"Trained horticultural people, you are like gold dust" was the greeting from Reinhard Beihler at Baytree Garden Centre for five Colegrave Seabrook Foundation funded students at the start of their business insight development trip, part of their Smart Garden Products sponsorship.

Abi Green (Pershore College), Ben Sayers (CAFRE), Rebecca Gilroy (CAFRE), Alfie Smith (Eden Project) and Naomi Hughes (CAFRE), were accompanied by three trustees from The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation and joined by two young colleagues, one from Gilroy Landscapes in Northern Ireland and another working at Kerley & Co, plant breeders, based in Cambridgeshire.

The scholarship winners had been invited to visit Smart Garden Products as part of their scholarship award and in addition they also visited Baytree Garden Centre, Bridge Farm Group, Springfield Festival Gardens, Taylors Bulbs and of course Smart Garden Products, all hosted the group for a tour of their facilities and gave the students a great insight into their various businesses.

Paris Natar, commented, “As a significant supplier to UK garden centres, at Smart we are delighted to be playing our small part in helping to bring bright new talent into the industry. Hopefully, the visit to the heartbeat of our business will inspire and live long in the memory of Abi, Naomi, Rebecca, Alfie and Ben.”

Rebecca Gilroy spoke for all the students when she said “We have all gained so much from this trip and have had the chance to see inside some businesses that we had previously no knowledge of. We are so grateful for the opportunity and the chance to get to know some of the other scholarship winners.”

Colegrave Seabrook Foundation Trustee, Neil Gow said, “Developing student and industry integration is vital to the future of our sector and forward-thinking businesses like those we visited are actively supporting the next generation of horticulturalists with experiences such as these. Without their support and the freely giving of their time, it would not have been possible to provide the students with this extremely worthwhile experience.”

Martin Cowell of Cowell’s Garden Centre in Newcastle, is cycling 900 miles passing through seven countries to help celebrate his 50^th year and to raise vital funds for two of his favourite charities: Greenfingers Charity and True Colours Theatre CIO Foundation.

Starting in his hometown of Newcastle and ending at the International Garden Centre Association congress in Italy, his Tyne to Rhine trip will be an unsupported solo ride. The route mainly follows the EuroVelo 15 – The Rhine Cycle Route is one of the most modern cycle paths in the world and combines Europe's diversity of landscapes. Over 900 miles (1440 km) it’ll take Martin through seven countries from the shipyards on the Tyne to the source of the Rhine in the Alpine village of Andermatt in Switzerland. From there, he’ll head on up up up over the alps into Italy, ending at Lake Maggiore 8 days later.

One bike, 900 miles, one daft Geordie and two amazing charities. True Colours Theatre (Registered Charity Number: 1192136) is an inclusive theatre school for children and young people living in the North East of England. Many of their members have additional needs such as Autism, ADHD, anxiety disorders and physical and life limiting conditions and various mental health issues. True Colours Theatre provides a caring, warm and welcoming environment, a place of acceptance and inclusion where members can grow in confidence without fear of judgement or stigma. Greenfingers (Registered Charity number: 1076640) aims to provide all life-limited children, their families, and carers, within their hospice, emotional support through the power and pleasure of nature. They create beautiful, well-designed outdoor spaces for children to enjoy with their family, friends and siblings, whether through play and fun, or therapeutic rest and relaxation. Greenfingers Charity is driven by the belief that time spent outdoors, away from the bedside, can offer children and families under considerable stress a vital opportunity to embrace the benefits of being in the fresh air and engaging with the natural environment.

Martin said: “For my 40^th year, I celebrated by cycling from John O’Groats to Lands’ End and completing my Geordie JOGLE fundraiser. Ten years later, it seemed fitting to create a new fundraising challenge and so the Tyne to Rhine was conceived. My daughter currently accesses classes available through True Colours Theatre, so it is very close to my heart. Greenfingers Charity is another wonderful charity creating magical, therapeutic gardens for life-limited children and their families in hospices. It would be wheelie terrific if you could chip in and push me along with whatever you can afford. Every penny makes a difference. I’m aiming to raise £10,000 and my intention is to split your kind donations 50:50 across the two charities. For whatever you can give, thank you very, very much”.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications of Greenfingers Charity said: “We can’t thank Martin enough for choosing Greenfingers as one of the charities to benefit from this incredible 50th birthday challenge.  I am sure his determination and passion to make a difference will see him achieve this cycling feat of endurance. And we hope that his friends, and ours, will dig deep and support him as he makes the very long journey to the finish line on the banks of Lake Maggiore”.

To donate: https://www.justgiving.com/team/tyne-to-rhine

Follow his journey on Instagram @TynetoRhine and share your support #TynetoRhine

Primeur, the leading brand of recycled gardening products, invites retailers to its new and improved showroom in West Yorkshire to take their garden centre sales to the next level in 2024.

The showroom, based in Skipton, is now open offering an up-close view of all Primeur’s award-winning products made from recycled and reclaimed material.  Whether you’re looking for sustainable self-watering planters for customers on the move, stepping stones for decorative pathways or a lightweight alternative to concrete edging in-store, the Primeur team are here to help guide you through options within its entire Eco Garden range under one roof.

New for 2024

New and existing customers can tour the entire showroom, focusing on both existing ranges and the company’s latest product introductions for 2024 including the revolutionary Rubber Mat Tiles and Play Tiles, which scooped the Glee New Product ‘Landscaping’ Award earlier this year. 

New Tierra Verde planters Cello, Barrel and Alto will join the showroom line-up, offering retailers new shapes and styles, modern material innovation and new colourways that achieved shortlisted status within the Growing Containers category at Glee and are sure to set tills ringing in the new season.

Primeur Best Sellers that you can’t afford to miss at the Skipton showroom

EZ Borders

The Primeur EZ Borders range offers an innovative and lightweight solution for gardeners who want to add shape and definition to their gardens. These borders are flexible, allowing gardeners to follow the curve of the border required, and come with installation spikes, meaning no additional tools are needed.

