Hillier Garden Centres has taken over the site previously known as Ducks Hill Garden Centre in Ruislip. The centre will go through a few days of transformation and re-open as Hillier Garden Centre Ruislip, with new Hillier ranges available from spring.

Through this new centre, Hillier looks forward to being part of the local community, sharing the company’s passion for plants, offering gardening knowledge and advice, and providing a friendly destination for people to be inspired.

Founded by Edwin Hillier in Hampshire in 1864, Hillier is a horticulture business with more than 155 years of expertise. Today, the company owns 19 garden centres across the South of England – including the new centre at Ruislip – opened a new online shop at the end of 2021, grows around one million plants a year across its Hampshire nurseries and is the largest grower of semi-mature trees in Europe. Hillier is proud to remain a family-run business to this day, with the fifth generation actively involved. 

At the heart of the company’s business is a mission to inspire the creation of green living spaces for now and the future. As Hillier goes through the process of transforming the new Hillier Garden Centre Ruislip, visitors can look forward to browsing a great range of top-quality plants, including many from Hillier Nurseries in Hampshire. Organised in plant areas through ‘plant for purpose’ displays, gardeners can easily find the right plant for the right place and for any queries Hillier plant experts are always on hand to help. 

Hillier will also be introducing its popular Gardening Club to Ruislip — in a recent survey, 96% of current Hillier Gardening Club members said they would recommend membership to friends and family. Joining is free, with membership benefits including: exclusive offers, points every time you shop, inspiring digital gardening magazines and more.  

“We are delighted to be adding Ruislip to our Hillier Garden Centres family,” comments Chris Francis, Hillier Garden Centre and Wholesale Nurseries Director. “Ruislip is ideally located in the outskirts of Greater London and fits in well geographically with our existing centres. We are looking forward to getting to know the local gardening communities and inspiring them with our great range of quality plants and Hillier expertise. It is very exciting times ahead!”  

A statement on the Ducks Hill website reads: “We would like to thank you for your custom & loyalty over the years and to say goodbye to you.

“After 30 years of trading at Ducks Hill Garden Centre Tony & Sue are retiring to spend more time looking after their own garden. We would like to thank you for your custom & loyalty over the years and to say goodbye to you.

“We are pleased to announce that Hillier Nurseries are taking over the Garden Centre. You will still see many of the Ducks Hill Garden Centre team in store when you next visit.”

Peter Seabrook MBE, died suddenly on Friday 14th January 2022.  It is reported he suffered a heart attack at home.

Read the report in The Sun here.

and Mondays article:  Inside Sun gardening guru Peter Seabrook’s incredible life from royal fans to tending to Barbara Windsor’s window boxes

Its been a sad day today with the news coming early on about Peter's sudden death.  We understand he hadn't been ill and was working with his usual haste but suffered a heart attack at home.

I'm sure the news has saddened many in horticulture and the garden industry.  He will be sorely missed as a champion for new plants, for down to earth gardening and his unbounded enthusiasm for everything that is good about horticulture and gardening.  Peter always had time for people, and typically at press events he always asked the most perceptive and difficult questions, but always in a very pleasant way.

All in the world of gardening media will be grateful for his role in setting up the Garden Writers Guild that became the Garden Media Guild.  In particular, Peter wanted all freelance and salaried journalists to have a voice and to celebrate their success via the Garden Media Guild Awards. Peter we thank you for that.

I last saw Peter at the Westland Press Day in November 2021 where the subject of peat and peat replacements were talked about earnestly as you can imagine.  He was on good form, asking pointed questions of the Westland team.  We all enjoyed his company for the day. 

More recently I corresponded and spoke about the Open Letter on Peat which has generated so much coverage about issues Peter passionately felt were being ignored.  Peter, I'll do everything I can to keep those issues on the agenda so that we get a full and proper story for the industry and all gardeners about growing media.  All you wanted was for people to grow and enjoy beautiful plants and bountiful harvests!

Thank you for all the support and encouragement you have given me over many years.

In haste... Trevor Pfeiffer.

Tribute to Peter Seabrook from Perrywood Garden Centre

Peter was always keen to hunt out the next high performing plant variety, so would always quiz Alan about what we were growing, and mention several recommendations of his own in return. His passion for plants was evident to all who met him.

Peter once worked for Cramphorn’s on Newton Road in Sudbury, which three years ago came into our ownership and is now Perrywood Sudbury.

He came along to our first anniversary party and shared his stories of working on the site, telling us he used cycle to work from Chelmsford, a four to five hour round trip! We will miss his dedication to the industry, his support for Perrywood, his floral fantasia displays at RHS Hyde Hall, his ties, his notebook and his smile.

The Bourne Family (Alan, Karin, Hannah, Simon & Tristan) and all at Perrywood

Tribute from Pershore College

Peter Seabrook MBE.

‘UNTIL NEXT TIME’

         Legendary Sun gardening guru Peter Seabrook dies aged 86

I received the sad news on Sunday that Peter Seabrook MBE had died of a heart attack on

Friday 14^th January.

Peter was a great supporter of the RHS Horticulture Unit at Pershore High School and gave advice, support and wonderful opportunities such as the RHS Chelsea Flower to students both past and present and made a surprise visit to RHS Wisley when Kristian Foxley got through to the finals of RHS Young School Gardener of the Year to give his support.

Staff who were at the school in 2018 will remember him for his wonderful talk at Presentation Evening. He was a wonderful kind man who was my inspiration as a child and became my guru in later years, it was an honour to work with him and he will be sadly missed within the Horticulture Industry.

Anne Watson

Head of Horticulture

Tribute from HTA President Boyd Douglas-Davies

“It was with a heavy heart that I learnt of the passing of Peter Seabrook. He was, without doubt, "Mr Gardening" - the original gardening superhero.

I was fortunate to meet Peter in the early days of my career in Horticulture. The enthusiasm he shared with me 30+ years ago never diminished. He enthralled and educated the public through TV, radio and the written word for decades.

His passion for everything garden related was infectious. He engaged with children as easily as he did with their grand-parents. He had time for all and was never slow to share his opinion.

Many a time I have shared a stage with Peter and been amazed at his unwavering ability to answer any question. His 'readers letters' were legendary and hugely entertaining.

The industry has lost a true champion. A character. A media giant. A knowledge that will be impossible to replace. Above all, we have today lost a friend. Peter RIP”

Boyd Douglas-Davies

See more tributes in the comments below, and please feel free to add your tributes to Peter, or send them to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk and we will add them to the pages of GTN Xtra.

Choice Marketing members are celebrating the completion of their best year ever with a huge interim rebate of over £2m+, being paid out to its Members prior to Christmas. This achievement is the result of the group’s 43 independent garden centre members working together during 2021.   

Commenting on the rebate, Michelle de Lavis-Trafford, CEO of Choice Marketing, said: “This is a fabulous achievement and a record-breaking result, following an amazing year.  Group turnover has exceeded all expectations and has climbed to an all-time high, which is now in excess of £150+m.  

“This exemplifies the power and positive rewards of working together within an established organisation, particularly during a pandemic, where we have certainly enjoyed record sales and fantastic support from our key suppliers. 

“Although all our member centres are independently owned and independently run, we do speak with one voice in our relationships with our suppliers.”

Early indications are that 2022 will, with sales again up on last year, be another good year for Choice Marketing as it sets to celebrate its 20th Anniversary at the end of this month 

In addition to preferential purchasing arrangements, Choice members benefit from a comprehensive offering of marketing services, through its partner agency.  

Commenting further, Will Blake of St Peters Garden Centre said: “It’s so great being a member of Choice Marketing.  St Peters have enjoyed the many benefits of Membership since it helped establish the organisation back in 2002.  

“Choice is one of the industry’s leading buying and marketing groups and has forged strong, mutually beneficial working relationships with dozens of key suppliers throughout the garden centre, gift, home and leisure sectors.   

“As an independent garden centre, we really value the combined influence and buying strength that Choice gives our business, as it far exceeds anything we could possibly achieve on our own. 

