In This Issue
Heavy Plant Crossing – Sales boom this spring at British Garden Centres
Normal + 28% as the season gets growing
‘Angel’ Helen picks her favourite Christmas theme for 2022
Solex 2022 Space is Sold Out
Plant sales way ahead of 2019 levels
Squire’s Garden Centres report a strong rebound in 2021 against a backdrop of lockdown results in 2020
Taylors plant a tree for every employee as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy – “Plant a tree for the Jubilee”
Local schools plant trees for the Jubilee thanks to The Old Railway Line Garden Centre
Spear and Jackson announces partnership with leading influencer
Awards success at Notcutts in 125th anniversary year
Message from Sue Allen, Chairman of Greenfingers Charity
Great industry response to Garden ReLeaf Day
AMES UK experience the value of volunteering
Zest tackles Manchester Marathon to support heart charity
GIMA Digest Spring 2022 Edition On-Line now
OMC calls for improved communication from Government ahead of 1 July Border Control Point introduction
HTA awards Pearson Memorial Medal to West Cowick garden designer, Mark Gregory
New faces in Azpects’ sales team
Spring has sprung at Dobbies as two thirds of Brits can’t wait to be back in the garden
36 pages of Garden Centre Christmas Greatness - GTN Jan-Feb Issue On-line now
Get your copy of GTN Xtra
As sales heat up, Char-Broil promotes high-performing sales manager
Core gardening lines dominate sales
Bumper year ahead for grow your own tomatoes
Registration for stands at the PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt fair now open
Growing activity – 25% up
Keukenhof opens again
Wild Bird Care gets competitive
The best of last week's
Planning permission granted for £10m Dobbies store
Garden Re-Leaf Day gets the season off to a sunny start
Horticulture industry responds to Defra consultation on ending retail sale of peat
Garden centre cafe brings nature indoors with Mosswall made from living lichen
GTN’s Greatest Christmas Award winners revealed
ACW Garden Centre - Christmas 2021
Allbrighton - British Garden Centres - Christmas 2021
Alton Garden Centre - Christmas 2021
Aylett Nurseries - Christmas 202
Barton Grange Garden Centre - Christmas 2021
Baytree Garden Centre - Christmas 2021
Bents Garden & Home - Christmas 2021
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Heavy Plant Crossing – Sales boom this spring at British Garden Centres

British Garden Centres have had such a successful couple of months, Heavy Plant Crossing signs have now been added in front of all centres, as people are leaving with truckloads of plants...

 


British Garden Centres have had such a successful couple of months, Heavy Plant Crossing signs have now been added in front of all centres, as people are leaving with truckloads of plants.

 

All kinds of plants are in heavy demand this season. Garden centres are feeling this demand, enjoying full car parks and an increase in the sales of plants.

 

As a result, British Garden Centres have upped the stock levels in their plant departments to cope with the 'weighty' demand.

 

 

Boyd Douglas-Davies, PR and Communications Director said: "It's fantastic to see customers, new and old, enjoying their gardens this spring.

 

“With the enormous increase in the sales of plants, hopefully, this road sign will help customers stay safe as they leave with such heavy loads.”

 

 

British Garden Centres are encouraging gardeners to visit them for all their gardening needs and choose from a great selection of these much sought after plants.

 

Visit www.britishgardencentres.com for a list of centres.

Normal + 28% as the season gets growing

While garden centre sales volumes for the past two weeks haven’t matched the record levels seen last year, which was just as we came out of Lockdown #3, the aggregated sales for those weeks have been 28% higher than the average for the nine ‘normal’ years prior to the pandemic, from 2011 to 2019...


 

While garden centre sales volumes for the past two weeks haven’t matched the record levels seen last year, which was just as we came out of Lockdown #3, the aggregated sales for those weeks have been 28% higher than the average for the nine ‘normal’ years prior to the pandemic, from 2011 to 2019.

 

And it’s core growing activity that is seeing the biggest growth with significant gains over pre-pandemic levels being seen in the GTN Bestsellers data for core gardening products, growing media, plants and particularly young veg plants.

 

Could it be that the economic situation will encourage even more people to make the most of their gardens this year?

 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week in 2021: week 11.

  • Garden Products Top 50 – down 4%
  • Growing Media Top 50 – down 5%
  • Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – down 5%
  • Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – down 6%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week in 2021: week 11

  • All Plants with Barcode index – down 13%
  • All Items with Barcode index – down 12%

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

‘Angel’ Helen picks her favourite Christmas theme for 2022
GTN Xtra Promotion

If you’ve ever ordered anything from Heaven Sends then you may have been lucky enough to meet one of their wonderful team of sales agents known as The Angels. Today we’d love to introduce you to one of those amazing angels, Helen who has worked in the home and giftware industry for many years...


 

If you’ve ever ordered anything from Heaven Sends then you may have been lucky enough to meet one of their wonderful team of sales agents known as The Angels. Today we’d love to introduce you to one of those amazing angels, Helen who has worked in the home and giftware industry for many years. 

 

When Helen is not running about looking after her grandchildren and baking amazing cakes, she can be found visiting lovely Heaven Sends customers in beautiful areas like Cheshire and Wales. 

 

We recently spoke to Helen and asked her to pick her favourite Christmas Theme for this year, that is all beautifully presented on Heaven Send’s huge display wreaths for Christmas 2022, this is what she said:

 

"I love Traditional...Christmas is everyone’s favourite time of the year and I especially like the start of December when the countdown really begins! In our Traditional collection we have a large selection of countdown Calendars, which are a great way to kick off the start of December. They are a favourite with all children and one of our bestsellers, with over 17 fabulous designs to choose from, along with an excellent range of price points.

 

“Traditional always gets Christmas off to a good start with some amazing statement pieces. Our beautiful range of traditional bells in a variety of colours make a fantastic display in any business, with prices from just 69p to £30+ plus. The smaller selection of bells are so perfect for any wreath making Station or additions to bespoke product, they're also available in every colour and size!

 

“Our selection of proud standing soldiers are perfect for any entrance, along with our lovely post boxes. They create the perfect scene and make any customer wanting to see more.

 

“One of my favourite parts of our Traditional range are the smaller wooden gifts and characters, where we combine wool with rustic woods making them tactile and so soft and quite irresistible. They are kept at very keen trade price points and brighten up any shelf in a home at Christmas… my personal favourite is YIN003, and the little garden acorn characters WLC313 – really they're not to be missed!

 

“Christmas is about tradition, and I think this collection is a must for any stockist. Our ranges cover every customer whether young or adult, there’s something for everyone, so don't miss out this year & place your pre-orders now to secure your Christmas selection!"

 

 

If you want to check out the full range of Traditional Christmas products that Heaven Sends has on offer or browse through their other collections, then you should book a visit to their showroom. You can book your visit on their website or give them a call today. From Winter Wonderland, a snowy world, full of striking ice-white hues and stunning glistening textures, to their Opulence range; an indulgent explosion of rich, deep colours, luxurious fabrics & delicate bejewelled statement pieces. From their classic Cabin collection full of cheerful reds, chunky log slices & hints of tartan, to their Glitz and Glamour range with ornate silver shimmering baubles, golden glistening angels, stunning diamanté and glittering finishes…Heaven Sends really offer something for everyone in their 2022 Christmas collections. 

 

Heaven Send’s vast Christmas collection is available NOW to preview & pre-order –alongside their Halloween and everyday home & gift ranges at their spectacular Showroom, based near Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. Spanning over two floors, the Heaven Sends Showroom is even an expansive, fully stocked experience that provides a safe & relaxed atmosphere to browse, discuss options and place orders with a delicious lunch & refreshments.

 

Appointments are available 7 days a week, but they do fill up fast so book now to secure your slot!

 

Email: sales@heavensends.com or call: 0121 351 7457 or visit: Heavensends.com

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

Solex 2022 Space is Sold Out

LOFA are very pleased to announce that after a two-year covid induced absence SOLEX (The Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition) space has sold out, and there is already an exhibitor waiting list for 2023...


LOFA are very pleased to announce that after a two-year covid induced absence SOLEX (The Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition) space has sold out, and there is already an exhibitor waiting list for 2023.

 

Gina HInde, Marketing manager, told GTN Xtra: "This is great news for the exhibition and the industry, as we will once again be bringing together all the top outdoor leisure brands from across the UK, Ireland, and Europe under one roof.

 

"For a list of all our 2022 exhibitors take a look at  Who’s Exhibiting

 

"This year the exhibition is in halls 17/18/19 from 12-14 July 2022 NEC, Birmingham and we just can’t wait to see everyone again.

 

"As well as three packed halls filled with fantastic furniture, BBQs, firepits, heaters, chimeneas, spas, lighting, outdoor buildings, gazebos, parasols, and garden accessories, we have, for the first time, a Loving Outdoor Living Zone outside hall 17 where our BBQ and firepit exhibitors will be lighting up their fire products for everyone to see and maybe cooking up the odd, tasty treat for visitors.

 

"You can Register today and be in with a chance of winning one of five great prizes donated by our SOLEX exhibitors.

 

"And, if you are thinking of staying over, we have secured some great rates at some great Hotels in the area."

Plant sales way ahead of 2019 levels

Plant sales soared last week and although they were 13% down on the same week last year, total plant volumes were 86% higher than the same week in 2019...


 

Plant sales soared last week and although they were 13% down on the same week last year, total plant volumes were 86% higher than the same week in 2019.

