growth in growing activity from new gardeners and more keener gardeners who are extending their growing activity right though to winter.

Christmas in November up by 9% vs 2019

Last week didn’t quite meet the record high of last year for the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 Christmas sales volume index but overall for November Christmas sales were 9% up on 2019 levels and just 2% down on last year.

Given the clamour to buy Christmas last year after #lockdown 1 and the issues with quite a lot of Christmas stock arriving late this year everyone we’ve met over the past few weeks is suitably happy with their Christmas trading this year.

Veg 2 Gro sales a good omen for next Spring

Veg 2 Gro sales, albeit small volumes at this time of the year were up by 20% on last year for the month of November, and up by 43% on November 2019.  If core veg growing is an indicator of keenness, this is a good omen for next spring.

Mild November hits Wild Bird Care sales

Wild Bird Care sales suffered from the mild start to November and closed the month 17% down on 2020 levels.  Garden Centres will be hoping that sales bounce back now that cold weather has set in.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week in 2020: week 48.

• Garden Products Top 50 – down 14%
• Growing Media Top 50 – down 25%
• Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 7%
• Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – down 11%
• Christmas Top 50 – down 2%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week in 2020: week 48

•           All Plants with Barcode index – down 17%

•           All Items with Barcode index – down 5%

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week in the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter.  Subscribe for just £145 a year using this link.

Experienced Field Sales Agent (Commission Only)

This is a B2B sales role please do not apply if you do not have the relevant experience.

Firmans Direct are looking for experienced Sales Agents to promote their superb range of garden furniture to garden centres and independent retailers across the UK.

Vacant Territories

South East

South West

East Anglia

South Wales

Scotland

Ireland

What do we do?

Firmans Direct Ltd is a UK based company specialising in Garden Furniture.  We have been selling business to business for over 40 years and have a multi-national customer base.  Supplying high quality furniture direct from our manufacturing sites to both large chain retailers & independents stores, we are keen to reach out to new customers. We provide all our Sales Agents with the best support and opportunity to succeed with us.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for Field Sales Agents who have a great personality, fantastic customer interaction skills and proven sales experience.  Our ideal candidates will have sales experience in a B2B environment, good communication skills, conversant with Microsoft office and Microsoft Outlook and PowerPoint presentations.   Be persistent and engage with customers to build long lasting business relationships.

What do we offer?

Our Agents handle a designated area and have full access to sell all Firman’s products across all sectors of the furniture industry and garden centre market within this territory. Full product training is given in house, and field based training will help smooth the successful applicant into the Firman product ranges.

What’s included:

- Generous commission scheme

- Own dedicated sales area

- Full product training

- Field support

- Backup of a full office team

- Full marketing Samples

If you want to be a part of the Firmans Team, please email your CV now!

paul.collins@firmansdirect.com 

Since the start of the month, Boyd Douglas-Davies has been wearing a different Christmas jumper (they are not all his) in his Jumperful Challenge to raise funds for the Greenfingers Charity to go towards more magical gardens at Childrens Hospices next year.

Sponsors have donated amounts of money for each day up until Christmas with other donations adding to the Christmas Jumper fundraising. You can see all the days so far on The Most Jumperful website: https://themostjumperful.co.uk/ created by Natalie Porter of Happy Plants who started the fundraising challenge last year.  Well done Nat!

You can also add a seasonal donation to Greenfingers via the Jumperful JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/boyddouglasdaviesjumperthon

And if you send your "Most Jumperful Time of the Year" photos to us here at GTN Xtra we'll assemble a special gallery for next weekends edition.  E-mail them to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk

Jason at BGC Horncastle has already joined in...

And your's truly joined in the Jumperful activity with a visit to see Santa at Baytree Garden Centre on Friday

SOLEX is back for 2022! SOLEX is the only outdoor living event in the 2022 calendar organised by the industry for the industry.

This unique event brings together all the leading manufacturers of garden products – furniture & accessories, barbecues, fire pits, leisure products, gifts, outdoor buildings, storage, lighting, play equipment, spas, pergolas, hot tubs, parasols, and soft furnishings – and provides a showcase for all the exciting new developments in design, environmental manufacturing, sustainability, and production for both the retail and contract markets.

LOFA, the driving force behind SOLEX, want to help the outdoor living industry get back to some semblance of normality after what has been a very turbulent time. We have faced many obstacles over the past two years including hikes in container pricing and storage and delivery issues. This year we have reduced the price of the space at the event for two reasons. One to help our members offset other costs they have had to bear in these difficult times, and two to encourage new members to join and exhibit at a great show for a great price.

For more details on how you can benefit from this great price offer contact gina@lofa.com

Apart from the great pricing we also offer a range of incentives to our exhibitors

• Free marketing which includes a full web profile, entry into the SOLEX show guide,
• The opportunity to share your news in the GTN SOLEX Sun as well as on the SOLEX Exhibition website and across our social media networks. 
• A chance to win £1000 marketing support and free PR & Social Media promotion in the new product awards.
• Outside BBQ area for those that want to light up and give visitors a taste of what their products can do.
• Partnering with the BBQ magazine, the fire, food, and outdoor living publication throughout the three-day event. 

SOLEX 22 is the perfect place for exhibitors to connect with quality buyers, it offers the newest and most inspirational garden products attracting visitors from multiple and independent garden centres, high street and department stores, online retailers, DIY stores and other industry professionals.

SOLEX 22 is a great place to do business, this relaxed and friendly exhibition is where you can establish new relationships and develop existing ones. So, whether you are a visitor or exhibitor SOLEX 22 has everything you could possibly want or need.

The Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition is the perfect place to launch new products, discuss new ideas and increase brand awareness.

SOLEX 22 is the retailers essential garden event of the year. 

For more details on how you can benefit from this great price offer contact gina@lofa.com

Read more about SOLEX 22 in the SOLEX 22 GTN Xtra Takeover issue using this link

The Young People in Horticulture Association has announced that its first in-person members event will be based at RHS Garden Wisley from 10am-4pm on the 3rd February 2022.

Members will enjoy a tour of the gardens and lunch, followed by talks from Matthew Pottage and Dr Suzanne Moss, with some surprise guests lined up, a Q&A and dedicated networking time. 

After setting up YPHA in January 2020, the opportunity for in-person events has been limited due to the covid-19 pandemic. Despite this, the group has still maintained traction and has recently hit 200 members. Many of whom have enjoyed monthly webinars with guest speakers and ongoing conversation via Whatsapp and Facebook support groups. Going forward, the group aims to host a full calendar of in-person events, with aims to be thought provoking, enjoyable, and inspiring, as well as educational.

With a jam packed itinerary and an impressive lineup of speakers, the inaugural event is not to be missed. Tickets are now on sale, and members will receive a link to the booking site via our newsletter. Spaces are limited so please secure your space early.

