Choice Marketing members voted Westland as their Supplier of the Year, winning the Peter Wilson trophy, presented by Peter's Son Ally of MacKenzie Cruikshank Garden Centre at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth tonight.

Plant Supplier of the Year

Winner: Allensmore
Special Commendation: New Leaf

Giftware Supplier of the Year

Winner: Woodmansterne
Special Commendation: Cottage Delight

Furniture & Outdoor Living Supplier of the Year

Winner: LeisureGrow
Special Commendation: Woodlodge

Non-Retail Services Supplier of the Year

Winner: Corby + Fellas

Sundry Associate Supplier of the Year

Winner: RocketGro

Sundry Supplier of the Year

Special Commendation: Woodlodge

Sundry Major Associate Supplier of the Year

Winner: Westland

Industry Champion

Winner: Trevor Pfeiffer

And the night ended with dancing to ABBA...

Read more and see pictures from the conference trade show of 130 exhibitors and 400 attendees in GTN Xtra at the weekend.

The Board of Directors of Squire’s Garden Centres have announced that Martin Breddy has decided to retire from his role as managing director next summer. 

Martin joined Squire’s in May 2016, overseeing steady growth in sales and profit in his early years at the helm. His calm leadership helped the business negotiate the challenges posed by the Covid and Post-Covid period, emerging with a strong platform for renewed growth, and with Squire’s local identity and community reputation, enhanced. 

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, said: “Martin’s leadership, enthusiasm and business acumen has served us well since he joined. He has ensured the Squire’s proposition remains sharp and relevant as our customer base evolves. His passion for great customer service and commitment to our team members, at all levels, will leave a lasting mark. We will all miss him greatly and wish him all the very best in his retirement.”

Martin commented: “I feel privileged and fortunate to have spent the last nine years of my career in the wonderful business that is Squire’s.  I will miss the constant and ever-changing challenges that our sector throws up. But even more, I will miss the camaraderie and support of everyone at Squire’s and in the wider horticultural industry.”

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Squire’s Garden Centres on Martin's replacement as MD of Squire's Garden Centres. For further information about the role, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference HBQUA. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. 

International real estate advisor Savills is bringing Macplants to the market. Macplants is a successful and long established privately owned plant nursery business, with family home alongside, set in 8.37 acres.

Located in the sought-after village of Pencaitland, East Lothian on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Macplants comprises a retail unit, plant beds, polytunnels, a glasshouse, workshop, outbuildings, car parking, two separate paddocks, car parking and further development potential. The sale also includes a well presented four bedroom house in private gardens and is available for a guide price of £1.375m. Click here for property listing.

Macplants has become one of Scotland's largest growers of herbaceous perennials, alpines, ferns, and ornamental grasses, including many rare and highly sought-after varieties. The plant center is open to the public from March to October, while the business also serves a diverse trade client base and operates a thriving mail-order service that supplies customers nationwide. Particular specialisms include award-winning autumn Gentians and one of the largest collections of Meconopsis cultivars available anywhere.

Macplants Berrybank Nursery is situated within Boggs Holdings, on the outskirts of Pencaitland, where there are local shops, restaurant and pub, church, primary school and garage. There is direct access to the property off the B6363 which is approximately 10 minutes by car to the city bypass, offering convienice for retail customers.

Savills leisure and trading specialist Katherine Wigham said:  “We are excited to be launching this long-established plant nursey to the market for the very first time. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a family-owned business which benefis from a nationwide and prestigious client base. The property benefits from the opportunity to further increase its offering through expansion of the premises subject to planning consent, and we are expecting a number of enquires from a range of investors.”

Savills residential agent Jessica Gwyn adds: “This highly regarded plant nursery, with its lovely family home alongside, is perfect for individuals with green fingers who may be looking to take on a thriving business in the heart of East Lothian.”

Will your teams be among the winners, and will your customers vote you to be The Greatest Garden Centre Team of 2024?

Our team of judges have their Christmas jumpers at the ready to start the judging process for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2024.

If you think your Christmas teams are the best in the business, now’s the time to get them nominated for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2024 and prepare for your customers to vote for you too.

There are categories to recognise display teams, Christmas Trees sales teams, marketing teams and after 19,000 votes were registered last year we will once again be running the public vote for The Greatest Christmas Teams across the country, as decided purely by garden centre customers.

It's simple to take part, all you have to do is nominate your teams for the award categories below in an e-mail to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk including a few words about why our team of judges should come and meet your team and a photo or two that we can include in our GTN Xtra Christmas photo galleries. The closing date for nominations to guarantee a visit from our judges is Monday 4^th  November 2024.

Or complete the on-line entry form here

Here are the categories for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2024

1. The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team
2. The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team 
3. The Greatest Gardening as a Christmas Gift Sales Team
4. The Greatest Christmas Gifts Team
5. The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Promotions Team
6. The Greatest Christmas BBQ and Outdoor Leisure Team – The SOLEX Sizzle
7. The Greatest Festive RetailFood Team
8. The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team
9. The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team
10. The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team
11. The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team
12. The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team 
13. The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team
14. The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team
15. The Greatest Giant Garden Centre Christmas Team  
16. The Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team – Overall and regional winners - as voted for by customers

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

Judging visits will take place during November and December with the winners being announced on The Stage at Spring Fair on Monday 3rd February 2025.

The public vote will start during November with full details, voting forms and poster artwork available in the GTN Xtra e-mail newsletter later this month.

So, what are you waiting for, get snapping and send an e-mail today to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk to get your entry registered or complete the on-line entry form here

Two of our judges, Neil and Nicci Gow made an early visit to Old Railway Line Garden centre last week to present the 5 Greatest Christmas Awards they won last year, but were unable to attend the presentatiosn at Spring Fair.  Make sure you have Monday 3rd Februray 2025 in your diaries so that you can be there to collect your accolades and make the most of the marketing and team motivation opportunities.

