After canvassing LOFA Members the dates of next years SOLEX will be 10th - 12th July 2023 in Hall 5 at the NEC...
After canvassing LOFA Members the dates of next years SOLEX will be 10th - 12th July 2023 in Hall 5 at the NEC.
Gina Hinde, LOFA Marketing manager told GTN Xtra: "Earlier in the year we canvassed our LOFA members. As an association we know there are always new ways of doing things. Sometimes, we have to find new ways to get the job done and sometimes, the old ways are the best!
"We were all set to hold the exhibition in May 2023 but after canvassing our exhibitors and visitors during SOLEX whilst they were all in one place at one time, it seems that although we made provision for SOLEX to be held in May next year it turns out that the far east market has now shifted yet again and so we have been in discussion with the NEC about leaving the exhibition exactly where it is.
"It suits our exhibitors, but more importantly it suits the industry, who would have difficulty knowing what products they need to purchase before July. Spring is the main season for our visitors with sales continuing right up until the end of June. July allows them more time to make better informed buying decisions.
"You learn by experience, and we have learnt that SOLEX is a great show, the industry like it in July, the exhibitors like it in July so it turns out this show was great after all exactly where it was.
"The exhibition industry is always in motion with markets constantly shifting and it is great that SOLEX is able to be so flexible and agile to consider the needs of its exhibitors and visitor requirements.
"Solex is committed to delivering an ever-growing and improving show year on year. We are constantly striving to innovate and improve our exhibition, and we believe that there is always room for improvement. We will continue to work hard to ensure that our exhibitors and visitors have the best possible experience, and we appreciate your ongoing support.
"LOFA and SOLEX would like to take this opportunity to say a big “THANK YOU” to everyone that attended and visited SOLEX 22, it was wonderful to be back together again after so long.
"SOLEX 2023 is just around the corner, and we can't wait to do it all over again!"
2022 is the start of a great partnership for LOFA and the LANDSCAPE Show...
A new partnership between LOFA and the LANDSCAPE Show has been announced:
"The synergy between these two shows is undeniable. They both work to promote great products and innovation within the outdoor industry. This partnership will be sure to bring a new level of excitement to both events.
"The indoor-outdoor phenomenon is taking over all types of living spaces, from country homes to city apartments, and trade events dedicated to this collaboration are popping up all over the world. Garden designers, landscape architects, architects, architectural technologists, and contractors are all coming together to find market-leading products that can be used in high end projects. This partnership between the outdoor leisure industry and the indoor living space industry is creating a new focus for architecture and technology. Thanks to weatherproof rugs, outdoor kitchens, showers on the terrace and sofas in the garden, we can now enjoy the best of both worlds. No longer confined to our homes, we can now relax and entertain outdoors without sacrificing any of the comforts of indoor living.
"For the first time in its history, the LANDSCAPE Show and LOFA (Leisure & Outdoor Furniture Association) are collaborating. This partnership is a coming together of two great organisations with the common goal of championing the outdoor industry. By joining forces, we will be able to offer an even wider range of benefits and services to our visitors and members. This collaboration is an exciting step forward for both the LANDSCAPE Show and LOFA’s bespoke exhibition SOLEX (Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition). We are looking forward to working together to support the continued growth and success of the landscape and outdoor leisure industries.
"Be sure to check out the LOFA stand at the landscape show this year! You’ll be able to see some of the best products from some of the most innovative members of LOFA. And if you’re looking for more reasons to visit SOLEX, be sure to check out the LANDSCAPE Shows Garden Exhibit at SOLEX in July 23."
Treadstone Products have experienced an incredibly positive response from the Glee show in June. Despite only having nine months to prepare for Glee Birmingham, Treadstone were able to showcase over 30 new products across their brand portfolio. Their stand was constantly busy, with a real buzz created from some unique concepts launched at the show...
Treadstone Products have experienced an incredibly positive response from the Glee show in June. Despite only having nine months to prepare for Glee Birmingham, Treadstone were able to showcase over 30 new products across their brand portfolio. Their stand was constantly busy, with a real buzz created from some unique concepts launched at the show.
ClipGlove’s evolution
One of the biggest attractions on the stand was to see the evolution of the ClipGlove glove offering. Treadstone were proud to unveil that an average of 30% recycled materials will be used across the ClipGlove production of gloves in 2023. This move sees another sustainable commitment from Treadstone by using materials in production that would normally go to waste. Furthermore, the show saw the launch of the new ClipGlove “Glove Station”. This is an opportunity for customers to upgrade their existing spinner by converting it to the new “Glove Station”. Keeping the spinner as the centrepiece, the glove station provides a permanent home for the fast-selling triple packs and an impactful endcap for seasonal glove promotions. The “Glove Station” provides retailers and consumers with all their garden glove needs in one high impact, informative destination unit.
Treadstone are no strangers to selling recycled products, with Recycled Pots being a popular product in recent years. As well as this range getting further exposure at the show, so did the new range of Recycled Storage. This range has been developed in conjunction with the SmartStore brand and uses post-consumer and industrial plastic waste to provide an environmentally friendly way to store! Unlike some cheaper inferior products, the boxes and baskets are rigid, durable and offer superior strength and high impact resistance, which is why they carry a 10-year guarantee against defects. Baskets and boxes are ideal for Home, Shed, Garage and Greenhouse use and like all Treadstone products there is a display stand with chalk board effect POS to helps reinforce the eco message to consumers.
New Boots, Gloves and Trellis
The level of innovation at the stand was a real draw to visitors, who were sure to see something different. Further additions to the ClipGlove range were extremely well received, in the form of Recycled Bottle Gloves and Activity Boots.
The new Recycled Bottle Gloves feature a stylish collection of Men’s and Ladies’ gloves made using recycled plastic bottles! The knitted glove is made from 95% recycled plastic bottles, with just a little added elastic for comfort. These gloves are then dipped in natural latex to provide grip and protection from dirt and water. The fun, colourful printed designs add a touch of style whilst giving a nod to the “bottle heritage” of the gloves. Within the range are two variations, Bottle Glove and Bottle Glove Plus, which has an extra layer of latex.
