In This Issue
Plans to phase out the use of peat in the amateur horticulture sector
'Work with us to phase out peat use, protect the environment and safeguard the UK horticulture industry'
An Open Letter on the use of peat
Woodmansterne features in hit BBC2 show
Volume sales up by a whopping 28%!
12 page GIMA Awards Special in GTN November/December 2021 Issue available on-line
Huge growth for plant sales
Garden centre expands following nursery acquisition
Firmans Direct seek experienced Sales Agents
Dobbies Garden Centres rolls out EV charging
HTA statement on Seasonal Workers Scheme
Gardman is top of the pecking order
Value of partnership: LifestyleGarden and Eden Project
elho to extend its product range in 2022
Important takeover for family business Plantipp
Tong wins award for Christmas displays for fifth time
It’s the most jumperful time of year
Groves Nurseries spreads Christmas cheer
Christmas in the British Garden Centre restaurants
Perrywood Sudbury launches Christmas cheer campaign
Consumer confidence grows in lead up to Christmas
57 garden centres vie for Christmas Greatness in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards
Experienced Field Sales Agent
Area Sales Agents Required
Area Manager South England
Get your copy of GTN Xtra
New Sales Director at Trans-Continental Group Ltd (SnowTime & SunTime).
Reversing the trend
Bee Conservation Trust’s founder to create a buzz at GCA conference
Coining it at Christmas
‘Snow White’ apples and confident colour will abound in 2022, says RHS
No end to growing media sales growth
Southern Trident appoints new Sustainability Supply Chain Manager
Wild Bird Care sales are stable
From bug hotels to kneeling pads: Top 10 Xmas gifts for gardeners
Eden Project to establish 14 hectares of new wildflower habitat
Keukenhof: less than 100 days left until it opens
The best of last week's
Major flagship Dobbies centre starts to take shape
Brexit-hit sector asks why locals don’t want the jobs 
New electric vehicle charging points at Squire’s
Woodlodge to showcase collections at Spring Fair
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to the GTN Bestsellers printed weekly newsletter
Situations Vacant
Experienced Field Sales Agent
(Commission Only)
 
Read more»
Area Sales Agents Required
North Yorkshire & North East; and Scotland
 
Read more»
Area Manager South England
Traeger Pellet Grills, LLC  South Ferriby, England
 
Read more»
Useful Links
Send to a Friend »
Subscribe »
Issue Archive »
Update your Profile »
Print All Articles »
Subscribe to RSS »
Visit Our Website »
Example of a Flyer »
Send us your news and great ideas

Contact us with your news.

Email trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk or call the GTN News team on 07973 504214

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 
Plans to phase out the use of peat in the amateur horticulture sector
Government seeking views on a ban of the retail sale of peat in horticulture by end of this Parliament

Plans to ban the use of peat in horticulture in England and Wales by the end of this Parliament were set out by the Government yesterday (Saturday 18 December) in an effort to protect precious peatland habitats and meet net zero targets.

 

The consultation closes on 18th March and can be found online at this link...


Plans to ban the use of peat in horticulture in England and Wales by the end of this Parliament were set out by the Government yesterday (Saturday 18 December) in an effort to protect precious peatland habitats and meet net zero targets.

 

Peatlands are the UK’s largest carbon store and are routinely dug up in the UK for horticultural purposes, such as for growing media. Bagged retail growing media accounts for 70% of the peat sold in the UK. When this extraction takes place, the carbon stored inside the bog is released as carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change.

 

Peat extraction also degrades the state of the wider peatland landscape, damaging habitats for rare species of flora and fauna, and negatively impacting peat’s ability to prevent flooding and filter water.

 

In a consultation published yesterday, the Government set out measures to phase out the sale of peat and peat-containing products in the amateur sector by the end of this Parliament. Organisations with an interest in peatland protection, horticultural businesses and associations, and those who import and export peat products, are being asked for their views on new measures to end the use of peat products in horticulture.

 

The 12-week consultation is also seeking views on:

 

Introducing point-of-sale measures for bagged growing media, such as a point-of-sale charge for the purchase of any growing media bag containing peat; and mandatory labelling and point-of-sale material containing detail of the environmental reasons for eschewing products containing peat.

 

Mandatory reporting of the volume of peat sold for all sellers of peat and peat containing products.

 

Potential exemptions, including for scientific purposes and a maximum amount of peat allowed in certain products, which will need to be strictly defined and enforced to prevent exploitation.

 

Sustainable alternatives to peat which are of comparable quality to peat-based products are currently available. These are often made up of peat-free materials derived from more sustainable sources, for example wood fibre and bark, green compost, wool, coir and other materials.

 

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: "Our peatlands are an incredibly valuable natural resource. They play a crucial role in locking up carbon, provide habitats for wildlife and help with flood mitigation.

 

"The amateur gardening sector has made huge strides in reducing peat use and there are now more sustainable and good quality peat-free alternatives available than at any other time, so I am confident now is the right time to make the shift permanent.

 

"Today’s consultation directly contributes towards the Government’s net zero carbon emissions target. The protection of our peatlands will also help us deliver on commitments in the 25 Year Environment Plan whilst also preserving these landscapes for future generations."

 

Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said: "Our peatlands exemplify the multiple benefits society can reap from healthy natural systems. Healthy peatlands are among our most precious habitats, offering a home to some our scarcest plants and animals. They comprise diverse landscapes too, located not only in our remote uplands but also in lowland areas, such as fens.

 

"Peatlands are also among our most beautiful landscapes, including in the National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, that we hope even more people will enjoy during the years ahead. By restoring peatlands, we can protect and increase all of these valuable benefits.

 

"We are proud to be able to deliver the next round of funding for the Discovery Grants, which will unlock barriers faced for smaller, up and coming projects and will make a major difference to protecting these precious habitats. This will contribute to building a wider Nature Recovery Network across the entire country."

 

Welsh Minister for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths said: "The protection of our peatlands is an important element of our Net Zero plans. They are a valued and precious part of our landscape, and play a vital role in capturing carbon. With many alternatives to peat available for amateur gardeners, it is a good time to look at making the shift from using peat in our gardens and to launch this consultation. We are already supporting projects to restore and protect our peatlands in Wales through our five year National Peatland Action Programme (NPAP), which I launched in November of last year. In the first year alone of the NPAP, we have invested over £1.5m in capital funding ensuring over 650ha of peatlands are on a restoration pathway."

 

The Government has also awarded funding of over £4 million to help groups develop new projects seeking to restore peatland systems to a natural and healthy state at a landscape scale. The funding will be delivered by Natural England and will help unlock barriers to peatland restoration, enabling projects that would struggle to gain funding to be in a position to apply for future rounds of peat restoration funding. Grants have been awarded to 10 projects from across the country including in the Fens, Dorset, Somerset and Yorkshire.

 

Some of these projects are:

 

Working closely with landowners across three Internal Drainage Boards, the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) aims to use the funding to unlock barriers to restoration and develop proposals for a further Nature for Climate Peatland Grant for 500-1,500 ha of agriculturally-managed lowland fen peatland within a total area of 11,220 hectares in Cambridgeshire.

 

The Broads Authority in Norfolk is working on the Broads Peatland Partnership to develop a whole new approach to peat management and carbon storage in The Broads; rewetting degraded peat, adopting paludiculture* and delivering additional ecosystem benefits.

 

The Moors for the Future Partnership aims to develop restoration plans for 63 individual sites across the Dark Peak, Southern Pennines, West Pennines and South West Peak Staffordshire Moorlands, covering 37,614 ha of upland catchment habitat. The work will include addressing knowledge gaps in the peat resource and extensive stakeholder engagement to contribute to restoration project planning and development.

 

With only 13% of peatland in a near-natural state in England, Government announced the England Peat Action Plan earlier this year, setting out plans to restore, sustainably manage and protect peatlands. This will enable the restoration of at least 35,000 hectares of peatland by 2025, supported by the Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme. The Government has also invested £2.7 million in the Great North Bog, a large-scale peatland restoration initiative across our sweeping expanse of blanket bog in the north of England.

 

The announcement is part of the Government’s commitments to tackle the twin threat of biodiversity and climate change. The Environment Act will deliver the most ambitious environmental programme of any country on earth and drive forward action to protect nature and improve biodiversity, including through a target for species abundance for 2030, aiming to halt the decline of nature.

 

Further information:

 

The consultation closes on 18th March and can be found online at this link

 

Paludiculture is the practice of farming on wet land, such as rewetted bogs and fens. It offers many benefits such as climate change mitigation through avoiding Nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide emissions and provision of cool humid air

'Work with us to phase out peat use, protect the environment and safeguard the UK horticulture industry'

As Defra and the Welsh government launch their ‘Ending Retail Sale of Peat in Horticulture in England and Wales’ consultation, the UK horticulture industry highlights collaboration as the key to solving the issue of peat-use..


As Defra and the Welsh government launch their ‘Ending Retail Sale of Peat in Horticulture in England and Wales’ consultation, the UK horticulture industry highlights collaboration as the key to solving the issue of peat-use.

 

The horticulture sector is a green industry at its core and fully supports government ambitions to end the use of peat, an objective it has united to achieve voluntarily through the work of its Growing Media Taskforce. The group spoke out today as Defra officially launched a long-awaited consultation on a proposal to ban peat, saying progress towards succeeding in this ambition will be difficult to sustain without urgent support from government.

 

“We are an industry that understands the importance of protecting our planet – we produce trees and plants - the essential nature-based solutions to climate change,” said James Barnes, spokesman for the taskforce. “We are committed to taking every realistic step towards ending peat use and earlier this year set out to Defra a comprehensive plan which outlines the action required by industry and, critically, by government, if this ambition is to be realised. Neither a ban or point of sale taxes will address fundamental problems with availability of alternatives to peat.”

 

Peat as an ingredient in growing media for the retail market is dropping and is at its lowest since records began in 2011. Continuing this trajectory is entirely dependent on securing enough volume and quality of alternative materials. Government action, such as changes to legislation that currently prevent the possibility of waste from the food industry from being explored, is urgently required to unlock the policy barriers standing in the way.

