Easter trading in 2022 broke all records according to the garden centre Epos data analysed by GTN Bestsellers.

The Easter fortnight in 2022 was 3% higher than Easter 2021, 31% higher than the average for all Easters between 2011 and 2019 and even beat the previous record high recorded by GTN Bestsellers for volume sales in 2011.

That record wasn’t in sight after the first Easter week but last week saw the highest week’s volume sales ever recorded by GTN Bestsellers, even beating the weeks when centres re-opened in 2020 and that memorable week in 2018 when the season finally got going after a long cold and wet spring.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week in 2021: week 16.

• Garden Products Top 50 – up 9%
• Growing Media Top 50 – up 37%
• Veg 2 Gro Top 50 –up 49%
• Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – up 22%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week in 2021: week 16

• All Plants with Barcode index – up 43%
• All Items with Barcode index – up 32%

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.

In the March/April issue of GTN: Shaping a new future at Coolings - Paul Cooling explains all about the Employee Ownership Trust, Blue Diamond Awards – GTN Photo Exclusive, Garden Centres Aid for Ukraine, Primeur – Ready for 2022, Latest trends and products from the Garden Press Event, LOFA’s Plant a Tree Campaign, Greetings from Woodmansterne – GTN meets the suppliers, Easter Trading records broken – GTN Bestsellers Exclusive, GTN Bestsellers – Subscribe Now!, YPHA member opens Dor’s Garden in Ross On Wye, Glee 2022 Update, Garden Re-Leaf Day 2022, LOFA Column – Working Together, HTA Column – Reasons to be Cheerful, GIMA Column – Sourcing New Products

The first of three phases at Garston Docks, Liverpool, has recently been completed to increase Meadow View Stone’s washing and pre-pack production by 60,000 tonnes/annum.

The facilities, designed and constructed to include an additional 16 external storage bays, a state-of-the-art washing plant, four fully robotic bagging lines, and a new 20,000 ft² warehouse which provides the group with an additional stock holding of £5million.

Having won the 2021 GIMA Supplier of the Year award due to an ability to efficiently meet customer volumes and delivery schedules, this further investment enables the business to react to its continued growing demand.

High levels of stock are now held across the groups four production sites and three dockside storage facilities. As well as ensuring the product range is readily available and close to its customers, these strategically located sites help to reduce vehicle movements/mileage so contribute to reducing the businesses carbon footprint.

Sarah Hill, Managing Director, stated: “The fundamental strategy of the Group is to be fully in control of the whole supply chain. We have worked hard in developing key supply agreements and new products with our European partners. 

“Managing the bulk shipping of these products and investing in the infrastructure with the latest production processing equipment is the next step for the business. 

“Our existing, and new locations such as Garston, place us in very strongly positioned to facilitate further growth in the garden centre market.”

www.meadowviewstone.co.uk

Last Wednesday, 27^th April, the 62^nd Greenfingers Charity garden at Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice was officially opened by BBC Radio 2’s resident gardener, Terry Walton.  Ty Hafan is one of the UK’s leading paediatric palliative care charities, offering care to children with life-limiting conditions and their families throughout Wales.

Designed by multi-RHS gold medal-winning garden designers, Victoria Wade Landscapes; brought to life by NP Landscapes; and project managed by Joe Wade, this new interactive sensory garden space – funded by The National Heritage Lottery, The Postcode Lottery and many wonderful friends of Greenfingers - will provide year-round accessibility for children with life-limiting conditions and their families while staying at or visiting Tŷ Hafan’s hospice at Sully, near Cardiff, as well as staff and volunteers.

The sensory garden has been designed to encourage biodiversity, sustainability and wildlife, helping children to be able to connect easily with the natural world. The garden also benefits from willow arches, a woodland den, covered seating area with access to electricity and hand-washing facilities.

Talking about the design, Victoria Wadesaid: “This is definitely my favourite garden we have ever created. I am really proud of what we have all achieved. It's been such an amazing team effort and I have been blown away by the generosity of everyone who has been involved - everyone has gone above and beyond. It’s been so exciting to see the garden come into bloom this spring and seeing the thousands of bulbs that the volunteers have planted flowering for the first time has been really special.”

Project ManagerJoe Wade said: “It’s been such a great project to be involved with. I know the garden will benefit so many people - we have been overwhelmed by how many lovely comments we have had during the build from the hospice staff, volunteers and families who are so excited to spend time in the new garden. It’s been such a great team effort from everyone involved.”