Made from durable PVC to provide tough, comfortable, and excellent value wellington boots, Activity Boots are packed with many features. Available in both men’s and ladies’ styles, the contoured boot top – adds style and comfort. The “Easy-on” features makes for a better user experience, the Ladies’ version features stylish hand grip apertures on each side of the boot, whilst the Men’s version features a pull loop on the back of the boot to aid getting the boot on. The smart two-tone look is impactful, whilst the comfortable insoles offer support for feet. Every pair is supplied with the ClipGlove giant carabiner clip – perfect to keep the boots together and to hang them up for storage.
Arguably, the star of the show was the new Rope Trellis range. This clever product is hand made using natural materials creating flexible trellis which can be used all around the garden. It can be easily fixed to walls or fences, or simply tie it between two wooden posts to create a stunning garden feature and plant support. It is made from natural Jute and is available in five sizes from 6x2ft to 6x6ft. Retailers loved the sustainability of Rope Trellis, twinned with the space efficient merchandising concept available.
Treadstones unique approach to gardening products is continuing to win over buyers and retailers in the industry. In fact, Treadstone have reported meeting many new prospects and creating new leads at Glee 2022. These have included several accounts that have been targeted for some time.
Horticulturalist and TV presenter David Domoney opened the new undercover extension at Rosebourne’s Weyhill store on Friday, August 5...
Horticulturalist and TV presenter David Domoney opened the new undercover extension at Rosebourne’s Weyhill store on Friday, August 5.
David was welcomed by a bumper crowd of customers who came along to enjoy the celebrations. As well as performing the official opening David gave a talk on ‘How to become a houseplant expert in 30 minutes’ providing customers with hints and tips on growing houseplants and highlighting the benefits they bring to our health and wellbeing.
It was a return trip for David as he performed the official opening of the Weyhill store back in October 2016. Since then Rosebourne has gone from strength to strength developing its offering across its food hall, restaurant, gift, homewares, garden leisure, gardening and plant departments.
The new undercover extension, carried out by Thermoflor, adds a further 603m2 capacity to the site, providing a new total of undercover retail space to approximately 3500m2.
This allows for the addition of new product ranges including a bookshop, pet (treats and bedding) alongside an extended range of gardening products and more undercover space for plants. As part of the latest phase of work, the food hall has been refurbished with stylish new fixtures making for a fresh layout and an easier-to-shop experience.
There were plenty of treats on the day with customers enjoying samples from suppliers including Warners Gin, Southern Wines, Fatherson's cakes, Lucy’s Dressings and delicious sausage rolls from the Rosebourne Kitchen. There were also demonstrations from Ooni Pizza Ovens and Traeger Grills.
Also in attendance was 10-year-old entrepreneur Rory Fricker with his fox red labrador, Hattie Bean. After making Bean a neckerchief and bow tie Rory was inspired to make some more and persuaded his mum to buy him a sewing machine. Rory & Bean was born and Rosebourne is the first retailer to stock bow ties, bandanas and also shampoo, cologne and travel sets.
Rosebourne CEO Carol Paris comments:“This extension adds to our overall shopping experience and enables us to showcase a greater range of fantastic products to our customers. Together with our refurbished food hall and new layout, our customer journey through the store is enhanced and we have been delighted by the positive response received from customers on the day.”
Rosebourne – a fresh approach With three stores (Aldermaston in Berkshire, Weyhill in Hampshire and Hampton-in-Arden in the West Midlands) Rosebourne provides a unique shopping and dining experience all under one roof.
Our restaurants deliver a top-quality menu in a relaxing environment that makes the best of seasonal produce. Our cakes and afternoon teas are second to none! Our stores at Aldermaston and Weyhill include an extensive food hall showcasing everyday food essentials, quality produce and local suppliers.
The garden nursery is filled with a huge variety of indoor and outdoor plants and garden ornaments to suit all styles, tastes and seasons, along with all your gardening needs. We have an extensive range of garden furniture to ensure that you can relax and dine in your garden in style.
There has been a dramatic drop in the amount of peat used in compost according to new report led by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and Growing Media Association (GMA). The shift is because of UK suppliers, growers and retailers working together to develop new products and alternatives...
There has been a dramatic drop in the amount of peat used in compost according to new report led by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and Growing Media Association (GMA). The shift is because of UK suppliers, growers and retailers working together to develop new products and alternatives.
The annual Growing Media Monitor* indicates that the use of peat in the retail sector fell from 35.5 percent in 2020 to 29.8 percent in 2021.
During the same period, wood-based alternatives in compost used by UK consumers overtook peat for the first time.
Meanwhile, 2021 saw the most substantial reduction in the use of peat by commercial growers in a decade. They grow the plants and trees sold for our gardens, streets & parks, and which provide fruit, herbs, salads and veg seedlings, and peat fell from 62.3 percent to 51.7 percent.
James Barnes, chair of the HTA said: “These findings demonstrate that our industry is making dramatic and effective strides to voluntarily reducing peat use and that industry led initiatives are already making great progress.
“We have committed to the removal of peat from compost in retail as early as 2025 and we continue to work with the government on finding pragmatic solutions for a transition to peat-free products. However, to allow us to accelerate this progress we urgently need the government to put its energies into addressing the barriers to alternatives rather than legislating for a goal that the industry is well on track to meeting.”
There are still significant challenges to removing peat from some horticultural crops in Britain and critical to the success of the transition is the availability of alternatives. For example, while the use of wood-based materials has increased, competition and demand from other industries is a considerable barrier. Use of coir fell in 2021 compared with 2020 as shipping routes from India were disrupted during the pandemic, which also illustrates some of the vulnerabilities in the supply chain of peat alternatives to the UK.
Peat used in professional horticulture is frequently used for producing commercial crops that also have major technical barriers to removing it, such as the case for mushroom production where a suitable alternative has yet to be found, despite many years of research. The competitiveness and viability of many businesses in the UK could be at risk if peat is removed before alternatives are researched and trialled - a process which takes years.
An additional driver behind the drop in peat use is the growing number of peat free options that are now being manufactured and sold by retailers.
Neil Bragg, chair of the GMA, added that the UK horticultural industry still faces serious challenges related to the removal of peat from the sector but has made real progress. “Working with all partners from NGOs, Defra, retailers, and growers, we have achieved significant results and the industry continues to develop new and novel materials to use in growing media.
“The UK is currently way ahead of the rest of Europe in peat free developments and continues to successfully demonstrate what can be achieved by working together.”
Allensmore Nurseries has been trialling peat alternatives for the last five years to help the horticulture industry reduce the amount of peat being used.