YPHA Founder, Natalie Porter said:“Wisley is one of the world’s great gardens, packed with horticultural inspiration so we are excited that our first in-person event will be held in such prestigious grounds. One of our aims at YPHA is to educate, and be educated. Members are sure to learn from the inspiring talks we’ve got lined up. We want members to leave our events excited, and fizzing with ideas”

Diversity Inclusion and Wellbeing Manager, Glen Willie said: "We are delighted to be able to welcome the YPHA to RHS Garden Wisley on the 3rd February. It will be an opportunity for young people across the industry to come together, connect, engage and be inspired to take horticulture into the future. We are also delighted that Sue Biggs (Director General), Matt Pottage (Curator RHS Garden Wisley) and Dr Suzanne Moss (Head of Learning and Education) will be speaking and offering insights into their own career paths, challenges and successes in this amazing industry"

For sponsorship opportunities or for anybody who wishes to find out more about YPHA, please contact yphassociation@outlook.com

Construction has begun on a new flagship Dobbies Garden Centre at Cotswolds Designer Outlet (CDO), a premium retail and leisure destination taking shape in one of the UK’s tourist hotspots. 

When complete in autumn 2022, the 74,000 sq ft Dobbies Garden Centre will be the largest in South West England and is expected to serve more than 750,000 customers each year. 

The centre will serve as the leisure anchor for CDO, featuring Dobbies’ full range including plants and houseplants, gardening accessories and products, outdoor living, pets, gifting and toys, as well as a cookshop, home décor, and a 10,000 sq ft restaurant.  

CDO, which is currently under construction, is a 180-acre mixed-use scheme by leading developer Robert Hitchins Ltd. When complete, it is expected to be a major draw in an area that benefits from a catchment that includes Bristol and Birmingham as well as the millions of tourists visiting the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty each year.  

Graeme Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer of Dobbies Garden Centres, said: “At Dobbies, we are committed to delivering our growth strategy and this is an exciting milestone in our plans.  

“We are focused on a customer-first approach, and those visiting will be able to enjoy a full day of shopping and dining, with the UK’s latest retail destination, featuring household name premium fashion brands, just a short walk away. It will be an exceptional shopper experience.” 

Simon Tothill, Property and Development Director of Robert Hitchins Ltd, said: “Cotswolds Designer Outlet, nestled in a world-famous tourist destination, will be a visitor attraction for people far and wide. We are pleased to be working with Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer. Having them as our leisure anchor is a major asset to our scheme and a reflection both of the need for a mix of uses in retail destinations and the surge in popularity of gardening. Momentum is gathering for Cotswolds Designer Outlet, which will delight guests when it opens its doors in 2023.” 

CDO will offer 16,000 sq ft of cafés and restaurants, as well as premium fashion, athleisure, footwear, and lifestyle brands. Its proximity to the M5 motorway and the Ashchurch for Tewkesbury railway station makes it the most accessible outlet shopping destination in South West England – and among the most accessible in the UK. CDO will be leased and managed by Realm, one of the UK’s leading specialist operators of designer outlets and retail destinations. 

The first phase of CDO will provide 75 units across 140,000 sq ft, alongside leisure facilities and landscaped areas. Phase two will bring the total footprint to 90 units across 181,000 sq ft. The premium outlet shopping destination, which is taking shape alongside hundreds of new homes, is expected to open its doors in autumn 2023. 

Leading North Yorkshire commercial plant nursery Johnsons of Whixley claims Yorkshire workers are failing to apply for jobs in the region despite the regional unemployment rate being above the national average.  

Following the impact that Brexit has had on UK employment, the 100-year-old company has a number of employment opportunities at its North Yorkshire base and is questioning why local workers seem hesitant to apply for the roles.  

Johnsons of Whixley currently has vacancies for both permanent and part-time roles across the business; a significant increase on the number of vacancies within the firm five years ago.  

This issue reflects the numbers across the county with Yorkshire’s unemployment rate currently being 4.8%₁ above the national average. The number of national job vacancies from July to September 2021 peaked at a record high of 1,102,000₂, with national unemployment at 4.5%₃ and redundancies returning to pre-pandemic levels at 3.6% per thousand employees₄, leaving businesses asking why workers are not applying for the many available positions.  

As well as the issues with recruitment, Johnsons of Whixley was also impacted through new export regulations.  The firm annually sold £500,000 worth of plants to Northern Irish customers before Brexit but says new rules stop it supplying rootball, bare root and container plants into the EU and now Northern Ireland.  

Graham Richardson, joint managing director at Johnsons of Whixley said: “We are currently offering a record number of jobs. We are thankful that our operations are so strong at such a tumultuous time for the economy but need the support of people in our region to fill our vacancies. 

“Getting people into reliable, sustainable jobs like the ones we are recruiting for will help everyone build back better after the disruption of the pandemic. We see plenty of opportunity, but the size of the ‘bottleneck’ will depend on having sufficient staff to satisfy demand.” 

Roles are currently available across the nursery, maintenance, sales and administration departments at Johnsons of Whixley, which is situated between York and Harrogate and is a leading supplier of plants to infrastructure schemes across the UK.  

Explaining more about the roles available, Graham added: “We have got some fantastic roles available at the moment, ranging from admin to hands-on work outdoors across the nursery, so there is something for everyone with some excellent progression opportunities.  

“We offer one of the best environments to work in; most of the time you’ll be outside in the fresh air, getting plenty of steps in. We offer various bonuses, treats and regular social activities, an early finish on a Friday, generous holiday entitlement, company pension scheme and free car parking. We have a culture of inclusivity and genuinely view our employees as our wider family. 

“Joining Johnsons of Whixley offers the reward of becoming a climate change ‘key worker’ – few businesses can boast that they are net contributors to the environment from core activities.” 

Despite many firms scaling back operations because of the pandemic, Johnsons of Whixley recently celebrated a record year of sales, achieving a turnover of over £15 million for the first time in its 100-year history. 

Elsewhere, the retail sector is consolidating, and sales volumes have been returning to a more predictable level following a pandemic inspired surge.  

To find out more about the various roles currently on offer visit: https://nurserymen.co.uk/careers-at-johnsons-of-whixley/

The UK’s current love affair with alfresco entertaining shows no sign of diminishing the Garden Centre Association’s October Barometer of Trade report has revealed.

Prolonged mild weather kept sales of outdoor furniture and barbecues up 57.98%, topping the BoT figures for the fifth month running.

GCA Chief Executive, Iain Wylie explains: “The UK’s current love affair for alfresco entertaining shows no sign of slowing, although this was certainly helped by unusually warm temperatures in October. However, even with the cooler weather we’re now experiencing, gardeners don’t seem to be deterred, according to anecdotal evidence we’re hearing from members to date. A frosty night outdoors can be just as much fun with rugs on knees, twinkling lights and firepits glowing.

