After working constructively with the landlords, Dobbies has confirmed that its Antrim store will now no longer close at the end of 2024 as previously stated. 

The Antrim store has remained open since Dobbies launched a Restructuring Plan (“RP”) in September 2024 and they have confirmed this will now continue, with all colleagues being retained. 

The team remains committed to bringing a range of gardening and homewares, plus the restaurant and coffee shop, to its customers, and building their role within the local community.

A Dobbies spokesperson said: “We are pleased to confirm that with the support of Lotus Property and Tristan Capital, our Antrim store will no longer close at the end of December as part of our Restructuring Plan. 

“We are pleased to be able to retain our team, look forward to continuing to welcome customers into our store, and building our role in the local community. Thank you to our colleagues for their hard work and commitment as we have navigated this process.”

Alastair Coulson, MD at Lotus Property said: "Dobbies continuing to trade at The Junction is fantastic news for Antrim, not least because of the number of local people the site employs. The Junction is one of Northern Ireland's leading retail and leisure parks, and I’m pleased to see the strong working relationship between landlord and tenant, as well as the commitment of our excellent centre management team and the Dobbies’ colleagues here in Antrim." 

The RP was launched to address historically uneconomical rent costs and to create a strong platform to return Dobbies to profitability, access future investment, and to ensure a sustainable, long-term future. The other Dobbies stores identified for closure as part of the RP will continue as planned, subject to the restructuring plan being approved by the courts on 9 December 2024.

After the success of last years Christmas Customer vote we’ve formally added back in in-store voting on paper voting slips to allow even more customers to share their appreciation of the magical Christmas retailing experiences that are created by garden centres across the UK.

To join in all you have to do is download the poster and voting forms artwork using this dropbox link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/t5s9zttkagu53jn06c90j/AAxUet5HFIAZOSLQxBzztdY?rlkey=c20kg3edpvc9g99dc7jrk3jrp&dl=0

Or download by clicking on the images below

Your customers can then vote on-line by scanning the QR code on the posters or by completing a voting slip and posting it in a voting box in-store that you will collect and send to the GTN Offices as the voting closes on Sunday 22^nd December 2024.

Direct Voting link: https://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/GTN/5acq9vfvy60 

Of course you can also include the voting link and QR Code in your social media and website.

As last year we will have regional winners in the customer vote as well as an overall customer voting winner.  Last year’s overall winner was the team at Busy Bee on the Isle of Wight.

It’s as simple as that.  Voting is open now and will remain open until 4:00pm on December 22^nd.

Voting is free, but we are partnering with The Greenfingers Charity so that voters can, if they wish, make a Christmas donation to help build more magical gardens in Children's Hospices across the country.

Our team of judges are really getting into the Christmas spirit as they start their mission to visit the record entry of 120 garden centres that have teams nominated in this year’s Greatest Christmas Awards.

Here’s the Greatest Christmas 2024 judging visit list.

• Alton
• Azure
• Barton Grange
• Baytree
• Blue Diamond Derby
• Blue Diamond Melbicks
• Blue Diamond Newbridge
• Blue Diamond Sanders
• Beckworth Emporium
• Bents
• BGC Albrighton
• BGC Arcadia
• BGC Bournville
• BGC Braintree
• BGC Bridgenorth
• BGC Brigg
• BGC Brockworth
• BGC Burford House
• BGC Charlecote
• BGC Harrogate
• BGC Hemel
• BGC Horncastle
• BGC Hornsea
• BGC Irton
• BGC Ramsgate
• BGC Shipley
• BGC Studley
• BGC Tarporley
• BGC Tring
• BGC Winnerash
• BGC Wolseley Bridge
• BGC Woodthorpe
• Birkacre Garden Centre
• Bosworths
• Bow Garden & Aquatic Centre
• Brimsmore Gardens
• Busy Bee
• California Lodge Garden Centre
• Cambridge Home & Garden
• Castle Gardens
• Caulders Cumbernauld
• Caulders Erskine
• Cherry Lane Podington
• Chessington
• Cooks
• Coolings Main Road
• Coolings Rushmore Hill
• Downtown
• Duchy of Cornwall Nursery
• Ellerker Lodge Garden Centre
• Fairways Ashbourne Garden Centre
• Fakenham Garden Centre
• Fron Goch
• Garsons Esher
• Garsons Titchfield
• Gates
• Glendoick Garden Centre
• Gouldings Garden Centre
• Gouldings Valley View
• Groves Bridport
• Haskins Ferndown
• Haskins Snowhill
• Hillmount Ards
• Hillmount Bangor
• Hillmount Belfast
• Holt Garden Centre
• Jacksons Boutique
• Keydell
• Klodyke Houghton Hall
• Klondyke Garden Wise
• Klondyke Astbury Meadow
• Klondyke High Legh
• Klondyke Lady Green
• Klondyke Mortonhall
• Klondyke Stokesley
• Mackenzie & Cruickshank
• Meadowcroft
• Merryhatton
• Monkton Elm
• Munros Nurseries
• Newquay Garden Centre
• Nocutts Woodford Park
• Norwich Camping & Leisure
• Notcutts Brampton
• Notcutts Oxford
• Notcutts Rivendell
• Notcutts Solihull
• Old Railway Line
• Pengelly Garden Centre
• Perrywood, Sudbury
• Perrywood, Tiptree
• Planters Bretby
• Planters Brookfields
• Planters Garden King
• Planters Pacific
• Planters Tamworth
• Polhill
• Poundbury Gardens
• Pugh's Radyr
• Pugh's Wenvoe
• Raemoir Garden Centre
• Rosebank
• Rutland Garden Nursery
• Ruxley
• Silverbirch
• Skylark Garden Centre
• Snowdonia Nurseries
• Southwood Garden Centre       
• Squires Badshot Lea
• Squires Hersham
• St Peters Garden Centre
• Summerhill
• The Grange Garden Centre
• Thetford Garden Centre
• Thetford Garden Centre
• Thurrock Garden Centre
• Trowell
• Webbs of Wychbold
• Wentworth Garden Centre
• Woodlands Garden Centre, Ash

And here’s the list of Categories the judges will be looking to find are The Greatest Christmas Teams:

1. The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team - Sponsored by Stars for Europe
2. The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team
3. The Greatest Gardening as a Christmas Gift Sales Team - Sponsored by Fandango Fire Tools
4. The Greatest Christmas Gifts Team – Sponsored by Museums and Galleries
5. The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Promotions Team -Sponsored by Glee
6. The Greatest Christmas BBQ and Outdoor Leisure Team – The SOLEX Sizzle - Sponsored by LOFA
7. The Greatest Festive RetailFood Team
8. The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team - Sponsored by Marriages – WHM Pet Group
9. The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team - Sponsored by Smart Garden Products – Three Kings
10. The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Woodmansterne
11. The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team
12. The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Tildenet
13. The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team – Sponsored by Kaemingk
14. The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team – Sponsored by MorePeople
15. The Greatest Giant Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Kaemingk

After all those visits and plenty of mince pies the judges will be meeting in early January to decide the winners of the categories who will be announced on The Stage at Spring Fair, Hall 2 at the NEC on Monday 3^rd February 2025, 5:00pm.  We look forward to seeing as many nominated teams and GTN readers there as possible.

G Plants has announced the appointment of Andy Lewis as the newest member of their sales team, taking on the role of Regional Account Manager. 

With Andy’s extensive experience in sales and customer relations, he will play a pivotal role in expanding our reach in the garden centre market, particularly with our popular Bee Friends Range and Indoor Grow Sets.

Andy brings a wealth of experience in sales and account management and although he is new to the sector his customer focus, drive and enthusiasm are second to none. Andy will be responsible for nurturing existing partnerships and forging new ones, ensuring that G Plants continues to provide exceptional service to garden centres in the North.

“I am excited to be joining the G Plants team and look forward to connecting with our valued customers,” said Andy. “Together, we can inspire more people to embrace gardening as a fulfilling hobby.”

“Having previously worked with Andy, we are thrilled to have him join our team,” said Carly Jackson Group Managing Director at G Plants. “His background and dedication to customer service align perfectly with our mission to provide growing products that inspire and engage both novice and experienced gardeners.” 

About G Plants
G Plants is a premier garden centre gifting and seed products company committed to enriching the gardening experience for enthusiasts of all levels. Our diverse product range includes the Seed Packet and Seed Shaker display stands, Indoor Grow Sets, Novelty Planters all designed to inspire and engage customers in their gardening journeys. 

For more information and to see what else G Plants has to offer, please don’t hesitate to contact Andy on 07939 950734 or e mail: andy.lewis@gplants.com

The Horticultural Trades Association has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, asking for a pause for consultation before implementing the measures announced in the 2024 Autumn Budget, which will be extremely damaging to many horticultural businesses.

The triple effect of a significant rise in the National Living Wage, increases imposed on employers’ National Insurance contribution and the decision to change the rules on Agricultural and Business Property Relief have come with inadequate warning and little consideration as to the impact they will have.   

In a year that has seen changes to border controls, leading to uncertainty of timings and hikes in the cost of importing plants combined with poor weather, the environmental horticulture sector has already had to deal with extremely challenging conditions.  

In her letter to the Chancellor, HTA Chief Executive Fran Barnes expressed significant concerns over how the Budget’s measures will have a ripple effect on employment and investment and could be inflationary. The HTA found in its November survey that the majority of members will look to pass costs back through the supply chain, and over half still plan to freeze recruitment, with the same number again looking to reduce or postpone capital investment. 

Fran Barnes commented: "Our members recognise the context of the Autumn Budget; however, the impact of huge cost hikes within such a short timescale when business budgets have already been set, and buying has been agreed for the next year will inevitably impact jobs and investment. Sector businesses themselves have had difficult operating conditions, which have mounted over recent years.  

“In the letter to the Chancellor, we strongly urge that the government pause the plans to review and consult fully with those impacted and have a comprehensive view to recognise the cumulative impact of multiple announcements. It is imperative and responsible to ensure adequate lead times for policy changes. The government needs to work with us to create conditions where we can deliver our shared green growth ambitions and continue delivering jobs for local communities and the economic and health benefits the sector brings.  

“Our sector, by producing the trees and plants we depend on, is the solution to so many of the economic, health and environmental challenges the government is facing, but these cumulative announcements with no scope for business planning will create destabilising uncertainty and ultimately hinder growth." 

Chartered surveyors Quinton Edwards is marking 35 years as the UK’s foremost expert in the sale and valuation of garden centres, horticultural nurseries and farm shops – and is forecasting huge opportunities in the sector for investors willing ‘to buy small and build big’.

