In This Issue
spoga+gafa 2021 is postponed to August
All sales up by 93%, plant sales up by 170%
Christmas & Gift 2021 cancelled
PATS Sandown is cancelled
SOLEX 2021 CANCELLED
Heaven Sends welcomes buyers to showroom to view new Christmas Collection
Scottish businesses and key personalities unite in call for garden centres to be re-opened
Happy sowing, happy growing, happy days!
Garden centre set to reopen in Northern Ireland
More events confirmed for Garden Re-Leaf Day 2021
Plants sales at the double
SylvaGrow Farmyard 100% Peat Free wins New Product Award
Turbo charged gardening as February breaks all records
Garden centre food hall and farm shop sales stay positive in January
Engaging 3 million new gardeners and being kind to our planet: key themes at the 2021 Virtual Garden Press Event
What Lies Ahead for 2021? - GTN's February Issue On-Line Now
Evergreen Garden Care partners with PlantSnap to make plant identification and care as simple as snap and grow!
UK’s first ‘Home of Gardening Science’ to open on June 24
Luxury, complete houseplant care solution launched
How the pandemic changed the way customers shop at their favourite garden centre
Tong supports Kirklees School with role play setting
New BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair
Altons BBQ World, Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, Baytree, Busy Bee, Groves, Pengelly, Pughs, The Old Railway Line and Squires Badshot Lea are the winners of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards
Christmas Future Trends at Glee's Festive Focus Day
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Are New Gardeners the key to gardening sales increases?
Frank P Matthews Delivers Over 4000 Japanese Flowering Cherry Trees
The natural way to protect Box plants
Double bubble for Growing Media
Highest weekly turnover in ten years at Royal Flora Holland
68% turaround for Veg-2-Gro sales in February
She Grows Veg launches first book to promote “beautiful and bountiful” growing
HTA reacts to Chancellor's budget
The best of last week's
February sales - 37% above average - Gardening is Essential!
Hillier Nurseries bidding farewell to 2021 Chelsea Flower Show
Dobbies reports 51% increase in sales
Half term sales set course for a record February
Going from strength to strength
Why choose Meadow View Stone?
Hayes Garden World launches online Grow Your Own range
Bents introduces new virtual shopping service
The GIMA Awards are back!
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Barton Grange Christmas 2020 - Exclusive GTN Xtra Photo Tour
Squires Badshot Lea - Christmas 2020
Perrywood at Christmas 2020 - with correct photo gallery now...
British Garden Centres open their 58th centre at Thatcham
Haskins Snowhill re-opens after £15m re-vamp
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to the GTN Bestsellers printed weekly newsletter
All the latest news from the world of pet products
Natures Menu celebrates 40th anniversary
Pawfect Foods launches Nature’s Feast
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spoga+gafa 2021 is postponed to August

Spoga+gafa2019 010919_GTN001.jpg

Koelnmesse has, for one year only, moved spoga+gafa 2021 to 8 to 10 August 2021...


Due to the continuing uncertain situation regarding COVID-19, Koelnmesse has responded to the call by the green garden lifestyle industries and, for one year only, moved spoga+gafa 2021 to 8 to 10 August 2021. In parallel, Koelnmesse is working on digital formats that will complement spoga+gafa in the Cologne exhibition halls.

 

In an announcement today Koelnmesse said:  "Even though the majority of exhibitors and the market partners were optimistic, there was ultimately no choice but to reschedule the international garden trade fair from late May/early June to early August in view of the overall situation caused by the pandemic. This conclusion was reached in conjunction with the industry’s decision makers, despite intensive preparations and the #B-SAFE4business package of measures designed to allow trade fairs to go ahead under coronavirus-compliant conditions.

"The decision was underpinned by an international visitor and exhibitor survey conducted in February. The results revealed that the proposed August dates were strongly preferred. In August 2021, it will therefore be that time again, and spoga+gafa, the world’s largest garden and lifestyle trade fair, will open its gates from 8 to 10 August 2021. The trade fair thereby offers its international partners the unique opportunity to gather multisectoral insights into the world of garden lifestyles first-hand once again.

"In addition to members of the EFSA (European floral and lifestyle suppliers association), such as Capi Europe and Esschert Design, Fiskars, G.Wurm, Tel International, Hartman, Müsing, Old Com and other top global BBQ companies have already confirmed their participation at spoga+gafa in August 2021. The spoga+gafa partner associations BHB (Retailers’ Association for Building, Home Improvement), BIAG (Barbecue Industry Association Grill), IVG (German Garden Industry Association) and VDG (German Garden Centre Association) will also be involved.

"Because of the postponement, the exhibitors are, however, being given the option to withdraw from their contracts if they do so in writing within the next two weeks. In that case, any payments already made to Koelnmesse will be fully reimbursed. The deadline for such cancellations is 24 March 2021.

"This year, as part of Koelnmesse’s digitalisation strategy, spoga+gafa will be held as a hybrid event for the first time. The familiar, physical product presentation and networking formats will be supplemented by new, digital concepts, thereby ensuring greater international reach.

"spoga+gafa will therefore continue to be the place for new developments, innovations and trends – for exhibitors, buyers and decision makers – in 2021. On-site and online."

The spoga+gafa 2021 is open to trade visitors on 8 and 9 August from 09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. and on 10 August from 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. Further information is available at www.spogagafa.com.

All sales up by 93%, plant sales up by 170%

Gardening and plant sales continued at unprecedented levels during the first week of March, according to garden centre Epos data analysed by GTN Bestsellers...


Gardening and plant sales continued at unprecedented levels during the first week of March, according to garden centre Epos data analysed by GTN Bestsellers.

 

The GTN Bestsellers All Products Index of items sold was up by 93% on the same week last year and 81% up on the average for the first week of March over the previous ten years.  Last week back in 2018 was when the Beast from the East struck hard and this years sales for the same week were up by 367% in comparison.

 

Plant sales performed even better, in terms of percentage growth year on year.  The GTN Bestsellers All Plants Index was up by 170% taking the year to date position of plant sales to being up year on year by 32%.

 

Subscribers to the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter will get to see the breakdown of those sales later this week and they will also know which products in particular benefited from this early burst of gardening sales via the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales charts.  Buy your subscription to GTN Bestsellers, it costs just £145 per year, here.

Christmas & Gift 2021 cancelled

Harrogate Christmas & Gift 2021, which had been postponed from its original date in January to May, has now been cancelled for this year...


Harrogate Christmas & Gift 2021, which had been postponed from its original date in January to May, has now been cancelled for this year. The next event will now be in 2022 from Sunday 16th January to Wednesday 19th January 2022 at the Harrogate Convention Centre.

 

Simon Anslow, show organiser explains: “Following the government’s announcement that the UK will not be able to resume events until 21 June, it has been decided to now focus on the 2022 show. It is very disappointing for everyone involved, but hopefully life and business will be back to normal by January next year and we can all look forward to another bumper show.”

 

Further news and updates are on the website at www.harrogatefair.com

PATS Sandown is cancelled

This year’s PATS Sandown, the UK’s Spring pet industry exhibition due to take place on 11th-12th May 2021, has been cancelled following the PM’s announcement that indoor events won’t be allowed until 17th May...


This year’s PATS Sandown, the UK’s Spring pet industry exhibition due to take place on 11th-12th May 2021, has been cancelled following the PM’s announcement that indoor events won’t be allowed until 17th May.

 

In a statement to the House of Commons on 22nd February, Prime Minister Boris Johnson laid out how the UK will emerge from lockdown, including the resumption of large indoor and outdoor events from the 17th May (with limits on capacity).

 

“Obviously, the PM’s announcement meant that PATS Sandown could no longer go ahead on its planned dates of 11th-12th May,” said organiser Gordon Thomas, Director of Impact Exhibitions and Events.

 

“We could have looked at moving PATS Sandown to a later date but felt the best option was to focus attention on staging a great exhibition at PATS Telford on 26th-27th September. More than 100 companies have already committed to exhibiting at Telford, a clear indication that the pet industry can’t wait for a return to ‘live’ shows.”

 

Following the announcement of the roadmap out of lockdown, the Event Industry Alliance said: “The inclusion of events in the latter stages of the reopening roadmap is a welcome development and we are confident that we will be able to further demonstrate our ability to deliver Covid-secure events in the pilot the government has announced.” 

 

PATS Telford is set to return to Telford International Centre on 26th-27th September 2021.

 

“It’s very sad that we’ve had to cancel PATS Sandown. We know how important PATS is as a forum where our community comes to learn, source product, meet suppliers and network,” added Gordon.

 

“PATS is the place for the pet industry to come together as one, under one roof, to share knowledge, experience and new ideas and the great relationships that this trade is renowned for. 

 

“As our community looks to rebuild and recover in 2021 our team will be working hard to ensure we return later this year with an event that brings everyone back together for the reunion we will all be crying out for.

 

“We really look forward to welcoming everyone back through the doors at PATS Telford in September 2021 and again at PATS Sandown in March 2022.”

 

For more information about PATS visit www.patshow.co.uk 

SOLEX 2021 CANCELLED

Solex 2019 Wednesday 100719_GTN265.jpg

After much discussion with LOFA Members, SOLEX exhibitors and visitors, LOFA have made the decision to cancel the SOLEX Exhibition this year and re-schedule for July 2022...


Solex 2019 Wednesday 100719_GTN265.jpg

After much discussion with LOFA Members, SOLEX exhibitors and visitors, LOFA have made the decision to cancel the SOLEX Exhibition this year and re-schedule for July 2022.

 

LOFA's Marketing Manager Gina Hinde told GTN Xtra:  "We have obtained feedback from, and listened to, lots of views from our exhibitors and their customers and no one we have spoken to feels comfortable attending an exhibition this year.

 

"Every year we look forward to connecting with exhibitors, buyers and industry professionals and although there are positive signs that events may be able to restart sometime this year, thanks to the Government’s “way forward” plan, the current restrictions will compound the challenges faced in organising this event,  and unlike other exhibitions we are unable to move the SOLEX Show to a later date in the year, because of the long lead times required for orders.

 

"We wanted to make the right decision for everyone involved and we did not want to continue with a show that would not be up to our customary high standards and so, have decided not to run SOLEX in 2021 but move the exhibition to July 2022 when we can come back bigger, better and hopefully Covid free!

 

"We know that this will come as an enormous disappointment to many, so in place of the in-person SOLEX exhibition we are planning another VIRTUAL SOLEX this year, and we will share our plans for this in the coming weeks."

 

Solex 2022 – NEC, 12-14 July 2022

Heaven Sends welcomes buyers to showroom to view new Christmas Collection
GTN Xtra Promotion

Without the usual trade shows early in the year, buyers are having to adapt their buying habits around ever changing Covid restrictions and subsequent business needs. Many Heaven Sends customers are visiting their Showrooms based in Sutton Coldfield for the first time and finding it an attractive alternative to the usual busy trade show halls.


 

Without the usual trade shows early in the year, buyers are having to adapt their buying habits around ever changing Covid restrictions and subsequent business needs. 

 

Many Heaven Sends customers are visiting their Showrooms based in Sutton Coldfield for the first time and finding it an attractive alternative to the usual busy trade show halls. Will Showroom buying be the new normal for the Garden Centre industry?

 

Spanning two floors, the Showrooms provide buyers the space and time to make considered selections in a safe, relaxed environment. With plenty of inspiring displays and expert advice on hand, visitors can confidently make their key festive selections from the extensive ranges. 

 

Alison Hughes and Elaine Willis (pictured above) from Poplar Nurseries and Garden Centre were one of the first visitors to the Heaven Sends Showrooms to view the new Christmas range.