“The enhanced service we receive from suppliers, combined with the direct lines of communication that the team at Choice have with key account managers across our supply chain, ensures that any issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently.  

“The team at Choice negotiate the very best prices and trading terms on our behalf, which frees up countless hours in our own business and allows my senior management team to devote more time to the day to day operation of the centre. It also enables us to concentrate more on other important strategic issues facing the business.”   

Due to pending retirement sales, the group is sad to be losing a small number of its longstanding members this year. But these changes make way for Choice Marketing to be able to welcome new members into the Group with potential new members already in the pipeline and advanced conversations underway. 

If you would like to know more about the benefits of membership, please contact Michelle de Lavis-Trafford at info@choice-marketing.co.uk to arrange an informal chat. The Group’s Membership Manager, Anthony Gould, can also be contacted at anthony.gould@choice-marketing.co.uk.  

www.choice-marketing.co.uk

bio-bean Limited, maker of Coffee Logs – planet-friendly fire logs powered by coffee – has cut its carbon footprint by 6%. The company has achieved this by removing the thin wax coating from the surface of Coffee Logs, making the product even more sustainable whilst remaining an efficient, high-quality fuel. 

When bio-bean first developed Coffee Logs – around 7 years ago – it included a thin coating of paraffin wax on the outer surface of the logs. The wax served as a solid, protective layer to keep the logs from breaking during transport to stores and into consumers’ homes. It also kept dust from the logs to a minimum. 

But bio-bean is a business built on sustainability – indeed, the coffee recycling company has Certified B Corporation status – and paraffin wax isn't a long-term sustainable solution. So, after years of searching for better alternatives, the company took the decision to remove the wax from Coffee Logs all together, and in doing so cut its carbon footprint by 6%. 

Coffee Logs are a little dusty to handle now without the wax coating. Given they're made with nothing but recycled coffee grounds and a bit of sawdust to help bind the grounds together, some loose granules are to be expected. 

Matt Keniston, Head of Commercial for bio-bean said: “We’re excited about the improvement this product change has made on our carbon footprint. Coffee Logs are just as hot as they were before – they burn 20% hotter than kiln-dried wood – but now are even more sustainable. There’s a bit of dust when you handle Coffee Logs, but given the added environmental benefits of removing the wax coating, we figure a sprinkling of coffee dust is worth it.”  

To communicate this product change to the consumer, the manufacturer is including a callout sticker on the packaging. The sticker features a QR code leading to a digital landing page with more information. 

bio-bean is also running a social media campaign on Facebook (@CoffeeLogsUK) and Instagram (@coffee_logs) to bring attention to the product improvement. 

The new, unwaxed Coffee Logs are due to reach shop shelves from the 17th of January. 

After what has been a monumental year for RocketGro, 2022 is looking very exciting with plenty of positive news flow and developments to come.

RocketGro is building market share and starting to deliver a total solution to the peat-free compost challenge for garden centres across the UK.

With substantial financial backing, product supply and logistics support, RocketGro is well placed to successfully manage their growth.

“We have worked extremely hard to build out the business in 2021, and we are delighted and very thankful for the support we have received from the gardening industry and the buying public. We have so much more exciting progress to make and our journey has only just begun,” said director and co-founder Toby Thomas.

“We are really excited about the launch of our Peat-Free Ericaceous Organic Compost. The bag design is eye catching and modern. The product (after months of in-house trials) is refined and a joy to use. 100% sustainable and another example of our bang on trend green eco positive development drive.

“We look forward to making new friends in the industry and supporting our marvellous clients in 2022. We will go the extra mile to make sure we provide market leading customer service to our garden centre and nursery clients as we continue to build our business.”

For more information visit www.rocketgro.co.uk

Environmental issues and sustainability are on the nation’s agenda and the gardening industry has an important role to play in increasing sustainability, especially as the number of gardeners has increased significantly in the UK in the last 24 months.  

Hozelock is committed to increasing the sustainability of its products, packaging and manufacturing processes and is making big steps to improve its carbon footprint in 2022. As a business, it pledges to develop sustainable practices, involving product development and operational activities, which will be driven by three key areas; renew, reuse and recycle.

The business is reducing its single use plastic packaging across the range, removing over 95 tonnes of single use plastic packaging and, where possible, Hozelock ensures packaging is made from recycled materials that are easy to recycle or compost, as well as sourcing cardboard packaging from FSC approved sources. 

In addition, the spray gun packaging will also be changing from spring 2022 across Hozelock’s standard gun range, to reduce the header which the product is mounted to by 34% and ensure it is 100% recyclable. This change will save 2.5 tonnes of card per year, without compromising on the packaging quality. 

Hozelock’s attention is also focused on the products themselves and from 2022, its knitted hose range, which includes Ultimate, Ultramax and Ultraflex, will be made from 40% recycled PVC*. By working with sister company Tricoflex, old PVC hoses can be collected, recycled and made into new hoses. ​ The update will remove 535 tonnes of virgin PVC material from the range.​

Sustainability has also been at the forefront of Hozelock’s NPD for 2021/22, with the new EasyMix 2-in-1, waste-saving composter, manufactured using more than 85% recycled plastic, and being 100% recyclable. This USP will be promoted to customers to emphasise that the product can be recycled in an eco-friendly manner. 

For more information, visit: https://www.hozelock.com/sustainability/

Data from horticulture's leading trade association shows that 2021 was another incredibly strong year for garden centre retailers despite the double impact of post-Brexit trade restrictions and the pandemic. 

The Horticultural Trades Association's latest Market Update report shows that whilst many sectors have seen profits damaged after businesses wrestled with a host of challenges and negative effects, horticultural businesses were one of a handful of success stories for the UK economy in 2021. 

Despite a host of Covid restrictions, total garden centre sales for the year were up 23 percent from 2020 and up 36 percent from 2019. Within this, garden/gardening sales were up 32 percent on 2020 and up 65 percent on 2019. This is likely due to the increased demand for garden products, with HTA research showing that pandemic gardeners broadly stayed engaged in their new hobby.

Garden centre catering sales for the year did however decline by 59 percent from 2019 as restrictions on hospitality saw them unable to operate their catering services at full capacity.

Still, with nearly 60 percent of people in the UK having had their booster jab as of 3 January 2022, members are hoping that consumers will return to restaurants and cafes in greater numbers in the year ahead.  

Consumers faced financial strain and potential health risks 

When considered against the backdrop of the increased financial strains faced by consumers last year, these sales figures are impressive. Consumer financial confidence remained relatively low in 2021 though considerably higher than in March 2020 and following the 2008 financial crisis; decreasing by only one point in December 2021 despite the looming threat of record high inflation, fuel price increases and general living expenses rising. 

In the final month of 2021, Christmas category sales in garden centres were strong, up 33 percent on December 2020 and up 17 percent on 2019. Catering sales for the month of December were up 54 percent from December 2020, when lockdown restricted indoor dining, but down 41 percent from December 2019, pre-pandemic. This is likely because of concern about the spread of the Omicron variant in the lead up to Christmas.  

Fear of increased regulations and restrictions in 2022 could stifle growth plans 

Looking to the year ahead, it seems there is a mood of cautious optimism. HTA member research shows that growers and retailers are committed to investing in their businesses (49 percent plan to invest in new infrastructure, buildings and facilities in 2022), but they remain concerned that extra cost burdens and regulations could stifle this ambition. As our quarterly Member Voice tracking showed, positive business outlook steadily declined quarter on quarter throughout 2021.

With post-Brexit costs associated with importing plants increasing by between £25m and £50m last year, the price of shipping containers doubling over 2021, along with higher inflation, increasing wage costs and labour shortages coming through in 2022 it is likely to be a challenging year of business pressures. Around one in twenty roles at garden centres and ornamental grower firms are unfilled, meaning recruitment and retention will be a key factor in 2022 for how well members grow their businesses.  

David Denny, Futures and Sustainability Manager at the HTA, said: “Last year was a strong one for horticulture. Participation in gardening that exploded in 2020 during the lockdown was, mostly, sustained through 2021. Looking to 2022, continuing higher costs for importing and exporting plants is a specific government-initiated burden on our industry, as well similar headwinds to those facing the wider UK economy, be that inflation of costs and competition for labour and skills. Despite this, our member businesses continue to lead the UK’s green recovery and are investing in future growth." 