 

The willingness of the industry to make the switch was highlighted in a recent survey*** of retailers which showed 70 per cent of respondents would consider switching to stocking only peat-free products for retail to the public if alternatives were easily available. It is this issue of availability which presents the biggest hurdle.

 

“A ban on peat will cause a shortfall of around 1.5 million cubic metres of material that goes into bags of compost for gardeners. It will not help solve the shortage in alternative materials,” explained Barnes.

 

“Government could make a positive commitment to this by accelerating research and development; efforts to achieve ‘end of waste’ status for recycled materials and action to improve the consistency of household green waste collection. These are untapped sources of an alternative ingredient to growing media.”

 

The group also fears a point-of-sale tax on bagged growing media will hurt UK gardeners, with consumers better supported to make responsible choices through education rather than point-of-sale charges which will drive up the cost of gardening for those who can least afford it. It points to the forthcoming launch of its industry-led Responsible Sourcing Scheme, complemented by the development of a learning program to improve garden centres’ ability to advise consumers, as proactive ways to support change.

 

“Positive collaboration with government, not an unnecessary ban, unrealistic timescales and threats of yet more taxes is the key to a horticulture sector without peat. An industry-government partnership would enable UK horticulture to achieve the international competitive-edge and certainty it requires to ‘green our economy’”, Barnes concluded.

 

“We continue to do everything we can to remove peat, but it needs government to step up to support this change.”

 
An Open Letter on the use of peat

The undersigned feel there should be a much more open debate on the peat in horticulture issue with both for and against statements up for discussion...

 

Sir Brian H  Donohoe Ret'd MP Secretary of the Gardening and Horticultural Group 1992—2015

Peter Seabrook, International TV Gardening Presenter/Gardening Editor, The Sun.

Robert Hillier, Director Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres.

Jim McColl, Presenter BBC TV The Beechgrove Gardening Progammes.

Adrian Bloom, Chair Blooms Nurseries Ltd.

Jason Bloom, Managing Director Blooms Nurseries.

Bunny Guinness, Garden Designer and Broadcaster.

Andrew Tokely, Horticultural Director, E. W. King & Co Ltd.

Garry Coward Williams, Editor, Amateur Gardening Magazine.

Robert Wharton, Director Wharton’s Roses (fears unfair European Competition).

Paul Wharton, Director Wharton’s Roses.

Alan Sargent, Founder Association of Professional Landscapers.

Paul Cooling, Chair Coolings Garden Centres. (Currently not enough Peat Free alternatives).

Neil and Nicci Gow, Experienced and long-term Garden Retailers.

Steve McCurdy, Managing Director, Majestic Trees Ltd.

Kenneth Cox, Director Glendoick Nursery and Garden Centre, Ericaceous Plat Exporter.

Christine Walkden, Gardening Broadcaster and Lecturer.

Steve and Val Bradley, Authors, Social Media, National gardening Columnists.

Graham Richardson, Group Managing Director Johnsons of Wixley and six fellow directors:-

John, Andrew, Iain, Robert, Eleanor and Jonathon Whitemore.

Douglas Wilson, Director/Partner, Trioscape Garden Centre and Nursery.

Jo Davey, Horticultural Marketing Research and Development Manager.

Michael Smith, Director Grange, Nurseries and MeadowCroft Garden Centre.

Simon Crawford, Director, Burpee Europe.

Tim Kerley, Director, Kerley & Co, Plant Breeders.

Derek Jarman, Director Hayloft Nurseries Ltd.


The undersigned feel there should be a much more open debate on the peat in horticulture issue with both for and against statements up for discussion.   It should be noted at the outset we all believe Sphagnum moss peat should not be used for soil improvement.

  • It is universally agreed peat should not be used for soil improvement, there are plenty of alternatives for this use, including garden compost, well-rotted manures and leaf-mould.
  • Sphagnum Moss Peat from Raised Bogs has been and remains the best constituent for seed, cuttings and potting composts.  Peat to case spawned mushroom growing media currently has no alternative.
  • Moss peat use in seed and potting composts is currently, by all available measures, an environmentally friendly growing media and in most uses, results in the absorption of CO2, plus the sequestration of carbon in woody growth and the soil.
  • Cut-away raised peat bogs can be restored, where water levels are raised and harvested areas re-seeded with the correct species of sphagnum. Newly planted sphagnum grows rapidly, laying down 5 to 7 cms per year, which make peat a sustainable and renewable resource.  (e.g. Beadamoss)
  •  Restoring cut-away bogs and the rapid growth of seeded sphagnum absorbs carbon dioxide in great quantity.
  • Most current peat-free composts need much higher rates of base fertilizer (up to four times more) to replace plant foods absorbed by breaking down fibres.  They also need more regular watering (at least double), which in turn leads to nitrates being lost in drainage water.  Peat has excellent water retention qualities and holds onto base fertilizers to feed plants.
  • The growth of some plants is not as good in many of the peat-free composts currently available and this includes all the ericaceous subjects, namely azaleas, camelia, heathers and rhododendrons.
  • Air dried peat can be compressed and is light in weight, so uses thinner polythene in wrappers and less fossil fuel to transport.
  • Sphagnum moss peat is sterile, clean to handle, pest and pollutant free.  Unlike some of the peat free alternatives, where there is a risk of introducing weedkillers and plant diseases.
  • Peat free composts are made up to widely differing recipes, so it is very difficult for home gardeners to adapt their watering and feeding practices when the compost mixes are no longer standard.  Where they experience poor growth and failures, we risk losing the attraction for people to stay at home gardening and growing some of their own food.

 

           Signed:-     

Sir Brian H  Donohoe Ret'd MP Secretary of the Gardening and Horticultural Group 1992—2015

Peter Seabrook, International TV Gardening Presenter/Gardening Editor, The Sun.

Robert Hillier, Director Hillier Nurseries and Garden Centres.

Jim McColl, Presenter BBC TV The Beechgrove Gardening Progammes.

Adrian Bloom, Chair Blooms Nurseries Ltd.

Jason Bloom, Managing Director Blooms Nurseries.

Bunny Guinness, Garden Designer and Broadcaster.

Andrew Tokely, Horticultural Director, E. W. King & Co Ltd.

Garry Coward Williams, Editor, Amateur Gardening Magazine.

Robert Wharton, Director Wharton’s Roses (fears unfair European Competition).

Paul Wharton, Director Wharton’s Roses.

Alan Sargent, Founder Association of Professional Landscapers.

Paul Cooling, Chair Coolings Garden Centres. (Currently not enough Peat Free alternatives).

Neil and Nicci Gow, Experienced and long-term Garden Retailers.

Steve McCurdy, Managing Director, Majestic Trees Ltd.

Kenneth Cox, Director Glendoick Nursery and Garden Centre, Ericaceous Plat Exporter.

Christine Walkden, Gardening Broadcaster and Lecturer.

Steve and Val Bradley, Authors, Social Media, National gardening Columnists.

Graham Richardson, Group Managing Director Johnsons of Wixley and six fellow directors:-

John, Andrew, Iain, Robert, Eleanor and Jonathon Whitemore.

Douglas Wilson, Director/Partner, Trioscape Garden Centre and Nursery.

Jo Davey, Horticultural Marketing Research and Development Manager.

Michael Smith, Director Grange, Nurseries and MeadowCroft Garden Centre.

Simon Crawford, Director, Burpee Europe.

Tim Kerley, Director, Kerley & Co, Plant Breeders.

Derek Jarman, Director Hayloft Nurseries Ltd.

 

Woodmansterne features in hit BBC2 show

The Woodmansterne card factory in in Watford, Hertfordshire, is set to be featured in BBC2’s hit series Inside the Factory Christmas Special. The show scheduled to be shown at 9pm on Wednesday December 22 will see presenter Gregg Wallace visit the company’s premises...


The Woodmansterne card factory in in Watford, Hertfordshire, is set to be featured in BBC2’s hit series Inside the Factory Christmas Special. The show scheduled to be shown at 9pm on Wednesday December 22 will see presenter Gregg Wallace visit the company’s premises.

 

Managing director Seth Woodmansterne said: “We are delighted that the BBC were so excited to capture the work and wonder that goes into making Christmas cards. Visitors to our factory are always surprised at the range of processes and the level of intricacy, detail, and care that we apply when manufacturing our cards. It was lovely to share this with Gregg and viewers! 

 

“Of course, distilling this into a short programme with an easy-to-understand story can lead to some interesting versions of reality; my knuckles have just about recovered from opening 20 times the side curtain of a paper delivery lorry for one scene – not a regular part of my day job! I’m really proud that the industry is being represented at Christmas (especially in these unusual times) and that the value of people connecting in meaningful ways with loved ones has been reinforced.”

 

So how did filming at the Woodmansterne card factory come about? Head of marketing Kate Leach said: “It all started with a phone call in autumn 2019 asking for information on our Caltime brand and ended up with us featuring in the short historical segment of the 2019 Christmas special, showcasing the production of our advent calendars. 

 

“The team had a whale of a time and loved the factory, so we agreed to keep in touch with the prospect of future filming. Following many texts and calls between the producer and I over the months (and a short lived plan for 2020 filming!) we were finally able to invite the Voltage TV film crew back to site in early 2021 and the show was commissioned by the BBC in May ready for filming in June. 

 

“I must admit to being overjoyed at having secured such a great showcase for our greeting cards on BBC2 primetime.”

 

Senior designer Amy Eastland added: “I was delighted…if not a little terrified when I learned that my card had been selected for Inside the factory, and as a result I would be responsible for walking Gregg through the design process. 

 

“To say it was nerve-racking would be an understatement (I’m far more comfortable behind a computer screen) but Gregg totally put me at ease with many a Deer related joke and the filming flew. I look forward to seeing Christmas cards front and centre on the BBC just before the big day.” 

Volume sales up by a whopping 28%!
Exclusive GTN Bestsellers Garden Centre Epos Data Analysis

What a year it has been with volume sales in the GTN Bestsellers Epos data beating last year by a whopping 28% and exceeding 2019 levels by 16%. With all that extra gardening activity going on, it sets the scene wonderfully for a Happy New Year!