Corby + Fellas has announced that prestigious department store Charnley’s Home and Garden has implemented its acclaimed epos and retail management system, WinRetail.

A spokesperson for Corby + Fellas said: “Charnley’s Home and Garden is a member of the fantastic Choice Marketing Group, we are so pleased to welcome another Choice Marketing Limited member to Corby + Fellas.

“Charnley’s in Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, is a family run home and garden destination with a difference! With gifts, interiors and furniture to inspire. Also deliciously tempting meals and cakes plus everything to make your garden grow!

“We look forward to working with Sam and the team at Charnley's and a long prosperous future with them.”

www.charnleys.co.uk

Pictured: Sam Procter, Managing Director, with C+F’s Jacob Parker

How it works

Waspinator is like a scarecrow for wasps : they see it, are frightened by it, and fly away from it. They think it’s an enemy nest and that they will be attacked if they get too close, so they go somewhere else where they don’t feel threatened. Leave it out all season and they will stay away - they think the garden is another colony’s territory. 

Why it works

Wasps are very territorial, if a wasp goes too near another colony’s nest, the nest’s defenders will attack it and chase it away. Consequently wasps instinctively know to stay well away from nests that aren’t their own.

Leave it out all season and they will stay away – they think the garden is another colony’s territory.

Waspinator is designed to look like an enemy nest: the colour, shape and size mimic a wasps nest. The horizontal striations make it look fibrous and layered to the wasp, just like a real nest.

Good for ecology

The Natural History Museum recently said: “If it wasn't for wasps we would be overrun with spiders and insects – we should call them the ‘gardener’s friend.’ Wasps kill more that 14 million kgs of caterpillars and greenfly every year just in the UK, they also pollinate plants and flowers. With the increasing threat to bee populations, the role that wasps play in the ecosystem is becoming ever more essential.”

Testimonials

Daily Telegraph Gardening Advice : July 2011 

“Waspinator is an effective wasp deterrent…

Helen Yemm reviews the Waspinator, and finds it a very effective deterrent: …having made an appeal to readers for more information as to its effectiveness, the Waspinator (with a couple of somewhat churlish exceptions) received a universal thumbs up from you all. 

• Also used and featured by Monty Don on BBC Gardeners World 2017 
• Used by the National Trust to protect their outdoor eating areas

Contact:

Nigel Clarke

Tel: 00 44 1476 530374 

Mob : 00 44 7798 815832 

E: n.clarke@superninja.eco

The Horticultural Trades Association has submitted an urgent set of proposals to the Chancellor of the Exchequer ahead of the Autumn Budget 2024, calling for vital action to support the environmental horticulture sector.

Representing 1,400 UK businesses covering the full breadth of the industry from growing to landscaping, manufacturing to sales, the HTA highlights the sector's critical role in driving economic growth, environmental sustainability, and national health goals. However, immediate government intervention is needed to reduce financial burdens, improve regulatory frameworks, and support the industry’s sustainable growth. 

The HTA’s submission outlines the following key priorities:

• Borders and trade: The HTA calls for a fully functional trade and border system that reduces delays, rising costs, and biosecurity issues. Immediate solutions include negotiating a Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU to ease ongoing barriers to trade since the UK's departure from the EU.
• Sustainable peat-free transition: The HTA has raised concerns about the impact of the early peat ban, set for 2026, which risks job losses and declines in plant production. The association is asking for a supported, gradual transition to peat-free growing media, with increased research, development funding, and transition grants to aid growers, especially SMEs.
• Reducing financial burdens on SMEs: With 95% of the horticulture sector comprised of SMEs, the HTA calls for relief from business rates and other rising costs driven by regulatory requirements. It also wants to see a review of existing regulations to ensure they do not overburden businesses while also calling for long-term business rates reform.
• Action on retail crime: Retail crime remains a significant issue for horticultural businesses, with millions lost annually due to theft. The HTA asks the government to take stronger action on this issue by enhancing policing responses, especially in rural areas, to protect businesses from crime and ensure they remain competitive.
• Support for growth and skills: The HTA is asking for reforms to the apprenticeship levy to better support SMEs, alongside investment in skills training to improve productivity across the sector. An employment framework is needed that will not hinder recruitment and investment in workforces, particularly in rural businesses that struggle to hire skilled workers.
• Grow productivity through mechanisation and automation: The HTA is pushing for greater support to encourage the adoption of automation and technology across the sector. With 55% of growers looking to expand in the next five years, investments in mechanisation will be essential to driving productivity and ensuring the UK’s horticultural sector remains competitive.
• Deliver a planning system that champions horticulture and green spaces: The HTA advocates for reforms to the UK planning system to prioritise horticulture and green spaces in new developments, calling for the inclusion of green spaces and domestic gardens in urban planning and the maintenance of existing green spaces to support biodiversity and public wellbeing. 

In her opening address at the HTA Conference in September, Fran Barnes, HTA Chief Executive, highlighted the sector’s growing need for certainty and stability amid mounting economic and operational pressures.

"Our focus now is that the new government understands the pressures you face and the critical importance of this sector to deliver their missions. We need to see a commitment from the government to help, not hinder, our growth." 

The HTA also emphasised the sector's significant contributions to the UK economy, including nearly £29 billion in GDP, £6.8 billion in tax revenue, and the employment of almost 680,000 people. With appropriate support, the industry can play a central role in achieving the UK’s environmental targets, improving green spaces, and mitigating climate change. 

HTA members can read the full letter here.

The Association of Professional Landscapers has unveiled the finalists for the prestigious APL Awards 2025. The announcement was made today at the APL Annual Meeting, which took place during the Futurescape event on 15 October 2024.

With an exceptional level of skill on display and a record-breaking number of entries, this year’s competition set a new standard in the world of landscaping. The judging process proved more challenging than ever for the expert panel, who were tasked with selecting the best from an array of outstanding projects.

