In This Issue
Garden centre sales up 30% in September
Hozelock unveils impressive range of sprayers for 2021
Christmas gets off to a flying start – up 71%
The birth of a brand: Woodlodge’s new Honey & Wild range to ignite sales of garden décor in 2021
September plant sales beat last year by 50%
Blue Diamond interim results show resilient performance
Garden centres must work in partnership with suppliers
Visors out sell facemasks in garden centres
Missed the Ball Colegrave Summer Trials?
Video: Rudbeckia range exceeds expectations at Hyde Hall
Greenfingers thanks Evergreen Garden Care for support
Christmas displays return to The Gardens Group
Neudorff is a finalist in the German Sustainability Award
The unique BucketBarrow arrives In UK
Dobbies to host Spooktacular events this Halloween
New Hortes garden centre in Riga opens this month
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Retirement Village plan submitted for Solihull garden centre site
Fervour to grow sees record growing media sales
Robotime, a Chinese brand of DIY Model Kits come to UK garden centres
New record high for garden product sales
This year, GrootGroenPlus goes digital - will you join us?
'Knowing their Onions' sees Autumn Grow Your Own rise to new high
AIPH looks to the future with new members and new strategic plan
Wild Bird and Wildlife Care products show signs of growth
HTA statement on Migration Advisory Committee review
The best of last week's
September garden centre sales head for 20% up
Santa’s Grotto at Hillmount opens for Pre-Booking
Autumn plant sales head back towards past glories
Award-winning Zest 4 Leisure launch lifestyle product video support package
Tong appoints project manager for Food Hall makeover
Wild Bird Care dissapoints so far this Autumn
Royal seal of approval for HTA #MillionPlantingMoments campaign
Nicola Pugh joins the HTA Council
Garden Centre Photo Tours
Haskins Snowhill re-opens after £15m re-vamp
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to the GTN Bestsellers printed weekly newsletter
All the latest news from the world of pet products
New dates for PATS Sandown 2021
UK pet food industry performance revealed in new report
Winners of the PetQuip Awards 2020 revealed
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Garden centre sales up 30% in September
Exclusive GTN Bestsellers Epos data analysis

We predicted September to be 20% up but with continued high levels of gardening activity and Christmas starting with a bang the month ended up 31% on last year...


 

We predicted September to be 20% up but with continued high levels of gardening activity and Christmas starting with a bang the month ended up 31% on last year.  That means September garden centre trading in 2020, according to the Epos data analysed by GTN Bestsellers every week, matched garden centre volume sales in June when normally September sales would be between 70% and 75% of June.

 

There’s no sign at the moment that core gardening activity is dropping off. The GTN Bestsellers chart indexes for Growing Media, Veg-2-Gro and All Plants were significantly up on last year for the last week of September at 109%, 63% and 57% respectively.

 

Where Christmas has already opened in centres it has started selling like never before for the end of September. This week we produce the first GTN Bestsellers Christmas chart and it shows that sales are up 71% on the same week last year.

 

That all bodes well for a strong end to the year, but do you expect sales to be lower than last year in the run up to Christmas when events are not taking place due to Covid-19 restrictions? Do let us know: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk

 

 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 39

  • Garden Products Top 50 – up 2%
  • Growing Media Top 50 – up 109%
  •  Wild Bird Care Top 50 – up 16%
  • Veg-2-Gro Top 50 – up 63%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 39

  • All Plants with Barcode index – up 57%
  • All Items with Barcode index – up 35%

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and charts in the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter each week.  To subscribe for only £145 a year use this link.

Hozelock unveils impressive range of sprayers for 2021
GTN Xtra Promotion

Sprayers are suitable for applying many different garden chemicals, offering an economical solution to treating large areas effectively and comfortably. In 2021, Hozelock launches its new, complete range of sprayers compatible with a variety of different treatments to meet the needs of every gardener...


Sprayers are suitable for applying many different garden chemicals, offering an economical solution to treating large areas effectively and comfortably. In 2021, Hozelock launches its new, complete range of sprayers compatible with a variety of different treatments to meet the needs of every gardener.

 

Accurately target protection from disease, pests and weeds to maintain a beautiful garden with a sprayer - save money and reduce plastic waste by pairing it with a concentrate chemical rather than opting for a ready to go solution. Using a 500ml concentrate, at 20ml/litre with a Hozelock 7l sprayer, can result in the same amount of solution as 50 x 500ml ready to go trigger sprayers!  

 

For indoors, small gardens and balconies Hozelock offer a range of trigger and pressure sprayers under 2l. These lightweight bottles come in a variety of trendy colours and are perfect for quick tasks. 

 

 

The new Pulsar range of pressure sprayers provides an offering for all, from the amateur grower to a gardening expert, depending on treatment and equipment requirements. The Pulsar Plus sprayer comes with a durable aluminium lance, comfortable 2-handed pumping handle and the innovative Multi Nozzle (7l and 12l models only). Offering the user 3 nozzles in 1, conical mist to jet, wide fan and narrow fan, the Multi Nozzle ensures the user always has a suitable spray pattern for the specific treatment. 

 

 

For those looking to apply aggressive chemicals, the Pulsar Viton offers high resistance with Viton seals, a composite lance and the ability to access difficult areas with a flexible lance included. 

 

The Pulsar Plus Comfort 12l and 16l knapsack sprayers are ideal for spraying larger areas – the ergonomically designed tank has a curved shape that follows the shape of the back and reinforced, adjustable foam straps for optimal comfort. These models also include a 1 bar pressure regulator to help you protect the environment by preventing over spraying and extending your area coverage. 

 

 

Get a constant spray at the touch of a button with the Hozelock Electric Sprayer - no pumping required! This new 15l knapsack sprayer has an 18V lithium-ion battery that will spray for up to 4 hours dependent on the pressure used - perfect for spraying large gardens, orchards or vineyards. There are 3 pressure settings dependent on treatment and the sprayer can be recharged and ready to go again in 4 hours. 

 

To complete the range, accessories are available to increase your spraying accuracy further - reach new heights with a lance extension, target plants with a weeding cone or increase your coverage with a nozzle boom.

Christmas gets off to a flying start – up 71%

Wow! What a start to our monitoring of garden centre Christmas sales. The first GTN Bestsellers Christmas chart of the season shows sales volumes up by 71% on last year. And not all of the centres we get data from have started selling Christmas yet!


 

Wow! What a start to our monitoring of garden centre Christmas sales. The first GTN Bestsellers Christmas chart of the season shows sales volumes up by 71% on last year. And not all of the centres we get data from have started selling Christmas yet!

 

Chocolates and personalised decorations dominate at the top of the chart again but there are noticeable increases for tree decorations in the early chart and sales of money wallets.  Quite possibly grandparents are buying early to send Christmas off to family in case they can’t get to see them due to Covid-19 restrictions.

  • History & Heraldry Personalised Christmas Elf is the early pacesetter as the new line that may get to No 1 at No 3 in this week’s chart.
  • Sage Décor’s Silver Poinsettia & Berry Pick is the highest new entry at No 9.
  • Euro Wrap Santa Money Wallets, pack of 4, climbed 20 places up the GTN Christmas chart to No 28.

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and charts in the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter each week.  To subscribe for only £145 a year use this link.

The birth of a brand: Woodlodge’s new Honey & Wild range to ignite sales of garden décor in 2021
GTN Xtra Promotion

The garden décor category is set to undergo a big transformation for 2021 with the launch of Woodlodge’s exciting new Honey & Wild range – a carefully curated portfolio with huge potential to drive sales thanks to its unique collection of fun, quirky garden products that are guaranteed to enhance any garden...


The garden décor category is set to undergo a big transformation for 2021 with the launch of Woodlodge’s exciting new Honey & Wild range – a carefully curated portfolio with huge potential to drive sales thanks to its unique collection of fun, quirky garden products that are guaranteed to enhance any garden.

 

Honey & Wild represents a significant expansion of Woodlodge’s garden décor line-up and follows the company’s acquisition of Adobe Wholesale and The Garden Foundry in July, two established businesses at the leading edge of innovation in outdoor decoration. Both companies were renowned for offering novel, unique and exclusive garden décor products with a reputation for igniting sales with the breadth of their contemporary and traditional lines. Now, after significant development work by Woodlodge’s Product Development Manager Martin Kingston and Category Development Manager Tara Truman, Woodlodge is revealing the full extent of its bolstered offering for 2021 which has come together under the fresh new Honey & Wild brand.