Deb Ho, Tŷ Hafan’s Director of Care, said: “Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice provides care and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families in Wales at our hospice in Sully, near Cardiff. The creation of our stunning new sensory garden is a wonderful addition to the coastal environment in which we care for those children and families who use our services. Our sincerest thanks go to Greenfingers Charity and its supporters for helping to make this possible, and to Victoria, Joe and NP Landscapes for their dedication to this project. What they have created has far exceeded our expectations and I know that this garden is already an important place for so many.”

Terry Walton, BBC Radio 2’s resident gardener and guest of honour at the event, said: “This new sensory garden is a gorgeous new addition to Tŷ Hafan beautiful hospice grounds, which I know are cared for by a team of dedicated and talented volunteer gardeners. It therefore gives me great pleasure to officially open this wonderful sensory garden today and I am sure that it will give everyone who visits, stays at or works at Tŷ Hafan in the coming months and years, both enormous pleasure as well as peace and great solace during some of the most difficult times imaginable.”

The completion of the garden was thanks to the team of Greenfingers supporters who helped to plant thousands of bulbs and plants, including Woodlodge – led by Ian Flounders; Pugh’s Garden Centre team; Giant Veg Grower, Kevin Fortey; Greenfingers Trustee, Neil Sewell, and the incredible hospice garden volunteers – who worked hard to finalise the planting, ahead of today’s opening event.

Gifts in kind were also generously donated by Evergreen Garden Care, Taylors Bulbs, Jubb Bulbs, Smart Garden and Kent and Stowe.

At the garden opening, Greenfingers Chairman, Sue Allen: “It is our great pleasure to officially hand over the garden to all those at Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice. The teams at Victoria Wade and NP Landscapes have, not only produced an incredible vision, but have brought it to life in such an awe-inspiring way, creating a truly stunning space that is focused on bringing nature to its very heart. On behalf of all of us at Greenfingers and Tŷ Hafan, we thank you and all our wonderful supporters from the bottom of our hearts.”

Pughs Garden Centre, who were amongst the local supporters of the new garden reported on their facebook page: "Today is a special day as it marks the grand opening of the wonderful new sensory garden at Tŷ Hafan and it was such an honour to be invited to attend.

"The sensory garden has been designed and planted with the children and their families in mind, as time spent outdoors, away from the bedside, can offer children and families under considerable stress a vital opportunity to embrace the benefits of being in the fresh air and engaging with the natural environment.

"The new garden is fully accessible with different areas to experience such as the under cover area to watch the birds & wildlife.

"It's been such a pleasure to follow the progress of this garden, and be a part of the journey with two of our team Megan (from PughsRadyr) & Mike (from PughsWenvoe) volunteering to help the project."

Find out more

You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media – https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

In the last few weeks members of staff from The Pot Place Garden Centre have made two journeys to take aid for Ukranian refugees being cared for in a village they have connections with in Poland, thanks to the fantastic fundraising efforts and donations of staff, customers and friends.

They now want to support the Ukrainian emergency services who are doing an incredible job helping both civilian and military casualties. A number of organisations have already taken ex NHS ambulances to Poland for onward shipment to Ukraine. The Pot Place Garden Centre wants to do the same and have made the contacts to do so.

They just need your help to raise £9,500 for the vehicle. "Our garden centre will pay for the servicing, insurance, documents, fuel and ferry to get there and flights to get back. We have volunteer drivers too and together we will make this happen," explained Paul from the Cumbrian garden centre.

Donations can be made at the garden centre or via their Just Giving page. https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/the-pot-place-ambulance-to-ukraine?utm_term=4x4b7AgeW

You can follow their progress on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepotplacegardencentre

For more information call Paul on 07850 718699 or Kevin on 07968 364540 or The Pot Place Garden Centre, Plumpton, Penrith on 01768 885500

This year’s edition of Glee will be home to the show’s biggest contingent of global brands since 2019, bringing together a spectacular showcase of European design and a window into how gardening is developing in international markets.

Leading the way will be the Netherlands contingent. Featuring a host of prominent Dutch gardening brands alongside emerging names, this strong international launchpad will rival mainland European events which often play host to these bellwether companies.

Look out for Elho, Kaemingk, Capi Europe, Kapiteyn B.V., Edelman, Madison B.V., Impulse Plants B.V., Bonfeu, JAVADO, 200 Fahrenheit, Plenty Gifts, Green Inspiration Plants, and Smiemans Projecten B.V.