The judging took place over three intensive days, led by a panel of respected industry professionals chaired by Richard Barnard (Kings Oak Landscapes) with Rod Winrow (Garden House Design), Bob Sweet (BBC Gardeners’ World Live), Laura Anstiss (Oakmore Green), and APL General Manager, Phil Tremayne.

In a joint statement, the judges shared their thoughts on the entries: “This year's submissions really showcased the exceptional talent, craftsmanship, and innovation that APL members bring to the landscaping industry. It was a privilege to review such outstanding work. Although it was a tough process, we have selected a supreme winner, and we’re confident the industry will be as impressed as we were.”

The winners of the APL Awards 2025 will be revealed at the awards ceremony, taking place on Friday 14 March 2025 at The Brewery, 52 Chiswell St, London EC1Y 4SA.

Bookings are now live so book your place by visiting hta.org.uk/hta-current-events/apl-awards/visitor-booking-form

The finalists are:

Would you like to share your garden design talent with thousands of gardening enthusiasts? Applications for BBC Gardeners’ World events’ Beautiful Borders competition are now open.

The Beautiful Borders are compact, 9m2 show gardens, bursting with creative design features and imaginative planting. These colourful mini masterpieces are always a popular highlight at BBC Gardeners’ World Live and Spring and Autumn Fairs, providing visitors with endless inspiration and take-home ideas, particularly for small or challenging garden spaces.

Creating a Beautiful Border is a fantastic opportunity to gain show garden experience at a large-scale pubilc event and to showcase your skills to a large, enthusiastic audience. Whether you’re a design or landscaping professional, a first-time designer or student, or a gardening club, community group or charity, BBC Gardeners’ World events’ friendly and experienced horticultural team support entrants every step of the way, from application to final build. Limited bursaries worth £200 are available to applicants for plants and props - 25 bursaries for the flagship BBC Gardeners’ World Live and twelve for the Spring and Autumn Fairs. 

The creative theme for the 2025 Beautiful Borders competiton is ‘Cultivating Connections’, inspired by the power of garden spaces, no matter how small, to foster meaningful connections of all kinds. Whether it's connecting cultures, species, generations or communities, or deepening our relationship with nature, education or mental wellbeing, the organisers are looking for small spaces with big impact.

Entries are assessed on site at all events by esteemed professional assessors, with medals for all and awards presented for Best Beautiful Border, Best Interpretation of the Theme, and Best Subscriber Border for the best design by a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine subscriber. Event visitors have their say too, voting for their favourite Border in the Peoples’ Choice award.   

Lucy Tremlett, Event Director at Immediate Live, organisers of BBC Gardeners’ World events, said: “We – and our visitors - never cease to be impressed at the creativity that goes into the Beautiful Borders. The designs are not only technically brilliant with an eye-catching aesthetic, but really come from the heart, often reflecting a designer’s personal story, journey or experience. Gardens are wonderful spaces to bring human beings and nature together, so the Cultivating Connections theme should inspire some really strong entries. We can’t wait so see them!”

Winners of the ‘best in show’ Beautiful Borders and Platinum awards at BBC Gardeners’ World events’ 2024 competitions were:

• BBC Gardeners’ World Live, NEC Birmingham: Leanne Woods for Following In My Footsteps, inspired by the designer’s experience of following in her grandparents’ gardening footsteps. The Border provided a dual space for relaxation and for children to play. 
• BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, Beaulieu, Hampshire: Andrew Williamson and Laura Hall for Together, inspired by the supportive space provided for people affected by cancer at Maggie’s Southampton.
• BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, in association with English Heritage, Audley End House and Gardens, Saffron Walden, Essex: Amy Drewitt for The Daisy Chain, a multi-generational family garden. 

Commenting on her experience, Amy Drewitt, winner of the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair Best Beautiful Border winner, said: “I had such an amazing experience designing and building a Beautiful Border. Working alongside such industry titans and gaining so much experience was amazing. To end up winning a Platinum and then Best Border was a real dream come true and has helped me to launch my own garden design business.”

To enter a Beautiful Border for a 2025 BBC Gardeners’ World event, download the application form and find full details, including bursary information, at www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com and www.bbcgardenersworldfair.com. Applications close on 23 January 2025 for BBC Gardener’s World Live and the Spring Fair, and 1 May 2025 for the Autumn Fair.

Tickets for BBC Gardeners’ World Live and the Spring Fair are on sale now. Autumn Fair tickets go on sale in the spring. Highlights at BBC Gardeners’ World events include inspiring Beautiful Borders and show gardens, spectacular floral displays, plant and garden shopping, theatres and stages featuring gardening tips and advice from BBC Gardeners’ World TV presenters, Magazine edtors and plant experts, garden tours and talks, and workshops and demonstrations, plus delicious food, drink and live entertainment.

www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com www.bbcgardenersworldfair.com

To date, 18 brave individuals have taken to the skies above the Cotswold countryside, strapped to the top of a biplane, all in support of the Greenfingers Charity. Now, with 28th August 2025 set for the next Greenfingers Wing Walk, the charity is calling on the industry not to miss out on the chance to join the Greenfingers Hall of Fame!

The 2025 Wing Walk will once again take place at the home of the renowned AeroSuperBatics at RAF Rendcomb Airfield. The expert team there have guided all Greenfingers wingwalkers through their exhilarating experience, helping them conquer nerves with words of encouragement and plenty of laughter. And it’s much needed, given the nature of the challenge - being strapped to the top wing of a historic biplane before soaring into the sky at speeds of up to 140mph, performing daring flypasts, zoom climbs, steep dives, and banks, all while friends and family cheer from below.

Already signed up is Greenfingers’ very own Fundraising Administrator, Bev Clarke, who will be marking a milestone birthday in a truly unforgettable way! Rather than opting for a quiet celebration with slippers and a cup of tea, Bev is embracing the thrill of adventure. Joining her is Becky Rose of JBM Sales Ltd, returning to take on the infamous loop-the-loop.

With a maximum of 10 spaces available, there is plenty of opportunity for people to push themselves outside of their comfort zone to raise vital funds for the charity.