The HTA will continue to advocate for the needs of our sector, as well as increasing our guidance and advice to members to help them navigate the regulatory challenges they face, as well as provide business development opportunities including learning and development.

Mo-Lawn, a landscape supplies and services operating throughout Scotland, has announced plans for a new garden centre near Dublane.

In a statement on its website headlined The Victories Park Rural Hub, the company says: “After 30 years in business we are excited about a new proposal we have and in conjunction with Kippendavie Estates...as new garden centre. Offering a wide variety of plants, trees, shrubs, bedding plants etc. The centre shop will also showcase stock food asndf crafts from local trades.”

The plans  comprise a garden centre including plant sales, restaurant, craft workshop and rural larder. A fuel station, including electric vehicle charging points and car park, is also part of the scheme.

The statement adds: “The proposed development would not only provide local employment and commerce opportunities but also a much-needed local service in the fuel and vehicle charging station. 

“All of this at Ladys Mount just outside Dunblane on the B8033 with easy access to both Dunblane town centre and the A9 directly.  

“We welcome any views, comments and ideas on our proposal prior to our full planning permission for the project, please e-mail us on enquiries@molawn.com with your contact details and any message and we will respond to your query.”

In spite of another challenging year due to Covid, Perrywood Tiptree has raised and donated £15,743 to chosen charities in 2021. This includes donations to local organisations Together We Grow and Abberton Rural Training as well as the national Greenfingers Charity.

These organisations are very closely linked to the Perrywood vision to inspire people of all ages to get more plants in their lives and enjoy gardens and gardening.

As well as donating over £3,000 worth of plants to Together We Grow and Abberton Rural Training, money was also raised throughout the year across of range of activities. This included a raffle, a staff Christmas jumper day and creative challenge, as well as talks to gardening groups.

Over £4,500 of the overall total was raised by the Coffee Shop & Restaurant team. Instead of receiving tips, the team chose to give any donations to Colchester Hospital via the Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity. Some of this money has purchased LED ceiling tiles for a treatment room at the Collingwood Cancer Centre and the remaining money is part of an ongoing collection for an ultrasound machine.

Perrywood also donated over £3,500 worth of plants, gardening equipment and gift vouchers to local schools and individuals.

Debbie Wrigley, Communications Manager at Perrywood comments: “Raising funds for worthy charities and supporting our local community is so important to us at Perrywood. As a team, we are extremely passionate about helping others and giving back. We are delighted to be able to make such a difference to these worthy causes and raise much needed funds.”

Durston Garden Products has announced the passing away of its much-loved sales agent, James (Jim) Kelly, who died in late 2021, aged 84 years.

Mr Kelly was the North-East sales agent for Durston Garden Products, having begun his career with the company in 2009.

Speaking about Jim’s passing Durstons’ Sales Director, Dan Durston, said: “It was Glee 2008 when Chris Durston and Ron Perry recruited Jim over a glass of whisky, after a hard day’s work at the show! From then on, he became an integral part of our team and there is no question that he will be hugely missed by all of us and those that had the pleasure of working with him.

“Jim had several agencies when he started with us but slowly gave them all up over the years to focus solely on Durstons, as he had a real passion for selling our offering.  He built up the account from a relatively small size to something considerable by 2021, much of which was due to his incredible nature – people couldn’t help but smile when they were around him. Jim was extremely passionate about his customers and could be often found coming to the management team to ask for special deals. I know they will all be saddened to hear of his passing.”

Dan added that Jim will be best remembered for his dedication to the role, which often saw him “working regardless of day or time”, as well as his “brilliant sense of humour that always saw him looking for the humour in any situation.” 

Dan, who attended Jim’s funeral in York on December 13th along with other members of the Durstons team, added. “We would all like to extend our sincere condolences to all of Jim’s family as we know his passing will leave a large hole in their lives. And to Jim – thank you for everything. You will be missed.”

Mr Kelly was husband to Brenda, father to Nigel and Martin, father-in-law to Susan and Louise and grandfather to Jordan, Harry and Shea.

The 2022 edition of Glee is now just six months away and is set to be the biggest edition of the UK’s leading garden retail exhibition for several years.

Taking place in a fresh layout and for the first time ever in late June (28th – 30th June, NEC Birmingham), when it will align with key buying cycles and extended lead times, as well as providing an essential mid-season touchpoint for the industry, Glee 2022 marks an exciting new chapter for the event that is positively supported from all corners of the garden retail sector.

The show will once again be home to many of the biggest industry brands alongside exciting new and emerging companies. With over 75% of the floorplan already booked by existing, new and lapsed brands – including Smart Garden Products, AMES, STV, APAC Group, Scheurich, PMS, Firmans Direct and Madison BV – confirming their attendance, Glee 2022 is already shaping up to be bigger than last year’s edition. In fact, the 2021 show footprint has already been matched by 2022 exhibitors as they look to expand their stand size to ensure they have sufficient space to showcase their full 2023 offering.

With the 2022 show filling up so rapidly, Glee’s Event Director, Matthew Mein, is urging interested suppliers to secure their exhibition stand now to avoid missing out. He said: “Following the success of the 2021 event, a new show dateline designed to meet the ever-growing needs of the garden retail sector, and a buoyant market which is still riding high on the increased popularity of gardening during the pandemic, Glee 2022 is on track to be our biggest and most vibrant event for some time. We are urging companies to get in touch now to discuss their exhibition needs as space is quickly running out.

“We will, of course, work with suppliers to ensure they don’t miss out and have reserved additional space at the NEC should it be necessary to further expand the show into additional halls. It’s an exciting prospect for the show but - more importantly – for the garden retail sector, as it demonstrates the resilience and passion that is driving the growth of our market. We cannot wait to be onsite come June and look forward to welcoming UK and international retailers and suppliers to the 2022 event.” 

Glee’s role has always been to facilitate the growth of the garden centre trade and green markets and the 2022 event - strategically positioned between the spring and early summer peak and the school holiday rush - is poised to brilliantly fulfil that role. The event is well placed to enable buyers from across the garden retail spectrum to meet with exciting new innovators and existing suppliers, source new products and place orders for the 2023 season. Whilst onsite at the show they can also glean invaluable information about future trends, pick up advice about all aspects of the business and understand the issues that are shaping our industry today.

The timing of the 2022 event is also set to benefit from a unique festival feel as the longer (and hopefully warmer!) summer nights will provide more access to the outdoors where cooking demonstrations will provide the backdrop for more networking and conversation mid-season. The festival theme will also continue indoors as Glee’s newest show feature – the Talent Store – will provide a central hub for Glee’s extensive education and seminar programme. The Talent Store itself will be a truly different offering for Glee.

Further details about how to take part in the Glee Talent Store will be made available shortly.

Find out more

To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com.  To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2020 call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

The iconic plant food brand, Phostrogen, which has been helping British gardens grow for 60 years, has launched a new line of organic plant food products.

Available to stockist in January 2022, the range includes an Organic All Purpose Plant Food, Organic Tomato Food, Organic Lawn Food, and Organic Ericaceous Plant Food, meeting the growing consumer demand for organic products in the gardening sector.

The launch will enable retailers to offer customers an array of organic fertilisers with the trust and reliability of Phostrogen, which is known and loved for its original All Purpose Plant Food. 

Certified by the Organic Farmers & Growers Association (OF&G), the Organic All Purpose Plant Food will be available in both granules and liquid, allowing customers to choose from two convenient concentrates, while the Organic Lawn Food and Organic Ericaceous Food will be available in granules and the Organic Tomato Food available in liquid. 

Each of the new product formulas contain the key nutrients needed to help gardeners grow bigger plants, better blooms and more vegetables, and are also enriched with seaweed to stimulate growth. 

The slow-releasing solutions feed plants for up to 100 days, and importantly are child, pet and bee friendly. 

