Staff at garden centres across the Garden Centre Association’s Midlands, Wales & West region are celebrating after scooping awards during a presentation yesterday afternoon and evening at Melbicks Garden Centre yesterday (Tuesday).

Garden Centre of the Year winners were Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth (above) in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category, Old Railway Line Garden Centre (below), Garden Centre (GC) category, and Poundbury Gardens, Local Garden Centre (LGC).

Peter Burks, GCA CEO, said: “Our Midlands, Wales & West regional awards meeting was a wonderful event and I’d like to thank all those who attended. It was the first event of this type for this new region, which we created earlier this year by consolidating our previous six areas into four. It’s also the first time our new LGC category has been used for awards.

“A big ‘thank you’ goes to our fantastic hosts for the evening – the team at Blue Diamond’s Melbicks Garden Centre at Coleshill, Birmingham. They provided a wonderful welcome and fabulous hospitality.

“During the event, it was great to hear our Inspector, Colin Farquhar’s feedback from his visits to this area’s centres. Members can now take this essential information back with them to their teams, celebrate and give out the praise due and make any changes needed as well.”

Colin was responsible for inspecting member garden centres in the Midlands, Wales & West area across a 12-week period where he made unannounced visits.

He said: “This year’s inspections identified centres significantly improving their environmental and sustainability scores, increasing the availability of local sourced products, highlighting recycling opportunities and promoting sustainable gardening. This was brilliant to see and this attitude needs now to be reinforced in 2025 so we continue as an industry to make a difference. 

“It was great to see centres investing for the future by improving existing departments, as well as adding extra space and new features.

“People make the difference in garden centres. This is both the workforce and the customers. It was pleasing on my visits to see both groups interacting and creating an environment in which people genuinely seemed to be enjoying themselves. While some shopping can be seen as a chore, garden centre shopping should be viewed as entertainment and one in which all participants want to be there. I was so heartened on my visits to see this in action.”

The full results, including runners up, where relevant, for the Midlands, Wales & West region GCA area awards are as follows for the DGC, GC and LGC categories:

Garden Centre of the Year:

DCG

1. Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth
2. Gates Garden Centre
3. Webbs of Wychbold

GC

1. Old Railway Line Garden Centre
2. Castle Gardens – The Gardens Group
3. Planters Garden Centre, Bretby

LGC

1. Poundbury Gardens (above) – The Gardens Group
2. Brimsmore Gardens – The Gardens Group
3. Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe

 The Barton Grange Trophy for Commercial Innovation and Creativity:

1. Castle Gardens – The Gardens Group
2. Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth
3. Old Railway Line Garden Centre

The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre:

• Pyle Garden Centre

Customer Service Award for Best Customer Service:

1. Old Railway Line Garden Centre
2. Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth
3. Pugh’s Radyr

The Paul Cooling Award for Environment and Sustainability:

1. Castle Gardens – The Gardens Group
2. Old Railway Line Garden Centre
3. Planters Garden Centre, Bretby

The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer: 

DGC

1. Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth
2. Gates Garden Centre
3. Blue Diamond Cadbury Garden Centre

GC

1. Old Railway Line Garden Centre
2. Pugh’s Radyr
3. Planters Garden Centre, Bretby

LGC

1. Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe
2. Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group
3. Smith’s Garden Centre, Baginton

The Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant:

DGC

1. East Bridgford Garden Centre – Blue Diamond
2. Gates Garden Centre
3. Whitehall Garden Centre, Lacock 

GC

1. Byrkley Park Garden Centre – Klondyke
2. Old Railway Line Garden Centre
3. Pacific Nurseries 

LGC

1. Smith’s Garden Centre, Baginton & Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe – JOINT WINNERS
2. Raglan Garden Centre
3. Orchard Park Garden Centre – Blue Diamond 

Outdoor Living Award for Best Outdoor Living Retailer:

DGC

1. Gates Garden Centre
2. East Bridgford Garden Centre – Blue Diamond
3. Planters Garden Centre, Tamwort

GC

1. Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne
2. Planters Garden Centre, Bretby
3. Castle Gardens – The Gardens Group

LGC

1. Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe
2. Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group
3. Orchard Park Garden Centre – Blue Diamond

Indoor Lifestyle Award for Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer:

DGC

1. East Bridgford Garden Centre – Blue Diamond
2. Melbicks Garden Centre – Blue Diamond
3. Gates Garden Centre

GC

1. Planters Garden Centre, Bretby
2. Old Railway Line Garden Centre
3. Fairways Garden Centre, Ashbourne 

LGC

1. Raglan Garden Centre
2. Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group
3. Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe

Ian Boardman Award for Best Indoor Plants Retailer:

DGC

• East Bridgford Garden Centre – Blue Diamond

GC

• Castle Gardens – The Gardens Group

LGC

• Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group

Plantaria (Ruxley Rose): 

DGC

1. Planters Garden Centre, Tamworth
2. Gates Garden Centre
3. Sanders Garden World – Blue Diamond

GC

1. Castle Gardens – The Gardens Group
2. Old Railway Line Garden Centre
3. Planters Garden Centre, Bretby

LGC

1. Brimsmore Gardens – The Gardens Group
2. Poundbury Gardens – The Gardens Group
3. Smith’s Garden Centre, Baginton

Food Hall/Farm Shop Award

DGC

• Gates Garden Centre

GC

• Old Railway Line Garden Centre

LGC

• Pugh’s Garden Village, Wenvoe

The GCA represents more than 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 visit www.gca.org.uk.

Fantastic looking exhibitor stands attracted high volumes of visitors to the first day of SOLEX at the NEC Birmingham with exhibitors and visitors alike agreeing that Hall 5 was buzzing with activity.

"The exhibition is looking fantastic and there is a buzz about the place," said one exhibitor.

And one visitor commented: "If you're considering coming to the show over the next couple of days, then make sure you do because you won't be disappointed. There are some great looking stands and they've got lots to show you."

"It has been a great start to the show,” said another.

See the gallery of pictures from day one at SOLEX below...

Zest, Hex Living, Supremo, Eco Fuego, Pit Boss and 4 Seasons Outdoor were the winners in the SOLEX 2024 Awards, presented by Dion Dublin this evening at the NEC.

The honours were announced at the SOLEX Awards Ceremony & Afterparty – a night of celebration, networking, and a thrilling football-themed evening to coincide with the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals.

Ex-England footballer Dion Dublin shared insights and predictions before the semi-final match between Spain and France.

The award winners were

Best Small Stand

Zest Outdoor Living

Judged by Sarah Bowers, Thrive Charity

Judge’s comment: “Excellent, well laid out, well staged with right amount of information.”

Best Medium Stand

Hex Living

Judged by Linda Petrons, Greenfingers Charity

Judge’s comment: “The colour palette runs through the stand, right down to the orange geums in the lovely planters. I can envisage the furniture in stores and also in the garden.”

Best Large Stand 

Supremo

Judged by Phil Swainston, The Perennial Charity

Judge’s comment: “Great branding, brilliant product display and point of sale.”

Best Eco-Friendly Product

Eco Fuego – El Campo Firepit

Judged by James Shorey, Planetmark

Judge’s comment: “Very clued up on the impact. By design, a simple product that reduces impact on the environment and waste.”

Best Individual Product

Zest Outdoor Living – Terrazzo Outdoor Kitchen

Judged by Richard Truscott, Almondsbury Garden Centre

Judge’s comment: “Affordable outdoor kitchen that is well built. A lovely addition to any garden. A great upsell and margin opportunity.”

Best BBQ Product

Pit Boss – Titan Wood Fired Pellet Grill

Judged by Scott McCabe, BGC Group

Judge’s comment: “A very well built 8-in-1 grill/smoker/sear/bake/bbq/grill/roast/char-grill. A good bit of kit for the money.”

Best Furniture Product 

4 Seasons Outdoor Sardinia Corner Chaise Sofa

Judged by Sharon McNair, Tong Garden Centre

Judge’s comment: “Beautiful product, excellent service from 4 seasons.”