 

Year to date, plant sales are 9% up on last year so far and 22% up on pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

 

Week ending 20th March saw more significant movement of young veg plants with tomato plants moving up to No 3, with Dianthus holding onto the No 2 spot, the other way round from the same week last year.

 

Primula continues at No 1, still outselling the combined volumes of Dianthus, Tomato, Pansy and Strawberry plants.

 

Other highlights of the week:

  • Clematis are the highest climber of the week, up 17 places to No 22.
  • Lithodora re-enter the GTN Top 50 at No 26.
  • Senetti make a return to the chart at No 39 with sales quadrupled week on week.

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

Squire’s Garden Centres report a strong rebound in 2021 against a backdrop of lockdown results in 2020

Squire’s Garden Centres have filed their annual accounts for the year ending 31 July 2021 with Companies House. Chairman Sarah Squire commented: “I am full of admiration for my amazing colleagues throughout the business, who worked so tirelessly in a constantly changing landscape throughout FY2021.”


 

Squire’s Garden Centres have filed their annual accounts for the year ending 31 July 2021 with Companies House.

 

Chairman of Squire’s Sarah Squire commented; “I am full of admiration for my amazing colleagues throughout the business, who worked so tirelessly in a constantly changing landscape throughout FY2021.”

 

More than ever, this year’s results should not be read in isolation. Squire’s previous year’s results were negatively impacted by the effects of lockdown due to Covid-19. Their results for year ending 31 July 2021 have also been impacted by the epidemic, but in very different ways. In FY2021 whole company turnover was £69.5m. This was an increase of 31% on FY2020. Squire’s anticipate a return to more normal patterns of trading and profitability for 2022, above FY2019 but unlikely to match FY2021, which has to be regarded as exceptional. Their profit before tax rose to £8.0m in FY2021 (2020: £2.2m) with relatively low capital expenditure.

 

Demand for plants and horticultural products at Squire’s remained very strong in FY2021, as people sought solace and enjoyment from their outside space, and engaged in gardening as a healthy and restorative activity while at home. Customers also wanted to create welcoming and attractive outdoor areas for relaxing and entertaining, and this favourably affected sales of garden furniture, barbeques and garden décor.

 

“Supply was challenging in some categories,” adds Sarah, “but our buyers did very well to maintain stock availability through a volatile period in the supply chain.”

 

Squire’s Café Bars were affected by lockdowns two and three, and there were challenges in staff recruitment that were felt throughout the hospitality industry.

 

“We have retained the table service model introduced on re-opening; this is a point of difference and a way of repositioning our dining experience,” commented Sarah. “We have also introduced a new IT system aimed at improving stock management, speed of service and meal quality.”

 

The call and deliver service that Squire’s developed during lockdown one has been transformed into their new e-commerce offering.

 

“We offer local delivery on an increasing number of plants and other products and are pleased with the steady development of this channel,” adds Sarah. “We are carefully testing and learning as we go, focusing on customer service.”

 

Squire’s key post year end project has been at Wokingham: enlarging the Café Bar, re-fitting the kitchen, and expanding the Food Hall, which now occupies areas previously let to clothing concessions. They are also looking forward to continue working on their sustainability programme, and remain committed to their charitable and community involvement.

 

“Looking forward we see some short/medium-term availability and cost challenges in our supply chain, and further cost pressures in energy, transport and employment, not helped by current shocking geopolitical events,” says Sarah. “However, we believe that the public has reconnected with gardening and we (and our industry as a whole) have the opportunity to encourage people to garden and continue to enjoy their outside space. With responsible, prudent, and thoughtful management, the support of our talented and committed teams, and the continued goodwill of our customers and suppliers, we view the future with confidence.”

Taylors plant a tree for every employee as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy – “Plant a tree for the Jubilee”

The staff at Taylors Bulbs have been busy planting trees for the Queen’s Green Canopy to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.


The staff at Taylors Bulbs have been busy planting trees for the Queen’s Green Canopy to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

 

To mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, there is a tree planting initiative called The Queen’s Green Canopy – “Plant a tree for the Jubilee”.

 

Taylors Bulbs thought it would be a lovely idea to join in with this initiative and so decided to plant “A tree for every employee”.

 

On 25th March 2022, the management and staff of Taylors Bulbs took time out from their daily work to plant 150 trees on their site in Holbeach. Each member of staff planted their own tree (with a few extra being planted for good measure!) with Oak, Lime, Wild Cherry, Hawthorn, Dogwood, Rowan and Silver Birch being planted.

 

Adam Taylor, director of Taylors Bulbs said: “We thought it would be a lovely idea to join in with the initiative and for our staff to take an active role. As Royal Warrant Holders, we wanted to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee and we hope the trees our staff have planted today will help to enhance our local environment and be a fitting way to mark the occasion.”

Local schools plant trees for the Jubilee thanks to The Old Railway Line Garden Centre

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre, located between Brecon and Hay on Wye, visited local primary schools and towns to donate and plant trees to mark the Queen’s Jubilee...


 

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre, located between Brecon and Hay on Wye, visited local primary schools and towns to donate and plant trees to mark the Queen’s Jubilee.

 

Members of the award winning, family run garden centre team, visited five local primary schools, as well as two local towns. Pupils and members of the community met the Old Railway Line team to receive large, native, mountain ash trees and plaques to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, as part of a national tree planting initiative.

 

The Queen’s Green Canopy is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee this year, which invites people from across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee”.

 

Operations Director, Katie Eckley said, “We really enjoyed visiting five cluster primary schools as well as community spaces in Talgarth and Hay to plant a tree to mark the Queen’s Jubilee year.

 

“The Plant a Tree for the Jubilee initiative is an exciting one which we hope lots of local people get involved with. It’s great to commemorate such a big event as well as enjoying the benefits of planting a tree in your garden.

 

“We chose the native mountain ash tree as they will add lots of seasonal interest to the schools and towns they’ve been planted. They are great for wildlife with flowers for bees and berries for birds. The autumn colour will also be a great feature to be enjoyed for years to come.

 

“Trees are so important to improve air quality, preserve soil and supporting wildlife. This is a perfect initiate to do something positive for the environment as well as adding a feature to your outdoor space. With so many types of trees to choose from there is always a perfect tree for any garden.”

 

For more information about the Old Railway Line Garden Centre and any upcoming events visit www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk or call 01497847055.

 
Spear and Jackson announces partnership with leading influencer

Brand-leading garden tools company, Spear and Jackson, has announced a new collaboration with leading influencer and best-selling author, Huw Richards...


 

Brand-leading garden tools company, Spear and Jackson, has announced a new collaboration with leading influencer and best-selling author, Huw Richards.

 

In 1999 Huw moved from Yorkshire to mid-west Wales with his parents who were after ‘the good life’. From a very young age Huw was helping his parents in the vegetable garden and aged twelve he created his own YouTube channel, Huw Richards, vegetable gardening. Ever since, Huw has been on a mission to help as many people as possible to reconnect with the food they eat and to empower them to grow their own food inexpensively. 

 

Huw has a massive following of over 548,000 YouTube subscribers and his videos have collectively been viewed over 50 million times. Huw can also be found on Instagram @huwsgarden

 

In addition to being a key influencer and best-selling author, Huw has also been sharing the knowledge he has gained from over 15 years growing experience through his Abundance Academy which provides online courses on improving garden productivity. He set up Regenerative Media to connect the public with sustainable and inspirational farmers, growers, and producers. 

 

The team at Spear and Jackson is excited to be working closely with Huw as their Brand Ambassador. He will be creating a monthly series of Blogs and Videos aimed at amateur growers and gardeners, providing expert hints and tips on growing their own food organically and sustainably. Of course, Huw will also be recommending the best Spear & Jackson Garden hand tools for the job and showing how to use them on the vegetable plot and in the garden.

 

Spear and Jackson Managing Director, Ian Archer, says “We are delighted to be working with Huw as our Brand Ambassador, his passion and enthusiasm for growing is evident and we share his ethical approach to organic growing and sustainability. We look forward to working with Huw and to being involved in some of the exciting projects that he has in the pipeline for the year ahead."

 

Huw said “I am very excited to be partnering with such a well-known and trusted brand as Spear and Jackson. It’s going to be a busy year, and I can’t wait to start sharing my ideas and inspiring as many like-minded growing enthusiasts as possible through this new partnership.”

Awards success at Notcutts in 125th anniversary year

Notcutts has been celebrating success across its 18 garden centres nationwide with a special conference and awards event as part of its 125th anniversary. Teams gathered together in Maldon, Essex, to recognise business and individual achievements in the past year...


Caroline Notcutt and Andrew Notcutt at Notcutts’ annual conference and awards ceremony.

 

Notcutts has been celebrating success across its 18 garden centres nationwide with a special conference and awards event as part of its 125th anniversary. Teams gathered together in Maldon, Essex, to recognise business and individual achievements in the past year.

 

The family-owned garden centre group presented 12 awards in categories such as ‘Best Customer Service’, ‘Planteria Excellence’, and for demonstrating Notcutts’ values of ‘Passion, Inspiration and Expertise’. A ‘Community Hero Award’ was presented to the team at Notcutts Rivendell Garden Centre to recognise their support across a diverse range of local community projects. Meanwhile Notcutts Garden Pride was presented with a new ‘Environmental Action Award’ for their efforts to save energy and promote biodiversity on a local level.

