Thousands of garden centre customers across the UK have made their on-line votes for The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Teams and now that voting has closed hundreds more votes collected instore are arriving daily at the GTN offices.

Here's the top 30 centres from on-line voting just before voting closed:

• Albrighton BGC
• Alton Garden Centre
• Azure Garden Centre
• Birkacre Garden Centre
• Bosworths Burton Latimer
• Bow Garden & Aquatic Centre
• Braintree BGC
• Bridgenorth BGC
• Brockworth BGC
• Charlecote BGC
• Fakenham Garden Centre
• Garden King
• Harrogate BGC
• Hillmount Belfast
• Keydell Garden Centre
• Mackenzie & Cruickshank
• Munro’s Nurseries
• Newquay Garden Centre
• Old Railway Line
• Perrywood Sudbury
• Perrywood Tiptree
• Planters Bretby
• Pughs Radyr
• Pughs Wenvoe
• Roxton BGC
• Snowdonia Nurseries
• Summerhill Garden Centre
• Trioscape Garden Centre
• Trowell Garden centre
• Wolseley Bridge BGC

As of Monday night, 16th December 2024 here's a list of the centres we've received on-line votes for so far:

3 Shires Blue Diamond, Albrighton BGC, Allbrighton BGC, Alton Garden Centre , Arcadia BGC, Azure Garden Centre , Barton Grange, Bents, Birchencliffe BGC, Birkacre Garden Centre, Bold Heath BGC, Bolton BGC, Boston Dobbies , Bosworths Burton Latimer, Bosworths Elton , Bournville BGC, Bow Garden & Aquatic Centre, Braintree BGC, Bressingham BGC, Bridgenorth BGC, Bridgnorth BGC, Brigg BGC, Brimsmore Garden Centre, Brockworth BGC, Bromsgrove BGC, Burford House BGC, California Lodge Garden Centre, Carmarthen BGC, Carr Gate BGC, Chacewater Garden Centre, Chapel BGC, Charlbury BGC, Charlecote BGC, Chenies Blue Diamond , Chilton BGC, Chipperfield BGC, Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre, Coventry BGC, Crawley BGC, Dundonald Nursery , East Durham BGC, Ellerker Lodge Garden Centre, Fakenham Garden Centre, Garden King, Goulds Garden Centre, Harrogate BGC, Hilliers Syon, Hillmount Ards , Hillmount Bangor, Hillmount Belfast, Hillmount Cheshire, Hillside Garden Centre, Hitchin BGC, Hockley Market Garden Centre, Holt Garden Centre, Horncastle BGC, Hornsea BGC, Irton BGC, Jacksdale Garden Centre, Keydell Garden Centre, Lanchester Garden Centre , Langlands BGC, Leeds BGC, Lewes BGC, Leyland BGC, Louth BGC, Lytham St Annes BGC, Mackenzie & Cruickshank, Meadowcroft, Mirfield BGC, Munro’s Nurseries, Newquay Garden Centre, Newton Regis BGC, Notcutts Oxford, Notcutts Peterborough, Old Railway Line, Ongar BGC, Osterley BGC, Paddock Wood BGC, Peacock Plant Nursery, Perrywood Sudbury, Perrywood Tiptree, Planters Bretby, Planters Brookfields, Planters Tamworrh, Playhatch BGC, Pughs Radyr, Pughs Wenvoe, Pulborough BGC, Pyle Garden Centre, Raglan Garden Centre, Ramsgate BGC, Roxton BGC, Ruxley Manor, Sanders Blue Diamond , Sheffield BGC, Shipley BGC, Shipley Park BGC, Simpsons, Snowdonia Nurseries, Southwood Garden Centre, Spadework Charity Garden Centre, Sprowston BGC, Squires Hersham, Stanway BGC, Stevenage BGC, Stratford upon Avon Dobbies, Studley BGC, Summerhill Garden Centre, Tansley Barn BGC, Tarporley BGC, Thatcham BGC, The Woodworks Garden Centre, Thurrock Garden Centre, Tingley Garden Centre, Townley BGC, Tring BGC, Trioscape Garden Centre, Trowell Garden Centre, Upminster BGC, White Elm Garden Centre, Wimborne BGC, Winnersh BGC, Wisely RHS Garden Centre , Wolseley Bridge BGC, Woodborough Green BGC, Woodthorpe BGC

In store collected votes should be sent to: GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards, Potting Shed Press Ltd, Dairy House, Dairy Drove, Thorney, Peterborough PE6 0TX

Voting is free, but we are partnering with The Greenfingers Charity so that voters can, if they wish, make a Christmas donation to help build more magical gardens in Children's Hospices across the country.

As well as the kudos and fame from winning a Greatest Christmas award, our Gold winners in each of the judged categories will win prizes including stock, services or hotel accommodation from our Greatest Awards sponsors:

1. The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team – Sponsored by Woodlodge
2. The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team - Sponsored by Doff Portland
3. The Greatest Gardening as a Christmas Gift Sales Team - Sponsored by Fandango Fire Tools
4. The Greatest Christmas Gifts Team – Sponsored by Museums and Galleries
5. The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Promotions Team -Sponsored by Glee
6. The Greatest Christmas BBQ and Outdoor Leisure Team – The SOLEX Sizzle - Sponsored by SOLEX
7. The Greatest Festive RetailFood Team – Sponsored by Pleydell Smithyman
8. The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team - Sponsored by Marriages
9. The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team - Sponsored by Smart Garden Products – Three Kings
10. The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Woodmansterne
11. The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Tildenet
12. The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Garden Radio
13. The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team – Sponsored by Kaemingk
14. The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team – Sponsored by MorePeople
15. The Greatest Giant Garden Centre Christmas Team - Sponsored by Kaemingk

News has come through of the sad loss to the industry of David Smith, Account Manager for Taylors Bulbs in the West Midlands and Northern Ireland. David passed away suddenly on the afternoon of Saturday 7th December.

David had worked for Taylors Bulbs for nearly 21 years and had joined Taylors from Winchester Bulbs.  Before that, David had worked for Sherston Earl.

In a letter to David’s customers, Adam Taylor, Director of Taylors Bulbs, said; “We will always be grateful to David for all he did to support the team at Taylors, for all his hard work and dedication, and for being one of the kindest, most gentle men we have had the privilege to work with.  We all, as you, will miss him.”

“David was due to retire in the summer of 2025, a date he had openly shared with us. He would have worked for Taylors Bulbs for 21 and a half years and he had decided on the date as he wanted to see through the spring flowering bulb selling season so his customers would benefit from all his experience and knowledge.  That sums David up.  He loved his work, and he loved doing his best to look after his customers.  And as many of you will doubtless know about David, he loved his family, sharing a joke and football too.”

David’s funeral is on Monday 30th December at 2pm at Bramcote Crematorium, NG9 3GJ. His wake will be at The Manor Squash Club, Ilkeston, DE7 8AT at 3pm. The family have said that if anyone wishes to attend, they would love to see them there.

The first of the closed Dobbies sites – Pennine Garden Centre in Huddersfield – has changed hands to Yorkshire Garden Centres Group, which now has seven centres in its portfolio.

Mark Farnsworth, MD of Yorkshire Garden Centres said: "We are delighted to add Pennine Garden Centre to the group. The site is well known to many of our team who used to work there when it was owned by the Armitage family. Our team are excited about returning to the centre, and we hope we can revitalise the business in the coming months. We are delighted to welcome some of the Dobbies team into the business, and we look forward to them playing their part in the refurbishment over the next few weeks. We intend to reopen the store in the early spring."

YGC Partners, a partnership with Altia Ltd, will reopen the four-acre site, previously run by the Armitage family, who sold it to Wyevale and subsequently Dobbies, following a period of refurbishment. 17 members of the Dobbies team will join the business.

Yorkshire Garden Centres began with the acquisition of Tong Garden Centre by Mark Farnsworth and Tom Megginson in 2015. They invested £9m and have turned Tong into one of Yorkshire's leading garden centres. The Group's strategy is to operate destination garden centres with a compelling mix of retail, food and play for all the family. It now operates sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, York and Scarborough.

Pictured: Andy Mears (Group Retail and Operations Manager) and Sharon McNair (Commercial Director) at the former Dobbies garden centre.

The cost-of-living crisis is putting pressure on everybody in a variety of ways, but perhaps none more so than those starting out on their career in commercial horticulture. The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation is seeing a significant increase in applications for scholarships in its 2025 season.

Students who are studying horticulture in the UK can apply for a scholarship which gives them valuable financial support. Funds awarded, through a straightforward application process, can be used towards course fees, travel, research and the basic cost of living of being a student. 

