Rose Peter's Persica, which was discovered by the late Peter Seabrook during one of his many nursery visits was awarded the Peter Seabrook Award last night at BBC Gardeners World Live.

The rose was one of over 100 new plant entries into the "Hot off the Potting Bench" display organised by Nicci and Neil Gow.

Elsewhere at the NEC event, garden designers, floral marquee exhibitors and trade stands, including British Garden Centres readied themselves to make the most of the summer weather and the 90,000 expected visitors to BBC Gardeners' World Live that runs alongside BBC Good Food Show.

British Garden Centres, sponsors of the the Live Theatre dominated the retail area in side the NEC Halls with a large stand selling plants, garden furniture and a range of Westland garden care products.

Amongst the product suppliers using the show to raise awareness of their brands, Leon Boots are raising money for Greenfingers from sales during the weekend.

The Newson Health Menopause Garden was awarded Best in Show, one of many excellent gardens that were described by the judges and the organisers as the best ever. 

There were plenty of inspirational garden ideas in the show gardens and the Beautiful Borders that visitors will be able to take home and many that any garden centres who visit can use to influence in-store displays.  Amongst them was the Showcase Garden of Glee New Product Awards judge Lilidh Matthews and her partner John Tallis.

The Best display in the Floral Marquee was awarded to Grafton Nursery for their display of everything Eucalyptus, its well worth a look for planteria inspiration if you get a chance.

And New Forest Hostas won an award for the best retail floral display with very accessible display units for their plants.

As the press evening drew to a close we met Sally-Ann putting the finishing touches to her Eco Seed Ball display which could be an ideal new product to add to sustainability and wildflower garden centre retailing.

See our full photo gallery below.

GTN June 2023 Glee Show preview. In this issue:

• Westland Glee 6 page Glee Preview
• GTN Interview with Dobbies CEO Graeme Jenkins
• Chelsea 2023 goes wild
• Hozelock create greener gardens
• GTN’s Glee 2023 Preview
• Greeting cards – a footfall driver from Woodmansterne
• Altico drive support for retailers
• Floral Thursday FUNdraising at Glee
• Click and grow with Azpects
• Zest – The Natural Choice for 2024
• Evergreen Garden Care – A Peat Free Journey
• Sustainable feed from Apsley Farms
• Glee Exhibitor News
• Scandi style by Fandango
• Osprey keeps customers charged up
• New Products at Glee – A sneak preview of Award entries
• Planteria – New agapanthus wins at Chelsea
• LOFA Column – Promote sustainability at SOLEX 2023
• HTA Column – Getting messages out there
• GIMA Column – Making Connections.

The team from Zest of Alwyn Williams, Leon Barratt, Simon Davison, Jess L'Hanson regained the GIMA Charity Golf Day Trophy last week ahead of teams from Durstons + Glee and Leon Boots.

In total a record 25 teams took part in the Better Ball Stableford competition held on The Lakes course at Belton Woods in Lincolnshire on Thursday 8th June 2023.

Thousands of pounds were raised for the Greenfingers Charity during the day and in the post BBQ Charity Auction and raffle.  Sue Allen, Greenfingers Chairman said "Thank you all so, so much. Not just for what you've done today for Greenfingers, but what so many of you do in an ongoing way for us."

"Without GIMA and having days like this, where would we be? Nnext year it's our silver anniversary, and I like to think that together next year we will really celebrate our 25th anniversary as a charity."

GIMA Vice President Kate Ebbens added: "I'd like to thank all of you for giving your time today and to our annual charity Golf Day with Greenfingers as our main charity. Thank you for all those kind donations and to Andy Beswick for arranging the teams and for leaving Richard to do the scoring, and to Bob and Bill aka Bob and Boyd for tonight's raffle and auction. Without them we wouldn't have raised all this money for Greenfingers tonight.

"Thank you also to Vicky and her team for arranging an amazing day that each year increases. We had 100 golfers today, which is quite a record. We look forward to seeing you at Glee and our upcoming GIMA Awards in October and see you all next year. Thank you very much."

