Hetland Garden Centre at Carrutherstown, Dumfries, has been sold by owners David and Karen Wilson to Caulders Garden Centres, which currently has eight centres in Central Scotland.

David said: “Our family business of 26 years is going to be in the safe hands of another family business, Caulders Garden Centres. 

“Colin and Mandy Barrie have been good friends for many years. They have a great reputation and a lot of experience. 

“All our existing team will carry on working for Caulders, including our sons Martin and Matthew.

“We would like to thank all our brilliant team past and present for their loyalty and hard work over the years and are confident that they will have a very exciting future.” 

The couple thanked their customers for their support over the years and for sharing their journey.  Customers who have the Hetland Gift Card and loyalty points will still be able to spend them at Caulders at Hetland Garden Centre. 

“We are extremely confident that the business is being passed onto safe hands and Hetland will carry on moving forward with the investment, knowledge, and experience Caulders will give,” added David. 

“Selling Hetland wasn’t an easy decision but after a brain aneurysm and the stress of running a business through lockdown during the dark days of Covid-19 it was time to let go of the reigns. 

“However, Colin and Mandy have given Karen and myself a great opportunity in leasing the Dino Park and Soft Play business from them. This will allow us to  concentrate on the entertainment and events side of the business which is already a four-star visitor attraction.

“We wish all of our team and customers the very best.”

The garden industry was reunited in remarkable style as suppliers and buyers gathered for a memorable three days of business and networking during Glee 2021 at the NEC Birmingham. And as the door closed on a spectacular event, show organiser Matthew Mein told GTN Xtra: “It's been a fantastic three days. We've been in anticipation for this show nearly two years, after the last Glee in person, and to be back here over these three days has been really special.

“To get the industry back together, I think everyone that's attended, whether it's exhibitors or visitors, have been really pleased to be here with a smile on their face.

“I think the fact that they can engage with each other again, it's a great friendly industry, linked in with actually being able to see product and compare and contrast with all the other aspects of seeing newness, it's been it's been fabulous seeing it all take place.

“This Glee has been bursting with so much newness! I think there's more enthusiasm than ever and after 18 really good months for the gardening industry, there's a real appetite for product and ideas to continue the really good retailing that's been going on in this sector.”

Matthews Glee 2021 highlights?

“The first was the first day of the show, that throng that noise around about midday, just the aisles being busy and just seeing lots of smiling faces and people picking up product talking about ideas. I think also the 125 new companies that were at the show as well.

“And then the other highlight, was the New Product Awards on day two. The volume of new products entered, the theatre that we've had doing the pitches, it's been fun and presenting the winners in The Stage for the first time in front of a packed audience. Great fun!

“And that's the whole thing that you've seen over these three days is how sociable it's been as well.”

On the move to June next year:

“it's a decision that's taken a while to form. We were looking at some of the trends that were happening pre-pandemic and really understanding those in a bit more detail going back into early in the year.  This spring, we spoke to the industry, the retailers, both independent and multiple, to get their viewpoint of where their businesses are going to really get a better understanding.

“From that we can see the lead times are longer lead now for new products to get them supplied, manufactured and into the supply chain. And I think by changing that dateline, we make sure that the show is at its optimum time for transacting. There will be an access shift by doing this. But we've been led by the garden retailer feedback and they are really backing it. Linked into that, the exhibitors are really backing it as well. We've seen that with a really strong re-book already."

Thank you to all exhibitors and visitors:

“I want to say thank you to the efforts of all the exhibitors who have come to Glee 2021 and for putting on a great show. And thanks to all the visitors who came.

“The exhibitors that have supported this show have really got behind it. In terms of their efforts, the look and feel of the show, it's amazing the level of quality of exhibitors stands here. Some of the merchandising ideas that they're creating should look fantastic in store next season. I think consumers are in for a really good time and they can really shop off those point of sale stands.”

"See you all in June 2022."

Glee’s Floral Thursday promotion in aid of the Greenfingers Charty has raised at least £2,000 so far – and the total could be even higher as donations continue to pour in. 

The event, supported by Garden Trade News, saw exhibitors and visitors to Glee joining in the fun by wearing an array of floral clothing throughout the day.

All those taking part were asked to support the charity by buying a raffle ticket which was entered into a prize draw to win fabulous prizes, donated by generous Glee exhibitors.

In 2019, when the first Floral Thursday took place at Glee, over £1,420 was raised for Greenfingers, with the array of floral looks bringing smiles to the faces of everyone who took part.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications said: “We’re so grateful to Glee for allowing us to run Floral Thursday on the final day of the show. We are so pleased that the garden retail industry gets together and embraces the Floral Thursday concept. From a flash of floral to outrageous outfits, Floral Thursday represents an incredibly easy way to show your support for our work, and we are forever grateful to every single person that joins in and especially to the exhibitors who so generously donated prizes for the Floral Thursday Grand Raffle."

Winners of the award for the best-dressed large team in Floral Thursday attire was Evergreen Garden Care – for the second year – while SP Trading of Brechin took the award for the best small team.

The organisers were inundated with prize donations from exhibitors for the Greenfingers draw. The winning ticket was drawn by Andy Smith of Hyve Group, the organisers of Glee – it won him a top of the range grill from Kamado Jo of Farnham.

See below a gallery of pictures from Floral Thursday...

Simpsons choose WinRetail from Corby & Fellas.  Colin Harrison of Simpsons Garden Centres explains why.

"Simpsons Garden Centre Inverness was established more than 20 years ago, and is located in sight of the spectacular Moray Firth.

"During 2020 we acquired Happy Plant Garden Centre, based some 100 miles away, in Mintlaw in Aberdeen-shire. Happy Plant is one of the largest garden and gift centres in north east Scotland, and is a 4 Star Scottish Tourist Board Garden Centre.

"As a result of the expansion we decided that we should replace our existing, single-site, EPoS and Retail Management Control system with something more advanced and sophisticated, capable of handling multi-site locations.

"We carefully researched the market for suitable systems, paying particular attention to the experiences and opinions of garden centres who had gone through the decision process that we were about to embark on. This led us to speak to several centres who were experienced users of EPoS and retail software. Some of those that we contacted had chosen to install Corby & Fellas WinRetail package; this included The Old Railway Line GC, who were happy C&F users, praising them for both their technical ability and for the quality of their support.

"After careful consideration, we chose WinRetail, and decided to start the installation process in March 2021. Given the constraints caused by the pandemic, this wasn’t the ideal time to switch systems, but nevertheless we decided that we needed to ‘press on  regardless’.

"The data conversion, staff training and installation processes all had to be carried out remotely, as C&F could not attend on site. All the necessary hardware was shipped to us in Inverness from where we orchestrated the physical installation of the equipment. C&F then carried the loading of data and installation of software by remote  on-line connection.

"The training - which was excellent - was carried out using Microsoft Teams, which allowed us both to interact very effectively. Although not as good as face-to-face training, it was a great substitute, and got the job done. In addition, C&F undertook the process of migrating the data from our old system to WinRetail. This also went very well, with all data being converted without loss or corruption.

"All in all, I am very impressed with Corby & Fellas, whose good reputation seems to me to have been well earned. They have produced an excellent package in WinRetail, which is thoughtfully designed, comprehensive, robust and reliable. I’m also pleased to say that this is backed up by a first-class on-line and telephone support service.

"I am happy to be able to recommend Corby & Fellas and their WinRetail package to you."

Colin Harrison

Simpsons Garden Centre

Guy Topping has thanked GCA members for all the messages of condolence following the passing of his father Eddie at the age of 89 on September 6.

“It has really helped to bring back the real Eddie after a few months/years of the elderly Eddie,” he said.

“It is times like this that I am yet again reminded what a remarkable industry we are part of.”

On Tuesday, September 28, Eddie’s coffin will rest at Barton Grange Garden Centre from 1.15pm to 1.45pm for the paying of respects.

The funeral cortege will leave the garden centre at 1.4pm and travel through Bilsborrow and Barton, pausing at Barton Manor Hotel en route to a private family cremation.

This will be followed by A Celebration of his Life at St Lawrence’s Church, Barton at 3.30pm. All are very welcome. The celebration will be live streamed (for instructions follow the link on Eddie’s obituary page at:www.greghodgkinsonfunerals.co.uk

No flowers please. Donations may be made in memory of Eddie to Cancer Help (Preston) Ltd, c/o Greg Hodgkinson Funerals of Garstang.

Millbrook Garden Centre in Gravesend unveiled its brand new Food Hall & Butchers with an official launch event on Thursday 9 September 2021. The Mayor of Dartford, Councillor Rosanna Currans, was invited to open the new facility, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

The new Food Hall stocks a delicious selection of over 300 food and drink products from 23 local producers all under one roof - reducing food miles and keeping the very best flavours in the local community.

Over 30 VIP guests attended the launch event, including local producers, sector press, food bloggers and customers. Guests were all treated to an arrival drink from award-winning Biddenden Vineyard; a tour of the new Food Hall; tastings from local breweries Dartford Wobbler and Copper Rivet Distillery, Fawkham Bee Company, artisan food supplier Curd & Cure and Rooks Master Butchers.

Tammy Woodhouse, Managing Director of Millbrook Garden Centre, gave a warm welcome to everyone and explained that one of the reasons for opening the new Food Hall, was recognising during the pandemic the growing need to provide quality food and drink to its customer and the local community.

Tammy said: “Over the last 18 months, we’ve experienced a greater need to support our customers as they choose garden centres over other retailers due to their large open buildings and outdoor retail areas. At a time when people are not comfortable with visiting busy shops, we've increased our food offering to give people the option to buy their groceries while they shop for their gardening goods. As we have increased our food offering we have had requests for other products that go with our new ranges.

"We've now opened the new Food Hall, which still offers everything we always have, from frozen ready meals to tasty sweets and treats, but now also offers basic essentials including cleaning products, fresh produce and cupboard staples as well as tasty treats. Customers are able to create stunning meals for the family as well as buy their pots and plants! We also now have Rooks Master Butchers in-store, who are a family-run, Kent-based company who supply amazing fresh meats and cheeses.”

Some of the local suppliers have been around for many years, third and fourth generation family run businesses like the groceries supplier TH Brown & Son. 

Adam Smith, a Buyer from Millbrook, explains further: “Local suppliers are great to work with as they are so passionate about their products, but also the area we live in and the people who live in the communities. Many food suppliers spend years working with the communities and businesses around them to create products that are rich in flavour and quality.

"TH Brown & Son are a great example. They are so knowledgeable about where to source their locally-grown produce from as they have spent years working closely with the growers to ensure they have crops picked fresh and tasting great.

"Other suppliers are very young, such as Maidstone Distillery - opening their distillery during the start of the pandemic in 2020 was not the easiest start on their journey, but they have work tirelessly to create fantastic tasting gins and toffee liqueur. This earnt them the award for ‘Kent Spirit of the Year’ at the Taste of Kent Awards.”