They grow over six million plants for the garden centre, DIY and supermarket sectors. Employing over two hundred staff, Allensmore is currently trialling a programme where they have reduced the amount of peat by half and replaced it with a wood fibre and composted bark alternative.
Geoff Caesar is the Business Development Director at Allensmore who leads the peat-free programme. To date they have worked with three different suppliers to grow batches of peat-free plants and have analysed over five hundred trials.
Geoff said: “We have a 50-year history in growing plants in peat, however we do recognise the environmental impact of using peat.
“The results of this trial will help us make decisions about how we can reduce the use of peat in our media. So far, we have focused on plants potted and sold within the spring period. We are now going on to evaluate plants grown and sold through the summer and autumn and will follow this with plants that are potted over winter and sold early the following year.”
Allensmore Nurseries has driven some of the progress in the industry over the last five years. “UK growers are moving quicker than some parts of the EU, but this is perhaps inevitable when you consider EU growers are not facing a potential peat ban,” says Geoff.
“UK growers are using less peat, but some plants will need more time and support to ensure that they can remain in production. It would be a great shame to see plants like Rhododendrons and Azalea no longer grown in the UK because growers were not given enough research and support to find suitable alternatives to peat.”
Geoff highlights that the UK plant industry thrives on a wide and exciting range of plants, with new annual introductions. Imposing a ban that would remove the time needed to complete peat-free trials would seriously impact the success of the ornamental plant sector and reduce the range and quality of plants available to UK gardeners.
“We are working with the RHS to provide fellowship funding so that we can put in place scientists to help the industry tackle this ongoing challenge,” says Geoff.
The Growing Media Monitor Report is developed annually by the HTA, the AHDB, the Growing Media Association and the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs.
British garden equipment manufacturer Handy has announced a new partnership with Cramer Tools, a specialist in durable battery-powered tools and professional gardening equipment, to deliver its powerful 82V battery technology for emission-free garden care and landscaping to the UK commercial market. To facilitate the partnership, Handy has set up a new team dedicated to the Cramer Tool range...
British garden equipment manufacturer Handy has announced a new partnership with Cramer Tools, a specialist in durable battery-powered tools and professional gardening equipment, to deliver its powerful 82V battery technology for emission-free garden care and landscaping to the UK commercial market. To facilitate the partnership, Handy has set up a new team dedicated to the Cramer Tool range.
Featuring over 30 cordless professional outdoor power equipment tools, product offerings include a comprehensive and competitive range of handheld equipment including chainsaws, blowers, hedge trimmers, grass trimmers, brush cutters, multi-tools, and power cutters. Walk behind products include, utility carts, lawnmowers up to 61cm (twin blade) and the new Zero Turn ride on mower.
Moving on from the traditional petrol-powered equipment that was previously the only option for gardening and maintenance of large parks and recreational areas, Cramer 82V battery technology delivers all the power needed for commercial equipment, without the negative effects associated with petrol-powered tools.
Featuring ground-breaking technology, the powerful 82V battery system offers market-leading performance, as well as innovative features such as Magnesium components, fleet connectivity, and ultra-high torque motors to rival petrol performance.
Designed to generate less heat and increase efficiency and battery life, which reduces the risk of sudden interruptions caused by overheated cells and motors, ownership and running costs of tools are significantly lowered.
The 82V battery system also offers additional sustainable, environmental, and safety benefits to the user. With no direct emissions of carbon or high-frequency noise, the ergonomic product design and lightweight structure of tools make handling easy in any situation. Furthermore, with no need for petrol, the risk of fuel spillage is eliminated.
Requiring minimal maintenance, the 82V battery system is also interchangeable with other 82V products in the Cramer Tools range such as lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, and chainsaws.
Brian Pattle, UK Cramer Business Development Manager at Handy comments: “Cramer’s powerful 82V battery technology rivals an equivalent 800cc petrol zero turns yet has significantly lower costs, which makes it an attractive option for any professional user or business. It’s an exciting time for us here at Handy and, with a great team in place, we’re really looking forward to showcasing the range and its capabilities at APF Exhibition on the 22-24th September and SALTEX on the 2-3rd November 2022.
The current Cramer product range is distributed exclusively via specialist dealers. We offer our partners full assistance, from in-person support and sales advice to digital support and comprehensive after-sales service”.
To become a Specialist Cramer Dealer or for further information, please visit https://cramertools.com.
A host of experts including horticulture industry speakers and British explorer, journalist and TV presenter Simon Reeves are set to share their insights to how the horticultural industry could look by 2030 at the Horticultural Trade Association’s annual conference...
A host of experts including horticulture industry speakers and British explorer, journalist and TV presenter Simon Reeves are set to share their insights to how the horticultural industry could look by 2030 at the Horticultural Trade Association’s annual conference.
Horticulture, the Conference will scan the horizon for future trends and present both the challenges and opportunities facing the UK’s horticulture industry. The conference will explore areas such as the retail revolution, consumer insights, what garden design will look like nationally and globally and how automation, artificial intelligence and the metaverse could change the world we live in.
Keynote speaker will be Simon Reeves who will discuss how he sees the planet looking in 2030 and how the UK may be affected by this ‘big picture’. The journalist, who is also well known for his global travel and environmental documentaries, will be joined by other speakers and panellists at the conference which takes place in Birmingham at the ICC on Wednesday, September 14.
Among the speakers will be renowned economist, Vicky Pryce, from the Centre for Economics and Business Research in London; garden designer and Gardeners’ World co-presenter, Arit Anderson; garden designer and founder of the Grow2Know project, Tayshan Hayden-Smith, garden landscaper and 20-time Chelsea gold medal winner, Mark Gregory, celebrity gardener, Michael Perry, The Plant Geek, Tim Briercliffe, secretary general of the International Association of Horticultural Producers; and Dominic Harrison and Josh McBain from global consumer trends agency, Foresight Factory.
James Barnes, HTA Chairman, said: “We are extremely pleased to have attracted such a high calibre of speakers who, through their diverse areas of expertise, will help the horticultural industry glean crucial insights to how it can continue to look forward and adapt in a rapidly-changing world – and achieve its environmental goals.
“This year’s conference puts key issues such as upskilling, enhanced technology and how the industry operates on the agenda with our expert speakers and panellists offering their views and predictions on what the next eight years hold for horticulture.”