 

Michael Wooldridge, Managing Director at Woodlodge, said: “The market for garden décor was on the up long before Covid-19 and with much of the population now spending more time at home, outdoor decoration that brings cheer to people’s faces is only set to soar in popularity. Honey & Wild is a cutting-edge collection of the highest quality merchandise that fuses art with practicality but above all retains a sense of fun, creating widespread appeal across all consumer demographics and acting as a powerful sales driver during key gifting periods such as Easter, Mother’s Day and Christmas. We are confident that this imaginative, innovative new brand will drive footfall to garden décor categories in 2021 and help retailers to increase basket spend as consumers seek to inject on-trend character and style into outdoor spaces.”

 

A first look at highlights of Honey & Wild’s garden décor range for 2021

 

A reflection of success: garden mirrors

In a move that encapsulates the trend for extending interior décor to the great outdoors, decorative mirrors are no longer the preserve of bathrooms and bedrooms. Honey & Wild features an extensive range of garden mirrors – from contemporary heart-shaped designs to classic cathedral-inspired arches and shuttered vintage styles from a bygone era. Garden designers at flower shows are increasingly using mirrors to make compact gardens appear bigger – a concept that’s growing in popularity with consumers who are turning to outdoor mirrors to harness the beauty of reflection, especially where garden designs incorporate ponds and water, and for adding character to courtyard, walled and patio areas.

 

The stakes are high!

Ornamental Pot Stakes are the ultimate drivers of impulse sales and elegant, decorative designs in Woodlodge’s new Honey & Wild collection offer RRPs that start from just £5.99 – perfect for helping to up basket spend as consumers browse stores. In addition to intricately coloured butterflies, the 2021 collection includes dragonflies and floral designs encompassing roses, daisies and tulips. Shoppers with a penchant for garden art are catered for as well, with heart-shaped stakes and dancing, fairy-like characters that add a touch of magic to containerised displays. Butterfly and dragonfly pot hangers ensure that no container is anything less than a work of art.

 

Shining a light on outdoor living

With the pandemic ongoing and households set to spend more time at home relaxing and dining alfresco in 2021, the addition of solar powered lanterns empowers consumers to transform gardens into a sparkling nocturnal wonderland with ease. Featuring an array of designs influenced by Moroccan, Indian and Middle Eastern cultures, as well as lattice and heart-shaped styles, the eco-friendly solar-powered lanterns will inspire shoppers to add a new dimension to their gardens, whether placed on table tops or hung from trees.

 

 

 

Stock floral chickens for egg-static sales figures

The arrival of funky floral chickens will be poultry in motion for garden retailers! These fun, decorative characters are the ultimate driver of impulse sales in the ‘animals and farmyard’ garden ornaments category of Honey & Wild. Vibrantly coloured with eye-catching floral artwork, their intense hues can be seen from afar, driving footfall to displays of ornaments and holding high appeal as giftware, too. Quirky cockerels, pigs, ducks, owls, rabbits, goats and sheep complete a line-up with the potential to generate year-round sales to consumers of all ages, with the ability to inject humour and rich tones into gardens regardless of the season.

 

Capitalising on growth in wildlife gardening

Wildlife gardening is an area of monumental growth. Research by the HTA found that Brits spend £297million on bird food each year. Injecting fun into feeding is at the heart of Honey & Wild with its Owl & Jay Bird feeders; quirky, adorable feathered characters that appear not only on bird feeder bowls but adorn garden balancers, too. With the RSPB advocating year-round bird feeding, Blue and Grey Jay feeding bowls combine practicality with garden art, fueling sales throughout the calendar.

 

Of course, the above is just a snapshot of Woodlodge’s new Honey & Wild range, which also encompasses the latest on-trend wall pot planters, arty garden stakes, extensive line-up of outdoor lanterns, garden balancers, wildlife-inspired wall art, cast iron ornaments, garden arches, ornamental plant supports, humorous wooden signs, doorstops, garden globes and novelty outdoor décor. The Honey & Wild range will be available from early 2021 and bespoke display solutions are available for each product range.

 

To find out more about Woodlodge’s new Honey & Wild range for 2021, visit www.woodlodge.co.uk

 

 
September plant sales beat last year by 50%

September plant sales set a new GTN Bestsellers record for the month, beating last year’s totals by a mere 50%...


 

September plant sales set a new GTN Bestsellers record for the month, beating last year’s totals by a mere 50%.

 

Does this mean a return to more Autumn planting activity as used to be the case, or is this just a flash in the pan?

 

Perhaps it’s an opportunity we need to grasp and invest in to give our “new” customers even more success in their gardens.

 

All Plants volume sales change: Week on week DOWN 14.4%.  Year to date vs 2019 DOWN 23.5%, vs  2018 DOWN 28.9%.

 

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and charts in the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter each week.  To subscribe for only £145 a year use this link.

Blue Diamond interim results show resilient performance

 

Blue Diamond have reported profits before tax of £6.3m for the six months to June 2020. Chairman Simon Burke believes that garden centres will be one of the winners from this crisis...


Blue Diamond have reported profits before tax of £6.3m for the six months to June 2020.  That covers the period when all but one of their centres were closed for seven weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and all restaurant closed for half of the time.

 

Total sales declined by 5% and the profit before tax was 12% down year on year excluding the profit made on the sale of freehold properties in 2019.

 

Chairman Simon Burke explained in his statement that additional bank facilities have not needed to be used: “ Cash has been conserved to the point where net cash flow was actually strongly positive in the period, and debt at 30 June represented just 0.8 times EBITDA, a gearing of 16.5%. These figures need to be seen in the context of a significant increase in creditors as many cash payments were delayed, a VAT deferral of £3m and the postponement of other liabilities including bonuses. Some of this cash will therefore have flowed back out since the period end, or will do so later, but it is good news that we have not needed to use the additional bank facilities we negotiated back in March.”

 

The board are recommending an interim dividend payment of 2p per share in line with 2019.

 

Simon Burke concludes his report by looking ahead: “I believe that garden centres will be one of the winners from this crisis, benefiting from a further decline in the attractiveness of high streets and large shopping centres, and people’s reinvigorated focus on their homes and gardens as a result of the pandemic. Blue Diamond’s broad, high quality ranges with so much exclusive product position us well to take advantage of these trends, as we have already seen in our continuing outperformance of industry figures.

 

"We also now have an operational online business that we can develop in coming years. It is still unclear what kind of world will emerge from the pandemic, but I am optimistic that Blue Diamond can continue to thrive in it.”

 

See the full interim report at: https://www.bluediamond.gg/sites/default/files/uploads/R%2BA_Interim%202020_FINAL.pdf

 

 

 
Garden centres must work in partnership with suppliers

GCA and GIMA members concluded during a recent webinar that garden centres will need to work in partnership with suppliers to minimise future supply chain disruption. Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director, said: “There was a strong message from the suppliers involved in the forum about importance of pre-season in ensuring continuity of supply for 2021."


GCA and GIMA members concluded during a recent webinar that garden centres will need to work in partnership with suppliers to minimise future supply chain disruption.

 

During the joint virtual forum, members of both associations discussed measures put in place to ensure a smooth continuity of stock availability during the autumn season and into 2021.

 

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive explained: “Our latest forum allowed members to discuss the important issues currently facing our industry, after a particularly uncertain time.

 

“They debated the knock-on effect on their businesses due to the current trading conditions, as a result of COVID-19, as well as supply chain continuity, the pre-season attitude and whether they are anticipating a similar demand for gardening/leisure products next year. 

 

“The effect of Christmas performance on attitude and timing of the 2021 season was also discussed, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on product development and their expectations regarding innovations for 2021. Are they currently sourcing new products and suppliers, or sticking with this year’s supply base?

 

“Like our previous sessions, it was noted once again, that communication between retailers and suppliers will be key going forward. However, this time the equally important message was that retailers will need to work in partnership with their chosen suppliers to maximise sales opportunities and minimise supply chain disruption and ensure stock availability. 