 

Further awards were presented to individual ‘Frontline Heroes’ who have shown exceptional service towards customers and their team, while ‘Long-Service Awards’ were presented to colleagues who have dedicated 25 years of their career to Notcutts.

 

Justin Priest (fourth from left) collects the Community Hero Award for Notcutts Rivendell Garden Centre. (L-R) Caroline Notcutt; Samuel Price; Julie Murray; Justin Priest; Kevin Lane, award category sponsor ADT; and Andrew Notcutt.

 

Nick Burrows, Chief Executive at Notcutts Garden Centres, said: “In this special year as we celebrate our 125th anniversary, and after two years apart, it was wonderful to get back together again to recognise achievements and reward colleagues for their outstanding service at our garden centres across the country. Congratulations to all winners and thank you to our sponsors for joining our celebration.”

 

“While looking back on our success, the conference is also an opportunity to look at our future strategy, the future of gardening, and how we can all bring positive contributions to nature, sustainability and the environment. This is a core focus for Notcutts in our 125th year and beyond.”

 

Gary West (centre) collects the Environmental Action Award for Notcutts Garden Pride Garden Centre alongside Caroline Notcutt (far left), Notcutts colleagues and award category sponsors Breley Design.

 

The Notcutts annual awards event was sponsored by many of their key suppliers including; Bidfood, Mr Fothergills and Darlac, Breley Design, Westland, Gleeds, Kettler, Smart Garden, McBains, ADT, Pelican, Hozelock, Evergreen, and Esprit.

 

For more information about Notcutts Garden Centres, visit www.notcutts.co.uk

 

Picture credit: Chris Kemp, copyright: Notcutts Ltd).

 
Message from Sue Allen, Chairman of Greenfingers Charity

First, as Chairman of Greenfingers, I would like to give huge thanks to all those who did so much to support our recent Garden Re-Leaf Day...


First, as Chairman of Greenfingers, I would like to give huge thanks to all those who did so much to support our recent Garden Re-Leaf Day. 

 

After the last few difficult years, it was great that the sponsored walk and cycle-ride could take place in reality and that so many companies and individuals did their utmost to raise funds in all sorts of imaginative and fun ways throughout the country. 

 

A special thanks to our small enthusiastic team of staff and volunteers for making all this possible.

 

Primarily I am writing to ask for your help. We need to recruit a Garden Project Manager to oversee all those magical gardens we plan to create for Children’s Hospices later this year and in the years ahead.  As we continue to catch up with our building programme post Covid and develop a new make-over scheme for existing Greenfingers gardens, this really is an exciting time to join the charity and develop this role.

 

This is potentially a full-time position, although it could be on a job-share basis.  It involves travelling around the UK to visit hospices before, during and after the builds and would require patience and understanding when liaising with the hospices, designers, landscapers, suppliers and the Board of Trustees. 

 

We work with some of the best garden designers in the country, so an understanding of design principals together with the use of relevant IT is useful, but practical knowledge of plants, materials and building techniques with a sprinkling of common sense and the ability to resolve issues are invaluable.

 

This is a salaried role with all the usual employment benefits, working within our dedicated team.  If you, or anyone you know would like to know more, please contact Sally Jenkins, our Director of Finance and Resources by emailing: Sally@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

 

If I was a good few years younger I would relish such an opportunity! 

 

Thank you so much for your continued support of our valuable work,

 

Sue Allen 

Chairman Greenfingers

Great industry response to Garden ReLeaf Day

 

Another Garden Re-Leaf Day might be over, but the memories created are set to last forever. Whether it was tackling physical challenges, testing your knowledge with a quiz, hoping Lady Luck was on your side with a raffle or everything in between, this year’s Garden Re-Leaf supporters pulled out all the stops and the Greenfingers charity would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone that took part...


 

Another Garden Re-Leaf Day might be over, but the memories created are set to last forever. Whether it was tackling physical challenges, testing your knowledge with a quiz, hoping Lady Luck was on your side with a raffle or everything in between, this year’s Garden Re-Leaf supporters pulled out all the stops and the Greenfingers charity would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone that took part!

 

The Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walk & Cycle Challenge

From 10 to 100 miles, this year’s Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenge saw 57 walkers and 12 cyclists enjoy a glorious day of sunshine in the heart of Buckinghamshire. Starting and ending at Dobbies World’s End Garden Centre in Wendover, the event welcomed a host of new faces including walkers from Woodmansterne, Hornby Whitefoot PR’s Charlotte Cowell and Garden Trade News’ Alan Burdon.

 

Teams were also entered from Evergreen, Glee and Mr Fothergill’s, DLF, Hozelock, Comtact and Kew Green Hotels. This year’s cyclists, including riders from Greenfingers, Westland Horticulture, Rivington Garden Designs, Hozelock, Frosts Garden Centre, Poplars Garden Centre, Mr Fothergill’s Seeds and Evergreen Garden Care, went above and beyond with Westlands’ Simon Mullholland cycling 100 miles and father and son team, Colin and Jack Goodhand, both clocking up 50 miles.  

 

Thanks must also go to founder of Garden Re-Leaf Day, Boyd Douglas Davies and all those that kindly volunteered to support this year’s event, including Dobbies who were once again incredible hosts, Hozelock who provided Instagram- worthy water bottles, LOFA who sponsored the much welcome drinks for the end of the walk, as well as Five7Fitness, Jane Lawler, local volunteers and the Greenfingers team who volunteered their time to kindly steward the walkers and cyclists throughout the day.  

 

 

Garden centre support

It wasn’t just the Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenge that got people FUNdraising this Garden Re-Leaf Day!

 

Garden centres from across the country were busy on Friday and the wider trading weekend to not only raise much needed funds for the Greenfingers charity but to also raise awareness of the incredible impact a Greenfingers funded garden can have upon the patients, families and staff at each hospice.

 

This Garden Re-Leaf Day, garden centre support came from all corners of the country, including Millbrook, Perrywood, Klondyke, Haskins, The Old Railway Line, Garsons (Titchfield and Esher sites), Bellis Brothers Farm Shop and Garden Centre and across all of British Garden Centre’s 60 stores.

 

Together these centres enjoyed a range of fundraising activities including raffles, cake sales, coffee mornings, Garden Re-Leaf quizzes, a special ‘TeLeaf for ReLeaf’ event, an in-house Bake-Off challenge, and the introduction of the ‘pennies scheme’ at Millbrook Garden Centres where customers are offered the chance to round-up their purchase, both in-store and online, with the extra pennies donated heading straight to the charity. 

 

FUNdraising at work

Elsewhere, other Greenfingers supporters including Woodmansterne, Mr Fothergill’s and Evergreen Garden Care held bake-offs and cake sales, whilst Greenfingers Trustee, Rob Jones (of The Garden Design Company) offered complimentary garden blitzes or free garden design consultations to anyone that made a £250 (suggested) donation to the charity. On the day, Rob completed seven garden blitzes for customers old and new.

 

Greenfingers Garden Project Manager, Joanne Kennedy and 20 friends walked seven miles around Calke Castle, whilst AMES UK undertook a garden revamp volunteer day at nine hospices.

 

Finally, QVC ran another inspiration Garden Re-Leaf garden product sale. We look forward to sharing more details of all those involved as soon as we know more.

 

Linda Petrons, Greenfingers Director of Fundraising & Communications said: “We will never stop being amazed by the phenomenal effort and dedication our supporters show us on Garden Re-Leaf Day. From the bottom of our hearts, and on behalf of all those that spend time in a Greenfingers funded garden, thank you. You really are the best supporters we could ever ask for!”

 

The full Garden Re-Leaf FUNdraising total will be revealed soon!

 

Find out more

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

 
AMES UK experience the value of volunteering

Last week on Garden Re-Leaf Day (March 18th), the AMES UK team froze the business and asked its staff from across the La Hacienda, Kelkay and Apta brands to join them at a special volunteering event to help support the Greenfingers charity. Little did they know just what an impact this day would have…


Last week on Garden Re-Leaf Day (March 18th), the AMES UK team froze the business and asked its staff from across the La Hacienda, Kelkay and Apta brands to join them at a special volunteering event to help support the Greenfingers charity. Little did they know just what an impact this day would have…….

The eager AMES UK volunteers were stationed at eight children’s hospices across the country, all of which had previously enjoyed the introduction of a therapeutic garden space designed and funded by the Greenfingers Charity. These spaces needed a loving hand to get them ready for spring, which is where the AMES UK teams stepped in. However, the day was so much more than just a simple spring clean.

AMES UK’s Managing Director, Paul North, summarises perfectly by saying: “Every one of these gardens benefited from some hands-on help, whether it was digging, planting, hoeing, pruning restoring water features, repairing and painting broken fences, or helping to build new habitats for the wildlife that call the garden ‘home’. 

“More than this, however, the time spent has helped to breathe new life into spaces, making them better places for the residents to spend time in. These are truly magical spaces and having the opportunity to spend time in them together as a team and with the on-site staff was an experience we will remember for a long time. It has left a mark on us that we didn’t expect.”

There is no question that AMES UK pulled out all the stops, going above and beyond to ensure that time spent onsite at the hospices was as productive as can be. The in-house gardener at Rainbows House Hospice in Loughborough remarked that the team had saved them over two months of work - not bad for one day spent in the garden! Importantly, this time saved will enable the Rainbows staff to bring forward its lead times for further development, meaning families and patients can start benefiting from scheduled updates sooner than planned.