To register your interest, please contact Linda Petrons, Greenfingers Director of Fundraising & Communications by emailing linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

The government has outlined a package of measures for seasonal workers employed by farmers and growers in the UK’s horticulture, poultry and sheep sectors.  

In addition to confirming visa numbers for 2025, Defra has also published the 2023 Seasonal Workers Survey report to monitor the welfare of seasonal migrant workers. Conducted in early 2024, the survey shows that the vast majority of respondents (91.0%) reported a positive experience from their time in the UK, and 95% expressed a desire to return.   

Jennifer Pheasey, HTA Director of Public Affairs, commented: “Skills and labour shortages are critical issues for UK environmental horticulture. The HTA has repeatedly sought a longer-term basis and certainty for the Seasonal Worker Scheme. Confirmation of a five-year scheme and, in future, earlier signposting of allocations to allow businesses greater time to plan would help give horticulture businesses who are facing multiple challenges, from weather impacts to new border changes, some much-needed certainty and confidence.

“Today confirms 43,000 seasonal workers for 2025 for horticulture, which is welcome.  Environmental horticulture is a hugely important industry that delivers green jobs and skills, as well as economic, environmental, social, health, and wellbeing benefits to the UK.” 

You can read the full announcement on the government's website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-provides-certainty-to-horticulture-and-poultry-businesses

A popular York garden centre is to host its first Christmas event since being acquired by new owners earlier this year.

Dean's Garden Centre in Stockton on the Forest will hold its first Christmas Sparkle Day on 24th October and will reveal its festive decoration themes to inspire customers. In addition, customers can benefit from 15% off purchases on the day, and Green Card members will have the opportunity to win the value of their shop.

Centre manager, Mike Waugh is excited to bring some Christmas sparkle to the York store: "People travel for miles to experience Christmas at our sister centres at Tong and Tingley, and we want to replicate some of this magic, but with a Dean's stamp.

"Join us for our Christmas Sparkle Day between 9 am and 8 pm on Thursday, 24th October to experience the festivities and see what makes Christmas at Yorkshire Garden Centres so special.

"Discover the festive decorating looks that are trending this year and enjoy fantastic savings on making Christmas sparkle! Whether it's a set of new baubles for the tree, twinkling lights to festoon your garland, a light-up figure to welcome guests into your home or new pieces to add to your Lemax collection, there's something for everyone.

"There's also a prize draw that gives Green Card members a chance to win their shop, with one winner plus four runners-up who will receive a festive hamper. We look forward to welcoming everyone to this great event that marks the start of Christmas in store."

Dean's York is part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres family that includes Dean's Scarborough plus Tong, Tingley, Bingley and Otley Garden Centres in West Yorkshire.

Spring Fair, the UK’s largest home, gift, fashion trade show which takes place on the 2nd – 5th February 2025 at NEC Birmingham, has launched a new Retail Insights podcast series for retail, and by retail, to celebrate its upcoming 75th anniversary and shine a light on businesses in the industry.

A first of its kind for a retail trade show, Spring Fair has collaborated with legendary designer and TV personality Jeff Banks CBE to create the series of free podcasts featuring interviews with 15 industry figureheads which will run over a period of 14 weeks from the 20th October. Available through all popular podcasting platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcast, plus watch through YouTube and at https://www.springfair.com/inside-retail.

The podcast series was concepted to give a voice back to the retail community who have been a part of Spring Fair, to celebrate the rich heritage of Spring Fair, and spotlight the people and brands who make up everything that Spring Fair is. Featuring guests with a huge breadth of knowledge of the retail industry across all backgrounds and sectors, the series will benefit retail businesses of all sizes, from inspiring start-ups to 50-year-old staples in the industry.

The Spring Fair team brought together all 15 guests for a special 75th Anniversary media day which was hosted by Banks and filmed in the Spring Fair studios. The candid conversations reflect on the past, present and future of retail – the stories that come out of building a retail business or being part of a retail business, stories that will inspire and resonate with many in the industry.

Listeners will be able to enjoy Banks in conversation with much-loved independent retailers including Nest and Coopers of Stortford, brands such as Talking Tables and Candlelight, buying group EK Retail, and The Giftware Association and The Greetings Card Association, as they discuss an array of insightful topics including reinventing your brand, growing a bricks and mortar store, catering for all customer demographics, catalogue and mail orders business development, growing a small business, being a designer/maker and business owner, the power of licensed products, how to sell your products to a global buying group, and how retail associations can help your business be more successful. The interviews also reflect on what it means to be part of the retail community, how to keep your company relevant for over 30 years, the power of storytelling, and how to stay true to environmental strategies and make a profit.

Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director of Spring Fair says, “In honour of Spring Fair's 75th anniversary we're shining a light on the incredible businesses that continue to make this a successful event for the retail industry. As we embark on this milestone event and reflect on the journey we've taken together, this coming 2025 show we'll be turning our focus outwards. After all, we can't celebrate Spring Fair's 75-year history without honouring the people and community who got us here. We are incredibly excited to launch this anniversary podcast series – which as available for free to all of retail to help inspire. As a business leader or owner in retail this podcast is for you. For anyone looking to start a retail business this podcast is for you. And for the retail community this podcast is for you. There are also a few tips and tricks on how these businesses have either successfully shopped trade shows or successfully sold their products at trade shows. These are money can’t buy insights on how to be successful for businesses looking to sell products B2B. The series really has the feel-good factor and makes for very interesting listening.”

Jeff Banks adds, “Spring Fair is still one of the biggest trade exhibitions in Great Britain and I have spent many a productive and inspiring day at the show over the years - it has been integral to the success of my designer collaborations with brands exhibiting there. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with the Spring Fair team to create this thoughtful and stimulating podcast series to celebrate the show’s incredible 75 years and help champion the people and businesses that make up the Spring Fair community.” 