One scholarship proving popular this year is the new Wyevale Nurseries Scholarship. Set up by the forward looking, family business, now run by the third generation of the Williamson family, who recognise that students are the future of our industry, has a particular focus on students who have an interest in commercial, ornamental plant production. 

Andy Johnson, Wyevale’s Managing Director, says: “Wyevale Nurseries is delighted to add its name and support to the encouragement of horticulturists in their early career stages. We are part of a diverse and rewarding industry and see working with the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation in their well established programme as a simple and clear way to stand alongside others in the industry to demonstrate the value we place on supporting new talent and the development of skills and industry knowledge.”

Wyevale Nurseries, established in 1930 in Hereford, has made it their mission to maintain their heritage, while driving the business forward. A truly pioneering company, built from humble beginnings see their long-term success is innovating in production methodology, reviewing and raising environmental targets and investing in infrastructure and personnel. Their management team know without good people they have no business, and growing people is as fundamental as growing plants to their success.

Applications for the Wyevale Nurseries Scholarship, and the many others available, should be made now via the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation website [www.colegraveseabrookfoundation.org.uk] where full details can be found. 

The Tillington Group has announced that Caroline Owen, from Scotsdale Nursery and Garden Centres, will be stepping down as Tillington chairman from January 1st 2025 and that James Evans, from Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, will be taking over. 

Caroline has been in the post for the past two years, whilst James has been her Vice-Chairman and with James stepping up to become Chairman, the group has announced that Ed Webb will now become his deputy.

Caroline said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed the last two years, chairing the group. We have seen a number of changes, with a couple of members moving on but that has created the opportunity for new members to join and to give us some fresh impetus! I now hand over to James who I know is excited to continue to take the group forward.” 

James commented:”I look forward to continuing the great job that Caroline has done over the last two years, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with her. With Ed Webb coming in as Vice Chair, we look forward to continuing to challenge how we operate as a group and navigating the inevitable trials and opportunities ahead.”

The Tillington Group comprises of Altons, Bents, Gates, Hayes, Otter, Ruxley Manor, Scotsdales, Squires, Webbs, Whitehall and the YGC Group.

The Horticultural Trades Association has reported strong sales for garden centres in November, showing a 6% increase compared to 2023, even when excluding café and restaurant sales. 

This growth was driven by a combination of festive shopping and a robust catering offer. Notably, Christmas-related products alone accounted for 26% of total sales, marking a 21% increase compared to the same month last year.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, commented: "Despite the volatile weather, garden centres have remained a welcoming destination for customers, with a strong start to the Christmas shopping season and the ongoing popularity of our members’ café and restaurant offerings. Sales of real Christmas trees increased by 43%, artificial trees rose by 26%, and catering sales grew by 9%. It’s evident that garden centres provide a unique experience that keeps customers returning. Additionally, sales of Christmas lights rose by 18%, and tree decorations increased by 15%.

“While November featured five Saturdays and Black Friday, which may have shifted consumer spending earlier, the rise in Christmas sales reflects a buoyant seasonal spirit. This is supported by consumer confidence improving by three points in November, aided by stable CPIH inflation, which provided some relief to household finances.

“Appetite for gardening remained strong, with sales of plant care products rising by 14% and hardy plants, shrubs, and trees up 4% compared to November 2023. However, year-to-date garden/gardening sales ended November 4% down, highlighting the challenges posed by the poor weather throughout 2024.

“While year-to-date sales are up 1% compared to 2023, they fall to -1% when catering is excluded. This month’s accompanying State of Trade Review reveals significant cost pressures, with the Autumn Budget's increase in employer National Insurance contributions and the National Living Wage set to cost the sector £134 million in 2025. Two-thirds of members plan to increase prices, and many anticipate reducing capital investments or implementing recruitment freezes to manage these pressures.

"Our sector is facing some of the toughest economic pressures we’ve seen in years. While garden centres continually adapt and thrive, there is a limit to what they can endure. If our sector does not receive support, the impacts could be devastating—not just for the economy, but also for our communities and the environment."

Members can view further insights into November’s performance and the sector’s outlook, in this month’s Market Update and State of Trade Review on website.

The Garden Centre Association’s November Barometer of Trade results show "a much better finish to the year", according to GCA CEO Peter Burks.

It was found from the figures submitted by GCA member garden centres for the month, when compared to November 2023, that 11 of the 13 categories recorded were up.

Peter says: “It was great to see our members enjoying a much better finish to the year than they did the start. November has been a very strong month right across all product groups; possibly helped by the last day of the month falling on the Saturday of the first peak Christmas weekend.

“Furniture and BBQs are the only significant faller despite it being the category that showed the biggest increase in Black Friday sales, according to market research company Gfk’s data.

“This may also explain the huge increase in outdoor plant sales up more than 17%. Christmas was certainly to the fore, up more than 15%, and it’s great to both hear and read so many positive comments in the media regarding the wonderful ambience in our members’ garden centres at this time of year. From speaking to members, I understand the strong sales are continuing well into December too.”

The best recorded category for November 2024, when compared to the same month in 2023, was hard landscaping up at +35.54%, with outdoor plants next at +17.42% and Christmas in third place at +15.16%.

Seeds and bulbs came in next at +12.26%, then catering +11.55%, houseplants at +9.92%, food hall/farmshop at +8.84% and the garden sundries category recorded +8.37%.

Clothing came in next and recorded +6.97% and then pets & aquatics at 6.58%. The gifts category was up at 6.2%, while the miscellaneous category came in at -1.45% and furniture & BBQs at -8.03%.

The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.

The BoT allows members to compare their trading positions with other centres.

Festive shoppers scratching their heads over last-minute Christmas presents should consider gifting a house plant, as figures show December is a peak month for potted purchases. 

Around one in seven of all houseplants sold in the UK’s garden centres are purchased in the last month of the year. Industry body, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), says a plant is the perfect way to celebrate the season and has wellbeing and environmental benefits too.

New information from the HTA’s Garden Retail Monitor system, which collects barcode-level sales data from UK garden centres, shows that last year (2023), 13% of all houseplant sales in garden centres took place in December and the industry is expecting a similar level of trade this year.

Laura Loveridge, Market Research Manager at the HTA, said: “A houseplant really is the gift that keeps on giving, usually for many years. Some greenery and colour bring cheer to us all in these darker months as well as continued pleasure, long after the wrapping paper from other presents has been recycled. This all makes a houseplant a sustainable present in more ways than one, with benefits to mental and physical wellbeing too.”

The benefits to mental and physical wellbeing that plants provide was explored in the HTA’s ‘Value of Plants’ report which showed houseplants have been found to boost happiness, productivity, creativity, concentration, attention and promote lower stress levels.

Although Poinsettias are often a top choice at Christmas, the HTA advises that some other flowers and plants are easier to care for in winter. It suggests that different types flourish at this time of year, including more tropical species. Dracaenas, Epipremnums (commonly known as Devil’s Ivy or Pothos) and Philodendrons are resilient all year round, but they especially thrive in the winter. This is because they are adept at surviving in lower light levels, with about 95% of sunlight being filtered out.

The festive season is a vital trading period for the UK’s garden centres: the HTA found that 11% of total annual garden centre turnover in 2023 was made in December, and just over a quarter of garden centre sales (26%) in that month came from their Christmas departments.

It also found that 3.8 million people bought a real Christmas tree, and 2.4 million bought an artificial tree in a garden centre in 2022.

For shoppers unable to reach a garden centre in time or who are gifting from afar, the HTA runs the National Garden Gift Cards available in garden centres and online. The gift cards and e-vouchers range from £5 to £500 and can be spent in over 1400 locations across the UK.

Hillier Nurseries Ltd, one of the UK’s leading horticultural businesses, is among the companies to have been granted a Royal Warrant by His Majesty King Charles III. 

This prestigious recognition cements the company's long-standing relationship with the Royal Household, marking another milestone in a 160-year history. 

George Hillier, Chairman of Hillier Nurseries, expressed the company’s deep pride in the recognition: ‘Receiving the Royal Warrant of His Majesty King Charles III is an extraordinary honour for Hillier. Our association with the Royal Warrant began in 1935, when we were first graced with this prestigious recognition by HRH The Prince of Wales. 

Over the decades, we have been privileged to hold Royal Warrants for both The Queen Mother and Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This legacy is one we hold in the highest regard. To continue this tradition under the warrant of His Majesty The King is a profound privilege and a source of immense pride for Hillier. The recognition of our efforts through the Royal Warrant inspires us to further our mission of preserving and enhancing the beauty of the natural world for generations to come.’ 