HTA’s conference provides a platform for delegates to network with industry peers, discuss key issues and innovations, and look at ways of working together as well as other opportunities. There will be a dinner for additional networking opportunities at which the UK Grower Awards will be presented.
The last conference was held in 2019 on Cultivating Retail, which looked at how sustainability can bring opportunity for the garden industry.
Experts joined members of the Garden Centre Association during a webinar recently to talk about sustainability and best practice...
Experts joined members of the Garden Centre Association during a webinar recently to talk about sustainability and best practice.
As well as members discussing what their plans with regards this were, they also heard from experts Hannah Dean-Wood from Planet Mark and Liz Williams, Sustainability Executive at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA).
Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, says: “Our sustainability webinar was highly informative and interesting, and it was fantastic to hear from Hannah and Liz.
“The session was facilitated by Mike Burks from The Gardens Group, who did a great job kicking things off by explaining how every garden centre is unique and that everyone comes from a different place, but how we all need to move in the same direction. Mike explained how sharing ideas is what we do best as an organisation and how important it was to keep communicating together on this topic through our dedicated sustainability discussion group on the new GCA Exchange. He also said that each member garden centre should appoint a ‘Sustainability Champion’ who can liaise with people on the shop floor as well as senior managers.
“The environment and sustainability were the biggest discussion points in our 2021 strategy meeting and will be a huge issue for many more years to come, and it was great to hear from our members about how they are dealing with it in their own garden centres.
“The centres who are already making big changes are acting as inspiration and guides for some of the smaller centres. By sharing ideas and best practices, we will be better placed as individual businesses and also, collectively, as an industry. This of course is the essence of the GCA.
“The member garden centres that attended the webinar have all started the process of becoming more sustainable and some are well down the road. Guy Topping from Barton Grange told attendees they were harvesting and using rainwater, but that climate change had a negative affect on rainwater as there was no clear pattern. They were using solar panels and that they had urban free draining in their car park to reduce flooding. They asked suppliers for all paper packaging only and recycled plants pots, among many other things, and that consumers expect us to be sustainable. Guy also said that it wasn’t just about buildings and products, but also about processes and people.
“George Hillier from Hilliers also had some useful tips and advice for other members. He said that the most impact could be made by working together, that we’re at the beginning of a journey, we shouldn’t be paralysed by the task ahead and should be driven by intention and action. George said everything we do matters because of our families, friends and colleagues and that we needed to answer the question ‘what did you do’, which will be asked by future generations. He added that 50% of our carbon footprint comes from energy usage, so if centres measured and reduced that, it would make a big difference.
“Mike Burks added that it was important to make real claims and not green wash and that as the industry was struggling to recruit staff, sustainability was a good draw for young people considering a career option.
“Tammy Woodhouse, our Chairman, also explained that we will be looking now at having more regular webinars, perhaps quarterly, on the topic, where members could contribute content for discussion. And that we’d have environmentally aware speakers at conferences going forward to help drive the initiative. For the 2023 conference, we already have a speaker from Riverford Organics booked.”
Hannah Dean-Wood from Planet Mark, which empowers businesses to make changes that will shape a more sustainable world, spoke to GCA members about the moral and commercial reasons to be more sustainable.
Mike added: “We’ve been working with Planet Mark for three years now as an organisation and we’re not duplicating the work of the HTA but complementing it with all we’re doing and this webinar helped bring it all together.
“Hannah gave an overview of the last 50 years and how things have changed through planet warming. She said the world is mobilising, not just the natural world, but society in general and that we as an industry have a moral, commercial and legal duty to become more sustainable. She also explained how 75% of adults in the UK are worried about climate change. Hannah said sustainability was now a key factor affecting businesses wishing to raise finance too and that by 2050 all businesses should, by law, be at net zero. She explained how important it was to measure, engage and communicate as part of this process to reduce carbon emissions.”
Liz Williams from the HTA also gave a presentation during the webinar.
Together the HTA and our organisation have the power to make a real change and a significant difference and we’ve a very positive working relationship, making us a real force for good together. We fully endorse the HTA Sustainability Roadmap.
The HTA has created the Sustainability Roadmap as a framework for helping members to increase the commercial, environmental and social value their business delivers. It aims to build on the good practice evident among HTA members put the UK horticulture and landscaping industry at the leading edge of sustainable business.
“Liz explained how garden centres are perceived as environmentally responsible by the public and how important our role is as an industry. She said it was important to focus on the things that are unique to horticulture such as the stress on water supply, reducing use of plastics, increase sustainability of growing media and fostering innovation in pest and disease management. Liz explained what assistance is available from the HTA and about its Sustainability Pledge and answered questions from members on how to create a Roadmap. She also said the HTA was lobbying the Government for more support to help centres.”
The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.
Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.
For further information, please call 01244 952170. Alternatively, please visit www.gca.org.uk.
Dobbies is on the lookout for Britain’s best gardeners with its Not Your Average Gardener Awards. A team of star-studded gardening enthusiasts will be judging the awards, including broadcaster Jo Whiley and Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles...
Dobbies is on the lookout for Britain’s best gardeners with its Not Your Average Gardener Awards.
Research conducted by the garden centre from Independent Media News earlier this year saw 76% of Brits couldn’t wait to get back into the garden. Dobbies is now looking to tap into this interest and discover the talent out there through its Not Your Average Gardener Awards.
A team of star-studded gardening enthusiasts will be judging the awards, including Broadcaster, Jo Whiley, Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, ITV This Morning’s Daisy Payne and Dobbies’ Ambassador and gardening influencer, Henry Agg.
Dobbies is looking to celebrate four gardeners, all with a passion for planting in their own unique way, with up to £5,000 worth of prizes and a virtual consultation with Marcus Eyles on how best to maximise their space.
Sustainability is at the core of the awards and Dobbies is searching for those who support local wildlife, better the environment and use sustainable gardening techniques to enter. Dobbies’ team members will be on hand to offer the winners advice on how to spend their prize and bring their space to life.
There are four categories for the Not Your Average Gardener Awards, including Most Sustainable Gardener, Best Mini Garden Makeover, Best Houseplant Parent and Best Young Gardener (under 16 years).
Jo Whiley is delighted to be on the panel: “Gardening is a huge passion of mine and I would encourage anyone to try it as a hobby. Being out in your green space, no matter the size, is a great chance to take a moment for your own wellbeing.