 

What a year it has been with volume sales in the GTN Bestsellers Epos data beating last year by a whopping 28% and exceeding 2019 levels by 16%. With all that extra gardening activity going on, it sets the scene wonderfully for a Happy New Year!

 

While high street retailing is reporting a drop in footfall due to Omicron issues, our data indicates that garden centres still seem to be safe places to visit and sales are up on last year for the first two weeks of December.

 

 

We’re taking a break for Christmas now, so we’ll see you all again in the New Year. Have a good one!

 

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

  • Garden Products Top 50 – down 20%
  • Growing Media Top 50 – down 7%
  • Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 17%
  • Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – down 23%
  • Christmas Top 50 – up 34%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week in 2020: week 50

  • All Plants with Barcode index – up 2%
  • All Items with Barcode index – up 13%

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

12 page GIMA Awards Special in GTN November/December 2021 Issue available on-line

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.    

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.    

 

 
Huge growth for plant sales

The total plant sales for the year, as recorded by GTN Bestsellers shows huge growth, up 46% on last year but of course centres were closed for seven weeks during lockdown #1, but 18% up on 2019 levels and 11% up on the previous high for the year set in 2018...


 

The total plant sales for the year, as recorded by GTN Bestsellers shows huge growth, up 46% on last year but of course centres were closed for seven weeks during lockdown #1, but 18% up on 2019 levels and 11% up on the previous high for the year set in 2018.

 

All Plants volume sales change: Week on week DOWN 11.8%.  Year to date vs 2020 UP 46.4%, vs 2019 UP 18.3%.

 

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

Garden centre expands following nursery acquisition

A Lurgan-based garden centre has announced a six-figure investment in the acquisition and redevelopment of a garden nursery as it responds to supply chain disruption impacting overseas imports...


 

A Lurgan-based garden centre has announced a six-figure investment in the acquisition and redevelopment of a garden nursery as it responds to supply chain disruption impacting overseas imports.

 

With funding support from Ulster Bank, Wilderness Flower & Garden Centre, based on Flush Place, Lurgan, has acquired the expansive Hoophill Nurseries, situated on a six-acre plot on the outskirts of the County Armagh town just a few miles from its main trading premises.

 

Featuring approximately three acres of glass growing houses, the nursey will supply the garden centre with its own ranges while owner Kyle Archer says the business will also begin trading wholesale, acting as a locally-based supplier for other florists throughout Northern Ireland seeking a reliable and consistent supply of garden products.

 

“We have significant scope to increase our sales volumes, but Brexit-related supply chain issues mean we’re contending with inconsistent and unreliable lead times,” he explains.

 

“This acquisition will help us to ensure a consistent supply for our own business while providing us with the capacity to take on a leading role in the local market as we scale up our operation over the next two years and begin selling surplus stock at the wholesale level.”

 

The site also features a large warehouse which is currently under renovation and will see the development of modern office facilities from which to grow the wholesale side of the business.

 

When fully operational, the nursery will enable Wilderness Flower & Garden Centre to significantly reduce costs and expand its product range with new plant varieties.

 

“Currently, we import around 50% of our stock. Owning this supply line will minimise the need for importing products which translates to higher margins and major annual savings, particularly from transportation costs.”

 

Ulster Bank business development manager Paul Reid says the investment is welcomed news for the local industry.

 

“Kyle and the team at Wilderness Flower & Garden Centre are seizing the reigns with this investment, which we’re pleased to be able to support. The challenges facing the business are considerable and restricting growth, but with the additional space to grow their own products they can maximise profitability while also taking on an important supporting role for other local businesses responding to similar supply chain issues.”

 

In 2013, the business, which specialises in fresh cut flowers, nursery plants, gifts and occasions, invested in its current purpose-built premises as it expanded its operations, also with Ulster Bank support.

 
Firmans Direct seek experienced Sales Agents

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 in the following vacant territoriesSouth East, South West, East Anglia, South Wales, Scotland, Ireland.


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 

 

Dobbies Garden Centres rolls out EV charging

Dobbies is partnering with sustainable energy pioneer and charge point operator, GRIDSERVE, to install EV chargers at stores nationwide.,,


 

Dobbies is partnering with sustainable energy pioneer and charge point operator, GRIDSERVE, to install EV chargers at stores nationwide.

 

The move will provide Dobbies’ shoppers, commuters and local residents easy access to affordable and fast electric vehicle (EV) charging. 

 

This is a UK-first partnership between GRIDSERVE and a major garden centre retailer and will initially see 30 ‘Destination Electric Hubs’ installed in Dobbies’ car parks across the UK, from Aberdeen to Ashford, each containing up to 12 high power EV charge points with connectors that support all types of electric vehicles.  

 

The state-of-the-art charging units will accept contactless payment, provide real-time usage updates to both the GRIDSERVE map and Zap-Map and will be powered exclusively by net zero carbon energy. They will also adopt GRIDSERVE’s highly competitive standard nationwide pricing, making it considerably cheaper to re-charge an EV than fill an equivalent vehicle with petrol or diesel.  

Graeme Jenkins, CEO at Dobbies, said: “As we build on the #SustainableDobbies journey, the partnership with GRIDSERVE demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing our customers with environmentally-friendly solutions.  

 

“We are proud to be the first garden centre retailer to work with this forward-thinking and innovative company and we look forward to welcoming electric vehicle drivers as we roll out this service across the UK throughout 2022.” 

 

Toddington Harper, CEO of GRIDSERVE, added: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Dobbies on this category-first collaboration. Not only do Dobbies share our long-term commitment to sustainability, their support will help raise both the viability and visibility of electric vehicles and EV charging to new audiences.  

 

“To protect the environment and address climate change the Government has committed to banning the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in only eight years, and this has helped put EV sales on an exponential growth trajectory. Our partnership with Dobbies will support the uptake of EVs further, and deliver many fantastic new charging locations for EV drivers across the UK.” 

 

The roll-out begins in Spring 2022 and complements the rapidly expanding GRIDSERVE Electric Highway, voted 2021’s ‘EV Charging Network Operator of the Year’ at the prestigious Electric Vehicle Innovation and Excellence (EVIE) Awards.  

 

The initial charger deployments are in the following Dobbies’ locations:  

 

Midlands 

  • Derby  
  • Gailey  
  • Leicester 
  • Milton Keynes 
  • Northampton 
  • Peterborough  
  • Rugby 
  • Telford  
  • Shrewsbury 

Scotland

  • Aberdeen
  • Ayr
  • Braehead
  • Dunfermline
  • Edinburgh
  • Livingston
  • Perth
  • Stirling

South West

  • Swindon
  • Gloucester

South East

  • Ashford
  • Hare Hatch
  • Gillingham

North East

  • York
  • Stockton

East

  • Ashford
  • Woodbridge

North West

  • Liverpool
  • Southport

Wales

  • Moreton Park

Northern Ireland

  • Lisburn

 

 
HTA statement on Seasonal Workers Scheme

The HTA's director of policy and communications James Clark has commented  on this week's House of Commons EFRA select committee appearance by Immigration Minister Kevin Foster MP...


Commenting onthis week's House of Commons EFRA select committee appearance by Immigration Minister Kevin Foster MP, James Clark, Director of Policy & Communications at the Horticultural Trades Association said:

 

“Kevin Foster, the Immigration Minister, confirming that ornamental growers will be included in the seasonal workers scheme is very welcome news. The length of period being offered provides certainty. The HTA has been campaigning for this change, so I’m delighted that our engagement with government has paid off.

 

`'We need to see the full published details though as it seemingly doesn’t include an extension in numbers or the visa scheme – we were calling for a modest 10% increase in the current scheme numbers - nor visas being expanded to include the full ornamental season. Without this it means that ornamental growers will be competing with edible growers for this much needed labour.

 

"We will be working with our members to assess how their labour needs are being met on the ground in 2022 and will make their case to government for further appropriate change as necessary”.  

Gardman is top of the pecking order

Westland Horticulture brand, Gardman, continues to be a firm favourite within the wild bird care market and has gained recognition from consumer choice magazine WHICH for one of its best-selling wild bird feeder products...


 

Westland Horticulture brand, Gardman, continues to be a firm favourite within the wild bird care market and has gained recognition from consumer choice magazine WHICH for one of its best-selling wild bird feeder products.

 

Among 12 squirrel-proof bird feeders analysed in the latest WHICH Best Buy edition, Gardman’s Heavy Duty Squirrel Proof Seed Feeder was handpicked for its cleverly designed product. Retailing at £29.99, not only does the feeder deter squirrels from accessing the food but also has an antibacterial coating, known as FeedSafe™, that inhibits the growth of bacteria by 99.99% - the hygienic way to feed wild birds.

 

Rachael Dickinson, Senior Marketing Manager commented:

 

“Our team has worked hard to develop a high quality, functional and innovative feeder that encompasses the needs of wild birds and gardeners, whilst controlling unwanted garden visitors.  We are delighted that we have gained this latest recognition from WHICH - a rubber stamp of approval to consumers choosing Gardman."

 

With an expected increase in demand for this Gardman wild bird feeder following such a glowing review, Westland is keen to help retailers maximise the opportunity and is encouraging its partners, both current and new, to stock up.

 

Supplying an innovative range of gardening, wild bird care and horticulture products, Westland is a market leader, supplying its brands, including Gardman, to leading retailers across the UK and Ireland.

 
Value of partnership: LifestyleGarden and Eden Project

Since 2019 LifestyleGarden – pioneers of sustainable material usage within the outdoor leisure sector – have been working with the Eden Project towards a common goal of promoting environmental responsibility and sustainability. As this remarkable relationship reaches its two-year milestone, we find out more about how the partnership has grown...


 

Since 2019 LifestyleGarden – pioneers of sustainable material usage within the outdoor leisure sector – have been working with the Eden Project towards a common goal of promoting environmental responsibility and sustainability. As this remarkable relationship reaches its two-year milestone, we find out more about how the partnership has grown.

 

The partnership between LifestyleGarden and the Eden Project was a true industry first. With both organisations driven by goals of promoting environmental responsibility and sustainability, LifestyleGarden’s 2019 season furniture ranges were supported by Eden Project’s highly-recognisable branding, whilst Eden also featured LifestyleGarden’s award-winning DuraOcean chair – the first mass-market outdoor furniture made from recycled ocean plastic waste – within its Mediterranean Biome.