 

Alison said: “It was our first visit to the Heaven Sends Showroom. It was very beneficial to spend time being able to browse in a spacious, Covid-friendly showroom. We found some inspiring ideas for Christmas 2021. We think this may be the way forward for future buying, as we didn’t have time to endure the hassles of a busy trade show.”

 

 

There are thousands of new lines from the Christmas 2021 collection to discover… from the latest trend of whimsical gonks, to traditional dazzling glass baubles, there’s something for every business.

 

New Christmas and Halloween 2021 collections, along with the Everyday gifting ranges are available for pre-order at the Showrooms and online at heavensends.com

 

To help us follow Government Covid Guidelines, spaces are limited, so please reserve your appointment early to avoid disappointment. Spaces are already filling up fast for March so please be sure to get in touch with ‘The Angels’ to secure your preferred date as soon as possible. Appointments are available 7 days a week.

 

Email showroom@heavensends.com or call  +44 (0)121 351 7457. 

Address:  One Maybrook Business Park, Maybrook Road, Sutton Coldfield, B76 1AL.

Heavensends.com

 

Scottish businesses and key personalities unite in call for garden centres to be re-opened

 

Representatives from Scotland’s horticulture sector have joined together to call for garden centres to be reopened before the end of March...


 

Representatives from Scotland’s horticulture sector have joined together to call for garden centres to be re-opened before the end of March.

 

Eighteen high profile organisations, businesses and individuals have put their signatures to an open letter to the Scottish Government. With the peak Spring season fast approaching - 70% of bedding plants sold between March and May - it is a crucial time for the hard-pressed Scottish domestic horticulture industry. 

 

Organised by the Horticultural Trades Association, well-loved gardening name Jim McColl, National Farmers Union Scotland, Scottish Retail Consortium, Royal Horticultural Society and other garden industry bodies, joined with Scottish headquartered businesses such as Dobbies and Klondyke and Scottish independent garden centres and growers to make this urgent appeal to the Government.  

 

It comes a week before Ministers meet to review and give further detail on the routemap out of lockdown, first outlined by the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon on 23 February. The open letter set out seven key reasons for why garden centres should begin trading again:

  • Health and Wellbeing: Gardening brings well documented and significant benefits to mental health and well-being.  
  • Stay at Home: Allowing garden centres and retail plant nurseries to reopen would support the Government’s efforts to encourage people to remain at home by giving them a safe, healthy activity to do.
  • Safe Trading environment: Garden centres are spacious, well ventilated with large outdoor areas. The industry is committing to implement enhanced social distancing measures in conjunction with the Scottish Government.
  • Economic turmoil: The garden retail sector is proliferated by smaller, independent businesses key to their local communities. Facing the loss of the crucial Spring gardening season a second year running will mean disaster for some businesses, possible closures and job losses. 
  • Plants are being thrown away: Scottish growers overwhelmingly supply Scottish garden centres. Growers are throwing out thousands of plants which should have been on sale in March because they don’t have this ‘route to market’.
  • An industry worth saving: The Scottish ornamental horticulture industry contributes £2.2 billion to Scottish GDP directly and indirectly and supports 53,900 jobs. 
  • Click & Collect doesn’t work: Click and collect and home delivery services are at best only achieving 3-10% of the usual levels of demand.  

Jim McColl said: “Over a 62-year career in horticulture, north and south of the border, I have worked with people of all ages, from all walks of life, and seen first-hand how gardening has a significant influence – helping people to forget what is bothering them. I have no doubt this positive impact has been magnified in recent times as people learn how best to manage the effects of this pandemic.  

 

"Reports abound of how people have found solace and contentment simply by spending a wee while in the garden. It doesn't take long before the worries of the wider world seem some way off! Stand back, have a look at what you have achieved in the last 30 minutes and feel relaxed - time for a cuppa or even a dram! " 

 

Horticulture’s unique supply chain for perishable, seasonal products is a particular risk from continued lockdown and Chairman of the HTA, James Barnes, says the letter is a clear indication of the strength of feeling within the industry:  “The signatories of this letter include representatives from grower, retail, landscaper and charity organisations, all of which are important employers and contributors to the economy and society as a whole. They are joined by our own HTA members and together show how deeply we as an industry are feeling a lack of recognition for what we have to offer and what we stand to lose.” 

 

The letter has been shared on the HTA website and sent to the editors of several national newspapers. 

 

Meanwhile, the petition to get Scottish Garden Centres re-opened is still open and needs all the help anyone in the UK Garden Centre Industry can give them:

 

 

And you might like to watch this video created by Helen MacDonald of Merrythatton Garden Centre that includes footage of the First Ministers rather flippant reply to a question asked in the Scottish Parliament about garden centre re-opening...

 

 

Happy sowing, happy growing, happy days!
GTN Xtra Promotion

Lockdown continues to inspire a new generation of growing enthusiasts and the Vitavia greenhouse range remains in huge demand...


 

As the days finally begin to lengthen, it’s time for the greenhouse to take centre stage. From sweetpeas to tomato seeds, let the sowing commence!

 

Lockdown continues to inspire a new generation of growing enthusiasts and the Vitavia greenhouse range remains in huge demand. 

 

The company’s most popular models are flying off the shelves as quickly as it can stock them.

 

“Exciting new springtime beginnings in the garden are just around the corner,” say Vitavia, “and after Boris Johnson’s recent update there also looks to be bright light at the end of this long, covid tunnel. 

 

“From March 29th our gardens can once again become a place of entertainment for small groups of family and friends, perfectly timed with those spring bulbs blooming.

 

“If this last year has taught us anything, it’s to appreciate the smaller things. The advice to ‘stay at home’ has perhaps made us focus more than ever on the pleasure even the smallest of gardens can offer. 

 

“Our spirits can be lifted when we experience the thrill of watching new seedlings pop through the soil and then sit down to enjoy sharing some delicious home grown veg. 

 

“Let’s hope we will never again take for granted a good garden chat with some pals over a crisp, cold bottle of wine.”

 

For more details on Vitavia greenhouse visit www.vitavia.co.uk

Garden centre set to reopen in Northern Ireland

A garden centre in Northern Ireland has vowed to reopen in April “regardless of decisions that come from Stormont”...


 

A garden centre in Northern Ireland has vowed to reopen in April “regardless of decisions that come from Stormont”.

 

The Garden Depot in Strabane was forced to close its doors because garden centres aren’t classed as an essential retailer under Northern Ireland restrictions.

 

The current regulations, in place until April 1, will be reviewed on March 18 but The Garden Depot owner John McGuinness is determined to reopen on April 5 whatever the Northern Ireland Executive’s next move.

 

Writing on the centre’s Facebook page Mr McGuinness said: “We are sick of having no answers, no help and I won’t let my business go under. We were all promised financial help from government and since November we haven’t seen anything. 

 

“Our Garden Depot must remain closed yet it is ok for Asda, Home Bargains, builders merchants and other retail outlets to sell garden compost, plants and everything that our Garden Depot has available. 

 

“Unacceptable actions from our government, all their promises about looking after local businesses and keeping traders open. Our town is a ghost town. I feel for any business owner that may not see the light but I won’t let that happen! Come April 5th we will be fully stocked and open ready for trading.”

More events confirmed for Garden Re-Leaf Day 2021

With Garden Re-Leaf Day approaching ever quicker, teams and businesses from across the garden retail sector and beyond are busy making plans for the forthcoming Garden Re-Leaf Day on March 19th. With the event turning 10 this year teams are going BIG with their FUNdraising activities...

 


With Garden Re-Leaf Day approaching ever quicker, teams and businesses from across the garden retail sector and beyond are busy making plans for the forthcoming Garden Re-Leaf Day on March 19th. With the event turning 10 this year teams are going BIG with their FUNdraising activities.

 

Brave the shave

Greenfingers Chairman Sue Allen, along with Millbrook Garden Centre’s Managing Director/Greenfingers Trustee, Tammy Woodhouse, will be saying goodbye to their lockdown locks as they prepare to shave their heads on Garden Re-Leaf Day, all in the name of charity.Joining them will be another Millbrook mother and daughter pair, Jo and Danielle who work at Millbrook’s Gravesend Garden Centre. All donations can be given here:  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sueandtambraveshave

 

Lands’ End to John O’Groats – twice!

This year Garden Re-Leaf will see two teams tackle the infamous Lands’ End to John O’Groats challenge. The first will be a team made up of representatives from Hornby Whitefoot PR, Deco-Pak, Garden Trade News, Gardenforum, GIMA and Primeur. Walking in their local areas the ‘crew’ will be completing as many miles as they can, with a running total keeping them on track throughout March. Look out for a special video post-event where the team capture the realities of virtual walking! Sponsorship for the ‘virtual crew’ can be given via https://www.justgiving.com/team/LandsEndtoJohnOGroatsvirtualcrew

 

Multi-discipline landscapers, Scotscape – the latest charity partner of the Greenfingers charity – will also be taking on the challenge. A team of 10 from Scotscape will be tackling 87.4 miles each during Feb 26th – March 19th. The team have set themselves a FUNdraising target of £2,000, with donations welcome via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/groundscapewalkingchallenge

 

One Million Step Challenge

Echoing the efforts of the Greenfingers team, Hozelock will also be undertaking the One Million Step Challenge throughout March. Why? Because they want to help Greenfingers raise awareness for the great work they are doing for life-limited children as well as highlighting the physical and mental benefits of spending time outdoors. To show your support of the Hozelock team pleasevisit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hozelock, whilst donations to the Greenfingers team – Linda, Holly and Sally - can be made via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/greenfingersstepchallenge

 

Garden quiz to test your green knowledge

Greenfingers patron, Anne-Marie Powell, will be joining the team at Evergreen Garden Care to host a special gardening quiz. Designed to test your ‘green’ knowledge, this quiz is open to everyone, with tickets available from Greenfingers Director of Fundraising & Communications, Linda Petrons via linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk

 

10 km for 10years

Kate Ebbens of Capi UK has pledged to run 10 km on March 19th, with the company throwing their weight behind the challenge with donation of £500. As if that wasn’t enough, Kate has also given up her biggest vice – coffee – for the whole of 2021. To help avoid temptation Kate is donating £1 to Greenfingers for each day she goes coffee-free! You can make  a donation to support Kate’s efforts here http://www.justgiving.com/Kate-Ebbens2

 

The Thames Walk

The team from leading trade exhibition, Glee, are – Covid allowing – hoping to tackle a 51 mile stretch of the infamous Thames Path, all within a day’s walking. Leading the pack will be Glee’s Event Director, Matthew Mein, who was the originator of the Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walk back in 2015. Matthew has completed every Garden Re-Leaf Walk since, racking up 120 miles for the charity to date, one of only two people who have done so!

 

£1 per pot

The lovely people at Klondyke will once again be donating £1 from every pot sold on Garden Re-Leaf Day. 

 

Mowing Challenge

The teams at Stihl and Sims Garden Machinery will be undertaking a 10-week mowing challenge which will kick off on Garden Re-Leaf Day.  More details to follow soon.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Skipping into March

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Hannah Powell (@thecactussurgeon)

At Perrywood Garden Centre, Hannah Powell and the team will be skipping their way through March. Each day Hannah will be adding one extra minute to her skipping, ending the month on 31 continuous minutes of skipping!  You can support Hannah and the Perrywood team here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/perrywood-garden-centre

 

Mar-CHING for Garden Re-Leaf

446 children from Kings Hill School in Walsall will each be walking 1km on March 19th to help increase the fundraising total. Whilst the Holiday Inn, Runcorn – part of the Kew Green Hotels Group – will also be marching throughout the month of March to boost the Garden Re-Leaf total. Watch out for the team on the streets of Runcorn as they rack up the miles.

 

If that wasn’t enough, Holly Parker, Learning and Development Assistant at HTA, has pledged to walk 50 miles every week to support Garden Re-Leaf Day.  Go Holly!