See gallery of the winning stands, winning products and from the Atferparty below...

Yorkshire Garden Centres have announced that they are to join the Tillington Group.  The Bradford based business took over Tong Garden Centre in 2015 and now operate six centres across Yorkshire from the base at Tong.

Mark Farnsworth, Managing Director of Yorkshire Garden Centres, said: ‘This is a very exciting opportunity for our business, although we have very mixed emotions as we are very sorry to be leaving the Prosper Group. We are very grateful to everyone in the Prosper Group who has made us so welcome over the last year and we wish them all the very best for the future.  However, we have been a long time admirer of the Tillington Group and when the opportunity arose to join, it was an opportunity that we could not turn down. The Tillington Group is extremely well established and we felt that, at this stage, they would be better placed to offer us the support that we need to continue to profitably grow our business.  We are very excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with and learning from all the Tillington members.'

Caroline Owen, Tillington Chair and Managing Director of Scotsdales Garden Centres commented: ‘We really are looking forward to Mark and his team joining us. We feel that their business is very well aligned with our existing members and we know that this hasn't been an easy decision for them. However, we are extremely confident that they will greatly benefit from being part of Tillington and that the group will also benefit from having them on board. This really is an exciting chapter for the group.'

Yorkshire Garden Centres will officially join the Tillington Group on the 30^th September 2024.

Prosper, a leading buying group committed to supporting enterprise and growth within our industry, announces the departure of Yorkshire Garden Centres GC, effective 30 September 2024. 

Terry Head, Retail Director of Stewarts and Chairman of Prosper, stated: "YGC has been a supportive contributor of the group, and their dedication and efforts have enhanced our collective success. We are appreciative of their commitment and the positive impact they have had during their time with us, and we wish them much success in the future.

"Prosper will continue to work closely with our valued suppliers, ensuring that our collaborative efforts remain strong and fruitful for all. We are also excited about the prospect of potentially strengthening our group with new members who align with Prosper's values.”

Prospers current members are Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, Cowells, Chessington Garden Centre, Knights Garden Centres, Perrywood Garden Centres, Stewarts and St.Peters.  

Terry added: “ I am very pleased to announce that Simon Bourne, Director of Perrywood, has accepted a new role within Prosper, as  Vice Chairman. We are confident that the introduction of the Vice Chairman position will enable us to better serve our members and achieve our long-term goals." 

The great and good of the horticultural industry gathered last week at Ball Colegrave to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Scholarships being awarded to students by the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation.

Foundation Patron Alan Titchmarsh along with Geoff Colegrave, Marjorie Glasgow BEM, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, and Peter Seabrooks son Roger planted a tree alongside the tree planted 30 years ago in memory of David Colegrave.

Students who are currently studying with the benefit of support from the foundation joined past students at the celebration which took place in the Ball Colegrave Summer Showcase ahead of its official opening this week.

See GTN Xtra's photo gallery from the celebrations and a sneak preview of the Ball Summer Showcase below

Dobbies has launched the search for its next National Charity Partner, as part of its 160th year celebrations. The new partnership will commence on 1 March 2025, following the conclusion of Dobbies’ successful nine-year collaboration with the Teenage Cancer Trust which has raised £1.39 million to-date.

With a long-standing history of supporting charities and communities across the UK, Dobbies’ strong commitment to fundraising is demonstrated through support from colleagues and customers. In-store donations and initiatives, such as Christmas shopping nights, team challenges, dedicated fundraising weekends and the opportunity to make donations when booking events, are a regular fixture across Dobbies’ 77  stores.  

Despite the cost-of-living crisis, the UK continues to be a charitable nation. The latest figures show that 75% of Britons supported charities in 2023, donating a record £13.9 billion, highlighting the enduring generosity of the British public.

The National Charity Partner will work alongside the retailer to develop a programme of fundraising activity for the period 2025-2026 that celebrates Dobbies’ commitment to bring people and communities together.

Dobbies CEO, David Robinson said: “Thanks to our colleagues and customers we have raised an amazing £1.39 million for Teenage Cancer Trust in the last nine years. This has been a really fantastic partnership and we’re super excited to see which charity will not only be an important part of our 160th anniversary, but key part of our community engagement for the year.”

Andy Tyas, General Manager of Dobbies Southport, whose team has raised £57,240 for Teenage Cancer Trust in 2023, said: “Being able to fundraise for charity is really important to us and we feel proud to be able to give our customers the chance to make donations, whether in store or online. It brings us together as a team and we can’t wait to see who we will be supporting from 2025.”

Donna Bednarek, Senior Relationship Manager at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Dobbies over the last nine years. The amount they have donated is remarkable.

"The money raised from the partnership allows Teenage Cancer Trust to offer specialist nursing care, and tailored support, helping young people with cancer maintain their identity, independence, and dreams, so cancer doesn't steal some of the most important years of their lives.”

Charities that meet the selection criteria are invited to apply online, with applications open until 5pm on Friday 16 August. A shortlist will then be chosen from all the applications, and shortlisted charities may be invited to submit additional information, and attend a meeting with key business stakeholders, before a final decision is made.

For more information and to apply, please visit Dobbies' website https://www.dobbies.com/charity-partner-appeal

Carbon Gold, the world’s longest standing biochar brand, has announced a new partnership with Westland Horticulture.

Carbon Gold has been a pioneer within the biochar industry since 2007. Since then, the brand has achieved B-Corp certification, and been appointed The King’s Royal Warrant. Its products are Soil Association approved and backed by nearly two decades of research and development. 

This partnership will bring a range of enriched biochar products to conventional garden retailers for the first time, allowing home gardeners to naturally improve the health of their soil, sequester carbon and mitigate climate in a simple, accessible and sustainable way.

The production of biochar is a scientifically verified Negative Emissions Technology CO2 removal process - a Nature Based Solution. By converting unutilised woody biomass into valuable biochar with net negative pyrolysis technology, the process removes CO2 from atmospheric circulation by using biochar as a carbon sink when added to soil or substrates.

For over a decade, Carbon Gold products have been used professionally by commercial fruit and vegetable growers, professional tree growers, sports turf such as Premier League football clubs, racing and golf courses and in urban landscaping. Home growers and gardeners will now have greater access to enriched biochar products which rejuvenate tired soils and compost, naturally hold water in summer months and allow for quicker rooting when planting out.

Westland is a world-leader in peat-free technology, and the partnership with Carbon Gold further strengthens the Company’s offerings to both consumers and professional growers, and Westland’s commitment to sustainable horticulture.

Keith Nicholson, Marketing Director at Westland Horticulture, commented: “Enriched biochar has an important role to play in the future of sustainable gardening. Carbon Gold has developed a range of environmentally conscious products that we will bring to many gardeners going forward. This collaboration again places Westland at the forefront of consumer horticulture and displays our commitment to delivering real, sustainable gardening.”

Executive Chairman, Craig Sams, added: “We’re excited for this partnership with Westland – as a leader in the horticulture industry and a business that shares our goals, we’re confident that working together will encourage gardeners to choose a more environmentally-friendly approach, with biochar at its heart. Biochar has the potential to make a significant contribution to this CO2 removal, using the soil for carbon capture and storage. That is our mission.”

Modern farming is undergoing one of the most significant changes in history with the shift to regenerative farming. This method, which incorporates intelligent crop rotations, companion planting, and mindful cultivation practices, significantly reduces the use of chemical inputs. Central to this change is the recognition that soil is an asset, not a commodity and that soil biology plays a vital role in transferring nutrients to crops. Regenerative farming rebalances the excessive use of chemicals in agriculture, increasing nutrient use efficiency in soils and ensuring more applied nutrients ultimately reach the crops.

