MEP's vote to ban glyphosate completely by 2022
The European Commission has dropped its proposal for a 10 year license extension for glyphosate after the European Parliament called today for the weedkiller to be phased out in the next five years...
The European Commission has dropped its proposal for a 10 year license extension for glyphosate after the European Parliament called today for the weedkiller to be phased out in the next five years.
Europe has been debating the use of the herbicide for more than two years and reported by news agency Reuters; "Tuesday’s non-binding vote comes a day before representatives from the 28 EU member nations were due to meet in Brussels to discuss and give their view on a Commission proposal to extend the license for glyphosate by 10 years. The European Parliament News Service reports that the non-binding resolution was adopted by 355 votes to 204, with 111 abstentions. EU member states will vote on a Commission proposal to renew the marketing authorisation of glyphosate on Wednesday 25th October 2017. A European Citizen’s initiative calling for a ban on the herbicide reached more than a million signatures in less than a year and will trigger a public hearing in Parliament in November. Other reports say that MEP's also demanded that the Commission and European Union member states immediately ban the use of glyphosate in households or public parks and on farms if other biological pest control systems were available.
In June 2016 the EU passed an 18-month extension to extend the license for 15 years. That expires at the end of the year. The initial resolution put today called for glyphosate to be phased out by the end of 2020. However, an amendment pushed that back to December 2022.
See the full Reuters story here: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eu-health-glyphosate/eu-lawmakers-demand-five-year-phase-out-of-weedkiller-glyphosate-idUSKBN1CT21H
and the EU Parliament News service at: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20171020IPR86572/meps-demand-glyphosate-phase-out-with-full-ban-by-end-2022
Other reports about the vote can be found at: http://www.france24.com/en/20171024-eu-parliament-votes-ban-controversial-weedkiller-glyphosate-monsanto-roundup
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Property Week has reported Bunnings UK MD, PJ Davis as saying: "We will be opening Bunnings stores before Christmas to test how that smaller format will work in the UK.”
Speaking at the Accessible Retail conference PJ told delegates that they will trial small-format high street stores of 20,000 to 50,000 sq ft in urban areas. The map above shows how Bunnings dominates urban areas in Australia, this is just a part of the Sydney area.
Bunnings will be opening their newest conversion from Homebase at Harlow, Essex shortly. That will take the number of Bunnings openings in the UK to ten, half of their target of twenty by the end of 2017.
Read the full report in Property Week at: http://www.propertyweek.com/news/bunnings-unveils-its-bold-expansion-plan/5093098.article
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Bents open Winter Food Market in Open Skies
Already the biggest UK retailer in terms of catering covers, Bents have added more food options for their increasing customer base for Winter and Christmas 2017 by turning a part of Open Skies into a Bavarian Style Food Market...
See GTN Xtra's photos of the Winter Food Market and Bents Christmas 2017
Already the biggest UK retailer in terms of catering covers, at around 1,000, Bents have added more food options for their increasing customer base for Winter and Christmas 2017 by turning a part of Open Skies into a Bavarian Style Food Market.
The Winter Food Market opened to customers on Wednesday 18th October and is set to be a big draw over the coming months. Arriving at 12:30 on Wednesday afternoon the enlarged car park was very nearly full and the Winter Food Market, an addition to the existing five food offerings at Bents which include a Tapas Bar and the Pet Cafe, was full to capacity.
The menu includes traditional Bavarian favourites such as Bratwurst, a Bents own veggie option of Pulled Mushrooms (very tasty) with a selection of hot and cold drinks including beers and wine.
 
See a gallery of photos from our visit including Bents Christmas displays where the Pink theme was proving most popular in early sales.
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Xylella fastidiosa: UK secures added EU protections
As increased protections against Xylella have been approved, former HTA President Adam Wigglesworth tells GTN Xtra: "The Industry working together will not guarantee that this disease does not arrive in the UK, but it will help reduce the risk of its occurrence and the subsequent effect..."
DEFRA published the following Press Release on Friday 20th October:
Increased protections against the plant disease, Xylella, which affects olive, coffee and citrus trees has been approved.
The European Commission’s Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SCOPAFF) has approved (Thursday 19 October) increased protections against Xylella fastidiosa. The plant disease has devastated olive plantations in southern Italy and is killing plants and trees in areas across Europe.
Last month the Environment Secretary Michael Gove wrote to the European Commission stressing that if EU protections were not increased, we would consider our own national measures, which could include a suspension of high risk imports. The disease, which could be deadly to our oak trees, would be difficult to eradicate if it was to arrive, which is why the UK has pushed hard for these increased protections to help keep it out. The new measures incorporate key proposals from the UK and include strengthened movement requirements on high risk plants and require quicker responses to potential findings of the disease. Following the vote Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: "Xylella poses a serious threat to our plants, trees and horticulture sector and as I made clear to Commissioner Andriukaitis last month, we need to see robust action by the EU against the disease.
"I am therefore pleased this has been taken forward. These increased protections will add to our own efforts to protect our horticulture sector and our famous ancient oaks which have stood tall and proud for centuries as a national symbol of strength and survival. "While the measures we pressed for will come into force, we will keep the risk level under continuous review to determine if further measures are needed to keep the disease out of the UK. "When we leave the EU we will have an opportunity to examine all our national biosecurity measures on plant imports to ensure they are as robust as possible and we are doing everything we can to protect the UK against diseases like Xylella." The new measures will take effect around the end of November, following a formal adoption process in the European Commission and will supplement measures already in place in the UK which require certain plants to be notified to the plant health authorities when they are brought into the country. This enables the Animal and Plant Health Agency to carry out targeted inspections as well as surveillance for disease in the wider environment.
 Adam Wigglesworth, former HTA President and chair of the Xylella panel session at the HTA Conference two weeks ago told GTN Xtra: “We need to see the detail, but the seriousness of the Governments stance and SCOPAFF's decision must surely focus any doubters minds on the potential devastating consequences of an outbreak.
"The governments chief plant health officer, Professor Nicola Spence, said in her letter to the trade in September “the best defence against the disease is to prevent its arrival” ... “careful sourcing... traceability and good Hygiene” are key. The Industry working together will not guarantee that this disease does not arrive in the UK, but it will help reduce the risk of its occurrence and the subsequent effect.
