UK garden centres have experienced a challenging Christmas trading period, according to a survey carried out by GTN Xtra, with the wintry weather making life difficult in some areas of the country.

We’ve been asking centres up and down the country for their verdict on sales of Christmas products. Here’s a selection of comments we received:

Matthew Bent, Bents Garden and Home

"I think the industry and retail as a whole found Christmas 2017 quite challenging and we were no exception, finishing the period slightly down on target."

"Our very own Bents Bear was top of our bestsellers this year, making this year's addition to the collection one of the most popular ever.

"We didn't really see any great benefit of the 'extra' week in the run up to Christmas.

"As usual our Christmas events proved very popular. Customers enjoyed our new format masterclass evenings and our new Winter Food Market generated some very positive feedback. The only event which was slightly down on previous years was our Festive Family Fun Weekend, which was directly affected by snowy and icy weather conditions.

"There was no increase on Christmas trees on previous years but plant sales were 5% up."

Andy Bunker, Alton Garden Centre

“It’s not a year that will go down in history. Anyone who has done very well has either only recently jumped on the Christmas bandwagon, invested in the category or changed their offer.

“Christmas was down around just shy of 10% with us, mainly due to November being -15% in the end – this would be mainly real trees, lighting and artificial trees.

“There were no real bestselling lines, although outside fresh locally made door rings went well – up about 25% on 2016 but nothing to write home about.

“The extra week had no effect apart from probably increasing the grotto footfall.

The grotto was up around 10% and our preview night was a big success. Our  BBQs night in December was also very well received.

“There was no real buzz about real trees this year with sales overall disappointing for us. Looking around at other tree retailers, there was a lot of stock sitting around even on December 21-22.

“Plants followed the poor weather and sales were nothing special although the Farplants added-value was very good. The team at Farplants put together a nice range and some fairly good price points.”

Jane Parsons, Chessington Garden Centre

“It felt like a difficult year, with a good start and then a slow November, which meant all the focus fell into December.

“We have had some changes occur through this period which put added pressure onto the shop-floor team who pulled together and worked well as a team.

“Our Christmas events were slightly down, but we still had in excess of 22,000 through the grotto.

“We’re already starting on this year's Christmas and looking forward to Harrogate.”

Sarah Squire, Squire’s Garden Centres

“My personal view on Christmas is that it is now a mature part of our mix and, as such, we cannot expect the levels of growth we have seen in previous years. “There is also, I think, much greater competition from on-line retailers and supermarkets. So whereas garden centres had the market place reasonably unchallenged, it is now a far more crowded space.

“We need to explain to the customer the advantages of good (free) parking, our diverse product range and our catering which add up to solve many of their Christmas shopping dilemmas under one roof and can make the shopping experience a pleasurable one rather than a chore.

“It is also increasingly important to keep an eye out for new and different product to differentiate us from the online and supermarket offer and each other.

“Christmas as a category was broadly flat year on year, taking into account the temporary closure of Woking and some shifts in and out of the category definition.  As a trading period (month of December), we were up marginally without Woking so would have been about 2% up with Woking.  This was driven by ATV rather than footfall.

“The full week and weekend before Christmas seems to have worked OK for us but we can't see a dramatic sales/footfall effect.

“Events were well up on last year, with four circuses rather than two and 33k tickets against 13k tickets.

“In December, real trees were up about 2% – without Woking – and 5% like for like.  House plants were flat year on year, like for like.”

Simon Bourne, Perrywood Garden Centre

“Christmas was down slightly (maybe 6%) but we've had far less to discount so higher margin overall.

“Indoor plants were really strong (who gives a cactus as a Christmas present?), Outdoor plants strong up until colder weather in last week. Real tree sales good but not exceptional.”

Neil Gow, Fresh @ Burcot

"We were running very nicely – up approx 8% – in October and slightly more (10%) in November. December got off to a flying start, then it snowed - you saw it! The last of the snow finally went from our site on the 30th December - we had a white Christmas

"Fresh trees were our bestsellers -especially in the 5ft-7ft range in Noble, Nordmann and Fraser, plus Poinsettias.

"Christmas is getting more compressed. It kicks in later but also finishes that bit earlier other than the last minute stuff like fresh foods, foliage and plants. We were busier
than we expected in those last four or 5 days, but it's difficult to say how much of that was: people coming out again after the worst of the weather; the additional effort we had put into 'fresh'; or the 'extra' week.

"All our Christmas events were very successful, and up on last year in terms of numbers of events and those attending.

"Sales of Christmas tree were fantastic! We sold every tree we could get our hands on and now they are coming back for recycling we are getting the best feedback on quality we have ever had. One customer commented today: 'First fresh tree for 15 years and this one has shed less needles than our artificial one last year!'.

"Plant sales again good, both indoor and out. Struggled to keep up with planting containers, especially outdoor ones and pretty well sold out of everything. Missed some sales on some sizes and colours of Points in the last couple of days as we had sold through. As near to zero waste as we have ever managed.

"We lost a few key week's worth of sales because of the snow, but will probably have had our most profitable Christmas season ever when we do the final figures!"

Yvonne Ritchie, Brechin Castle Centre

"Our Christmas was slightly up on last year – fresh trees slightly down, artificial slightly up.

"The 3D glasses with reindeer and snowmen on them were very popular  – £2.99 retail – also named gifts, and anything with dog breeds, slippers, hats and gloves were popular. Clothing is my best overall category.

"The more unusual Christmas items, no matter what the price tag was, have proved exceptionally popular. Sourcing these has proved difficult but I am heading to Frankfurt this year as I have found a particular company we do well with. Both this year and last year the stock has sold out with customers not minding the hefty price tag – £600-£1000 in some cases for the larger very unusual products.

"Interestingly our plant sales were well up, and we missed opportunities as normally we don't focus on plants. The sales sneaked up on us almost unnoticed but that was a lesson learned. I have no idea what made them have such an appeal this year in comparison to others. The Poinsettias from Pentland Plants were stunning and exceptional. This year we will focus on more gift packaged (in house) plants, and bring outside plants in so we can make more of them.

"Our Diamond Gardner (club) event was slightly up overall.

"But retail bricks and mortar is concerning me, particularly as I am such a huge online shopper now. I can see some of our categories affected by this. I think artificial trees will be a big thing for people buying online. The public don't care the same way that the retailer does about the quality of the tree, as long as the size and colour is right, and they don't have to carry it home."

Andrew Wood, Silverbirch Garden Centre

"Our Christmas sales this year were up. Our bestselling line would be difficult to say, however lighting in general sold really well for us this year.

"The candle jewellery from Culinarily Concepts was a great seller.

"Because footfall was up massively our plant and real Christmas tree sales were up too. On a whole it's been a great season for us."

James Ducker, Langlands Garden Centre

"Shiptonthorpe was slightly up about 1%, Leeds and Sheffield both 1% down.
"We did really well with artificial trees and garlands and lights. Suki Personalised Angels and Santas were top selling lines.
"Santa's arrival in Shiptonthorpe was very poorly attended this year and we are not sure why. However, breakfasts and suppers with Santas were the busiest ever.
"Real Christmas tree sales were up in Shiptonthorpe but static in Leeds and Sheffield."

Jack Gates, Gates Garden Centre

"Christmas was up for us in all three months but overall up by 15% so a very good Christmas trade.

