The Garden Centre Association is reminding its members to book their places at its first face-to-face conference since 2020, which takes place at the end of this month.

The event, which will include talks, industry updates and opportunities to network, is being staged at the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa in Lancashire from January 22 until 25.

GCA Chairman, Tammy Woodhouse, says: “This conference is particularly significant, as we’ve not been able to meet all in one place properly, since our event in 2020, just before the first Covid lockdown.

“We’re reminding our members to make sure they have their places booked for our annual conference soon if they are still hoping to attend. Members can visit our website via www.gca.org.uk to reserve their place.

“It will be held at the 700-year-old Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa. Members can expect a line-up of top-quality speakers including Linbert Spencer OBE, Casper Craven, Dave Goulson, Guy Singh-Watson, Roger Martin-Fagg and Felicity Aston MBE, and plenty of opportunities to catch up with friends, colleagues and associates from the industry in person at last.”

The conference kicks off on Sunday, January 22 with the Greenfingers Challenge Cup at Barton Grange Garden Centre’s The Flower Bowl Entertainment Venue.

The evening will be full of fundraising activities and friendly competition to raise money for the charity, Greenfingers. Transport is available from the hotel directly to the Flower Bowl and back, to book, please visit www.gca.org.uk.  

Tammy adds: “Monday’s (January 23) part of the conference will focus on the operational side of our industry and will include talks from a range of inspiring and engaging business speakers to help motivate us for the year ahead.

“In the evening it will be our eagerly anticipated fancy-dress Associates Dinner, which is themed as ‘The Great GCA Garden Party’.

“During the day on Tuesday (January 24) there will opportunities to listen to some inspirational speakers and a chance to help attendees define their strategy for 2023 and beyond.

“There will also be our Associate’s Exhibition providing the chance to meet suppliers in an informal setting before concluding in the evening with our annual black-tie gala dinner and our famed awards ceremony.”

The GCA represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

The GCA’s annual conference will be held at the Mercure Blackburn Hotel & Spa in Blackburn, Lancashire from January 22 – 25, 2023.

For further information or to book a place, please visit www.gca.org.uk.

Garden centre and horticultural industry staff can now sign up for a FUNdraising event being held at the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference (January 22 until 25, 2023).

Teams will compete for the Greenfingers Challenge Cup on January 22 to raise money for Greenfingers, a national charity dedicated to creating magical and inspiring gardens in children’s hospices across the UK.

Guy Topping, MD at Barton Grange Garden Centre, who has regularly captained The Pansies team, made up of garden centre owners and staff, said: “We are so thrilled that the Greenfingers Challenge Cup is back for 2023 and we are looking forward to a great battle.

“This year, the Pansies, headed up by Will Blake, and The Cabbages, captained by Ian Flounders from Woodlodge Products will go head-to-head in a variety of activities, including bowling, crazy golf, crazy pool and curling at The Flower Bowl Entertainment Venue.

“In 2020, when we had our last face-to-face event pre-Covid, we raised £12,000 for the charity and we’re hoping to smash that total this year, so we’re asking anyone who hasn’t yet signed up, and would like to, to do so via the conference booking page at www.gca.org.uk.”

Delegates will arrive from 5pm and be taken to The Ocean Restaurant for a fish and chip supper followed by the fun and games.

Guy added: “The Pansies lifted the cup in 2020 and we’re confident we will retain the trophy this time around too, however, our main aim is to raise as much money as possible to help our fantastic charity and we hope lots of people get involved.”

The fundraising is centered around sponsorship of the event and Guy is asking all GCA members, both full and associate, to make a charitable donation of £1,000 to support Greenfingers Charity’s Silver Appeal and be a sponsor. All sponsors will be included in a Grand Draw on the Tuesday night of the conference, where one lucky company will walk away with an array of prizes.

Established in 1999, Greenfingers Charity supports life-limited children who use hospices around the UK, along with their families, by creating outdoor spaces for them to enjoy with family, friends and siblings, whether through play and fun or therapeutic rest and relaxation.

To date, it has created almost 70 gardens and outdoor spaces in hospices around the country and has a waiting list of hospices that need its help now.

The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

The GCA’s annual conference takes place at the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa in Blackburn, Lancashire from January 22 until 25, 2023 and places can be booked via www.gca.org.uk.

The conference pages on the website will be updated with speaker announcements and full listings as the programme develops and exact timings are confirmed. There is also a dedicated email for any queries members, and those wishing to book for the event, may have: conference@gca.org.uk.

For further information, please visit www.gca.org.uk.

Smart Garden Products has been working hard to bring you more than 300 new products, including several entirely new ranges. 

Brand new Candy Cane Ornaments, Stakes, Nutcrackers and Plush, Gingerbread Plush, Tree Décor, Lighting and Ornaments, and a staggering 52 new Wreaths & Garlands, all join the range. 

And we can’t forget our incredible new Self-Inflating Characters that are sure to take centre stage in even the most outlandish and spectacular Christmas displays!

“Collections” is our favourite word for Christmas 2023! Following the success of our matching lines across Briers and Zoon, we know how consumers find a connection with a pattern or theme and love to spread that joy throughout their home and garden spaces. Favourite Three Kings ranges have been revamped and extended to provide those recognisable link sales, across Gingerbread, Candy, Gonk and Nutcracker themes. Customers can find coordinating plush, cushions, stockings, hanging pendants, lighting, ornaments and figurines to dress their homes from top to bottom! Our Faux Décor Christmas assortment also has new lines so everywhere from the front door, to the table and the staircase can be adorned with colour matching wreaths, garlands and festoons. 

As always, we promise amazing quality and value for money across all lines. The complete Three Kings range, comprising over 750 items, will be displayed in our custom Christmas Showroom in Peterborough. Contact your Account Manager today to book a visit.

Below is a picture gallery of new products from the range.

Hogewoning is known for many years for his wide variety for products made of natural materials like wreaths and garlands made with cones in different styles and colours.

Daan Hogewoning said: “We have evergreen natural looking Christmas product which we renew every year.  Customers know that and the market is still looking out for this natural-country looking trend, which never disappeared from the market.

“Hogewoning has the ability to present this kind of products every year in a good balance for price and quality.

“This year we will surprise our customers with new articles in this field, which we are showing at the next trade fair Harrogate Christmas & Gifts on 15-18 January.

“Hogewoning has a good webshop where you will find a wide choice of products which we pre-sell.

“Because we have now our own company in the UK we are able to give good service to the garden centre trade in the UK.  

“Transport and duty are included in our prices.’

Browse the webshop by clicking here or the button (above left).

For further enquiries email daan@hogewoning.com

Meadow View Stone believes that a successful future for their business and their customers depends on the sustainability of the environment, communities and economies in which they operate. All businesses have a responsibility to consider the impacts of their actions and how they affect the environment, both in terms of their own operations and indirectly through their purchasing decisions.  

The sourcing and processing of aggregates and the manufacture of paving are seen as particularly environmentally contentious, with both products heavily reliant on single use plastic packaging.  As currently the technology is not available to contain/transport these heavy products in fully compostable packaging, the company has tried to mitigate their environmental impact through various other measures:

1. All polythene packaging, which includes bags, shrink wraps/covers and bulk bags, contain a minimum of 30% recycled content, saving approximately 112 tonnes of virgin plastic entering the waste stream in 2022
2. Post-consumer waste from our various production sites, is also recycled via accredited waste collection companies, operating with a zero to landfill strategy.
3. All prepack bags are identified with the industry recognised LDPE4 recycling logo to promote and make customers aware that bags can be recycling at specialist recycling centres/supermarkets.
4. The business’ company car fleet is comprised of 2/3rds electric vehicles, with electric charging points installed for staff/customer and supplier use.
5. The company bulk ships a selection of UK sourced aggregates to its various production sites reducing the number of lorry movements on the UK roads by 1137 vehicles in the last two years. 
6. All products are ethically sourced from sustainable deposits, being operated within current legislative and ecological parameters.  
7. The company also supplies a collection of recycled or bi-products for relevant applications where possible, with (a) 15 recycled products available in large bags; (b) 3 recycled products available in small bags; (c) 2 recycled products available in pouch bags.
8. The company’s production sites all operate with LED low voltage lighting.
9. All the water used for the washing of our premium products is 100% recycled.
10. The company’s administration processors are approx. 90% paperless, with the aim to be 100% by 1^st April 2023.
11. The company continues to encourage customers to maximise load sizes to reduce/minimise the number of delivery vehicles thereby lowering the companies carbon footprint.

