GTN September/October 2023 - New Products Special - Garden Trade News UK

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023

gardentradenews.co.uk

Advice & information for garden centre professionals

HOME COMFORTS

GTN visits Yarnton

New Products Special The complete Glee New Product Showcase Directory

PLANTS - THE FUTURE

GTN Planteria Special

A PASSION FOR POTS GTN Interview

GCA REGIONAL AWARDS Full 2023 results


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Comment

Christmas in mid-August at Woodthorpe Garden Centre

Christmas gets going

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s Christmas gets going in garden centres across the country, we formally launch The Greatest Christmas Awards for 2023. The GTN Greatest Christmas Awards team have committed to visiting 100 centres again this year, so with nominations already being made, now is the time to make sure your team, or a team you know are great at Christmas, are nominated for a visit to be in with a chance of collecting one for the coveted awards when they are presented at Spring Fair next February. Our first Christmas visit this year was to British Garden Centres at Woodthorpe who set up and opened Christmas mid-August as a showcase for the group but also started selling products straight away. It seems that despite the warm weather, the desire to buy an early Christmas decoration is too tempting for some. Could it be that Christmas sales buck the trends as customers look for some winter cheering up this year? We’ll find out when we come visiting all of the great garden centre teams who are nominated. While Christmas retailing is getting going we also know that many buying decisions for 2024 are still to be made. That’s why we bring you a complete directory of all the products entered into the Glee New Product Showcase back in June in this

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A passion for pots – GTN Interview

Do you qualify for a copy of GTN?

Growing Materials

Norwegian Style outdoors with

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Homewares, Clothing & Fashion Accessories

47

33

Landscaping & Garden Buildings

Advertisers in this Issue 2

Henchman

34

Garden Leisure & Entertaining

6

Fordingbridge

9

Furniture Clinic

10

GCA Regional Awards – Full 2023

Moseley Interview

results

Column

Lifestyle Appliances Pinnacle Agri – Firestorm

Director Trevor Pfeiffer

26

Meadow View Stone

27

Handy Distribution

28

Treadstone

29

Sipcam – ecofective

Pet Products

Enter now!

13

Primeur

36

Plants, Seeds and Bulbs

Water-wise planteria retailing from

37

Retail Services & Experiences

14

Fountasia – Flamingo

16

Evergreen Garden Care

18

37

Yarnton Home & Garden Glee New Product Showcase – The

Wild Bird Care & Wildlife Products

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Pets show success – PATS Telford 2023

40

GTN Planteria Special

complete directory 24

Garden Growing Containers

25

DIY Products

40

Highlights from Four Oaks

25

Garden Decoration

41

Plants of the future

27

Gifts, Body & Bath,

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Challenging success - LOFA Column

Christmas, Greetings Cards,

45

Reaching our full Potential – Environmental Horticulture Group Column

Toys & Games 30

Garden Tools & Machinery

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Potting Shed Press Ltd

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Home comforts - GTN visits

If you’d like to be added to the GTN distribution list, please send your details to Karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk to see if you qualify to be included. Alternatively, if you prefer your Garden Trade News digitally, sign up for GTN Xtra, our weekly e-mail newsetter at www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Garden Trade News is published by Potting Shed Press Ltd who also publish: GTN Bestsellers, GTN Xtra, Pet Trade Xtra, Glee Daily News and the Glee Catalogue, and the Solex Sun. Potting Shed Press also supply Garden Radio to over 100 garden centres across the country.

GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards –

Timber Displays

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They think it’s all over… – GIMA

Notes from an Indian Summer -

Growing Accessories

31

Captain of garden machinery – Mark

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46

31

at Woodlodge

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HTA Column

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING Garden Trade News Potting Shed Press Ltd Dairy Drove Thorney Peterborough PE6 0TX Tel 01733 775700 www.gardentradenews.co.uk THE GTN TEAM Editor Trevor Pfeiffer trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk Advertising Sales Alan Burdon Alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk Features Editor Anisa Gress anisa@pottingshedpress.co.uk Digital Editor Neil Pope neil@pottingshedpress.co.uk Subscriptions Karen Pfeiffer karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk Design & Production AT Graphics Ltd www.atgraphicsuk.com Kirsty Craner – Design Alun Jones – Production Manager Robert Tipping – Managing Director James Tipping – Technical Director Printing CG Print Ltd

The GIMA team of Vicky Nuttall, Jennie Douthwaite and Kate Ebbens joined the Christmas Team at Polhill Garden Centre last month to help set up their Christmas displays as a FUNdraising activity for Greenfingers Charity.

In this issue...

Fandango

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issue. We hope you find it useful as a reminder and prompt of the hundreds of new products available for next year. Remember, to make sure your team are one of the 100 visited during October, November and early December for The Greatest Christmas Awards please send an e-mail to trevor@pottingshedpress. co.uk today.

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Apsley Farm

34

Vitax

37

The Natural Plant Food Company

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GIMA Awards 2023

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Hozelock

SMALL PRINT: All material © Potting Shed Press Ltd 2023. No part of this publication may e reproduced in any form whatsoever, either for sale or not, without the express permission of the publishers. The information supplied in this publication is published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Potting Shed Press Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by reliance on information contained in this publication or in the vent of any bankruptcy or liquidation or cassation of the trade of any company, individual or firm mentioned, is hereby excluded.

September/Octob ber 2023 3


Interview

A passion for pots

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Family run business Woodlodge, has been supplying garden centres for more than three decades and continues to keep the pot market fresh with new ideas and innovation.

rom small beginnings in Surrey selling oak barrels and tree stakes, Geoff Wooldridge has built Woodlodge to be a major supplier to nearly 2000 garden centres. For the last decade his son Michael has been running the business and helped tostrengthen the company’s ethos of ‘putting the customer first’. “Dad’s always been a great salesman and was approached to see if he also wanted to sell flowerpots,” he says. “He found out the pots were made in Malaysia, which is where my mum is from, so he went out to visit the family and found the pot factory was in the same town! Together he and my uncle then imported the pots themselves one container at a time and sold most of them even before the containers had arrived in UK.” Stackable pots were also brought in from Europe, and after runaway sales in a few key garden centres, the way was paved for Woodlodge to expand the business. Today the company has its hub in Tetbury, Gloucestershire. A former airfield, once the store for vinyl records under the Telstar label and place for holding scenery for the Royal Ballet, the over 20 acre site is home to warehousing, logistics, printing, merchandising creation and a 10,000 sq ft showroom. It has its own fleet of vans and lorries looked after by its own mechanics, a print shop so it can design and produce its own point of sale and wood workshop for creating its merchandising benches.

Key service For many years, Geoff worked to expand his range relying on his eye for product and colour of glaze. “The blue glazed pot was always the best one and still is,” says Michael. “It’s that shine and the detail of the glaze, which is important. Charlie Dimmock featured them regularly on television garden makeovers, and when she held up one the pots, you could

Geoff Wooldridge.

Ready for dispatch outdoor and indoor pots.

even read the Woodlodge barcode.” The Woodlodge team now designs most of the pots themselves including the most recent award winning Ecomade pots which are manufactured nearby in Somerset. As Woodlodge expanded, the company realised the need to provide a full merchandising service to its customers. Originally delivery drivers would help display the pots, but developing a dedicated merchandising team gave Woodlodge a guaranteed space in each centre to keep stocked up and looking good. Richard Newton, Retail Director, recalls that when he first started with Woodlodge 25 years ago, he would pack a bag for a week, and make his way around the country, meeting delivery drivers at each centre and displayin ng the products. Now Woodlodge has a team of 60 full tim me people, so many centres get weekly calls and in season twice weekly calls are not unusual. “The full merchan ndising service is at the heart of what we do. Our team enssures our displays at garden centres are always stockked d, neat and tidy so that our customers do not need to worryy about this.”

Michael (left) and Richard in Tetbury.

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Interview Ecomade pots from ocean waste and made in Glastonbury were launced at Glee and a new square shape will soon be added to the range.

In the showroom.

Woodlodge reps ensure centres get the core range plus a selection from the vast, constantly evolving product range which spans from garden décor to garden furniture. With thousands of SKUs listed, each customer can stock a variety of styles and designs allowing them to maintain a point of difference from other centres nearby. “Otherwise,” says Richard, “customers could just go to the supermarket. If you are going to a garden centre, you want that variation choice of pots you wouldn’t find elsewhere.” Another advantage of merchandising is having an additional layer of quality control. As each pot is handled by the team they can see if something is wrong. “We sort it out there and then. When we’ve completed the job, every single one of those pots is perfect and ready for sale,” says Richard.

Adding to the range Wooden furniture has previously been offered, and the new W Garden Living brand with its range of weave, rattan and aluminium furniture launched at SOLEX has been a great success. Michael says it has exceeded expectations. “It was a good time to go approach the furniture suppliers because [after covid] they were not busy, so sampling and new product development was easier. Beforehand they’d be too busy to work with us as newcomers to the market, so we were able to jump in and create a whole new range. “It works well for Woodlodge as a business trading on our reputation for

#TEAMWOODLODGE

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service and product, and with furniture being such a large spend, garden centres want to make sure they’re working with a reliable, trusted supplier.” All Woodlodge products can now be seen at its new showroom in Tetbury. Using Glee to launch new products, the showroom allows buyers to see and touch the full range, and spend time to put together their buying lists. “They can make a day of it,” says Michael. “I think Dad’s proud that Woodlodge is still very much a family business and that we are still strong and have a bright future ahead. There are many of the 120 staff we employ today who have been with us for 20 years plus,” says Michael. “The current Woodlodge team is the best it has ever been with the mix of new talent and the knowledge and experience of longer serving team members. We are always focussed on keeping product, especially pots, fresh and exciting but providing excellent customer service is really at the heart of what we do and makes us stand out.”

The new Woodlodge 10,000sqft showroom is now open all year round. Email: showroom@ woodlodge.co.uk.

One of two wind turbines which along with solar panels supply 100% of the power needed at Tetbury ry. y

September/October 2023 5


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Contact us today: info@fordingbridge.co.uk www.fordingbridge.co.uk 01243 554455


Promotion

Embracing the outdoors Norwegian style New Scandinavian outdoor living products added to Fandango Fire Tools range.

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his year Espegard’s range of fire pits and outdoor living accessories were a welcome addition to the offering from Fandango Fire Tools. They now sit proudly alongside the ingenious Kindling Cracker firewood splitter which has taken the outdoor living category by storm. For more than three decades, Espegard has been a Norwegian household name, offering an exceptionally high-quality range of fire pans, braziers and accessories. In that time, it has become a legacy brand earning a reputation for producing For more information about Fandango Fire Tools visit exclusive products that blend www.fandangofiretools. the finest materials and co.uk or email info@ functionality to make outdoor fandangofiretools.co.uk life inviting and accessible. All made in Europe, more than half a million of Espegard’s signature Fire This year, joining the Pan 60’s have sold in Norway alone. traditional line up are new, sleek, Fandango Fire Tools had a very busy contemporary fire pits and pans, of which Glee 2023 and has already supplied existing four are designed with Rein clean burn technology. Customers will love the new Rein and new dealers with products that were a hit at the show. This year, it expanded its technology which gives a warm and almost inspiring range so gardeners, campers and smoke free fireplace. How? A good stable air outdoor lovers can stay outside and do more supply is achieved through a double walled of what they love for longer. Whether it’s bowl with perforations. This heats up the for cooking or a natural heat source, new flowing air, burning off smoke and particles introductions from Espegard allow everyone allowing more heat and less smoke. With to keep warm outside. autumn setting in, winter on the horizon and

Christmas in site, these new virtually smoke-free firepits offer the ideal gift for anyone wanting to make the most of being outdoors, whatever the weather.

Kindling Cracker – perfect for garden retail sales

Thanks to the love for a real flame and two hugely successful years selling in the UK, Fandango Fire Tools has now sold over 21,500 Kindling CrackerTM firewood splitters in the UK. This quality and safe-touse tool has been added to the outdoor entertaining and wood fuel offering of many garden centres and it can also be promoted as the perfect Christmas present too. Stockists onboard include Longacres Garden Centres in the South East, Burford

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Garden Co in the Cotswolds, Langlands in Yorkshire, Beetham Nurseries in Cumbria, Fire Pits UK, Kadai and groups like Blue Diamond. With more and more homes and gardens having numerous products that burn wood - the Kindling CrackerTM is the perfect accessory for owners of log burners, fire pits, pizza ovens, grills, hot tubs and saunas. It’s not just in the UK where trade is brisk. Across Europe sales are reaching 50,000 units a year and crucially the Kindling CrackerTM now has a European and UK patent helping to secure its design against inferior copies and give confidence to both retailers and consumers.

September/October 2023 7


Interview

Captain of garden machinery ryy From humble beginnings in a high street store in Swindon, Handy has grown to become a manufacturer and national distributor of garden machinery ry. y Mark Moseley, Sales & Marketing Director, tells GTN of its plans to drive more customer traffffific i to garden centre retailers.

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ack in 1938, Geoffery Handy opened his first store selling ironmongery and bottled gas and quickly it became known for its garden machinery. By 1963 the business split so it could focus on its own Handy bottled gas brand and concentrate on garden machinery.Fast forward 30 years and the Handy gas business is sold to BP and Derek Belcher, has bought, and is running the garden machinery side of the business.

Here for the independents From the 1970’s to the early 1990’s, garden machinery continued to be sold through the company’s retail store in Hyde Road in Swindon. Fortunately, being sited at the time next to a Kennedy’s Garden Centre, gave Handy a foot in the door and a good opportunity to support retailers with a core range of garden machinery. In 1992 business blossomed, the network of garden retail customers grew, and the transition from retailer to distributor began. With the new century, larger multiple retailers started to look to China to source cheaper alternatives in bulk. “The independent retailers couldn’t compete because they couldn’t

Mark at Glee promoting the new AVA range of pressure washers.

8 September/October 2023

To get in touch, email: sales@handys.co.uk, visit www.handys.co.uk or call 01793 333220.

go to China or commit to volume,” says Mark Moseley, Handy’s Sales & Marketing Director. “Derek saw a need to source a core range of products under The Handy brand to offer to garden machinery dealers and garden centres.With a very small commitment, they could then compete with the rest of the market.” Supporting independents remains important to Handy. By offering its own brands including Webb, The Handy and Q Garden plus others such as Flymo, Bosch and Karcher, it can confidently be a garden machinery gth,” t says Mark. “We ‘category captain’. “It’s our core strengt work alongside the retailer to improve performance in the category and help increase overall profit and growth.”

...the intention is to driivee moree traffic into the market which will hopefully convert into sales. Of late, Handy has played a key role in driving a huge step change within Dobbies stores. “We worked closely with Dobbies to completely change the entire category from being brand to product-focused. For example, all the product types now sit together but brands are mixed making it easier for the consumer to shop.” Mark hopes more garden centres will be interested and want to follow suit. “We will work with our partners to help install this concept to improve the shopping journey for the customer.” Having its own brands in the mix, together with the exclusive distribution of the Greenworks brand, accounts for approximately 85% of the company’s turnover enabling Handy to be in control of its own marketing strategy. “This,” says Mark, “puts us in a healthy position and enables us to support each brand accordingly. It is also why we replaced the word Distribution from our company name in favour of ‘Home of Brands’.” Handy is looking for new brands to represent especially where it sees category opportunities. AVA pressure washers from Norway is a recent example, which Handy introduced at Glee this year. It also continues to invest in its own brands from point of sale and brand awareness through social media. Its recent foray into television with a SKY campaign was a first and deemed a success. It is also partnering with the lawn treatment company Greenthumb for cross-promotional advantages. “The intention is to drive more traffic into the market, which will hopefully convert to sales, benefitting our brand and retail partners.” says, Mark.

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GCA Regional Awards

HARD WORK REWARDED WITH

REGIONAL WINS

GCA Inspectors reveal the best garden centres across its seven regions.

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After a 12-week inspection period by GCA inspectors who visited more than 200 GCA member garden centres, the results were announced at the South Thames (ST), North Thames (NT), Midlands (M), Wales & West (WW), North East (NE), North west (NW), Scotland (S) and Northern Ireland (NI) regional summer meetings. Garden centres which achieved the highest standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability are now proudly displaying their certificates awarded at the area meetings across the country throughout July. “A huge ‘congratulations’ to all our winners, they all thoroughly deserve the recognition,” says Peter Burks, CEO at the GCA. “This year we had two new awards. One was for houseplants and the other for the Best Planteria. The top 10 Coolings, Whych Cro ss. Best Planteria highest scorers get a second visit to determine who wins the overall Ruxley Rose competition, which is announced at our conference in January.” Garden Centres of the Year • Coolings Wych Cross – ST • Creative Gardens Bushmills – NI • Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne – M • Klondyke Beverley Garden Centre – NE • Klondyke Garden Wise, Dumfries – S GCA area winners 2023 • Klondyke Wilmslow Garden Centre – NW • Perrywood, Sudbury – NT Destination Garden Centres of the Year • Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe – WW • Bents Garden & Home - NW • Cowell’s Garden Centre – NE Customer Service Award for Best Customer • Klondyke Mortonhall Garden Centre – S Service • Perrywood Garden Centre, Tiptree - NT • Ayletts Nurseries - NT • Ruxley Manor Garden Centre – ST • Coolings Nurseries - ST • The Old Railway Line Garden Centre - WW • Creative Gardens, Donaghadee - NI • Webbs of Wychbold – M • Fron Goch Garden Centre - NW

10 September/October 2023

Ruxley Manor Garden Centre.

• Gates Garden Centre - M • Klondyke Mortonhall Garden Centre - S • Klondyke Stokesley Garden Centre - NE • The Old Railway Line Garden Centre WW Environment and Sustainability Award sponsored by Savills • Bents Garden & Home – NW • Creative Gardens, Logwood – NI • Klondyke Livingston Garden Centre - S • Klondyke Stokesley Garden Centre – NE Millbrook Garden Company, Gravesend - ST • Perrywood, Tiptree - NT • Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth – M • The Old Railway Line Garden Centre - WW The Barton Grange Trophy for Commercial Innovation and Creativity • Bents Garden & Home - NW • Cowell’s Garden Centre - NE • Creative Gardens, Donaghadee – NI • Perrywood, Tiptree - NT • Ruxley Manor Garden Centre – ST • Simpsons Garden Centre - S • The Old Railway Line Garden Centre - WW • Webbs of Wychbold - M

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GCA Regional Awards

Cowell’s Garden Cen

tre.