GIMA Charity Golf Day 2023

Beat the Pro
Ben Walton - Woodlodge
Charles Fairway - Woodlodge
Simon Bourne - Westland South
Niall Mulcahy - Westland South
Derek Bunker - Evergreen
Tom Stolworthy - Rocketgro & Treadstone
Jonathan Hirst - Hartman
Gordon Cheeseman - Leon Boots

Nearest the Pin on the 2nd
John Birch - Smart Garden 2

Nearest the Pin on the 5th
James Mitchell - AMES

Nearest the Pin in 2 on the 8th
Ron Craik - Smart Garden 2

Nearest the Pin on the 17th
Colin Stephens - Evergreen 1

Longest Drive on the 18th
Andy MacMillan - Vitax

Best Pairs Score 46 points
Gordon Cheesman and Mike Lind - Leon Boots

Worst Pairs Score - lost 22 balls
Bob Marley and Boyd Douglas-Davies

Team Wooden Spoon - 56 points
Woolcool - Hortiwool
Kevin Spilsbury, Josie Morris, Luke Woodward, Peter Tomlinson

3rd Place Team - 84 points
Leon Boots
Jacob Lewis, Charlie Burgess, Gordon Cheeseman, Mike Lind

2nd Place Team - 85 points
Durston + Glee
Dan Durston, Wes Durston, Dan McAlpine, James Kenton

Winning Team - 87 points
Zest
Alwyn Williams, Leon Barratt, Simon Davison, Jess L'Hanson

Full GIMA Golf Day 2023 Full Team Results

See photos from the day below - more will be added later in the week

Meadow View Stone is hosting a silent auction in aid of the Greenfingers Charity throughout the first two days of Glee, offering an array of goodies that customers and suppliers can silently bid on for a chance to win. 

Greenfingers, the industry’s leading charity is appealing for more suppliers and customers to offer their support by donating a pallet of stock, a gift, or an experience, with any donations gratefully received.  Please participate in the bidding process which is now open and show your support for this very worthy cause.  The winning bids will be announced within the hospitality area of the Meadow View Stone stand in Hall 20 C20-D21 at 6pm on Wednesday 28th June – so it would be great to see you all there.

Visit: https://www.32auctions.com/MVS-greenfingers  to place your bid or visit our stand for further assistance. 

All funds raised will be donated to Greenfingers which is a national charity dedicated to creating magical and inspiring gardens for life-limited children and their families who spend time in hospices across the UK.

For more information or to donate a prize please email: jess@meadowviewstone.co.uk

Garland Products is launching over 40 new products at Glee 2023 (Hall:8-20 Stand: 20H30-J31). These include 24 new propagation products, which result from a major investment to further cement Garland’s position as the market leader in this sector. The products include Square Tom Pots, Super-Sized Seed Tray and Garden Tray and a Deep Root Garden/Seed Tray.

Also added is a Vented Large Budget Propagator, a Vented Budget Propagator Lid, Jute Seed Mats and Micro Greens Trays.

Among the exciting launches are a new 28-Cell Deep Root Seed Success Kit, which has 28 injection moulded cells along with an injection moulded base tray and a vented propagator lid.  A new 24 Cell Fast Root kit and a 24 Cell Self Watering Fast Root option comprise shallower split cell moulding and base tray, and are available alongside individual split cells.  

New Jute Growing Bags include a Potato Bag, a Bean and Pea Bag as well as a Grow Bag option. There are six new Jute Hanging Basket Liners, a Half Basket Liner and two cut-to-size options for wall baskets and mangers.

A very practical deep new Home & Garden Storage Tray will prove perfect for a wide range of uses around the home and garden.

Completing Garland’s exciting launches for 2023 is a Cane Grip Grow Pot Set and a Duogrow self-watering planter. The Cane Grip Grow Pots comprise two 11ltr Square Growing Pots coupled with cane supports which are built in to a moisture retaining Mulch Cap lid together with a base tray reservoir for retaining water. These competitively-priced pots are perfect for growing tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, chillies and other similar plants. The Duogrow is a 2-pot self-watering planter that waters plants at the optimal times.

Click here to register for Glee and read Glee Daily News Issue 1 here

Michael Hall, former director of Deco-Pak, has been jailed for five years after being convicted of gross negligence manslaughter.

The company has also been fined £700,000 and ordered to pay £90,000 in court costs after a worker was crushed to death by a robotic packing arm.

Forty-eight-year-old Andrew Tibbott died while working at Deco-Pak in Hipperholme, West Yorkshire, on 14 April 2017.