Echoing the gardeners’ comments, Rainbows’ Facilities Manager, Andrew Lupton said: “The difference they have made is incredible and one which we did not envisage would be possible in such a short period of time; nothing was too much trouble.”

Annie Burt, Trusts & Foundations Manger at Richard House Hospice in London, added: “We must say a huge thank you to AMES UK for providing such incredible volunteers to help with our garden. After they left, our gardener, Derek, came inside and was absolutely beaming about the quality of the work they did. He said he’d never seen such an amazing turn around in one day.”

It wasn’t just the staff that were quick to enjoy the fruits of AMES UK’s labour, however. A little boy who is a patient at Richard House Children's Hospice had been watching with interest the developments in the garden throughout the day. Once the AMES UK team were finished, he headed out into the garden, choosing the garden’s Dragon Boat as his seat of choice. Now surrounded by a stunning new planting scheme, the boy enjoyed his snacks and the feel of the sunshine on his face. His nurse remarked how happy he was to be back in the garden again.  A small impact but one that AMES UK hopes will be echoed in all the gardens the teams worked within. 

With the joy of gardening clear for all to see, it is hardly surprising that the AMES UK team members are now closer than ever. Before Garden Re-Leaf Day many had not met before in person, but the day offered opportunities to get to know their colleagues, forge new friendships and learn new ways of working together. Whether working as part of a larger group, under the instruction of the hospice gardeners, or together as a smaller group to complete key chores, the day has resonated throughout the business, with a unified team, plenty of banter, lots of laughs and ‘the best workday ever’, the order of the day. 

Nicola Sykes, AMES UK’s People Director, commented: “Working for a business such as AMES UK, which has an unwavering commitment to its people, it perhaps comes as no surprise that all colleagues were offered the opportunity to give a day of service to a very worthwhile cause. And our colleagues left no stone unturned, ensuring that very sick children and their families have a retreat in the toughest of times. The passion of our people to not only clean up the outdoor spaces but to transform them into something remarkable makes me feel very proud to be part of the AMES team.” 

Paul North added: “There is no question that we were all humbled by our volunteering experience. Being able to see how much these gardens mean to everyone involved in the hospice was a true honour. We cannot thank each and every hospice enough for allowing us to join them, especially during a very busy time for many of them. I think the day could be best summarised as ‘brain food for the soul’ and an experience we have no doubt we will repeat many times in the future. It really was the most extraordinary experience.”

In fact, AMES UK has committed to providing additional support where it is needed most. During his time onsite at Rainbows Children Hospice in Loughborough, Paul pledged additional manpower, materials and décor items - including large water features and pots and planters - in the coming weeks, to enable Rainbows to create something new, fresh, vibrant, and useable. The same support will be available directly to all other hospices visited by AMES UK.

The teams also donated a range of hand tools to each hospice gardening team from the True Temper Ireland range; tools which they hope will help to tend to these gardens for many years to come.

The Greenfingers gardens which benefitted from the AMES UK special treatment were Andy's at St Andrew's Hospice, Grimsby; Forget Me Not Children's Hospice, Huddersfield; Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, Loughborough; Ty Hafan, South Wales; Richard House Children's Hospice, London; Keech Hospice Care, Luton; EACH Milton, Cambridge; and Jigsaw, Cumbria's Children's Hospice, Carlisle.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers, said: “We often hear that Garden Re-Leaf Day is a great opportunity to bring teams together and so we’re delighted to hear that the day resulted in some incredible team building stories. A huge thank you to the AMES UK family for their generosity of time and spirit, and of course to the hospices we’re working with for entrusting their gardens in the hands of those involved. “

Find out more

To find out more about Garden Re-Leaf and the Greenfingers Charity, please visit www.greenfingercharity.org.uk.

Zest tackles Manchester Marathon to support heart charity

Employees at garden furniture, grow your own and decorative garden structure specialist,Zest are tackling the Manchester Marathon on 3rd April in support of the company’s 2022 chosen charity, the British Heart Foundation (BHF).  


 

Employees at garden furniture, grow your own and decorative garden structure specialist,Zest are tackling the Manchester Marathon on 3rd April in support of the company’s 2022 chosen charity, the British Heart Foundation (BHF).  

 

Nineteen runners from Zest and the P&A Group have been training hard for months and are excited to be taking part in the marathon. They’ve been inspired by Managing Director, Steve Morgan, who has successfully run a number of marathons and is an Iron Man having completed eight Iron Man challenges.  They include experienced marathon runners such as Zest Finance Director, Andrew Baker and Paul Haynes, Zest key account manager, who will be joined by marathon novices such as Zest digital marketing manager, Thomas Jones as well as P&A Group colleagues from the Woodworks Garden Centre, central services, the Zest warehouse and distribution centre and three members of staff from Zest’s main Polish product supply partner.

 

​Commenting ahead of the marathon, Steve Morgan, Managing Director of Zest said: “As a company, we are committed to employee fitness and long-term well-being as well as supporting the community and raising money for charity. That’s why it’s great to see so many people taking part in this year’s Manchester Marathon. I know they are all determined to raise as much money as possible for the British Heart Foundation. 

 

“This is a massive challenge and everyone in the company has a huge amount of respect for every single person taking part. Not only will the runners have a massive sense of achievement after the event, but they will also have stronger bonds with their colleagues who took part, which benefits both them and the company.  I’d like to wish our runners the very best of luck on the day!” 

 

Over the last 11 years, Zest and the P&A Group have raised over £100,000 for a variety of charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospices, Cancer Research UK, Action for Children, Alzheimer’s Society, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Meningitis Now.  The British Heart Foundation helps and supports 340,000 people living with heart and circulatory diseases in Wales alone.

 

One in four people in the UK and one in three globally die from heart and circulatory diseases. That is why the British Heart Foundation funds world-leading research into their causes, prevention, treatment and cure. Advances from the charity’s research have saved and improved millions of lives, but heart diseases, stroke, vascular dementia and their risk factors such as diabetes still cause heartbreak on every street. With the public’s support, British Heart Foundation funding will drive new discoveries to end that heartbreak. 

 

It’s not too late to sponsor members of the Zest marathon team and anyone wishing to do so can click the link here

OMC calls for improved communication from Government ahead of 1 July Border Control Point introduction

With the introduction of Border Control Points (BCPs) happening on 1 July 2022, the horticulture industry is doing all it can to prepare for potential new barriers to trade...


 

With the introduction of Border Control Points (BCPs) happening on 1 July 2022, the horticulture industry is doing all it can to prepare for potential new barriers to trade. 

 

 Guidance issued by Government so far has been scarce and untimely, which has caused increased concern from businesses who rely on imports.  

 

The HTA’s Ornamental Management Committee (OMC) met Tuesday (22/03) to discuss this issue, along with other business. Members echoed the worry that businesses were ill-informed and given insufficient information on how the flow of products into and out of BCPs will work, given the complexity of the border system for goods imported into Great Britain.  Costs have not been clearly communicated to businesses, which leaves them unable to plan and prepare. Many also expressed concerns over plant biosecurity at the border when volume of throughput will be the focus rather than quality of regime. 

 

Sally Cullimore, Technical Policy Manager at the HTA, said: 

 

“The BCP system comes with the potential for further burdens for the horticulture industry. Businesses are feeling commercially compromised with very little time to prepare.   

 

We need Government to clearly communicate their quarantine arrangements, port fees, service level agreements, and testing processes for our sector well in advance of 1 July while ensuring a high level of engagement between Government, agencies, port operators and port users.   

 

The ideal approach to biosecurity would be a system that utilises a targeted, flexible, risk-based regime with destination-based inspections.” 

 

The meeting also saw Martin Emmett, recently appointed as the Chair of the NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board, step down as Chair of the Ornamentals Management Committee due to potential future conflicts of interest. Following due process Jonathan Whittemore, Johnsons of Whixley, was elected Chair and Martin Brijs, Palmstead Nurseries, was appointed Vice Chair.  

 

The Committee thanked Martin for his effort and commitment on behalf of HTA grower members over the last three years and congratulated him on his new appointment, recognising the fact that this is the first time a representative from the ornamental horticulture sector has held the position and seeing it as a significant boost to our industry. Martin will remain a committee member of the OMC.

 
HTA awards Pearson Memorial Medal to West Cowick garden designer, Mark Gregory

The 2021 Pearson Memorial Medal for outstanding service to the garden industry has been awarded to Mark Gregory, a multi award-winning garden designer from West Cowick, Yorkshire...


The 2021 Pearson Memorial Medal for outstanding service to the garden industry has been awarded to Mark Gregory, a multi award-winning garden designer from West Cowick, Yorkshire.

 

The recipient of the annual Pearson Memorial Medal is chosen by the HTA Board after receiving nominations from the Council, HTA Staff and Board members. The Medal for outstanding service to the garden industry has been awarded by the HTA on an annual basis since it was instigated in 1930 in memory of the HTA's first General Secretary, Charles Pearson.

 

The ceremony took place in person this year and had an atmosphere of pride and celebration.

 

Mark is the owner of Surrey-based APL member Landform Consultants Ltd, and has been in the horticultural and landscaping industry for over 35 years. Mark was voted the most influential person in the landscape and garden design industry by his peers and in July 2020 he became a fellow of the Landscape Institute and is now a chartered landscape architect.

 

Mark has exhibited and designed at the RHS shows for many years, and has been involved with over 100 gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show and over 160 show gardens for the RHS across all its shows, making him the most medalled garden builder within the RHS.