 

“Unfortunately, there is no ‘one-size-fits all’ for suppliers and retailers in regard to pre-season and forward ordering. With almost daily government announcements bringing in new rules or restrictions, garden centres, in particular, find themselves prioritising the ‘here and now’ just to keep trading safely. However, there is a desire to work together with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure continuity of supply for the spring 2021 season. Retailers and suppliers need to discuss on a case by case basis.”

 

The panellists on behalf of the GCA were Mike Burks, The Garden’s Group Managing Director and GCA Chairman and GCA Midlands Chairman, William Blake, who is also the Director of St Peter’s Garden Centre.

 

Representing GIMA was Nigel Thompson, Head of Sales at Sipcam, John Grayson, Hozelock Commercial Director and David Nicholson, UK Sales Manager at Elho.

 

Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director, said: “There was a strong message from the suppliers involved in the forum about importance of pre-season in ensuring continuity of supply for 2021. With a reported extra two million new gardeners emerging from the lockdown everyone is anticipating continued interest in gardening in 2021.

 

“Covid-19 has created so many unknowns and uncertainties for next year, as well as other global forces affecting the whole of the supply chain, meaning suppliers are having to forecast even further ahead than usual.  Pre-season ordering and early commitment to stock is now more important than ever for next year.”

 

The virtual forums will continue to take place during the next six to 12 months and a range of topics will be discussed. Sessions are free and exclusive to members of both trade associations.

 

Registration details for the next event will be sent to GCA and GIMA members shortly.

Visors out sell facemasks in garden centres

Over the past few weeks the sales of decorative face masks in UK garden centres have steadily increased, but last week the Epos data supplied for GTN Bestsellers revealed that at face visor line had outsold the different face mask lines available...

 


Over the past few weeks the sales of decorative face masks in UK garden centres have steadily increased, but last week the Epos data supplied for GTN Bestsellers revealed that at face visor line had outsold the different face mask lines available.

 

Here's the top five "Healthcare" lines as analysed by GTN Bestsellers for the week ending 27th September 2020.

 

1. V-Mask V-Shield Lite Visor
2. History & Heraldry Decroative Face Masks
3. Global Journey Decporative Face Masks
4. Eco Chic Decorative Face Masks
5. Henderson Enterprises Face Masks
6. History & Heraldry Handy Sanitizer

 

The V-Sheild Lite Visor incorporates a "spectacle" frame which avoids the need for a headband.  They are being supplied to garden centres by V-Safe UK.  Contact Managing Director Marco Travaglia via: office@gsminternational.co.uk 

 

www.v-safe.net

contact@v-safe.net

 

 

 

Missed the Ball Colegrave Summer Trials?

Ball Colegrave totally understand many were unable to visit their Trial Grounds in July. That’s why they have put together a short video highlighting some of the standout new Annual varieties and product displays...


Ball Colegrave totally understand many were unable to visit their Trial Grounds in July.

 

That’s why they have put together a short video highlighting some of the standout new Annual varieties and product displays.

 

 

"If you find this 16-minute video a bit too long and rustic, our apologises," said Ball Colgrave, "it was Stuart and Steves first attempt at recording and editing their own video. Guess filming production isn’t quite their calling, so it will be 'working progress' to get this a bit more polished in the future!

 

"So put the kettle on and kick back to watch our 2020 Summer Trials Highlights video, it may be less painful than sitting through a 40 minute presentation in the searing heat of a polytunnel!

 

"Next month we will present highlights from the summer of the Perennial trials and new varieties.  Watch this space."

Video: Rudbeckia range exceeds expectations at Hyde Hall

Within the framework of the 'Year of the Rudbeckia' home garden marketing campaign, Fleuroselect together with broadcaster and Sun gardening columnist Peter Seabrook planted a trial of over 80 Rudbeckia varieties at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden Hyde Hall in Essex.


 

Within the framework of the 'Year of the Rudbeckia' home garden marketing campaign, Fleuroselect together with Peter Seabrook, broadcaster and gardening editor at The Sun newspaper, planted a trial of over 80 Rudbeckia varieties at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden Hyde Hall in Essex.

 

The trial includes 45 seed-raised varieties and 35 varieties from cuttings, all supplied by Fleuroselect members. In addition to being a source of gardening inspiration for many visitors, the trial has been judged by a distinguished panel of experts and the RHS Award of Garden Merit will be awarded to the very best varieties. Members of the public have also been encouraged to choose their favourite in a 'People's Choice' election. The results of both elections will be announced shortly. 

 

In this delightful video, Rob Brett, Curator at Hyde Hall welcomes viewers to garden. Simon Crawford, Commercial Director at Burpee Europe and Chair of the Fleuroselect Home Garden Group points out the main highlights of the seed varieties which have been particularly outstanding including new Gold Medal winner Rudbeckia Amarillo Gold and Rudbeckia Viviani. He also praises some of the older varieties such as Toto Gold and Autumn Colours. Peter Seabrook then expands on just how far breeding in Rudbeckia has developed in the cutting-raised varieties showcasing the splendour of the SmileyZ™ and Sunbeckia® ranges.

 

In addition to the Hyde Hall location, similar trials were planted at RHS Harlow Carr, Egapark in Erfurt and Blumeninsel Mainau in Germany, the Jardin des Plantes in Paris and TEGEASC research centre in Dublin, Ireland. RHS Harlow Carr also has a full judging panel for the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

 

Shot on one of the last days of summer, this film shows just how much colour and pleasure Rudbeckia can bring to the garden right up until the end of the season. Click here to view the video.

 

Greenfingers thanks Evergreen Garden Care for support

The Greenfingers Charity welcomes support from all corners of the garden retail sector, with many retailers and suppliers pulling together to help raise much needed funds. One such supplier is Evergreen Garden Care, which has once again dug deep to help Greenfingers build even more treasured garden spaces at children’s hospices across the country...


 

The Greenfingers Charity welcomes support from all corners of the garden retail sector, with many retailers and suppliers pulling together to help raise much needed funds. One such supplier is Evergreen Garden Care, which has once again dug deep to help Greenfingers build even more treasured garden spaces at children’s hospices across the country.

 

Floral Friday

Those that visited Glee in 2019 may remember the Evergreen team donned some rather funky floral suits to help celebrate the very first Floral day in aid of Greenfingers. Since then the team has continued to engage with this fundraising social media event, this year raising over £500 from staff donations in the process. 

 

Product donations

When it came to supporting Greenfingers with product the Evergreen team has not held back and has been a pivotal part of the creation of Greenfingers’ 60th garden at Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People in Loughborough, providing huge amounts of its bestselling Miracle-Gro® compost to help the new planting scheme take hold. Designed by VaRa Garden Design and supported by the landscape team at Alfresco Landscaping, this new garden will provide a peaceful space which families can visit, reflect and remember lost loved ones. The redesigned existing footprint includes sensitive expansion plans including new areas of interest and more places for families and staff to come together. 

 

Charity partnership

If this wasn’t enough, Evergreen Garden Care has also donated £3,000 to Greenfingers as part of its charity partnership which was officially launched at Glee 2019. This partnership sees Evergreen commit its ongoing support to Greenfingers for three years, through fundraising activities and product donations, including promotion of the partnership on all Miracle-Gro® compost packs, helping raise further awareness of the charity amongst consumers. 

 

 

Fast forward 12 months and this relationship continues to strengthen as Evergreen Garden Care’s Managing Director, Mark Portman, explains: “We wanted to work with the Greenfingers Charity as there are real synergies between the work they do and our passion for helping people to unlock their love for gardening, and creating green oasis – as the events of recent months have proven tenfold! Since we launched our new partnership we have been able to get involved in a number of different aspects of support, all of which have pulled the Evergreen team together in a really significant way, whether though fundraising activities or by seeing the Greenfingers funded hospice gardens come together, and learning what these spaces mean to patients, families and staff. We still have two years of our partnership ahead of us and are really looking forward to what we can achieve together. It’s an honour to be involved.”

 

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers, added: “We’d like extend our endless gratitude to the Evergreen Garden Care team for its ongoing support. Their combined efforts have not only helped to raise much needed funds which enable us to continue to build gardens around the country but having such a well-known brand publicly supporting us helps to spread our message far and wide and increases vital charitable donations.”

 

Find out more

To find out more about the work of Greenfingers Charity,  contact Linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk  or join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn.  