If you know of a brilliant food local food producer and would like to recommend them please email the centre at: gravesendinfo@millbrookgc.co.uk

The Chelsea Flower Show has certainly delivered in abundance, despite it being the first time it has ever taken place in September, writes Gill Ormrod for GTN Xtra.

The timing has provided the opportunity for a different palette of plants to really shine – plenty of rich colours working in tandem with the subtle autumn light. From dahlias and grasses to rudbeckias and echinaceas, the plants featured really capture the essence of the season. Sustainability is a strong theme running through many of the gardens at the show, demonstrating the positive impact of gardening on the environment.

Small space gardening
A new concept for Chelsea for 2021, five Container Garden gardens, demonstrate how vastly different looks can be created in small spaces through the use of containers and planting schemes. From a beach inspired corrugated steel look, through to a playful pop art space and a tranquil modern Japanese garden – it really shows the versatility that plants provide to a space.

Small is beautiful
Five new to Chelsea designers were challenged to each create a pocket size realistic garden in the footprint of a generous balcony that is 2m wide and 5m long. Each balcony garden incorporates planting that will thrive in the confines of the space, improving wildlife corridors, as well as being great for humans too.

The Blue Diamond Forge Garden featuring a thatched working forge in a woodland setting with edible herbs and medicinal plants are mixed with wildflowers and marginals

David Domoney and Miracle-Gro: My Houseplant changed my life exhibit showcasing the benefits of indoor plants and how they enhance our wellbeing.

Dave Myers (one of the Hairy Bikers) talking houseplants with Mark Portman and David Domoney

Seamlessly bringing together the outdoor and indoor garden on the Dobbies exhibit

Showcasing autumn on the houseplant exhibit from N1 Garden Centre

Peter Seabrook and the team of students from Pershore School in front of The Sun’s pyramid of plants in the Great Pavilion. The students grew the chrysanthemums featured in the exhibit.

The Horticultural Trades Association’s latest Market Update suggests it is definitely not too early to start thinking about Christmas. 

The report indicates that 14% of 45–64-year-olds will begin planning for Christmas purchases from September onwards. Christmas is a special event to many and after last year’s lockdown prevented people from participating in their usual Christmas traditions many will be planning larger celebrations for 2021 to make up for that. 

With 78.9% of the UK population now fully vaccinated, there will likely be a boost in holiday events and in-person shopping this year. Confidence to visit both garden centres and their cafes/restaurants is at the highest it’s been since the pandemic began, with only 5% of consumers feeling uncomfortable with visiting garden centres.  

In addition, research by YouGov revealed that 30% of consumers claim they will be spending more this Christmas than last year indicating that with more future planning and bigger budgets – this Christmas will be a bigger event for many. Retailers preparing early for these Christmas shoppers could capture the early demand. 

Nationally, overall garden centre sales in August were level with August 2020, but 28% up on August 2019. 

Catering sales were down 5% overall for the month of August compared to the same month in 2020 when the government ran the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, but OpenTable reports that the seven-day average estimate of UK seated diners in the last week of August was 156% of the level seen in the equivalent week in 2019, so businesses might do well to prepare for more patrons in their on-site catering facilities in the months to come.  

The unemployment rate is also decreasing, currently standing at 4.7%, which shows positive signs for the economy recovering to pre-pandemic levels.  

Members can access the report here: https://bit.ly/3le43Z3 

Dobbies Garden Centres has opened its second London-based little dobbies, enjoying the strongest opening to date for its new format stores...

Located on Chiswick High Road, it is the fourth little dobbies to open in the last year, following the success of the first three stores in Edinburgh, Bristol and, most recently, Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill. Dobbies now has 73 stores open across the UK. 

Dobbies Garden Centres has opened its second London-based little dobbies, enjoying the strongest opening to date for its new format stores. 

The core offering of little dobbies Chiswick is horticulturally focused with a carefully curated range of houseplants, as well as convenience and sustainable gardening products. This is complemented by a range of selected gifts and seasonal products. Educational point of sale provides an enhanced customer experience with top tips on what houseplants will work where, and how to look after them.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO at Dobbies, said: “The little dobbies stores are going from strength to strength. The format is proving very successful, offering the Dobbies’ experience in towns and cities. It has been created to meet the growing demand to shop local from an increasing number of gardening and houseplant enthusiasts.

“As we open our fourth little dobbies, the second of its kind in London, we are proud to see our ambitious plans for growth coming to fruition, and it’s fantastic that this has been our strongest little dobbies opening so far.”

Opening hours for little dobbies Chiswick are Monday – Wednesday, 09:00 – 19:00; Thursday – Saturday, 09:00 – 20:00, Sunday, 10:00 – 19:00. Freshly-ground coffee, other hot drinks, and baked goods are available.

For further information, visit: dobbies.com  

The Garden Centre Association has announced that the location of its 2022 annual conference will be the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa in Lancashire, to be held from January 23 until 26.

Tammy Woodhouse, who is the GCA Chairman Elect for 2021/2022 and is helping organise the conference alongside the organisation’s Chief Executive Iain Wylie, explained: “We’re delighted to unveil our venue for the next annual conference. This is our first conference since 2020 as we understandably had to cancel in 2021 event due to Covid. We’re working hard to make our 2022 conference even more interesting and entertaining than ever.

“Each year we have varied the location of the conference to be in the different regions we cover, from Scotland in 2017, Stratford in 2018, Luton in 2019 and Bristol in 2020.

“Our venue at Blackburn contrasts nicely to our venue in 2020, as it will take place in the picturesque Lancashire countryside and we’re looking forward to having top quality speakers and events during the three days.”

The Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa is set inside a beautiful 700-year-old country manor house. The building was completely refurbished in 2020 but retains many of its original architectural features, including turrets, porticos and a vast staircase.

The hotel has tranquil and natural surroundings, set in 17 acres of beautiful parkland, and nestled within the iconic Lancashire countryside.

Online booking for the conference will open in October, 2021.

Tammy added: “We have faced many challenges during the past 18 months and not just from Covid. We must also not get left behind with environmental issues such as sustainability, as well as social issues such as health and wellbeing, which are all directly linked to our industry.

“If anything, Covid has emphasised this, and, as a community, it will be a great opportunity to continue these discussions in person and to assist our members’ centres in providing the very best for their customers.

“Our annual conference is one of the highlights of our yearly calendar and a brief schedule for it will be as follows:

• Sunday – Greenfingers Challenge Cup
• Monday – inspection and competition round ups plus keynote speakers – based around operational issues. A themed evening dinner, networking event for garden centres and associate members.
• Tuesday – a day of strategy with keynote speakers on subjects such as the economy, challenges facing business and direction of future market trends with an emphasis on maintaining and enhancing profitability. In the afternoon there will be the supplier exhibition. In the evening we will host our Annual Gala Dinner and awards presentation.

“We’re very much looking forward to seeing everyone in attendance once again.”

Ground-breaking new garden and pet products have been confirmed as the winners of the coveted Glee New Product Awards 2021, run in association with GTN...

The winning products were chosen by an expert panel of judges representing independent and multiple retailers, consumer gardening media and trade media.

After initial judging of the new products entered, the judges selected finalists in each category. Then those finalists had the opportunity to meet the judges, answer questions and make a pitch to be chosen as the winner.

The results:

Plants Seeds & Bulbs: Granvia Pink Flame Imp – MNP Flowers

Growing Materials: Harmony Gardens – Southern Trident

Growing Containers: Tall Vertical Herb Stand – Zest 4 Leisure

Garden Decoration: St John's Solar Mirror – Woodlodge Products

Tools & Machinery: Kent & Stowe Capability Trowel – Westland Unwins

Landscaping: Carolina Border – Primeur Ltd

Leisure & Entertaining: Kettle Joe – Kamado Joe

Homewares, Gifts, Toys & Games: Wholeleaf Platters, Bowls & Plates – The Wholeleaf Company

Pet Food: Edible Greeting Cards for Dogs – Scoff Paper

Pet Health & Beauty: (Joint winners) Anti-Bacterial Dog Shampoo with Hosepip Applicator – Aqueos; The Woof Pack (Deluxe Doggy Bag & Grooming Kit) – Sniffe & Likkit Ltd

Pet Accessories: (Joint winners) Petface Planet (Toucan) – LeisureGrow; The Friendly Squid (Cleaning up our coast) – Goodchap's

Retail Services & Experiences: Evergreen Trade Website & Training Academy – Evergreen Garden Care

Wild Bird and Wildlife Products: Gardman Aura Bird Bath & Feeder – Westland Unwins

Growing Accessories: Pot Trellis – Treadstone Products

Sustainability Award: Harmony Gardens – Southern Trident

Best of British Award: Kent & Stowe Eversharp Secateurs – Westland Unwins

Overall Best Glee New Product 2021 – Pot Trellis, Treadstone Products

The 2021 judging panel was made up of Ian Hodgson, Garden News; Andy Bunker, Alton Garden Centre; Mel Livingstone, Fron Goch Garden Centre; Nicola Gow – Retired garden centre owner; Rachel Gilbert – Rosebourne Garden Centre; Lilidh Matthews, Primrose.com; Elliot Kirby, RHS Wisley; Jack Slater, Summerseat Garden Centre, and Trevor Pfeiffer, Editor & Director, Garden Trade News.

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director said: “After such a long period of lockdown and our first live event in two years, we were thrilled to see so many superb new products entered for the 2021 Glee New Product Awards. Huge congratulations to our 19 very worthy winners and a big thank you to the judges who were so generous with their valuable time and expertise”.

Staff from Perrywood Garden Centre – Tiptree with their awards and (right) GCA Inspector, Andy Campbell.

The GCA has revealed that a record number of members have received Highly Commended awards after its annual inspections and these have helped drive standards and profitability.

One-hundred-and-two garden centres were Highly Commended, which is awarded to those that score 75% and above in their annual inspection.

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, said: “Each year standards are getting better and better, and our members have continued to focus on improving their already high standards, despite a very difficult last 18 months. We are absolutely thrilled to see so many of our members receiving this award as a result of their excellent performance in our 2021 inspections.

“Our members tell us how beneficial the annual inspections are for them. The process itself sees an independent inspector visiting each year and as they don’t know when the inspections will be held, it means they are always ‘on their toes’ to ensure everything is running to the highest level at all times. This guarantees that customer service and retail standards are always top notch throughout the important spring, or in this case, summer trading period, as inspections were delayed due to Covid.

“If garden centres are scoring 75% or above, as well as having increased standards, members will also see increased turnover and profitability, which is a huge asset in being part of the GCA. They can also benefit by using these awards to market their centres – in advertising, publicity, social media and on their websites – and this helps generate greater awareness and additional footfall too.