Raoul Curtis-Machin, Director of Horticulture at the HTA, adds from the trade association's perspective: "Our initial response is to welcome this move to strengthen the emergency measures. Whilst we still need to see the detail, the compulsory testing of the high risk species will add another layer of security. However, we will be looking at this one closely because we know that this disease is tricky to spot. Robust policing of the proposed testing will be critical to its effectiveness. "It’s good to see the Government taking action. As we learned from ash dieback, we need to step up our efforts before a disease arrives on our shores and all work together to keep it out. Doing nothing is not an option and it’s encouraging to see the growing list of businesses signing up to the HTA statement."
Dear Commissioner... download Michael Gove's letter to the EU
Transcript: Commissioner Andriukaitis, C/O UKREP, 7 September 2017
Dear Commissioner, Thank you for our conversation yesterday. It was good to talk and I very much look forward to meeting soon.
As we discussed, protecting plant health is a key priority for me. Xylella fastidiosa has already had major impacts in parts of the EU so, as I highlighted in our conversation, preventing further spread is of paramount importance. To that end, I am grateful that the Commission has introduced emergency legislation and has initiated a further review in response to recent developments.
Nevertheless, I am very concerned about the increase in findings in the EU, most recently in mainland Spain, which raises serious questions about the robustness of the EU’s present arrangements and the wisdom of allowing high risk species to move across borders unchecked. With the ongoing risk of infected plants being moved to new areas, it is vital we move swiftly to strengthen our protection, including through increased testing and setting higher biosecurity standards for production. Foremost, this needs to address the real threat from the hosts most commonly associated with recent outbreaks, and which are traded in large volumes around the EU (most notably, Polygala myrtifolia, Olea europaea, Rosmarinus officinalis, Lavandula sp, Nerium oleander and Prunus dulcis).
In light of what is at stake, I have asked my officials to explore national measures to mitigate the imminent danger of Xylella fastidiosa being introduced into the UK, which could be introduced in the event that the appropriate level of protection is not forthcoming through the EU review. This may include enhanced import requirements for plants from other EU countries or a suspension of imports of high risk species.
You mentioned that a vote on the updated Emergency Decision is anticipated later in September. Please do let me know if the UK can provide any additional support and I would very much welcome an update on the Commission’s position before the vote.
With every good wish,
Michael Gove
The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP From the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Act now to keep the UK Xylella free... download Professor Nicola Spence's letter to the UK Horticultural Industry
Transcript: Date: 8 September 2017
Act now to keep the UK Xylella free
Xylella fastidiosa presents a serious threat to plants in the UK. The best defence against the disease is to prevent its arrival, which is why it is essential Government and industry work together to keep it out of the country. Xylella is a very infectious bacterial disease that is already devastating olive trees in southern Italy and affecting a range of trees and plants in Spain and France. The impact on the sector were Xylella to arrive in the UK would be significant - commercially and environmentally important trees and plants would be at risk, while restrictions would include a ban on movement of host plants from premises within 10km of an outbreak for at least five years. In countries with significant outbreaks the disease has already proved impossible to eradicate, with major restrictions imposed on businesses in outbreak areas. Government is taking strong action to prevent the arrival of the disease. In Europe we are pushing for greater protections and have asked the European Commission to strengthen requirements for high risk hosts to provide additional assurance that they are free of the disease when moved. In the UK, we are carrying out inspections of all consignments of host plants of Xylella imported from outside the EU and have an inland surveillance programme, targeted at host plants being grown and traded. We are also disseminating publicity material, including information on the high risk plants and guidance on sourcing plants. Many plant traders are already on the front foot against Xylella. Nurseries and garden centres have already committed not to bring Xylella host plants into the UK from countries or regions of the EU where the disease is present and management practices are being employed around careful sourcing, traceability and good hygiene measures, to reduce the risk of introducing the disease. To keep our country protected against Xylella it is vital that all plant importers and traders follow this lead. I urge you to make careful decisions on sourcing plants, particularly those from countries where Xylella is present, and review on-site measures to reduce the risk of disease introduction and spread. Guidance is available on the plant health portal1 and on GOV.UK 2 while the HTA have also published a ‘5 point plan’3 against Xylella for those involved in the commercial supply and receipt of plants. Xylella is not currently in the UK and it is essential that all of us with an interest in a healthy, thriving plant and horticulture industry do all we can to keep it that way and protect our environment and businesses. Let’s work together to keep Xylella out.
Yours faithfully
Professor Nicola Spence
Chief Plant Health Officer for the UK
Link to: EU database of host plants found to be susceptible to Xylella fastidiosa in the Union territory
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New £1 million garden centre creates 25 jobs
Hillmount Ards has opened its doors following a £1 million investment in transforming the site of the original Thriving Life Church into a 10,000sq ft lifestyle garden centre with the creation of 25 jobs for Newtownards in Northern Ireland...
Hillmount Ards has opened its doors following a £1 million investment in transforming the site of the original Thriving Life Church into a 10,000sq ft lifestyle garden centre with the creation of 25 jobs for Newtownards in Northern Ireland.
Robin Mercer, Hillmount Ards, said: "I always promised my wife Edith that I'd open a garden centre in her home shopping town of Ards and after we opened Hillmount Bangor we began to search for a site.
"Developing Hillmount Ards has been a real labour of love for Edith, our son Alan and I, and we believe we have created a store where the local community can gather to shop and to relax over coffee, similar to the experience our customers enjoy at our sister garden centres in Bangor and Belfast. It was also important for us to ensure that some of the characteristics of the original church were retained and for Hillmount Ards to blend naturally into the surrounding countryside and neighbourhood and I am happy to say that we have achieved that."
Speaking at the official launch, Robert Adair, Mayor of Ards and North Down, said: "On behalf of Ards and North Down Borough Council I'd like to welcome Hillmount to Ards and congratulate the Mercer family on the investment and job creation that they have provided for our local area. We wish you every success with your new venture in the town."