 

Planted with love

Friends at Kew Green Hotels’ Holiday Inn Washington will be joining volunteers from St Oswald’s Children’s Hospice in Newcastle where Greenfingers’ Garden Project Manager, Holly Harrington, has designed a stunning new garden space. Set to be completed later this month, the Kew Green team will be helping to plant out a range of plants and flowers to help add colour, fragrance and texture to the garden.

 

Free garden design consultancy

The Garden Design Company will see staff donate their salary on Garden Re-Leaf Day whilst Greenfingers Trustee, Rob Jones will also be offering free design consultations (in return for a donation to support the work of Greenfingers) to coincide with Garden Re-Leaf, with 10 consultations already booked!

 

QVC and its vendors confirm their ongoing support

Supporters of Garden Re-Leaf Day for many years, the QVC family including Richard Jackson and Michael Perry, will continue to use their significant platform to raise funds for the Greenfingers charity. Garden product sales on March 27th will help to increase the 2021 FUNdraising total.

 

Get involved in Garden Re-Leaf Day 2021

Since its inception in 2012, Garden Re-Leaf Day has been a key event within the garden retail calendar. Each year hundreds of people from across the industry, including suppliers and retailers, come together to undertake an incredible series of fundraising events. During the last nine years the event has raised in excess of £660,000, all of which has gone towards helping the charity design and create magical gardens in children’s hospices throughout the country.

 

Registration for the 2021 event is now live, and Greenfingers is also on the look-out for sponsors of the event. To find out more please contact Linda Petrons by emailing linda@greefingerscharity.org.uk

 

FUNdraising ideas for Garden Re-Leaf Day 2021

You will find a host of ideas in the Garden Re-Leaf Fundraising pack but here’s a few ways you can get involved and help Greenfingers to continue creating magical gardens in children’s hospices across the nation:

  1. Plantathons are perfect for generating some buzz instore whilst simultaneously generating more stock and donating to Greenfingers. Previous events have included 12- and 24-hour Plantathons.
  2. Hold a virtual quiz, with a minimum donation for all entrants.
  3. Raffles and tombolas are a great way of getting lots of people involved. Gather prizes from around your store, or ask friends and colleagues to donate prizes, before selling raffle tickets ahead of the grand unveiling of the lucky winner!
  4. Cake sales and coffee mornings – are simple yet effective FUNdraisers.
  5. An online auction is a great way to raise funds and involve your friends and colleagues
  6. Team up with friends and colleagues to complete a virtual walk or cycle challenge. Set yourselves a target – 100 miles for example – and work together to achieve it. Walk around your local area, on a treadmill, whatever it takes! Keep in touch via Zoom to keep the group enthusiasm going!

For more FUNdraising ideas or to obtain a copy of the 2021 fundraising pack drop Linda a line - she’d love to hear from you.

Plants sales at the double

Where did all those plant sales come from? How can sales double at the end of February and reach levels previously only seen for Bank Holiday weeks? Can the stocks be re-plenished in time for the next rush, whenever that may be?


 

Where did all those plant sales come from? How can sales double at the end of February and reach levels previously only seen for Bank Holiday weeks? Can the stocks be re-plenished in time for the next rush, whenever that may be?

 

After weeks of being behind the game year on year due to the wintry weather and Lockdown #3 garden centre plant sales are now 9% up on last year and February’s total was up by 57%.

 

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

 
SylvaGrow Farmyard 100% Peat Free wins New Product Award

 

 

Melcourt Garden and Landscape picked up the Best New Product Award at the virtual Garden Press Event with their SylvaGrow Farmyard 100% Peat Free...


Melcourt Garden and Landscape picked up the Best New Product Award at the virtual Garden Press Event with their SylvaGrow Farmyard 100% Peat Free.

 

The winner was announced by Linda Petrons, of Greenfingers Charity, after delegates had been voting online during the virtual event held on Wednesday.

 

SylvaGrow Farmyard 100% Peat Free is a rich soil improver and excellent source of organic matter which enhances fertility, increases yields and aids the water-holding capacity of soils.

Turbo charged gardening as February breaks all records

Garden centre gardening sales broke all records in February 2021 with sales booming to near Bank Holiday levels during the last week of the month...


 

Garden centre gardening sales broke all records in February 2021 with sales booming to near Bank Holiday levels during the last week of the month. 

 

The GTN Bestsellers All Sales index for the month was up by 37% on last year, and up by 37% on the average of all the previous 10 years. And that’s without any footfall for restaurants and coffee shops and all the gifting sales that usually generates.

 

While we know many centres got ahead of the game with getting stock in early, this unseasonal rush through the tills could start to see new pressure on orders and supplies for Easter and the Summer Bank Holidays. Let’s hope the supply issues with containers are resloved by then!

 

 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 8.

  • Garden Products Top 50 – up 137%
  • Growing Media Top 50 – up 237%
  • Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 139%
  • Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – up 31%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 8.

  • All Plants with Barcode index – up 185%
  • All Items with Barcode index – up 138%

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

Garden centre food hall and farm shop sales stay positive in January

The Food Hall and Farm Shops category within garden centres saw positive sales during January (2021) according to the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade report...


The Food Hall and Farm Shops category within garden centres saw positive sales during January (2021) according to the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade report.

 

Garden centres in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland remained closed during the month, which affected the overall picture greatly, however centres in England were permitted to remain open as essential retailers.

 

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, explained: “January was a bit of a bleak month for everyone. Despite it being a brand-new year, we all found ourselves back in lockdown after Christmas and unfortunately, the respective devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland ordered garden centres to close for the month and unfortunately, they still remain closed, with little news on when they might be open again.

 

“Consequently, the national figures for the month are very disappointing and there were decreases in many categories for centres in England too. A few English centres in the highest Covid risk areas took the understandable decision to close for a few weeks out of concern for the safety of their teams and the local community. Cafés and restaurants drive footfall in January and hospitality remains closed. It should also be noted that with many centres selling out of Christmas products in December and centres not running their usual January sales, this was also another footfall catalyst not present this year.

 

“The weather was, at best, miserable so in many ways it was encouraging to see people continue getting outside and tending to their plots for their health and wellbeing and in readiness for spring.

 

“Garden centres have become one-stop shops, so people could get their essential gardening items and also food and produce from food hall and farm shop departments, while also purchasing gardening necessities. Because of this, food hall and farm shop sales for the month were up 6.48%.

 

“All of the remaining categories were down for the month, however this is completely understandable as people wished to remain at home as much as possible and to follow Government guidelines during the lockdown. Also, we’ve had plenty of inclement weather including gales, heavy rain and snow, which has kept people indoors and unable to garden.”

 

Sales in houseplants were down -17.5%, outdoor plants were down -49.29%, seed and bulb sales were down -18.32% and garden sundries sales were down -27.16%.

 

Furniture and barbecue sales were down -33.28%, sales in pets and aquatics were down -29.24%, gift sales were down 46.44% and hard landscaping sales were also down -27.46%.

 

Iain added: “Although centres in England have been open, their restaurants and cafés have remained closed and so catering sales were down -96.68%. Clothing sales were also down -54.15%.”

 

Overall sales for the month were down -55.32% with a year-to-date change of -55.32%.

 

The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.

 

The BoT reports allow members to compare their trading positions with other centres.

 

The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.

 

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

 

For further information, please call 01244 952170. Alternatively, please visit www.gca.org.uk, log on to www.facebook.com/pages/GardenCentreAssociation or follow the organisation on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GC_Association.

Engaging 3 million new gardeners and being kind to our planet: key themes at the 2021 Virtual Garden Press Event

One of the biggest trade events in the gardening calendar, The Garden Press Event, has taken place virtually for the first time in its 16-year history...

 


One of the biggest trade events in the gardening calendar, The Garden Press Event, has taken place virtually for the first time in its 16-year history.

 

For some members of the sector, The Garden Press Event in 2020 may have been the last time they attended an event in person before the UK was locked down.  

 

Last weeks digital event saw the use of online roundtables alongside a series of videos, to provide an interactive way to network and to kick off the 2021 gardening season from the comfort of people’s own homes. 

 

The event, run by HTA and GIMA, gave 57 exhibitors the platform to showcase their company and products while speaking directly to members of the garden media.

 

Around 300 journalists, bloggers, feature writers and other members of the media attended the popular event to find out about the latest trends and products for 2021. 

 

The hashtag #GardenPressEvent proved popular on Twitter feeds and opened the floor for discussion about current themes and trends in the industry. 

 

Mark Pitman, General Manager at Wildlife World, commented: “From an exhibitor’s point of view, I am very happy – the event worked exactly as a virtual event should do. We had advanced notice of who was attending, so knew who we wanted to talk to, and the video chat rooms allowed us to connect with these people and other visitors throughout the day at our leisure. I would even go so far to say that we got more out of it than a physical event.”

 

Key themes and stories of the event: 

  • Understanding more on why the nation turned to gardening during lockdown was a theme echoed across exhibitors, such as Westland. Pippa Greenwood announced that 3 million people have discovered or re-discovered gardening as a direct result of the pandemic, and the focus for the garden industry now is how to keep this new audience engaged.
    Dalefoot promoted its latest compost ingredient, hailed ‘the organic gardener’s best friend’, which yields significant levels of natural nutrients, trace elements and minerals to nourish growing in plants. This has been nurtured over the past five years and is now blended into Dalefoot’s composts, providing some of the best peat-free growing media on the market.
    Echoing last year’s sustainability focus, exhibitors such as Haxnicks and Dalefoot reinforced the important message of living more sustainably.
    Participants got a sneak preview of what to expect from Floriade Expo 2022.
    Westland used the event to showcase its new products for 2021, including The Capability Trowel and soil-based planting mediums that are set to deliver ‘green growth’ in the coming year.
    Hayter, as part of The Toro Company, demonstrated its commitment to sustainability and developing safe and high-quality products that are designed to yield performance and productivity
    Green4air Greenwall showcased its vertical garden system, which is suitable for domestic or commercial installations, both indoors and outdoors.

Entries to the New Product Awards raised around £1,700 for the children’s charity Greenfingers, who work to create gardens in children’s’ hospices across the UK. Melcourt won the prize for the second year running, this time for SylvaGrow Farmyard, their 100% peat-free soil improver. 

 

The transition to an online event may have been daunting for HTA and GIMA, but it proved to be a success. Lucy Hutchings, who runs the shegrowsveg Instagram account, commented:  “How inspiring to see the Garden Press Event triumph in such difficult circumstances. The digital platform created for this year’s event was truly impressive, and actually resulted in a more personal and focused interaction with exhibitors. 

 

“The opportunity to sit down and have direct face-to-face meetings with people without any distraction was great. Well done Garden Press Event!”

 

All content from the virtual event will be available online for the next 30 days, meaning participants can revisit any videos they may have missed on the day. 

 

Next year’s Garden Press Event will take place on Wednesday 9th March at the Business Design Centre in London.

What Lies Ahead for 2021? - GTN's February Issue On-Line Now

In this issue:

 

Patio Black Spot – the Winning Formula

Weathering the Perfect Storm – Brexit and all that

New line up for LOFA Council    

Contemporary style from Firmans

Primeur – the one to watch for 2021

Get Set for Garden Re-Leaf Day 2021

Why Meadow View are Re-fuelling sales  

Cultivation Street’s 9th year

How will the Lockdown Gap be filled? – GTN Bestsellers Analysis

GTN Bestsellers Top 100 Garden Products of 2020           

Last chance to see the Woodlodge Snowlodge 

HTA Column – Perfect Opportunity for Plant Sales

 

 


In this issue:

 

Patio Black Spot – the Winning Formula

Weathering the Perfect Storm – Brexit and all that

New line up for LOFA Council    

Contemporary style from Firmans

Primeur – the one to watch for 2021

Get Set for Garden Re-Leaf Day 2021

Why Meadow View are Re-fuelling sales  

Cultivation Street’s 9th year

How will the Lockdown Gap be filled? – GTN Bestsellers Analysis

GTN Bestsellers Top 100 Garden Products of 2020           

Last chance to see the Woodlodge Snowlodge 

HTA Column – Perfect Opportunity for Plant Sales

 

or use this link: https://issuu.com/gardentradenews/docs/gtn_february_2021?fr=sOTBkNDMxMzEzMjA

 

Evergreen Garden Care partners with PlantSnap to make plant identification and care as simple as snap and grow!