The launches also coincide with the rebrand of Phostrogen’s popular All Purpose Plant Food, which will unveil a fresh, modern look for the iconic original fertiliser. 

James Ramnought, Head of Marketing for Phostrogen®, commented on the launch: “We are thrilled to introduce our range of new organic plant food products. Phostrogen has been a leading brand in the sector for 60 years, and we have seen a significant rise in organic gardening in recent years. 

“The new launch will open up a whole new market for our retail partners, allowing stockists to offer a full range to organic gardeners, while continuing to supply our tried and trusted All Purpose Plant Food.”

The agenda for the Future for International Trade Conference on March 17th, 2022, at the Stratford Manor Hotel has been confirmed, together with its keynote speaker, Shelley Boyle, Head of Business Development at online retailer, ManoMano.  

This popular event is sponsored by three of the leading trade associations in the garden and leisure, pet product and home enhancement sectors and this year special measures are being put in place to ensure the venue and the day’s activities are Covid-safe.

The event opens with registration at 9.30 am and the details for the morning session are as follows:

The afternoon break will be followed by the keynote address from Shelley Boyle of ManoMano.  The conference closes at 5.15 pm.

Director General of Gardenex and PetQuip, Amanda Sizer Barrett confirmed: “The Future for International Trade conference is always a lively and informative occasion focussing on retail trends in international markets, the practicalities of export logistics, compliance and the inspiring case studies by some of the UK’s leading exporters.   It’s all about helping UK companies navigate their best routes to secure international sales, especially in a changed world post-Brexit and with the ongoing impact of the pandemic.” 

BHETA’s Chief Operating Officer, Will Jones commented, “There is already significant industry interest in this top-level export conference thanks to the quality of the agenda and the insights, inspiration and practical advice that the speakers will give delegates.  As joint organisers and sponsors, BHETA, Gardenex and Petquip are working with the venue to ensure that all necessary safeguards are put in place vis a vis Covid to ensure that the conference is secure and both speakers and delegates can enjoy it with confidence.” 

Places at the conference can be obtained by contacting any of the organisers.  Contact Gardenex or PetQuip by emailing katie-mai@petquip.com; or visit www.gardenex.com.  Contact BHETA by emailing zm@bheta.co.uk or visit www.bheta.co.uk.   Members of Gardenex, PetQuip, CHA and BHETA can secure a preferential delegate rate of £69 per person at the conference. The event is also open to non-members at £149 per person (both plus VAT).   

The Future for International Trade Conference will be operating as a Covid -secure event and all guests are required to provide a Covid vaccination certificate (downloadable from the NHS app https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/) prior to arrival. Anyone unable to provide a certificate in advance will need to provide evidence of a negative Lateral Flow Test (taken no more than 24 hours before the event) on arrival at the venue.  This policy will be updated as necessary in line with any change to Government guidelines.

Julian Charles, the leading bedding and linen retailer, has today announced plans to open up to 10 concessions in garden centres across the country over the next 12 months, following the launch of its new concession in Tong Garden Centre, West Yorkshire.

Julian Charles currently operates from 75 locations across the country, with 13 concession sites in garden centres currently. Its new concession in Tong Garden Centre opened in November last year, stocking beautifully made soft furnishings, including quality bedding, ready-made curtains, and luxury duvets.

The new 1800 square foot concession in Tong Garden Centre has its own customised stock offering and has been finished with contemporary fixtures and fittings in line with the rest of the store. As with all Julian Charles concessions, the bedding retailer is responsible for all stock, with their in-house marketing team assigned on site to help deliver sales.

The announcement signals the retailer’s intention to capitalise on the increased footfall resulting from eased pandemic restrictions, double down on physical retail locations, as well as further strengthen its relationships and partnerships in the garden retail market.

The focus on garden centre concessions follows Julian Charles’ acquisition by SKG Capital, the retail-focused family office, in June 2020. Since acquiring the Manchester-based business, SKG Capital have invested heavily into the brand’s digital offering and are now looking to expand its retail locations.

Prior to the acquisition, Julian Charles was running at a £2.1m loss. However, in the latest financial accounts, the retailer has been taken to a break-even position and continues to grow. Additionally, following the period of investment, online sales have increased by 30% year-on-year and now account for 20% of total sales.

Simon Peck, Managing Director at Julian Charles, said: “We are a fast-growing business, and are on the hunt for new garden centre partners to meet our target of opening up to 10 concessions within garden centres over the next year.

“Our recent opening at Tong Garden Centre will be the first of many. We are pursuing garden centre concessions as one of the cornerstones of our rollout strategy because we recognise the natural synergy between our own customers, products, and those of our garden centre partners.

“The customer response to our new concession in Tong has been strong, and we’re hoping to replicate the model across the UK. As a bedding and linen retailer, we have been able to deliver strong footfall through the year, and we take pride in building long-term relationships.”

Neil Taylor, partner at SKG Capital, said: “Following a great year for Julian Charles, the next 12 months will be key to our growth. Having invested heavily in our digital platform in the past year, we are now planning to increase our physical footprint on the high street, both with standalone stores and garden centre concessions like our new opening in Tong.”

Home furnishings brand Julian Charles started in 1947 as a small Lancashire textile business called Rectella Limited, growing into one of the largest manufacturers of home textiles in the UK and developing its retail arm under the Julian Charles brand.

The business trades nationally from 75 locations, including 41 leased stores and concessions in other retailers.

With Christmas behind us and rooms feeling a bit bare, Dobbies has some top tips for incorporating houseplants into homes this January on its latest podcast. 

In episode 21, New year, new plants, podcast host, Louise Midgley, and Senior Houseplant Buyer, Claire Bishop, explore the best plants for each room of the home, with suggestions on plant types and positioning for maximum benefit. 

Claire reveals which plants are most at home in the bathroom, living room and home office, alongside advice on adding life to smaller spaces such as shelves and windowsills. Monsteras and Orchids are frequently discussed, with Claire saying; “Orchids are one of my favourites. They’re easy to look after, come in so many different colours and look beautiful in any space”. Claire then goes on to provide key tips for ensuring you care for your plants correctly in the winter and get the most out of them for new growth come spring.

Louise and Claire address the beneficial impact that houseplants can have on our mental health. Claire believes that anything we can nurture and care for successfully can boost our mood. Learning to care for a plant is a process that’s also discussed, from moving it to ensure it is happy in its spot, to the reward of a new leaf or flower, people with plants in their homes can find a real sense of achievement.

The podcast concludes by outlining predicted trends for 2022, including the continuation of foliage such as Calatheas, which come in a variety of striking textures and tones and are proven air purifiers, as well as the increased popularity of flowering plants that add a welcomed pop of colour against green leaves. Colour is also discussed in relation to the Pantone Colour of the Year 2022, Very Peri, with Claire providing her top suggestions of houseplants that complement this tone of purple, such as Aechmea blue rain and Streptocarpus. 

Head over to Spotify or iTunes to listen to the podcasts and get more hints and tips on how to incorporate houseplants into your home. Browse all Dobbies podcast episodes here.

Pictured: Alocasia macrorrhiza £99.99; Opuntia vulgaris £29.99; Epipremnum aureum from £12.99; Monstera deliciosa £19.99; Pteris mix £6.99; Dypsis Lutescens £89.99; Olivine Reactive Glaze Planter £19.99; Eno pot £7.99; Sapphire glaze pot from £10.99.

Government minister Mike Freer MP has officially launched a new web portal to help the UK Agri-Tech industry export to new markets.

The Minister for Exports unveiled the Agri-Tech-UK Directory at an APPG Science & Technology in Agriculture meeting on Monday (10^th January).

The Directory is a joint venture of three associations – UK Technology for Agriculture and Genetics (UK TAG), the Commercial Horticultural Association (CHA) and the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) – working alongside the Department for International Trade.

Its aim is to provide an invaluable, high-functionality resource and point of contact for overseas producers and companies in the agricultural industry, as well as enabling overseas embassies and government trade departments to locate UK companies and their specialist services.

Mike Freer said: “A year after becoming an independent trading nation, Britain is using its unique opportunity to strengthen its position as a global hub of agricultural science and innovation. 