The first podcast launches on 20th October and features an interview with exhibitor Nick Ronald, Managing Partner of Casa Verde on reinventing your business, how Spring Fair has helped bring Casa Verde to life and why it is the lifeblood of the industry. Ronald says, “Spring Fair was key to getting Casa Verde off the ground. Trade fairs are the lifeblood of our industry for two reasons. One, we are a very personable company and we’ve been blessed with about 1000 trade customers who are all a joy. And it’s so important to meet them face to face. And second, Spring Fair is really the only place you’re going to meet new customers and if we’re to grow we have to show our goods and be there. It’s incredibly hard work but we go home as high as a kite.”

Each 10-20 minute episode, packed full of insights, is available to listen to or watch as a video, streamed via Apple, Spotify, YouTube, all popular podcasting platforms, and at https://www.springfair.com/inside-retail. The series will launch weekly every Sunday from the 20th October.

Sign up to receive the Retail Insights Podcast at Inside Retail | Articles, Videos & On Demand | Spring Fair.

Podcast schedule:

20th October – Nick Ronald, Managing Partner of lifestyle brand and The Summerhouse exhibitor Casa Verde.

27th October - Maggie Thornton, owner of award-winning gift shop Alligator Pear in Burgh Heath.

3rd November - Kay Hutcheson, Head of Product Marketing & Product Operations from home, garden and lifestyle store Coopers of Stortford in Bishop Stortford.

10th November - Tim Hollis, Retail Brand Development Manager from Talking Tables, a B Corp business that is the go-to for innovative, sustainable and design-led products that add fun and style to every gathering.

17th November - Samantha Gibbs, Director of Nest, a trio of card and gift shops in Stoneygate, Broughton Astley and Thurlaston in Leicestershire.

24th November - Aylish Ellwood, Trade Marketing Manager from Enesco, gift supplier exclusively offering well-known licences for all-time favourites such as Beatrix PotterTM, Disney®, Willow Tree, Heartwood Creek® by Jim Shore, Harry Potter, Scion Living, Lolita® and many more.

1st December - Daniel Kullmann, Head of Corporate Communications, EK Retail, a large European multi-sector group that supports around 4,000 independent retailers in the living, electrical, toy, baby, fashion, home, DIY, sports and book sectors.

8th December - Stephen Spencer, Ambience Director, Stephen Spencer + Associates. Chair of Spring Fair’s Advisory Board, Spencer has helped some of the brightest stars and most prestigious brands in the retail, leisure, and tourism sectors.

15th December - Double Episode. Sarah Ward, CEO of the Giftware Association and Adriana Lovesy, Membership & Marketing Manager of the Greetings Card Association.

22nd December - Craig Winsley, Co-Founder & Managing Director of DCUK, The Original Wooden Duck Company.

29th December - Evan Lewis, Founder of VENT for Change, one of a growing number of conscientious brands that combine beautiful design with impeccable eco credentials and an ethical purchasing alternative.

5th January - Ray Qudos, Consultant at Keplin Group, an innovative and agile consumer branding and product business offering design, import, storage, shipping and selling services.

12th January - Amanda Peffer, Director of Blade & Rose, a leading British children’s fashion brand, instantly recognisable for its original iconic and unique signature leggings, with fun and quirky designs on the bottom

19th January - Mike Winch, Founder of Candlelight, a market-leading designer, importer, and wholesale supplier of exquisite giftware and home accessories, with a legacy spanning over 50 years.

The Retail Insights podcast is part of the broader Inside Retail thought leadership hub available on the Spring and Autumn Fair websites. For years, this platform has provided valuable content on sector trends, consumer insights, and technological developments, as well as behind-the-scenes stories from brands and event partners, exploring key topics on the future of retail.

As the go-to destination for digital content in the retail industry, Inside Retail offers expert recommendations through video interviews and articles from industry insiders, partners, and guest writers. Covering everything from trends to sustainability, it’s designed to help businesses grow and enhance their customer experience.

with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox.  The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.

Subscribe for free using this link

Grassroots non-profit Grow to Know officially opened new community garden space ‘Life Under the Westway: Maxilla Gardens’ in North Kensington, as part of its continued mission to unlock access to nature within local communities. 

With 96,000 vehicles driving across the Westway above the garden each day, the impactful garden design seeks to provide an accessible sanctuary for residents while also cleaning up the air. The area was hugely impacted by the Grenfell Tower fire and one of Grow to Know’s key aims was to uplift the surrounding community. Maxilla Gardens received £41,000 funding from the Mayor of London’s Future Neighbourhoods Fund through Kensington and Chelsea Council and is now a community space for everyone to enjoy.  

Inspired by life under the Westway in 1960, the garden tells stories of adversity and activism in both the past and the present. The innovative design has an abundance of undulating, meandering and swathing greenery for wildlife, with bespoke furniture and repurposed materials used to create the pathways and features, inspired by the industrial development of the past. 

The main feature of the garden is its dual helix, which threads through the space, with interweaving pathways embedding the DNA of the community throughout. One path represents society, and the other represents the environment, symbolising the intersection of socio-environmental challenges and solutions. The garden is at the crux of community development - positioned as the front garden of Dale Youth Boxing Club, Bay20 Community Centre and the incoming Maxilla City.

Spearheaded by Grow to Know with the Westway Trust being involved throughout development as custodians of the land, the garden is also supported by the Mayor of London, as well as luxury fashion house Gucci, who contributed a tapestry of plants from the set of its Gucci Cruise 2025 Fashion Show held at the Tate Modern, giving the plants a new lease of life whilst supporting the community.  

The Future Neighbourhoods Fund supports the Mayor’s plans for London to reach net zero by 2030 by providing funding and expertise to help transform some of the areas in London most vulnerable to climate change. All Future Neighbourhood projects have been developed by working closely with the local communities and are innovative projects that help tackle the climate emergency. The Mayor believes all Londoners should be able to access green spaces and nature, and has developed a London Green Roots Fund to support councils and communities pay for trees, wildflower meadows, parklets and other new green spaces.  The garden was designed and delivered by Grow to Know, Westway Trust, SuDS UK, George King Architects and Wylie Wood. 