 

He has achieved gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show on six occasions, in his 100th garden he won Gold, Best Construction and People’s Choice. Mark is a senior RHS Garden Assessor and Garden Judge.

 

Mark's relationship with the HTA and APL have always been strong. He was chair of the APL for 7 years and his legacy of building a community of landscapers is here, live and well to be seen today.

 

Current HTA President, Boyd Douglas-Davies, who presented Mark with his award, said: “He is an inspiration to many landscapers and designers of today and the future. Always willing to spend time, always up for a challenge. A fantastic ambassador for the industry."

 

Mark commented: “Totally shocked and utterly delighted to receive this amazing award from the HTA, lovely to have it presented in front of my peers and in particular, many young landscapers who I hope were inspired and motivated at me receiving this coveted accolade”.

 

We are also pleased to announce that Mark will be a keynote speaker at the HTA annual conference on 14th September 2022 at the ICC, Birmingham.

New faces in Azpects’ sales team

Azpects Ltd, creators of EASYJoint, have welcomed Lee Patterson as their newest Regional Account Manager covering the North East. nAdditionally, Priash Chauhan joins the Retail team as Regional Account Manager...


 

Azpects Ltd, creators of EASYJoint, are pleased to welcome Lee Patterson as their newest Regional Account Manager covering the North East.

 

Lee has a long history in sales and gained extensive experience with brands including Howdens and WernerCo. 

 

Additionally, Priash Chauhan joins the Retail team as Regional Account Manager. Priash will be supporting Rebecca Cox in Azpects’ Retail department, promoting our wide range of consumer-friendly products to garden centres.

 

Priash worked with Costco Wholesale for over 13 years and so brings considerable sales experience. 

 

Kevin Ager, Sales Director of Azpects, commented: “As part of Azpects’ ongoing growth strategy we have taken the decision to move into the retail market with a variety of our landscaping creation and maintenance products. Meanwhile, we continue to develop our internal sales support team to ensure that we can provide the high level of customer support that our customers have come to expect. I am happy to welcome Priash and Lee to the team and am sure that they will prove excellent assets to the company”.   

 

Azpects specialise in developing and manufacturing products for creating and maintaining outdoor hard landscaping.

Spring has sprung at Dobbies as two thirds of Brits can’t wait to be back in the garden

It’s officially spring and Dobbies stores across the UK are gearing up for their busiest spring ever. In fact, new research from the UK’s leading garden centre retailer has found that a huge 76% of Brits can’t wait to get back gardening now that spring is here. 


 

It’s officially spring and Dobbies stores across the UK are gearing up for their busiest spring ever. In fact, new research from the UK’s leading garden centre retailer has found that a huge 76% of Brits can’t wait to get back gardening now that spring is here. 

 

The research, from Independent Media News, looked into this year’s gardening trends, attitudes towards gardening, garden centres themselves and some of the misconceptions about the UK’s favourite pastime. 

 

It found 44% of Brits want to learn more about gardening, with the same percentage saying that gardening helped with their mental health. 

 

The research also looked into this year’s trends and found the top focuses were encouraging more wildlife into the garden (42%), growing your own produce (40%) and creating an outdoor social area (35%). 

 

When it comes to what type of garden people might be looking to create, top trends are wild flowers (38%), grow your own (36%) and creating a social space (33%). So, it’s clear that people are looking to make the most of their vegetable patch, together with a well-formed BBQ area or space to socialise with friends and family. 

Even those without an actual garden are still looking forward to gardening. A massive 90% of people surveyed said they have still taken up gardening even if they don’t have an outdoor space by bringing the garden indoors. From sunny window ledges to cool dark corners, lots of plants thrive indoors, and you can grow your own produce just as effectivity indoors as out. What’s more, studies have proven that houseplants improve concentration and productivity by up to 15%, reduce stress levels, and boost your mood.

 

Gardening sustainably is high on the list of priorities for gardeners according to the survey. Almost 40% of Brits said they are more likely to shop at a garden centre that is sustainably focused and 35% of gardeners want to recycle more of their garden waste products this spring. Dobbies is notably 100% peat-free in relation to bagged compost and has just launched a partnership with elho to offer plant pot and tray recycling in-store. 

 

Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies, said: “Spring is our busiest time of the year, with our garden centres featuring a whole host of popular and new plants, seeds, houseplants and garden furniture, ideal for the gardens, balconies and window ledges of Britain’s homes.

 

“The past few years have seen a huge increase in the number of people enjoying gardening and recognising its benefits, for both physical and mental wellbeing. Our team are ready for a busy few months and we look forward to giving plenty of hints, tips and advice to gardeners, no matter their level of expertise or size of outdoor space.”

36 pages of Garden Centre Christmas Greatness - GTN Jan-Feb Issue On-line now

GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards Special Issue - 36 pages of Garden Centre Christmas Greatness.

 

In this issue:

  • Peter Seabrook “Mr Gardening”.
  • A record year for Choice Marketing.
  • Thinking outside of the box 4 – Pughs Garden Kitchen.
  • GCA Awards for 2021. Cultivation Street 2022.
  • GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards. 
    Christmas at: Altons, Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, Bents, Blue Diamond, British Garden Centres, Cherry Lane Podington, Downtown, Fron Goch, Garsons Esher, Gates Garden Centre, Hillmount Cheshire, Little Dobbies Richmond, Millbrook Gravesend, Newquay Garden Centre, Pengelly, Planters, Pughs, Rosebourne, Sapcote Garden Centre, Silverbirch, Squires Badshot Lea, The Old Railway Line, Webbs of Wychbold, Woodlands, Kent.
  • The Greatest Christmas Awards judges and sponsors.
  • BBQ Gourmet – LOFA Member Profile.
  • HTA Column – Christmas is here to stay.
  • Garden Re-Leaf Day 2022-What are your plans for the Big Day?

GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards Special Issue - 36 pages of Garden Centre Christmas Greatness.

 

 

In this issue:

  • Peter Seabrook “Mr Gardening”.
  • A record year for Choice Marketing.
  • Thinking outside of the box 4 – Pughs Garden Kitchen.
  • GCA Awards for 2021. Cultivation Street 2022.
  • GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards. 
    Christmas at: Altons, Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, Bents, Blue Diamond, British Garden Centres, Cherry Lane Podington, Downtown, Fron Goch, Garsons Esher, Gates Garden Centre, Hillmount Cheshire, Little Dobbies Richmond, Millbrook Gravesend, Newquay Garden Centre, Pengelly, Planters, Pughs, Rosebourne, Sapcote Garden Centre, Silverbirch, Squires Badshot Lea, The Old Railway Line, Webbs of Wychbold, Woodlands, Kent.
  • The Greatest Christmas Awards judges and sponsors.
  • BBQ Gourmet – LOFA Member Profile.
  • HTA Column – Christmas is here to stay.
  • Garden Re-Leaf Day 2022-What are your plans for the Big Day?

Or use this link: https://issuu.com/gardentradenews/docs/gtn_jan-feb_2022?fr=sN2VmODQ2ODEwNTE

 

 
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As sales heat up, Char-Broil promotes high-performing sales manager

Char-Broil is delighted to announce that Luke Hopkins, formerly Char-Broil UK National Sales Manager has been promoted to General Sales Manager for UK and Ireland...


Char-Broil is delighted to announce that Luke Hopkins, formerly Char-Broil UK National Sales Manager has been promoted to General Sales Manager for UK and Ireland.

 

Luke has been with Char-Broil for just over a year, and during that time has helped increase distribution and build sales to unprecedented levels for the brand in the UK.

 

In his new role, Luke will be firing up Char-Broil’s business even further within the UK and Ireland, and identifying and developing additional retail channels for the brand and its best-selling ranges.

 

“We’re delighted to give Luke the promotion he truly deserves,” says Ian Railton, Managing Director, Char-Broil Europe.  “He’s responsible for an impressive uplift in our UK sales and has the energy and focus that we need to help build the Char-Broil brand even further in both the UK and Ireland.”

 

Luke has strong knowledge and experience from within the industry, having worked previously at Landmann and the Van Hage Garden Centre in Peterborough. He’s now also a director of the Leisure & Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA) working to promote brands within the UK gardening industry.

 

Char-Broil UK has had a very successful start to the year, with an increased number of retailers and garden centres taking on a wider selection of the brand’s innovative Gas2Coal and TRU-Infrared BBQ grills – including strong take-up of the new Performance Pro and Performance Core models, which are new for 2022.

 

 

www.charbroil.co.uk

 

About Char-Broil®: The family owned manufacturer of charcoal, gas and electric outdoor grills, smokers and grill accessories is a subsidiary of W.C.Bradley Co and  is based in Columbus, Georgia, USA.  Char-Broil has been making barbecues for over 40 years, since 1948.  Char-Broil® is a market leader in the US gas grill segment and also sells outdoor cooking equipment in Canada, Latin America, Australia and across Europe. Char-Broil® is the leader in infrared grilling technology, known as TRU-InfraredTM. Char-Broil’s European head office is based in Hamburg, Germany. The UK HQ is in Witney, Oxfordshire.

 

 

 
Core gardening lines dominate sales

Although the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 Garden Products volumes didn’t quite match 2021 levels last week they were the second highest since 2017, 42% up on the same week of 2019...


 

Although the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 Garden Products volumes didn’t quite match 2021 levels last week they were the second highest since 2017, 42% up on the same week of 2019.