A Crown Court trial was told that the machine's safety features had been bypassed or disabled. Mr Tibbott, who had worked for the firm for less than six weeks, was crushed while attempting to clean a sensor on the machine.

According to the prosecution, senior Deco-Pak management were notified on numerous occasions about the bypassing of safety systems and the likely consequence of accidents and injury. It was accepted that Deco-Pak had employed the machine manufacturers to train Mr Tibbott and other employees at various times in those six weeks.

The machinery, used for bagging aggregates, had systems bypassed or disabled “within days” of it being installed in 2015 due to issues with the installation of certain parts of the machine, the court was told.

Deco-Pak Ltd was convicted of corporate manslaughter in January 2022 following a trial at Bradford Crown Court.

Former company director 64-year-old Michael Hall, who was running Deco-Pak at the time, was convicted of gross negligence manslaughter in April following a retrial.

Hall was sentenced to five years' imprisonment while Deco-Pak Ltd was fined £700,000 and ordered to pay £90,000 in court costs.

Company director Rodney Slater was acquitted of gross negligence manslaughter and of a health and safety breach.

Alex Johnson, specialist prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Andrew Tibbott was killed by a powerful and dangerous piece of machinery in an accident that should never have happened.

Are you planning on attending SOLEX 2023? As an outdoor leisure buyer, there's no doubt that you're looking to make the most out of this event by securing essential meetings with exhibitors and vendors.

However, with so many attendees and limited time, it can be challenging to secure appointments with key exhibitors. Fortunately, SOLEX has the perfect solution – PRIMETIME Appointments system.

Here we explore how this system works and how it can help you maximize your time at SOLEX 2023.

What is the PRIMETIME Appointments System?

Simply put, the PRIMETIME Appointments system is a scheduling tool that allows attendees to pre-book a meeting with SOLEX exhibitors before the event. This means that you can secure your appointment with your preferred exhibitors and avoid the hassle of trying to find them amidst the crowds.

To access this system, visit the SOLEX floor plan via our website and select the exhibitor you want to meet with. From there, press the button bar at the top of their page for easy access to the calendar system. You can book in 30-minute blocks or extend if needed. Once confirmed, an email will be sent out to confirm your appointment.

What are the Benefits of Using the PRIMETIME Appointments System?

First and foremost, this system saves time and improves efficiency. Rather than wasting precious time at SOLEX searching for exhibitors and negotiating availability, you can pre-book your meetings and arrive at SOLEX with a clear schedule and plan.

Moreover, by securing appointments with exhibitors, you can ensure that you get the most out of your attendance at SOLEX. You can leverage your time to explore other areas of the event while knowing that your crucial business appointments are taken care of.

How to Use the PRIMETIME Appointments System Effectively?

To make the most out of this system, we recommend the following tips:

Plan ahead: Before making appointments, identify the exhibitors that are most important to you and prioritize them accordingly.

Be flexible: Keep in mind that some exhibitors may be in high demand and may not have availability at your preferred time. Have an open and flexible attitude while booking appointments and consider alternative times.

Allow buffer time: It's always good to allow some buffer time between appointments in case some appointments run over time or if there are last-minute changes.

What Else to Expect at SOLEX 2023?

While the PRIMETIME Appointments system is a great tool to make the most out of your time at SOLEX 2023, there are several other things to look forward to at this event. You can expect to see the latest and greatest products and innovations in outdoor leisure, hear from industry experts, and network with fellow industry professionals.

The PRIMETIME Appointments system at SOLEX 2023 is a game-changer for outdoor leisure buyers looking to make the most out of this event. By pre-booking appointments, you eliminate the stress and hassle of trying to find key exhibitors amidst the crowds and maximize your time at SOLEX 23. 

The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation is benefiting from a substantial donation from Westland Horticulture, who have launched a Named Fund to assist the Foundation with their work supporting students studying horticulture.

Keith Nicholson, Marketing Director of Westland Horticulture, said: “At Westland, we are proud to invest in the future.  We recognise our responsibility in nurturing talented and passionate individuals and helping to promote the wealth of fantastic career opportunities in the horticulture and gardening industry.  Westland has always been forward-thinking, and it feels only natural to help young people grow their talents which will, in turn, help us to shape the future of our industry.  We are therefore proud to support the outstanding work that Colegrave Seabrook Foundation is undertaking to support students studying horticulture.  The newly created Westland Fund will offer essential support for students striving for a career within horticulture and provide the best opportunities today.”

