In This Issue
Has the sales volume bubble burst?
Have your say on the future of Glee
Woodlodge win GCA Supplier of the Year Award
Honeyfield’s, the gift that keeps on giving
Time to stock up for spring!
David Isaac says farewell to Johnsons of Boston
Dobbies acquires Johnsons Garden Centre
Glee to return in September 2021
Best Easter fortnight since 2012 - GTN Bestsellers exclusive analysis
Allensmore receive Klondyke’s Plant Supplier of the Year Award
Specialist range helps gardeners achieve beautiful blooms
Tomato plant sales soar – up by 35%
Scotsdales launches Scan & Go Loyalty App
Squire’s Garden Centre Reigate receives GCA GROW training award
Seventh generation Durston joins family business
Dobbies partners with Butterfly Conservation
David Austin supports charities with 'Positive Planting'
Inside Outside... A New Beginning for the garden market - Read GTN's March Issue on-line now
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Smart Garden in the UK’s Top 100 Profit League
Pot feet, take a bow!
World traveller in the DIY sector turns 80
50% more growing going on
Collaboration between Smiemans Projecten and Hortère Conseil
Growth for Wild Bird Care
James Jones & Sons Ltd launches new ‘Fence Master’ app
Leading sustainable decking firm launches industry-first software
The best of last week's
Large Fire at Longacres Shepperton - UPDATED
Nicholas Marshall returns... again
Partnership blooms as 'Caulders at Scotmid' springs up
Squire’s financial results encouraging despite challenges
Barton Grange Christmas 2020 - Exclusive GTN Xtra Photo Tour
Squires Badshot Lea - Christmas 2020
Perrywood at Christmas 2020 - with correct photo gallery now...
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to the GTN Bestsellers printed weekly newsletter
All the latest news from the world of pet products
Dog-friendly garden plants guide
Actress teams up with pet nutrition company
Supreme extends high-performing Naturals Treats range
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Has the sales volume bubble burst?

Has the bubble burst for garden centres increased sales volumes?  Analysis of last weeks Epos data for GTN Bestsellers shows sales dipping below or just matching previous years levels for the first week since mid February...


Has the bubble burst for garden centres increased sales volumes?  Analysis of last weeks Epos data for GTN Bestsellers shows sales dipping below or just matching previous years levels for the first week since mid February.

 

The drop in sales could be down to any number of factors;  in 2019 last week was Easter week, continued cold winds may have kept people out of their gardens (it's been quite Arctic here in the east) and the opening of outdoor catering and other non-essential retail may well have had an impact on garden centre footfall.

 

As summer bedding plants start to come into stock and sell through the only area that continues to have a great lack of stock is furniture and BBQ's.  Where other gardening products may be out of stock, suitable alternatives appear to be selling through instead.

 

See the full GTN Bestsellers sales analysis including the Top 50 Bestselling Garden Products, growing media products, veg 2 Gro lines and Top 50 Bestselling plants with a subscription to the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter.  Subscribe here.

Have your say on the future of Glee

Glee Event Director Matthew Mein would like you to tell him how his team can improve Glee: "As we prepare for the return of Glee on 14th – 16th September, I look forward to welcoming you back to the show and hope you will join us as we reunite the community for 2021...


Glee Event Director Matthew Mein would like you to tell him how his team can improve Glee: "As we prepare for the return of Glee on 14th – 16th September, I look forward to welcoming you back to the show and hope you will join us as we reunite the community for 2021.

"Ahead of the show, we would like to find out a bit more about you and your business. We recognise that many members of the garden industry will have made significant changes to their retail operations this year, with both restrictions and opportunities arising from the pandemic. That’s why we’d like to know how we can help support you through this change. Below is a link to a short survey that gives you the opportunity to have your say on the future and how we can create the right event to suit your needs.

"It should take 10 minutes to complete and your feedback will help us shape future Glee events. As a thank you for your time, you can also enter a prize draw with the chance of winning a £100 retail voucher of your choice.* 

Take the survey

"The survey will be open until 26th April 2021 and in the meantime, I look forward to reading your feedback and I hope you will join us at the NEC Birmingham for the return of Glee."

 

Many thanks,

Matt Mein
Glee Event Director

* Terms and Conditions apply

 

Woodlodge win GCA Supplier of the Year Award
‘Highly Commended’ awards to Gisela Graham, Melcourt, Smart, Farplants & Allensmore

The team at Woodlodge Products are celebrating this week after being presented with the GCA’s 2020 Associate of the Year Award...


The team at Woodlodge Products are celebrating this week after being presented with the GCA’s 2020 Associate of the Year Award

 

Members were asked to vote for the supplier, a GCA Associate member, which had done the most for their business and the industry through support, service and innovation last year.

 

Woodlodge Products’ Director, Michael Wooldridge says: “We are delighted to have been awarded the GCA Associate of the Year, which symbolises our commitment to providing a high level of personal service to all our customers. It is great to be recognised in this achievement!

 

“Despite the many challenges that the pandemic has brought us, last year was an amazing year, which took us all by surprise. The commitment and enthusiasm from everyone at Woodlodge meant that we pulled through and this award is testament to the continued hard work, passion and dedication of the team.

 

“2021 has brought new challenges with production stretched to meet the huge demand. We’ve implemented a stock allocation system, so that stock is distributed fairly to our garden centre customers nationwide. We would like to thank our customers for their ongoing support through what looks to be another extraordinary year.”

 

The GCA normally announces the winner of the Associate of the Year Award at its annual conference in January but was unable, understandably, to host the event this year.

 

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, explains: “It’s wonderful to once again be presenting this award to such a worthy winner. Woodlodge are consistently highly rated by our members, are very well respected in the sector and are worthy winners.

 

“We usually announce the recipient at our annual Conference in January, and they are presented with the Haskins Stewarts Cup, but, of course, this year we haven’t been able to hold it as normal. However, we still wanted to make this award and waited until it was safe to do so. Will Blake, GCA Executive Committee member, travelled to Woodlodge to make the presentation this week.

 

 

“The award idea was initiated originally by two well-known industry members Martin Stewart and Warren Haskins, who were lifelong friends, local business competitors and longstanding GCA members, as well as past Chairmen. They gave us the Cup to present, which is returned and given each year to the new winner. The winner also receives a glass plaque to keep.

 

“Five other companies have been recognised for their hard work in supporting garden centres too. We’re delighted to present ‘Highly Commended’ awards to Gisela Graham Ltd, Melcourt Industries Ltd, Smart Garden Products Ltd, The Farplants Group and Allensmore Nurseries Ltd.

 

“Members voted in record numbers and there were many popular choices, so this year, given the particularly difficult circumstances in which our Associate Members have been operating, we felt it was right to recognise them. 

 

“We would like to extend our hearty congratulations to them and to thank them for their ongoing contribution to our industry.”

 

The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.

 

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

 

For further information, please call 01244 952170. Alternatively, please visit www.gca.org.uk, log on to www.facebook.com/pages/GardenCentreAssociation or follow the organisation on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GC_Association.

Honeyfield’s, the gift that keeps on giving
GTN Xtra Promotion

Honeyfield’s Wild Bird has dedicated years to developing and sourcing quality products to make the bird feeding experience as easy as possible. This care and attention to the full experience ensures that there is a solution for every consumer, by creating differing price points throughout their range...


They say the way to a persons’ heart is through their stomach and it is exactly the same when it comes to birds.

 

Honeyfield’s Wild Bird has dedicated years to developing and sourcing quality products to make the bird feeding experience as easy as possible. This care and attention to the full experience ensures that there is a solution for every consumer, by creating differing price points throughout their range.

 

This competence and care runs deep throughout the Honeyfield’s brand by not only offering the gift of wild birds in the garden, but providing the gift of wildlife via their collaboration with conservation grade Fair To Nature.

 

The gift of conservation

Driven by innovation and high-quality standards, Honeyfield’s became the first supplier of Fair to Nature Bird Seed in the UK. This is no mean feat because to be awarded the Fair to Nature accreditation companies must commit to, where the ingredients allow, using cereals and other seeds grown on Fair to Nature farms. Fair to Nature Farms dedicate 10% of their land to wildlife. This means that Honeyfield’s Wild Bird Food not only feeds the birds in the garden but looks after the birds and other wildlife in our countryside too!