“It is great to see more of our members receiving these awards and this is a clear indication that GCA membership is helping centres to improve year-on-year. Additional benefits between members include the sharing of information, ideas and best practice, as most recently demonstrated in our regional awards.

“Being an award-winning garden centre offers assurance to existing customers and helps to attract new customers too.”

One of the GCA Inspectors for 2021 was Gordon Emslie, who visited centres during the summer.

He said: “This year we saw 102 centres achieve the Highly Commended certificate. This is the highest number of centres achieving this certificate in any one season, which is outstanding. This was purely down to the hard work of centre teams in delivering excellent standards of consistency throughout all the categories.

“The one thing that did stand out was the high-level execution of Covid-19 compliance protocols across all centres, which set an exemplary example to others in the retail industry.”

Perrywood Tiptree in Colchester was one of the Destination Garden Centres (DGC) to receive an award.

Hannah Powell, HR & Communications Director, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in the recent GCA Awards.

“It was also wonderful to pick up regional awards we haven’t won before – for Outdoor Living, Garden Care and Environment and Sustainability. We’ve put a lot of effort into encouraging customers to garden more sustainably, particularly in switching to peat-free. We are extremely proud of everything the entire team has achieved over the last 12 months.”

Another centre to earn the accolade was Cowell’s Garden Centre in Woolsington, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Director Martin Cowell said: “After such a difficult 18 months for everyone, it is wonderful to have something to celebrate and receive recognition for the continued hard work and enthusiasm of our fantastic team here at Cowell’s.”

The top 10 scoring centres will receive, in addition, a ‘Centre of Excellence’ Award and these will be announced during the GCA’s annual dinner at the 2022 Annual Conference on January 23 – 26, 2022 at the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa in Blackburn, Lancashire. Members will be able to book in October 2021 for the event.

The full list of garden centre association members to receive Highly Commended awards are:

Midlands:

• Baytree Nurseries & Garden Centre
• Brigg Garden Centre
• Derby Garden Centre
• East Bridgford Garden Centre
• Evesham Garden Centre
• Fairways Garden Centre – Ashbourne
• Klondyke Group - Byrkley Park Garden Centre
• Melbicks Garden Centre
• Notcutts Garden Centre – Wheatcroft
• Pacific Nurseries
• Pennells Garden Centre – Grimsby
• Pennells Garden Centre – Lincoln
• Percy Thrower’s Gardening Centre
• Planters at Bretby Ltd
• Planters Garden Centre – Tamworth
• St. Peters Garden Centre
• Stratford Garden Centre
• The Van Hage Garden Company - Peterborough
• Webbs of Wychbold
• Webbs West Hagley

North East:

• Cowell's Garden Centre
• Klondyke Group – Garforth Garden Centre
• Klondyke Group – Northallerton Garden Centre
• Klondyke Group – Stokesley Garden Centre
• Langlands Garden Centre – Shiptonthorpe
• RHS Harlow Carr Plant Centre & Gift Shop
• Tong Garden Centre

North Thames:

• Aylett Nurseries Ltd
• Perrywood Tiptree
• Poplars Nursery Garden Centre Ltd
• Scotsdale Garden Centre
• Thetford Garden Centre
• Thurrock Garden Centre

North West:

• Barton Grange Garden Centre
• Bellis Brothers Farm Shop & Garden Centre
• Bents Garden & Home
• Fairways Garden Centre – Macclesfield
• Fron Goch Garden Centre
• Gordale Nurseries Ltd
• Grosvenor Garden Centre
• Hayes Garden World
• Klondyke Group – Brookside Garden Centre
• Klondyke Group – Burnside Garden Centre
• Klondyke Group – Daleside Garden Centre
• Klondyke Group – High Legh Garden Centre
• Klondyke Group – Houghton Hall Garden Centre
• Klondyke Group – Lady Green Garden Centre
• Klondyke Group – Wilmslow Garden Centre
• Notcutts Garden Centre - Woodford Park

Northern Ireland:

• Creative Gardens Bushmills
• Creative Gardens Donaghadee
• Creative Gardens Galgorm Castle

Scotland

• Dunbar Garden Centre
• Klondyke Group – Garden Wise (Dumfries)
• Klondyke Group – Howdens Garden Centre
• Klondyke Group – Mayfield Garden Centre
• Klondyke Group – Mortonhall Garden Centre
• Klondyke Group – Polmont Garden Centre
• Mains of Drum Garden Centre Ltd
• Simpsons Garden Centre

South Thames:

• Blackbrooks Garden Centre
• Castle Gardens
• Chessington Garden Centre
• Coolings Nurseries
• Garsons Garden Centre – Esher
• Garsons Garden Centre – Titchfield
• Haskins Forest Lodge Garden Centre
• Haskins Garden Centre – Ferndown
• Haskins Garden Centre – Southampton
• Haskins Roundstone Garden Centre
• Haskins Snowhill Garden Centre
• Henry Street Garden Centre
• Hillier Garden Centre – Eastbourne
• Knights Plant & Life – Godstone
• Paradise Park Garden Centre
• Polhill Garden Centre – Sevenoaks
• Ransoms Garden Centre
• RHS Wisley Plant Centre and Shop
• Ruxley Manor Garden Centre
• Squires at Badshot Lea
• Squires Garden Centre – Hersham
• Squires Garden Centre – Long Ditton
• Squires Garden Centre – West Horsley
• Squires Garden Centre – Woking
• Stewarts Broomhill
• Stewarts Christchurch
• The Millbrook Garden Company – Gravesend
• The Millbrook Garden Company – Staplehurst
• Thompson’s Plant & Garden Centre – Chislehurst
• Thompson’s Plant & Garden Centre – Newchurch
• Thompson’s Plant & Garden Centre – Welling

Wales & West:

• Bernaville Nurseries
• Cadbury Garden Centre
• Endsleigh Garden Centre
• Monkton Elm Garden Centre Ltd
• Pughs Garden Village Radyr
• Pughs Garden Village Wenvoe
• Sanders Garden World
• The Old Railway Line Garden Centre
• Trelawney Garden Leisure
• Whitehall Garden Centre – Lacock
• Whitehall Garden Centre – Whitchurch

The winners of the Glee Buyers Power List were revealed today. 

The Glee Buyers Power List was set up to recognise the individual buyers and buying teams who have gone above and beyond to make a difference within the garden retail industry this year.

This year’s Buyers Power List was voted for by readers of Glee Daily News and GTN Xtra.  When voting closed at midnight last night (Tuesday) almost 1,000 votes had been made.

Speaking at the Glee Buyers Power List awards ceremony, which was well attended by retailers and suppliers alike, Glee’s Event Director Matthew Mein said: “The Glee Buyers Power List was set up to recognise some of the most essential of our industry employees - garden retail buyers. After the most challenging of times for retail in general we are particularly proud to announce this year’s winners, who’ve done so much to keep trade buoyant and in good shape as we carve out a new normal. The biggest possible congratulations are due to all the very worthy winners and the many excellent shortlisted nominees.”

The winners received their awards at a special presentation at lunchtime.

The Nominations and Winners 2021

Plants Buyer/Buying Team of the Year

• Andy Bunker – Alton Garden Centre
• Marcus Cousins – Aylett Nurseries
• Will Clark – Barton Grange
• Tom Cook, Rod Austin & Julian Palphramand - British Garden Centres
• Mel Livingstone - Fron Goch
• Jessica Logan – RBG Kew

Winner: Marcus Cousins – Aylett Nurseries

Garden Care Buyer/Buying Team of the Year

• Derek Bunker – Alton Garden Centre
• Andy Matthews & Paul Williams – British Garden Centres
• Ian Underwood – B&Q
• Keith Wilbin – Downtown Garden Centre
• Matt Shorter - Longacres
• Ross Allen – Milestone Garden Centre
• Duncan Wills – Stewarts Garden Centre

Winner: Duncan Wills – Stewarts Garden Centre

Outdoor Leisure Buyer/Buying Team of the Year

• Ian Richardson - Garsons
• Keith Laird – Hayes Garden World
• Matt Shorter – Longacres
• Darran Oakley – Squires
• Peter Self – Whitehall Garden Centres

Winner: Darran Oakley – Squires

Landscape Buyer/Buying Team of the Year

• John Birch – Baytree Garden Centre
• David Danning - Blue Diamond
• Dan Kirby – British Garden Centres
• Paul Smith - Chessington Garden Centre
• Scott Provan – Klondyke
• Mick Bruniges – Oaktree Garden Centre
• Jack Slater – Summerseat Garden Centre 
• Michelle Thompson – Thompsons Garden Centres

Winner: Dan Kirby – British Garden Centres

Home & Gifts Buyer/Buying Team of the Year 

• Emma Davis – British Garden Centres
• Sarah Cooksley – Dobbies
• Claire Jenner - Frosts
• Geoff Stapleton – Gates Garden Centre

Winner: Emma Davis – British Garden Centres

Pet Buyer/Buying Team of the Year

• Sue Shaw - B&M
• Zack Sargent – Bents Garden & Home
• Chessington Garden Centre
• Dan Reep – Squires Garden Centres

Winner: Chessington Garden Centre

Retail Food & Drinks Buyer/Buying Team of the Year 

• Claire Bryce - Barton Grange
• Melanie Sykes - Bents
• Phil Hales – Gates Garden Centre
• Longacres

Joint Winners: Claire Bryce - Barton Grange and Longacres

Christmas Buyer/Buying Team of the Year

• David Danning - Blue Diamond 
• Chris Slack - Frosts
• Michelle Martin – Haskins
• Stuart Whalley – Rosebourne

Winner: Chris Slack – Frosts

Overall Multiple Garden Retailer Buying Team of the Year – 6 stores or more

• Blue Diamond
• British Garden Centres
• Caulders
• Dobbies
• Hillier Garden Centres
• Klondyke
• Notcutts
• Squires Garden Centres

Winner: British Garden Centres

Overall Independent Garden Centre Buying Team of the Year – up 5 stores 

• Alton Garden Centre
• Aylett Nurseries
• Gates Garden Centre
• Haskins
• Longacres
• Rosebourne Garden Centres
• Thompsons Garden Centres
• Webbs

Winner: Aylett Nurseries

Matthew Mein added: “I would also like to thank all those who took time to vote for their retail superstar, every one of whom deserved to be recognised. Hard-working retail staff are the lifeblood of our industry and I’m delighted so many people also felt they deserved to be recognised at the Glee Buyers Power List Awards.”

For more news, information and pictures from three action-packed days at Glee see all ‘live’ editions of Glee Daily News, produced by the GTN team.