Webbs of Whychbold.

The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre • British Garden Centres, Arcadia - NE • Creative Gardens Bushmills – NI • Klondyke Houghton Hall Garden Centre - NW • Klondyke Livingston Garden Centre - S • Pugh’s Radyr - WW • Stratford Garden Centre - M • Thompson Plants and Garden Welling - ST • Thurrock Garden Centre - NT The Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant • Bents Garden & Home - NW

The Old Railway Line.

Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe.

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• Creative Gardens Bushmills - NI • Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne - M • Klondyke Beverley Garden Centre – NE verley and Klondyke Be • Klondyke Brookside Teams from s. rden Centre Wilmslow Ga Garden Centre - NW • Klondyke Holland Arms Garden Centre - NW The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products • Klondyke Lady Green Garden Centre - NW Retailer • Klondyke Mayfield Garden Centre - S • Barton Grange Garden Centre - NW • Knights Plant Centre, Betchworth – ST • Bents Garden & Home – NW • Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe - WW • Creative Gardens Bushmills - NI • Pugh’s Radyr - WW • Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne - M • Ruxley Manor Garden Centre -ST • Klondyke Astbury Meadow Garden Centre • Simpsons Garden Centre - S NW • The Old Railway Line Garden Centre - WW • Klondyke Garden Wise, Dumfries – S • Thetford Garden Centre - NT • Klondyke Stokesley Garden Centre - NE • Thurrock Garden Centre - NT • Moss and Moor – NE • Tong Garden Centre - NE • Perrywood, Sudbury - NT • Webbs of Wychbold - M • Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth - M • Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe - WW • Simpsons Garden Centre - S • Squires Garden Centre, Woking – ST • Stewarts Garden Centre, Christchurch – ST • The Old Railway Line Garden Centre - WW • Thetford Garden Centre - NT

Bents Garden & Home

.

September/October 2023 11


GCA Regional Awards Klondyke Mortonhall Garden Centre.

Klondyke. Garden Wise.

The Indoor Lifestyle Award for Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer • Creative Gardens, Logwood - NI • East Bridgford Garden Centre - M • Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne - M • Gordale Garden Centre - NW • Klondyke Garden Wise, Dumfries - S • Klondyke Mayfield Garden Centre - S • Klondyke Mortonhall Garden Centre - S • Knights Plant Centre, Betchworth -ST • Moss and Moor - NE • Perrywood, Sudbury - NT • Perrywood, Tiptree - NT • Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe – WW • Pugh’s Radyr - WW • RHS Bridgewater Plant Centre and Shop – NW • Ruxley Manor Garden Centre -ST • Simpsons Garden Centre - S • Tong Garden Centre - NE The Outdoor Living Award for Best Outdoor Living Retailer • Alton Garden Centre – NT • Bents Garden and Home - NW • Canterbury Garden Centre - ST • Creative Gardens Bushmills - NI • Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne - M • Garsons Garden Centre, Esher - ST • Gates Garden Centre - M • Klondyke Astbury Meadow Garden Centre - NW • Klondyke Garforth Garden Centre – NE

• Klondyke Livingston Garden Centre - S • Klondyke Mortonhall Garden Centre - S • Klondyke Polmont Garden Centre - S • Klondyke Stokesley Garden Centre - NE • Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe – WW • Pugh’s Radyr - WW • Stanway Garden Centre - NT Houseplants • Cowell’s Garden Centre - NE • Creative Gardens, Donaghadee - NI • Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne - M • Hayes Garden Centre - NW • Klondyke Beverley Garden Centre – NE • Klondyke Garden Wise, Dumfries - S • Klondyke Garforth Garden Centre - NE • Knights Plant Centre, Betchworth -ST • Perrywood, Tiptree - NT • Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe - WW • Ransoms Garden Centre – ST • RHS Bridgewater Plant Centre and Shop – NW • Simpsons Garden Centre - S • Webbs Milletts Farm - NT • Webbs of Wychbold - M • Whitehall Garden Centre, Lacock - WW Best Planteria (Ruxley Rose) • Coolings Nurseries – ST • Cowell’s Garden Centre - NE • Creative Gardens Bushmills - NI • Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne - M

lls.

Creative Gardens, Bushmi

• Fron Goch Garden Centre - NW • Klondyke Lady Green Garden Centre – NW • Klondyke Livingston Garden Centre - S • Klondyke Mortonhall Garden Centre - S • Langlands Garden Centre, Leeds – NE • Newbridge Nurseries - ST • Orchard Park Garden Centre – WW • Pacific Nurseries – M • Perrywood, Sudbury - NT • Perrywood, Tiptree - NT • The Old Railway Line Garden Centre - WW • Thompson Plants and Garden Welling- ST

GCA Conference 2024 – Cirencester

The GCA’s 57th annual event, organised by Will Blake, Chairman Elect for 2024/25, will be held at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel, near Circencester, from January 28th-31st 2024. Set among the honey-coloured villages and gently rolling hills of the Cotswolds, the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel is in the heart of 152 lakes spread across the unique Cotswolds Water Park. • For more information visit www.gca.org.uk

Perrywood Tiptree.

12 September/October 2023

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Christmas 2023

Who will be the Greatest Christmas Garden Centre teams of 2023? Our team of judges have their sleighs ready to start the judging process for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2023.

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f you think your Christmas teams are the best in the business, now’s the time to get them nominated for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2023. There are categories to recognise display teams, Christmas Trees sales teams, marketing teams and back this year are the much sought after Greatest Festive Garden Centre Catering team, The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto team and The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care and Pet team awards. It’s simple to take part, all you have to do is nominate your teams for the award categories below in an e-mail to trevor@ pottingshedpress.co.uk including a few words about why our team of judges should come and meet your team and a photo or two that we can include in our GTN Xtra Christmas photo galleries. The closing date for nominations to guarantee a visit from our judges is Monday 30th October 2023. Here are the categories for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2023 • The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team •The Greatest Christmas Tree and Outdoor Plant Team

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

•The Greatest Christmas BBQ and Outdoor Leisure Team – The Solex Sizzle •The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team •The Greatest Christmas Marketing Team •The Greatest Christmas Community Event •The Greatest Festive Gardening Gifts Team •The Greatest Festive Retail Food Hall Team •The Greatest Festive Garden Centre Catering Team •The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Video •The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team •The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team* •The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team* •The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team •The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team •The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team *The Group Garden Centre awards are for centres that are part of groups with 5 or more centres Judging visits will take place during November and December with the winners being announced on The Stage at Spring Fair on Monday 5th February 2024.

As well as the kudos and fame from winning a Greatest Christmas award, our Gold winners in each category will win prizes including stock, services and hotel accommodation from our sponsors, which at time of going to press include: •Garden Radio •Glee 2024 •Kaemingk •LeisureGrow •Smart Garden Products – Three Kings •Solex 2024 •Stars for Europe •Woodmansterne Watch out for details of the prizes on offer in issues of GTN Xtra: www.gardentradenews.co.uk and in the next issue of GTN. So, what are you waiting for, get snapping and send an e-mail today to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk to get your entry registered.

September/October 2023 15




/lifestyleappliancesUK /lifestyleappliances /lifestyleappliances_uk 01527 65126 sales@lifestyleappliances.co.uk


Promotion

Benches aid water-wise retailing In planterias, Timber Display’s flood benches help garden centres maximise water use.

P

ressure treated benches manufactured in Lincolnshire by Timber Displays, help keep planterias and garden centre looking good all year round. Its’ display tables, benches and stands are an attractive addition to any garden centre or store and have been designed to allow retailers to maximise their merchandising opportunities. The best-selling rectangular General Display Bench, in three sizes, can be seen in hundreds of centres across the country. They make it easy for planteria staff to keep plants looking good and crucially are easy to shop. An additional attractive trellis back panel enhances the look and is prefect for mounting point-of-sale material. Over time, Timber Displays has added other designs to its range including the popular hexagonal, tiered and modular benches.

Saving time, money and water Timber Display’s Flood Benches are helping Available in grey, black and half sizes. garden centres save signifi significant cant amounts of time and money on hand watering. The addition of a tray means water not immediately taken up by the plant is held rather than lost to the ground. Alternatively, benches can be flooded for more efficient irrigation (and feeding) allowing plants to efficient take up water at their leisure. Flood trays are also proving to be an asset in meeting the challenges of watering plants grown in peat-free compost, helping them to look their best for longer. Plastic trays can be fitted to many of the Timber Display benches including the Tree Island specifically designed to keep trees upright, and there is a new range to fit Danish trollies. So why not add flood trays to your benches and cut down on time and money hand watering? Trays come complete with plastic filter and rubber bung.

Perfectly designe d to keep plants wa tered when displayed on a Danish trolley.

For more information on our range of benches, flood trays and special offers, call our friendly team at Timber Displays on 01778 422700. Visit www.timberdisplays.co.uk Flood tray specifically designed to fit the Hexagonal Bench.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

September/October 2023 19


®

JOIN THE NEXT GENERATION GENERATIONOF OFOUTDOOR OUTDOORHEATING HEATING Introducing the revolutionary Firestorm Patio Heater, winner of the “Garden Leisure & Entertainment” and “Best of British” awards at GLEE 2023. These revolutionary heaters offer a sustainable and eco-friendly solution that aligns with the growing demand for greener products. Our wood pellet patio heaters are designed to provide efficient and clean warmth without compromising on performance. They will provide your customers with head-to-toe heat from a radius of around 2m at a fraction of the running cost of anything else. The days of suffering from being covered by smoke from a Firepit or Chiminea have finally gone! Clean burning sustainably sourced wood pellets produce next to no smoke in the efficient burning Firestorm. Any wisps created are up and away as they emanate from above head height. The mesmerizing flames add a touch of style to your customers’ outdoor spaces, creating the perfect setting for gatherings with friends and family. Join the next generation and elevate your outdoor heater range with our Firestorm patio heaters. Embrace eco-friendliness without compromising on performance or style. Make the right choice today for a better tomorrow!

CONTACT US FOR TRADE PRICES AND IN-PERSON PRODUCT DEMONSTRATIONS

info@pinnacle-agri.co.uk info@firestormheaters.co.uk info@pinnacle-agri.co.uk www.pinnacle-agri.co.uk www.firestormheaters.co.uk

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01432 01432 667567 667567


Garden Centre Profile

Feeling at home in Yarnton Just a few miles from the city of Oxford, is Yarnton Home & Garden where customers are invited to dwell and enjoy a relaxed shopping experience.

W

Customers to Yarnton Home & Garden are greeted by a warm, houseplant welcome.

ith its indoor Magic Garden for children, chic range of clothing, interiors and gifts plus beautiful merchandising throughout the store, Yarnton Home & Garden in Oxfordshire is pulling in customers from far and wide. It’s not uncommon, says Bryony Taylor-Edwards, the centre’s Head

of Marketing and Buying Manager, for people to travel up to an hour and a half to spend time at the store. “People will regularly travel that far, especially for our children-related events and Christmas,” she says. But local customers are still valued at this site that started life, more than 50 years ago, growing food for Oxford University. Run by two brothers, it later became Oxford Shopping and Garden Village before Bryony was bought on board, by a new owner in 2016, to help rebrand the site. “We wanted to put Yarnton back in ect the title,” says Bryony about the wish to refl reflect the garden centre’s location in the village of Yarnton, just four miles northwest of Oxford. Being so close to the city means Yarnton Home & Garden has a captive audience on its doorstep and with just three miles separating it from Blenheim Palace it’s a close stop over to those enjoying a day out. Added to this is the ever-growing number of new housing which is bringing in new customers too.

Broadening the demographic Over time, the centre has vastly expanded the number and size of its departments, bringing in gifts, food, clothing and restaurant with more than 200 covers. Outdoor living, garden plants and accessories have also been enhanced and the offers excellent quality and choice. houseplant area offers Concessions can be found around the outside of the centre including a dog groomer, greenhouse company, Maidenhead Aquatics and antiques

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

September/October 2023 21


Planteria

Encouraging customers to dwell

Making use of roof space in the houseplant area.

Bryony describes the site as being ‘like a small town’. Concessions inside include The Village Refill offering a sustainable way to shop for home essentials. For children and their families, The Magic Garden is an irresistible draw, and has been instrumental in attracting a younger demographic. An inside space, it has its own catering with a menu tailored to children, a tree house and climbing frame for energetic activity and an area for more reflective quieter play. “It’s not like any other play space in the area because we wanted to do something really different. It has calm and sort of natural Scandi vibes and has been designed with parents and guardians in mind as well as children,” explains Bryony. The space also has facilities for children’s parties and is the venue for special events and workshops such as Paint, Pot and Play and mother and child massage. The calendar of events held other parts of the store includes those for adults too. Mainly botanically, workshops include, making a terrarium, wreaths and planting bulbs. “We have found people really love the in-person moments around the store,” says Bryony.

Colour coordinated home ware display in cool greens.

Celia Leeson-Cox

An outstanding element of Yarnton is its relaxed atmosphere and roomy-feel which invites customers to take their time and to dwell. “On the whole, it is quite a calm place. We’ve tried to create that ambience using lots of natural and calming colours, natural wood and we have plants throughout the store,” says Bryony. The same has been done in the Magic Garden which steers away from bright hyper colours, which are not always conducive to mood of already energetic children. The centre also has the luxury of space. “We have elderly customers, and people with prams so we don’t want them to feel claustrophobic. We want them to come and enjoy all the spaces and not feel stressed.” This is typified in the restaurant which is subtly divided into different zones, through colour schemes and styles of seating. A functional, predominantly white area, is designed for those wanting a quick coffee and cake, while darker colours and comfy sofas dominate a space for customers with a bit more time. LifestyleGarden’s chairs made from recycled and marine plastic, and its wooden tables are arranged according to colour for those in large groups. Offering homecooked food on site, the restaurant, like many garden centres, is enjoying a period of growth.

New seasons, new departments

Yarnton Home & Garden’s logo is Twiggy the blackbird who appears throughout the story conveying pricing and messages.

Autumn is a time for celebration at Yarnton when merchandiser Celia-Leeson Cox goes to town with instore displays themed around warm colours of the season. “Autumn especially is about home and harvest, a slowing down as we start to reconnect with our local communities and refocus on home, so using natural materials

Part of the Yarnton team Coming on board in February as Managing Director was Glen Sheldrake who brought with him experience from retailers including Blue Diamond and Burford Garden Company. Lindsey Gardias is Plants Manager, while Kevin Beckett, Head of Retail and Buying, also has bulbs, seeds, tools and furniture under his wing. Bryony (left) is the buyer for home, gift and clothing and as Head of Retail Creative and Celia Leeson-Cox is the mastermind behind the exceptional merchandising.

22 September/October 2023

www.gardentradenews.co.uk


Left: A new venture – the Yarnton Toy Shop. Below: Inside the Magic Garden. Right: Seasonal gourds can be found in displays throughout the centre which has plenty of room for relaxed shopping.

The restaurant is zoned to appeal to different customer needs.

Glen Sheldrake with Twiggy. The blackbird within a circle was chosen for the logo because of its appeal to children and adults. The circle represents a nest and also resonates with building a home. The name Twiggy, was chosen by local children via a competition.

to enhance the displays across the store are key to creating this seasonal story. Think rustic wooden tables, orange woolly scarves, twigs, leaves and logs and ginger beer! We see it in our plants area and really enjoy bringing this season indoors to our ‘home’ department too. These displays should inspire with the sentiments of the season … we like to use the ever popular and extraordinary shaped decorative gourds every where!,” she says. Autumnal food and cookbooks are bought to the fore while paper decorations and pumpkins lead the way for Halloween. “We really love the seasons and try not to rush our customers through them,” says Bryony. In the planteria too where display benches are dressed by colour, orange and yellow dominate. Bonfire night is popular in the Cotswolds so firepits and barbeques will feature in other shop floor displays. This year, autumn is even busier with the opening of a new clothing department this month and an area devoted to toys. “The natural theme follows nicely into our new family clothing department where the seasons are of course equally evident,” says Celia.The existing women’s fashion has been relocated to a larger space and combined with new collections for men and children. The new toy area, sited next to the entrance to the Magic Garden offers a mix of traditional wooden and long-lasting toys plus craft kits and books. However, Christmas is always hot on its heels and this year’s festive experience, which takes over the outdoor living section, remains underwraps.

Colour theming is strong throughout the planteria.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

September/October 2023 23


Glee New Product Directory 2023

Innovation for a bright future GTN’s direct ctory t ryy of every ryt ything t entered into Glee’s 2023 New Product ctt Showcase this year.

T

he New Product Showcase at Glee in June yielded another impressive crop of new products, many of which will already, or soon will be, on retailers’ shelves. It was encouraging to see that, even in such a challenging environment, companies and individuals continue to look ahead and bring innovation to ensure a bright future in garden retailing. The GTN Glee New Product Directory includes a brief description of every new product entered into the awards – which runs to more than 300. We hope the listings prove useful and help remind you of the many and varied introductions that are sure to keep p customers comingg back to every garden centre department for more. garden morre. If you need to find out more details, all of the companies, plus their contact information, can be found listed in the Glee Show Guide. If you don’t have it to hand,, all exhibitors can be found online aatt gleebirmingham.com/exhibitors.

Garden Growing Containers Joint Winner EcoMade Indoor Hemp Planters. Woodlodge Products. RRP £9.99. Using a first to market material, the EcoMade range of 19cm cylinder shape pots in five colourways, blends recycled plastic with highly sustainable hemp. Made in the UK.

Joint Winner Cottage Garden 12L Beehive Planter. EP Barrus Ltd. RRP £5.99. Lightweight, contemporary and stylish beehive planters in a soft grey for around the home and in the garden. Made in the UK from 100% recycled material and 100% recyclable.