 

The gift of birds 

Studies have shown that seeing and hearing birds in your garden has a direct link to lowering levels of stress, anxiety and depression all whilst providing nutritious food for the birds. This enrichment that birds bring to people is a key reason for the love of wild birds, an experience that the public often pass on to loved ones via gifts such as bird feeders, dining stations and treats, so they can also benefit from the gift of birds in their garden.

 

The Honeyfield’s range has elegant products that would fit into any gift area, such as the Cottage Garden Feeders which feature a decorative squirrel proof cage and are available in Peanut, Seed and Suet Feeder options. 

 

To treat the avid bird lover, the decorative yet functional Dining Station is the perfect gift to display multiple feeders. Complete with detachable fork stabilising base, water and treat bowls and 12 feeder hangers, this really does offer perfect centre piece for the bird lovers garden.

 

Honeyfield’s recognises that presents don’t need to cost a lot, which is why they launched their Pre-filled feeders last season. These are easy fill and easy clean feeders which are full of the birds favourites such as seeds mix, peanuts, suet pellets and even mealworms. 

 

For an energy packed treat, look no further than the new Honeyfield’s Suet Blocks and Urban Garden Suet Block Feeder. These Suet Blocks are available in 2 flavours, Mealworms & Insect and Fruity flavour and are available as 300g single blocks, packs of 4 blocks and a mixed pack of 8 (4 Fruity and 4 Mealworm & Insect).

 

To enhance your gifting area, please email Honeyfield’s at info@honeyfieldswildbird.co.uk or call 0845 257 0232.

Time to stock up for spring!
GTN Xtra Promotion

A popular choice for DIY enthusiasts is ONDULINE EASYLINE lightweight roofing sheets, available to garden centre retailers in a branded standalone pallet, complete with accessories and fixings...


 

As the clocks have gone forward and with the longer days upon us, now is the right time for garden centres to stock up for the big spring garden makeover.

 

Certain to be high on consumers’ priorities will be upgrading garden sheds, summer and play houses, wood stores and other garden buildings.

 

A popular choice for DIY enthusiasts is ONDULINE EASYLINE lightweight roofing sheets, available to garden centre retailers in a branded standalone pallet, complete with accessories and fixings.

 

ONDULINE EASYLINE is both an easy solution to stock on any shop floor and an easy solution for the end-user to install. 

 

Bethany Hall, Technical Sales Manager for Onduline Building Products, said: “Longer evenings, brighter days and the freshness that comes with spring really puts people in the mood to be outside and in their gardens.

 

“As well as getting the garden looking good, consumers think about their garden buildings, whether that’s a refurbishment or giving them an upgrade.

 

“Alongside a coat of paint, replacing tired and worn-out roofing felt with ONDULINE EASYLINE roofing sheets is the perfect way to make sheds and summer houses look more attractive, while making them watertight for years to come.”

 

 

ONDULINE EASYLINE roofing sheets are very compact (only 1 x 0,76 m²). They can be easily transported in any car and due to their light weight and size they can be easily handled on the roof and are simple to install.

 

Available in seven bright colours, the ONDULINE EASYLINE roofing material is asbestos free, containing no hazardous substances, making it completely safe. 

 

It can be cut with a standard cutter or roofer knife, and it comes with a 10-year guarantee.

 

With the shortage in supply of timber resulting in huge cost increases for buying new garden buildings; homeowners are looking for innovative ways to renovate their existing sheds, summerhouse and other timber buildings. Onduline’s light weight roofing sheets are just the product to assist.

 

 

The ONDULINE EASYLINE standalone POS display is available in stock and ready for delivery from our UK warehouses. Get in touch today to discuss how we can support you this spring: enquiries@onduline.net or call 0207 727 0533.

 

For more information on Onduline’s lightweight, eco-friendly and durable roofing solutions please visit the website.

David Isaac says farewell to Johnsons of Boston

Twenty-three years after buying Johnsons of Boston, David Isaac, a self-described "engineer from a family of retailers", has retired and the business sold to Dobbies.  GTN Xtra had the privilege of visiting David and his team on their last day of independent trading, Sunday 18th April 2021, before the centre closes for a two week re-fit...


Read more and see our photo gallery from the centre

 

Twenty-three years after buying Johnsons of Boston, David Isaac, a self-described "engineer from a family of retailers", has retired and the business sold to Dobbies.

 

GTN Xtra had the privilege of visiting David and his team on their last day of independent trading, Sunday 18th April 2021, before the centre closes for a two week re-fit.

 

While David proudly showed us around his centre a steady flow of customers and staff came up and wished him well.  David and his garden centre are clearly well loved in the area. “Everything I’ve done at the centre has been geared to making as many reasons as possible for customers to keep coming back,” David explained.  That’s why Johnsons of Boston were one of the first garden centres to add a convenience food hall over twenty years ago.  “I remember Tesco’s tried to stop us selling food,” recalled David.  That’s rather ironic now as the Fine Foods Hall, which had been emptied by shoppers before Sunday, will now become a Sainsburys food hall within the Dobbies Garden Centre.

 

 

As we left the centre, the queue to use the cash machine, which has also been a longstanding reason for people to visit, got even longer.

 

The garden centre re-opens as a Dobbies Garden Centre on Friday 30th April with all the current staff retained, but GTN Xtra understands, without any of the previous concessions that have been a feature of the centre.

Dobbies acquires Johnsons Garden Centre

Dobbies has announced the acquisition of Johnsons Garden Centre (Johnsons) located in Boston, Lincolnshire.  This takes the total number of Dobbies stores to 71...


 

Dobbies has announced the acquisition of Johnsons Garden Centre (Johnsons) located in Boston, Lincolnshire.  This takes the total number of Dobbies stores to 71.

 

Andrew Bracey, Chairman of Dobbies, said:  “We are very pleased to acquire Johnsons, it reflects our continuing ambition to grow Dobbies having more than doubled the business since we acquired it in 2016.”

 

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said: “We are delighted to welcome the team at Boston to Dobbies and over the coming weeks we will be investing in the store to bring it in line with our format.  This acquisition comes shortly after the opening of our second little dobbies store in Bristol and we look forward to announcing more new stores in the near future.”

 

David Isaac, Managing Director of Johnsons Garden Centre, said: “I am delighted that Dobbies Garden Centres will be taking over Johnsons, bringing with them a wealth of experience in garden centre retailing. They will undoubtedly take the business to the next level. I wish everyone prosperity and happiness as the new owners make their mark and continue to nurture garden centre retailing in the area.”

 

Johnsons Garden Centre will close to the public from Monday 19 April and will re-open on Friday 30 April.

 

Glee to return in September 2021

Glee will return in-person on 14th – 16th September 2021.  Industry leading brands set to appear on the exhibitor line-up. Glee’s theme will be Time to Grow, reflecting the opportunities for garden retail...


Glee will return in-person on 14th – 16th September 2021.  Industry leading brands set to appear on the exhibitor line-up. Glee’s theme will be Time to Grow, reflecting the opportunities for garden retail.

 

After over a year away from in-person events, Hyve Group are delighted to announce that Glee will return to the NEC Birmingham from 14th – 16th September 2021. Following their Time To Grow manifesto, Glee will be designed to support the industry, helping garden retailers and brands to build on the momentum the industry has gathered over the past year.

 

Working in line with Hyve Group’s Safe and Secure guidelines, Glee will provide a space for Covid-safe trading, networking, inspiration and more, enabling the garden industry to gather once again.

Glee promises to provide a compelling line-up of exhibitors. Already signed up are such names as Hozelock, Ivyline, Beefeater Barbecues, Capi Europe, Woodlodge, Evergreen, Kamado Joe, Westland, Creekwood, Traeger Grills, Kaemingk, Primo Grills and many more.

 

Matthew Mein, Event Director for Glee commented, “We are delighted to be returning to the NEC Birmingham, doing what we do best; bringing the garden industry together at the UK's leading garden and outdoor living trade show, facilitating trade, collaboration and creativity. We’re working hard to make our in-person shows Covid-safe, in line with our Safe & Secure guidelines. On behalf of the whole Glee team, we can’t wait to welcome the industry back to Glee after such a long time apart.”