Hillmount Ards official opening extends over Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd October with shoppers being treated to barbecue sampling and various activities across the store while browsing the Christmas Shop and 30,000 gardening products including a wide variety of plants, trees and shrubs, exquisite gifts, garden furniture, barbecues and accessories. Diners in the 55 seater The Gardener's Rest on the first floor mezzanine can relax and enjoy their meal while taking in views across north down from the unique feature window.
The Mercer family has built up an unrivalled reputation in the gardening industry locally since opening their first nursery in Castlereagh almost 80 years ago and the growth into the Newtownards area is a natural development for the family business which now employs almost 100 staff across its three sites.
www.hillmount.co.uk
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Garden King Garden Centre in Park Road, Newhall (near Swadlincote & Burton upon Trent) is set to open the doors to its grotto and welcome young at heart locals for their chance to meet Santa Claus.
Garden King's latest grotto idea is exclusively for 'Grannies & Grandads' and will support Alzheimer's Society by donating £1 from every ticket sold to the charity. Each ticket includes entry to see Santa who'll treat visitors to a tasty bag of mints/toffees. A cheeky elf will take a picture and print a 6x8" photograph to capture the memory of your visit. It also includes a free cup of tea or coffee, so relax, bring your knitting or have a chit chat with the other visitors and Santa's elves!
Garden Centre Manager Darren Sanders said, "For the past few years Santa Claus has been in residence at our grotto and has welcomed hundreds of guests, (both two and four legged, yes a grotto for cats & dogs). This year we thought we'd open another grotto for our local community, a chance for our young at heart visitors to have their time with Santa."
Every ticket sold for the 'Granny Grotto' will include a £1 donation to the Alzheimer's Society. Darren continued: "We're proud to be supporting the Alzheimer's Society and proud to be supporting our local community. Sadly over 200,000 people will develop dementia this year. There is no cure and every donation helps towards vital research into treatments."
Garden King is a strong believer that nobody should be lonely at any time of the year, especially at Christmastime. Darren said: "Nobody should be alone at Christmastime, so we're opening our grotto doors and welcoming our elderly visitors for a cuppa and a chit chat! Santa is excited to meet everyone in the 'Granny Grotto' and we hope it'll be as popular as our main grotto experience and Pet Grotto"
Garden King's 'Granny Grotto' is set to open for one day only on Tuesday 12th December. Tuesday is also Over 60s Privilege Day where visitors can enjoy 10% discount across the Garden Centre. Anybody interested in meeting Santa can book in-store, by phone on 01283 550516 or online at www.gardenkinggrotto.co.uk <http://www.gardenkinggrotto.co.uk/> - tickets are priced at £10 (or £15 for couples sharing a photo).
Photo Credit: Ocskaymar
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Hot October dents gardening but Christmas sales grow
The unseasonally warm weekend at the start of October could have been a great driver for autumn gardening but in reality it seems most people took advantage of the weather outside to entertain, and when they did visit centres they bought more Christmas products than the previous week...
The unseasonally warm weekend at the start of October could have been a great driver for autumn gardening but in reality it seems most people took advantage of the weather outside to entertain, and when they did visit centres they bought more Christmas products than the previous week.
Most centre managers and owners we have spoken to are really pleased the weather has gone back to “normal” for the time of year with half term and Halloween just around the corner.
GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year...
- Garden Products - down 5%
- Veg-2-Gro - down 31%
- Growing Media - down 16%
- Christmas Products - up 23%
- All Plants Index - down 8%
- All Items Index - down 3%
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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Industry backs Glee at Spring Fair 2018
In early 2017, Glee, the UK’s leading annual exhibition for the garden retail industry, announced it will be become a biannual event with the opening of a Glee concession show at Spring Fair 2018 (February, NEC Birmingham). Since this announcement, the garden retail industry has been quick to show its support of this new chapter for Glee...
 In early 2017, Glee, the UK’s leading annual exhibition for the garden retail industry, announced it will be become a biannual event with the opening of a Glee concession show at Spring Fair 2018 (February, NEC Birmingham). Since this announcement, the garden retail industry has been quick to show its support of this new chapter for Glee.
Leading trade associations, GIMA, The HTA and Gardenex have all confirmed they will be supporting Glee at Spring Fair, with all maintaining a presence at the event in February. GIMA has also confirmed it will also be bringing its popular Buyer Connect event, helping those exhibiting to maximise their exposure to key garden retail buyers through special speed networking sessions. International buyers will also be able to meet with enthusiastic suppliers within Gardenex’s own International Buyer Event, also confirmed for Glee at Spring Fair.
GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall, said: “Glee’s proposition has continued to change, each time offering the garden retail industry even more value. The new Spring Fair concession is a great strategic move, helping to extend the retailer buying season, whilst also giving retailers a second chance to see new and best-selling ranges ahead of the spring season. GIMA is pleased to confirm its support, and look forward to being part of the show early next year.”
In addition to association support, Glee at Spring Fair has also secured a number of key brands to exhibit at the inaugural event. Amongst the names confirmed are Pouf Daddy, Durston Garden Products, Charles Taylor Trading, Design Toscano, Neat Ideas, Darlac Tools, Harrod Horticulture, Apac Packaging, Laurica Plants and Vegtrug.
Finally, it has also been confirmed that Glee’s popular New Product Showcase, in association with Garden Trade News, will also be present at Glee’s Spring Fair concession event.
Glee Event Director, Matthew Mein, said: “I’d like to extend my thanks to all of those who have confirmed their support of Glee’s concession show at Spring Fair. Retailing is a constantly evolving business, and we appreciate that the buying cycle for gardening, outdoor living gifts, and design-led products stretches across the whole year, with spring remaining a key focus for many.
"With this in mind we have launched Glee at Spring Fair as a secondary opportunity for retailers to source products in the first quarter of the year, whilst also increasing Glee’s visibility to those buyers that don’t normally attend the September show.”
Glee at Spring Fair – endless benefits for both retailers & suppliers
Glee at Spring Fair will give retailers the opportunity to see new and best-selling ranges ahead of the spring season, A second addition at this time of year will give retailers an additional destination to refresh their ranges for key retail spikes, whilst also providing a showcase of the latest trends and concepts, helping retailers better direct their buying. Categories that retailers can look forward to sourcing will include garden care, landscaping and garden decoration, and outdoor entertaining.