 

You will be able to find out more about Garden Re-Leaf Day, including ways to get involved by visiting https://www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/gardenreleaf. Details about the 2021 event will be unveiled shortly. 

Christmas displays return to The Gardens Group

The Gardens Group has announced plans for the return of its award-winning Christmas displays in Sherborne, Yeovil and Poundbury next month, including a comprehensive range of new measures designed to keep families safe and socially distanced as they soak up the festivities and get transported to magical winter wonderlands...


 

The Gardens Group has announced plans for the return of its award-winning Christmas displays in Sherborne, Yeovil and Poundbury next month, including a comprehensive range of new measures designed to keep families safe and socially distanced as they soak up the festivities and get transported to magical winter wonderlands. 

 

While this year’s themes remain tightly under wraps, as director Louise Burks and her team put the finishing touches on displays they’ve been planning since January, The Gardens Group has revealed the steps being taken to ensure that visitors can enjoy the experience with confidence. Every element has been carefully reviewed with safety in mind and new measures include additional space within the displays, reorganised routes to avoid congestion, hand sanitising points before and after each display, extra tills to reduce queuing, one-way systems and two-metre markings to help guide social distancing. 

 

With the ever popular opening night events unable to take place this year, due to the huge numbers that regularly gather for this annual spectacle, The Gardens Group is encouraging people to consider visiting at quieter times of day over the coming weeks. To help with this, the restaurants at each garden centre will be offering extended breakfast and afternoon tea menus, so customers can enjoy the full experience at any time of the day. Marquees have also been erected to provide additional space at all three restaurants and at The Apple Tree Farm Shop, allowing everyone plenty of room as they share in the joy of festive food and drink. 

 

Promising inspirational themes, unique products and plenty of Christmas cheer, The Gardens Group’s award-winning displays will be open seven days a week, up to and including Christmas Eve.

 
Neudorff is a finalist in the German Sustainability Award

The German Sustainability Award is one of the most important awards of its kind in Europe. On September 24th, 2020, the expert jury announced the finalists of this year's nominations. Neudorff will enter the finals in the category "Transformation Resources"...


The German Sustainability Award is one of the most important awards of its kind in Europe. On September 24th, 2020, the expert jury announced the finalists of this year's nominations.

 

Neudorff, manufacturer of environmentally friendly products for plant care and natural gardening, will enter the finals in the category "Transformation Resources".  

 

The award honours business enterprises that make effective contributions to transformation in the important fields of climate, resources, biodiversity and society. The award has been presented in cooperation with the Federal Government since 2008. This year’s winners will be announced on December 4th, 2020.  

 

Neudorff, long known for its activities in the field of sustainability, makes special efforts to produce its products in a resource-conserving manner. For example, the company’s manufacturing operation is already completely carbon-neutral.   

 

There are many individual factors that make up the company's proven track record in sustainability. For example, much of Neudorff's product packaging has been made of recycled paper for some time, while bottles and foils contain more and more recycled material. The fleet of company cars is currently being converted to electric and hybrid drives, and charging points with green electricity are available to all employees free of charge. 

 

By personal conviction, Neudorff's product range is inspired by the natural cycle, which is driven, for example, by the use of natural raw materials. Wherever possible, Neudorff uses domestic raw materials and manufactures the majority of its products in Germany. The medium-sized company, therefore, ensures that secure jobs in the region are protected.

 

Hans-Martin Lohmann, Managing Director of W. Neudorff GmbH KG, and Neudorff’s own bees in the gardens of the company’s research and development facilities.

 

Neudorff has always been committed to the promotion of biodiversity, which is part of the company's philosophy. It is continuously developing innovative products that leave as little trace as possible on the environment, and has built strong partnerships with nature conservation organisations. Even on its own premises, Neudorff actively supports biodiversity. The gardens of Neudorff’s research and development facilities host more than 150,000 honey bees. Insect 

 

Hotels, wild flower meadows, fruit trees and flowering hedges are a natural habitat for more than 40 species of wild bees, birds and other wildlife.    

 

The medium-term goals are to reduce the company's carbon footprint even further, to draw up further carbon balances for products, and to find even more resource-saving solutions in the area of packaging.  

 

The Neudorff headquarters in Emmerthal, Germany, produces its own hydro-electric power from the River Emmer.

 

Furthermore, Neudorff wants to expand its decentralised power supply and further increase the energy efficiency of its production. "Sustainability within a company is a process that never ends. There is always more to it, which is why we are always setting ourselves new goals," says Silke Conrad, the company's sustainability manager. "We are very pleased to have reached the final. This confirms that we are on the right track with our extensive measures to protect the environment and being shortlisted as a finalist is greatly appreciated by everyone within the business,” Silke adds. 

 

Neudorff products are widely available all over Europe. For more information on Neudorff and its range of natural gardening products, visit www.neudorff.com

The unique BucketBarrow arrives In UK

Magic Distribution have taken their first delivery of BucketBarrow this week. Originally designed and developed for gardeners and the construction industry in Australia, BucketBarrow is a truly unique and tough wheelbarrow that until now has only been available down under...


Magic Distribution have taken their first delivery of BucketBarrow this week. Originally designed and developed for gardeners and the construction industry in Australia, BucketBarrow is a truly unique and tough wheelbarrow that until now has only been available down under.

 

URBAN88 Kit; Keeping different materials separated.

 

This patented wheelbarrow system has a bucket and scoop configuration that integrates with the barrow allowing material to be easily loaded and emptied in manageable amounts, or taken into areas where access is restricted for a barrow; whether that be into flower beds or onto scaffolding. 

 

“This is truly a unique product that we fell in love with as soon as we saw it. Not only is it a great idea that is useful both to casual gardeners all the way through to use on building sites, but it is also meticulously engineered for ease of use and durability. Even the entry level URBAN88 barrow would hold it’s own against most trade barrows. The PRO models have extra durable materials and reinforcements making them suitable for even the toughest jobs,” said John Hall, Managing Director, Magic Distribution.

 

After initially showing the product for the first time at the Garden Press Event in spring, to a lot of positive feedback, the first stock was delayed due to COVID. With the products supply chain now back to full capacity the first delivery has now arrived with follow up stock already planned due to the high level of interest already. 

 

BucketBarrow is instantly available to all retailers who work with Magic Distribution selling the other brands in their range; Sherpa Tools, Ambrogio & Robomow but there are also opportunities for new retailers looking to add something different to their range. 

 

 

“In these tough times we are confident that BucketBarrow will offer something different to dealers and gain them incremental business while offering their customers something really special. 

 

"As this product is so unique, we are keen to build relationships with new dealers who maybe don’t deal with us on our other brands, but for who a wheelbarrow like this could really suit their customers."

 

 

While BucketBarrow are premium wheelbarrows they’re not as expensive as you might think. With the entry level URBAN88 selling for £100 to customers as a standard barrow or £149 with the full bucket system.

 

For more information contact BucketBarrow on info@bucketbarrow.co.uk  &   01522 712195

Dobbies to host Spooktacular events this Halloween

Dobbies are inviting families to come and enjoy a spine-tingling time of tricks and treats at their Dobbies’ Halloween Spooktacular which takes place from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 October in selected stores...


For a frighteningly good day out for the whole family, Dobbies’ Halloween Spooktacular is taking place from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 October in selected stores. Families can enjoy a spine-tingling time of tricks and treats.

 

The popular Halloween event is the perfect excuse for children to don their best costumes and get into the spirit. As well as tucking into fang-tastic treats, there’s the chance to get creative with a creepy craft activity before enjoying a host of ghoulish games.

 

There will also be a fancy-dress competition, so boys and girls should come dressed to impress for the chance to win a prize. 

 

Children can also choose a dish from Dobbies’ Spooktacular menu to enjoy on the day, including penne bolognese with vegetable sticks, jacket potato with cheese, or chicken goujons with chips and peas. There are also a variety of vegetarian and gluten free options.

 

Grown-ups can also enjoy a slice of the action, with a range of freshly-baked cakes as well as Traditional Afternoon Tea – complete with finger sandwiches, homemade scones and mini cakes alongside a pot of tea or coffee.

 

Graeme Jenkins, CEO at Dobbies, said: “We’re excited to host our annual in-store event. We’re closely following Government guidelines to ensure the event is safe and enjoyable, and we look forward to welcoming our customers for our Halloween party.”