“Garden centres have witnessed customers eager to bag the perfect furniture and supplies to keep enjoying the great outdoors. It’s not just whole dining sets either, many are also snapping up furniture that can be used all around their gardens, such as benches that provide a perfect resting spot in smaller spaces, or an alternative place to recharge and just enjoy a cuppa, or even to take off their wellies before going inside! The trend for spending more time outdoors appreciating the fresh air, whether gardening or entertaining, looks set to stay, which is great news for the industry.”

But it wasn’t just furniture and barbecues that recorded good sales in October. The report shows a year-to-date increase in 12 out of 13 BoT categories.

Iain continues: “Outdoor plants retained a good position with sales up 39.7% year-to-date. Again, the milder weather was the ideal catalyst to allow people to keep up their hobby, do some autumn planting and prepare for next year while the soil remained warm.

“Similarly, houseplants were also up at 35.07%. Once again proud plant parents are adding to their broods.”

Catering has also slightly increased with the year-to-date figure up 4.45% although this still needs to be tempered against last year’s events.

The remaining categories that performed well, year-to-date, in October were gift sales up 32.56%, clothing up 32.06%, food hall/farm shop up 30.05%, hard landscaping up 29.18%, garden sundries up 24.94%, pets and aquatics up 21.5%, as well as seeds and bulbs up 12.1%.

Iain adds: “Christmas sales were up slightly compared to October 2020, possibly due to the unseasonably mild weather extending the gardening season and people remaining outdoors working in their gardens for longer. It showed an increase of +2.7%. However, when compared to October 2019, the figure is 42% higher.”

Overall sales in October were up for the month by 9.56% when comparing 2020 with 2021.

Woodlodge has announced it will be taking three of its most popular ranges to Spring Fair in February, giving retailers the opportunity to see its new and best-selling ranges ahead of the new season.

Following continued success at Glee at Spring Fair in previous years, Woodlodge’s Honey & Wild garden décor, Root Indoor interior collection and festive portfolio Snowlodge will be showcased on a 140 square metre stand in the heart of Spring Fair’s Hall 6, dedicated to Home, Living and Décor.  As the company enters its 35th year of trading, Woodlodge will be exhibiting its new interior and gifting product lines across three in-demand categories, guaranteed to drive sales from outside the traditional retail sector, while still meeting key buyers from the garden trade.

The Honey & Wild range grew significantly in 2021, and heads into 2022 with further new additions including solar mirrors, insect hotels, wall art, garden spinners and arches, all designed to maximise outdoor sales and embellish garden spaces.  With the garden décor category thriving and consumers decorating their gardens with the same care as their interior rooms,  Honey & Wild offers an unique collection of fun, quirky garden products that are guaranteed to add character to any garden.

Alongside the expanded Honey & Wild collection, Woodlodge will be focusing on its flagship interior range, Root Indoor. Inspired by the booming trend of consumers extending their passion for gardening into the home, Root offers brand new designs that will appeal to all demographics and compliment all homes. From character pots, to natural wicker, geometric lines and vintage hues, Root Indoor makes it simple retailers to focus on both interior trends and the new generation of gardeners’ passion for houseplants.

Also new to Root is a new collection of realistic-looking artificial plants and flowers.   With homeowners enhancing their everyday spaces with houseplants, one of the hottest botanical and biophilic trends is adding greenery to a home to give it a sense of life.  Root’s potted faux plants range from palms to monsteras and create the aesthetic of an indoor urban jungle for consumers that don’t quite have a green thumb or live busy lifestyles.

Woodlodge’s new Snowlodge collection offers over 700 different products including Christmas decorations, tree decorations, lighting, ornaments, plushes and more. Boasting have one of the largest collections of Christmas decor under one roof in the garden industry,  Woodlodge will showcase Snowlodge’s carefully curated portfolio of trend-led and traditional décor ideas, designed to elevate festive sales and provide a variety of price-points across multiple categories.

Woodlodge is also honoured to be sponsoring the GTN Greatest Christmas Awards 2022, which brings the garden retail industry together to celebrate the great work that takes place over the festive season. The winners will be announced on The Stage at Spring Fair on Monday 7th February at 5:00pm.

Michael Wooldridge, Director at Woodlodge said: “ The return of in person events provides Woodlodge with an excellent opportunity to showcase the latest product innovation and extended ranges that we have working on in the past year. Spring Fair is the UK’s biggest trade show for gift and home products, and a key trading opportunity for many of our customers. Our aim at the show is to highlight these three key product ranges to the attention of independent and multiple retailers that attend this prestigious event.”

Representatives from Woodlodge will be in Hall 6 on stand 6A60 throughout the duration of the trade event to highlight each of the individual ranges to retailers and buyers who attend the show.   

For more information on Woodlodge’s ranges or to request a catalogue, please contact your local sales representative or visit www.woodlodge.co.uk  

Spring Fair, the UK's most diverse, vibrant, and exciting wholesale marketplace for home, gift, fashion, and sourcing, taking place from 6th – 9th February 2022 at NEC Birmingham, has revealed that its manifesto for 2022 is Empowering Change.

The manifesto will set the agenda for the live show’s Inspiring Retail Stage as well as a year-round content programme.

Outlining the Empowering Change manifesto, Suzanne Ellingham, Head of Content, Hyve Group plc says; “Retail is in a state of incredible transformation. Technology enables customers to shop anywhere, any time, and in any way that they want.

"The competitive landscape has changed, and even online retailers are now facing increasing costs and hostile marketing conditions.

"In a time when staying the same means you are moving backwards, expecting different results from the same tactics doesn’t make sense. I am really excited about this year’s Empowering Change editorial theme.

"The schedule will be packed full of incredible speakers and participants, helpful and inspiring insights, newness as well as the essential trends for 2022 and beyond.”

Created as a platform to champion retail, the Inspiring Retail Stage’s full schedule of live content from experts in their field will provided exclusive insights, trend reports, keynote conversations, and panel discussions on the key topics facing retail. Each of the four days of the show will cover a dedicated theme correlated to the Empowering Change manifesto.

DJ Turfcare – exclusive suppliers of the organic-based lawn fertiliser portfolio including MO Bacter and Recovery – has confirmed details of the latest investments being made by its trading partner, Viano; investments that will enable DJ Turfcare to continue to deliver market leading solutions and outstanding customer service levels throughout 2022 and beyond.

Representative of a €6million investment and directly in response to the ongoing demand for organic based fertilisers – a demand which is expected to only grow stronger - Viano has added to its production and packaging site, providing the company with significantly increased capacity up 50% year-on-year.

To support the increased production capacity, Viano has also increased its packaging processes, increasing from two to five lines. A fully automated box-filling unit is also set to be commissioned in autumn 2022, helping to streamline the process even more. Further automation is also set to be rolled out across the warehouse, including pick, pack and despatch.

Whilst these latest updates are undertaken, Viano and DJ Turfcare are pleased to confirm that current production and packaging lines will continue unaffected, meaning existing orders will be fulfilled within the expected timescales.