Tierra Verde Planters

Tierra Verde planters by Primeur are lightweight, unbreakable, and weather-resistant. They come in black/slate or grey/pewter, with or without a lip, and have a self-watering system. Made of recycled rubber that insulates plant roots, they're available in 33cm, 50cm, and 70cm sizes.

Stepping stones

Primeur’s Eco Garden Stepping Stone Collection offers non-slip pathways and in-store sales, with best-selling designs in Natural, Cracked Log, Scroll Railroad and River Rock. The stones are mould and mildew-resistant, won’t fade, stain or rot, and are perfect for year-round use. They are also safe and practical and provide a decorative solution for lawns, gravel or flower borders, easy to install and virtually indestructible, withstanding any weather.

Explore the merchandising offer

Primeur's recycled rubber products can be easily merchandised by retailers through effective point-of-sale displays. These displays are designed to optimise space on the shop floor and showcase multiple collections on three shelves. Attractive pallet displays are perfect for island positions and can be placed back-to-back to optimise space. They can also be strategically placed next to complementary products to encourage cross-selling and increase transaction value.

Jenny Douthwaite, Director at Primeur said: We are excited to welcome customers back to our Skipton showroom, where they can find retail inspiration, and sustainable ideas, and browse through our full portfolio of recycled gardenware. Whether you want to enhance your merchandising ideas or examine Primeur's Eco Garden products up close, our showroom is the perfect opportunity to receive sales advice from our dedicated team, who will guide customers through the product's USPs.”

To book your appointment, please email the sales team at sales@primeur.ltd.uk  or call the main switchboard on 01274 518800.

The end of September marks the last call for retailers to join the G.E.M.S revolution in 2024. Retailers who wish to benefit should contact their Westland Sales representative now to book a meeting to find out how G.E.M.S can bring growth to their garden centre.

The unveiling of the G.E.M.S (Garden Equipment Merchandising System) by Westland at Glee 2022 marked the commencement of a transformative journey aimed at enhancing the outdoor area and merchandising of plant support products in UK and Irish garden centres. Historically, this category has presented significant merchandising challenges, and we wanted to make a profound change.

Since its launch, over 3000 meters of the G.E.M.S system have been successfully delivered and installed by the Westland Merchandising team. With the benefits being enjoyed hundreds of retailers and thousands of gardeners. This innovative approach to clear and straightforward merchandising has made a substantial impact in a gardening category valued at over £50 million in retail sales. It's  clear that garden centres adopting G.E.M.S have seen a c.25% increase in annual sales.

In 2023, the outdoor GEMS system expanded with the introduction of four new modules for the outdoor area. Weedstop™ and Plant Protection, both launched in Autumn 2023, address two critical autumn categories that have traditionally been challenging to merchandise. In January 2024, Crop and Netting, as well as Growers Bamboo, will become available. Growers Bamboo, designed for more professional gardeners, offers three different lengths suitable for various plants, boasting extra thickness for added stability.

Looking ahead to 2024, G.E.M.S extends its presence indoors with customised modules for propagation, accessories, and brushware. Recognising the higher merchandising expectations inside garden centres, the system now incorporates an FSC® real wood façade and wooden hoppers for fast-moving products like string and wire. The newly introduced G.E.M.S indoor displays are meticulously designed to offer customers a clear and effortless shopping experience when searching for gardening essentials. The timber surround on the stand not only adds visual appeal but also draws attention to the products. These stands exude professionalism, attractiveness, neatness, and ease of replenishment. We really hope our customers enjoy using them, as much as we have designing them!

The response to the G.E.M.S launch at Glee 2023 was nothing short of remarkable, culminating in the prestigious recognition of winning the Glee New Product Awards for Retail Services and Experiences in 2023. Orders have poured in from both existing and new customers, and Westland eagerly anticipates supporting their successful product launches. With stock delivery options available in January and orders continuing through to the end of September, there is still ample opportunity to embrace the benefits of G.E.M.S.

Range Headlines:

G.E.M.S Modules are all the same size: 1.2m(w) x 0.5m(d) x 2.2m (h), POS is waterproof, and the stands are powder coated for a long undercover life

• 15 x Outdoor G.E.M.S Modules: Metal Border Plant Support, Conical Plant Support, Bamboo (x2), Gardstake, Treestake, Willow and Bamboo Hoop, Willow Trellis, Framed Trellis, Rivet Trellis, Wire Netting, Bulk Roll, Weed Fabric, Plant Protection, Crop and Pond Netting and newly added Growers Bamboo
• 6 x Indoor G.E.M.S Modules: Brushware (x1), Propagation (x2), Accessories (x3)

Order by end of September for installation by Westland from January

The unique and diverse group of over 20 organisations from the National Trust and RHS to the Horticultural Trade Association and Suez, are launching a new movement called Enrich the Earth and will publish a manifesto calling for a radical rethink of how we handle organic waste in the UK.  

It urges a '"compost revolution” to increase the proportion of households composting at home and decrease levels of contamination in our garden and food waste so we can maximise its value and use it for growing.

Enrich the Earth will also demonstrate that food and green waste can be used as part of the mix to create a more sustainable alternative to peat. In partnership with Durham Council, aground-breaking trial, the first of its kind at this scale, will aim create a new compost containing up to 30% of green and food waste.  This compost will be tested with professional and amateur growers to measure effectiveness across plant types and growing conditions.

Garden centres, community gardening groups, restaurants and universities will also be involved in a concerted effort to compost garden waste and non-animal byproduct food scraps more, use wormeries and reduce contamination in organic waste collections. Learnings will be openly shared with the aim of rolling out the trial across the country. 

You will find a press release below and I have attached the manifesto. I can also organise a chat with Trewin Restorick (ex-CEO of Hubbub) who is the driver behind this collaboration if you’d like to explore in more detail, or with Simon Blackhurst, Project Director of Enrich The Earth.