 

The safety of customers and team members is Dobbies’ number one priority and there are a number of safety measures place. All activities at the Halloween event will adhere to social distancing guidelines, with rigorous hygiene measures in place.

 

Children’s tickets are priced at £8.50 and include a meal as well as activities and games. Adult tickets start from £5.99. Advance booking is essential. Customers can Book with Confidence, with a full refund issued if Dobbies cancel the event, and free cancellation if customers need to cancel, up to 3 days prior to the event.

 

For more information visit dobbies.com

New Hortes garden centre in Riga opens this month

Hortes garden centre chain will open its third garden centre in Riga this month. In this way they grow in a short time to three locations, two of them were previously built in Estonia...


Hortes garden centre chain will open its third garden centre in Riga this month. In this way they grow in a short time to three locations, two of them were previously built in Estonia.

 

The delivery of the new Hortes garden centre in Tallinn, capital of Estonia, had only just taken place and Smiemans Projecten was already working on their third garden centre, under the supervision of UPB. This time it concerned 4,000 m2 wide-span construction in the capital Riga in Latvia. The successful garden centre chain has therefore shifted national borders.

 
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Retirement Village plan submitted for Solihull garden centre site

Wyndley Garden Centre in Solihull could become a retirement village with restaurant and gym if a planning application submitted to Solihull Council is approved...

 


Wyndley Garden Centre in Solihull could become a retirement village with restaurant and gym if a planning application submitted to Solihull Council is approved.

 

The application has been made by Cinnamon Care who are currently overseeing a development at the former Eastcote Garden Centre, on the outskirts of Barston, which closed in 2015.

 

 
Fervour to grow sees record growing media sales

The fervour to grow more in pots, in gardens, in allotments and indoors, and the significant change in attitude and activity is no better illustrated than with our sales of growing media for September over the past seven years...


 

The fervour to grow more in pots, in gardens, in allotments and indoors, and the significant change in attitude and activity is no better illustrated than with our sales of growing media for September over the past seven years.

 

For six years, September sales were basically static, but this year sales jumped by 72% to reach a level that exceeds the amount of growing media normally expected to be sold in June.

 

The last week of September sees a new entrant in four lines from Evergreen Horticulture. Composts with John Innes content saw the biggest week on week increases.

  • Evergreen Horticulture Top Soil 25 litres was the highest placed new entry at No 13.
  • Westland Multipurpose Compost with John Innes 50 litres moved up 5 places to No 3.
  • Westland Multipurpose with John Innes 20 litres plus 5 litres extra was the highest chart re-entry at No 36.

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and charts in the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter each week.  To subscribe for only £145 a year use this link.

 
Robotime, a Chinese brand of DIY Model Kits come to UK garden centres

Fountasia has just been appointed exclusive UK distributor for Robotime, a Chinese brand of DIY Model Kits...


Fountasia has just been appointed exclusive UK distributor for Robotime, a Chinese brand of DIY Model Kits.

 

Michael Weedon told GTN Xtra: "They have been very successful so far in various overseas markets like the USA & Japan.

 

"We are giving stockists free on-loan showcase models of an assembled product in smart perspex boxes as an excellent sales driver.

 

"Sales data in other markets for Q4 in 2019 showed very high sell through as Christmas Gift.

 

"We are looking for customers in the UK to join us in the main launch of this brand."

 

m.weedon@fountasia.com

 

 

 
New record high for garden product sales

The GTN Bestsellers Top 50 Garden Products volume sales index just topped the previous high for September and mark a clear reversal of the downward trend seen since 2014 through to 2018...


 

The GTN Bestsellers Top 50 Garden Products volume sales index just topped the previous high for September and mark a clear reversal of the downward trend seen since 2014 through to 2018.

 

September 2020 Garden Products volume sales closed at 14% up on 2019 levels.

 

Notable sales increases in the last week of September were seen for more pot sales, tools (especially bulb planters) and Orchid care products.

  • Growth Technology Orchid Myst 100ml climbed 35 places up the chart to No 12.
  • The Woodlodge Wisteria Bee Pot 23cm was the highest new entry at No 16.
  • The Kent & Stowe Stainless Steel Long Handled Bulb Planter was also a new entry at No 19, one of four Bulb planter lines in the Top 50.

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and charts in the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter each week.  To subscribe for only £145 a year use this link.

 
This year, GrootGroenPlus goes digital - will you join us?

GrootGroenPlus, the trade fair for the tree nursery industry, will host its first digital edition this year. From 30 September - 2 October...


GrootGroenPlus, the trade fair for the tree nursery industry, will host its first digital edition this year. From 30 September - 2 October, you can enjoy a diverse program. This is completely free, and prior registration is not required.

 

The complete trade fair program can be found in the quadrilingual app, available for download in the Stores, for both iOS and Android. Here, you’ll also find all 155 participants, and our two live streams, which will air continuously from 9.00 - 18.00.

 

During the trade fair days, you can enjoy interesting tables, award ceremonies and a lot of products. The products can - of course including all necessary (contact) information - also be found in the participant profiles on the website. You can use these profiles to call, mail, chat or Skype with the participants.

 

And if you would like to visit one of the companies anyway; more than 40 participants have open house during the trade fair days. You can recognise these companies by the eye in the participant list.

 

Will you be there from 30 September - 2 October? Download the app right away, or bookmark the website.

 

https://grootgroenplus.nl/index.php?page=home-en

 
'Knowing their Onions' sees Autumn Grow Your Own rise to new high

Normally, as we start paying attention to Christmas sales, we wouldn’t be reporting on Veg-2-Gro sales anymore but this year they are not fading away – they even increased week on week at the end of the month.  It seems that ‘new’ gardeners are knowing their onions and getting them planted for next year...


 

Normally, as we start paying attention to Christmas sales, we wouldn’t be reporting on Veg-2-Gro sales anymore but this year they are not fading away – they even increased week on week at the end of the month.  It seems that ‘new’ gardeners are knowing their onions and getting them planted for next year.

 

For the month, GTN Bestsellers Epos data shows that sales reached a new month high, up 42% on last year.

 

Onion sets, shallots and garlic bulbs lead the way at the end of the month with sales of the GTN Bestsellers Top 10 (all onions garlic and shallots) up by 54% on the same week last year.

  • Taylors Garlic Thermidrome moved up three places to be the No 1 Bestselling Veg-2-Gro line, closely followed by Taylors French Garlic Topadrome.
  • Kapiteyn Garlic Cristo was the highest re-entry at No 13.
  • Thompson & Morgan Broad Bean Aquadulce Claudia climbed 33 places to No 14 to be the highest placed seed pack in the GTN Chart.

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and charts in the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter each week.  To subscribe for only £145 a year use this link.

 
AIPH looks to the future with new members and new strategic plan

The General Meeting of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) concluded the online edition of the 72nd Annual Congress on 30 September.  The Congress, which included the AIPH Recovery from Crisis conference on 15 September and the AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference on 30 September attracted over 200 delegates from over 50 countries...


The General Meeting of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) concluded the online edition of the 72nd Annual Congress on 30 September.  The Congress, which included the AIPH Recovery from Crisis conference on 15 September and the AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference on 30 September attracted over 200 delegates from over 50 countries.

 

AIPH Full Members are associations that represent the interests of growers in their respective countries and new members were welcomed from Sweden (LRF Trädgård), Mexico (Ornamental Plants and Flowers Mexico) and Vietnam (Ornamental Creature Association) during the 30 September meeting.  Thirteen new member countries have been added to AIPH membership in the last four years as well as around 30 Affiliate Member companies and organisations from around the world.
 

AIPH has significantly strengthened its financial position over the same period and has expanded its Secretariat from one full-time staff member to eight, based in the UK, the Netherlands and France.  The increasing interest, from cities around the world, in hosting AIPH-approved International Horticultural Expos has driven revenues which have been re-invested in delivering the associations’ objectives in support of the global ornamental horticulture production industry.
 