Build-up Day

http://gleedailynews.newsweaver.com/Gleeedailynews/4kvq0faljsk

Day 1 – Tuesday

http://gleedailynews.newsweaver.com/Gleeedailynews/1vrjw5i0e90

Day 2 – Wednesday

http://gleedailynews.newsweaver.com/Gleeedailynews/18l6vx5nz6d

Day 3 – Thursday

http://gleedailynews.newsweaver.com/Gleeedailynews/e32ez3jekiz

The Glee New Product Showcase, in association with GTN, has generated huge interest at the exhibition. A panel of expert judges drew up a shortlist of finalists from which the finalists were chosen. 

Here is the list of shortlisted products so far:

Plants Seeds & Bulbs

Aglaonema Red Star – JAVADO

Cuddly Cactus – JAVADO

Granvia ® Pink Flame Imp – MNP Flowers

Spathiphyllum Diamond – JAVADO

Growing Materials 

After Plant House Plant – Plantworks Ltd

BlackGold Compos – RocketGro

Natura Grow Bed & Basket Feed Liquid 1L – Natura Grow

Nature Safe Slug & Snail Barrie – Hygeia Chemicals Ltd

Harmony Gardens – Southern Trident

Growing Containers

Flower Towe – Useful and Practical Ideas Ltd

Tall Vertical Herb Stand – Zest 4 Leisure

Tierra Verde Planters – Primeur Ltd

Garden Decoration

Metal Frame Flower Wall Art – Woodlodge Products

Resin Hippo Statue – Green Tones

St John's Solar Mirror – Woodlodge Products

Tools & Machinery

EasyMix 2-in-1 Composter – Hozelock

Kent & Stowe Capability Trowel – Westland Unwins

Kent & Stowe Eversharp Secateurs – Westland Unwins

Landscaping

MultyDeck – Primeur Ltd

Planter cascade – Primeur Ltd

Carolina Border – DecoPak

Leisure & Entertaining

Campingaz Attitude 2Go CV Table Top Gas Barbecue – Campingaz

Folding Garden Bar – Zest 4 Leisure

Kamado Joe - Kettle Joe – Kamado Joe

Homewares, Gifts, Toys & Games

Earthy Natural Bamboo Side Tables - Set of 2 – The Satchville Gift Company

Kids Light-up cloggies – EP Barrus Ltd 

Pup's 1st gift Box – Goodchap's 

Wholeleaf Platters, Bowls & Plates – The Wholeleaf Company

Bee Activity Box – Kidzplay 

Pet Food

Churu Pops – Collarways Ltd 

Home Barking Kit – Sniffe & Likkit Ltd 

Scoff Paper Edible Greeting Cards for Dogs – Scoff Pape

Pet Health & Beauty

Anti-Bacterial Dog Shampoo with Hosepip Applicato – Aqueos

Furrish Cordless Pet Clipper – Furrish

The Woof Pack - Deluxe Doggy Bag & Grooming Kit – Sniffe & Likkit Ltd

Pet Accessories

Glove My Dog Deluxe Bamboo Towel Glove – Sniffe & Likkit Ltd

Petface Planet (Toucan) – Leisure Grow

Pup's 1st Cracker - The cracker your pup can pull – Goodchap's

The Friendly Squid - Cleaning up our coast – Goodchap's

Retail Services & Experiences

Evergreen Trade Website & Training Academy – Evergreen Garden Care 

Honeyfield's Floor Display Unit – WHM Pet Group

Tri-Star Adbags –Tri-Star Packaging

Wild Bird and Wildlife Products

Gardman Aura Bird Bath & Feeder – Westland Unwins

Water is Life Bath and Drinker – Wildlife World

WildPod – Bioscapes 

Growing Accessories

BB Rain Can  –Block Blitz Ltd

Gro-Sure Visiroot Twin Propagator Set – Westland Unwins

Pot Trelli – Treadstone Products

Small Space Cold Frame – Zest 4 Leisure

The Green Heart – Glee’s horticultural hub - crowned Hills Plants as winners of its 2021 Best Glee Green Heart Display award.

As first time exhibitors not just the Glee Green Heart but exhibitions in general, the award has been warmly received by the team at Hills Plants, who have been using Glee to promote its range of British grown houseplants to garden retailers and plant buyers. 

The award was a hotly contested one, with the judge – Mike Wyatt of Garden Trade News - deliberating for some time before making his final selection. The Hills Plants stand was selected due to its commercial strength, superb design and high-quality stock which has been merchandised to inspire and entice, providing retailers with ideas that they can recreate within their own stores for maximum impact.

The Best Green Heart Display Award was presented to Hills Plants’ by Neil Gow, Glee’s Green Heart Special Project Manager, and Glee Event Director, Matthew Mein.

Glee’s Matthew Mein said: “Our congratulations to Hills Plants. As always plants remain the heart of garden retailing and displays such as this one continue to set the standard and demonstrate new ways of thinking to display and merchandise all types of houseplants. I’ve no doubt that any retailer who visited the Hills Plants stand will be inspired to replicate key elements to entice repeat custom and build a reputation as a leading houseplant retailer.

“I’d also like to thank Mike for his excellent judging and for picking such a worthy winner, and also to Woodlodge for its continued support of the Green Heart.”

Receiving the award, Hills Plants’ Assistant Production Manager, Laura Marner said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive the award. It means so much to get this kind of recognition, especially during our debut year at Glee, and it has certainly helped us to generate conversation with those retailers that have visited the Green Heart. We will certainly be back next year!”

The Glee 2021 Show Guide is still available in digital format. To view the online Show Guide click here.

With colder months on the way, Dobbies Garden Centres, has launched its events for the festive season, with booking open now.

The ever-popular Santa’s Grotto experience is back. As one of the most loved, traditional festive experiences at Dobbies, little ones will love walking through the outdoor woodland, spotting Christmas characters along the way before being welcomed by Santa and receiving a special gift. For those looking to create a lasting memory, a photo can be purchased.

New for 2021, at 50 stores across the UK, will be Quiet Grottos. Working in partnership with Autism Together, there will be Santa visits which are supportive of children with additional needs, considering sound and visual elements, and helping to minimise anxiety. 

Michelle Walklett, Head of Autism Together’s Autism Training and Advisory Service, said: “As a specialist UK charity supporting autistic people, we’re pleased to be working with Dobbies to help enhance their Christmas Grotto experience for visitors with autism and other sensory needs.

“Through this partnership, we’ll also be delivering autism awareness training for Santa and all his elves and helpers in time for the festive season.”

Christmas is not just for children, and Dobbies is extending the festive fun to four-legged friends. At Santa Paws, dogs have the chance to meet Santa, along with the whole family. Guests are invited to bring their cameras to get a snap, making it the perfect Christmas card photo opportunity.

At Santa’s Breakfast, families will be able to enjoy the ever-popular Dobbies’ breakfast. The festive event includes breakfast options for adults and children, followed by fun games and a visit from Santa with a special gift for each child. This event is suited to families with children aged 10 and under.

Sarah Murray, Partnership and Events Manager, said: “At Dobbies we want to offer families an opportunity to come together and make memories that last a lifetime. There truly is nothing more magical than Christmas for a child and our range of events helps to bring the season to life for all the family.”

Dobbies’ Christmas events are available to view online, with customers requested to book in advance. Also new for 2021 is the opportunity to add a donation to the price of an event ticket, for Dobbies’ National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust.

Bookings can be made at https://www.dobbies.com/events 

·         Christmas Afternoon Tea is available in 66 stores and starts on 1 November, £12.95 per adult and £6.95 per child.

·         Santa’s Grotto starts on 27 November in all 50 stores, from £11.99 per child.

·         Santa’s Breakfast is available in 66 stores and starts on 4 December, £13.99 per child and from £6.99 per adult.

·         Santa Paws starts on 4 December in 23 stores, £6.99 for dogs, £11.99 for children.

·         Quiet Grottos will be hosted on 10 December in 50 stores, from £11.99 per child.

Dobbies offers Book with Confidence. For more info: https://www.dobbies.com/book-with-confidence

Homebase has opened the doors of its new store in Abingdon. Located on Marcham Road, the new 23,830 sq. ft store is the one-stop-shop for the products, expertise and inspiration customers need to fix, improve or transform their homes and gardens.

Following the successful roll out of new stores in Walton-on-Thames and Cheltenham, this store will inspire customers to give home and garden projects a go.

The new store has created 29 jobs in the local area and these team members have been provided with externally accredited training, including City & Guilds gardening and kitchen design qualifications, to help customers create homes and gardens they love.

Customers will be able to shop Homebase’s new autumn furniture and home accessories range. From dining furniture and storage to lighting and candles, this collection goes big on style for any budget. The popular Occasional Chair is back and is now available in even more colours.

For those looking to redecorate, the store features a Dulux Paint Desk, which offers a paint mixing service, and popular brands including Homebase Paint, Crown, Farrow & Ball, Laura Ashley, ELLE Decoration and Craig & Rose. Customers can also get their hands on the new Maison Deco range, perfect for completely transforming kitchen units, tiles, flooring and radiators for a fraction of the price.

Instagram’s favourite trend, wall panelling, can be taken away ready-made and there’s a wide range of tools and hardware to make any DIY task simple. Customers will also find plenty of flooring and tiling options to complete any home project. House Beautiful and Country Living furniture and home accessories are also available in-store, as part of Homebase’s partnership with leading premium content and experience business, Hearst UK.

There’s a variety of kitchen and Bathstore bathroom designs on show, including the exclusive House Beautiful and Country Living kitchens, and features high-quality appliances from brands including Bosch, Neff and Miele. Expert advice is on hand from Homebase’s team members who can turn customers’ design ideas into a reality through free design consultations, using Homebase’s 3D visualisation software.

The 6,025 sq. ft garden centre* has everything customers need to tidy and refresh their outdoor spaces this autumn with plenty of plants, pots, outdoor storage and garden care. With more than 40 years of gardening expertise, Homebase’s specially trained team members will help customers with the products, advice and inspiration they need for any outdoor space, from balconies to lawns. 

Bee and insect houses have been installed in the garden centre in a bid to boost biodiversity and are available to purchase in-store. Customers can also buy pollinator friendly seeds, known for providing much-needed food and habitats for wildlife.

'Order and Collect' is also available, making it even easier for customers to buy products from Homebase’s full range of more than 35,000 products, either online for pick up in-store within the hour or order in-store for home delivery. 

Grant Anderson, Homebase Retail Director, comments: “I’m really excited that we’re back in Abingdon and our fantastic store team is ready to help the local community create homes and gardens they love.

“I know our customers will be surprised by how inspirational our new store is. It’s designed to make shopping with us easier, from clever QR codes that bring our products to life to our slick Order and Collect service.”

Between 1992 and 2019, Homebase occupied a site at the same retail park.

Woodlodge is proud to launch the next phase of  its Root Indoor range of pots ahead of the 2022 season as more and more consumers start to value sustainability, closeness to nature and plants’ health benefits.

