Plants and Christmas have been the star performers so far this October according to the GTN Bestsellers weekly EPOS data analysis.

Plants sales in the first three weeks of October have been 3.2% up on 2021 volumes and 14% up on 2019 which means the GTN Bestsellers Year to date All Plant sales volume index now sits at 9.3% down on 2021 but 7.5% up on 2019.

Christmas sales have really excelled so far this month.  The GTN Bestsellers Top 50 Christmas Products index for the first three weeks of October shows sales volumes up by 24.2% on last year and 5% up on 2019.  With haft term week’s data to be analysed this week we could be on for a record October for Christmas.  Watch this space for the full months analysis and the first GTN Bestsellers Christmas Charts of the year.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week in 2021: week 42.

• Garden Products Top 50 – down 20%
• Growing Media Top 50 – down 23%
• Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – down 21%
• Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – down 23%
• Christmas Top 50 – up 17%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week in 2021: week 42.

•           All Plants with Barcode index – down 15%

•           All Items with Barcode index – down 7%

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week in 2019: week 42.

• Garden Products Top 50 – down 17%
• Growing Media Top 50 – up 29%
• Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 109%
• Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – down 37%
• Christmas Top 50 – up 6%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week in 2019: week 42

•           All Plants with Barcode index – up 12%

•           All Items with Barcode index – up 20%

The GIMA Awards 2022 has been another sell-out event, as the garden retail sector comes together to celebrate the innovation, people and products that have helped our industry thrive throughout 2022. On Thursday evening, the winners were announced, with Westland taking home a record-breaking eight awards!

GIMA AWARDS 2022 – THE WINNERS

One of the most coveted accolades is the GIMA Sword of Excellence, and this year it was Westland who walked away with the honour for its Boost All Purpose Plant Food. The judges said: “Boost All Purpose Plant Food shows a company at the very top of its game. The development and marketing behind this product have delivered an all-round winner for the market.”

Elsewhere, the team from Meadow View Stone was celebrating having been awarded the GCA Supplier of the Year Award for the second year running. Talking about why Meadow View deserved the title once again, the GCA said: “Meadow View Stone offer exceptional customer service, even in times of high pressure, transport issues, supply shortages and last minutes changes to orders. We deal with a lot of suppliers and can honestly say we receive the best service from the team at Meadow View.” Whilst not named a winner, Smart Garden Products was awarded finalist status in having delivered another incredible year of service and innovation.

The 2022 Gardenex Export Achievement Award was presented to Westland, with Mr Fothergill’s Seeds and Spear & Jackson enjoying finalist status. Talking about Westland, Gardenex said: “The Kent & Stowe range has seen considerable growth in export markets, despite Covid and Brexit.  Sales have increased exponentially when compared to 2019 and 2020 and is showing no signs of slowing.  Entering into partnerships and distributorships and investing significantly in infrastructure and personnel to assist with the growth, Westland continues to reap the benefits and expand into new markets with their traditional British designed quality tools. 

Sustainability was also high on the agenda, with not one but two companies walking away with this year’s Sustainability Award.  The judges remarked: “It’s great that we have such a strong selection of sustainable products to choose from, so much so that we decided to award joint winners”. Those winners are Woolcool –the brand behind Hortiwool, and Willsow, with its plantable children’s books.

A ‘Sustainability Champion’ was also selected within each category (where relevant), celebrating the different ways sustainable solutions are being brought to market.

GIMA AWARDS 202 - PRODUCT AWARDS

Garden Care

Winner: Westland – Boost All Purpose Plant Food

Finalists: Woolcool – Hortiwool Felt Garden Pads, Hozelock – EasyMix 2-in-1 Composter, Evergreen Garden Care – Nourish & Protect range.

Category Sustainability Champion: Woolcool – Hortiwool Felt Garden Pads

About the winner: Boost All Purpose Plant Food produces four more times more flowers and an abundance of fruit and veg compared to watering alone. Benefitting from Westland’s PlantSense™ Technology – ‘Boost’ is suitable for feeding all plants, fruits and veg and peat and peat free composts

What the judges said: “'Exactly the product we needed! Clever branding and very commercial.”

Growing, Planting Equipment and Sundries

Winner: Westland – Visiroot Propagation range

Finalists: Elho – ‘Stack & Grow’ pots, Wildlife World – Plastic-Free Gardening Natural Rubber Seed Trays, Woolcool – Hortiwool Felt Garden Pads

Category Sustainability Champion: Wildlife World – Plastic-Free Gardening Natural Rubber Seed Trays

About the winner: Visiroot Trays are made from rPET, which is durable enough for use season after season, and can be recycled through all UK kerbside collections. The material also makes it easy to check root growth and monitor plant health and moisture levels with transparent green rPET material. Half-sized, multi-cell trays are easy to handle and suit the hobby gardener in a small greenhouse, whilst the unique moisture bridge cells, allow for even watering and distribution of nutrients preventing plants in cells from getting neglected.

What the judges said: “'Excellent reuse of plastic bottles” and “great overhaul of this product.”

Garden Tools, Machinery and Implements

Winner: Westland – Eversharp

Finalists:  EP Barrus – Anti Clog Leaf Rakes, Rollins Bulldog Tools – Bulldog /V&A Pedigree Garden Tool collaboration, Husqvarna UK – Gardena EcoLine handtools range

Category Sustainability Champion: Husqvarna UK – Gardena EcoLine handtools range

About the winner: Eversharp is penned as the hardest sharpest blade, that never blunts. Westland has enriched the range with delights for consumers, including ambidextrous, adjustable hand sizer, built-in string, and wire-cutters.

What the judges said: “Made in the UK, from durable long-lasting, high-quality materials.”

Outdoor Leisure

Winner: Garden Village – Waddington Garden Bar

Finalists: Smart Garden Products – Outside In Designs: Neptune Giant Alfresco Rug, Forest Garden - Firenze Corner Arbour, Zest – Zest Cherry Blossom Bench, Leisuregrow – Casa Mia Tempo Chiminea

Category Sustainability Champion: Smart Garden Products – Outside In Designs: Neptune Giant Alfresco Rug

About the winner:  Perfect for entertaining, the 'Waddington Garden Bar' has three adjustable shelves included as standard, with plenty of use-able space. It has also been pressure treated to increase durability and protect against rot to enable it to be used in your garden for many years to come.

What the judges said: “Well made, on-trend and simple.”