French suppliers, including Forest Style SAS (Soulet / Cerland), Vertiable SAS, Paysagea SAS and Hareau (Weenect), will similarly see their exhibition presence increase thanks to Glee’s new partnership with Team France Export, Business France and the Choose France™ initiative, which has been set up to shine the spotlight on the uniqueness of French design to a wider global audience.

Also, joining the Glee 2022 exhibitor line up will be key suppliers from Germany - including Scheurich and Burstenhaus Redecker Gmbh - as well as Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Moldova, Norway and Poland, completing the European lineup. Canada, India, Korea and a small Chinese delegation will similarly be showcasing new products and services from these unique consumer markets.

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director, said: “It’s great to see so many more European and global brands joining us at Glee this June. There is no question that our new dateline position has opened up the potential of Glee to a much wider audience, enabling them to access Glee’s platform at a more convenient time within the buying and events calendar.

“We’re excited to host these important brands onsite at the NEC and welcoming back a selection of leading European companies that have not presented their ranges at Glee for some time. I have no doubt that visitors will welcome the variety of products and international trend insight that this portfolio of companies will together provide.”

Find out more

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

Register now!

Registration for free entry to Glee 2022 – 28th-30th June – is now open.

Simply visit www.gleebirmingham.com to secure your ticket and get ready to connect with quality exhibitors, nurture existing relationships and grow new ones at the UK's leading garden and outdoor living trade show.

Dobbies has announced the recruitment for three senior managerial roles, at its new flagship store in Tewkesbury, ahead of the store opening in autumn.

The store is being built at the Cotswolds Designer Outlet – a new premium retail and leisure destination in the heart of England. The garden retail space measures 70,000 sq. ft which includes a 10,000 sq. ft restaurant space.

Currently holding the title as Dobbies’ largest store in the Southwest of England, the brand forecasts that it will serve more than 75,000 customers each year. The store will create in the region of 150 new jobs for the local and neighbouring communities.

Dobbies is looking for a talented and energetic management team to lead the new flagship store and is looking for individuals who are interested in garnering experience across operations, horticulture and the restaurant sector, with the following managerial positions available:

• Operations Manager
• Horticultural Manager
• Restaurant Manager

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: “As one of our biggest stores to-date, we are proud to be creating jobs for talented and ambitious people across the Southwest of England. We welcome applications from anyone interested in joining us on this positive journey.”

This year Smiemans Projecten is completing a new garden centre of 7,250 square metres for Gardheimar in Reykjavik. 

The design is by the international architectural firm PK Arkitektar. 

The large window displays, the green roof, the vertical wooden blinds and the architectural facade will give this garden centre the biophilic look that suits their industry.

The 90-metre-wide building with an asymmetrical roof will have a central hall of 25 metres wide. In this central hall with a height of 12 metres a mezzanine floor will be realised. This floor will accommodate offices, canteen and social areas for staff. 

The garden centre will have a fully catered restaurant and many attractive shop-in-shops. 

The warehouse is equipped with a green roof. 

A canopy around the outside area will be built so that customers can shop comfortably even in bad weather.

The second week of Easter saw a 35% increase in plant sales over the first week of Easter which meant 43% more plants were sold last week than the same week last year.

That means total plant sales for the year to date are now only 1.9% down on 2021, but still 20% higher than 2019.

Tomato plant sales dominated once again, up 27% on the previous week with volumes that were 52% higher than the No 2 most popular plant of the week, Zonal Geraniums.

Highlights of the week were:

• Begonia sales grew by 167% to climb 15 places up the GTN chart to No 22.
• Impatiens re-entered the Top 50 Plants at No 30.
• Hosta sales doubled as they also re-entered the Top 50 at No 47. Summer is on its way!

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 Horticultural Trades Association arranged for Opposition Minister Daniel Zeichner MP to visit Whartons Garden Roses in Norfolk this week to showcase their business and highlight several challenges facing the industry.

Workforce shortages, access to suitable peat alternatives and imports/exports post EU-Exit were brought to the Shadow Defra Minister’s attention.

Whartons produce 1.5 million roses per year for the UK and abroad and are a significant contributor to the national economy and gardens up and down the country.

Paul Wharton, Grandson of founder John Wharton, who runs the business with his father Robert commented: ‘’We were delighted to have the opportunity that a visit from the Shadow Minister gave us. Helping Daniel see the practical implication and impact of the challenges we all face was invaluable. We hope this insight helps Daniel better represent our concerns to government. ”

Daniel Zeichner MP said: “As an East of England MP, I was struck by the scale of the operation – one and a half million roses a year, and note that as the nation’s biggest rose grower, Whartons make a significant contribution to the economy of our region. The rose is one the great English symbols, and it is vital that growers have the support they need in order to flourish. However, the horticulture sector is currently facing a perfect storm of uncertainty, with labour pressures, inflation and homegrown red tape. Labour would help support British horticulture through our plans to buy, make and sell more in Britain.”