It's not just retailers that will benefit, a presence at Glee’s Spring Fair concession will also provide exhibitors with a secondary revenue opportunity in the year, Glee at Spring Fair will take prime location in Hall 3, considered to be in the main thoroughfare, and will have the signature wide boulevard synonymous with the September layout. Utilising a ‘shop in a shop’ concept, Glee has confirmed that the show’s recognisable branding will be present, helping to recreate the buzzing environment that is the hallmark of the September show.
Garden, outdoor living and design-led product suppliers are invited to contact the Glee sales team to find out more about how they can maximise this exciting new development.
Find out more
Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focussing on building year-round profits within core product categories including garden care, landscaping, outdoor living, garden design, pet, speciality food and catering, home, gift and clothing, and plants. Each year the show attracts thousands of buyers from top retailers, such as leading UK garden centres, builders’ merchants, multiple retailers, and DIY stores. To keep up-to-date on all the latest news visit www.gleebirmingham.com or for details on exhibiting at Glee 2017, call 0203 033 2160.
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Work has started on the development of a further 9 acres of outdoor production at Herefordshire-based Allensmore Nurseries’ Madley site.
This latest development is in response to current and anticipated increased demand for the company’s expanding range of high quality perennials.
Commenting on their latest investment, Allensmore MD, Mark Taylor, said: “We have seen significant demand increases from our customers in recent months due to our expanding ranges and also in no small part to their concerns over the uncertainty of good quality, reliable, cost-effective plant supplies arising out of the Brexit outcomes, and the weakened pound which is already making imports more expensive. This is resulting in high demand for UK-grown, high quality alternatives to EU-sourced plants and this has given us confidence to accelerate our planned production investment programme.
"Our 40 acre Madley site currently comprises outdoor beds which incorporate the very latest under-bed irrigation systems, fed by our own 5 million gallon reservoir and water recycling and filtration facilities, together with 3 acres of new glasshouse and 2 acres of new polytunnel production.
"The addition of a further 9 acres of outdoor perennial production capacity will enable us to meet current and anticipated demand for the immediate future.
"We are very positive and excited about the future prospects for UK garden plant production and Allensmore have an on-going expansion plan to ensure we are ready and well-equipped to meet this demand for our plant ranges.”
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Cultivation Street announces new sponsor for 2018
 Cultivation Street, the UK’s community and school gardening campaign pioneered by TV gardener David Domoney, announces Syngenta and their Calliope brand as the new sponsor to take the campaign into 2018...
Cultivation Street, the UK’s community and school gardening campaign pioneered by TV gardener David Domoney, announces Syngenta and their Calliope brand as the new sponsor to take the campaign into 2018. Jodie Sara Vale, Marketing Communications Manager for Syngenta Flowers, said, “We are really excited to be the new sponsor for Cultivation Street with our ‘Colour Your Life’ Calliope® geraniums. It’s an absolutely fantastic way to support the super stars in the community who put in so much hard work, dedication, and kindness to enrich green spaces and the lives of those people around them. We are proud to be part of the programme and can’t wait to see the entries for the 2018 competition section of the campaign!” The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) have sponsored Cultivation Street for the last 5 years, and immediate-past president Adam Wigglesworth from Aylett Nurseries said, “We are delighted to see the campaign continue to grow into its 6th year - what an achievement. Now with another horticultural heavyweight firmly behind it, it will keep growing. Community and school gardening is so important, and this is a campaign the industry can feel proud of.” David Domoney, campaign founder, says, “Cultivation Street is now in its 6th year and has built up a significant momentum and ambition. It’s truly humbling to have had so much interest in supporting the campaign after 5 years of HTA sponsorship came to its end. The HTA have been great partners and will always be a part of our heritage. Keeping it horticultural was key, so we awarded sponsorship to Syngenta. They are bursting with energy to promote the activity of gardening up and down the streets of Britain, and they truly believe that every child should be able to experience growing plants.” Cultivation Street now boasts its own online video channel - Cultivation Street TV, a help-line for new gardeners, an ambassador scheme, a whole host of growing and fundraising guides, a huge national competition, a monthly newsletter, an ever-growing community of communities on social media, as well as coverage on television and in national newspapers and magazines. New for 2018 will be the mentor scheme, where new communities, schools and neighbourhood street gardeners will be paired with experts who have achieved great successes with their own projects, and will offer help and advice to others who are getting started.
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DLF Seeds Ltd has announced a new partnership with VivaGreen Group which will see the company provide even more innovative gardening solutions to the garden centre market.
DLF will act as a distributor of VivaGreen’s products in the UK, representing the range of MossOff Chemical Free products, and will be selling them through the independent garden centre channel with immediate effect.
Both the Multi-Surface and Lawn versions of MossOff Chemical Free will be sold alongside the DLF market-leading consumer facing brand, Johnsons Lawn Seed.
All current MossOff Chemical Free orders will be fulfilled through the new distribution agreement and any queries should be directed to DLF Seeds Ltd.
DLF Seeds Ltd, Consumer Manager, Guy Jenkins (above right), said of the partnership: “‘I am absolutely delighted DLF will be working alongside VivaGreen Group who are innovators in the garden market. MossOff Chemical Free is a great product and fits well within our existing lawn seed ranges. There is a clear, strong synergy between the two brands through the product offering, service and customer care. It is exciting to see two innovative companies getting together to offer the best lawn care products to the consumer. “
Russell Walsh (above left), Director, VivaGreen Group, added: “We are delighted to have come to agreement with the team at DLF Seeds Ltd for the sales and distribution of our brand MossOff Chemical free into the UK garden centre channel. Since our exciting GIMA Innovators Award in September 2016, we’ve seen demand significantly exceed our expectations. The new arrangement with DLF will enable us to more effectively and efficiently meet the increasing demand for our chemical free alternative solutions.”