"The best selling line was Premier Oblong water spinners.

"The extra full week did help trading as we managed to recover from loss of sales from the snow and we managed to finish the month up despite going into that week down.

"We built a new purpose built grotto this year so we were a weekend later opening due to being behind on schedule but overall numbers were up by 20% even in the shorter time period – 7,500 children. We are going to open at the start of November next year.

"Our real tree and plant sales were pretty much static compared to a year before which surprises me due to the number of artificials we are selling. We don't sell as many cut trees as we used to years ago.

Adam Wigglesworth, Aylett Nurseries

"November in all departments was strong – houseplants were up 20%.

"For the period October, November and December, Christmas departments were up by 14% – houseplants +8%, Christmas trees -6%.

"Trade for the week before Christmas was better than the same days last year but it is historically a low trading week for us because customers are out food shopping."

Justin Williams, Fron Goch

"Christmas ended up 12% up on last year. The full week before Christmas was about 10% up and last week (December 31-January 6) was well up on last year as all the schools were off which helped restaurant, clothing and general winter sale items.
"The Premier water spinners (glitter lantern) were a new winner this year. House plants were 5% up and real trees 2% down.
"We don't do a grotto but Breakfast with Santa was down as kids were at school right up until Christmas, so fewer slots available this year."

Alistair Jackson, Poplars

"Our Christmas sales were up on last year even though we lost one of the busiest Sundays due to making the decision not to open due to snow. This also affected the customer numbers for the Monday and Tuesday.

"There is a certain breed of customer that wants to be in the department and buying as soon as it opens and this year’s early sales showed this. Unfortunately there is the other breed of customer that will make you fully aware of their disgust due to seeing signs of Christmas before they’re ready. But like I point out to those customers we’re a business and if it gets the tills ringing then so be it.

"It was our first year selling the Suki named snowman, I think if we’re talking sales per sq ft then this product would be a clear winner. We also had an excellent second season selling the Konstsmide water filled lit lantern selling approximately 400 at £19.99 each. We sold out in the first week of December.

"We experienced excellent sales in the final week before Christmas in all departments but especially in our restaurant. Our Christmas Eve ‘'Pimp Up Your Pancake'’ breakfast event was a great success.

"Grotto numbers were up even though we couldn’t operate on Snow Sunday with approximate numbers of 2,000 children over a 13 day operating period.

"Real tree sales and plant sales were on a par with last year. I feel there is no growth to be had in the real tree market – we just make sure we maintain excellent margins on this product."

Conna Powles, Haskins Garden Centres

"Taking Christmas from October 1st, sales were +8%, having increased space in one of our centres and reviewed the weaker areas from last year. However,  we felt that shoppers were buying earlier, having been influenced by Black Friday (or Black Fortnight as it has now become), as it tailed off in December.
"One of the bestselling lines was microlights, which did really well, unfortunately to the detriment of core lighting. 
"We don't really do Christmas events as the restaurants drive enough footfall for us.

"With regard to Christmas tree sales, this is always a tricky one as we are usually up and down on either live or artificial but this year was more positive on both. Live trees were up 3.5%."

If you'd like to add your comments please use the Comments link below or e-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Farplants’ 2017 Christmas campaign has seen a 68% increase in sales over November and December. The West Sussex plant wholesaler introduced 11 new ranges this year, which includes for the first time, pot grown Christmas trees.

The Farplants Christmas selection combined 2017’s must-have trends with traditional favourites, to provide an extensive collection to entice festive shoppers.

Brett Avery, Farplants Sales Ltd Managing Director, is delighted with the response to their new Christmas offering.

“Our new and extended collection has resulted in unprecedented sales growth for Christmas.

While traditional favourites continue to be essential, contemporary designs with the latest colours and textures have proved very popular. New for 2017, the Nordic woodland range combines the popular Scandi style with stunning winter plants for a sophisticated festive display.

Christmas is an incredibly important retail opportunity for garden retailers, we’re delighted to be able to continually bring them the very best quality and new designs.”

Brand new for 2017, Farplants’ added UK pot grown trees to their offering. The Christmas trees are grown in pots and sunk in the ground. This ensures the roots are intact and gives them the best chance of growth at home.

Farplants’ extended festive range was showcased at this year’s Four Oaks sand Glee trade shows, where garden retailers could see first-hand the new formats and planting mixes.  

The collections are designed in-house by the Farplants added value team, who continually review the latest trends to create appealing new seasonal ranges for garden retailers.

Following on from the success of Christmas, the Farplants’ Mother’s Day and Easter planted container collections are full of new ranges, available from late January.

GTN Bestsellers, the UK's weekly report of garden centre sales, has spent the Festive period analysing all the weekly EPOS data supplied by garden centres to create the Top 20 and Top 100 Christmas Products charts for the 2017 season and here is the Top 20 sold by volume from the last week of September through to Christmas Eve:

Every week GTN Bestsellers publishes Top 50 sales charts for Garden Products, Veg 2 Gro plants and seeds, Growing Media, Wild Bid Care and Plants.  During the Christmas season the weekly Top 50 Christmas Products are also published.

This year the cumulative sales volume of the GTN Bestsellers Christmas Charts, from week 39 through to week 51, shows an increase of 18.2% on 2016 levels and up 45% on data reported for 2015.  Given the comments from garden centres in the story "It was a challenging Christmas, say UK garden centres", say UK garden centres, it would appear Christmas 2017 has been one of more smaller "feel good" purchases, so we've all had to work harder to stand still turnover wise.

The rise in demand and sales for Christmas confectionery may have caught some garden centres by surprise but where "stop me and buy me" displays have been added to Christmas the results have been astounding.

Subscribers to the GTN Bestsellers weekly chart service will receive the full GTN Bestsellers Christmas Top 100 chart later this week including comparisons to 2016.  In that chart the total Top 100 volume is dominated by personalised and confectionery Christmas lines, accounting for 52% of all Top 100 sales.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers and get your personal copy of the GTN Bestsellers Christmas Top 100 for 2017, plus the GTN Bestsellers charts every week for 2018 click on this link.

Founded over 80 years ago, Bord na Móna Horticulture is the leading Irish supplier of growing media and barks in Ireland and the UK.

The company manufactures and supplies a range of growing media products for both professional growers and home gardeners, and is at the forefront of developing top quality growing media – including peat-free and peat-reduced multipurpose composts, specialist composts and grow your own planters – barks, soil improvers and fertilisers. 
 
With the largest green waste composting facilities in Ireland and the UK taking in garden waste and large quantities of spent grain, Bord na Móna Horticulture controls, monitors, and supervises the entire manufacturing process of their products, from planting and harvesting, through to packing and distribution.

Consistently delivering excellent products, high quality Irish peat, and continuous research and innovation, their high performing products have successfully received 14 Which? Best Buy awards over the past 8 years (2010-2017).
 
With an expanding footprint in international markets, Bord na Móna Horticulture products have been acknowledged for their quality around the world, as seen through their use in world class sports and leisure projects including the Camp Nou Football Stadium in Barcelona, the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in the UAE and Meydan Race Track in the UAE.
 
Bord na Móna Horticulture’s award winning formulations and recipes, and commitment to sustainability sets it apart from industry competitors. But what are the sustainable ingredients they use to ensure gardeners produce and enjoy brighter, bigger blooms every season?