DJ Turfcare’s David Jenkins said: “We are proud to be part of the Viano family, especially as their ethos aligns so perfectly with our own. From green powered production facilities to capacity to meet growing demand, we are confident that our partnership will pay dividends for the entire supply chain, especially as demand for organic-based product is expected to continue to increase as consumers make more considered choices.”

Recognising the challenges that the UK garden retail supply chain continues to face, DJ Turfcare is also offering its retail customers a unique promise based on orders made before Christmas 2021.

Any retailer who places an order with DJ Turfcare before the festive break will see their order prices held for the first half of 2022, with delivery lead times similarly protected*.

* whilst DJ Turfcare will do everything in their power to meet this promise, please note that in exceptional circumstances some lead times/prices rises may be unavoidable.

New electric vehicle charging points have been installed at Squire’s Garden Centres in Badshot Lea, Milford, Shepperton and Twickenham, with Long Ditton and Wokingham following soon. 

Two-way fast 22 kilowatt charging points have been installed at each of these garden centres. Customers can park, charge, then shop or enjoy a drink or meal at Squire’s while they wait.

There are also two existing 3 kilowatt charging spaces at Squire’s in Woking which are free to use.

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s, commented: "Our new electric vehicle charging points have been warmly welcomed by customers.

"We are committed to supporting people to lead more sustainable lives, and one way we can do this is by encouraging the use of more environmentally friendly modes of transport.

"Look out for more charging points being installed at our other garden centres over the coming year.”

A study of topsoil in the UK has revealed serious concerns about the standard of the product on sale to the public across the country, with half found to be unsuitable for use in general purpose landscaping schemes and residential gardens.

Independent research was carried out nationally on 30 bulk bags from 17 different suppliers bought online and in stores from stockists and direct from producers. 

Market Research company PCP test purchased the products and took samples which were sent for analysis at one of the UK’s leading soil testing facilities by Tim O’Hare Associates to find out if they were suitable for use. 

Of the 30 samples, 47 per cent were found not to be suitable and did not meet the British Standard for Topsoil for a number of reasons – uncommonly high pH levels, high levels of salt concentration, high potassium levels and excessively high sand contents and on one occasion, elevated levels of a known carcinogenic chemical.

The study was commissioned by the Rolawn Group, the Yorkshire-based award-winning producer of topsoil and turf, who are concerned that other businesses are not paying as much attention to the quality of their products, risking serious reputational damage to the industry at large and damaging consumer trust.

Rolawn’s two product samples were among the 16 which were deemed suitable for use as topsoil in general purpose landscaping schemes and residential gardens, and were free from contamination, something they confirm with regular in-house testing. 

Independent gardening and horticulture expert David Hurrion says the impact of using unsuitable soil is clear:

“Using poor quality and badly formulated topsoils for general-purpose landscaping or in a domestic garden could prove to be both disastrous and costly in terms of turf or plant establishment and growth. Success rates can be severely compromised and may lead to plant failure in extreme cases. 

“Many consumers would no doubt be horrified to discover that the topsoil they have purchased in good faith, often based on the marketing claims of the producer or stockist, was in fact not suitable for use and indeed does not meet British Standards.”

Rolawn’s Chairman and Managing Director, Paul Dawson added: “We suspected that all was not as it seemed with the quality of topsoils, though we were surprised at the high number that are not suitable for use in residential settings. At Rolawn, we strongly believe there should be compulsory independent testing to make sure that what a customer is being told is in a bag is what they receive and that it is fit for purpose. 

“The process of self-test to the British Standard is clearly being abused. Rolawn will be presenting a summary of the findings to the Government and Trading Standards and is calling for more frequent and independent testing be done to ensure adequate rules are in place and that those rules are followed. Meanwhile, we intend to keep up our own independent testing programme and reporting on the results.”

Professional soil scientist Tim O’Hare said: “It is important that gardeners and landscapers have confidence that the product they purchase is suitable for the use intended and that they can trust their supplier to deliver this. It is clear from this valuable piece of independent work commissioned by Rolawn and the detailed analysis we have carried out that this is not always the case. 

“Given the impact that this can have, it raises the question whether there are enough checks within the industry to ensure standards are being upheld and products are not mis-sold to gardeners, landscapers and builders.”

Phil Mabon, a former head of creative at both Floramedia and Hortipak,  has launched his own business called MABON Design and Print Ltd, specialising in design, marketing and sustainable print solutions.

Phil has spent the last 17 years supplying creative design and print to growers and retailers in the horticultural sector. 

He said: “We’re bringing a very focused and personable service to customers that not only delivers quality creative marketing but also offers growers and retailers sustainable print from our proven supply partners.”

As a family business, sustainability and social responsibility are hugely important to Phil and his wife Jo, and they are proud to have officially become a Climate Positive Workforce through Ecologi. 

This means that they are both offsetting their entire carbon footprint, including emissions from their home where they work, personal and business travel, holidays, food, hobbies and more whilst also funding the world’s best climate crisis solutions and planting trees to help future carbon reduction. 

Further details can be found at https://ecologi.com/mabondesignandprintltd

Wide Range of Services 

Specific horticultural marketing services offered by MABON include graphic design, sustainable print management and marketing consultancy that cover the following and more:

• Identity and product branding
• Catalogues, brochures and mailers
• Trolley dressing, banners and POS
• Websites and E-stores
• Mailchimp email marketing
• Advertising and promotion
• Packaging design and sustainable print

To contact MABON visit www.mabondesign.co.uk, email phil@mabondesign.co.uk or call 07359 076794.

Whether its Easter, Mother’s Day, or just as a gift for friends and family, gifting is big business within garden retail. And now with the new name in wellington boots – Leon Boots Co. – switching up this category with the most lightweight wellingtons ever, the potential for year-round sales for this popular footwear category is higher than ever.

The popularity of the Leon Boots Co. offering is down to the unique lightweight quality of the boots. Unlike any other boots on the market today, a display of Leon Boots will be a hub of comments and exclamations as shoppers try and get their heads round the fact that the boots weigh as little as 219g – to put that into context, that’s the same weight as an average hamster!

But it’s not just the boot that is lightweight, the price tag is too. The Garden Ankle Boot is priced at just £34.99 making it both a great impulse buy as well as increasing the product’s gifting potential.

Available in pillar box red, sunflower yellow, fuchsia, black and traditional green, Leon Boots’ Garden Ankle Boot is an eye-catching footwear range that stands out on the shop floor. The supporting merchandising also makes it easier than ever for retailers to optimise sales. Taking up just 0.25m2 of floorspace and featuring anywhere from eight to 10 pairs of wellies, all Leon Boots merchandising units come complete with boxed product, meaning they are ready to be located anywhere in the store for complete flexibility and offering great ‘pick up’ potential.  Whether co-located with complementary gardening products or bolstering home, gift and clothing product displays, the range offers multiple options for retailers. All Leon Boots Co. display units can be ordered directly with carriage paid (for 15 mixed styles).