 

Fast forward two years and this partnership continues to thrive. In addition to the Eden Project branded furniture ranges, LifestyleGarden has also worked closely with the Eden team to help complete the refit of its multiple catering areas, where its Banyan Tree chairs have been joined by the DuraOcean - 2021 RHS Sustainable Product of the Year shortlisted product. Looking ahead to 2022, LifestyleGarden’s latest innovation - the Nassau chair made using Social Plastic® from Plastic Bank – will join the line up within Eden’s catering areas.

 

Talking about this part of the partnership, the Eden Project’s Commercial Manager Tracey Smith said: “Adding LifestyleGarden’s ranges to our catering areas felt like a natural progression of our partnership. Whilst we only partner with a few like-minded brands, we look to maximise every possible element and showcase product to our visitors in as many touchpoints as we can. In doing so, we can help increase brand awareness whilst also encouraging our visitors to ask more questions around the material innovation and environmental impact of everyday products.”

 

 

It is this concept of questioning provenance and sustainability that both LifestyleGarden and the Eden team feel is driving consumer demand. Whether it is questioning the material, packaging, manufacturing processes, recyclability, or impact of use, both parties are seeing demand continue to increase for products that deliver in functionality but do so whilst positively impacting the environment and community.

 

Tracey added: “Whether it’s the old mantra of ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ or ‘reuse, recycle, repurpose’ we are seeing consumers make more considered and environmentally conscious purchasing decisions. In addition, since the pandemic we are also seeing more of our visitors reach out to ask questions about how they can make a difference. Being able to work in partnership with brands such as LifestyleGarden means we can better answer these questions and point our visitors in the direction of brands that we know deliver on what they promise.

 

“Partnerships are also important for our internal team. As we add so few to our licensing programme – for us it is about quality, not quantity – we are constantly assessing each partner’s value and in turn, what is important to us as an organisation. In doing so, we can ensure that our mission to partner with brands that hold the same values across all elements of their business are upheld to the highest standard; a standard which we hope even more brands will strive to achieve.”

 

As the 2021 season comes to an end, LifestyleGarden and the Eden Project are both looking ahead to a busy and fruitful 2022 season. With outdoor living more popular than ever as we recognise the mental and physical wellbeing that comes from gardening and spending time outdoors, the expectation is that sales of outdoor living lines, particularly garden furniture, will continue to thrive. This is an especially exciting prospect when you consider that LifestyleGarden is poised to officially launch the most ground-breaking outdoor leisure range to ever hit the UK market – the Nassau chair, made from Social Plastic® from Plastic Bank.  

  

 

The range boasts all the same benefits as the original Nassau collection – a stylish, vibrant set of outdoor and indoor furniture with extreme weather resistance and complete recyclability at end of life. Within this new collection, however, every Nassau chair will be made from the equivalent of 175 recycled plastic bottles, with each chair directly contributing to vulnerable communities supported by Plastic Bank.

 

Plastic Bank builds ethical recycling ecosystems in vulnerable coastal communities and reprocesses the materials for reintroduction into the global manufacturing supply chain as Social Plastic®. The company empowers disadvantaged communities and helps them to transcend inequality by providing an opportunity to collect and monetise plastic waste.

 

 

Collectors in Plastic Bank’s ecosystems receive a premium for the materials they collect, which helps them provide basic family necessities such as groceries, school tuition, internet access, health insurance, and cooking fuel. The collected plastic waste is reborn as Social Plastic® which can be easily reintegrated into products and packaging as part of a closed-loop supply chain. It is these pellets that LifestyleGarden will now use exclusively for its Nassau Collection made using Social Plastic® from Plastic Bank.

 

Talking about the new Social Plastic collection, Eden’s Tracey Smith said: “LifestyleGarden achieved something really unique with DuraOcean but we always knew that this would just be the start of the journey. With Social Plastic LifestyleGarden can truly demonstrate what a closed-loop economy can look like, and how such exciting and community-driven manufacturing should not be reserved for the elite but is something that can be incorporated into our everyday. Eden is fully behind the initiative and looks forward to showcasing the range to our customers and stakeholders.”

 

Paul Cohen, LifestyleGarden’s Sales Director said: “It has been and remains an absolute pleasure to work so closely alongside the Eden Project. Partnerships such as this are vitally important to us as a business, not only from a brand awareness perspective but more importantly, it helps us continually refocus our efforts and stay on the path we have set ourselves. We are very much looking forward to continuing to build our partnership and to bring our latest innovations to the Eden Project both here, and in new locations, as they are added.”

 

Find out more

To find out more about LifestyleGarden®’s market-leading ranges please visit www.lifestylegarden.com. You can also learn more about ScanCom and its commitment to a more sustainable future by visiting www.scancom.net

 

To learn more about the Eden Project please visit www.edenproject.com

elho to extend its product range in 2022

Following the successful launch of elhos 2021 collections - including new vibes, greenville, fuente and green basics products - the sustainable plant pot manufacturer is set to introduce a number of new products and collections to its portfolio in 2022, helping to bring added style and greater innovation to homes and outdoor spaces...


Following the successful launch of elho’s 2021 collections - including new vibes, greenville, fuente and green basics products - the sustainable plant pot manufacturer is set to introduce a number of new products and collections to its portfolio in 2022, helping to bring added style and greater innovation to homes and outdoor spaces.

 

For nearly 60 years, elho has created beautiful pots to inspire people to give room to nature and help make the world a greener place. The new products and collections were developed with this in mind and have been designed to be 100% recyclable, with 85% of the raw materials used made from recycled plastic. elho’s production process is sustainable too, running on 100% wind energy generated by elho’s own windmill at its office in Tilburg, Holland.

 

Greensense aqua care 

With the greensense aqua care collection, gone is the worry around keeping plants happy and hydrated. Thanks to the built-in water reservoir and handy water meter, plant lovers can go about their day without the risk of under – or over – watering their plants, as the pot regulates the water for the plant itself. Its handy plug also means that they are suitable for indoor use and its round and square models add a sleek and stylish design to the home, with its handy wheels making it easy to manoeuvre into the perfect spot.

 

The collection is available in two new shades, light concrete and charcoal grey, with the round design available in sizes ranging from 30 – 43cm, and the square design from 30 – 38cm.

 

Green basics stack and grow

elho has extended its green basics collection with smart, stackable crates that help grow vegetables, fruits and herbs, even in small spaces such as balconies or small gardens. Simply stack the crates horizontally or vertically, and watch your planting schemes flourish.

Plus, with large openings on either sides of the crates, plants can get enough light and oxygen whilst its drainage holes eliminate excess water, helping promote optimum growth. The stack and grow crates are available in two shades, leaf green and living black.

 

Vibia campana 

For those looking to add a splash of colour and style to their outdoor spaces, the vibia campana collection’s timeless design is a great choice – and is being extended in 2022 with new models and shades being introduced to help plants shine.

 

To help nature flourish on balconies and create your own urban jungle, the easy hanger, flower bridge, flower twin and vertical forest are all great choices, slotting easily onto a variety of railings. The vibia campana wall basket and bowl can be easily placed around balconies, gardens and other outdoor spaces.

The collection is available in a range of shades including honey yellow, anthracite and dusty pink. The products within the vibia campana collection are available in a variety of sizes to fit different balcony railings and outdoor spaces.

 

 

Greenville hanging trough

The greenville range has also been expanded, introducing the new easy balcony pot that fits on railings up to 12cm, with a fixator for extra stability. The 52cm design is available in subtle shades – including white, leaf green and living concrete – that serves the beauty of the plants that it houses. Its convenient built-in water reservoir also takes the stress away from over or under-watering as the pot looks after the watering itself.

 

Vivo next 

The vivo next collection offers a simple, stylish addition to outdoor spaces, with its simplistic square and long designs allowing plants to become the main attraction. Its clean lines offer a sleek design that would make the perfect addition to modern gardens or interiors and its hidden wheels make it easy to move them around. The planters are also UV and frost-resistant, making them incredibly robust, whilst its removable plug make them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

 

The vivo next collection is available in subtle shades, white, warm grey and living black, in both a square or a longer shape.

 

Elho is passionate about creating the perfect pots to help people surround themselves with nature, and following another year of success, 2022 will see the company launch yet more sustainable products that deliver on both style and function.

 

To find out more about elho and its products, as well as its commitment to sustainability, visit https://www.elho.com

 
Important takeover for family business Plantipp

Kim and Peter, daughter and son of Reinier van Rijssen, are ready to take over the wheel at Plantipp...


 

Kim and Peter, daughter and son of Reinier van Rijssen, are ready to take over the wheel at Plantipp. 

 

Bringing People, Plants and Ideas together: this slogan marked the beginning of Plantipp more than 25 years ago. Reinier van Rijssen started the company with the aim to represent breeders and support them by managing the royalties, licenses and labels of new plant varieties. 

 

Plantipp expanded rapidly and it didn’t take long for children Peter and Kim to become part of this nowadays international family business with two associated sister companies. After decades of running Plantipp and American sister company Concept Plants, the time has come for Reinier to pass the baton.  

 

“Everyone reaches the moment where it’s simply time to step back and enjoy everything you've accomplished. There is nothing more beautiful than for your own children to feel the same love and passion for your company as you do. It only makes sense that the proverbial baton is passed on to Peter and Kim,” Reinier explains with a smile. 

 

“You know, I once started Plantipp as a solution to a problem. I bred plants for a company. As soon as I left the company, I not only had to say goodbye to the plants but I also didn’t receive any royalty for the plants I bred. I wondered: how can you earn income from breeding as an independent breeder? There weren’t any options for independent breeders to make any money on their ‘babies’: a huge issue within the industry if you ask me. It's so hard without any help. You have to arrange tests, issue worldwide licenses, guarantee the quality of the plants, apply for plant breeders' rights and patents – and so on. I wanted to make sure that breeders could earn a living and focus solely on breeding, while everything else was taken care of. With that thought in mind, Plantipp was born: one of the very first royalty management agencies worldwide!” 