 
GREEN COMPOST
With sustainability at the heartbeat of the business, Bord na Móna Horticulture is leading the development of alternatives to peat based growing media, focusing on green compost.  As well as natural potassium, green compost is rich in calcium, essential for strong leaves and the suppression of plant disease, and natural humic acid to help speedy germination and boost plant growth.
 
COIR
Another one of the components used by Bord na Móna Horticulture as an alternative to peat is coir.  Coir is also a natural source of potassium, one of the essential nutrients for vibrant growth, lush plant leaves and an enhanced taste in vegetables.
 
COMPOSTED BARK
Produced from high quality inputs from the timber industry, composted bark is an indigenous product that contains a natural source of potassium for brighter flowers.  Materials that are well-rotted and composted are the best at balancing essential nitrogen in the soil, aiding essential photosynthesis production in healthy plants and flowers. Keeping these nitrogen levels balanced is essential to ensure the plants are able to breath.
 
PEAT
An organic matter produced naturally when plants and vegetation decompose in bogs, peat moss has been used in gardens for generations as a soil amendment or ingredient in potting soil.  Bord na Móna Irish peat is world renowned for its high quality, consistency and stability.  Considered by many to be the best quality growing media, peat moss is an important component of most potting soils and seed starting mediums.

Tildenet has announced it has acquired the specialist textiles and netting supplier Fleximas.

As a long established, family run company, the Fleximas ethos mirrors that of Tildenet, with great service and customer care at the forefront of the business.

Customers of both companies will be able to benefit from the increased breadth of range Tildenet are now able to offer across the whole market and the synergies of the two businesses operating from state of the art facilities in Bristol, which will help ensure a seamless transition and improved service levels.

Andrew Downey, Tildenet MD, said: "Fleximas has been established for over 40 years and are a very well-known and respected name within the industry making them a perfect fit for Tildenet and our expanding business.

"The increased product range and depth of knowledge that come with an acquisition like this will be a huge benefit for our customers and I am sure we will have some very exciting times ahead opening lots more doors to new markets.

"We welcome Sarah Hendon to the Tildenet Group and her vast experience will help ensure continuity from day one."

Sarah Hendon, Fleximas, said: "We are delighted to be part of the Tildenet Group at such an exciting time in their growth and I am looking forward to working with their talented teams and the opportunities that this move will bring to our customers."

This acquisition signals that 2018 will be another year of significant growth for the Tildenet Group which has recently made a further six-figure investment in its operations infrastructure as part of a sustained programme of modernisation and development across the whole business.

For enquiries about Tildenet and Fleximas products email info@tildenet.co.uk or call 0117 966 9684.

Leading indoor pot suppliers Ivyline have announced their first tie-up with the garden Industry charity Greenfingers.

Ivyline’s UK and Ireland Sales Manager James Brindle visited Greenfingers Head Office to have tea with Linda Petrons, Greenfingers Head of Fundraising & Communications, ahead of the January launch.

“Greenfingers are a fantastic charity, working to bring beautiful gardens to children and their families at hospices around the country”, says James “and Ivyline are supporting the charity with their new Happiness Teacups, a set of two, fun, three pack tea cups perfect for herb or cacti planting.”

“Having launched the Greenfingers Charity Garden Teaparty FUNdraiser in 2017, we are thrilled that Ivyline have chosen to support us with this new range of Teacups.  We are sure that through the money raised by Ivyline, much “happiness” will continue to be spread amongst the many children and families who spend time in Greenfingers gardens right across the UK”, says Linda.  

Ivyline are donating 25p from all sales of the Happiness Teacups to the Charity and with pre-booked sales way ahead of expectation and large Garden centre groups signing up, “all is looking very, very positive”, say James.

Please contact your Ivyline Agent for further information or contact Ivyline direct on 0844 8002214 or on sales@ivylinegb.co.uk

The future of a garden centre in Bath has been plunged into doubt after the site’s landowner applied for planning permission to turn it into a building development.

The application to erect eight homes following the demolition of existing buildings was lodged with Bath and North East Somerset Council just before Christmas.

It has left the owner of Bathford Nurseries and Garden Centre on Box Road shocked and dismayed.

Tony Norris has run the garden centre from its current site for 15 years and he admitted the application from the landowner had come out of the blue.

He told the Bath Chronicle: “My landlord put in a planning application to demolish the nursery and build eight dwellings just before Christmas.

 “We have until January 8 to get our objections in. I have been here for 15 years and my dad ran the business before me and he was here for nine years.

“I actually found out about the application on January 2 when I came back from the Christmas break.”

The development proposes four detached and four terraced homes. According to the planning statement, a letter from the landowner said the “current garden centre use is unsustainable to maintain”.

Mr Norris is encouraging his customers and other members of the public to submit objections to the application before the deadline.

 “I’m trying to get as much support as I can by telling current customers and people living in the neighbourhood they can put in objections online,” he said.

“We have many customers who are really worried.”

Pic: Google Street View

Barton Grange made headline news this week after a Tornado fighter jet fuel tank was reportedly found in the garden centre’s car park.

According to the BBC News website, the component, which was assessed by the military to be more than 30 years old, was found at Barton Grange on 22 December.

The BBC reported the tank was being temporarily stored at the site. It is expected to be removed next week.

GTN Xtra was unable to get the inside story on the discovery. But we wondered if it was a secret weapon to be used in the annual battle between the Pansies (garden centres) and Cabbages (suppliers) at the GCA Conference later this month.

Picture: Lancashire Police

Former England rugby player Matt Dawson MBE will share his team building and personal commitment expertise with delegates at Garden Centre Association's (GCA) 52nd annual conference which takes place in Warwickshire on January 21-24.

One of England's most capped players of all time, Matt was a scrum half and a key part of the team that won the 2003 World Cup.

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: "We've just confirmed Matt as our Tuesday afternoon speaker and we're absolutely delighted. It's quite a coup to have such a big name draw for this year's conference and someone who is well-known not just for his sporting prowess but also for his more recent media appearances on all sorts of popular television programmes including the BBC's 'A Question of Sport'. In 2006, he won 'Celebrity Masterchef' and, in the same year, came second in 'Strictly Come Dancing', so has a real drive and flair for winning."

Delegates who attend the 2018 GCA conference in Stratford-upon-Avon will be able to hear Matt speak on Tuesday, January 23.

Iain continued: "As a rugby player, he played more than 70 times for England, and famously his pass in the dying moments of the 2003 World Cup final resulted in the kick that won the game. Matt also captained England and played on three Lions' tours. As part of the world-beating team, he was involved in a revolutionary set-up that introduced new ideas and professional attitudes.

"He witnessed first-hand the organisation and team structure, the handing of responsibility to individuals and coaches, the culture of team and player accountability and the analysis of performances.

"Since his retirement, Matt has developed two parallel careers: in media and in business. He's a regular commentator on live matches for BT Sport and BBC 5Live. He's also one of the longest serving team captains on the BBC perennial A Question of Sport where his banter with opposing captain Phil Tufnell has become a popular feature of a show that's been on air for more than four decades."

In business, Matt has two jobs. He works with The Instant Group, which is a commercial property company, and with the facilities management giant, Sodexo.

"Working in these areas has given him an insight into business, how its run and the expectations of clients, and how to deal with everyday challenges, from getting groups to work together to having accountability for results.