Shortlisted Tierra Verde Planters - New Collection. Primeur Ltd. RRP £49.99-£99.99. Lightweight but durable pots manufactured from recycled rubber tyres. Eco-friendly, extremely weather proof and now available in three new silhouettes and size options . Tray2Grow. AutoPot Global. RRP £69.95. Completely automated and power-free system offering five ways to feed and water plants, seed trays, grow bags, micro herbs, and planters. Tray2Grow’s innovative layout includes a patented AQUAvalve water control device. Contemporary Tower Pots. Treadstone Products. RRP £7.99.

Diary date

Simple, clean lines make this clever vertical pot a modern classic. Manufactured using 80%

Make a note in your diary for Glee 2024 taking place from 25-27 June.

Urban Grey and Latte.

recycled material, pots can be stacked for towers of herbs, strawberries or floral displays. In Potect 250. Potect. RRP £5.99. Innovation and invisible solution to raise pots, aid drainage and protect the surfaces they sit on. For outdoor and indoor use, Potect 250 holds up to 400kgs. Made in Britain with recycled materials. Fully recyclable. Made from Sawdust. Capi Europe. RRP £9.99. Revolutionary pots for any indoor space made with repurposed and transformed sawdust, repurposing and transforming these residuals into a beautiful pot. Made in Belgium. Mood Pots. Treadstone Products. RRP £18.99. Inspired by nature, Folia and Natura Mood Pots are offered in four colours to harmonise or contrast with indoor or outdoor décor and colour schemes. Durable and weatherproof with fade resistant colours, pots can be easily recycled. Spun Gold Planter Ball. Capi Europe. £49.99. New golden spun effect addition to contrast with lush green plants and bring a sense of luxury to any room. Made with recyclable materials, the planter has a lifetime warrantee.

24 September/October 2023

www.gardentradenews.co.uk


Glee New Product Directory 2023 Redo Recycled Planters. Primeur Ltd. RRP from £32. Recycled cellulose polymer planters are a new innovation for re-purposing waste materials

Coco & Coir Houseplant Compost

into a durable, attractive and long-lasting pots. In five new colours, self-watering and suited for

A revolutionary new peat-free Houseplant Compost, made from compressed coir, expands in seconds. This innovative blend not only nurtures your plants g an inhosp pitable but also features a unique “no fly formulation,,” creating environment for Sciarid flies preventing roo ot damage. With a nutrient-rich mix, our comp post ensures your plants receive vital sustenancce for a continuous six months, promoting lussh growth and vibrant blooms.

indoor and outdoor use. Apta Lightweight Weben Bowl. AMES UK. RRP £29.99. Exclusive to garden centres, the Apta Lightweight Weben Bowl for indoors or outside, has a woven texture design, is lightweight, made from recycled materials, 100% recyclable, frost and UV resistant. Apta Lightweight Weben Planter. AMES UK. RRP £39.99. Part of the Apta lightweight rotational moulded planter collection range, the Apta Lightweight Weben Planter recognised the need for new designs in this category and has come about following months of consumer research.

Southern Trident RRP: £4.99 Launched: 1st February 2023 www.southerntrident.com sales@southerntrident.com

Botanian Peat Free Grow Pots Round 6cm (pack of 30). Bronte Heritage Collection. RRP £6.49. Part of a new high-quality range, Botanian Pots promote fast and strong root growth and make transplanting easier by preventing root disturbance and reducing root-zone temperature changes. Painswick Terracotta Pinched Planter. Ivyline. RRP £17.99-£24.99. Handmade in Europe, these terracotta planters, with pinched edge detailing, open a new sales category within houseplants, by bringing traditional materials into the home. RHS Growing Gardeners Link-a-Pot. Burgon & Ball. RRP £14.99. Set of three colourful pots, ideal for windowsill growing with clear bases to show when to water. Pots can be linked together to create different displays. Innovative introduction. Artisan Hanging Baskets – Conical. Wildlife World. RRP £15.99. In two sizes for planting and hanging indoors. This Fair Trade product is hand-crafted using natural Hogla grass and recycled saris woven around a tough metal frame for a beautiful and

Greenkey Garden & Home Ltd Introducing the Greenkey Pea Hoop and Bean Frame, your one-stop eco-friendly gardening solution! Crafted with 12mm steel canes coated in recycled plastic, these gardening tools combine durability with environmental consciousness. Tool-free assembly is a breeze, thanks to the innovative recycled plastic clip joints. Plus, rest easy knowing that the biodegradable Jute netting can be composted. RRP - Pea Hoop - £19.99 / Bean Frame £39.99 Launch date -September '23 www.greenkey-garden.co.uk sales@greenkey-garden.co.uk

Bean Frame

unique finish. Artisan Hanging Baskets – Cyclindrical. Wildlife World. RRP £15.99. Fair Trade, hand-crafted cylindrical baskets which support the artisan workers in Southern Bangladesh and help fund the survival of many women and their families from rural communities in desperate poverty. RHS Growing Gardeners Felt Planter. Burgon & Ball. RRP £7.99. Outdoor planter for growing ornamentals or edibles and printed with flower and vegetable motifs to appeal to children. In two sizes, pots are easy to display, move around or store. Gardening Planter. Yangzhou KAILAI Plastics Co. Ltd. RRP £29.99. Roman style indoor and outdoor planter that’s UV resistant and lightweight and easy to stack for easy shipping. Colours and effects can be customised from Pantone color cards. Apta Lightweight Beton Round Planter. AMES UK. RRP £49.99. For indoor and outdoor use, made from recycled materials and 100% recyclable, the Apta Lightweight Beton Round Planter is part of the Apta lrotational moulded planter collection range. Exclusive to garden centres. Flexitub Eco Brik. Albero Forte Composite, S.L. RRP £5.40. Made from recycled aluminium and plastic taken from food and drink cartons to reduce the negative impacts on the environment. Flexible and shock resistant, tubs also come with a reinforced handle. Botanian Peat Free Grow Pots Square 6cm, (pack of 20). Bronte Heritage Collection. RRP £4.49. Botanian Pots promote faster and stronger root growth compared to plastic pots. They make transplanting easier by preventing root disturbance and reducing root-zone temperature changes. Willow 45cm Planter. P&R Horticultural. RRP £7.99. Decorative garden patio planter with its wood panel detailed design, lightweight, and weather resistance qualities brings something new for 2024. Injection moulded in the UK and made

Shortlisted Garden Furniture Restoration Kit. Furniture Clinic. RRP £44.95. All-in-one kit in an attractive tub with everything needed to restore any wooden garden furniture. Easy to stock on shelves but also makes attractive shop floor display when stacked.

Shortlisted Exterior Wood Stain. Furniture Clinic. RRP £9.95. Concentrated water-based formula for soft or hard woods. Touch dry in 10 mins and rainproof in 30 mins. A range of 28 colours covering 13m² per litre. Easy-to-use and stains in one coat. Green Growth Remover. Furniture Clinic. RRP £19.95. All-in-one moss and algae remover for all outdoor hard surfaces. Cleans, restores appearance and prevents regrowth. Biodegradable, highly concentrated and water-based. Monty Miracle. Monty Miracle. RRP £32.95. Monty Miracle is a patented, 100% biodegradable, outdoor hard surface cleaning product, developed and manufactured in the UK. Effective on organic matter including black spot, algae and lichen, working in under 10 minutes. Flymo 36V UltraStore 340R. Husqvarna/Gardena. A 34cm battery lawnmower with advanced features including close to edge cutting, vertical storage and rear roller for stripes. Designed for medium/large gardens and powered by two 18V POWER FOR ALL batteries. Botanian Peat Free Quick Soil Mix Pellets (pack of 18). Bronte Heritage Collection. RRP £5.29. A professional quality growing media mix offered as compressed 38mm pellets. Light and convenient to bring home from the garden centre, easy to store and easy to use by just adding water. Command Clear 20 peg FSDU - Pre-Filled. Wilsons. RRP £950. New for October 2023, a pre-filled stand with all the best products in the Command Clear range. Interchangeable heading making it easy to use and sell from all year round.

from recycled polypropylene plastic.

Garden Decoration

Botanian Peat Free Grow Pots Round 6cm, (pack of 15). Bronte Heritage Collection.

Winner

RRP £3.99. Peat-free pots brining professional quality and convenience to home gardeners. The range contains sustainable, peat-free propagation products designed for millennials in mind.

DIY Products Winner Racan Premium Anti-Rodent Sealant (RACARSM). Lodi UK. RRP £16.99. Animal friendly rodent blocker proven to be the most effective product to seal seams, cracks and holes to prevent entry from rodents and other pests. Non-toxic, poison-free, long lasting.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Gemini Solar Wall Light (pack of 2). The Solar Centre. RRP £19.99. Wall light with wings. Designed to project lighting, these lights add beautiful effects to any wall. Lighting and solar panel are in one central location projecting light along its perspex wings to create a beautiful and effective display.

Shortlisted DécorDisk. Smart Garden Products Limited. RRP £7.99. Multipurpose solar disk lights are perfect for decorating or uplighting borders, decking, paths, and driveways. Each disk has eight Superbright LEDS outputting five lumens which can switch between cool white or colour changing.

September/October 2023 25


Glee New Product Directory 2023 Fire Pan Pilar Premium 50

Hortiwool Garden Pad & Hanging Basket Liner Hortiwool’s all-season, multi-use garden pads and liners have many benefits around the garden or allotment, thanks to the amazing natural properties of wool! Use them for frost and weather protection, to line pots, planters, or baskets for extra hydration, deter slugs, add nutrition to soil and much more.

Search #hortiwool for inspiration. Hortiwool RRP: £2.95 per pad, or £11.95 for a pack of 2 x Hanging Basket Liners www.hortiwool.com hello@hortiwool.com

Espegard have been making fire pits for decades and have sold over 500,000 in Scandinavia. The Pilar Premium 50 is one of a new, innovative and elegant range. Clean-burning technology provides an almost smoke-free fire. In a combination of black enamel and stainless steel, smart storage space allows you to stock up on firewood. A smart tray allows easy ash removal. Accessories for cooking and safety include a grill grate with two adjustment levels, a lid, and a spark cover. RRP: £499 Launch Date: Spring 2023 Fandango Fire Tools Web: www.fandangofiretools.co.uk Email: info@fandangofiretools.co.uk

Shortlisted

GloBall Stake Lights. Smart Garden Products Limited. RRP £19.99.

FireFly Solar Garden Light. The Solar Centre. RRP £19.99.

Set of 10 lights with crackle finish orb toppers and stainless-steel finish. Stakes are 30cm high

Light that moves with nature. The six flexible arms can be separated and positioned where

with 30cm spacing for 3m light length. Remote solar panel and choice of static or twinkling

among plants. As the wind blows and night falls, lights come to life moving like fireflies or fairies.

light functions.

2.5L Protek Wood Stain and Protect Shearwater. Protek. RRP £22.50.

Chester Wall Light Powered by Leaf. The Solar Centre. RRP £39.99.

This amazing outdoor paint can colour everything from fencing and sheds to masonry, plastic and terracotta pots. Shearwater is a contemporary mid blue with soft undertones to compliment planting and earthy tones. Rainbow Flaming Balloon. Smart Garden Products Limited. RRP £14.99. A beautiful lantern resembling a hot air balloon, with three-way chain for hanging from trees, hooks and gazebos. Internal LEDs create a realistic flickering flame effect while staying cool and safe to the touch.

UK designed and revolutionary single solar panel technology for use with a multitude of lights. Boasting 3watt solar panel, USB charge ability, charge indicators, additional battery slots and built in timer. Jumbo Showers. Smart Garden Products Limited. RRP £179.99. Elephant water feature made with a realistic hand-painted resin finish, that adds fun to any garden by squirting water from its trunk. Low voltage solar powered pump circulates water from the main reservoir.

Garden Tool Garland - Verdi Gris. Jardinopia Ltd. RRP £16.99. Handmade decorative garlands produced with sustainably sourced yam wood and recycled

Brass bee Welly Boot Stand. Brass Bee Ltd. RRP £69.99.

metal to decorate potting sheds, garages, or conservatories. Gift box set comprises mini spade,

Solid iron with a black finish for the rods decorated with bees finished in pewter. Keeps hallways

fork, rake, watering can, hoe and bucket.

and utility rooms free of mud, with two rows of vertical rods for six pairs of wellies.

NEW AGGREGATES

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ORIENTAL

NATURAL STONE

QUALITY PRODUCTS WITH AWARD WINNING CUSTOMER SERVICE 01948 841 607

26 September/October 2023

info@meadowviewstone.co.uk

www.meadowviewstone.co.uk

www.gardentradenews.co.uk


Glee New Product Directory 2023 Super Festoon LED String Lights. Lighting Legends. RRP £34.99.

Shortlisted

Warm White outdoor LED string lights to brighten up outdoor spaces. String of 12 high quality,

Paint your Own Solar Butterfly Light. The Solar Centre. RRP £19.99.

shatterproof and replaceable filament style LED bulbs. Upgraded and patented for added

Solar up-down wall light with butterfly shaped body finished in plain white and supplied with 12

waterproofing.

waterproof paints, pallet and brush. Suitable for outdoor use and a great gift for children

AluminArk Garden Collection - Orange and Black Butterfly – large. Tilnar Ltd ta Tilnar Art

or adults.

& Azeti. RRP £21.99.

Shortlisted

Tilnar Arts butterflies can be displayed on their own or, by using an attachment, as part of a plant or pot stake or wall hanging. UK designed and manufactured by Indian artisans.

MightyBugs. Andermatt. RRP from £4.99. The MightyBug system brings natural and beneficial nematodes to the gardener’s door. Voucher

Rainbow Drop™. Beauty and the Wind. RRP £24.99.

cards purchased at garden centres are redeemed online and fresh nematodes are received by

Original garden art design by Beauty and the Wind and inspired by the beauty and simplicity of

post within a few days.

a glistening droplet of rain. As it spins it reflects light in a range of changing colours.

Knitted Shark toy. Best Years Ltd. RRP £16.99.

The Magical Wind Dragon™. Beauty and the Wind. RRP £120.

Robust and tactile shark toy in bright stripes. Perfect for toddler play. Machine washable and

Transform your garden into a fairy tale of wonder, fantasy and movement with a spinning

suitable from birth.

garden art Magical Wind Dragon. Standing at 1.3m tall, the dragon symbolises good fortune,

SmarTrike Xtend Ride-on. Robbie Toys Limited. RRP £149.99.

wisdom, and power.

The world’s first ride-on that transforms into a scooter. Using SmarTrike’s patented mechanism

Gifts, Body & Bath, Christmas, Greeting Cards, Toys & Games Winner Playpress Vets Mini Playset. Playpress Toys. RRP £5.99.

the frame can be moved into different positions to grow with a child from three to 12 years. Make Your Own Seed Balls Kit. Seedball. RRP £12. Kit to make wildflower seed balls - a super fun, messy and wildlife friendly activity for all ages.

Part of a collectible, fun range of buildable playsets. Designed for cash strapped parents but

Includes plastic free clay pouches, peat-free compost and UK seeds, to make 40-60 seed balls.

made of robust lasting materials. Highly innovative packaging, designed to be played with and

Pineapple & Coconut Reed Diffuser. Sofasoy Candle Co. RRP £24.

great for when travelling.

The perfect pina colada is the newest fruity fragrance to bring that summer feeling to any

Shortlisted

home. A refreshing, tropical blend of sweet coconut with white rum and freshly squeezed

Xtend Bike. Robbie Toys Limited. RRP £299.99.

pineapple juice.

The world’s first balance bike that turns into a bicycle. Using SmarTrike’s patented mechanism,

RSPB Coastal Birds. Playpress Toys. RRP £8.99.

the frame can move into different positions, so the bike can grow with the child from three to

Innovative product in conjunction with the RSPB designed for adults and children. The set

nine years old.

converts to a cliff on to which you arrange your birds. Totally FSC, plastic free and sustainable.

Shortlisted

Blood Orange and Botanicals Soap Bar 120g. Labre’s Hope CIC. RRP £7.99.

RHS Gifts for Gardeners ‘Asteraceae’ herb set. Burgon & Ball. RRP £9.99.

A white kaolin and red French clay swirled soap infused with three pure essential oils -

Herb stripper and mini snip set, in keepsake tin printed with the new RHS Gifts for Gardeners

blood orange, Litsea cubeba, and patchouli for an uplifting, citrus scent. Makers are those

‘Asteraceae’ pattern. A fresh option to the top-selling RHS Gifts for Gardeners series.

experiencing homelessness and get support from Labre’s Hope and Crisis.

Greenworks Cordless Lawn Mower GWGD24LM33

Greenworks Mini Chainsaw GWG24MCS10K2

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www.gardentradenews.co.uk

September/October 2023 27


Glee New Product Directory 2023

New Pre-season Garden and DIY Machinery Catalogue for 2024 British garden equipment manufacturer Handy is delighted to announce the arrival of its new Pre-season catalogue for 2024, designed to support retailers with a wealth of exciting benefits and monthly promotions across a substantial range of garden and DIY machinery. Retailers can benefit from increased margins on selected products including The Handy Garden Trolleys, Classic Webb petrol and electric lawnmowers and Greenworks cordless lawnmowers of up to 28%.SSP Get your copy and become a stockist! For further information please contact us via: 01793 333220 email: sales@handys.co.uk Visit: www.handys.co.uk Room on the Broom. Playpress Toys. RRP £11.95.

Pink Lily Giftwrap. Alex Sharp Photography. RRP £2.50/sheet with gift tag.

A delightful Julia Donaldson product all of which is used. Packaging turns into a scene for

Beautiful bright pink stargazer lilies on a white background. Made in the UK and printed on

playing out the whole Room on the Broom story. Made from FSC materials it adds to the

120gm silk paper, each sheet measures 50x70cm and comes with a tag. Can be used for

Gruffalo and Zog sets.

wrapping or crafting.

Hope Candle Myrrh & Tonka 400g. Labre’s Hope CIC. RRP £24.99. Premium, two-wick amber-glass candle contains biodegradable soy wax, infused with an opulent fragrance of myrrh, warm almond, vanilla and tonka bean. Soy wax is vegan and provides a clean and long burn time.