The HTA’s Public Affairs and Policy Manager David Lydiat, stated: “We were pleased to welcome the Shadow Defra Minister to our member Whartons so he could see first-hand, not only what they contribute to the industry, but also the challenges they are currently facing. Access to peat alternatives at scale, such as wood fibre and coir, is essential for our industry in the short-term. Following the Defra consultation on peat ending, we urge the Government to outline support for our professional growers with research grants and widening access to alternatives for the whole supply chain.

“Furthermore, it was encouraging that Daniel Zeichner understood the uncertainty horticulture businesses are facing in regards to imports and exports. Border Control Points are about to be implemented in the UK but we still do not have clarification over costs, inspection timeframes or the new IT system. This is a multi-million pound perishable goods industry which relies on imports and has vast potential in exports. We need to reduce trade barriers to support our UK industry to be competitive on the world stage.”

The plants team at Tong Garden Centre in Bradford is supporting a Leeds breast cancer group's fundraising initiative.

On 17th May, Plants Supervisor, Joe Appleyard from Tong Garden Centre will do a summer planting demonstration at Horsforth Golf Club to raise funds for Breast Cancer Research Action Group (BCRAG).

During the ‘Planning for Summer with Joe' event, Mr. Appleyard will share his hints and tips for the perfect plants and growing material for baskets and containers that will bloom all summer long. There will also be a plant stall, a spring craft stall and a raffle with prizes including the containers made during the evening and an afternoon tea for two voucher donated by Tong Garden Centre. 

The event is one of a series of fundraisers organised by the Breast Cancer Research Action fundraising group that was formed in 1994 by ex-breast cancer patients and their supporters and has raised £1.8 million that is used to fund vital research in Leeds. The event starts at 7pm on 17th May. Tickets cost £5 each and are available on the door.

"We're very grateful for Joe and Tong's help in putting on this event and donating raffle prizes. Since we started, we have raised enough money to fund several research fellows, a research nurse and a technician and we couldn't have done it without the support of businesses in our community," said BCRAG's Fundraising Coordinator, Susan Wright.

Mr. Appleyard said: "We all know someone whose life has been affected by cancer, so we're happy to help raise vital funds to support research in our local community."

The innovative breeder and introducer MNP / Suntory is ready for it! During the Dutch Spring Trials and the FlowerTrials, it will open its doors again after almost three years to show visitors some mind-blowing novelties.  

Experience MNP / Suntory 

After a long period without events and fairs, the time has finally come: MNP / Suntory is welcoming its guests for the first time again. From 2 to 4 May, visitors from home and abroad can visit MNP / Suntory during the Dutch SpringTrials. Via the website, you can easily make an appointment for this flourishing event. 

From 14 to 17 June, MNP/Suntory will also participate in the largest ornamental plant event in the Netherlands: the FlowerTrials. In the spacious and inspiring Plant Pioneers Experience, they will be presenting a never-before-seen quantity of new products while enjoying a snack and a drink. During the FlowerTrials, MNP / Suntory will also host the following companies at its location in Leimuiderbrug: Gruppo Padana, Cohen, Hishtil, Jaldety, HM.Clause, Prudac and Meilland. More information about the FlowerTrials can be found on www.mnpflowers.com  

Time for a party 

Besides the new identity and showroom, MNP / Suntory has something else to celebrate this year. Key brand Sundaville® has reached an important milestone. The largest brand in Mandevilla celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2022. Sundaville® will therefore be in the spotlight during both events.  

Novelties of The Plant Pioneers 

This year there are several revolutionary introductions on the schedule that you can admire during both events: 

Sundaville® Flamingo Pink  

The colour of the Flamingo Pink is unique. With its light pink flamed colour and dark pink speckles, the flower resembles a flamingo's feathers. It promises to become one of the bestsellers within the Mandevilla segment within a short time. Sundaville® Flamingo Pink has the same strengths as the classic Sundaville® varieties. She will continue to bloom until the first-night frost, requires little maintenance and care and is the favourite of many European consumers.  