With family leisure becoming an increasingly popular and profitable market for the industry, companies investing in food halls and farm shops, restaurant and coffee shops, children’s soft play and even adventure activities can reap the rewards of running successful retail and leisure one-stop destinations. 

Director Simon Quinton Smith of Quinton Edwards, said: “I believe there is huge scope for new entrants to come into the industry, who can start small and grow their independent businesses over the coming years. It is widely recognised that having successful independents is important to ensure diversity and continued innovation within the sector.  The large groups obviously offer lots for customers but innovation tends to start at the grass roots level with smaller, independently-owned businesses.”

Quinton Edwards was founded by specialist chartered surveyor Simon in autumn 1989 and over the last three decades, Simon and his team have supported the garden centre and horticultural industries through three recessions, various retail booms, a pandemic and the successful completion of millions of pounds worth of sales and valuations. This has included landmark valuations of some of the UK’s largest garden centres, including Bents, and Webbs of Wychbold and garden centre groups such as Dobbies, Hurrans and Wyevale.

The business is part of Quintons (Commercial) Ltd, which manages commercial sales and lettings and also has a successful property management arm Deal Varney Management – where the team currently manage two garden centre sites, in addition to commercial and residential property.  Simon is MD of Quintons (Commercial) Ltd.

Simon (pictured left) is an Associate Member of the Horticultural Trades Association, Garden Centre Association and Farm Retail Association, and he is recognised as the leading specialist garden centre and horticultural Chartered Surveyor, having over the last three decades helped clients buy, sell and lease more garden centres, horticultural properties and associated businesses, than any other UK company. 

He has also been an industry expert witness for over 20 years, acting for individuals, businesses and the courts in valuations, and is a registered business valuer.

Over the 35 years, Simon has seen many changes and developments in the horticultural industry.  He said: “Over the years the changes in the garden centre industry have been enormous.  In the 80s, garden centres were starting to take the form that they have now but without a lot of catering, without Christmas, without concessions, and without leisure.

Originally plants were 35%-50% of the turnover of the average garden centre but now, although the volumes haven’t changed, the overall percentage has dropped as other departments have increased.

Catering started small, becoming 10% of overall turnover.  Now it is 20% to 25% and growing, with many garden centre restaurants having between 200 and 300 covers and with the main restaurants becoming so popular, coffee shops are being opened to cater for those customers who just want a coffee and a sandwich or cake, rather than a full meal. 

Clothing has also become big in garden centres with Blue Diamond stating that clothing is their best performing department. 

In the past, May was probably the highest turnover month; now it can be November or December because of Christmas – and Christmas does not just revolve around selling product, it revolves around leisure experiences; curling, ice rinks, simulated train rides, roundabouts, circuses, and this leisure now continues at other times of the year too.”

Crazy golf, Dino Park, Go Ape, all feature in garden centres, and one of the more recent trends are farm shops/food halls, and those garden centres who had successful farm shops or food halls, did particularly well during Covid. These continue to grow and often now have a cook shop alongside with Lakeland opening as concessions at some garden centres.”

Concluding Simon said: “It has been a fascinating 35 years for the industry and we have enjoyed supporting our clients through the many changes and advances that have taken place in the sector over those years. The future is looking extremely positive for garden centres, horticultural nurseries and farm shops and we are excited to be a part of this evolving and exciting market.”

The recent GIMA Awards provided the stage for GIMA President, Kate Ebbens, to unveil an inspiring new fundraising challenge for 2025 in support of Greenfingers Charity.

Building on her ambitious commitment to run every day throughout 2024, Kate challenged the gardening and horticultural industry to join forces to complete a 650-mile journey. This route symbolically connects the Greenfingers HQ in Buckinghamshire to Coombe Abbey in Coventry – the venue for the charity’s 25th Anniversary Floral Ball – while “virtually” passing through four of the hospices that will benefit from Greenfingers gardens next year.

The 650-mile distance thoughtfully incorporates virtual stops at Acorns Children’s Hospice, Walsall, Hope House in Oswestry, Bluebell Wood in Sheffield, and Chestnut Tree House in Arundel, celebrating the incredible impact of Greenfingers gardens on these hospices.

Participants can tackle the challenge individually or as part of a team, with the freedom to run, cycle, swim, or walk to clock up the miles. Whether it’s committing to two miles a day, accumulating miles with longer efforts across the year, or taking on the challenge in a single epic weekend, the possibilities are endless. One thing is certain - this challenge promises to be an unforgettable collective effort for an exceptional cause.

During her address at the GIMA Awards, Kate shared what motivates her to keep running, saying: “Whenever I struggle to find the energy or time to run, I think about those families, and that fuels my determination to keep going and to keep raising money. Knowing that every early morning run in the rain, every moment I feel like I can’t continue, is helping children who face life-limiting conditions puts everything into perspective. Their challenges remind me of how small my own struggles are, and it’s all I need to keep pushing forward. I hope that tonight others will be moved by this sentiment as I have a challenge for you.”

Kate’s words struck a chord with the audience, as Greenfingers Charity called on industry members to step out of their comfort zones and join her in making a difference in the year ahead.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, added: “Kate’s grit and determination are truly inspiring. Her efforts have raised vital funds and shone a spotlight on the work Greenfingers does for children and families facing unimaginable challenges. We’re so excited to see who will step up to take on the challenge in 2025. Together, we can not only hit that 650-mile target but also spread the word about our mission and make a lasting impact.”

Get involved!

If you are interested in getting involved in this very special fundraising challenge in 2025, either as an individual or as a team, please contact Linda - she’d love to hear from you.

Find out more

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

GTN will be publishing its Sustainability Directory again and this year's theme will be 'Where next for Garden Centres?'.

The garden retail sector has made huge strides with sustainability over the last five years setting the pace for eco-standards in retailing so this year we will be looking at what can be done next to re-affirm garden centres sustainability credentials and keep us as a sector ahead of the market.  We will be covering services, facilities, customer interaction and education, plus of course, products for garden centres to sell that have a sustainable back story and that deliver eco benefits for their customers.

This year the printed Directory will be delivered to the GTN mailing database towards the end of December, when planning starts for the season ahead. We also produce a digital version which is promoted each week for the whole of next year via GTN Xtra at www.gardentradenews.co.uk. Over the past five years the digital versions of GTN’s Sustainability Directory have now been opened 29,597 times with an average issue read time of 5:35 minutes.  The Sustainability Directory is well read and regularly referred back to each year.  Together with the 3,500 printed issues and the weekly readership of GTN Xtra that means the GTN Sustainability Directory is the largest and most accessible single source of Sustainability related information for our industry.  It would be great if you were a key part of that.

Please see the 2024 Sustainability Directory here

Kent garden centre Merriments Gardens has announced on its social media pages that it is closing.

The post on Facebook said: “It is with huge sorrow that we have to announce that Merriments Gardens is closing 

“The team & I were desperately sad to be told last week that the business will close it doors for the final time on Thursday 21st November 2024. The freehold has been sold and the new owner does not want to continue with the business.

“We will holding a clearance sale with 50% off all stock (gift vouchers excluded) as the site has to be completely cleared in the next fortnight. Please come to support and help us to ensure all our lovely plants etc. go to good homes.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my amazing team who have been so gracious over the last 10 days since we found out. As you will know from recent posts we had no idea this was coming as we were making plans for next year. The love and care the team have shown for each other, supporting their colleagues, and wiping away each other's tears, has been humbling to witness.

“We would also like to thank you, our wonderful customers, many of whom have been there since the beginning 35 years ago. You have been there for us during thick and thin supporting us during the good times and the bad. 

“The Garden & Plant Area are looking amazing so please come and enjoy a final walk around our beautiful Merriments RHS Partner Garden before it closes and say goodbye.”

The Garden Centre Association’s annual conference in January will start with a bespoke Retail Safari in London led by a well-known Retail Futurist whose clients have included Marks & Spencer.

The Safari represents the launch event for the 2025 Conference, which takes place at De Vere Wokefield Estate, Reading, from January 26 until 29.

GCA Chairman Elect, Ben Harrison, from Haskins Garden Centres, who has helped organise the day, says: “We’re kicking off our 2025 event on the Sunday, January 26, with a brilliant Retail Safari in the capital led by renowned retail expert, Matthew Brown.

“Matthew is the founder and director of a retail trend agency called Echochamber and has spent the past 25 years travelling the world seeking out examples of great retail, emerging trends and innovative ideas. He runs retail safaris in the world’s best shopping cities to inform and inspire and is a regular keynote speaker at retail conferences worldwide. Matthew will help our members who attend, navigate the buzzing districts of London to give them a clear picture of what the best retail looks like.

“He has run Retail Safaris around the world for more than 20 years and they’re a great way to get your team together for a physical trip to see and be inspired by all the innovation that’s happening on the ground.

“After a trends’ presentation in central London, he will take us on a fascinating tour of various retail venues. We will then meet back at Battersea Power Station for drinks and nibbles.

“We will have a coach taking delegates from the hotel in the morning, , leaving the hotel at 8.45am, that will be available for those meeting in London to deposit their luggage on at the start of the day. At approximately 7.30pm guests will be taken back to the De Vere Wokefield Estate via a 50-seater luxury coach.”

Booking is now open for GCA members via www.gca.digitickets.co.uk/tickets. Any non-members are welcome to join the organisation and sign up for the event, please contact Peter via Peter@gca.org.uk to find out more about joining.

The team at British Garden Centres is celebrating after winning the Catering Group of the Year award in a national trade magazine.

With over 65 stores in its portfolio and 61 of these each running a catering offering, British Garden Centres has become a major player in the restaurant industry. The group's commitment to high-quality food and excellent customer service has been instrumental in its success and growth since the business started in 1987.

Ricky Towers, Group Restaurant Director at British Garden Centres said: “We’re delighted to be named Catering Group of the Year by Garden Centre Catering magazine.  This award is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our teams across our 60+ stores. As a family-run business, we’re committed to providing exceptional dining experiences at our centres in the communities we serve. It’s an honour to be recognised for our efforts.”

The judges at Garden Centre Catering said: “A huge congratulations to all four winners. The judging generally placed an emphasis, obviously, on the food offer, while also looking for originality, innovation and being prepared to go the extra mile to deliver for their customers. Also valued was being able to demonstrate that they had managed to achieve results in this extremely competitive marketplace.”

Peckish, the leading wild bird food brand from Westland Horticulture, is reinvesting in its highly successful ‘Colour In Your Garden’  media campaign, inspiring the public to support nature this season.  