Chair of the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation, Jeff Colegrave, added: “It is very gratifying Westland Horticulture understand the importance of supporting students who are studying horticulture. These students are the future of our industry and companies supplying any sector of the horticulture should be recognising that, directly or indirectly, their success is dependent on having well trained, committed staff, with a passion for horticulture, working either for them or their customers. We are extremely grateful for this support from Westland, which will help us to support even more students and assist with our ongoing work to promote horticulture as a worthwhile, satisfying and rewarding career.”

The Named Fund scheme, set up by the Foundation,  incorporates significant donations from companies and individuals. It is one of the ways to help support the work of the charity who, through colleges, are training students in horticultural skills to grow their careers in the industry. You too could be backing the work of the Foundation and to find out more go to ‘Supporters’ page of their website, talk to one of the Trustees or contact via info@colegraveseabrookfoundation.org.uk

Pictured: Edward Conroy, CEO of Westland Horticulture Ltd, photographed on the feature display created at BBC Gardeners World Live in 2022 by the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation as a tribute to founding Trustee Peter Seabrook who had died suddenly earlier that year.

Value garden centre Riverside in Hockley is celebrating its first 12 months since joining the Cherry Lane family. A huge transformation has seen the garden centre grow – its interior retail space is now double in size, the plant area has been expanded by 30%, and new departments and product ranges introduced to enhance the shopping experience. 

The anniversary is being marked with an in-store competition for customers to win a £150 shopping voucher.

Cherry Lane specialises in high-quality, great value gardening products and is passionate about beautiful plants at amazing prices. Cherry Lane has created a larger horticulture offering at Riverside Garden Centre to offer customers a vast choice of the finest plants, shrubs and trees, as well as compost and aggregates, outdoor living such as garden furniture, solar lighting, home and gifts, all at spectacular Cherry Lane prices. A new Scallywags pet department has also been created.

While updates have been made around the garden centre, the much-loved Garden Room Café remains the same. Riverside’s well-established basket and container operation has also been continued, which complements the Grown by Us range cultivated in nurseries at four of Cherry Lane’s other garden centres. Riverside grows hundreds of plants for bespoke customer orders and general sale in the garden centre.

Cherry Lane retained all existing employees when it acquired Riverside. Currently, 60 staff work across the garden centre and café, including 15 new team members who have been recruited in the past year.

To mark 12 successful months of trading, Riverside is giving customers the chance to win a £150 Cherry Lane shopping voucher to spruce up their garden this Summer. To enter, customers simply need to scan their Cherry-Picked Rewards loyalty card or app each time they make a purchase from now until the start of July. More scans will mean more entries into the competition. Customers can sign up for a free Cherry Lane reward card in-store or by simply downloading the Cherry Lane Rewards app, plus they’ll also receive 10% off their next shop and other special deals including treats on their birthday.

The garden centre manager Dan Prince has been working at Riverside for over seven years, previously as horticulture manager. Dan said: “We’re very pleased with all the fantastic improvements made in time for our first birthday. As part of the Cherry Lane family, we now have so much more to offer including a vast new department full of top-quality plants and exclusive outdoor living ranges, while keeping all the much-loved favourites across the garden centre and café too. We can’t wait to welcome customers as they pop in to enter our voucher competition and celebrate with us.”

Harry Ketchell, operations manager at Cherry Lane Garden Centres, said: “As an independent family-run business, we were keen to continue the family ethos of Riverside while also introducing the great value shopping experience that customers expect at Cherry Lane. We are very pleased with the finished result - the team at Riverside has done a brilliant job in managing the transformation. We are very much looking forward to another busy year, with our full summer ranges now in stock. Customers can be sure that Riverside will be bursting with value in 2023 and beyond.”

The UK’s only value garden centre group, Cherry Lane was established in 2001. During the past 22 years, Cherry Lane has gone from strength to strength, starting as a group of three garden centres in East Anglia and growing to 17 across the country today, reaching from Suffolk to Worcester and Essex to Yorkshire. Cherry Lane now also has five of its own on-site nurseries, which cultivate the group’s Grown by Us range of homegrown plants that are sold across the business.