With the enthusiasm for houseplants continuing to soar and sales growing year on year, Woodlodge’s flagship interiors range has been refreshed and extended with brand new designs that will appeal to all demographics and compliment all interior designs.  Root Indoor’s latest lines have their finger on the pulse and are inspired by trend-led influences, allowing for retailers to offer customers the right style to suit their home.

Meet the extended family

Following on from the popular family of pot covers last year that triumphed in the New Product Award in Glee’s Garden, Home, Giftware and Clothing category, some new relatives are joining the brood.  Designed to be key drivers of impulse sales by injecting a sense of fun into plants, the family now includes Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt, Uncle and a new Child sibling to represent gardening across the generations.  With low price points of £12.99 and £9.99, these will have a mass appeal whilst instilling an early love of gardening with the younger members of a family.

All in a glaze

Additions to the Root Indoor portfolio include the latest glazed finishes in the houseplant market.   Whether it be the traditional earthy colours ofGaya and Geometric or the postmodernism style of  the Bubble, Orion or Pollock, the latest lines will appeal to consumers who are seeking to create a dramatic backdrop to indoor plant displays.

For lovers of flora, retailers are encouraged to stock the new nature inspired planters that are designed to complement the kitchen, conservatory or garden room.   The ornate detail of the Flower planters are available in both blue and green to represent the elements, whilstEden brings delicate floral tones and simplicity to interiors.

Vintage

Take a peek at the most liked interiors on Instagram, and you will spot several pieces of vintage décor and this is a trend that retailers can capitalise on with Root Indoor’s expanded Vintage line.   The crackled glaze of the Vintage pots creates an authentic distressed effect, bringing a rustic charm that would appeal to shoppers who follow the Cottagecore trend.  The botanical designs are unique with their crackle-glazed finish that will vary from piece to piece and their floral and foliage designs tap into the consumer mindset for interior designs that blend into the natural environment.

Natural wicker

Natural materials like wicker have always been a hot design trend, create an earthy and light feeling in the home while still appearing super modern and stylish.  Consumers now want to incorporate more natural elements into their rooms so retailers can elevate their sales with Root’s Tencha Woven Pot with stand.  Ideal for small spaces, this pure design will elevate plants to new heights, create the illusion of a bigger space and maximise growing space in the home

Potted Faux Plants

Not everyone is lucky enough to possess a green thumb, and faux plants provide and  easy, low-maintenance way to breathe life into an interior.  Root’s new range opens a new door to retailers who are looking to attract an audience who may not have the time or confidence to plant an indoor oasis.

From aloes to monsteras and ferns to dracaenas, the faux plant collection is available in both free-standing pots and hanging planters to attract urban dwellers who have homes where space is at a premium.

Michael Woodlodge, Director of Woodlodge said: “Garden retail has seen a huge upswing in the younger demographic being drawn into garden centres to shop for houseplants.  For those who lack time, money and space, indoor plants are perceived as a way to improve their wellbeing and this is what’s is driving demand for indoor pots and containers.   We are delighted to have extended the Root Indoor range and respond to the soaring interest with fresh new designs that will help to grow sales in this popular category.”

For more information on Woodlodge’s new ranges for 2022, please contact your local sales representative or visit www.woodlodge.co.uk.

GTN September 2021 - Excited to be back at Glee, GTN's Glee 2021 Preview

In this issue of news and information for garden centre professionals:

• Westland Glee Preview.
• Retailers look forward to Glee, comment from Mike Burks, Gerald Ingram, Matthew Bent, Andy Bunker, Simon Bourne, Kev Turley, British Garden Centres, Julian Winfield, Carol Paris and John Birch.
• A Glee Greeting from Woodmansterne.
• Glee 2021 – GTN’s Preview.
• Glee 2021 Show Plan and Exhibitor List.
• Whats On “The Stage” at Glee 2021.
• Onduline success at Alton Garden Centre.
• New Products at Glee – a sneak preview of Glee New Product Award entries.
• GTN Bestsellers – August garden centre sales analysis and charts in sample issue.
• HTA Column – Boyd Douglas-Davies signs off as HTA President.

Read the embedded issue above or use this link: https://issuu.com/gardentradenews/docs/gtn_september_2021?fr=sYTI5OTQyMzYyMTc

with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox.  The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.

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Now in its seventh year, the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund has helped to bring to market a series of brands, many of which are considered key players helping to drive growth and diversification of the garden retail sector. This year’s winner – Pot-mate™ – is set to be an exciting addition to the garden retail sector, helping to provide a solution to an age-old problem whilst offering retailers with a great volume-driven, add-on sales opportunity. 

Pot-mate™ is a simple yet highly efficient solution to a common problem associated with container gardening. So often pots, whether on a patio or deck, suffer from drainage issues or leave unsightly marks and rings where dirt and mould has been able to go undetected underneath the pot. With Pot-mate™’s innovative, UK-manufactured design these issues are a thing of the past. Made from 100% recycled polymer, the Pot-mate™ is a simple tripod ‘ring’ that lifts pots off the ground, allowing for better air flow and drainage to the base of the pot, as well as allowing for better manoeuvrability of pots. Pot-mate™ will be made available in three sizes to suit containers with base diameters up to 36cm and will be supported by recycled material waterproof labelling and video instructions available via a QR code.

Talking about being awarded the 2021 GISCF, Pot-mate™’s creator, Phil Wilson said; “The Pot-mate™ is the result of 10 long months of product development as well as a significant personal investment, so to be recognised by such a valued industry award is truly amazing.

“I am so humbled and honoured to follow in the footsteps of previous winners and have no doubt that the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund will help spread the word of Pot-mate™. I am excited for the future.”

Beating off stiff competition and judged by a panel made up of both Glee and GIMA representatives, Pot-mate™ – as the winners - will receive support up to the value of £6,000 to help with development and marketing costs associated with entering the UK garden retail market, including a year’s full GIMA membership, and a wide range of business support tools.

GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said: “We’re incredibly pleased to confirm that Pot-mate™ is the 2021 winner of the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund. The pot market has continued to grow rapidly in recent years, and Pot-mate™ offers a unique growth opportunity for retailers to drive up the average customer spend through impulse and add-on sales. Consumers will also love the simplicity of the product, whilst the recycled material and UK design and manufacturing aspects will increase Pot-mate™’s appeal even further. A truly worthy winner.” 

In addition to choosing a winner, the panel also selected two shortlisted companies – Ergrownomics and Willsow.

Ergrownomics is a father-and-son team determined to break the mould of the gardening sector, offering quality, built-to-last products manufactured entirely within the UK. The Ergrownomics planter system is designed to make home-growing simple, comfortable, reliable & productive – requiring minimal maintenance and no prior gardening experience. The planters are all equipped with excellent functionality, including irrigation, filter-drainage and a patented plant-training system, and are available at a range of four possible heights, with a class-leading 10-year warranty.

Dragon’s Den backed, Willsow, has created the world's first plantable children's book. With 5 books in the range, each book contains the seeds of the main character embedded into the front and back pages. Once they've finished reading the story you can plant the back page to meet the main character.

As the winner, Pot-mate™ is now set to receive funding and help with the development and marketing of their product, together with support from experts within the industry.

To find out more about the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund please join GIMA on-stand at Glee 2021, Hall 6 stand F20-G21.

The Pot-mate™ team can also be found at Glee within hall 8, stand A57.

“It is vital that impactful sustainability measures are adopted as the norm across the industry,” says Dr David Bek, “There is no more time to waste.”

Dr Bek is a Reader in Sustainable Economies based at the Research Centre for Business in Society at Coventry University (UK), where he co-leads the Sustainable Production and Consumption Cluster.

He is the keynote speaker for ‘The Path to Sustainability in Ornamental Horticulture’ Virtual Conference on 30th September, sponsored by Royal FloraHolland and PERA and organised by The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) in partnership with GreenTech Live & Online, Floriculture Sustainability Initiative (FSI) and FloraCulture International (FCI).

“Noise around sustainability in horticulture has grown exponentially in the last five years,” Dr Bek adds, “with ‘green’ products and branding exploding within the horticultural marketplace. Now measurable and transparent actions are needed across the industry to make sure that initiatives are truly sustainable and not greenwash.”

Dr Bek will be joined by speakers from around the world, who will evaluate what the industry is doing to become more sustainable, how we can measure progress and what the future holds.

One speaker is Mr Jeroen Oudheusden, Chief Executive of FSI, who will present ‘How FSI is creating a more sustainable industry and how you can be involved.’ He says: “We, the sector as a whole, have the opportunity to leverage an industry narrative to lead and influence the direction of the flower and plant industry.

“Together we make sure that our sector is fully transparent, credible and continuously meeting and exceeding expectations. So that the true benefits of flowers and plants can be communicated. We do that by joining forces and improving practices. Still, there is work to be done. The sector, for example, should focus more on the bigger picture and a data-driven narrative; engage more vividly in sustainability debates to make sure that the consumer always makes the right choice when buying flowers and plants.”

Ms Ximena Franco Villegas heads the Sustainability and Environmental Affairs Department of Asocolflores(Colombia) and is Managing Director of Florverde Sustainable Flowers (FSF). She will join the panel on ‘Plastics and the Circular Economy’ alongside other industry experts.

“Sustainability is a global concept, that is understood in our international market,” she says. “However, it has to be digested in a local context. FSF focus on the social and environmental impacts to Colombian flowers and ornamentals growers, and work with local partners and regional partners for implementation.

“I think everyone must accelerate their sustainability goals and align every single initiative for the sake of the planet and humankind. We ask the whole business, floriculture and flower commerce business to align and work towards the global Sustainable Development Goals.”

Other speakers and panellists at ‘The Path to Sustainability in Ornamental Horticulture’ Virtual Conference include:

• Mr Albert Haasnoot, Royal FloraHolland
• Dr Audrey Timm, AIPH Technical Advisor
• Mr Daan de Vries, CEO, MPS
• Mr Bill Hardy, Canada, Chair of the AIPH Green City Committee
• Ms Cecilia Luetgebrune, Growing Media Europe
• Prof. Charlie Hall, Ellison Chair in International Floriculture, Texas A&M University
• Ms Elise Wieringa, Quality Assurance and Sustainability Manager, Royal Lemkes
• Mr Richard (Kiki) Fernandes, Founder of Kariki Ltd and CEO of Marginpar Group
• Mr Leo Swart, Cresultant
• Mr Maarten Bánki, Sustainable Development Manager, Royal FloraHolland
• Ms Melanie Dürr, Global Product Manager Flowers & Plants, Fairtrade International
• Mr Moritz Böcking, Managing Director of Klasmann-Deilmann
• Ms Nada van Schouwenburg, Programmes Specialist, Women Win
• Ms Susannah Ball, Ball Horticulture
• Mr Steve Harper, from the UK’s Growing Media Responsible Sourcing Scheme
• Mr Sven Hoping, Global Sales Director at Pöppelmann TEKU
• Mr William Gee, Head of Sustainability at Freddie’s Flowers

Conference attendance will cost 20 GBP.  For more details and to register visit https://aiph.org/event/sustainability-conference-2021/.

