In This Issue
Shipley acquisition makes it 11 centres for Hillview
Blue Diamond follows up strong year with call for new investors
Bents set to celebrate its 80th anniversary
Positive signs that sales in garden centres are picking up
North American market is a great opportunity for British firms, says Gardenex director general
HTA Netherlands tour promises inspiration for retailers
Hozelock latest launches put users in the comfort zone
Scotland's snowdrops are popping their heads up early...
Pelargonium wins IPM's bedding award
spoga+gafa is searching for the unique youngstar 2017
UK’s leading garden centres scoop top awards
GCA announces three new inspectors at conference
Pansies regain GCA Greenfingers Challenge Cup
Cowells and Squire's pick up Ruxley Rose awards
Daniel Holden from Barton Grange is Rising Star
Woodlodge win GCA Associate of the Year Award
GCA Conference raises £30,000 for Greenfingers
Area Sales Manager Nursery Stock South
Plantarea Department Head Seasonal Plants - Essex
Wholesale Trade Sales Manager - Suffolk
Head of Catering - Warwickshire
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Q4 leads the way as fertilisers and chemicals sell well
Beetroot seed sales start to pick up
Early bird offers take 80% of growing media sales
Plant sales rise by 47% on the previous week
Pictures from the Greatest Christmas Gold-winning teams
Aylett Nurseries
Creative Gardens Donaghadee
Hayes Garden World
Bents Garden & Home
Brookside GC Kent
Pughs Radyr GC
Chessington GC
Mains of Drum GC
Barton Grange GC
Silverbirch GC
Walkers Nurseries
Castle Gardens
Fryers GC - Blue Diamond
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All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering
Church goers flock to Green Pastures restaurant
Situations Vacant
Area Sales Manager Nursery Stock South
Salary: Excellent - Depending on experience
 
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Plantarea Department Head Seasonal Plants - Essex
Salary: Excellent
 
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Wholesale Trade Sales Manager - Suffolk
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 depending on experience
 
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Head of Catering - Warwickshire
Salary: Excellent
 
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Shipley acquisition makes it 11 centres for Hillview


Hillview Garden Centres completed the acquisition of Shipley Garden Centre, Heanor, Derbyshire from Colin Beale and family on Thursday (26th January)...



Hillview Garden Centres completed the acquisition of Shipley Garden Centre, Heanor, Derbyshire from Colin Beale and family on Thursday (26th January).

Colin, along with son James, daughter Louise and son-in-law Phil have successfully operated the centre for nearly 30 years.

"It's a great centre and fits well with our existing stores," commented Boyd J Douglas- Davies, Hillview Garden Centres CEO.

"Colin, his family and team have created a thriving business which is undoubtedly the locals favourite garden centre. I'm looking forward to working with the team to help the centre develop further and benefit from the advantages of being part of a group."

Nadav Livni, Managing Director, The Hillview Group, commented: “This is an exciting new addition for Hillview Garden Centres and continues the growth path of our Group through selective acquisitions.

"I am pleased by the successful execution of our long-term strategy to establish a portfolio of “local champion” garden centres, which offer our customers a retail destination experience, with an appealing product mix and friendly knowledgeable staff.

"We continually invest to upgrade our stores and add exciting new Soft Play Barns for children with their own cafes and party rooms.

"We believe this is a unique sector that can provide a rewarding, multi-generational family experience with seasonal attractions throughout the year.”

The site will be known as Shipley Garden Store & Aquatics.

Hillview Garden Centres Ltd operates 11 Garden Centres across middle England at Billing, Burford House, Charlecote, Hilltop, Little Heath, Newton Regis, Pavilion, Scotland Nurseries, Shipley, Studley and Studley Green.

The Group started in September 2011 with the purchase of Studley Garden Centre near Redditch. It now employs over 400 people.
Blue Diamond follows up strong year with call for new investors


Buoyed up by excellent trading in 2016, Blue Diamond says it is seeking new investors for more than a quarter of a million shares not taken up by existing shareholders in last October’s offer...

Buoyed up by excellent trading in 2016, Blue Diamond says it is seeking new investors for more than a quarter of a million shares not taken up by existing shareholders in last October’s offer.

In a highly positive trading statement to shareholders for the 12 months ending 31 December, the Guernsey-based garden centre group’s finance director Richard Hemans (pictured) said the £253,332 shares would continue to be available to existing investors at £9.50. An update on the offer would be issued by the end of February.

The group saw 2016 total sales increase by 10% with like-for-like sales up by 7% in a year when its garden centre sales outperformed the industry in all key categories, Hemans said.

There were exceptional performances from the fashion and garden leisure categories, whilst gardening and plants delivered excellent growth.

Harlow Garden Centre, acquired in May 2016, and Coton Orchard, near Cambridge, which joined the group in December last year, made a useful contribution. Both are scheduled for “significant development” in 2017. Trentham Garden Centre has seen strong growth since its redevelopment early in 2016 and Derby Garden Centre was refurbished in November 2016.

Chairman Simon Burke said he was happy the Group has traded so well again in 2016 after the excellent outcome in 2015. “We expect to report another significant increase in profit for the 2016 year. In common with many businesses we see challenges ahead, but Blue Diamond is well placed to meet them."

Full end-of-year results are expected in May.

Bents set to celebrate its 80th anniversary

Bents Garden & Home at Warrington is preparing to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2017 with a series of special everts...



Above: the original Bents Garden Centre shop.


Bents Garden & Home at Warrington is preparing to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2017.

In 1937, Alfred and Margaret Bent started to sell roses from the front garden of their small terrace house. Since then Bents has evolved from a small specialist plant-based business to one of the country’s largest garden, home and leisure destinations, all of which is celebrated in a short film in which customers are thanked for their support.

Events planned for the year include seasonal surprises and random acts of kindness, all anchored by a spectacular summer garden party planned for the weekend of 7- 10 July.

