No, your eyes are not deceiving you – the first snow of the winter hasn’t fallen on low ground yet. But this eye-catching display at Brookfields Garden Centre, north of Nottingham, is certainly making an impact.

These pictures were sent to us by garden centre trainer and consultant Ian Boardman, who was suitably impressed with the display and wanted to find out more about it.

So Ian approached Julie Dachey, Marketing Manager at Brookfields, who told him the story behind the display.

"The film industry experts Snow Business have many techniques in their armoury for creating amazing effects,” said Julie.

“Their portfolio includes 'The Chronicles of Narnia', 'Quantum of Solace', Harry Potter and most Christmas advertising on TV featuring snow. So we are truly in the hands of experts.

“The day the snow falls at Brookfields has become a trigger for Christmas spirit with our customers. The response has been really rewarding this year with many customers going out of their way to compliment us on the display which supports our decision to invest in this major aspect of our Visual Merchandising concept every year.

“We also run a real effect snow fall machine during busy weekends which adds to the festive feel and offers another dimension to our Grotto experience."

If you can match Brookfields’ amazing winter display let us know.

Ian Boardman is Director of Ibbis (UK) Limited, the garden centre growth and profit specialist. www.ibbis.co.uk