The brand is investing over £½  million in this latest media campaign, which celebrates the public’s love of nature, and has secured a series of both TV and national print press advertising slots, delivering 4 months of continuous activity, from November 2024 to February 2025. 

Peckish has long been committed to investing in driving awareness and category participation within the wild bird feeding category, and its media campaign is targeted to reach over 65% of 55+ adults in the UK. The campaign launches this month (November 2024), starting with high visibility print titles such as the Daily Mail, the Times and the Daily Telegraph. 

The print advertising will drive awareness of the campaign prior to its TV spots, which will include channels such as Sky, C4 and ITV3 throughout January and February 2025.  Through these combined activations, the multi-platform campaign is anticipated to reach more than 6 million consumers, with a focus on promoting the brand’s Complete Wild Bird Seed Mix.

The creative brings to life the vivid colours wild birds bring to gardens during the grey winter months, featuring encapsulating footage of the nation’s favourite wild birds. The campaign aligns to the peak sales period, where often freezing temperatures encourage the public to support wild birds, as well as the time of year when many consumers seek cosy family time in front of the television. 

To extend its reach, the brand will also be partnering with social media influencers to raise awareness of its Complete Seed Mix – a unique 12 seed blend that’s packed with energy and nutrition, which attracts a wide variety of colourful birds to gardens.  Complementary digital activities will help sustain consumer interest and support year-round category engagement.

Aligning with Peckish’s wider mission to support nature, the Complete Seed Mix is packaged in 100% recycled paper packaging, so retail partners and their customers can feel good about feeding wild birds with the brand’s feel good food. 

Kirk Rothwell, Brand Manager, for Peckish, commented: “The ‘Colour In Your Garden’ creative was incredibly well received in its first year, results far surpassed our expectations, and we were thrilled to also win the GIMA award for Best Multi-Channel Campaign. As a result, this year we’ve decided to extend the campaign to include a selection of national print newspapers to help drive further awareness and engagement. We wanted our creative to truly celebrate the nation’s love of nature and inspire the public to choose the best quality wild bird feed to help keep birds happy and healthy during those cold, winter months. 

“We are also very committed to supporting our retail partners, and so have developed a collection of eye-catching point of sale that captures consumer attention and aids recall in-store. With both on and off fixture options to choose from, there’s plenty for retailers to take advantage of, that help to encourage link sales whilst highlighting seasonal lines to maximise sales from the media investment.” 

Peckish believes in products that are naturally good both inside and out. So when your customers are looking to attract small colourful birds to their gardens, you can rely on Peckish. Speak to your account manager or order via the Westland Live platform to ensure you’re stocked up with Peckish products ahead of the campaign’s launch. 

Find out more about Peckish at www.peckishbirdfood.com

Future Marketing Group has welcomed new members, The Gardens Group and Plymouth Garden Centre, whose well respected and award winning businesses bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the group. 

This increases the Future Marketing membership to 14 companies representing 21 centres throughout the UK and strengthens our numbers in the South West. 

"We are looking forwards to working with Mike and Louise Burks and Fiona Newland and their management teams as we share our knowledge and learn from each other to ensure we continue to grow and remain profitable into the future," said Tam Woodhouse.

Mr Fothergill's has announced our new partnership with The Children’s Society, a charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and young people across the UK.

The Children’s Society is a national charity working to transform the hopes and happiness of young people facing abuse, exploitation and neglect. They support them through their most serious life challenges and campaign tirelessly for the big social changes that will improve the lives of those who need hope most. 

Mr Fothergill’s Chief Marketing Officer, Sonila Troka said “We are thrilled to be partnering with this amazing charity. Their ethos aligns so well with ours and we look forward to working closely with them and do our bit in helping these children grow.”

A ‘Kindness Pot' set up by a Bradford-based garden centre group has supported over 200 local causes and donated over £11,000 since launch.

The Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) initiative was established in 2022 to support local causes nominated by team members at the group's sites throughout West Yorkshire.

In the last year, Otley Garden Centre donated over 500 spring flower bulbs to Ashlands Primary School in Otley. The bulbs were used to plant in the school, and lesson plans were created around the bulbs to aid the pupils' writing, numeracy and art skills.

The 'Kindness Pot' also gifted a selection of gardening equipment to support Maggies Yorkshire with their garden maintenance, on behalf of Joyce Ho, House Plants & Giftware Assistant, at Tong Garden Centre. Cancer patient Joyce wanted to give something back to the charity that provides a peaceful and calm place for people with cancer to stay.

Earlier this year, Bingley Garden Centre gifted summer bedding plants to Manorfields Hospice to brighten the garden ahead of their summer garden party. Support for Manorfields was pledged by several team members at Bingley who have benefited from the support of the hospice.

Team members at Tingley Garden Centre volunteered their time as part of the Kindness Pot to help plant the Rob Burrow Memorial Garden at Headingley designed by Group Commercial Plant Manager, Marc Salama after the centre was approached by Leeds Rhinos to create a floral memorial for their former player.

"With our roots in Yorkshire, we believe in giving back, whether to our group-wide charity of the year or local causes that matter to our growing team. We want to support the causes that mean something to our team, and anyone can make a Kindness Pot request for support. Our sense of community has really been reinforced by being able to support so many worthy causes, and we're looking forward to launching the Kindness Pot to the teams at the two new Yorkshire Garden Centres family members, Dean's York and Scarborough next year," said Neil Barwise-Carr, Head of People and Culture.

This year's beneficiary of the Charity of the Year fundraising pot is Yorkshire Children's Charity. Through a series of fund-raising events and collection boxes at the tills, the teams at Yorkshire Garden Centres hope to raise £20,000 for the independent charity which aims to transform childhoods and improve the lives of thousands of disadvantaged children in Yorkshire. In just three months, the team has raised over £7,000 through a sponsored bike ride, bake sales, planting workshops and team raffles. To contribute to Yorkshire Garden Centres' fundraising, please visit https://bit.ly/YGCYCC.

Since Tong Garden Centre was acquired in 2015, the team and supporters have raised over £80,000 for charity. Previous beneficiaries of the Charity of the Year initiative include Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Forget Me Not Children's Hospice, Luke's Lads, Butterflies Mental Health, The Cellar Trust, Candlelighters and National Literacy Trust.

Deco-Pak scored a fantastic double win in sustainability categories at the 2024 GIMA Awards, which were held at Celtic Manor resort in Newport on 7th November.

The Yorkshire-based supplier won the coveted sustainability award in both the categories it entered, which were Garden Landscaping and Growing Planting Equipment & Sundries.

Commenting on the night, Deco-Pak Managing Director, Craig Hall, said: “As the world moves forward into a more sustainable future, we are extremely proud to have won this accolade in both the awards categories we entered. Our commitment to eco-friendly alternatives also goes beyond product development and responsible sourcing, as we seek to put ethical and sustainable values at the heart of everything we do.

Deco-Pak’s Eco-Stone Glass Chippings triumphed in the Garden Landscaping category, whilst it was the Chelsea Horticultural Seashells that were named sustainable champions of the Growing Planting Equipment & Sundries category.

To find out more about Deco-Pak’s leading line-up of garden products that include decorative paving, aggregates, growing media, water features and bird boxes, visit www.deco-pak for more information.

Southern Trident secured both the prestigious Growing Media award and the highly coveted Sustainability Award for the category at the GIMA Awards.

These awards underscore the industry-leading innovation and dedication that Southern Trident has poured into its Harmony Gardens range – the first and only carbon-neutral, high-performance peat-free growing media available in the UK.

Harmony Gardens has transformed the growing media landscape by combining quality with sustainability, producing an eco-friendly alternative that doesn’t compromise on performance. The extensive development work behind Harmony Gardens focused on creating a unique blend that provides top-tier results for gardeners while also significantly reducing its environmental footprint. Through responsible sourcing, efficient manufacturing processes, and careful carbon offsetting, Southern Trident has made Harmony Gardens a trailblazer in the sector.

The GIMA judges commended the product’s excellence, describing it as “a good mix of ingredients, with added loam and John Innes – and the first claiming to be carbon neutral too.” This recognition highlights the dedication Southern Trident has shown to achieving both environmental and horticultural quality standards.

Kaz Edwards, Southern Trident’s National Account Manager, expressed her pride in collecting the awards, stating, “This recognition reflects the hard work our team has put into making Harmony Gardens a game-changer in sustainable gardening. We’re thrilled to see our efforts rewarded and to be part of an industry movement toward more environmentally responsible products.”

The GIMA Awards are renowned for celebrating exceptional achievements and advancements within the garden industry. Southern Trident’s wins not only highlight its innovation but also set a benchmark for other brands, encouraging the shift toward more sustainable practices across the sector.

Outdoor living expert, Zest has won a GIMA Award in the Outdoor Leisure category for its Terraza Outdoor Kitchen Set range. Part of the company’s innovative 2025 outdoor entertaining range, the Terraza range was designed in-house around current consumer trends for outdoor wellbeing, entertaining in the garden and the grow-and-cook approach.

In a triumphant night for the brand held at the iconic Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, South Wales, Zest’s Stirling Arbour was a finalist in the same category, while the company’s Tall Botanical Greenhouse was a finalist in the Garden Landscaping category.

The Zest Terraza Outdoor Kitchen Range Set comprises two double units, with stainless steel countertops, both with masses of storage space, a display corner unit, and an optional side table.  These can all be purchased individually or as a set.  All the products are pressure-treated and come with a ten-year guarantee against rot.

The Terraza range blends beautifully into the natural landscape and fits perfectly into Zest’s outdoor entertaining collection, which also includes the Zest Garden Pizza Oven Table, the Zest Garden Bar and Two-Stool Set – winner of the same category at the 2023 GIMA Awards - and the Zest Ascot 2.4m Pergola.  The collection is available alongside a choice of contemporary dining sets to make any garden entertaining space complete. 

The Zest range benefits from the company’s over-arching guilt-free ‘at one with nature’ theme as it is made from sustainable slow-grown softwood sourced from PEFC-certified (PEFC/16-37-1490) forests. 

Also attracting praise from the GIMA judging panel were Zest’s Stirling Arbour and Tall Botanical Greenhouse.  The Stirling Arbour is a statement piece, designed as a sanctuary for drinks, dining and relaxation.  It has covered seating for four people and includes a spacious fitted table, delightful trellis panels for privacy and comfortable angled seats, suitable for any occasion. 