"Matt applies lessons from the pitch and dressing room, and combines them with his

commercial knowledge to deliver messages on everything from staff engagement to leadership culture. As well as offering serious business insights, he also adds humour and understanding to his presentations."

Matt will be speaking at the GCA's annual conference on Tuesday, January 23.

The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide. Through sharing information and its inspection programme, the organisation helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

The GCA's annual conference will be held Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon from January 21 until 24, 2018. More than 300 delegates are expected to attend the event. Places for the event can be booked via the GCA website www.gca.org.uk

Notcutts, the family-owned garden centre business, is celebrating after a successful 120th anniversary year. Throughout 2017, Notcutts marked their 120 years in business and recognised the family that helped make it the success it is today.

In February, a blue plaque was unveiled to mark the achievements of horticultural pioneer Roger Crompton Notcutt who founded Notcutts Garden Centres in 1897. The plaque can be seen at the front of The Old House – Roger’s Georgian home of almost 30 years, which is now Notcutts’ offices.

2017 also saw the launch of the Maud Notcutt collection of interior and garden accessories. Maud, the wife of Roger, made a valuable contribution growing the business and a striking white lilac that was created in her honour in 1954 is at the centre of the design.

During this summer’s Chelsea Flower Show, a new rose dedicated to Charles Notcutt OBE was unveiled. Charles was a driving force behind the growth of Notcutts Garden Centres and a voice for the horticultural industry. The ‘Deben Sunrise’ rose is named after Charles’ favourite view over the River Deben from his garden in Woodbridge, Suffolk.

Notcutts also launched a second rose this year to mark the 120th anniversary and a competition was held to find the perfect name. Over 4,000 customers entered the competition with two people suggesting the same winning name: ‘Anniversary Splendour’.

The celebratory year was completed with a tree planting at a new housing development in Woodbridge, Suffolk. Charles Notcutt was a very influential figure in his hometown of Woodbridge, holding key roles including Town Councillor and Mayor. Charles was passionate about the Whisstocks project and helped secure the plans for its development.

Commenting on the successful year, Caroline Notcutt, Great Granddaughter of Roger Crompton Notcutt, and vice chair of Notcutts said: “Celebrating 120 years has been a special year for us and it has been fantastic to share the success of the business with colleagues and customers in our 18 centres up and down the country. I am pleased to see that both my Grandfather and Father’s vision and passion remains at the heart of the business and I hope this will continue for the next 120 years.”

Notcutts is currently investing in its future by implementing a five-year plan to update and reposition its garden centres and restaurants within their respective markets.

For more information about Notcutts, please visit www.notcutts.co.uk

Caroline Notcutt with family and the Whisstocks Development Committee plant a tree to memory of Charles Notcutt.

Each year we endeavour to be better, eat better and exercise better. Make this the year you succeed by signing up to one of the Garden Re-Leaf challenges to raise money for Greenfingers Charity.

Shed those festive pounds by signing up for the Garden Re-Leaf Day Walk which will take place on Friday 16th March starting from Wyevale’s World’s End Garden Centre, Buckinghamshire. You can either take a gentle 10-mile stroll, or complete a more challenging 20-mile route through the Chilterns which is the ideal way to get in shape following the Christmas break.

The popular Plantathon will return with Greenfingers calling for garden retailers across the country to pot up as many plants as possible.  This year the time frame to plant as many pots as possible will be 12 hours and promises to be a popular event.

Where does the Garden Re-Leaf money go?

In July 2011, Hillview Garden Store CEO, Boyd Douglas-Davies announced the inaugural Garden Re-Leaf Day at the Garden Retail Awards in London.  Now in its seventh year, Garden Re-Leaf Day is the biggest charity fundraiser in the garden industry’s calendar and has raised over £500,000.

Positioned as the garden industry’s answer to Comic Relief and Sports Relief, the aim of Garden Re-Leaf Day was to celebrate the start of the garden year with fundraising events to raise money for Greenfingers, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of children in hospices through the creation of magical gardens.

For the garden industry, the day creates valuable team building opportunities and brings more shoppers into garden centres earlier to extend the peak Spring season. Garden centre managers, staff and other industry professionals tirelessly set up fun and exciting ways to not only raise money for Greenfingers, but also to promote gardening as an enjoyable pastime.

But where do these vital funds go?  Most will already be aware that the money raised is used to build Greenfingers hospice gardens which enable children and their families to enjoy special time together outside enjoying the therapeutic benefits of nature, and away from the bedside. 

Greenfingers work exclusively with each hospice to come up with a unique design that suits the needs of the children and families they care for.  Each garden is created with top industry designers and landscapers, as well as help from the local community, volunteers and gardening clubs.

In total, 53 Greenfingers gardens have been built since the charity’s creation in 1998 with many being funded by monies from Garden Re-Leaf Day.  The inaugural Garden Re-Leaf Day in 2012 raised more than £55,000 for Greenfingers, helping a specially designed, family garden to be built at both Robin House Children’s Hospice in West Dunbartonshire, and Donna Louise Children’s Hospice in Stoke-on-Trent.  In 2017, two new gardens were opened – the new Kaleidoscope Garden at Helen & Douglas House in Oxford, which features a colourful and protected garden pavilion that is being enjoyed by patients, their families and hard-working hospice staff.

The Courtyard Garden at Keech Hospice Care in Luton was officially opened by garden designer and Greenfingers Ambassador Adam Frost and featured a multi-coloured soft, but durable, flooring in swirling shapes and will be well used by families who are now able to enjoy mealtimes and activities outside in this new bright and sheltered courtyard.

The most recent Greenfingers garden was started in October by landscaper and designer Jody Lidgard of Bespoke Outdoor Spaces. The pirate themed garden is being built at St Andrew’s Hospice in Grimsby, which provides palliative care for children and young adults suffering from progressive life-limiting illnesses. 

More gardens are in the pipeline to be built in 2018 but this is where Garden Re-Leaf Day comes into its own, raising much needed funds.  The garden industry will be exploding with colour with plenty of FUNdraising activities throughout the day. 

Boyd Douglas Davies said: “Garden Re-Leaf Day has resulted in life-limited children and families who spend time in hospices every single year being able to enjoy precious time together in a Greenfingers garden.  It’s really easy to take part, you can sign up and participate in one of this year's organised initiatives such as the Garden Re-Leaf Walk or Plantathon.  Why not organise your own event, and register it so that it can be included in all the media briefings that raise awareness of the cause?”

You can sign up to take part in Garden Re-Leaf Day events or register your own by visiting the Greenfingers Charity website www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/gardenreleaf

If you want to find out more about how to get involved in Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day 2018, whether by putting on events in your garden centre, through sponsored solo activities or simply by donating - contact the Greenfingers office on 01494 674749 or email Linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

The Gardenex export federation has been successful in securing cash grant funding for four major international garden trade exhibitions in the Government’s latest bidding round. 

The funding is available to eligible SMEs under the DIT’s Tradeshow Access programme and will enable British companies to exhibit their products to international markets in a cost-effective way, while also benefiting from the wide range of practical research, logistical and promotional support offered by the Federation.

In addition to the shows in the US, Germany and Japan - where Gardenex has extensive experience of  organising exhibitor-groups - the federation has secured funding for Myplant & Garden which is held in Milan, Italy (in Spring 2019).  It is the first time that TAP funding has been offered for a British group at an Italian garden trade show.  The decision to include Myplant & Garden on the April 2018 - March 2019 schedule follows a scoping visit by Gardenex earlier this year, when it was recognised that the show offers considerable opportunities for suppliers of both plants and hard goods.