Responding to the news that checks at the border for plants will now be delayed until 1 July 2022, the Horticultural Trades Association’s Director of Policy and Communications, James Clark, welcomed this move, saying: 

“This delay is the right decision. Most Border Control Posts were not yet ready to receive goods for checks and businesses had not had adequate time to plan.  

The horticulture industry has always traded responsibly with high biosecurity standards, so we are keen to work with Government to ensure a plant health and biosecurity regime that fosters a self-regulatory approach, encourages best practice and does not hamper trade.

“Ornamental horticulture is the only sector to have been working within such restrictive conditions and there has been little recognition from government of the immense burden this has placed upon horticultural businesses. This move by Government only serves to underwrite our call for a plant health agreement which recognises the individual UK-EU plant health regimes.”

To continue his ongoing campaign to try to make gardening sustainable and enjoyable to as many people as possible, David Domoney has teamed up with Garantia to encourage people to harvest rainwater, make their own compost and grow their own fruit and vegetables.

Garantia use recycled plastic to make raised beds, water butts, and composters, making it easy for beginner gardeners and keen gardeners alike looking to grow more sustainably.

There are many steps that can be taken to keep your garden growing gloriously, whilst being kind to nature. In partnering with Garantia, David Domoney is hoping to spread these eco-friendly values to gardens of Britain with tips on composting, water conservation, and the goodness of growing your own.

David said: “Making the most of the resources in your garden and creating a space that is self-sufficient is a fantastic goal to have. The journey is made all the more enjoyable when you can see the process before your eyes. I want to help demystify the processes in your garden and why they’re so important and beneficial.”

Garantia are a manufacturer of plastic products, specialising in water butts, compost bins, and growing aids. Priding themselves on their products being produced using 100% recycled materials, the products are not only high-quality but are beneficial to the environment in their manufacture and purpose.

David went on to say: “Each year, around 205 billion litres of water is thought to be used by UK homeowners outside each year, with most of that for the garden. We should make the most of the regular rainfall we get in the UK and use it to water our prized plants, so we aren’t relying on mains water.” Garantia’s range of water butts aren’t only practical but are available in a huge range of shapes, sizes, and styles to suit any garden design. With some designs topped with a planter for embellishment, they add even more planting opportunities to the space.

Patrick Thick from Garantia added: “We are very excited to be working with David Domoney to help more people make the most of their garden. You can have such a positive impact by using rainwater instead of mains water and by producing your own compost from green waste in your garden. The physical and mental health benefits of gardening and living sustainably, can help so many and we look forward to educating people on these benefits with the help of David’s experience and expertise.”  

Together, Garantia and David Domoney hope to encourage people to grow their own, advising products that are practical and purposeful. For example, raised beds that are flexible to create accessible and perfectly suited planting spaces and Thermo-Wood Compost Bin with decorative wood-effect design.

Through engaging videos, top garden tips, and fantastic competitions, the partnership will encourage all gardeners to make the most of their garden and the resources available. With the right knowledge and products, they can get growing in an eco-friendly way.

Houseplant sales are riding the crest of a wave – and Chichester-based Hills Plants are exhibiting in Glee’s Green Heart area in the Atrium with an aspirational display of mostly UK-grown foliage plants.

It’s the trade show debut for the nursery, founded in the 1920s and majoring in recent years on meeting the demands of multiples and supermarkets. But now they are reaching out again to garden centres and targeting a younger demographic – 25 to 45-year-olds who, says Greg Hill (pictured) believe that “a bit of horticulture in their lives is good for the soul”.

The Glee stand features an exotic display piled high with a huge selection of foliage plants of different colours, heights and textures – enough to persuade any garden centre buyer of the potential of taking this category seriously. 

Garden furniture, wooden products and decorative garden structure specialist, Zest 4 Leisure (stand number 20A40-C41) has presented a giant cheque for over £8000 to the Greenfingers charity at Glee.

The company raised the money from sales of its Tiverton planter over the last 2 years. £2.50 from every planter sold was donated to the charity.

Zest (Part of the P&A Group) is this year celebrating ten years of fundraising success having raised nearly £110,000 for charities including Nightingale House, 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. With Macmillan Cancer Support being the company’s chosen charity for 2021 and they continue to raise money through a variety of fundraising activities. 

Zest 4 Leisure was established in 2005 to bring high quality, FSC® certified timber garden products to garden centres, online retailers, and major purchasing groups across the UK. 

For further information about Zest 4 Leisure’s GYO, decorative and furniture products, visit www.zest4leisure.co.uk.

The David Colegrave Foundation (DCF) announced at Glee today that The Blue Diamond group of garden centres has donated £10,000 to provide a set of horticultural scholarships.

The awards will be in addition to the foundation’s existing scholarships, which support horticultural students as they target careers in the UK’s ornamental horticulture industry.

Blue Diamond CEO Alan Roper (second from right) is pictured shaking hands with DCF trustee Stuart Lowen, watched by fellow trustees, Caroline Owen of Scotsdale Garden Centre and broadcaster and writer Peter Seabrook (right) and Neil Gow.

First launched at Glee 2018, the gorgeous rabbit figurine from leading garden décor manufacturer, Vivid Arts, has now raised over £10,000 for the Greenfingers charity.

Since 2018 the Vivid Arts rabbit has been sold throughout garden centres across the country, with gardeners being drawn by its cute styling including a garden spade and bearing the trademark Greenfingers green gloves. The realistic ornament, made from high-quality resin, stands at approximately 18cm high and since its launch has been supported by full POS material – and a special miniature rabbit collection box - to aid retailers in encouraging rabbit lovers and gift-givers to purchase the ornament in support of the charity.

Paul McGuire, Sales Director at Vivid Arts said: “It has been a privilege for Vivid Arts to work with the Greenfingers team over the last three years. It’s amazing that one short conversation resulted in two hundred and fifty bespoke collection boxes being distributed to collection points and over seven thousand “fundraiser Rabbits” being sold through the trade. 

As a result, and thanks to the generous support of our trade customers, we have been able to raise £10,640 to help fund further magical Greenfingers projects. We’re so pleased we have been able to make a small contribution to such a worthy cause that supports life-limited children and their families in such a positive way. Brilliant people, brilliant cause.”

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers said: “Our sincerest thanks to Vivid Arts for its incredible contribution to supporting Greenfingers and helping to place the charity in front of garden centre customers. The rabbit has become our unofficial mascot having been part of our fundraising efforts for so long, and we will be forever grateful for the profile it has helped to create for the Greenfingers charity amongst consumers as well as retailers.”

The Greenfingers team will be exhibiting in Hall 6 at 6A17, Vivid Arts will also be exhibiting at Glee alongside its Greenfingers Rabbit in Hall 20, stand D11.

With gardens at its heart, it is hardly surprising that the team at the Greenfingers charity is currently in the midst of several garden builds with many more on the horizon, together marking an incredibly busy year for the charity. Here we find out more about the gardens that will join the Greenfingers roster in 2021 and beyond. 

St Oswald’s Hospice – Newcastle

There is no question that the pandemic has impacted the garden builds earmarked for Greenfingers’ 2020 and 2021 to-do lists. The 61^st garden – St Oswald’s in Newcastle – saw its grand opening delayed due to COVID-19, a new date will be announced shortly. This new garden includes a play area with accessible play equipment, as well as the existing summerhouse which has been given a makeover, complemented with new seating areas and a stunning willow wall to add impact and interesting architectural lines. 

Haven House - Woodford Green, Essex

Over at Haven House in Essex, the garden has been transformed thanks to the incredible efforts of the team at AMES who took part in a planting day, helping to bed in some of the 1,000 plants kindly donated by Scotscapes Landscaping and using compost donating by Evergreen Garden Care. These plants have joined the existing planting scheme created by Stewarts Landscapes, who have been bringing to life the vision for the garden created by award-winning RHS Chelsea designer, Tom Hoblyn. Further donations have also come from Smart Garden and The Solar Centre, both providing gorgeous lights to help bring the garden to life during the night.

Ty Hafan - Vale of Glamorgan

Greenfingers 63^rd garden has broken ground at Ty Hafan in the Vale of Glamorgan. As one of the UK’s leading paediatric palliative care services, offering care to children and support for their families throughout Wales, a sensory garden was a much-needed part of the support on offer and, of course, Greenfingers was only too happy to help. This new garden space, designed by Victoria Wade, has been designed to increase biodiversity, sustainability and will be a haven for wildlife, enabling the children to connect with the natural world.  We are grateful to The Heritage Lottery, the Postcode Lottery and many more friends of Greenfingers for supporting this project. 

The Nook – Norfolk

East Anglia’s Children Hospice’s (EACH) newest site The Nook – officially opened by HRH, The Duchess of Cambridge in 2019 – is set to become one of Greenfingers’ flagship garden projects, Thanks to generous donations from leading skincare brand, Clarins and the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA), the work to start the Nest & Reflect Garden along with some of the gardens infrastructure will begin in earnest shortly. 

Designed by Ann-Marie Powell, this special space – the first of many gardens to be built at The Nook – will feature quiet corners where families can relax together, whilst a racetrack for wheelchairs, wind mobiles, a forest school and a bright outdoor classroom with a green roof amongst a meadow and plenty of beautiful trees, all connected by accessible winding pathways will complete this garden which is designed to encourage participation and not just spectating. 

Forthcoming gardens

Three additional Greenfingers gardens are also in the first stages of development. 

Demelza Hospice Care for Children, based in Sittingbourne – the site of Greenfingers’ first-ever garden - has recently seen Andrew Fisher Tomlin from multi-award-winning garden designers, Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer, appointed as designer for this project. Andrew has previously created the stunning ‘Let’s Explore’ garden at Richard House Children’s Hospice in East London and will be looking to work his magic again at Demelza where the garden space will be refreshed for the first time since its creation back in 1999. 

Greenfingers is also working with Derian House in Chorley and Jigsaw Children’s Hospice in Carlisle.  The charity looks forward to both gardens coming to life in 2022. 

Garden Makeovers

Thanks to a generous donation from a private donor, the charity is now able to revisit hospices they have worked with in the past to ensure their very old Greenfingers gardens continue to be useable spaces.  Helen & Douglas House in Oxford and Keech Hospice Care in Luton have recently benefitted from the initiative.  

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications said: “We’re so pleased that, despite the pressures of the pandemic, we are able to continue to create gardens at a wide range of locations. All the hospices we are working with are so deserving of these garden spaces, and we are so appreciative to every person, team, company, designer and product donation that come together to make each garden possible.