The Zest Tall Botanical Greenhouse, which was a finalist in the Garden Landscaping category, is a high-quality, Perspex-glazed traditional-style greenhouse, with a small footprint making it ideal for any garden where space is limited.  With a sturdy 90mm x 40mm timber frame, handcrafted dowelled door construction, and two opening roof vents with dual height stays, it provides optimum temperature control and ventilation. The fully glazed roof panels incorporate in-built drainage holes to allow rain to drain away easily, and the removable, modular shelves allow for flexible, multi-height growing space.

Commenting on Zest’s GIMA Awards success, Managing Director, Andrew Baker said, “I’m absolutely thrilled.  At Zest, we pride ourselves on understanding the importance of outdoor space and the happiness and fulfilment that it can provide, so it is fantastic to be recognised by our peers at the GIMA Awards.  Congratulations to all the team.”

Zest is a fifth-generation British company that designs timber products including furniture, GYO, and decorative garden structures, and sells to garden centres, major retailing groups, and online retailers.  It has a dedicated national sales team, and provides a range of retail support. 

For further information about Zest’s outdoor entertaining, grow your own products and all Zest’s range, visit www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk or contact sales@zestoutdoorliving.co.uk.

The Garden Centre Association’s Garden Retail Online Workshops (GROW) e-Learning platform is offering a new course to help recognise and prevent workplace sexual harassment.

Available to all GCA member garden centres and their teams and to Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) garden centres too, this is the 95th course to be added to GROW.

Antony Snow, GROW’s Instructional Designer, explains: “Introduced in October 2024, the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 is an important piece of legislation that protects all employees from sexual harassment in the workplace.

“Now that all employers have a duty to ensure that ‘reasonable steps’ have been taken to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, providing adequate training has become even more crucial.

“I hope that this course will provide all of our members’ employees, regardless of their seniority, with the training that they need to recognise what sexual harassment is, as well as guidance on what steps should be taken to prevent it in their centres.”

GROW courses cover a wide range of essential topics to help employees, so they can effectively help any customers and colleagues who need assistance.

Peter Burks, GCA CEO, adds: “GROW is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, making it convenient for garden centre staff to use when it suits them. Our members say it’s an invaluable, cost-effective way of providing staff training and personal development.

“If you’d like to find out more about this course, GROW and the other 94 courses provided, please get in touch. There is a section on our website www.gca.org.uk/gca-grow-information and people can also contact Antony direct via our dedicated GROW email grow@gca.org.uk.”

GROW started as an initial idea, devised during a strategy meeting of the GCA’s executive committee, to bring education and training tailored to individuals employed in the garden centre industry.

It’s a self-funding and non-profit facility with any surpluses being reinvested into its ongoing development and improvement. There are currently 95 courses and more than 12,000 users throughout the UK.

These courses include a wide range of topics that cover horticulture, customer service, food safety, regulated sales and health and safety.

All the courses have been written by experts in their field and are designed to apply to a garden centre environment, with the content for the horticultural courses drawing on the vast experience of members within the GCA.

The new course is accessible immediately to existing subscribers.

Democracy is celebrating a double new client win after a three-way competitive pitch to become the new retained PR, social and influencer agency for two of the gardening and outdoor sector’s biggest brands.

GARDENA and Flymo – both part of the global Husqvarna Group – put the business up for tender, to get their new agency hitting the ground from the start of 2025.

Manchester-based Democracy will now handle all proactive and reactive PR for both brands, campaigns including Flymo’s 60th anniversary, influencer-first activations and campaigns, plus social content creation and amplification.

Founded in Germany in 1961, GARDENA is Europe’s leading brand for high quality gardening tools, hoses, watering systems, smart garden technology and garden care.

Flymo invented the hover lawnmower and is a prominent name in the list of UK Superbrands. The brand has a complete assortment of mowers and handheld accessories, including robotic mowers.

Sarah Bentham, marketing manager at GARDENA, says: “From our first meeting with the Democracy team we clicked and were impressed by both the strength and make up of their team as well as the creativity of their ideas. It’s clear they understand both brands and we’re looking forward to a great partnership together as they help us grow our brands even further.”

Jennifer O’Grady, founder of Democracy, says: “The GARDENA team has the kudos and resources of a superbrand with the mentality of a challenger. 

“This is a world we know well and the team has the contacts and creative thinking to supercharge both GARDENA and Flymo with the UK’s army of passionate gardeners, ‘grow your own’ advocates and newbies just getting their first back yard or even window box!”

The new clients join the Democracy roster which includes consumer brands Mark Hill, Tequila Rose and Online Home Shop.

Yorkshire Garden Centres customers will now have their choice of the very best Henry Bell Wild Bird Care products as the brand becomes a leading category supplier for the Bradford-based business, which operates six garden centres across North and West Yorkshire.

A comprehensive range of Henry Bell Wild Bird Care feeds, hardware and accessories will be available at each of the company’s independent garden centres in Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley, along with the York and Scarborough operations it acquired in February this year.

Yorkshire Garden Centres is a new member of the Tillington Group, which is served by Henry Bell as part of an exciting 12-month primary supplier contract for a fourth consecutive year.

Plans are currently under way to merchandise the centres, with members of the Henry Bell team working to roll out an attractive and effective shopping environment for customers.

“We are delighted to supply Yorkshire Garden Centres with our vibrant and extensive range of products,” said Henry Bell Wild Bird Care Commercial Director Tony Clare. “We have some tremendous new additions, innovations and premium quality feeds to showcase in-store, and we are confident that they will prove incredibly popular with both centre staff and consumers.”

Phil Hemmings, Yorkshire Garden Centres Garden Sundries & Christmas Buyer added: “We are looking forward to stocking the Henry Bell Wild Bird Care collection and can’t wait for the merchandising re-lays to be completed. Henry Bell is a great brand with products that deliver on both quality and value, and we are confident that they are going to prove extremely popular with our customer base.”

UK based soil scientist, Neil Bragg, shares his experience of working with peat-free substrates, in an article commissioned by the poinsettia specialists at Stars for Europe.

Around the 1930’s most nurseries had their own mixes for potting soils for container plants. The uniformity of the mixes was very poor and hence the results in terms of quality growth of plants reflected this. In the UK two scientists who were working at what became the John Innes Institute were asked to produce a uniform seeding and potting mix which allowed all the progeny of the breeding programs the opportunity to at least grow and display their characteristics. This led to the now famous ‘John Innes – seeding and potting mixes’ which were based on a sterilised loam, peat and sand mix with base fertilisers at the appropriate levels. These basic mixes became a standard to work with and later were added to, to provide increased levels of fertiliser for potting-on longer term crops.

The next big change in terms of potting soils came in the 1950/60’s with the introduction of all peat mixes – this meant all sorts of changes to irrigation regimes and fertiliser additions to mixes and in subsequent feeding. Plus, the challenge of interpretation of analytical results. The mixes were very much lower density and the ability to re-wet was often challenged compared to mixes containing soil and sand. There were variations in mixes; from the all peat, peat sand and or grit (UC Davis system mixes) to keep the density and radically from Penn state university the addition of perlite to give the peat-lite mixes for pot plants. Variations based on the mixes of the 1960’s have been the main mixes for container plants right up to the 2000’s.

In the UK from the 1990’s onwards there has been increasing pressure from both environmental NGO’s and from Government departments to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of peat in Horticulture. There have been, similar moves in other European countries such as Germany and Holland. And some countries such as Switzerland maintain they are ‘peat–free’. The reality is that there are serious moves across Europe to reduce the reliance on peat use in horticulture. Some sectors of the industry such as the ‘Soft- fruit’ producers have, since the early 2000’s, started moving away from peat-based substrates to the use of mainly coir-based bags and filled troughs for growing the fruits and this has proved very successful.  Tomatoes, Pepper and Cucumbers moved to semi-hydroponic systems many years ago. The main areas still slowly moving to peat free potting soils are the ornamental container grown plant and some module raised plants such as vegetable transplants. Additionally, in the mushroom industry peat is still the most widely used material as the ‘casing’ layer on the compost to allow the mushrooms a fruiting zone.

The obvious question which needs answering is why has peat been so successful and what are the real challenges in moving away from it? Peat is an accumulation of various mosses, such as Sphagnum, over many hundreds of years in water, which is mainly only increased by rainfall. The conditions, for example, very low oxygen levels within the bog or mire, prevent the normal decay of the plant material and in fact preserve the structures of the mosses unlike any normal composting process. The result is that when peat is extracted from the mires and dried on the surface – yes, there is a release of CO2 from the breakdown products of the process and the resultant plant remains look like the original plant material, but are in fact preserved/stabilised remains. The properties which have gone on in the mire make the plant remain very stable then to further degradation and impart a low pH on the material, with additionally the ability to adsorb and retain water, rather like a sponge. Any aerobically composted materials can never behave in a similar fashion, nor do they have a similar stability. So, peat is unlike all the current batches of organic materials which are being or are likely to be used in potting soils.

Currently the range of materials available for using as peat-free ingredients in potting soils are:

• Barks, both fresh and composted,
• Coir, the pith removed from the outer husk of coconuts
• Composted Green wastes, mainly from selected collections of woody and green wastes, currently not well controlled in the UK.
• Woodfibres, almost entirely from pine species wood chip, and processed to varying degrees, hammer milling to steam and pressure extruded.
• Other materials such as separated solids from specific anaerobic processes (AD) and biochars from various pyrolysis processes are being used in some niche mixes, but volumes and price of the ingredients often prevent wider adoption.

With the introduction of an increasing array of new materials there are issues which need addressing in order to achieve quality plant production. The obvious areas to be considered are; water uptake and retention, nitrogen immobilisation by the microbial populations the materials bring to the mix, and frequency of additional feeds to ensure quality performance.

For suppliers of growing media and for growers the challenges are not just about a simple change of one ingredient in mixes but rather the adoption of often potentially quite complicated mixes which introduce a range of issues. The first consideration is that the crop cannot be assumed to grow well using the same watering and feeding regime as both previously and currently applied to any peat dominated mixes used on the nursery.

1. The new mixes must be treated separately in terms of irrigation levels and frequency.
2. The fertiliser choice for both the base fertilisers and the supplementary feeding of the crop will need adjusting. There will be issues particularly relating to very high background levels of Potassium and sometimes Chloride and Sulphates in the new mixes. Additionally, the normal supply of Calcium and Magnesium, which previously came from the limestone used to modify the natural acidity of the peat will no longer be in new mixes so alternative supplies of the elements are needed, various fertiliser companies recognise this and are working on new compound base fertilisers specifically for peat-free mixes.
3. We must assume that the new organic constituents used in mixes will adsorb nitrogen to satisfy the inherent microbial populations that come with them. This can often be worse when additional materials are mixed, as it is simply not a case of 1+1=2 microbially. So it is necessary to feed additional nitrogen as water soluble feeds from the start of potting up until the quality of plants required is realised. This is generally achieved by the use of water soluble feeds for greenhouse crops but there may be the use of controlled-release fertilisers (CRF) and there has recently been interest in the use of organic type additional fertilisers.