Bents is now a destination that is no longer just focussed solely on the garden but also encompasses home, lifestyle, leisure and a day out. Under the guidance of three generations of the Bent family, it is a £20m turnover operation employing more than 430 people.

MD Matthew Bent said: “As a family business we’ve never been ones to rest on our laurels.  We’ve always followed our passions, taken chances and strived to innovate. And that is exactly how it all started in 1937 when my grandparents started to cultivate roses as a hobby in the front garden of their terraced house at 404 Warrington Road, just meters away from our current location.  Little did they know that it would be the start of something so unique and special.”

Milestones passed over the course of 80 years include the introduction of Christmas and catering, both helping to make it an all-year attraction and pioneering a number of key trends within the garden centre industry.

2007 saw the opening of the UK’s first Open Skies glasshouse (pictured), an all-weather destination where customers can shop for plants, and more recent years have seen the opening of a £10m extension housing new home and leisure departments, including a food hall.

Now, with its six dining destinations, adventure play area, landscaped lake and on-site nursery (where 60% of its plants are grown), Bents is a very different entity to the one Alfred and Margaret set up.

 But Matthew Bent says the business has worked hard to maintain the family ambiance for which the centre has established such a fine reputation. “I think my grandparents would be very proud if they could see us now,” he said.
Positive signs that sales in garden centres are picking up


Sales indicators from the GTN Bestsellers EPoS data analysis give very positive signs that gardeners are ready and willing to get gardening and are buying plenty of plants, growing media and garden products...



Sales indicators from the GTN Bestsellers EPoS data analysis give very positive signs that gardeners are ready and willing to get gardening and are buying plenty of plants, growing media and garden products.

Growing Media saw the biggest week on week increase, up by 162%. Veg-2-Gro – that’s seeds, seed potatoes and onion sets – grew by 55%. Plant sales jumped 47% and Garden Products moved up 14%.

Are you ready for a great gardening season? We’d love to publish any photos of garden centres that are raring to go.  Send them to trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year...
  • Garden Products - up 14%
  • Veg-2-Gro -up 25%
  • Growing Media - up 64%
  • All Items Index - up 15%

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

 
North American market is a great opportunity for British firms, says Gardenex director general
Gardenex will be organising the British pavilion at the 2017 National Hardware Show (NHS) in Las Vegas that takes place from 9 to 11 May, and the export federation's export federation's director general of Gardenex, Amanda Sizer Barrett, says: "I believe that 2017 could provide a golden opportunity for UK companies to present their latest innovations to the vast North American market."

The Gardenex export federation will be organising the British pavilion at the 2017 National Hardware Show (NHS) in Las Vegas that takes place from 9 to 11 May.

Gardenex is currently recruiting garden, leisure and hardware product companies to join the group.  It will be the 21st occasion that the federation has taken a British group of exhibitors to the major North American trade show, and a prime location has been reserved in the Lawn and Garden section for the UK companies.

Gardenex has submitted a bid for Government cash grants for British firms exhibiting at the NHS, and the federation will also be organising and manning a British garden industry information stand at the show.

Commenting on the excellent opportunities that the show offers to British firms, the director general of Gardenex, Amanda Sizer Barrett said: “North America has for many years been a major market for UK garden and leisure product suppliers. Recent indications from the US regarding future trading between our two countries suggest that further growth can be expected.  

"I believe that 2017 could provide a golden opportunity for UK companies to present their latest innovations to the vast North American market, and there is no better platform than the NHS.  The show attracts nearly 30,000 trade visitors from the US, Canada and many other overseas markets, and at previous editions of the show the British exhibitors have secured orders from across the globe.

“The exhibition support package provided by Gardenex includes the production of a preview of the British exhibitor group sent directly to targeted buyers in the USA and beyond in advance of the show.  UK exhibitors at previous editions of the show have reported that this type of promotion has resulted in increased interest in their products on display. 

"The federation’s mailing is taken from our large database of garden product buyers across North America and is continually updated as a result of our attendance at the NHS and other American shows and through our investment in market research.”

Companies wishing to learn more about the exhibiting opportunities at the NHS or the comprehensive range of services offered by Gardenex to British exporters of garden and leisure products should contact Gardenex (The Federation of Garden and Leisure Manufacturers Ltd), the trade association that works on behalf of British companies to help its members increase sales worldwide.

For more information telephone +44 (0) 44 1959 565995, e-mail: info@gardenex.com  or visit the Gardenex website on www.gardenex.com

HTA Netherlands tour promises inspiration for retailers

The HTA has arranged an inspirational study tour to the Netherlands from 8-10 February 2017, taking in an exclusive tour of Elho’s head office, presentations by Elho’s in-house trend specialists, visits to some creative garden centres and a unique retail event...


The HTA has arranged an inspirational study tour to the Netherlands from 8-10 February 2017, taking in an exclusive tour of Dutch design company Elho’s head office, presentations by Elho’s in-house trend specialists, and visits to some creative garden centres

Delegates will also visit the Garden Retail Experience in Boskoop (9-10 Feb), including the event’s gala dinner. The Garden Retail Experience will aim to show visitors how to connect with consumers emotionally and influence their shopping behaviour. The sixth edition is a unique event for international garden retailers with a programme designed to inform, inspire, entertain and network.

A visit to the auction in Aalsmeer will include a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the famous clock from former buyer Paul Moors of Garden Centre Fresh and a guided tour from FloraHolland, giving an overview of the whole process.

HTA Event co-ordinator Alexa Stilwell said: “The trip promises to be an exciting and educational experience and our retailers are really looking forward to being inspired and bringing home lots or ideas and concepts to try in their own stores.”

The tour will begin on Wednesday 8 February returning on Friday 10 February and the package will include accommodation and travel once in the Netherlands as well as food throughout. Costs for the full 3 days are £395 + VAT.