“We look forward to sharing further details regarding the development of all our gardens in the coming months.”

Find out more

To find out more about Greenfingers Charity, and how to get involved in a range of fundraising events please email Linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk. 

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.  

The most iconic horticultural event of the year, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, is back in bloom for the first time since 2019 and the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies, is set to celebrate its return in sustainable style from 21 to 26 September.

Following its five-star, award-winning, ‘Best Trade Stand’ in 2019, the Dobbies’ garden will feature an impactful living wall, an area dedicated to promoting the benefits of pollinators and sustainable gardening practices, as well as a grow-your-own area.

Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies, commented: “It’s been a very collaborative process to plan our RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden this year, working with team members across the Dobbies’ estate as well as suppliers.

“With our stand focusing on sustainable practices, grow your own, as well as showcasing our team’s authority and expertise, we hope to inspire people to create gardens that will not only last their own lifetime but will also have a positive impact on the planet.”

The Dobbies stand will feature a range of plants including Delphinium, Echinacea, Heuchera and Rudbeckia, as well as houseplants including Monstera, Nephrolepsis, Calathea and Adiantum. The creation of the garden involved a range of sustainable products including new ranges that are landing in-store at Dobbies this September, such as peat-free compost products for young to mature plants.

Dobbies’ stand features contributions from a range of suppliers including Evergreen, Carbon Gold, Pure Greenhouses, Contemporary Fencing, Talasey Group, Southern Trident, Ecopots plus plant suppliers Darby Nursery, Allensmore Nurseries, Lovania Nurseries, Floreac and Pro-Veg Seeds.

Also featuring in the Dobbies’ garden is Ergrownomics who offer a sustainably designed system of raised planters that allow everyone, regardless of garden size, the opportunity to grow their own vegetables.

Jamie Bending, one half of the father and son team behind Ergrownomics, commented: “As a new UK, family-owned, start-up, we’re passionate about our work and have spent years developing a way for everyone to grow productively, reliably and sustainably from a compact space, with minimal maintenance and no experience needed. We can’t wait to showcase this in the Dobbies’ garden.”

Dobbies will also be joined at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show by two of the gardening world’s up-and-coming social media stars, Daisy Payne (@gardentogarnish) and Henry Agg (@fanaticalgardening).

Daisy Payne said: “I’m thrilled to be partnering with Dobbies as I look forward to my first RHS Chelsea Flower Show! My journey has been all about inspiring more people to get into gardening, so, I really hope that together we can make a difference.”

Dobbies will record a podcast all about its RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden. This will be shared on:https://www.dobbies.com/content/podcast.html

When I first met Eddie Topping MBE in the 1990s, he reminded me of a mischievous schoolboy…impish grin, cheeky chat, a twinkle in the eye – yet always everybody’s idea of a perfect gentleman. But it didn’t take long to understand that behind that engaging façade was a shrewd entrepreneurial brain, which he used to fashion a fantastic legacy – one of the UK’s most spectacular garden and leisure businesses with a pre-pandemic turnover of more than £25 million.

The new-build destination garden centre at Brock – a project led with extraordinary energy by one of his three sons, Guy, who inherited his father’s flair, plus added cheek – was a far cry from the Rochdale Market fruit and veg stall Eddie took over in 1955 from his father, who (with his wife) was by then busy building up business at their newly-developed hotel at Barton near Preston.

When I interviewed Eddie in 2010 for a new GTN series on family businesses, he told me how he used to grow cut flowers, fruit and veg in the grounds of the hotel. A couple of years later, he started growing trees and shrubs and set up a small landscaping business to keep himself busy in between market days.

At the start of the 1960s, Eddie was quick to latch on to the new-fangled idea from the United States that plants could be grown and sold all the year round in containers, eliminating the seasonality of bare root culture. With containers as we know them today not yet available, he got hold of empty apricot cans from a jam factory and tins from a biscuit factory – and the container revolution was under way. It turned out to be the catalyst that sparked the development of the modern garden centre industry.

So, Barton Grange Garden Centre, with a shop area all of 16ft square, opened in 1963 in the grounds of the hotel, followed in 1974 by the formation of a wholesale plant nursery (now Garden Centre Plants, run alongside the landscaping business by Guy’s brother Peter).

After Guy joined the family business in 1989, two more garden centres were added, both since divested (as was the hotel, run by Ian Topping, the third of his sons) to allow the family to focus on the award-winnning Brock flagship centre and the more recently added Flower Bowl leisure complex.

Eddie was always keen on the notion of a family business and took pleasure in seeing all three sons join it. “I guess I hoped we would end up with a family business into the next generation,” he told me. “But I wasn’t sure it would happen. I don’t think I put any pressure on the children to come in.” Guy recalls being told as a teenager by his dad that he and his brothers had to work in the garden centre on weekends and holidays but “we never talked about joining the business.”

Eddie had already insisted that none of his sons should join the family business until they were at least 25. But Guy was only 24 and travelling in New Zealand when Eddie invited him on board. “Dad said: ‘We’ve got this new garden centre in Bolton. Do you fancy coming back and running it?’ I had two jobs at the time, working 16 hours a day to try to earn enough to pay off my overdraft, so I decided running a garden centre sounded like a cushy number. I said yes. When I got home that summer, I said to Dad: Where’s this garden centre then? He said: ‘We’ve got to build it first.’”

Eddie believed that letting his offspring get on with the job without too much interference was the key to a happy succession. “When I was their age, I was my own boss and had been for some time, making big decisions,” he says. “Now they have got to the point where they have to do it all. I don’t think I interfered too much...”

Although he stepped back from day to day matters some years ago and was succeeded by Peter as chairman last year, he continued to take a close interest. He was immensely proud of his three sons and their achievements – but getting him to admit it within earshot was an entirely different matter...

Private funeral and service of remembrance on 28 September

Guy Topping has paid the following tribute to his father:

“Dad was such a huge character who touched the lives of so many people over many, many years.

“His death is a huge loss to the whole family, and all his friends and colleagues. We have received hundreds of messages from people all over the world who knew Dad from his work in garden retail or through his huge efforts for local charities.

“He will be sorely missed but very fondly remembered for so many reasons.”

Eddie, who also had two daughters, Jane and Anne, nine grandchildren and a great granddaughter, supported many local charities and organisations in the Preston area and, in 2003, was awarded the MBE for services to charity. He was a past president of Preston North Rotary Club, of which he was a member for over 50 years, and an honorary fellow of Myerscough College.

The family have announced that there will be a private funeral and service of remembrance on 28 September. Further details will be announced in the next few days.

Barton Grange have book located at the front of the Garden Centre if anyone visiting wishes to share their memories of Eddie with the family. 

Hundreds of comments from customers about the sad news are pouring into the Barton Grange facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BartonGrangeGardenCentre//peaceful-passing-eddie.../

Garden Industry Tributes pour in 

Here are just some of the tributes received by GTN Xtra:

Warren Haskins, chairman, Haskins Group:I first met Eddie in the mid 60s when we both joined a garden centre development group which included such forefathers of our industry as Leith Hayes and Derek Bunker.  We were all working on our young businesses and were stimulated by what he was doing at Barton Grange.  Eddie was full of ideas, ready to help everybody and I have many happy memories of being with him at GCA, IGCA, HTA conferences and many other places.  He contributed so much to our industry for which we must all be grateful.

Peter Seabrook, journalist, The Sun: Is it my feelings alone, are we losing all those who made garden centre retailing and development so much fun and a very real privilege and pleasure to have worked alongside?  “Big Man” is the best description that can be conjured up to describe Eddie, big in energy, big in his approach to everything he took on and boy did he take on some challenges, big in good nature, big sense of humour, big knowledge of plants and gardening, big in his services to our industry.

What  a legacy he has left us and what a standard set for others to follow.  My deepest sympathies are extended to all his family, who must be so proud of such a lovely man and huge character.  Eddie you are sorely missed, but never forgotten by those of us who knew you and were lucky enough to share your wonderful company.   

Ron Bent, chairman of Bents Garden & Home: This sad news marks the end of an era. Eddy was an inspiration to me personally and to everyone in the horticultural world. He was also a wonderful friend to Wendy and myself and our family. We will miss him greatly. We were the best of friends but also always the best of friendly rivals in business. He taught us (eventually) that cooperation, sharing and togetherness would make us all stronger and more competitive and he created a business that is a wonderful example of his philosophy and one that many of us still benchmark against. He was one of the founding fathers of the GCA, which enabled garden centres in the UK to get together and share the very best ideas and displays and also worldwide through the IGCA, of which his family and ours were regular attenders. But he leaves a wonderful family and a great business legacy that I’m confident that Guy and Peter will carry on with, using their own style to grow the business and have lots of fun along the way.

Sue Allen, GCA past chair: For the saddest of reasons, this week, I looked at my copy of the book ‘Barton Grange - A Topping Tale’.  I hoped I could find a little anecdote that summed up Eddie, but of course I soon realised it would be impossible to choose from such a wealth of incredible stories of his life, enthusiasm and achievements. Thanks to this remarkable man and his fellow pioneers we have the garden centre industry of today. Personally I have precious memories of times shared at industry events, conferences and international congresses and learned to appreciate Eddie’s quiet ‘no nonsense’ wisdom but also his delightful sense of humour and infectious laugh. My thoughts are with all the Topping family who continue to ensure Eddie’s legacy is in safe hands. Now I will treasure my signed copy of that book more than ever.

Ian Boardman, former Garden Centre Association chief inspector: I’ve known Eddie a long time. He always came to say Hello whether for training, Masterclasses, judging or inspecting. Always pressing for firm but fair ways to drive standards ever upwards. Thinking of family, friends and all at Barton Grange at this difficult time.

Simon Brindle, former colleague: When I worked at Bolton Barton Grange as a young lad in my first job, one of my tasks was to help weed the beds with Eddie, that and try to keep a track of all the stock he would just take off sale without writing off! There’s me two weeks into my new job trying to tell the owner, ‘No, you can’t just take a fork off sale’. I went on to work at the Preston branch for many years, quite often sharing a chinwag on one of his wanders around the offices. Even had the pleasure of creating a snapshot in time for the garden centre’s 50th anniversary, photographing every member of staff at that time, all packaged up into a coffee table book as a surprise.

Cliff Gorman, former colleague: What a man - so much energy, drive, determination and vision. It was my privilege to work alongside him for many years and I learnt so much from him. A great family man. I send my condolences to all the family.

Michael Cole, former GCA inspector: Eddie was a true gentleman and a proud Lancastrian, he was truly one of the pioneers of the garden centre industry and will be sadly missed by very many people.