Hillier has long been committed to sustainable practices, biodiversity, and promoting environmental priorities. His Majesty's own dedication to these causes resonates deeply with Hillier's ongoing mission to create greener living spaces for now and the future. 

The Hillier team of growers work tirelessly to grow a diverse range of high-quality plants, shrubs, and trees, many of which have contributed to the company’s reputation as a trusted supplier to gardeners, landscapers, and businesses across the country. The nursery’s continued commitment to excellence, quality, and sustainability ensures that it remains at the forefront of the industry, making the Royal Warrant a fitting recognition of their longstanding contributions to both the industry and the environment.

Vitax Limited has been granted the prestigious Royal Warrant of Appointment (Royal Warrant) to His Majesty King Charles III.

Vitax was originally awarded a Royal Warrant under the patronage of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1965.

The warrant is granted directly to Vitax’s chair, Anja Gooding, who will oversee the use of the Warrant within the business.

Anja Gooding, Vitax’s chair, says: “Vitax has proudly held a Royal Warrant for 59 years and we are all incredibly honoured to continue our long-standing relationship with the Royal Household. 

“The Royal Warrant is such a prestigious accolade, it is great news not just for the business but our teams, customers and suppliers.”

Suttons has been officially granted the Royal Warrant of Appointment by King Charles III. The brand has been supplying the Royal households since the reign of Queen Victoria I.

Suttons has continuously held the Royal Warrant since the 1850s, proudly fulfilling its role as seedsmen to the Royal Family for 153 years.

The Royal Warrant is a mark of distinction awarded to companies that have supplied goods or services to the Royal Household for a minimum of five years. It is a symbol of the highest standards, with only a select few companies granted this prestigious recognition. 

“We are delighted and honoured to be granted the Royal Warrant of Appointment to The King, continuing 153 years of being warrant holders.” said Chris Wright, CEO of Branded Garden Products. “This award is recognition of our commitment to delivering a high quality, sustainable range of products and services for all our customers.”

Suttons has a reputation for quality and service that is second to none, and a remarkable history that goes back over two hundred years. Holding the Royal Warrant reinforces Suttons’ position as an industry leader and its customers can be assured that every product is of the highest quality.

Taylors Bulbs has been granted the Royal Warrant of Appointment to be Bulb Growers to His Majesty King Charles III.

The Warrant is given as a mark of recognition to companies who have regularly supplied the Royal Household for a period of at least five years. 

Adam Taylor, Director of Taylors Bulbs, said: “We are honoured and extremely proud that His Majesty has granted us his Warrant. It means so much to everyone at O.A.Taylor & Sons Bulbs Ltd and is a powerful symbol of our commitment to quality, service and sustainability.”

Taylors Bulbs were first granted a Royal Warrant in 1985 as Bulb Growers to Queen Elizabeth II and were also By Royal Appointment to Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.

Thetford Garden Centre has announced its new status as a Certified B Corporation (B Corp). This prestigious certification, awarded by B Lab, recognizes companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability across five key areas: governance, workers, customers, community, and the environment.

Lucy Nixon, Managing Director, expressed her pride in this achievement: “We are extremely proud to be the first Garden Centre in the UK to receive this certification. Gaining B Corp has been a two-year journey. While it doesn’t mean we are perfect, it demonstrates our commitment to doing good.

“We have implemented practices and processes that align with B Lab’s high standards, enabling ethical decision-making. We are now part of a global movement that views business as a force for good. We hope to inspire other small and medium-sized family businesses, whether in our region or industry, to pursue this certification. It’s truly the way business should be done.

“The retail and hospitality industry has faced significant challenges in recent years. Having something like this to celebrate, especially at Christmas, is wonderful for our team.”

B Corp is a global community of leaders who are aligned and dedicated to transforming the global economic system to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. This movement aims to build a more resilient and sustainable future for everyone.

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre's first-ever Christmas children’s book, The Magic of a Christmas Gift, has sold out, raising an incredible £2,515.29 for their two Charities of the Year.

Written by team member Matt Lewis and beautifully illustrated by Amy Willis, the book captured the hearts of readers of all ages, sharing a story of kindness, friendship, and the true spirit of giving. The overwhelming support for the book ensured that all profits will now be donated to two extraordinary charities:

• Be More Frank, a special fund under the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, which provides vital support for families affected by childhood cancer in Herefordshire, Powys, and surrounding areas.
• Ewing’s Sarcoma Research Trust, in partnership with the Bone Cancer Research Trust, which is dedicated to advancing research through Eif’s Ewing Sarcoma Research Fund.

“We are so grateful for the community’s support in making The Magic of a Christmas Gift such a success,” said Matt Lewis, the book’s author. “The funds raised will go directly toward helping these incredible charities, honouring the memories of Frank and Eif, and making a real difference in the lives of others.”

The book’s heart-warming story and message of kindness resonated with readers across the region, and the Old Railway Line Garden Centre is deeply thankful to everyone who purchased a copy. The book’s story line was also used as the basis of the Garden Centre’s popular annual Christmas Video, which was also a massive success, viewed over 75,000 times online.

This initiative has highlighted the magic of what a small community can achieve when it comes together with a shared purpose.

For more information about the garden centre, its charitable initiatives, and upcoming events, please visit www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk.

Kent & Stowe is renowned for its high-quality tools that help gardeners achieve extraordinary results and is proud to showcase its diverse 2025 cutting collection. Designed with precision, performance, and durability in mind, this extensive range ensures garden centres can cater to every gardener, from novices to experts, with tools that truly make a difference.

Renowned for its attention to detail, Kent & Stowe continues to innovate by blending traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering. The 2025 cutting line-up spans three standout varieties: the brand-new Traditional secateurs, the innovative SureCut collection, and the cutting-edge Eversharp range. Together, these offerings deliver unrivalled performance, durability, and user satisfaction.

New for 2025: Traditional Secateurs

Launching in January 2025, Kent & Stowe’s Traditional Range Secateurs offer incredible value for customers and an enticing retail opportunity for garden centres. Featuring a 5-year guarantee, the All-Purpose and Hard Wood options are meticulously designed for durability and ease of use.

SureCut: Comfort Meets Innovation

Earlier in 2024, Kent & Stowe launched its SureCut collection of cutting tools, with blades that are crafted from premium SK5 carbon steel. Comprising of loppers, shears and secateurs, the range is thoughtfully engineered with the Reflex Energy System, designed to enhance performance and ease of use. This unique innovation results in maximum comfort with minimum effort when cutting, as each tool features rubber bumpers that are designed to absorb shock and promote a gentle rebound to significantly reduce any jarring sensations. 

Eversharp: Premium Tools with Unmatched Performance

Kent & Stowe’s most premium cutting collection, Eversharp, provides keen gardeners with the sharpest, hardest blades that never blunt*. The Eversharp range truly offers consumers a cut above the rest, with extraordinary blades that feature unique aerospace-coated technology; Alcrona Pro. This coating is known for its exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and thermal stability, making it ideal for extending tool life and improving performance. A choice that not only meets the needs, but exceeds expectations, of even the most decerning gardeners. 

Marie Williams, Head of Category, Hardware, for Kent & Stowe, commented: “A quality cutting tool is fundamental for every gardener. At Kent & Stowe, we’ve developed a range that provides the perfect tool for every skill level and task. From first-time gardeners seeking traditional reliability to seasoned professionals demanding the very best in cutting-edge technology, our tools are crafted to meet every need. Garden centres can confidently rely on Kent & Stowe's cutting range as their sole choice to fulfil their good, better and best stocking needs thanks to this carefully curated selection of tools.”

With its 2025 cutting tool range, Kent & Stowe reaffirms its position as a trusted partner for garden centres and a go-to brand for gardeners. Offering tools that combine heritage, innovation, and premium performance, the brand continues to support gardeners in achieving extraordinary results.

Zest has smashed its charity fund raising target for 2024, presenting a cheque for £18,800 to Mind – North East Wales.

The company has also presented a cheque for £,2000 to Shelter Cymru, which was money that staff voted to give to a home support charity in lieu of staff receiving Christmas gifts.

Funds were raised via a series of charity challenges completed by the staff throughout the year. Highlights included; the Manchester Marathon when nine employees participated, a 150-foot Liverpool Cathedral Abseiling event, as well as participation in Iron Man Wales, the Chester 10K, and company sponsored quiz nights, cake bakes and raffles - and a 24-hour relay walk.