European market leader in sustainable plant pots, elho, has revealed that last year, it has 12,000,000 kg. of recycled waste into new products.

This is according to its first impact report, released last week, which shows that sustainability is rooted in the green heart of this family company.

The recycled and recyclable elho products are produced in its circular production facility in Tilburg, Holland, and leave Europe’s most sustainable distribution warehouse on a mission to bring more nature into people’s lives.

The established family business - which has been in the plant pot business for 60 years and is now a certified B Corp - has developed its vision to make the planet a greener and better place for future generations. The positive impact comes from various initiatives:

''We are incredibly proud of our very first impact report. Green DNA is deeply rooted in our family business. I inherited a love of nature from my father and for many years we have taken our responsibility to do business sustainably and take good care of nature.

“Our strategy was mapped out in 2006, and since the first production with recycled plastics in 2008 we have reached many more milestones, such as achieving the TÜV Class A certificate last year. We want to be the inspiration to make the garden and plant pot industry more sustainable and our ambition is far-reaching.

“elho will be the first company in the market to be able to call itself climate and socially positive. We continue to take small and big steps, for that big change in the future,'' says Olaf Elderenbosch, family member and CEO elho group.

Giving space to nature and people

As a certified B Corp, elho strives for the highest standards achievable in both environmental and social areas. In the Netherlands, for example, together with the Groendoeners campaign, the company ensures that urban neighbourhoods are made greener, with the help of local residents themselves.

In the UK, elho has launched a plant pot recycling scheme with the garden centre giant, Dobbies, to encourage gardeners to hand in old pats and enter the recycling system. elho's ambition is to process the collected pots into new elho products.

Every day, over 300 employees work on elho's mission, 8,000 customers are active, in 75 countries, and 50 million products have been sold worldwide by 2022.

Download elho’s full impact report here.

Find out more about elho’s mission at www.elho.co.uk

Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, was given a closer look at the Environmental Horticulture sector on a visit to Ashbrook Nursery in Arbroath.

This was part of the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) outreach on its Scottish Growth Strategy, which was brought to Holyrood earlier this year so that industry and politicians could engage in improving the environment, economy and health through trees and plants.

The HTA has been working closely with MSPs and the Scottish Government to produce the Growth strategy, which has seven key ambitions for Scotland:

• Health – to create a healthier Scotland through horticulture
• Economy – develop green economic growth, high-quality jobs, and invest in education/skills
• Environment – to mitigate climate change
• Local – increase the use of Scottish and UK-grown plants as import substitution
• Industry – drive Scottish growth through investment, development grants and reducing the cost of doing business
• Urban Nature – produce a greener planning system
• Biosecurity – enhance and protect Scotland’s natural capital.

As part of this Strategy launch, MSPs pledged to plant a tree in a community place, which was donated by Dr Anne Webster, Director of Ashbrook Nurseries. Minister Gougeon chose Inverbrothock School to plant hers, with Ashbrook Nurseries supporting the local school’s garden project, which has seen students benefit from having an engaging space to enjoy nature.

Minister Gougeon, who was a guest speaker at the HTA’s Holyrood Reception to showcase the HTA’s Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy in May, saw first-hand the workings of both an ornamental plant nursery producer and a retail garden centre at Ashbrook. The gardening industry supports contributions of £2.8bn towards GDP and over 64,000 jobs in Scotland, and these figures have the potential to rise significantly over the next decade. However, the HTA has explained that this can only happen with the support of the Scottish Government, reflected in the key asks in their Growth Strategy document.

These asks include greater protection and investment in public parks and green spaces – particularly in urban areas to offset pollution and mitigate climate change. They also call for greater emphasis on skills and careers required in an ever-evolving sector to fill skills gaps. This includes provision at further education colleges with land-based and biodiversity qualifications.

Minister Gougeon commented:

“I am delighted to fulfil my pledge to plant a tree in support of the Scottish Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy, in which the Horticulture Trades Association outline a robust and sustainable future for the sector.

“Horticulture contributes significantly to the Scottish economy through retail, job creation and employment opportunities in green careers. Not only does the sector help to benefit the environment through the provision of plants and trees for public landscaping and domestic gardening – it also plays a key role in improving people’s mental and physical health.  Gardening in schools introduces young people to new skills and inspires potential career routes whilst providing a positive impact to their wellbeing. 

“I would like to thank Ashbrook Nursery for showing me around their family-run business here in Arbroath. We have planted a tree at Inverbrothock primary school, which I hope will be enjoyed as a symbol of all the benefits horticulture can bring to society.”

Anne Webster said of the visit:

“We were delighted to show Minister Gougeon the workings of a local nursery. We grow our own plants and cut flowers and were able to demonstrate how this affects a considerable reduction in the ‘carbon footprint’ of our produce as compared with other garden centres.

“She met with representatives of local businesses and community groups with whom we work to promote horticulture and its beneficial effects on the environment and wellbeing. The advantages of apprenticeship schemes and work experience in association with the local college were also discussed.”

The National Trust and Blue Diamond Garden Centres are giving 10 lucky people the chance to be a custodian of one of the most significant trees in scientific history.

Ten saplings propagated from the apple tree that inspired Sir Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity are being auctioned off to raise money for the future care of Sir Isaac’s birthplace, and the location of the tree where he saw the apple fall; Woolsthorpe Manor in Lincolnshire.

Now cared for by the National Trust, this country cottage is visited by thousands of people a year, wishing to see the spot where one of the greatest scientific discoveries took place.

To mark their collaboration with the National Trust, Blue Diamond are offering ten saplings from the tree to the public for the first time.

The auction will be run via the Blue Diamond website and will be open until the 29 September 2023. The ten highest individual bidders will become custodians responsible for supporting the future survival of the Newton tree.  