“I’m really excited to be on Dobbies’ judging panel this year. Whether a houseplant enthusiast, a keen gardener growing fruit and vegetables on an apartment balcony, a child discovering ways to make their green space bloom or gardening newbie creating plant borders, I’m excited to hear how Brits are giving gardening a go no matter their space or experience.”
Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, adds: “We’ve seen a positive increase in gardening over the past year, with customers across the UK looking to try something new in their green space. At Dobbies we’re always on the lookout for passionate gardeners and our Not Your Average Gardener Awards are a great opportunity to shine a light on talent across Britain.
“Sustainability is at the core of our awards, and we’re extremely proud to offer a strong range of sustainable Dobbies’ products, including our award-winning peat-free compost, that benefit both the garden and environment.”
Nominations can be submitted at dobbies.com by filling out a simple form and submitting images. Deadline for submissions is 26 August. All entries will be reviewed by the panel of expert judges and winners will be announced September 2022.
HEX Living has become a supplier to national greenhouse and outdoor storage retailer The Greenhouse People...
HEX Living has become a supplier to national greenhouse and outdoor storage retailer The Greenhouse People.
Hex Living’s entire range of outdoor metal storage solutions will be available to buy from the retailer’s 36 display sites across the UK including Hixon - HEX Living’s signature large storage shed, Weston - a compact vertical shed, Bromley - a large capacity horizontal storage unit and Chartley – a highly functional deck box.
Products will be available to view in both Anthracite Grey and Sage Green colourways, giving customers the opportunity to see both options before making a purchasing decision.
Launched in February 2022, HEX Living is a Staffordshire based manufacturer of premium-quality metal sheds and garden storage solutions. Designed and built in Britain, all HEX Living products are maintenance free and come with an unrivalled lifetime warranty. HEX Living is currently the only outdoor metal storage solution manufacturer to offer this guarantee.
Managing Director Paul Clews said: “Securing this agreement with The Greenhouse People is a real milestone for our business and we are thrilled to be working with the team. As a hugely respected retailer of premium quality products, The Greenhouse People are an ideal retailer for our products and share the same commitment to delivering excellence as we do.
“The roll out of our products into branches has already begun and we are looking forward to fulfilling our presence across all 36 Greenhouse People showrooms in the next couple of months.”
Richard Baggaley, Founder of The Greenhouse People, said: “We are really pleased to add HEX Living to the list of hand-picked brands we sell. At The Greenhouse People, we are committed to working with only the highest-quality manufacturers and have been very impressed with the standard of product and service HEX Living delivers.
“As a largely timber and glass product retailer, the addition of HEX Living’s metal storage solutions to our portfolio will improve the choice available for our customers, ensuring we can satisfy demand in all areas.”
Durston Garden Products’ collection of peat-free products took centre stage on stand at this year’s Glee, much to the delight of retail buyers from across the sector...
Durston Garden Products’ collection of peat-free products took centre stage on stand at this year’s Glee, much to the delight of retail buyers from across the sector.
With sustainability high on the agenda, visitors to Glee 2022 were on the lookout for products that make gardening easier but have a reduced impact on the planet – and Durstons’ peat-free range meant they weren’t disappointed!
The family-run company gave retail buyers the chance to tap into a comprehensive growing media offer that meets demand from gardeners seeking greener alternatives and – thanks to their consistent outstanding performance – helps strengthen consumer confidence in peat-free products.
New Products
New additions that caused a stir included Multi-Purpose Compost Peat-Free; a top-quality multi-purpose compost produced entirely from renewable sources and featuring Durstons’ unique performance-enhancing ingredient, GRO BOOST. Also part of their peat-free family is Durstons Organic Multi-Purpose Compost Peat Free, boasting a blend of the highest-quality organic, peat-free growing media, combined with a wetting agent. Both composts provide excellent nutrient content and creates ideal growing conditions for plants.
Another exciting addition that garnered interest was the brand-new Peat Free Grow in the Bag, offered in an extra-large pack, making it ideal for growing a wide range of fruit, vegetables and salad crops. This product was extremely well received by buyers who feel it plugs a gap in the peat-free market.
Last but not least is Manor Farm Multi-Purpose Compost Peat Free; a super value, eco-friendly compost that contains all the nutrients needed to actively promote healthy growth and establish seedlings, cuttings, young plants, flowers and vegetables.
New opportunities
At Glee this year, the HTA’s David Denny said that there is “a war on waste”, adding that “sustainable products and solutions are in great demand and should be kept front and centre”. He also reminded retailers that “sustainability is an opportunity to profit”.
Experts are highlighting the real opportunities in this category, so for sustainable growing media that ticks all the boxes and really performs, look no further than Durstons Garden Products.
As part of Durstons’ commitment to a sustainable future, they were one of the first growing media brands to introduce 100%-recyclable packaging. Durstons have also incorporated 30% recycled material into the make-up of their compost bags.
The company recently revamped all product packaging, with eye-catching imagery and clear, concise messaging providing real stand-out on shelf, whilst helping garden centre customers navigate the confusing world of compost more easily.
Barrus unveiled plans to further progress its market share with the introduction of over 60 new and exciting products under brands Town & Country, Wilkinson Sword, WOLF-Garten, and Velcro at this year’s Glee...
Barrus unveiled plans to further progress its market share with the introduction of over 60 new and exciting products under brands Town & Country, Wilkinson Sword, WOLF-Garten, and Velcro at this year’s Glee.
At a time of uncertainty, with post-Covid implications being felt across the industry, this reiterates Barrus’ resilience and confidence in its products. The industry giant has unlocked doors to new market segments, with product innovation and development continuing to take place across the brands, as it enters new areas of the industry and develops engaging customer solutions.
The Town & Country portfolio, famed for its ever-growing collection of shoes, gloves and boots range, is further expanded into new categories with the introduction of a new propagation collection, supporting the ongoing movement towards sustainable living, with Grow Bag & Utility Trays, Potting Trays, a Garden Sieve and Electric Greenhouse Heaters now available. Also new for Town & Country is a range of brooms, brushes, and indoor and outdoor mats, as well as a new innovative grab rake that helps to clear and collect with one tool for ease and efficiency.