Surdiva® Snow Blanket  

With the innovations in Surdiva® breeding, the Scaevola segment has reached a whole new standard in terms of quality and growth. One of the new and unrivalled varieties within the Surdiva® collection is the Snow Blanket. This novelty has a snow-white colour, is even stronger and has the richest flowering ever seen in a Scaevola variety. She is mega strong and grows more compact than existing varieties.  

Senetti® Red Orange  

Get ready for the WOW effect! This year MNP / Suntory introduces Senetti® Red Orange, the first bright red variety within the largest Pericallis collection in the world. Although Senetti® Red Orange is an early spring plant, you can enjoy it much longer. It will keep its intense red flowers for up to 4 months. In addition, Senetti® can even withstand temperatures of 1 to 30 degrees.  

Granvia® collection 

A plant that stimulates all your senses and has super-strong garden performance. The brightly coloured and gigantic dried flowers of Granvia® are a feast for the eyes. Touch its papery petals, listen to the soft crackling between your fingers and be amazed. Besides the well-known bright yellow variety, MNP / Suntory is also introducing pink, orange, red and white variants this summer. Due to its unique appearance and properties, it has already won several international awards. Granvia® has the potential to become a well-known consumer brand.  

Would you like to see and experience Granvia® and all other innovations for yourself? Visit MNP / Suntory during the Dutch SpringTrials or the FlowerTrials.

More information: www.mnpflowers.com   

Dobbies is helping Britain’s community projects brighten up their green spaces with its Helping Your Community Grow initiative.

This spring, Dobbies is supporting a range of sustainable projects across the country through its popular initiative, from wildflower gardens which support local bumblebee populations to community allotments helping kids to grow their own.

In recent months, community projects were invited to nominate themselves for support and now, where there were multiple nominations, there is a shortlist as selected by the local team members. People in those areas have the chance to vote for their favourite project.

The winning projects across the UK will then receive advice, products and support from their local Dobbies’ team. Sustainable products, such as peat-free compost and recycled pots, will be use wherever possible.

Dobbies’ CEO, Graeme Jenkins, said: “Helping Your Community Grow is a really popular initiative and we’ve seen a great response from community groups and projects across the UK looking to make a difference to their local area. It’s been great to see so many projects place importance on sustainability and environmentally-friendly products.

“Now the community voting gets underway and we’re looking forward to seeing which projects receive our support.”

In addition to the regional winners, the project which receives the most votes across the UK will win the national Helping Your Community Grow title, gaining additional support from Dobbies to deliver their project.

There will be further opportunities for community groups looking to brighten up their local areas. Community groups are invited to contact their local store for details of the community initiatives available on a case-by-case basis.

Voting will remain open until 16 May. For more information on how to register your vote, visit Helping Your Community Grow | Dobbies Garden Centres.

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The second week of Easter 2022 set a new record for the highest weeks volume sales of the Top 50 Veg-2-Gro lines, beating the previous record high set in May 2020 after Lockdown#1 by 15%.

With year to date Veg-2-Gro sales now at nearly 11% up on last year and 44% up on 2019, this year is set to see the biggest boom in grow your own yet!

Highlights of the week were:

• Cucumber Female Femspot 9cm remains the GTN No 1 Bestseller for the second week, outselling each of the tomato varieties.
• Tomato Gardeners Delight 9cm moves up two places to No 2.
• Courgette Ambassador 9cm is the highest new chart entry at No 26.

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.

Deco-Pak – the leading outdoor landscaping supplier – has expanded its team with the introduction of Alice Cockburn.

Alice, who has joined the Deco-Pak as part of the government’s Kickstart Scheme, has become an indispensable part of the team, working across a number of different business areas, including the development of Deco-Pak Glee 2022 exhibition stand space. 

Additionally, Alice has been gaining experience within Deco-Pak’s internal processes including  implementing an internal communications portal and the introduction of a new internal company newsletter. Best practices, administration and even elements of design work have also fallen under Alice’s remit since she began at the company. 

With marketing work a key area of focus, it has also been confirmed that Deco-Pak will be funding a digital marketing course for Alice. This course will help to further expand her knowledge and experience, with the hope of further enhancing her integral role within the wider in-house team.

Find out more

To find out more about Deco-Pak please visit www.deco-pak.co.uk

Growing media sales over this Easter fortnight were 5% lower than Easter 2021 but 25% higher than Easter 2019.

Last week’s sales volumes were the highest for a single week since the first week after Lockdown #1.