Point of Sale
Another mitigation Meadow View Stone have made is to switch all their Point-of-Sale boards and Vinyl’s to a 100% recyclable material. The new medium is designed to be stronger, with less bending or warping compared to Correx, due to its cellular, not fluted, design.  A smooth surface layer provides premium print quality and pre-treatment of this surface ensures excellent print adhesion.  

Merchandising Stands 

Merchandising is a key part of Meadow View Stones offer which includes timber frames that are sourced from an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) registered company, ensuring all the timber is sourced ethically then further tanalised to prolong its lifespan.  

As we start a new year, the company is aware that more can be done and is working collaboratively with fellow suppliers, customers and industry experts to further improve their sustainability credentials and environmental footprint. 

Over the past two years, Perrywood Tiptree and Perrywood Sudbury have raised a grand total of £45,000 for local charities, schools and community projects.

Every two years, Perrywood choose local charities or community groups to support. In 2021/2, £35,000 was raised for Abberton Rural Training, Together We Grow, Colchester Hospital, ActivLives and Greenfingers. Fundraising activities by the Perrywood team and customers included an afternoon tea party, charity quizzes, prize draws and team Christmas jumper days, and tours and talks to gardening and community groups.

The Tiptree Coffee Shop & Restaurant team donated their tips to the Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity. Thanks to the generous tips from customers, they raised £9,720, which went towards equipment at Colchester Hospital.

An additional £10,000 was gifted in plant donations, gardening equipment and raffle prizes to other local charities, schools and community projects during 2022.

Hannah Powell, Communications and HR Director at Perrywood, comments:

“The last couple of years have been challenging for charities, so to raise this much money for them whilst households have been understandably tightening their belts has been amazing. We would like to say a huge thank you to all our customers and our team for their ongoing support. It’s only with their help and enthusiasm that this terrific amount has been possible.

“In 2023/24, we will continue to support Abberton Rural Training to deliver land-based courses to different groups, including those who are disadvantaged, vulnerable and isolated and Greenfingers who build beautiful gardens for children’s hospices.

“We also look forward to working with two new charities. Hope for Tomorrow provides mobile cancer care clinics across Essex and Suffolk. The Red Rose Community Farm at Sudbury deliver befriending schemes and support for adults with learning disabilities and need help as they transition to their new site in Lindsey near Sudbury.”

Rutland Nursery has revealed that its new 100-seater restaurant overlooking Rutland Water will be opening in the spring.

Posting on its Facebook page on New Year’s Day, the garden centre announced: “For the past two years we have had the absolute honour of designing and building a new home for ourselves. It’s been incredibly exciting planning layouts and choosing materials - even down to the finding the perfect espresso cup.

“The new L-shaped building faces Rutland Water and sits just behind our current site. One half of the building will house our beautiful new shop, with vaulted ceiling and a special corner ‘lookout’. Having a much larger space here will allow us to enhance and increase our current offering of thoughtfully-curated pieces.

“The centrepiece of the project though, is our new 100-seater restaurant, ‘The View’, with its floor-to-ceiling windows taking in unrivalled, panoramic views across Rutland Water to the hills beyond. Here you can choose to join family at one of our larger refectory tables, or cosy up next to our stone fireplace with friends.

“The building complex wraps around a brand new landscaped courtyard which will showcase a rich variety of plants and trees and provide a peaceful place for you to sit and take a moment. Here we can offer drinks or a light bite to enjoy outside too. Also within the boundaries of the courtyard sits ‘The Glasshouse’ which gives a new home to our houseplants and selection of outdoor furniture pieces.

“We’re truly thrilled to be finally sharing this news with you today, and it’s our absolute commitment that you will continue to receive the warmest of welcomes and experience those special touches you’ve become accustomed to from our dedicated and friendly team.

Happy 2023 to you all!”

Illustrations taken from Rutland Nursery’s Facebook page.

A leading UK turf grower is calling for the end of the use of plastic netting in turf – something he says is causing unseen environmental damage.

Stephen Fell, who owns Yorkshire-based business Lindum Turf, describes the plastic netting – which is in the majority of turf sold in the UK – as a completely avoidable source of pollution, adding few British consumers even know that most turf sold in the UK contains plastic.

The call is being supported by industry body the Turf Growers Association, which is encouraging its members to go plastic free by 2025.

Stephen made the call after Lindum Turf reported a threefold increase in sales of its plastic-free wildflower turf product over the past two years as the trend for replacing manicured lawns with wildflower meadows has gathered pace.

People buy wildflower turf to increase biodiversity and attract pollinators to their gardens, Stephen said, but are often appalled when they discover the product they are laying could cause significant damage to the environment.

“The trouble is, over time the plastic netting breaks down into microplastics and pollutes the soil and can leach off into watercourses,” Stephen said.

“But because the net is hidden within the turf and people can’t see it, they don’t know it is there. So, despite people having the best intentions of doing the right thing for the environment, they often don’t realise the damage choosing the wrong product can cause.

“It’s a throwback to earlier production methods the industry likes to keep quiet about. But technology has moved on. We have worked hard for many years to eliminate plastic from our turf, including our wildflower turf, and we believe it is now time for the rest of the industry to catch up.”

According to industry figures, around 70m sqm of turf are laid each year in the UK.

One argument employed by some turf growers to provide reassurance to consumers about the environmental credentials of their product is to describe the plastic ‘degradable’.

But this term often confuses consumers into thinking the plastic mesh used is biodegradable and therefore harmless to the environment.

Sadly, the opposite is true. Whereas ‘degradable’ plastic does degrade in the ground, it does so into harmful, polluting microplastics, and not harmless organic matter.

This can cause major issues in soil and water, and for wildlife.

Stephen added: “Wildflower turf is becoming incredibly fashionable. It is the only quick, easy, and reliable way to create a wildflower meadow which not only provides a beautiful spectacle to look at, it increases biodiversity and attracts vital pollinators.

“So, to create a product with that intention, only to line it with damaging single-use plastic seems perverse to me, especially when it is possible to create sturdy, plastic-free wildflower turf. The industry needs to address this issue and pledge to remove plastic from turf by 2030 at the latest.”

According to the TGA, the vast majority of UK turf growers use some kind of plastic turf netting in some or all of their products, meaning thousands of tons of single use plastics are being buried in the ground every year.

Not only does this cause issues with microplastics getting into the environment, farmers who let their land out to turf growers are being left with bits of plastic in their fields which cause problems when growing root crops like carrots and potatoes.

Birds, hedgehogs and other wildlife often suffocate or starve to death after getting trapped in the plastic debris.

Richard Owen, Chairman of the TGA, described the use of plastic turf netting as a major environmental problem.

He said: “It is very difficult to quantify exactly how much turf is laid in the UK, but it is likely that a significant amount of plastic turf netting is being put into the ground each year.

“This causes a problems for wildlife, for farmers on whose land the turf is grown, and most seriously, it decays into polluting microplastics that can leach into watercourses and get into the food chain.