For more information about this exciting partnership – including how to place an order - please contact DLF Seeds Ltd direct on 01386 791113 or email info@johnsonslawnseed.com
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Staff working at Haskins Garden Centre in Roundstone are supporting a local project to build a sensory room at St Andrew's High School C.E. for boys.
The garden centre has donated a £100 gift card to a group of degree students at the University of Chichester who are behind the project. The students are in their third year of a primary teaching degree and as part of their training, they aim to raise £2,500 within the local community in order to create the new sensory room.
The sensory room project will help students who require different types of support throughout the school day. There are also plans in the pipeline to create a sensory garden to further enhance the students' learning by providing an outside classroom in the summer. The garden will be abundant in colour and offer a quiet place with a range of textures and scents.
The £100 gift card from Haskins will be used by the University students to purchase a selection of plants for the outside sensory area. A further fundraising event will take place at St Andrew's High School on Thursday November 23, hosted by the University of Chichester.
Nick Joad, centre manager at Haskins Garden Centre in Roundstone, commented: "Haskins is proud to support this local project to help St. Andrew's High School. We wish the group of students at University of Chichester good luck in their fundraising efforts."
Wendy Stringer, SEN manager at St. Andrew's High School, commented: "The new sensory space will benefit local children for many years to come and will be a great asset to the school. We are very grateful to local companies, including Haskins for their kindness in donating a gift card to the project."
Olivia Pye, degree student at the University of Chichester, added: "We are so pleased for the generosity and support given by our local Haskins, who have embraced our project as part of their commitment to the local community. The project is dependent on local donations and we are delighted that Haskins recognised its importance and came on board so quickly. We're looking forward to getting started and making a positive impact for the school."
Haskins Garden Centre is located in Roundstone, Littlehampton. Visit www.haskins.co.uk for more information.
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Hereford Rugby Club Colts team will be carrying the colours of Hereford’s Breast Cancer Haven charity this season.
This initative connects a young generation who recognize that in some point in time their mums, sisters, girlfriends or wives to be may call upon Breast Cancer Haven to support and assist them should they be affected by breast cancer. The new kit will help raise valuable awareness for the centre in St Owen Street, Hereford.
Hereford Colts are all extremely excited with their new shirts, which were kindly sponsored by Outback!
“The squad are very grateful to all the sponsors of the new kit and recognize the importance of supporting a local charity and raising awareness for Breast Cancer Haven” says Spencer Goodall, Hereford Rugby Club Spokesman.
About Breast Cancer Haven Breast Cancer Haven is a national charity, offering free emotional support; help with symptom control and practical advice to anyone affected by breast cancer from its network of centers, one of which is in Hereford. Everyone is welcomed; whether recently
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Thrive gardeners visit Notcutts Oxford and create a haven for wildlife
A group of gardeners from Thrive in Berkshire had a brilliant time at Notcutts Garden Centre near Oxford recently. Notcutts have supported Thrive for more than a year now, funding a bursary to train people to become horticultural therapists and more recently donating the proceeds from their evening talks on flower arranging...
A group of gardeners from Thrive in Berkshire had a brilliant time at Notcutts Garden Centre near Oxford recently. Notcutts have supported Thrive for more than a year now, funding a bursary to train people to become horticultural therapists and more recently donating the proceeds from their evening talks on flower arranging.
Their next big fundraiser for Thrive is a wonderful evening on Thursday November 2nd where Thrive garden ambassador David Domoney will spill the beans on what it's like to garden on TV, plus behind the scenes at Chelsea in his talk, ‘Confessions of a TV Gardener’. Tickets are available here: https://notcutts.digitickets.co.uk/tickets?branches.branchID=543
As well as hosting the talks, Notcutts Oxford really wanted to get to know some of our client gardeners and invited us along to spend the day at the centre.
Sam Mallett, outdoor manager at Notcutts Oxford, arranged for the team from Thrive to create their very own wildlife garden area which can be admired by everyone who visits the popular garden centre in Nuneham Courtenay.
Vicki, one of the horticultural therapists at Thrive who went along with the gardeners said: "We couldn't have been made more welcome, it was just lovely.
"Sam had created some tasks for us to do, potting on plants in order to create a little wildlife garden. She encouraged everyone to think about what would be good to include to encourage wildlife and we were invited to look around the garden centre to see what we could find ourselves.
"There was a table all set up for us, a welcome sign when we arrived and refreshments. It couldn't have been a better day and wonderfully inclusive for all the gardeners."
Jonathan Tew, centre manager at Notcutts Oxford, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome some of the client gardeners from Thrive to the centre. Everyone had a great day and we’ve received lots of positive comments on our new wildlife area.”
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Dobbies name two Christmas Charities for the first time
For the first time ever, Dobbies have chosen not one, but two National Charity Partners for the Christmas season. WellChild and Action for Children both touch the lives of countless families in the UK today and Dobbies endeavours to raise as much money as possible...
For the first time ever, Dobbies have chosen not one, but two National Charity Partners for the Christmas season. WellChild and Action for Children both touch the lives of countless families in the UK today and Dobbies endeavours to raise as much money as possible.
34 Dobbies stores from Inverness in the North of Scotland to Ashford in the heart of Kent will be holding events to raise money for the two charities. As well as this, an exclusive range of British designed Christmas decorations have been launched with proceeds split between the charities. Each store will also host a Wish Tree where customers can purchase a Christmas bauble to place on the tree - all proceeds will go directly to the charities.
Lorrie Roberton, Chief Operating Officer for Dobbies, said: "One of our seasonal traditions at Dobbies is to choose a national charity to support. This year, we struggled to choose between two incredible organisations that work hard to make children's lives better so we decided to support both. I personally am in awe of the work that WellChild and Action for Children do and I know that our customers will feel just as motivated and will be keen to raise as much money as they can."
WellChild's vision is for all seriously ill children, whatever their situation, to have the best possible quality of life, while Action for Children provides help for disadvantaged children and young people.
Both charities are delighted to be selected as fundraising partners.
Colin Dyer, WellChild Chief Executive, said: "You can be sure that all the money raised will be used to help and support seriously ill children and their families across the UK."