“We’re working hard to develop and export technological solutions to improve food production around the world, whilst also attracting inward investment to support jobs and economic activity here at home.

“This is why we, alongside the three leading UK Agri-Tech Trade Associations, and the four Agri-Tech Innovation Centres, have joined forces to launch the brand new Agri-Tech portal. This supports companies who want to expand into new markets around the world and take advantage of our new Free Trade Agreements by providing a point of contact for overseas producers and companies in the agricultural industry.

“The new portal will help boost international Agri-Tech trade.”

The three associations – UK TAG, CHA and AEA – are working together to promote the skills, innovation and technology capabilities of their members. In addition, they have developed the portal in partnership with the four Agri-Tech Innovation Centres (Agrimetrics, Agri-Epi, Crop Health and Protection (CHAP) and Centre for Innovation and Excellence in Livestock (CIEL) and Local Enterprise Partners in the Midlands Engine, Northern Powerhouse and South West. 

By signing up to the platform, users will gain exclusive access to several ‘Meet the Buyer’ events each year, as well as the ability to communicate directly with international buyers through an internal messaging system.  

The functionality of the directory allows users to search by sector, product and region.  It also provides access to the UK Capability Brochures on agricultural engineering, companion pets, horticulture and livestock genetics published with our Trade Challenge Partners (CHA, UK Tag, AEA). 

In the future, it will host the slide decks for the Agri-Tech High Potential Opportunities in animal health (Surrey/Hampshire), aquaculture (Dorset), controlled environment agriculture (Leeds/Yorkshire), plant science for nutrition (Norfolk/Suffolk) and precision agriculture (Telford) to also help attract more investment by signposting other Agri-Tech initiatives of interest to overseas investors. 

Chris Jackson, Export Manager for UK TAG, said: “ Post-Brexit, Britain has a unique opportunity to strengthen its position as a global hub of agricultural science and innovation, developing and exporting technological solutions to improve food production around the world, and attracting inward investment to support jobs and economic activity at home.

“It is vital that we tell the world what we’re good at, and this new website will help us to get the message out there that the UK produces some of the best horticultural and agricultural technology and help companies to take advantage of future trade deals.”

The CHA’s Trade Association Manager, Pat Flynn, confirmed: “Britain is a horticultural and agriculture world leader and we need to celebrate this more and support it more. We are confident that the AgriTech portal as launched officially today will go a long way to addressing the information gap which currently exists for overseas growers who wish to access our expertise and this in turn helps our UK companies to realise their full export potential.”

Ruth Bailey, Director General of AEA, added: “I think it is a little known fact that the agricultural engineers sector exports some 1.12 billion machinery exports worldwide.  This is far more than is imported into the UK and this shows there is a clear value for this sector and one that needs to be supported.”

The new portal can be viewed at www.agritech-uk.org

For further inquiries email chris@uktag.co.uk

For links to the Top 100 stories click here...

The top 100 most read stories in GTN Xtra during 2021 were:

1.  Large Fire at Longacres Shepperton - UPDATED - GTN Xtra – Issue 15 2021

2.  Tributes for Eddie Topping MBE, Founder, Pioneer, Dad - GTN Xtra – Issue 36 2021

3.  An Open Letter on the use of peat - GTN Xtra - Issue 51 2021

4.  We're Here For You - GTN Xtra - Issue 1 2021

5.  Blue Diamond to open the largest Home and Garden Centre in the UK  - GTN Xtra - Issue 3 2021

6.  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 - GTN Xtra - Issue 3 2021

7.  Barton Grange Christmas 2020 - Exclusive GTN Xtra Photo Tour - GTN Xtra – Issue 19 2021

8.  £31m loss reported by Dobbies Garden Centre Group - GTN Xtra - Issue 49 2021

9.  Garden centre owners share their thoughts on being open during Lockdown 3 - GTN Xtra - Issue 2 2021

10.  British Garden Centres announce 58th centre, in Harrogate, will open in April - GTN Xtra - Issue 11 2021

11.  Antony Harker to launch Altico at Glee - Read GTN's August issue on-line now - GTN Xtra – Issue 33 2021

12.  Nicholas Marshall returns... again - GTN Xtra – Issue 15 2021

13.  Four Oaks trade show director Pat Coutts sadly dies - GTN Xtra - Issue 35 2021

14.  Garden centres report busiest ever day as gardens are the focus for family re-unions this week - More comments added - GTN Xtra - Issue 13 2021

15.  Nicholas Marshalls Country House Group pulls out of Windlesham - GTN Xtra - Issue 49 2021

16.  Suez Canal blockage causes further delays for garden furniture - GTN Xtra - Issue 13 2021

17.  Joules acquires digitally led retailer Garden Trading - GTN Xtra – Issue 6 2021

18.  Easter thank you to growers, manufacturers & distributors from British Garden Centres - GTN Xtra - Issue 14 2021

19.  Elho takes top prize as GIMA Award winners announced - GTN Xtra – Issue 46 2021

20.  Sustainable decking brand invests in technology to aid its stockist partners - GTN Xtra - Issue 26 2021

21.  Bill Bickerdike, one of "the gang", has died - GTN Xtra – Issue 33 2021

22.  Westland call for reality to be brought to the peat debate - GTN Xtra - Issue 12 2021

23.  Picture Special of the glitzy GIMA Awards evening - GTN Xtra – Issue 46 2021

24.  Dobbies buy Johnsons of Boston - GTN Xtra – Issue 15 2021

25.  Government publishes plan to ban peat sales by 2024 - GTN Xtra - Issue 20 2021

26.  Signs of growth for after lockdown - GTN Xtra - Issue 4 2021

27.  Has the sales volume bubble burst? - GTN Xtra – Issue 16 2021

28.  Dobbies No 71 opens in Boston, Lincolnshire - GTN Xtra - Issue 18 2021

29.  Nicholas Marshall interview and Solex On-Line Preview in GTN July 2021 Issue, live on-line now - GTN Xtra – Issue 27 2021

30.  £1.8m reward for Choice Marketing members - GTN Xtra - Issue 26 2021

31.  Smart, Kaemingk and Allensmore are Choice Marketing Suppliers of the Year - GTN Xtra – Issue 41 2021

32.  Alton's praised for tough stance on facemasks - GTN Xtra - Issue 2 2021

33.  Former LOFA secretary Phil Gibbs receives prison sentence for fraud - GTN Xtra – Issue 42 2021

34.  Blue Diamond acquires Mere Park Garden Centre - GTN Xtra - Issue 43 2021

35.  UK’s largest garden centre should get green light, say planning officers - GTN Xtra - Issue 26 2021

36.  GIMA Golf Day Photo Exclusive - GTN Xtra – Issue 24 2021

37.  Cherry Lane acquires Langford Garden Centre - GTN Xtra - Issue 13 2021

38.  Who have been the best buyers of the past eighteen months? - GTN Xtra – Issue 28 2021

39.  Industry prepares for a peat-less future - GTN Xtra - Issue 20 2021

40.  Derek Bunker adds his thanks to suppliers for "their efforts throughout this amazing period in garden centre history" - GTN Xtra - Issue 14 2021

41.  Shed prices set to soar - GTN Xtra – Issue 23 2021

42.  David Isaac says farewell to Johnsons of Boston - GTN Xtra – Issue 16 2021

43.  Europlants founder Renato Canale dies, aged 78 - GTN Xtra – Issue 21 2021

44.  East Yorkshire garden centre sells for £1.5m  - GTN Xtra - Issue 14 2021

45.  Petition to get Garden Centres in Scotland and Wales open again as soon as possible gains momentum, but they still need our help - GTN Xtra – Issue 6 2021

46.  BGC's Harrogate centre opens - Exclusive photo tour - GTN Xtra - Issue 22 2021

47.  Tong gets go-ahead to build £14m garden centre - GTN Xtra – Issue 23 2021

48.  57 garden centres vie for Christmas Greatness in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards - GTN Xtra – Issue 48 2021