Fairtrade Dinosaur toys. Best Years Ltd. RRP £19.99 per set. Set of four popular dinosaur designs in bright colours. Handmade by a Fair Trade WFTO cooperative using light weight, upcycled wood. Collage Picasso Eco Gift Bags. UK Greetings. RRP £1.70-£2.90.

Coffee & Whisky Large Candle. Sofasoy Candle Co. RRP £22. A blissful balance of smooth sweet espresso and Irish whisky, delicately balanced with hints of cocoa, vanilla and cream. The newest addition to Sofasoy’s masculine fragrance range.

100% recyclable gift bags in three sizes with innovative paper ribbon handles and bold designs. Paper ribbon handles are a real breakthrough, acting and feeling just like fabric ribbon. Giant Pass the Pandas. Winning Moves. RRP £19.99. A twist on the classic Pass the Pigs, players inflate the giant pandas and throw them in the air to

Slim Artificial Christmas Tree. No Limitts Ltd. RRP £59.90. Charming snow covered artificial Christmas tree in a variety of sizes, from small tabletop

gain points. Perfect for the garden, pool or beach.

trees to large 7ft trees. Extremely robust and durable, designed for those who value

Knitted Shark Toy and Rattle. Best Years Ltd. RRP £16.99.

simplicity and elegance.

Knitted shark toy and baby rattle in bright stripe fabric for babies and young children to enjoy.

Our stylish new Mood collection offers soft lines and beautiful textures creating a truly unique look The Mood collection features four eye catching colours which can be used to harmonise or contrast with indoor decor or outdoor colour schemes.

Urban Grey a modern neutral

Latte Smooth and subtle

Pistachio elegant and fashionable

Raspberry Warm intensity

Email us today about stocking Mood Pots in 2024 - sales@treadstoneproducts.com 30cm

28 September/October 2023

40cm

www.gardentradenews.co.uk


Glee New Product Directory 2023 MONOPOLY: Kings & Queens. Winning Moves. RRP £34.99. Uncover influential monarchs that have shaped the UKand Ireland with MONOPOLY: Kings & Queens. Buy up spaces modelled after Alfred the Great, Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair using goldfoiled tokens.

Wildflower Tubes. Seedball. RRP £6. A set of single flower wildflower tubes, including poppy, oxeye daisy, red campion, forgetme-not and cornflower. One tube of 20 balls will cover a square meter in a border or several planters.

Koosh Flix Stix. PlayMonster UK Ltd. RRP £24.99. The fun of lacrosse meets the innovation of Koosh for easy catching and gameplay. The large pocket on the Flix Stix combined with no-bounce Koosh balls makes catching and throwing a breeze.

Hedgehog in a Hoop Needle Felting Kit. The Crafty Kit Company. RRP £20. No matter your skill level, this needle felting kit lets you ‘paint with wool’ to create beautiful hedgehog in a hoop. Clear photographic instructions and UK-sourced materials.

Knitted Halloween T Rex hanging decoration. Best Years Ltd. RRP £8.00. Unique design, affordable price and robust product which can be used year after year Link-a-Pot. Burgon & Ball. RRP £14.99. Set of three colourful pots, ideal for windowsill growing that can be linked together to create a variety of displays. Made with recycled material and with clear bases to show when watering is required. Perfect Gardening gift set: ‘Sow and Grow’. Burgon & Ball. RRP £9.99. Set of wooden dibblet, seedling labels and seed envelopes, presented in a plastic-free recyclable card gift box with paper wrap. A premium creative execution, perfectly priced, ideal for gifting or self-purchase. Peter Rabbit Greeting Cards. UK Greetings. RRP £2.15. A range of four greeting cards featuring classic artwork based on the characters from the beloved Beatrix Potter books. Delightful new additions to the Peter Rabbit range of cards and gift dressings. HEMPE Ice Muscle & Joint Gel. HEMPE. RRP £21.99. Powerful ice gel available enriched with cannabidiol, mint, pine, menthol and laurel. Rapid absorption for ultra-quick, lasting relief from tension and inflammation of muscles and joints. Active ingredients are naturally derived. Yin and Yang Soap Bar 120g. Labre’s Hope CIC. RRP £7.99. A white kaolin clay and activated charcoal swirled soap infused with three pure essential oils lavender, geranium rose and patchouli, for a soothing, heavenly rose waterfall scent.

Seasonal Fruit Needle Felting Kit. The Crafty Kit Company. RRP £20. Make a juicy selection of seasonal fruit, whether you are a beginner or an expert crafter. Clear instructions and UK-sourced materials make this needle felting quirky craft come to life! Moomin - Snorkmaiden Cross Stitch Kit. The Crafty Kit Company. RRP £25. Everything you need in a box to create a cross stitch Snorkmaiden - Moomintroll’s friend and playmate. Part of the new range of Moomin cross stitch kits from a collaboration between The Crafty Kit Company and ©Moomin Characters™. Nordic Gnomes in a Hoop Needle Felting Kit. The Crafty Kit Company. RRP £20. Both beginners and experienced crafters can lose themselves while creating 2D Gnomes in a Hoop. A sustainable needle felting kit, with easy-to-follow photographic instructions and, where possible, materials sourced in the UK. Strawberry Cupcakes Needle Felting Kit. The Crafty Kit Company. RRP £20. Have fun needle felting delicious looking strawberry cupcakes. Whether a beginner or an expert crafter, the clear instructions and UK-sourced materials bring this quirky craft come to life. SNOAP Dispenser. Snoap. RRP £45. A dispenser for solid soap or shampoo designed to reduce single use plastic bottles. SNOAP takes two bars of solid soap or shampoo and dispenses a powder, increasing the surface area and reducing the amount needed. HEMPE Hot Muscle & Joint Gel. HEMPE RRP £21.99. A revolutionary relief product, Hempe Hot Muscle & Joint Gel, can relieve niggles, stiffs and strains. It uses the very best natural ingredients - clove leaf oil, eucalyptus, wild mint and lavender and combines them with CBD.

The right choice for the planet

ORGANIC SUPERFOOD IS GROWING www.ecofective.uk.com www.gardentradenews.co.uk

New Organic Superfood Pouch Feeds The award-winning Organic Superfood range has new feeds available all presented in new pouch packaging that use up to 70% less plastic, when compared to a rigid bottle. The feeds are supplied as a value-added launch promotion with 50% extra feed.

Email us to become a stockist: enquiries@sipcamhg.co.uk September/October 2023 29


Glee New Product Directory 2023

Potect If you love your pots like you love your plants, and want to protect them, and the surfaces they sit on. Potect raises garden pots off your surfaces avoiding pot stains and moisture transfer. Potect - Made in Britain from recycled material and is 100% recyclable. Go on – Potect the pots you love. Launch June 2023 RRP – Potect 250 £5.99 Potect 300 £6.99 Micro Plas Moulding Ltd www.potect.co.uk hello@potect.co.uk

Greenfingers 3D Grand Advent Calendar. Woodmansterne Publications Ltd. RRP £9.99. Designed and produced in the UK using traditional printing methods and the best possible eco credentials. Featuring usual new wreath design, perfect for adding a festive flourish to any home.

Garden Tools & Machinery Winner Kent & Stowe Surecut Loppers & Shears. Westland Unwins. RRP £24.99-£39.99. With SK5 chrome plated steel, Surecut loppers and shears have strengthened blades built into a strong, yet light, aluminium chassis. Reflex cushions provide a gentle rebound for maximum comfort and minimum effort.

Shortlisted Wing-Lock Hose Connector. Qwickhose. RRP £9.50. Universal fitting and innovative Wing-Lock connectors replace the breakable teeth of other connectors on the market. Made in the UK from UV stabilised plastics. Easy to fit and use, with

Racan Premium Anti-Rodent Sealant Get ready for rodent season with our award winning Racan Premium Anti-Rodent Sealant. An animal friendly, chemical free RTU rodent blocker. Non-toxic and poisonfree, the sealant’s unique formulation contains metal shavings, designed to stop rodents from chewing. Longlasting indoor and outdoor rodent control, prohibiting rats & mice from entering unwanted areas. Supplied in a handy 300ml tube for easy application. Company Name: Lodi UK RRP: £16.99 Launch date: June 2023 01384 404 242 | orders@lodi-uk.com | sales@lodi-uk.com Mickey Mouse Memories Commemorative Lullaby Baby Toy. Rainbow Designs Ltd. RRP £35.99. Suitable from birth, a Mickey Mouse musical soft toy in a charming keepsake gift box, decorated with iconic Mickey vintage poster artwork. Box can also be used for storing early years memories and trinkets. Knitted Halloween Hanging Decorations. Best Years Ltd. RRP £7.99. Decorations featuring the most popular characters including dinosaurs and dogs, from the Christmas decoration range. Mind Spa Room and Pillow Mist. Clarityblend Ltd. RRP £19.95. A deeply calming blend for a spa-at-home experience with eucalyptus, lemongrass, patchouli and bay laurel to soothe the emotions and calm the mind. Calm moment Gift Set. Clarityblend Ltd. RRP £12.99. Set of three pulse point aromatherapy rollers to soothe, relax and unwind. Includes 3 x 10ml rollers with blends of lavender, frankincense and geranium essential oils to quieten the senses. Hope Candle Myrrh & Tonka 150g. Labre’s Hope CIC. RRP £14.99. Premium amber-glass candle contains biodegradable soy wax, infused with black coffee scent, paired with white florals and vanilla. Soy wax is 100% vegan and has a clean, long burn time. Hope Candle Ambroxan River 400g. Labre’s Hope CIC. RRP £24.99. Two-wick amber-glass candle contains biodegradable soy wax, infused with Reggio di Calabria bergamot. Scents combine with ambroxan, derived from the precious ambergris to create a powerfully woody aura. Super Mario WHOT! Winning Moves. RRP £8. Welcome to the Mushroom Kingdom with this 53-card Super Mario edition of WHOT!, the original matching game. Match shapes, numbers, and Mario characters to be the first to get rid of all your cards. Mind Spa Room Mist. Clarityblend Ltd. RRP £19.95. For a deeply calming spa-at-home experience, the Mind Spa Room Mist with eucalyptus, lemongrass and bay laurel creates a lovely aroma and provides the physiological benefits of our high quality oils. Pigs On Trampolines. PlayMonster UK Ltd. RRP £19.99.

long service life.

Shortlisted AMES Digging Spade. AMES UK. RRP £29.99. Part of the new AMES tool range, 2024 and exclusive to garden centres. Stamped from one piece of tempered carbon steel (no welding) reduces weak points, prevents distortion when under pressure and adds flexibility.

Shortlisted AMES Double Sided Soil Rake. AMES UK. RRP £29.99. Rake with longer tines for heavier duty tasks and shorter tines for finer work. Made with tempered steel and FSC ash handle that’s ergonomically designed to reduce back strain, with a cushioned handle for comfort and grip. Kent & Stowe. Surecut Secateurs & Snips. Westland Unwins. RRP £14.99-£29.99. The result of two years in-house design, innovation and engineering, focused on exceeding the needs of gardeners. The range includes seven Surecut Secateurs and Snips combining SK5 chrome plated blades for a precise clean cut. GARDENA Micro-Drip-Irrigation Vegetable Bed/Flower Border Set (60m²). Husqvarna/ Gardena. RRP £69.99. Save up to 70% of water vs. other irrigation methods. Easy to set up system that delivers water to the roots. Its assortment of driplines and drip heads means all areas can be watered effectively. GARDENA MicroCutting GripCut. Husqvarna/Gardena. RRP £21.99. New GARDENA GripCut herb scissors have tapered precision blades made of stainless steel and a built-in holding function making it possible to cut and grip the herbs at the same time. Wing-Lock Hose Repair & Extend Connector. Qwickhose. RRP £12.99. Double ended Wing-Lock connector for repairing damaged hoses or joining two hoses together. With no breakable teeth, it offers more hose grip and an easier connection than typical models, preventing pop offs. Sophie Conran for Burgon & Ball heart-shaped trowel. Burgon & Ball. RRP £22.99. Covetable heart-shaped trowel, presented in a stylish recyclable gift box. Ergonomic design, with a dropped tang. Ideal for shallower digging and scooping, when planting bulbs, bedding, or plug plants. Grab Rake. EP Barrus Ltd. RRP £29.99. Innovative 2-in-1 garden rake for simple clearing. Simply rake leaves and debris, then pull the handle to engage the second smaller head, which swings into place and grabs all the debris. Emma Lawrence Children’s Gardening Tool Gift Set. Jardinopia Ltd. RRP £24.99. Delightful children’s garden gift set with four tools for digging, scooping, raking, and planting. Carried in a high quality, thick canvass cotton tool bag featuring Emma Lawrence’s ‘Little Nature Explorers’ pattern. GARDENA EcoLine Hose 13mm (1/2”) 20m. Husqvarna/Gardena. RRP £64.99. EcoLine hose is made of thermo plastic elastomer containing more than 65% recycled material mainly from household waste. A high-quality knitted inside makes it robust and it comes with a

New children’s action and skill game, using trampolines to bounce pigs into the pen and try to

30-year warranty.

land in the mud puddle. The muddiest pig at the end is the winner.

The Germinator. Grass Gains Ltd. RRP £180.

Knitted Halloween T Rex Hanging Decoration. Best Years Ltd. RRP £8.

British designed patch seed repairer for domestic lawns and sports pitches storing seed inside

Bright, unusual and affordable knitted Halloween T Rex hanging decoration. Unbreakable so can

its casing and injecting it into the soil through one of 20 spikes. For use with ryegrass seed.

be used year after year.

AMES Extra Wide Leaf Rake. AMES UK. RRP £29.99.

Mickey Mouse Memories Lullaby Soft Toy. Rainbow Designs Ltd. RRP £35.99.

This new rake has a 60cm contoured head and reduces repetitive motion as more waste is

Musical Mickey Mouse Lullaby Soft Toy created from the softest, high quality fabrics.

collected in one pass. Long FSC ash handle is ergonomically designed to reduced back strain.

3D Grand Advent Calendar. Woodmansterne Publications Ltd. RRP £9.99.

RHS Gifts for Gardeners ‘Asteraceae’ dibber and planter set. Burgon & Ball. RRP £26.99.

Appealing to the growing consumer trend towards traditional paper calendars to celebrate the

RHS-endorsed planting trowel and dibber with specially coloured handles, butterfly etching and

period of Advent (so no chocolate!) this new design depicts the new Christmas tradition of a

lifetime guarantee. Presented in a recyclable gift box carrying the elegant new RHS Gifts for

family trip to the garden centre.

Gardeners ‘Asteraceae’ pattern.

30 September/October 2023

www.gardentradenews.co.uk


Glee New Product Directory 2023 RHS-endorsed 12-inch bassine garden brush. Burgon & Ball. RRP £16.99. A 12-inch garden broom with natural bassine fibres and waxed FSC hardwood head and handle. Easily-recyclable plastic connectors. Two-year guarantee. Heritage good looks, with hotstamped logo and leather hanging thong. Guard Glider. SandCo StriMower Ltd. RRP £39.99. Simple yet effective clip-on guard allowing an edge trimmer to be used as a push along edge trimmer - reducing snagging on the ground and eliminating leaning over. Patent pending.

Growing Accessories Winner ClipGlove Warm ‘n’ Waterproof. Treadstone Products. RRP £8.99. Offering the ultimate protection against wet and cold, a double dipped latex coating and brushed acrylic lining make this the perfect glove for winter garden jobs. In two colours and

Tend Indoor Plant Feed House plants are having a moment. Tend liquid feed supports their healthy growth. Its nutrient numbers are N – 4.1, P – 0.56, K – 9. The higher potassium level promotes vigour, helps the plants make carbohydrates, and promotes disease resistance. Product size, packaging, and branding have been carefully considered. It’s an easy-to-use 250ml pump bottle, which looks great on a sideboard. Natural Plant Food Company RRP: £8.99, Launch Date: July 2023 Website: www.naturalplantfoodcompany.co.uk Email: info@naturalplantfoodcompany.co.uk

four sizes, plus the signature clever clip.

Shortlisted Germie - Reusable seed growing kit. Germie. RRP £19.90.

RHS Growing Gardeners Potting Mat and Tool Bag. Burgon & Ball. RRP £19.99.

Reusable seed starting kits accelerate root growth and eliminate transplant shock with

Handy children’s tool bag which unzips to form a potting mat. Ideal for keeping work

patented, space-efficient tool. Grow 13 to 41 plants with healthy and strong root systems. 35-

areas clean when gardening, and for storing or transporting tools. Made from recycled

year product life.

materials.

Shortlisted

100% Recycled Watering Can. Green & Home Ltd. RRP £10.99.

Zest Tall Botanical Greenhouse. Zest Outdoor Living. RRP £899.99.

Light grey, 10L watering can, made in Germany from 100% recycled plastic, featuring a

Combining looks with functionality. Made from PEFC soft wood and glazed with quality Perspex

detachable sprinkler rose for rain-like watering. A robust, eco-friendly tool for both indoor and

allowing light through roof and sides. Two fully adjustable roof panels, removable shelves so

outdoor gardening.

taller plants to be grown.

Seedling Tray (8 Cavity Tray) 5 Pack. Coir Products LTD. RRP £11.99.

Shortlisted

Made from high-quality coir, the Seedling Tray provides a sturdy and eco-friendly base for

Zest Eco Hive Composter. Zest Outdoor Living. RRP £169.99.

seedlings to grow and thrive. Carbon Neutral, vegan, FSC approved packaging. Packs of five in

Made from PEFC timber, with 405L of composting space its construction helps regulate

retail ready packaging.

moisture and temperature, retaining heat and ventilating the compost to maximise decomposition.

Shortlisted Memory Foam Folding Kneeler. EP Barrus Ltd. RRP £24.99. Double up with a 2-in-1 folding kneeler and comfortable cushion. Lightweight and easy to carry, it features a non-slip surface and extra padding making it perfect for any situation where comfort is key.