 

Lawn care, plant feeds, and other core gardening products dominate the chart as the season gets growing. The highest place for a garden decoration line is No 15, a significant change to the same week in 2019 when garden lighting featured at No 5.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Evergreen Garden Care Miracle-Gro Evergreen Complete 360 sq m + 10% satys at No 1 for the second week.
  • Westland Lawn & Turf Dressing 25 litres moves up 17 places to No 5.
  • Smart Garden Grozone Patio Planter is the highest chart mover, up 30 places to No 18.
  • Kaemingk Solar Bulb Light 8cm Multicoloured is the highest placed garden decoration line at No 15.

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

 
Bumper year ahead for grow your own tomatoes

Strawberry plants hold off tomato plants at the top of the GTN Bestsellers Veg-2-Gro chart, but tomato plants dominate in terms of total volume, selling 50% of the total Top 50 Veg-2-Gro lines. That’s an eight percentage points increase from the same week in 2019...


 

Strawberry plants hold off tomato plants at the top of the GTN Bestsellers Veg-2-Gro chart, but tomato plants dominate in terms of total volume, selling 50% of the total Top 50 Veg-2-Gro lines. That’s an eight percentage points increase from the same week in 2019.  

 

Early signs are that this could be a bumper year for home grown tomatoes. Have you got plenty of gro bag planters ready to sell when these young plants are ready to move outside?

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Quantil Strawberry Cambridge Strips move up 3 places to No 1.
  • Tomato Sweet Million 9cm from Cheers Nurseries is the highest new-entry at No 3.
  • Quantil Tomato Alicante 8cm climbed furthest up the chart to No 15.

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

 
Registration for stands at the PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt fair now open

Registration is now open for people who would like to exhibit their ware at the PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt fair...


 

Registration is now open for people who would like to exhibit their ware at the PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt fair. The fair, which will take place on 24 and 25 August 2022, will present a complete survey of the latest range of garden plants, including all innovations and novelties, making it the largest garden plant event for European professional gardeners and landscapers, and an absolute must for any grower and trader to present their company and products.

 

PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt will take place in and around GROEN-Direkt’s hall at the International Trade Centre in Hazerswoude/Boskoop (the Netherlands). There is a choice of three participation concepts:

  • Basic Stand, exclusively for the presentation of plants, exclusively on CC trolleys;
  • Comfort Stand, involving a basic stand, which may also be used for the presentation of non-live products;
  • Premium Stand  – you are free to design your own stand for an exclusive presentation of your own identity.
  • Extensive ranges of sizes and additional services are available for all three concepts.

To register

To register for participation in the fair, simply go to the plantariumgroendirekt.nl/exhibitors website. Early registration offers you the following advantages:

  • A guaranteed place at the fair (the total number of available square metres is limited)
  • A discount on the price per square metre (for registrations received by 15 May 2022 at the latest)
  • Any specific stand requirements can be met as well as possible
  • You will benefit most from all the PR and communication activities that will be organised in relation to the fair.
  • Stand positions will be allocated by the fair’s organisers.

PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt

The new PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt fair is the outcome of the merger of the Plantarium trade fair of the Stichting Vakbeurs voor de Boomkwekerij (SVB; Nursery Trade Fair Foundation) and GROEN-Direkt’s Product Promotion Plaza. In the years to come, Plantarium|GROEN-Direkt will hopefully evolve into an event that will be organised several times a year. The fairs will be organised by a five-member team on behalf of the Green Retail Events fair organisation.

 

Pieter Heemskerk, who is responsible for sales, will gladly discuss the benefits of participation in the fair with prospective exhibitors. “The fair will provide a complete survey of the latest range of garden plants. Along with GROEN-Direkt’s already extremely popular sample fairs and the presentation of lots of novelties this will definitely be the go-to fair for garden plant buyers from all over Europe to acquaint themselves with the range for the autumn season. The fair is intended for both growers who would like to draw attention to their products in their presentations, and companies wishing to focus on their entire organisation, including their products and additional services. Suppliers active in the greenery sector may also present their products here. I’m certain we’ll be able to offer all companies a suitable place at the fair, and I will gladly discuss the various options,” says Pieter.

 

About PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt

PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt will take place on the 24th and 25th of August 2022. The official opening will take place in the evening of Tuesday 23 August. The fair will be held in and around the GROEN-Direkt hall at the International Trade Centre in Hazerswoude/Boskoop, the Netherlands. More information can be found on the website plantariumgroendirekt.nl/.

 
Growing activity – 25% up

Using growing media sales as an indictaor of growing activity we can confidently say that early season activity is 25% up both on last year and on 2019’s pre-pandemic levels...


 

Using growing media sales as an indictaor of growing activity we can confidently say that early season activity is 25% up both on last year and on 2019’s pre-pandemic levels.

 

Last week’s sales in the GTN Bestsellers Growing Media Top 50 were 47% up on the same week in 2019 and only 5% below last year’s levels.

 

With high levels of young veg and in particular tomato plants selling through as soon as they reach centres there must be a great opportunity for increased sales of go-bag planters and the like.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Westland Erin Multipurpose Compost 50 litres stays at No 1 for the third week.
  • Evergreen Garden Care Miracle-Gro Ericaceous Peat Free Compost is the highest chart climber, up 15 places to No 30.
  • Evergreen Garden Care Tomorite Giant Planter 52 litres is the highest placed gro-bag planter, but only at No 17.

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

 
Keukenhof opens again

Keukenhof opened its gates to the public again this week. The park was not allowed to open for two years due to the corona measures. Finally, visitors can really experience the floral splendour again...


 

Keukenhof opened its gates to the public again this week. The park was not allowed to open for two years due to the corona measures. Finally, visitors can really experience the floral splendour again.

 

“We are so happy that we can welcome visitors again,” says director Bart Siemerink. “We were not allowed to open for two years, even though the park looked beautiful. Over the past year, millions of people have enjoyed videos of our blooming park. But admiring the flowers live is something no video can compete with as you will miss the smells and the atmosphere in the park. The first hyacinths and tulips are already in bloom, so visitors can enjoy a colourful park from day one. In the Bollenstreek (flowerbulb region) you can also see the first fields in bloom.”

 

Theme 2022: Flower Classics

Flowers are important to people: they have been part of our lives for centuries. As classic symbols we see flowers in art, architecture and design. In Keukenhof we bring these classics together, with the tulip as its shining centrepiece!

 

One of the expressions of the theme is the cooperation with the Mauritshuis on the occasion of their 200th anniversary. That is why today there was a flowery meeting between Jacoba van Beieren, who has been the hostess of the Keukenhof flower exhibition for many years, and the girl with a pearl earring, one of Vermeer's masterpieces from the Mauritshuis.

 

In addition to the millions of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths in the park, the flower shows inside the pavilions have become larger and more beautiful again. More than 600 flower growers deliver their most beautiful flowers and plants to Keukenhof, so that visitors can see many new varieties.

 

Keukenhof is open until 15 May.

 
Wild Bird Care gets competitive

Wild Bird Care Top 50 sales volumes continue to run ahead of last year by 15% but they are not catching up with sales levels from 2020 and 2019 just yet...


 

Wild Bird Care Top 50 sales volumes continue to run ahead of last year by 15% but they are not catching up with sales levels from 2020 and 2019 just yet.

 

This week’s GTN Wild Bird Care chart includes lines from nine different brands which is a huge difference from the chart back in 2018 when Gardman accounted for 45 of the Top 50 lines and only three other brands got a look in.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Tom Chambers Classic Seed Blend 3.75kg sits at the top of the chart this week.
  • Westland Peckish Fat Snax Box No Grow x 50 drops one place to No 2.
  • Henry Bell Essentials Seed Mix 2kg moves up 6 places to No 5.
  • Gardman Seed Mix 12.7kg sits at No 5, it was the No 2 Bestseller in 2018.
  • Johnston & Jeff Calciworm 1kg is the highest re-entry at No 19.
  • Smart Garden ChapelWood Complete Wild Wings Feeding Station is at No 24.
  • Marriages Honeyfields Calciworms 1kg stay in the Top 50 at No 29.
  • CJ Wildbird Foods National Trust Birch Log Nest Box 32mm Hole moves up 11 places to No 37.
  • RSPB Suet Ball Refill 50 4.5kg is a re-entry at No 48.

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

 
The best of last week's

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


 
Planning permission granted for £10m Dobbies store

Planning permission has been granted for a 110,000 sq ft Dobbies Garden Centre in Northern Ireland – one of the largest retail lettings in the UK and Ireland in recent years...


 

Planning permission has been granted for a 110,000 sq ft Dobbies Garden Centre in Northern Ireland – one of the largest retail lettings in the UK and Ireland in recent years.

 

The £10m project at The Junction, a Lotus Property-owned retail and leisure park, will be Dobbies’ second venture in Northern Ireland, its largest store in Ireland and one of the largest in its UK portfolio. 

 

Proposals for the 110,000 Sq ft store include outdoor and indoor plant areas; areas for gardening products, outdoor furniture, pets, gifting and toys, as well as cookshop and home décor; a foodhall, a children’s soft play area and new restaurant and café.

 

The store is expected to attract a footfall of around one million visitors per annum, creating 110 new full and part-time jobs, making it one of the largest employers at The Junction.