 

The news of Glee’s return has been welcomed by brands within the horticultural community. Mark Portman, Managing Director at Evergreen Garden Care told Glee,“Last year was a year of phenomenal change for the country and the gardening category, so it was more important than ever for us to get together for GLEE in September.  Although the event was virtual for the first time in its history, it was a huge success for Evergreen Garden Care – allowing us to meet with over 250 customers, showcase our NPD for the 2021 season and catch up with the rest of the gardening industry.  More than 2.7 million new households entered the gardening category last year and the industry itself went through such transformation.  When garden centres were forced to close, we saw some fantastic entrepreneurial spirit allowing business’ to meet consumer needs whatever the lockdown situation.  As the 2021 season begins, we are focusing on how we can encourage people to continue gardening, while supporting our customers as much as we can. We are already looking forward to GLEE 2021, where it will be exciting to once again have the opportunity to meet and engage with our customers face to face as we prepare for the 2022 season.”

 

Similarly, Sarah Dixon, UK and International Marketing Manager for Hozelock said, “Hozelock are delighted to be attending Glee in 2021, after a turbulent year of unprecedented circumstances, it will be exciting to return to the NEC for some long overdue face to face meetings with our customers and new contacts alike. The gardening industry has been extremely resilient over this challenging period and we look forward to celebrating this at Glee.”

 

Continuing this sentiment, Vicky Nuttall, Director at GIMA told Hyve Group, “GIMA will be delighted to see the return of Glee to the NEC this September. The show is absolutely essential for facilitating trade and networking within the garden industry, as well as offering a key point of inspiration and discovery every buying season. We look forward to reconnecting with the industry this year as we all continue to rebuild and adapt following the pandemic.”

 

For the UK’s garden centres and retailers, the show’s return is a welcome relief, reinstating the ability to touch and feel products and discover the most exciting new brands as well as reconnect with their existing suppliers. John Bottomley at Newbank Garden Centres said, “We cannot wait to get trade shows up and running again. The return of Glee is massive for us, our business model is different to a lot of groups as between my mother Frances, my uncle Chris and myself, we do the majority of the buying for the business and we simply cannot afford to be out of the company travelling to the individual suppliers for days on end.”

 

Justin Williams of Fron Goch added, “I am very much looking forward to the safe return of trade shows. I believe trade shows are a crucial part in the sourcing of new suppliers and new products and with such a buoyant market at the moment, hopefully our sector is ripe for product development and investment to deliver new products.”

 

Derek Bunker of Alton Garden Centre also told Glee, “We definitely will be going to Glee in September. I’m looking forward to seeing the trade there and all the people that we have missed swapping stories about the amazing business that we’ve all done in the last 12 to 18 months, bragging about what we sold the most of and as usual looking for hopefully a lot of new products which have been missed out for a year and a half now.”

 

Glee Event Director Matthew Mein would like you to tell him how his team can improve Glee: "As we prepare for the return of Glee on 14th – 16th September, I look forward to welcoming you back to the show and hope you will join us as we reunite the community for 2021.

"Ahead of the show, we would like to find out a bit more about you and your business. We recognise that many members of the garden industry will have made significant changes to their retail operations this year, with both restrictions and opportunities arising from the pandemic. That’s why we’d like to know how we can help support you through this change. Below is a link to a short survey that gives you the opportunity to have your say on the future and how we can create the right event to suit your needs.

"It should take 10 minutes to complete and your feedback will help us shape future Glee events. As a thank you for your time, you can also enter a prize draw with the chance of winning a £100 retail voucher of your choice.* 

Take the survey

"The survey will be open until 26th April 2021 and in the meantime, I look forward to reading your feedback and I hope you will join us at the NEC Birmingham for the return of Glee."

 

Many thanks,

Matt Mein
Glee Event Director

* Terms and Conditions apply

 

Here's a chance to win £100 in retail vouchers by taking part in the Glee Visitors Survey.  Click here to take part.

 

It is with great anticipation that Hyve Group prepares for the return of Glee. Reconnecting and supporting the horticultural community is the show’s top priority moving forward, with collaboration at its heart.

 

Glee will return to the NEC Birmingham on 14th – 16th September 2021. Visitors and exhibitors can visit the Glee website to find out how to register their interest or apply for a stand.

Best Easter fortnight since 2012 - GTN Bestsellers exclusive analysis

The 2021 Easter fortnight was the biggest in terms of volume sales since Easter 2011 and up by 16% on Easter 2019...


The 2021 Easter fortnight was the biggest in terms of volume sales since Easter 2011 and up by 16% on Easter 2019.

 

Making Easter garden centre trade comparisons is always difficult as the dates vary each year and of course the weather can be a big determining factor.  However, looking back over 10 years of GTN Bestsellers All Products Sold data shows that Easter 2021 was 28% busier than the average for the Easter fortnight between 2011 and 2019, and 59% higher than the last time Easter happened at the same time in April 2012.

 

Week by week sales analysis of the GTN Bestsellers Epos data shows that volume sales dropped slightly during the second week of Easter 2021 but were still way ahead of sales records for the same week since 2015.

 

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and Top 50 Bestsellers charts for Easter 2012 in the GTN Bestsellers printed weekly newsletter.  Subscribe here.

Allensmore receive Klondyke’s Plant Supplier of the Year Award

Congratulations to Allensmore Nurseries who were recently voted as the Klondyke Group’s Plant Supplier of the Year for 2020...


Congratulations to Allensmore Nurseries who were recently voted as the Klondyke Group’s Plant Supplier of the Year for 2020.

 

The award was announced at Klondyke’s recent virtual Plant Conference, which was attended by the Group’s 22 Plant and Garden Centre Managers and Horticultural Buying Team.

 

The online conference gave the perfect opportunity to plan and discuss stock for the 2021 season by bringing them together with many of the best from the UK plant supply chain; via video tours and updates. 

Klondyke Buyer Jo Cooke commented “The Klondyke Plant Supplier of the Year award is voted for by the garden centre plant managers. It recognises suppliers who perform consistently well throughout the year, with regard to both their stock quality and ease of ordering.

 

In the exceptionally difficult season of 2020, Allensmore worked incredibly hard to keep our centres supplied with fresh, colourful, home grown herbaceous product. Their relationship between their sales staff and the centres is superb and the plant quality is reliably good.

 

We look forward to further building sales with Allensmore as we move into 2021 and are very glad of the opportunity to recognise and thank them for all their hard work.”

 

Will Thomas of Allensmore added “All of the staff at Allensmore Nurseries were delighted to receive the Supplier of the Year award from Klondyke/Strikes.

 

Being family run ourselves it’s great working with a business that also has a strong family setup. Over recent years we’ve worked closely with the great team at Klondyke to develop our range and hope to continue to grow with them for many years to come.”

Specialist range helps gardeners achieve beautiful blooms

Westland has launched a new range of plant foods which have been specially developed to ensure that gardeners get the very best from their prized plants and vegetables...


Westland has launched a new range of plant foods which have been specially developed to ensure that gardeners get the very best from their prized plants and vegetables.

 

Garden retailers have witnessed an unprecedented rise in the popularity of ‘grow your own’ and ornamental plants such as roses and hydrangeas.

 

Many of these plants are a long-term investment and gardeners are keen to nurture them to achieve healthy, vibrant flowers and the best possible yields.

 

The innovative new Westland range of plant foods provides the perfect balance of nutrients to deliver exceptional results for gardeners.

 

Westland’s new high-performance specialist feeds are available in five unique liquid offerings - rose, ericaceous, hydrangea, organic blend for vegetables and organic seaweed. What makes these products so special is how the feeds work together with the plant. 

Each product has been formulated to ensure the feed is available to all parts of the plant and is held around the root structure, minimising nutrient waste.  This contrasts with many standard feeds, where nutrients are either washed away through watering or unavailable to the plant through the type of nutrient used.  

 

Westland’s technology not only increases flowering and yields, but also builds plant immunity for longer lasting, more resilient plants.

 

Keith Nicholson, Marketing Director, Westland, commented: “Our new range of specialist feeds helps gardeners achieve healthier, greener, glossier foliage and more bountiful yields.

 

"The feeds have been specially formulated to each plant’s specific growing needs and our technology ensures nutrients are fully utilised by the plant for optimum health, whilst minimising risk of disease. Essentially, they enhance results for gardeners and allow them to get the very best from their growing.” 

 

 

The range includes:  Rose High Performance Liquid Plant Food RRP£5.99, Ericaceous High Performance Liquid Plant Food RRP £5.99, Hydrangea High Performance Liquid Plant Food RRP £5.99, Organic Vegetable Liquid Plant Food RRP £6.99 and Organic Seaweed Liquid Growth Plant Stimulant RRP £6.99. 

Tomato plant sales soar – up by 35%

After the rush to get gardens ship shape for Easter garden re-unions, sales slowed slightly last week, down 9.6%, but were still way up on the same week in 2019, up by 32.3%...