At the National Hardware Show (NHS) in Las Vegas (8-10 May 2018), the Federation will be organising the British pavilion for the 24th time.  The NHS attracts over 30,000 industry professionals, including 2,600 exhibitors from the lawn and garden, hardware and DIY industries.  Exhibiting in the Gardenex-organised group at the NHS offers a significant opportunity for British suppliers to reach the largest garden market in the world.  Firms that have participated in the group at previous editions of the show have signed significant export orders, and the fact that the federation has secured a prime location for the British pavilion in 2018 should ensure a continuation of those successes.

The major international garden and leisure trade show, Spoga+gafa in Cologne (2-4 September 2018) also appears on the 2018 Gardenex exhibition schedule.  Spoga+gafa is Europe’s largest trade show covering all sectors of practical, decorative and leisure gardening products.  Gardenex has nearly 50 years’ experience of exhibiting at the show, during which time the UK firms participating in the British pavilion have secured many millions of pounds worth of export business for the UK.  In 2017, around 39,000 trade visitors from around 113 countries attended the exhibition. 

The Federation’s experience in the Japan market also dates back for many years, and in 2018 British firms have the opportunity of exhibiting in the Gardenex group at Gardex/Ifex in Tokyo (10-12 October 2018).  Gardex/Ifex is Japan's leading garden industry trade show and is regarded as the best sourcing venue for the following spring gardening seasons among Japanese buyers.  The show now serves as the gateway to the Japanese market for overseas garden products exporters.  Almost all the Japan's leading home center buyers visit the show every year and these are joined by other retail outlets such as garden centres and garden shops, as well as wholesalers, importers, growers, landscapers and many more.

The schedule to March 2019 will culminate in the exhibitor pavilion at Myplant & Garden, which is held in Milan in Spring (2019 show dates to be confirmed).

Commenting on the programme of TAP-supported export initiatives planned for April 2018 to March 2019, Amanda Sizer Barrett, director general of Gardenex said:”I am delighted that all of the bids made by the Federation in support of the UK industry have been successful.  The cash grants available to eligible British suppliers will help pave the way for further expansion of exports to markets around the world.  In addition to major international exhibition involvement, the Federation’s 2018 schedule will encompass several of our highly successful ‘Meet the International Buyers’ events, export support at both Glee and the Spring Fair and a comprehensive range of other export services that are available on a day-to-day basis to our member companies.  2018 -19 promises to be an exciting time for British exporters of garden and leisure goods.”  

Full details on these initiatives will issued throughout the year but in the meantime interested companies should contact Gardenex to register their interest and to obtain full information on the comprehensive range of export advice, market research, sales leads and practical advice available to member companies.

Telephone:  +44 (0) 7779 617965   or   fax:  +44 (0) 1959 565885

e-mail:  info@gardenex.com  or visit the Gardenex website on  www.gardenex.com

The Garden Retail Experience (TREx) will take place in Beursfabriek at Nieuwegein – centrally located in the Netherlands – on February 7-8. TREx is a unique annual information and inspiration event for the international garden retail industry. The coming seventh edition promises to be another intriguing and content-filled international event.

The core of the event is the Experience Shop; an innovating garden centre with a surface area of 13,000 m². More than 150 leading suppliers in the garden industry will showcase their latest collections and concepts there. At TREx, the latest insights and ideas for selling living green, garden and decorative articles are shared, with the aim of providing improved service to the customer and improving sales – from now on. TREx 2018 takes place at Nieuwegein, The Netherlands, 7 + 8 February 2018.

WHY TREx?

Traditional exhibitions and events centre on the procurement of products. In our opinion, this is only the start of cooperation. The most important objective is to sell products to consumers. Without sales, there’s no reason to purchase. The common interest is to provide the consumer with as good and efficient a service as possible, bundling our strengths to achieve this.

TREx is the platform that bundles retail knowledge and conveys it to the industry. This ensures more effective and improved sales, allowing suppliers to deliver more products, thus stimulating the growth of the entire industry.

Sales to the consumer takes centre stage at TREx. That’s why exhibitors don’t have an exhibition stand; instead, they have a place in a large concept garden centre. In this shopping environment is displayed in what manner the products and retail concepts of the exhibitors can be presented and sold most effectively.

FROM STORES TO STORIES

The theme of the event is From stores to stories. There’s a transformation going on in the green industry: from distribution channel for garden products to storytelling spots and platforms for discovery, engagement, experience and interaction.

TREx will be your guide in this evolution to new green store concepts, supplying information, inspiration and ideas to stay ahead! There will be an inspiring programme of lectures, workshops, and Expert Tours (tours conducted by specialists).

WHAT’S NEW?

The new location is 50% larger, easier to reach, modern appearance: TREx is moving to the centrally-located Beursfabriek in Nieuwegein. TREx 2018 will be held on Wednesday the 7th and Thursday the 8th of February; favourable days for retail and international visitors.

Entrepreneurs, managing directors, department heads, purchasers, visual merchandisers – the core team of the garden centre is welcome. We aim to double the number of visitors.

There will be new exhibitors, plants and flowers, seasonal products and floristry articles. Immediately-applicable ideas, choose from masterclasses and keynote speakers you can’t afford to miss! TREx is the best time investment you can make.

VISIT TREx 2018

The Garden Retail Experience is freely accessible to retailers and employees in the gardening sector. Other visitors pay 195 euro including lunch, drinks and snacks. Sign up at www.tr-ex.eu

The event will take place at Wednesday the 7th and Thursday the 8th of February in Beursfabriek at Nieuwegein – centrally located in the Netherlands.

On the website, you’ll find the complete programme and suggestions for overnight stays. www.tr-ex.eu

10 REASONS TO VISIT TREx!

1          A wealth of information and inspiration for all kinds of visitors

2          Visitors rate TREx with an 8, 95 % indicated to visit TREx again

3          150 leading suppliers present all relevant product categories

4          13,000 m² new products and concepts

5          New ways to increase your sales

6          The most important players in the industry, all under one roof

7          Networking in a pleasant, green environment

8          Arouse your creativity

9          Taste the TREx hospitality

10       Upgrade your visit with the garden centre tour on February 6th

Pet companies have been congratulating PATS, the UK’s number one pet trade exhibition which will be staging its 10^th Sandown show in March. 

Those firms who exhibited at the first PATS Sandown in 2009 agree that over the years the show has proved to be a great platform for launching new products and services.

And that’s one of the main reasons why they have appeared in every exhibition since and will again be exhibiting at PATS Sandown in Surrey on March 20-21.

The 10^th PATS Sandown will see more than 140 brands and companies showcasing their new products to a growing number of buyers, including pet retailers, garden centres and international businesses.

Inspired Pet Nutrition were the first company to book a stand with PATS in 2009 under the Wagg brand and they will be present at Sandown in 2018.

Trade Sales Director Ben Anderson said: ‘We have been at PATS since the start and have enjoyed every show. We had total confidence in the organisers from the beginning which is why we were the first exhibitor to sign up.

“The PATS team are experienced, knowledgeable, approachable and go out of their way to ensure the show is a success each and every year. 