In conclusion, we are all on a learning curve when using peat-free mixes. The best way to approach the subject is to take in mixes of one or two basic ingredients and to learn how to grow in them but to do so in a manner which allows the new mixes to be managed separately from any long-term existing peat-based mixes which have been used. The watering and fertiliser use will need adjusting and most important samples of the fresh growing media should be analysed. In the UK we have operated a ‘Poinsettia Monitoring Scheme’ for growers since 1998 and this has included a suite of analysis on a regular basis from the arrival of the new growing media, through to near sales of the final plants. The scheme usually starts with an analysis of the water to know particularly the alkalinity (bicarbonate content) of the water.

Interestingly, where in the past borehole and mains supplies of water were a problem with peat-based mixes for peat-free mixes such water supplies might well be very useful in terms of their Calcium and Magnesium supply. If, however pure rainwater is used as the irrigation supply then there will be a challenge to ensure the supply of Calcium and Magnesium are maintained to the plants, this can in part be satisfied by the use of Calcium Nitrate feeds but there is a need to consider specific water-soluble fertilisers with additional Calcium and Magnesium. The monitoring scheme also takes leaf samples every 2-3 weeks from pinching of the crop to ensure that the plants have received a full suite of the elements needed – with particularly attention paid to the leaf Phosphate level towards the end of August beginning of September as the flower bud development starts. The use of such a planned program of supporting analysis is vitally important as we move away from peat-based mixes to Peat free mixes.

Image credits: Stars for Europe: https://www.starsuniteeurope.eu/en/

British Garden Centres has released its enchanting Christmas advert, which captures the spirit of the festive season and highlights the joy of giving, family togetherness, and the magic of Santa Claus.

The storyline centres around two children who decide to write a heartfelt letter to Santa, asking him to bring them some Christmas magic. Their wish sets the stage for a fantastic adventure that unfolds as Santa receives their letter and springs into action to find their Christmas gifts in his local British Garden Centres store.

The advert opens with the children, dressed in cosy pyjamas, penning their letter to Santa by torchlight. The excitement builds as they rush to post the letter to Santa, looking forward with anticipation to Christmas morning.

As the story unfolds, viewers join Santa on his journey as he visits British Garden Centres, where he joyfully shops for everything that he needs to create the perfect Christmas experience for the children and their families. From a red mitten reaching for a trolley handle to Santa zooming past in a blur, the scenes are filled with surprises that capture the essence of Christmas.

The advert ends with a heartwarming family scene, where the children return home to find their house beautifully decorated, thanks to Santa and British Garden Centres. The family comes together to celebrate Christmas in a beautifully decorated room, filled with laughter and fun. The children, filled with awe, turn to the window, saying "Thank you" to Santa, who watches over them with a knowing smile. This heartwarming moment encapsulates the true meaning of Christmas: love, gratitude, and the magic of family – an ethos at the heart of everything British Garden Centres do.

 Ian Hutchison, Group Brand Manager at British Garden Centres said: "We wanted to create a story that not only entertains but also evokes the warmth and joy of the Christmas season. Our advert is a celebration of the little moments that make Christmas special, reminding us all of the magic that comes from giving and sharing with loved ones. Our family business is built upon a strong foundation of timeless values, and we wanted to reflect this with the audience in what we think is a heartfelt video, we hope everyone enjoys it.”

The British Garden Centres’ Christmas advert can be viewed at:https://youtu.be/lguplAk2JAI?feature=shared

Spring Fair has announced the launch of the Licensing Lab in partnership with Fabacus and Licensing International at the next show taking place from 2-5 February 2025 at NEC Birmingham.

The Licensing Lab offers an exclusive, purpose-built space designed by Llewelyn-Bowen Design dedicated to fostering the growth, collaboration, and celebration of the UK’s vibrant licensing industry, presenting a dynamic platform for licensors, licensees, and retailers alike.

With an impressive 61% of the Spring Fair’s 38,000 visitors expressing interest in licensed products, the Licensing Lab will serve as an industry hub, promoting knowledge sharing, business expansion, and networking. It also recognises the UK’s independent retail sector, a major commercial force valued at £66.3 billion and representing 30% of the overall market, as an essential audience for licensing professionals.

The Licensing Lab in partnership with Fabacus and supported by Licensing International, will offer a dedicated showcase for licensors and licensees to present the latest brands, trends, and innovations within the licensing industry.

Leading licensor across multiple product categories, Llewelyn-Bowen Design will design the lounge area with their bespoke wallpaper and furnishings. Visitors will discover a stylish and comfortable Networking Lounge for informal discussions, refreshment breaks, and collaborative meetings; and educational sessions to enhance knowledge sharing including workshops, panels, and seminars led by industry experts covering licensing trends, legal aspects, marketing strategies, and success stories. Interactive displays will feature engaging demonstrations, product samples, and live product demos.

Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director of Spring Fair says, “We are very excited to be launching the Licensing Lab at the next show. It will serve as a dynamic and engaging platform that brings together key players from across the licensing industry. By celebrating achievements, facilitating connections, and promoting knowledge sharing, the Licensing Lab will not only enhance the Spring Fair experience but also drive growth and innovation within the licensing sector. We invite you to join us in making this event a resounding success, contributing to the continued evolution and prosperity of the licensing industry.”

Steve Manners, Licensing International’s Head of Global Marketing & UK Managing Director says, “It’s fitting that, for the 75th anniversary of Spring Fair, the show is honouring its history of innovation by embracing new initiatives. Licensing International are delighted to partner with Spring Fair to help educate on the benefits of brand licensing to manufacturers and retailers in order to support the industry’s continued growth. We are working together to programme fantastic seminars, panel discussions, and presentations to raise awareness of the incredible opportunities for our members and to provide attendees with the resources they need to evolve and elevate their strategies.”

For more information on the Licensing Lab visit https://www.springfair.com/licensing-lab and to register for Spring Fair 2025, visit Spring Fair 2025.

The team at Yorkshire Garden Centres is celebrating after winning the Sustainability award in a national competition for the second year running.

Yorkshire Garden Centres, owner of Tong, Tingley, Bingley and Otley Garden Centres, plus Dean's York and Scarborough, won the Sustainability award at the 2024 Garden Centre Catering Awards.

Yorkshire Garden Centre's Commercial Director, Sharon McNair, is delighted with the win: "Sustainability and community are the heart of our business and we are investing significant time, money and manpower to achieve our sustainability ambitions.

"From harnessing solar power and harvesting rainwater to using green electricity and improving our waste streams, we have already taken many steps to achieve our goals and are proud that our team's efforts have been rewarded with this prestigious award."
 

 A spokesperson for Garden Centre Catering said: "A huge congratulations to all four winners. The judging generally placed an emphasis, obviously, on the food offer, while also looking for originality, innovation and bring prepared to go the extra mile to deliver for their customers. Also valued was being able to demonstrate that they had managed to achieve results in this extremely competitive marketplace."

The winners of the other three awards in the competition were:

Afternoon Tea of the Year, Green Pastures Plant Centre; Independent Garden Centre Caterer of the Year, Garden Terrace Café Batsford Arboretum and Garden Centre Catering Group of the Year, British Garden Centres.

Photo above left to right: James Tolson Assistant Manager, Dan Moore Centre Manager, Ben Halmshaw Mission Out Retail and Catering Manager at Tingley Garden Centre

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If you are inspired to help us engage, empower and equip the next generation of horticulture, we would be delighted to hear from you. Interested businesses are invited to express their interest by contacting admin@ypha.org.uk, with the subject line ‘Expression of Interest’, by Monday 25th November. The sponsorship packages referenced above start at £1000 per annum.

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In her capacity as Director, Claudia Maurer has been running spoga+gafa since 1 November 2024. After 15 years in the USA, the 47-year-old is now returning to Germany and provides insights into her motivation for managing the world's largest garden and BBQ trade fair in Cologne - as well as her personal experiences and changes. The next spoga+gafa will take place from 24-26 June 2025.

What impresses you about spoga+gafa?
I find spoga+gafa's combination of themes unique and very exciting. The trade fair represents the garden industry in its entire diversity – from garden furniture and decoration, appliances and machines, through to BBQs and outdoor kitchens. That turns it into an important international meeting point for the latest trends and innovations in the outdoor lifestyle section.
Through international trade fairs like the HPB Expo in the USA, I have already gained an insight into the outdoor world and know how valuable the global exchange is. spoga+gafa offers the garden sector a central platform – a place where future-looking garden and BBQ trends and solutions take shape and new ideas arise. I am looking forward to promoting these dynamics further and strengthening the trade fair in its pioneer role.

Which experiences from the USA will you be able to put to use here?
As a result of working together with international stakeholders for many years, I have a deep understanding for cultural differences and know how important it is to align events to meet the needs of global target groups. The close exchange with the stakeholders is decisive in integrating different perspectives and developing a strategy that are successful at both regional and international level. I will also consistently pursue this goal at spoga+gafa.

What does your personal green space look like?
My personal green space was rather limited up until now. During my time in the USA, I used a lot of indoor plants, cut flowers and herbs to create a pleasant atmosphere and increase the living quality. However, I am hoping to have a larger balcony or terrace with comfortable furniture, a BBQ and a wet bar here in Cologne – perfect for having friends over and pampering them with culinary delights.

About spoga+gafa:
spoga+gafa is the world's biggest garden and BBQ trade fair. As an international trade fair at the location in Cologne, it sets impulses for the entire garden world. At the leading global trade fair, the green industry talks about the line-ups and trends of the coming season and presents solutions for current and future challenges. The focus of spoga+gafa lies on trends and innovations from the sections garden bbq, garden creation & care, garden living and garden unique. The unique range of offerings turns the trade fair into the place-to-be for the purchasing managers of all trading forms. The Industry Garden Association e.V. (IVG) is the industry sponsor of spoga+gafa.   

The Association of Independent Stores (AIS) has expressed its sincere gratitude to outgoing Chair, Neville Moore, for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the leading membership organisation for independent retail in the UK and Ireland. Neville Moore is Managing Director of Ulster Stores, which includes The White House Portrush, Moores of Coleraine and De Gruchy Jersey.

After a successful tenure, Neville has stepped down from his role as Chair of the AIS Board, which oversees the governance of the membership. His unwavering commitment and passion for the independent retail sector have been invaluable in supporting AIS.