49.  Garden Re-Leaf Day 2021 FUNdraising goes past £35k and is still growing... - GTN Xtra - Issue 12 2021

50.  With eight weeks to go until Glee 2021, show organisers unveil a new date for next year’s event - GTN Xtra – Issue 28 2021

51.  Online petition launched to get Welsh garden centres re-opened – sign it NOW! - GTN Xtra – Issue 5 2021

52.  Farewell to the Eddie Topping, the Preston pioneer - UPDATED - GTN Xtra - Issue 37 2021

53.  GCA Christmas competition winners announced - GTN Xtra - Issue 49 2021

54.  Martin Stewart leads industry tributes at Memorial Service for Eddie Topping - GTN Xtra – Issue 40 2021

55.  Joe Swift opens The Plant Room by Camden Garden Centre in Richmond - GTN Xtra – Issue 45 2021

56.  GIMA Charity Golf Day welcomes the industry back with a day of sunshine and friendly competition - GTN Xtra – Issue 24 2021

57.  Christmas Future Trends and GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards Winners to be announced during Glee's on-line Festive Focus Day - GTN Xtra - Issue 2 2021

58.  Alan Roper wins Director of the Year Award - GTN Xtra – Issue 42 2021

59.  After a fantastic three days at the NEC, the return to Glee "has been really special" - GTN Xtra – Issue 38 2021

60.  Boyd's 100km in a day and AMES Amble add to the Garden Re-Leaf Day FUNdraising for Greenfingers - GTN Xtra - Issue 11 2021

61.  Online garden products retailer sold to private equity firm - GTN Xtra – Issue 7 2021

62.  little dobbies opens its doors in Bristol - GTN Xtra - Issue 13 2021

63.  AMES UK invest more than £1m in infrastructure and people in response to increasing market demand - GTN Xtra – Issue 6 2021

64.  Garden Centres re-open in Scotland... and it snows! - GTN Xtra - Issue 14 2021

65.  Sue Allen and Tammy Woodhouse to Brave the Shave on Garden Re-Leaf Day - GTN Xtra – Issue 8 2021

66.  Little Dobbies brings Garden Centre Christmas and houseplants to Richmond High Street - GTN Xtra – Issue 45 2021

67.  Eddie Topping retires - GTN Xtra - Issue 12 2021

68.  LOFA reports increased freight rates and container crisis - GTN Xtra - Issue 25 2021

69.  Excited to be back at Glee - GTN September, Glee Preview Issue, on-line here - GTN Xtra – Issue 36 2021

70.  Private equity group acquires leading garden product firm - GTN Xtra – Issue 23 2021

71.  Pearson Memorial medal awarded to Adam Wigglesworth of Aylett Nurseries - GTN Xtra – Issue 6 2021

72.  Turbo charged gardening as February breaks all records - GTN Xtra - Issue 10 2021

73.  Record end to a record year, up 28% on 2020, up 17% on 2019 - GTN Xtra – Issue 50 2021

74.  Industry taskforce to produce roadmap for a peat-free future - GTN Xtra - Issue 4 2021

75.  AMES UK reports record revenues in 2020 - GTN Xtra - Issue 4 2021

76.  Wildlife Trusts call for immediate end to peat sales - GTN Xtra - Issue 14 2021

77.  Hillmount boss warns of disarray for gardeners in Northern Ireland as spring approaches - GTN Xtra - Issue 4 2021

78.  Christmas Future Trends at Glee's Festive Focus Day - GTN Xtra - Issue 3 2021

79.  Future proofing your garden centre for maximum flexibility and profitability - GTN Xtra - Issue 3 2021

80.  No bubble burst yet for garden centre sales volumes - GTN Xtra - Issue 17 2021

81.  Garden Kitchen by Pugh's is a unique concept - GTN Xtra – Issue 36 2021

82.  Dobbies strengthens leadership team - GTN Xtra – Issue 46 2021

83.  Hetland Garden Centre sold to Caulders - GTN Xtra – Issue 38 2021

84.  Immediate ban on peat use unrealistic, says HTA - GTN Xtra - Issue 14 2021

85.  The COVID year in numbers - GTN Xtra - Issue 1 2021

86.  Fordingbridge undertakes major work at Norfolk centre - GTN Xtra - Issue 4 2021

87.  Lull in sales before mid-Summer - GTN Xtra - Issue 20 2021

88.  New brands confirmed for Glee 2021 - GTN Xtra - Issue 30 2021

89.  The new revolutionary smokeless fire pit - GTN Xtra – Issue 42 2021

90.  Pershore School Horticultural Unit, Pershore High School, Worcestershire has unwanted visitors. - GTN Xtra - Issue 11 2021

91.  Choice Marketing readies ‘Meet the Furniture Buyer’ event - GTN Xtra - Issue 25 2021

92.  The BBQ game changer! - GTN Xtra - Issue 12 2021

93.  Sales up by 49% compared to previous nine years, despite being closed for Easter Sunday - GTN Xtra - Issue 14 2021

94.  Monkton Elm and Old Railway Line scoop top Wales & West honours in GCA Awards - GTN Xtra - Issue 35 2021

95.  Expansion for family-owned garden lifestyle business - GTN Xtra - Issue 35 2021

96.  Moving on up… slowly - GTN Xtra – Issue 5 2021

97.  One good week and gardening sales get going - GTN Xtra – Issue 7 2021

98.  Glee to return in September 2021 - GTN Xtra – Issue 16 2021

99.  Ho, Ho, Ho! GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards are back…for real! - GTN Xtra – Issue 44 2021

100.  Dobbies reports 51% increase in sales - GTN Xtra - Issue 9 2021

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After more than 40 years of working for Hillier Nurseries, Hossein Arshadi has retired from his position as board member and Hillier Trees Amenity Director.

Hossein made significant contributions to the industry throughout his career and played a pivotal role in establishing Hillier as the largest tree nursery in the UK. He was responsible for the development of the Hillier tree nursery sites. The first was Andlers Ash Farm in Liss in 1984, a tree field production unit that, thanks to Hossein’s work, now boasts the largest choice of semi-mature trees in the UK. Then, in 1989, he established Broadmead Tree Nursery in Hampshire, the company’s container tree nursery that helped pioneer the container tree revolution. During this time, he led the initiation of many new developments in container technology, embracing enhancements and listening to customers’ feedback.

As a champion of biosecurity, Hossein worked tirelessly to further industry advancements while leading Hillier’s position of expertise in the field, as part of this he helped Hillier to secure the sole UK licence to grow and sell Resista Elms.

Hossein led Hillier in winning an array of accolades including the International Grower of the Year in 2010, and Grower Awards for Hillier’s Semi Mature Trees, Ulmus New Horizon, and the StreetWise range which took over 20 years to refine and is now recognised in the horticultural industry as some of the best selections on the market.

Other notable projects and highlights in Hossein’s extensive career include securing the contract for Hillier Trees for the 2021 Olympic Games and the Olympic Park contract, followed by the post-games transformation phase with the creation of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park; and overseeing the landscape transformation of the BskyB headquarters. 

Robert Hillier, Chairman of Hillier Nurseries commented: “Hoss made a phenomenal contribution to both Hillier Trees and the industry, working on some hugely notable projects and helping to further Hillier’s position as one of the most profitable and successful UK nurseries. His work has significantly contributed to our reputation and expertise. We wish him all the best for his retirement!”

Hillier Trees is now led by Adam Dunnett who joined the Hillier board of directors in 2019.

For further information about Hillier visit www.hillier.co.uk, find Hillier Garden Centres on Facebook, or @Hilliergardencentres on Instagram.

Thompson & Morgan has launched a new gardening app, which gives its customers added flexibility when buying online.

T&M says its passion to provide an excellent shopping experience for all its customers continues with the app’s launch, which has the same familiar look, feel and functionality as the company’s website.

With the average UK adult spending 3 hours 45 mins a day on their phone – checking their device 63 times per day – the mobile shopping experience has never been more important, added T&M.

The new T&M app is very easy to use and shop through, offering users a one stop shop for the entire product range.

The app features access to articles and advice designed to help customers get the most from their gardens. 