Riverside Garden Centre by Cherry Lane is located at Hayfield Lodge, Lower Road, Hockley SS5 5LE. For more information, visit www.cherry-lane.co.uk

Hot on the heels of Glee’s first registration incentive, which saw one lucky winner win a night’s accommodation at the show, it has been confirmed that a second exciting incentive is now up for grabs.

This time, anyone who pre-registers for Glee between June 6th and 16th will be placed into a draw to win £1,000 to be spent with any singular exhibitor at the show.

To be in for a chance to win, simply visit www.gleebirmingham.com/visitor-registration before the deadline.  The lucky winner will be randomly selected after June 16th and will be notified no later than June 22nd.

Reasons to visit Glee 2023

1. As the International Festival of Garden, Leisure and Pet, Glee 2023 will connect the garden industry to inspire change, drive growth and launch innovation​across three-action packed days.
2. Find new suppliers and be the first to stock exciting new brands by visiting the 400+ brands that will make their home on the 2023 floorplan.
3. Set your offering apart by stocking one of the thousands of new products that will exclusively launch at Glee 2023.
4. Be inspired by the all-new Talent Store to learn more about the power of visual merchandising from the industry’s newest and emerging talent or visit Glee’s Green Heart to source the latest plant varieties.
5. See the ‘Plants of the Future’ with a special showcase from Glee ambassador, Michael Perry, where you’ll get a first look at those plant varieties that won’t hit stores until 2025.
6. The relocated Fire, Grill & Chill will be the place to see grills, barbeques and firepits in action, making it the go-to place for leisure buyers to source 2024 ranges.
7. Innovation and ‘the next big thing’ can be seen at Glee’s dedicated New Product Showcase, often the first port of call for buyers who are looking for exciting new ranges.
8. Education has always been a key aspect of Glee’s overall offering with ‘The Stage’ the place to learn more about the key trends and topics that are shaping the future of garden retail. With a three-day packed agenda, there is a lot to learn, from issues surrounding sustainability and ethical consumers to how we can futureproof our industry.
9. Celebrate the best buyers and buying teams who have gone above and beyond over the last 12 months with the Buyers’ Power List.
10. Join the Glee team at the Glee Party at the end of the first day (Tuesday 27th June) in Fire, Grill and Chill where there will be food, drink and live music.

Find out more

Glee connects the garden industry to inspire change, drive growth and launch innovation​. Entry to Glee is free of charge to all pre-registered visitors. Simply register via the Glee website at: http://www.gleebirmingham.com/register  To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2023, which will take place June 27th – 29th at the NEC, please call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com. 

British Garden Centres is partnering with leading charity Diabetes UK, for its annual Wellness Walks this summer.

Diabetes UK’s Wellness Walks take place from July to September passing through the neighbourhoods and landmarks of Birmingham, Glasgow and London, with British Garden Centres supporting each walk by supplying 1,000 packs of(?) seeds to be handed out and a free coffee voucher to redeem in any of its 62 stores. Gardening benefits mental and physical health, and the seeds will be given to the children taking part, encouraging them to engage with nature and gardening, helping improve their overall wellbeing.

Diabetes is a serious condition, affecting more than five million people in the UK. Diabetes UK is the UK’s leading diabetes charity, committed to campaigning with and supporting people living with the condition. The charity also funds ground-breaking research, taking us closer to a world where diabetes can do no harm. The Wellness Walks aim to support those with diabetes to walk towards a happier, healthier future. With every step, walkers across the country will be helping to fund Diabetes UK’s life-changing research, whilst supporting their wellness and that of their loved ones.

As well as taking part in the walk, participants will be given tips and advice on healthy eating, how to make changes to be more active and generally live well. The Glasgow and London Wellness Walks will finish with a Wellness Celebration and the Birmingham Wellness Walk will incorporate wellness moments along the route.

Amy Stubbs, Development and Project Manager at British Garden Centres said: “Gardening has so many great benefits, one being the impact on health and helping to live as active a lifestyle as possible.  It is an excellent cardiovascular workout, but it also promotes endorphins and allows you to stay healthy and happy too.  We are delighted to be donating seeds to the Diabetes UK Wellness Walks and helping to plant the seeds of good health.”