Kevin Burgess from Leon Boots Co. said: “We truly believe that we offer something different, providing garden retailers with the chance to expand not just their footwear offering but also to increase their gift ranges. Wellington boots are the mainstay of any garden retailer but for so long the category has remained unchanged, with any new additions so often compromising on style or quality. With the Leon Boots offering retailers can rest assured that they are offering something that is built to last, looks great and appeals to a wider range of shoppers. We’re proud of what we have created and are sure that stocking Leon Boots will pay dividends for retailers.”

Forecasting a strong year of sales in 2022, the Leon Boots Co. team has ensured that sufficient stock is readily available as the season unfolds. Delivery for all orders can be completed in as little as 2-3 working days and minimum carriage paid orders are as low as 15 mixed styles/sizes across the range, making it possible to add new lines as the demand requires and not having to worry about overstocking.

In addition to the Garden Ankle Boots, Leon Boots Co. also offers a longer length Explorer (unisex style available in black and green - RRP £49.95), Montana (ladies’ style available in navy and green - RRP £39.95) and a Children’s range (available in Navy, Yellow or Pink) - RRP £19.95).

Each style benefits from over a decade of expertise within the outdoor footwear sector and are manufactured from award-winning, injection moulded EVA/TRC polymer. This polymer whilst lightweight does not mean a compromise on functionality, however. Leon Boots Co. proudly boasts a wide range of features which offer longevity for users including full insulated working against temperatures as low as minus 30°C, split and crack resistant, 100% waterproof, and featuring a removable and washable sock liner. The lightweight ergonomic design also allows for exceptional comfort and support, making the boots suitable for long-term wear and happy feet.

Find out more

To find out more about the Leon Boot Co. please visit www.lbcboots.com. Retailers interested in stocking the product offering are invited to email kevin@leonbootsco.com or charlie@leonbootsco.com

To mark the 150^th anniversary of Hereford Rugby Club, whose president is Spencer Goodhall , the club has planted a Red leaf oak tree at Wyeside ably assisted by the current mayor and last year’s mayor.

Hereford RFC is also working closely with 21 local schools that have supplied them with players over the years and is giving them 20 saplings each to plant as a thank you to them.

The pupils will plant, maintain and learn valuable eco lessons accordingly by monitoring the six different wildlife varieties which will of course blossom and produce flowers and berries etc and attract insects birds and bees.

In total the club are planting 421 trees in Hereford by way of celebrating the club’s history and thereby helping the local community and enhancing the future of this wonderful city.

The club have many sponsors to thank for their help and it would not have been possible without the generosity of Wyevale Nurseries and The Woodland Trust.

GTN's Greatest Awards team of experts are out in force this week and the following two weeks visiting the teams at the 57 Garden Centres nominated in this year's Greatest Christmas Awards.

The judges will be meeting the teams at the centres, listed below, to find out just what makes them so great across 14 Christmas Award categories ranging from The Greatest Christmas Houseplant team to The Greatest Christmas Sizzle team for seasonal sales of BBQ's and the like.  And with the recent changes in FaceMask wearing there's also an award for The Greatest COVID Safe Christmas Team.

Huge thanks goes to our sponsors: Woodlodge, Elho, DCUK, Solex and Global Journey for making the face to face visits possible this year.

Here's the list of the 57 nominated centres:

ACW Garden Centre, Albrighton – BGC, Altons, Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, Baytree Garden Centre, Bents, Blue Diamond Cadbury, Blue Diamond Derby, Blue Diamond Newbridge, Bosworths, Braintree – BGC, Bridgnorth – BGC, Brigg Garden Centre – BGC, Brookside Garden Centre - Kent, Burford House – BGC, Cherry Lane Podington, Coolings Green & Pleasant, Coolings Main Road, Downtown Garden Centre, Fron Goch, Garsons, Gates Garden Centre, Glendoick Garden Centre, Gouldings, Groves Bridport, Hetland, Hillmount Ards, Hillmount Belfast, Hillmount Cheshire, Hilmount Bangor, Lakeside Plant Centre, Little Dobbies Richmond, Millbrook Gravesend, Newquay Garden Centre, Pengelly Garden Centre, Perrywood Sudbury, Perrywood Tiptree, Planters Bretby, Planters Tamworth, Pughs Radyr, Pughs Wenvoe, Rosebourne – Aldermaston, Rosebourne – Weyhill, Sapcote Garden Centre, Silverbirch, Squires Badshot Lea, Studley – BGC, Tates South Downs, Thatcham – BGC, The Old Railway Line, Waresley Park Carden Centre, Webbs Wychbold, Woodbank Garden Centre, Woodlands Garden Centre, Woodthorpe – BGC, Woseley – BGC

And here's the list of categories they are vying to be The Greatest in:

• The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team
• The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team    
• The Greatest Festive Food Hall Team      
• The Greatest Christmas Sizzle Team        
• The Greatest Christmas Pets Team          
• The Greatest Christmas Community or Charity Initiative
• The Greatest Social Media Christmas Marketing Idea       
• The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Video     
• The Greatest Winter Garden Care Sales Team     
• The Greatest Covid Safe Christmas Team              
• The Greatest Group Garden Centre Christmas Team        

After all the judging visits, GTN's team of experts will be meeting up early in the new year to decide upon the winners and they will be announced and presented on The Stage at Spring Fair on Monday 7th February at 5:00pm.  See you there!

To whet your appetite for the galleries of garden centre Christmas photos we'll be bringing you in GTN Xtra and GTN magazine over the coming weeks and months, here are photos frm one of our early judging visits to Burford House - BGC.

This is a B2B sales role please do not apply if you do not have the relevant experience.

Firmans Direct are looking for experienced Sales Agents to promote their superb range of garden furniture to garden centres and independent retailers across the UK.

Vacant Territories

• South East
• South West
• East Anglia
• South Wales
• Scotland
• Ireland

What do we do?

Firmans Direct Ltd is a UK based company specialising in Garden Furniture.  We have been selling business to business for over 40 years and have a multi-national customer base.  Supplying high quality furniture direct from our manufacturing sites to both large chain retailers & independents stores, we are keen to reach out to new customers. We provide all our Sales Agents with the best support and opportunity to succeed with us.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for Field Sales Agents who have a great personality, fantastic customer interaction skills and proven sales experience.  Our ideal candidates will have sales experience in a B2B environment, good communication skills, conversant with Microsoft office and Microsoft Outlook and PowerPoint presentations.   Be persistent and engage with customers to build long lasting business relationships.

What do we offer?

Our Agents handle a designated area and have full access to sell all Firman’s products across all sectors of the furniture industry and garden centre market within this territory. Full product training is given in house, and field based training will help smooth the successful applicant into the Firman product ranges.