Evergreen Garden Care has partnered with AI-powered plant identification app, PlantSnap, to help educate and retain new gardeners in the category...


 

Evergreen Garden Care has partnered with AI-powered plant identification app, PlantSnap, to help educate and retain new gardeners in the category. 
 
From 1st March, Evergreen Garden Care will be teaming up with the market leading app to bring consumers garden advice with the click of a button. Before the partnership, PlantSnap  has always enabled consumers to take a picture of a plant for quick identification, but now with the help of the gardening experts at Evergreen Garden Care, users will be able to access bespoke garden care guides for more than 500 plants. 
 
The garden care guides will equip users with the knowledge of not just what they are growing, but how to grow them. Key information will include how much light the plant needs, how often to water and feed it, in addition to the best products to help it thrive. 
 
This move from Evergreen Garden Care aims to push the garden care industry further into the tech market, reaching younger gardeners and providing an accessible platform to demystify gardening and plant care. The app allows users to snap a plant in a shop or out in nature and recommends the best products to buy to care for it at the same time. The development is in line with the company’s wider development of its POS that aims to make it easier for gardeners to navigate the sector and find the products that are suited to their needs. 
 
With 2.7m new gardeners entering the category during the national lockdown, the garden care category grew by 13% YOY[1]. Now that the work from home order is still in place until the early summer, Evergreen Garden Care is announcing its partnership as part of its focus on retaining these new gardeners and supporting them on their growing journey.
 
The global launch of the partnership starts today, 1st March, with updates, new content and features going live throughout April including translations for other countries. The launch will be supported digitally through the Evergreen Garden Care social channels, across all markets, and encouraged in-store by representatives, in addition to PR activity. 
 
PlantSnap is available to download on the App Store or Google Play. 
 
Speaking on behalf of Evergreen Garden Care, Ann-Marie O’Riordan, Group Product & Innovation Director, explained:
 
“At Miracle-Gro we believe in the beauty of a green space - or oasis - whether it’s a garden, a balcony or potted plants indoors, and we want to inspire anyone, anywhere to be able easily to create and maintain their own.
 
The gardening world has massively benefited from technological inventions and PlantSnap is a brilliant example of it. PlantSnap enables millions of people to learn and improve their gardening skills, alongside helping them connect with green spaces and nature, from a click of a button, thanks to their phone or tablet. Millions of new gardeners have started to garden during the pandemic and are turning to digital to help them with their gardening projects. Miracle-Gro (Fertiligene, Substral) are in a brilliant position to help these gardeners with our friendly advice about all things growing and we want to make it super accessible to everyone from beginners to experts.
 
We are thrilled to be working with PlantSnap, with their digital technology, combined with our plant care advice and market leading products, we can inspire people to garden and support them in their growing journey”.
 
Eric Ralls, PlantSnap Inc. Founder and President said:
 
“My goal for PlantSnap is to help all people around the world rediscover the beauty and wonder of nature. PlantSnap makes it fun to engage with and appreciate the incredible plant kingdom, which makes all life on Earth possible.
 
Our unique, exciting partnership with Evergreen will further PlantSnap's vision to make plant identification and plant care simple, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.  Evergreen's commitment to helping plant lovers care for their plants is unparalleled.  Plants truly are for everyone, but not all plants require the same care.  
 
This partnership between Evergreen and PlantSnap will help plant lovers properly identify and care for the world around them while helping sustain it.”
 
 
To find out more, visit www.evergreentrade.com

UK’s first ‘Home of Gardening Science’ to open on June 24

The UK’s first dedicated gardening science hub, surrounded by four acres of ‘living laboratories’, will open its gates to the public at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey on Thursday, June 24...


 

The UK’s first dedicated gardening science hub, surrounded by four acres of ‘living laboratories’, will open its gates to the public at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey on Thursday, June 24.

 

Six years in the making, ‘RHS Hilltop – The Home of Gardening Science’, will showcase the extraordinary world of horticultural science like never before, with the aim of helping to create a greener future.

 

A large interactive exhibition space will explore ways we can adapt to and mitigate against climate change in our gardens, to boost wellbeing, the environment and to enable wildlife and plants to flourish. 

 

Seventy RHS scientists and students have now moved into the new state-of-the-art lab facilities and are working on multiple projects such as discovering the best plants to soak up pollution, ease localised flooding, capture carbon and cool cities.

 

Visitors and school children will be able to watch live experiments as they happen and speak directly to scientists to learn more about their work.

 

RHS Director of Science and Collections, Professor Alistair Griffiths, says; “Two centuries of horticultural research has shown that gardens and gardening improve our health and the environment in powerful and wide-reaching ways.

 

“Millions more people are now gardening, adding plants to previously paved over spaces. We want our science to help supercharge gardens and deliver maximum benefits from healthy plants for people and the planet.

 

“The purpose of RHS Hilltop is to present to the public what we know so far but also to intensify our research so we can continue to find solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing us today.”

 

Vast collections of dried plants, bugs, books and art that date back more than five centuries and provide the most complete record of the UK’s horticultural heritage will also be revealed for the first time.

 

Encompassing RHS Hilltop will be three new gardens brimming with ideas that reflect the latest research for people to take away and incorporate at home, in schools and in communities.

 

The Wellbeing Garden, designed by Matt Keightley, is a ‘living experimental’ garden. Visitor’s reactions to scents, sounds and sights, will be recorded to better understand the positive effects that plants can have on us, in order to create the first evidence-based blueprint for a wellbeing garden.

 

Ann-Marie Powell has designed The Wildlife Garden which is rich in plant diversity and contains large water features designed to attract and provide a haven for birds, bees and insects.

 

The World Food Garden, also designed by Ann-Marie, will feature fruit, vegetables, herbs and edible plants from all over the world as well as a demonstration kitchen.

 

Professor Griffiths adds; “Gardening science has always been at the heart of our work and today this is more important than ever as we try to create a more sustainable world.

 

“Thousands of school children visit RHS Wisley each year and we want to inspire and equip them with the knowledge they need to create a greener future and ensure that growing plants, gardens and helping nature will always be central to our way of life.”

Luxury, complete houseplant care solution launched

A high-quality, beautifully presented range of specialist houseplant care products has been launched to help people nurture their indoor plants...


A high-quality, beautifully presented range of specialist houseplant care products has been launched to help people nurture their indoor plants. Born from over 40 years of horticultural experience, Plantsmith products combine professional formulations with easy application to provide everything needed for houseplants to thrive, making it easy for everyone to nurture healthier, happier plants.

 

The range of products has been created by Plantsmith founder, Nick Jackson, who whilst working in garden care alongside father, horticultural expert Richard Jackson, for years, found he was dissatisfied with the houseplant care products on the market. Father and son set to work developing an effective, professional range that would help people get the very best from their houseplants.

 

Nick says: “We believe that everybody should be able to enjoy the benefits of sharing their home with healthy, happy, vibrant plants and have designed our products to be as effective, and easy-to-use, as possible.”

 

The beautifully packaged collection is available online and at selected garden centres. March also sees the launch in selected John Lewis stores with five core products that can be used together or independently, with three gift box sets also being available in time for Mother’s Day. This unique range of products combines expert, professional formulas with a modern, attractive aesthetic which will appeal to a new generation of houseplant lovers. Each bottle is £14.99 for 500ml.

 

Fortifying Houseplant Food & Tonic

For novices cultivating their first indoor plant or seasoned experts looking to strengthen their indoor greenery, the Fortifying Tonic is a complete houseplant food inspired by the formulations used by professionals. The 13 essential nutrients are perfectly balanced, including potassium, magnesium and iron, to encourage stronger, glossier leaves and the growth of more beautiful, longer-lasting flowers. It also contains kelp extract to stimulate cell growth.

 

Perfecting Houseplant Care Mist

The Perfecting Care Mist contains 17 expertly combined natural ingredients to promote good health with every spray. The soft mist creates ideal humidity whilst lavender and avocado oils deter pests. Kelp extract and fulvic acid work together to stimulate growth, and a blend of essential nutrients gently revitalise.

 

Beautifying Leaf Shine Spray

Perfect and care for houseplants in one go with the Beautifying Leaf Spray which has been carefully crafted with 100% plant-based ingredients to remove light-blocking dust and dirt to reveal a beautiful shine. Cold-pressed natural oils act as a conditioner to beautify leaves whilst grapefruit extract provides anti-fungal protection. With no palm oil, parabens or sodium benzoate, this gentle but effective spray is as good for the planet as it is for plants.

 

Invigorating Orchid Care Mist

For all orchid lovers, the Invigorating Orchid Care Mist creates the perfect conditions for even the most demanding of houseplants to thrive. The soft spray creates the ideal humidity whilst 12 carefully combined essential nutrients enhance flowering and boost plant growth. Avocado and lavender oils work together to protect the leaves and deter pests, enabling orchids to bloom beautifully, while also having a lovely fragrance.

 

Nurturing Orchid Food & Tonic

This Orchid Feed and Tonic is packed with 12 plant-boosting nutrients made from pure mineral salts to make growing beautiful orchids with more flowers effortless. Inspired by the high potash, urea-free formulations used by professional growers, this special blend has added natural seaweed extract to provide an additional bio-stimulant boost.

 

For anyone looking to add some style to their houseplant care regime, with products that really do the job, Plantsmith offers the complete solution.

 

For more information and to buy, please visit www.plantsmith.co.uk @plantsmithuk

 
How the pandemic changed the way customers shop at their favourite garden centre

Leading online marketing provider Garden Connect provides services to many garden centres to improve their online sales channels...


 

We are nearly a year into the Covid-19 pandemic and its restrictions. It is needless to say that the virus caused an extreme effect on the garden retail industry with many stores forced to close several times during the different lockdowns.

 

During these lockdowns, many consumers switched their spending to online platforms. Leading online marketing provider Garden Connect provides services to many garden centres to improve their online sales channels.

 

Rise of online sales

Surveys show the restrictions have sped up the changing shopping habits for customers. Edwin Meijer, marketing director at Garden Connect explains: “At Garden Connect we have seen a steady rise in online sales ever since the company was founded back in 2002. But during the Covid-19 pandemic, garden centre webshops broke record after record in online turnover with hundreds of orders coming in on a daily basis.”

 

A research commissionedby Visa this summer shows that nine out of ten Britons (89%) have used online shopping since the UK’s lockdown restrictions came into force. With 31% of the Brits purchasing products via e-commerce for the first time. 34% of these customers are now saying they would prefer shopping online over  a physical retailer.

 

Emergency webshops for garden centres

During the beginning of the pandemic Garden Connect quickly realised that many garden centres without a proper webshop would be suffering huge consequences when they were forced to close. In order to help our customers that wanted to move to online quickly, a so-called ‘emergency webshop’ was developed.

 

In normal circumstances it would take approximately 2 to 3 months to get a full webshop up and running. Since every webshop is developed bespokely and no templates are used, it takes time to discuss requirements, development solutions and to make integrations with third-parties like EPoS providers.