Hannah Richards, Head of Community and Events at Diabetes UK said: “We’re so grateful to British Garden Centres for kindly donating seeds to our Diabetes UK Wellness Walk participants. Diabetes UK’s Wellness Walks are all about getting outside and walking for a healthier, happier future. Gardening is a great way to get active for people of all ages. We hope these seeds will encourage the children taking part to get their gardening gloves on and spend time in nature, which we know can have a positive impact on wellbeing.”

The Diabetes UK Wellness Walks take place in Glasgow on 11th June and Birmingham on 2nd July, followed by a London walk that will take place on 24thSeptember.

To register to take part, please visit https://www.diabetes.org.uk/get_involved/fundraising-events/walk

Dobbies is inviting amateur gardeners, of all ages and backgrounds from across the UK, to enter its annual Not Your Average Gardener Awards.

Set to celebrate novice gardeners and enthusiasts alike, Dobbies marks its fourth year of the awards with the help of a robust panel of horticultural and wildlife experts to crown four winners.

With four new categories, judges will be looking for a variety of gardeners of all abilities to put themselves, or a loved one, forward to be in with the chance of scooping Dobbies’ annual gardening prize.

Dobbies’ Senior Houseplant Buyer and recently appointed Royal Horticultural Society Chair of Assessors, Claire Bishop, will join Dobbies’ Horticultural Director and seasoned judge, Marcus Eyles, to crown the new Creative Indoor Gardener and Little Eco Gardener categories. Claire said: “It’s a real honour to be part of the Not Your Average Gardener Awards for its fourth year and I can’t wait to see the talent from our houseplant enthusiasts.

“The awards have been designed with full inclusivity in mind, so we’re looking for people of all ages and skill levels to get in touch and tell us about their vibrant green space that they have a real passion for.”

RePollinate, a Scottish-based charity that conserves and enhances the UK’s threatened pollinators through education, scientific research and the creation of pollinator friendly habitats, will judge the Wildlife Friendly Garden category.

Leigh Biagi, Project Coordinator at RePollinate, is thrilled to be partnering with Dobbies on the judging panel. She said: “We are so delighted to be asked to judge the Wildlife Friendly Gardener category of the awards. At RePollinate we are passionate about doing all we can to support nature in our green spaces, no matter how big or small that space may be, and we know that this passion is shared by many gardeners. It will be exciting to see the entries and discover what people are doing to support sustainability and welcome nature into their gardens."

Social media gardening expert, Michael Griffiths, aka The Mediterranean Gardener, joins the panel to judge the Plant to Plate Gardener category. He said: “I’m delighted to be part of this year’s Not Your Average Gardener Awards, and can’t wait to see all the fantastic entries from gardeners all over the UK. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the creativity and commitment of amateur gardeners, who invest their time and skill into making wonderful outside spaces with a grow your own focus.”

There’s a prize pot of £4,000 to help successful applicants take their award-winning garden to the next level, each taking home a £1,000 giftcard to spend in their local Dobbies’ store. Team members will be on hand to help winners select the best sustainable products and plants for their space. 

Entries close on Friday 30 June and winners will be announced early August. To find out more about how you can get involved and to take part, visit Not your average gardener award winners | Dobbies Garden Centres.

In response to retailer and supplier feedback, from 2024, the INDX Toy & Gift show, one of the UK's leading industry trade shows, is moving from a Spring calendar date to take-up a September slot.

The next show will be held on 3 - 4 September 2024 and is open to all types of retailers.

The move to September was agreed by the INDX strategy group, where suppliers and buyers said that they wanted to move the date to give them the opportunity to view new ranges later in the year due to the congested period of shows in the Springtime.
 
INDX Toy & Gift will now be the only dedicated toy industry show in the Autumn season, and the September date will provide a great opportunity for retailers to take advantage of pre-Christmas buying.

Visitors to the show will also get a first look at suppliers' early launch new ranges, giving them a head start on their Spring 2025 buying. 

Rosie Marshall, Head of Toys & Children's Gifts at AIS, said: "The unique proposition for INDX trade shows is that they are ‘curated by buyers, for buyers’ and therefore we are continually reviewing the best time to hold the shows for everyone to benefit commercially.