What’s included:

• Generous commission scheme
• Own dedicated sales area
• Full product training
• Field support
• Backup of a full office team
• Full marketing Samples

If you want to be a part of the Firmans Team, please email your CV now!

paul.collins@firmansdirect.com 

Following a period of unprecedented growth Meadow View Stone are looking to appoint two territory sales agents for the following areas: 

• Sales Agent for North Yorkshire & North East
• Sales Agent for Scotland

Successful candidates will have a proven track record of account acquisitions and have the ability to develop and grow existing accounts whilst maintaining and merchandising stock within the Garden Centre sector.

This person will also have good relationships with major buying groups, have the ability to monitor competitor activity and put forward effective and innovative ways of maximizing sales.

It is essential that you have had good exposure to independent garden centre business in the area in question and a background selling within a core gardening category would be preferred, but is not essential. 

Candidates can live anywhere in the respective regions or within the immediate vicinity.

Essential skills required are: 

• A skilled negotiator, immaculate presentation and a strong commercial acumen.
• Computer literate and a self-starter with the tenacity, motivation and determination to track down new business.
• Experience selling into the Garden Centre market is essential with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. 

If you would like to apply for this exciting position, please send your CV to Sarah Hill – MD at sarah@meadowviewstone.co.uk.

NOW HIRING: Plant Department Manager | Full Time | Salary: £27,000-£30,000 (depending on experience) | Pugh's Garden Village Wenvoe

This is an exciting opportunity to work for our award-winning, family-run business that is expanding in the wonderful industry of plants and horticulture.

If you have proven retail experience, excellent communication skills with colleagues and customers and the ability to deliver excellent retail standards then we'd love to hear from you. Please send your CV and covering letter to kpugh@pughsgardencentre.co.uk. Full job description here: https://bit.ly/3DGqDSh 

• Pugh's Staff Wellbeing Benefits:
  As a permanent employee of Pugh's, after passing your probation period you will be entitled to the following
  20%-50% Staff Discounts
  Monthly Prize Draws worth £100
  Individual Staff Life Insurance
  Health Assured - Staff Health & Well-Being Support Scheme
  Yearly Personal Development Reviews
  £30 Uniform Allowance
  Yearly Holiday Giveaway
  and more

https://www.pughsgardencentre.co.uk/vacancies/36/plant-area-manager?fbclid=IwAR2oukYUX4FWb7Gkr0Wx8NxxNdiZ_HpZXRr3j4JpTsGbsvIxzbzO_50tSaw

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

Trans-Continental Group, the company behind the well know brands SnowTime and SunTime, has announced the appointment of Sara Murray as the group’s managing director.

Chairman Mike Withers welcomed the move, saying: “Sara is well known in the industry and has been with the company for 22 years, latterly in the role of Buying Director.

"I am delighted with this appointment and look forward to many years of continued success for the company with Sara at the helm."

Current MD Adam Gregory, is moving on to pastures new and Mike Withers paid tribute to him, thanking him for driving the company forward over several years and wishing him well for the future.

A new Sales Director has been appointed and an announcement will be made in due course.

The Bransford Webbs Plant Company has appointed Amanda Frankish as its new sales representative for the Northern territory, caring for and improving on an existing portfolio of accounts throughout the North of England and Scotland.

Amanda has joined the company this week and is eager for the start of the new season in January.  

Amanda, brings with her a wealth of industry knowledge, having worked in both the retail and wholesale side of the industry, covering sales and merchandising.

Following training at the nursery, Amanda will be out and about meeting customers in her new area over the next few weeks and early in the new year. 

“We are pleased and excited to see Amanda join our team," commented sales manager David Chilvers,

“Her understanding of the industry and customer base will be a great addition to Bransford Webbs. Amanda’s appointment will put us in a strong position to further develop our customer relationships as we head into the future."

Gardens from Somerset to Singapore have joined the Royal Horticultural Society Partner Garden scheme for 2022, the world’s leading gardening charity announces today. The 11 new additions join a line-up of more than 200 RHS Partner Gardens who offer free entry to RHS members at selected times of the year.

The updated list includes three new RHS Partner Gardens in the South West of England. Sponsor of the 2022 RHS Chelsea Flower Show, The Newt in Somerset is an exciting new destination, with highlights including the Parabola, a walled garden containing a maze of trained apple trees, and the Produce Garden growing more than 350 types of fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Keyneston Mill in Dorset is dedicated to aromatic and scented plants, with gardens divided into fragrance families to bring to life the stories behind perfume making. In Devon, Dartington Hall Gardens boasts impressive lawned terraces, colourful borders and ancient trees, as well as a Japanese Garden and sculpture by Henry Moore.

Two Scottish newcomers are Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye, boasting a historic Water Garden, Rose Garden, Walled Garden and woodland walks; and Teasses Garden in Fife with its restored Victorian Walled Garden, seasonal perennial planting throughout and springtime beauty in the Millennium Wood.

In County Down, there are more than 100 acres of historic landscapes to explore at Hillsborough Castle Gardens. The gardens of the Queen’s official residence in Northern Ireland include a sustainably-managed 18th century Walled Garden.

The lovingly-restored Whalton Manor Gardens in Northumberland, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and influenced by Gertrude Jekyll, is also a new addition for 2022. The magnificent walled garden includes herbaceous borders and walls festooned with roses and clematis. Further south, Cascades Gardens in Derbyshire is inspired by Japanese gardens and Buddhist philosophy, with rocks, water and natural planting combined to celebrate nature and invite quiet reflection.

Grade I listed Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens in West Sussex, famed for its ornamental rock garden and spring displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias, is certain to be a popular new attraction for RHS members. While in Norfolk, six linked gardens home to more than 8,000 species and cultivars, including the Dell Garden, Foggy Bottom and the Summer Garden, await discovery at Bressingham Gardens.

The final new RHS Partner Garden is an altogether different experience that can be enjoyed from the comfort of home. A free virtual tour of Gardens by the Bay in Singapore offers RHS members the opportunity to ‘visit’ the world-famous waterfront attraction, with its towering vertical gardens and plant collections in cooled conservatories – no flight required.

There are 207 gardens in the RHS Partner Gardens scheme for 2022, which allows RHS Members to visit non-RHS gardens for free at selected times of the year. They comprise some of the most famous gardens in the world as well as privately-owned hidden gems, and beyond the UK can be found in 9 countries across the globe, including Barbados, Japan and South Africa.

Details of all RHS Partner Gardens can be found at www.rhs.org.uk/partnergardens

Pictured:

Top row, L-R: Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens © Richard Bloom; Dartington Hall Gardens © Dartington Trust; Cascades Gardens; Keyneston Mill
Middle row, L-R: Dunvegan Castle; The Newt; Gardens by the Bay
Bottom row, L-R: Hillsborough Castle Gardens © HRP/Adam Ferguson; Teasses Garden © Craig Cameron; Whalton Manor Gardens © Penny Norton; Bressingham Gardens

International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) and the Urban Biodiversity Hub (UBHub) have announced the signing of a statement of collaboration to formalise their partnership for the AIPH World Green City Awards and beyond.