Shortlisted Verty Plant Anchoring System. Verty. RRP £6.99. A reusable plant cane anchor for pots to keep climbing plants upright. UK made and patented design, it protects root balls when lifting out to re-pot. Arms then rotate to fit bigger pots. 28 Cel Deep Root Success Kit. Garland Products Ltd. RRP £11.99 (promo). Kit with tray, 28 plant cells and clear ventilated propagator lid. Spilt cells allow for easy inspection of roots and no disturbance when transplanting. Made in the UK with 100% recycled plastic. 10-year guarantee.

Growing Materials Winner Coco & Coir Houseplant Compost. Southern Trident Limited. RRP £4.99. Innovative product in a self-expanding resealable bag, to provide optimum growth conditions for indoor plants. Excellent resistance to fungus gnat infestation, and rich nutrient content and moisture retention properties.

Shortlisted BugNet. Andermatt. RRP £9.99. Innovative bug spray that slowly solidifies to form a net-like structure around bugs. Slowermoving pests get trapped, faster-moving beneficials (ladybirds) shrug it off and escape to continue helping gardens to flourish.

Shortlisted RocketGro Tomato Rood. RocketGro. RRP £6.49. A 1.5 litre concentrated liquid feed that delivers value for money, visually stunning branding, and is Organic Soil Association approved. One of a family of five, 100% sustainable liquid feeds

Wicked Waterer Indoor Plant Watering System. Mayhem UK Ltd. RRP £8.99.

derived from composted crops.

Holiday watering system for up to six plants with adjustable flow soil spikes to water the roots. Non

Shortlisted

rot wicking cords are multi coloured and come in different lengths. Offers up to 12 days watering. Men’s ULTRALIGHT Ankle Boots. Leon (ULTRALIGHT) Boots Co. RRP £44.99.

Vitax Liquid Acer Feed. Vitax Ltd. RRP £6.99. A market first, tailored mix of granular nutrients in a pouch to encourage strong growth and

Men’s version of the popular Ladies ULTRALIGHT Ankle Boots with a slightly wider fitting.

stunning, colourful foliage. Suited to all soil types especially peat-free. For plants in pots or

Made with EVA which is vegan and animal friendly.

planted out.

Kent & Stowe Surefit Gardening Gloves. Westland Unwins. RRP £7.99-£24.99.

ecofective Organic Superfood for Tomatoes. Sipcam Home and Garden. RRP £7.99.

Gardening gloves that have been tested and rated for abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture

A blend of natural ingredients and enriched with seaweed, this organic tomato feed increases

resistance. Available in leather, fabric and high-performance polyethylene ensuring maximum

crop yield and strengthens the plant to help resist disease attack. Vegan-friendly formula

protection in every gardening task.

making up to 40 watering cans.

RHS Gifts for Gardeners ‘Asteraceae’ indoor watering can. Burgon & Ball. RRP £22.99.

Hortiwool Hanging Basket Liner. The Wool Packaging Company. RRP £11.95.

Elegant indoor watering can, printed with the new RHS Gifts for Gardeners ‘Asteraceae’ pattern.

Compostable hanging basket liners made from 100% pure British wool. Sized to fit baskets from

The body has sophisticated moulded curves and the narrow spout is ideal for highly targeted

12-16”, but can be used for multiple applications around the garden. Made in the UK.

pouring.

Westland Houseplant Potting Mixes. Westland Unwins. RRP £4.99-£6.99.

Sustainable Seagrass Hanging Basket. Panacea Products Ltd. RRP £16.99.

New potting mixes formulated to extend the life of every plant. Enriched with Seramis

Stylish baskets, perfect for houseplants or sheltered outdoor flowing plants. Braided seagrass is

technology for improved water management along with zinc complex to stimulate root growth.

dyed with eco-friendly colouring to create eye catching patterns. Comes with a jute strings and

ecofective Organic Seaweed. Sipcam Home and Garden. RRP £7.99.

waterproof liner.

Produced from organic seaweed from the best sources to provide all plant types with an extra

24 Cell Self Watering Fast Root Success Kit. Garland Products Ltd. RRP £12.50 (promo).

boost during the growing season. New flexible pouch packaging uses up to 70% less plastic.

All in one kit with base tray, 24 durable plant cells, capillary platform and capillary matting

Moss Eliminator. Grass Gains Ltd. RRP £15.99.

plus clear propagator lid. New strong injection moulded split cell growing system with 10-

Premium organic-based fertiliser incorporating a blend of beneficial bacteria and fungi to

year guarantee.

decompose moss and thatch resulting in a lush, moss-free lawn.

Sophie Conran for Burgon & Ball seed organiser. Burgon & Ball. RRP £25.99.

Biofertiliser for Acers Natural Plant Food. Plantworks Ltd. RRP £8.25.

Stylish seed organiser with three compartments for seed storage, branded calendar index cards

Packed with essential nutrients, mycorrhizal fungi, and growth-promoting bacteria, this new

and useful carrying handle. Superb functionality with beautiful design, perfect for the modern

plant food nourishes acers while conditioning and enriching soil biology. A follow-up to

rustic trend.

rootgrow™, to keep soil thriving season after season.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

September/October 2023 31


Glee New Product Directory 2023 GroPure. Andermatt. RRP £6.40.

Harmony Gardens Bulb Compost. Southern Trident Limited. RRP £5.99.

Innovation in organic fertilisers. Creating a sustainable circular system, it extracts individual

Peat-free and carbon neutral compost formulated to provide optimal conditions for bulbs to

nutrients from plant waste making them immediately available to the plant. Has specifically

flourish. Compost retains moisture, ensuring bulbs receive consistent hydration. Promotes

engineered NPK ratios.

strong root development, healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

BugClear Plant Shield. Evergreen Garden Care (UK) Ltd. RRP £7.99.

Westland New Horizon All Plant Compost. Westland Unwins. RRP £8.99.

Bee Friendly, 98% natural ingredients, pesticide free and 100% recycled plastic bottle. Its blend

A 100% sustainably sourced growing media to help all plants and nature thrive. Featuring

of oils forms a natural barrier to protect plants against pests and, with bi-weekly use, prevents

West+2 wood fibre delivering advanced water retention for slower drying out and improved

further infestations.

growing benefits.

MyGarden Rose Tonic. Sipcam Home and Garden. RRP £9.99.

Botanian Peat Free Grow Pellets, pack of 36. Bronte Heritage Collection. RRP £9.19.

A natural way to help roses flourish. Liquid tonic used by professional growers, it stimulates the

Belonging to a new high-quality range, Botanian Grow Pellets bring professional quality and

plant’s own immune system to fight off diseases. Free from additives, wetting agents, dyes and

convenience to home gardeners. Promising more flowers, fruit, and veggies because all-

impurities.

important root development isn’t disturbed.

Houseplant Booster. Carbon Gold Ltd. RRP £19.99.

100% biodegradable CoirCoins for seed germination. Coir Products LTD. RRP £9.50.

Created to give tired houseplants a new lease of life. Soil Association approved it contains

Carbon-neutral and vegan-certified, these ethically sourced CoirCoins are available in four

natural biology and fertiliser to enhance plant health and reduce the need for watering. New 4L

distinct sizes and retail-ready packaging. Coir Products LTD is a carbon neutral company and

format.

packaging is FSC-approved.

Chelsea Horticultural Coarse Grit. Deco-pak. RRP £4.99.

Tumblebug Biochar Growing Medium. Tumblebug Ltd. RRP £9.99 for 40L.

Vibrant full-colour packaging made from 50% recycled plastic, clear instructions, and 3D

Tumblebug facilitates growers, garden centres, farmers and country estates to produce 100%

barcodes for easy scanning, offer a user-friendly, natural slug deterrent and growing media

natural carbon negative, peat and coir free peat growing medium to their own formulae for

enhancer.

different plant requirements.

Nature Safe Indoor Plant Food 25ml pump. Nature Safe by Hygeia. RRP £7.

Miracle-Gro Enriched Garden Soil. Evergreen Garden Care (UK) Ltd. RRP £5.49 for 30L.

100% certified organic plant based indoor plant food includes hand-harvested and cold pressed

Mix of top soil and green compost to formulate of quality fine garden soil, rich in organic

seaweed making for a more nutrient-rich solution. Easy to apply 250ml pump bottle, which is

nutrients. Heat generated during processing kills weed seeds and diseases. Enriched with

fully recycled.

Miracle-Gro® organic plant feed. Heart of Eden All Purpose Peat Free Natural Compost. Heart of Eden. RRP £7.99.

InsectoNet. Andermatt. RRP £27.99. High-quality plastic free, 100% biodegradable insect net. Protects against mild frosts, rain, wind and the smallest pests with it’s fine 0.85 mm mesh size. Lasts for least three years and is

Environmentally friendly, peat-free product for sowing seeds, rooting cuttings, pots, hanging baskets and tubs. Produced with premium quality ingredients, enriched with naturally occurring

compostable after use.

nutrients and balanced fertiliser levels.

Heart of Eden Composted Bark Fines. Heart of Eden. RRP £7.99.

Heart of Eden Decorative Bark. Heart of Eden. RRP £10.99.

Long-lasting, durable and natural mulch ideal for beds, borders and large containers, providing optimum weed suppression and moisture retention. Attractive rich dark colour, it also enriches soil fertility.

Long-lasting, natural product providing a clean visual background to show off flowers and foliage when used as a mulch but also suppress weeds and retains soil moisture during dry spells. Westland Plant Health Sprays. Westland Unwins. RRP £5.99. Plant health sprays that activate the natural power of plants to help protect against pests and diseases and increase immunity. Includes Bug Guard, Fungus Guard and Rose Guard. Coir Potting Mix 5kg block. Coir Products LTD. RRP £14.50. A first to the UK market, 100% sustainable Coir Potting Mix 5kg block gives over 80L of growing media when hydrated. Carbon neutral, vegan-certified, and in retail-ready, FSC-approved packaging. Compost Rejuvenator. Carbon Gold Ltd. RRP £19.99. Created to breathe new life into old, ‘spent’ compost and promote healthier, more vigorous plants. Added microbiology rejuvenates compost while biochar locks in CO2 to reduce emissions. New 4 Litre format. Botanian Peat Free Grow Pellets, pack of 24. Bronte Heritage Collection. RRP £7.29. Designed to get more flowers, fruit, and veggies because the plants’ all-important root development isn’t disturbed. When it’s time to transplant them, the pellet remains intact. TurfSolv Enhanced. TurfSolv. RRP £39. Bio-based formula to treat against the grass pests and diseases that cause lawn damage and protect again stress from heating and freezing. The enhanced formula has boosted mineral content and high-quality Atlantic seaweed. Roundup Path Optima 5L Pump N Go. Evergreen Garden Care (UK) Ltd. RRP £22.86. Easy to use, general-purpose weedkiller to kill moss and suppress top growth of perennial

NATURAL PLANT FOOD RANGE Made from plants, for plants! Our liquid feed is rich in NPK nutrients. A sustainable product of green energy that is approved for organic use. In 100% recycled plastic containers.

weeds in as little as three hours. Glyphosate free so areas can be replanted or reseeded in just three days. Vitax Liquid Olive Tree Feed. Vitax Ltd. RRP £6.99. Packed with fast acting nutrients to revive plants with nutrient deficiencies or in need of a nutrient boost. Added seaweed extract and natural trace elements encourage strong growth while potassium boosts fruiting. My Little Gardener Bundle. Coir Products LTD. RRP £11.50. Kids bundle filled with coir goodies, designed to create a new generation of sustainable gardeners. All products are 100% biodegradable and carbon neutral. Activity booklet included.

Robin Stewardson 07932 096453 r.stewardson@apsleyfarms.com

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Homeware, Clothing & Fashion Accessories Winner Recycled Bottle Scarf. Art on Scarves. RRP £24.99. Incredibly silky scarves made from recycled plastic bottles and printed with original designs and drawings. The bestseller is Wellies, by British Artist Emma Lawrence. They come packaged in recyclable tubes.

32 September/October 2023

www.gardentradenews.co.uk


Glee New Product Directory 2023 Shortlisted Fire Starters: set of 12. Candles @ Miss Soy. RRP £15.

The Wheat Bag Company

Made with 100% soy wax, shredded paper, dried fruit and herbs. Idea for barbecues, camping,

The Wheat Bag Company is very excited to announce the launch of their new Pet Bed Toppers. Growing hugely in popularity, they also won the Glee Pet Product award in July. These come in a range of 6 different fabrics, they can be heated in the microwave to offer comforting warmth or placed in the freezer for cooling relief for pets, a natural way to soothe aches and pains.

fire pits, chimeneas and open fires, they are eco-friendly fire starters and available in four fragrances.

Shortlisted Botanical Wax Melts (Darjeeling Delights). The Flora Lab. RRP £8.95. Small but mighty, these Botanical Wax Melts are bursting with sensational scent. They’re powered by soy beans, are plastic free and are a trend led product in the home fragrance category.

Shorlisted Tapestry Bee Door Stop. The Wheat Bag Company. RRP £22.50. Luxury tapestry fabric door stops are a stylish and practical home accessory. Perfect for keeping heavy doors in place, each is hand-made from 100% cotton and weighted with cleaned English wheat. Laura Ashley Gardening Hip Tidy and Gloves Set. Jardinopia Ltd. RRP £29.99. A luxurious, timeless and elegant adult garden wear gift set. Laura Ashley’s first venture into garden wear, it features a hip-tidy split apron and garden gloves m ade of high-quality sustainable cotton. Low Rise Diabetic Sock. Pantherella International Group Ltd. RRP £6.50. Designed specifically for those with diabetes, HJ Hall Diabetic low rise socks are ankle length making them perfect for gardening and everyday tasks. Made with 48% cotton. Pop up Airer. Better Home Products UK LTD RRP £45. The perfect portable dryer for a patio, decking, garden or indoors, its 17m of drying space is the perfect size for a couple of loads. With one-of-a-kind locking it is patented by Better Home Products. Tapestry Llama Draught Excluder. The Wheat Bag Company. RRP £24.95. Functional and stylish luxury tapestry draught excluders in a variety of popular designs. Handmade, each is filled with soft polyester wadding and has a handy loop for storing when not in use. The Flora Lab Summer Night Lights: Outdoor Insect Repellent Candle. The Flora Lab. RRP £20. Perfect to ensure long summer evenings remain bug free, the new Summer Night Light collection using rapeseed and coconut wax provide the perfect scented backdrop to summer entertaining. Wax Melts & Burner Gift Set – SPA. Candles @ Miss Soy. RRP £24. Beautiful eco-friendly gift set with white ceramic burner, soy wax heart melts and unscented tea lights. Fragrances include aftershave inspired, baby powder, gin & tonic. Each melt fragrance lasts more than 20 hours. Glass on Wood Table Centrepiece. Candles @ Miss Soy. RRP £125. Unusual piece handcrafted from hand-blown recycled glass and Balinese Gamal Wood. Each can be filled, and refilled, with a soy wax candle and be make a beautiful table centrepiece. The Flora Lab Hand Poured Natural-Wax Candle Sicilian Sunbeam 500ml. The Flora Lab. RRP £36. Beautiful double wicked hand poured natural-wax candle blended with coconut and rapeseed blend and infused with romantic neroli, oranges, lemon and a fabulously spicy basil. Encased in FSC approved box.

RRP £18.95 Available now E: Sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk W: www.thewheatbagcompany.co.uk

Zest Terraza Outdoor Kitchen On trend for outdoor entertaining, the Zest Terraza Outdoor Kitchen provides a sustainable route to alfresco living. The units can be purchased individually or as a set comprising two double units and a corner display unit. Optional side table extends the serving space. The range is made from sustainable slow-grown softwood sourced from PEFC certified (PEFC/16-37-1490) forests. Zest Terraza Outdoor Kitchen Set £999.99 Launch date - June 2023 Contact Website https://zestoutdoorliving. co.uk/trade/ Email address sales@zestoudoorliving.co.uk Thermal T-Shirt. Pantherella International Group Ltd. RRP £20. The thermal t-shirt uses Repreve® recycled polyester from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Cotton is naturally soft BCI approved and coupled with TruTHERM™ technology for ultimate insulation. Pure Cotton Fly-Fronts Navy (3PP). Pantherella International Group Ltd. RRP £30. Underwear made with a breathable cotton fabrication, which keeps wearers feeling fresh while feeling soft against the skin. The softness is further enhanced thanks to soft touch inner seams and hems. Orwell Storage Cube Vacuum Bag Large. Wilsons. RRP £9.99. The ultimate solution for maximising storage space! New addition to the vacuum bag range the Storage Cube has been specifically designed to accommodate big bulky items. Afternoon Tea Apron. Victoria Eggs. RRP £22. Decadent Afternoon Tea apron inspired by Victoria’s love of this quintessentially British ritual. The motif features cupcakes, Bone China cups, and finger sandwiches. Handmade in Britain, screen printed onto 100% cotton. Afternoon Tea Cup and Saucer. Victoria Eggs. RRP £38.50. Fine bone china tea cup and saucer inspired by Victoria’s love of Afternoon Tea. Handcrafted in Stoke-on-Trent, and made from Cornish clay exclusively for Victoria Eggs by Duchess China 1888.

Orwell Caddy. Wilsons. RRP £10.99.

Landscaping & Garden Buildings

The Orwell Ecolux Peg Caddy with 20 pegs that keep a firm hold on laundry is easy to use and

Winner

will revolutionise the way clothes are hang out to dry.

Rubber Play Space Tiles. Primeur Ltd. RRP £12.99-£44.99.

Arlo Natural Engraved Side Table. Premier Housewares Ltd. RRP £230.

Simple to install and eco-friendly, these tiles are made from recycled tyres to create a safe,

Weathered-finish wooden side table evoking rustic charm and sophistication and blending

comfortable and attractive recreational or educational area. They are hard wearing and will not

indoors with the outdoor. The hand craved engraved detail adds to the decorative texture.

crack or rot even in extreme temperatures.

Made using 100% Paulownia.

Shortlisted

Spiral lamp. Jarapa Ltd. RRP £97.50.

Shell Chippings. Deco-Pak. RRP £3.99.