 

Welcoming the news, Alastair Coulson, Managing Director at Lotus Property, commented: “We’re thrilled to receive the news that planning permission has been granted for this flagship store. Not only is it fantastic news for The Junction and the local economy but also a signal that Northern Ireland is open for business. It is fast becoming one of the UK’s most promising retail environments, especially with regards edge of town shopping and leisure.”

 

Lotus Property was advised by Johnstone Property Consultants. Mark Johnstone, Managing Director said: “This is a hugely significant retail letting in Northern Ireland to what will be one of the largest Dobbies Garden Centres in its portfolio.  The scale of the store will allow Dobbies to deliver a tremendous customer experience, which is anticipated to bring up to one million customers per year. The scale of the signing is testament to the importance of physical retail stores and the continued strength of edge of town retail schemes.”

 

Graeme Jenkins, CEO at Dobbies said: “We’re delighted to have been given the green light to move ahead with our plans to open our store at The Junction, building on the success of our established Lisburn garden centre. 

 

“Its prime position off the M2, just north of Belfast City Centre and towards the popular Antrim coast, will allow us to bring the Dobbies’ experience to a new area within Northern Ireland.”

 

Dobbies was founded in 1865 as Dobbie & Co and has grown and expanded in recent years to become the UK’s leading garden centre retailer. There are currently 74 Dobbies stores throughout the UK, but this will be just the second in Northern Ireland.

 
Garden Re-Leaf Day gets the season off to a sunny start

Garden Re-Leaf Day got the season off to a bright and sunny start with a variety of FUNdrasing events for Greenfingers Charity across the country...


See pictures from the Garden Re-Leaf Day sponosred walk and cycle ride, plus pics from Woodmasterne, British Garden Centres, Millbrook, Perrywood and Garsons

Garden Re-Leaf Day got the season off to a bright and sunny start with a variety of FUNdrasing events for Greenfingers Charity across the country.

 

Garden Re-Leaf Day walkers and cyclists assembled at Dobbies Aylesbury Garden Centre to take part in either a sponsored 10 mile walk, a 20 mile walk or 100 mile cycle ride.

 

Woodmansterne raised over £2,540 from their walkers and FUNdraising back at their factory in Watford.

 

British Garden Centres had different FUNdraising activities in all of their centres.

 

Millbrook Garden Centres ran a Virtual Plant Donation scheme over the weekend and Perrywood raised £1500 at their annual Quiz night for Garden Re-Leaf Day, won by the "The Wild Bunch (Not!)" , below.

Garsons announced Greenfingers as their charity of the year on garden Re-Leaf Day.

and on QVC, Richard Jackson led an afternoon of FUNdraising linked to product sales.

See more photos from all of the events in our gallery below.

 

If you ran a FUNdraising event for Greenfingers Charity on Garden re-Leaf Day please send details to: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk and we'll add you to our coverage and the gallery.

 

 

 

Horticulture industry responds to Defra consultation on ending retail sale of peat

The Growing Media Taskforce, an industry group consisting of the Garden Centre Association (GCA), Growing Media Association (GMA), National Farmers Union (NFU), and Responsible Sourcing Scheme (RSS) and chaired by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), has submitted its response to the government’s consultation on the use of peat in horticulture, putting forward evidence that argues against legislation and calls for government to commit to taking action that will enable access to alternatives...


 

The Growing Media Taskforce, an industry group consisting of the Garden Centre Association (GCA), Growing Media Association (GMA), National Farmers Union (NFU), and Responsible Sourcing Scheme (RSS) and chaired by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), has submitted its response to the government’s consultation on the use of peat in horticulture, putting forward evidence that argues against legislation and calls for government to commit to taking action that will enable access to alternatives. 

 

Views from across the industry, including growers, manufacturers and retailers, have shaped what stands as horticulture’s response to a Defra proposal to ban peat from retail sale by 2024.  

 

Acknowledgment of the need to transition to peat-free as part of a wider commitment to improving the sustainability of horticulture is at the heart of the response, which outlines opportunities for government and industry to collaborate and highlights the unintended consequences a ban would have on an industry that has well-documented positive effects on society – particularly people’s mental health and wellbeing – is a key enabler in government’s green ambitions and contributes £29bn a year to GDP and generates £6.3bn in tax revenues. 

 

With latest figures showing peat-use continuing to decrease across the board*, the taskforce says that primary legislation is not necessary and instead government should commit to working with industry to unlock policy barriers to speed up access to materials such as wood, coir and green waste.  

 

Chairman of the HTA and Chair of the Growing Media Taskforce, James Barnes, said: “Horticulture is a green industry at its core, providing the trees and plants that will enable government to progress towards net zero and achieve the goals of its 25-year environment plan. There is no question that peat use should be phased out, however, without access to the necessary quantities of alternatives, it is not dramatic to predict huge damage to UK growers and retailers and a knock-on effect for the millions of people who enjoy gardening.” 

 

The response also raises the concerns of the edible horticulture sector, with particular regard to the challenges that mushroom producers and the propagation of some brassicas and leafy salad crops face.  Both rely heavily on peat, as its benefits are not easily replicated.   

 

“Growers are investing in finding suitable alternatives but more time and collaboration with government is required”, Barnes continued.  “As a sector geared towards providing the nation with healthy, affordable British food, we are asking government to work with us until such time a commercial material delivers the biological benefits of peat, without unintentionally impacting our domestic food security. 

 

“Our response to this consultation sets out how we can ensure a manageable transition to peat-free growing media and demonstrates that collaboration, not legislation, is the key to finding solutions to the complex challenges of the issue.  

 

“Defra’s proposals represent further new regulatory policy from the Government that will impact our industry despite the Government’s principles outlined to do the opposite in their recent publication ‘The Benefits of Brexit’**. 

 

“The industry is already working incredibly hard to advance progress through education, by way of the Responsible Sourcing Scheme for example, and product development. Government action needs to complement this - by way of funding for more research and development and grants for new technologies and removing policy barriers to the alternatives we know are out there. ” 

 

The taskforce has committed to end the sector’s use of peat, pledging to remove it from the retail market as early as 2025 and no later than the end 2028.

 

Read the full Growing Media Taskforce submission using this link

 

Here is the Headline Summary from the submission:

1. The Growing Media Taskforce has developed a challenging, yet achievable programme of activity to attain peat free status for horticulture, without the need for regulatory action. Some areas are focussed on industry actions, others on Government actions.


2. A buoyant horticulture sector contributes positively to society, to the economy and fulfils many of the Government’s own ambitions around climate change mitigation and a healthy environment. This sector is at risk if the transition away from peat is not managed correctly.


3. To remove peat from horticulture is not a question of if, it is entirely a question of when. The taskforce in 2021 committed to end the sector’s use of peat, pledging to remove it from the retail market as early as 2025 and no later than the end 2028. For professional horticulture, the range is between 2028 and 2030.


4. Of paramount importance is the urgent implementation of a manageable transition from peat to peat free growing media. For that, Government assistance is essential, without the need for legislative action. That Government assistance needs to be in the form of access to peat alternatives, research and development, the principle of exemptions and understanding fully the unintended consequences of introducing primary legislation. A ban is unnecessary, and the measures Government have proposed in this consultation will not achieve a healthy, productive, peat-free UK horticulture sector.


5. Government actions should not harm an industry that at its very core contributes to excellent mental health and wellbeing, adds positively to the healthy eating agenda, enhances the environment, and supports green jobs and the green economy. Food security, green cities, plant-based nutrition, afforestation are examples of areas that must all be considered when proposing to remove peat from horticulture. The full set of Taskforce recommended Government actions can be viewed in ANNEX C of the full submission (link above)


6. The Taskforce is disappointed with Defra’s economic impact assessment, and its use in justifying its preferred policy proposals. The Impact Assessment is not reflective of the true costs to the sector and is based upon flawed assumptions, not least the assertion that peat is extracted for horticulture from over 5,000 hectares of land. Such inaccuracies create serious flaws in Defra’s assessment of the environmental and economic consequences of the policy options. Without positive government action the horticulture sector – both ornamental and edible - will be harmed. On the other hand, positive government action to aid peat removal, for example on enabling greater access to peat alternatives, co-ordinating the required research and development and ensuring businesses can access capital investment has been omitted from consideration.


7. The unintended consequences of introducing legislation must be considered and evaluated before introduction. Pulling one policy lever – e.g., the removal of peat in horticulture without a commercially viable alternative material, may have unintended consequences e.g., food security and access to affordable food.

 
Garden centre cafe brings nature indoors with Mosswall made from living lichen

Cardwell Garden Centre in Scotland has covered a large wall of their cafe in GREEN LICHEN in a bid to bring the natural world indoors...


Cardwell Garden Centre in Scotland has covered a large wall of their cafe in GREEN LICHEN in a bid to bring the natural world indoors.

 

Interior designers created the Mosswall as part of a six-figure makeover of the popular Patio Cafe eatery, at Cardwell Garden Centre near Gourock.

 

The unusual move to use thousands of pieces of hand-harvested living lichen, imported from Italy as part of the décor, has environmental benefits of improving air quality, reducing airborne dust and is even said to clean virus particles from the atmosphere.

 

Patio Café manager, Bernadette Sime said: “We’re really proud of our new-look Patio Café that brings nature straight to your coffee table.

 

“We’ve embraced the natural world and brought it indoors with a re-design using lots of natural wood, plants and foliage and our showstopper Mosswall, which should get everyone talking.