“It is for this reason we are encouraging our members to stop using single use plastic mesh in their turf by 2025 and support calls for an industry-wide cessation.”

The view that single use plastics should not be in wildflower turf, or other types of turf, is also shared by Chelsea Flower Show organiser the RHS.

The organisation’s sustainability policy is working to reduce the use of three materials at its shows: concrete, virgin timber and plastics. Having already banned plastic bags and floral foam across the shows, they are aiming for the complete removal of single use plastics by 2025.

The nature of Lindum’s plastic free turf allows the RHS and the exhibitors who use it, to throw away less organic material after the shows as the RHS allows turf that is not reinforced or meshed to be left for reinstatement or composted.

Lindum Turf has not only exhibited their turf at RHS Chelsea for the past three shows, they are a supplier to the shows team and many garden designers. As more organisations like the RHS launch ambitious sustainability policies, companies like Lindum will be well placed to have the monopoly on the wildflower turf market.

Last year Bent Garden & Home in Warrington, Cheshire celebrated its 85^th anniversary; a huge milestone for any business and one which it is extremely proud of. But it is prouder still of its fantastic team of colleagues, one of whom has been critical to its growth and success, and after almost 30 years has now retired from the family owned and run business.

Brian Daniels, Bents’ Finance Director joined the team in 1993, when Ron and his wife Wendy were running the business.  At this time, the family had lots of ideas and plans, but required help and guidance to make these dreams a reality, whilst at the same time ensuring financial security and future growth. 

During his time with Bents, Brian has helped to transform what was an ambitious garden centre business into an award winning Destination Centre encompassing the garden, home, leisure and food, with a choice of dining.  He has overseen the financial growth of the family business from sales of £2m to a turnover of £25m and has helped manage over £29m worth of investment.

Says Matthew Bent, Managing Director at Bents Garden & Home: “It really is the end of an era and one which none of us was looking forward to.  Brian has been a mainstay and constant part of my working life and I’m not the only one who is going to miss him. He has not only been fundamental to our growth and success, helping to guide us through the ups and downs of the past 30 years, but he is also a true friend and member of our family.”

In addition to his commitment to keeping costs under control and keeping the company financially secure for its wider family of colleagues – something which was proven by Bents’ performance through the Covid pandemic – Brian has also been a mentor to the wider management team, helping to encourage and guide family members working within the business. 

Says Ron Bent, Chairman at Bents: “Brian is a great friend and support to the family.  We are proud of what we have achieved together and I want to join Matthew in saying a huge thank you to him for all his advice, encouragement and input over the years.  

“For any great business, along with vision and innovation there must also be shrewdness and pragmatism to successfully convert ideas into reality and with Brian we had the very best person for the job.  We wish him and his wife Eileen all the best for the future, but whilst this may be his retirement from the business it is not from the family and we are looking forward to seeing him soon.”

With a combined total of 103 years’ experience, two Hillier Nurseries innovators are retiring. Alan Postill, with 60 years of Hillier experience and the title of one of the UK’s greatest plant breeders, and Nursery Manager Dave Hooker, who has worked for Hillier for 43 years, are passing on the baton to the next generation of horticulturists.

Over the decades, Hillier has been responsible for numerous plant introductions, many of which have become essentials in British gardens, and master propagator and plant breeder Alan has been responsible for a great number of these.

Having joined Hillier at the tender age of 15, starting his career at the Chandlers Ford nursery on August 24th 1962, Alan has worked with a long list of notable propagators and plantsmen. He is rightfully recognised as one of the world’s number-one experts in his field.

Looking back, Alan clearly recalls his first day when he met Arthur Stevens, who was the site foreman at the time, as well as skilled propagator, Victor Pawloski. Alan had previously studied at Millbrook Farm and Garden School for four years and was among two or three students who joined from the school each year.

Alongside Alan, fellow longstanding Hillier Nursery Manager Dave Hooker is also retiring after 43 years. Dave worked in the nurseries alongside Alan and has passionately ensured that the team remains trained, passing on his incredible knowledge and expertise for both the plants and nurseries at Hillier.

Dave also oversaw the development of much of the Brentry and Woodlands sites, and his presence among the nurseries and the skills that he has taught will always be felt.

As Hillier says goodbye to two members of its nursery team, it also welcomes a new member, Gill Dowling. Gill has worked in the industry as a Propagation Supervisor for over 25 years and brings with her a wealth of knowledge in propagation as well as extensive experience developing, multiplying and trialling new varieties and bringing them to market. Gill has settled into the nursery team incredibly well and is already starting to work on important projects such as propagation in peat-free media.

Alan and Dave have both shared a wish to stay in touch and intend to visit the nursery and offer any support that Gill and the team may require to ensure that the Hillier skills are passed on to the next generation.

To mark Alan and Dave’s achievements and dedication to the company, Chairman Robert Hillier and Director of Property George Hillier hosted a congratulatory lunch attended by other past members of Hillier staff and the board  to say thank you for all they have done for Hillier.

When asked about his time spent with Hillier, Dave replied, "During my time at Hillier, I have seen many great changes and have watched the industry really develop. I have always appreciated working within a family business, and it’s been a very enjoyable 43 years."

Alan has specialised in all forms of propagation, including grafting, root cuttings and growing from seed, and has introduced numerous popular plant species.

Daphne bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’ was named after Alan’s wife and is a splendid and very hardy form of Daphne that Alan raised in 1982. It is evergreen or semi-evergreen with large, showy flowers and an absolutely delicious fragrance.

Alan also developed the beautiful Choisya x dewittiana ‘Aztec Gold’ a decade ago to mark his 50th anniversary at the company, and it was launched at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May 2012. The golden form of the Mexican orange blossom is an evergreen shrub that is designed to be resistant to winter weather damage and produces white flowers in spring or early summer and autumn.

Both are testaments to Alan's expertise and have proven very popular since their introduction.

In reference to Alan and Dave’s incredible achievements, Robert Hillier commented: "After 60 years as a propagator, Alan must rank amongst the most skilled propagators that there has ever been. Generous and patient, he is always keen to pass on his skills and still takes pleasure in seeing a plant grow roots. Dave leaves us with a great legacy on the nursery, where his attention to detail and desire to make systems and processes as simple as possible will be with us for a long time. I can only imagine how many millions of plants Alan has propagated or Dave has grown over the years, as well as the joy those plants have brought to gardeners and the legacy they have left in British gardens.”

For further information about Hillier please visit www.hillier.co.uk

New from Greenworks, one of the UK’s leading brands of cordless gardening and power tools, is the battery-powered Crossover range of ride-on lawnmowers, which offer a powerful, efficient and environmentally friendly solution to mowing larger lawns.   

Featuring 24hp equivalent brushless motor technology and powered by lightweight 60V batteries which can be charged in as little as 90 minutes, the new Crossover ride-on lawnmowers can cut up to 8,000m² on a single charge or equivalent to 2 acres. The batteries are also interchangeable with other 60V tools from Greenworks, such as hedge trimmers and leaf blowers.

There are two models to select from: Crossover T with steering wheel control, and Crossover Z adjustable lap bars which have the added benefit of individually powered rear wheels for a true zero-radius turning circle, making it ideal for mowing around trees, bushes and other obstacles.

Greenworks Crossover ride-on lawnmowers are equipped with two dual-action steel blades that have a wide cutting width of 106cm (42”) and seven adjustable cutting heights of 38mm-105mm. Grass cuttings are conveniently discharged to the side or mulched. For added convenience, they have a rear carry tray and tow-hitch for a garden trailer.

Ergonomically designed, the Greenworks Crossover lawnmowers include a high-back padded seat with back support and foldable armrests for comfort and safety. Safety is further enhanced with the addition of high-intensity LED lights for extra visibility whilst mowing in low light conditions. A robust steel chassis makes for a durable, long-lasting lawnmower that can be across a range of lawn terrains.