Andy Campbell, Andy Campbell Consulting: I only got to know Eddie in recent years but it was very clear from the outset that he was one of life’s true gentlemen and someone who really understood welcome and hospitality. Our industry has lost an inspirational force and needs to take time to recover.

John Ashley, former supplier: Eddie Topping was the garden industry when I joined Fisons in 1972. He was HTA, GCA and his own growing business. Always welcoming and supportive and helpful to newcomers to this new industry. Eddie was a people person and it was always a pleasure to be in his company. He will be missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace. Guy is a chip off the old block.

Brian Gibbons, retired journalist: When I made the transition from Garden News to become founding editor of Garden Trade News in the late 1970s I knew little about the workings of what was about to become a massive trade. I had to rely on the friendly advice and encouragement of those pioneers who had made it all happen. One of these was jovial Eddie Topping, founder of the Barton Grange empire. Although never a comfortable public speaker, he possessed a shrewd mind and warm personality which enabled him to carry out his many trade offices with great distinction. Eddie touched the lives of so many people in a positive way, including my own. RIP Big Man.

Michael Hayes, Hayes Gardenland: A lovely man and one of my Dad's best pals. Great memories over many many years. RIP Eddie.

Roger Crookes, former GCA inspector: Garden centre legend, pioneer, encourager and gentleman. My sincere condolences to the Barton Grange team and the Topping family.

Pat Flynn, former GTN executive: Another character from the industry leaving us. He was a true gentleman with a cheeky sense of humour who I remember well from my days at Nurseryman & Garden Centre magazine and then GTN. Condolences to the family and all the team at Barton Grange.

Do please use the comments link below to add your tribute, or e-mail it to: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk

Pacific Nurseries of one of 20 finalists in the Ruxley Rose competition.

The GCA has announced the finalists for its annual Ruxley Rose competition. Twenty centres all received top scores in the summer inspections, delayed from the normal spring inspections due to Covid, and have now been put forward for autumn judging.

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, said: “Earlier this year our member garden centres received visits from our inspectors and their findings have determined the 10 finalists in the Garden Centre (GC) category and the 10 finalists in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category. All of the finalists are now through to the autumn stage of the competition and will be visited by our judge, Alyson Haywood, this month. She will evaluate how our members are continuing to promote and sell plants during the autumn season.

“The centres will also be judged on their excellent quality, presentation and overall range of plants available as well as the layout of their plant areas. Overall impression, access and use of demonstration areas will also be looked at.

“Staff at our member centres are also being judged on their knowledge and customer care and service.”

A winner from each category will be determined and announced during the GCA’s annual conference in January 2022.

The Ruxley Rose finalists in the Garden Centre category are:

• Cowell’s Garden Centre in the North East
• Klondyke Group – Daleside Garden Centre in the North West
• Klondyke Group – Garden Wise (Dumfries) in Scotland
• Klondyke Group – High Legh Garden Centre in the North West
• Klondyke Group – Stokesley Garden Centre in the North East
• Pacific Nurseries in the Midlands
• Pennells Garden Centre – Grimsby in the Midlands
• Planters at Bretby Ltd in the Midlands
• Squires Garden Centre – West Horsley in South Thames
• The Old Railway Line Garden Centre in Wales & West.

The Ruxley Rose finalists in the Destination Garden Centre category are:

• Barton Grange Garden Centre in the North West
• Baytree Nurseries & Garden Centre in the Midlands
• Bents Garden & Home in the North West
• Fron Goch Garden Centre in the North West
• Gordale Nurseries Ltd in the North West
• Monkton Elm Garden Centre Ltd in the Wales & West
• Pennells Garden Centre – Lincoln in the Midlands
• Planters Garden Centre – Tamworth in the Midlands
• St. Peters Garden Centre in the Midlands
• Webbs of Wychbold in the Midlands

Iain added: “Our Ruxley Rose competition aims to inspire our member garden centres to maintain best practice at all times and have centres that are inviting and attractive to customers. It is a prestigious, year-long competition that our members work extremely hard towards throughout the year, and one that is particularly exciting and rewarding after such a tumultuous year.

“Our members can also benefit from Alyson’s practical advice on achieving best practice as well as showcasing their own innovative sales initiatives.

“I would like to say a huge ‘congratulations’ to all of the finalists and wish everyone the best of luck for the next stage of the competition.”

Taking centre stage on the Kent & Stowe display at Glee will be new patent pending Eversharp secateurs. Designed and manufactured in the UK, they feature the hardest, sharpest blade available on the market. Independently proven by CATRA to be twice as sharp, and five times longer lasting than the UK market leader.

Novice gardeners and experienced horticulturalists are united in their need for a great pair of secateurs. In Westland research, consumers voice their frustrations over secateur blades that blunt too quickly, go rusty – and are unsuitable for the 15% of the population who are left-handed.

Westland took this and wider consumer insight to create the new Kent & Stowe Eversharp Secateurs, creating a revolutionary tool guaranteed to stand out amongst key competitors.

The design-led approach focused on two halves of the challenge – the blade and the chassis.

Firstly, Eversharp secateurs feature an extraordinary blade with a unique coated metal based on Formula One and aerospace technology. After coating, the blade becomes 100 times harder than the average blade, so it can be ground to be twice as sharp as the market leader, and due to its special properties stay sharper for five times longer.

The die cast aluminium and FSC® certified ash wood chassis has been scientifically and ergonomically developed to be comfortable in use from day one. But as the FSC® certified ash wood wears, its shapes to the gardener's hand, and becomes more comfortable with every use. There is an ambidextrous lock, and with the hand sizer can be set to the preferred level of opening. A wire and string cutter is also built in to make this a real all round gardening companion.

Fully benchmarked against the rest of the market by the independent professional knife and cutting trade association, CATRA. Eversharp secateurs are guaranteed to stand the test of time.

Marie Williams, head of the hardware division for Westland comments, “Eversharp secateurs are a game changer for the cutting category because we are cascading the very latest material science technology into what is a very mature category. There is something incredibly special about these secateurs, and they represent the direction of travel for our portfolio going forward. Consumer research has demonstrated to us that they value the real step change in performance, and our retail partners will benefit from the market growth that this will surely deliver.”

Westland has invested £0.5m into a brand refresh for Kent & Stowe. 2022 sees a new look and a strengthened product offer, with products made from FSC® certified wood, fully recyclable packaging and superior functionality and design.

With an RRP of £34.99, Eversharp secateurs come in all-purpose bypass and dead wood anvil options. They are supported by a national press campaign and a dedicated stand and  protected by a security RF tag, plus a secure location for attaching customer specific security systems. They will be available in February.

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 Garden 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.

The team at a West Yorkshire Garden Centre has doubled the size of its pet care, wildlife, bird care and aquatics department.

The new pets, wildlife, and aquatics department at Tong Garden Centre occupies a 900 square-metre area in a purpose built space next to Grass Hoppers indoor and outdoor play.

The department features an extended range from the UK's leading aquatics retailer, Maidenhead Aquatics, new lifestyle ranges for pets and animal lovers from Joules, Sophie Allport and The Little Dog Laughed and a new pet food supplier in family owned business Burgess from North Yorkshire. There is also an increased range of feed, feeders and accessories for wild birds.

Buyer, Phil Hemmings explains the rationale for the new department: "During lockdown, many more of us have become pet owners or have become more aware of the wildlife in our gardens and we wanted our range to reflect this increased interest in pets, garden birds, wildlife and aquatics. Our old pet care department wasn't big enough to do justice to this enhanced offer, so we relocated it to an area twice the size.

"The department now has an extensive range of everything from bird seed to feeders and pet food, dog beds, leads and toys, not to mention gorgeous gifts for pet animals and animal lovers alike. It looks amazing and gives our customers lots of choice."

The extended department is home to the largest Maidenhead Aquatics concession and feed the fish pool in Yorkshire and includes everything for aquarists, including tropical fish from around the world, community fish and specialist aquarium fish. It is also home to the largest selection of pond plants in the area and accessories from leading aquarium brands Oase, Fluval, Tetra and Aquamanta.

Pictured, left to right: Alex Littlewood (Maidenhead Aquatics), Andrew Tyers and Edwina Whitwam.

A select group of pet product suppliers have picked up New Product Awards at Paw at Glee.

Scoff Paper won the Pet Food category with its unique edible rawhide free greetings card for dogs.

There were joint winners of the Pet Health & Beauty award, as the honours were shared between Aqueos with its Anti-Bacterial Dog Shampoo with Hosepip Applicator and Sniffe & Likkit with The Woof Pack (a deluxe doggy bag and grooming kit).

It was a similar story in the Pet Accessories section where Goodchap’s and The Friendly Squid (Cleaning up our coast) was the joint winner alongside LeisureGrow and its Petface Planet (Toucan).

Westland with the Gardman Aura Bird Bath & Feeder won the Wild Bird and Wildlife Products category.

Meanwhile, the Glee Buyers Power List, set up to recognise the excellence of individual buyers and buying teams, saw Chessington Garden Centre pick up the Pet Buying Team of the Year award.

Fast-growing British dog grooming, gifts and treats firm Sniffe & Likkit has announced a partnership with renowned pet behaviour and nutrition expert, Anna Webb.

Regularly featured across media such as SKY 1 (for its ‘A Different Breed’ show), The Observer, Talk Radio and various BBC radio shows, Anna is also an ambassador for the national charities ‘All Dogs Matter’ and ‘Dogs on the Streets’.

Work with Sniffe & Likkit will see her collaborate across a wide variety of media - including her own podcast, ‘A Dog’s Life’ - especially in support of its new products, which includes ‘Glove My Dog’.

This is a drying towel made from unique type of natural bamboo fibres (‘Tamboocel’), renowned for its super absorbent and fast-drying qualities. With none of the heavy roughness of old cotton towels that many people use, Glove My Dog is ergonomically-designed to maximise gentle physical bonding with your dog - while quickly drying them after a wash. The environmentally-friendly material is naturally anti-bacterial, as well as mould and odour resistant, so it’s great for dogs with allergies or skin conditions. 

Just a year old and having won ‘Pet Product of the Year’ from the PetQuip Awards in 2020, Sniffe & Likkit also unleashed its expanded range at the ‘Glee’ show in mid-September. This saw the firm show off its new Christmas-themed products and gift packs. To support its expanded range, Sniffe & Likkit is now offering all new stockists a free counter-top display unit for maximum visibility and to help drive sales. 

The past year has seen the brand drive awareness and further support retailers by attending outdoor dog and lifestyle shows. It’s also been busy with its PR and Social Media activity - highlights include being featured in the FT and seeing Instagram followers double every three months. With pet ownership up by 10% and an extra 3m+ households having a pet (there’s now 14m dogs in the UK!), the firm is looking forward to another successful year in 2022.

Trade stockists: Pedigree Wholesale (petproducts.co.uk) or hello@sniffeandlikkit.com