Zest Managing Director, Andrew Baker commented, “I am so proud of what we have been able to achieve and this achievement wouldn’t have been possible without massive contributions from the whole team, as well as the support from friends, families, customers, suppliers, and the local community.  A special thank you goes to our fundraising team leaders who have played an important role in organising events and encouraging others to get involved.  Also, a special thank you to all those who have taken on personal challenges like running a marathon for the first time to raise significant amounts of money. Raising awareness of the importance of mental health issues has been just as important to us as the fundraising.  Supporting the community is part of our company ethos.  

“We have now raised almost £175,000 in our 14 years of fundraising. Next year marks the Group’s 40th anniversary, and it would be great to hit the £200,000 mark during this milestone year.”

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

Zest was established in 2005 to bring high quality, sustainable timber garden products to garden centres, online retailers, builders’ merchants, and major purchasing groups across the UK.  Over the years, the Group has raised funds for Dementia UK, British Heart Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support, Hope House, and Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospices, Cancer Research UK, Action for Children, Alzheimer’s Society, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Meningitis Now.

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

The team at a South Leeds garden centre ice rink hosted a group of skaters for a unique awards ceremony that coincided with World Ice Skating Day on 15th December.

Adrian Jack, Professional Ice Skating Coach at Bradford Ice Arena, sought an outdoor ice rink to host an awards ceremony for some of his skaters with additional needs who won medals in the Inclusive Skating Virtual World Championships recently. He approached Tingley Garden Centre, who gave them free access to the boutique ice rink.

"The skaters did extremely well in the Virtual Championships and came away with many medals for their hard work.  All of the skaters had to submit videos of their skating routines and dances in order to win. I wanted a location to present the medals that was as unique and magical as the skaters themselves; for me, the ice rink at Tingley was all of that and more. The decoration around the rink and the Christmas tree in the middle made the perfect backdrop for our amazing skaters," said Mr Jack.

The awards were presented by Yorkshire Garden Centre's head of marketing, Jo Dales, who said: "We were so proud to be the location for a very special awards ceremony today - five talented skaters from Inclusive Skating were presented with a total of 11 awards after they competed in the Inclusive Skating Virtual World Championships.

"Callum Mills from Chesterfield scooped an incredible six golds and joined us on the ice to receive his medals. Thank you to the team at Tingley for making the rink available and hosting the ceremony so the momentous occasion and incredible achievements of the skaters could be marked."

The medal winners were Ruhina Kapdi, Bronze, Free Skating; Gemma Brumfitt, Silver, Free Skating; Charlie Stamp, Silver, Free Skating and Elements; Amy Scott, Gold, Free Skating; and Callum Mills, Gold, Free Skating, Elements, Pairs Skating;, two Ice Dances and Free Dance. 

Allensmore Nurseries are holding and Open Day and Spring Stock Up on Tuesday 28th January or Wednesday 29th January 2025.

Highlights of the day:

• Tour of our new Tree area
• Tour of our Rose, Shrub and Perennial ranges
• Visit our brand-new nursery
• HTA Presentation – Supporting Success in the Plant Area
• Allensmore Presentation – Peat Free Growing
• Introduction to our new Specialist Grower Range
• Chance to reserve/tag stock from any of our ranges – Bedding, Perennials, Roses, Shrubs, Trees, Specimens, Specialist Grower Range & Mediterranean Plants  

Allensmore Nurseries have a great selection of stock to reserve/order with customers being able to take advantage of a 5% discount for any orders placed on the day. 

Guests are kindly asked to arrive 9-9.30am for drinks, with nursery tours/talks starting at 10am. A buffet lunch will be provided and the day should finish by around 3.30pm. 

Please note, this will be held at the Madley Nursery: Allensmore Nurseries (Hangar 1), Great Brampton, Madley, Hereford, HR2 9LX

Contact AngelaW@allensmore.co.uk by Tuesday 14th January with group size and chosen date.

Source Fashion, Europe’s leading responsible sourcing show running from 18th – 20th February 2025 at Olympia London, has announced a sneak preview of seminars and speakers including Nobody’s Child founder Andrew Xeni, Safia Minney MBE, and All Saints founder Stuart Trevor, and the debut of Source Debates.

Debuting at the February show, Source Debates will tackle some of the most pressing and provocative topics in sustainable fashion. This space invites attendees to engage in open dialogue together - alongside industry experts, other fashion brands and retailers, and sustainability and sourcing professionals. The space will challenge the status quo and explore actionable solutions to the industry’s toughest issues.

Designed to be an interactive forum, Source Debates provides a platform for honest discussion, to connect with peers and debate the future of sustainable fashion. It’s a unique opportunity to learn and uncover fresh perspectives on what meaningful change could look like. Expect to hear from speakers including Simon Platts, Co-Founder of Recomme, social entrepreneur Safia Minney MBE, Mike Coates from the CMA, fashion futurist Geraldine Wharry and many more to be confirmed, on topics including:

• Back to the future – how do we slow down consumption and produce less? 
• The language of sustainability
• Overcoming the fear of sustainability
• Taking the lead: Collaboration in the absence of legislative change
• Speculative design thinking - preparing for the future of fashion retail
• Breaking the cycle - driving systemic change in fashion supply chains

Visitors will also be invited to attend three full days of seminars on the Source Catwalk Stage, covering a wide range of subject matters, including conversations around circularity and sustainability, advice on the latest legislations and certifications, and discussions with some of the biggest names in the industry.

The speaker programme on the Source Catwalk Stage opens on Tuesday at 11.30am with a panel discussion between Charlotte Pumford, Head of Sustainabilityat Vivo Footwear and Jackie Andrews-Udall, Sustainability Director, Johnston’s of Elgin on ‘From fast fashion to circularity – encouraging consumers to embrace sustainable fashion models’. Moderated by Andrew Goodacre, CEO of British Independent Retailers Association, they will discuss the challenges and routes to creating a more circular economy, while competing with fast fashion brands, covering how to educate consumers and building a sustainable brand in the midst of a difficult market.

At 12.25pm, join Nicola Kirby, Partner and Head of Sourcing, and Catherine Loader, Sustainability Manager, from John Lewis for Bridging the gap: effectively collaborating between teams and integrating objectives, discussing strategies for fostering alignment, building trust, and integrating sustainability into sourcing decisions and bridging the gap between these critical functions. Gain insights on how to work to integrate sustainability goals with sourcing objectives, fostering stronger partnerships and impactful outcomes.

Attend the Insider Trends session at 2.10pm with Linda Pimmeshoffer from Insider Trends for Tech and sustainability: why data holds the key for a greener future. While AI and tech dominate retail buzz, their role in sustainability is often overlooked—this session explores how data-driven innovation can revolutionise fashion’s fight against emissions, with global examples and a vision for a tech-enabled future. This session focuses on companies leading the way with innovation, global examples and what the future might look like if tech can be meaningfully exploited.

At 3pm, join Mark Sumner, Programmes Lead at WRAP for What policies do we need to really achieve circularity? This discussion will explore the critical policies needed to drive systemic change. What does it take to hold policymakers accountable and ensure legislation keeps pace with the urgent need for a more sustainable future?

On Wednesday at 11am, the agenda leads with Andrew Xeni, Founder of Nobody’s Child and Fabacus and The Urgency of Transparency. Transparency is no longer optional, it's the key to sustainability, trust, and accountability in fashion, and this session dives into how brands can, and should, lead the charge for meaningful change. As consumers demand to know the story behind their purchases, from raw materials to finished garments, brands must step up to show the true impact of their operations. Xeni will explore why transparency is the foundation of sustainability, how it builds trust, and the role brands play in leading this shift. From revealing supply chain practices to setting new standards for accountability, hear how embracing transparency can drive meaningful change and empower consumers to make more informed choices.

At 12.15pm, the topic of degrowth is discussed in Can moving towards an economy of degrowth transform sustainable fashion? Degrowth proposes the idea of slowing down consumption and working towards quality over quantity – potentially a way to considerably reduce the fashion industry’s environmental impact. This panel, with Mark Sumner, Programmes Lead from WRAP and Simon Platts, Co-Founder of Recomme, will discuss how the idea of degrowth can influence the fashion industry – increasing the lifecycle of garments, encouraging ethical consumption and increasing long-term business survival – and how the brands and retailers can get there.

At 1.30pm, the stage welcomes Stuart Trevor, Founder of All Saints and Stuart Trevor, for a fireside chat about A clothing company that doesn’t produce clothes. Trevor’s company is flipping the script on fashion by turning pre-owned clothes into fresh, stylish pieces, proving that upcycling and circularity are the future of sustainable fashion. Instead of contributing to the cycle of overproduction, Trevor’s company focuses on transforming pre-owned clothes into fresh, desirable pieces. This discussion will dive into how this innovative approach not only reduces waste but also challenges the traditional fashion industry model. By upcycling and reusing materials, this company demonstrates a powerful alternative to fast fashion and shows how circularity can be integrated into business practices without sacrificing style or quality.