Plants, Seeds and Bulbs

Winner: Westland – Nature’s Haven 1.2kg

Finalists: Westland – Lawn Meadow Wildflower & Seed Mix, Westland – Lawn Revive Lawn Thickener

Category Sustainability Champion: Westland – Lawn Meadow Wildflower & Seed Mix

About the winner: Offering more seeds per metre than any other wildflower seed mix, this is the leading native wildflower easy sow mix on the market today. Supported by new 100% recycled box packaging.

What the judges said: “A good seller and popular range, plus it provides a great way to get more bees into your garden.”

Garden Landscaping

Winner: Treadstone Products – Pot & Trough Trellis

Finalists: Primeur – Eco Garden Maryland Border, Deco-Pak - EcoStone Rubber Chippings, Altico – Altico Aggregate Project Bags

Category Sustainability Champion: Primeur – Eco Garden Maryland Border

About the winner: The pot trellis is uniquely designed with a curved profile to follow the lines of circular pots, whilst the trough trellis mirrors the tapered design of most garden troughs. It also features textured paint to help plants grip to the trellis.

What the judges said: “Sturdy design suited to any garden situation and supported by a great price point.”

Garden Clothing & Gifts

Winner: Willsow – The Plantable Children's Book

Finalists: Treadstone Products – ClipGlove Pruner Glove, Rollins Bulldog Tools – Bulldog /V&A Pedigree Garden Tool collaboration, Treadstone Products – ClipGlove "Handy Bags & more..."

Category Sustainability Champion: Willsow – The Plantable Children's Book

About the winner: The world’s first plantable children’s book. Never before have you been able to read the story, plant the pages and grow/meet the main character! Each book is embedded with roughly 500 non-gmo vegetable or herb seeds (in the cover pages), which means they can be torn off and planted to grow the main character of each book. So far, the range features five different books, with each story benefitting from a deeper message, whilst also promoting sustainability. 

What the judges said: “Sustainable materials, plantable covers and encouraging young gardeners - Perfect!”

Pet Care, Aquatics and Wild Bird Care Products

Winner: Wildlife World – Artisan Natural Bee Skeps

Finalists: Wildlife World – The Bali Island Range, Artisan Hanging Bird Table, Bee Hotel and Bird Nestbox, Wildlife World – 'Water is Life' Bath and Drinker, Westland - Gardman Homegrown Harvest Seed Mix

Category Sustainability Champion: Wildlife World – Artisan Natural Bee Skeps

About the winners: These Fair-Trade Artisan Natural Bee Skeps are a fusion between the traditional European bee skeps and the skilled handmade style of artisans from Bangladesh. The range supports the artisan workers in Southern Bangladesh who make them—funding the survival of many women and their families in rural communities living in poverty.

What the judges said: “Great value for a beautiful, practical and sustainable product.”

Garden Lighting, Water Features & Ornamentation

Winner: The Solar Centre – Madison Drop Bulbs

Finalist: Woodlodge – Honey & Wild Tree Art, Smart Garden Products – Smart Solar Firefly Opal Lantern, Leisuregrow – Colour Changeable Table & Floor Lamps

Category Sustainability Champion: The Solar Centre – Madison Drop Bulbs

About the winner: These lights go back to basics, utilising a 3W solar panel and a high-capacity li-ion replaceable battery to keep the lights shining year-round.

What the judges said: “A quality, durable and on-trend product that is built to last.”

Decorative Pots & Planters

Winner: Primeur – Tierra Verde Recycled Rubber Flamenco Planter

Finalist: Elho – Vibia Campana Flower Twin, Elho – Greensense Aqua Care, Capi Europe BV – Waste Rib NL Collection

Category Sustainability Champion: Capi Europe BV – Waste Rib NL Collection

About the winner: A large new modern planter, offering a new silhouette to the range, adding choice and design options to suit indoor and outdoor spaces. Made from 100% recycled rubber tyres, which have been diverted from landfill. Recycled rubber is not only an eco-friendly choice, it also offers the customer superior durability and protection from extreme weather conditions, with no fading, no cracking or rotting. This is also beneficial to retailers, as the planters will not break on display.

What the judges said: “Great price for a large container, with clear eco credentials.”

GIMA AWARDS 2022 – MARKETING AWARDS

Best Point of Sale Material

Winner: Westland – Boost All Purpose Plant Feed Gondola POS

Finalists: WHM Pet Group – Wild Bird Eco-Refill Pick 'N' Mix Wooden Cart, Treadstone Products – ClipGlove Pruner Display Stand, Elho – Display Street Concept

Category Sustainability Champion: WHM Pet Group – Wild Bird Eco-Refill Pick 'N' Mix Wooden Cart

About the winner: Feeding your plants is more important than ever in our new world of peat-free growing. This POS was designed to showcase ‘Boost’ and give consumers the garden they want. To educate, to entice, to excite and ultimately give them 4 x more blooms. It is deliberately eye-catching, modern, fresh but, most importantly, educational, and informative, so consumers can make an informed choice.

What the judges said: “Eye catching and brings the product to life. It’s also clearly linked to the TV advertising.”

Best Sustainable Product Packaging

Winner: Smart Garden Products – Useful Garden Sundries and Accessories

Finalists: Evergreen Garden Care – Bring Back to store Compost Recycling scheme, WHM Pet Group – 100% Recycled, Recyclable & Biodegradable Wild Bird Packaging range, Evergreen Garden Care – Refill stations

Category Sustainability Champions: Evergreen Garden Care – Bring Back to store Compost Recycling scheme

About the winner: The Useful range provides consumers with an easy eco-choice when topping up on garden sundries and accessories – without compromising on the robustness of the packaging or the quality of the product within. A comprehensive collection of practical products and handy items.

What the judges said: “The first range to make the move to cardboard in the sundries market, in doing so they have made the product look new and interesting.”

Best Marketing Communication & Social Media Award

Winner: Westland – Boost All Purpose Plant Feed Marketing Campaign

Finalists: Westland – 'Peckish guide to Tits' & 'Check your Balls’ social media campaign, Evergreen Garden Care – Miracle-Gro: Friends over the Fence campaign, Evergreen Garden Care – Miracle-Gro: Keep Growing Campaign

About the winner: Designed to be a beautiful film that celebrates gardening and shows it in a new and exciting light to the viewer. Appealing to everyone, from your professional gardener to your student with a window box who fancies giving it a go for the first time, content was specifically designed to have an eye-catching and entertaining style, whilst visually stunning to entice the viewer and make them sit up and take notice.

What the judges said: “Possibly the most memorable TV ad since the launch of Miracle Gro.”