This transformation in farming practices is driven by a deeper understanding of our soil's condition, its capacity to sustain current outputs under existing fertigation regimes, the desire to increase soil carbon and the growing public sensitivity to chemical overuse in the food chain. Support comes from both the government, which offers subsidies to help soils recover from misuse, and from end users like Waitrose, who have pledged that its meat, milk, eggs, fruit, and vegetables should be sourced from regenerative farming by 2035.

Two key groups of beneficial soil microbes improve soil nutrient use efficiency: mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. These microbes convert nutrients into plant-available forms and perform other essential functions. Good farming practices can boost the microbial levels in the soil, and they can also be introduced into the farming process. Once applied, these microbes grow and replicate, seeking out specific nutrients excreted by plant roots and building communities.

PlantWorks is the UK's leading producer of beneficial soil microbes, manufactured at its facilities at the Kent Science Park. Originally a spin-out company, PlantWorks is now one of Europe’s largest producers of mycorrhizal fungi. It has developed a range of beneficial bacteria in collaboration with experts, which have been widely trialled in the UK to support regenerative farming. Unusually, PlantWorks has funded much of its farming research through reinvestment from the sales of its mycorrhizal fungi and bio-fertilisers to the gardening market in the UK and beyond under its Empathy retail brand. These products, recognised by gardeners as the most ecologically sensitive in the market, are designed to offer benefits to treated plants throughout their lifetime, improving nutrient and water flow, health, flowering, and fruiting.

Sold across the UK in over 2000 outlets, a significant proportion of income from this work has funded PlantWorks' science team in their research and development of products supporting regenerative farming. This initiative, which began in 2014, has now underwritten the development of products for most cereal and vegetable crops grown in the UK and has seen trials conducted across the main farming areas of the country. In 2023, PlantWorks signed a collaboration with Clayton, a well-established brand in the farming sector, to further invest in and promote its products under the NUE brand.

PlantWorks continues its mission in the hobby gardening sector. Empathy products are ecologically designed, pioneering the use of beneficial microbes in gardening, agriculture, and horticulture, strengthening soil biology, and reducing chemical reliance.

"On Tuesday I was invited to run at the Ball Trail Grounds near Oxford to completed my daily 5km, where we also celebrated The Colegrave Seabrook Fountain 30th Anniversary, ‘Supporting Students in horticulture..’ 

"Huge thanks to Neil Gow, Jeff Colegrave & Stuart Lowen for making me fell so welcome and for a great event, where I got to meet one of my Gardening idols Alan Titchmarsh.

"As well as feeling fitter, but the endorphins (feel-good chemicals) that give me a rush and makes me look forward to the next days run even when I have had lack of sleep and travelling with work!!

"We need your support to keep building these magical gardens for the Children’s Hospices and I have 6 months left now to reach the £20,000 and make a difference to help Greenfingers Charity..

"Thank you to Bents Garden & Home and Primeur for sponsoring the July month and I looked forward to running with the Bents Family on 23rd July (though they are all athletes, so I need to up my game!!"

www.justgiving.com/page/kate-ebbens-1701443565987

Timber garden furniture and outdoor leisure specialist, Zest is unveiling its ‘at one with nature’ outdoor cooking and entertaining collection at SOLEX (stand number #538).

Since its new strategic consumer focus as Zest Outdoor Living www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk , the company has developed a collection of innovative on-trend products which are not only about relaxation in the outdoor space, but also creating the complete – and naturally inspired - outdoor room for alfresco cooking, dining and relaxed entertaining.

Examples include: 

The Zest Terraza Outdoor Kitchen Range offers everything the consumer needs from a kitchen outdoors and blends beautifully into the natural environment – and has a very attractive RRP. With double kitchen units that come with a stainless steel top, they are perfect for food preparation and the open fronted corner unit provides masses of storage and is also perfect for setting up a pizza oven.

Zest’s Garden Pizza Oven Table with 360-degree access for fueling and cooking has been specifically designed with outdoor cooking in mind. The central tabletop holds the pizza oven with fold up sides for preparation and serving. 

Zest’s Garden Bar & Two Stool Set - a perfect party piece which is also space-saving and innovatively versatile.  

It is quick and easy to set up by simply opening the doors to make a sturdy base for the fold down counter which acts as a bar and opening the side panel doors to reveal fully fitted cabinet shelving ready to display drinks and glasses.

The Zest BBQ Side Table - ideal for preparation and serving.  It has two solid shelves and a 0.91m long table top for food.

Zest’s Stirling Arbour is chic and practical with ample seating for four people.  A sanctuary in which to enjoy dining in the garden, relaxation, or coffee and conversation.

The Zest Freya seating and dining range which includes a choice of chairs, tables, and benches to suit any size of outdoor space. 

The new Ascot 2.4m Pergola makes the entertaining space complete and will transform a garden seating area making it the ideal place for relaxation and entertaining. The pergola’s sturdy 90mm x 90mm frame comes with chamfered rafters.

Head of Commercial Development, Simon Davison commented, “We’re thrilled to be returning to Solex with a curated collection of products to show our garden centre stockists, department stores, and online retailers. We’ve made a huge commitment to understanding what todays’ consumers want and designing product accordingly.  It’s all about enjoying life outdoors and relaxing with nature.”

For further information about Zest’s wooden garden furniture and outdoor dining products, visit www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk or email sales@zestoutdoorliving.co.uk. 

The garden retail industry's most anticipated event, Glee, is poised to mark a monumental milestone as it celebrates its 50th anniversary this September (10th – 12th, NEC Birmingham).  However, this year, Glee not only celebrates half a century at the pinnacle of garden retail but also ushers in a new era with its return to a September dateline, based on comprehensive industry feedback.

Glee's Evolution: A response to industry needs

Glee has long been a beacon for the garden retail sector, fostering growth and innovation. This year's shift to a September date is a direct response to extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, ranging from independent retailers to large-scale suppliers. The feedback highlighted the need for a timing that aligns more closely with the industry's evolving buying cycles and seasonal preparations. In a year where the season started later than ever the move has been celebrated across the board, as it means the key trade show is ideally positioned as the season draws to a close, and thoughts turn to the year ahead.

Matthew Mein, Glee's Event Director, emphasised the importance of staying in tune with the industry's pulse. "Our industry is constantly evolving, and Glee plays a crucial role in shaping the future of garden retail. By engaging with our community and understanding their needs, we can ensure that Glee continues to support our stakeholders effectively by providing a platform for growth, celebrating innovation and bringing the market together when it is needed most.

“This year, in particular, the new September dateline is more valuable than ever, as the season has taken longer than usual to start. With Glee running in autumn, buyers will be armed with a more in-depth knowledge of their needs for the 2025 season, primed to place orders and seek the innovation that will differentiate and enhance their offering in the year ahead.”

Innovative features and unmissable experiences

Glee 2024 promises to be an exceptional event, featuring eight carefully curated product sectors that showcase the best in garden care, outdoor entertaining, landscaping, and more. As always, the exhibition will also highlight the latest trends and innovations, providing a platform for an expected 400 brands, from well-known names to rising stars. The exhibitor list will be heaving with new brands, with almost 180 earmarked to make their debut at Glee 2024, with many of them exhibiting exclusively at the show. With so much newness under one roof, garden buyers have the perfect excuse to make a beeline for the Glee once the doors open on 10th September!

Key features of Glee 2024 include:

• New Product Showcase: Discover groundbreaking products that set the stage for future trends. Find it in it in a new home within the central hub, located between Halls 8 and 9.
• Talent Store: Launched in 2023, this design and inspiration hub discovers emerging talents and creative solutions in garden retail. Make sure you visit this dedicated area to vote for the fresh new talent within product merchandising.
• The Stage: Look out for a complete programme of content, all of which is designed to tackle burning issues and open the floor to the wider industry to discuss how the garden retail sector is set for future growth.
• Fire, Grill & Chill: This dynamic area is dedicated to outdoor entertaining, complete with live demonstrations and interactive experiences. A central hub for networking, this is the place to grab tasty, freshly cooked food whilst experiencing some of the outdoor cooking products on offer from exhibitors across the show.
• Green Heart: Celebrating plants and the central role they play in garden retail, this area will be thriving with a variety of plant displays and talks. Newly located within the main body fo the show in Hall 10, Green Heart will also benefit from a new café area and will be home to Future Plants, an exciting display of the latest and most innovative plant breeding from UK and international growers.