Locks Farmer of Action for Children added: "For most, Christmas is a wonderful time, but sadly for many children, young people and families, this is not the case." We hope that, with the aid of our customers and colleagues, we can help to make a difference."
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 The character that is Edward Way is hanging up his boots and retiring from Fordingbridge plc.
Fordingbridge began life as a specialist manufacturer of horticultural ventilation equipment. It was started by Bill Way who had a flair for engineering ideas and entrepreneurial spirit, perhaps a hereditary trait in the Way family! When Edward arrived to work, it was at a time that Fordingbridge was merging with Mark Hall’s company, Hall Hunter Polytunnels. His first task at Fordingbridge after 3 hours training was to fly to Libya and erect some polytunnels which had been sold at Tripoli and Benghazi.
It would seem Edward was used to being thrown in at the deep end – with more sink or swim activity by becoming MD of Fordingbridge aged only 26. The biggest change business-wise was buying the premises at the current site Fontwell in 1982 and moving in in 1984.
There was lots of innovation under Edward’s rule. Firstly, a move from using water pipe as the basic steel to high tensile steel tube, the development of Thermal Screens, an energy saving device and then ventilated sides on tunnels, all of which had positive impact on the turnover. Another major change was the use of laminated timber which developed from sales into France.
In asking Edward what’s the biggest change he’s seen during his 40+ years career, he said “it is one in which we would design a structure for a customer, build it and get paid all on a handshake rather than an interminable contract."
One of the main reasons for Edward’s retirement is the many projects he has a passion for and would like to be able to devote his time to.
Edward would like to finish the crinkle crankle garden wall and install an 1870 turret clock in the clock tower.
Another long-standing passion is cars and one project will be to rebuild Linda’s (his wife) 1925 Bentley. With all these projects and plans it would seem this would be full time hours with plenty of over time.
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Personalised Christmas decorations and gifts are the headline grabbers in this week’s GTN Bestsellers Christmas Products Chart.
Suki lead the way again at the top with their personalised Angels and Snowmen at Nos 1 and 2 for the third week running.
The personalised Santa’s Secret Elf books more than doubled sales volumes to move up to No 3.
And 3D Christmas glasses look like being great volume sellers this year, all five lines in the Top 50 increased sales with three in the Christmas Top 10.
- Premier Robin On Clip Decoration is the highest re-entry at No 16.
- Kaemingk Ice Blue Rose Clip 14cm is the highest new entry this week at No 17.
- Armitages Dog Advent Calendar increased sales by over 400% to be a new entry at No 45.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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At the Autumn Pumpkin Festival in Netley, Southampton, sponsored by Thompson & Morgan, no less than four British records were broken.
Stuart and Ian Paton broke the record that they set in 2016 for the heaviest pumpkin to be grown in the UK. Weighing in at 2269lbs or 162 stone, the pumpkin beat last year’s entry by just 15lbs.
Ian Paton said that producing a giant pumpkin is no mean feat. He and his brother Stuart spend on average 3 hours a day tending to their pumpkin patch, often using 100 gallons of water to keep the pumpkins irrigated.
Paul Hansord of Thompson & Morgan said: “We’ve been sponsoring the Autumn Pumpkin Festival event in Southampton for many years and it’s always exciting when a record is beaten, so this year we’re thrilled to see four records broken.”
Matthew Oliver of RHS Hyde Hall, Chelmsford beat the record for the heaviest outdoor-grown pumpkin with a 1498.4lbs whopper. In 2016, Matthew famously hollowed out his giant pumpkin - which had weighed in at 1333.8lb - and rowed it across a lake at his RHS garden base in Essex.
Other UK record breakers at the weekend weigh-in were Steve Bridges, who took the prize for the heaviest UK-grown squash (457.3lb) and David Maund with his 176.5lb field pumpkin.
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Indoors and outside, pot sales continue to be the rising stars of the GTN Bestsellers Garden Product Charts.
This week there are 10 pot lines in the Top 50, all of which have increased sales week on week. Plus there are another three Pot Topper or Pot Feet lines and then there are drip feeder lines specifically for pot plants.
- Scheurich Cover Pot Glossy Cream is a re-entry at No 11.
- Woodlodge’s No.1 National Trust Pot is the highest new-entry.
- An ideal colour to complement Cyclamen, Scheurich Cover Pot Pure Rubin 15cm is also a new entry at No 18.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
Dare to be different! Programme update for HTA Marketing Forum
With less than a month to go to the HTA Marketing Forum now is the time to sign up! This annual one-day event, aimed at all those involved in marketing and public relations in the garden industry, takes place at Horticulture House, Chilton, Oxfordshire on 15 November...
With less than a month to go to the HTA Marketing Forum now is the time to sign up! This annual one-day event, aimed at all those involved in marketing and public relations in the garden industry, takes place at Horticulture House, Chilton, Oxfordshire on 15 November.
Additions to the programme include:-
Catherine Ripley from Field Seymour Parkes LLP who will be outlining the key information from the General Data Protection Regulations which come into force next year – bringing everyone up to speed on what needs to be done to ensure compliance.
Horticulture Week’s Matthew Appleby will talk with Westland Horticulture about the importance of brand and how they successfully ensure that their brand carries through all their marketing activity.
Simon Phillips from NetXtra will look at ‘mobile first’ bringing together real life examples of good and not so good practice.
Joe Aldworth from Old Railway Line Garden Centre and Liz Dowling from Millbrook Garden Centre will share examples of their marketing successes, with Neil Grant from Ferndale Garden Centre highlighting activity around National Children’s Gardening Week.
Using some seasonal case studies, Edwin Meijer from Garden Connect will show how video can be a really effective marketing tool for engaging with customers.
Other speakers include:
- Kevin Lavery, Mature Marketing Association – Helping you pass the maturity test
- Robin Moore, Robin Moore Consultancy – What does your brand say about you?
- Mark Davies, Whistl – Making the most of door drop and reaching valuable customers in your area
- Graham Paskett and Holly Daulby from Paskett PR – The power of PR
- David Denny, HTA Marketing and Insights Manager – promotional ideas and activities from National Garden Gift Vouchers and National Garden Gift Card schemes.