“With a busy trade show run for the Toy sector in spring, it made sense that we created an autumn event that allowed suppliers and buyers to meet, forward plan beyond the Christmas season, and maximise annual sales not just seasonal. 

“With a broad visitor base which includes leading department stores, standalone toy and gift stores, garden centres, farm shops, and delis, it’s important that the INDX Toy & Gift show supports all year-round trading”.

The INDX Toy & Gift Show is the perfect place for toy and gift suppliers to present their new and bestselling toys & children’s gifts to retailers from the UK and Ireland, and in addition to showcasing ranges from over 70 exhibitors, the show also features mixed displays to inspire in-store merchandising. 

Exhibitor enquiries can be made to Rosie Marshall: Rosie.Marshall@play-room.uk.com

Customers at Squire’s Garden Centre Milford were entertained and informed as they enjoyed a series of inspiring talks given by award-winning garden designer and presenter Adam Frost.

Taking place in the stunning gardens at Squire’s Milford and blessed with warm weather, Adam provided four educational gardening talks as well as signed books and took the time to chat to people.  Many customers stayed for the duration of the day to ensure they could capture Adam’s helpful tips and advice on a range of topics and commented on how accessible he made gardening to everyone.

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, said: “We were really delighted to have Adam join us at Squire’s Milford and spend time with our customers, especially as he had come after his week-long stint at Chelsea Flower Show.  

“Adam provided a brilliant insight into his gardening ethos, with lots of tips and advice as well as making each session entertaining.  I hope our visitors thoroughly enjoyed Adam’s visit as much as the Squire’s team did.”

With the 2023 awards season in full flow, Four Oaks announces plans for a reformat of its September trade show honours.

There will be 10 New Plant & Product Award categories - Young plants (new varieties), Bedding/pot plant, Herbaceous Perennials, Houseplants, Trees, Shrubs, Professional product/service/equipment, Retail product/service/equipment, Technical excellence and Sustainability impact.  

The award for Sustainability impact is new and is deliberately broad to encourage submissions from across the exhibitor base, which it has already done. As with all the awards, the judging criteria are not overly prescriptive, rather exhibitors are asked to summarise why each entry is the winner; what are the benefits over and above anything that’s come before. 

New for this year will be a New Plant & Product Awards feature printed in the catalogue, to include all entries received by 7^th July. The organisers are urging exhibitors to submit in time to benefit from presenting their best launches to visitors in this way (free of charge).

The Pat Coutts Awards enable exhibitors to celebrate their excellent people and were very well received at the 50th-anniversary event in 2022.  The platform has been created in honour of Pat’s legacy of excellence. All those nominated were highlighted on social media and at the show, which will be repeated in 2023. Winners across three categories, based on the size of the company, were Andrew Dorman of Mockridge Nurseries, Neil Williams of Petersfield Growing Mediums and Hannah Groome of Allensmore Nurseries with Kyle Ross of Wyevale Nurseries recognised through an Ambassador for Horticulture Award. 

Both competitions are sponsored by HortWeek this year and entries are open now through the Exhibitors Manual. 

Any questions or queries should be emailed to info@fouroaks-tradeshow.com.  

RocketGro will unveil a brand-new range of liquid concentrate plant feed at Glee 2023 (stand 6B50-C51). The exciting launch plugs a gap in the market and creates further opportunities around organic growing, with quality liquid feeds offered at a competitive pricepoint and designed to sell through fast.

Created to provide a value proposition for gardeners seeking a sustainable and organic option, RocketGro’s newest range comprises five liquid concentrate feeds: Tomato Food, Rose & Shrub Plant Food, All-Purpose Plant Food, Ericaceous Plant Food, and Lawn Feed.

Offered in 1.5 litre bottles (RRP £5.99), including a generous 50% extra free during 2023/2024, the liquid plant feeds hit the right price point for both the consumer and retailer. Vibrant, showstopping packaging will stand out on sales fixtures, thanks to impactful imagery and a clear, compelling message.

Consumers seeking greener alternatives for gardening success will love this new range, as all products are chemical free, 100% organic approved, British grown, sourced and manufactured, and are the by-product of renewable energy production. Packaging is also 100% recyclable.

The beauty of these feeds is that they are not just a gimmick – they are based on a tried-and-tested formula that has been used by Somerset farmers for growing crops for decades and really works. Your customers will keep coming back for more once they’ve tasted growing success with RocketGro.