If you are interested in joining the tour or want to find out more, email using this link 

More information about the Garden Retail Experience can be found here 

 
Hozelock latest launches put users in the comfort zone

Hozelock new products for the 2017 season promise the ultimate in simplicity, performance, durability and comfort for gardeners...


Hozelock new products for the 2017 season promise the ultimate in simplicity, performance, durability and comfort for gardeners.

Carol Wright, Hozelock’s UK marketing manager , says the launches guarantee hassle free reliability, allowing gardeners to spend more time relaxing in their gardens.

The Pico Power Pressure Washer (SRP £149.99) (pictured on cover page) takes the company into this growing category for the first time. It’s a compact easy-to-store unit with a powerful 140 bar (max) motor and pump. It is easy to carry or wheel using the towing handle or comfortable carry handle. The Pico Power’s new 6mm high pressure hose is 50% lighter than a conventional high pressure hose.

Hozelock’s new Patio Cleaner can also be purchased with the Pico Power, which comes with a height adjustment dial as well as handles for vertical cleaning – perfect for those who want to clean both their decking and walls.

The new Superhoze (15m SRP £29.99, 30m SRP £49.99, pre-expansion lengths) expands up to three times its original length to reach around the garden, draining and shrinking back to its original size just as quickly after use. The ingenious two-layer design creates a new standard of hose providing years of reliable kink-free and tangle-free use. Its premium patented leak-free connectors ensure the hose is watertight and has the highest quality finish. Superhoze is compatible with all systems, including Hozelock’s range of attachments, as well as being small, light and easy to manoeuvre. Its UV resistant polyester outer layer ensures long life.

The new Pure garden sprayers (7-litre SRP £44.90, 2-litre £18) are aimed at the growing number of gardeners who prefer to use natural products and homemade recipes for plant protection and fertilisers. Carol Wright believes gardeners are looking for new ways of caring for their gardens to avoid using chemical based sprays. “There are lots of home made recipes available, using easily sourced ingredients such as vinegar, comfrey or black soap,” she explained. The Pure range features highly resistant seals and filters which are unaffected by frequent applications of acidic mixtures.

The new Ultramax sprayers include the Multi Spray (SRP £35), Jet Spray (SRP £29).

The solid zinc alloy body of each Ultramax spray gun is designed to withstand the most rugged of environments and has been tested in extreme conditions to prove the value of investing in premium products that will stand the test of time. Demanding specification tests included repeatedly driving a 1600kg car over the products - the most common causes of damage to watering equipment. Ultramax spray guns guns are so robust that Hozelock has guaranteed them for 5 years.

For those who want durability without the weight of a solid metal body, the new Multi Spray Pro (SRP £25) and Jet Spray Pro (SRP £21) have a strong metal connection and polished stainless steel accents. They offer seven different spray patterns including jet, cone, fast fill, fan, mist, fine rose and aerated spray, with a lockable variable flow trigger and separate flow control, plus a three-year guarantee.

Finally, Hozelock’s new Backpack Sprayer (Plus 12L, SRP £72.99; Plus 16L, SRP £86.99) has been designed to be comfortable to carry and easy to assemble, maintain and store. The tank is curved to fit the hollow of the back and follows the shape of the shoulders, while the foam-cushioned straps provide maximum comfort while spraying. It features an ergonomic pump lever and a deep and stable filter, making filling quick and easy. The lance is interchangeable between a right-handed and left-handed grip and the integrated agitator makes it simple to mix ingredients quickly and thoroughly for an even application.

Information: use this link

Scotland's snowdrops are popping their heads up early...
A number of the Scotland's celebrated visitor attractions will take part in one of the country's most popular outdoor festivals for the first time this year as snowdrops pop up earlier than expected in many places...


A number of the country's celebrated visitor attractions will take part in one of Scotland's most popular outdoor festivals for the first time this year.

Blossoming across the country from 28 January to 12 March, the Scottish Snowdrop Festival features more than 50 properties, including 14 newly added for 2017, showing off spectacular swathes of snowdrops carpeting their grounds.

There are 300 varieties of Galanthus - to give the snowdrop its botanical name - and the versatility and hardiness of the classic winter flowering plant means it grows in a great range of locations.

New attractions set to join some of Scotland's finest gardens, woodlands and estates for the festival this year include Fyvie Castle in Turriff, House of the Binns in Linlithgow and Castle Kennedy in Stranraer. 

The annual event, now in its 11th year, aims to encourage locals and tourists alike to enjoy the wonders of Scotland's gardens during the snowdrop flowering period and highlight the diversity of the country's array of snowdrop collections.

Supported annually by VisitScotland, the festival is being organised for the first time this year by garden tourism organisation Discover Scottish Gardens.

Research shows that one in three visitors to Scotland make a trip to a forest or woodland park during their stay while 42% visit a country park or garden.

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: "Over the past decade the Scottish Snowdrop Festival has grown to become an annual calendar highlight with the first snowdrops of the year a sign that spring is just around the corner. 

"The festival provides a welcome boost for attractions during a traditionally quieter period of the year and we hope many people will be able to get out and about to enjoy this great seasonal sight around Scotland's most stunning gardens and estates."

Catherine Erskine, from Cambo Estate, Chair of Discover Scottish Gardens and founder of the Snowdrop Festival in Scotland, said: "We are very lucky in Scotland to have a fantastic climate for snowdrops, with many species thriving here and creating stunning displays. And this year, due to a mild winter, snowdrops are certainly popping their heads out earlier than they have for many years." 