Tayshan Hayden-Smith, Founder and Creative Director of Grow to Know, said: “Following the detrimental impacts of the local injustice, the Grenfell Tower fire, the global pandemic, and the current cost-of-living crisis, we wanted to create a safe sanctuary of real meaning to uplift the community of North Kensington - not just to survive, but to thrive and bloom, alongside nature and wildlife. It is by embedding and highlighting stories of both past and present that will help guide our future. We look forward to inviting the community to enjoy the space, free of charge, and for a lifetime.”  

Mete Coben, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, said: “This new community garden is a great example of one of the ways we can bring green spaces to inner London. The project, which has been developed closely with the local community and provides residents with a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy while also cleaning up the air in a busy part of the city.  

“The Mayor believes access to green space is a social justice issue and throughout his third term Sadiq plans to support community organisations to deliver green spaces in the capital for everyone to enjoy.  

“It’s been a pleasure supporting Grow to Know and the wider team on this project. Together we can all build a safer, fairer, greener and more prosperous city for all Londoners.” 

The Westway Trust, said: “The Westway Trust is here to encourage a happier, healthier and more prosperous community and is really excited to support this community-led project, which will improve the space for use by the people of North Kensington and visitors to the area. The garden will also be a focus point for events and activities and for us to draw attention to important environmental issues, such as air quality. It is part of a wider ambition to transform this area of the Westway Estate, complementing other projects and create more space for families, reflection and wellbeing.” 

Life Under the Westway: Maxilla Gardens has been designed by Grow to Know with further support from a community of brands, including DK, Second Home and Mercedes Benz Vans, all of which are invested in supporting Grow to Know’s mission to provide a greener future. 

The garden is now open to residents of North Kensington and the wider community and Grow to Know plans to continue building and developing new spaces within the garden for residents to enjoy. 

For more information, please visit: www.growtoknow.world

Wyevale Nurseries’ Sales and Marketing Director Kersten Catella has been selected to speak about her industry experience and leadership role at an inspirational ‘Women in Horticulture’ event next month.

Kersten will be joining CEO of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Fran Barnes on the podium for the occasion, which is also helping fundraise for the horticultural sector charity Perennial. 

Kersten explains: “It’s an honour to have been invited to take part in this inspirational event on Thursday, November 14 at Horticulture House in Oxfordshire.

“The afternoon promises to be a fantastic opportunity for attendees to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas and gain some invaluable insights from myself and Fran, who is one of the industry’s most respected leaders. We look forward to welcoming everyone who can come along and be part of this inspirational event and the forward-thinking Women in Horticulture community, which is welcoming and supportive. 

“The event will also be raising funds for the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping people in horticulture, Perennial. One hundred percent of all tickets sales, costing £20 each, will be donated to this wonderful organisation that does such amazing work in our industry.

“The team at Wyevale Nurseries already has a very close connection with Perennial. We work together on the charity’s Plants for Perennial initiative, which is a collaborative scheme between the organisation, us and three other major wholesale nurseries in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

“We all help raise funds through sales of various plants via garden centre customers. The collection includes our Salvias ‘Cuello Pink’ and ‘Cuello White’ and our Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Cherry Explosion’.”

The Women in Horticulture event aims to give attendees the opportunity to hear from industry leaders who have made a significant impact. Guests will hear the two keynote speakers share actionable insights to help them grow in their careers and more.

Fran brings a wealth of experience from her leadership role at the HTA, alongside her involvement with the National Farmers Union (NFU) and the BBC. She will discuss her journey to leadership and the future of horticulture.

Kersten, who joined Wyevale Nurseries – one of the UK’s leading commercial wholesale nurseries – earlier this year, is on the Board of Directors at British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI). She was also Chair of the British Protected Ornamentals Association (BPOA) from 2017-2019 and has been a NFU Board Member.

Kersten has more than 25 years of expertise in commercial sales, supply chain management and leadership and will share her journey and her views on the challenges the industry faces in 2025.

Wyevale Nurseries has a product selection that’s admired across the industry and a talented team that regularly introduces new, award-winning plant varieties.

Its main business is to supply landscape contractors, local authorities, foresters, landowners and garden centres with a comprehensive array of trees, shrubs, hedging, herbaceous and specimen plants.

For more information, and to purchase tickets for the Women in Horticulture event, please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/women-leading-in-horticulture-an-afternoon-of-inspiration-networking-tickets-1040368218347.

For further details about Wyevale Nurseries, please call 01432 845 200 or visit www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk.

An example of an extremely rare species of palm, only discovered in 2006, has found a new permanent home in the Eden Project’s Rainforest Biome in Cornwall, ready for visitors to see this October half-term. 

The palm, known as Tahina spectabilis, is native to the Analalava district - a very small, remote region in north-western Madagascar. The area is less than 5 hectares in size, or approximately three times the size of the attraction’s Biome. It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

It is thought that there are fewer than 40 mature plants growing in the wild and a very small number in cultivation including in places such as Thailand, Costa Rica, Brazil, Venezuela and Mexico.

Having been discovered in late 2006, the new species to science was officially described in 2008 after photographs were sent to Kew Gardens and their scientists made a trip to Madagascar to identify it. The distinctiveness of this rare palm meant that a new, unique plant genus - a category normally grouping similar plants together - was created just for this single species.

The palm, which is now the rarest plant in the Eden Project’s Rainforest Biome, had previously been grown at Cambridge University Botanic Garden, but needed to be relocated due to its size. The Garden donated the Plant to the Eden Project as part of the charity’s ongoing conservation efforts.

Tahina spectabilis is the largest palm species from Madagascar and can be picked up on satellite imagery. Its trunk is capable of growing up to 18 metres in height, with leaves reaching up to 5 metres in diameter.