 

After the rush to get gardens ship shape for Easter garden re-unions, sales slowed slightly last week, down 9.6%, but were still way up on the same week in 2019, up by 32.3%.

 

Summer veg plants continue to sell in high volumes. So far there have been 35% more tomato plants sold this year compared to 2019.

  • Tomato plants remain at No 1 in the GTN Plants chart.
  • Pepper and Chilli Pepper plant sales increase by 30% moving up four places to No 7.
  • Cucumber plants are the highest re-entry for the week at No 21.

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and Top 50 Bestsellers charts for Easter 2012 in the GTN Bestsellers printed weekly newsletter.  Subscribe here.

Scotsdales launches Scan & Go Loyalty App

Scotsdales garden centres have launched the new and unique Scotsdales Scan & Go app. This app allows customers to scan their products while shopping and offers a quick & smooth checkout procedure. Scotsdales is the first UK garden centre to offer such a service to its loyalty club members...


 

Scotsdales garden centres have launched the new and unique Scotsdales Scan & Go app. This app allows customers to scan their products while shopping and offers a quick & smooth checkout procedure. Scotsdales is the first UK garden centre to offer such a service to its loyalty club members.

 

Apple & Google Pay integration

Customers can download the Scotsdales App for free via Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. When in-store, the customer creates a digital shopping cart in the app and, walking around the centre, scans products with the camera on their phone and add them to their trolley or basket. 

 

When ready, payment is simple; either by scanning the app’s ‘pay at till’ barcode at the tills and tendering by cash, card, or vouchers, just like any other transaction. Soon, customers can pay via Apple Pay, Google pay or any credit card on their phone as well. 

 

The app helps to avoid queues at the tills, minimises contact with the products purchased and assists with social distancing measures in place. 

 

In addition, the customer’s receipts are stored in their app, for easy viewing or returns, saying goodbye to the lost receipt forever and helping create a greener and more sustainable future. Vouchers are also integrated into the app, making it easier for customers to redeem them.

 

Customers are ready for Scan & Go

The Scan & Go App is unique in the British garden industry but customers are definitely ready for it. 

 

Lauren Cambridge, Events & Loyalty Lead of Scotsdales Garden Centre Group explains: “We have already seen a huge increase in sign-ups and the popularity of our loyalty scheme and are excited by the possibilities of continued developments and how this will shape the future of shopping at Scotsdales Garden Centres. Since launching the OpSuite Scan & Go App, we are already planning a range of exclusive vouchers for loyalty members which will only be available via the app”.

 

Innovations

The Scotsdales Scan & Go App has been developed by leading online marketing agency Garden Connect and is integrated with OpSuite EPoS, provided by Davidson Richards. 

 

“This demonstrates our pioneering approach for garden centres, in the first launch of a Scan & Go App in the sector” adds Keith Bateman, Co-CEO at Davidson Richards. “After having successfully partnered with Garden Connect previously regarding many integrated webshops, it made perfect sense to work with them to develop the OpSuite Apps and bring them to market”.

 

To see the Your Scotsdales Loyalty app in action, please watch this youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHk3fJ8SPOI

For more information, visit www.davrich.co.uk and www.gardenconnect.com.

Squire’s Garden Centre Reigate receives GCA GROW training award

Squire's Garden Centre Reigate has been presented this month (April 2021) with the Garden Centre Association’s Garden Retail Online Workshops (GROW) award for completing the most GROW training modules last year (2020)...


 

Squire's Garden Centre Reigate has been presented this month (April 2021) with the Garden Centre Association’s Garden Retail Online Workshops (GROW) award for completing the most GROW training modules last year (2020).

 

The award was first introduced in 2015 to encourage GCA members to utilise the programme by rewarding an individual garden centre whose employees complete, on average, the most courses throughout the year.

 

Antony Snow, Instructional Designer for GROW at the GCA, said: “Last year (2020) was a very difficult time for numerous reasons, but the national lockdowns and restrictions on travel meant that the more traditional on-site face-to-face training of employees wasn’t always possible.

 

“However, GROW users were able to continue to access valuable training, even when on furlough, as the system is available 24/7 from any device. While the overall number of course completions was slightly less than previous years, it was encouraging to see so many users participating in courses last year and the average number of completions among the top 10 centres was still very high.

 

“It’s great to see garden centre staff benefitting from GROW and we’d like to say a huge ‘congratulations’ to all staff at Squire’s Garden Centre, Reigate.”

 

Thanks to the GROW e-learning facility, garden centre staff can improve their knowledge, gain confidence and expertise and improve the quality of the customer’s experience at their garden centre.

 

Users can be assured that they are always receiving the correct, practical and unbiased advice, solutions to problems and help with gardening projects.

 

It is the most cost-effective way of delivering training to everyone employed within a garden centre.

 

Antony added: “Following on from GROW’s success in 2020, we will be launching a variety of new modules in 2021. A major addition will be a series of modules on the Environment and Sustainability, of which greener gardening will be a part of. These are subjects we have always wanted to cover in more detail and after consideration, it was felt that we could do this via two or three separate courses, so users can look out for these this and next year. They will be a major addition to GROW in 2021 and beyond.

 

“Other new modules include poisonous plants, which provides learners with an overview of which commonly sold plants, aren’t necessarily fatal, but pose a risk if ingested or if a person or pet comes into contact with them and a till security module will provide an overview of the best practices for checkout staff to follow to ensure that they don’t become the victim of fraud.

 

“We are also looking to improve our current manual handling training, which covers the basic principles, but we felt could be improved to be more relevant for lifting and handling tasks in a garden centre environment specifically. We also hope to explore topics including equality and diversity.”

 

As well as being available exclusively to our member garden centres, the GROW facility is now also available to Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) garden centre members too.

 

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, said: “I was so delighted to receive this award on behalf of my colleagues at our Reigate garden centre. This award is really important to us. It represents a great deal of commitment on the part of the team at Reigate and their dedication to serving our customers through continuously enhancing their knowledge. GCA GROW is an intrinsic part of our training programme and we look forward to seeing how it develops in the future as further modules are added.”

Seventh generation Durston joins family business

Dan Durston's daughter Katie has joined Grandfather Steve and Great Uncle Chris who are current directors of the Durston Dynasty, which has been operating on the Somerset levels for over 150 years, in the family business as part of an Apprenticeship in Business Administration...


Apprenticeships are a great way to earn money, learn new skills and gain on the job experience; whilst allowing you to work towards obtaining a nationally recognised qualification.

 

So it wasn’t too surprising for company director Dan Durston of Somerset based Durston Garden Products when daughter Katie suddenly announced last year that she would like to join the family business in the autumn.

 

Strode College in Street offers an array of Apprenticeships and the one Katie has opted for is in Business Administration.  The course will last between 18 months to 2 years and will allow Katie to work alongside her Father Dan, Grandfather Steve and Great Uncle Chris who are current directors of the Durston Dynasty which has been operating on the Somerset levels for over 150 years.

 

As Katie obtains on the job experience at Durstons she will be working towards a recognised national qualification.  The apprenticeship involves working 32 hours a week at the company plus an additional 7.5 hours at college.

 

When asked how it felt to be working with Dad, Katie said:“I was a bit nervous at first but extremely grateful to be given such a great opportunity. I don’t expect to be treated any differently than any other member of staff and as Dad did before me,  will work from the bottom up, learning as many skills along the way as I can. This opportunity will hopefully give me a clearer vision of what career I would like to pursue going forward”.

 
Dobbies partners with Butterfly Conservation

Dobbies Garden Centres has teamed up with UK wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, on the launch of its Nurture for Nature campaign, in a bid to encourage people to look after themselves by looking after the natural world this spring...


 

Dobbies Garden Centres has teamed up with UK wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, on the launch of its Nurture for Nature campaign, in a bid to encourage people to look after themselves by looking after the natural world this spring.

 

Nurture for Nature is centered around building a natural world which supports butterflies and moths. As well as being important pollinators, butterflies and moths also form vital parts of the complex ecosystems which support the birds and mammals who populate the countryside. With their continuing decline a serious worry for local wildlife as a whole, the campaign will encourage ways in which people can help boost their numbers.

 

Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies and the official partner for Nurture for Nature, said: “Dobbies is committed to communicating the importance of supporting garden wildlife, health and wellbeing, sustainable practices and environmentally-friendly products. We are proud to support Butterfly Conservation with this important campaign and hope people of all ages gain valuable insight from the advice and recommendations we share over the coming weeks.”