Join the celebrations

As the industry buzz for Glee’s latest development takes hold, Matthew Mein added: “We are now better placed than ever to invest in the show’s future. Whether it’s tackling those topics that are effecting change, building a platform for growth or providing a voice for the industry, we have a renewed long-term vision for Glee and look forward to bringing to market new content to support the continued advancement of garden retail.”

Be part of Glee 2024

Whether you're a seasoned attendee or a first-time visitor, Glee 2024 offers endless opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of the garden retail community’s most significant event of the year. Register today and join the industry in celebrating 50 years of excellence in garden retail at the NEC Birmingham.

To find out more please visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

A 38-strong team from garden furniture, grow your own and decorative garden structure specialist, Zest, and its parent, the P&A Group, has completed a 24-hour charity walk over a1.5-mile lap.  

The route took them around head office, the pallets and packing division and the Woodworks Garden Centre in Mold, Flintshire, all in aid of North East Wales Mind, the chosen charity for 2024.  

Total miles walked by the team was 325.5 and the money raised via donations and gift aid means Zest is likely to reach its 2024 fundraising target of £10k for the year within a record six months.

The team comprised both locally based employees as well as those who completed the distance remotely, with colleagues as far as Scotland taking part. 

Zest’s managing director, Andrew Baker commented: “It was truly inspiring to see so many of our dedicated employees come together to tackle the 24-hour challenge. The willingness to volunteer time exemplifies the strong sense of teamwork that defines our organisation. Whether completing a couple of laps or going above and beyond by walking over twenty miles, (and five team members did!), all efforts are deeply appreciated.   I would like to give a special mention to Martin McGrane and Liam Ali, who walked throughout the entire night to ensure the challenge was successfully accomplished. This level of commitment is unbelievable, and the dedication showed is a testament to our team spirit. 

“This event showcased shared values and commitment to supporting both our colleagues and the charities that make a difference in our community. It was also a fantastic opportunity to boost our personal fitness and well-being, as spending time in the great outdoors is massively beneficial for mental health.  I’m hopeful that the sponsorship raised from this event will bring us within sight of our £10,000 goal for the year for this great cause.

“It’s important to do more to remove the stigma and silence that surrounds mental well-being and make it easy to talk about our mental health, so supporting the work that North East WalesMind does is worth the effort. It was a challenge but extremely worthwhile.”

North East Wales Mind helps people in Flintshire and Wrexham recover from mental health problems and stay emotionally healthy. In addition to telephone counselling and emotional support, the charity offers a range of online services and activities. Their phone lines are open 10am till 4pm each weekday.  To donate to North East Wales Mind, click here.

Over the last 14 years, Zest employees have raised over £150,000 for a variety of charities alongside colleagues in the P&A Group.  These include Dementia UK,  British Heart Foundation, 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.

For further information about Zest’s GYO, decorative and furniture products, visit www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk.

Grimsby Garden Centre has an opening for a Garden Centre Business Manager which offers a rewarding career opportunity that combines retail management with making a difference in the local community.

As Grimsby Garden Centre is owned by Navigo, the leading mental health provider in North East Lincolnshire, this is an exciting and unique opportunity to play an important role in developing an independent garden centre with a heart, combining commercial interests with support for mental health services.

The Business Manager will be responsible for the strategic, tactical, and operational planning and management of the Grimsby Garden Centre trading arm, working with the overall Commercial Manager to determine key actions and timescales.

The role holder will be a team player, recognising that our staff are the businesses greatest asset, working together to maintain and develop the business.

Grimsby Garden Centre Business Manager

Closing date: 26 July 2024

Salary: £32,000 a year

Working pattern: Full time

Job location: Grimsby Garden Centre, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire

Main duties of the job

As an employee of Nurtrio, the Business Manager will maintain the ethos and culture of the Navigo group, acting as role model for staff and representing Grimsby Garden Centre in a positive manner inside and outside of the organisation:

• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills enabling them to articulate plans and ideas clearly and effectively to all levels within and outside the organisation.
• Have the analytical skills to deal with complex information from numerous data sources and systems (currently including paper based) internally and externally to monitor and manage the performance of Grimsby Garden Centre and their customers experience, highlighting issues and risks to support decision making.
• Be comfortable working independently and demonstrate the ability to effectively plan and organise resources to ensure smooth operation of the team.
• Have the confidence to prioritise conflicting demands and support the staff team to maintain good working practices.

About us

We are Navigo. We look after North East Lincolnshire mental health and well-being. We are an award-winning social enterprise that provides mental health services to the NHS and beyond.

The whole basis of our work is to deliver services that we would be happy for our own family to use.

We offer a range of mental health services, including acute and community facilities as well as specialist support such as outstanding older adults inpatient services, rehabilitation and recovery community mental health and an outstanding specialist eating disorder facility.

Ranked as one of the top UK companies to work for, we featured in the Best Companies top 100 large company list and were named sixth best health and social care company 2023.

As a social enterprise, we do things a little bit differently and have also developed income-generating commercially viable businesses that provide training, education and employment opportunities including Grimsby Garden Centre and two cafes.

Working at Navigo is not like working anywhere else. Lots of places say that, but we really mean it.

We like to work with forward-thinking people who want to make a difference.

Come join us!

Job responsibilities

The Business Manager will:

• Be the designated signatory for the Grimsby Garden Centre budget, and will manage income and expenditure with integrity.
• Research and identify new business opportunities including new markets, growth areas and trends, including sourcing goods and working with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of seasonal stock.
• Lead on customer experience, ensuring high quality merchandise is available and displays are appropriately planned, managed and maintained in line with seasonal demand, working with the Communications and Marketing team to implement and create in-store displays and offering accurate and timely information and guidance to staff.
• Have the responsibility for the management of the contractual relationship between Grimsby Garden Centre and their suppliers and customers.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with internal staff and external suppliers, ensuring that any agreed actions/objectives are delivered within agreed timescales.
• Be responsible for line management of staff resources within the team, including supervision and performance reviews, and the management of any disciplinary, performance, attendance, or grievance matters.

Click on the link below to read the full job description

https://beta.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/jobadvert/B9816-336

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre has raised an amazing £952 for the local charity Hay & District Dial-A-Ride. 

On Thursday 27^th June, the independent, family-owned Garden Centre hosted one of their beloved Bingo Nights to raise funds for Hay & District Dial-A-Ride who are celebrating their 30^th anniversary this year. 

Hay & District Dial-A-Ride is a vital community service with a mission to help customers maintain an independent lifestyle, reduce loneliness and social/rural isolation, and enable residents to feel part of a thriving community. They provide more than just transport services; they offer access to health and community services, which are essential for physical and mental health and well-being.

Matthew Lewis, the Events Manager, said, "We are incredibly proud to support such a wonderful local charity as part of their 30^th anniversary celebrations. The turnout for our Bingo Night was fantastic, and it's heartwarming to see our community come together for a great cause. Hay & District Dial-A-Ride plays a crucial role in our community, and we are delighted to contribute to their mission."

He added, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this wonderful cause through turning up to our event and taking part in our half time raffle. We hope you had a fun evening of homemade food and exciting Bingo games. Congratulations to all winners who collectively claimed £210 worth of cash and voucher prizes!”

The Bingo Night event drew participants from all over the community, enjoying an evening of delicious home cooked Mexican themed food from the restaurant, fun, prizes, and a shared commitment to supporting local initiatives. The funds raised will go directly to Hay & District Dial-A-Ride, assisting them in continuing their essential services for residents in the area.