The example seen at the Eden Project is currently approximately 4 metres tall and is thought to be up to 17 years old. Whilst little is still known to science about the palm, it is thought it will take a further 30 to 50 years to reach its full size.

The palm is monocarpic, meaning that the plant flowers and sets seeds just once before it dies. During this flowering event, the plant uses an incredible amount of energy to produce an impressive inflorescence with a vast number of small flowers. This behaviour is often seen in Agaves but rarely in palms.

The inflorescence is a pyramid-shaped panicle that can grow 4-5 metres above the crown of the palm and consists of hundreds of three-flowered clusters. These clusters bloom in three consecutive, synchronised cohorts, attracting insects and birds for pollination.

The example at the Eden Project can be seen in the Tropical Islands area of the Rainforest Biome, where the team have created a special bed to support the palm to grow to its full size.

Catherine Cutler, the Eden Project’s interim head of horticulture, said: “As horticulturists we are delighted that the Rainforest Biome is the new home for this magnificent palm, that we can play our part in the conservation of such an endangered species and that we, along with our visitors, can watch, and learn from it, as it grows.

“We are extremely proud of the collection of plants we have in the Biome, which sits at over 1,000 species and the eclectic stories they tell. There is so much for visitors to discover here and we are thrilled that this will offer another opportunity for them to experience a remarkable species that they wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to enjoy."

Luigi Leoni, Cambridge University Botanic Garden's glasshouse team leader, said: “It’s really exciting for the Tahina palm to be able to reach its full size at the Eden Project - something that wouldn’t have been possible in our Glasshouses at Cambridge University Botanic Garden.

"This will probably allow for this critically endangered species to flower and produce seeds in a few decades’ time. This will definitely be a first, since this Madagascan species was only described in 2008 and introduced to cultivation later on.”

Alongside the palm being planted for visitors to see in the Rainforest Biome, there will be a plethora of things to enjoy at the Eden Project this October half-term.

The Eden Project's Halloweden season will be taking place from October 26 and November 3 and will include activities that will take visitors on a deep dive into the extraordinary world of creepy crawlies great and small, including magnificent minibeast shows, a mega-beast safari and a marvellous bug fair.

Alongside the Halloweden programme, October half-term also sees the return of the Eden Project’s popular ice rink.

For more information on what to see in the Eden Project’s Rainforest Biome visit: www.edenproject.com

Following the appointment of new Mr Fothergill’s CEO, Michael Yates (above), in January 2024, the business has continued to strengthen its executive team, as it doubles down on its purpose of 'Helping Everyone Grow'.

Joining Yates are Steve Parkin, Exec Chairman, Sonila Troka, Chief Marketing Officer and David Harker, Chief Commercial Officer.

The new leadership team at Mr Fothergill’s has more than 100 years of combined consumer experience in creating and growing brands across the world.  Steve Parkin was previously CEO of PE-backed Mayborn Group (owners of the Tommee Tippee brand) for 17 years, while Sonila Troka has led brand and marketing at Loreal, Johnsons & Johnson (J&J) and Procter and Gamble (P&G).  David Harker comes from Salesforce Inc, where he was a Senior Account Director, having started his career in sales at P&G.

Commenting on the appointments, Yates said: “The new leadership team brings a wealth of experience in transforming global and local consumer brands across a range of sectors, through both retailer partners and brand websites (DTC and marketplaces). Together with a fantastic team of horticultural category experts, we are confident this new team gives us both the insights, as well as the capabilities, to rapidly grow our core brands of Mr Fothergill’s, DT Brown, Johnsons and Darlac. 

“The first stage of our transformation and acceleration programme will be this coming season, with brand relaunches and new product innovation across both UK and Australian retailers and DTC channels.”

Following these appointments, Mark Wootton, Commercial Director, leaves the business on 16 October 2024. Yates added: “I want to thank Mark for his two years at Mr Fothergill’s.  He has contributed significantly to our retailer partnerships, and we wish him well for the future.”

As part of its ongoing mission to become the garden retail sector’s ultimate one-stop-shop for pots and planters, the AMES Companies has announced an exclusive UK distribution agreement with the iconic German brand, Scheurich.

From 1st January 2025, garden retailers will gain access to Scheurich’s celebrated ranges alongside the AMES Companies existing brands, Apta and Artevasi, creating an unparalleled selection of pots and planters in the UK marketplace. Look out for over 350 SKUs, showcasing Scheurich’s trend-led range of indoor planters which includes both recycled plastic and ceramic designs that will cater to diverse interior styles, from contemporary to traditional aesthetics.

The distribution agreement also means that UK retailers will benefit from enhanced access to Scheurich’s UK’s top-selling product range as well as receiving exceptional support from AMES, known for its industry-leading customer care and supply chain expertise. With significantly increased UK stock levels, lead times will be reduced to as little as five days, allowing retailers to restock quickly during peak periods. A consistent pricing model and AMES’ full suite of merchandising and sales support services will further drive efficiencies from ordering to delivery.

What’s more, the partnership also significantly enhances the AMES Companies pot and planter offering, providing retailers with the most comprehensive collection available. From Apta’s premium pottery to Artevasi’s eco-friendly recycled plastic ranges, and now Scheurich’s renowned indoor planters, garden centres can expect increased sales opportunities. Notably, retailers will be able to combine orders across all three brands, optimising purchasing value through single-order processing and streamlined deliveries.

Paul North, Managing Director of the AMES Companies, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership: “Our goal is to be the one-stop-shop for our retail partners, and this exclusive agreement with Scheurich is a key step in that direction. Scheurich’s trusted brand adds to our ability to offer a full, stunning collection of durable indoor pots, available when retailers need them most. We are honoured to be the exclusive UK distributor for Scheurich and excited to grow together.”

Keith Turbett, Senior Vice President of the Scheurich-Group also shared his optimism: “This partnership with the AMES Companies ensures that our UK customers will continue to enjoy the highest standards in both product and service, while showcasing the finest of our German craftsmanship. We are confident this collaboration will deliver even greater value to the UK market and further establish Scheurich’s presence in homes and gardens across the region.”