Glee 2022 also allowed Barrus to get another award under its belt. To add to the award-winning Wilkinson Sword Ultralight Digging Spade and Town & Country Buckingham shoes, Barrus celebrated a win at the coveted Glee New Product Showcase with the newly launch Tiered Planter range winning in the Garden Growing Containers category.
Mark Hewett, divisional sales manager, commented: “We’re excited about our new innovations and developments for the Barrus brands and are looking forward to further exploring these new sectors of the gardening world with Town & Country, having long been established in the footwear and gloves segment. We had some fantastic feedback and responses at the show and are exciting for the coming months.”
For further information about the new products please visit www.barrus.co.uk or contact your Barrus sales representative.
Growing and retailing plants together at Ball Colegrave
Glee Review: Buyers Power List results, GIMA Seed Corn Fund winner, Winning New Products at Glee, Floral Thursday for Greenfingers breaks records at Glee
Zest are winners at Glee and Solex
The future of eco firepits – El Fuego
Mrs A’s Peat Free trials at Aylett Nurseries
Outdoor trends in the spotlight at Solex
GIMA Golf Day 2022
GCA Regional Awards 2022
LOFA Column – Thank you for making Solex a success
HTA Column – 2030 Here we come…
GIMA Column – 2022 Abnormal or normal?
Inside the August 2022 issue: Primeur’s Recycled Revolution, Farm shop revolution in St Albans, Growing and retailing plants together at Ball Colegrave, Glee Review, Buyers Power List results, GIMA Seed Corn Fund winner, Winning New Products at Glee, Zest are winners at Glee and Solex , The future of eco firepits – El Fuego, Mrs A’s Peat Free trials at Aylett Nurseries, Floral Thursday for Greenfingers breaks records at Glee, Outdoor trends in the spotlight at Solex, GIMA Golf Day 2022, GCA Regional Awards 2022, LOFA Column – Thank you for making Solex a success, HTA Column – 2030 Here we come…, GIMA Column – 2022 Abnormal or normal?
Hozelock has announced the appointment of Simon Davies as CEO. Simon previously held the role of Group Sales and Marketing Director at the company...
Hozelock has announced the appointment of Simon Davies as CEO.
Simon previously held the role of Group Sales and Marketing Director at Hozelock and will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role.
Previous Hozelock CEO, Marc Ballu is moving to the newly created position of CEO Garden Retail Activity for Exel Industries with responsibility for all of the Group’s Garden businesses and Tricoflex.
Working at Hozelock for over 10 years, Simon has experience of working with key stakeholders including suppliers, customers and retailers. He will bring this insight to his new role and strives to move the business forward as it looks ahead to the 2023 garden season.
Speaking of his appointment, Simon said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this new challenge, especially at such an exciting time for the business.
“Innovation has always been at the heart of Hozelock and as we look ahead to 2023 we already have a number of exciting products in the pipeline, including the Solar-Heated Shower, the 3 in 1 Nozzle and the AquaSave Sprinkler. I look forward to seeing how these products are received by both retailers and gardeners alike.”
Designed by gardeners for gardeners and with a 60-year heritage – Hozelock’s head office is based in Birmingham, proudly engineering and manufacturing over 85% of its products in the UK and France. From garden watering, spraying and thermal weeders to Hozelock Cyprio pond equipment and Hozelock Pure for natural gardening – Hozelock is not only Britain’s leading watering and plant protection expert, it is one of the its most loved gardening brands continually updating a comprehensive range of products.
Gardena is expanding its sales team to support rapid development within the garden centre channel...
Gardena is expanding its sales team to support rapid development within the garden centre channel.
The brand welcomes new sales representative, Calum White, to the team following a successful 2022 spring TV and digital campaign and to support its impressive growth across all categories including hoses, sprinklers and sprayers, with Gardena being the only brand in the sector to gain market shares within watering.
Gardena is investing in its sales team to support the South West region of the country, with Calum now servicing the Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and South Wales regions. Calum joins Gardena with over 10 years of horticulture experience gained from Sutton’s mail order division.
Calum will join fellow Gardena sales representatives Mark Corrigan, Graham Hughes and Tom Lay. Mark joined the team in 2019 and represents the North of England, while Graham has represented the East and West Midlands areas since 2020 and Tom services the South East after joining in 2021.
Calum also joins Key Account Manager, Gary Fisher as part of the Gardena UK Sales team. Gary looks after group activity across the UK, working closely with larger garden centres.
Field Sales Manager, Edward Cantle, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Calum to the team, it’s an exciting time to be joining Gardena as we continue to break records within the garden centre industry.
“This year has proven the appetite for the Gardena brand, its outstanding quality and reliable supply.”
Calum shares his thoughts on joining the Gardena team, saying: “This is a really exciting time to be joining Gardena, as the only brand to grow in the watering category, especially during an uncertain time for consumers.
“The UK team is so passionate about the Gardena brand and it shows. From working in the horticultural industry for nearly a decade, I knew Gardena’s reputation for its quality and innovation. I am looking forward to developing and spreading the knowledge across the South West going into 2023 and beyond.”
The Horticultural Trades Association has announced the appointment of Elia Johnston as its Marketing Director...
The Horticultural Trades Association has announced the appointment of Elia Johnston as its Marketing Director.
Elia joins the HTA after over three years at UK Flooring Direct, where she was most recently Chief Commercial Officer and a Board member. Prior to this, Elia spent 13 years at Homebase, working across a variety of marketing and commercial roles.
An experienced leader with broad marketing knowledge and a thirst for continuous learning, Elia is passionate about driving a culture in which the team feels proud of the experience that they are providing to their customers. In every organisation that she has worked at, Elia has championed a collaborative approach to driving improvements.
Elia Johnston, newly appointed Marketing Director at the HTA, said: “The HTA is an incredible organisation with a fantastic reputation for driving positive change and improvements for the garden industry. I am very excited to be joining the business and can't wait to be part of the team, which does such a great job in serving and supporting our members and the industry so well.”
James Barnes, HTA Chairman, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Elia to the HTA as Marketing Director. Elia brings with her a wealth of experience from both within and outside of the garden industry, which will be invaluable to us as we continue to shape our marketing strategy and find meaningful new ways to engage with and support our members.”
Almost 100 delegates from 10 countries made their way to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to attend the 51st Annual Convention and to spend quality time networking with industry friends and colleagues...
Almost 100 delegates from 10 countries made their way to Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to attend the 51st Annual Convention and to spend quality time networking with industry friends and colleagues.