Take a look at The Old Railway Line’s upcoming events, including another Charity Bingo Night this summer, on their website: https://oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk/pages/upcoming-events

Henchman, the leading provider of specialist ladders for home gardeners and professionals, has unveiled its first-ever television campaign, launching an exciting new advertisement in partnership with Sky. 

The advert’s ‘man versus hedge’ plot follows the story of David, a typical home gardener determined to conquer an unruly hedge - with the help of his trusty Henchman ladder.  

David is faced with the chore of cutting his hedge, now he has a problem of how to cut it safely on the uneven ground in his garden. Not finding a suitable solution, he pauses, has a cup of tea, and then we see him on a different day looking happy as he walks on scene with his new Henchman tripod ladder. 

Offering customers the only BSI EN131-certified tripod ladders on the market, Henchman’s Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder range features advanced safety features including non-slip platforms and rungs, sturdy tripod legs, and secure hedge-proof locking mechanisms, which ensure users can work with confidence at any height. As David takes on the hedge, the advertisement shines a spotlight on how every gardener needs a set of Henchman ladders to get tasks at height done safely! 

“The Henchman story began 30 years ago,” says Owen Simpson, managing director of the company. “Since then, we have grown from a small family business to leading ladder specialists, and we’re incredibly proud to help keep both professional gardeners and home gardeners safe while working at height.” 

“We are so excited to launch our first TV campaign which we hope viewers will find both entertaining and informative, demonstrating the many benefits of our multi award-winning range.” 

"It’s pivotal time for the business, having recently won several prestigious awards for our Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder and launching the new Henchman Lifting Harness, so this investment into wider marketing activities marks a significant milestone for us as we continue to expand our company reach and showcase the safety and reliability of Henchman Ladders to a broader audience.” 

To find out more about Henchman visit www.henchman.co.uk.

Gordale Garden & Home Centre has reopened its Golden Sands Giant Sandpit. Designed for children under 10, this expansive sandpit provides a perfect summer escape for building, digging, and experimenting.

Rain or shine, the sandpit is sheltered in the bedding plant area, ensuring fun regardless of the weather. And here’s the best part: it’s free entertainment for the entire summer!

Key Highlights:

• Golden Sands Giant Sandpit: Open daily, the sandpit invites young adventurers to create their own beach experience.
• Other Activities: Explore our additional offerings, including the Mini Gardeners’ Trail, where families can discover natural wonders, and our exciting Children’s Summer Activities from August 5th to 30th. Don’t miss out on the Creepy Crawly Show, Magic Show, and Superheroes events!
• Outdoor Play Areas: Let little ones burn off energy in our two fantastic play areas.

The management team at Gordale has been caught secretly testing it out to ensure optimum building conditions. They’ve built sandcastles, played with trucks, and even had a competition to see who can create the best fort.

Specialist online garden wildlife supplier, Ark Wildlife, has announced the launch of its new website, with a refreshed look and feel to its brand.  

The new look and website are set to catapult the brand to the next level of customer service, support, security, and sustainability. Sean McMenemy, founder and managing director says, “Ark Wildlife exists to create space for wildlife to thrive. This means offering the best products and brilliant customer service, supported by robust guarantees. We are investing now to ensure we remain market leaders, and best in class.” 

Since its launch in 1991, Ark Wildlife has championed garden wildlife, and proudly lives by its vision ‘to be the driving force behind an everlasting revival of British wildlife – garden by garden – one simple change at a time.’  

Sean McMenemy explained: “It doesn’t matter if you have a small pot, or a large plot - there are many simple things we can all do to attract and support wildlife.” 

The rebrand features a zesty orange logo, with bold seasonal colours, reflecting the vibrancy and ever-changing nature of the world around us. Visitors will also note the playful font, with a new and quirky style that embodies Ark’s (and Sean’s) love for nature and wildlife, featuring rugged and unique letterform variations and creative aesthetic. 

Discussing the rebrand, Sean McMenemy said: “We’re so proud of our new look! We were looking for something that truly reflects our brand, our ethos, and our love of nature, and we really feel we’ve achieved that. As a company that began before the trend of e-commerce and online shopping, we pride ourselves on always evolving to meet customer needs, while maintaining our openness and relevance, with an element of fun.” 

The new website incorporates multiple new technologies to simplify the shopping process and engage more responsively with customer needs. Its aim is to proactively assist customers with buying decisions through its immersive and inspirational knowledge base, packed with how-to guides, and video reviews.    

To further its development and brand awareness, Ark Wildlife is also investing in its marketing through new partnerships. The website has been created with Shopify experts, Kubix who have helped Ark expand its digital horizons and opportunities with its fresh e-commerce platform. To maintain its SEO and digital ranking, London based specialists, Distinctly. will continue supporting the brand. 

Earlier this year, Ark Wildlife also appointed home and garden PR and social media agency Honest Communications to amplify the brand and to help spread its message, that small actions can significantly support and encourage Britain’s native wildlife.  

To view the rebranded Ark Wildlife and to visit the new and improved website, see www.arkwildlife.co.uk.

Moda, located at the heart of Autumn Fair and the trusted destination for fashion, has announced exponential growth in the Fashion Accessories destination and will present hundreds of new collections at the next show from 1-4 September at the NEC Birmingham.

Ever-changing consumer trends have helped to grow the global fashion accessories market, making it one of the fastest growing segments. As stated by Statista, the demand for these products is thriving in countries such as the United Kingdom, France and the United States. The contemporary consumer is not just looking for accessories; they’re seeking on-trend, unique pieces that define their style and elevate their outfits.

According to WGSN, the modern consumer is in search of accessories that not only elevate style but also offer practicality and enduring value. Due to the cost-of-living crisis, the trend of gifting accessories has also gained prominence. More and more retailers are using fashion accessories to add depth to their stores – from garden centres to tattoo parlours and hairdressers. Brands are also pivoting away from holiday-specific items, focusing instead on designing durable products suitable for a wide range of occasions throughout the year. Versatility is emerging as a key criterion, with consumers looking for designs that can be worn for seasons to come. Addressing the growing demand for sustainability, forward-thinking companies are incorporating responsible materials such as ethical leather, plant-based alternatives, repurposed denim, and recycled metals into their seasonless accessory designs.

Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director of Autumn Fair says, “In this dynamic era of fashion, the global accessories market stands out as a beacon of rapid evolution, mirroring ever-changing consumer preferences. This flourishing market has become one of the fastest-growing segments in the past year.  Beyond the large demand for accessories, today's consumers seek on-trend, distinctive pieces that not only complement their style but also redefine their entire outfits. In this fast-paced environment it remains vital for fashion accessories brands to stay innovative and continuously keep up with the newest fashion trends to succeed within the sector.

“Steal the show with iconic accessories pieces and curated collections from Moda’s Fashion Accessories sector. It provides the perfect place to discover newness and elevate your ranges with the latest handbags, hats, scarves, hair accessories, socks, belts, luggage and costume jewellery.”

The growing sector at Moda offers the latest trends and styles from the most creative brands and designers including Soruka, Berber Leather, Black Yak, Reevo, Earth Squared, Fat Giraffe, Gemjar, Miku Jewellery, Mala Leather, Icon Watches, Das Impex, House of Tweed, Superbia Italy, Long & Son, Lua, Miss Milly, Miss Shorthair, Miss Sparrow, Eton Watches, Nova Leathers, Passion Accessories, MSH, Redbrick, Strathurie, Suzie Blue, Tempest Designs, That Leaf Company, The Bali Collection, Wholesale Alba, Zelly, JLY Luggage, and many more.

Discover a collection of handbags that caters to both classic and contemporary styles with esteemed brands like Berber Leather, Earth Squared and international brands such as Soruka. Explore collections of playfully designed classic and fine wool socks from Jess & Lou and Soctopus. Check out chic and on-trend hair accessories including headbands, scrunchies and hair clips; and buckle up with a quality selection of fine leather, cool canvas and stylish belts. Elevate your range with stylish fedoras, cosy beanies, wool scarves, cashmere and silk, fine leather and knitted gloves, from SSP Hats and Pure Fashions, and add the finishing touch with leather coin purses, chic card holders and sleek wallets from the likes of Ashwood Leather, Long & Son, and Mala Leather.