 

The arrival of royalty management agencies changed the sector, and in the past twenty years, Plantipp has grown into one of the larger players worldwide. 

 

“The fact that there was so much demand for real, sincere, honest and transparent help says it all, doesn't it? Within a few years, Plantipp grew into a global business. Which was fantastic! It didn’t take long for Peter to hop on board and Kim did the same a little while after.” 

 

The Plantipp-team travels the world and is in direct contact with their partners in The Netherlands and abroad. This enables them to closely follow and control the development of a new variety. 

 

“We grew so incredibly fast! Throughout the years, we expanded our Plantipp- family with a handful of people and a number of representatives in different countries. This way we have a large reach but still remain small and personal. Everyone who is part of the Plantipp-family has similar values. They are all passionate madmen with a passion for plants and each one of them is a genuine people person and that just comes together beautifully.” 
  

Even though Reinier hands over the management to Peter and Kim, he will continue to be involved with Plantipp. 

 

“I've known many of the breeders and growers we work with for decades and such a relationship has to continue to exist. Whether I’m part of Plantipp on paper or not!” 

 

Peter and Kim totally agree: “I've been involved in the business from an early age, but I never wanted to be one of those kids who just take over the family business just because he's family. So I've worked really hard to grow in the company and learn everything there is to learn,” Peter explains. 

 

“And now Peter has become the face of the company,” Kim adds. “Where my role is more often behind the scenes, Peter is always on the road to make new contacts, meet breeders or visit important events. And with the expansion of the team, Reinier had to do less and less over the years. His focus was on legal matters, such as lawsuits about PBR. And he will continue to fight for these matters.” 

 

Other than the paperwork, we won’t notice too many changes for Plantipp. 

"Plantipp is part of my life, which means that both Plantipp and especially the people involved are inextricably linked to me,” laughs Reiner. “The biggest difference is that I now just have a chat and enjoy a cup of coffee, while Peter and Kim do most of the work.” 

Tong wins award for Christmas displays for fifth time

Festive displays at Tong Garden Centre in Bradford have been named the best in the North East of England by the GCA for the fifth time...


 

Festive displays at Tong Garden Centre in Bradford have been named the best in the North East of England by the GCA for the fifth time.

 

The garden centre was judged on the range, merchandising, marketing, presentation and displays of Christmas lines including trees, decorations, tableware, candles, giftware and food during the GCA's recent inspection for its annual Christmas competition.

 

Winners are selected for their ability to demonstrate a real ‘wow factor' by highlighting their product range with innovative and inspirational displays that create excitement and a festive ambience. The judges singled out the centre's ‘strong entrance display' for special commendation.

 

Tong's Commercial Director Sharon McNair said: "Congratulations to everyone - it's a great result and very well deserved. Christmas at Tong really is a massive team effort and every department within the centre has contributed to this amazing result.

 

"Winning this award for the fifth time is testament to the team's skill and ongoing commitment to giving our customers one of the most memorable Christmas experiences in Yorkshire."

 

Iain Wylie, GCA chief executive, said: "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."

 
It’s the most jumperful time of year
Show your support for Boyd Douglas-Davies during his Christmas jumper challenge

We all love a Christmas jumper but perhaps none more than British Garden Centre’s very own Boyd Douglas-Davies. Boyd is currently undertaking the challenge of wearing 25 Christmas jumpers over the course of 25 days to raise funds for the Greenfingers charity...


 

We all love a Christmas jumper but perhaps none more than British Garden Centre’s very own Boyd Douglas-Davies. Boyd is currently undertaking the challenge of wearing 25 Christmas jumpers over the course of 25 days to raise funds for the Greenfingers charity.

 

Having inherited his jumpers from last year’s jumper wearer – Natalie Porter, Director at Happy Plants – Boyd is enjoying adding a touch of festive cheer to his daily outfit, even if they are a little snug! Documenting his journey on his social media channels and reaching out to his extensive industry network has so far helped Boyd raise over £6,000 for Greenfingers, money which will help the charity to continue to build much needed therapeutic garden spaces at children’s hospices throughout the country. However, with only a few days of the most ‘jumperful’ challenge to go, Boyd is asking Greenfingers supporters to dig deep one last time.

 

Boyd said: “I'd love you to chip in and push me along with whatever you can afford.... £7 for 7 days of shockers, double up and make it £14 or go the whole festive hog with a donation of £25. It really doesn't matter how much as every penny makes a difference. The Greenfingers Charity will put it to good use next year creating another magical garden for children in a UK hospice. For whatever you can give, thank you very, very much.”

 

Greenfingers Director of Fundraising & Communications, Linda Petrons added: “Boyd has been a fantastic supporter of Greenfingers for many, many years, always going above and beyond to push himself to the limits. Whilst not the most physical challenge, this super fun jumper challenge is bringing a smile to the face of many, whilst making a difference to our 2021 fundraising total. As Boyd mentioned every penny helps, and we are endlessly grateful to all of those that have supported Boyd as he dons jumper after glorious festive jumper.”

 

To show your support for Boyd as his ‘jumperful’ challenge draws to a close simply visit his dedicated JustGiving page to donate. 

 

Join the #themostjumperful challenge on December 20th

To further boost the fundraising total, Greenfingers is inviting everybody to don a Christmas jumper on Monday 20th December whilst donating a few pennies to the fundraising pot. Don’t forget to upload images to social media using the hashtag #themostjumperful. At the same time, a special festive jumper auction will be taking place at www.themostjumperful.co.uk (10:00am – 12:00pm) where five jumpers featured in Boyd’s challenge will be up for grabs.

 

The fun doesn’t stop there, however. At midday on the 20th, a shortlist of 10 people will be revealed, with each ‘at risk’ of being the 2022 jumper wearer. The shortlist then has the opportunity to buy their immunity with sealed bids, with the five highest bidders informed at midday on Christmas Eve, whilst the grand unveiling of the 2022 jumper wearer will take place at 4pm on Christmas Eve! Watch this space for more information!

 

Find out more

To find out more about Greenfingers Charity, and how to get involved in a range of fundraising events please visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/

 

You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

 

Groves Nurseries spreads Christmas cheer

Groves Nurseries in Bridport and Little Groves in Beaminster have been busy helping local businesses in Bridport and Beaminster spread some Christmas cheer...


 

Groves Nurseries in Bridport and Little Groves in Beaminster have been busy helping local businesses in Bridport and Beaminster spread some Christmas cheer this year.

 

The family run garden centre put out an appeal to ask local businesses to sponsor a Christmas tree to donate to local good causes.  They were overwhelmed with responses from the local business community who wanted to help. The amazing response meant that they were able to give away 25 trees to local schools and charities.

 

Nominations to receive a tree were taken via the Groves Facebook page and then 25 good causes were chosen at random from the submitted comments.

 

 

Managing Director of Groves Nurseries, Charlie Groves said: “Every year we are asked to donate trees to local well deserving organisations.  We have always done what we can but this appeal has allowed us to work with some amazing local businesses so that far more good causes can benefit than normal.

 

“It was fantastic to see the pictures of the trees come back after we delivered them last week.  All decorated and taking pride of place in their new festive homes.  I would just like to thank all of the business that stepped forward to make this appeal such a success."

 

 

Here is a list of the winning organisation at the businesses that sponsored their trees…

 

Business name

Donated Tree to

OCD Cleaning Services 

Mosterton Pre School

Hartley's Accountants

St Catherines Primary School

Highlands End Holiday Park 

St Mary's School 

Bridport Round Table

Bridport Leisure Centre

Darkbear 

Bridport Youth & Community Centre

Property Bands Exp UK

Loders School 

Ed Bailey General Builder 

Bradpole Pre School 

Wrixton-Smyth Creations 

Bridport & Beaminster District Nurses

Rural Ranges 

The Burrough Harmony Centre

Man & Van Bridport 

1st Bridport Scout Group

Cherry Tree Preserves 

Broadwindsor School 

Bredy Vets 

Wonderland Day Nursery 

Groves Nurseries

Bridport Community Hospital

Little Groves

Beaminster St Mary's Academy 

Chesil Security 

2020 Skate & Ride Bridport

Forest and Tree Care

Salwayash School 

Beau Hairdressing

St Andrews Pre School

The Foot Fairy 

The Othona Community 

Rainbow Parties Dorset 

Stepping Stones Pre School 

South Street Antiques

Burton Bradstock School

Imaginary Friends

1st West Bay Sea Scouts

 

Bridport Connect

 

Powerstock School 

 

Whitchurch Pre School

H C Lewis & Co Ltd

Beaminster Pre School 

 
Christmas in the British Garden Centre restaurants

Christmas comes to life in all areas of British Garden Centres and their restaurants are no exception will phenomenal Christmas lunches, festive Afternoon Tea and even Breakfast or Tea with Santa and Mrs Claus.,,


 

Christmas comes to life in all areas of British Garden Centres and their restaurants are no exception will phenomenal Christmas lunches, festive Afternoon Tea and even Breakfast or Tea with Santa and Mrs Claus.

 

2021 has been a successful year for the restaurants in British Garden Centres with them re-opening again in May. They have performed exceptionally well and pulled out all the stops for Christmas. Since launching the Christmas menu, thousands have booked to join us to enjoy their Christmas launch and they are now being served daily across our 54 restaurants. 

 

Ricky Towers, Restaurant Director, said “It’s been amazing welcoming our guests this Christmas season and being able to serve our famous Christmas menu. The past year has been difficult, but the restaurant teams have gone above and beyond, and since re-opening in May we have served over 1 million meals. We are all looking forward to 2022”. 

 

Alongside the fantastic Christmas Menu offering, all restaurants are serving the Festive Afternoon Tea, which is served weekdays 2:30 – 4:30 pm. Hundreds have booked for this festive experience across the group. And every Afternoon Tea is served with delicious Tea from the highly regarded, Tea from the Manor. 

 

Certain restaurants in the group are also hosting breakfast and tea with Santa and Mrs Claus. A lovely dining experience, which included fun festive activities with the elves. Please see your local garden centre Facebook page to see if they are hosting this event. 