 

An increasing number of people have rediscovered nature during the UK lockdowns, which in turn has been hugely beneficial for mental health. Research undertaken at the University of Cumbria, involving over 700 participants, has shown that helping butterflies can improve our own mental health, with 83% of people surveyed noting that they took the time to notice pollinators during last spring’s lockdown.

 

Just a short amount of time spent in the natural world can alleviate stress and help people feel happier and more energised. Butterfly Conservation has also noted that spending time watching butterflies and moths in flight can be a wonderful and calming experience.

 

Dr Amir Khan, Butterfly Conservation Ambassador, said: “As we head into spring again, we must remember how our increased connectedness with nature during the warmer months of last year really helped us. Like a butterfly that exists as a tiny egg over winter, the promise of spring has been with us during the winter months, and now it’s back there’s plenty we can do to feel inspired by and part of the wildlife around us.”

 

Research also showed that the spring lockdown of 2020 created an increased desire to spend more time outdoors where possible. The number of respondents who reported spending more than one-and-a-half hours per day in nature rose from 27% before lockdown to 45% during the lockdown. In addition, 67% of respondents reported actively speaking about nature to friends and family more often during lockdown, while 83% of respondents had specifically taken time to notice butterflies and/or bees.

 

In light of this data, Butterfly Conservation is urging people to look after their own corners of the natural world to encourage nature to thrive and, in turn, continue to comfort and inspire us.

 

Dr Kate Dent, Director of Engagement at Butterfly Conservation said: “As spring finally arrives we can all do our little bit towards helping butterflies, wherever we live, in the knowledge that it’s helping our mental health too. Whether it’s caring for herb seedlings in a window box, planting wildflowers in your garden or learning afresh how to breathe and feel the gift of nature in our local green spaces.”

 

Find out how to look after yourself, your family and nature this spring at www.butterfly-conservation.org/nurturefornature and access your FREE downloadable guide to wellbeing activities and green-fingered ideas.

 

For more information visit dobbies.com.

David Austin supports charities with 'Positive Planting'

David Austin Roses is digging deep in 2021 as part of its ‘Positive Planting’ initiative by donating £2.50 from each sale of three selected rose varieties – The Generous Gardener, Princess Alexandra of Kent and the newly introduced Nye Bevan...


 

David Austin Roses is digging deep in 2021 as part of its ‘Positive Planting’ initiative by donating £2.50 from each sale of three selected rose varieties – The Generous Gardener, Princess Alexandra of Kent and the newly introduced Nye Bevan. 

 

Proceeds will go towards health-based charities, including the National Garden SchemeAlexandra Rose Charity and NHS Charities Together.

 

While the current Positive Planting initiative maybe fresh for 2021, there is a long-standing link between health charities and roses that was established long before the NHS was founded. Back in 1912, Queen Alexandra founded the Alexandra Rose Charity to support Londoners living in poverty by selling real, paper and silk roses to raise money for hospitals and enable those in poverty to access free healthcare. Today the Alexandra Rose Charity has turned its focus to tackling food poverty and unhealthy diets and continues to support those in need thorough Rose Vouchers for Fruit & Veg which give families on low incomes the spending power to access fruit and veg in their local community through local markets.

 

The National Garden Scheme also has a rich floral and health-based history pre-dating the NHS. Established in 1927, the scheme came about when Miss Elsie Wagg, a Queen’s Nursing Institute (QNI) council member suggested at a council meeting that the nation’s obsession with gardening could be a way to raise much needed funds for district nurses. Volunteers began opening their gardens for a ‘shilling a head’ to members of the public. Today, over 90 years on, 3,700 garden owners share their outdoor spaces with the public and the National Garden Scheme has grown into the most significant charitable funder of nursing in the UK.

 

“We are delighted to be able to echo the original link between rose sales and the work of the Alexandra Rose Charity today. In a similar way to Elsie Wagg and the National Garden Scheme, we also like to believe that our obsession with gardening can have a positive impact and we hope to bring that about through our charity roses this year. The incredible funding provided by the National Garden Scheme shows what can be achieved through a shared love of gardens,” comments Richard Austin, Head of Marketing.

 

This is not the first time that David Austin has donated proceeds from rose sales to health-based charities. In past years £100,000 has been raised through the sales of Roald Dahl (Ausowlish) rose to support the work of Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity and funds have also been raised for Parkinson’s UK and the Cure Parkinson’s Trust from the sales of James L. Austin (Auspike).

 

NYE BEVAN (Auspital)

New for 2021, this uplifting soft yellow shrub rose has unusual open cupped flowers with loosely arranged scallop-shaped petals which create a soft, airy appearance. Named after Aneurin Bevan, founder of the NHS. £2.50 from the sale of each Nye Bevan rose will be donated to NHS Charities Together and other health-based charities.

 

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA OF KENT (Ausmerchant)

Named after the Queen’s cousin and patron of the Alexandra Rose Charity, this shrub rose has beautiful large, deeply cupped, bright pink flowers. There is a strong tea fragrance with hints of blackcurrant. £2.50 from the sale of each Princess Alexandra of Kent rose will be donated to the Alexandra Rose Charity and other health-based charities.

 

THE GENEROUS GARDENER (Ausdrawn)

This graceful climbing rose bears beautifully formed, pale pink flowers, which are almost water lily-like. The fragrance has aspects of Old Rose, musk and myrrh. This rose was named to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the National Garden Scheme. £2.50 from the sale of each The Generous Gardener rose will be donated to The National Garden Scheme and other health-based charities.

 

 

 

 

Inside Outside... A New Beginning for the garden market - Read GTN's March Issue on-line now

Inside Outside... a New Beginning. How the 5th room is changing the garden centre retailing market in the March 2021 issue of GTN.  Read on-line here.

  • Next Generation to lead the way at GCA, interview with Tammy Woodhouse and Will Blake.
  • Inside Outside… A New Beginning for the garden market.
  • Empowering Change for a brighter future, LOFA team up with Planet Mark.
  • HTA Column, Tales of the unexpected.
  • GIMA Column, Somewhere over the rainbow, a ‘New Normal’ exists.

 


Inside Outside... a New Beginning. How the 5th room is changing the garden centre retailing market in the march 2021 issue of GTN.  Read on-line here.

  • Fountasia, Order now for Spring and Christmas.
  • Next Generation to lead the way at GCA, interview with Tammy Woodhouse and Will Blake.
  • Onduline ‘clay look’ tiles transform a garden centre.
  • Inside Outside… A New Beginning for the garden market.
  • Watering wisdom and more marketing from Hozelock.
  • Empowering Change for a brighter future, LOFA team up with Planet Mark.
  • HTA Column, Tales of the unexpected.
  • GIMA Column, Somewhere over the rainbow, a ‘New Normal’ exists.

 

 
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Smart Garden in the UK’s Top 100 Profit League

Smart Garden Products came 74th in the Sunday Times Profit Track 100, which charts the UK’s private companies with the fastest growing profits...


Smart Garden Products came 74th in the Sunday Times Profit Track 100, which charts the UK’s private companies with the fastest growing profits. It is sponsored by BDO, UBS and Santander.

 

With profits of £5m on sales of £56m in 2019, Smarts profits grew at an annual rate of 42.5%.

 

“We are delighted to have been recognised in this league, the culmination of several years hard work.” said Jonathan Stobart, Smart’s MD.

 

“It is yet another leading recognition of our fantastic team’s amazing effort and commitment.”

 
Pot feet, take a bow!

Pot feet, Woodlodge Small Pot Feet in particular, have been the No 1 Bestselling Garden Product in volume terms for five consecutive weeks now, according to the weekly garden centre Epos data analysed by GTN for GTN Bestsellers...


 

Pot feet, Woodlodge Small Pot Feet in particular, have been the No 1 Bestselling Garden Product in volume terms for five consecutive weeks now, according to the weekly garden centre Epos data analysed by GTN for GTN Bestsellers.

 

Volume sales of pot feet are probably the best way to illustrate the seismic change in gardening activity.  If you take the Woodlodge Small Pot Feet sales for the past four weeks and compare that with sales for the same four weeks in 2016, the increase is a whopping 464%.

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Smart Solar Party Flaming Torch Slate, pack of 5, is the highest climber in the garden products chart this week, up 22 places to No 9.
  • Stewart Standard Gravel Tray, Black 38cm, is the highest Top 50 re-entry at No 14.
  • Elho’s Green 10 litre Watering Can is the highest new entry at No 23.