 

Sjors Hemmen, business developer at Garden Connect explains: “With the emergency webshop this extensive process was fully skipped. For Garden Connect customers this meant their new webshop was online in a timely manner in just under 3 weeks with a full operational webshop.”

 

Interest in online sales

During spring and summer 2020 Garden Connect delivered dozens of webshops, allowing garden centres to continue trading even though they were closed or at least not open to their full extent. Every single retailer confirmed that having a tradable online presence helped them to allow their customers to continue shopping at their favourite garden centres. Even when customers were not able to visit the garden centre for reasons like self-isolation, social distancing or closed centres.

 

As the pandemic continues, Garden Connect added the successful Emergency Webshop package’ to our list with standard services as a Baseline Webshop’. During the last months the uptake on new clients that started a webshop continued since the rise of online sales isn’t slowing down at all.

 

Currently there are still a couple of slots available for the upcoming months for Baseline Webshops. Please do feel free to contact Garden Connect if you would like to learn more about this unique opportunity.

Tong supports Kirklees School with role play setting

As pupils prepared for a return to the classroom on Monday, Tong Garden Centre in Bradford helped a local school to create a garden centre role play area...


 

As pupils prepared for a return to the classroom on Monday, Tong Garden Centre in Bradford helped a local school to create a garden centre role play area.

 

The garden centre team provided seeds, compost, plant pots and signage for the early years role play area at High Bank Junior, Infant and Nursery School in Liversedge.

 

Emma Kear-Smith is the lead teacher in Reception and is delighted with Tong's donation: "We always change our role play area so that it links with our topic. Our new topic is growing and changing so the garden centre role play area will help to bring to life all the things they have learnt about that topic, whilst sparking creativity and imagination through play.

 

"We are going to grow cress which we will use to make egg and cress sandwiches and we are also researching other plants to grow at this time of year. The children are excited about the growing topic and the gardening role play area and we're grateful to Tong for helping us to make this happen."

 

Tong Garden Centre's Marketing Assistant, James Beaumont said: "We love to see the enjoyment on children's faces when they plant seeds and see them grow, so we're happy to support Emma and Nursery Lead, Katie Inman with this project. We look forward to tasting the sandwiches."

 

High Bank School is a junior, infant and nursery school that prides itself on being an integral part of the local community. There are approximately 157 children on roll ranging from nursery to Year 6.

 
New BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair

The organisers of the 28-year strong BBC Gardeners’ World Live at The NEC, are looking forward to brighter times with the addition of a new outdoor spring gardening event. The BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, partnered by Hillier, will take place in the beautiful open grounds of Beaulieu in Hampshire, home of the National Motor Museum and the ancestral Montagu home Palace House, from Friday 28 May to Sunday 30 May 2021...


The organisers of the 28-year strong BBC Gardeners’ World Live at The NEC, are looking forward to brighter times with the addition of a new outdoor spring gardening event.    

The BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, partnered by Hillier, will take place in the beautiful open grounds of Beaulieu in Hampshire, home of the National Motor Museum and the ancestral Montagu home Palace House, from Friday 28 May to Sunday 30 May 2021.

The Fair will present a select number of high-quality nurseries with displays and plants for sale, an inspirational collection of planting ideas in the Beautiful Borders and a range of gardening exhibitors to shop from. The BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine team will be on hand with spring gardening tips at their What To Do Now Stage.

Hillier Nurseries has been announced as headline partner. Founded in 1864 in Winchester, Hampshire.

Today Hillier has a network of 18 Garden Centres across the South of England, is the UK’s largest grower of semi- mature trees and grows more than 900,000 plants a year at the company’s Hampshire Nurseries. The stunning Hillier Experience feature at the heart of the Fair will be overflowing with spring garden ideas and planting combinations.

Visitors will be able to speak to experts from Hillier who will be on hand to share one- to-one advice. The Hillier Experience shop will allow inspiration to become reality, with a selection of plants grown by Hillier on their Hampshire nurseries available to purchase. The Fair organisers are delighted that Hillier plan to launch two stunning new plants at the Spring fair.

As with BBC Gardeners’ World Live, the new Fair will harness the synergy between gardening and food by incorporating a BBC Good Food Market presenting specialist and seasonal produce to taste and buy. Visitors will enjoy all this plus toe-tapping live entertainment from the bandstand and mouth-watering delights from a hand-picked selection of independent street food vendors.

As gardening becomes increasingly popular and positively contributes to our wellbeing in this uncertain climate, the new outdoor BBC Gardeners’ World Fair offers up a chance for more gardeners to experience the Gardeners’ World brand coming to life.

Amplifying the value of this great day out, tickets to the Spring event include access to the stunning Beaulieu grounds and gardens. Find out more and book tickets at bbcgardenersworldfair.com

Altons BBQ World, Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, Baytree, Busy Bee, Groves, Pengelly, Pughs, The Old Railway Line and Squires Badshot Lea are the winners of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards

 

The winners of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020 have been announced LIVE! on-line during Glee's Festive Focus Day today. 

 

And the winners are...  


Watch the LIVE announcement and see all the results here

The winners of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020 have been announced LIVE! on-line during Glee's Festive Focus Day today.

 

And the winners are...Watch the LIVE announcement during Glee's Festive Focus Day here or click below

 

 

GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2020 – The Winners

  • The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team – Sponsored by Woodlodge - £500 stock for the winner – Barton Grange
    • Highly Commended: Pengelly, The Old Railway Line

 

  • The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team – Sponsored by GTN Bestsellers -subscriptions worth £580 for the winner – Pughs Radyr.
    • Highly Commended: Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, Pengelly

 

  • The Greatest Festive Food Hall Team – Sponsored by Garden Radio – 1 years’ service with bespoke messages, worth over £500 for the winner – The Old Railway Line.
    • Highly Commended: Barton Grange, Colemans Garden Centre, Planters Tamworth, Squires Badshot Lea

 

  • The Greatest Christmas Sizzle Team – Sponsored by SOLEX - 2 x Hotel Rooms at SOLEX 2021 for the winner – Altons BBQ World
    • Highly Commended: Hillmount

 

  • The Greatest Christmas Pets Team – Sponsored by Smart Garden Products, Zöon -£500 stock for the winner – The Old Railway Line
    • Highly Commended: Planters Tamworth, Squires Badshot Lea

 

  • The Greatest Christmas Community/Charity Initiative – Sponsored by Kaemingk – A display from their UK showroom for the winner - Pengelly
    • Highly Commended: Daisy Nook, Dobbies, Perrywood, Thetford

 

  • The Greatest Social Media Christmas Marketing Idea – Sponsored by Glee – 2 x Hotel Rooms at Glee 2021 for the winner - Groves
    • Highly Commended: Altons BBQ World, Hillmount, The Old Railway Line

 

  • The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Video – Sponsored by Premier Decorations - £500 stock for the winner – The Old Railway Line
    • Highly Commended: Bosworths, Glendoick, Pengelly

 

  • The Greatest Winter Garden Care Sales Team – Sponsored by Elho - £500 stock for the winner - Baytree
    • Highly Commended: Lakeside Plant Centre

 

  • The Greatest Covid Safe Christmas Display Team – Sponsored by Global Journey - £500 stock for the winner – Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange
    • Highly Commended: Baytree

 

  • The Greatest Group Garden Centre Christmas Team – Sponsored by DCUK - £500 stock for the winner – Squires Badshot Lea
    • Highly Commended: British Garden Centres Thatcham

 

  • The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Ascalon - £500 stock for the winner - Pengelly
    • Highly Commended: Jacksdale, Lakeside Plant Centre

 

  • The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team – Sponsored by Kaemingk - A display from their UK showroom for the winner – Busy Bee
    • Highly Commended: Glendoick, Planters Tamworth, Sapcote, The Old Railway Line

 

  • The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team Sponsored by Festive - £500 stock for the winner – Barton Grange
    • Highly Commended: Baytree, Hillmount, Perrywood

 

  • The Greatest Christmas Supplier – As voted for by garden centres taking part in The Greatest Christmas Awards - Kaemingk
    • Finalists: Festive, Gisela Graham, Noma - Leisuregrow, Otterhouse, Premier, Smart - Three Kings, Snowtime, Swift Imports

 

With almost 100 individual entries for the awards submitted before the New Years Eve deadline the judges spent many hours reviewing the entries, scanning websites and social media to produce the following list of Finalists:

 

 

Altons, Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, Baytree, Bosworths, Busy Bee, Christies of Fochabers, Colemans Garden Centre, Daisy Nook, Dobbies, Garden Centre Overstrand, Glendoick, Grange Farm Nursery, Groves, Haskins, Hillmount, Jacksdale, Lakeside Plant Centre, Millbrook, Old Barn, Otter Nurseries, Pengelly, Perrywood, Planters Tamworth, Planters Bretby, Pughs, Rosebourne - Weyhill, Sapcote, Squires Badshot Lea, St Peters - Worcester, Thatcham - BGC, The Old Railway Line, Thetford, Waresley Park.

 

See photos from all the Finalist centres below.  Well done to them all!

 

Watch out for more detail about the winners in future issues of GTN Xtra and the January issue of GTN which will be published later this week.

Christmas Future Trends at Glee's Festive Focus Day

 

Take a look at Christmas future with forecasters, Trend Bible as they dive into the emerging trends that will define Christmas 2021...


 

It’s never too early to get your Christmas strategy in order. Festive Focus Day equips you with everything you need to know to make sure your 2021 Christmas ranges fly off the shelves.

 

Take a look at Christmas future with forecasters, Trend Bible as they dive into the emerging trends that will define Christmas 2021 using this link or click below

 

 
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Are New Gardeners the key to gardening sales increases?

Is it new gardeners driving the upturn in garden product sales or traditional gardeners getting out as soon as the weather improves?


 

Is it new gardeners driving the upturn in garden product sales or traditional gardeners getting out as soon as the weather improves?

 

The detail of the GTN Bestsellers garden products chart doesn’t necessarily point in one direction or the other, it just says that a lot more of everything gardening was bought. Last week’s sales were 136% up on last year and closer to levels normally seen at the end of March.

 

However, deep within the GTN Bestselers Epos data it does appear more gardening tools are being bought this year which is possible some kind of indiction of new gardener activity.

 

Whoever they are, they are certainly getting on with a lot of growing activity and garden cleaning up for the summer ahead.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Woodlodge Small Pot Feet are the highest placed chart re-entry at No 6.
  • Algon Organic Algae Remover Patio Cleaner moves up six places to No 3 while Brintons Patio Magic 2.5 litres is the highest chart climber, up 31 places to No 14.
  • Westland’s PlantPak Propagator Set is the highest new entry at No 27.

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

 
Frank P Matthews Delivers Over 4000 Japanese Flowering Cherry Trees

The first phase of the ‘Sakura Project’ has now been completed with over 4000 Japanese Flowering Cherry trees delivered to over 100 sites across the UK...


The first phase of the ‘Sakura Project’ has now been completed with over 4000 Japanese Flowering Cherry trees delivered to over 100 sites across the UK.  

 

The trees have been specially grown by Frank P Matthews to celebrate 150 years of Japan-UK friendship and the continued cooperation between the two nations.

 

Planting locations have been chosen that have good public access so everyone can enjoy the spectacular blooms each spring. City parks, stately homes and selected gardens – including RHS gardens – have planted Sakura trees so that in years to come Britain can enjoy its own ‘Hanami’ festival, similar to the wonderful sights in Japan.

 

“This is a really exciting project,” explains Matthew Thomas from FPM, “these trees will transform parks and gardens and put on a real show. We can’t wait to see them when they are more established and brightening up the landscape.”

 

Three of the best varieties have been selected so that the blossom periods overlap to produce a superb display that should last several weeks: ‘Beni-yutaka’, ‘Somei-yoshino’ and ‘Tai-haku’.