Mark Moseley, Sales & Marketing Director, said: “Greenworks Crossover lawnmowers are not only good for your lawn and for your comfort, but also the environment due to them being emissions-free and much quieter than a regular petrol-powered ride-on lawnmower.Plus, they're competitively priced!”

To discover more on Greenworks 60V Crossover ride-on lawnmowers, and to become a Greenworks Stockist, visit www.handys.co.uk or email sales@handys.co.uk

It is a new year and gardeners cannot wait for days to become lighter and brighter so that we can get outside and enjoy the space that we are so lucky to have created. Each year, we witness the latest trends unfold, so as we prepare for the new season and 2023 sees a resurgence of gardening aided by the pandemic, British Garden Centres take a look at how consumers can use their garden and embrace the trends that look set to take over the outdoors this year.

Sustainability

With consumers becoming more empowered and eco-aware, we can expect to see more natural and recyclable products in gardens. Gardeners looking at reducing their carbon footprint on our planet will be looking for British-grown plants and locally-made products – both stocked widely by British Garden Centres.

We expect to see more plant pots made from recyclable materials such as ocean plastic, recyclable rubber and reclaimed waste on patios, balconies and gardens across the country. Solar-powered lights and water features, as well as cost-saving LEDs, will light up our outdoor spaces after dark.

Following the unprecedentedly hot UK summer last year, it is thought that more warm weather can also be expected in 2023. The threat of a dry gardening season and lack of rain leaves gardeners old and new in a watering predicament of when to water, and what to plant. Watering plants using a watering can, bucket, or using rainwater from a water butt will become a regular occurrence and will prevent wasting water and help your plants thrive during the hot spells.

Plants

The biggest event this year is set to be King Charles’ coronation in May, and we expect to see trends from the celebration spread into our homes with households planting their gardens and containers in patriotic red, white and blue.

His majesty has made no secret that his favourite plant is the Delphinium which he describes as magnificent and grew at Highgrove. King Charles is a well-known advocate for gardening so we think delphiniums which symbolise positivity, will be a popular choice for gardeners as he becomes the country’s next monarch.

Continuing the cottage core trend is the Queen Consort whose favourite plant is the Lady’s Mantle or Alchemilla Mollis with its attractive green crimped parasols of foliage and delicate yellow flowers. It makes an excellent ground cover and is ideal for cottage-style gardening which has continued to grow as people look to turn their homes and gardens into an idyllic conception of rural life. Expect to see the rise of cottage favourites and nostalgic plants like roses, lilac, hydrangea, and hollyhock too as the country prepares for its first coronation for over 70 years.

On December 1st, Pantone, the colour trend experts, revealed the highly anticipated colour of the year for 2023: ‘Viva Magenta’ which will dominate fashion, the home and the garden. Pantone describes the colour as “brave and fearless, a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative” which we believe will transfer outdoors.

We love pelargoniums which produce attractive dark magenta flowers, (as well as other colours) which are fit for the 2023 Pantone colour trend and will also appeal to wildlife lovers who want to bring pollinators to the garden.

Grow your own

Penny-saving planting will rise as household bills soar, so we expect to see more people growing their food in their gardens. Whether it be alpine strawberries or fresh herbs, whole summer salads to root vegetables and fruit, being self-sufficient will play a key part in 2023.

Growing your own not only provides a sustainable and convenient source of fresh produce, but also allows for greater control over the quality and safety of the food being consumed, and can be a fun, healthy and rewarding hobby.

Microgreens will also become a popular culinary trend because of their intense flavour, high vitamin content and ease and speed to grow – the perfect window-sill crop!

Outdoor living

There will be a strong focus on outdoor living and relaxation with space to entertain friends with the garden now viewed as an outdoor room or an extension of existing living space. Luxurious and sociable eating areas, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and decking will be must-haves for 2023. We also will see dining al-fresco become more and more popular with outdoor kitchens accompanying garden furnishings.

Wall art, outdoor mirrors, and garden décor are also taking off as homeowners decorate their outside with as much care and thought as their interior. Metallic accents are steadily gaining popularity and can add warmth or a focal point outdoors. To incorporate metallics into your garden aesthetic, try using wall mirrors with thin silver frames and use metal lanterns to enhance pathways or as table centrepieces.

Houseplants

Houseplants are extremely popular both as a hobby and as interior décor as they are renowned for adding texture to your space and can even improve your health. Biophilic design, which is all about incorporating nature into our homes through design, will continue to thrive as it has shown that it can make us healthier and more productive. Houseplants with attractive foliage will continue to trend like calatheas for their many different shapes and colours. With customers now looking for something new, there are over 100 cultivars to choose from to suit any room or taste.

Oversized houseplants are due to make a statement in the home in 2023. Monstera or the Swiss Cheese Plant and palms will adorn dark corners of every room, whilst cacti and succulents will continue to thrive with novice gardeners and will remain popular and are easiest to grow.

Reflecting on 2022, lawn care franchise Greensleeves is now celebrating a third consecutive record-breaking year of network turnover with an increase of almost 10% on 2021's performance.

The horticultural franchise also expanded its UK wide network of 108 locations with three new territories, proving that the outdoor sector is continuing to flourish despite economic uncertainties.

"2022 was an unbelievable year for the Greensleeves network and it’s set to only get better as we move into 2023,” said David Truby, the MD of Greensleeves.

“As a network, not only have we smashed our turnover for a third year in a row, but we also maintained our 4.7/5 Trustpilot score. We also received the WorkBuzz 5 Star Franchisee Satisfaction Award for a second year running, which was a fantastic tribute to all the head office team at Greensleeves and the fantastic work they do. The team are constantly looking for innovative ways to make our franchisees' lives easier, which was reflected by 97% of our franchisees who agreed our team is willing to go the extra mile for them."

2022 also saw the return of the Greensleeves annual conference, which was the first time the network had come together in person since January 2020. The event created a valuable opportunity to celebrate the brand's growth post-COVID and welcome 16 new franchisees, all of whom joined in the last two years. However, perhaps the most notable event for the Greensleeves network was its acquisition by Neighbourly® UK, one of Britain's largest home services organisations. 

"It's an unbelievably exciting time for Greensleeves and all our franchise owners. I have been proud to be part of the journey that has grown our locations from two to 108. It is now time for Greensleeves and Neighbourly to write the Company's next exciting chapters collaboratively and benefit from all of the support and tools Neighbourly offers to help us succeed in the year. We had a fantastic end to 2022 having welcomed three new franchisees and seen an 8.5% increase of income last year. So, it is safe to say there has never been a more exciting time to join our network," added David.

If you would like to get involved with Greensleeves' exciting future, you can find out more information at www.greensleevesfranchise.co.uk.

Spring Fair, the UK's leading wholesale marketplace for home, gift, and fashion, taking place from 5-8 February 2023 at NEC Birmingham, has unveiled an exciting line-up of exhibitors putting the spotlight on products and gifting for our four-legged friends.

There are over 12 million dogs in the UK and owners are spending more on gifts for their pets than ever before creating an exciting opportunity for retailers to diversify and stock gifts for pets too.

Daniel Mayhew, Event Director at Spring Fair says, “As a continuing growth sector which looks to be relatively unaffected by the cost-of-living crisis, we are seeing more and more brands focusing on products and gifting for pets or introducing pet ranges to their collections. We’re excited to showcase some brilliant new and innovative products to the marketplace, we’re certain many will become next year’s bestsellers.”

New pet-related exhibitors to the Spring Fair line-up include Wag & Wool, a Brighton-based doggy accessory company producing 100% lambswool jumpers for puppies, adult dog coats, as well as matching owner and dog sets - there’s a WAG&WOOL for every kind of dog, their owner, and your ideal dog walk.