The partnership between AIPH and UBHub aligns the common goals of these organisations in pursuit of co-promoting the benefits of urban actions for plants, nature, and biodiversity by local governments. Through the partnership, UBHub joins the growing network of supporting partners for the AIPH World Green City Awards. In turn, the initiatives that are submitted as entries for the AIPH World Green City Awards will be showcased on the UBHub web tool and online platform.

Ms. Mika Tan, Head of UBHub’s Steering Committee, had this to say in support of the partnership: “The AIPH World Green City Awards is a unique opportunity to recognize cities’ efforts in linking urban vegetation, food systems, and biodiversity for healing humanity’s relationship with nature, and to promote healthier, more sustainable, and liveable cities. The right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is a human right, and on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, UBHub is proud to announce our partnership with AIPH to support the inaugural edition of the Awards.”

Nature is the foundation on which our very existence depends, yet it is diminishing at alarming and unprecedented rates. The protection, conservation, and restoration of biodiversity, particularly in and around cities, is essential to ensuring that we safeguard the natural ecosystems which provide multiple benefits for urban populations. The critical role of local governments in achieving the global biodiversity agenda is increasingly recognised as cities are taking bold action to reverse the current trajectory. Now, more than ever before, it is critical that we come together to celebrate and showcase best practice and thereby inspire accelerated urban action for plants, nature, and biodiversity.

“The work of UBHub is well aligned with AIPH’s vision of celebrating the work of cities for plants, nature, and biodiversity. We are proud to be collaborating with the UBHub team,”- Mr. Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General, AIPH

AIPH, the world’s champion for the power of plants, supports the work of their grower associations globally and together they champion a prosperous industry, growing plants that enhance lives, advance societies, and sustain our planet for this generation and the next. AIPH strives to reignite and uphold an appreciation of plants that we believe is a basic human instinct. AIPH also leads global thinking on the successful integration of nature into the built environment. The AIPH Green City programme promotes awareness of the urgent need for urban greening. It is through this programme that AIPH advocates for the essential role of plants in creating vibrant urban areas and aims to develop an international standard for green cities as well as be a focal point for green city best practice and a source of expertise. 

The Urban Biodiversity Hub (UBHub) helps cities around the world to measure and promote their biodiversity and assess their biodiversity strategy. UBHub works with municipal and other local governments and their partners to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their biodiversity planning, according to the goals they set for themselves. This is done by consolidating information on urban biodiversity planning activities and guides in one website, and through their forum and other resources pages which provide access to the latest practices for urban biodiversity planning. UBHub’simmediate goal is to create a web tool for local governments (cities) to measure their biodiversity and assess their biodiversity strategy. In the long term, UBHub seeks to promote biodiversity awareness and action within and around cities.

“Many of the actions taken by local governments to harness the power of plants and associated ecosystem services also make significant contributions to conserving, protecting, and restoring urban biodiversity. We are thrilled to welcome UBHub as a supporting partner for the AIPH World Green City Awards and look forward to jointly promoting leading initiatives with the potential to inspire cities around the world to embrace nature-based solutions to our complex urban challenges.”- Dr. Audrey Timm, Technical Advisor, AIPH Green City Programme

AIPH and UBHub warmly invite all cities, large and small, to further demonstrate their ambitious actions and showcase their work on urban greening and biodiversity by entering the AIPH World Green City Awards.

“Now is the time to rebuild our relationship with our planet. Cities are a critical part of this process. With more than half of humanity living in cities, and well over half of our consumption driven by urban systems, cities must boldly commit to transform harmful processes and reconnect people with nature. We must start in our communities where we live every day, and cities are the right scale to demonstrate meaningful action and lead global transformation.” – Mx Jennifer Rae Pierce, head of UBHub’spartnership and engagement team.

Both AIPH and UBHub are united in our aspiration to accelerate local action in support of safeguarding our collective urban future. We jointly acknowledge that by standing together, we have the greatest chance of maximizing our impact.

Dobbies Garden Centres Group Limited has filed (3 December) the Annual Report and Financial Statements for Dobbies and its subsidiaries. These accounts are for the 52 weeks ending 28 February 2021.

Full accounts for the Group can be seen at: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/10231465/filing-history

The accounts show an operating profit of £12.9m on reduced turnover of £224m, however after finance costs the group reported a loss of £31m.

Here is their announcement issued to the press on Saturday:

Dobbies demonstrated particular resilience and progress, despite the significant challenges caused by the Covid pandemic.

• Dobbies’ EBITDA was £37m, an increase of 60%
• We had strong trading at garden centres acquired in 2019, partially offset by Covid-19 closed periods
• Several garden centres and restaurants were refurbished - Gloucester, Huntingdon and Woodcote Green garden centres
• A wholesale food partnership with Sainsbury’s was launched - now operating in 52 Dobbies’ garden centres
• little dobbies was opened - a new small store format, opening up gardening to urban audiences
• Continued supply chain transformation - including the appointment of a new partner to provide consolidated warehousing, distribution, and home delivery services
• Acquisition strategy continued with the purchase of Johnsons of Boston garden centre in April 2021

Chairman, Andrew Bracey, said: “Dobbies demonstrated substantial resilience while navigating the challenges of Covid-19. As we move forward, our focus remains on delivering our growth strategy.

“Dobbies is the UK’s leading garden centre operator, with a broad range authority and a best-in-class restaurant experience. We have built a robust and efficient platform to support Dobbies’ future growth.”

Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Jenkins, said: “Despite a challenging year there were many positive developments including investment in new locations, refurbishment of existing stores and the launch of little dobbies in urban locations, targeting new customer segments. 

“Sustainability remains core to our business delivery. We are also establishing Dobbies as a digitally led garden centre retailer to drive our customer-first approach. I would like to thank all team members for their support and commitment over the last year.”

Last Friday, 3rd December, new operators, Lush Landscapes, took over the running of the plant and garden centre at Windlesham after Nicholas Marshalls Country House Group pulled out.

Charlie Wooldridge, of Wooldridge Developments the landlords of the Lavershot Barns site told GTN Xtra: " By mutual agreement we've appointed Lush Landscapes who are already on the site in a design capacity to take over the running of the plant and garden centre."

The Country House Group started trading at Windlesham ealier this year with an objective of being local, sustainable, peat free and British.  It was a trial for their planned future developments at numerous country houses across England in coming years.

Barton Grange Garden Centre (above) and Castle Gardens (below) have been announced as the national winners of the 2021 GCA Christmas competition.

The garden centres were judged to have the best festive displays in the country by the organisation and will receive their awards at its annual conference in January 2022.