“At IPN we believe in the concept of a trade show – how else can you fully display your entire range of products to your customers under one roof?  As our brands and ranges expand, we will continue to utilise the PATS event to showcase these to our customer base. 

“We’re looking forward to another successful 10 years and thanks to all the team at PATS for their hard work in organising such a well run trade show.”

Other companies to have attended every PATS Sandown since the start include: Antos, Barking Heads, Beaphar, Bern Pet Foods, Burns, Collarways, Earthbound, Fish 4 Dogs, Fold Hill Foods, Gor Pets, Hemmo, Hertford Shelving, Hills, Intelligent Retail, James Wellbeloved, Johnson’s Veterinary Products, Kennelpak, pbwnews, Pedigree Wholesale, Pet Gazette, Petlife, PetSafe, Pooch & Mutt, Royal Canin, The Bramton Company and Vitalin.

Many of these exhibitors were quick to congratulate the exhibition and reveal ways in which it has helped their business.

“Pedigree Wholesale are proud to have supported the PATS team from the outset. The show is an excellent platform for showcasing new products and brands, as well as meeting both existing and new customers from the specialist independent pet trade. The quality of visitors is excellent and we are always delighted with the high number of worthwhile enquiries we get at each show.” Ann Hodson, Pedigree Wholesale.

"Collarways have exhibited with PATS since the beginning, using both Sandown and Telford to launch new ranges to the market in the best way possible. The exhibitions are a fantastic way to get instant feedback from the most important people to us – our customers. Winning a New Product Award on numerous occasions has also paid huge dividends. We love the atmosphere at the shows and look forward to catching up with customers, peers and even our competition. PATS is one of the highlights of the year." Katie Goldsmith, Collarways.

“PATS has always been an integral part of our yearly exhibition calendar at Petlife. Both shows offer us as a company the best possible platform to launch new products to the wider trade – much of which we sometimes wouldn’t have access to – whilst also giving us the perfect opportunity to showcase our existing range of products. With such a diverse visitor demographic to both venues, PATS has enabled us to sign up countless new customers over the years – including multinationals, UK based chains, independent retailers and many more. We will definitely continue to exhibit at both PATS Shows for many years to come.” James Hancock, Sales & Marketing Director, Petlife.

“Antos have been exhibiting at PATS since it began. It is an integral part of our marketing and growth plans for the year. It is the best opportunity for us to meet as many of our customers and potential new customers face to face in one place over two days. The shows have grown and improved year on year and the growth in international visitors has been considerable over the past few years. The quality of customer is also good at both shows. The organisers are proactive and keen to improve PATS each year."

Antoon Murphy, Managing Director, Antos.

"I can't believe that it has been almost a decade since Pooch & Mutt first exhibited at the first ever PATS show. The industry has changed a lot in that time, and I would like to think that both PATS and Pooch & Mutt have driven a lot of that change, from very different angles. PATS has definitely played its part in Pooch & Mutt's continued success." Guy Blaskey, Founder, Pooch & Mutt.

“Bern Pet Foods have found PATS to be a great platform for our range of products. It also allows us to connect with our trade customers and build relationships with potential stockists. PATS supports us in promoting our brands’ mission and vision of providing Biologically Appropriate foods for all dogs and cats.” Jackie Osman, Bern Pet Foods.

“Hertford Shelving tried PATS as a ‘one-off’ and had such a successful show that we just kept going. Each year I have picked up many leads that have resulted in sales of my shelving products and accessories, plus complete ‘fit-outs’ of pet shops, animal feed outlets and garden centres. Working with Impact Exhibitions has been fun and easy as they are such a great team and are always available to help.” Steve Lodge, Hertford Shelving.

“PATS has been at the forefront of pet specialty for the past decade and has been a fantastic forum for Fold Hill Foods to launch new products to the trade. Sandown and Telford are the two key shows where we focus on bringing new launches to the market. They give us a great opportunity to speak to our existing customers and to sign up new ones to our family of brands of Laughing Dog, Chewdles and Pointer. We look forward to the next decade of success.” Ben Mankertz, Commercial Manager, Fold Hill Foods Ltd.

“PATS has been a crucial part of PetSafe’s marketing calendar for the past few years and has no doubt contributed to our UK growth. The shows have been great forums to test concepts, launch new products and sign-up new customers, as well as deepen our relationships with existing contacts. We’re really looking forward to PATS Sandown 2018 and can’t wait to show the trade the new products that will be coming to market this year.” Rob Steele, International Marketing Manager PetSafe Brand.

A full list of exhibitors can be found on the PATS website www.patshow.co.uk where buyers can also register for free entry to the exhibition.

James Hollingworth has joined The Tildenet Group as Product Development Manager working across all their brands.

With over 12 years experience in the garden sector James has made the move from his previous role as Buyer at Suttons to work on a number of new projects at Tildenet.

James Hollingworth aaid: "Product has always been a passion of mine and I am excited to join the growing Tildenet team in this innovative role and have the opportunity to be involved with the development of products across such an extensive range. "

Andrew Downey, Tildenet Managing Director, added: “We've had another fantastic year at Tildenet and are delighted to have James on board to help maintain the high standards we expect of our products and develop the many exciting plans we have for 2018."

Following the usual festive indulgences, now is the time to make New Year’s resolutions. According to the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) many of the most popular resolutions, such as exercise more, eat more healthily, take a more active approach to health, learn a new skill or hobby, spend more time on personal wellbeing and with family and friends, can be achieved through gardening and engagement with plants.

One of the most common resolutions is to improve levels of fitness and in doing so improve your health and wellbeing. Indeed *52% of the population take part in some form of exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

As little as 1-2 hours of gardening a day, along with other forms of moderate physical leisure activity, can help reduce stress levels, tone muscles, lower blood and cholesterol levels, reduce your risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes and strokes, and prevent other chronic diseases such as osteoporosis. A survey by the RHS revealed that 80% of UK gardeners says that gardening helps them keep fit. Just 30 minutes physical work in the garden can equate to significant calorie loss with digging the garden burning 250 calories, mowing the lawn burning 195 calories, weeding burning 105 calories and raking burning 100 calories.

However, it is not just the physical benefits that plants and gardening offer as it has been shown that they have a huge impact on our emotional and mental wellbeing as well.  Research has shown that 20 minutes spent in green settings such as park and gardens reduces the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), compared to time spent in concrete recreation areas. Even views of greenery through a window can have a positive impact on the symptoms. **35% of the population agree that they try to stay healthy by keeping stress levels under control.

Eating more healthily is another area where people are taking much more interest and what could be better than growing and then eating your own home-grown fruit and vegetables. ***60% of the population try to stay healthy by preparing meals from scratch and 31% claim to stay healthy by avoiding processed food.

Learning a new skill or hobby is becoming increasingly important as we seek more experiences over material goods with 67% of consumers feeling moderately or strongly towards the need to learn. Garden enthusiasts are 41% more likely than the general population to definitely agree that it is important to continue learning new thing’s throughout your life. ****38% cite gardening as an activity undertaken for entertainment (compared with 37% for cooking) with the percentage increasing with age as you might expect.

Spending time with family and friends is increasingly important to us and the garden is often a focal point for this, particularly in the summer with BBQ’s, parties and al fresco dining.

So, what are you waiting for – get down to your nearest garden centre and start planning your outdoor space so that you too can reap the benefits of the garden in 2018.