Highlights of the week were:

• Westland Erin Multipurpose Compost 50 litres stays at No 1, almost outselling the No 2 Bestselling line, Westland Multipurpose Compost with John Innes 50 litres, 2 to 1.
• Bathgate Topsoil 25 litres is the highest climber up that chart, moving up 12 places to No 35.
• Altico make their debut in the GTN Growing Media Top 50 with Altico Alpine Grit entering at No 45.

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.

After being rewarded with Brons at the KVBC Spring Challenge in 2021, gold medal-winning nursery Plantagogo has entered Heuchera L. Frilly (‘Alchefril’ PBR) to the prestigious Plant of the Year competition at Chelsea 2022.

After its official introduction in 2021, Frilly, discovered by Neil Alcock as a sport from Tangerine Wave: one of Vicky Fox varieties, continues to gain popularity. 

With its unique ruffled foliage and attractive caramel colour, Frilly stands out amongst other cultivars. Combined with a sturdy and dense habit and excellent garden performance, it is expected to be received well at Chelsea. 

“Frilly is a stand-alone variety,” said Peter van Rijssen at Plantipp, who represents and introduced Frilly last year. “You either love it or hate it, but there’s no doubt that it’s completely different and unique.”

Heuchera L. Frilly can be seen at stand GPB123 in the Grand Pavilion at Chelsea 2022.

Garden product sales jumped back above 2019 levels for the first time in four weeks, up by 19% to be 6% up year to date on 2019 Top 50 volumes.

The top six products in the GTN Chart all stayed in the same positions despite all seeing large sales increases, with plant feeds seeing the bigest growth.

Highlights of the week were:

• Evergreen Garden Care Levington Tomorite 1L + 20% Extra Free climbed four places up to No 6.
• After last week’s chart debut, Westland’s Boost Plant Food 1L jumped 32 places up to No 15.
• SBM Provanto Ultimate Bug Killer, Ready to Use, 1L, was the highest chart re-entry for the week, back in at No 21.

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 second week of Easter proved a good week for Wild Bird Care sales with Top 50 volumes increasing by 25% week on week and being higher than the same week in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

Highlights of the week were:

• Westland Peckish Xtra Goodness Energy Ball, Pack of 6 plus 6 Free doubled sales to move up to be the No 1 Bestselling line of Easter week #2.
• Tom Chambers Seed & Nut Mix, 3kg + 50% moved 19 places up the chart to No 26.
• Marriages Honeyfields Pick & Mix Refill was the highest placed Top 50 chart re-entry, back in at No 28.

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.

Plant food and lawn care products were the most sought after garden products in the first Easter week of 2022. Tomato food led the way with three separate SKUs in the Top 10.  

In total there were 14 plant food lines in the GTN Top 50 including the new entry of Westland’s Boost at No 47 on the back of their new TV ad campaign.

Highlights of the week were:

• Evergreen Garden Care Levington Tomorite 1litre + 30% Free continues at No 1 and is joined in the chart by the 1 litre + 20% Free version at No 10.
• Smart Garden 14 inch Coco Basket Liner Twin Pack is a new entry at No 32.
• Woodlodge Terracotta Pot Fee more than doubled sales to climb 20 places to No 6. 

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.

A new store on the high street for gardeners. That is the vision of owner Stacey Gibson who now has the first weeks trading from her outlet in Ross on Wye, Herefordshire up and running.

YPHA Member Stacey told GTN Xtra: “For many years I have had this concept in my head to combine my skills in design, my knowledge of plants and the experience I have built up in sourcing, supply and merchandising into a retail outlet which is accessible to all. 

"My love of plants and the enjoyment and benefit they bring came from my mother who inherited that from her Mother, my Nan and the difficult times of lockdown brought it into focus. Starting with some on-line trading, I knew I wanted to get the shop up and trading and despite the years of thinking about it, it has really all happened quite quickly. Since I got the ball rolling it has quickly turned into an avalanche.  

"I was very lucky, just before Christmas, I found a local estate agent, who had a local landlord, both of whom believed in my concept. The Herefordshire Council high street focused Revive to Thrive grant supplements the Back Business loan I have secured from HSBC to help towards the costs of establishing the shop.

"The Marches Growth Hub Herefordshire has provided around 30 hours training in business skills and access to a business mentor for one- to-one sessions, so I have had support in sanity checking my plans as well as their skills in marketing. My landlord has been great, converting the redundant solicitor’s office into the modern, niche retail outlet I was after has all taken place and I managed to get open for trade just in time for the bank holiday weekend.” 

Read more in in the next issue of Garden Trade News magazine.

It is with great sadness that the family of Peter Long, founder of Longacres Garden Centre, have announced his passing on Friday, April 15.