Members were delighted to finally meet again in person for the first time since 2019. Traditionally co-organised by one of the members, this year's special edition was hosted by Fleuroselect in honour of the organisation's 50th anniversary in 2020.
Delegates welcomed Founder and Honorary Member Simon Groot to open the celebrations by explaining the origins of Fleuroselect leading up to its foundation in 1970. Subsequently Sally van der Horst and Ann Jennen, Secretary Generals past and present, delved into organisation's rich history and shared recent developments showing the strength of the organisation as it is today.
Three new members join Fleuroselect
During the Annual General Meeting, the current membership welcomed three new companies to the organisation. The Newey Group supplies perennial and shrub plugs/liners, cutting raised and seed raised bedding plants and premium quality container grown trees, shrubs and soft fruit to commercial growers and retailers in the U.K. market. Morel Diffusion supplies bulk seed of cyclamen to young plant producers and growers across the world. Annually, over 300 varieties are sold in more than 70 countries. Clematis, the Source of Good Climbers sells over 1.5 million young plants (rooted cuttings) and over 1 million finished plants annually to more than 40 countries on 5 continents. The company owns 70 varieties of Clematis and 11 other climbing varieties.
The importance of flowers and plants in the cities of the future
Delegates were treated to an inspirational debating session led by young entrepreneurial experts on the role of plants and flowers in urban living.
Nina Sickenga, founder of MOSS & HRBS, specialises in full package green design projects ranging from tropical indoor gardens and intensive green roofs to urban agricultural projects. Denise Stuur and Jorrit Jager, both landscape designers at Deltavormgroep, are specialised in the area of spatial concepts and nature-inclusive designs. Representing WE THE FUTURE, Jacintha Scheerder asked an important question: "What about plants in future cities?" Finally, Tom van Ruitenbeek and Sam van der Zanden from Upperbloom shared their concept for a sustainable plant service for balconies.
Learning from the past
To illustrate the Convention theme, visits to sustainable green projects in the Amsterdam area were included in the programme. The first stop was an informative visit to Circl, a platform on the Amsterdam Zuidas, which has been designed and constructed according to circular principles. The roots of Dutch horticulture were brought to life at the Historical Nursery Museum in Aalsmeer, including a small Dutch auction in the original auction room. The evolution of horticulture in The Netherlands was accurately explained here with use of historical documents, photos and gardening tools. Delegates also had the opportunity of admiring a vast collection of heirloom plants and varieties in the extensive showgarden. At the Flower Art Museum, delegates visited the exhibition 'The Floral Album' and attended the book presentation 'Bloom: Art, Flowers and Emotion', featuring key works of art from the Tate Gallery in which flowers play a leading role, by Rachel Giles. Finally, the delegation visited FloriWorld. Looking at horticulture today, this new initiative offers a fun and educational exploration through the world of flowers and plants, raising awareness on how flowers and plants contribute to well-being and health.
Gold Medial Winners 2023
The Annual Convention culminated at Restaurant De Kas in Amsterdam for the Closing Dinner, where Gold Medals were awarded to the 2023 winners. Four varieties excelled in the judging criteria, including innovation, practical use, floriferousness and garden performance. Fleuroselect President Karol Pawlak and Secretary General Ann Jennen handed out the certificates and medals to the winners:
Peter Denney, Managing Director at SeedSense for Helianthus annuus Lemon Cutie
Gerard Werink, Commercial Director and Juul van Loon, Head of Business International at Syngenta Flowers for Helenium autumnale HayDay Golden Bicolor
Anne Leventry, President and Carsten Leth, Global Business Manager Pot Plants at PanAmerican Seed for Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii Goldblitz
Rob van der Voort, Owner at Van Hemert & Co for Verbena bonariensis Vanit
2023 – United Kingdom
The 52nd Fleuroselect Annual Convention will take place in summer 2023 in the United Kingdom. Highlights will include visits to Floranova, Mr. Fothergills and the RHS Hyde Hall trial fields.
The best of last week's
If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories...
Notcutts have completed the acquisition of Frosts’ Brampton garden centre near Huntingdon. Brampton becomes the latest garden centre to join the family-owned garden centre group. Notcutts now have 19 UK garden centres together with a flourishing e-commerce operation...
Notcutts have completed the acquisition of Frosts’ Brampton garden centre near Huntingdon. Brampton becomes the latest garden centre to join the family-owned garden centre group. Notcutts now have 19 UK garden centres together with a flourishing e-commerce operation.
First established in 1897, Notcutts has developed to become a leading name in horticulture and home gardening. While plant expertise and garden inspiration remains at its core, Notcutts now offers a wide leisure and shopping experience for customers including handpicked homeware and gift ranges, furniture, and garden accessories. High quality restaurants are also central to the Notcutts customer experience. Significant investment has been made across the company in recent years to create modern, upgraded restaurants which are proving so popular with customers.
Nick Burrows, CEO commented “Frosts share a similar set of values to ourselves in the way they operate their garden centres and this has always been cause for our admiration of their organisation. So when Brampton became available for sale we saw it as a garden centre that would fit well as part of Notcutts. Their fabulous gardening offer, great gift and furniture ranges together with a fantastic restaurant all meant that it was of great appeal to us.”
Burrows added “On top of this, it has become clear that the Brampton team place a high importance on delivering great customer service which, is right at the heart of all we seek to achieve in every one of our garden centres. We are therefore delighted that we have now been able to complete this acquisition and I would like to thank James Frost and his team for the positive dialogue we have had at all stages of the transaction.”
Now in its 125th year, Notcutts has remained a family business which is now in its fifth generation of family-ownership. Caroline Notcutt, Great-Granddaughter of Notcutts’ founder Roger Crompton Notcutt, is Vice Chairman today.
Caroline Notcutt said: “We are delighted to welcome Brampton Garden Centre into our Notcutts family. It is an exciting opportunity to grow our business and for Notcutts to reach customers in a new area of the country during our anniversary year. With our family values and our passion for gardening, home, and high quality restaurant experiences, we believe we are well placed to succeed Frosts as owners of this excellent garden centre. It will be our goal to ensure that our new Brampton customers will now enjoy visiting their local Notcutts Garden Centre to experience all we have to offer.”