Under Neville's leadership, AIS successfully hosted its first in-person conference since the pandemic, fostering a renewed sense of community and engagement among Members. His dedication to Member engagement was further exemplified by his recent coordination and hosting of the Northern Ireland Regional Meeting, providing a valuable platform for Members to connect, collaborate, and grow their businesses.

Sue Kemp, Managing Director of AIS, commented: "We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Neville for his unwavering support and his significant contributions to AIS. His leadership and guidance have been instrumental in shaping the organisation's future. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours."

A New Era of Leadership

AIS is excited to announce the appointment of Darryl Simpson as its new Chair of the Board. With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the independent retail sector, Darryl is well-positioned to support AIS. Darryl Simpson is currently Managing Director of Aldiss, a Norfolk-based retailer of furniture, homewares, bedding and flooring.

Darryl Simpson, incoming Chair of the AIS Board, said: "I am honoured to take on the role of Chair of AIS. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors and to ensure that AIS continues to provide exceptional value and support to its Members. We will focus on future-proofing the organisation, leveraging technology, and strengthening relationships between members and suppliers."

As AIS moves forward, the organisation remains dedicated to empowering independent retailers and supporting their growth and success.

For all enquiries, please email marketing@aistores.co.uk

• AIS is UK and Ireland’s leading buying, services, and event group for Independent Retail across fashion, home, and leisure. With a member collective buying power of £1.5bn it has over 250 Members, with over 500 outlets. 
• AIS ensures its members thrive with combined strengths, creativity, and expertise.  
• AIS acts as a primary supplier-retailer paying agent, with access to a trusted global supplier network.
• AIS has expert teams providing unparalleled end-to-end member experience, with access to key support services to help independent retailers thrive and future-proof their business.
• AIS owns, curates and delivers the busiest trade-buying calendar of events, INDX Shows, in the sector including furniture, flooring, fashion, sports and leisure and toys, designed for independent retail.

This prestigious national award, presented annually since 1984, is designed to recognise the importance of some of the country’s most spectacular gardens with outstanding horticultural and public appeal. The award is voted for by members of the public who judge the gardens based on a variety of factors that contribute to their enjoyment. The announcement was made at the Historic Houses National AGM in London on Tuesday 12 November 2024.

Inveraray Castle is an eighteenth century turreted castle, seat of the Clan Campbell and home to the Dukes of Argyll. The gardens at Inveraray are home to the Duke and Duchess who have spent joyous times with family and friends over the years. They enjoy the changing of the seasons and the ability to present and share the gardens with their 85,000 guests who come to visit the castle every year.

The gardens have reflected the times, and each Duke has taken a keen interest in ensuring that the legacy evolves throughout the years with many different species of plantation and horticulture. The garden covers sixteen acres, of which around two acres are formal lawns and flowerbeds, the remainder being park and woodland. Extending to 180 hectares, they form one of the most important designed landscapes in Scotland.

The climate in Argyll, with its yearly average rainfall of 230cms, is ideally suited to rhododendrons and azaleas, which flower in the gardens from April to June. Conifers also grow well in the acidic soil of a high rainfall area, as can be seen by the fine specimens such as cedrus deodars, sequoiadendron wellingtonia, cryptomeria japonica, and taxus baccata. The borders on each side of the central path are known as the 'Flag-Borders', the paths having been laid out in the shape of Scotland's National flag, the St. Andrew's Cross. These borders, outstanding in the spring with beautiful Prunus 'Ukon' and Prunus subhirtella, are underplanted with an interesting mixture of rhododendrons, eucrypyias, various shrubs and herbaceous plants, giving interest all year round.

Ben Cowell, Director General of Historic Houses, said: “Inveraray Castle is a must-see destination for so many tourists to Scotland. We are thrilled that members and supporters have chosen to make it the 2024 Garden of the Year, and hope it encourages many more visitors to seek it out in 2025. They won’t be disappointed – the beautiful gardens are the perfect setting for Inveraray’s distinctive towers and turrets.”

Orlando Rock, Chairman, Christie’s UK, said: “I am thrilled to congratulate Inveraray Castle on being awarded the Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award. The stunning gardens, spanning 16 acres of formal lawns, flowerbeds, parkland, and woodland, are a true reflection of the timeless beauty of Inverary and the dedication of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll and their amazing gardening team. For generations, the Campbells have shaped the evolving legacy of this remarkable landscape, offering a serene and ever-changing sanctuary where family, friends, and nature come together in perfect harmony. This well-deserved recognition celebrates not only the beauty of Inverary and its gardens, but the enduring passion and vision that has shaped them over the years.”

Helen Gallagher Buchana, Visitor Experiences Manager at Inveraray Castle, said: “We are delighted that the gardens team have received this prestigious award. They work with great passion, loyalty, and dedication in all elements, creating the beautiful colours, tranquil environment, and space for our visitors to enjoy relaxation.”

Belcombe Court, in Bradford-on-Avon, is the Judges’ Choice this year. When owner Paul Weiland purchased the estate back in 1992, the gardens were in a state of disrepair. Over the next 30 years, Paul restored the gardens to its former glory with many contemporary additions that impressed judges.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced that Green Island Gardens, a 20-acre   garden near Colchester, has been voted overall winner of the prestigious RHS Partner Garden of the Year Award 2024. The award, run by the nation's biggest garden charity, is based on the theme ‘Feel Good,’ and the Essex retreat is the fourth overall winner in the competition's history.

The garden, designed by owner Fiona Edmond, was carved out among woodland destroyed in the 1987 Great Storm and now includes large island beds, Japanese, gravel, and water gardens, as well as extensive woodland gardens.

 The garden is also home to two National collections, Hamamelis and Camellia (autumn and winter flowering). It is loved year-round for its seasonal snowdrops, trilliums, bluebell and tree lily displays. The garden has been an RHS Partner Garden for just two years and is home to a tearoom, nursery, and terrace area.

Fiona Edmond, owner and designer of Green Island Gardens, says, “We are so excited to have won this award, especially since there was such fierce competition. We are proud to be an RHS Partner Garden. The visitors really appreciate what we are doing here and are happy to wrap up warm to visit through the winter which is actually one of my favourite times of the year in the garden.”

Green Island Garden was selected from six regional finalists after visitors chose their favourite gardens in six regions. The regional winners include:

              East Anglia and Midlands: Green Island Gardens, Essex

North of England and Northern Ireland: Birkheads Secret Gardens Newcastle upon Tyne

South West and Wales: Dyffryn Fernant Garden, Pembrokeshire

Scotland: Gordon Castle Walled Garden, Morayshire

South East and Channel Islands: Farringford Estate, Isle of Wight

Overseas: Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum, Pennsylvania USA

North of England and Northern Island winner Birkheads Secret Garden was designed and built in the 1990s to create habitats for wildlife in an open field with year-round interest. Along with stunning views across rural Durham, Birkheads Secret Garden features a formal Japanese-style Meditation Garden, cottage gardens, and a wildflower meadow.

Dyffryn Fernant Garden, perched between the Preseli Hills and the rugged Pembrokeshire coastline, has won this year's vote for South West and Wales. Established more than two decades ago and blending perfectly into the surrounding landscape, the six-acre garden boasts a vibrant walled front garden, beautiful brickyard display, bog garden and Nickys’s Field, a geometric display of ornamental grasses, among others.

Scotland’s regional winner, Gordon Castle Walled Garden, is one of the country's best-kept secrets. The recently restored eight-acre hideaway is nestled between the River Spey and the Moray Coast and is one of the UK’s oldest and largest kitchen gardens.  The garden is home to a myriad of herbs, cut flowers, fruit and vegetables within its ancient walls. 

Southeast and Channel Island winner Farringford Estate is best known for its association with Poet Laureate Lord Tennyson, who called the estate home. Set within glorious countryside with views of Freshwater Bay, visitors are spoilt with historic parklands and the stunning Woodland Garden. A walled garden and Victorian-style greenhouse provide plenty of interest for all garden lovers.

A new partner garden for 2024, Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum, has won the Overseas Award. Located just outside Philadelphia, the garden is situated on the Delaware River. It was redesigned in 2017-18 by British designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd and is home to a curated collection of over 1,000 trees representing over 250 species, a Rose Garden and an Easter Garden, which comes to life in spring.

Helen Feary, RHS Partner Gardens Manager, said: “The results of this year’s RHS Partner Garden of the Year show how much joy visiting a garden brings to people. The winning gardens have all been lovingly created by their owners, and from the comments received with the votes, we can see how much they are loved by their visitors. I’d recommend a visit to them all.”

Details of the 2025 RHS Partner Garden of the Year competition and how to vote will be revealed next spring. There are currently 220 gardens in the RHS Partner Gardens scheme, which allows RHS Members to visit non-RHS gardens for free at selected times of the year. They comprise some of the most famous gardens in the world as well as privately-owned hidden gems, and beyond the UK can be found in 9 countries across the globe, including Barbados, France, Japan, and South Africa.

To find out more about RHS Partner Gardens, visit www.rhs.org.uk/partnergardens

GLOBALG.A.P has joined as Sapphire Sponsor for the AIPH International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards 2025, which celebrate the best of the best in ornamentals production.

Organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) and Founding Partner FloraCulture International (FCI), the IGOTY Awards recognise the top producers in ornamental horticulture. The awards comprise four categories: finished plants and trees, young plants, cut flowers and bulbs, and sustainability.

GLOBALG.A.P is sponsoring the Sustainability category of the awards. This category recognises best practice and innovation in improving sustainability in areas such as water use, chemical use, climate change, and more. As a scheme with a focus on safe and sustainable farming practices, this category is a perfect fit for GLOBALG.A.P.

Dr. Elmé Coetzer-Boersma, Managing Director at the GLOBALG.A.P. Secretariat, says: “At GLOBALG.A.P., we believe that fostering responsible and resilient farming practices in floriculture means not just providing a standard, but a commitment to foster sustainable developments in the floriculture sector. We are thrilled to sponsor the IGOTY Awards 2025 in the Sustainability category, celebrating excellence in horticultural production worldwide. Together, we can champion responsible farming practices and pave the way for a thriving and sustainable floriculture industry.”

Entries for the IGOTY Awards 2025 have closed and Finalists will be announced in December 2024. Judging will be conducted by a panel of industry experts who will access the entrants on five key criteria; economic performance, innovation, market insight, sustainability and human resources policy.

All winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony on 28th January 2025 at IPM Essen, Germany. Tickets to attend the ceremony cost €120 and include a standing buffet dinner and post-award celebratory drinks. Groups of five are priced at €480, saving 20%, and groups of ten cost €840, saving 30%.

To find out more about the IGOTY Awards and to purchase tickets, visit the AIPH Website.

News services across the UK are this monring reporting that Hilco, owners of Homebase, are lining up administrators in an attempt to save half of the 3,200 jobs that are at risk.

Sky News reports: "The Range, the privately owned general merchandise retailer, is closing in on a deal to snap up a large chunk of Homebase which will save close to 1,500 jobs but raise doubts about at least 1,700 more.

"Sky News has learnt that administrators are being lined up to handle a pre-pack sale of scores of Homebase stores amid hopes that a significant number of the company's remaining jobs can be salvaged.

"The deal with The Range, which is expected to take place on Wednesday, will involve the purchase of up to 75 stores, including Homebase's Irish shops."

In The Telegraph the headline reads: ‘Del Boy billionaire’ rescues Homebase from collapse. With their report saying: "A retail tycoon nicknamed the “Del Boy billionaire” is on the cusp of a deal to rescue scores of Homebase stores as the DIY chain calls in administrators.

"Chris Dawson, who owns and runs The Range homeware outlets, is finalising a takeover that will result in as many as 70 Homebase stores folded into his shopping empire.

"The deal with administrators Teneo is expected to preserve nearly 1,600 jobs across the UK. Up to 1,000 frontline and head office staff are at risk of being made redundant, however, unless buyers for the remaining stores can be found."

The Daily Mail headlines: Homebase heads for administration: Jobs and 130 shops at risk after DIY and garden chain lost £84.2m in a year.  "Homebase looks to be heading for administration, with the garden chain appointing insolvency experts which could mean jobs and 130 shops are at risk.

"The troubled chain is preparing to line up Teneo to handle an insolvency process, after it announced a loss of £84.2 million last year.

"Hilco Capital, which bought the retailer for £1 in 2018, looked at cost-saving measures earlier this year which it blamed on customers being more cautious in their spending habits."

GIMA has announced the winners of the prestigious 2024 GIMA Awards which was held earlier tonight at the stunning Celtic Manor Resort in Newport. This evening’s ceremony recognised the finest innovations, outstanding performances, and remarkable contributions that have been made within the garden retail sector by a host of dedicated and passionate suppliers and manufacturers.

Honouring the brands, products, and initiatives that have made a significant impact across multiple categories saw 17 winners crowned, all carefully selected by this year’s judging panel. The panel was, this year, made up of Blue Diamond’s Alan Roper, Sharon McNair from Yorkshire Garden Centres, Josh Novell of Polhill Garden Centres, Haskin’s Andy Harriss, Scott Provan from Klondyke, plus Garden Trade News’ Trevor Pfeiffer, Michael Perry aka Mr Plant Geek, and Jade Galloway-Harrison from award sponsors, eBay.

With the judge’s work done, it fell to well-known comedian, presenter and Sunday Times bestselling author, Tom Allen to unveil this year’s winner’s rollcall. Captivating the audience from the off, Tom brought his unique sense of wit and observational comedy to proceedings, helping to make it a night to remember. 

GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said of the event: “We’ve had the most incredible night! The room was packed full, laughter was ringing out from all corners, and we have a list of winners that truly demonstrates how much our sector is dedicated to finding new solutions, showcasing innovation and helping our nation’s gardeners to fall in love with gardening season after season. 

“The biggest thank you to everyone that has made tonight possible. From our sponsors and judges to those that entered and, of course, our winners. You’ve all made this a truly magical evening!”

GIMA AWARDS 2024 – THE WINNERS

One of the most coveted accolades is the GIMA Sword of Excellence, and this year saw Sipcam Home & Garden scoop it for the second year in a row, thanks to the success of its Slug Stoppa. The judges said: “The choice was simple. True innovation, and a dual-purpose product.” Highly commended for the Sword of Excellence was given to Westland for its Kent & Stowe SureCut Cutting Range.

Elsewhere, the GCA Supplier of the Year Award, was given to Westland Horticulture, with a shortlist made up of the AMES Companies, Woodmansterne, Meadow View Stone and Woodlodge.  The GCA said of Westland: “There were plenty of strong contenders for the top spot this year, but with just one vote in it Westland just beat everyone else with their complete category and range propositions, backed with superb services levels.”

This year it was Doff Portland that walked away triumphant, having been awarded the Gardenex Export AchievementAward, just pipping VegTrug and David Austin Roses who were awarded finalist status. Talking about their selection Gardenex said: “Doff Portland Ltd is our winner of the Export Achievement Award due to its strategic expansion in the EU and strong investment in proprietary authorisations.  Coupled with exclusive partnerships and success in securing product registrations for biocides and slug control across multiple EU countries. Their impressive growth, achieving multi-million pound in EU turnover, and recognition for best in market in France contributing to their success along with a King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, makes Doff this year’s worthy winner.”

This year’s sustainability crown was given to the team at Primeur for its Tierra Verde coloured collection, which scooped the HTA sponsored Sustainability Award. The judges’ comments for selecting Primeur were: “Primeur continue to evolve a great eco range of products, this time creating further diversification within the multi-award-winning Tierra Verde range of planters.”

A ‘Sustainability Champion’ was also selected within each category (where relevant), celebrating the different ways sustainable solutions are being brought to market.

GIMA AWARDS 2024 - PRODUCT AWARDS

Garden Care - sponsored by Decco

Winner: Sipcam Home and Garden - Slug Stoppa

Finalists: Sipcam Home and Garden - Organic Superfood Concentrated Liquid Feeds, Vitax - Vitax Organic All-Purpose Feed, Pelsis Ltd. - Green Protect Box Tree Moth Trap, Westland Horticulture - Westland Lawn Care Collection

Category Sustainability Champion: Sipcam Home and Garden - Organic Superfood Concentrated Liquid Feeds

About the winner: It’s a spray that creates invisible barriers on plants, deterring slugs/snails from going near them. Unlike harmful slug products, Slug Stoppa is pesticide free and leaves slugs unharmed whilst also promoting healthier growth for plants. Slug Stoppa also has a unique spray pouch using 55% less plastic than a plastic rigid plastic bottle.

What the judges said: “We love that this product both feeds and protects plants at the same time.”

Growing Media

Winner: Southern Trident Ltd - Harmony Gardens Multipurpose Compost with added John Innes

Finalists: Westland Horticulture - Westland Houseplant Potting Mix, RocketGro - Multi-Purpose Compost 50L, Westland Horticulture - Boost All Purpose Compost

Sustainability Champion: Southern Trident Ltd - Harmony Gardens Multipurpose Compost with added John Innes

About the winner: It stands out as the first carbon-neutral, PAS 2060 accredited peat-free compost, distinguished by its extensive quality testing and customer satisfaction. Its innovative packaging, made from 60% recycled content and fully recyclable, positions it as a leader in sustainable gardening products, setting new industry standards for eco-friendly practices.

What the judges said: “A good mix of ingredients, with added loam and John Innes - and the first claiming to be carbon neutral too.”

Garden Tools, Machinery & Implements

Winner: Westland Horticulture - Kent & Stowe SureCut Cutting Range

Finalists: The AMES Companies UK Ltd - Ames Tools Carbon Steel Digging Spade, GARDENA UK - GARDENA SuperCut All Purpose Loppers, GARDENA UK - GARDENA 18V MultiCleaner AquaBrush

Sustainability Champion: Westland Horticulture - Kent & Stowe SureCut Cutting Range

About the winner: The new SureCut range comprises of loppers, shears and secateurs that have been thoughtfully engineered with the Reflex Energy System, designed to enhance performance and ease of use. This unique innovation results in maximum comfort with minimum effort when cutting, as each tool features rubber bumpers that are designed to absorb shock and promote a gentle rebound. This significantly reduces the jarring sensation for a comfortable and ergonomic experience that also ensures enhanced durability of each tool.

What the judges said: “Great technical innovation, presented fantastically and positioned commercially so it sells really well.”

Growing Planting Equipment & Sundries

Winner: Smart Garden Products - GroZone Perfect Propagator

Finalists: Westland Horticulture - Flopro Metal Multi Spray Gun, Deco-Pak - Chelsea Horticultural Seashells, Elho - Green Basics Strawberry Pot

Sustainability Champion: Deco-Pak - Chelsea Horticultural Seashells

About the winner: Its innovative features streamline the propagation process, offering a user-friendly solution that empowers gardeners to achieve successful plant growth with minimal effort, marking a significant advancement in the gardening industry.

What the judges said: “Perfect value on a small scale and simple to use - a very smart product.”

Outdoor Leisure – sponsored by LOFA

Winner: Zest Outdoor Living - Terraza Outdoor Kitchen Range Set

Finalists: Maze - Roma Rope Weave Corner Dining Set with Rising Table - Clay Stone Grey, Zest Outdoor Living - Stirling Arbour, Woodlodge Products - W Garden Living - Panama

Woodlodge Products - W Garden Living - Soft Furnishings

Sustainability Champion: Woodlodge Products - W Garden Living - Soft Furnishings

About the winner: This outdoor kitchen is designed to give a choice of configurations and not be simply linear. The range includes additional units that can be purchased separately allowing for flexibility. The attention to design ensured it reached an attractive RRP making it attainable to a wider demographic across different income levels – aspirational but affordable.

What the judges said: “Fantastic value for money, looks great and has sold well.”

Garden Landscaping

Winner: Altico Garden Products - Natural Slate feature piece

Finalists: Altico Garden Products - Pure & Natural Pebbles & Cobbles, Zest Outdoor Living – Tall Botanical Greenhouse, Deco-Pak – Eco-Stone Glass Chippings

Category Sustainability Champion: Deco-Pak – Eco-Stone Glass Chippings

About the winner: A multipurpose, decorative and natural landscape piece that can be used to create a variety of beautiful garden features. Edge beds and borders, make intricate pathways, zone outdoor spaces or use to create dramatic architectural effects.

What the judges said: “Genuinely different and makes a great look accessible to the consumer.”

Garden Clothing & Gifts

Winner: Phoenox Textiles Ltd - Hug Rug Bee 3

Finalists: Treadstone Products - Warm 'n' Waterproof Garden Glove, Treadstone Products - ClipGlove Activity Boots, Mr Fothergill's Seeds Ltd - Pudsey Wildlife Attracting Flower Mix

Category Sustainability Champion: Phoenox Textiles Ltd - Hug Rug Bee 3

About the winner: A new design, drawn and created specifically for The Bumblebee Conservation Trust to raise funds and awareness for their charity, launched at Hampton Court Garden Festival.