 

For more information, please visit the website, https://britishgardencentres.com

 

 

Perrywood Sudbury launches Christmas cheer campaign

Perrywood Sudbury teamed up with The Salvation Army in Sudbury to deliver indoor planted containers to individuals who, for one reason or another, deserve some Christmas cheer...


 

In a bid to end the year with some festive cheer, Perrywood Sudbury launched its annual Christmas cheer campaign. The garden centre, which is dedicated to supporting the local community, teamed up with The Salvation Army in Sudbury to deliver indoor planted containers to individuals who, for one reason or another, deserve some Christmas cheer.

 

Two of the planters went to Joan and Betty, both of whom have had bad falls this year, and have been recovering. They were both so grateful to receive the planters. 

 

Lieutenant Rachel Hepburn, The Salvation Army Sudbury, comments: “It was wonderful to partner with Perrywood Sudbury with their mission to bring Christmas Cheer! Surprising people with these beautiful planters, seeing those smiles, and reminding them that they are valued and loved this Christmas was a real privilege.”

 

Debbie Wrigley, Communications Manager, Perrywood Garden Centre comments: “We are delighted to support the local community with our Christmas cheer campaign.

 

"We recognise that for some people Christmas can be a difficult time, especially this year. We are so pleased this has bought joy and happiness to the recipients and thank The Salvation Army Sudbury for making this possible.”

 

 
Consumer confidence grows in lead up to Christmas

The Horticultural Trades Association has released its Market Update report to inform its members on the state of trade during November. According to the report, consumer financial confidence has increased by three points in November. ..


 

The Horticultural Trades Association has released its Market Update report to inform its members on the state of trade during November. It provides valuable insight on consumer trends and behaviours as well as sales figures from the last month. According to the report, consumer financial confidence has increased by three points in November. 

 

The major purchase index has also increased by seven points, indicating consumers’ willingness to purchase large ticket items in the lead up to Christmas. This could be promising news for garden retailers and other horticultural businesses for December. 

 

However, with the new Covid variant and government measures introduced to reduce its impact, any affects on sales and footfall in the first part of December are yet to be reported.  

 

Christmas shopping is now in full swing and though the sale of Christmas products was down 11 percent compared to November 2020, they were up 38 percent from November 2019. Lights and tree decorations were both down 12 percent from November 2020’s sales, which were likely impacted by lockdown. Still, they were up significantly from November 2019 (lights +98 percent; Tree decorations +93 percent). Sales of artificial Christmas trees have been on par with sales from 2019 and down 32 percent from 2020. This could be because artificial trees have a longer product lifecycle, which could have been shifted forward to last year as consumers looked for different ways of making a restricted Christmas cheerier. Real Christmas tree sales have also increased from 2019, up by an impressive 42 percent. 

 

Though this is good news for retailers, the consumer issues tracker showed one in four British adults see the pandemic as a concerning issue and it seems likely that the emergence of the new variant will likely cause increased concern and behavioural changes, influencing consumer confidence and garden centre sales.  

 

The major issue consumers listed as their main concern during November 2021 was pollution/climate change, with four in ten people stating it was a worry to them - the highest since its inclusion in the survey in 1988, probably due to largescale media coverage of the COP26 conference. HTA members can get support in building sustainable businesses from our partner, Planet Mark 

 

In employment news, the UK unemployment rate had lowered to 4.3 percent in September 2021 as the job market continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic. However, the total job vacancies reached another record high with 1.17million vacancies; over 300,00 higher than pre pandemic times. This is likely to continue to cause issues for businesses struggling to negotiate the highly competitive recruitment market. The HTA continues to lobby government for support in easing some of the pressure through changes to the Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme

57 garden centres vie for Christmas Greatness in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards

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...

 

GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards are sponsored by:


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.

 
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 

 
Area Sales Agents Required
North Yorkshire & North East; and Scotland

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.

 
Area Manager South England
Traeger Pellet Grills, LLC  South Ferriby, England

Area Manager South England

Traeger Pellet Grills, LLC  South Ferriby, England, United Kingdom
Apply directly by email, with your CV to Jo McDonald, Country Manager, UK & Ireland: jmcdonald@traeger.com 
 
 
Welcome to the Traegerhood: 
Our business is BBQ, and business tastes good. Traeger invented the wood pellet grill over 30 years ago, and we’ve been revolutionizing outdoor cooking ever since. We’re a team of disruptors, innovators, problem solvers, and food fanatics who are dedicated to bringing people together to create a more flavorful world. From our headquarters in Salt Lake City and beyond, we work tirelessly to provide a world-class experience to our customers, retailers, and especially our employees. If you’re a team player who’s dedicated to delivering top-quality results every day, then we want you to come cook with us!

What You'll Do:
Within Traeger UK and Ireland this role will be pivotal in reinforcing the great in roads the brand has made developing retailer partnerships in the South of England. As the face of the brand in the heartland of sales for BBQs within the UK, you will be an experienced sales leader to cultivate Traeger’s brand presence as the go to choice for both trade partners and consumers alike.

With responsibility for the development and on boarding of retailers in the territory of the South England you will assess current distribution and using your previous knowledge, experience and contacts develop a strategic plan to grow and strengthen the number of doors Traeger is represented in, whilst developing strong, trusting relationships with current stockists to create loyalty to the brand and NO1 for top-of-mind sales.

Weekend and event activities, either as coordinator or supporting participant will be critical during key times of the year.

How You'll Help Us Win:
  • Manage and develop sales channels to their fullest potential, ensuring that sales budgets are achieved, and exceeded.
  • Build and maintain a long-term business plan for the territory
  • Intrinsic in the development and execution of the business plan for the UK and Irish Markets
  • Support for Country Manager in the negotiation, execution, and administration of Key Accounts, developing relationships.
  • Create, rank and own target list of regional dealers for the South of England.
    • Rank on volume potential and influence on region.
    • Updated & reviewed monthly with the Country Manager.
  • Strive to identify customer needs and explore all opportunities to maximize sales from accounts.
  • Develop strong relationships with current partners to grow sales and loyalty to Traeger.
    • Administer in store training and certification programmes to create brand loyalty
    • Identify and implement events with key retail partners.
    • Implement key company directives and strategies to retailers and influencer partners.
    • Use tool kits, support, and relationships to incentivize dealers to drop competitor copy-cat pellets and grills.
    • Use tool kits to build out our in-store presence.
  • Attend and support key trade events within the UK, Ireland, and Europe.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:
  • Proven track record in related market and sales
  • Excellent sales and negotiation skills
  • Good business sense
  • Excellent communication and ‘people skills’
  • Initiative and enthusiasm
  • The ability to work calmly under pressure
  • Excellent organizational skills with emphasis on priorities and goal setting to achieve targets.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Inc. Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Strong presentation and communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Full/ Clean UK driving license

Why You Will Love to Work Here:
  • Be part of the most disruptive force in outdoor cooking
  • Join a true team working towards a common goal
  • Culture of risk-taking, innovation, & quality
  • Individual professional development programs & initiatives to help you grow professionally
  • Great discounts on all things Traeger
 
Get your copy of GTN Xtra

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





with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox.  The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.

Subscribe for free using this link

 
New Sales Director at Trans-Continental Group Ltd (SnowTime & SunTime).

Lee Kennerley formally Head of Garden & Leisure at RSW International Ltd re-joins Trans-Continental Group Ltd in January, as Sales Director...


Lee Kennerley formally Head of Garden & Leisure at RSW International Ltd re-joins Trans-Continental Group Ltd in January, as Sales Director. Lee previously worked for Trans-Continental Group and has since held senior roles with Leisuregrow & RSW International, developing business within the Garden & Leisure, National, Mail Order and Charity sectors.

 

Lee said “I am delighted and excited to re-join Trans-Continental Group in the new year. Supported by a great team already in place, I am looking forward to building on the existing foundations in place. The outgoing Sales Director (Adam Gregory) is a very good friend which will make for an easy transition, for which the business and I are very grateful and wish him the well in his new challenge.

It has been a pleasure to work within the Garden & Leisure, and Import/Export industries for over thirty years, and I look forward to continuing this journey with Trans-Continental Group in 2022.

 

It has always been a passion of mine to develop business by working with people, building on relationships and growing together, with a partnership mentality. I am very much looking forward to doing this again with the support of the team at Trans-Continental Group. It will be a great opportunity for me to start by meeting both new and existing customers at the forthcoming Christmas & Gift Fair at Harrogate in January.”

 

Trans-Continental Group Ltd (SnowTime) will be exhibiting their new 2022 Christmas Collection at Christmas & Gift 2022 (Harrogate 16th to 19th January) Hall D (Stand D1))

 

 
Reversing the trend

Despite quieter garden product sales levels during November and December the year for garden products ended 12% up on 2020 and 3% up on 2019, reversing the trend of the previous five years when Top 50 Garden Products sales volumes declined...


 

Despite quieter garden product sales levels during November and December the year for garden products ended 12% up on 2020 and 3% up on 2019, reversing the trend of the previous five years when Top 50 Garden Products sales volumes declined.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • In the last Garden Products chart of the year Scheurich’s Pot Cover 937/07 Red Mix was the highest re-entry at No 11.
  • Woodlodge’s 17cm Edward V Pot in Green was the highest new entry at No 16.
  • And Creative Products Nano Gel Tape moved back to No 1.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

 
Bee Conservation Trust’s founder to create a buzz at GCA conference

Bee ecologist and founder of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust Dave Goulson will share his expertise on sustainability at the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference in Blackburn in January...


 

Bee ecologist and founder of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust Dave Goulson will share his expertise on sustainability at the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference in Blackburn in January.

 

The Professor of Biology at University of Sussex will speak about the importance of ecology and the impact insects and bees have on the environment on Tuesday, January 25.

 

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, explains: “It’s great news that Dave Goulson will be joining us at our conference on Tuesday. As an industry, and as individuals, we’re fully invested in our role to protect the planet and are aware of how sustainability and ecology impact on us across all levels of our lives.

 

“We know he’ll be a real inspiration to our members, helping them to think more about the issues we’re facing and how we can change behaviours to combat loss of species and climate change and how all this contributes to shaping the future of members’ businesses too.