The auction format is as follows:

• Auction will be live from 9am Monday 4 September 2023 until 8pm 29 September 2023, via bluediamond.gg/newtons-apple-tree
• The reserve for each tree is set at £500. 
• The auction site will show the ten current highest bids, so to enable bidders to decide if they want to increase their original bid or to bid to ensure that their bid is one of the top ten highest bids.
• One tree per individual, therefore the ten individuals with the ten highest bids will secure one of the ten saplings. 
• Blue Diamond have pledged that they will donate up to 50% of proceeds raised from the auction, to the National Trust and Woolsthorpe Manor, dependent on the final sums raised.
• The ten winners will be presented with their sapling at a special event on 21 October 2023 at Woolsthorpe Manor.
• The winners with be presented with their sapling and a commemorative photograph of this presentation.
• In addition to the tree, winners will also be presented with a commemorative stake, planting kit, plaque and framed certificate of authenticity.

Andy Jasper, Director of Gardens and Parkland for the National Trust commented “This really is a tree with gravitas and we’re delighted that 10 lucky people / or organisations will be able join us in looking after this unique piece of living horticultural heritage that continues to inspire new thought. 

Whether someone is a passionate horticulturist, a science lover, or they’ve joined together with their local community to buy something truly special for the benefit of their neighbourhood, we hope these saplings will grow to still be around in 400 years’ time.”

Alan Roper, Managing Director for Blue Diamond Garden Centres, adds “This is a unique and rare opportunity to become a custodian of such an important and historical piece of our heritage. Blue Diamond Garden Centres want to be able to donate a substantial sum to the National Trust from the total amount raised through the auction and I hope that we can succeed in achieving this.”

This really is a once in a 350-year opportunity to secure the legacy Sir Isaac Newton created, for future generations. 

The organisers of PATS, the UK’s National Pet Industry Event, have announced the launch of a THREE-DAY exhibition to take place at the Telford International Centre in 2024.

The new event, to be staged on Sunday 29th September to Tuesday 1st October 2024, will become an all-encompassing show as the two PATS exhibitions – Sandown and Telford – merge into one.

The 2024 exhibition will take over the entire Telford International Centre, giving the organisers the opportunity to accommodate even more exhibitors.

The decision to stage one show in the Autumn gives suppliers and manufacturers the opportunity to showcase new products over a longer period, and to a larger audience. It will also help to promote PATS Telford into an international exhibition with overseas suppliers and buyers being attracted by the three-day format.

“This is really exciting news,” said show director Gordon Thomas, of Impact Exhibitions & Events. “We’ve carried out extensive research amongst visitors and exhibitors and the response for one all-encompassing three-day exhibition has been overwhelming.

“By making it a three-day show, exhibitors will have more time and flexibility to spend with new and existing customers, taking them through their latest product ranges during face-to-face meetings. 

“By taking over the entire International Centre we have the chance to host over 400 exhibitors, compared to this year’s record number of 256, so for visitors there will be lots more to see. We expect retailers and buyers will want to stay at the show for longer, and more will consider an overnight stay at one of the many nearby hotels.”

PATS has secured the use of the four onsite hotels with a total of 400 rooms, and there are 1,000 bedrooms within a 10-minute drive and 3,000 within a 20-minute drive of the venue. One of the most favourable responses from people surveyed was the wide variety and quality of hotels, restaurants and bars at the purpose-built Convention Quarter, which is located opposite the International Centre. 

The survey of visitors – from multiple retailers to small independent shops – revealed the main reason for attending PATS Telford was the size and reputation of the event and being able to meet a large number of suppliers, including leading and new brands, at one location. The timing of PATS Telford – late September/early October – was also considered the ideal time to view product ranges for the following year.

The central location of Telford was another key reason for the Autumn show’s popularity with 85% of visitors willing to travel over 1.5 hours.

Another factor that registers favourably with visitors is that the International Centre has free parking for more than 1,500 cars.

Travelling to and from PATS Telford for international buyers is straightforward because of the close proximity of two of the UK’s largest international airports outside of London – Birmingham and Manchester.

“The Telford site offers so much in terms of access and hospitality and that’s why we’ll be working with PetQuip to encourage increasing numbers of international buyers to next year’s show,” added Gordon.

The announcement comes as exhibitors and buyers alike are preparing for this year’s packed PATS Telford, taking place on Sunday, 1st October, and Monday, 2^nd October.

A garden centre in Otley has recently installed a 227-panel solar array. The array, at Otley Garden Centre (formerly Stephen H Smith's and now part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres group) will save 91,715kWh of energy and will reduce the carbon footprint of the Pool Road site by 21.4 tonnes per annum.  

"We are pleased to be investing further at Otley with this solar scheme. Some of the panels will be on the new roof we installed in January, with the remainder on existing buildings. There have never been any solar panels at Otley, and this was always high on our list of priorities when we acquired the business last year," said Mark Farnsworth, Yorkshire Garden Centres' MD.

"We have an extensive network of over 2100 solar panels throughout the group and it's a vital part of our sustainability agenda. There have been times this summer when Tong and Tingley Garden Centres have been self-sufficient, which is great from an environmental and an economic perspective. The annual electricity generated from Otley alone would power an electric car for 367,000 miles."

The Otley Garden Centre solar array was installed by Westwood Energy who also installed 1200 solar panels and 54 EV charging points at Tingley Garden Centre in South Leeds.

The installation is part of Yorkshire Garden Centres' 2023 energy plan that also includes conducting energy-saving audits at all four sites, aligning practices across the group; delivering carbon literacy training to the teams and optimising lighting and heating systems.

The Yorkshire Garden Centres group includes Otley, Tong, Tingley and Bingley Garden Centres.

A newly established brand focused on practical gardening wear for women has officially launched in the UK and promises to give ladies access to some of the most classic, stylish and functional gardening attire on the market.