 

“While we’ve retained our traditional tables and chairs for a sit-down meal, we’ve also brought a more relaxing, warm and calm ambience to the popular eatery.

 

“We’ve also installed new atmospheric rattan and festoon lighting throughout The Patio, as well as leather sofas, luxurious padded banquet seating and coffee tables.”

 

The Patio Café now has a Little Deer Den play area for small children to enjoy with comfortable seating nearby where the grown-ups can keep an eye on the youngsters while enjoying a relaxing cuppa.

 

Bernadette continued: “We wanted to created different kinds of spaces for everyone to enjoy and The Patio is certainly the ideal place for meeting up with friends and family for tea, coffee and a chat in a cosy atmosphere. And of course, one of the famous Patio Café luxury cakes that are most certainly still on the menu!

 

“We’ve had a fabulous makeover, but one thing hasn’t changed – and that’s the fabulous range of food and refreshments we serve our valued customers.

 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone, so come along and see the new look for themselves.”

 

Cardwell managing director, Drew Gallagher added: “We’ve had a great reaction from visitors to the new-look Patio Café.

 

“We always look at ways of supporting local businesses and 75 per cent of the spend on the project went to companies from Inverclyde.”

 

The Patio Café refurbishment was designed and project managed by Mariessa Devlin, from Inverclyde-based Devlin Interior Design with rendering and engineers’ drawings by Rebecchi Architectural, in Gourock.

 

Mariessa said: “My focus has been on the use of biophilic design, bringing the natural environment of the outdoors and the creation of space that promotes wellness for Cardwell’s customers.”

 

 
GTN’s Greatest Christmas Award winners revealed

Burford House (BGC), Brigg (BGC), Squire Badshot Lea, Silverbirch, The Old Railway Line and Bents have picked up Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Team golds in GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards, presented at Spring Fair on Monday. Kaemingk walked away with The Greatest Christmas Supplier gold...


See the full list of winners and watch the video of the presentations at Spring Fair

Burford House (BGC), Brigg (BGC), Squire Badshot Lea, Silverbirch, The Old Railway Line and Bents have picked up Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Team golds in GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards, presented at Spring Fair on Monday. Kaemingk walked away with The Greatest Christmas Supplier gold.

 

 

Here are all the winners:

 

The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team - kindly sponsored by Woodlodge

Gold: Perrywood Tiptree

Silver: Webbs Wychbold

Bronze: Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange 

Finalists: Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, Little Dobbies Richmond, Perrywood Tiptree, Webbs Wychbold

 

 

The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team

Gold: Barton Grange

Silver: Millbrook Gravesend, Perrywood Tiptree

Bronze: Pughs Radyr

Finalists: Barton Grange, Bents, Bosworths, Cadbury, Lakeside Plant Centre, Millbrook Gravesend, Perrywood Tiptree, Pughs Radyr, Studley – BGC

 

 

The Greatest Festive Food Hall Team

Gold: Barton Grange

Silver: Garsons Esher, Pughs Radyr

Bronze: Bents

Finalists: Barton Grange, Bents, Garsons Esher, Pughs Radyr, Rosebourne – Aldermaston, The Old Railway Line

 

 

The Greatest Christmas Sizzle Team - kindly sponsored by Solex

Gold: Altons

Silver: Gates Garden Centre

Bronze: Downtown Garden Centre

Finalists: Altons, Downtown Garden Centre, Gates Garden Centre, Hillmount Cheshire, Pughs Wenvoe

 

 

The Greatest Winter Garden Care Sales Team - kindly sponsored by elho

Gold: Gates Garden Centre

Finalists: Garsons Esher, Gates Garden Centre, Squires Badshot Lea

 

 

The Greatest Social Media Christmas Marketing Idea - kindly sponsored by Glee

Gold: Pughs Radyr & Wenvoe

Silver: Pengelly Garden Centre, Sapcote Garden Centre

Bronze: Rosebourne Aldermaston, Rosebourne Weyhill

Finalists: Garsons Esher, Pengelly Garden Centre, Perrywood Sudbury, Perrywood Tiptree, Pughs Radyr, Rosebourne – Aldermaston, Rosebourne – Weyhill, Sapcote Garden Centre

 

 

The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Video

Gold: Sapcote Garden Centre

Silver: The Old Railway Line

Bronze: Pengelly Garden Centre

Finalists: Pengelly Garden Centre, Pughs Radyr, Pughs Wenvoe, Sapcote Garden Centre, The Old Railway Line

 

 

The Greatest Christmas Pets Team

Gold: Planters Tamworth, The Old Railway Line

Silver: Squires Badshot Lea

Finalists: Gates Garden Centre, Planters Tamworth, Squires Badshot Lea, The Old Railway Line

 

 

The Greatest Covid Safe Christmas Team - kindly sponsored by Global Journey

Gold: Aylett Nurseries, The Old Railway Line

Silver: Barton Grange

Bronze: Webbs Wychbold

Finalists: Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, The Old Railway Line , Webbs Wychbold

 

 

The Greatest Christmas Event Special Award

Gold: Webbs Wychbold

Finalists: Gouldings, Hetland, Planters Bretby, The Old Railway Line, Webbs Wychbold

 

The Greatest Christmas Community/Charity Initiative - kindly sponsored by Kaemingk

Gold: Pengelly Garden Centre

Silver: Cherry Lane Poddington, Pughs Radyr & Wenvoe

Finalists: Cherry Lane Podington, Groves Bridport, Hillmount Cheshire, Pengelly Garden Centre, Perrywood Sudbury, Perrywood Tiptree, Pughs Radyr, Pughs Wenvoe, Tates South Downs

 

 

The Greatest Christmas Supplier

Gold: Kaemingk

Finalists: Festive, Florasilk, Gisela Graham, Hills Interiors, Kaemingk, Otter House, Premier, PTMD, Smart Garden Products

 

 

The Greatest Group Garden Centre Christmas Team - kindly sponsored by Woodlodge

Smaller Group Centres

Gold: Burford House - BGC

Silver: Albrighton – BGC

Bronze: Blue Diamond Newbridge, Little Dobbies Richmond, Thatcham – BGC

 

 

The Greatest Group Garden Centre Christmas Team - kindly sponsored by Woodlodge

Larger Group Centres

Gold: Squires Badshot Lea, Brigg – BGC

Silver: Blue Diamond Cadbury, Blue Diamond Derby

Bronze: Braintree – BGC

 

All Group Centre Finalists: Albrighton – BGC, Blue Diamond Cadbury, Blue Diamond Derby, Blue Diamond Newbridge, Braintree – BGC, Brigg Garden Centre – BGC, Burford House – BGC, Little Dobbies Richmond, Squires Badshot Lea, Thatcham – BGC

 

 

The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team - kindly sponsored by DCUK

Gold: Silverbirch

Silver: Newquay Garden Centre

Bronze: Pengelly Garden Centre

Finalists: Hillmount Cheshire, Newquay Garden Centre, Pengelly Garden Centre, Pughs Wenvoe, Silverbirch

 

 

The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team - kindly sponsored by DCUK

Gold: The Old Railway Line

Silver: Fron Goch

Bronze: Woodlands Garden Centre

Finalists: Bosworths, Fron Goch, Perrywood Sudbury, Tates South Downs, The Old Railway Line, Woodlands Garden Centre

 

 

The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team - kindly sponsored by Festive

Gold: Bents

Silver: Barton Grange

Bronze: Garsons Esher, Pughs Radyr

Finalists: Barton Grange, Bents, Garsons Esher, Gates Garden Centre, Millbrook Gravesend, Perrywood Tiptree, Pughs Radyr, Rosebourne – Aldermaston, Woodbank Garden Centre

 

 

Watch out for The Greatest Christmas Awards photo tours of the centres in future issues of GTN Xtra, starting this coming weekend and in the next issue of GTN magazine.

 

 
ACW Garden Centre - Christmas 2021
GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards Judges Photo Tour
See the judges photo tour of ACW Garden Centre at Christmas 2021

See the judges photo tour of ACW Garden Centre at Christmas 2021 below

 

Allbrighton - British Garden Centres - Christmas 2021
GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards Judges Photo Tour
See the judges photo tour of Allbrighton BGC at Christmas 2021

See the judges photo tour of Allbrighton BGC at Christmas 2021 below

 
Alton Garden Centre - Christmas 2021
GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards Judges Photo Tour
See the judges photo tour of Alton Garden Centre at Christmas 2021

See the judges photo tour of Alton Garden Centre at Christmas 2021 below

 
Aylett Nurseries - Christmas 202
GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards Judges Photo Tour
See the judges photo tour of Aylett Nurseries at Christmas 2021

See the judges photo tour of Aylett Nurseries at Christmas 2021 below

 
Barton Grange Garden Centre - Christmas 2021
GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards Judges Photo Tour
See the judges photo tour of Barton Grange Garden Centre at Christmas 2021

See the judges photo tour of Barton Grange Garden Centre at Christmas 2021 below

 
Baytree Garden Centre - Christmas 2021
GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards Judges Photo Tour
See the judges photo tour of Baytree Garden Centre at Christmas 2021

See the judges photo tour of Baytree Garden Centre at Christmas 2021 below

 
Bents Garden & Home - Christmas 2021
GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards Judges Photo Tour

See the judges photo tour of Bents Garden & Home at Christmas 2021 below

 
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week

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


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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Highlights of the GTN Wild Bird Care Bestsellers chart for last week are here

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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