Luggage is another growth area for the show, and buyers will find both practical and stylish options with a range of trend-led suitcases, sporty backpacks, formal rucksacks and artfully designed tote bags. Exciting new brands such as Miku, Wholesale Alba, LuggAway, and The Bali Collection also make their debut, promising an engaging and innovative showcase that mirrors the dynamic shifts in consumer preferences and industry trends.

Mark your calendar to visit Moda at Autumn Fair 2024 to get an injection of seasonal newness during retail’s peak period. As retailers and buyers anticipate the year’s upcoming shopping seasons, Autumn Fair 2024 looks to make buying more seamless and successful than ever. From the latest trends in womenswear, gifts, fashion accessories, jewellery, greetings and interior decor, this is the show to shop if you’re looking to stay on trend and ready for the Christmas rush. As well as hundreds of the leading brands returning to Autumn Fair, over 25% of the exhibitor line-up is new and over 30% are exclusive to the show, making it the most exciting and biggest stocked trade show for the third quarter.

Traditional events such as trade shows are providing valuable platforms to new businesses looking to put their brands and products on the map - Autumn Fair has played a big part in helping to launch and support many businesses during its 30+ year history. Visit https://www.autumnfair.com/exhibit to find out more about showing.

Visit www.autumnfair.com to register.

The RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival took place this week, and members of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) and Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) have once again impressed the judges and crowds with their immersive gardens and displays. 

The APL has a stand at the show entitled ‘The Landscape Garden and Design Studio’, a full-feature garden designed by Phil Tremayne and built by Bushy Business. It incorporates all elements from a strong landscaper's point of view: a canopy from Garden House Design, decking from Composite Prime, paving from Bradstone, and water feature elements from Jeremy Hastings and Landscape Plus. Plants are supplied from Form and Fullbrook nurseries, with soil supplied by Bury Hill Top Soil. Attendees are encouraged to bring their landscape project ideas and conundrums along to get professional advice while marvelling at the immaculately crafted features of the garden.

Elsewhere at the show, there are opportunities to look at award-winning gardens built by APL members, including Katerina Kantalis’ The Mediterraneo Garden, which took the Gold Garden medal for its inspiration drawn from the vibrancy of Greece. It provides an escape from every day while addressing the necessity of climate adaptation in our gardens. It also won the Best Get Started Garden and Best Construction Award.

Nic Howard from We Love Plants created the ‘Exodus Adventure Travels: The Sounds of Adventure Garden’ which won the Silver-Gilt medal and Best Construction (Show Garden). Acacia Gardens, which built ‘The Making Sense Garden’, also won a Silver medal, and their owner, Herman Probati, won a Silver medal for his garden, ‘The Way of St James’.

The HTA members have also been picking up awards during the RHS event, with David Austin being awarded the Best Rose Exhibit. Three Silver Gilt medals were also awarded to Burncoose Nurseries, Blue Diamond Group and Peter Beales Roses, respectively.

More displays, trade stands, and gardens are being shown by HTA members, including Blue Diamond Group, Burncoose Nurseries, Crocus, David Autin Roses, The Eden Project, Hortus Loci, Hozelock, J Parker Dutch Bulbs, Majestic Tress, North One Garden Centre and Peter Beales Roses.

For more information on the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Festival, visit hta.org.uk/apl-events/rhs-hampton-court  and to view the complete list of award winners, visit rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-hampton-court-palace-garden-festival/awards  

Gardening for health charity Thrive hosted a corporate volunteer day with home and garden retailer Robert Dyas at its garden in London Battersea Park. The Robert Dyas team swapped work for building relationships and garden equipment to promote good mental health and wellbeing.

The day was part of Robert Dyas’ Plant & Pause campaign which encourages the nation to garden their way to better mental health. In partnership with Thrive, the initiative focuses on the benefits of utilising your outdoor space to promote good mental health and wellbeing. Robert Dyas’ team engaged in some practical gardening tasks after donating a range of garden furniture and hosted a live social media workshop to demonstrate creating a sensory garden.

Robert Dyas Owner and Chairman, Theo Paphitis joined the day and said, "We were delighted for our Robert Dyas team to take part in a corporate volunteer day with our charity partner, Thrive. This wonderful charity, which has over 40 years of experience under its belt, does some excellent work to help improve people’s physical and mental health using gardening and Social and Therapeutic Horticulture. As we encourage people to garden their way to better mental health in our Plant & Pause campaign, we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect partner.”

Thrive’s CEO, Ben Thomas said: “We were thrilled to host a corporate volunteer day for Robert Dyas. These days are really rewarding and fulfilling. Coming together in the fresh air, surrounded by plants and nature enables teams to experience mental and physical health benefits while making a positive difference to the lives of people who attend our centres. Our partnership with Robert Dyas’ Plant & Pause campaign is so important in strengthening our message of gardening for health, and we are proud to be associated with it.”

As part of Robert Dyas’ Plant & Pause campaign, the retailer has also announced the winner of its Nominate Your Community Space competition, NHS St George’s Hospital in Tooting. Thrive joined the judging panel for the nationwide competition that encouraged people to nominate a green community space in their local area, which had the potential to be transformed for the mental and physical health of their community.

Follow the partnership online with tips and guidance from two gardening experts, Robert Dyas and Thrive. Learn more about getting your company involved with Thrive at thrive.org.uk/get-involved/corporate-support.

GTN June/July 2024 – SOLEX Preview.  In this issue: Bring on the plants – GTN talks to Hannah Cook, Welcome to NOVA’s new Experience Centre, A Bridgerton Chelsea Flower Show, More showrooms to visit , Outdoor adventures with Fandango Fire Tools, SOLEX 2024 – GTN’s 26-page show preview, SOLEX show floor plan, Welcome to the SOLEX Afterparty and Awards, Celebrating BBQ Hero’s at SOLEX, Bramblecrest on a mission, News and latest products from SOLEX exhibitors, SOLEX green initiatives, Greenfingers opens new garden, NOVA brand and business model revamp, GIMA golf day, Glee’s 50 Year Hero’s, Chelsea’s plant winners- GTN’s Planteria, Promoting the industry - HTA Viewpoint, Innovation driving retail – GIMA Viewpoint.

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Commenting on the incoming new Labour Government and Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister, Fran Barnes, Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Chief Executive, said: "We welcome Sir Keir Starmer as incoming Prime Minister and look forward to working with him and the new government for a future where environmental horticulture in the UK can truly grow and flourish. The HTA, on behalf of environmental horticulture businesses, urges the Prime Minister and the new government to seize the opportunities that our sector can deliver for the UK. Today could and should be a turning point for a greener and growing future and to reset and give recognition to our fantastic industry. At a time when green spaces are under pressure, when net zero is a real ambition and when climate change is already with us, it is time for a new government to deliver a strategy for environmental horticulture.  

“The Horticultural Trades Association represents the entire supply chain for the UK’s environmental horticulture and gardening industry. We are a sector ideally placed to deliver on the challenges of any government – from green growth to net-zero, health and wellbeing to innovation – very few industries can provide the solutions for so much. Moreover, we support the employment of nearly 700,000 people in the UK, generate £6.8bn in tax revenue for the Treasury and deliver untold value to the UK’s 30 million gardeners. We hope the importance of environmental horticulture will not be underestimated in its ability to deliver the UK's economic and environmental ambitions.  