Timely push notifications will keep users up-to-date with new product launches, so they’re among the first to know about exciting new additions to T&M’s range.

Customers signed up to the app benefit from exclusive app-only discounts and instant access to promotions and special offers. 

App users will also benefit from seasonal gardening advice, hints and tips through timely push notifications.

Customers can use the app to manage account queries and maintain their account.

T&M plan to add lots of new features and tools to further enhance its customers’ mobile shopping experience, which will become available via their app over the coming season.

The app is initially available via the Apple App Store and Google Play as a free to download app with no subscription required.

The HTA has announced the return of its annual conference on Wednesday, 14 September at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in central Birmingham.

The association's mission is to help its members to flourish through representation, support and development of the UK garden industry.

A must attend event, the conference will be the ideal opportunity for networking and listening to key speakers to learn from, develop and future proof our industry.

Register your interest here, https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/69e12f1271854328b5c5a828664b34d1

The first of GIMA’s 2022 Day Conferences is scheduled to take place on February 17th, where attendees will be able to learn more about forthcoming changes to the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations (EPR).

Taking place at Wyboston Lakes in Bedfordshire, this one-day event will look at the EPR regulation changes that are set to come into effect in 2023. These changes will see any businesses that turn over more than £1million, or handle more than 25 tonnes of packaging annually, become responsible for the full cost of managing all packaging they place into the market.

GIMA members that meet this criteria will not want to miss out on attending this Day Conference, where more detail will be given regarding the potential changes that may follow once the government has concluded its consultation. Possible legislative changes could include the timescales for collecting and recording packaging data - which could be as soon as early this year - and also EPR fees which are likely to be payable from 2023 onwards and will also be modulated according to how much packaging is recycled.

The GIMA Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations event will feature a range of experts and contributors – all on hand to help GIMA members to comply with the new rules – and, most importantly, help members to understand how they can minimise their fees under the new scheme.

Speakers confirmed include environmental consultant and data specialists, Ecoveritas; one of the UK’s leading providers of environmental compliance, Valpak; European market leader in the creation and production of plant labels, packaging, communication and marketing services, Floramedia; innovative flexible packaging partners, Flexipol; and ‘the clever packaging people’, Wessex Packaging. From the supplier side, will be leading garden care suppliers, Evergreen Garden Care, and experts in wild bird, pet and smallholding feeds, Marriages Wild Bird Foods.

Find out more

Open to both members and non-members, GIMA is urging interested parties to secure their places now, as space is limited. Tickets cost £60 per person for GIMA members (plus £30 for each additional delegate from the same organisation), and £120 per person for non-members (plus £60 for each additional delegate from the same organisation). A buffet lunch and refreshments will be available throughout the day and is included in the ticket price.

For further information regarding the forthcoming GIMA Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations Day Conference, please contact the GIMA team on (01959) 564947 or info@gima.org.uk

New research has revealed the world’s most popular houseplants for 2022 and how to care for your indoor plants. 

The research, undertaken by Flowercard, used Instagram to record the number of posts tagged with ‘#[plant name]’ and the number of views for each plant’s hashtag on TikTok, to reveal the most popular houseplants for 2022.

For all the information, please visit: https://www.flowercard.co.uk/blog/2022-houseplant-index 

The most popular houseplants on TikTok:

Known for being one of the world’s most low-maintenance plants, the cactus is the most viewed houseplant on TikTok. Notoriously hard to kill, cacti and succulents have taken social media by storm in recent years and are now some of the most commonly owned houseplants that exist.

Despite their history as desert plants that thrive in tropical conditions, many cacti make for perfect houseplants if placed in a sunny spot and watered sparingly.

Nature’s healer for cuts and burns, aloe vera, is one of the most popular houseplants viewed on TikTok. The succulent has a long medicinal history and it is now more common than ever to grow your own aloe at home.

Filled with vitamins and minerals, aloe vera gel can be used as an acne treatment, blended into juices or eaten in salads. After removing the thin yellow layer of latex, which can be dangerous to consume, simply slice the gel into cubes, rinse and use.

Venus flytraps are the most recognised carnivorous plant and are a popular potted houseplant in many countries. Although there are other carnivorous houseplants, the Venus flytrap stands out from the rest since it is the only one that moves to trap its prey.

Best kept as a houseplant so its carnivorous habits can be observed up close, the Venus flytrap thrives in sunny, dry conditions. Keep this plant away from pests like fungus gnats which can be difficult to get rid of.

The most popular houseplants on Instagram:

Years ago, cacti were seen as invasive pests of the desert, yet over the last 30 years, their popularity has skyrocketed. Now one of the most commonly owned plants, cacti are Instagram’s most popular houseplant.

There are over 1,000 different species of cacti growing all over the world, and they vary in shape and size, with some growing flowers. The cactus’ social media fame is undeniable, with 18.8 million tagged posts on Instagram for #cactus.

Flowers are the classic plant to give as a gift, and tulips are known for their ability to thrive as potted plants. Tulips can be grown indoors in well-draining soil or in water. Their wide variety of colours and shapes makes them perfect for suiting any taste.

Tulips are the most popular flowering houseplant on Instagram. There are 7.4 million posts with the tag #tulips.

A known natural remedy for skin concerns from sunburn to dry skin, aloe vera is one of the most popular houseplants on Instagram. Aloe Vera plants are a type of succulent, so thrive best in sunny conditions with little water. This makes them the perfect houseplant for anyone with a sunny, south-facing window.

The most popular houseplants of 2022:

Chimney Sheep’s jute mulch mats are a must have for all gardeners, particularly those with allotment gardeners or vegetable patches.

The compostable mulch mats made from recycled coffee bean sacks are perfect for aiding the growth of all vegetable plants including brassicas, strawberry and beetroot plants.

The 5mm thick mats are much denser in comparison to their polypropylene alternative. This makes the mats more effective at conserving water, suppressing weeds, reducing competition and reducing temperature fluctuations of the soil, giving the plants the best chance of successful growth and harvest. The mats will also help to deter slugs and snails if they are pre-soaked in garlic water. The combination of the texture of the mat and the garlic keeps molluscs from chomping away at leaves and fruit again contributing to a successful harvest.

In addition to their mulching qualities, the mats are super simple to use and very versatile. Using them requires no shovelling, cutting or pinning down as they can just be slotted around the base of the plant to sit firmly on the ground or in a pot. This method ensures that each plant gets its own bit of making the concentration of mulch per plant higher than using materials such as straw or bark mulch to spread across beds.

The mulch mats are circular and come in various sizes ranging from 4” – 16”. They can be purchased directly from www.chimneysheep.co.uk.

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), the world’s champion for the power of plants, is proud to welcome EFB as a partner for the AIPH World Green City Awards and beyond.

The partnership between AIPH and EFB showcases the strong alignment of visions between the two organisations. Both organisations bring to the partnership their respective work in terms of enabling urban nature-based solutions which harness the power of plants and the benefits of nature to create greener, healthier, and more sustainable living environments. In doing so, their joint work in supporting and co-developing the AIPH World Green City Awards will highlight best practice from cities around the world who are undertaking bold urban greening initiatives. Green roofs and walls are among the urban nature-based solutions which the Awards seek to recognise, showcase, and celebrate. Thus, this partnership is an extremely timely and relevant one.

Both EFB and AIPH operate on the shared understanding that nature-based solutions provide the green infrastructure that is critical to secure the sustainability of our increasingly urban future. Green roofs and walls can play a significant role in addressing the challenges which cities will increasingly face. They provide a range of greener, cleaner, and more effective infrastructure options than are possible through grey alternatives. Harnessing the power of plants in the design and implementation of these nature-based solutions is equally important. Thus, the time is now to enable an accelerated uptake of these technologies and showcase leading cities from around the globe. Herein lies the strength of this exciting partnership between AIPH and EFB.