What the judges said: “A great design, great value and to top it all, British made.  What's not to like?”

Pet Care, Aquatics & Wild Bird Care

Winner: Satchville Gift Company - Earthy Sustainable Bird Feeder Collection

Finalists: Wildlife World - Frogilo, Smart Garden Products - Yak Popcorn, Wildlife World - "Woolie" the Sheep"

Category Sustainability Champion: Satchville Gift Company - Earthy Sustainable Bird Feeder Collection

About the winner: Uses sustainable material to make it more innovative.  Products look good and blends in with nature when used in the gardens.  Trials have shown that the birds love them and use them continually.

What the judges said: “A really well-presented, complete range of products with a great eco-message.”

Garden Lighting, Water Features & Ornamentation

Winner: Smart Garden Products - Rainbow Flaming Balloon

Finalists: The Solar Centre - Seattle Ash USB Solar Table Light, Altico Garden Products Ltd - Jada Self Contained Water Feature, Smart Garden Products - Magic Mushroom, Smart Garden Products - Maris Solar Lantern.

Category Sustainability Champion: Maze - Athena Solar Light

About the winner: A pioneering feature that offers a mesmerizing flame-like appearance, making it a standout decorative piece. 

What the judges said: “An amazing pick-up line that has ‘lit-up’ sales.”

Decorative Pots & Planters

Winner: Primeur Ltd - Tierra Verde Coloured Collection

Finalists: Elho - The Coffee Collection, Elho - Jazz Round, Capi Europe BV - Metallic Copper Groove Planter, Woodlodge Products - EcoMade Hemp Indoor Planter

Category Sustainability Champion: Primeur Ltd - Tierra Verde Coloured Collection

About the winner: New colours give customers a wider range to choose from when creating their displays.  Options for different colours, shapes and sizes allow for endless different styling options. A quick and easy way to upgrade the exterior of a home.

What the judges said: “Stylish with a good strong eco-message that's easy to understand.”

GIMA AWARDS 2024 – MARKETING AWARDS

Best Point of Sale Material

Winner: Keter UK Ltd - Stewart Balcony Range Stand by Keter

Finalists: Satchville Gift Company - Earthy Sustainable Tree Display, Meadow View Stone - Project Themed, Point of Sale Displays, GARDENA UK - GARDENA Multi-Function Stand and POS, Altico Garden Products Ltd - Pure & Natural Pebbles and Cobbles, Treadstone Products - ClipGlove Activity Boot Display Stand

Category Sustainability Champion: Satchville Gift Company - Earthy Sustainable Tree Display

About the winner: The majority of stands within this product category are metal, designed for a specific selection of products and have little by way of visual graphics to attract the eye. This stand, however, is bright, bold, flexible in content and immediately tells the story of the products it holds.

What the judges said: “This stand highlights the products features and benefits to great effect, helping to generate more sales.”

Best Multi-Channel Campaign – sponsored by Garden Centre Retail

Winner: Westland Horticulture - Peckish 'Colour in Your Garden' campaign

Finalists: Westland Horticulture - The Westland Garden newspaper, Evergreen Garden Care - Miracle-Gro “Have yourself a Gro-ment” campaign, GARDENA UK - Grow With GARDENA

About the winner: Peckish launched its biggest ever media campaign on TV on Christmas Day 2023. ‘Colour in Your Garden’ was a multiplatform campaign with a £1.5m investment that reached over 25 million consumers. In the new creative, viewers are treated to a spectacular show of the vibrant colours of wild birds enjoying being fed with Peckish. The captivating scenes encapsulate the essence of Peckish, revealing how the brand truly does bring everyone closer to nature in a sustainable way, and highlights the joy of wild bird feeding.

What the judges said: “A beautifully crafted and engaging multi-channel campaign seen by 25 million consumers.”

Best Social Media Campaign

Winner: Westland Horticulture - Westland Beneath the Leaf campaign

Finalists: Elho - The Coffee Collection social media package, Westland Horticulture - Peckish For Nature: Year-Round Communications Campaign, GARDENA UK - Flymo – First Cut Sunday

About the winner: In recent years, houseplant sales have surged, with the HTA reporting a 12% year-over-year increase in December 2023, and nearly half of Britons purchased a houseplant in 2022. Recognising this growing market, Westland launched a comprehensive campaign to raise awareness of its houseplant product collection and educate consumers on maintaining a thriving indoor jungle.

What the judges said: “This campaign taps into what has been a growth market in recent years. It's perfectly aimed at keeping consumers engaged with some great content ultimately driving sales.” 

The Prosper Garden Centre Buying Group (PGCBG) is thrilled to announce the addition of Stratford Garden Centre, a highly respected and award-winning independent business, to its growing network of distinguished garden centres. This latest membership reflects PGCBG’s ongoing strategy to bring together quality-driven, forward-thinking and independent garden centres that emphasise respectful relationships and collaborative decision-making.

Terry Head, Retail Director of Stewarts Garden Centres and Chairman of the Prosper Garden Centre Buying Group, shared his excitement about the addition: “I am very pleased to announce the addition of a new member, Stratford Garden Centre, which aligns perfectly with our vision to build a network of like-minded, independent garden centres that are leaders within our industry. This partnership represents a valuable addition to our group’s strategy and brings in a respected team who share our dedication to quality and growth.”

Helen and her team at Stratford Garden Centre bring a wealth of expertise and passion to PGCBG, contributing to the group’s warm, professional, and innovative atmosphere. The addition expands the group’s footprint and strengthens the collective ability to explore new opportunities within the gardening industry.

As PGCBG continues to grow, the group remains committed to supporting each member’s individual success while advancing the group’s shared goals. With this addition, Prosper is poised to continue creating a dynamic network of garden centres that values relationship-driven decision-making and a culture of excellence.

The Prosper Garden Centre Buying Group is a consortium of independent garden centres united by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and respectful relationships. By pooling resources and sharing best practices, PGCBG offers its members a competitive advantage and a collaborative platform to thrive in today’s ever-evolving gardening market.

Mill Race Garden Centre near Colchester has gone on the market with a guide price of £2,500,000.

The garden centre, which is one of the largest in Essex, includes a vast amount of storage units, distribution warehouse and a residential bungalow.

The site is set on seven acres of land with scope for further development and expansion.

The sales is being handled by Christie & Co. The agents’ at-a-glance guide says:

• 7 acre site with 120 space customer car park
• On-site restaurant
• Successful retail and online sales business
• Scope for further development
• Income from various tenancies
• Includes 4 bedroom residential bungalow

Details can be found here https://www.christie.com/3818309/

Nick Seaby, managing director at Swallow Aquatics and Mill Race Garden Centre, has been reported as saying: “After much deliberation, we have made the heartfelt decision to sell the garden centre.

"In 2019, we initially considered selling but chose to hold off due to the unforeseen challenges of COVID-19.

"During this period, we took the opportunity to enhance our facilities, including building a brand new warehouse and relocating and modernising our beloved coffee shop and restaurant.

"These improvements have positioned Mill Race as a thriving hub for garden enthusiasts.

"Having purchased the garden centre in September 2004, this decision was not made lightly.”

Sipcam Home & Garden have added valuable industry experience to their team with the appointment of Alan Jones as Retail Channel Manager. 

With the focus on supporting growth in garden retailers, the new role will help increase Sipcam’s stockists in this channel and provide extra support and value for Garden Centre customers. 

Supported by Sipcam Oxon, an international specialist in crop protection, Sipcam Home & Garden have an unrivalled network from which to utilise new technology and expertise. Whilst supported by a large group, there is still the character of a small business offering flexibility to serve customers in bringing unique home and garden solutions to the gardening and pet market. 

Alan joins the Sipcam team, after working for some of the gardening industry’s top companies and brings valuable sales experience working with both independent retailers and national accounts. Alan will soon be celebrating 25 years in the gardening industry, and he is sure to offer valuable insight and guidance as Sipcam Home & Garden embark on a vitally important year in 2025.

Nigel Thompson, Head of Sales and Marketing at Sipcam Home & Garden said: “We are delighted that Alan is joining us here at Sipcam Home & Garden. He brings to us a wealth of experience and he will be able to get to work quickly with and for us. He has a great reputation and is well liked in this wonderful industry. It feels to us like a great fit in terms of skills, knowledge, and our culture. We are really pleased to bring Alan into this team”.

With continuous innovation across Sipcam’s product categories, Alan will be hitting the ground running helping to support recent launches in the Sipcam brand portfolio. This includes working with brands such as Fito, GET OFF, retail partner Block Blitz and flagship brand ecofective®, 2023 winner of the GIMA Sword of Excellence, with Organic Superfood Ideal for Peat-Free Compost and winner of the Best New Product at Glee 2024, with Slug Stoppa.

Speak to Alan today (alan@sipcamuk.co.uk) about his latest move and Sipcam’s innovative range of garden care products! For more information about Sipcam Home & Garden please visit https://www.sipcamhg.co.uk/

New Products for the UK Garden Trade for 2025 from GIMA Members: Ames, Auto Pot Global, Avocet Hardware – Greenman Tools, Azpects, Bulldog Tools, Burgon & Ball, Capi Europe, Coir Products, Durston Garden Products, elho, Evergreen Garden Care, Fandango Fire Tools, Fargro, Forest Garden, Gardena, Glee, Greenkey, Greenleaf Horticulture, Handy Distribution, Harvest Pet Products, Hortiwool    , Hozelock, Johnsons Lawn Seeds, Kleen-Tex, LBC Ultralight Boots, Marriages, Meadow View Stone, Museums & Galleries, Panacea Products, Phoenox, PlantWorks, POTR, Primeur, Primus, Sipcam, Smart Garden Products, Sorbus, The Solar Centre, Tildenet, Treadstone, Vitavia, Vitax, Witt UK & Ireland, Woodmansterne, Zest Outdoor Living, GIMA Member Directory, Join GIMA.

GTN October 2024. In this Glee Review Issue: RocketGro – Towards Climate Positive, Open for business in Shetland - GTN visits the new centre in Lerwick, It’s Christmas – Entry details for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2024, Glee 2024 – The Buzz is back, Making an impact at Glee, Potr - GIMA Seed Corn Fund Winner, Glee Hero’s – Influencing the past 50 Years, Glee New Product Award Winners, Floral Thursday at Glee sets new records, Hold on tight – Wing walkers for Greenfingers, GTN Planteria – Seasonal picks for 2025 and beyond, Navigating change at the HTA Conference, HTA Viewpoint – Presidential reflections