Feverfew Garden Company emerged after a year of thorough research and development. Its debut product, the Original Women's Gardening Gloves, was recently launched on the company's website in June 2023. With this brand-new product offering, the company is ready to enter the garden centre and gift sectors and hopes to attract buyers nationwide, generating engaging discussions among avid gardeners and the industry as a whole.

Feverfew's gloves have already made their way into their first stores, Wellpark Garden Centre and The Hidden Scotland Shop, since their launch. The team is now seeking to expand their network of stockists across the UK in the new year, as spring approaches and the gardening season begins in 2024.

Retailers can look forward to impulse sales in the garden wear category with Feverfew gloves which are:

• A versatile and durable all-rounder optimised for stretch and a comfortable fit.
• Specifically designed to fit women’s hands –  goodbye baggy ‘one-size-fits-all’ gloves! Use the handy size chart on the Feverfew website to get the ideal fit.
• Reinforced fingertips with touch screen forefinger and Terrycloth thumb – ideal for smartphone or tablet use
• Padded palm for extra protection and comfort for the more arduous gardening jobs.
• Vegan and made with a Spandex back (for maximum stretch and breathability), microfibre palm with foam padding (durable and fast drying).
• Added clip means gloves can be secured together, you’ll never lose a single glove again!

The gloves have already gained traction through consumer press with titles such as BBC Gardeners’ World, Country Living, Garden News, Daily Express, The Sun and Your Home all set to feature Feverfew Garden in upcoming issues and heaping praise on the product.

Feverfew’s gloves come with printed POS which is ideal for co-locating around the store to drive seasonal sales, or as an add-on opportunity when placed near compost, tools, sundries and plants.  They also come in an organic cotton bag, ideal for key gifting periods and offering an attractive prospect for retailers.

Founded by Rachel Eunson from Orkney, Feverfew Garden is the first ever UK brand to specialise in functional garden clothing wear for women. Rachel, who first discovered her love and passion for gardening during the pandemic, was first inspired to launch Feverfew after struggling to find gloves that fit, felt practical and looked the part.

Combining Rachel’s passion, research and experience in gardening, Feverfew’s gloves have been obsessively designed and perfected to provide wearers with the best possible ratio of protection, dexterity and style.

“I noticed that there was a significant lack of high-quality garden wear on the market that was specifically designed for women,” says Rachel, founder of Feverfew Garden Company.

“Anything that felt practical enough for gardening didn’t fit because it wasn’t made for my hand size, and anything that did fit was covered in floral patterns or bright colours. As women, we had limited options in terms of style, fit and functionality. This is incredibly surprising, especially given the fact that today there is almost a 50/50 ratio in terms of female and male gardeners. Even the Chelsea Flower Show this year declared it a historical first that women gardeners will make up 58% of the designers in 2023 – putting men in the minority, and making the need for suitable garden wear more vital than ever.”

“It’s my mission to create high-quality products that empower women to feel confident and comfortable whilst gardening, while also having a positive impact on nature and our environment,” said Rachel.

With aims to grow Feverfew into a community hub for those who love the outdoors and working with nature, Rachel hopes the brand will become a centre point where like-minded women can share ideas as well as support and inspire each other.

“Giving back is very important to us and so we have goals set in place to donate 100 pairs of gloves within our first year of trading to several wonderful UK gardening charities. We also hope to grow a fund which will help facilitate the creation of community gardens and wild spaces across the UK – a cause I’m very passionate about and believe can bring massive benefits to the health & happiness of communities, she explains.”

To start stocking Feverfew Garden’s Original Ladies Gloves, please email rachel@feverfewgarden.co.uk.  You can follow Feverfew’s journey at https://www.instagram.com/feverfewgarden.co or visit the website www.feverfewgarden.co.uk

Dobbies will make Christmas the most wonderful time of the year, with an incredible line up of fun and affordable festive events to make the holiday season extra special for families. Tickets for all events are on sale now.

No Dobbies’ Christmas is complete without the famous Santa's Grotto. Families can enjoy an immersive experience where they'll be guided by an elf through a Christmas tree forest, spotting magical characters along the way, before making a special item to take home. After that, they'll spend time with Santa and get a special gift. Attendees can also choose to get a photo with Santa so they’ll always have that special memory.

Santa’s Quiet Grotto will also be available across 52 stores on 8 December. This experience is designed to assist children with additional needs with customised sound and visual features to minimise anxiety.

Families with dogs will be thrilled to know that four little dobbies, in addition to 52 garden centres, are offering a Santa Paws Grotto experience. Dog lovers all over the UK can bring their furry pals for doggie gifts and photo opportunities with Santa.

The always-popular Santa's Breakfast is also taking place and is ideal for those under 10. Breakfast options will be available for both adults and children, including vegetarian selections. Kids can dive into exciting craft activities, enjoy festive games and receive a gift from Santa.

Dobbies' Festive Afternoon Tea is the perfect opportunity for family and friends to spend time together enjoying seasonal magic. There will be three tiers of tasty festive treats from finger sandwiches with honey roast ham to sweet treats like scones served with Cornish clotted cream, as well as unlimited tea and coffee. Attendees can also upgrade to enjoy more delicious savoury snacks like the prawn marie rose vol au vents, festive hot drinks, and even Prosecco for an additional treat.

It's jingle bells all the way at Santa's Arrival where lucky families will have the opportunity to see Santa at an informal opening night of the Grotto on 23 November. Santa will walk around the store, spending time with kids, taking selfies, and spreading holiday cheer.

Dobbies' Christmas Shopping Night on 30 November is the perfect time for families to enjoy festive shopping while supporting Dobbies’ National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust. They can pick from lots of great gifts, beautiful decorations, and seasonal staples.

The Little Seedlings Christmas Party will also be taking place, exclusively for Little Seedlings Club members aged 4-10. Members will receive a VIP invite to attend, and can anticipate Christmas games, dancing, and delicious food, alongside a special visit from Santa, bearing a special gift.