During the 30 September General Meeting members agreed the 2020-2023 Strategic Plan which focuses on initiatives that serve the key objectives:

  1. Stimulate increased demand for ornamental trees, plants, and flowers worldwide
  2. Protect and promote the interests of the industry
  3. Be an international hub for industry information and knowledge exchange
  4. Lead best practice in ornamentals production
  5. Strengthen national grower associations 

Projects for the next three years include new Green City Guidelines, Green City awards, a new Global Industry Intelligence Centre, further development of FloraCulture International magazine and website, Expo Support Programme, collaboration on plant health, novelty protection support, Flower Auction Market Group, industry conferences and International Grower of the Year among many others.
 

AIPH President, Mr Bernard Oosterom commented “I am delighted to be part of this active and growing international organisation that keeps the interests of ornamentals producers at its heart. 
 

"This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted even more the importance of AIPH to its members as we have been able to support them through this difficult period.  Now, as we look forward to the next three years, with even broader international membership coverage and a strong Secretariat team, we are embracing many new initiatives to strengthen our support to the sector and drive it forwards.”

 

 
Wild Bird and Wildlife Care products show signs of growth

Wild Bird and Wildlife Care products showed signs of growth during September, up 4% on 2019.


 

Wild Bird and Wildlife Care products showed signs of growth during September, up 4% on 2019.

 

In the GTN Bestsellers chart for the last week of September there’s an indication that Wildlife Care products, as well as new Wild Bird Care products, with different packaging and marketing, may be the key to unlocking new growth in the sector.

  • RHS Suet Balls 60 Tub are the highest new entry at No 16.
  • Marriages Basics Energy Balls 50 Tub are the highest re-entry at No 23.
  • Brambles Meaty Hedgehog Food 4 is a new entry at No 33.

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and charts in the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter each week.  To subscribe for only £145 a year use this link.

HTA statement on Migration Advisory Committee review

Commenting on the news on Wednesday 30th September that following its recent review, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has failed to recommend any horticultural occupations for inclusion on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL)...


Commenting on the news on Wednesday 30th September that following its recent review, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has failed to recommend any horticultural occupations for inclusion on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL), James Clark, Director of Policy and Communications at the HTA said: “Despite evidence submitted, this decision means the sector will be at a disadvantage when looking for skilled and experienced specialists.

 

"This is hugely disappointing at a time when the industry is working with Defra on a Horticulture Strategy, the Government is committed to a ‘green recovery’ approach and the sector is delivering a post-COVID economic bounce. We need the best people from around the globe to contribute to greening our economy in science and research, in horticultural production and in environmental control systems.

 

“Coupled with a Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme that doesn’t include ornamental horticulture, it means labour supply becomes an industry growth limiting issue.

 

“We will engage very closely with both the Government and the MAC to address the issues facing the industry around labour supply, skills and education in horticulture in order to fulfil the sector’s requirements. We will press for horticulture to be considered again at the earliest opportunity.”

 
The best of last week's

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


 
September garden centre sales head for 20% up
GTN Bestsellers weekly garden centre Epos data

Ahead of Christmas openings on a big scale, September garden centre sales are heading towards being over 20% up on last year...


 

Ahead of Christmas openings on a big scale, September garden centre sales are heading towards being over 20% up on last year. After the first three weeks of the month the GTN Bestsellers All Products volume sales index sits at just 1% below last year’s September total.

 

The big increases are for core gardening activity. Growing media continues to sell through at record levels. Garden products, especially lawn care, plant feeds, weedkillers, pest control, pots and pot feet, are all significantly up in volume sales. Autumn Veg-2-Gro lines are outselling previous years’ levels, all be it not quite at the same increases we saw during the summer. And plant sales are at staggeringly high levels for the month.

 

In the GTN Bestsellers weekly garden centre Epos data we can see that Christmas sales are running about one week ahead of last year, so it will be interesting to see if the colder weather forecast for this weekend, and wider Christmas openings, speeds up those sales too.

 

An average weekly year on year increase in sales volumes of 40% would get the GTN Bestsellers Sales index back to parity year on year, even after seven weeks of zero sales during the lockdown closure. After the sales we have seen since re-opening and the ‘we feel safer in garden centres’ goodwill there appears to be out there, who knows what could be possible?

 

Perhaps this weekend will be a good indicator after the announcement of tighter measures and the weather turning more autumnal. Watch this space for next week’s GTN Bestsellers analysis.

 

We hope you enjoyed our coverage of the Glee Gathering and the Glee New Product Awards in Glee Daily News.  One thing it highlighted to us is the incredible value we all get from a live trade show event. Fingers crossed we’ll all be able to be back at the NEC next September. See you there!

 

 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 38

•           Garden Products Top 50 – up 27%

•           Growing Media Top 50 – up 44%

•           Wild Bird Care Top 50 – down 11%

•           Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 22%

 

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 38

•           All Plants with Barcode index – up 48%

•           All Items with Barcode index – up 28%

 

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and charts in the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter each week.  To subscribe for only £145 a year use this link.

 
Santa’s Grotto at Hillmount opens for Pre-Booking

With the countdown on and just three months until Christmas, the award winning Santa’s Grotto at Hillmount is now open for pre-booking online...


With the countdown on and just three months until Christmas, the award winning Santa’s Grotto at Hillmount is now open for pre-booking online.

 

A first for Hillmount, online booking will help ensure a safe visit for families to the magical grotto.

 

Renowned as one of Ireland’s largest garden centre grottos, visitors will be entertained by elves and Mrs Claus as they journey through the winter wonderland, collecting festive treats and taking part in a fun, brain-tickling quiz, before meeting Santa himself.

 

Robin Mercer, Managing Director, Hillmount, said: “We want to make our Santa’s Grotto as enjoyable and accessible as it has been for more than 20 years and that’s why we have opened online bookings for our grotto at Hillmount Belfast for the first time. We have given careful consideration to the need for keeping numbers in the grotto at any time to a minimum while maintaining social distancing and ensuring that safety is paramount for visiting families, some of whom have made visiting Hillmount Santa’s Grotto a yearly tradition.

 

“We appreciate that we are having to do things a little differently this year and we expect the slots to sell out so we would encourage people to book sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment as we adhere to restrictions around COVID-19.”

 

All children visiting Santa will receive a unique Hillmount keepsake gift and while families are welcome to take their own photos as mementos of their visit, a professional photographer will also be on hand to document the special occasion and pictures can be purchased on departure.

 

Santa’s Grotto will open at Hillmount on Friday 4 December and Santa will be in residence until Wednesday 23 December. Just before he jets off to the North Pole to collect gifts for his Christmas Eve deliveries to children across the globe he will host Santa Paws for pets on Thursday 24 December.

 

Online bookings are being made at: https://hillmount.co.uk/santas-grotto/

 

www.hillmount.co.ukwww.facebook.com/hillmountgardencentre

www.instagram.com/hillmountbelfastwww.twitter.com/hillmountgarden.

 
Autumn plant sales head back towards past glories
GTN Bestsellers analysis

For years, the industry has tried to get the Autumn planting season back to levels of past glories. Now, thanks to all the new gardeners and increased activity spurred on by lockdown, plant sales in the first three weeks of September 2020 have already exceeded sales for the whole month in any of the previous 4 years...


 

For years, the industry has tried to get the Autumn planting season back to levels of past glories. Now, thanks to all the new gardeners and increased activity spurred on by lockdown, plant sales in the first three weeks of September 2020 have already exceeded sales for the whole month in any of the previous 4 years.  

 

We could be looking at a 40% or even higher increase for the month when we report on the GTN Bestsellers Epos data next week.  Watch this space.

 

We do need to remember that the missed sales during seven weeks of lockdown have still impacted on year to date sales volumes, with the GTN year to date All Plant Sales Index sitting at 24% down year on year.  Plant sales values may not be down by that much, however, as more plants of a higher value have sold through this year, especially for planting in pots.

  • Cyclamen, Pansy, Viola, Calluna and Chrysanthemum are the Top 5 Bestselling plant lines for all three weeks of September so far.
  • Helleborus climbed 34 places to No 20 after doubling sales.
  • Pennisetum were the highest re-entry for last week, back in the GTN Bestsellers Plants chart at No 28.

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

 
Award-winning Zest 4 Leisure launch lifestyle product video support package

Based on the success of virtual Glee, Zest 4 Leisure have produced a range of consumer-facing product videos that can be used by their customers to showcase their new and existing range of quality timber garden products in lifestyle settings...


 

Zest 4 Leisure is a British family-run company, which has been designing and manufacturing timber products from sustainably sourced timber for five generations.