This year, the GIMA Awards winners were carefully selected by a panel of industry experts, made up of Will Blake, St Peter’s Garden Centre; David Danning, Blue Diamond Group; Kate Eckley, The Old Railway Line; Neil Grant, Ferndale Garden Centre; Sarah Hayden, John Lewis & Partners; Trevor Pfeiffer, Garden Trade News; Victoria Redshaw, Scarlet Opus, and finally, Chris Moorhouse from Wickes. As always, thanks to the high calibre and breadth of innovation on display, the judging day – which took place in July – was rife with debate and discussion, as the judges waxed lyrical about the merit of the entries. However, they finally whittled the selection down and each of the deserving winners took to the stage earlier tonight, alongside this year’s celebrity host, Rory Bremner.

GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said of the event: “What a night we have had! 17 awards and 10 incredible companies currently celebrating their win on the dancefloor! Every year, our judging panel and I are in awe of the level of innovation and development that is brought to market; and 2022 certainly hasn’t disappointed! Congratulations to all our winners, and a thank you to everyone that entered, attended, judged or sponsored the 2022 GIMA Awards. Your support is greatly appreciated.”

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Ian Boardman, who passed away at his home in France last month, will take place on Thursday, November 3. 

The service will be held at St George’s Park Hilton Hotel, Newborough Road, Needworth, Burton-on-Trent DE13 9PD at 2.30pm.

The Boardman family have invited anyone who knew Ian to join them in the celebration of his life. It would be helpful to Ian's family if you could let them know if you are planning to attend. Please e-mail:  sylvie.boardman@btinternet.com

A former garden centre manager, GCA Inspector, garden centre business consultant and trainer, Ian was a much-loved figure in the garden centre industry.

Here’s our picture special from the glitzy GIMA Awards evening hosted by celebrity Rory Bremner.  Pictures taken by Steve Burden and Trevor Pfeiffer...

GIMA has presented a cheque for £10,000 to Greenfingers charity following the association's successful golf day at Belton Woods, Lincolnshire, in the Summer.

The cheque was presented by GIMA president Jenny Douthwaite (right) to Greenfingers chairman Sue Allen (centre) and director of funding and communications Linda Petrons (left) at the GIMA Awards.

The Primeur team is still riding high after a glittering night of celebrations at the recent 41st GIMA Awards, where the team celebrated winning yet another award for its already bulging trophy cabinet.

This year, Primeur was crowned winner of the GIMA Decorative Pots & Planters category for its new-for-2022 55.5cm Flamenco planter, part of the Tierra Verde self-watering planter collection. Like all planters in the Tierra Verde collection, the Flamenco is made from recycled rubber tyres, helping to divert this material from landfill where it could take upwards of 80 years to decompose.

The GIMA judges were impressed by the Flamenco’s eco-credentials as well as the wider user benefits that rubber crumb provides including superior durability and protection from extreme weather conditions, with no fading, no cracking or rotting.

Sustainability Champions

No content with just one award, Primeur was also crowned the Sustainability Champion within the Garden Landscaping category, with its Maryland Border from the EZ Border collection.

Talking about the GIMA Awards 2022, Primeur Managing Director, Jenny Douthwaite said: “It’s an absolute honour to receive these latest accolades. Judged by a panel of leading retailers, trend experts and industry stalwarts, means that these awards have an edge that demonstrates to our customers the true value of our product offering. These latest awards are also a testament to the hard work that ‘Team Primeur’ undertake daily to ensure that we’re supporting our customers with products that appeal season after season.”

Primeur’s Flamenco planter

With gardening proving more popular than ever, Primeur has further extended its Tierra Verde collection of self-watering planters, with the Flamenco planter representing latest updates.

Standing at 55.5cm tall and is available in slate grey, the Flamenco planter is inspired by traditional urns but, in true Primeur style, features a contemporary twist which will appeal to consumers looking for something to add impact around gardens, patios and front doors. The Flamenco planter represents an entirely new style within the Tierra Verde offering.

Primeur’s trophy cabinet expands

As Primeur adds another award to the mix, let’s look back on the award journey so far.

• 2018 – GIMA Awards - Garden Landscaping winners: Eco Garden Roman Stone Border
• 2018 – Glee New Product Awards – Best New Landscaping Product + Overall Best New Product winners: Medallion Stepping-Stone
• 2019 – GIMA Awards - Decorative Pots & Planters + Sword of Excellence winners: Tierra Verde Planters
• 2019 - Glee New Product Awards – Best New Growing Container + Best Eco Initiative Product winners: Tierra Verde Planters
• 2020 – Glee New Product Awards – Best New Garden Landscaping (joint winners): Railroad Tie Stepping-Stone in grey
• 2021 – Glee New Product Awards – Best New Garden Landscaping winners: Carolina Border
• 2022 - GIMA Awards – Decorative Pots & Planters: Flamenco Planter
• 2022 – GIMA Awards – Garden Landscaping, Sustainability Champion: Maryland Border

Find out more

To find more about Primeur’s Eco Garden range, please contact the team on 01274 518800, email sales@primeur.ltd.uk or visitwww.primeur.co.uk

Taking place at the stunning Grade-II listed Pendley Manor in Tring, Hertfordshire, the dinner will bring together Greenfingers supporters for a spectacular night of celebrations. More importantly, the evening will provide these supporters with the opportunity to dig deep and raise vital funds for the children’s hospice garden charity. A key highlight of the evening will be an auction, filled with incredibly generous donations from some of the charity’s most valued supporters.

Talking ahead of the event, Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at the Greenfingers Charity said: “The response to the 2022 Greenfingers Charity Fundraising Dinner has been wonderful, and as such we only have a handful of tickets left. We’re therefore urging interested parties to get in touch as soon as possible to secure their place at this year’s event. 

“All of us at Greenfingers are looking forward to welcoming all our guests on December 1st and are sure that the dinner will be as memorable as previous years, including most notably in 2019 when over £20,000 was raised!” 

Call for raffle & auction prizes

If you are unable to join the 2022 Greenfingers Charity Fundraising Dinner but still want to support the charity, then why not provide a raffle or auction prize?

From products to weekend breaks, these prizes often help to generate huge sums for Greenfingers as guests dig deep to further grow the fundraising total, whilst also bagging themselves a special treat or experience.

Linda Petrons added: “Our supporters are always so generous when donating prizes and this year has been no different with some superb prizes up for grabs. Of course, we can always fit in a few more prizes so if people are interested in donating – whether something small or something big – we would welcome the chance to discuss this with them.”

Book your tickets now

Anyone interested in securing one of the remaining tickets – either individual tickets or a table of 10 - for the Greenfingers Charity Fundraising Dinner is invited to contact Linda Petrons direct by emailing linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk or by calling 07908 221240. Tickets can be booked individually or as a group table booking. Please note that places are limited.