Born in 1932 in Wokingham, Surrey, Peter was followed by a sister, Wendy, three years later.

Leaving school at 14, as most people did at that time, Peter first trained as a chef, working in a restaurant in Camberley. He then became a gardener at Pinewood Hospital in Crowthorne, which is where his lifelong interest in horticulture began.

After leaving Pinewood, Peter started to grow vegetables on a few acres of land in Sandhurst (this was known as Greenacres), supplying retailers including local Woolworths stores. He then expanded the range to include flowers (dahlias and chrysanthemums), and these he supplied to his sister amongst others, who was by now running a shop called ‘The Flower Basket’ in Crowthorne. The only building at Greenacres was a small potting shed.

He met Mary whilst on holiday in Blackpool, and they were married in Rhosllanerchrugog in Wales in 1960. Peter and Mary had three children; Carol, Nigel and Julie, all of whom are actively involved in running Longacres today.

The first venture beyond the vegetables and flowers were Christmas trees, and then to go alongside those was a greetings card spinner.

The site we know as Longacres today (initially as Longacres Nursery, later as Longacres Garden Centre) first took shape at the end of the 1970s. The house he and Mary lived in for most of their lives (to the east of the Longacres site) took two years to build, with Peter actively involved in the construction. During this time the family all lived on-site in a caravan.

In the 1980s Julie and Peter realised they needed more flowers to supplement what they were growing themselves, and the first trips to Covent Garden Market took place. This soon led to the recruitment of the first florist, and the floristry department grew quickly from this point. 

Staff levels climbed rapidly in the mid-90s as the centre developed and the number of product ranges grew. There are staff at Longacres who are into their third decade working for the business now. A second store based in Chobham opened in 2009, followed by Shepperton in 2013, Bybrook Barn in 2016 and Chelmsford in 2019.

Sadly, Mary passed away in 2018. She and Peter had travelled the globe together, enjoying holidays and cruises across the world, often with family and friends.

In his 70s and even into his 80s Peter was involved in the day-to-day operations of Longacres – often onsite doing small maintenance jobs and keeping everything clean and tidy. He still kept his eye on our prices and made sure we continued to offered the best value for money!

Peter is survived by his three children and their five grandchildren, and by his sister Wendy. The horticulture business he started, in an empty field many decades ago, now employs nearly 650 people in five stores across three counties.

Peter’s funeral will take place at 4.30pm on Friday (April 29) at:
St. Michael and All Angels Church

Lower Church Road

Sandhurst

Berkshire

GU47 8HN

There’s a new generation of garden lovers who have only recently discovered the pleasures of spending leisure time in their outdoor spaces and caring for plants. They may never have used a garden sprayer or spreader before, so they represent a great new opportunity to grow the category.

The new Defenders range of spreaders and sprayers is designed to appeal to all gardeners, especially those novices who need simple, easy to use products.

Many customers are moving away from single use RTU sprayers and the Defenders range is made from durable, high-quality materials to give many years of serviceable life – and they’re all recyclable too.

On top of quality and value, the Defenders range has some unique product innovation too. Reaching tricky areas with a great quality sprayer is now easy thanks to the unique All-ways home & garden sprayers which work at all angles – even when upside down! And the cleverly designed Soda Bottle Sprayer turns a used drinks bottle into a fully adjustable sprayer, making it a great low-cost sustainable option.

Nick Hood, Marketing Manager, said: “Sales of the Defenders range were very strong online during 2021 and we’ve seen some really great reviews from consumers. We want to make sure our retail partners now get to share in the success of this range and we’re offering some great trade discounts.”

To find out more about the Defenders range go to www.stvuk.com/defenders

STV International Ltd

Forge House,

Little Cressingham,

Thetford,

Norfolk, IP25 6ND, GB

Phone 01953 881580                

Email info@stvuk.co.uk

The team at Tong Garden Centre in West Yorkshire has invested over £280,000 to treble the capacity of an existing warehouse.

The 10,000 sq. ft. extension to Warehouse 3 at Tong Garden Centre has been prompted by the need for additional storage space for both the existing Tong Lane site and for the Tingley garden centre that will open later in 2022.

"Due to impressive growth over the last 12 months, we need additional space to house stock to widen the range at Tong and to allow for further stock storage for the new build at Tingley," said Andy Mears, Centre Manager. 

"With our ongoing commitment to an increasingly sustainable operation, we have invested in an electric reconditioned forklift truck, we have reused the original warehouse doors and the excavations from the foundations will be repurposed to make hardcore for future projects."