 

“He has published more than 300 scientific articles on the ecology and conservation of bumblebees and other insects, as well as seven books, including the Sunday Times’ bestsellers ‘A Sting in the Tale’ in 2013, ‘The Garden Jungle’ in 2019 and ‘Silent Earth’, which was released earlier this year in August.”

 

Dave founded the Bumblebee Conservation Trust in 2006, a charity that highlights the importance of conserving all UK bumblebees and helps educate and raise awareness and understanding of the social, environmental and economic benefits they provide for our planet. Since its inception it has grown to 12,000 members.

 

In 2015, he was named number eight in BBC Wildlife Magazine’s list of the top 50 most influential people in conservation and has been recognised for his ongoing research. In 2018, 2019 and 2020 he was named as a ‘Highly Cited Researcher’ by Thompson ISI.

 

Dave is also a Trustee of Pesticide Action Network, President of Pesticide Free Scotland and an Ambassador for the UK Wildlife Trusts.

 

Iain adds: “Sustainability and our environment have never been more crucial, so we’re delighted that Dave will be building on our members’ awareness of the subject in January with his expertise and insights.”

 

The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.

 

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

 

The GCA’s annual conference will be held at the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa in Blackburn, Lancashire from January 23 until 26, 2022 and places can be booked via www.gca.org.uk.

 

The conference pages on the website will be updated with speaker announcements and full listings as the programme develops and exact timings are confirmed. There is also a dedicated email for any queries members, and those wishing to book for the event, may have: conference@gca.org.uk.

 

Dave Goulson will be speaking to attendees on Tuesday, January 25.

 
Coining it at Christmas

The first two weeks of December 2021 have seen higher sales than in previous years and as a result the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 Christmas Products index for the season to date sits at 2% up on 2020’s Christmas and only 1.2% down on 2019...


 

The first two weeks of December 2021 have seen higher sales than in previous years and as a result the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 Christmas Products index for the season to date sits at 2% up on 2020’s Christmas and only 1.2% down on 2019.  

 

Given all of the issues with stock arriving late, or indeed not at all, this is a much better picture than some hoped for.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • In the chart this week Steenland Gold Net Chocolate Coins 100g top the bestseller list, outselling the No 2 bestselling line by almost 2 to 1.
  • And Steenland Chocolate Coins 70g were the highest placed re-entry at No 20.
  • Still on a Christmas food theme, Mackies Pigs in Blanket Crisps, were the highest chart climber, up 24 places to No 21.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

 
‘Snow White’ apples and confident colour will abound in 2022, says RHS

The Royal Horticultural Society has published its gardening predictions for the year ahead, forecasting how and what the nation’s 30million gardeners will be growing in their homes and gardens in 2022...


 

The Royal Horticultural Society has published its gardening predictions for the year ahead, forecasting how and what the nation’s 30million gardeners will be growing in their homes and gardens in 2022.

 

Based on gardener enquiries and horticultural trends, the charity sees a return to bolder planting choices with deeper shades replacing more muted colour schemes. This is reflected in the trend for red-fleshed fruit, with apples, pomegranates and chokeberries proving popular choices. Planet Friendly Gardening also continues to dominate gardeners’ approach to their plots with scything, fermenting and cut flower growing set to take off.

 

The full list of predictions from the RHS’ own in-house experts and familiar faces from the world of horticulture are published in the January edition of the charity’s The Garden magazine on Monday.

 

2022 Gardening Prediction Highlights:

 

Confident colour: As public confidence returns so has a taste for more daring plant colours such as reds, oranges and purples with crocosmia, salvia and canna set to prove popular in 2022 as a result. This colour trend is also reflected in new releases from growers such as everlasting flower ‘Granvia Gold’ and echinacea ‘SunMagic’ series while low maintenance houseplants in brighter hues are also predicted to overtake sales of green-leafed plants, such as the new red succulent x Semporium ‘Sienna’.

 

‘Snow White’ apples: Red-fleshed apples, high in anthocyanins which are thought to be anti-inflammatory and anti-viral, will become more prevalent in gardens and follow the success of newly introduced varieties ‘Tickled Pink’ and ‘Surprise’. An explosion in fruit training adds to the allure. Continuing the trend for red produce, gardeners will also experiment with more exotic fruits such as pomegranates, chokeberries and serviceberries.

 

Fast-track gardens: With the nationwide return to office working, time spent tending the garden is feeling the squeeze. As a result, labour-saving activities and products that offer speedy results are on the rise such as growing kits, pre-planted baskets and troughs, self-watering pots and battery-powered pruners. These provide more opportunity to sit back and enjoy the garden with all-weather outdoor socialising set to continue.

 

Upskilling: For those with time to spare, learning a new skill is top of the agenda, with the majority keen to lessen their impact on the environment. This is set to spur a resurgence in home composting techniques – such as Bokashi which breaks down even meat and dairy - as gardeners look to reduce their reliance on shop bought products and scything which is easier than a mower on wildflower patches and minimises the need for petrol or diesel powered tools. In response to environmental need and demand, sustainability will underpin school, adult and professional learning programmes offered by the RHS.

 

Home-grown bouquets: Edibles and flowers will share space on the veg patch as people respond to the carbon footprint of shop bought flowers and turn to growing their own. Repeat flowering plants such as alstromeria, cosmos, dahlias, and zinnia will be favoured for their ease of growing and reliability during the summer months while sea lavender and everlasting flower serve as dried decoration for winter displays.

 

Guy Barter, RHS Chief Horticulturist, says: “With a return to more normal weekday patterns in 2021, the UK’s gardeners are adapting their approach to tending their plants; drawing on quick fixes where necessary but all the time working to ensure their plots are planet friendly and an inspiring place to work and play.”

 

For more information about the RHS and its 2022 predictions visit: rhs.org.uk/gardening2022

 
No end to growing media sales growth

Where will the continued rise in growing media sales end? =The GTN Bestsellers Top 50 Growing Media Products volume sales index shows a rise of 23% on last year and an enormous 28% on 2019 levels...


 

Where will the continued rise in growing media sales end? =The GTN Bestsellers Top 50 Growing Media Products volume sales index shows a rise of 23% on last year and an enormous 28% on 2019 levels.

 

With increased levels of gardening and a continued trend for more container gardening what level of growth will we see next year?

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Westland Houseplant Potting Mix with Seramis, 8 litres, was the highest chart climber during the second week of December, up 31 places to No 16.
  • Westland Jack's Magic All Purpose Compost, 60 litres, was the highest chart re-entry at No 29.
  • Evergreen Garden Care Miracle-Gro All Purpose Compost, 56 litres, holds on to the No 1 spot in the last chart of the year.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

 
Southern Trident appoints new Sustainability Supply Chain Manager

Southern Trident has appointed a new member of staff – Birago Amofa – who will take on the new role of Sustainability Supply Chain Manager...


Southern Trident has appointed a new member of staff who will take on the new role of Sustainability Supply Chain Manager.

 

Birago Amofa has joined the company to ensure that, as it expands and develops its supply chain, it is positioned to cater for company and product growth, it continues to be carbon neutral and as environmentally responsible as possible.

 

Birago brings many years of experience to the role. She is a skilled Supply Chain Manager with more than 10 years of multi-national career experience, spanning supply chain and commercial functions, resourcefully delivering organisational and team objectives. She has a BSc in Biochemistry, an MSc in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management and certification from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply. She is currently pursuing PhD research in Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM), with a focus on small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises.

 

Previously, she was UK Retail Demand Planning Manager for Bord Na Móna and Supply Chain Administrator for Direct Wines Ltd.

 

This is yet another example of Southern Trident’s mantra – Green Today, Greener Tomorrow – its commitment to sustainability, a sign that it will continue to grow into one of the country’s leading suppliers of 100% peat-free composts and that it is investing in the future – both that of the company and the planet.

 

Birago says: “I am excited to be joining the Southern Trident team at such a pivotal time of the company’s growth. I look forward to working with the team developing our Supply Chain, ensuring it is as environmentally friendly as possible, whilst delivering on our customer commitments.”

 

Steve Harper, Southern Trident CEO, says: “The team at Southern Trident have achieved remarkable growth and made huge strides forward leading the way in carbon neutral supply chain in our sector. Birago’s appointment will ensure we continue to pave the way forward in sustainable supply chain management as we continue to expand and grow.”

 
Wild Bird Care sales are stable

Over the year Top 50 Wild Bird Care sales measured in the GTN Bestsellers Epos data have stabalised vs 2020 levels but were 14% down on 2019 levels...


 

Over the year Top 50 Wild Bird Care sales measured in the GTN Bestsellers Epos data have stabalised vs 2020 levels but were 14% down on 2019 levels.

 

Is that down to the weather, which has in the main been milder this autumn, or a change in customer buying habits?

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Gardman Fat Snax, tub of 50 finishes the year back at No 1.
  • Henry Bell’s Filled Superior Seed Mix Feeder is the highest re-entry at No 16.
  • Tom Chambers Sunflower Hearts 2.5kg move up 23 places to No 6.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

From bug hotels to kneeling pads: Top 10 Xmas gifts for gardeners

GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk has put together the ultimate Christmas gift guide to treat budding gardeners and outdoor lovers this festive season.


The team at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have put together the ultimate Christmas gift guide to treat budding gardeners and outdoor lovers this festive season.

 

With the Christmas period approaching, shoppers up and down the country will be seeking unique gift ideas for friends and family.

Choosing an appropriate gift can be a tricky task especially when it comes to gardening - but there are plenty of options to choose from. 


From a trusty pair of gardening gloves to protect hands from the harsh winter weather, to a boutique plant mister for the indoor plant keeper - there is a present for every type of gardener.

A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk said: “It’s finally that time of year to start Christmas shopping which can be difficult for those lacking inspiration.

 

“For family friends who have a keen interest in gardening or even ones that don’t, there are countless ways to put a smile on someone's face this Christmas.

 

“Flower subscriptions and ‘grow your own kits’ are perfect for those who may not have time to be in the garden but will appreciate something to keep in the house.