Find out more

You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media -https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Dobbies has announced the opening date of its newly-built flagship store in Tewkesbury – one of its biggest to date and the largest in Southwest England.  

The 70,000 sq. ft centre based just off Junction 9 of the M5 at Ashchurch will open on November 3 at 10am and underlines Dobbies’ ongoing investment across the UK.  

Expected to welcome more than 750,000 customers each year, the opening will include the launch of Dobbies’ full Christmas range along with its festive events programme and seasonal menu. As part of the company’s new foodhall partnership with Waitrose, customers will also be able to sample products from Waitrose’s well-loved food ranges as well as sweet treats from Hotel Chocolat. 

Around 100 new jobs for local and neighbouring communities have been created at the Tewkesbury store which spans Dobbies’ range of plants, houseplants, gardening products, seasonal items, pet range, cookshop, home décor, gifts and toys.  

The store also boasts a Little Seedlings soft play area for children and a 10,000 sq ft restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. 

Graeme Jenkins, Chief Executive, Dobbies Garden Centres, said: “Our Tewkesbury store marks another major milestone for Dobbies and our growth strategy, and I am extremely proud of all the hard work that has gone into creating our flagship centre. I’d like to thank all the Dobbies’ team members and everyone else who has helped to achieve this.  

“The Tewkesbury store promises an exceptional shopper experience for all the family, with customers able to enjoy a leisurely day of shopping, dining and fun for the children. We can’t wait to open our doors in November and hear what people think.” 

The new Dobbies store is the first phase of a major development, brought together by Robert Hitchins Ltd, which also includes the forthcoming Cotswolds Designer Outlet, expected to open in 2024, and 1,310 homes being built to the south. The whole development is sited in a prime location at J9 of the M5 and close to Ashchurch for Tewkesbury train station.  

Simon Tothill, Property and Development Director of Robert Hitchins Ltd, said: "We are delighted to be working with Dobbies and investing with them into the future in what forms part of a large and exciting mixed use development, including the Cotswolds Designer Outlet."

Dobbies Tewkesbury store will open its doors to the public at 10am on Thursday, November 3.  

Garden centre customers were updating their wardrobes during September and potentially planning for the colder months according to the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade (BoT) report.

Sales in clothing departments were up 5.79% compared to the same month last year (2021).

GCA Chairman, Tammy Woodhouse, explains: “After some good weather in August and September, it seems our garden centre customers are thinking about the colder months ahead and updating their wardrobes in preparation. It could be that they are investing now in good quality items to keep them warm as the cost-of-living crisis looms and the rise of utility bills hits everyone.”

Sales in traditional categories were down for the month with houseplant sales down -8.66%, outdoor plant sales down -19.62% and seed and bulb sales down -13.5%.

Garden sundries sales were also down -23.35% and furniture and barbecue sales were down -31.57%. Pets and aquatic sales were down -10.1%, gifts were down -11.91% and hard landscaping sales were down -30.04%.

Tammy added: “September definitely felt like the month customers began tightening their belts due to the cost-of-living crisis. Also, during the month, we unfortunately saw the sad passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and out of respect during her funeral, many of our member centres closed for the day, leading to a drop in footfall.

“Food hall and farm shop sales were down -10.58%, however catering sales were up 1.23%.”

Overall sales for the month were down -13.41% with a year-to-date variance of -3.24%.

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

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

Smart Garden Products is giving some fantastic support to the recipients of Colegrave Seabrook Foundation scholarships. One of the industry’s leading garden centre suppliers is delighted to announce its support of this season Student Scholarships offered by the Foundation. 

The Student Scholarships, which were the very origins of the support the Foundation wanted to provide to students 30 years ago when the charity was first set up have been renamed The Smart Garden Products Student Scholarships. At least 5 of the bursaries, now worth up to £1,500 each, are available to students studying horticulture at one of the colleges or universities in the UK or Ireland.

Students who have the attitude, ability and ambition to make their career in one of the many branches of horticulture can apply of some financial support to help with costs of living, purchase of course materials, fees, travel costs or something as specific as the purchase of a new laptop or other tools to assist your studies. Applications are now open and full details are on the Foundations website www.colegraveseabrookfoundation.org.uk

Smart Garden Products are the leading supplier of garden products to the industry. The company has built up an enviable reputation for design and innovation in an ever growing range of products, from solar powered items in their Smart Solar range, to other categories including Hanging Gardening, Plant Support, as well as their brands in garden decor, wild bird care and Christmas products.

Chairman of Smart Garden Products, Paris Natar said: “We at Smart recognise that good horticulture is at the heart of our thriving, robust garden centre industry. We are therefore proud to be partnered with the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation in supporting the training, development and excellence of its future horticulturalists.”

Students who are successful in gaining one of the new scholarships will also have the fabulous opportunity to join the team at Smart Garden Products HQ for a Development Day where they will gain experience from industry experts in a range of disciplines that mark the success of the business including product development, logistics and marketing.

Scott Galloway, a student studying at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the recipient of a scholarship in 2021 said: “I was encouraged by my college tutor to apply for a Student Scholarship from the Foundation, and I am delighted to have been offered the funding to support me in pursuing my Diploma course.” 

Full details, and how to apply for these, and the other scholarships offered by the Foundation are on their website.  Applications need to be submitted between now and the 31^st of January 2023 for awards which will be made in March 2023.

Pictured: Smart Garden Products Managing Director, Jonathan Stobart (left) shakes hands with Chair of Trustees Jeff Colegrave outside the company’s Peterborough hub.

The Young People in Horticulture Association are delighted to announce the formalisation of their relationship with the Royal Horticultural Society, who have signed up as a YPHA Key Partner for 2023-2024.

The RHS have consistently proven themselves a loyal ally to YPHA, not least with their hosting of the very first YPHA face-to-face meetup at Wisley back in February 2022. Since then, collaborations have continued abundantly, with both organisations proving well poised to support the other through their next stage of horticultural evolution.

RHS Head of Horticultural Relations, Chris Moncrieff, expressed his excitement for the partnership: ‘a shared path of joint opportunities, aspirations, and no small amount of passion in seeking to strengthen our industry, is firmly embedded in this amazing opportunity. We believe that this partnership will provide the perfect situation for both organisations to work towards an exciting future.’

YPHA Co-Founder, Natalie Porter added that ‘So many of our core beliefs, and our aims for YPHA align seamlessly with those of the RHS, making it a logical and empowering next step for us to work together in a more official capacity. We are very excited to see how we can use this partnership as a catalyst for progress for wider horticulture!’