 

Another 2000 trees are scheduled for planting at more sites next winter so more people can enjoy these special trees. The project has been funded by various Japanese corporations as a gift to the UK.

 

More information about the project and locations can be found at japanuksakura.org

 
The natural way to protect Box plants

Richard Jackson Garden have launched a new natural way to protect Box plants...


Richard Jackson Garden have launched a new natural way to protect Box plants.


❖ 100% Natural and Chemical Free
❖ Paraben free
❖ Safe for Children, Pets, the Environment &Wildlife


A brand new and totally natural way to protect Box plants from the damage caused by Box caterpillars.


It is handmade in the UK from pure essential plant oils, this safe natural product also helps clean and shine the leaves, so they look great too.


This 100% natural product has been independently tested by Dr. Ian Bedford, previously Head of Entomology at John Innes Institute, who said; ‘Having used the product on the box balls in my garden over the summer months, the plants not only looked tremendous, displaying clean and glossy leaves, but the damage being caused by box moth caterpillars was effectively stopped.’


Available as Ready to Use spray ( £9.99) and a 500ml concentrate ( £12.99) which makes 10 litres of diluted spray.

 

https://www.richardjacksonsgarden.co.uk/

 
Double bubble for Growing Media

Last week’s sales volumes of Growing Media in the GTN Bestsellers epos data were higher than any week, including Bank Holiday weeks, in the 10 years prior to 2020 and only bettered by the week just before Lockdown #1 last year when people were panic buying and the two full weeks after re-opening...


 

Last week’s sales volumes of Growing Media in the GTN Bestsellers epos data were higher than any week, including Bank Holiday weeks, in the 10 years prior to 2020 and only bettered by the week just before Lockdown #1 last year when people were panic buying and the two full weeks after re-opening.

 

That meant we saw record February volumes at double the level sold last year and last week’s dynamic jump in sales puts year to date volume sales at 14.1% up on last year.

 

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

 
Highest weekly turnover in ten years at Royal Flora Holland

The total weekly turnover for Royal FloraHolland in week 8 (22-26 February 2021) reached almost 153 million euros. This broke the record for turnover that stood at 142 millions euros from week 18 of 2018...


The total weekly turnover for Royal FloraHolland in week 8 (22-26 February 2021) reached almost 153 million euros. This broke the record for turnover that stood at 142 millions euros from week 18 of 2018.

 

This concerns the turnover for both clock and direct sales. The average price level was very high. Never before in the past ten years has such a high average price level been achieved in this period, not even in the months of March and April.

 

The turnover growth compared to last year was more than thirty percent, of which around 22 percent can be attributed to higher average prices. Tulip, Rose and Chrysanthemum made up the top three cut flowers. Turnover growth for the Tulip was almost 32 percent. As a share of total supplied units the Tulip stood at 40 percent. Violet, potted bulb and pot Phalaenopsis achieved a significant increase in plant turnover.

 

In the run-up to International Women's Day on March 8, 2021 and English Mother's Day on March 14, 2021, there is a lot of demand and therefore good prices. The beautiful weather of the past week has certainly contributed. From international retail (supermarkets) a lot has also been bought on the clock.


Clock pre sales also saw a weekly record. In terms of sales figures, this ranked within the top five for the period up to and including week 8. The numbers were higher than last year for cut flowers, house plants and garden plants.

 
68% turaround for Veg-2-Gro sales in February

What a turn around for Veg-2-Gro sales! After seven years of declining sales during February, this year during Lockdown #3 we see a dramatic 68% increase year on year...


 

What a turn around for Veg-2-Gro sales! After seven years of declining sales during February, this year during Lockdown #3 we see a dramatic 68% increase year on year.

 

OK, some of that will be down to the weather, but we have never seen week on week sales increases like that before. New gardeners must be wanting to get started early and don’t want to leave it until later when there may not be any seeds available. 

 

As a result the GTN Bestsellers Veg-2-Gro Top 50 sales index now sits at 21.8% up on last year!

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Taylors Onion Sets Red Baron stay at No 1.
  • Bransford Rhubarb Timperley Early is the highest re-entry at No 6.
  • Thompson & Morgan Beetroot Boltardy is the highest placed veg seed pack at No 7, followed by Mr Fothergills Basil Sweet Genovese at No 10. 

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

 
She Grows Veg launches first book to promote “beautiful and bountiful” growing

Couture jewellery designer turned gardening influencer, Lucy Hutchings, better known as She Grows Veg on Instagram, can now add horticultural author to her list of successes, with the launch of her first book, ‘Get Up & Grow’, which is now available for pre-order ahead of its April release...


Couture jewellery designer turned gardening influencer, Lucy Hutchings, better known as She Grows Veg on Instagram, can now add horticultural author to her list of successes, with the launch of her first book, ‘Get Up & Grow’, which is now available for pre-order ahead of its April release.

 

Once recognised as one of the rising stars of the fashion industry, designing jewellery for the likes of Cheryl Cole, Kylie Minogue and Rihanna under her eponymous  label, Lucy realised in 2018 that her true passion lay with gardening. She retrained in horticulture and garden design, and set up an Instagram account to track her progress. She soon became an Instagram sensation – gaining a global following of more than 100,000 followers in less than two years.

 

Published by Hardie Grant, ‘Get Up & Grow’ uses Lucy’s background as a designer to illustrate how inspiring growing your own food can be, and is the next step in her successful career change.

 

Lucy believes that growing food can be both beautiful and bountiful, and has turned her designer’s eye on the world of ‘grow your own’ to offer a range of projects for all skill levels and spaces. Over the course of the 19 herb, vegetable and fruit growing projects for both indoors and outdoors, readers are shown the myriad diverse and beautiful ways in which food can be grown, even in small spaces.

 

Lucy said: “I get lots of messages from people who would like to start growing some of their own food but are confused about how to get started and are intimidated by the world of horticulture and the traditional image of way things should done. I want to remove that fear and tell people to just give it a go, and this is what I hope to achieve with my book.”

 

Sustainability is also a key theme in the book, as Lucy encourages people to change the way that they think about where their food comes from, with a desire to spark a fire of enthusiasm for food security and self-sufficiency.

 

 

Discussing her hopes of what people will gain from the book, Lucy said: “By the end of the book I hope readers will be bursting with ideas and inspiration to create a truly jaw-droppingly beautiful, edible home to make them happier, healthier and to feel like they are taking a step in the right direction for the planet.”

 

Lucy is a gardener on a mission and campaigns to make horticulture appealing to a wider audience, and to show that growing some of your food is a realistic and rewarding option for anyone no matter their experience levels or available space, inside or out. Lucy’s gorgeous edible garden and unusual heirloom produce have proved very popular with the aesthetically-conscious Instagram generation and has shown them a different side to horticulture.

 

Get Up & Grow is available on Amazon and all major book retailers from 29th April.

 

Follow Lucy via www.instagram.com/shegrowsveg, or visit her website at www.shegrowsveg.com.

 
HTA reacts to Chancellor's budget

HTA’s Director of Policy and Communications, James Clark, has responded to the Chancellor’s Budget on Wednesday...


Speaking in response to the Chancellor’s Budget on Wednesday, HTA’s Director of Policy and Communications, James Clark, said: 

 

“Optimism that Covid will be beaten sees the country moving into recovery and it is good news for horticultural businesses that the support they need, in the form of the extension to the Furlough scheme, self-employed support scheme, business rates relief, and new loan schemes is in place.  

 

"With this, there’s a chance to provide short-term support to businesses in our sector, but we’d like to see the Government starting to provide a wider narrative on post-covid UK business growth. ‘Green growth’ is the key to building back a better, more sustainable country. 

 

"The UK horticulture sector, in collaboration with Government, is developing a growth strategy for publication this year to help develop our economy. This will set out the benefits and opportunities British horticulture brings. 

 

"There is never a better chance for the Government to start to reconnect its economic policies, with a greener, happier, more prosperous country."

 
The best of last week's

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


 
February sales - 37% above average - Gardening is Essential!

If we ever needed a indicator to prove how essential gardening is to the physical and mental wellbeing of the nation then last weeks sales through garden centres are the glowing green light. After two weeks of better weather and continued stay at home restrictions sales in the GTN Bestsellers weekly Epos data were at levels normally seen at the end of March, not the end of February...


If we ever needed a indicator to prove how essential gardening is to the physical and mental wellbeing of the nation then last weeks sales through garden centres are the glowing green light. After two weeks of better weather and continued stay at home restrictions sales in the GTN Bestsellers weekly Epos data were at levels normally seen at the end of March, not the end of February. 

 

Last week saw sales jump by 61% week on week and were up 138% on the same week last year.

 

That meant even after a slow start of the month, due to snow, that total garden centre sales for February finished 37% up on last year and 37% above the average for the previous ten years.

 

Subscribers to the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter will get to see the breakdown of those sales later this week and they will also know which products in particular benefited from this early burst of gardening sales via the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales charts.  Buy your subscription to GTN Bestsellers, it costs just £145 per year, here.

 
Hillier Nurseries bidding farewell to 2021 Chelsea Flower Show

After nearly 100 years as an exhibitor with 74 consecutive gold medals, Hillier Nurseries is bidding a fond farewell to the 2021 RHS Chelsea Flower Show...


 

After nearly 100 years as an exhibitor with 74 consecutive gold medals, Hillier Nurseries is bidding a fond farewell to the 2021 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

 

Hillier was due to exhibit in 2020, celebrating the company’s 155-year history and hoping for a 75th gold with its exhibit in the Grand Pavilion.

 

With the show unfortunately and understandably postponed until September 2021 as a consequence of COVID-19, Hillier has taken the difficult decision not to exhibit. 

 

“Chelsea has always been a significant event on the Hillier calendar, held at the perfect time for the business to show off all of the great plants grown on our nursery through the spring.  The unprecedented events of 2020 have been followed by the later timing of the show in 2021, which leaves too small a plant range available on our nurseries to achieve the high standard of exhibit Hillier has become known for. With this in mind, it was the right time for the business to concentrate on other exciting ventures for spring 2021,” explains Chris Francis, Wholesale and Retail Director.

 

Following the surge in demand for plants and garden items online, Hillier will launch a transformed Online Shop in March this year, taking quality Hillier plants safely to the doors of customers all over the UK.

 

In April, Hillier will also open the doors of its 18th Garden Centre as the transformation of Syon Park, in West London is completed. Before establishing Hillier Nurseries, company founder Edwin Hillier spent time working on the Syon Park estate, honing his passion for plants. This combination of company heritage, along with creating a top-quality destination experience, makes the addition of Syon Park to the Hillier family particularly exciting.

 

Hillier Nurseries has a remarkable history with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show stretching back almost to the origins of the show itself. Starting in 1939 and ending in 2019, Hillier has achieved 74 consecutive gold medals at the show, making the company the current record holder.

 

“RHS Chelsea Flower Show will always be incredibly special for us,” comments Chris Francis. “We wish everyone working hard to put together this year’s show the very best and look forward to being inspired by the exhibits later this year.”      

 
Dobbies reports 51% increase in sales

Dobbies Garden Centres has reported an increase in total sales of 51% to £252m, with like-for-like sales rising by 6%...


 

Dobbies Garden Centres has reported an increase in total sales of 51% to £252m, with like-for-like sales rising by 6%.

 

The group this week filed its Annual Report and Financial Statements for the 53 weeks to 1 March 2020.

 

The key points were:

•         Total sales increased 51% to £252m

•         Like-for-like sales increased 6%

•         Underlying EBITDA increased 39% to £25m

•         31 new stores were acquired

 

Chairman, Andrew Bracey, said: “We have a clear strategy for growth at Dobbies and we are encouraged by the progress made during FY19/20. The business has continued to demonstrate its resilience as we navigate the challenges of COVID-19.”