Places are limited and so book now to secure your spot! For more information and to book visit www.hta.org.uk/marketingforum or call 0333 003 3550 or email events@hta.org.uk
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Preparations for next year are driving growing media sales at the moment.
Cuttings activity, plus digging veg and plant beds, meant that sales of multipurpose with John Innes and manure lines were the main areas of sales increases in a week when overall Top 50 Growing media volumes dropped by 3.9%. This is probably linked to the drop in footfall caused by the unseasonally warm weekend.
- Scotts Levington Multipurpose with John Innes 50 litres is the highest chart climber, up 30 places to No 13.
- Westland Gro-Sure Farmyard Manure 50 litres moves up seven places to No 8 on the back of a 15% sales increase.
- Bord na Mona Vital Earth Organic Garden Compost 50 litres jumps 11 places to No 6.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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GARDENA has recruited a dedicated network of sales agents to build brand presence and boost sales into garden centres.
Twelve experienced and well-known agents will service garden centres in the UK. This dynamic team of agents have had many years of practical experience in the industry.
Garden centres will be able to call upon these agents to provide top quality products to garden centre retailers with a speedy delivery time, as stock will be delivered straight from GARDENA’s factory in Germany. Direct deliveries will be available from November 6 in order to ensure retailers are prepared ahead of the 2018 gardening season. “We are delighted to have a driven team of agents on board to forge even closer links with our passionate customers, as we continue to invest in our innovative products. We felt the best way to show our commitment to the UK market was to work with sales agents given their phenomenal understanding of the retail market, which we are confident will contribute to a buildup in sales in the UK,” said Paul Simpson, UK National Account Manager for GARDENA. GARDENA is also supporting the introduction of these sales agents by continuing to invest in TV advertisement, with a second nationwide TV campaign expected to launch in 2018. This will cover print and digital media as well. In line with this, GARDENA has fantastic promotional offers for garden centres for 2018 and is also continuing to invest in their Ambassador Store Initiative in the UK, which was rolled out earlier this year.
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Orchid sales up by 70%
Plant sales suffered last weekend as customers on the one hand enjoyed the warm weekend and on the other bought more plants for indoors to brighten up rooms as the evenings draw in...
Plant sales suffered last weekend as customers on the one hand enjoyed the warm weekend and on the other bought more plants for indoors to brighten up rooms as the evenings draw in.
Orchid sales increased by 70% and cyclamen, up 1% year on year, are being bought with brightly coloured cover pots for indoors.
- Pot Lillies, Lilium, were the highest new entry at No 46.
- Snowberry, Symphoricarpos, were also a new entry with a 150% increase.
- Evergreen Cupressus Goldcrest sales were buoyant, up 43% on last week.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
The best of last week's
If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories...
Gardman reports £1.5m loss - but earnings soar by 50%
Gardman has reported a pre-tax loss of £1.5m for the year ending December 2016, mainly down to the exceptional costs of almost £2.3m associated with re-structuring following the previous year’s management buy-out, but earnings are up 50%...
Gardman has reported a pre-tax loss of £1.5m for the year ending December 2016, mainly down to the exceptional costs of almost £2.3m associated with re-structuring following the previous year’s management buy-out.
The results show a significant improvement in the company’s fortunes compared to 2015, when an operating loss of £6.1m was reported.
However, the directors say EBITDA, which saw a dramatic 50% improvement from £3.2m to £4.8m over the year, is the best indicator of how strongly the company is now performing.
They say that following the management buyout backed by Rutland Partners LLP on 23 June 2015, the group has continued to make good progress in its core markets whilst also developing its strategic direction thanks to its ability to invest in exciting new categories and strengthen operational infrastructure.
Revenue in the year grew by 6.5% to £60.5m (£56.2m in the UK, up 6.2%) and margins improved. The group expects a similar growth rate in 2017 following good sales increases in the first half of 20I7. It continues to invest in strengthening the sales and marketing teams.
Net return on sales last year was a loss of 2.4% compared to a loss of 10.7% in 2015, an improvement expected to continue this year. Sales per employee went up from £286,657 in 2015 to £293,472. The cost challenges experienced following the Brexit vote and subsequent impact on currency have been managed through more efficient supply chain sourcing and a rebalancing of pricing.
The company has gained significant new distribution and new product listings within its existing customer base.
Gardman has made a significant investment this year in a new more centrally located warehouse facility in Daventry (visited, above, by the sales force as it neared completion in late summer) . This, the company says, will provide further distribuition efficiency and allow the company to meet future growth plans.
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Xylella fastidiosa: how Italy has tackled the problem
Dr Stefano Sogni, from Zelari Nurseries in Italy, has spoken exclusively with GTN Xtra to reveal how his country is successfully tackling Xylella fastidiosa. He says: "You need to get to know your enemy to fight the enemy."
Dr Stefano Sogni, from Zelari Nurseries in Italy, has spoken exclusively with GTN Xtra to reveal how his country is successfully tackling Xylella fastidiosa. He says: "You need to get to know your enemy to fight the enemy."
Here's what Dr Sogni says:
 "The disease is not new to the professional: it has been the acknowledged agent of the Grapes Pierce Disease (PGD), known in California as from the early days of the 19th century.
"Relatively temperature sensitive (and with the most of the host plants being frost sensitive too, but not all), it seems to be relegated in some specific areas, reason for still under investigation (the most likely being the above quoted sensitivity to low temperatures).
"In Italy, it is restricted to a very specific small area (8000 ha) in Salento, Apulia, still after six years of its outbreak.
"Professionals in Italy (Zelari amongst these) have been aware of this disease since the early stages (2011) of the outbreak, even before it became known to the majorities of the Plant Market operators. The disease is confined in 8000 hecatars in an area in Salento, in Apulia, and it has been confined there since the outbreak.
"All plants hit by Xylella had been immediately destroyed. And moving host plants from Salento is totally, and underline totally, forbidden.
"The rest of Italy is certified by our Ministry of Food, Agricultural and Forestry as Xylella-free.