 

Its award-winning FSC® certified garden furniture, decorative garden products, structures and fencing ranges are the result of innovative design, a true understanding of today’s customer needs and unrivalled expertise in designing and manufacturing garden products.  

 

Zest 4 Leisure sells to garden centres, major retailing groups, builder’s merchants and online retailers, and offers a complete home delivery service across the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.  

 

Zest 4 Leisure launched a range of products at Glee Gathering and were delighted to win the award for the best overall new product as well as winning three best in category prizes for growing containers, landscaping and leisure and entertaining.  

 

Best New Product was the company’s Three Tier Stackable Raised Bed – also category winner in Garden Growing Containers.  Its easy build Burghley Arbour won in Garden Leisure & Entertaining category and Zest’s Cherry Blossom arch was a joint winner in the Garden Landscaping category.

 

  

 

There are over twenty new products for the 2021 season – spanning, grow your own, decorative structures and shelters, new fencing panel designs and outdoor seating and furniture, which includes the easy build Charlotte range and stylish Chepstow arbour. 

 

 

Simon Davidson, Head of Commercial Development at Zest 4 Leisure, commented: “Based on the success of virtual Glee, we have also produced a range of consumer facing product videos that can be used by our customers to showcase our new and existing range of quality timber garden products in lifestyle settings. Our national account managers are looking forward to showcasing these winning products to our customers in the next few weeks.”

 

For more information visit www.zest4leisure.co.uk

 
Tong appoints project manager for Food Hall makeover

Former Nestlé senior commercial manager Sarah Dwyer will work with the team at Tong Garden Centre to deliver a new Food Hall experience at the Tong Lane site that will create at least 10 new jobs...


 

Former Nestlé senior commercial manager Sarah Dwyer will work with the team at Tong Garden Centre to deliver a new Food Hall experience at the Tong Lane site that will create at least 10 new jobs.

 

Sarah’s remit is to evaluate the current operation, identify the opportunities and to lead the delivery of the project plan that will increase the food hall area by 90%. 

 

During the course of the six-month project, she will be working on branding, sourcing (with particular emphasis on local suppliers) ranging and merchandising, along with logistics like shop fitting.

 

“I have a real love and passion for food, so I'm super excited to be working on this project. I'm most looking forward to working with the team to create a fantastic Food Hall experience here at Tong that will deliver the ambition and to seeing that vision come to life instore,” she said.

 

Tong Garden Centre's MD Mark Farnsworth is excited about the contribution that Sarah, a former colleague at Nestlé, will make to the new Food Hall experience: "One of the learnings from lockdown is that we can improve our food offering.  

 

“Sarah spent 20 years at Nestlé in a wide range of commercial roles, so we are very fortunate to have such a rounded commercial manager joining our team.

 

“This initial project is a great way for her to get involved in the business and she has all the skills to help us achieve our goals. We continue to work on other opportunities and we very much hope that we can offer Sarah an exciting career with us.”

 

When she’s not working, Sarah enjoys outdoor sports, gardening and cooking and baking for family and friends.

 

Here 20-year career at Nestlé spanned numerous commercial roles across sales, marketing, category management and latterly HR. She also worked as a Business Unit Head running the company’s gifting and seasonal confectionery business.

 
Wild Bird Care dissapoints so far this Autumn

Wild Bird Care sales continue to disappoint in the GTN Bestsellers weekly Epos data, now running at down 18% on last year...


Wild Bird Care sales continue to disappoint in the GTN Bestsellers weekly Epos data, now running at down 18% on last year.  

 

Even with big increases in sales elsewhere in garden centres at the start of September that hasn’t reflected through to Wild Bird and Wildlife care sales.  

Perhaps we need a cold snap to get people back into the right frame of mind to look after their garden friends.

  • Westland Peckish Natural Balance Energy Balls 50 Tub remain the No 1 Bestselling line of the sector.
  • Gardman Fat Snax, tub of 50 are the highest re-entry of the week, back in at No 10.
  • Henry Bell No Grow Mix 12.55kg is the highest new entry of the week at No 41.

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and charts in the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter each week.  To subscribe for only £145 a year use this link.

 
Royal seal of approval for HTA #MillionPlantingMoments campaign

Prince Charles planted a hydrangea in the grounds of his home at Birkhall on Royal Deeside to signal his support for the Million Planting Moments campaign...


Prince Charles planted a hydrangea in the grounds of his home at Birkhall on Royal Deeside to signal his support for the Million Planting Moments campaign.

 

The campaign, which finishes on Sunday, has been run by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and urges people to get out in the garden this autumn.

 

It promotes the physical and mental health benefits that gardening provides as well as the huge contribution it makes to our environment and communities.

 

The campaign also aims to educate budding gardeners, regardless of their gardening ability, about where their plants come from and the importance of plant health.

 

The #MillionPlantingMoments movement online is raising the awareness of the source of healthy plants, which is critical from a biosecurity perspective and because healthy plants will grow well and encourage more planting.

 

His Royal Highness is a long-time advocate of promoting plant health along with the benefits of plants on the environment.

 

The HTA hopes the scheme will also build on the army of new gardeners which emerged during lockdown with research carried out by the group finding 49% of the new generation of green-fingered fans being under the age of 45.

 

HTA president Boyd Douglas-Davies said they were happy that the campaign had the royal seal of approval. “We are very grateful for the support from The Duke of Rothesay at a time when the benefits of planting and gardening have never been more important both to our environment and climate change.

 

“Million Planting Moments aims to highlight the huge contribution that plants make to our environment. Anyone can take part, whether they have access to a community space, garden, patio or window box and they can plant anything from trees and shrubs to perennials and bedding.

 

“Gardening benefits mental health and wellbeing across all generations and this was particularly reinforced during lockdown. Our survey indicates that younger people are gardening more and we need to keep them engaged to have a positive impact on both our environment and on their health.

 

“We would encourage everyone to visit their local garden centre to find out the best plants for their space and share Million Planting Moments on social media.”

 
Nicola Pugh joins the HTA Council

Nicola Pugh has joined the HTA Council as the Representative for the Welsh region...


Nicola Pugh has joined the HTA Council as the Representative for the Welsh region.

 

As Business Development and Marketing Manager of Pugh’s Garden Centre’s based in South Wales, Nicola is responsible for maintaining and growing the brand's strong roots, ensuring the growth of the business, implementing new garden retail concepts and adapting to an ever-growing industry.

 

Nicola said of her appointment, "Garden centre retail and marketing has been engrained in my ethos since childhood, growing up in a family garden centre business established over 65 years ago across South Wales. With a number of strong Welsh horticultural businesses in an ever-changing retail landscape, I am excited and passionate to be given the opportunity to represent them and gain a better understanding of the challenges we face as an industry.

 

"With 2020 being a year like no other I feel it is more important than ever to be committed to support each other and keep communication flowing across the different regions, to enable us to grow and learn together."

 

Nicola was also one of the expert judges for the Glee New Product Awards 2020.

 
 
Haskins Snowhill re-opens after £15m re-vamp

Haskins Garden Centre in Snowhill, Crawley, has opened its doors to customers following a 12-month refurbishment costing £15m...


Read more and see GTN Xtras photo tour of the new centre

Haskins Garden Centre in Snowhill, Crawley, has opened its doors to customers following a 12-month refurbishment costing £15m.

 

The new centre boasts a retail space of 11,813 sq.m., including an outdoor plant area and 440-seat restaurant complete with a newly installed pizza oven. Additional space has also been created to accommodate 170 restaurant guests on an outdoor patio.

 

Up to 70 new jobs have been created to accommodate the centre's expansion. Car parking has increased to 346 spaces.  See GTN Xtra's photo tour of the new centre below.

 

Chief executive Julian Winfield said the Snowhill team worked tirelessly to ensure the centre was able to remain open for the majority of the project, with minimal disruption.

 

“We can't wait to receive our customers' feedback on our new and improved facilities,” he added. “Over the years, we have built a loyal customer following and we are proud to be able to give back to them in this way with our new expanded centre.”

 

Haskins acquired the Snowhill site in 2003, inheriting a number of ageing buildings.

 

Haskins also has centres in Ferndown in Dorset, West End in Southampton and Roundstone in West Sussex. The family business recently acquired Forest Lodge Garden Centre, Bird World and Garden Style in Farnham.