 

Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Jenkins, said: “During FY19/20 Dobbies delivered a robust performance through a period of significant change. I would like to thank all of our team members for their support and commitment. In line with our strategy, we are continuing to grow and invest in Dobbies. This includes in our garden centre network, our customer offer and our team.”

 
Half term sales set course for a record February
GTN Bestsellers analysis

Garden centre volume sales in the GTN Bestsellers weekly EPOS data soared by almost double week on week during half term to set the highest ever recorded sales level for Week 7 and set the course for a record breaking February...


 

Garden centre volume sales in the GTN Bestsellers weekly EPOS data soared by almost double week on week during half term to set the highest ever recorded sales level for Week 7 and set the course for a record breaking February.

 

Cumulative sales for the first three weeks of the month are 5% up on last year and with another week of great gardening weather this week we should be able to report on a new record being set in next week’s GTN Bestsellers.

 

And just look at all of the GTN Bestsellers sales indeces for last week, massively up year on year:

 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 7.

  • Garden Products Top 50 – up 80%
  • Growing Media Top 50 – up 175%
  • Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 105%
  • Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – up 80%

 

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 7.

  • All Plants with Barcode index – up 115%
  • All Items with Barcode index – up 56%

The GTN Bestsellers team have been delving back into the data for the past two years to shed some more light on changes that occurred as a result of the pandemic. In this issue we highlight where and when the biggest changes were and over the next few weeks we’ll bring you detailed charts of the post Lockdown #1 Bestsellers.

 

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

 
Going from strength to strength
GTN Xtra Promotion

A lot has changed since we set up Ginique in April 2019. We have and still are battling through a pandemic, Brexit was concluded and more and more people have found solace and calm in their outside spaces...


A lot has changed since we set up Ginique in April 2019. We have and still are battling through a pandemic, Brexit was concluded and more and more people have found solace and calm in their outside spaces. 

 

 

Outdoor spaces have been a lifeline, whether that’s a large garden, a small terrace, a balcony or even window box. The ability to pop your head outside and breath in fresh air and connect with nature has been crucial to everyone’s well-being. 

 

Our ethos is all about balance,  not staring at computer screens and phones but taking the time to light a fire, and no matter where this takes place – outdoors in nature, at home in the garden, in the living room or at the kitchen table with a fire everything becomes more beautiful and cosy.

 

We are proud to be working with Höfats, their products combine unique design with exciting functionality. Founded in 2015 they have achieved 54 prestigious international design awards for their unique product range.

 

NEW STOCK 

New Hofats stock is on its way and will be arriving in February, HOORAH!  It has not been easy negotiating the hoops that we now have to jump through to get products from A to B but we are nearly there and we are thinking that once we have the first delivery under our belts the rest will be easy…famous last words right there! 

 

NEW PARTNERSHIPS

We work with some great stockists already, they can be found on our website, but we are always looking for more so if you would like to start your Fire Story with us then we have put together some ways of connecting, albeit virtually. 

 

3D SHOWROOM 

As a new business we don’t have large enough premises as yet to house a showroom so we improvised, and borrowed a friends barn to set up our virtual showroom, we used Matterport, an immersive 3D experience that allows you to visit the barn in the beautiful  Shropshire countryside and wander around as if you were really there. It gives a snapshot of our products and what they look like close-up. We hope you like it! 

 

If you would like to chat with us via Zoom about our product ranges then please contact us hello@ginique.co.uk and we can set one up. 

 
Why choose Meadow View Stone?
GTN Xtra Promotion

Following a very successful year that saw the company double its turnover, we asked the team at Meadow View Stone, along with some of their customers, what was fuelling this growth...


 

Following a very successful year that saw the company double its turnover, we asked the team at Meadow View Stone, along with some of their customers, what was fuelling this growth.

 

Sarah Hill, MD of Meadow View Stone, puts it down to the following factors:

 

1. Growth within existing accounts 

We have very strong relations with our existing customers, many of which have been stockists of our products for decades, so its vitally important for us to continue to grow their sales annually.

 

By continually tweaking our products to offer more on trend options, gives the ability to continually refresh the range and merchandising of our customer, this helps our accounts achieve continual growth.  With many accounts enjoying increases of between 20-150% in our category this year, it gives us a great sense of achievement that we are able to continue to develop and grow sales within our established customer base.   

 

“We are delighted to have partnered with Meadowview Stone for the last 30 years. We get professional and personal service every year but Meadowview excelled during 2020. We suffered very little out of stocks and as a result our Stone and slabs department increased turnover by 60%." Gerald Ingram - Planters at Tamworth

 

2. New account acquisition

2020 saw a peak in demand for hard landscaping products and due to our vast stock holding, across three production sites and four dockside storage facilitates, this gave us the ability to step in and help customers that were struggling to get stock from their usual suppliers.   

 

The opportunity to trial some of our exclusive products at these accounts has proved invaluable, with many committing to a secondary supplier status for Meadow View during 2021, or completely switching supply. Our account acquisition more than tripled in 2020, and a promising start to 2021 gives us every confidence that this will continue.  

 

“Meadow View were able to support us by filling some stock gaps we encountered last year and we also used this as an opportunity to trial some of their exclusive products, which I am pleased to report sold well.” Mark O’Nions - Frosts Garden Centre


3. Unique and Exclusive Products 

25% of our product range is unique and exclusive to Meadow View which means we have a complete standalone range that can be promoted as a none conflicting, upsell, product collection. This fresh new range has appealed to customers, who have seen little advancement in product development in our sector, just a mass of variations of similar products, all competing for the same sale, with little, or very minor, points of difference.  

 

Our exclusive products contribute a staggering 26% of the total volume sold and account for a third of our total turnover, so it’s easy to understand why they have been a key factor in our continual growth.   

 

“Since switching to Meadow View in February we have seen an increase in our sales by over 50%, and taking account that we were closed for 6 weeks in prime season, this is incredible.  The exclusive, on-trend products have transformed our range and accounted for 37% of our turnover, so this has more than convinced us all at Poplars, that we made the correct decision to switch."  Matthew Cowan - Poplars Nurseries

 

 

Washed (above left) and unwashed (above right).


4. Quality of Products 

As our premium collection is supplied washed, this further emphasises the quality and appeal of the products. As these products are promoted at higher RRP’s its imperative they appear worthy of their price tag.  

 

Being the only supplier with this facility ensures the products are supplied cleaner and more accurately sized than all other competitors in our sector. The vast improvement in the appearance of these more premium products has seen a big take up in sales, with three of these products now within our top ten best sellers, despite their higher RRP of £7.99.

 

5 .POS and Merchandising

We have received great feedback on the success of our POS and merchandising displays, not only in the way it transforms the visual appearance of the centres but also how it aids sales.  Simple set designs of each product are featured with contrasting products, to help customers locate complementing products and promote cross sales, whilst end of aisle hotspots are used to define each product category and to provide ideas and inspiration for customers in how to use our products.  

 


6. Stock Is King

With over £6million stock holding, our Group operations have the ability to facilitate in excess of 50 bulk shipments annually from our overseas partners. This, together with 4 dockside storage facilities and three production sites provides full flexibility to pull stock from multiple locations, whilst being fully in control of our entire supply chain.   

 

7. Experts in our field

Totting up over 150 years in the decorative aggregate sector and having a combined 118 years’ experience within our internal and external sales teams, we have the knowledge and understanding of the performance of our products, the best ways to merchandise them to considerably grow sales and a thorough understanding of the industry as a whole.  As runners up in the GIMA supplier of the year awards 2019 we also offer superb customer service and have gone above and beyond to keep these high standards of communication, even in the most difficult of times.  

 

“The service we received from Meadowview during the last 12 months was absolutely outstanding which resulted in a sales increase of 59% at Bretby.  The communication with the Meadowview team during the last unprecedented year was second to none and I cannot speak highly enough of the team, they were always available on the phone, email and even communicated at times with their own personal phones when the phones lines were constantly busy." Mark Shaw - Planters at Bretby.

 

8. Results

The majority of accounts that have switched to Meadow View have seen sales increases of a minimum of 30%, mainly due to the exclusive products and their ability to sell in volume at a high RRP.  Some have seen three-digit increases, of over 129%, whilst some of the destination centres have created a separate listing for our products to sit alongside their existing supplier – yet still have seen increases of between 30-40% in sales.  

 

Sarah Hill states: "We have the exclusive products that sell in volume, supported by industry leading POS.  We have the stock volumes to support our growth and the expertise to make it work.  Our very committed team of staff and sales agents are passionate to see the continued success of Meadow View,  and this, along with all the above factors, sees us perfectly placed to continue our mission in transforming the face of the UK’s Garden Centres..... both physically and financially."

 
Hayes Garden World launches online Grow Your Own range

After witnessing a huge increase in people wanting to grow their own vegetables at home, Hayes Garden World is now selling seeds, bulbs and plants online, making it easier for anyone to get green fingers.

 


 

Over the past few years, Hayes Garden World has seen a huge increase in people wanting to grow their own vegetables at home. Unsurprisingly, it’s a trend that has skyrocketed over lockdown.

 

Since the pandemic began and we’ve been locked away with little to do, Brits have been finding ways to make the most of their outdoor space and embrace being self-sufficient and sustainable.

 

After the closure of their flagship store in Ambleside, Hayes realised that their customers were unable to get their usual 'Grow Your Own' essentials. So for the first time ever they are now selling seeds, bulbs and plants online, making it easier for anyone to get green fingers.


Traditionally Hayes Garden World have only sold garden and home furniture online. Yet with gardening becoming more ‘on-trend,’ they’re expanding their range to encourage all budding gardeners to have a go at growing-their-own. Seasoned experts and landscaping newcomers can now get everything they need, from planters to seeds and starter kits. 

 

The leading retailer is a huge advocate for home-grown veg and will testify to it being much more flavoursome than supermarket fare. Most people don’t know that being able to pick and cook your own produce right then and there, means you don’t lose nutrients and minerals that are typically lost when it’s transported. 

 

So far, the online range includes onions, potatoes and other vegetables, making it easy to tick off that five-a-day. Hayes prides itself on including solutions for every keen gardener; such as tiered planters for those with smaller spaces or raised planters for anyone with back/mobility problems.

Gardening expert, Angela Slater, champions the belief that the benefits of growing your own produce are invaluable for your physical and mental health.

 

Commenting on the trend, Angela said: "Recent years have seen a huge increase in 'grow your own' fruit and vegetables as customers are seeing the damage that is being done to the planet by flying in vegetables from half-way around the world. As a result, they are trying to grow their own veggies and realising that it is not difficult, and the taste is far superior to the produce you buy in the supermarket."

 
Bents introduces new virtual shopping service

Bents Garden & Home has launched a new virtual service to help make shopping for garden furniture a little easier during these changing times...


 

Bents Garden & Home has launched a new virtual service to help make shopping for garden furniture a little easier during these changing times. The virtual personal shopping appointments have been created for those customers who are looking for a new piece of garden furniture but, due to current circumstances, would rather shop from the comfort of their own homes. 

 

The appointments are made with one of Bents’ outdoor living experts, who can talk customers through this year’s outdoor living collection, including all furniture suites and individual items as well as Bents’ extensive range of BBQs.  They can help customers choose the perfect look to bring style and comfort to the outside areas of the home.

 

As well as suggesting the best products to suit style, space and household requirements Bents will ensure all measurements are taken and checked to ensure products will suit needs and available space.  All arrangements for delivery will be made during the appointment, or the option of Click and  Collect is also available. 