The addition of the RHS brings YPHA Key Partnerships to a total of five, with ICL, Floramedia, The Greener Gardening Company and Boningale making up the other four. With The Greener Gardening Company sadly set to close, discussions are in the final stages to secure a replacement Key Partner.

Ten YPHA ‘Supporter’ positions will also be open to applications until Monday 8th November, with existing supporters taking first refusal. Anybody who would be interested in hearing more about YPHA sponsorship opportunities should contact admin@ypha.org.uk in the first instance.

For more information on YPHA please visit ypha.org.uk

For more information on the Royal Horticultural Society please visit rhs.org.uk

Perennial, the charity helping people in horticulture, is calling for organisations to become ambassadors and participate in its Mental Health First Aider training programme.

As part of the charity’s health and wellbeing focus the programme aims to put more Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace.

One in four people experience mental health problems which is the biggest contributor to ill health and is consistent with the people who come to us for support. 

Perennial’s Health & Wellbeing Survey (2021) found that mental wellbeing was among the biggest perceived challenges for people working in horticulture. 85% of people’s mental wellbeing was poor or below average and 26% of people listed depression, anxiety, and stress as critical issues. A further 22% said they did not recognise when they were unable to cope or how to deal with these circumstances.

A significant culture change around mental health is needed across the horticultural community. Organisations need to be committed to raising awareness about mental wellbeing and supporting their employees with their mental health. We want people to have an in depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing, the practical skills to spot the signs and symptoms and to have the confidence to step in, reassure and support their colleagues.

We are looking for employers with over 20 employees who proactively want to increase their team’s mental health and wellbeing to join our pilot training programme. Perennial’s training is delivered in partnership with Mental Health First Aid England:

• An in-depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing.
• Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of a range of mental health issues.
• Confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress.
• Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening.
• Knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to further support.
• An understanding of how to keep themselves safe while performing their duties.

Resources include - A reference card for the Mental Health First Aid action plan and the Line Managers' Resource, an invaluable source of advice on how to support an employee experiencing mental ill health.

Places are still available for our next training course on the 30th November to 1st December and we are running courses throughout 2023, to find out more about, please contact Helen Waddington, Email hwaddington@perennial.org.uk.

Since its official launch to the market just last month, Ivyline has received a phenomenal response to its new lifestyle driven garden range, including orders rolling in from the large garden centre groups. To further support this growth opportunity, Ivyline has confirmed that bespoke point of sale is now available to help drive consumer interest in this unique and stylish collection.

Available as double sided or single wall displays, these dedicated pallet displays are designed to not only make it easier for retailers to stock the latest profit-boosting offering, which includes plant support, hanging baskets and trellis, but also helps to draw the consumers’ eye from across the shop floor with inspirational and informative imagery.

Slatted timber provides a neutral and nature inspired backdrop to the products, whilst optional shelving and a two or four pallet footprint provides the opportunity to create flexible and bespoke displays, with space available for hanging, wall mounted and stacked displays. When the full range is purchased, these new displays come fully stocked with the complete offering, making for a cost effective and profitable display.

Side panels feature two different lifestyle images, with the main products USPs clearly communicated:

• Two-year warranty
• Premium Quality
• Handmade
• Ethically sourced
• Frost resistant 

Scott Thomas, Managing Director at Ivyline, said: “Launched just a few weeks ago the response to our latest collection has far exceeded expectation. We’ve received significant orders from a range of retailers, including many of the leading garden centre groups. Feedback has been positive across the board, with most remarking on the uniqueness of the designs. But more than this, retailers are impressed by the additional ‘Ivyline benefits’ that help to elevate these products and provide a real point of difference.

“These new retail display are demonstrative of our commitment to helping retailers optimise sales of our products. The right tools, coupled with the right products, equal happy customers and happy gardeners, and we believe we have got the formula right with this latest offering.”

Ivyline’s new lifestyle garden collection

The new lifestyle garden collection features a highly curated range of products including plant protection and supports, hanging baskets, and trellis. Each product benefits from a highly detailed handmade construction from either zinc or bronze - the latter providing a rustic patinaed look - providing choice for consumers based on their garden aesthetic. Frost resistant and benefitting from a two-year guarantee, all products are built to last whilst bringing elegance and interesting structure to garden and allotment planting schemes. Prices range from RRP £34.99 - £59.99.

Find out more

To add Ivyline’s new lifestyle driven grow-your-own range to your retail offering in 2023 please contact the team to discuss your stocking needs via sales@ivylinegb.co.uk / 024 7633 9180.

Further details regarding Ivyline’s AW22 and SS23 collections can be found at www.ivylinegb.co.uk/pages/trade. A dedicated showroom at Ivyline’s HQ, Stoneleigh Park, is also open to buyers year-round. Please contact the team to book your next visit.

Green-fingered pupils in Gloucestershire are getting set to transform their school garden and celebrate some early festive cheer after receiving expert advice and support from the team at Dobbies Garden Centres new flagship Tewkesbury store.

Ashchurch Primary School, which has 136 pupils including children with additional learning needs, has a large garden space which they said is in desperate need of a makeover.

Together with one of the school’s teachers, Rachel Willis, pupils from year one to year six have enjoyed learning about the benefits of gardening through the school’s gardening activities, with some classes enjoying weekly gardening sessions in their allotment with Mrs Willis.

And now with the support of Dobbies Garden Centres team, they are looking forward to bringing new life into their much-loved garden.

Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies Garden Centres, visited the school this month to discuss future plans for the garden, and was on hand to provide the pupils with some gardening tips and advice.

Dobbies Garden Centre, which opens its new Tewkesbury store next month, will also be donating plants, gardening equipment, peat-free compost, and microgreen kits for Ashchurch’s classrooms while it has further plans to help revamp the school’s sensory garden.

As part of this, pupils at Ashchurch – along with headteacher, Richard Gibson, Deputy Head Sam Rickaby, and Rachel Willis - have been invited to the opening of the flagship Tewkesbury store to pick out some gardening products from their wish list.

Dobbies Garden Centre is also donating the school with one of its sustainably grown Christmas trees through its Not Your Average Community campaign, which offers special community groups, charities, schools and clubs a real tree to brighten up their festive season.

Richard Gibson, Ashchurch Primary School Headteacher, said: “We are really passionate about gardening at Ashchurch and believe that gardening provides us with the opportunity to teach many areas of the National Curriculum outside of the classroom.