At 2.10pm, Safia Minney MBE presents Ecosystem Thinking in Fashion: Redesigning for Regeneration. Safia Minney will explore strategies to adopt circular and regenerative models, scale these practices, and foster collaborative supply chain solutions. Featuring contributions from experts across industries, this session is set to empower visitors with practical tools for transformative change.

On Thursday at 10.30am, the show welcomes Anna Berry, Co-Founder and Director of Retail 100. In How to work with new markets safely?, Berry will outlinehow to de-risk operations while driving growth and profitability. Navigating new markets, especially in regions like Africa, requires a careful balance of opportunity and risk. This discussion will explore how businesses can effectively de-risk their operations in emerging markets by choosing the right certifications that ensure ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and regulatory compliance. Berry will also dive into the concept of blended margins, where sustainability practices not only mitigate risk but can also unlock new opportunities for growth, making it possible to enter untapped markets while maintaining profitability.

Julian Ellis-Brown, CEO of Ponda, follows at 11.30am with Creating a circular future using natural materials – regenerative agriculture. By focusing on natural, renewable fibres that are grown with practices that restore soil health and enhance biodiversity, fashion can reduce its environmental footprint while supporting a more sustainable agricultural system. In addition to working with traditional fibres like organic cotton and hemp, the use of alternative materials are pushing the boundaries of what's possible, offering innovative solutions that align with a circular, eco-friendly future.

At 12pm, join Simon Platts, Co-Founder of Recomme, Hayley Shore, Design Manager of Pepsi Co, and Ella Andrews, Knowledge Exchange Manager and Policy Lead, Centre for Sustainable Fashion for a panel discussion on Competing priorities...how can sustainability win against profitability and risk. As brands push for sustainability, they face the challenge of balancing innovation, risk, and uncertainty, this panel explores how to make sustainability work without stalling progress and looks to address tangible ways in which brands can integrate sustainable practices, and real-life examples of this being managed effectively while still encouraging innovation and managing risks.

Scott Macrae from George at ASDA takes to the stage at 1.30pm for How to love retail - fixing the talent gap and empowering the next generation in ethical fashion.  

The closing session at 2.10pm, Packaging Data: The lifeblood for compliance, sustainability improvement, and margin enhancement with Aden Newbury, Pricing Analyst, and Lisa Meade, Head of Structural Packaging, both at Kingfisher delves into how Kingfisher leverages packaging data to fuel compliance, sustainability, and profitability, driving meaningful change across 2,000+ stores and complex global supply chains. Join this session as insights are shared into their sustainability agenda, ambitious targets, and the progress that's been made in gathering and validating accurate data across complex global supply chains.

Visitors can also be inspired and start their responsible buying journey at the Source Catwalk taking place at 10.30am, 1.30pm, and 3.30pm. See the latest womenswear brought to life as the models show you how to build looks and ranges from the show floor itself.

The full line-up of speakers and sessions will be announced in January 2025.

For more information visit www.source-fashion.com.

Geck Solutions UK, a leader in retail display and point of sale products, recently celebrated the successful launch of its latest initiative at an exclusive UK launch party, hosted at TABU in Mayfair, London. 

The event, which attracted a dynamic mix of industry professionals, partners, and loyal supporters, showcased the company’s latest innovations and set the stage for its continued growth in the UK market.

The evening featured a keynote presentation offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage with the company’s high-quality products and services. UK Country Manager, Darren Pelling gave an inspiring speech outlining the company’s vision and its dedication to delivering value and excellence to both its customers and partners. “We are incredibly proud to represent J.D. Geck in launching our products to market here in the UK,” said UK & Ireland Country Manager, Darren Pelling “This launch is an important step as we strengthen our presence and build deeper connections with our customers and partners in the UK. We’re excited to continue our journey and look forward to what the future holds.”

The launch party also provided a platform for networking, with attendees from diverse sectors coming together to discuss potential collaborations and future opportunities. The positive energy and excitement generated during the event highlighted the growing interest and demand for Geck’s.

Looking ahead, Geck is focused on expanding its presence across the UK and continuing to innovate within the retail display and POS industry The company’s UK launch is just the beginning of a series of initiatives that aim to further engage the market and deliver exceptional value to its customers.

For more information on Geck Solutions UK and upcoming product launches or events, visit www.geck.de or contact Darren Pelling Darren.pelling@geck.de

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The Royal Horticultural Society saw a 21% increase in applications across its School of Horticulture programmes for 2024, reflecting a surge of interest in green careers.

In the past year there were 18 times as many applicants as there were places available on the charity’s work-based training schemes, with more than three-fifths (63%) career changers.

The RHS School of Horticulture offers three distinct programmes: the Diploma in Horticultural Practice, Apprenticeships, and Professional Work Placements. These programmes provide comprehensive training and development opportunities for school leavers, career changers, and individuals seeking to enhance their expertise in the field.

• The RHS Level 3 and 4 Horticultural Diploma, providing a unique opportunity for individuals with an existing horticultural theory qualification at Level 2 (or equivalent) to gain hands-on experience while advancing their academic knowledge. In 2024, the Diploma saw a 38% increase in applications, demonstrating an appetite to advance existing horticultural knowledge and progress within the sector.
• RHS apprenticeships are suitable for anyone looking to enter the industry, there is no need for formal qualifications to apply just a love of the outdoors, plants and nature. Applications for apprenticeships were up 28% in the past year.
• Professional Work Placements involve a year of paid work experience alongside a horticultural professional to become an expert in a group of plants, garden practice or style. Applicants must have completed (or be studying for) a Level 2 horticultural theory qualification and have at least three months’ practical experience. Applications for Professional Work Placements saw a rise of 8% in 2024.

The majority of students (91%) who graduated in 2024 have moved into horticultural employment or advanced training with over half (51%) staying on with the RHS, and two fifths (40%) of students either employed in the wider industry or completing further training.

The RHS links in with other training programmes and colleges, signposting unsuccessful applicants to other training available in the industry. The Covid-19 pandemic led to a surge in horticultural interest and a subsequent uplift in enrolments to horticultural training programmes, with many of those alumni seeking to make their new interest into a career.

According to the Environmental Horticulture Group’s recent ‘Mission Green Growth’report, of which the RHS is a partner, the environmental horticulture and landscaping industry supported 722,000 jobs in 2023 and contributed £38 billion to the UK economy. Beyond these economic benefits horticulture plays a critical role in combatting climate change by boosting biodiversity and creating carbon-capturing, sustainable green spaces as well as supporting people’s wellbeing. As the sector grows, the demand for skilled professionals to lead green innovation has never been greater.

The RHS is committed to addressing the green skills shortage and inspiring the next generation of horticultural talent through new initiatives such as New Shoots. This programme provides participants with invaluable insights into the horticultural industry and practical experience working in public gardens, helping to spark interest and open pathways into this rewarding field. In the past year alone four apprentices have been recruited in RHS Gardens having come through the New Shoots programme, one of whom came via green prescribing. From 2025, New Shoots scholarships will be available to students from lower socio-economic backgrounds hoping to take on Apprenticeships or Professional Work Placements at the RHS.

Gemma Tandy, RHS Head of Professional Programmes, said: “It is fantastic to see this growth of interest in horticultural careers, particularly as we look in the long term to address a skills gap in specialist, management and leadership roles. The RHS work-based training programmes offer a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in world-class gardens, fostering a deep appreciation for the vital role horticulture plays in sustainability, biodiversity, and combatting climate change. As the sector continues to grow, it’s inspiring to see so many people pursuing careers in horticulture and contributing to greener, healthier environments for the future.”

Applications for the Diploma are open from now until 1st February 2025, meanwhile recruitment for the Apprenticeships runs from 6th January to 1st March, and recruitment for Professional Work Placements runs from 1st March to 11th April 2025.

For more information and to apply visit: https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/qualifications-and-training/work-based-training/rhs-diploma

Also new for 2025 the RHS School of Horticulture is excited to be delivering the RHS Level 3 Award in Horticultural Investigation. This stand-alone award provides learners with the opportunity to research and study an area of horticulture of personal interest. Applications for this remote award open early in the new year. For further information please visit here or contact Level3project@rhs.org.uk

Plastic resource efficiency and recycling charity, RECOUP, has launched its annual UK Household Plastic Packaging Collection Survey, which has outlined the monumental scale of the challenge ahead. 