New lamp base added to the collection of 23cm high, 100% recycled glass lamps made in the

Packaged in full-colour, easily recycled, gusseted pouches, Shell Chipping cross-sell seamlessly

UK. Glassware in 11 colours is sourced from Europe with 16 colours of flex.

with house plants, terrariums, pots, and compost. Derived from whelk and scallop fishing, these

Afternoon Tea Mug. Victoria Eggs. RRP £21.50.

natural chippings also act as a chemical-free slug repellent.

New design by Victoria Eggs inspired by her love of this quintessentially British ritual. The

Shortlisted

decadent Afternoon Tea Mug features illustrated cupcakes, Bone China tea cups, and dainty

Oriental Stepping Stones. Meadow View Stone Limited. RRP £16.99.

finger sandwiches.

A premium range of extra-large oriental stepping stones in three colours offering a distinct

Strata Super Heavy Duty Clothesline Kit. Strata. RRP £ 100.

point of difference. With their authentic riven effect and multi-tonal colours, they provide a

An easy-to-install outdoor pulley drying solution. Rustproof and made to a high standard, it can

true likeness to natural stone.

be installed in unused elevated spaces of your garden without taking up valuable outdoor space.

Italian Collection Cobbles & Rockery. Altico. RRP £4.99 each or three for £12.

Deluxe Detangler. Nyfasi. RRP £30.

Exceptional quality Italian stones in convenient mixed quad-basket crates to offer a smaller

Patented and celebrity-endorsed, the Deluxe Detangler is designed to bring joy to the hair care

retail footprint and allow consumers to select from the range of four rich colours with unique

experience of women with curly and kinky hair. The patented mechanism works like a ball pen.

natural properties.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

September/October 2023 33


Glee New Product Directory 2023 Pure & Natural Finest Quality Pebbles & Cobbles. Altico. RRP £14.99 - £19.99.

Zebra Pebbles. Meadow View Stone Limited. RRP £10.99.

A-Grade quality, washed and tumbled stones with a ‘river-worn’ timeless. Good for creating

Attractive, stark contrasting pebble in 15-25mm, supplied washed to further endorse the

coastal landscape themes, or for adding to beds and borders for a dramatic garden aesthetic.

products superior quality. Launched following the increasing demand and trend for black and

Recycleable packaging and point-of-sale.

white stones.

Rubber Chippings, Mini bag. Deco-Pak. RRP £5.99.

GO FERROUS. The Patio Black Spot Removal Company Ltd. RRP £29.99 for 2L.

Ecostone Rubber Chippings in convenient handy pack bags. Made from recycled car tyres, they are durable, safe, and long-lasting. Perfect for pathways, play areas, garden borders and as indoor plant pot toppers. Patio Blast. Sipcam Home and Garden. RRP £19.99. Almighty Patio Blast is a powerful cleaner for outdoor surfaces. It kills and controls green growth, algae, mould, black spot and lichens. Cleans up to 220sqm and lasts up to nine months. EASYCare Minis. Azpects Ltd. RRP £4.99. Highly concentrated cleaners manufactured in the UK to remove dirt, grime, algae, lichen and mildew. Applied using a watering can or sprayer, each bottle makes up to 3ltrs and covers 20m2. Aria Self Contained Water Feature. Altico. RRP £149.99.

Go Ferrous removes rust staining from patios and pathways, caused by lawn fertiliser and metal pots. Processed from recycled green leaf vegetables it is a unique and fully sustainable product. Shell on Earth (XL Bag). Shell on Earth. RRP £15. Whelk shells from seafood processing look good as decorative top dressing on pots, borders or beds. They’re also a natural and gentle weed and pest control. In a fully compostable bag. Storm Pro-Formula Artificial Grass Cleaner & Deodoriser 2L. Lodi UK. RRP £11.99. A 3-in-1 concentrate for cleaning artificial and synthetic grass, mats and astro turf surfaces. Restores, cleans and leaves a fragrant fresh cut grass aroma. Also for cleaning animal housing and pens.

Abstract, contemporary water feature - just add water, plug in and go. Energy efficient with

Bellis Self-Contained Water Feature. Altico. RRP £139.99.

low running costs. In two colours with washed effect for a subtle, decorative home and garden

Attractive self-contained water feature with embossed bellis daisy design. It nestles perfectly in

statement.

the home or garden and is presented in carry-handle, boxed packaging. Costing under £2 per

Clay Pebbles. Deco-Pak. RRP £3.99.

year to run.

Derived from power station by-products the Chelsea Range Clay Pebbles are sustainable and

Rose Glacier Premium Decorative Chippings. Altico. RRP £9.99 or two bags for £18.

versatile. Packaged in full-colour, gusseted pouches with no lamination, made from up to 50%

Icy rose-sorbet colour glacial chippings made from natural marble offering a warm,

post-consumer recycled plastic.

contemporary finish to beds, borders and rock gardens. In bespoke metallic packaging made

Storm Pro-Formula Black Speck & Spot Cleaner RTU. Lodi UK. RRP £27.99.

with 30% reclaimed materials and 100% recyclable.

Power through patio black specks, spots and stains with this easy application formula that covers 25m2 and lasts for nine months. Deep cleaning solution works to keep a outdoor

Garden Leisure & Entertaining

surfaces looking their best.

Winner

Decking Kit. The Garden Village Ltd. RRP £171.

Firestorm Phoenix Pellet Patio Heater. Pinnacle Agri Products Ltd. RRP £499.

Made in Lancashire, this easy to assemble modular system provide a solid framework so Deck

Creating a warmth and spectacular visual effect, the Firestorm Phoenix Patio Heat burns eco-

Tiles can be effortlessly installed without additional tools. FSC certified timber with 10-year

friendly wood pellets to create a spiralling, virtually smokeless flame. Elegantly designed and

anti-rot guarantee.

weighing 16kg makes it sturdy yet mobile.

34 September/October 2023

www.gardentradenews.co.uk


Glee New Product Directory 2023 Shortlisted

Mow-Drink. SandCo StriMower Ltd. RRP £12.99.

Zest Stirling Arbour. Zest Outdoor Living. RRP £999.99.

A tool free, clip-on holder to secure onto any lawnmower allowing gardeners to drink andmow

Covered seating arbour for four people including a fitted table, perfectly angled seat backs and

on the go. It simply clamps on to any pole and stays upright to keep drink safe.

privacy trellis panels. It’s constructed from PEFC sustainably grown soft wood from responsibly

Flat Pack Log Cabins. Flat Pack Sheds. RRP £1500.

managed forests.

Superior Log lap cabins delivered within just 4-6 days of ordering. The modular and flat pack

Shortlisted

design allows for quick and effortless assembly and customisation.

Zest Terraza Outdoor Kitchen. Zest Outdoor Living. RRP £999.99.

Pet Products

Perfect for outdoor entertaining and alfresco cooking. Made from PEFC sustainable softwood with a 10-year guarantee against rot, this double kitchen unit has two wide opening doors, shelves and a robust stainless steel worktop.

Shortlisted Eco Fuego. Eco Fuego. RRP £175. Eco-friendly firepit perfect for small gardens and fuelled by an evolutionally 100% vegetable wax. Low maintenance, 90% less CO2, smokeless, instant lighting and it can be put out in seconds. Bring -Take me Anywhere. Nordlux (UK & EIRE) Ltd. RRP £24.95. Stylish and portable, rechargeable outdoor light, elegantly embraced by a black rubber band serving as a or for suspension. A gentle tap enables the Moodmaker™ functionality to dim the light. Dome. Gozney Inc. RRP £1799. Make wood-fired cooking easy with the Dome, the world’s most versatile outdoor oven. Enjoy a professional grade outdoor oven engineered to work effortlessly for beginners and exceptionally for chefs. El Fuego FirePits. Eco Fuego. RRP £175. A revolution in firepits, the Eco Fuego is easy to light and simple to put out. It can burn for 15mins or several hours. 100% vegetable wax in refills of, Citronella, Lavender and Cinnamon. EASYCare Minis. Azpects Ltd. RRP £4.99. Concentrated cleaners manufactured in the UK. Available in Patio Cleaner; Algae Cleaner; Deck Cleaner and Exterior Fabric Cleaner to clear grime, mildew and lichen. One bottle covers up to 20m2. Egos-Copenhagen rubber soled slipper. North and South Footwear Ltd. RRP £54.95. Taking the classic Egos slipper in natural dyed wool and adding a durable rubber sole to turn the

Winner Pet Bed Topper. The Wheat Bag Company. RRP £18.99. Can be used to provide comforting warmth or cooling relief. Made from a super soft and washable fleece cover with an inner bag of British wheat. Perfect size and shape for a pet’s bed.

Shortlisted Earthy Sustainable medium pet bowl made with coffee. Earthy Sustainable. RRP £5.99. Part of Earthy Sustainable’s new range made from biproducts that would otherwise be wasted. Featuring a non-slip base to keep it in place, it is designed to be durable and long lasting.

Shortlisted GET OFF Lawn Rescue. Sipcam Home and Garden. RRP £7.99. New 750ml Lawn Rescue product to revive soiled, discoloured lawns and prevent repeat soiling. Containing natural growth promoters and nutrients, it encourages faster regrowth and neutralises the acid damage on roots.

Shortlisted Extra-Large Compostable Poo Bags. Twiggy Tags Ltd. RRP £9.95. Split-proof, leak-proof, non-sticky poo bags that are certified to break down with three to six months of composting. Will fit over generic pooper-scoopers. Suitable for all dogs of all sizes.

Shortlisted TrailFinder Dog Safety Light. Twiggy Tags Ltd. RRP £13.95. Light for attaching to almost any harness or collar, it keeps dogs visible in the dark. Gemstone shape refracts the light in all directions. Rechargable with colour options and a 50m visibility range. Snappies. Percuro Pet Food. RRP £3.99. Oven baked dog treats of highly palatable and digestible black soldier fly, combined with plant-based ingredients. A hypoallergenic tasty treat that’s easy to break into small pieces is low

hygge orientated classic into an outdoor shoe makes is a garden game changer.

calorie.

100% Recycled BBQ Rain Covers. Storm Skin Ltd. RRP £48-£65.

OctoPoochie Tugga Fish. Smart Garden Products Limited. RRP £9.99.

Unrivalled protection from rain, wind and sun, these heavy-duty backpack fabric BBQ rain covers made of recycled polyester, are fluorocarbon-free and come in 100% recyclable packaging. Fire Pan Rein Premium 60. Fandango Fire Tools. RRP £589. Innovative fire pan that stands out because of its design, functionality and high-quality materials. Designed for year-round use, its clean burn technology means it fits and can be used anywhere. Double-Relax One Piece. EKJU. RRP £216. Space-efficient garden bench with back support that’s ideal for two people. Made from durable FSC timber that has been pressure-treated in a choice of subtle colours.

Colourful toys in four designs that dogs will love. Combining a plush exterior, pull through tug rope and squeaker, they are perfect for interactive play and sensory development. Safety tested. Venison, Aniseed & Blackberry Sausages. Eden Holistic Pet Foods Ltd. RRP £6.50. Irresistable succulent snack-sized sausages combining the soft and squidgy texture of Eden’s Succulent Semi-Moist Range with bistro ingredients and flavour of the Gourmet Range. TrailFinder Multi-Way Lead. Twiggy Tags Ltd. RRP £34.95. Versatile and multi-functional double-ended lead with lightweight locking carabiners at each

Blackstone 36” Griddle + Air Fryer. Blackstone Europe ApS. RRP £1499.

end. Easy switching from training walks, to longline, to hands-free walk using the adjusting

This one-of-a-kind griddle makes baking, searing, roasting and sautéing the simplest of meals

attachment points. Strength-tested and reflective.

that much more satisfying. Big cooking surface with independently controlled cooking zones,

Christmas Cookies. Goodchap’s. RRP £6.50.

AirFryer burner and two active AirFryer drawers.

A four pack of large, natural and healthy, Christmas cookies for dogs. Tasty treats made

Fire Pan Pilar Premium 50. Fandango Fire Tools. RRP £499.

from 90% salmon and 10% potato to help promote great coat condition and aid growth and

Innovative and beautiful fire pan that fits into all outdoor environments. It burns easily, thanks

development.

to clean-burning technology and provides an almost smoke-free fire. Sleek and stylish, its made

Waterproof Dog Long Line - detachable handle. Trinkety Paws. RRP £36-£64.

from enamelled steel.

Waterproof, non-absorbent and easy to keep clean, this new long line lead has a detachable

Wicker Atlanta Chair. Wicker Home and Gardens. RRP £130.

traffic handle. Available in five to 12meter lengths it is also strong, durable and odour resistant.

Handwoven chair made from naturally sourced wicker. An elegant and stylish chair that’s a

DOGGI Catch & Carry Medium Dumbbell Dog Toy. Kennelpak. RRP £9.99.

perfect addition to any conservatory, patio, or balcony. Comfortable and durable, with no

A virtually indestructible toy perfect for playing fetch and chewing. They’re designed specifically

varnishes or paints.

for dogs who love to chew, catch and carry and are able to withstand the most vigorous of

Blackstone 22” Electric Tabletop Griddle. Blackstone Europe ApS. RRP £499.

playtimes.

Brining outdoor cooking indoors, this new E-Series 22-inch Tabletop Electric Griddle is perfect

Indestruct-a-Ball - 7cm. Smart Garden Products Limited. RRP £5.99.

for those with limited space such as an apartment.

A soft, lightweight ball for throwing and fetching games. Designed to float on water, with a

Tramontina Mood Certified Wood 3 Pcs. Lounge Set. TRAMONTINA. RRP £899.99.

bright yellow finish to stand out in grass and dirt, it is perfect for walks and park time.

A collection of distinction offering high quality, modular style to make a striking statement.

Earthy Sustainable Large pet bowl made with nuts. Earthy Sustainable. RRP £9.99.

Made from certified Jatoba wood and suited for indoor and outdoor, different textile colours

Large pet bowl made from nut waste with non-slip base. It is designed to be durable and long

are also an option.

lasting and is part of Earthy Sustainable’s commitment to reducing waste through design and

Chipping Bike Store. The Garden Village Ltd. RRP £665.

manufacturing.

In 2020 3.1 million bicycles were sold in the UK. The Chipping Bike Store is secure and stylish.

Earthy Sustainable duo pet bowl made with straw. Earthy Sustainable. RRP £9.99.

It boasts galvanised external ironmongery, internal shelf, pressure treated timber and 10-year

A duo pet bowl made from straw waste with separate places for feeding and watering. It has a

anti-rot guarantee.

non-slip base to keep it in place and is durable and long lasting.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

September/October 2023 35


Glee New Product Directory 2023 Yak Milk Popcorn with Carrot. Smart Garden Products Limited. RRP £5.99. Nutritious and delicious goodies made from yak and cow milk infused with carrot. Preservative and gluten free, popcorn is also rich in protein and calcium, and helps fight plaque and tartar. Waterproof two-coloured BioThane Dog Lead®. Trinkety Paws. RRP £27-£30. Easy to wipe clean, eye-catching, functional, odour-resistant and made in the UK. A bestseller it uses BioThane, the highest quality and most durable waterproof webbing currently available on the market. Semi-Moist Salmon & Quail. Eden Holistic Pet Foods Ltd. RRP £23. New salmon and quail recipe can be a great choice for dogs with allergies or those that are fussy or senior. Both ingredients have excellent skin and coat health properties Flat Iron Steak. JR Pet Products. RRP £9.99. A premium beef treat which is highly palatable and easily digestible. Its air-dried, crispy texture, make it ideal anytime treat that can be broken into smaller pieces for a training treat. Bug Bites The Nutty One. Mr Bug Insect Protein Dog Treats. RRP £3.99. A dog treat made with natural ingredients and mealworm protein which is sustainable, highly nutritious and digestible. They are also wheat free and vet approved for dogs with allergies and sensitive tummies. Odourless Bull Pizzle. JR Pet Products. RRP £4.99-8.99. An improvement on a classic. Now with the nutritional benefits and qualities of the Traditional Pizzle but without the whiff! Still incredibly irresistible and palatable to dogs, but air-dried to make it odourless.

Blue-Grey Oyster Mushroom Log Growing Kit. Urban Farm-It. RRP £19.99. Each log growing kit contains tools and instructions to help you successfully select, prepare, and inoculate a 50cm hardwood log with blue-grey oyster mushrooms. Perfect as a gift or garden project. Bee Friends Seed Bombs Jute Gift Bag. G Plants Ltd. RRP £9.99. A mixture of wildflower seeds in a protective ball of peat-free growing medium to boosts germination and protect seeds against birds and slugs. Zero waste. Simply scatter and water. For pollinator-friendly blooms. Turkey Tail Mushroom Log Growing Kit. Urban Farm-It. RRP £19.99. Urban Farm-It’s first kit for growing turkey tail mushrooms. It comes with tools and a voucher code to claim fresh spawn. The log growing method allows growers to replicate conditions found in natural environments. Nemesia Melody series. Colegrave Seabrook Foundation/Kerley & Co. Fragrant nemesia in a range of attractive colours. With a mounding, well branched habit, they are great in containers. Hardy and bred to perform in the cold for overwintering and selling March onwards. Micro-Grow® Selection Box and Refills. Grow Sow Simple. Containing four easy to grow tasty favourites, this convenient kit offers professional microgreen growing technologies. With a wicking tab, grow mat, packet of seeds and a two-part propagation tray.

Waterproof two-coloured BioThane Dog Collar®. Trinkety Paws. RRP £18-£29. Bestselling waterproof dog collar, with BioThane,a durable webbing, in trademarked twocoloured signature design. The collar is easy to wipe clean, eye-catching, functional, odourresistantand and made by Trinkety Paws in the UK.

Surfinia Trailing Hot Pink Cherry. MNP/ Suntory.

Lamb & Parsley Training Treats 80G. Eden Holistic Pet Foods Ltd. RRP £5.50. Packed with 75% fresh meat sourced in the UK, these triangular training treats have a luxurious and succulent taste and excellent nutritional value. The bespoke air drying system ensures they retain key nutrients.

Winnie The Pooh Wildflowers Seed Ball Tin. Jardinopia Ltd. RRP £6.99.