Sarah Murray, who has developed this year’s events programme, said: “We are filled with excitement about the upcoming Christmas events. Seeing families and friends come together, sharing laughter, and creating special memories is at the heart of what we do at Dobbies. Our team has poured their passion into crafting an array of festive experiences that will truly bring the magic of Christmas to life. We can't wait to see the happiness these events bring our customers and their loved ones.”

Customers are encouraged to book in advance for Dobbies' Christmas events to avoid disappointment.

• Santa’s Grotto runs from 23 November, £11.99 per child
• Santa Paws runs from 2 December, £6.99 per dog
• Santa’s Breakfast takes place from 25 November onwards, £13.99 per child and from £9 per adult
• Festive Afternoon Tea starts on 1 November and runs through December, prices from £13.50 for adults and £8.50 for children.
• Santa’s Arrival takes place on 23 November from 4.30pm to 7pm
• Christmas Shopping Night runs on 30 November, from 5pm to 9pm
• The Little Seedlings Christmas Party takes place on 3 December

To learn more about the events and bookings, please visit dobbies.com/events

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.

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.

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Recognisable as the brand that placed sustainable material innovation at the fore, and known for scooping multiple industry awards, Primeur has witnessed the rapid expansion of its UK coverage within garden centres. Now, with Stephen Crean’s appointment as the company’s Area Sales Representative for the south-east region, Primeur’s representation is strengthened further.

Stephen brings with him extensive experience, including intimate knowledge of the pots and planter category, having previously worked at Elho. Under his watchful eye, Stephen will look to expand the brand’s exposure to new and existing customers within the south-east region. 

Stephen said of his appointment: “I have long admired Primeur for the story it brought to market and how it is placing sustainability at its very heart. The fact that it is also a family-run business, led by values that recognise the importance of people and service, helps to set it apart in a crowded marketplace. 

“I’m excited to get going and to work alongside the in-house team and our customers across from Hampshire, Kent and Berkshire to Essex, Surrey and Sussex.”

Jenny Douthwaite, Primeur Managing Director, added: “On behalf of the entire Primeur family, we’d like to welcome Stephen to the team. He brings to the party significant knowledge that I have no doubt will add value to the Primeur offering.”

Get in touch.

To find out more about Primeur’s offer, please get in touch with the team at 01274 518800 or visit www.primeur.co.uk

The Royal Horticultural Society has announced its plans for Brand Licensing Europe, Europe’s most important trade event for the licensing industry, and they reflect continuing strong growth in a wide variety of categories – as visitors to stand B255 will quickly discover.

In fact BLE 2023 comes at a perfect time for the RHS. This year has seen an acceleration in licensee numbers and partner endorsements, supported by an expansion of the RHS licensing team to manage continuing growth. Plans for a busy 2024 include continuing to build on the success of the RHS’s homeware and children’s offerings as well as the enormous success of the core gardening category.

Indeed, the RHS licensing campaign may have started many years ago with a strong focus on gardening, but in 2023 categories extend into homeware, giftware, kitchenware, quilting, children’s publishing, fabrics, fragrances, greeting cards, apparel, food and drink, paint,garden fences, and even modern takes on traditional shepherds’ huts!

This growing product portfolio is also targeted at an extended age range that now includes a successful recent move into children’s products.

All of these categories are supported by a number of comprehensive style guides, which draw on inspiration supplied by the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s finest collection of botanical art.

That said, the success of the RHS brand in gardening and related sectors is stronger than ever. For example, Woodlodge Products, the UK’s leading supplier of garden pots and gardenware, recently launched its latest RHS pot ranges supporting the ‘RHS Crops in Pots’ initiative aimed at encouraging anyone, anywhere, and whatever their indoor or outdoor space, to plant veg, herbs, fruit or edible flowers in pots and containers.

RHS Crops in Pots, with its strong message to get growing, is a big focus for the RHS this year; indeed it will be the main theme of the stand at BLE. Also highlighted are the RHS-endorsed Genus Caddy Bag that can hold everything from tools to lunch and, from Burgon & Ball, container and hand tools plus new brushes and brooms.

Even RHS kitchenware includes reminders of the core mission of the UK’s favourite gardening charity. Take this year’s product extensions to the Dexam-RHS Benary range, which add a three-piece ovenware collection, vegetable bags, placemats and coasters to last year’s successful Dexam kitchen textiles ranges. Artwork by legendary 17^th century horticulturist and botanist Ernst Benaryenhances these products – and the Crops in Pots packaging – and will be part of the stand B255 wall graphics.

Recently launched candles, reed diffusers, fragrance oils and more from family-run fragrance business Freckleface, all inspired by the natural world, as well as the ever-popular botanically focused RHS Prints range further underline the diverse appeal of the RHS brand, while highlighting its important work – and will also be on display.

Cathy Snow, Licensing Manager, RHS, says: “Europe’s most significant licensing trade show is an ideal showcase for the RHS licensing programme in all its diversity and depth and to demonstrate how it supports the RHS vision of a world where gardening is embraced as a way of life. It’s also a great way to underline our success in attracting many high-quality and varied partners. Our biggest licensing team yet expects to be very busy at BLE 2023!”

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) extends a warm welcome to aspiring horticulturalists as enrolment opens for the new Agriculture, Land Management, and Production T Level this month.

 These dynamic two-year courses offer a unique opportunity for students fuelled by a passion for plants, the environment, and the planet's future to acquire the essential knowledge and skills necessary for a fulfilling and enduring career spanning diverse roles, including environmental horticulture and beyond.

The most recent Youth Voice Census highlights that young people often feel they lack the necessary work experience, life skills, and practical job-hunting prowess to progress. Only 34.4% of students in education believe they understand the skills sought by employers, and a significant 56.6% of job seekers identify their main barrier to employment as a lack of work experience. Skills gaps, labour shortages and hard-to-fill vacancies are cited by businesses across the sector as key challenges. Increasing the routes to joining the sector, such as through T Levels, is one route, with more routes sought – from apprenticeships to degree courses – to deliver on growth ambitions.