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and Top 50 Bestsellers charts for Easter 2012 in the GTN Bestsellers printed weekly newsletter.  Subscribe here.

 
World traveller in the DIY sector turns 80

John W. Herbert's unique know-how is still in demand all over the world...


 

John W. Herbert, General Secretary of the European DIY Retail Association (EDRA) and the Global Home Improvement Network (GHIN), with its headquarters in Cologne, Germany, has had the opportunity to visit 53 countries with over 400 trips since he co-founded the association in 2002. He takes these opportunities to keep in contact with the 215 members of EDRA/GHIN who operate more than 32,000 stores in 75 countries worldwide and generate a total annual turnover of about 320 billion Euros.  

 

Born in York, England, John W. Herbert, who celebrates his 80th birthday in April this year, began his career in retail 65 years ago, in 1956, working as a Shop Assistant at the York Co-op. He came to Germany in 1962 as a soldier in the British Rhine Army. In 1965 he joined the NAAFI, the military’s retail organisation, which he left as District manager in 1975. John W. Herbert was then employed in the management of the first hypermarkets in Germany before returning to the UK and opening, as Store Director, the first Sainsbury’s/British Home Store Sava Centre in Washington Tyne & Wear. The store was Britain’s most modern at the time and one of the largest in Europe. In 1979 he returned to Germany and took on management positions in the Hypermarkets at Marktkauf and Continent. 

 

In 1983, John W. Herbert was appointed Managing Director of Bonn-based DIY retail chain Carl Knauber. At Knauber John W. Herbert developed and realised a new generation of hobby, DIY and garden markets that revolutionised the industry - through innovative marketing and advertising concepts - which made the Knauber hobby market in Bonn a Mecca for DIY enthusiasts. 

 

After 17 years at Knauber John W. Herbert began looking for a new challenge. In 2000, at the age of 59, he was appointed President West Coast USA of the new EXPO Design Centre at the world's largest DIY group, The Home Depot. Upon his return to Germany he was elected General Manager of BHB, the German Home improvement Retail Association. In 2002 he co-founded and became General Secretary of EDRA. GHIN, the global network of home improvement retailers, was founded in 2009. 

 

John W. Herbert is a firm believer and lives out his personal credo in every respect: "Trade is the indispensable will to serve, trade is a matter of the heart." He sees this as an essential prerequisite for success in trade. A success for which John is an exemplary role model. Those who have had the pleasure of crossing paths with John particularly appreciate his expertise, his knowledge of human nature, his uncomplicated, open willingness to talk and, of course, his dry English humour. Unmatched is his amazing memory for names and numbers. His vast experience, his professional know-how and his human qualities make John a sought-after and valued representative and moderator for the DIY industry worldwide.

 

However, the lively, healthy living and sporty John W. Herbert is not yet thinking of cutting back or even quitting. As a world traveller in the field of DIY he is still in “cracking form” to continue representing the interests of the industry worldwide, on the international stage with maximum and relentless energy, and to cultivate professional connections for the benefit of the EDRA/GHIN members.

 
50% more growing going on

Is there really 50% more growing going on this year compared to 2019? If sales of growing media are anyting to go by then the answer is yes..


 

Is there really 50% more growing going on this year compared to 2019? If sales of growing media are anyting to go by then the answer is yes. 

 

Sales last week in the GTN Bestsellers Epos data were up by 52.5 % on the same week in 2019, and 15% above the average for that week going back to 2014. 

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Westland Top Soil (Value Bag) 35 litres takes the No 1 Bestsellers spot. It’s the first time in GTN Bestsellers memory that a top soil line has been at No 1.
  • Evergreen Garden Care Miracle-Gro Moisture Control Peat Free Compost is the highest chart climber, up 14 places to No 29.
  • Evergreen Garden Care Miracle-Gro Border Boost 40 litres is the only Top 50 new entry of the week, in at No 48.

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and Top 50 Bestsellers charts for Easter 2012 in the GTN Bestsellers printed weekly newsletter.  Subscribe here.

 
Collaboration between Smiemans Projecten and Hortère Conseil

Hortère Conseil, based in France and Smiemans Projecten BV in the Netherlands have recently joined forces to offer their services for the French garden centres...


Hortère Conseil, based in France and Smiemans Projecten BV in the Netherlands have recently joined forces to offer their services for the French garden centres.

 

This collaboration ensures an improved, constant and direct realization of services on the French market with a local service point. As a result, Smiemans' technology and experience can be offered more efficiently in France.

 

The French company Hortère Conseil is one of the bigger local players in the construction and renovation of greenhouse structures in France.

 

For half a century Smiemans Projecten has been the reliable, flexible partner for building high-quality and innovative constructions worldwide, including garden centres and multifunctional glasshouse constructions.

 

This collaboration ensures a better, continuous, and faster realization of their services in the French market, whilst still providing the Smiemans technology & experience. 

 

Smiemans Projecten recently also joined forces with Ebtech Glasshouse Systems Ltd to offer their combined services to the UK garden centre market.

 
Growth for Wild Bird Care

Wild Bird Care sales grew last week for the first time in three weeks and is now over 10% up year on year but still 10% behind 2019 levels...


 

Wild Bird Care sales grew last week for the first time in three weeks and is now over 10% up year on year but still 10% behind 2019 levels. 

 

Highlights of the week were:

  • Gardman Peanuts 2kg were the highest re-entry at No 10.
  • Henry Bell’s Filled Mealworm Feeder climbed 33 places up the GTN Chart to No 11.
  • Marriage’s Honeyfields Suet Blocks Mixed 8 Pack was the highest placed new entry at No 28.

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and Top 50 Bestsellers charts for Easter 2012 in the GTN Bestsellers printed weekly newsletter.  Subscribe here.

 
James Jones & Sons Ltd launches new ‘Fence Master’ app

Family-owned James Jones & Sons Ltd has launched a new app to help customers with their fencing projects...


Family-owned James Jones & Sons Ltd has launched a new app to help customers with their fencing projects.

 

The new app guides users through an easy step by step process, from choosing the fence design to working out an exact specification of the fencing components needed and creating a 3D model of their fence, through to listing their nearest James Jones & Sons stockist. 

 

Graham Blyth, Sales Director of James Jones & Sons, said: “When it comes to designing a garden fence, working out the number of fencing components that are needed can be quite complex and time consuming.

 

"The new app has been developed with both the end user and merchant staff in mind, making it a much easier process for users of the app to quickly and easily specify what is required.

 

"The app also uses geographical location, so directs the end user to their nearest stockist of James Jones & Sons materials, thus generating sales enquiries for fencing and merchant customers.  

 

"The app can be adapted to incorporate additional applications and further enhancements are planned."

 

A demo of the app can be viewed here - https://vimeo.com/521009515

 
Leading sustainable decking firm launches industry-first software

A leading brand of sustainable composite decking and cladding products – Composite Prime – has launched a free online platform to virtually plan and design outdoor spaces...


 

A leading brand of sustainable composite decking and cladding products – Composite Prime – has launched a free online platform to virtually plan and design outdoor spaces. 

 

The Yorkshire-based business has invested £20,000 in Prime Design, a piece of innovative software which allows homeowners to independently design their garden. It has also been created for landscaping professionals, Composite Prime stockists and installers to obtain a realistic, 3D-rendered view of their decking products, prior to installation. 

 

 

The industry-first software, which can be accessed via the Composite Prime website, allows users to virtually construct a decking project, using different colour options, products and sizes, to generate a full bill of materials and provide professionals with a detailed quote for their customers. 

 

Charles Taylor, Sales Director at Composite Prime, saeid “We’re really excited to be able to introduce our industry-first software, Prime Design. Particularly during a time where face to face consultations can not be undertaken, it’s a very valuable tool for consumers, our team of professional installers and our stockists. 

 

“We hope the software will support our growing community of Composite Prime installers and make their jobs far easier, supporting them during a challenging period. The software is unique in that it allows users to design a deck in just five minutes, a job that would usually take more than an hour to complete manually.

 

“Gardens have become a valued extension of the home since the Covid-19 pandemic emerged and people are more willing than ever to spend money on enhancing their living spaces. There is huge potential for the platform which allows users to demonstrate the potential of outdoor spaces before making a significant investment.”