Visit http://www.thevouchergarden.co.uk/find/ to locate your nearest garden centres.

Quantil Ltd has announced that Mark Clementson has joined the board of directors as Retail Sales Director.

Mark joined the company 6 years ago in the role of Retail Sales Manager, and has contributed significantly to its continued growth.  

He has helped to develop Quantil into a market leading Grow Your Own brand within the garden retail sector, now supplying over 1000 retail outlets throughout the country, in both the independent garden centre and DIY sectors.

Squire’s Garden Centres in Badshot Lea and Stanmore have a very special Pets & Aquatics event on Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th January.

There’ll be 20% off all pet food and accessories all weekend, as well as loads of free activities, including dietary and nutritional advice, a family quiz, children’s face painting, meet and cuddle furry animals, learn about exotic reptiles, and even free micro-chipping for your pet at Squire’s in Badshot Lea!

See www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk for full details.

Former vice chair Stefaan Vandaele has officially taken over the chairmanship of Growing Media Europe from Norbert Siebels, who stepped down from the position in the course of his upcoming retirement end of 2019.

As Board Member, vice chair and later chair of EPAGMA (the predecessor association of Growing Media Europe), Norbert Siebels has been a leading figure and a powerful driving force in the industry ́s interest representation on European level since 2004.

In his position as chairman of Growing Media Europe, he was entrusted with the transition to the new association and its successful kick-off in 2016.

“The members of Growing Media Europe and previously EPAGMA owe Norbert Siebels great gratitude for his passionate commitment, constant engagement and farsighted decisions, that were instrumental in paving the way to success for both associations," declared Stefaan, who was designated to succeed Norbert Siebels following an unanimous decision of the Board Members last year.

Stefaan Vandaele is the Managing Director of Greenyard Horticulture, one of the founding members of Growing Media Europe, and has been actively involved in the predecessor association EPAGMA since 2005.

Summarizing his vision for Growing Media Europe, he emphasized that: “Our sector is not only fit for the future, it is a strong basis for creating a more sustainable future!

"Highly innovative growing media products contribute to healthy and sustainable food production, climate change mitigation and greener living spaces.

"To assure the sustainable development of our sector and develop a constructive dialogue, we rely on Growing Media Europe to bring together our member ́s views and act as our European focal point in Brussels.

"I am eager to take on my new responsibilities as chairman and to keep moving things in the right direction for our sector.”

Peter "PJ" Davies, the boss of Bunnings Homebase in the UK is to take a 3 month period of leave in mid January according to newspaper reports over the festive period.

On Friday 29th December, the Guardian ran the business headline: "Homebase boss opts for three-month time-out back home in Australia."  The story went on to suggest that the decision will raise eyebrows in the city following comments by new Wesfarmers chief executive Rob Scott last November that they had made a mistake by changing the Homebase management team and product ranges too quickly when it took over the UK chain last year.

In the story "PJ" is quoted as saying: “I’ve been away from my family in Australia for three years and I want to take a break and I’m going to take a break."

Indications are that Damian McGloughlin, who joined from the rival DIY chain B&Q this year, will be stepping up as acting managing director.

Read the full story in the Guardian here: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/dec/29/homebase-boss-opts-three-month-break-back-home-australia-bunnings

Kernock Park Plants have announced the sad news that Mark Taylor, the company's Business Development Manager, has passed away following a five-year battle against cancer.

"It is with great sadness that I inform you that Mark Taylor, our business development Manager at Kernock Park Plants passed away last Tuesday," said Managing Director Bruce Harnett.
 
"As many of you will be aware, Mark was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2012.

"His prognosis was not good from the outset, but it is great testament to Mark’s attitude to be a cancer ”thriver” rather than simply a “survivor” defying medical logic and continuing his life as normal as possible, with many not knowing he was ill.

"Mark enjoyed Christmas surrounded with family and friends, but unfortunately contracted pneumonia which under chemotherapy he was not able to overcome, passing away peacefully on Boxing Day.
 
"Our thoughts are very much with Mark's wife Sharon and his family. He was well respected and loved within the industry and is likely to be most remembered for his great sense of humour and wit, an aspect which will be missed enormously."
 
If you would like to share your memories and make a donation to the local charity (Penny Brohn UK) that Mark recently raised money for during a 10k run, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bruce-harnett2
 
The funeral will be held on Thursday 18th January 2018 at 14:00, Weston Crematorium, Ebdon Road, BS22 9NY. The family welcome all those that knew Mark to pay their last respects, but please be aware that there is limited space within the crematorium.

Two stalwarts of the UK garden centre industry, Colin Squire and John Athwal have been awarded OBE's in the New Year's Honours list.

Speaking to GTN Xtra yesterday Colin Squire said; "I'm humbled, thrilled and overawed by the award."  John Athwal from his annual holiday in Goa said he was "absolutely stunned."

Chairman of Squires Garden Centres, Colin Squires' award for services to the Horticultural Industry and to charity, comes after a lifetime working in the family business that started in the fifties when left college in Kingston.  Squires celebrated 80 years as a limited company in 2016 and are currently modernising many of their 15 centres.

Jarnail Singh Athwal, Founder and Managing Director, Premier Decorations Ltd. Was awarded his OBE for services to Business and charity.  

John comments: “Receiving an OBE in the Queen’s 2018 New Years Honours list is a fantastic tribute and I am overwhelmed to have been recognised and nominated by colleagues and peers. Life has not always been as easy as it is today; having arrived at the age of eight in the UK in 1961 with my parents from very humble beginnings in Punjab, I have embraced the opportunities this country has offered me, and it only feels right to give a little something back to society.”

John’s entrepreneurial skills unearthed at college at just 17 years old, where much against his parents wishes, he formed a business with a friend as a music promoter hiring bands for the local town hall and student’s union. His parent’s disapproval of this venture, which involved late nights and selling alcoholic beverages going completely against his Asian culture, led John to run away from home – a decision that he now regrets because of the worry and anxiety it caused his family; but which also altered the course of his life.

As a self-confessed workaholic, John landed a job as a trainee manager in a filling station and, in the days when these generally only sold fuel, recognised the potential to stock add-on merchandise such as jackets, briefcases, garden accessories, bread, milk – in fact anything that caught the customer’s eye. This business model proved so successful that it expanded to filling stations across the country and having been promoted to marketing manager John approached  the board of directors to establish a business wholesaling non-petrol products to other filling stations. At the business’s peak it was selling to 2,500 filling stations in the UK.

At the age of 29, John was appointed to the Board of Directors and established an importing  arm for the company, and a couple of years later,  a friend approached John with an order to supply Christmas decorations to Asda – as his friend did not have the funds to fulfil the order himself. Travelling to factories in Taiwan and discovering the considerable excitement involved  in this type of product, John decided that this was where his future lay. He formed Premier Decorations Ltd – the UK’s first Christmas brand and one which remains a market leader for this type of product today.

This year, Premier Decorations will celebrate its 30^th birthday, while John celebrates his own 65^th birthday. Although he no longer works full-time in the office John is still an ever-present figure in the company, supporting his staff and guiding the company strategy. He concludes: “Professionally I think that I have achieved most of my ambitions – and receiving an OBE really has to cap it all. I will continue to be active in both my business and charitable work, but also look forward to spending more time in the future with my wife Jito, children and grandchildren.”