Over 250 employers have actively contributed to developing the various T Levels, including Agriculture, Land Management and Production, ensuring that young individuals acquire the knowledge, skills, and behaviours essential for embarking on successful career journeys or further studies.

The T Level qualification in Agriculture, Land Management, and Production targets 16-19-year-olds, where they can choose to study from a range of occupational specialisms such as livestock production, crop production, horticulture, land-based engineering, trees and woodlands, or floristry. They will also cover essential core topics: sustainability, climate change impact, health and safety, business management, professional responsibilities, attitudes, and behaviours.

Alex Jenkins, Learning & Development Manager at the Horticultural Trades Association, shared her enthusiasm, saying: "I am thrilled to witness the launch of these new T Levels and to follow the progress of the first students entering our industry. The recruitment challenges within our sector are well-documented. We must inspire and attract talented young individuals to contribute to the future of horticulture. Simultaneously, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes adults and individuals pursuing career changes and wanting to make a meaningful contribution to the environment. Our remarkable industry has the power to create rewarding and sustainable employment opportunities for all, regardless of their diverse abilities and wide-ranging interests. As a sector, we are unwavering in our commitment to inclusivity and supportiveness.

“Environmental horticulture supports 674,000 jobs in the UK economy, contributes towards UK GPD of £28.8 billion and supports tax revenues of £6.3 billion, making a significant economic, social, and environmental contribution to all our lives."

T Levels, or Technical Levels, introduced in 2020, are equivalent to three A levels, comprising 80% classroom-based learning with 20% industry placement, providing students with approximately nine weeks of invaluable practical experience. While some colleges may not offer T Levels in September 2023, alternatives like BTEC and other level 3 courses will remain available. It is worth noting that plans include withdrawing funding for BTECs and similar level 3 courses by September 2025, positioning T Levels in agriculture as the primary level 3 vocational qualification for 16-19-year-old full-time learners.

Enrolment is now available at several colleges and will continue until 1 November.

Gardeners are being invited to 'open the garden gate and enjoy Adrian Bloom's garden through his new book: FOGGY BOTTOM – A GARDEN TO  SHARE.

From breaking turf in an empty meadow in 1966, to its near maturity in 2023 it is the story of a garden and its plants. That’s a 66-year-old garden with stories to tell. 

More important in Adrian’s view is what the Foggy Bottom Garden represents today and how many more can benefit from sharing it. He shows and describes changes in weather and habitats, dramatic seasonal changes shown through the diversity of many worthwhile plants.  

How to keep a balance between design and ‘right plant’, ‘right place’ and need for change as the garden grows and develops. Adrian has continually adapted his garden as the once empty windswept meadow became sheltered and shaded. Flooding still happens from time to time, spring frosts seek out early flowers, occasional gale blows the tops out of trees. And then there is the wildlife.

Adrian said: "My garden is called Foggy Bottom, situated in a meadow on the edge of a small village in Norfolk, England. The story of how it came to be is the second half of this book. 

"You, as a privileged visitor, going through this book are being given a private tour by me, as Head Gardener and owner of Foggy Bottom. If you come as an ordinary visitor, we are open as Bressingham Gardens from 10.30am to 5pm and after your journey to get here you can see what there is to see on one day. 

"As my privileged visitor you see the 6-acre garden not just on one day, but magically at several times in the year in a single visit. You are being made aware, through images and copy, as to what makes this garden work. The best time to take in the atmosphere of the garden, is often when the gardens are not open, and in early morning and evening.

"This book is your guide, the start if you want, of a journey to learn, think, see, and absorb. You can get to know the design, layout, and vistas. Enjoy the early morning mists, the autumn colour, and the winter light. In close up, see what the photographer sees, imagine yourself behind the lens spotting the spider’s web, the frosted foliage, the veins of leaves. You are in the garden, both alone and sharing. You might even spot some of the wildlife! ‘The Devil is in the Detail’ was a title initially thought of for this book and it is a theme we will come back to time and again. Another trite and sometimes used phrase, ‘look and you will discover, seek and you will find’ is a good note to finish on."

For more information and early purchase visit www.foggybottomgarden.co.uk or email info@foggybottomgarden.co.uk

Ball Colegrave has introduced its new look digital 2024 Spring-Summer Plant Catalogue and 2024 Seed Catalogue.

Both are now available to view online, packed with all the home gardener's trusted favourites along with many exciting new varieties.

The 2024 Autumn-Winter Catalogue will be presented in February 2024.

The 2024 Spring-Summer Plant Catalogue includes a comprehensive assortment of annual bedding, basket and patio plants.

This years Plant Catalogue includes sections on:

• Planting Combination Solutions – Trixi® and MixMasters®
• Speedplanter
• Annuals
• NEW Range Extenders - Complimentary to the ‘Annuals’ pages, these varieties offer more product choices and tray options for growers to extend their growing and retail programmes
• Vegetables, Fruit and Herbs

Tom Chambers is delighted to announce that its new Garden Furniture Showroom has now attracted in excess of 70 garden centres to view its ranges, all in the past few weeks. The showroom is dedicated to showcasing the latest trends in outdoor furniture with designs exclusive to Tom Chambers, promising an enriching experience for retailers.

Based in Burton-On-Trent, visitors to the Showroom can expect to see an expansive display of innovative and stylish outdoor furniture sets, designed to transform any garden space into a haven of comfort and elegance. Retailers can also see the new 2023/24 birdcare range during their visit and from September 1^st their full 2024 garden range which includes over 60 new products.

Steve Millington, Sales Director, Tom Chambers said "We are delighted with the number of visitors to our new showroom and the orders which have been placed. Tom Chambers is a name associated with quality and innovation and our furniture ranges are no different”.