New participants taking part in the Scottish Snowdrop Festival for the first time are:

* Brodie Castle, Forres, Morayshire

* RSPB Loch Garten, Nethy Bridge, Inverness-shire

* Fyvie Castle, Fyvie, Turriff, Aberdeenshire

* Braco Castle, Braco, Perthshire

* Fingask Castle, Rait, Perthshire

* Kilbryde Castle, Dunblane, Perthshire

* Langley Park, Montrose, Angus

* Dunninald Castle, Montrose, Angus

* Maolachy's Garden, Lochavich, by Taynuilt, Argyll

*         New Hopetouns Gardens, by Newton Village, Broxburn, West Lothian

* House of the Binns, Linlithgow, West Lothian

* Newhailes Estate, Musselburgh, East Lothian

* Castle Kennedy, Stranraer, Dumfries & Galloway

* Brooklands, Crocketford, Dumfries & Galloway

Nearly half the participants are opening their gardens to raise money for national charity organisation Scotland's Gardens.

 
Pelargonium wins IPM's bedding award
The zonal pelargonium 'Brocade Fire Night' (pictured) was voted best new Bedding and Balcony Plant at IPM Essen this week.

The zonal pelargonium 'Brocade Fire Night' presented by Dümmen Orange from Rheinberg (pictured on cover page) was voted best new Bedding and Balcony Plant at IPM Essen this week.

A graceful ornamental foliage plant with enchanting single red-orange flowers, it is easy-care since the flowers drop few petals and has compact, well-branching growth that makes it interesting for consumers and producers alike. Its retro style is regarded as trnedy.

In the shrubs category, the winning entry was the Helleborus Gold Collection ®Ice N‘Roses® (Helleborus x glandorfii) presented by Heuger Gartenbaubetriebe from Glandorf. The large flowers, the reliable flower base and early flowering combined the best properties of Christmas roses, lenten roses and black hellebores for the first time. Pictured right.

spoga+gafa is searching for the unique youngstar 2017

The application period for the young designer competition 'unique youngstar' has begun! With immediate effect, students and designers, who have completed their studies within the past three years, can apply with their ideas on the competition theme 'Outdoor Living'...

The application period for the young designer competition 'unique youngstar' has begun! With immediate effect, students and designers, who have completed their studies within the past three years, can apply with their ideas on the competition theme 'Outdoor Living'.

The participants have the chance to exhibit their prototypes at the leading international garden fair, spoga+gafa, which is being staged in Cologne from 3 to 5 September 2017. Furthermore, prize-money totalling Euro 7,000 (first to third places as well as a public prize) and the title unique youngstar 2017 are up for grabs.

Apply here: http://www.spogagafa.com/spogagafa/Landing-Pages/Contest-young-star-garden-unique/index.php

Whether furniture for the garden, balcony or terrace, shade or irrigation systems, whether simple or complex. Everything that fits in with the 'Outdoor Living' theme and which isn't already found in the summer living-room is allowed in the unique youngstar competition. Young creative designers can submit their 'garden design' ideas up until 1 April. An international expert jury will select up to 15 nominees from among all entries. Evaluation criteria include the overall concept, the originality of the design, the conceptual and visionary quality, the functionality and quality of presentation.

The 'chosen ones' can exhibit their designs at the leading international garden fair and thus have the chance to present their idea to an international trade audience. In 2016, over 39,000 visitors (+6 percent) came to Cologne for spoga+gafa. Furthermore, the winners (first to third places as well as a public prize) can look forward to prize-money totalling Euro 7,000 and to claiming the title unique youngstar 2017.

The winners will be announced at the end of the first day of the fair (3 September).

The spoga+gafa 2017 is open to trade visitors on 3 and 4 September from 09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. and on 5 September from 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. Further information is available at www.spogagafa.com .
UK’s leading garden centres scoop top awards
 

Cowell’s Garden Centre and Barton Grange were crowned Garden Centre of the Year and Destination Garden Centre of the Year at the GCA Conference...

See full list of winners and picture gallery
GCA 2017 Dinner 250117_GTN071.jpg

Cowell’s Garden Centre and Barton Grange were crowned Garden Centre of the Year and Destination Garden Centre of the Year at the GCA Conference in a gala awards ceremony presented by comedian Fred MacAuley.

GCA 2017 Dinner 250117_GTN083.jpg
 
Julian Winfield, the Chairman of the GCA and Chief Executive at Haskins Garden Centres Ltd, said: “We’re a diligent, committed, enthusiastic and hardworking industry and these awards recognise the very best garden centres in the country. Well done and congratulations to all our winners.”

See all of the presentation pictures in our gallery below

Garden Centres of Excellence (top 10 in alphabetical order not order of inspection scores): 
  • Barton Grange Garden Centre
  • Bents Garden and Home
  • Burston Rose and Garden Centre
  • Cowell’s Garden Centre
  • Gordale Nurseries Ltd
  • Haskins Garden Centre, Southampton
  • Haskins Garden Centre, Roundstone
  • Simpsons Garden Centre
  • Squires Garden Centre, Milford
  • Stewarts Garden Centre, Christchurch

The Worrall Cup:

The award for Best Marketing Campaign or Initiative was won by Castle Gardens


Associate of the Year:

This award was won by Woodlodge
 

Garden Centre of the Year:

Cowell’s Garden Centre
 

Destination Garden Centre of the Year:

Barton Grange Garden Centre
GCA announces three new inspectors at conference


The Garden Centre Association has today (Monday) announced its three new inspectors who will begin visiting member garden centres this spring. Michael Cole, Gordon Emslie and Hedley Triggs will join current inspector, Roger Crookes, to complete the team for 2017.

   

The Garden Centre Association has today (Monday) announced its three new inspectors who will begin visiting member garden centres this spring.

Michael Cole, Gordon Emslie and Hedley Triggs will join current inspector, Roger Crookes, to complete the team for 2017.

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Michael, Gordon and Hedley, who will be joining remaining inspector, Roger Crookes (left). The three new members will go through a thorough induction process before the inspection window opens to ensure the consistency of marking that we all expect continues.