"Professionals have been taking a serious conscious approach to avoid further diffusion of this threat. No plant material has been taken from the area (as forbidden by law anyway) nor from anywhere near the area where the disease is confined. This, has we feel and are very responsible for the environment and our industry: in Tuscany, we have 90.000 ha of olive crop, and we are world renown wine makers, Chianti one of the many; we cannot afford the diffusion of Xylella. In Pistoia, one of the heart of the nursery activity in Europe, plants business feeds 5.000 families: an outbreak would completely kill trade and cause dramatic microeconomy consequences. We must take the maximum possible care. And we are.
"ARPAT, the government regional phytosanitary authority for Tuscany, has been running routine random inspections as from 2014. In 2016 they did 1204 inspections, visiting 516 nurseries, including Zelari in several occasions. They also inspected 301 olive crops and 387 landscaping sites and public gardens. They collected 3,633 samples of 54 plant varieties plus 649 samples of vector insects. Total 4,312 samples: no track of infection. And inspections still continue.
"Most of the Nurseries, like we at Zelari, are also running their own regular tests.
"This threat cannot be underestimated. Responsibility cannot be fully finally dropped on the British nurseries. We are all fighting it together. We are totally on the same side of DEFRA and HTA."
Photos taken at Zelari Piante today, 16th October 2017
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Police are on the hunt for mindless yobs who caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a community garden centre in Oldham.
The hooligans have smashed their way into Chadderton Hall Park Garden on numerous occasions over the last month, leaving a trail of destruction.
The thugs’ reckless actions has undone the work of vulnerable members of the community - including pensioners - who regularly volunteer at the garden centre.
According to the Manchester Evening News, during the break-ins the youths left cannabis and cigarette butts discarded among the wreckage.
Shocking pictures show scores of plant pots smashed among litter and debris, while soil is smeared across the ground.
In the latest incident, on Wednesday (October 11) the yobs left the outside taps running overnight, according to police.
A warning was posted by officers manning the GMP Chadderton Facebook page on Thursday afternoon, in an attempt to catch those responsible.
Police said CCTV footage from the incident is being examined, as well as forensic evidence left at the scene, officers say.
Officers are also urging parents to make themselves aware where their children are at night.
The post reads: “Do you know where your children are in the evenings?
“This month, youths have been breaking their way into Chadderton Hall Park Garden centre that vulnerable adults work in and have destroyed the greenhouses.
“This reckless and thoughtless behaviour is absolutely disgusting and we will be seeking the individuals responsible.
“On Wednesday October 11, further damage has been caused and they have left the outside taps running on all night. This needs to stop."
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All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering
CEO of Jamie's Italian confirmed for headline keynote at Casual Dining
Jon Knight, the new CEO of Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, is the first big name Keynote speaker to be announced for Casual Dining 2018. The multi-award winning trade event for the UK's restaurant and pub operators returns to the Business Design Centre in London, next year, on 21-22 February...
Jon Knight, the new CEO of Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, is the first big name Keynote speaker to be announced for Casual Dining 2018. The multi-award winning trade event for the UK's restaurant and pub operators returns to the Business Design Centre in London, next year, on 21-22 February.
Today's announcement follows the opening of the show's online visitor registration for 2018, and comes just weeks after Knight's appointment as CEO. He was formerly the managing director of Jamie Oliver's international restaurant portfolio.
Knight is the latest exclusive speaker signing for the show, which - since its launch in 2014 - has become known for attracting some of the biggest names in the business (many, notably, who rarely appear at other events). Industry leaders, such as Pizza Hut's UK CEO Jens Hofma, GBK's COO Keith Bird, Geronimo Inns and Hippo Inns' co-founder Rupert Clevely, Hard Rock International's area VP of operations David Pellow, wagamama's (then CEO) David Campbell, and TGI Friday's CEO Karen Forrester, are just a few of Casual Dining's speaker alumni to date.
With 18 free business Keynotes planned for 2018, event organiser Diversified Communications UK will be unveiling more high-profile speakers over the coming weeks. As in previous years, its Keynote Theatre (sponsored by Yumpingo) will host a mix of exclusive seminars, interviews, research updates, and panel discussions.
Of course, at Casual Dining, the 'big names' aren't just reserved for the keynote stage. The central exhibition, covering three floors of the BDC, boasts over 200 companies - including global food and drink brands like Coca-Cola European Partners, Schweppes, Heineken UK, Nestle Professional, Lamb Weston, H.J Heinz, McCain Foodservice, Budweiser Budvar, and Carlsberg. While the visitors themselves represent all the leading pub, bar and restaurant operators across the UK - from the national high street multiples to the regional independents.
"Casual Dining is the best food and drinks exhibition in the industry. It seems to be getting bigger and better every year," says Glenn Evans, head of food development at Las Iguanas and La Tasca.
It's a sentiment echoed by many of Casual Dining's repeat visitors. Mitchells & Butlers, ASK Italian, JD Wetherspoon, Bourne Leisure, wagamama, Carluccio's, Oakman Inns, Compass Group, Fuller's, GBK, Enterprise Inns, Hard Rock Cafe, Jamie's Italian, Marston's, Living Ventures, Nando's, Pizza Hut, Punch Taverns, Sodexo, Whiting & Hammond, TGI Friday's, Greene King, The Restaurant Group, Casual Dining Group (formerly Tragus), Whitbread, Yo! Sushi, and Zizzi, among others, also attended the launch edition. They've been making an annual date with the show ever since.
"I regularly visit Casual Dining, and each year it offers more in every aspect. It's unmissable for new products, innovations and new ideas," says Armend Aljo, procurement manager at Oakman Inns & Restaurants.
"We don't have to fly across the Atlantic to find the latest industry innovations under one roof any more - Casual Dining has brought all that and more to the UK," says Karen Forrester, CEO of TGI Friday's UK.
Free trade registration now open
The UK's only dedicated trade event for casual dining operators returns to the Business Design Centre in London next year, on 21-22 February. Over 5,000 attendees are expected.
For more information, and to register for a free trade ticket in advance, please visit www.casualdiningshow.co.uk and quote priority code CD5 (direct link: https://eventdata.uk/Visitor/CasualDining.aspx?TrackingCode=CD5).
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