Whilst there have been incremental improvements across the board for kerbside service provision for plastic packaging, the scale to include other formats in collection services in a relatively short timescale is unprecedented, but one that is entirely achievable with the right drive, funding, planning and leadership.

With all UK local authorities collecting plastic bottles as part of their kerbside service in 2019, local authorities providing kerbside service provision for plastic pots, tubs and trays increased from 88% to 89% and 12% to 14% for plastic films and flexibles, the first increase after 6 consecutive years of decline. This means another 39 local authorities need to collect plastic pots, tubs and trays and 312 for plastic films and flexibles by March 2027 to comply with requirements – just over 2 years away.

Consistency of Inconsistency in Citizen Communications

Effective communications to citizens are an essential part of this process, and whilst local authorities are making significant efforts – 60% reporting they have an ongoing or continuous citizen communication campaign about plastic packaging recycling – packaging EPR funding needs to strengthen the resources to delivery these campaigns. The 2024 Survey found local authorities reported an average material reject rate of 14%, and helping to deal with issues such as contamination will be pivotal.

However, although Simpler Recycling in England and similar approaches in other nations will provide consistency of what can be placed for recycling, the 2024 Survey found there is a comprehensive inconsistency in messaging across the UK, both in the language used and instructions given.

For example, when looking at plastic bottle lids, 40% of local authorities ask for citizens to leave lids on bottles but 13% ask for them to be left off. 12% listed lids as separate target items, however, did not specify if they should be left on the bottle or not, 5% said that they can be either on or off the bottle, and the remaining 30% do not provide any guidance.

Other examples of instructions to residents will need to be adjusted to fit new policy requirements. 54% of local authorities ask for plastic bottles to be flattened or squashed, but with a DRS planned to be implemented in October 2027, this message might cause confusion as it is likely plastic bottles shouldn’t be presented in this way in a deposit return system.

The biggest common message is 85% specifying that items should be empty, rinsed and/or washed, with 53% asking for items to be disposed of loose and not bagged.

Steve Morgan, Head of Policy & Infrastructure at RECOUP, said: “Whereas the different instructions need to reflect local sorting and processing requirements, it’s in the benefits of consumers and all stakeholders to have simple, consistent national communications messages about how to present plastics for recycling. Packaging EPR and Deposit Return Schemes, through their respective Scheme Administrator and Deposit Management Organisation leadership, should build on the requirements of Simpler Recycling and provide the foundations and influence to enable one unified core set of messages about how to recycle.”

Impact of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)

Another key finding around communications in the 2024 RECOUP Survey wasn’t to residents but around local authority funding. With the focus on packaging EPR to provide the funding to collect and sort packaging, the impact of another policy needs greater awareness and urgent and robust plans to mitigate its impact.

The ETS is a market-driven mechanism that limits the emissions an involved industry is allowed to produce, with the intention to incentivise the development and uptake of decarbonisation technologies or practices to reduce emissions. The scheme is expanding to include waste incineration and energy from waste from 2028, preceded by a 2-year transitional period from 2026, and will significantly impact the dynamics of local authority funding. To reduce this impact, removing plastic packaging from residual waste will be key.

The 2024 RECOUP Survey found that around a third of local authorities (32%) said they were not aware of the upcoming expansion of ETS and its impact on incineration and energy recovery of local authority waste.

Furthermore, when asked how prepared they felt for the changes to ETS on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1 being not prepared at all, and 10 being fully prepared), 37% gave a score of 3 or below, indicating they do not feel confident about how it will operate. Only 12% gave a 7 or higher with no local authorities giving a score of 10.

The 2024 RECOUP UK Household Plastic Packaging Collection Survey report is available for RECOUP members to download, with the Data Summary available for non-members here.

Italy is a country with a great ornamental horticulture tradition, dating back to the Roman era. The industry is still strong, with regions such as Tuscany and Puglia being major producers in Europe. There is a lot to learn from the Italian industry, which is why AIPH and FCI have arranged a horticultural tour of the country from 2-10 May 2025.

Organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), FloraCulture International (FCI), and Explorations by Thor, this tour offers the perfect opportunity for horticultural professionals to discover more about Italy and the Italian industry.

Explorations by Thor is a U.S. based company that specialises in creating custom agriculture tours.  These tours may be a variation of agriculture related study abroad trips, classic agribusiness, horticulture or market trade missions.

Hundreds of years ago, the Romans engaged in large-scale cultivation of roses in Pompei and imported other varieties from Egypt. Since that time, Italy has expanded into many other areas, including potted citrus trees, palms, and Mediterranean plants.

The trip will begin in the heart of Milan on Friday 2 May, where guests will be taken on a tour of the city’s impressive historical centre. The following day, Saturday 3 May, the tours will continue onto the Borromean Islands in Lake Maggiore, north of Milan. Not only are these islands steeped in history, they are also home to stunning gardens. Isola Bella features baroque gardens, which were completed in 1671, while Isola Madre boasts English-style gardens that cover eight hectares.

On Sunday 4 May, delegates will be taken to the AIPH-approved International Horticultural Show Euroflora in Genoa. The 13th edition of the ornamental plant show returns to the revitalised Waterfront of Levante and will showcase a blend of Italian horticulture and art. Euroflora’s theme, “Nature Makes Space”, is not just a phrase but a captivating exploration of the relationship between nature and our surroundings.

From Genoa, the tour will continue onto Tuscany via the Cinque Terre, a series of towns along the Tuscan coast, to arrive in Pistoia for Tuesday 6 May. Here, delegates will visit local nurseries in this horticultural centre before moving on to the iconic city of Florence.

On Wednesday 7 May, guests will travel to the magnificent capital of Italy: Rome, where the remainder of the tours will take place. In addition to visiting Rome’s impressive historical sites, such as the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps, AIPH and FCI have arranged tours of local nurseries. The trip will conclude with a visit to the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday 9 May.

Reservations for the tour cost $3,525 for double occupancy rooms and include accommodation, transportation, tours, and meals. Single occupancy rooms can be reserved for a supplement of $750. The deadline for registration is 1 February 2025. For more information and to register, please visit the AIPH Website.

Author of ‘From What Is to What If’ and collective imagination champion Rob Hopkins is to speak at the Garden Centre Association annual conference in Reading this January (January 26 until 29, 2025).

Rob, who is the co-founder of Transition Network and Transition Town Totnes and author of several books including ‘The Transition Handbook’ will be presenting to GCA members on Monday, January 27.

Will Blake, GCA Chairman, explains: “Rob Hopkins is the author of numerous books; most recently, ‘From What Is to What If: unleashing the power of imagination to create the future we want.’ We’re delighted he’s able to join us for our conference on the Monday and are really looking forward to hearing what he has to say. His presentation promises to be very interesting for delegates and we’re sure it will inspire some very interesting conversations afterwards.

“Rob is an Ashoka Fellow, has spoken at TED Global and at several TEDx events, and appeared in the French film phenomenon ‘Demain’. He holds a PhD from the University of Plymouth, as well as two Honoris Causas and is a Director of Totnes Community Development Society.

“He hosted the podcast ‘From What If to What Next’, runs ‘Imagination Catalyst’ training for a wide range of organisations, and has collaborated with musician Mr Kit on a project called ‘Field Recordings from the Future’, due out in 2025. In November 2022, he was made an Honorary Citizen of Liège in Belgium by the city’s mayor.”

Rob Hopkins will be presenting to delegates at the GCA conference on Monday, January 27. Conference places can be booked via Garden Centre Association Tickets, Bundles - Buy Online.

There is also a dedicated email for any queries members wishing to book for the event may have: conference@gca.org.uk.

'Design Gardens' addresses two topics: Current trends in product design as well as garden design.

After the top themes of spoga+gafa placed a strong focus on social responsibility in the last years, under the top theme of "Design Gardens" in 2025 the emphasis lies on designing gardens as well as the design of garden and BBQ products. The largest garden and BBQ trade fair in the world will examine all facets of designing outdoor areas from 24 to 26 June 2025. The latest trends of the product worlds of the international exhibitors will be addressed as well as the basic design of gardens, terraces and balconies. Accompanied by various special formats, a comprehensive event programme and networking events, the top theme "Design Gardens" will be made experienceable from different perspectives and in a target group specific manner. 

Open air design 
Outdoor areas are used in different ways today: They serve as a place of retreat and somewhere to relax, for self-provision or for growing decorative plants. They are meeting points for the family and friends, an open air kitchen or a green home office. Hence, the design of today's gardens and garden products is correspondingly versatile. Themes like aesthetics and comfort play a role just as much as efficiency, sustainability and health. Design also reflects cultural influences, trends, aesthetic demands and values. 