 

“Whereas kneeling pads and trowel sets are ideal for people who can spend more time outside in the garden.”

Here are GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk’s top ten gifts to give this Christmas:

Plant mister
Perfect for those who cherish their indoor plants, a chique and stylish plant mister isn’t just a practical way of giving plants the love and affection they need - but can also be a great addition to an empty windowsill or bear shelf.

Leather gloves
Gloves are an essential item for gardeners of any experience level. Suited more so for the winter climes, leather gardening gloves can provide much needed protection and warmth to vulnerable fingers. Some retailers may even offer an embossing service that can help give a pair of gloves a thoughtful and personal touch.

Flower subscription
If the receiver loves a fresh bunch of flowers on the dining table, then this could be the ideal gift for them. Subscription services can range from fresh flowers every week to tropical house plants for botanical beginners. 

12-hour water bottle
Crisp winter afternoons in the garden should always be accompanied with a hot beverage of some kind. These insulated water bottles can keep drinks piping hot for up to 12 hours and chilled drinks for up to 24 hours.

Copper ornaments
With copper tones stealing the show in gardens this year, sculptures are one way to make a green space one of a kind. Whether it’s a small bird bath or a lifesize artistic sculpture, there are a variety of options available at a range of price points.

Fork and trowel
Essential for a gardener at any level, fork and trowel sets can be relatively inexpensive and make for excellent stocking fillers. These sets can range in price depending on the type, make and quality of the tools. Some retailers offer engraving services to personal sets, and bring someone a sentimental gift that can last a lifetime.

Grow your own kits

Venus fly traps, Bonsai trees, chilli plants, you name it and there is a grow your own kit for it. Ideal for those who are new to gardening or who are seeking a quirky experiment to try at home.

Bug hotel
For wildlife lovers there is no better gift this Christmas than a bug hotel. Most hotels can be  easily installed, boast a positive impact to the environment, and provide a fun source of entertainment for kids.

Welly socks
Welly boots are notorious for giving gardeners cold feet, so why not treat a loved one to a warm pair of socks made for wellies. Not only do they keep feet comfy and warm but they can help prevent blisters caused by rubbing too. Alpaca fur and merino wool can be found on the expensive end of the spectrum to make for a luxurious stocking filler, or opt for the more affordable cotton and polyester blend - perfect for a secret Santa.

Kneeling pad
A brilliant practical idea for gardeners of every age, kneeling pads have shown great benefit when protecting the knees when attending ground level gardening and also keeping them clean too! Consider a durable pad made from ideally heavy plastic or coated metal for the winter months - the elements can be harsh on weaker materials.

GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk 
For those looking to go the extra mile this Christmas, why not consider gifting a luxury greenhouse? Greenhouses provide a safe space to grow fruit and veg away from the harsh winter elements. It’s the perfect gift for friends and family who love to garden all year round.

 
Eden Project to establish 14 hectares of new wildflower habitat

The Eden Project will bring swathes of colour to the city of Dundee with the planting of a series of wildflower meadows...


 

The Eden Project will bring swathes of colour to the city of Dundee with the planting of a series of wildflower meadows. 

 

The first of these meadows to be developed will be at Seabraes, located near the science centre and approximately a mile from the former Dundee Gasworks on East Dock Street, the proposed site for the Eden Project’s home in Dundee. 

 

Other locations will be at Camperdown Park and Balgarthno, situated adjacent to the Hilton DoubleTree hotel and the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc. 

 

In addition, a further seven sites have been identified by Dundee City Council that will be developed and maintained through the Nature Restoration Fund. Eden will support the evolution of these sites with training and narrative building. 

 

These meadows will be at Magdalen Green and Dawson Park, Lochee and Myrekirk Parks, Claypotts Pond, Caird Park and Claverhouse Industrial Estate. 

 

The meadows will be planted next spring (2022) and will start blooming in the summer. The planting programme is part of Eden’s commitment to the city ahead of the opening of Eden Project Dundee in 2024. 

 

The funding for the project, which will initially take place over two years, is being provided by the Alexander Moncur Trust, a grant making charity based in Dundee celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2022, and NatureScot, a nature agency with 30 years’ experience advising the Scottish Government, promoting, caring for and improving Scotland’s nature and landscapes. 

 

To mark the occasion of their anniversary, the Alexander Moncur Trust desired to make a significant award to an initiative in Dundee that would reflect its objectives. 

 

Prior to its special award for Eden’s wildflower project the Trust has made 57 awards to charities serving Dundee and its environs during 2021, with a total value of £177,000. The focus of the Alexander Moncur Trust has been on supporting community and voluntary initiative, addressing poverty and disadvantage. 

 

The Trust will be represented on the Steering Group for the wildflower project and will use its connections and network to bring added value to the project. 

 

NatureScot are supporting the kickstart of the project at Seabraes. The area is in a central location and will allow the project to form part of the city’s tourism strategy and will create a large impact habitat for people, wildflower species and pollinators. The developed area, around 2.4 hectares in size, will have the potential to host community markets, student pop-ups and other community events.  

 

Dan James, Eden’s Development Director, said: “We are delighted to announce this fantastic project which will deliver community engagement, biodiversity, wildlife habitat and nature spaces for people to access for wellbeing, health, joy and beautification. 

 

“This project represents hope for a green future. Every community deserves to have green space and nature to explore and it demonstrates our commitment to Dundee to make a real difference to people and the places they live.” 

 

Marjory Knowles, Chair of the Alexander Moncur Trust, said: “We have been setting aside some funding in each of the last three years to enable us to make a significant two-year award without detracting from out annual portfolio of small to medium sized awards.  

 

“During 2021 the trust made 57 awards to charitable organisations which provide a service to people living in the Dundee area.  

 

“The application we received from Eden perfectly fits our objective. Our support should pump-prime the wildflower initiative. The project will make a visible impact in many of the cities most disadvantaged communities and it will work with existing community groups and has the potential to be of both environmental and educational benefit.” 

 

Denise Reed, NatureScot’s Tayside & Grampian Area Manager, said: “It’s wonderful to collaborate on this exciting project for the city, helping to bring nature into central Dundee.  

“The wildflower meadow at Seabraes will not only be a special space for people to enjoy, but it will also help our struggling pollinators, such as bees, butterflies and ladybirds.” 

 

Dundee City Council Leader, Councillor John Alexander, said: “We’ve seen from the wildflower habitats already in place across Dundee how much they can transform our open spaces. 

“Dundee is perfect for introducing even more wildflower meadows. Some 41% of our city is publicly accessible greenspace – the highest percentage in Scotland. 

 

“While the opening of the Eden Project Dundee may be some time off yet, I’m delighted that our collaboration is already starting to bring tangible and enduring benefits to our communities.” 

 

 

To achieve its ambitions, the project will see Eden working alongside several partners including Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, Scottish Enterprise, Dundee University, Dundee Botanic Garden, James Hutton Institution and Dundee City Council. 

 

Together, the wildflower sites will support Dundee City Council's biodiversity strategy to enhance all habitats and to deliver the co-benefits of both climate change adaptation and mitigation. They will also provide accessible spaces with opportunities for recreation, social interaction, outdoor play and learning and spaces to unwind and relax.  

 

The sites will also act as a hub to run creative and arts-based activities and deliver opportunities for families, young people and others to engage in cultural events. 

 

Each of the wildflower areas will contain different, carefully selected mixes of annuals and perennial flowers, chosen due to their adaptation to local soil and environmental conditions. 

 

In May, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Eden, National Grid and SGN to kick off a period to explore the practicalities of converting the site of the former Dundee Gasworks on East Dock Street into Eden Project Dundee. At the same time, the first image of how the attraction may look was unveiled.  

 

Eden predicts that the project will create 200 jobs (with an additional 300 indirectly created) and contribute £27m per year to the regional economy. 

 
Keukenhof: less than 100 days left until it opens

ll the flower bulbs are in the ground and Keukenhof is ready to open for visitors in less than 100 days’ time. Planting 7 million flower bulbs ended uniquely in the presence of the Girl with a Pearl Earring and Jacoba van Beieren...


 

ll the flower bulbs are in the ground and Keukenhof is ready to open for visitors in less than 100 days’ time. Planting 7 million flower bulbs ended uniquely in the presence of the Girl with a Pearl Earring and Jacoba van Beieren.

 

The world famous Girl with a Pearl Earring  by Johannes Vermeer and Jacoba van Beieren, who symbolizes the heritage of Keukenhof, herald a colourful spring. They represent the cooperation between Keukenhof and the Mauritshuis. “This cooperation suits our theme well,” explains Keukenhof director Bart Siemerink.

In 2022, the flower exhibition’s theme will be ‘Flower Classics’. Siemerink: “Flowers are classic symbols used in the arts for centuries. As is apparent in several works on view at the Mauritshuis. Replicas of a number of these will be on show at Keukenhof for visitors to admire.”

From 24 March 2022 onwards, there will be a special Mauritshuis inspirational garden at Keukenhof which will feature a replica of Johannes Vermeer’s most famous painting, 'Meisje met de parel'. The impossible bouquet, consisting of flowers that all bloom at different times of the year, will also be brought to life!

In 2022, the Mauritshuis will celebrate its 200th anniversary as a public institution throughout the year with a series of special exhibitions. One of the highlights of the anniversary year will be the exhibition ‘in full bloom'.

Martine Gosselink, the Director of the Mauritshuis: “Can’t we do this every year? Mauritshuis and Keukenhof are such logical partners, richer colours can’t be found anywhere else! The best of Dutch painting and the strongest colours in nature are only 30 km apart. A perfect day out on a beautiful spring day.”

Keukenhof will be open from 24 March - 15 May 2022.

 
The best of last week's

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


 
Major flagship Dobbies centre starts to take shape

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...


 

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. 

 
Brexit-hit sector asks why locals don’t want the jobs 

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...


 

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/

 
New electric vehicle charging points at Squire’s

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. 


 

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.”

 
Woodlodge to showcase collections at Spring Fair

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...


 

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  

 
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week

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


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

 

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

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

 

Access is by subscription only.  For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 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 Plants Bestsellers chart for last week are here

 

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

 

Highlights of the GTN Christmas 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.