Leo & Wolf Meatballs 1kg. Leo & Wolf by Nutriment. RRP £8.49. An innovative new brand with recipes developed by Nutriment. Designed to be exciting to eat and highly nutritional, the portfolio includes a five-product range of frozen meatballs containing premium, raw ingredients. Leo & Wolf Treats 100g. Leo & Wolf by Nutriment. RRP £3.99. Range of treats for dogs and cats of all ages, breeds and sizes. In six flavours and designed to provide the essential nutrition need by pets to live full, active and happy lives.

Plants, Seeds and Bulbs Joint Winner Nymphya Purple Fantasy. Anglo Aquatic. The first commercially available hardy purple water lily. Large deep purple and scented blooms with a yellow centre are held above the water line and leaves turn a reddish hue as they age.

Joint Winner

Beautiful hot pink cherry veined flowers smother this plant all season. True trailing Surfinia habit, robust and weather resistant and easy to grow. Great in pots, containers and hanging baskets. Quality made and printed tin with six Bee Lovers Mix clay seed balls and instruction book. First to use officially licensed Disney character, making the tin collectable after the seed balls are used. Celebration Wildflower Seed Tins. DLF Seeds Ltd. (Johnsons Lawn Seed). RRP £9.99. A great gift, creating a dazzling display of wildflowers to provide a rich source of food for pollinators and birds. Quick to establish with flowers usually appearing eight weeks after sowing. Westland Maintain & Enhance Lawn Care Range. Westland Unwins. RRP £8.99-£10.99. A clear and concise lawn care range designed to meet consumer needs and drive growth and participation with optimal results. Helps maintain or enhance existing lawns with child and pet friendly options. Westland SafeLawn Spreader For Life. Westland Unwins. RRP £14.99. Spreader prefilled with SafeLawn Child & Pet friendly Natural Lawn Feed. Easy-to-use spreader that’s simple to refill and reuse time and time again. With handle and built in applicator for even application. Marie Curie Celebration Confetti. G Plants Ltd. RRP £8.99. Seed paper, eco-friendly confetti with approximately 500 pieces per box. Contains 24 seed

Petunia Tumbelina Nicola. Colegrave Seabrook Foundation/Kerley & Co. Hanging petuina ideal for baskets and tub edges. A unique new flower shape and colour combination of white and pale pink. Mounding habit, good weather tolerance and prolific flowering to first frosts.

sale.

Shortlisted

For 120 years Unwins has been at the forefront of sweet pea innovation. To celebrate it has

British Mini Orchid in Ceramic grown in Peat Free Media. The Horti House. RRP £15.99. Grown in the UK for more than a year before being sold in a classic ribbed white ceramic pot, this range of mini orchids makes the perfect gift. Grown in peat-free compost.

SeedCell PRO-GROWER. Grow Sow Simple.

varieties which will grow and bloom all summer long. Donation to Marie Curie on every Unwins Sweet Pea 120 Years Mix. Westland Unwins. RRP £3.49. introduced a world-class seed blend of scented, frilly flowers for garden decoration or cutting. Bring the garden indoors with this kit to provide a clean, easy, and convenient method of

Shortlisted

growing in any small space. Just add water to this simple plug and grow system.

Petunia Bridal Blush. Colegrave Seabrook Foundation/Kerley & Co. Free-flowering form with ruffled, overlapping petals which are white blushed pink with dusky veined large centres. Semi-trailing habit makes it suitable for tubs and hanging baskets. Good wet weather tolerance.

Range of 100% plastic free, 3D puzzle gardens featuring Peppa Pig and friends. They include

Shortlisted BEES® Gardener’s Calendar. G Plants Ltd. RRP £14.99. A year in bloom kit with 12 doors revealing pots, coir and seeds to sow throughout the winter, summer and spring. A great Christmas option for gardeners. Sundaville Double Blush Pink. MNP/ Suntory. The world’s first true double Mandaville with impressive double blush pink flowers all season. A superb pot plant that can be placed outside during the summer months. Easy to grow. Xerochrysum Granvia White. MNP/ Suntory. A new colour break. Ivory white crispy paper flowers produced all season. Easy to grow and loved by bees, butterflies and children. Great in pots, containers, borders and dried flower arrangements.

36 September/October 2023

Hasbro Peppa Pig 3D Puzzle Garden. Grow Sow Simple. four pop out puzzle boards, grow tray, soil cube, and packet of seeds. Rosa Pure Aroma. New Leaf Plants. Full flowers with clusters of deep pink petals. Floral-fruity scent is a blend of raspberry, lemon, bergamot and sweet fennel. Attractive to bees and butterflies, disease resistant and easy to grow. Rosa Unique Aroma. New Leaf Plants. A beautiful rose with a strong floral fragrance of anise, apple and lemon. Bright pink flowers change to soft, light pink during the season. Forming a strong bush it has strong diseases resistance. Rosa Adore Aroma. New Leaf Plants. The beautiful bright purple blooms and multi-flowered habit makes this rose perfect for landscaping. Also good in pots where gardeners can enjoy the fragrant notes of mint, grapefruit and orange.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk


Glee New Product Directory 2023 Retail Services & Experiences

Print Your Own POS – PYOP. Wildlife World. Print your own wildlife product fact sheets for trade customers to display as point-of-sale. Part

Winner Indoor Gardening Essentials Merchandising Solutions (G.E.M.S). Westland Unwins. Offering garden centres a unique way to display propagation and garden accessory products. Attractive timber surround resembles a shed, and clear category signage gives customers an easy shopping experience.

of the free online resources available digitally through the Wildlife World trade website. Green Solutions Software UK. Green Solutions. An effective, all-in-one solution for digital and online business processes. With cloud software, businesses can centrally collate all relevant channels, from webshop, dropshipping, and social media to signage and loyalty programmes.

Shortlisted Glass Bottle Crusher. QCR Recycling Equipment Ltd. Cost £27.24 per week on a five-year rental contract. Reduces glass bottle volumes by 10:1 by rushing them into a safe sand-like material. Monthly

BalancePay. Clearcourse Retail (Swan Retail). Simple and secure software to streamline order payment completions in the back office, powered by SwanPay. Quickly and easily sends a link taking customers to a branded payment

rental includes free delivery, installation, servicing and ongoing training. A great choice for all

page. Ideal for high value orders.

environmentally conscious hospitality businesses.

Wild Bird Care & Wildlife Products

Shortlisted Tumblebug On Site Food Waste Processor and Mushroom Farm. Tumblebug Ltd. Cost £17000 - £70000. Bioprocessor to dry, sanitise, and reduce weight of food waste by up to 90%. Machines from 25kg to 1,000kg process food waste and card overnight into a soil conditioner or substrate for on-site mushroom farming.

Winner Peckish Natural Balance Coco-Not® Wild Bird Feeders. Westland Unwins. RRP Single: £2.49. Four Pack: £7.99. Patent pending Peckish Coco-Not® Bird Feeders are ready-to-hang suets made of a revolutionary, biodegradable material. The shell is 100% UK harvested crop waste and fully compostable after 12 weeks.

Glove Island Displays. EP Barrus Ltd. Eye catching, informative and educational modular display solutions for a selection of promotional glove offers. Visually engaging at eye height and large stock holdings to see garden centres through busy periods.

Shortlisted Gardman Wild Bird Novelty Suet Treats. Westland Unwins. Suet Cookie £4.99. Table Topper £4.99. Made with 100% recyclable packaging and locally sourced ingredients in the UK. Improved

Artisan Nester Display Tree. Wildlife World.

recipes are higher in fat and energy, giving birds a tasty treat packed with the essential nutrients

Handmade display trees in different sizes created in the Wildlife World workshop using OSB

they need.

board. With holes for wooden dowels to hold/hang Fairtrade handmade Artisan Nesters. Comes

Shortlisted

with hanging fair trade signs.

Barrel Bird Nestbox. Wildlife World. RRP £24.99.

Grass Seed and Plant Food On Fixture Refill Station. Evergreen Garden Care (UK) Ltd.

Attractive and traditionally designed Barrel Bird Nester is a perfect habitat for many species of

Reducing consumer reliance on packaging so they only purchase what they need. Reusable refill

small wild birds. Suitable for nesting and roosting and with locking and removable lid to prevent

jars show how many plants can be fed filling half a jar and grass seed paper bags show fill levels.

access to predators.

NEW 2023/24 From our Cumbrian farm to your customers’ gardens, a natural range of feeds and fertilisers. Unlock the secret to year-round garden health 100% synthetic chemical free Sustainable byproducts of renewable energy production Nutrient-rich fertiliser for improved soil structure and garden growth Plant-based, wildlife and pet-friendly

www.naturalplantfoodcompany.co.uk

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

September/October 2023 37


Glee New Product Directory 2023 Shortlisted

Honeyfield’s Fruity Flavour Suet Pellets 12.6kg Box. WHM Pet Group. RRP £35.99.

Solar Powered WiFi Bird Box Camera. Green Feathers. RRP £189. Using the latest innovations in camera technology allowing you to watch wildlife wire-free. Simply connect to the internet and mount in a sunny spot. Green Feather’s first camera to run on renewable energy.

Eco-friendly, nutritionally forward-thinking product helping keep wild bird feeders fuller for longer.

Shortlisted Chicken Snack Tower. Fauna Bird. Earthy Sustainable Bee house made with bamboo. Earthy Sustainable. RRP £19.99. Safe and cozy home for bees made from bamboo waste. Environmentally friendly alternative designed to last, easy to use and maintain featuring a removeable side to easily access and inspect the home. Yara Feeder. Petcon-UK Ltd. RRP £9.99. Yara is a 100% recycled feeder for wild birds, made of the laminated films from drinks cartons. Each Yara prevents 40 drinks cartons to going to landfill or incineration. Simon King Medusa Bird Feeder Defender. Wildlife World. RRP £19.99. Designed by Simon King, the Medusa effectively solves the problem of large bird species monopolising and rapidly clearing out hanging bird feeders. It allows small garden birds to continue to feed.

The large 12.6kg boxes take up less space and are an easier transportation option for customers. Hill and Heathland Flower Guide WildID Guide. WildID. RRP £4. Covering 47 wild flowers likely to be seen on walks in Britain and Ireland. Beautiful colour paintings show key features of plants while text highlights important features. Suet To Go 500g Suet Pellets. Unipet International Ltd. RRP £2.25. For feeding all year round, suet pellets are available in Insect, Berry and Mealworm flavours. Packed in 100% plastic-free paper bags which are completely recyclable. Leo & Wolf Bird Food 600g. Leo & Wolf by Nutriment. RRP £3.99. A top choice for bird enthusiasts. Bird food is carefully formulated to provide optimal nutrition for birds, ensuring they receive a balanced diet packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Dragonflies & damselflies WildID Guide. WildID. RRP £4. Enabling speedy dragonfly identification in the field, this guide features beautiful life-size colour paintings by Richard Lewington. Featuring adults of 26 dragonfly species and 20 damselfly species. A new edition for 2023.

Earthy Sustainable Bird Feeder made with coffee. Earthy Sustainable. RRP £12.99. Made from waste coffee husks that are compressed and moulded into a durable and weather resistant feeder that provides a safe and comfortable place for birds. Removable base for easy filling and cleaning.

Suet To Go 280g Suet Blocks. Unipet International Ltd. RRP £1.49-£1.99.

Artisan Bee House. Wildlife World. RRP £22.99. Fair Trade product hand-crafted using bamboo canes for the nesting tubes and recycled saris woven around a tough metal frame for a beautiful and unique finish. Attractive addition to any garden.

Honeyfield’s Mixed Suet Blocks 10 Box. WHM Pet Group. RRP £11.99.

Suet To Go 5Kg Suet Pellets. Unipet International Ltd. RRP £14.99. Specially formulated using top quality ingredients which are rich in essential fats and nutrients and can be fed all year round. Available in three different flavours and in packaging of more than 80% paper.

sourced and formulated to be nutritionally excellent.

Earthy Sustainable Bird Bath and Feeder made with straw. Earthy Sustainable. RRP £19.99. New bird bath and feeder is made from agricultural waste straw and available in two colours. Straw is compressed and moulded into a durable, classic design and weather resistant bath and feeder.

This fruity flavour also helps mimic their natural diet.

38 September/October 2023

Ridged suet blocks for easy peck, specially formulated using top quality ingredients, rich in essential fats and nutrients, that can be fed all year round. Packed in 100% plastic-free packaging and completely recyclable. Each box contains five Insect & Mealworm and five Fruity Flavour Suet Blocks offering variety, sustainability and prolonged feeding for wild bird enthusiasts. Ingredients are sustainably Honeyfield’s Fruity Flavour Suet Pellets 3kg. WHM Pet Group. RRP £13.99. A fruit infused wild bird treat with the perfect amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. NatureHarmony Homes. Flat Pack Sheds. Sustainable, eco-friendly homes to provide birds, hedgehogs, bugs and dormice a safe haven, while enhancing garden biodiversity and transforming them into vibrant mini ecosystems.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk


PATS Telford 2023

Pets show success

New products, busy trade and strong visitor numbers at PATS Telford lead to a three-day show next year.

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eemed a massive success, PATS Telford held over two days at the beginning of October, was rich with business opportunities. Extending in size this year to cater for the increased number of exibitors, the event took place in three halls where quality and quantity were running themes. Innovation was also high on the agenda with more than 400 entries into the New Product Awards. Bearing testament to its success, the 2024 event will be run for an extra day taking it to a three-day show to the delight of exhibitors and visitors alike.

“This year’s show has been brilliant. Our stand was busy from start to finish and there was a good mix of retailers and buyers showing interest in our ranges. I really love the idea of being able to have an extra day,” says Simon Lane, Director of Ancol Pet Products. Toni Thornton of Four Oaks Country Store, who has been in the pet trade for more than three decades says: “There’s a really good vibe here this year – everyone’s so upbeat and happy to be doing business. And there’s so much to see – we are going to struggle to get round in two days to be honest.”

Boost your offering with award winning products The winners of the PATS Telford 2023 New Product Awards, sponsored by pbwnews, were chosen by a team of expert pet retailers. Their decisions took into account criteria such as product innovation, design, quality, packaging, value for money and sustainability.

PATS Telford 2024. Telford International Centre. 29 September -1 October 2024 www.patshow.co.uk

Cat Food and Products

Dog Food Products

Dog Treat Products

Dog Accessories and Toys

BAM! Catnip Display Stand James & Steel

Naturaw Forage: Free Range Pork (lower carbon) Naturaw

Gourmet Advent Calendar Pet Treats Wholesale

Fill or Freeze Tray KONG

Dog Harnesses, Leads and Dog Wear

Small Animal and Bird Products

Pet Care Products

Grooming Products

Amphibian Classic Collar Rogz

Little One Christmas Tree (Christmas treat toy) Mealberry GmbH

Aloe Vera Gel Bugalugs

Silicone Massage Brush Fetched Ltd

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

September/October 2023 39


Planteria

A feast for the eyes

at Four Oaks

The world of plant breeding is thriving and continuing to bring new plants to increase sales and keep customers interested. Here are GTN’s highlights of those introduced at the Four Oaks Trade Show in September.

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n advantage of the Four Oaks Trade Show in Cheshire, being in September is it offers a platform to see new plants with later summer interest not previously displayed at other shows or awards. The phenomenal rise in potential sales of perennials as ‘instant colour’ in late summer is something retailers should not be ignoring. It is also valuable to see new varieties in the flesh at shows or breeders trial grounds, when there is time to asses plants when they are looking their best. The five categories for plant awards at Four Oaks, attracted lively and wide-ranging entries. They are Young Plants; Bedding and Pot Plants; Shrubs; Houseplants and Herbaceous Perennials. Some are fantastic and its worth a conversation with plant suppliers to Wharton’s Roses presented several new roses in the Shrubs category and it was the gorgeous rose Meteor® that took the top spot here. Hardly ensure you have at least some in your surprising as it has already been named Rose of the Year 2024. Its vivid range for 2024, and even consider peachy-orange blooms are a real eye-catcher and it boasts compact putting in a reserve order this autumn. growth, glossy dark-green foliage and good disease resistance.

Twining Mandevilla Sundaville Double Blush Pink from MNP/ Suntory was a joint winner in the Houseplant category. A beautiful plant, and the first truly double Sundaville. Exotic looking, it is happy to spend the summer months on a patio, where it will flower pretty much continuously from spring to autumn, but it needs winter protection.

40 September/October 2023

Heliopsis helianthoides ‘Sparkling Contrast’ introduced by Allensmore Nurseries was the winning Herbaceous Perennial and it certainly looked the part. Tall spikes of single deep orange flowers contrasted wonderfully against glossy, dark foliage. The dark centre to the flower and lighter orange edged petals are bound to make this a wonderfully attractive plant for pollinators and will make a striking addition to the back of a border, or in a pot where more height is required.

Dahlia Dalina Maxi Starburst Pink from Ball Horticulture followed on from its success at the HTA National Plant Show and scooped the top award in the Bedding and Pot Plants category. It is a consistently ‘good-doer’ and is bound to be a hit with both retailers and garden centre customers when it goes on general sale next year.

Top Five Visitor Favourites from Four Oaks 2023.

1. Dahlia LaBella Maggiore Fun Pomegranate. 2. Echinacea SunSeekers Carmine (below)

3. Echeveria pulvinata ‘Devotion’ 4. Heliopsis helianthoides ‘Sparkling Contrast’ 5. Fatsia japonica ‘Camouflage’

Charming Calibrachoa Superbells ™Honey Peach gave Kernock Plants a deserved win in the Young Plants category. This plant was a mass of peach-coloured small flowers and like all Calibrachoas needs little attention to put on an excellent garden display.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk


Planteria

Plants of the future From trials ground to retail planterias, the Summer Showcase at Ball in Oxfordshire and trials at Mr Fothergill’s Seeds in Suffolk, were bursting with exciting new introductions and retail display ideas.

Thousands of new and experimental plants were on show at Ball’s Summer Showcase.