“We would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Alyson Haywood, Andy Campbell and Ian Boardman for their hard work as inspectors for the GCA. Andy and Ian had been visiting member garden centres for many years while Alyson was a relative newcomer, however they all leave with our thanks and best wishes for the future.”

Michael joined Notcutts Garden Centre in St Albans in January 1978 as a General Assistant, working in the planteria. He went on to become Centre Manager six years later.

He was appointed as a Regional Manager in 1987 and oversaw the running of five Notcutts eastern region garden centre. In 2009 he became Business Development and Retail Property Director, overseeing the development of Notcutts’ award winning garden centre at Pembury, Tunbridge Wells and establishment of a new look Notcutts at Wheatcroft, Woodford Park, Norwich and Staines garden centres.

Gordon’s early career experience was in multiple retailing. Prior to setting up a consultancy business in 2006 he was a Store Manager, responsible for a team of 650 and sales of £100M per annum, and business coach within Sainsbury’s.

As a consultant, Gordon has worked with a number of retail clients, including garden centres, focusing on the retail journey and customer service as well as development of the teams who deliver this.

Most recently Hedley has been the manager at the Blue Diamond Trelawney Garden Centre and prior to this can boast 25 years’ experience at management level within garden centres and for growers or plant suppliers. Prior to Trelawney, Hedley was a manager for Wyevale.

He also ran centres such as Sanders Garden World, Bridgemere Garden Centre and Jacks Patch Garden Centre. He was a member of the project management team for the group’s redevelopment of their Percy Thrower’s centre in Shropshire. He started his garden centre career working for Klondyke/Strikes where he held centre manager and buying roles.



Iain added: “The 2017 inspections for member garden centres will commence on Monday, March 20 and centres will be visited until Friday, June 16. The inspection visits are unannounced which enables the inspectors to gain a true picture of the centre they are visiting and then give valuable feedback”

“Michael, Gordon and Hedley, along with Roger, will visit member centres and give objective and honest feedback on what they find. They will produce detailed reports and provide ideas for improving standards. They will also make presentations at our annual conference in 2018 and regional meetings. It is a huge benefit to GCA members.”
 
Pansies regain GCA Greenfingers Challenge Cup
The Pansies (garden centre's) beat The Cabbages (suppliers) in this year's GCA Greenfingers Challenge held at the Fairmont Hotel in Scotland.
Read more and see pictures



The Pansies (garden centre's) beat The Cabbages (suppliers) in this year's GCA Greenfingers Challenge held at the Fairmont Hotel in Scotland.

The 2017 challenge involved a round of indoor "golf" devised and created by Ian Flounders and Richard Newton from Woodlodge.

The prize for best dressed golfer went to Guy Topping with his wife,Carol winning the Best dressed lady golfer award.

The sponsors for the event which raised over £27,000 for Grennfingers were:

  • Airedale
  • Apta
  • Aylett Nurseries
  • Baker & Taylor
  • Barton Grange
  • Bents
  • Briers
  • Cadix
  • Castle Gardens
  • Chessington
  • Coolings
  • Cowells
  • Crest Garden
  • Decco
  • Deco-Pak
  • Glee
  • Haskins
  • Hayes Garden World
  • Hozelock
  • IFSE
  • Kaemingk
  • Klondyke
  • Lofa
  • McKean Consulting
  • Millbrook
  • Monkton Elm
  • MSL
  • Old Railway Line
  • Perrywood
  • Poplars
  • Premier Decorations
  • Profitplant
  • Ruxley Manor
  • Scomac
  • Smart Garden
  • Squires
  • St Peters
  • Taylors Bulbs
  • Webbs
  • Whitehall
  • Widdop & Bingham
  • Woodlodge
  • Zest4Leisure
Thank you to all who took part and donated sufficient funds to pay for half of another much needed garden at a Childrens Hospice.  Thank you.

 

Cowells and Squire's pick up Ruxley Rose awards
 
The Ruxley Rose awards were presented to Cowells Garden Centre (Garden Centre category) and Squire's Garden Centre Twickenham (Destination Centre) at the GCA Conference at St Andrews in Scotland on Monday...



The Ruxley Rose awards were presented to Cowells Garden Centre (Garden Centre category) and Squire's Garden Centre Twickenham (Destination Centre) at the GCA Conference at St Andrews in Scotland on Monday.



Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “Each year the standards just get higher and higher and our inspectors are constantly impressed with the progress they see across the board.

“During the past year our members have worked incredibly hard to reach and maintain the very highest of standards in garden centre retail excellence and I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone on their successes.”

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

Julian Winfield, the Chairman of the GCA and Chief Executive at Haskins Garden Centres Ltd, said: “We’re a diligent, committed, enthusiastic and hardworking industry and these awards recognise the very best garden centres in the country. Well done and congratulations to all our winners.”

The full list of winners announced on Monday were



Christmas Competition (Garden Centre category) sponsored by Gisela Graham – Castle Gardens



Christmas Competition (Destination Garden Centre category) sponsored by Gisela Graham – Barton Grange Garden Centre



Environment and Community Award – Garden Wise, Dumfries

Ruxley Rose (Garden Centre category) – Cowell’s Garden Centre

Ruxley Rose (Destination Garden Centre category) – Squires Garden Centre, Twickenham



Barton Grange Trophy for Commercial Creativity and Innovation – Haskins Garden Centre, Southampton



Customer Service Award – Best Customer Service – The Old Railway Line Garden Centre

The Indoor Lifestyle Award – Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer (Garden Centre category) – Squires Garden Centre, Shepperton

The Indoor Lifestyle Award – Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer (Destination Garden Centre category) – Barton Grange Garden Centre

The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer (Garden Centre category) – Cowell’s Garden Centre

The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer (Destination Garden Centre category) – Barton Grange Garden Centre

Dick Allen Award (Most Improved Garden Centre) – Langlands Garden Centre, Loxley

The IFSE Award for Catering Excellence – Best Garden Centre Restaurant (Garden Centre Category) – Squires Garden Centre, Shepperton

The IFSE Award for Catering Excellence – Best Garden Centre Restaurant (Destination Garden Centre Category) – Bents Garden and Home

Weber Outdoor Living Award – Best Outdoor Living Retailer (Garden Centre Category) – Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne

Weber Outdoor Living Award – Best Outdoor Living Retailer (Destination Garden Centre Category) Bents Garden and Home.
Daniel Holden from Barton Grange is Rising Star

Daniel Holden from Barton Grange Garden Centre won the vote from delegates at Conference to win the title of 2016 GCA Rising Star...