“As AIPH strives to lead the way in inspiring the global green city movement, partnerships such as this with EFB are of great importance. We can achieve more together than either of us could do alone. Our visions are well aligned in pursuit of transforming the built environment through nature-based solutions in Europe and beyond. Together with EFB, we aim to promote the benefits of green technologies, such as green roofs and walls, firstly through the AIPH World Green City Awards and thereafter through sustained collaboration.”- Mr. Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General, AIPH

Under the auspices of their Green City programme, AIPH proudly present the AIPH World Green City Awards, an ongoing competition with entries open every two years and which recently opened for entries for its inaugural 2022 edition.

AIPH is currently growing a global network of partners to support the AIPH World Green City Awards, both for the inaugural edition and for those in the future. The network of partners is active in attracting the attention of global leaders to generate high quality entries by cities for the 2022 edition. Leveraging their individual strengths and networks, the AIPH World Green City Award partners are leading the way in co-developing the first global cities awards where plants and nature are the core focus. AIPH is thrilled to be welcoming EFB to this prestigious group as they formalise their partnership to enable greener cities both in Europe and globally.

“Plants are at the core of stabilizing our ecosystems and humanity has only recently begun to understand the multitude of benefits they can provide and not only in helping us tackle the climate crisis. Greening our buildings is a necessary step we have to take to succeed in our endeavor and high-quality plant material is instrumental. We are excited to join forces with AIPH, whose expertise in the area of horticulture is recognized worldwide, to green up our buildings and cities and make them more sustainable, livable, healthy and fit for the future.”- Mr. Pavel Dostal, CEO at GreenVille & Vice President of the EFB

Unified by their shared vision for greener cities, AIPH and EFB are jointly committed to meaningful collaboration in pursuit of their common goal of prominently bringing plants and nature back into urban areas. By promoting the benefits of green roofs and walls, both AIPH and EFB seek to inspire a global movement to rekindle and maintain an enduring relationship with plants, to make clear the value of plants in the urban setting, and to advance the essential role they play in sustaining our planet.

The Blue Diamond Group has increased its garden centre portfolio to 39 with the acquisition of Blackdown, near Taunton in Somerset. 

Blue Diamond Group, Managing Director, Alan Roper said: “This freehold 19-acre site just off the M5, south of Taunton, was one I could not resist.

“This site has the potential to become a sizeable destination garden centre and plugs a catchment gap between Sanders to the north and our Devon centres to the south. 

“The centre will receive a multi-million pound refurbishment in the summer.”

Blackdown Garden Centre has been a family-run business for many years and is set in the heart of the Blackdown Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Blackdown was taken over by Carnon Downs Garden Centre in Truro in late June 2009 after the centre went into administration on June 13th 2009.

Last month, following on from the acquisition of Mere Park, Alan Roper told GTN that he had two further acquisitions due to complete in January (one of them in Surrey) plus a scheduled refurb on an additional site in the Westcountry, which is now confirmed as Blackdown Garden Centre in Somerset.

Read the full story in the current issue of GTN below where Alan talks about his growth targets for Bue Diamond, the improvements in turnover of the centres purchased from Wyevale, his views on Little Dobbies and news of the Blue Diamond Awards for 2022.

The Garden Centre Association’s 56^th annual conference due to take place at the end of this month has been postponed as a result of the ongoing spread of Omicron.

The organisation’s executive committee has taken the decision to defer the event based on safety concerns and made the announcement to members this morning.

Tammy Woodhouse, GCA Chairman Elect, who is due to take office as Chairman this month, explains: “I’m very disappointed to announce that we’ve decided to postpone the January 2022 GCA conference. 

“As an executive committee, we feel the risk to the industry from COVID is too great at this time and we need to act responsibly to ensure our teams and customers are kept safe and our businesses remain open through this latest wave of the virus. 

“We’re optimistic that we will be able to run a full conference later this year, as we feel it is important we’re able to celebrate and share our experiences of the last two years together, in person.

“We’re currently investigating how we can run the AGM virtually and present the 2021 inspection awards to ensure the winning teams are recognised and rewarded in a timely way. We’ll announce the details on all this and a new 2022 conference date as soon as we can.

“I am personally very sad that we have had to make this decision but hope everyone can understand the reasons. I look forward to seeing members in person later in the year and sharing the great line up of inspirational conference content that we had planned.”

The GCA’s annual conference was to be held at the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa in Blackburn, Lancashire from January 23 until 26, 2022. The body’s 2021 event was cancelled and the last time GCA members met for a conference was January 2020.

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 or visit www.gca.org.uk.

Reaching a different audience with Little Dobbies

For the first of our “Thinking outside the box” articles GTN caught up with Dobbies Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, in their Chiswick store in West London to find out more about what has driven the development of Little Dobbies.

Make way for the Plant Room

Our second “Thinking outside the box” article in the current issue of GTN is a photo tour of The Plant Room, a new urban plant emporium in Richmond created by Camden Garden Centre.

Cheshire is grand for Hillmount

The third of our “Thinking outside the box” articles features Hillmount who while running three garden centres in Northern Ireland have this year opened a new centre on the mainland in Cheshire.  That’s certainly outside the normal box for garden centre expansion…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highlights of the GTN Christmas Bestsellers chart for last week are here

Highlights of the GTN Wild Birdcare and Wildlife 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.

With rising consumer demand for a choice in foods for dogs with sensitivities, super premium pet food brand, Arden Grange, has updated its Sensitive Range with the launch of new ‘Superfood Blend’ recipes, as well as two new products - Sensitive Adult Mini and Sensitive Adult Large Breed for dogs.  

“The superfood blend of plant and fruit extracts have excellent antioxidant properties and will provide much needed support to dogs’ immune systems and overall health. Now with the additional new products, the Sensitive range can further help dogs of differing sizes with digestive and skin sensitivities.” Comments Ness Bird, Nutrition Advisor for Arden Grange.

The new products, which will be available to order from February 2022, are grain-free and include ocean white fish, potato and sweet potato as the three main ingredients, all of which are easily digestible and have low allergenicity. Prebiotics FOS and MOS further aid digestion, while omega-3 and 6 from krill and linseed help support the skin and coat condition, as well as the brain and heart. Joint supplements, glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin promote healthy, supple joints.

New Superfood Blend 

The ‘Superfood Blend by Arden Grange’ is included within all Arden Grange dry Sensitive dog  diets. The blend combines nine new natural ingredients that have proven health benefits including; citrus extract to help reduce inflammation and support the immune system and dried dark fruit and berry extracts to help protect against free radicals. Curcumin (the main active compound in the turmeric root) is included for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while black pepper increases the absorption time of curcumin into the body.

Sensitive Adult Mini – ocean white fish & potato

Suitable for smaller dog breeds, Sensitive Adult Mini is available in 2kg and 6kg retail bag sizes. The food itself will consist of smaller sized kibble compared to the already existing ‘Sensitive Adult’ diet food, specially developed with smaller teeth and jaws in mind. 

Sensitive Adult Large Breed– ocean white fish & potato 

Created for larger dog breeds, Sensitive Adult Large Breed is available in 2kg and 12kg retail bag sizes. It includes larger sized kibble and a higher quantity of joint supplements, in comparison to the pre-existing ‘Sensitive Adult’ diet food. This will help to maintain supple, strong joints and cartilage, which is important in large and giant breed dogs. It also contains L-Carnitine to help increase fat metabolism and improve stamina. 

Arden Grange ‘Sensitive’ range 

The award-winning Arden Grange ‘Sensitive’ grain free range features diets suitable for all breeds and life stages, with each recipe providing optimum nutrition. The full range consists of:

• Sensitive Puppy / Junior 2kg & 12kg retail bags
• Sensitive Adult 2kg, 6kg and 12kg retail bags
• Sensitive Light / Senior 2kg & 12kg retail bags. 
• Sensitive Adult Large Breed 2kg & 12kg retail bags
• Sensitive Adult Mini 2kg & 6kg retail bags 
• Sensitive cat food – Available in 400g, 2kg and 4kg. 
• Sensitive Crunchy Bites dog treats – 250g
• Sensitive Partners – wet dog food – 395g

To become an Arden Grange stockist or for more information on Arden Grange products, please visit www.ardengrange.com or contact enquiries@ardengrange.com.