Denzels will present their healthy treats for dogs which are also healthy for the planet. Denzel's dog snacks are made from 100% natural ingredients, gently baked in the UK into tasty, low-calorie treats. W’zis produces contemporary dog treat tin gift sets. Plant-based, healthy vegan dog treats are more than just part of the plant-based revolution bandwagon. The nutritional makeup of W’ZIS means they are a suitable treat for dogs with a variety of dietary needs.

Check out Twiggy Tags for gorgeous handmade pet accessories with an outdoorsy feel. Twiggy Tags started with hand-stamped metal ID tags, developed to include Biothane collars, uniquely personalised for added luxury, and now includes a large collection of bold, attractive dog accessories that are durable and hard-wearing for furry explorers and designed for all adventures on four paws, from beach days to mountain hikes, woodland trails, pub lunches and everything in between.

Regular Spring Fair exhibitors are also presenting pet ranges including Chalk UK who will showcase their new dog collars, leads, and neckerchiefs in February, and Widdop & Co who have introduced a Best of Breed range of pet-themed giftware.

Also returning to Spring Fair is The Bottle Baking Company, with its home baking range for dogs, the Doggy Baking Co – Baking Paw Licking Treat for Dogs which won the Gift of the Year 2022 category for Pet Gifts.

Rex London have introduced a range of dog leads and ‘make your own dog treats kits’ which come in a Best in Show presentation box featuring adorable canine characters, which would make a unique and thoughtful gift for a dog lover, as well as a cute pet doormat.

Renowned for its ingenious array of products and gifts, take a look at the Kikkerland stand for its new Kobe Hiking Kit for dogs including 3 biodegradable poop bags, 3 wet wipes, 2 paper water bowls, dog light, tick removal tool with magnifier and dog travelling guide booklet, as well as a large selection of other doggie delights. For the ultimate in dog pampering, Gift Republic will showcase a super fun Doggie Bath Bomb and Dog Massage Kit.

Greetings & Stationery are never short of adorable pet designs, so don’t miss a visit to design-led gift and greeting card company The Little Dog Laughed for their growing collection of pet inspired cards, stationery, gifts and digital printed cushions, as well as a range of pet accessories including high quality and fit for purpose designer leads, collars, feeding bowls and ID tags.

For all these and much more visit Spring Fair at NEC Birmingham from 5th – 8th February 2023. Register at https://www.springfair.com/visitor-registration

Independent home retailers can now register for what show organisers are coining INDX Homewares’ and INDX Furniture’s “biggest and best” show schedules yet.

Curated by buying group, Associated Independent Stores (AIS), INDX is celebrating 10 years as the leading order writing show in 2023. The shows have continued to evolve over that time, with this year’s being backed by leading trend agency, Scarlet Opus, which guides AIS members through the complex consumer landscape.

Scarlet Opus was appointed to work with AIS and INDX Shows in 2022 and produces regular product and consumer trend reports for the buying teams to ensure its members can stay ahead of the retail curve. Visiting AIS members of the February show will be able to hear from Director of Consumer Behaviour Insights and Trends at Scarlet Opus, Phil Pond, who helps build world class retail environments.

This year there will be 24 new suppliers at the Homewares Show on 21-22 February including Riva Home, Potters Crouch, Burton McCall, Herdy, Swan, D.A.D, Georg Jensen, and LIGA. Seven suppliers will also be returning including Le Creuset, Beam, Turner Bianca, Joseph Joseph, Sodastream, Waltons, and Frass & English Soap Company.

One of the many draws to INDX Homewares for independent retailers is its ability to provide access to 36 leading brands from 10 leading electrical suppliers, each of which has a range of brand-new products lined up for launch including a virtually assisted kettle.

Rachel Breen, Head of Homewares said: “When we speak to our suppliers, members and show visitors, we really listen to the challenges they’re facing and want to ensure our shows are where they feel they can get business done. Many of the key suppliers are now starting to streamline their trade show attendance, and we are incredibly proud of the fact many are prioritising the INDX schedule, evidenced in the range of new contenders and returning residents.

“We also continue to keep a close eye on the changing demands on the industry. We are aware that buying patterns are constantly changing, so it’s important that we are able to be flexible to this in order to best serve our members.

“As we approach our 10-year anniversary in 2023, it is clear that a more consolidated show offering is the best way to cater to the modern market. We’re therefore adjusting the way that we deliver them so that everyone involved is able to draw the maximum benefit.”

Since its inception in 2013, INDX Shows have been able to welcome a focused selection of buyers and exhibitors to its dedicated exhibition space, Cranmore Park, Solihull, every year.

The INDX 2023 calendar for shows relevant to retailers in the home sector has been published below:

JANUARY

INDX Furniture, 20-23 January

FEBRUARY

INDX Homewares, 21-22 February

APRIL

INDX Bed & Bedroom, 25-26 April

JUNE

INDX Furniture, 20-22 June

AUGUST

INDX Bed & Bedroom, 30-31 August

SEPTEMBER

INDX Homewares, 12-13 September

To register for the shows, CLICK HERE

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Leading garden care company Evergreen Garden Care has announced changes to its leadership team.

After working as a Marketing Director for two years at EGC, Ian Hepburn will be leaving the company, with Rich Fisher (pictured) succeeding him.

Rich, the previous Category Management & Customer Marketing Controller transitioned to the position of Head of Marketing on Tuesday 3rd January. Rich joined Evergreen in October 2019, and in the subsequent three years has led successful management responsibilities for shopper marketing, category management & insights, the EGC trade academy, alongside the sustainability function too. It is now an appropriate time for Rich to transition to a more strategic role, and lead the consumer marketing, category development, customer marketing and sustainability strategy for the UK.

Rich Fisher comments: “I’m delighted with the opportunity to lead this key team within the business. The colleagues who have been working with me for the last few years know that I’m all about simplifying gardening for shoppers and consumers and ensuring they get the best possible results – and I plan to keep that focus going forward.

“We have a brilliant family of brands at Evergreen and the unique opportunity to keep leading the way in this extraordinary industry. I’m keen to get started and look forward to working with customers and colleagues alike.”

Rich will be working on the following EGC brands: Miracle-Gro, Levington, Roundup and Weedol.

The Horticultural Trades Association welcomes the Government launching its five-year GB Biosecurity Strategy.

Significantly, the strategy proposes to increase the level of collaboration between Defra and industry in order to facilitate safe trade and reduce the risks posed by pests and diseases.

Additionally, Defra outlines plans for a campaign aimed at the general public to increase awareness of the importance of plants, as well as improved plant health understanding at educational level.

HTA is a signatory to the Plant Health Accord, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of plant health to the public.

The four overarching themes proposed in the strategy include:

1. A world class biosecurity regime
2. A society that values plant health
3. A biosecure plant supply chain
4. An enhanced technical capability.

Jennifer Pheasey, HTA’s Director of Public Affairs, commented: “HTA welcomes the GB Plant Biosecurity Strategy launched today. We will continue to engage with our members and Defra on this strategy in order to implement its key themes and enhance British biosecurity, which is a top priority for our sector.

“We support the ambitions contained within it and are keen to ensure that actions, when taken, will enable plants as part of a biosecure supply chain to be traded smoothly, efficiently and cost-effectively.

“The industry takes biosecurity very seriously and recognises that a biosecure supply chain is of critical importance. It is vital that imported products present the lowest risk profile possible through industry expertise, safe and secure supply chains, and a culture of biosecurity at every level.

“We urge the Government to work in collaboration with the sector and would highlight the need to conduct a comprehensive review and action on both undeclared plant imports and any e-commerce traders who are not operating securely, which pose a threat to British biosecurity, and to discuss further progressing an industry indemnity scheme.