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Daniel Holden from Barton Grange Garden Centre won the vote from delegates at Conference to win the title of 2016 GCA Rising Star.

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Woodlodge win GCA Associate of the Year Award
Woodlodge won the Haskins Stewart Cup as GCA Supplier of the Year...
See our gallery of pictures from the GCA Associates Exhibition
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Woodlodge won the Haskins Stewart Cup as GCA Supplier of the Year ahead for Taylors Bulbs and Smart Garden Products who were the other finalists.

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Earlier in the afternoon GCA Associate Members held an exhibition at Conference, meeting and selling their products and services to GCA Members.  See our gallery below:


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Area Sales Manager Nursery Stock South
Salary: Excellent - Depending on experience


Area Sales Manager Nursery Stock South (ref:DS9018)


Location: South East England
Salary: Excellent - Depending on experience
Date: 23 Jan
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent


Area Sales Manager Nursery Stock South
Area: Midlands and South UK (home-based)

This well established client is a respected plant supplier to the Garden Centre sector who is now looking for a driven Area Sales Manager who is currently working within a similar role as Sales Representative / Territory Sales Manager and is looking for a new challenge within the industry.

Role: Area Sales Manager
Area: Midlands and South UK (home-based)
Reports: to the Sales Director
Salary: To attract the best, plus Bonus, including Car, Laptop, Mobile, etc.

Tasks:
  • Sales to the existing customer base and potential clients
  • Expansion of market position of the company
  • Expansion of the range of products in the sales areas
  • Support of the customer base in the culture and technical business area as a reliable partner
Your Profile:
  • Affinity with the Garden Centre and Retail Nurseries, ideally with a proven track-record of selling into these sectors.
  • Good knowledge of trees, shrubs and nursery stock is desirable.
  • Commercially strong, performance driven
  • Good communication skills and the ability to develop lasting relationships.
  • Present sales objectives and meet targets.
  • Willing to travel
  • The successful candidate can be based from home spending 2-3 days in their offices and out and on the road. Ideal candidate will be based anywhere within the South of England.

To apply for this role click here

 



Plantarea Department Head Seasonal Plants | Essex (ref:DS9011)

Location: Essex
Salary: Excellent
Date: 18 Jan
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent


An amazing opportunity has arisen to join an expanding Garden Centre Plant team who are looking for an experienced Plant Manager to be their Department Head for Seasonal Plants, such as bedding and patio plants at their Essex based Garden Centre.

About the centre:

This traditional garden centre originally started life as a family-run nursery and became part of a nationwide group last year. They now have ambitious plans to transform this site from its current format, which generates £3m in sales per year, into a purpose-built Garden and Living Centre capable of generating £10m+.

This new centre is due to be developed during 2017/18 and once completed it will offer customers a truly unique retail experience, showcasing the very best in garden and home living products. With unique store design, product range and exceptional standards in visual merchandising, they will be the destination garden centre for North London.

About the role:

We are looking for a motivated and passionate individual to manage the Seasonal Plant Area, someone who can drive sales and maintain high retail standards, whilst at the same time provide a level of service that exceeds customer expectations. The successful candidate will have responsibility for overseeing the day to day running of the department ensuring that the highest standards of plant quality, visual appearance and maintenance are consistently applied.
You will ensure that customers are given the very best in service and you will provide them with expert knowledge and advice on plants. You will play an active role in the stock ordering and stock control processes for your sections and for training and developing your team.

About you:

The ideal candidates will:

  • have experience of working in Garden Centres although we are open to talking to candidates from any horticultural background;
  • have an energetic personality with an ability to easily engage with and connect with our AB1 target customers;
  • have excellent knowledge of plants, plant care and maintenance;
  • be able to recognise and act on sales opportunities;
  • be meticulous to the detail in terms of product placement, standards, presentation, visual elevation and overall look and feel;
  • and have an ability to manage and develop a team.

To apply for this role click here

 
Wholesale Trade Sales Manager - Suffolk
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 depending on experience


Wholesale Trade Sales Manager (ref:DS8983)

Location: Suffolk
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 depending on experience
Date: 12 Jan
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent


Our client is an exciting multi channel retailer which is currently transitioning from being a traditional mail order business with an extensive customer database to a leading digital provider with an extended product range, reaching into the B2B sector both in the UK and Worldwide. This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to be at the heart of this business transformation.

The Role

This role is responsible for managing the Wholesale Sales channel in its entirety, including the Horticultural team who are responsible for commercial plant growing, the breeding programme and product trials. Therefore an understanding of horticulture as well as a strong background is essential.

This role reports into the Head of Commercial.

Key responsibilities:
  • Staff Management - Responsible for leading, organising and managing a team of sales, admin staff and horticultural staff, including hiring, training, evaluation, guidance and discipline.
  • Sales growth & development - Develop new sales channels, products and customers within the B2B category.
  • Seeking out major clients and forming working relationships with the premier buyers in the industry.
  • Identifying valuable emerging markets.
  • Accurately forecasting future sales and forming sales plans to adapt to constant shifts in the marketplace.
  • Serve as a business representative at major industry events, conferences, trade shows, and expositions.
  • Maximising company profit
  • Foreseeing and avoiding stagnation in the marketplace.
  • Forming sales strategies to keep the company competitive and innovative.
  • Client management - Manage clients/customers including negotiation, contract administration, and performance of any associated products and services as per contract.
  • Stakeholder management - Responsible and accountable for communications with business stakeholders, including regular reporting on sales achievements, emerging markets and opportunities.