The design demands not only characterise individual products, but also outdoor areas in their entirety. More and more people are designing their own green oasis. From the large suburban garden through to small city balconies, open spaces are becoming personal places of retreat and well-being. Natural gardens with natural plant products for biological diversity are particularly popular today. 

Durability - in two respects 
An important aspect of current design solutions for outdoor areas is their durability - in twofold respect. Innovative materials are making garden furniture, outdoor kitchens or grills more and more robust, easier to care for and more climate resilient. But the design of the "green living room" itself is also sustainable. A new simplicity with timeless shapes currently characterises outdoor furniture, BBQs and garden products, enhanced by comfortable accessories, natural materials and warm colours. In this way, design creates an authentic and at the same time cosy atmosphere. 

Practical design 
Beyond the appearance, design also extends the practical application in the garden. The keywords here today are variety of use and sustainability. Modular garden furniture offers more flexibility in the equipment, multifunctional BBQs and outdoor kitchens expand the options for BBQs and outdoor cooking.  Optimised tools make the garden work more efficient and clever plant systems provide sustainable vegetation. For instance, size-adjustable garden tools improve the ergonomics and can be optimally adjusted to suit the user. 

Place-to-be of the global garden industry 
Versatility and personalisation, efficiency and environmental protection or living comfort and timelessness are forward-looking aspects of outdoor design. The coming spoga+gafa will show which other themes and trends will shape the green living environments of tomorrow. As the place-to-be of the global garden industry, it will once again offer the most exciting inspiration for future garden design from 24 to 26 June 2025. The top theme "Design Gardens" will run through the presentations of the international exhibitors and the diversified event programme like a common thread - as an inviting incentive to joint garden design. 

Following a successful season for Snowlodge, Woodlodge Products is delighted to announce that it has officially taken over the distribution of the iconic Jingles Christmas Lighting range. A beloved name in seasonal lighting, Jingles has been a staple in garden centres for years, renowned for its high-quality, festive lighting products that capture the magic of Christmas.

This strategic move further solidifies Woodlodge’s position as a trusted partner for garden centres and independent retailers, enhancing its diverse portfolio with a range synonymous with the festive season. From twinkling fairy lights to show-stopping outdoor displays, Jingles’ product line offers garden centres the opportunity to inspire customers looking to create memorable festive experiences.

Michael Wooldridge, Managing Director of Woodlodge Products, told GTN Xtra: “We’re thrilled to bring Jingles into the Woodlodge family. Its reputation for delivering premium Christmas lighting has made it a go-to choice for garden centres and their customers alike. By combining Jingles’ established legacy with Woodlodge’s extensive distribution network and dedication to quality, we’re confident we can help retailers bring even more joy to the Christmas season.”

Jingles’ Christmas lighting range is known for its versatility, featuring products suitable for indoor and outdoor use, with styles ranging from classic warm white lights to contemporary multi-coloured displays. The collection has been developed over many years curated to ensure ease of use, energy efficiency, and long-lasting performance, making it a favourite among families and households.

Retailers already familiar with Jingles can expect the same exceptional quality and design, now backed by Woodlodge’s industry-leading service and support. Woodlodge plans to expand the reach of Jingles, making the brand accessible to even more retailers and consumers across the UK and beyond.

Retailers interested in learning more about Jingles or adding the range to their festive offering can contact Woodlodge Products directly on 01666 501000 or snowlodge@woodlodge.co.uk

Woodlodge warmly invites you to the Harrogate Christmas Fair Stand QS4 in the Queen Suite on the 12th – 15th January 2025 to showcase their new range and to enjoy the complimentary bar.

Award-winning garden centre boss Charlie Groves has been making TV and national newspaper headlines after turning detective and tracking down a woman shoplifter who stole toys from his store.

Charlie, who runs Groves Nurseries and Garden Centre in Bridport, Dorset, watched CCTV recordings of a woman concealing Jellycat toys in a pram carrying her child, before leaving the store without paying and getting into her car.

He pieced together the woman’s identity by scouring resale websites, deciphering her car's personalised number plate, and eventually finding her Facebook profile.

Following his discovery, Charlie’s detective exploits have been covered by BBC News, Radio 4, Daily Telegraph, The Independent and Daily Mail.

Charlie took up the story for GTN Xtra: “We spotted the large Jellycat Hedgehog was missing from our display, checked our sales records and saw that it hadn’t gone through the tills. We checked the CCTV and saw this lady with the pushchair who not only took the hedgehog but at least eight other items at the same time. We were able to follow her around the shop and track her back to her car which had a private numberplate which more or less spelled out her name.

“That evening we had a look through various reselling sites and found the hedgehog for sale on Vinted on an account belonging to the husband of the lady on the CCTV. You could see in her Facebook profile that matched the private numberplate on the car she was driving. You could also tell by her photos on Facebook that it was more or less the same person.

“At the same time I shared the video on various garden centre Whatsapp groups and Chris the TPO from Tates of Sussex gave me a call. He said he had run the footage through facial recognition software which cross referenced with some footage from Blue Diamond at Newbury.  And he was able to confirm to me that she was known to Blue Diamond for doing the same thing and that it was indeed the same person.

“I also filed all the evidence with the police. This was a slow and frustrating process because you just send things off and never really hear anything back – still haven’t really, although I did get a short email on the day the BBC contacted them!

“I received a call from Chris at Tates saying that he was working with the BBC on an article about shoplifting and they were interested in talking to me about it. They came down and filmed last week, and it was broadcast on Thursday.

“The response has been amazing with lots of messages of support through our social media and it is great to be able to raise the profile of the problem that not only affects garden centres but also the wider retail community. I think it also demonstrates the power of what can be done with something as simple as sharing information with other garden centres.

“So far we have appeared on BBC News, Radio 4, Daily Telegraph, The Independent and the Daily Mail.”

Dorset Police told the BBC it has reviewed the CCTV footage and further enquiries were ongoing, including liaising with neighbouring forces.  Charlie has since been updated by the police who say the woman has now been arrested.

Coverage of 'Detective Charlie in the news' can be viewed on the Groves' website https://www.grovesnurseries.co.uk/news/577/detective-charlie-in-the-news

CCTV coverage can be viewed on the BBC story https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c7vez9jg809o

As you can see from our photo taken at Groves this week, they have now put all the Jellycats up on a Christmas tree to try to deter thefts. 

Spring Fair has announced the launch of a competition to win £1,000 to spend at the February 2025 show. To be in with a chance to win, simply register for the show before 6 January 2025.

The 75th anniversary show, taking place from 2-5 February 2025 at the NEC Birmingham, promises to be one to remember with over 1,200 exhibitors across 12 unmissable buying destinations dedicated to Home, Gift, Fashion, and Everyday categories. Buyers will discover more than 1 million inspirational and innovative products, over 400 new brands and many exclusive only to Spring Fair, and more than 100 international brands.

To help you get your hands on must-have products from incredible brands to restock your store in the New Year, Spring Fair is giving one lucky winner £1000 to spend with an exhibitor at the show.

Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director, Spring Fair says, “Spring Fair is home to millions of bestsellers. As we head towards the New Year, don’t miss your chance to spend £1000 on new stock and exciting product ranges at the UK’s largest retail show and elevate your buying experience!”

Last year’s winner, Mary Dillon from All Occasions Boutique in Portumna, Ireland said, “I spent my prize with Paradiso Couture a company I have been working with for a while now. I always find something new. I also found a new accessories company Tempest, revisited some previous wholesalers. Spring Fair is a good place to network and speak to others.”

To register to win at https://www.springfair.com/visitor-registration.

Heaven Sends, one of the UK’s leading Home & Gift suppliers, are exhibiting at two of the industry’s biggest Trade Shows – Harrogate Christmas & Gift and Spring Fair. 

Heaven Sends will be showcasing thousands of new products for 2025 across all seasons, including an outstanding collection of NEW Christmas 2025. 

Although renowned for their inspirational Christmas offerings, Heaven Sends also have an abundance of unique Garden, Spring & Summer lines readily available for delivery after the shows. 

Explore their full range of new & bestselling lines that will add elegance and style to your seasonal displays & an incredible offering of unique lines for your customers.

For the first time since 2019, Heaven Sends will be showcasing their Spring & Summer range at the NEC Spring Fair, doubling the size of their stand at the event. 

Heaven Sends will be attending both shows with their expert team of “Angels”, on hand to to guide you through the range, and assist you on your journey with industry, product and style advice. Don’t miss out on the chance to be among the first to see their new ranges and make your selections for 2025 and beyond. As always, the team will be running some exclusive promotions at the show, so book your appointment today.

Where can you find them?

Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair

12-15 January 2025

HALL C, STAND C37

Harrogate Convention Centre

King’s Road

Harrogate

HG1 5LA

NEC Spring Fair

2-5 February 2025

HALL 5, STAND 5A31

National Exhibition Centre

Perimeter Road

Birmingham

B40 1NT

Contact: sales@heavensends.com

Or by telephone: 0121 351 7457

Zero In Plant Remedy is the new range for healthier houseplants. Keeping customers and their houseplants happy and healthy!

It’s well established that houseplants have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing several ways. Houseplants are proven to reduce stress levels and improve mood. They make workspaces more conducive and increase productivity and have even been shown to increase pain tolerance in hospital settings. In the home they provide a connection with nature, add to décor and ambience and reward our caring instincts.

And the market for houseplants is growing. Sales have doubled since 2019 and almost half of all people purchased a houseplant in 2023.

But new and younger owners are struggling with the care of their new houseplants. This was the driver for the development of a new Zero In Plant Remedy range of plant care products that will help even the least experienced owners care for and nurture their plants. The range includes bug traps, gnat barriers, tonics, misters and leaf shine solutions. 

Edwin Allingham said “I have first-hand experience of young people in my own family struggling to care for their houseplants. And I’ve seen for myself the positive impact on wellbeing of having healthy plants in the living and working environment.  We identified a clear need for a collection of easy-to-use care products that will mean everyone can successfully care for their plants – and boost their mood in the process!”

Zero In Plant Remedy range of fourteen products is available on a Development Deal which includes a compact display unit and guarantees participating retailers a 60% gross margin.

Contact details

STV International Ltd Forge House, Little Cressingham, Thetford, Norfolk, IP25 6ND, GB

Phone 01953 881580

Email info@stvuk.co.uk

With enormous investments underway aimed at maximising efficiency, increasing capacity, and ensuring reliable supply for customers, leading substrate producer Bulrush Horticulture is laying the groundwork for another successful season ahead, making it the number-one choice for growers heading into 2025.

Bulrush has been busy behind the scenes throughout 2024, ploughing revenue back into the business to the benefit of its customers. Well-placed to meet the continued surge in demand for peat-free products, Bulrush has focused on increasing capacity and securing a reliable supply of quality materials, including its unique Forest Gold fibre.

Based on current projections, Bulrush boasts a robust six-to-twelve-month supply of coir. Meanwhile, other projects that are close to completion will further shore-up the supply of other vital components in Bulrush’s peat-free substrates, meaning that growers don’t need to worry about spikes in demand disrupting supply.  

The latest round of investments form part of Bulrush’s ongoing growth strategy and unwavering commitment to growers, as customers benefit from next-level service, an enhanced workforce, state-of-the-art equipment across production and packing lines, exceptional products and competitive prices.

Whilst Bulrush operates at scale with the capacity to meet demand from a vast number of growers across the country, the company strives to maintain a personable touch, collaborating closely with its customers and offering flexibility to help growers and nurseries find the best solutions for their business.

Alex Julien, Sales Director at Bulrush says: “We pride ourselves on providing customers with a secure supply of exceptional products; something that has served us well in the market and made Bulrush a preferred partner for many professional growers and nurseries. It is for that reason that we are significantly investing back into the business to ensure we can continue to deliver the outstanding service we have become known for and to help facilitate mutual growth in the sector for season 2025 and beyond.”

He continues: “Of course, greater efficiency across our business offers huge benefits to the growers we deal with but the value of collaboration is also not to be underestimated, which is why we treat each customer on an individual basis and work closely and effectively to help them achieve success. This is something we feel passionate about and look forward to supporting even more professional growers and meeting their needs, as we head into the next season.”

With more than four decades of experience under its belt, Bulrush has earned its strong reputation in the industry, where its range of standard and custom substrates regularly outperform competitor products in trials. Bulrush is the only substrate manufacturer in the UK to use a unique batch mixing system and was the first in the world to be awarded the ISO 9001 quality management standard (BS EN ISO 9001:2015), reflecting the extremely high standards of quality assurance Bulrush products adhere to.

Find out more

Now is the time to plan order schedules for all substrates. Connect with Bulrush today to learn more about our innovative product portfolio and discover how we can support your journey next season and beyond. To find out more, contact your local area manager, call 028 7938 6555 or please visit www.bulrush.co.uk

Corby + Fellas  has partnered with Scott’s of Southend, a stand-out nursery and garden centre located in Rochford, Essex.

Formerly operating as Reads of Sutton Ltd, the business was acquired by its current owner, farming entrepreneur Scott Bird, in April 2018. Under Scott’s leadership, the centre has flourished, significantly expanding its range of products and launching a new outdoor living department in 2024, with more exciting improvements to come for 2025.

 With the addition of a restaurant in May 2021, Scott’s of Southend has solidified its reputation as Southend’s premier destination for gardening enthusiasts and the local community alike.  

Kelly Johnson, Head of Marketing for Scott’s, said: “Partnering with Corby + Fellas has been an integral part of our growth plans and has taken us to a new level, allowing us to launch an exciting new customer loyalty app being among the many advantages.”

Pictured is Lee, waiter at Scotts of Southend, C+F’s Matt Chrisostomou and Dario, Scott’s Restaurant Manager.

As the UK's largest retail trade event, Spring Fair brings together home, gift and fashion retailers and suppliers of all sizes. As the UK's most trusted retail marketplace, its legacy of expertise attracts the largest buyers from across the industry – and this year's anniversary event on 2nd-5th February 2025 at NEC Birmingham, is set to be even bigger!

Over 1,200 quality exhibitors in 12 unmissable buying destinations dedicated to Home, Gift, Fashion and Everyday, over 1 million products with 38% available exclusively at Spring Fair, over 400 new and hundreds of international brands, means there’s endless opportunities to find your next best-sellers and transform your product range across a diverse and inspirational range of categories. 

An essential meeting place for retail, Spring Fair's seven decades of expertise offers an entire community of retailers a place for unmatched innovation and inspiration. Spring Fair 2025 promises an immersive experience packed with events and features designed to inspire buyers and exhibitors alike. A snapshot of what’s on at the show has been revealed including five special product pavilions – the New Business Pavilions, #SBS Village, GCA Debut Pavilion, as well as the Gift Of The Year Showcase; exciting collaborations with partners including the Giftware Association, the Greeting Card Association, and Llewellyn-Bowen Design; and 4 days of free insights, inspiration and catwalk shows across three content stages including the new Licensing Lab in partnership with Fabacus. Visitors will also discover activations galore across the show floor including happy hours and ambience clinics, sampling sessions, giant birthday cards, awards ceremonies, and a time capsule experience taking us back in time to key events, people and products in the show’s history.

The show also has a new aroma. Spring Fair’s exclusive signature fragrance, Heritage 75, created to commemorate the show’s 75th anniversary will float through the aisles. The scent, crafted in collaboration with fragrance experts Quintessence Fragrances and home fragrance experts Sebnini, will bring a multisensory dimension to the event.

Register to attend at www.springfair.com

GTN November 2024 - GIMA Awards Roll of Honour & GLEE New Products Directory.

In this Issue: GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards – the judges hit the road to visit 120 garden centres, Choice Marketing – winners from the conference and awards, Opinion – retailers on implications from the Budget, Keter celebrate 80 years of Stewart Garden, Glee New Product Directory – every product entered this year, GIMA Award – winners in the roll of honour, Glee New Product Directory continued, Review of PATS Telford, Houseplants in the mall – a look around The RHS Plant Space, Planteria – plants for the festive season, HTA Viewpoint - A chance to give back, GIMA Viewpoint – Managing Risk

New Products for the UK Garden Trade for 2025 from GIMA Members: Ames, Auto Pot Global, Avocet Hardware – Greenman Tools, Azpects, Bulldog Tools, Burgon & Ball, Capi Europe, Coir Products, Durston Garden Products, elho, Evergreen Garden Care, Fandango Fire Tools, Fargro, Forest Garden, Gardena, Glee, Greenkey, Greenleaf Horticulture, Handy Distribution, Harvest Pet Products, Hortiwool    , Hozelock, Johnsons Lawn Seeds, Kleen-Tex, LBC Ultralight Boots, Marriages, Meadow View Stone, Museums & Galleries, Panacea Products, Phoenox, PlantWorks, POTR, Primeur, Primus, Sipcam, Smart Garden Products, Sorbus, The Solar Centre, Tildenet, Treadstone, Vitavia, Vitax, Witt UK & Ireland, Woodmansterne, Zest Outdoor Living, GIMA Member Directory, Join GIMA.