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here’s no better way of getting prepared for the season ahead than to go and see things for yourself. At the Ball Summer Showcase, those in the retailer, grower, landscape and amenity sectors were out in force during the company’s open days in July to see the 200 new varieties that will grace planteria benches in 2024 plus more than 2,000 experimental plants for years to come. On the other side of the country in Suffolk, more than 3000 plants were being trialed and compared at Mr Fothergill’s head quarters in Newmarket.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Over time, Ball has developed the layout of its trials so plants are displayed as they might be in retail situations, something Stuart Lowen, Marketing Manager Ball UK, says visitors find extremely useful and inspirational. He adds coming to see the plants, displays and ideas with point of sale, can really help with merchandising. Primarily known for seasonal bedding, Ball is now expanding its offering of Lasting Beauty perennials and shrubs to extend the seasons, as well as houseplants and succulents. “We are helping growers and retailers to extend the shoulders of the seasons to supplement spring

and autumn ranges,” says Stuart. To satisfy this trend, Ball has now completed a full year at a new growing site in Spalding. Here a purposebuilt polyhouse with high ceilings and good air flow is growing plants using recycled water. “We are despatching young plants around weeks seven to nine so growers and grower-retailers can pot them straight into two or three litre pots for flowering and selling the same year. It’s good for growers of annuals, who by then have gone passed the peak summer bedding period, as it fits in with their business model,” says Stuart.

September/October 2023 41


Planteria

Edible friends

New for 2024

Above: Bright indigo Agapanthus ‘Starry Night’. Below: Numerous flowers of Allium ‘Bubble Bath’, voted as one of the top five Visitor F avourites, produce a foamy display from July to September. Above middle: Cuphea Sweet Talk Lavender Splash – currently little grown but a pollinator with great potential for UK gardens. Also voted as a one of the top five Visitor Favourites. Above right: Soft complimentary hues from the flower of Calibrachoa Can Can Fancy Fancy.

42 September/October 2023

Grow your own is still strong and Ball’s answer is the Kitchen Buddies range of compact veg and fruit that can be grown by anyone, anywhere, even those without a garden. In pots by the back door or on tabletops for easy harvesting is just one of the ideas. “It’s also perfect for people who want to grow food but want it to look good with ornamental value rather than looking like an allotment,” explains Stuart. New additions to Kitchen Buddies for 2024 include Cucumber ‘Minicrisp’ which is perfect for lunchboxes and snacking, and Lettuce Buddies Mixed which makes a bowl-full of three complementary cut and come again varieties.

Above and below: Displays illustrate how Kitchen Buddies can add to the ornamental value of any garden.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk


Planteria Zinnia elegans ‘Mazurkia’ is a new introduction for 2024. Right: A map of the trials ground of 3000 plants.

Blue Diamond buys Glendale Horticulture To secure plant supply for the future, Blue Diamond has bought four more nursery sites.

New plants and new owners Despite a challenging economic climate, double digit growth of seed sales through garden centres has been reported by Mr Fothergill’s this spring and summer, according to Mark Wootton, Commercial Manager. Seed is sold in 2500 garden centres and 2000 multiple high street retailers, which says Mark, gives accessibility to the brand throughout the UK. “We’re quite pleased with that performance. It’s been a competitive environment and an interesting season. This year the garden centre business has been much better in terms of its performance than the multiple environments. Gardeners have kept gardening, whereas in the multiple environments such as Sainsbury’s and Morrisons where custom is more of an impulse purchase, sales have not done quite so well.” The company’s direct to consumer outlets such as mail order DT Brown and Woolmans accounts for around 25% of the UK business. In Australia Mr Fothergill’s seeds have an 87% market share. Now wholly owned by investors Harwood Capital Management Ltd, which originally backed an MBO in February 2022, the future of Mr Fothergill’s Seeds Limited and its brands including Johnson’s Seeds, Darlac tools,

Mark Wootton, who became Commercial Manager in October 2022.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Woolmans and DT Browns will be one to watch. The departure in August of Dave Carey, son of one of the founders and former CEO means the company, set up 45 years ago, is no longer fronted by family members. After 23 years at the helm, Dave has helped grow the company to the international business it is today. “I now feel the time is right to leave, secure in the knowledge the group is in the experienced hands of people who share the values that have underpinned its success to date,” he says. Harwood has plans which includes launching exciting products and implementing new systems and technology across the group. Mark hinted at one new product to sell alongside seeds which it’s hoping to launch in January.

Plant trials Mr Fothergill’s seeds are extensively trialled and this year around 3000 plants were grown for comparison at its Newmarket headquarters. David Fryer, Head of Technical, says it’s a two-stage quality process. “All of the seed we buy, we germinate in the laboratory to make sure it actually germinates. Then we grow it in the field to make sure it does what we say on the packet.” More than 20 introductions, from annual through to half and fully hardy ornamentals and edibles appear in the Johnsons range for 2024, while the Sarah Raven Wildlife Attracting range is boosted with the native wild bellflower. The Mr Fothergill’s range of seeds has 15 new listings including a vigorous north African sweet pea called Pink Tangier Pea, while four unusual introductions in its RHS range include the yellow foxglove Digitalis lutea.

Blue Diamond’s purchase of four Glendale Horticulture sites means its supply of UK grown seasonal bedding, veg and herbs is assured. Before the acquisition, the chain was buying around £3m of plants from Glendale which had a turnover of around £5m. The sites, Offenham Nusery and Badsey Nursery in Evesham, Fretherne Nursery in Gloucestershire, and Broom Nursery in Alcester join the other two nurseries already run by Blue Diamond at its Bridgemere Garden Centre in Cheshire and 3 Shires Garden Centre in Gloucestershire. Andrew Bent who has been with Glendale Horticulture for many years, will continue to run the nurseries, working with Jim Teague, Blue Diamond’s Head of Plants and Sue Feaver, Seasonal Plants Category Manager. Around 56 people are employed across the four sites. “What’s really good is we can pick the pack size, the colours, the labels, and have it all Blue Diamond branded, pick the varieties we want, and grow all the ‘point of different lines’. It just gives us the flexibility to do everything we want and to trial new things to0,” says Sue. Around half of the edibles sold through the centres will also be grown on these sites – a number that is increasing due to the continued demand for grow your own. Seasonal bedding in small packs and herbs will be grown peat-free while trials continue to reduce the amount of peat used for all other sized pots. The sites will grow plants solely for sales through its own garden centres and Alan Roper, MD hints that another nursery is not far off being purchased.

September/October 2023 43


Success in the midst of challenges Gina Hinde, Marketing Manager, LOFA

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hen it comes to the outdoor furniture and the BBQ market, there seems to be a lot of competition out there, with companies vying for the attention of buyers and consumers alike. However, amidst these challenges, a glimmer of hope shone through at the recent SOLEX show 2023. The SOLEX show, owned and operated by the Leisure & Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA), has a rich history. LOFA, established since 1967, initially created Glee as a platform for the outdoor leisure and garden industry to showcase their products to industry buyers. In the nineties, LOFA sold Glee to EMAP but retained its commitment to industry-led events. Thus, SOLEX was born. Held for the first time in July 2008, SOLEX offered a unique opportunity for leading innovators and suppliers in the Garden Furniture and BBQ market to display their extensive range of products. It is a premier event organised ‘by the industry for the industry,’ facilitating networking opportunities with industry leaders and inspiring visitors with fresh ideas and potential connections.

44 September/October 2023

SOLEX 2023

demonstrated especially this year with the huge amount of newly developed product on view throughout the show. Once again this year, we created an outdoor area for our BBQ exhibitors to showcase their exceptional products. Each lunchtime visitors had the opportunity to witness the potential of these products, firing their imagination. Additionally, we also introduced a new event on the second evening where visitors and exhibitors could unwind and socialize over drinks and conversations. As a bonus, we organised a BBQ hero competition to provide some entertainment. Despite unexpected rain, the night turned out to be a fantastic experience with enthusiastic participation and a memorable time for all. In conclusion, the SOLEX show 2023 was a significant success in the face of many challenges. It demonstrated that garden centres and buyers are still looking for new and innovative products, and LOFA companies are keen to provide them. The meeting of retailers and industry buyers allows for real progress and growth, highlighting the importance of events like this to the wider market. Looking forward, we believe the future of the SOLEX show remains bright. With fresh challenges on the horizon, companies will need to be creative and innovative in their offerings, relying on the knowledge and networking opportunities that SOLEX provides. We believe the industry will need to continue to grow to compete in this brave new world, and SOLEX is well-positioned to help it achieve that thaat ggrowth. rowth.

This year’s SOLEX show was a huge success, as evidenced by the 9.4% increase in footfall. That’s a significant boost both for LOFA and the outdoor leisure industry as a whole, especially during this current climate of overstocks and uncertainty. It demonstrates that even in challenging times SOLEX enticed new and familiar faces which means garden retailers and buyers are still looking for fresh, innovative products to wow on their shop floors. The event catered to both large and small garden centres, giving them the opportunity to meet and talk to various companies, all in one place. The networking aspect of SOLEX is vital, allowing visitors the ability to compare and identify new products and trends they may have missed previously. Being Diary date for SOLEX 2024 at SOLEX signifies a Tuesday 9th – Thursday serious commitment 11th July. to the outdoor NEC Birmingham. leisure industry, and www.solexexhibition.com its continued success and growth – this was

www.gardentradenews.co.uk


Viewpoint

Reaching our full potential Boyd J Douglas-Davies, Chair of the Environmental Horticulture Group

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s everyone in the industry knows, Lords earlier this year gave us a great opportunity our sector has enormous potential to discuss much of the above with members to grow but we cannot do this of both houses, their advisors and members of alone. Greater government support the Defra – one of the bodies we work with on is needed to enable the industry to reach its full a constant basis. Levels of engagement with all, economic potential, while also maximising its post the event, have significantly increased and environmental benefits for the nation. To ensure earlier this month a double-page spread in The our industry reaches its full potential and helps Daily Telegraph reported much of what had been the government achieve its ambitions, we are discussed and expanded on our call for greater calling on the government to take the following education in all aspects of horticulture. important steps to support the Environmental You’ll probably not be surprised to learn Horticulture Group (EHG) core policy priorities: the many government departments facing ■ Enable environmental horticulture, horticulture don’t have sufficient resource arboriculture and landscaping businesses to to engage with us as fully as we would like. access business improvement funds. Therefore, it is vital the industry provides as ■ Maximise the environmental horticulture, much information, supported with facts and arboriculture and landscaping sector’s pool of figures, as possible. My experience is there is an available skilled, seasonal labour. appetite for a greater understanding of what ■ Collaborate to develop an effective and challenges us most. And, more importantly, a real efficient plant health regulatory regime for desire to support environmental horticulture and imports, and to promote self-regulatory best what it can do for the country now and in the practice for biosecurity. future. This support is evident on both sides of ■ Work together with industry to develop a the House. long-term growing media strategy that is both Find out more environmentally and commercially sustainable. For more information and to ■ Facilitate a coordinated R&D plan between get involved email: boyd@ government, industry, and research providers to theboydpartnership.co.uk maximise sector innovation. ■ Simplify water abstraction and ease regulations for environmental horticultural, arboriculture and landscaping businesses. ■ Ensure cultivated plants and green space design is included and prioritised ter Jim In the news. EHG suppor in future urban lture in Carter promotes horticu planning guidelines. the Daily Telegraph. ■ Work with national and local planning authorities to ensure horticultural operations can flourish in the UK. The reception organised by the EHG at the House of

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

The Environmental Horticulture Group exists to champion the unique economic, health, social and cultural value of environmental horticulture, landscaping and arboriculture. The EHG actively works with government to pursue our shared objectives – including improving our environment by greening our towns and cities, boosting local economies, encouraging healthy lifestyles, getting more people into meaningful employment through our education system and leading our transition towards a net zero economy. Our industry is the original green economy and we are committed partners in the UK’s progress towards net zero.

The EHG exists to champion the many and varied benefits of horticulture.

September/October 2023 45


Viewpoint

Notes from an Indian summer Alan Down, HTA President

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riting this piece in early September, it seems summer has arrived again, and perhaps we will now enjoy an ‘Indian Summer’. Our monthly Market Update, our most read report, indicates that garden centre sales have generally held up well, with catering and nongardening sales largely responsible for compensating for disappointing furniture and BBQ sales. It also shows plant sales held their own during the variable summer weather.

Standing up for members The HTA Team at Horticulture House continues to fight our corner on several major issues. The threat of legal action has galvanised Defra into undertaking an impact assessment on its intention to bring the grower’s peat-free ban forward to the end of 2026 for almost all crops. The ramifications of import regulations continue to cause great concern, and once again, the government has not thought this through! Our reliance on imports, whether propagation material, young plants or plants for immediate sale, has been brought into sharp focus. The HTA continues to have regular meetings with all parties to stress how critical this is to us.

Future careers and a life well lived I was delighted to attend the RHS School of Horticulture Graduation Day at RHS Garden Wisley earlier in September. The HTA has given student awards since the 1980s, and I awarded two students for their extensive diary/journal records. Congratulations to Rachel Collings and James Lidgett. I wish you the very best in your future careers! Former HTA president Jeffrey Bernhard (1977-79) celebrated his 100th birthday in early August. Following the celebrations with family, friends and industry colleagues, Jeffrey sadly passed peacefully away in his sleep on August 25th. It was always a pleasure to be in the company of Jeffrey (my wife Felicity served on the HTA Council with him for many years), and he built a very successful horticultural company during his lifetime.

2023 Conference We’ve not long held HTA The Conference 2023 where the Association showed its leadership by bringing together the breadth of the UK environmental horticultural industry. We heard from politicians, economists, communicators and garden designers all of whom spoke with energy and passion about plants and horticulture. Over the next few months we will be digesting all of the presentations and making sure members get the most from this annual event. For retailers in particular, who each day welcome tens of thousands of people into their garden centres to buy plants, discussions about peat-free growing media and sustainability were very pertinent. We also launched the latest HTA report, The Value of Plants, to illustrate the financial, environmental and social benefits of plants to business, our supply chain and nature. All horticulture sectors will find this useful but did you know our data found that when a plant is purchased, 49% of transactions will also contain an outdoor container and 48% of transactions will also include growing media? So, with this one example of linked sales, you can immediately see the value of plants. I also extend huge congratulations to Stan Green who, was awarded the HTA Pearson Memorial Medal for outstanding service to the garden industry. Choosing Stan, who is Director of Growforth Ltd, Chair of the HTA Scotland Policy Development Group and a former HTA President, was easy. He was an obvious choice for his exceptional work promoting the industry.

Find out more

Rachel Collings and James Lidgett with Alan at RHS Garden Wisley.

The Horticultural Trades Association is the UK industry’s leading membership organisation and welcomes all sectors of environmental horticulture. To learn more or join please visit: www.hta.org.uk or email: services@hta.org.uk

ws.

uk


Viewpoint

Season 23, it’s not quite over yet!

Vicky Nuttall, Director of GIMA

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utumn is at our doorstep, meaning pre-season sales are well underway, and the 2024 gardening year is coming into view. But it seems that 2023 isn’t entirely done with us just yet. I think it’s safe to say 2023 has been ok. Nothing more, nothing less. Of course, there have been some moments of glory, but largely, we’ve been chasing our tails as our good old friend, the Great British weather, decided to leave us guessing for months on end. As a result, we ended up with a late season best characterised as ‘fast and furious’ as consumers jumped at the chance to enjoy some much-needed time in their outdoor spaces. While great for gardening and related sundries, this unpredictability, coupled with the ongoing squeeze of the cost-ofliving crisis, has meant big ticket sales have suffered. Undoubtedly, this will have a knockon effect as we look to the coming period. At the time of writing, I’m hearing some stories that Christmas is slowly re-emerging in some garden centres. Christmas usually heralds the close to the gardening season, and while I appreciate this may be one we won’t miss in a hurry, we have some lastminute opportunities for growth. An Indian summer of sorts is attempting to play out, meaning this year’s gardening calendar might extend a little further. Moreover, the combination of excessive rain and warm temperatures means our garden still needs plenty of TLC. With such an opportunity to still add to the sales sheet, retailers would be foolish to call an end to the 2023 gardening year just yet.

The importance of dialogue and forecasting But for those firmly focused on 2024, may I request one thing? I’ve expressed the importance of this before and will continue to do so, as I firmly believe that open and honest dialogue is the key to success. Through dialogue, retailers and suppliers can manage expectations, with realistic stock holding levels achieved. The last few years have shown the importance of this ability to forecast, and while not always an exact

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science, it does pay dividends when looking at the bigger picture. Let us never experience a year again where suppliers were working double or triple shifts to meet last-minute demand, nor a reality that saw excess stock sit in warehouses and stockrooms for months on end. ‘Dialogue’ and ‘forecasting’ – let them be your keywords.

…retailers would be foolish to call an end to the 2023 gardening year just yet. If I were to add one more word to the mix, let it be ‘innovation’. Through innovation, we have significant growth opportunities as a retail sector. Innovation can make gardening

easier for the time-poor consumers or the tech-savvy new generation of gardeners coming through. It can better place us as an industry that places major value on sustainable practices. Or it can simply create a new renewed sense of excitement among our core customers. Through innovation, we see GIMA members excited for the year ahead. Whether established brands or new names joining the fold, enthusiasm is high, and retailers have the opportunity to harness this enthusiasm and differentiate their retail offering. As always, I remain cautiously optimistic about the future, but for now, let’s draw this season to a close properly. It’s easy to wish the time away in the hope next year might be better, but right now, this is the hand we have been dealt, and I believe there is still time to thrive.

At Polhill Garden Centre in Kent, customers are encouraged to keep planting well into autumn.

GIMA Awards 2003. Book now.

Thursday 19th October at the Celtic Manor Hotel, Newport. With just short of 500 people in attendance, the 2022 event was one of the biggest yet and this year’s gala dinner is expected to sell out in record time. As a result GIMA is urging interested parties to secure their tickets now to avoid disappointment. Costs include dinner and accommodation. • GIMA members: £339 + VAT per person, or £3,199 + VAT for a table of 10. • Non-members: £409 + VAT per person, or £3,899 + VAT for a table of 10. To book visit: www.gima.org.uk/events

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