 

 

Plans for the future of Prime Design include a software upgrade which will allow users to upload images of their garden and create an accurate view of how a project will look once completed.

 
The best of last week's

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


 
Large Fire at Longacres Shepperton - UPDATED

Longacres have issued the following statement following the fire yesterday at their Shepperton Garden Centre...


Longacres have issued the following statement following the fire yesterday at their Shepperton Garden Centre:

 

Statement re fire at Longacres Garden Centre, Nutty Lane, Shepperton, on Tuesday 13th April 2021

 

"The fire started at a premises adjacent to far end of the garden centre, next to our goods in area and storage yard.

 

"A member of staff spotted the fire at approximately 12:15pm and called 999 immediately. Emergency services arrived in minutes.

 

"The store was evacuated and closed for the rest of the day. We reopened Wednesday morning.

 

"We’re happy to report there were no injuries.

 

"The damage is still being assessed; initial checks show large amounts of damage to infrastructure (power and other cabling has been destroyed) and there was also property and stock damage.

We’d like to thank the emergency services for their very quick response and the excellent job they did in preventing the spread of the fire."

 

Family-run Longacres Garden Centres opened their first store in Bagshot, Surrey in 1979. The Shepperton store was opened in 2013.

 

Now with 5 stores and a large online presence, the company employs approximately 600 staff. The Bagshot store has been ranked the number 1 garden centre by turnover every year since 2009.

www.longacres.co.uk

 

Yesterday we reported on the news that a fire had broken out at the centre.

 

The Surrey Comet has video footage of the blaze at the back of the centre.  

 

Nigel Long told GTN Xtra: "Everyone is ok.  We won't know what damage to the buildings and stock until the fire service let us back in. The fire has mainly affected the storage and goods inwards area."

 

Surrey Fire & Rescue report: "Drone team called out to support @SurreyFRS at an industrial fire on Nutty Lane in #Shepperton. Please avoid the area and close windows/doors," while Spelthorne Beat (Surrey Police) @SpelthorneBeat
have said: "We are currently assisting our fire service colleagues @SurreyFRS with a large scale industrial fire in Nutty Lane, #Shepperton. No one is believed to have been injured at this time. Thanks to everyone for their patience while we deal with this incident..

 

 
Nicholas Marshall returns... again

Nicholas Marshall is making a return to Garden Centre retailing at Lavershot Barns, Windlesham, Surrey...


Nicholas Marshall is making a return to Garden Centre retailing at Lavershot Barns, Windlesham, Surrey.

 

The Country House Group, to which Nicholas Marshall was appointed a Director in February 2021, has become the latest concession to install at the Laverstock Barns scheme where they operate the plant department.

 

GTN Xtra understands the brief at Laverstock Barns, owned by the Wooldridge Group, was to create a fully tenanted garden centre to appeal to a high net worth demographic.

 

Concessions and businesses on site include:

  • Lakeland
  • Seasons Farm Shop
  • Seasons Kitchen
  • Maidenhead Aquatics
  • Pavilion Interiors
  • White Stores
  • Replay Golf
  • Pools & Spas Windlesham
  • Lush Landscapes
  • The Country House Group
  • Car Wash

Lorrie Robertson, who worked with Nicholas Marshall at The Garden Centre Group (renamed Wyevale Garden Centres) and at Dobbies, has been a Director of The Country House Group since May 2018.

 

On the Country House Group website it says: "We are developing and building a network of plant centres, estate farm shops, restaurants and children’s play areas at some of the finest historic country houses and estates in the UK, supporting the best of British products. We are resolutely committed to environmentally and ecologically responsible and sustainable practices."

 

 
Partnership blooms as 'Caulders at Scotmid' springs up

Scotmid Co-operative and Caulders Garden Centres have partnered to launch a pop-up, “Caulders at Scotmid” at the convenience retailer’s Uddingston store, to provide the area with a range of gardening supplies until the end of June...


 

Scotmid Co-operative and Caulders Garden Centres have partnered to launch a pop-up, “Caulders at Scotmid” at the convenience retailer’s Uddingston store, to provide the area with a range of gardening supplies until the end of June.

 

The pop-up garden centre is selling an assortment of gardening goods to help the local community enter full bloom, including seasonal bedding plants, vegetable plants, houseplants, firepits and chimineas, garden décor, compost, fertilisers and more.

 

Kirsty George, Local Sourcing Manager at Scotmid, said: “As more people have taken up gardening in the past year, we decided to explore how to expand our offer to help nurture a passion for plants. We sought out Caulders as a partner since they are known for providing a fantastic range and quality to their customers, and we are delighted to work with them to grow our seasonal range in Uddingston. We’re hopeful that we may be able to bring this partnership to other Scotmid locations in the future, too!”

 

 

Colin Barrie, Managing Director at Caulders Garden Centres, said: “We are delighted to work with Scotmid to provide their customers in Uddingston with the best garden care products available. Now’s the time to get digging and planting – and we hope that bringing our wide range of gardening supplies to Scotmid will help Uddingston’s gardeners get started this spring!”

 

Caulders at Scotmid is open now with indoor and outdoor space at Scotmid’s Uddingston store, located at 317-319 Old Edinburgh Road, Uddingston, Glasgow, G71 GBP. Caulders at Scotmid is open from 9am-5pm, seven days per week until the 30th June.

 

 
Squire’s financial results encouraging despite challenges

Squire’s Garden Centres has reported a drop of 42% in underlying profits to £2.2m but said it was a “very good result” given the events of 2020.


 

Squire’s Garden Centres has reported a drop of 42% in underlying profits to £2.2m but said it was a “very good result” given the events of 2020.

 

The accounting period up to 31 July 2020 spanned pre-pandemic, the first lockdown and subsequent high demand when garden centres were permitted to re-open again in May 2020.

 

Given the period of closure during the peak spring trading window, total turnover dropped by 7% to £53.0m. Trade had been strong during the financial year up until closure. 

 

After lockdown, sales (particularly in plants and core gardening) were very strong, with a higher average spend. 

 

 

The believed it secured new customers, as more people were at home and wanted to enjoy gardening and spending time in their gardens. 

 

Turnover was boosted by the addition of the newly-acquired centre at Wokingham (Heathlands), which joined the group on 1 August 2019. The performance of this site has exceeded expectations.  

 

The centre at Frensham benefited from the newly refurbished Food Hall which opened shortly before lockdown, and as a stand-alone food shop was able to continue to trade while the rest of the centre was closed. During the year Squire’s completed a major extension of the shop and Café Bar at Milford. 

 

Reopening its Café Bars from early July was more challenging and sales dropped substantially by 33%. 

 

In common with many businesses the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme proved crucial for Squire’s, enabling the company to retain its workforce during the closure period.  

 

Sarah Squire, chairman of Squire’s, said; “I cannot stress enough how significant the support, commitment and hard work of our colleagues has been as we navigated the period of closure and beyond. 

 

“So many people have come up with innovative ideas, solved problems and taken on tasks outside their usual remit with willingness, determination and great good humour. 

 

“Our suppliers have also been incredibly helpful while facing not inconsiderable challenges of their own.”

 
Barton Grange Christmas 2020 - Exclusive GTN Xtra Photo Tour

In advance of the launch of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020, GTN's Northern Correspondent, Steve Myatt, paid a visit to Barton Grange to bring you this first GTN Xtra Christmas photo tour.


In advance of the launch of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020, GTN's Northern Correspondent, Steve Myatt, paid a visit to Barton Grange to bring you this first GTN Xtra Christmas photo tour.

 

To add your garden centre Christmas photo tour to GTN Xtra simply get snapping and enter The Greatest Christmas Awards.  See the categories here.  Send an e-mail to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk for more details

 

 
Squires Badshot Lea - Christmas 2020
Sneak preview of Squires Badshot Lea Greatest Christmas Awards entry
See Squires Bashot Lea's Christmas Awards entry photo tour here

 

Here's a sneak preview of the photo tour submitted by Squires at Badshot Lea as part of their entry in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020.

 

There's over £7,000 worth of prizes to be won in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2020 so get snapping and enter your garden centre team today!

 

Full details are here.

 

 
Perrywood at Christmas 2020 - with correct photo gallery now...
Sneak preview of Perrywoods Greatest Christmas Awards entry
See Perrywoods Christmas Awards Entry Photo Tour here

 

Here's a sneak preview of Perrywoods photo tour entry in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards for 2020, including the vital ingredient for all entries, team photos. See the gallery of photos below.  Apologies for the wrong photos being included in yesterdays edition.