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, says: “We’d like to say a huge congratulations to Barton Grange Garden Centre in Preston, Lancashire who won in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category and Castle Gardens in Sherborne, Dorset who won in the Garden Centre (GC) category. I’d like to say an additional thank you to everyone who created some truly joyous and memorable displays.

“Last year we were unable to hold such a competition with travel restrictions and various lockdowns in place, so this year was a particularly exciting occasion to return to our annual and much-loved competition of Christmas displays.

“This year experts’ anticipated early sales and a festive boom, so our member garden centres have gone all-out to impress their customers, and the judges, with imaginative and seasonal displays, making it a real challenge to choose the overall winners this year.

“The entrants were judged on general ambience, creativity, stock range, flow and tidiness, and customer service was also taken into consideration.”

Entrants in both the GC and DGC categories were judged by Phil McCann. Runners up in the DGC category were, in second place, Bents Garden Centre and in third Garsons Esher. In the GC category in second place was Old Railway Line Garden Centre and in third place, Brimsmore Gardens, part of The Gardens Group.

David Fawcett-Ropner, Display Manager at Barton Grange, said: “It’s fantastic to hear that we’ve done it again and won Best Christmas Display in the UK in the Destination Garden Centre category. Being nationally recognised for all the hard work everyone throughout the garden centre has put in to making our displays so magical, especially during what has been another challenging year, makes it even more worthwhile.

“We start planning for Christmas a whole year in advance, and we’re so delighted to see all the effort and commitment being rewarded by the GCA, but also appreciated by our customers.”

The full results for the area winners are as follows for the GC and DGC categories.

Midlands: Gates (DGC) and Planters Bretby (GC).

South Thames: Garsons Garden Centre – Esher (DGC) and Castle Gardens (GC).

North Thames: Sunshine Garden Centre (DGC) and Squire’s Stanmore (GC).

North West: Barton Grange (DGC).

North East: Tong Garden Centre (DGC).

Wales and West: Whitehall Lacock (DGC) and the Old Railway Line (GC).

Louise Burks, Director of The Gardens Group, which owns Castle Gardens in Sherborne, Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil and Poundbury Gardens in Dorchester, said: “To have the team’s creativity, resourcefulness and hard work recognised with these national accolades is just fantastic! With Covid considerations still very much at the heart of decision making, the team has gone above and beyond to make the displays as magical and exciting as ever, while ensuring they are safe and welcoming for everyone.

“Having Castle Gardens take first place for the 10th time is a very special achievement for The Gardens Group as a whole and one we are extremely proud of. This consistency reflects the commitment and ingenuity of our whole team, who make the transformation happen from scratch each and every year.”

The top 10 centres overall will also receive a ‘Christmas Centre of Excellence’ certificate shortly. They are:

Barton Grange Garden Centre

Bents Garden Centre

Castle Gardens

Garsons Garden Centre – Esher

Fron Goch

Gates

Ruxley Manor

Old Railway Line

Garsons Garden Centre – Titchfield

Sunshine Garden Centre

The national winners will be given their awards during the GCA’s annual conference on Monday, January 24 at the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa in Blackburn, Lancashire. The conference runs from January 23 until 26, 2022. Places can be booked via www.gca.org.uk.

Following the recently sold-out 40th GIMA Awards, where guests helped to raise over £3,900 for GIMA’s 2021 nominated charity – Greenfingers – with not one but two generous raffles, it has been confirmed that GIMA events have raised over £19,000 for the children’s hospice garden charity throughout the year.

In addition to the GIMA Awards, where members dug deep for the charity raising an additional £3,000 on top of the raffle total, the organisation has also held several events throughout 2021 where further much-needed funds have been raised.

Over £2,000 was added to the fundraising total in July as donated products from the GIMA Awards judging day went under the hammer. With over 250 entries received for this year’s awards, many suppliers kindly donated their products to Greenfingers following the judging process. These donations made up of pots and planters, gardening sundries and clothing, made the journey from Warwick where the GIMA judging took place to Greenfinger’s auction partners, W&H Peacock, in Bedford. It was here that all the donations raised just over £2,200 for the charity.

Earlier in the year in June, the 11th annual GIMA Golf Day - held at the new location of Belton Woods Hotel & Golf Club in Grantham, Lincolnshire - saw 24 teams tackle the Par 73 course, followed by an evening of networking. A raffle also took place, with the day raising an incredible £10,000 for Greenfingers.

On top of this, GIMA members also took part in a range of activities for Garden Re-Leaf Day 2021 in March, as well as donning their floral best for Floral Thursday which took place at Glee in September.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers said: “We really can’t thank GIMA enough for not only a great event but also for such fabulous support, particularly in a year that’s challenged us in so many ways. With more of the inside work of hospices taking place outside, well-designed outside spaces are so important and really do make a tremendous difference to the entire hospice community. It is only thanks to the generosity of our friends in the industry that we can continue creating magical and inspiring gardens. Thank you GIMA, your members and of course Simon for choosing to support Greenfingers this year."

GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall, added: “We are so pleased that our members have managed to raise so much money for Greenfingers throughout 2021. The work that the charity undertakes to build therapeutic garden spaces at children’s hospices across the country is so vital and has such an impact upon the children, family and staff that spend time in these hospice spaces. Being able to support this is an honour and one that I know our members will continue to support in the future. Our thanks to all those that have contributed to this incredible fundraising total.”

For further information please contact the GIMA team on (01959) 564947 or info@gima.org.uk

Pugh's Garden Village has an exciting opportunity to work for their award-winning, family-run business that is expanding in the wonderful industry of plants and horticulture.

NOW HIRING: Plant Department Manager | Full Time | Salary: £27,000-£30,000 (depending on experience) | Pugh's Garden Village Wenvoe

This is an exciting opportunity to work for our award-winning, family-run business that is expanding in the wonderful industry of plants and horticulture.

If you have proven retail experience, excellent communication skills with colleagues and customers and the ability to deliver excellent retail standards then we'd love to hear from you. Please send your CV and covering letter to kpugh@pughsgardencentre.co.uk.

For full job description click here

Pugh's Staff Wellbeing Benefits:

As a permanent employee of Pugh's, after passing your probation period you will be entitled to the following:

• 20%-50% Staff Discounts
  Monthly Prize Draws worth £100
  Individual Staff Life Insurance
  Health Assured - Staff Health & Well-Being Support Scheme
  Yearly Personal Development Reviews
  £30 Uniform Allowance
  Yearly Holiday Giveaway
  and more

https://www.pughsgardencentre.co.uk/vacancies/36/plant-area-manager?fbclid=IwAR2oukYUX4FWb7Gkr0Wx8NxxNdiZ_HpZXRr3j4JpTsGbsvIxzbzO_50tSaw

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highlights of the GTN Wild Birdcare and Wildlife Bestsellers chart for last week are here

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

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

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

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

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

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