“We are very lucky to have our own allotment alongside our playing field, but it is in need of some tender loving care. We are so grateful to Marcus for his ideas and to Dobbies for their commitment to helping us regenerate the allotment and sensory garden.  We look forward to visiting their new flagship store in Tewkesbury.”

Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director, Dobbies Garden Centres, said: “At Dobbies, we are committed to promoting the benefits of gardening, and so it was fantastic to see so many young people at Ashchurch with a keen interest in the activity. I am very much looking forward to the project and to see the finished transformation.”

Plant nursery MDK has worked for years on the ideal green houseplants. Now the time has come to market the concept in the UK and Ireland under the brand name 'Beautanic Lifestyle'. The unique cultivation method and ingenious cultivation pot ensure strong, healthy plants that are easy to care for.

The special roots form the basis. The plants are grown hydroponically and are therefore peat-free. A completely different root system is created. These are called water roots. A common problem with the care of plants is that they are often kept too dry or too wet. You do not have this problem with water roots. Because they thrive by always standing in a layer of water, you only have to top up the water reservoir when the water meter indicates it.

Grower Marcel Duijvesteijn has left nothing to chance. The plants are delivered in a pot made of recycled material with a water reservoir and water level indicator that he designed himself. The lava rock granules in which the plant is rooted give the plant more strength and oxygen than standard hydro granules. Moreover, the lava rock granules are a sustainable natural product. The professional blend of powdered nutrients has been made available to the consumer in small jars. This so-called super food ensures very healthy plants and extra turnover for the garden centre.

All benefits are clearly visible on the shop floor thanks to the garden centre display and banner supplied free of charge. Plant exporter Javado UK takes care of the distribution.

The first garden centres have already received the concept and the response is very enthusiastic. Julie Aylett (Aylett Nurseries) spontaneously sent this email message: “We have only just received the plants and display and have already sold 9 large plants, 9 pots of super food, 3 bags of lava rock granules and 2 pots. The team are very excited by this response.”

Marcel Duijvesteijn: “Consumers feel insecure when it comes to purchasing the large houseplant they really want. They are afraid that they will not be able to keep the plant alive. With a plant from Beautanic Lifestyle and a matching jar of super food, they can effortlessly enjoy their purchase.”

Garden centres that are interested can contact James Woodham (Javado UK) at james@javadoplant.com or +44 (0) 7712 43 69 72 

GTN October 2022. More New Products for 2023 & The Greatest Christmas Awards 2022 launch.

Inside this issue: An understanding of stone – GTN Interviews the Meadow View Stone team, Crystal ball gazing for 2030 – HTA Conference 2022, Camden Garden Centre Photo Tour, Tales from the shop floor – Mark Portman at Camden Garden Centre, Rosey future at Mr Fothergills, Celtic Spa’s – LOFA Member profile, GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2022 – Nominate you teams now, Serious about selling plants at Four Oaks, Glee New Product Directory, Part 2, Solex New Product Directory, Change brings opportunity – GIMA Column, Horticulture and government – ORHG Column. Advertisers in this issue: The Solar Centre, Evergreen Garden Care, Apsley Farms, Meadow View Stone, Sipcam, Mr Fothergills, The Real Soil Company, Vitax, Fandango Fire Tools, Pot Mate, Solex 2023.

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Name, job title & how long you’ve been at Primeur
Sarah McLafferty, National Account Manager. I have been with Primeur 21 years this November!

If you could get people to know one thing about Primeur, what would it be?
Having been here many years I have seen the company change and evolve to keep up with customer expectations and we really do put them at the centre of everything we do.  There is a real family feel to the business, everyone is there to help each other at the drop of a hat in order to give the customers the best products and service.

What is your favourite bit of your job and why do you love working at Primeur?
I love working with the product, whether meeting people to show them all the features and benefits or working on packaging and displays – Glee is always a bit stressful but working on the stand designs and then meeting all the customers to talk about our fab ranges is one of the highlights. Primeur is all about the people that work here, we all help each other in any way we can, even if it means packing in the warehouse to get orders out on time, but that is what we do, and we love it! 

Your Primeur top-pick?

My favourite product in the garden range would be the our Roman Stone Border, I have this at home and it just looks so good!  When we are selling products to new customers, I can say with confidence, from personal experience, how easy it is to install them and that you don’t have to do anything to keep them looking great!

What does next year bring for Primeur?
I think we all know 2023 is going to be a tough year, it is well documented all the challenges that are coming at us from all directions, but we are staying positive.  We have a great message with the Recycled Rubber materials and the fact that the products last for years without any extra costs associated with maintenance or replacements so if we can continue to tell this story to the customer we should have another successful year ahead of us.

Your best/worst gardening experience?
I like the garden to be full of flowers, we have a nice border and lots of pots around so definitely the best experience with gardening is when it is all planted up and flourishing and the garden just looks so colourful and smells amazing! 

Get in touch

To find more about Primeur’s 2023 offering, please contact the team on 01274 518800, email sales@primeur.ltd.uk or visit www.primeur.co.uk

Commenting on the appointment of Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister, Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs at the HTA said:

“We congratulate Rishi Sunak on his appointment as Prime Minister. This is an immensely challenging time for HTA members across the breadth of the UK horticultural sector, who need certainty and stability. From energy bills to consumer confidence - the costs and challenges of doing business are real and have mounted. That is why last month we called for immediate action to support UK horticulture businesses and we look to any forthcoming fiscal statements to provide the stability needed for our sector to grow and invest in jobs. After a dry and costly summer, the outlook into 2023 is difficult and this will be a challenging winter. We hope the importance of ornamental and environmental horticulture will not be underestimated in its ability to deliver the UK's economic and environmental ambitions. HTA Horticultural businesses need certainty to be able to plan for the year ahead; rising energy bills will substantially add to the cost of doing business and we urge the Government to fully consider this impact when determining the support packages available after April.”

HTA's members can find more details on actions they can take to ease costs pressures on the “Here to Help” pages on the HTA website.  https://hta.org.uk/develop-your-business/here-to-help

For the first time in almost 90 years, online plant and bulb retailer J. Parker's releases a new seeds range containing popular flower, herb and fruit & vegetable varieties. The range will be available to purchase online at www.jparkers.co.uk from mid October onwards.

By popular demand, J Parker (Dutch Bulbs) Ltd, a leading online retailer of garden plants and bulbs, launches a new seeds range filled with over 130 varieties of garden seeds at great value prices.

The new seeds range comes as J. Parker’s aims to keep gardeners growing on a budget as living costs increase.