 

There's over £7,000 worth of prizes to be won in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards so get snapping and enter today.  Full details can be found here.

 

 
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week

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


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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

Buy your subscription today and start receiving the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.

All the latest news from the world of pet products


Dog-friendly garden plants guide

Experts at tails.com have created a guide to garden plants that won’t harm the family dog. From floral arrangements to evergreen shrubs, here are the most pup-friendly plants. 


 

Experts at tails.com have created a guide to garden plants that won’t harm the family dog. From floral arrangements to evergreen shrubs, here are the most pup-friendly plants.

 

Snapdragons (Antirrhinums) 

Sow: March / Plant: May-June / Flowers: June-October

Antirrhinums are cheerful annual plants guaranteed to brighten up your garden with their wide range of colours and heights. 

Commonly known as Snapdragons, these are easy-to-grow. As old-fashioned cottage garden plants, they are beloved by children and bees. 

Attractive to wildlife, they have a long flowering period, from June until October. If you have tall Snapdragons in your garden, they can be brought into your home, simply cut and pop them in a vase with water - they last well over a week in water.

 

Michaelmas Daisies 

Sow: March-April /  Plant: March-May / Flowers: July-October 

There’s a Michaelmas daisy, also known as asters, to suit every garden – they come in shades of white, blue, purple and pink. They’re extremely popular with bees and butterflies, too.

When adding this gorgeous addition to your garden, grow Michaelmas daisies in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade and cut back after flowering.

 

Camellias

Plant: Oct-November / Flowers: October-April / Prune: April-May

Camellias, a popular evergreen shrub that produces a beautiful display of flowers during late winter and early spring, when little else is in flower in the garden. There are thousands of varieties to choose from, with white, pink or red flowers. When they are not flowering, their shiny evergreen leaves look great all year round.

Soil conditions are the utmost important factor when planting Camellias, they need to grow in acidic soil. If you don’t have this type of soil in your garden, you can opt for growing them in plant pots. 

Camellias do best in a partially shaded spot in your garden, sheltered from the wind.

 

Sunflowers

Sow: March-May / Plant: April-June / Flowers: June-September

Sunflowers are one of the nation's most popular flowers. Did you know, Sunflowers also come in rusty red, green and white flowering forms and not just the iconic yellow? 

Depending on the Sunflower, they can take 11-18 weeks to flower from seed sowing. 

So here’s a top tip from us, when sowing Sunflower seeds, sow some every couple of weeks - that’ll mean you’ll have a constant supply of cheerful Sunflowers throughout summer.

 

Actress teams up with pet nutrition company

 

Actress and radio presenter Gemma Atkinson is calling on Brits to show their support for shelter pets, as Hill’s Pet Nutrition launches a nationwide campaign to support homeless pets in desperate need due to Covid-19...


 

Actress and radio presenter Gemma Atkinson is calling on Brits to show their support for shelter pets, as Hill’s Pet Nutrition launches a nationwide campaign to support homeless pets in desperate need due to Covid-19.

 

As the pandemic reaches the one-year mark, animal shelters up and down the country are facing unprecedented budget cuts and financial strain.  With a growing number of pets reportedly being given up or abandoned and fundraising events postponed due to the crisis, rescue shelters are at capacity and struggling to keep the animals they look after fed and cared for.

 

Gemma, owner of Spaniel and Sproodle Ollie and Norman and President of The Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, is asking pet parents to share pictures of their furry friends using #MissionForeverFriend across Instagram and Facebook. For every post, Hill’s will donate a bowl of food1 to a local shelter throughout the month of April, providing up to 14,000 meals in the UK, and up to 100,000 meals across participating countries.

 

Gemma Atkinson commented; “Whilst the country has been in and out of lockdown the past year, shelters across the country have been working tirelessly to help the lives of the many animals in their care. Sadly, just like all businesses and industries, they have suffered hardship due to the pandemic and are in desperate need of support right now.

 

“My dogs are a huge part of our family and I’m a massive advocate for animal welfare and successfully rescued pets. By supporting #MissionForeverFriend, animal lovers can show their support for local shelters and give animals in need the second chance they deserve. Hill’s believes that all pets deserve the best care humanly possible, and that the right nutrition has the ability to not only transform lives physically but make shelter pets adoption-ready while they wait for their forever homes.”

 

In addition to posting a picture of their furry friend on social, pet owners can snap a picture of their pet using a virtual bandana filter as a fun way to show support. The virtual bandana can be accessed on Hill’s UK and Ireland Facebook @hills4pets and Instagram pages @hillspetukireland.

 

There are also many other ways for pet lovers to ‘pay it forward’, including donating, volunteering at a local shelter or fostering a pet. Affiliated shelters will put a face and name to some of these furry friends by posting photos of shelter pets in need. Hill’s will repost these photos on their own Facebook and Instagram pages so everyone can find their own forever friend. 

 

Michael Unsworth, Hill’s Vet Affairs Manager, UK & Republic of Ireland added: “#MissionForeverFriend is an extension of our 365 day-a-year commitment to helping shelter pets, but it’s never been more important to help animals in need than right now. Centres are at capacity with many people experiencing ‘buyer’s remorse’ or sadly suffering financial or health woes due to the pandemic. The staff and volunteers at these shelters have worked round the clock to feed them and keep a roof over their heads, but there’s only so much they can do with funding and rehoming all on hold.

 

“This movement will provide much-needed nutrition to thousands of innocent animals up and down the country, and we’re thrilled that Gemma is lending her support to help the cause.”

 

Hill’s Pet Nutrition UK and Ireland is proud to be partnering with Raystead Centre for Animal Welfare and Wood Green - The Animal’s Charity. Both charities aim to provide forever homes for shelter pets and offer support and advice for pet owners.

 

To learn more about #MissionForeverFriend and find ways you can help shelter pets find their forever homes, visit www.HillsPet.co.uk/shelter

 

Photo Credit: Image Courtesy of K9 Magazine

 
Supreme extends high-performing Naturals Treats range

Supreme Petfoods is adding two new products – Berry Loops and Orchard Loops – to its Selective Naturals Treats range, leveraging strong consumer trends for natural and high-quality products...


Supreme Petfoods is adding two new products to its Selective Naturals Treats range, leveraging strong consumer trends for natural and high-quality products.

 

The two new treats, Berry Loops and Orchard Loops, will join Supreme’s range of healthy high-fibre treats rich in natural ingredients.

 

Designed for rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas, the new products promise to be popular with pet owners as the Selective Naturals Treats range continues to see rapid commercial growth. 

 

Both new products combine nutritious Timothy hay with fruit flavours: Berry Loops contain cranberry, and Orchard Loops are based on apple. These fruit flavours are appealing to small pets, while the Timothy hay boosts the fibre content to support digestive and dental health. Alongside these natural ingredients, the treats contain no added sugar and no artificial colours, reflecting customer demand for natural and healthy products. 

 

Claire Hamblion, Supreme Marketing Manager, explains that these are strong trends in the pet food market.

 

“Over recent years we’ve seen rising demand for natural products, with many owners seeking out diets and treats containing wild or foraged ingredients,” she says.

 

“Alongside this, we’re seeing people becoming more health-conscious about their small pets and many owners are now willing to pay a premium for healthy products.

 

"With our focus on natural ingredients and our ‘no sugar’ message, our Selective Naturals range resonates with these values and we’ve been pleased to see a dramatic growth in sales over the last five years.”

 

The Selective Naturals Treats range has experienced a phenomenal sales increase since its launch in 2016, reaching 70% year-on-year growth between 2019 and 2020. With the addition of Berry Loops and Orchard Loops, Supreme is set to build on this success.

 

“We’re pleased to add to our range to give people an even greater choice of healthy and natural treats for their pets,” says Claire. “Many purchasers, especially millennials, are highly engaged in choosing their pet products and will appreciate a greater variety of treats to choose between, so retailers will benefit from stocking an extended range.”

 

While the new treats are designed for rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas, the full Selective Naturals range also caters for degus, hamsters, rats, mice and gerbils. The small ‘Loops’ treats are ideal for handfeeding and provide an opportunity for owners to interact and bond with their pets. Retailers looking to stock the full selection can utilise new point of sale material to showcase the extended range.

 

Berry Loops and Orchard Loops have a RRP of £2.99 and are available from all good pet product wholesalers.

 

To find out more, contact Supreme Petfoods on experts@supremepetfoods.com.