Joanne Hawkins-McDowell, General Manager, Notcutts Brampton, said: “We are so pleased to welcome Notcutts as the new owners at Brampton Garden Centre during this exciting period of change. Notcutts is a well-established family business and we look forward to being part of the Notcutts future. I know that Notcutts place great importance in creating great experiences for their customers every day and that they also have an ambitious and progressive strategy for the future. This is of great appeal to us at Brampton. I’m also particularly excited by Notcutts clear commitment to a range of projects in support of environmental, sustainability and biodiversity goals.”
Hawkins-McDowell added “We are now all looking forward to sharing our collective expertise and inspiring all our regular and new customers when they visit us here at Notcutts Brampton.”
Photo caption: (Front, L-R) Nick Burrows, CEO; Joanne Hawkins-McDowell, General Manager; and Caroline Notcutt, Vice Chairman, celebrate the official launch of Notcutts Brampton Garden Centre with colleagues. (Credit: Gregg Brown Photography / Copyright: Notcutts Ltd)
The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (above) was awarded the title of Garden Centre of the Year in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category at the GCA Wales & West region and Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe received the accolade in the Garden Centre (GC) category...
The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (above) was awarded the title of Garden Centre of the Year in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category at the GCA Wales & West region and Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe (below) received the accolade in the Garden Centre (GC) category.
Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, said: “Our Wales & West regional awards meeting was a huge success and we’d like to thank all those who attended. It was great to hear our GCA Inspector, Alyson Haywood’s feedback from her inspections on the centres and now our members can take this vital information back with them to their centres and make any changes needed.
“A big thank you must also go to Groves Nurseries, who were fantastic hosts for the evening.”
GCA Inspector Alyson was responsible for inspecting member garden centres in the Wales & West area.
She said: “It was a pleasure to once again inspect the garden centres in the Wales and West region. As always, the centres have spent a considerable amount of time and effort to achieve the standards attained and the presentation of awards to recognise these achievements are great motivators to continue improving.
“It was also great to see the number of centres highlighting and focusing on their environmental policies, the health benefits of gardening and the environmental benefits of plants.”
The Old Railway Line Garden Centre received five awards in total on the night including Garden Centre of the Year (DGC).
Huw Lewis, Finance Director at Old Railway Line Garden Centre, who is also the Area Chairman for Wales & West said: “It was great to see so many people in attendance from a variety of garden centres from across the Wales and West Area. My sincere thanks go to Charlie and the team at Groves Nurseries and Garden Centre for hosting the awards and for their hospitality throughout the evening. The food was especially good and was admired by all!
“Thanks also to Alyson, who provided us with a superb presentation. What really shone through was some of the great displays and merchandising that all the garden centres across the area had executed and how standards were constantly being improved across many areas of the garden centre offering. My thanks go to everyone who attended the awards and congratulations to all those that won awards.
“We are delighted to have won the Best Destination Garden Centre in the Wales and West region for 2022 and would like to thank our amazing team of staff who work so hard, every day to maintain standards and provide the best customer service that we can for our wonderful customers.”
Garden Centre of the Year (GC category) winners Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe picked up four other awards on the night.
Nicola Pugh, Marketing and Operations Director for Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be awarded with so many fantastic awards within the garden centre category and the destination centre category. We are really in our infancy as GCA members but are proud to be part of a fantastic organisation within our industry.
“We could not be prouder of our teams who strive to increase standards consistently and have worked so hard over the past few years, they really do deserve these accolades. With some extremely worthwhile contenders, we are up against some of the best garden centres in the UK. We cannot wait to share these awards with our Pughs family of staff and customers and are looking forward to celebrating!”
The full results for the Wales & West region GCA area awards are as follows for the GC and DGC categories:
Garden Centre of the Year: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (DGC) and Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe (GC)
Customer Service Award for Best Customer Service: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre
Environment and Sustainability Award: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre
The Barton Grange Trophy for Commercial Innovation and Creativity: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre
The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre: Webbs, Cheltenham
The Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant: Cadbury Garden Centre (DGC) and joint winners Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe and Webbs, Cheltenham (GC)
The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (DGC) and Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe (GC)
The Indoor Lifestyle Award for Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer: Bernaville Nurseries (DGC) and Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe (GC)
The Outdoor Living Award for Best Outdoor Living Retailer: Bernaville Nurseries (DGC) and joint winners Orchard Park Garden Centre, Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe and Webbs, Cheltenham (GC)
Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts...
Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips.
The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra newsletter.
As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2018 as well as 2019 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.
Access is by subscription only. For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales. To subscribe call 07973 504214, e-mail karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.
Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for last week are here
Highlights of the GTN Plants Bestsellers chart for last week are here
Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for last week are here
Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro Bestsellers chart for last week are here
Highlights of the GTN Wild Bird Care Bestsellers chart for last week are here
WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts seriously improve the business of our subscribers. Invest 15 minutes each week in improving your sales using the GTN Bestsellers charts and your turnover and customer satisfaction will improve too.
Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters for only £145.00.
GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £100m.
Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.
As Glee 2022 came to a close, GTN's Trevor Pfeiffer interviewed Glee Show Director Matthew Mein for Glee TV. They talk about what was different this year, the great range of products at the show and the impact of young people in the industry...
As Glee 2022 came to a close, GTN's Trevor Pfeiffer interviewed Glee Show Director Matthew Mein for Glee TV. They talk about what was different this year, the great range of products at the show and the impact of young people in the industry.
The Hydria Life water fountain won the Glee Award for best garden decoration product. In the second Glee TV production from this year's show, CEO Simon Reeves-Jackson talks to GTN’s Trevor Pfeiffer about the research and development of this fountain…
The Hydria Life water fountain won the Glee Award for best garden decoration product. In the second Glee TV production from this year's show, CEO Simon Reeves-Jackson talks to GTN’s Trevor Pfeiffer about the research and development of this fountain…
Also in attendance was 10-year-old entrepreneur Rory Fricker with his fox red labrador, Hattie Bean. After making Bean a neckerchief and bow tie Rory was inspired to make some more and persuaded his mum to buy him a sewing machine. Rory & Bean was born and Rosebourne is the first retailer to stock bow ties, bandanas and also shampoo, cologne and travel sets.
Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, says: “Our sustainability webinar was highly informative and interesting, and it was fantastic to hear from Hannah and Liz.
Durston Garden Products’ collection of peat-free products took centre stage on stand at this year’s Glee, much to the delight of retail buyers from across the sector.