Paul Parker, managing director at J. Parker’s added: ‘We strive to ensure customer feedback is used to steer our product roadmap wherever possible. Interest in a seeds range has seen a 19% YoY increase in demand over the past few years and a 50% increase in demand compared to pre covid figures, maintaining healthy levels even as we move into a post-pandemic world.

‘We have worked extensively with our suppliers to ensure the range is of top quality and available to our customers at the best possible prices, starting with £1.49. This initial range is just the start, as we will look to broaden our offering considerably in the spring of 2023.’

The new seed range includes.

• Popular spring/summer ornamental flowers

• Fruit & vegetables

• Fragrant, culinary herbs 

More information can be found at: https://www.jparkers.co.uk/seeds/

British Garden Centres has taken over Mirfield Garden Centre, formerly known as Whiteleys. As is now the BGC way, the centre has been renamed to recognise its location; just under 2 miles from Mirfield, West Yorkshire. 

Phillippa Stubbs, Director of BGC South, welcomed the addition of Mirfield "This is a great centre that we have known for many years. I'm delighted that it is joining the BGC family and look forward to getting to know the team properly in the coming weeks. The restaurant, with its outdoor deck looking across the valley, is a strong feature of the centre."

As the UK's largest family-run garden centre operator British Garden Centres will develop the centre to best serve the local community. The 2 ½ acre site is 10 miles from the groups Birchencliffe Garden Centre. Mirfield Garden Centre is the fourth to join the group this year, cementing the companies position as the fastest growing garden centre group in the UK.

The Garden Centre Association is starting its recruitment process for a new Chief Executive Officer.

The new CEO will work closely with the Executive committee to lead the organisation. 

GCA Chairman, Tammy Woodhouse, said: “We are now officially recruiting for the position of CEO. The successful individual will have ultimate responsibility and accountability for the Association. They will work closely with the Executive committee to lead the organisation, influence, and implement the strategic direction and operational management to ensure we meet the needs of our members in line with our vision, mission and values.

“We are looking for an individual who has worked in a senior management position, experience, or knowledge of either the garden centre industry or working within a member organisation would be advantageous.

“Our ideal candidate will be a confident individual with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders; protects and promotes our values, and is an ambassador within the industry. They also need to have a full UK driving licence and be willing to travel within the UK and overseas.

“The full job description is available at https://bit.ly/3eG1uQf. We will be hosting an assessment day in London on November 16 for potential candidates, which applicants will need to be available to attend. To apply, or for more details, please contact lian@thevirtualrecruiter.co.uk.”

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 visit www.gca.org.uk.

Evergreen Garden Care has announced changes to its executive leadership team, effective from 1^st December 2022.  Karl Kahofer, current CEO will transition to Executive Chairman position; Mark Portman, current UK & Ireland GM, will take on the role of CEO; as a new appointment, Colin Stephens, will succeed Mark as UK & Ireland GM.

Karl Kahofer, currently CEO, will transition into the position of Executive Chairman. Karl joined Evergreen in September 2017, and in the subsequent 5 years, has led successful business growth. Having steered the business through the challenges of the pandemic and its aftermath in 2022, it is now an appropriate time to transition from day-to-day leadership of the business to a more strategic role.  In the Executive Chairman role, Karl will lead the Evergreen Board of Directors, as well as providing strategic input to the business.

Mark Portman has retained the role of UK & Ireland GM since joining Evergreen in March 2018, where he has led the transformation of the UK region and re-established it as the largest, most profitable market within Evergreen. His successes in growing the business, driving category development and innovation, and building strong relationships with retail partners, will be utilised in his new role as CEO. He will now lead the business in its journey of growth, as he takes on everyday operating control across all aspects of the global business.

Succeeding Mark in December, as UK & Ireland GM, will be Colin Stephens. He joins Evergreen from Genius, the Private Equity-backed gluten-free bakery business, where he led all commercial functions, delivering industry-leading business growth for Genius.  He has also experience working in multiple Private Equity businesses, having also held senior positions at Whitworths, a leading UK supplier of branded dried fruit and nuts. It is Colin’s proven track record of strategic leadership and turning strategy into action that has seen him appointed into the Evergreen UK & Ireland GM role.  In his new role, Colin’s primary objectives will be to further drive the growth of the UK business, focus on growing and developing category innovation, as well as ensuring the company’s core value of sustainability is implemented at every touch point.

Mark Portman of Evergreen Garden Care says: “I’m looking forward to starting my new role as CEO in December and would like to thank all the UK team for their support over the past 4½ years. I take over from Karl a business in good health with a strong team across the world, I’m excited about the opportunity to continue to lead Evergreen forward into its next phase of development.  I am also delighted to welcome Colin to the business and am confident he will successfully steer the UK business forwards, into 2023 and beyond.”

Colin Stephens adds: “I’m delighted to be joining the Evergreen business to help continue the strong growth and development of the garden care category that the business has enjoyed. The Evergreen team has a track record of success in innovation and category development delivered through excellent customer relationships, and the opportunity to build on this strength and lead the next phase of the growth in the UK with this talented team is an exciting challenge.”

As a part of these changes, Andy Higginson, the current Non-Executive Chairman will remain on the Board of Directors and serve the business as a Non-Executive Director.

The Garden Centre Association has announced that its annual conference will return on January 22-25, 2023 after previously being postponed due to Covid in 2021 and 2022.

The conference, which will include talks, industry updates and opportunities to network, takes place at the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa in Lancashire.

GCA Chairman, Tammy Woodhouse, said: “We are thrilled that our annual conference will be back for January 2023 and we wanted to let people know booking for the event is now open, so if you are hoping to attend, please visit the members’ section of our website via www.gca.org.uk to reserve your place.

“We’re thrilled to finally be heading to the 700-year-old Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa, a recently renovated venue in the picturesque Lancashire countryside, combining modern facilities with historic characteristics, all set in 17 acres. Members can expect a line-up of top-quality speakers and plenty of opportunities to catch up with friends, colleagues and associates from the industry in person at last. This will be our 56th annual conference and looks set to be a fantastic event.”

The conference kicks off on Sunday, January 22 with the Greenfingers Challenge Cup at Barton Grange Garden Centre’s entertainment venue, the Flower Bowl. The evening will be full of fundraising activities and friendly competition to raise money for the charity, Greenfingers. Transport is available from the hotel directly to the Flower Bowl and back, to book, please visit www.gca.org.uk.

Tammy adds: “Monday’s (January 23) part of the conference will focus on the operational side of our industry and will include presentations from our inspectors around best practice in our industry, plus talks from a range of inspiring and engaging business speakers to help motivate us for the year ahead. In the evening it will be our eagerly anticipated fancy-dress Associates Dinner, which is themed as ‘The Great GCA Garden Party’.