“Our sector delivers so much for the country, and we have the potential for significant growth, which would lead to a stronger economy, diverse flora production to mitigate climate change, flooding and air pollution, greening urban areas, an increase in mental and physical health benefits, and provide an exciting industry to start an apprenticeship. However, we need key stakeholders to recognise environmental horticulture’s value as both a policy solution and priority, to take up the encouraging recommendations of the House of Lords Horticulture Committee Inquiry, to be more proportionate to SMEs with regulation, and to act quickly to solve the concerns of border trade, allowing our tree and plant growers to import vital plant products without existing uncertainties and burdens. Once again, we congratulate Sir Keir Starmer and look forward to a constructive future relationship with the sector.” 

The latest episode of the Hort Talk podcast focuses on the various groups and committees that play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) work.

The association hosts a range of groups and committees dedicated to ensuring the needs and wants of its diverse membership are met. These groups bring together industry professionals to share their expertise and collaborate on initiatives that benefit the industry.

In this episode, Holly Youde (Chair of the Association of Professional Landscapers Committee), Ed Holmes (Chair of Ornamentals Technical Committee and Tree & Hedging Group), and Jonathan Whittemore (Chair of Ornamentals Management Committee) share their experiences of why they got involved, the benefits of being part of a group or committee, and their wishes for what the future of these committees could look like.

Hort-Talk was launched in 2021 to take the most relevant industry subjects and make them accessible and digestible for all so that everyone can feel part of the conversation.

You can find all episodes of Hort-Talk on the HTA website.

Listen directly to this episode of the podcast:

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Podbean

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Taking centre stage on the stand of Middleton Nurseries, Staffordshire in the Floral Pavilion at RHS Hampton Court Flower Show was the distinctive Salvia x jamensis BELLE DE LOIRE.

Bred in France, its two-tone flowers, which start out yellow and orange, mature to a softer cream and salmon as the summer progresses. Attractive to bees and butterflies, it is also listed at being deer resistance. Perfect for a smaller garden, the two-toned blooms offer maximum colour and flower power.

Alpine grower D’arcy & Everest of Cambridgshire, used different sized personalised wooden boxes to great effect in its Floral Pavilion display at RHS Hampton Court Flower Show.

A simple idea to recreate in any planteria.

The more sustainably you garden, the higher your perceived levels of wellbeing from it, scientists at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) have found.

The research published in the journal Urban Forestry and Urban Greening reveals for the first time that taking a more sustainable approach to managing your garden has a positive impact not only on the environment but can also make you feel better compared with adopting a less green approach. The findings coincide with the start of the RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival (2nd-7th July) where sustainable gardening practices appear front and centre.

The charity asked more than 2,000* people about their gardening habits with 83% of those that gardened considering it positive for their overall health and wellbeing, with the greatest benefits perceived for mental health followed by physical and social health.

Those gardeners who said they actively supported wildlife or limited their environmental footprint perceived higher overall health and wellbeing benefits from gardening.  The most common activities undertaken by those surveyed included avoiding the use of pesticides (62%), growing plants for bees and other pollinators (58%), and watering with rainwater or recycled greywater (43.8%).

Sustainable gardening, the research suggests, is thought to benefit people in six key ways:

• improving environments for supporting human health
• enhancing opportunities for psychological restoration
• higher engagement in physical activity
• wider or stronger social network bonds incorporating nature connectedness
• providing a higher degree of continuous learning
• and a sense of extended care-giving to the wider environment

For example, hand weeding expends more energy than applying weedkiller, as does using a watering can over a hose, or making, turning and mulching compost over buying an equivalent, while sustainable gardening also provides more opportunity for reflection and restoration through the experience of greater connectedness with the natural world, and a less stressful gardening experience by working with rather than against nature.

Lead report author and RHS Sustainability Fellow Chloe Sutcliffe said: “Identifying a link between sustainable practices and perceived wellbeing in garden contexts was a welcome surprise for the research team.  It makes sense that making more sustainable choices is likely to benefit our wellbeing in the longer term, but it seems that doing so can directly benefit our wellbeing in the here and now too, something that policy makers and health professionals might tap into in order to deliver improved climate, biodiversity and human health outcomes”.

Sustainable gardening is explored in many of the gardens at this week’s RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival. These include Buglife: The B-Lines Garden and The Moonshadow Moth Garden focusing on day and nighttime pollinators respectively, RHS Money Saving Garden which showcases the repurposing of materials and propagation techniques as well as RHS Peat Free Garden where every plant has been grown plug to plot in an environmentally considerate way. The charity has also introduced a new Green Award that will recognise the most sustainable spaces at the show according to construction, choice of materials, biodiversity, societal impact and innovation.

The RHS has also previously published a guide to gardening sustainably which includes going peat-free and composting, switching from mains water to rain water and planting a tree or flowers for pollinators. For the top ten visit: 10 ways to be more sustainable in your garden / RHS Gardening

For more information about the RHS Hampton Court Place Festival which starts on Tuesday 2nd July visit: RHS Hampton Court Garden Festival 2024 / RHS Gardening

The paper ‘Engagement in sustainable horticulture is associated with greater perceived health benefits amongst gardeners’ by Chloe Sutcliffe, Lauriane Suyin Chalmin-Pui, Mark Baudert Gush, Alistair Griffiths is published here: https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1jKmq5m5d81Tcg

The Royal Horticultural Society Peat-Free Garden will find a permanent home at Sunnyside Rural Trust in Hertfordshire after the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival.

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The RHS Peat-Free Garden by designer, garden writer, presenter and RHS Ambassador Arit Anderson, has been designed to inspire more gardeners to transition to peat-free by showcasing what can be achieved with sustainable alternatives. The garden is entirely peat-free, from seed to plug to show plot, highlighting environmentally friendly gardening methods.

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Following its stint at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, the garden will move to Sunnyside Rural Trust, a charity and social enterprise in Hertfordshire that offers training and work experience to over 170 vulnerable people in the local community. The trust trains people with learning disabilities to acquire skills in a number of rural activities, including beekeeping, growing a wide range of plants and produce, landscaping and garden maintenance.

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With its own 100% peat-free nursery, Sunnyside Rural Trust supplies plants to the public and creates bedding schemes for the local Dacorum Borough Council. The trust has successfully operated peat-free for three years, proving that even smaller organizations can make this important transition. Many of the plants in the RHS Peat-Free Garden have been grown in Sunnyside's nursery, bringing the project full circle.

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The garden will form a new space for the community at Sunnyside, providing an area to unwind for the trust’s volunteers, trainees and employees, as well as being open to the public. Interpretation boards from the show garden will be carried over to its permanent location in the hope that the garden will continue to educate and inspire more visitors to transition to peat-free.

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Arit Anderson, Garden Designer, said: “I’m overjoyed that the RHS Peat-Free Garden will live on at Sunnyside Rural Trust. Their community work is inspirational and the fact that as a small organisation they run a 100% peat-free commercial nursery just goes to show that this transition is fully achievable for businesses of all sizes. I grew up in Hertfordshire so to know that this garden will continue to flourish there has an extra special connection and I couldn’t think of more worthy guardians than the incredible team at Sunnyside.”

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Keely Siddiqui-Charlick, CEO of Sunnyside Rural Trust, said: “At Sunnyside we are trying to push the boundaries of what people with learning disabilities can achieve. The opportunity to grow plants for world class show gardens such as the RHS Peat-Free Garden not only instils a huge amount of pride and confidence in our team but also enables us to challenge wider perceptions around who can be involved in horticulture at that level. We have been growing 100% peat-free for a number of years now and I hope that we serve as proof that smaller organisations can successfully make the transition.

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“We are so excited that this garden will live on at Sunnyside; it is going to be an incredible resource for our team, for wildlife, and for the community. Working with Arit on this has been a huge pleasure - she is amazing at getting the best out of people, and that’s exactly what we want this space to do.”

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The Peat-Free Garden will officially open at Sunnyside in spring 2025. Sunnyside Rural Trust is featured in the RHS list of peat-free nurseries, which can be found here: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/peat/peat-free-nurseries

Value garden centre group, Cherry Lane, has acquired Salhouse Garden Centre in Salhouse, Norwich. The Garden Centre is now known as Salhouse Garden Centre by Cherry Lane.