Thompsons Garden Centre Group buyer, Mike Bramley who visited the Showroom recently said “It’s been great coming to the Showroom, which has given me the time to view the furniture and birdcare in a relaxed and welcoming environment, and we have placed our container orders for next season as they certainly have something a bit different“.

For garden centres looking to explore the latest trends in garden furniture, come and see us in Burton-On-Trent. The Showroom will be open until October 31st and appointments can be made by either calling the sales office on 01405 766856, emailing sales@tomchambers.co.uk or contacting your local Tom Chambers representative.

The Pot Place Garden Centre in Plumpton, Penrith, is seeking a donation for its Ukraine appeal in return for a Governess Cart.

Paul, from the The Pot Place says the cart would make a statement piece in any garden centre display. “We don’t have the indoor area here but most centres do and it would make a great centrepiece for a seasonal displays,” he added.

“We were given Governess Cart by a local lady, who wants us to sell it and put the money towards our Ukraine appeal. 

“We’re looking for a donation of £1,000 plus – it’s nothing if you see the craftsmanship.”

The Pot Place is still taking ambulances out to Ukraine so the fundraising goes on. In early October they’ll be out there again with an ambulance, a 4x4 evacuation vehicle and three paramedic motorcycles.

In May the Pot Place took two ambulances and a paramedic bike to Lviv and these are now in use over there.

The current Just Giving page can be accessed at 

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/the-pot-place-ambulances-for-ukraine

Contact details:

The Pot Place Garden Centre

Station Yard

Plumpton

Penrith

CA11 9GT

T: 01768 885500

M: 07850 718699

A garden furniture retailer has been told by an advertising watchdog to remove promotional material that claimed customers had won a ‘free egg chair’.

The Advertising Standard Authority received complaints about an email, a website and a paid-for Instagram story posted for Rattan Hut.

a. The website www.rattanhut.co.uk, seen between 2 and 14 June 2023, featured a wheel that consumers could “spin” to receive a prize, one of which was a “FREE EGG CHAIR”. Text stated “HURRAY! YOU HAVE WON A FREE EGG CHAIR. Please apply the voucher code to your basket to automatically claim your gift by the end of today”, followed by a voucher code.

b. The email, seen on 14 June 2023, stated “[…] you’ve won a gift by spinning the wheel on our website! […] you get to choose from one of three amazing gifts: a free egg chair worth £395.98, a free premium cover set worth £199.99, or a voucher for £150 off your purchase. To claim your chosen gift, all you need to do is enter the coupon code at the basket stage of your order”, followed by a list of codes for each item.

c. The paid-for Instagram story post, seen on 6 July 2023, featured an image of a cantilever parasol set with a struck-through price of £699.99, underneath which was the word “FREE”. At the bottom of the post was a link to the website in ad (a). A code was provided for consumers to enter at the “basket” stage of their order.

The complainants, who understood consumers had to meet a minimum order value to use the voucher codes, challenged whether the claims the items in the ads were “free” was misleading.

AOS Trading Ltd t/a Rattan Hut did not respond to the ASA’s enquiries.

In its ruling the authority stated: “The ASA was concerned by Rattan Hut’s lack of response and apparent disregard for the Code, which was a breach of CAP Code (Edition 12) rule 1.7 (Unreasonable delay). We reminded them of their responsibility to respond promptly to our enquiries and told them to do so in future.

“The CAP Code stated that marketing communications must not describe a product as "free" if the consumer has to pay anything other than the unavoidable cost of responding and collecting or paying for delivery of the item.

“The ASA considered consumers would understand the claims “FREE EGG CHAIR” in ad (a), “a free egg chair” in ad (b), and “FREE” in relation to a cantilever parasol in ad (c) to mean they could obtain those items for free from Rattan Hut. However, we understood the items could only be obtained if consumers ordered other item(s) through the Rattan Hut, up to a minimum order value. We therefore concluded the claim “free” in the ads was misleading.

“The ads must not appear again in the form complained of. We told AOS Trading Ltd t/a Rattan Hut not to refer to products as “'free” where consumers had to pay anything other than the unavoidable cost of responding and collecting or paying for delivery of the relevant item. We referred the matter to the CAP Compliance team.”

The full ruling can be found at

https://www.asa.org.uk/rulings/aos-trading-ltd-g23-1201939-aos-trading-ltd.html

Corby + Fellas has announced that it has successfully finished its third installation of the summer at Brick Kiln Garden Centre in Chichester, West Sussex. 

Brick Kiln Garden Centre is a family-run business that is passionate about providing great value and sensational offers.

The garden centre has a wide variety of plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs, as well as a wide variety of gardening supplies and equipment. They also have a restaurant that serves delicious food, a coffee shop, and a gift shop.

We are delighted to be working with Laura and the team and look forward to a successful future together.

Pictured: Laura Van der Wee, Director at Brick Kiln, and Jacob Parker, C+F Support Engineer.

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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.

In this issue:

• Short memories – GTN comment about the timing of trade shows.
• Reflections from Glee 2023 – GTN’s review.
• Germie, a new dawn for growing seeds – GIMA Seed Corn Funding.
• Shaping the Future of Cutting - Glee’s Best New Product 2023.
• Buyers Power List Awards at Glee.
• Glee New Product Award Winners for 2023. 
• Peckish back on TV after winning awards at Glee.
• Flying high for Greenfingers.
• Record breaking Flower Power at Glee.
• AMES are branching out – GTN Interview with Nick Jones and Caroline Elliot.
• Tramontina get in the mood winning at SOLEX.
• Outdoor Living at its best - SOLEX 2023 Review.
• Woodlodge unveil W Garden Living at SOLEX.
• LifestyleGarden stack up awards at SOLEX.
• Selling Smiles at Floral Fountasia – GTN Planteria Column.
• Keep on gardening all summer long - HTA Column.
• Innovation matters – GIMA Column