 

Pictured (left to right): Julian Winfield, Jamie Haskins, Ally Haskins (married to Jamie) and Warren Haskins, the group's chairman. 

 

The opening event was attended by the current GCA Chairman Mike Burks and three past Chairs; Warren Haskins, Sue Allen and Julian Winfield.

 

 

 
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week

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


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

 

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

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

 

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

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

Highlights of the GTN Garden Plants Bestsellers chart for this week are here


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

 

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

 

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

 

Highlights of the GTN Christmas Products chart for last week are here

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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All the latest news from the world of pet products


 
New dates for PATS Sandown 2021

Organisers of PATS Sandown have announced the show will be moving to a new date in 2021. The two-day pet industry exhibition will now be held on Tuesday, May 11th, and Wednesday, May 12th, again at Sandown Park, Surrey...


Organisers of PATS Sandown have announced the show will be moving to a new date in 2021. The two-day pet industry exhibition will now be held on Tuesday, May 11th, and Wednesday, May 12th, again at Sandown Park, Surrey.

 

The decision to move from the original dates of February 14th-15th was taken following recent announcements by the government on the Covid-19 pandemic, and the fact that exhibition halls around the country weren’t able to re-open as planned this month.

 

Bookings for the UK pet industry’s Spring showpiece event are already at an impressive level, proving there is a real thirst for the return of ‘live’ trade exhibitions. And the overwhelming majority of exhibitors have told PATS organisers they are very happy with the move of dates.

 

The coronavirus pandemic put a halt on trade exhibitions around the world with PATS Sandown 2020 in February being the last ‘live’ UK pet industry event to take place.

PATS Sandown organiser Gordon Thomas said: “We look forward to welcoming the pet industry back through the doors of PATS Sandown in May next year.

 

“Moving to late Spring makes it much easier to stage the Sandown show and allows us to deliver a high-quality event that is expected of a PATS exhibition.

 

“PATS Sandown will be the first UK pet trade exhibition to be staged in 2021 where the whole industry will finally be re-united under one roof.”

 

Gordon announced that PATS Telford 2021 will still take place on Sunday, September 26th and Monday, September 27th in 2021.

 

“We’ll be working hard with exhibitors and visitors to make both PATS 2021 shows a huge success for everyone involved,” he added.

UK pet food industry performance revealed in new report

The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association has published a full UK Pet Data Report 2020, making indepth data available to a wider audience for the first time...


The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association has published a full UK Pet Data Report 2020, making indepth data available to a wider audience for the first time.

 

In addition to extended data on the UK pet food market and pet population figures 2019-2020, the report includes: 

  • A snapshot survey ‘Understanding the impact of Covid-19’. This highlights a dramatic rise in pet acquisition during the pandemic.
  • ‘Meeting the demand’ - Manufacturer and retailer response to Covid-19.
  • ‘Pet food market data over time’ - Looking at the figures from 2008-2014 and recessions and the pet food industry.
  • Pet population trends 2014-2020. 

Nicole Paley, PFMA Deputy Chief Executive, comments: “PFMA data is well respected and widely used by businesses, Government, media, and others. This new report gives an excellent view of the UK pet population and pet food market in 2019-2020. A vital part of this report are the new figures on pet acquisition during the pandemic. 

 

“We now have the data to assess the true impact on the UK pet population. Now more than ever, we know that the companionship and joy pets can bring to people’s lives shouldn’t be under-estimated. But we’re also keen to highlight the long-term responsibilities of bringing a pet into your life.”    

 

For more information including the full index, price and how to purchase please visit https://www.pfma.org.uk/market-data-2020

 

Beyond analysing the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on pet population figures, the PFMA works closely with those in the pet industry to ensure that new pet owners can access good information to help them become and remain responsible pet owners.

 
Winners of the PetQuip Awards 2020 revealed

Following six months of turmoil caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the UK pet industry can finally celebrate some good news with the announcement of the 2020 PetQuip Awards winners...


Following six months of turmoil caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the UK pet industry can finally celebrate some good news with the announcement of the 2020 PetQuip Awards winners.

 

This year nine UK companies are celebrating winning Gold Awards, with eight picking up Silvers, and six receiving Highly Commended accolades. PetQuip has also recognised the outstanding work of Eddie Milbourne, founder of the Canagan Group, with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

It wasn’t possible this year to present the awards in person at the special gala event during PATS Telford as planned when the exhibition was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions.

 

However, PetQuip decided it would recognise and celebrate innovation within the pet industry in an equally innovative way, so the judging by a panel of retailers and marketing experts took place as usual. 

 

To give this year’s winners and finalists as much exposure as their achievements deserve, PetQuip has produced a Winners’ Special digital magazine, which can be accessed at https://bit.ly/30nLZlO. The magazine will also be posted on the www.petquip.com and www.patshow.co.uk websites.

 

“We would like to congratulate not just our worthy winners but all our entrants who made it through to the finals – it’s not an easy task and our judges were rigorous in their assessment of all entries,” said Pat Flynn, PetQuip’s Trade Association Manager.

 

Here is a full list of the award winners:

 

Marketing Project of the Year

Gold Award: Judge’s Choice     

Silver Award: Barking Heads   

Highly Commended: ProDog Raw  

The judges felt that Judge’s Choice, through its campaign led by Elda Digital Creatives, had shown it is possible to use social media to target individuals and groups and dramatically reduce marketing spends when compared to traditional advertising methods.

    

Exporter of the Year

Gold Award: ChickenGuard   

Silver Award: Natures Menu   

Highly Commended: Eden Holistic

The judges recognised ChickenGuard as being a leading innovator in automated chicken coop door openers and was impressed by its growth in export sales, especially to so many countries worldwide.

 

 

Product of the Year – Accessories/Technical

Gold Award: Lah De Dah Dog – dog walker’s cross body bag

Silver Award: Meg Heath Dog Leads – car boot lead

Highly Commended: The Green Poop Bag company – compostable poop bags

The judges said the design of the ‘Walkies’ bag was both eye-catching and practical. They were impressed by the amount of things that could be packed into it, and felt it was good value-for money at £25 (RRP).

 

Product of the Year – Food/Treats

Gold Award: Clydach Farm – Taste of British Isles Complete Kibbles

Silver Award: Goodchap’s – Catfish Twirls; Doggy Bag (goody bag); Canine Christmas Cracker

Highly Commended: Different Dog – hand-made dog food range

The judges were impressed how Clydach Farm’s ‘Taste of the British’ Isles portfolio had revived the reputation of top-tier pet food kibbles.

 

Product of the Year – Healthcare/Grooming

Gold Award: Sniffe & Likkit – complete grooming range    

Silver Award: Henry & Co – ear cleaner for dogs

Highly Commended: WaggleAntics – Tick Defence

Fun, fabulous and fragrant said the judges, this company’s multi-tasking formulas combine a powerhouse blend of naturals, actives and botanicals, to deliver high-quality grooming results at home, or on-the-go.

 

Supplier of the Year

Gold Award: Goodchap’s

Silver Award: Eden Holistic

Highly Commended: Four Paws Country Pet Hotel

The judges felt that Goodchap’s provides a unique range of products backed up by excellent service to its customers.

 

International Retailer/Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year

Gold Award: Wanimo, France

Silver Award: IRIS, Slovenia

The judges recognised that Wanimo supplies quality products at competitive prices and also offers a free veterinary advice service to its customers.

 

UK Retailer of the Year

Joint Gold Award: Ginger & Browns, Blakemere Village, Cheshire; and Scampers Natural Pet Store, Ely, Cambs

Silver Award: Trusty Pet Supplies, Derby

The judges felt Ginger&Browns deserved recognition for setting remarkably high standards since opening four years ago and for continuing to innovate and grow the business even during the current difficult times caused by Covid-19. 

The judges said that Scampers continues to set high standards and is indeed the benchmark for innovation and specialist pet care, not just in the UK, but internationally too. It is an incredible independent business that deserves success and recognition.

 

Lifetime Achievement 

Eddie Milbourne, the Canagan Group

The judges felt Eddie deserved this high accolade for building a highly successful business while sticking to his promise of supporting independent pet stores.

 

Follow the link https://bit.ly/30nLZlO to our Awards Special to see full details.