The Candidate
  • Strong horticultural sales and marketing background is desirable.
  • Previous senior management experience with the ability to influence results through appropriate leadership, staffing, budgetary management and maximisation of available resources.
  • Experience of presenting at Board /Executive level
  • Interpersonal / Communication /Management skills
  • Business planning expertise, producing year on year growth.
  • History of development of new markets and product/range launches.
  • Analytical problem-solving skills, practical numbers-orientated thinking in hand with using people skills to keep large multi-dimensional teams working together in the most efficient ways possible.
  • Ability to motivate team.
  • Initiative, drive and enthusiasm

Benefits: Company car, fuel card, private healthcare, 8% employer's pension contribution, mobile phone, laptop and sales based bonus scheme

To apply for this role click here
 



Head of Catering / Warwickshire (ref:DS8940)


Location: Warwickshire
Salary: Excellent
Date: 12 Jan
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent


A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join a thriving independent business and shape the future of their food offering in a great environment and location. This independent Warwickshire based Garden Centre is a relatively new build and has ongoing investment that has seen the turnover grow by more than 60% in the last 4 years and has become a great destination centre.

The Role

Currently the business has circa 160 covers split into two adjoining locations a café setting and a restaurant setting. There is also an ice cream/pottery barn (with 20 covers) that would fall under the leadership of this role.
The café is currently outperforming, the restaurant, based on 2015 turnover and are now considering how best to move forward.

Therefore, the person we are looking for must be able to carry out the following key aspects of this new role:

  • Visionary leadership - ability to see the next stages of development, map them out and plan how these are executed over time. For example, the food offering has reached phase two in its plan so what might phase three look like?
  • Personality Profile - the ability to work with the owners and sit alongside the more senior leadership of the business day to day. Also, the ability to work, motivate and create a great team spirit amongst and with the café/restaurant staff. Giving clear leadership whilst playing your part in the team and the wider team in the business. The business has a great mix of family feel with a professional dynamic environment.
  • Commerciality - the ability to analyse current performance and situations and then look at creative ways of moving the business forward. The feeling is that the food offer could grow by 25% in the shorter term how do we do that? Beyond that there is a further 50% growth so what does that next phase look like and how do they get there? The business also recognises that the food sales as a % of the overall site could become a larger part of the sales mix so creating a plan to execute this is vital.

The Candidate

Personal skill set - the business would consider various backgrounds and garden centre experience is not essential. As a real example a member of the team came from a background in marketing and is now running front of house. Candidates with a food, food service, retail type background will be considered.

We are looking for someone who will fit the culture and ethos of this dynamic family business.

The business is open as to what background the person comes from but they must possess the skills, personality profile and the ability to perform the key aspects of this role. Ideally food retailing and or catering will have been part of their career but they will look outside of these areas as well.

To apply for this role click here

 
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Subscribe for free using this link: http://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/7rulj2yio7x?a=6&p=49514304&t=20355005
 
Q4 leads the way as fertilisers and chemicals sell well
While continued high volume sales of garden lighting dominate the top of the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart, signs that gardeners are getting ready for growing are seen from various core gardening products re-entering the chart in high positions...
While continued high volume sales of garden lighting dominate the top of the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart, signs that gardeners are getting ready for growing are seen from various core gardening products re-entering the chart in high positions.
  • Vitax Q4 is the highest re-entry at No 4.
  • Scotts Tomorite follows hard on its heels at No 5.
  • Westland Sulphate of Potash, 1.5kg, re-enters at No 31.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Beetroot seed sales start to pick up
Onion sets and shallots continue to be the bestselleing Veg 2 Gro lines but this week there are three lines of Beetroot Boltardy seeds in the Top 10..
Onion sets and shallots continue to be the bestselleing Veg 2 Gro lines but this week there are three lines of Beetroot Boltardy seeds in the Top 10. 

There must be plenty of interest in Beetroot as a Superfood this year.  How are you making the most of the post christmas superfood and diet phenomenon?  We’d love to see your ideas.

The main highlights this week were:
  • Thompson & Morgan Beetroot Boltardy stays at No 6.
  • Mr Fothergills Beetroot Boltardy moves up 22 places to No 7.
  • Suttons Beetroot Boltardy re-enters at No 10.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Early bird offers take 80% of growing media sales
Early bird growing media offers continue to be massively popular according to sales data provided for GTN Bestsellers...
Early bird growing media offers continue to be massively popular according to sales data provided for GTN Bestsellers.

This week Arthur Bowers Multipurpose joins Jack’s Magic at the top of the charts, selling between them over 80% of the total Top 50 volume.

How are your early bird compost offers going? Are your keen gardening customers flocking in to buy from you?

This week’s highlights were:
  • Arthur Bowers Multipurpose Compost 50 litres moves up to No 1.
  • Scotts Levington Organic Blend Topsoil 25 litres is the highest re-entry at No 20.
  • Westland’s The Gardener’s Seed & Potting Mix 50 litres is the highest climber, up 28 places to No 13.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Plant sales rise by 47% on the previous week
Three quarters of the plant genus featuring in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Centre Plant Sales chart increased sales last week, driving total plant sales up 47% on the previous week...
Three quarters of the plant genus featuring in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Centre Plant Sales chart increased sales last week, driving total plant sales up 47% on the previous week. 
  • Primula – primroses – are clearly the most popular plant to buy as we move towards spring, up 53% to sell over 60% more than Cyclamen.
  • Oriental Poppy sales drove Papaver back in at No 7 to be the highest re-entry.
  • Heather sales performed well, climbing 20 places up to No 16.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
Pictures from the Greatest Christmas Gold-winning teams
Garden centre teams excelled with their Christmas displays and grottos in 2015. Below we reveal galleries from the gold-winning teams...
 