“A successful Strategy will mean the British public will have access to more of the healthy plants they want to grow in their gardens and see in the wider landscape, whilst ensuring they are healthy and pose little risk to the environment.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Government in the future to ensure our environment is enhanced by the plants and trees our industry works so hard to produce.”

Covering the five weeks 27 November - 31 December 2022

As well as the December footfall figures, we have also included an additional bullet this month covering the whole of 2022.

According to BRC-Sensormatic IQ data: 

• Total UK footfall for 2022 was 11.8% below pre-pandemic levels. This was a big improvement on 2021 footfall which was 33.2% below pre-pandemic levels.
• Total UK footfall decreased by 7.3% in December (Yo3Y), 6.0 percentage points better than November. This is better than the 3-month average decline of 10.2%.
• High Streets footfall declined by 9.3% in December (Yo3Y), 4.3 percentage points better than last month's rate and better than the 3-month average decline of 11.0%.
• Retail Parks saw footfall decrease by 5.2% (Yo3Y), 1.0 percentage points worse than last month's rate and worse than the 3-month average decline of 4.5%.
• Shopping Centre footfall declined by 19.9% (Yo3Y), 3.3 percentage points better than last month's rate and an improvement on the 3-month average decline of 20.9%.
• Northern Ireland saw the shallowest footfall decline of all nations and regions at -3.0%, followed by England at -8.7% and Wales at -9.6%. Scotland saw the steepest decline at -9.9%.
• On a YoY basis, Total footfall increased by 15.1%; High Streets by 19.7% and Shopping Centres by 13.4%. Retail Parks down by 1.6%.

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: "Footfall reached its highest level since the start of the pandemic in December. A combination of rail disruption and the cold snap kept many shoppers from visiting town centres and high streets in the last week before Christmas. Meanwhile, the postal strikes forced others to head in for the last week to secure last minute gifts in-store.

"Historically low consumer confidence and 30-year-high inflation made for an exceptionally difficult year for consumers and retailers, with footfall down over 10% on pre-pandemic levels. Nonetheless, this was still a significant improvement on the previous two years when the pandemic kept many people at home. Although retailers' input costs show little sign of easing in 2023, they continue to do all they can to keep prices affordable and tempt customers in."

Andy Sumpter, Retail Consultant EMEA for Sensormatic Solutions, commented: "Physical retail rallied in December, with store performance last month posting its best footfall counts compared to pre-pandemic figures all year.  Retailers rose above an onslaught of festive disruption, from snow chaos to rail and mail strikes impacting consumers' shopping journeys both on- and off-line, disrupting pre-Christmas travel to shopping hubs and creating online delivery backlogs and delays.  And, once again, it was the in-store teams that kept retailers' doors open and able to continue to serve their customers and communities.  Looking ahead to 2023, retailers will be hoping for more stability and support to help them chart a trading course for success in the light of continued economic headwinds, as they adapt their retail offers to the needs of the cost-of-living consumer."

Recipient of a Blue Diamond Scholarship in 2022, career changer, Jessica Mears, who had been delivering letters for the Royal Mail in Bristol for two years after completing her Masters degree in mathematics, says life is about Lavender and the 400 or so varieties of other herbs she is involved in growing now, rather than letters!

Always interested in gardening,  she became intrigued by all the plants she saw in front gardens while delivering letters, and how they changed with the seasons,  Jessica was inspired by horticulture as a career and signed up to do a Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Horticulture with Sparsholt College in Hampshire. 

Now qualified and with college behind her, Jessica is working with Jekka’s, a herb growing specialist in south Gloucestershire, where she is able to put into practice so much of the horticultural knowledge she has learnt and hone her skills in propagation techniques. 

The 31^st January sees the closing of the application season for the varied range of Colegrave Seabrook Foundation scholarships for 2023. Bursaries from £500 up to £5,000 are available to students studying horticulture, on a full or part time basis, through one of the colleges in the UK. 

Jessica Mears, the recipient of a Blue Diamond Garden Centres scholarship in 2022 told us: 

“Gaining my scholarship made such a difference to my final year of studies. Taking away some of the financial pressures enabled me to concentrate on study and enjoy college so much more. The application process was easy, the fact that it was not means tested also made it so much more accessible. Being able to do some extra studies and qualifications has helped me so much with my work now. I am really grateful to the Foundation for their support and would recommend students to make their own application.”

You will find full details and application advice for the range of Scholarships including those supported by Blue Diamond, Smart Garden Products and Majestic Trees on the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation website, but do not delay as the deadline is looming and on line applications close on the 31^st January 2023. www.colegraveseabrookfoundation.org.uk

College lecturers play an important part in the application process, bringing the opportunities to the attention of students that the Foundation’s scholarships bring and supporting their applications. Students who demonstrate the right attitude, ability and ambition to make their career in one of the many branches of horticulture should apply for some financial support to help with costs of living, purchase of course materials, fees, travel costs or something as specific as the purchase of a new laptop or other tools to assist their studies.  

Pictured: Jessica at the nursery in Gloucestershire, now putting into practice some of what she learnt at Sparsholt College, supported by a Scholarship from the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation in 2022. 

Spring and Autumn Fair, the UK’s leading marketplaces for wholesale Home, Gift, and Fashion has announced the promotion of Alejandra Campos to Event Director of the exhibitions.

With a focus on Autumn Fair and Moda, Alejandra will work alongside SAF Event Director Daniel Mayhew whose focus is Spring Fair.

Spring and Autumn Fair Portfolio Director, Nicola Meadows says, “I am thrilled to promote Alejandra to Event Director of Spring and Autumn Fair. Since joining Hyve she has shown immense talent, passion and drive and we are confident she will bring enormous energy and expertise.

Alejandra and Daniel make a remarkable team and bring many years of invaluable experience in the industry and a combined vision to drive progress, innovate, and develop the shows to ensure they continue to meet the needs of our community and deliver return on time and investment. They take the helm at a very exciting moment in the history of the shows.”

Campos joined Hyve Group plc in July 2022 as Event Director of Moda, one of the UK’s longest standing fashion trade shows which is now an integral part of Spring Fair and Autumn Fair.

During her career, Alejandra Campos has achieved high-level experience working on pioneering and successful trade exhibitions, consumer shows, conferences, and awards ceremonies across a variety of countries and sectors including homeware, fashion, wedding, giftware, healthcare and automotive.

Whilst heading the National Wedding Show portfolio at Ocean Media, Alejandra launched the Luxury Wedding Show, and her passion and vision left a strong mark on the bridal fashion industry with the conception and launch of White Gallery London. She eventually went on to found London Bridal Fashion Week independently.

More recently, she was the event director of award-winning design-led trade event, Top Drawer London. Over her 20 years in the events industry, Alejandra has developed a strong interest in innovation and the implementation of technology and has spearheaded the development of marketing and learning platforms to improve customer ROI and reinforce brand positioning.

Campos says, “As Hyve drives our portfolio of exhibitions into a revolutionary new phase with the launch of Connect@, I feel privileged to have been given the role of Event Director for Spring and Autumn Fair and the opportunity to help lead our incredibly talented and motivated team at such an exciting time.”

Spring Fair takes place on the 5th - 8th February 2023 and Autumn Fair runs from 3rd – 6th September 2023, at NEC Birmingham. Visit www.springfair.com and www.autumnfair.com for more information.

To celebrate National Houseplant Week [9th-15th January], sustainable accessories brand, Wave, has collated Instagram data to reveal the most popular houseplants in the UK. 

With over 3.6 million hashtags, Monstera is crowned the UK’s favourite houseplant, followed by Philodendron [2.5 million hashtags] and Amaryllis [700k hashtags].

The UK’s Top 20 Most Popular Houseplants 

Ross Longhorn, Founder of Wave and sustainability advocate, explains the benefits of having house plants in your property: “At Wave, we’re on a mission to try and encourage the change we want to see in the world and National Houseplant Week is a great time to celebrate the benefits of houseplants on the environment and encourage people to fill their homes with lots of greenery. 