Find out more

The Scheurich offering will shortly find its home at the AMES Companies headquarters in Pollington, East Yorkshire where it will join the wider AMES Companies brand portfolio which includes Apta, Kelkay, La Hacienda, Easy Fountain, Woodshaw and Artevasi.  Retailers wanting to find out more about stocking Scheurich in 2025 and beyond are invited to contact Patrick Thick, Sales Director for the Garden Centre channel via patrick.thick@ames.com

To stay up to date with all the latest news from AMES Companies please visit www.ames-uk.com

With less than 100 days of her 366 Daily Run for Greenfingers, Kate Ebbens has raised £15,167 for the charity.

To date visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/kate-ebbens-1701443565987

You can read Kate’s October update below:

The Stars for Europe image library and Christmas 2024 trend selection are now live!

It's poinsettia time again and once again our friends at Stars for Europe have some gorgeous lifestyle shots to help get us in the mood for Christmas.

You are very welcome to download any images/captions you like, which include tablescaping inspiration, Christmas tree and window styling, wreaths, shelf faffery, step-by-step craft project guides and more: https://www.starsuniteeurope.eu/en/image-database

Poinsettias are the classic Christmas plant and nowadays there are hundreds of varieties in many different colours, shapes and sizes. As well as being lovely pot plants they also work very well as cut flowers and are incredibly versatile as decorative accessories (especially the cute minis!).

I've attached a few images as examples of this year's selection, but do let me know if you're in search of anything in particular or want help with any festive features. I'd be very happy to find something suitable for you.

If you decide to use any pics they should be credited to Stars for Europe.

ecofective® Slug Stoppa took the headlines at Glee 2024, winning two accolades at the shows’ new product showcase awards. This includes taking top spot in the ‘Growing Materials’ category and then securing the prestigious ‘Overall Best New Product’ award.

Demonstrating innovation in the growing category, it follows previous wins at the 2023 GIMA awards for ecofective®’s Organic Superfood range, including Organic Superfood Ideal for Peat-free Compost being awarded the GIMA Sword of Excellence for best new product in 2023.

Owners of the ecofective® brand, Sipcam Home & Garden launched Slug Stoppa earlier in 2024, just in time to help gardeners tackle a huge surge in slug numbers. Research by Sipcam has found that gardeners would prefer not to harm slugs and snails. Slug Stoppa is a new eco way to shield edible and non-edible plants from slugs and snails, without hurting them. Not only this, but the pouch packaging has also up to 55% less plastic than a conventional plastic spray bottle. This new packaging consumes less energy throughout its entire lifecycle and less plastic material used also results in less waste to collect, sort, and recycle.

How does it work?

Using a brand-new formula, Slug Stoppa is a spray that creates an invisible barrier onto plants. The barrier makes the plant significantly less palatable for slugs and snails, so they move away to feed elsewhere. Slug Stoppa is a pesticide-free child & pet safe ready-to-use spray that also contains nutrients to enhance and promote plant growth. When sprayed onto plants it gives the plant an ability to withstand slugs or snails whilst ensuring they are all unharmed and that natural predators such as hedgehogs, amphibians and birds are safe to feed in the garden.

Furthermore, the new formula is also not harmful to pollinators such as butterflies and bees, who conduct such an important job in the garden.

Meeting consumer demand perfectly, Slug Stoppa is also a joy to use with the ergonomically designed ‘thumb pump’ trigger. The design of the trigger results in a seamless one-handed spray functionality that can be used when there are the first signs of slug and snail damage in the garden. 

In 2025, gardeners can re-use their Slug Stoppa trigger by purchasing the new Slug Stoppa Replacement Pouch, which attaches to the existing trigger, saving the user £1 when compared to buying a brand-new spray pouch. 

In an industry first, the ecofective® range is taking a leap forward to flexible pouch packaging across its entire range, breaking the norm of plastic bottles and giving retailers a wonderful opportunity to support sustainable solutions. Sipcam were encouraging retailers to ‘Bin the Bottle and Pick up a Pouch’ at the Glee 2024 exhibition and this will continue into the 2025 season.  

What support is there for retailers?

Slug Stoppa has already had fantastic feedback from garden centres, mentioning the high impact packaging as a reason for stand-out sales. Sipcam Home & Garden also offer additional instore support to encourage higher sell through rates. 

This includes the Slug Stoppa three-tiered wooden display stand with an integrated tv screen. The stand is also dressed in Slug Stoppa branding and extra product information to educate shoppers in-store.

Sipcam’s ‘Bin the Bottle’ campaign highlights the flexible pouch packaging format and there is a point of sale retailer kit designed to help promote Slug Stoppa and the rest of the ecofective® pouch range. This includes floor vinyls, wobblers and units that allow Slug Stoppa to be sited by the plants such as the elevated metal shelf units and bedding table edge displays.

Are you ready to bin the bottle? Pick up a Pouch! …at the Garden Centre Expo 15^th-16^th October, ExCel London, where Sipcam will be exhibiting, showcasing Slug Stoppa and the rest of the ecofective® range. Speak to the Sipcam Home & Garden team today to find out how you can become a stockist - enquiries@sipcamhg.co.uk.

GTN October 2024. In this Glee Review Issue: RocketGro – Towards Climate Positive, Open for business in Shetland - GTN visits the new centre in Lerwick, It’s Christmas – Entry details for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2024, Glee 2024 – The Buzz is back, Making an impact at Glee, Potr - GIMA Seed Corn Fund Winner, Glee Hero’s – Influencing the past 50 Years, Glee New Product Award Winners, Floral Thursday at Glee sets new records, Hold on tight – Wing walkers for Greenfingers, GTN Planteria – Seasonal picks for 2025 and beyond, Navigating change at the HTA Conference, HTA Viewpoint – Presidential reflections