Aylett Nurseries
Aylett Nurseries won gold in the Greatest Christmas Festive Plants Team (Large Centres) category...


Aylett Nurseries won gold in the Greatest Christmas Festive Plants Team (Large Centres) category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Aylett displays...
 
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Creative Gardens Donaghadee
Creative Gardens Donaghadee won gold in the Greatest Christmas Festive Plants Team (Small and Midsized Centres) category.
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Creative Gardens Donaghadee won gold in the Greatest Christmas Festive Plants Team (Small and Midsized Centres) category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Creative Gardens displays...
 
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Hayes Garden World
Hayes Garden World won gold in the Greatest Christmas Sizzle Team category...
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Hayes Garden World won gold in the Greatest Christmas Sizzle Team category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Hayes displays...
 
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Bents Garden & Home
Bents Garden & Home won gold in the Greatest Christmas Pet Team category.
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Bents Garden & Home won gold in the Greatest Christmas Pet Team category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Bents displays...
 
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Brookside GC Kent
Brookside Garden Centre Kent won golds in the Greatest Christmas Grotto Team and the Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team categories...
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Brookside Garden Centre Kent won golds in the Greatest Christmas Grotto Team and the Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team categories

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Brookside grotto...
 
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Pughs Radyr GC
Pughs Radyr Garden Centre won gold in the Greatest Christmas Grotto Team (Small and Midsized) category...
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Pughs Radyr Garden Centre won gold in the Greatest Christmas Grotto Team (Small and Midsized) category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Pughs grotto...
 
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Chessington GC
Chessington Garden Centre won gold in the Greatest Christmas Grotto Team (Large) category.
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Chessington Garden Centre won gold in the Greatest Christmas Grotto Team (Large) category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Chessington grotto...
 
Mains of Drum GC
Mains of Drum Garden Centre won gold in the Greatest Christmas Festive Catering Team category...
Mains of Drum Garden Centre won gold in the Greatest Christmas Festive Catering Team category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Mains of Drum restaurant...
 
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Barton Grange GC
Barton Grange won golds in the Greatest Christmas Festive Catering Team and the Greatest Christmas Display Team categories...
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Barton Grange won golds in the Greatest Christmas Festive Catering Team and the Greatest Christmas Display Team categories.

Below is a gallery of the winning Barton Grange catering and displays...
 
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Silverbirch GC
Silverbirch Garden Centre won gold in the Greatest Christmas Display Team (Small Centres) category...
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Silverbirch Garden Centre won gold in the Greatest Christmas Display Team (Small Centres) category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Silverbirch displays...
 
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Walkers Nurseries
Walkers Nurseries won gold in the Greatest Christmas Display Team (Small Centres) category...
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Walkers Nurseries won gold in the Greatest Christmas Display Team (Small Centres) category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Walkers displays...
 
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Castle Gardens
Castle Gardens won gold in the Greatest Christmas Display Team (Midsized Centres) category...
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Castle Gardens won gold in the Greatest Christmas Display Team (Midsized Centres) category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Castle Gardens displays...
 
Fryers GC - Blue Diamond
Fryers Garden Centre - Blue Diamond won gold in the Greatest Christmas Display Team (Group Centres) category...


Fryers Garden Centre - Blue Diamond won gold in the Greatest Christmas Display Team (Group Centres) category.

Below is a gallery of images from the winning Fryers displays...
 
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 printed newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2014 as well as 2015 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

Access is by subscription only.  For £195.00 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 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

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

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

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

Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for this 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 delivered via the post for only £195.00.

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 £120m.

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.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.

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

All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering

Church goers flock to Green Pastures restaurant


The Gardeners Kitchen restaurant at Green Pastures Garden Centre has become a place of Christian worship. The gardemn centre now plays host to the Yare Valley Filling Station, a gathering designed to bring together rural Christian communities that might otherwise be isolated...



A garden centre is not the first place that you might think of to host a church but at Green Pastures that’s exactly what’s happening! 

In the Gardeners Kitchen restaurant, every day the tills ring through the takings, customers are served and the business of retail is carried on.  But, once a month, the restaurant becomes a place of Christian worship and a true community hub.  Green Pastures now plays host to the Yare Valley Filling Station, a Christian gathering designed to bring together rural Christian communities that might otherwise be isolated.

Alwyn Evans, who started the Yare Valley Filling Station last spring said ‘We are incredibly lucky to have found such a fantastic space for our gatherings.  Initially we started meeting in the local school hall but our numbers grew to the point where we needed a bigger venue. 

"James and Michelle Debbage (owners of Green Pastures) were very helpful in offering us the use of the Gardeners Kitchen.  It’s a great space with the bonus of the kitchen facilities that we need for our teas and coffees, sufficient seating for our visitors and on-site parking.  We feel truly blessed to have this facility."

The Filling Station meets on the third Thursday of every month except for August and December.  Their next meeting will be on Thursday 16th February, opening at 7pm for a 7.30 start.  The last meeting attracted over 90 visitors.

James, owner of the Gardeners Kitchen, says: "We are immensely proud of being able to offer true community facilities from our site.  The Filling Station is one more way that we can meet the needs of our local community alongside other such things as the Post Office and events like our Pumpkin Day.  Many of our customers also attend the Filling Station and it’s a great way to connect with them in a different way to the typical retailer/consumer relationship."

More information about the Filling Station can be found at:  www.thefillingstation.org.uk/station/yare-valley/ or by phoning Alwyn Evans on 07760 770797.

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