"Not only do houseplants brighten up your home and create a calming environment, they also help to reduce carbon emissions by changing carbon dioxide into oxygen. This ultimately helps to reduce the impacts of climate change, helping to create a better future for our planet.” 

Caroline Owen, Managing Director of Scotsdales Garden Centres, has taken over the chairmanship of the Tillington Group from Dennis Espley who retired last year, with James Evans from Ruxley Manor Garden Centre becoming Vice Chairman. 

Caroline said: “It is a real privilege to become Chairman of the Tillington Group. This is an exciting time for Tillington, as there have been a few changes recently within the group and it has given us an opportunity to positively reassess how we take the group forward. 

“I look forward to working with the group to strengthen and improve what we are doing and ensure that we are ready for the inevitable challenges and opportunities that lay ahead”. 

Membership of The Tillington Group comprises the following garden centres: Alton, Bents, Frosts, Hayes, Otter, Ruxley Manor, Scotsdales, Squires, Webbs and Whitehall and the 39 centres had a combined turnover net of vat of over £250m in 2022. 

Van Hage recently left the group on being purchased by the Blue Diamond Group.

Squire’s Garden Centres has announced that D. J. Squire & Co. Ltd has acquired the shares of Barnsfold Nurseries Limited with effect from 1 January 2023.  

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: “Barnsfold Nurseries is a business we have worked with and admired for many years.  We very much respect the leadership team at Barnsfold as well as the commitment, knowledge and experience of the whole team. The great plants they grow speak for themselves. We look forward to working with everyone at Barnsfold as, together, we enter a new phase in the history of both companies.

“There is great synergy between the two companies – two long-established horticultural businesses with shared values.  We are certain that, together, both businesses will prosper and thrive.”   

John Turner, Barnsfold Nurseries Limited, comments: “We have a longstanding relationship with Squire’s as a supplier to their sixteen garden centres.  We are delighted that they have become the new owners of the business. We are confident in the next chapter, that being part of the Squire’s Group will bring exciting opportunities to grow together in the future.”

Barnsfold Nurseries Limited will remain a separate company as a wholly owned subsidiary within the Squire’s group. As such it will continue to be business as usual at Barnsfold. The existing Barnsfold management team remains in place and the company is committed to fulfilling all its obligations to its customers going forward and indeed expanding its customer base further in the future.

Happy New Year to you all.  We hope you all had a good and safe festive period and are now looking forward to an exciting 2023.

Since New Year the GTN gnomes have been beavering away to compile the Top 100 stories read in GTN Xtra last year as our review of 2022.

Sadly, the list is dominated by the passing of so many distinguished and much-loved figures in the garden centre industry but in some ways it’s another tribute to the service they gave to the trade.

We've thoroughly enjoyed bringing you all the news, views and ideas during 2022 and we hope you found GTN Xtra both useful and informative.

Top 100 most-read stories in GTN Xtra during 2022
(click on the item to read the story)

1. Tributes to Peter Seabrook who died on Friday 14th January – Issue 3
2. Sad news to end the year, Paul Cooling has died – Issue 49
3. New faces in Azpects’ sales team – Issue 13
4. Plant food gets a Boost – Issue 17
5. Ian Boardman dies suddenly – Issue 39
6. Petface partners with Greenfingers charity – Issue 29
7. Van Hage garden centres bought by Blue Diamond – Issue 44
8. Trio of liquid feeds joins specialist range – Issue 29
9. Alastair Jackson of Poplars Garden Centre has died – Issue 49
10. Private equity backed management buyout at Mr Fothergill's – Issue 8
11. Established garden centre business put up for sale – Issue 39
12. Adrian Hall garden centres close as parent company ceases trading – Issue 33
13. Blue Diamond buys Blackdown Garden Centre – Issue 2
14. New owners at Coolings – Issue 11
15. Hillier grows to 22 garden centres with acquisition of Rosebourne – Issue 44
16. Alan Roper Interview in GTN's Sustainability Directory Issue – Issue 49
17. Garden centre manager Gavin Cooper dies suddenly – Issue 49
18. Westland win record breaking eight awards at the GIMA's 2022 – Issue 42
19. GTN’s Greatest Christmas Award winners revealed – Issue 6
20. Fire at Blue Diamond’s Grosvenor Garden Centre – Issue 24
21. East Bridgford, Grosvenor, Nailsworth & Matlock scoop awards – Issue 11
22. Barton Grange and The Old Railway Line are big GCA winners – Issue 7
23. British Garden Centres buy Timmermans to make it 59 – Issue 7
24. Choice Marketing celebrates 20 years – Issue 40
25. Sales boom this spring at British Garden Centres – Issue 13
26. Blue Diamond aiming for £300m turnover by 2023 – Issue 2
27. Sale of horticultural peat to be banned by 2024 – Issue 34
28. Blue Diamond reports £39.5m profits as turnover grows to £255m – Issue 20
29. Dobbies records its best trading performance – Issue 47
30. The future looks bright for AMES UK – Issue 33
31. Hillier takes over Ducks Hill Garden Centre site – Issue 3
32. Dobbies Tewkesbury - See GTN Xtra's full photo tour – Issue 44
33. Changes at the top for Bon Bon’s – Issue 45
34. Garden centre owners announce plans for new site – Issue 46
35. Graf UK win at GIMA Golf Day – Issue 24
36. Webbs take over at Millets Farm – Issue 29
37. Horticultural April Fools create thousands of social media views – Issue 14
38. Business as usual at Key Essentials after death of Mark Smith – Issue 25
39. LANDMANN BBQs acquired by global giants Social Chain – Issue 23
40. GCA conference postponed – Issue 2
41. Devon garden centre on the market for £1.5 million – Issue 10
42. Planning permission granted for £10m Dobbies store – Issue 12
43. Doors Open, at Dor’s Garden – Issue 17
44. Peter Burks takes over as GCA Chief Executive – Issue 46
45. Garden industry pays tribute to the Queen – Issue 36
46. Garden Re-Leaf Day gets the season off to a sunny start – Issue 12
47. Trebaron Blackpool becomes BGC's 60th centre – Issue 9
48. Roller coaster ride for Christmas 2022 – Issue 48
49. GCA Chief Executive has resigned – Issue 33
50. The Greener Gardening Company set to close – Issue 36
51. Peter Seabrook funeral arrangements – Issue 7
52. Jubilee dampens sales – Issue 24
53. Bosworths plan for move to new site – Issue 7
54. Garden Centres thinking outside of the box – Issue 2
55. Frosts’ Brampton becomes Notcutts 19th centre – Issue 31
56. Hatton makes it a hat-trick for British Garden Centres – Issue 14
57. Notcutts looks ahead after a strong performance in 2021/22 – Issue 33
58. Growing Media Taskforce disappointed with immediate ban – Issue 34
59. Large Fire at Longacres Shepperton – Issue 1
60. Normal + 28% as the season gets growing – Issue 13
61. 36 pages of Garden Centre Christmas Greatness – Issue 8
62. Vote now for the Best Buyers of 2022 – Issue 26
63. Garden Centres help with Ukraine Appeals – Issue 10
64. Bumper Glee Preview in GTN June issue – Issue 25
65. February starts with big wins for garden centres – Issue 7
66. Growing Media Taskforce response to plans to ban sale of peat at retail – Issue 9
67. Evergreen Garden Care launches ‘keep growing’ campaign – Issue 15
68. Sproutl to close – Issue 40
69. Christmas sales up 24% in first three weeks of October – Issue 43
70. Frosts in discussion with Webbs over sale of Millets Farm – Issue 25
71. Peter Seabrook laid to rest on Galleywood Common – Issue 9
72. Four Oaks announces sad passing of Richard Harding – Issue 4
73. Cherry Lane acquires Retford & Gainsborough Garden Centre – Issue 7
74. Blue Diamond open The Parlour Edwardian restaurant in Spalding – Issue 15
75. Vote now for the Best Buyers of 2022 – Issue 25
76. Horticulture industry responds to ending retail sale of peat – Issue 12
77. Shaping a New Future at Coolings – Issue 17
78. Westland Boost TV Advert goes live for Easter – Issue 15
79. Mirfield acquisition grows British Garden Centres to 62 – Issue 42
80. GTN Interviews: Steve Morgan, Zest & Nick Rubins, Cherry Lane – Issue 22
81. Two new members for Choice Marketing – Issue 31
82. Late August sales get back to 2020 levels – Issue 35
83. Plans announced for new garden centre development – Issue 3
84. A good year for British Garden Centres as group turnover grows – Issue 40
85. Amy Hart – National Account Manager – Issue 44
86. The show goes on...Harrogate Christmas & Gift – Issue 2
87. Record-breaking Floral Thursday for Greenfingers – Issue 27
88. £2m plus reward for Choice members – Issue 3
89. New garden centre opens near Lincoln – Issue 4
90. Wear something floral as tribute to Peter Seabrook – Issue 8
91. Meadow View Stone 2022 – Issue 8
92. Thank goodness for gardening – Issue 20
93. A right royal boost for sales at garden centres – Issue 21
94. Memorial service for Ian Boardman – Issue 42
95. Who are the best buyers in the garden market? – Issue 20
96. Brian Evans, former Chairman of Wyevale, dies aged 78 – Issue 41
97. The Greatest Christmas Awards judges are on their sleighs – Issue 45
98. Dobbies CEO interview in GTN's November GIMA Roll of Honour issue – Issue 45
99. We love gardening – Issue 8
100. The Big Reveal: GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards – Issue 6