It’s been a strange year, yet for all that an oddly exciting one when you begin to peer into the detail – a year of transition in which the garden industry has continued to adapt, albeit cautiously, to a rapidly changing retail world.

There is no doubt that the internet is steadily standing the retail industry on its head, but not necessarily in a predictable way. ‘Clicks and bricks’ has been a trend this year, as online retailers begin to understand why, how and when consumers still like to visit the high street, retail park…or garden centre.

Major garden centre operators are sharpening up their worldwide web presence and going transactional. Our garden centres have been relatively slow to embrace cyber retailing, allowing entrepreneurial web traders with little experience of the garden market to get a head start, but they’re learning fast – driven by the need to court the next generation of consumers, who will demand that the businesses vying for their loyalty are super net-friendly. Dobbies announced their new tie-up with Ocado would enable them to open an online store next year.

In garden centres across the UK, plant sales accounted for an ever declining share of turnover, while catering revenues carried on growing. Bents, who opened their first coffee shop in the 1980s, now turn over more than £6 million from 1000 covers at six locations around the centre. New catering facilities swallowed up massive percentages of garden centre development budgets in 2017. For the new Rosebourne group, which announced during the year that it will open its second site at Aldermaston near Reading in Autumn 2018, catering and food sales are as much part of it raison d’etre as the gardening element…if not more so.

However, the precarious balance between plants-and-gardening and gifts-and-leisure has clearly been exercising the minds of garden centre top brass through the year.

Centres like Notcutts and Coolings demonstrated that ultimate plant quality and horticultural expertise continue to be eminently saleable commodities. And in the autumn, Nicholas Marshall, whose adventures as the new CEO at Dobbies took up many column inches during the year, announced that his new strategy for the chain would put the focus back on plant sales, which he would like to see doubled.

Meanwhile, over at Wyevale Garden Centres , CEO Roger McLaughlan announced a new business strategy designed to shore up the 149-centre group’s finances after 2016’s £122.4m losses and what was described as an unsustainable growth strategy (mainly acquisition-driven). With refinancing in place, he wants to deliver a more compelling customer proposition and experience, invest in people, upgrade systems and improve the supply chain process. If that works, observers believe, Guy Hands at parent company Terra Firma will consider putting WGC back on the market.

With WGC’s wings clipped, few major independents changed hands in 2017 and many were happy to invest in a retail sector widely admired for its resilience in a struggling economy. Woodborough Garden Centre in Wiltshire became the Whitehall group’s third outlet; the Squires group and Groves at Bridport anounced ambitious plans for new restuarants; and in Northern Ireland, Hillmount added a third centre as it revealed plans to open a new store in an old church at Ards. Significant investment announced by the British Garden Centres Group for its East Durham GC at Easington could see the workforce there grow from 10 to 300. In Scotland, Caulders acquired its fifth centre, at Cupar.

On the supplier front, the biggest news of the year was undoubtedly the decision by Scotts to divest its international businesses, which includes Miracle-Gro in the UK. The news that the businesses had been delivered into the well-capitalised hands of Exponent Private Equity LLP was greeted with relief - we should never underestimate just how important the Miracle-Gro brand has been to the UK’s gardening market since Horace Hagedorn brought it here in the 90s, despite subsequent hiccups. Its consistent annual spend on TV advertising campaigns did much to drive footfall and develop sales in garden centres, DIY chains and the high street.

Barbecue specialists Weber aimed to do much the same for the al fresco dining market with a seven-figure TV ad spend over the summer.

Elsewhere on the supply side, Smart Garden Products demonstrated its hunger for growth under the guidance of Paris Natar by investing £20m in its new Eureka building at Peterborough, designed with a capacity for 40,000 pallets as the company eyes up an eventual turnover of £100m-plus.

Not to be outdone, Natar’s old company, Gardman (also based at Peterbough)  completed its new purpose-built distribution centre at Daventry, breaking long-established links with its previous home at Spalding and promising a better service from a modern, more centralised operation.

The transformation of wholesale distribution in the garden industry, forced by the collapse of Solus, has seen both Stax and Decco make strong gains. Stax’s latest win saw them pick up three of EP Barrus’s garden brands – Wolf, Wilkinson Sword and Town & Country (Barrus’s summer acquisition). As if by divine balancing, Decco announced it had done a deal with Town & Country arch rival Briers.

While we’re on the subject of distribution, SBM Life Science, now owners of the former Bayer garden products brands, agreed to  market the long-established MaxiCrop brand of seaweed-based growth stimulants in the UK. The growing popularity of seaweed-derived products (now sold by Westland, Mr Fothergill’s and others) is evidence of a swing towards ‘natural’ solutions. Westland, Miracle-Gro and SBM all embraced this trend  during the year.

The year’s wheeling and dealing also feartured diversification; seedsmen Mr Fothergill’s acquired the respected Darlac garden tools buisness, which will undoubtedly benefit from Mr F’s distribution network and marketing strength.

Garden centres who do well with chimenea sales will know how much this market niche owes to pioneering brothers John and Simon Goodwin who, aged 21 and 22,  set up La Hacienda in 1989 and sold it this summer for $11m to the Griffon Corporation of the US.

One of 2017’s most alarming headlines featured the threat to our gardens and nursery industry posed by the potential spread of the deadly bacterial plant disease xylella fastidiosa, for which there is as yet no known treatment. Efforts designed to prevent it from reaching these shores were redoubled, with the HTA launching a major information campaign to help all growers and importers of plants to put detailed precautions in place. The penalty for not being totally aware of the provenance of every plant you buy could well be horticultural decimation. You have been warned.

The industry looked on with interest as Aussie operators Wesfarmers began to transpose its Bunnings Warehouse template on a pilot group of Homebase stores, having trumpeted gardening as a prime element of the new format. The cost of assimilating Homebase, re-positioning product categories and launching the price-fighting Bunnings brand in a tight market resulted in big UK and Ireland losses early in thye year and a warning that profitabilty could be a long haul.

Once again, the garden industry showed itself to be a formidable charity supporter.. The organisers of Garden Re-Leaf Day said the annual spring fund-raiserand PR campaign had rasised more than half a million pounds for Greenfingers since the inaugural event in 2012.

Notable individual exploits included a courageous aercfraft wing-walk by Haskins garden centre group buying director Conna Powles, raising £6,200.

No review of the year is complete without a mention of Glee. The 2017 edition garnered plaudits from visitors and exhibitors alike, with many proclaiming it to be the best for years. The new Retail Lab feature was a resounding hit. As the show closed, we learned that it is to re-locate to different halls in 2018, when there will also be a mini-Glee at February’s Spring Fair.

The industry lost two respected names during the year.

Stephen Pickering, who worked  for Wyevale Garden Centres at York from 1994 until his retirement in 2012, died aged 70 after a six-year battler with cancer. He was one of the first employees at Challis of York in 1964 and was known throughout his career as “Steve from Challises”.

Alistair Lorimer, who died during the summer, had also battled cancer. A highlight of his 30-plus years in the garden centre and plants industry was his contribution to the development of the award-winning Blooms Bicester Avenue project. He later successfully turned his hand to consultancy.

Story reproduced from the December 2017/January 2018 edition of GTN.

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 2015 as well as 2016 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 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

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

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

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

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

For further information contact karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using the button below:

For further enquires please call 07973 504214.