“During the day on Tuesday (January 24) there will be more of a focus on the strategic element of the business, with opportunities to listen to some inspirational speakers and a chance to help attendees define their strategy for 2023 and beyond. Topics covered include the economy, leadership and business development with a particular emphasis on the environment and sustainability.

“There will also be our Associate’s Exhibition providing the chance to meet suppliers in an informal setting before concluding in the evening with our annual black-tie gala dinner and our famed awards ceremony.”

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.

The GCA’s annual conference will be held at the Mercure Blackburn Hotel & Spa in Blackburn, Lancashire from January 22 – 25, 2023.

The conference pages on the website will be updated with speaker announcements and full listings as the programme develops and exact timings are confirmed. There is also a dedicated email for any queries you may have: conference@gca.org.uk.

For further information, please visit www.gca.org.uk.

Neudorff, pioneers in the development and manufacture of sustainable products for the garden, has been selected as one of the "Brands of the Century" by renowned publishing group, Zeit.

Awarded to great German brands, Neudorff has been bestowed this award by the jury who honoured Neudorff’s outstanding achievements in the area of plant protection in a transparent selection process.

The Zeit jury stated that “Neudorff is emblematic of the entire category of plant protection. The decision is based on a comprehensive, transparent set of rules.”.

Talking about the award win, Sales and Marketing Director at W. Neudorff GmbH KG, Richard von Herman, added: “As an innovative company with a long tradition, we are proud to receive such an exclusive award. This means we are among the crème de la crème of German brands with our category of plant protection.

We have always explored new avenues in the area of environmentally friendly and sustainable plant care with our products and processes, and we are delighted to receive such confirmation of our innovative work stretching back decades.”

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 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

Highlights of the GTN Wild Bird Care 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.

If you think your Christmas teams are the best in the business, now’s the time to get them nominated for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2022.

There are categories to recognise display teams, Christmas Trees sales teams, marketing teams and back this year are the much sought after Greatest Festive Garden Centre Catering team and The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto team awards.

It's simple to take part, all you have to do is nominate your teams for the award categories below in an e-mail to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk including a few words about why our team of judges should come and meet your team and a photo or two that we can include in our GTN Xtra Christmas photo galleries. The closing date for nominations to guarantee a visit form our judges is Monday 31^st October 2022.

Here are the categories for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2022

• The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team
• The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team
• The Greatest Christmas Community Event
• The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Video
• The Greatest Christmas Marketing Team
• The Greatest Gardening Gifts Sales Team
• The Greatest Christmas Sizzle Team (for sales of BBQ’s, firepits, furniture etc)
• The Greatest Festive Retail Food Hall Team
• The Greatest Festive Garden Centre Catering Team
• The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team
• The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team*
• The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team*
• The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team
• The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team
• The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team

*The Group Garden Centre awards are for centres that are part of groups with 5 or more centres.

Judging visits will take place during November and December with the winners being announced on The Stage at Spring Fair on Monday 6^th February 2023.

As well as the kudos and fame from winning a Greatest Christmas award, our Gold winners in each category will win prizes including stock, services and hotel accommodation from our sponsors, which at time of going to press include:

• DCUK
• Garden Radio
• Glee
• Global Journey
• Smart Garden Products
• Solex
• Woodlodge

Watch out for details of the prizes on offer in future issues of GTN Xtra: www.gardentradenews.co.uk and in the next issue of GTN magazine.

So, what are you waiting for, get snapping and send an e-mail today to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk to get your entry registered.

Aladdin’s Cave, Fairy Tales, an Enchanted Woodland and a Gingerbread Kitchen are among this year’s new Christmas display themes at Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil, Castle Gardens in Sherborne and Poundbury Gardens near Dorchester.

Taking people and planet into consideration, these magical displays have been constructed using repurposed and recycled materials, while many of the decorations and sustainable gifts have been sourced from small scale makers and fair-trade businesses, with the hope that they last a lifetime and are passed down through families.  

Having been in the planning since January and consciously constructed behind closed doors throughout September, the glistening and immersive Christmas displays are brimming with hundreds of glass baubles, twinkly LED lights, recycled candles and plastic free toys. With soft toys made from recycled plastic, bug hotels and recyclable gift wrap available throughout the displays, visitors can shop in the knowledge that their Christmas will have as little impact on the environment as possible, while being able to cherish the first Christmas without social restrictions in three years.  

Brimsmore Gardens, Castle Gardens and Poundbury Gardens’ Christmas displays, are all now open to the public seven days a week until Christmas Eve.  

Dobbies is welcoming families across the country to its unmissable, great-value Santa’s Grotto experiences, available across 50 of its stores.

This year, kids are invited along to enjoy an immersive visit to the grotto where it will be love at frost sight with the elves taking visitors through a magical woodland, spotting reindeer, rabbits and forest creatures along the way. Children will become Santa's little helpers, participating in various activities revealed during their visit. 

After lending a helping hand, children will then get to meet Santa himself and receive a special gift. Families can also opt in to purchase a picture of their child with Santa, creating memories to last forever. Santa's Grotto will be available in 50 Dobbies’ stores across the country from 24 November. 

Dobbies’ Quiet Grotto experience returns this year on 9 December to support children with special needs. Sound and visual elements are adapted to reduce anxiety and ensure every child has an opportunity to meet Santa and his elves.

If you’re looking to get the whole family involved, the 50 stores will also offer a Santa Paws grotto experience where dog lovers can bring their pups to see Santa, with a special doggie gift and photo opportunity available. Child tickets can be added to make it a full family experience.

Dobbies’ Partnership and Events Manager, Sarah Murray, said: “Meeting Santa is an important part of Christmas and we’re looking to make this inclusive for all, with quiet and dog-friendly events available across all our grotto locations. We can’t wait to bring the magic of Christmas to life for our customers.”

Advance booking for Dobbies' Christmas events are recommended to avoid disappointment. All grotto prices have been held, with no price increases. Customers have the opportunity to make a donation to Dobbies’ national charity partner, Teenage Cancer Trust, when booking online:https://www.dobbies.com/events

• Santa’s Grotto is available in 50 stores and starts on 24 November, prices from £11.99 per child
• Santa’s Quiet Grotto is available in 50 stores and is on 9 December, prices from £11.99 per child
• Santa Paws is available in 50 stores and starts on 3 December, priced at £6.99 per dog

Dobbies offers Book with Confidence. For more info:https://www.dobbies.com/book-with-confidence