Nick Rubins, chief executive of the QD Group which owns Cherry Lane, said: “I am delighted to announce the acquisition of a new garden centre in our heartland Norwich.

"The garden centre will continue to trade as Salhouse Garden Centre by Cherry Lane and is our 21st garden centre in the group (18th Cherry Lane).

"We have some improvements and developments planned, to both the garden centre and the café, over the upcoming months and the centre will remain open whilst we do this work.

"As a family run business, we look forward to continuing to work with our local community and introduce our great value, excellent quality and ever-changing spectacular new deals.

"We continue to be very excited about the opportunities to grow the business over the next few years.”

Salhouse Garden Centre by Cherry Lane is the 18th garden centre owned by the QD Group.

Cherry Lane aims to enhance customer enjoyment and experience with great value and quality products, from garden furniture, a comprehensive pet department and wild bird care, not to mention seasonal special offers and the wonderful array of plants; many grown within the Group’s four nursery operations located across the country.

Salhouse Garden Centre by Cherry Lane is located on Honeycombe Rd, Salhouse, Norwich, and is open daily.

For more information on Cherry Lane, visit www.cherry-lane.co.uk

The Salhouse Garden Centre transaction was negotiated in a confidential manner by Alexander Mackie Associates Ltd. If you own a garden centre and you are looking to sell in the same manner, please call Darren Earnshaw at Alexander Mackie Associates on 01732 522222 or email: darren@alexandermackie.co.uk

Kaemingk opened their UK Spring Summer Showroom in Hall 3 at Stoneleigh on Monday and GTN had the opportunity to visit the 1,100 sq m showroom yesterday.

With over 150 appointments already booked, if you wish to visit the showroom over the 3 weeks that it is open visit the Kaemingk website: www.kaemingk.com

See our exclusive photo tour of the showroom that was built last week and is open until Friday 19th July.

Coolings Garden Centres has officially opened its Pump Garden at the Wych Cross site with a guest appearance from former TV & radio broadcaster, Sue Lawley, who cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the garden. 

Coolings customers were invited to attend the grand opening event, which celebrated the garden’s restoration. A large number were there to enjoy a tour of the garden, with celebratory drinks and canapes following the welcome speech delivered by Ian Hazon, Coolings’ Production & Operations Director.

The half-acre Pump Garden celebrates the heritage and history of the Wych Cross site which spans back to 1939, when, the now fully restored water pump, that sits proudly in the garden on display, was originally installed. 

The garden, which took three years to renovate, is planted with roses that Coolings grows themselves, along with mixed planting that mirrors original designs from the past. There is a beautiful natural pond too. 

A tree was planted during the event, in memory of Paul Cooling, with chairman Gary Carvosso reading a poem in tribute.

The garden is now open to the public at Coolings Wych Cross, Colemans Hatch Road, Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JW.

Hillier has commenced the build of a new state-of-the-art growing structure at its Hampshire nursery, as part of the latest step in its sustainability commitment.

The new structure spans an impressive 1.2 hectares of the 40-hectare Hillier container nurseries where over one million plants a year are currently grown, a number Hillier hopes to increase with new nursery developments.

With ever-changing weather conditions, Hillier was seeking a solution to enable its growing team to produce high-quality plants at the right time of year, no matter the conditions. The new structure can deliver stable temperatures due to its large air mass and 45% roof venting capacity that will keep plants cool in summer, but can also be closed to add extra warmth when needed. It boasts high levels of light transmission to help the plants grow as well.  A modern precision irrigation system will enable accurate delivery of water to Hillier’s ‘peat free’ plants.

Twenty per cent of the custom-made greenhouse will be covered by an automated shade screen that is linked to light levels to aid the growth of shade-loving plants such as Japanese Maples, Ferns and Hostas. Temperature, humidity and air movement will be regulated by an environmental computer linked to fans and vents. Efficient and accurate irrigation will be achieved with a modern sprinkler system to establish crops.  A capillary floor will water plants from below, once established, keeping the foliage dry to reduce the risk of disease. This is controlled via an automated system that will be linked in the future to soil moisture probes to automate the triggering of irrigation. A liquid feed system will enable the feeding of plants to optimise crop nutrition.

Designed by Belgium company, VDH Foliekassen, and installed by Agrowser with internal fittings and project management by Ebtech, the new structure has specifically been designed for its suitability for the range of plants Hillier grows for its garden centres and online shop. The project has been overseen by Charles Carr, head of wholesale nurseries at Hillier.

Chris Francis, Retail & Wholesale Director said: “This is the latest move in our growing journey and a very exciting step for our nursery. We’ve been searching for a new structure to enable us to grow better plants in sustainable growing media, at an efficient rate, maximising the number of plants we can grow, no matter the weather, and this delivers exactly that! We look forward to being able to cut the ribbon and start potting this Autumn.”

The new structure is just one of many strings to Hillier’s sustainability bow. As one of the leading growers in the UK, Hillier is involved in many peat-free initiatives. The company has been playing a significant part in evolving the horticultural industry’s usage of peat-free compost, and actively supports research and development investigating alternatives to peat. This includes the RHS Peat-Free Fellowship, the largest peat-free collaborative research project globally where Hillier has taken part in peat-free growing trials and further research schemes. Educating gardeners on the need to switch to peat-free compost is also a core focus for Hillier and a new peat-free hub was recently added to the Hillier website (www.hillier.co.uk/peat-free) as part of an ongoing campaign to inform its customers. The company was amongst the first nurseries to become 100% peat-free across both its production nursery and retail garden centres, and all Hillier plants are grown in peat-free compost.

Continuing to progress the company’s commitment to sustainability is a core focus for the Hillier new chairman, George Hillier, who took over the position earlier this year. 

Discussing this, George commented: “Being a grower of trees and plants, goes a long way to offsetting our carbon footprint and we continue to focus on areas of our business where we can make positive changes. As we believe aiming to be net zero is not enough, we do not rest on our laurels. Hillier has always been a pioneer within horticulture, pursuing policies that have proved both commercially and environmentally beneficial, and this is something I really wish to progress as Chairman. We are constantly striving to further our environmental policies, be this our robust biosecurity policy; having our own reservoir on our container nursery for irrigation; implementing the latest technology and sustainable initiatives in our garden centres; and now enhancing the commercial facilities at our nursery.”

In 2018, Hillier joined The Planet Mark. This is a certification programme that recognises companies committing to continuous improvements in sustainability allowing them to measure and find opportunities to reduce carbon emissions, energy and water consumption, waste, and more. Since joining, the business has reduced its carbon footprint by 5% each year.

Expansion in its retail portfolio to now owning 22 garden centres, brings expansion opportunities for the Hillier environmental commitment too. The most recent example of this is with Hillier Newbury centre which recently saw the completion of the largest redevelopment project that the company has undertaken, making it the largest site in the group. As such, Hillier has been able to introduce sustainable initiatives such as the company’s first rainwater harvesting system in a centre that will be used for nurturing the plants, as well as electric car charging points and solar panels throughout.

For further information about Hillier and its environmental policies visit www.hillier.co.uk

GTN’s SOLEX 2024 preview.  In this issue:

• Exhibition plan and exhibitor list
• SOLEX Euros Afterparty and Awards
• SOLEX BBQ Hero’s competition - The Chicken Euros
• Bramblecrest for the good times
• Exhibitor news from: Ascalon, BBQ Gourmet, Bizzotto, Celtic Leisure, Charles Taylor, Charlie Ovens, Dansons Pit Boss, Eco Fuego, Firepits UK, Firmans Direct, Glatz, Hartman, LeisureGrow, LifestyleGarden, Maze, Norfolk Leisure, Outback, Quest Leisure, Supremo, The Old Basket Supply Ltd, Tom Chambers, Woodlodge, Zest
• SOLEX A Brighter Shade