 

Says Matthew Bent, Managing Director at the family owned and run Centre: “It definitely seems as though the country is starting to take small steps back to a bit of normality, but there’s still a long way to go and for many online shopping continues to be a huge help.  When it comes to those larger items it’s really important to get it right, which is why we’ve introduced this new service.  It allows our customers to not only see our full range of products but ask as many questions as they need to make sure whatever they choose is perfect for their space.”

 

Appointments can be booked by calling the store on 01942 266300 extension 461 or 462, to speak with one of Bents’ outdoor living colleagues and book a time which is convenient to meet virtually.

Appointments are currently available on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Time slots available: 9-10am, 10-11am, 11-12pm, 4-5pm.

 
The GIMA Awards are back!
Make a note of November 11th in your diaries now!

Following an imposed year off in 2020, the leading trade association, GIMA, is pleased to confirm that its annual awards evening will be making its highly-anticipated return on November 11th, 2021...


 

Following an imposed year off in 2020, the leading trade association, GIMA, is pleased to confirm that its annual awards evening will be making its highly-anticipated return on November 11th, 2021.

 

Taking place at the ever-popular Celtic Manor Resort, this year’s event will be a night to remember, celebrating not just a return to normality but also the best that the garden retail sector has to offer.

 

Whilst the Covid pandemic resulted in the event being cancelled for the first time in its 40-year history in 2020, the industry has not stopped. Suppliers have stayed busy creating exciting new product, marketing and merchandising innovations throughout the 2020 and 2021 season. These launches and initiatives are what will be celebrated in a special glittering night of awards and merriment, with all of the usual categories – including the GCA Supplier of the Year (GCA), Gardenex Export Achievement and the Sword of Excellence (last won by Primeur in 2019) - set to make a return. A new Sustainability award will also be joining the line up to recognise a product, business initiative, or wider business ethos that demonstrates how suppliers are successfully driving the sustainability agenda.

 

Commenting on the welcome return of the GIMA Awards, GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said: “We could not be happier to confirm that the annual awards ceremony will be back later this year. I know how missed the event has been, so being able to confirm its return is a very special moment for us. 

 

“This year’s awards may be a little later in the year than we are used to but that won’t stop us celebrating in style! We are very much looking forward to throwing open the doors to Celtic Manor once again and being able to celebrate the incredible hard work that our suppliers have achieved in the face of adversity over the past two years.”

 

To mark the ruby anniversary of the event, GIMA is asking attendees to add a splash of red to their glad rags to help mark the celebrations even further. 

 

This year, the GIMA Awards will be sponsored by a wealth of fantastic industry brands, including Glee which returns, once again, as headline sponsor, as well as the HTA, GCA, Gardenex, Garden Trade News, Gardenforum, Garden Radio, Garden Centre Retail, Garden Centre Update, DIY Week, CM Ventures and Hornby Whitefoot PR.  Additional sponsorship opportunities are also available - please contact GIMA to find out more. 

 

Entry is now open!

Entry to the 2021 GIMA awards is now open. This year, the entry criteria has been extended to cover both the 2020 and 2021 season, giving suppliers the chance to showcase efforts that may have been missed during the pandemic. The closing date for entries will be 28th May, with the judging process taking place at the end of June at Warwick Racecourse. This year’s judges will include representatives from Bents Garden & Home, British Garden Centres, The Gardens Group, Altons Garden Centre, Dobbies and Wickes.

 

To find out more about how to enter the 2021 GIMA Awards or to book your place at what is set to be a night to remember please visit www.gima.org.uk

 
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Barton Grange Christmas 2020 - Exclusive GTN Xtra Photo Tour

In advance of the launch of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020, GTN's Northern Correspondent, Steve Myatt, paid a visit to Barton Grange to bring you this first GTN Xtra Christmas photo tour.


In advance of the launch of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020, GTN's Northern Correspondent, Steve Myatt, paid a visit to Barton Grange to bring you this first GTN Xtra Christmas photo tour.

 

To add your garden centre Christmas photo tour to GTN Xtra simply get snapping and enter The Greatest Christmas Awards.  See the categories here.  Send an e-mail to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk for more details

 

 
Squires Badshot Lea - Christmas 2020
Sneak preview of Squires Badshot Lea Greatest Christmas Awards entry
See Squires Bashot Lea's Christmas Awards entry photo tour here

 

Here's a sneak preview of the photo tour submitted by Squires at Badshot Lea as part of their entry in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020.

 

There's over £7,000 worth of prizes to be won in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020 so get snapping and enter your garden centre team today!

 

Full details are here.

 

 
Perrywood at Christmas 2020 - with correct photo gallery now...
Sneak preview of Perrywoods Greatest Christmas Awards entry
See Perrywoods Christmas Awards Entry Photo Tour here

 

Here's a sneak preview of Perrywoods photo tour entry in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards for 2020, including the vital ingredient for all entries, team photos. See the gallery of photos below.  Apologies for the wrong photos being included in yesterdays edition.

 

There's over £7,000 worth of prizes to be won in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards so get snapping and enter today.  Full details can be found here.

 

 
British Garden Centres open their 58th centre at Thatcham

Charles Stubbs, Lewis Fox and Nemanja Tintor, along with the rest of the BGC team, were proud as punch yesterday as their 58th centre at Thatcham in Berkshire opened...


See GTN Xtra's exclusive photo tour of the new centre

Charles Stubbs, Lewis Fox and Nemanja Tintor, along with the rest of the BGC team, were proud as punch yesterday as their 58th centre at Thatcham in Berkshire opened.

 

The centre had been handed back to the landlords during the Wyevale Garden Centres sale of the century in and closed in September 2019 as the owners looked for a new leaseholder.  British Garden Centres took on the site in September 2020 and since then have refreshed the centre, enclosing a walkway at the Restaurant end to allow for extra covers, extending the covered sales area out into the planteria and hard surfacing the overflow car parking area which was previously a field.

 

See GTN Xtra's exclusive photo tour of the new centre below:

 

 
Haskins Snowhill re-opens after £15m re-vamp

Haskins Garden Centre in Snowhill, Crawley, has opened its doors to customers following a 12-month refurbishment costing £15m...


Read more and see GTN Xtras photo tour of the new centre

Haskins Garden Centre in Snowhill, Crawley, has opened its doors to customers following a 12-month refurbishment costing £15m.

 

The new centre boasts a retail space of 11,813 sq.m., including an outdoor plant area and 440-seat restaurant complete with a newly installed pizza oven. Additional space has also been created to accommodate 170 restaurant guests on an outdoor patio.

 

Up to 70 new jobs have been created to accommodate the centre's expansion. Car parking has increased to 346 spaces.  See GTN Xtra's photo tour of the new centre below.

 

Chief executive Julian Winfield said the Snowhill team worked tirelessly to ensure the centre was able to remain open for the majority of the project, with minimal disruption.

 

“We can't wait to receive our customers' feedback on our new and improved facilities,” he added. “Over the years, we have built a loyal customer following and we are proud to be able to give back to them in this way with our new expanded centre.”

 

Haskins acquired the Snowhill site in 2003, inheriting a number of ageing buildings.

 

Haskins also has centres in Ferndown in Dorset, West End in Southampton and Roundstone in West Sussex. The family business recently acquired Forest Lodge Garden Centre, Bird World and Garden Style in Farnham.

 

Pictured (left to right): Julian Winfield, Jamie Haskins, Ally Haskins (married to Jamie) and Warren Haskins, the group's chairman. 

 

The opening event was attended by the current GCA Chairman Mike Burks and three past Chairs; Warren Haskins, Sue Allen and Julian Winfield.

 

 

 
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week

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


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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

All the latest news from the world of pet products


 
Natures Menu celebrates 40th anniversary

Natures Menu, Europe’s leading expert in raw and natural pet food, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month...


Natures Menu, Europe’s leading expert in raw and natural pet food, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month.

 

Founded in 1981 as Anglian Meat Products, Natures Menu began producing Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods (BARF) for pets as a small family run business in Norfolk. Initially selling a limited range of simple minced meats to breeders, they were encouraged by passionate customers to produce an even wider selection of meats including British Beef, Welsh Lamb, Fish from Lowestoft and many other products sourced from local specialists.

 

Chairman Craig Taylor joined the family business at just 16 years old, and in 2012, at the height of the banking disaster, he borrowed £8.5m to lead a management buyout (MBO) and has since grown the company five times over.

Fast forward to 2021, and Natures Menu is Europe’s leading expert in raw and natural dog and cat food. Now located in Snetterton, Norfolk, it’s a multi-million-pound business and produces an estimated 20,000 tonnes of raw and natural pet food a year, supplying to 3,500 trade shops across the UK.

 

The company employs over 240 people locally and in 2017, opened a state-of-the-art new 11,000sq m factory in Snetterton – the result of a £12.5m construction and infrastructure investment and a £4.5m spend on new equipment. This made it the largest investment in raw pet food production in Europe.

 

At a time when many businesses have struggled due to the pandemic, Natures Menu has continued to grow and thrive as pet ownership has increased considerably over the past 12 months, with 14 percent year on year growth in turnover.

 

Managing Director of Natures Menu, James Langan, said: "We're delighted to be celebrating an incredible 40 years in operation. We share our success with our loyal customers and retailers and I feel very proud of the company’s continued passion to deliver high quality pet food to four-legged family members across the country for four decades.

 

“Our 40th year will be an exciting one, with plenty of new product development in the pipeline for both dog and cat, as well as new plans to continue developing our sustainability as a business. We’ll also continue to focus on our expertise in pet nutrition and advice with further episodes planned for our podcast The Pupcast, plus there’s some interesting work with industry and brand partners on the horizon too.”

 

Natures Menu specialises in natural dog and cat food made with fully traceable quality meats and fish, blended vegetables, fruits and healthy carbohydrates - and uses British suppliers and ethical product sources wherever possible.

Pawfect Foods launches Nature’s Feast

With a presence in 15 nations, it’s fair to say that Pawfect Foods isn’t hanging about when it comes to selling in its grain-free/all-natural/human-grade ingredient agenda...


 

With a presence in 15 nations, it’s fair to say that Pawfect Foods isn’t hanging about when it comes to selling in its grain-free/all-natural/human-grade ingredient agenda.

 

Whilst nutritionally-dense/meat-free dog treats have historically sat at the heart of the Pawfect proposition: Himalayan Chhurpi cheese sticks, Nature’s Munch (fruit & veg jerky)…. it was only a matter of time before Pawfect tipped its hat to dog’s deep-rooted flexitarian leanings with a beautifully balanced range of 80% freeze-dried chicken + 20% fruit, veg, spices & herbs) and 100%  freeze-dried goat meat/goat liver snacks.

 

Pawfect founder, Prash Patwardhan, said: "The unrivalled versatility of chicken (blended with pineapple, mango Or apple) meant that it would always be central to our ambitious freeze-dried vision, whilst the addition of 2 exotic goat variants underpins our ongoing commitment to push indulgent World Cuisine meets nutritious boundaries."

 

Whilst freeze-drying as a food preservation technique has existed for a while, discerning ‘pet parents’ are only now truly appreciating how freeze-drying (unlike mass-market, heat-based technologies), enables recipes to retain a lion’s share of its original characteristics (shape, texture, colour and nutritional gravitas), in stark contrast to old-school kibbles where raw ingredients are blitzed with heat (325F) and then blended with lazy fillers (carbs, starches and even the odd synthetic nasty) to create an overworked dough that can be extruded like Playdough into little gravel-sized pellets.

 

"There’s no doubt," concludes Prash, "that for all our global success (in both branded & private label), that our presence in the UK remains a long way from where we want it to be, which is why we decided that in 2021 we needed a well-rounded family of meat, vegan and dairy-based snacks to truly wow the UK’s discerning buyer network."

 

Pawfect was shortlisted in the 2021 World Innovation Awards in Ferbruary.

 

For more information visitwww.pawfectfoods.co.uk