The warehouse expansion has been built by Yorkshire businesses, ACN Groundworks and A and J. Stead Structural Steelwork and Cladding. The project brings Tong's warehousing capacity to 24,000 sq. ft.

Tong Garden Centre occupies a 19-acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire's biggest independent garden centres with 125,000 square feet of retail space and parking for up to 700 cars.

British garden equipment manufacturer Handy has unveiled a new display concept which is being introduced across 67 Dobbies Garden Centres this Spring. 

The display combines strong branding, clear product specifications and pricing, and easy access to stock. Brands featured in the new Handy display include Webb, Greenworks, Flymo and Q Garden, and cover all power types and sizes to meet Dobbies’ full customer demographic and different garden types. 

The new display encompasses a lay flat area with product presented in a ‘good, better, best’ proposition, and stock instantly available from this area rather than held in a back stock room which was previously the case. The back wall area has also been completely redesigned and now features a simplified selection of core cordless and handheld equipment clearly marked with POS. The result is a simplified customer journey, through mowers and hand-held equipment, across all power types. 

A long standing Dobbies’ supplier, Handy has been working with Dobbies’ team on the new display concept since July 2021, reviewing the category performance by line and considering new product options, whilst also looking at how to improve stock availability from the shop floor but within the same footprint. This latter aspect proved to be one of the biggest challenges, but was addressed through a clever redesign of the lay flat area to feature new lawnmower risers with stock (over 30 boxed lawnmowers) sitting behind each lawnmower on display. Machinery was carefully selected to ensure all customers are catered for, from a new gardener with a small garden through to experienced gardeners with large outdoor areas to maintain. Now, the customer journey at this display starts with electrical rotary mowers, through to cordless lawnmowers and on to petrol mowers. Continuing round the lay flat area, you then see the hover and upright storage mowers, before reaching push cylinder and scarifiers. 

In addition to lawnmowers, Handy’s Webb branded electric and Greenworks cordless hand held machinery are showcased in the new display at Dobbies. These items, which include 20v, 24v and 40v models, are located on a new branded back wall bay on brackets that allow the products to be clearly displayed and enable customers to remove them for inspection. All products include a magnetic POS which is simply positioned either on POS holders or next to the product on the metal wall bay, which details product specifications and pricing. The bright, fresh design of the new wall displays feature imagery of long, lush grass at the base and application shots on the top panel.

The new displays for Dobbies have been developed in partnership with GEM Merchandising who have over 30 years’ experience within the DIY and garden market, making them the ideal partner to deliver this project. GEM Merchandising has also been appointed to clean and restock the displays monthly, to keep them in pristine condition.

“We are confident this new relationship will really help us achieve the desired results in Dobbies Garden Centres” states Mark Moseley, Handy’s Sales & Marketing Manager. “It’s important to us that we maintain high standards to uphold Dobbies’ reputation and, of course, present the brands in a way our customers would expect to see them. We have invested significantly in this and, although it is very early days in the project, we are already seeing a significant spike in sales which is all down to the hard work and efforts of the Dobbies Buying team, Handy’s sales team and GEM Merchandising.”

Mark is also keen to point out that Handy’s support stretches to other retailers: “We look to work with all our retailers where possible to improve our brand visibility and help improve the overall garden machinery category.” This support comes in a variety of forms, such as the provision of wooden mower plinths or metal wall bay stands and supporting POS. “We want the customer experience to be easy and enjoyable and introduce a level of enthusiasm when it comes to buying garden machinery. After all, what’s better than a beautiful, well-kept garden?!”

For more information, please go to www.handyonline.co.uk

Sales during the first Easter week of 2022 bounced back to above 2019 levels, up by 26% on the same week, and were the highest volume sales for the first Easter week since 2015 with the exception of last year.

Analysis of the weekly GTN Bestsellers Epos data shows that whilst sales were 10% down on the same second week of April last year, they were up by 27% on the previous week, and that’s without a day’s trading for Easter Sunday.

Last week’s sales volumes were also 10% higher than the volumes of the first Easter week in 2019 which was later in April that year and bodes well for sales during this second Easter week, provided the weather holds fine.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week in 2021: week 15.

• Garden Products Top 50 – down 34%
• Growing Media Top 50 – down 21%
• Veg 2 Gro Top 50 –up 23%
• Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – down 17%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week in 2021: week 15

• All Plants with Barcode index – down 5%
• All Items with Barcode index – down 11%

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.

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.

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