Already considered one of the UK’s leading aggregate brands, Kelkay’s star is about to shine a little brighter following the confirmation of its new partnership with Brett Landscaping and Building Products to support its paving offering.

In a move to improve paving quality and consistency, Kelkay is moving away from in-house production. Instead, the brand will utilise the expertise of a Brett Landscaping’s manufacturing facilities based at Pocklington near York.

With a proven track record and state of the art manufacturing processes, the appointment of Brett Landscaping marks a pivotal moment for the Kelkay brand. Not only can the team at Brett deliver improved product quality and consistency, but more importantly the manufacturing abilities and attention to detail that is synonymous with Brett Landscaping will pay dividends for Kelkay’s retail customers as aftersales issues, breakages and stock availability will be vastly improved.

Additionally, this new partnership will also work to futureproof Kelkay’s paving offering as the experience that Brett Landscaping brings to the table will bring innovation to the fore. This access to innovation – whether material, design, manufacturing processes or improved sustainability – will help Kelkay to drive exciting growth within the paving category.

Talking about the new partnership, Paul North, AMES UK Managing Director said: “At AMES and within the Kelkay we always strive for excellence, and when we recognise a solution that will deliver this in spades, we know we must grab it with both hands.

“Our previous set up worked but we knew we could do better and that our customers needed us to do better in a saturated marketplace shaped by discerning consumers. With Brett Landscaping we can offer increased confidence in Kelkay’s paving offering both now and long into the future. All of this is being achieved without any interruption to supply and with the same sales support as retailers have come to expect from the Kelkay team. It’s important to note that all of this was also completed without any redundancies, instead the previous manufacturing team have been redeployed elsewhere within our business.

Paul concluded by saying: “This new partnership is an exciting milestone for the Kelkay brand and its paving ranges, as well as our customers and the end consumer.”

Echoing Paul’s comments were that of Richard Baldry, Managing Director of Brett Landscaping. He said: “We are delighted Kelkay has chosen to work with Brett Landscaping and to use our manufacturing facilities to help improve the quality and choice of paving available to Kelkay customers.

“Our success is built on relationships, and I see this as an important partnership that will allow Kelkay to benefit from our expertise and experience, as well as our investment programme in the facilities designed to improve the sustainability and environmental impact of paving manufacture.”

With the Kelkay/ Brett Landscaping partnership now live, updated product are already on their way to Kelkay stockist ahead of the 2023 season. Paving ranges set to benefit from the partnership will include the Abbey, Logstone, Daleside, Wave, Keldale, Real Paving, Random, Wildlife, Ashford, and Hereford designs.

Find out more

To find out more about Kelkay’s paving offering as well as its wider aggregate offering please visit www.kelkay.com. The 2023 product catalogue can also be viewed by visiting www.kelkay.com/brochure

Further details about AMES UK can be found at https://ames-uk.com/

Glee is celebrating the addition of a brand-new DIY sector at the 2023 show (27th-29th June, NEC Birmingham), which will enable garden retailers to capitalise on emerging trends, whilst helping to expand both their offering and appeal, as customers seek to tackle more DIY projects to improve their outdoor spaces.

Keen to keep costs down, and inspired by online influencers, consumers are more willing to take on DIY projects to update their home without the expense of calling in a professional. The lines between indoor and outdoor spaces are becoming increasingly blurred and, with close to 41,000 Instagram posts bearing the hashtag #gardendiy and Google Trends also reporting a spike in searches for the same phrase, Glee recognises there is a huge opportunity for garden retailers to provide customers with everything they need to complete a job, all under one roof.

This is the main driver behind the show’s decision to incorporate an exclusive new DIY sector at the 2023 event, enabling buyers to browse a quality home improvement offer and discover products and suppliers that could sit happily within their store and create real sales opportunities.

Expanding your offer

Garden retailers aren’t new to diversification by any means but, perhaps, the idea of stocking a DIY range might not have crossed your mind or seemed an obvious choice. In fact, many DIY ranges complement garden lines and the kind of outdoor projects your customers may be undertaking, meaning there is a far greater crossover and more chances for linked sales than you’d think.

A consumer looking to put up a shed or fencing will need tools to do so, as well as wood treatment or paint to complete the job. If they don’t already own the necessary tools, including a hammer, screwdriver, measuring tape, or spirit level, they will have to go to another retailer to pick these things up. If you have a captive audience already in your store, why send them elsewhere, when you could increase basket spend by stocking some of these items? If you already offer outdoor structures, fencing, or decking, think of the sales potential by being able to flag up associated DIY products that you also have in stock ready to take away that day, to help customers get the job done.

Maximising your buying time

For those garden retailers who already carry and have success with DIY lines, it can be a drain on resources to take time out of the business to visit other exhibitions to source new products and place orders. Glee wants to be a one-stop-shop for all your purchasing needs, helping you to enhance or expand your offer as you see fit in order to maximise the opportunities in the marketplace, as well as your time.

DIY is being launched as a brand-new sector to the show, alongside an extended Home, Gift and Clothing area, in order to bring together a rich and diverse mix of product that could prove a natural fit for your business.

Glee’s Event Director, Matthew Mein said of the new DIY sector: “Glee has always been about ‘newness’, bringing our visitors innovation and arming them with the right products to capitalise on market opportunities.  Whatever you call it – home improvement, home enhancement, or simply do it yourself (DIY) – Glee believes this broad spectrum of products and suppliers has the potential to, not only help garden retailers create further add-on sales to enhance their current offer, but to also improve convenience for their customers and stand out in their minds as a destination for their outdoor DIY needs. We are extremely excited to be welcoming a DIY sector to Glee and hope our visitors get real benefit from its presence.”

Find out more

Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focusing on building year-round profits for buyers and suppliers within the core gardening and outdoor leisure product categories.  To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com.  To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2023, which will take place June 27th – 29th, please call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

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.

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.