Managing Director, Toby Thomas said: “We saw the need for a value proposition within the liquid plant food market that fits into the sustainable and organic space. We believe this new range of liquid feeds will create real opportunities for retailers, including the potential to generate compelling linked sales to the RocketGro compost range – something that most plant feeds just cannot boast! Factor in the attractive price point, with market-leading 50% extra free, and stand-out packaging, and this is a truly powerful combination that makes this range of feeds built to sell!”

The brand-new liquid plant feeds join RocketGro’s existing organic, peat-free line up, including its flagship Magic Mulch, UK’s biggest Tomato & Veg planter, and RocketGro’s impressive River Cottage-endorsed collection of composts.

RocketGro recently partnered with EP Barrus to distribute its products, meaning the new liquid plant feeds will be showcased prominently at Glee, appearing on both RocketGro’s and Barrus’ stands. The show provides buyers with an exclusive first chance to get hands-on with this game-changing range, so come and talk to the RocketGro (stand 6B50-C51) and Barrus (stand 20D40-E41) teams to discover more.

Find out more

If you want to learn more about RocketGro or are keen to discuss adding its product portfolio into your 2023 offering, please contact Toby Thomas (hello@rocketgro.co.uk /07936 928 981) or Andy Abraham (andy@rocketgro.co.uk / 07446 937902). Discover more about the RocketGro story at www.rocketgro.co.uk

The team at Durston Garden Products Ltd is gearing up for a great show at Glee (June 27th-29th NEC Birmingham) and will be out in force on stand 20C02 to walk retailers through their fantastic range of growing media products and highlight the opportunities created by buying from an established, family-run UK business.

A range that delivers

Durstons had an extremely positive show last year, with a great response to their products, and are all set to replicate that success at Glee 2023. Durstons will showcase their impressive peat-free collection, which was welcomed by the industry last year for creating new opportunities around the category and boosting consumer confidence in peat-free products. Buyers can get hands-on with the range, browsing exciting recent additions, such as the extra-large Peat Free Grow in the Bag, which was brand new for the 2023 season and is ideal for growing a wide range of fruit, vegetables and salad crops.

Also available in the peat-free family is a top-performing Multi-Purpose Compost Peat-Free, which is produced entirely from renewable sources and features Durstons’ GRO BOOST technology; and Organic Multi-Purpose Compost Peat Free, which boasts a blend of the highest-quality organic, peat-free growing media, combined with a wetting agent. Both composts provide excellent nutrient content and creates ideal growing conditions for plants.

On stand, Durstons’ will showcase their stellar line-up of growing media – a comprehensive and quality offer that caters to gardeners of all skillsets. The show will give buyers the chance to browse a host of best-sellers, including a range of multi-purpose composts that are guaranteed to drive sales and become a staple line for retail customers. Within this range is Durstons’ Multi-Purpose Compost and Multi-Purpose Compost with John Innes (50 litre pack); both of which provide excellent nutrient content and deliver consistently outstanding results, thanks to Durstons’ unique performance-enhancing ingredient, GRO BOOST.

With 22 products in Durstons’ portfolio – from specialist composts to soil conditioner and decorative bark – buyers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to filling gaps in their growing media offer.

A value proposition

Helping retailers to shape their ‘good, better, best’ offering and provide customers with quality products at keen prices, Durstons will have its competitive Manor Farm range on show. This collection has recently been bolstered by the addition of Manor Farm Peat-Free Multi-Purpose Compost, which allows stockists to offer a peat-free compost at a great-value price point; ideal if consumers want to dip a toe in peat-free growing but don’t want to pay a premium. Meanwhile, Manor Farm Multi-Purpose Compost is a firm favourite with garden retailers, who hail the range as an excellent value multi-purpose compost that promotes healthy growth for all plants and vegetables.

A proud portfolio backed up by unrivalled service

Not only will visitors be able to get up close and personal with Durstons’ incredible products but Glee 2023 will provide invaluable facetime with the Durstons team and the chance to find out more about what a future stocking their range could look like. Discover more about the scale of this British manufacturer and their capability to meet demand from large conglomerates in the market, not to mention the added flexibility afforded by

Durston Garden Products Sales Director, Dan Durston says: “We are really looking forward to Glee 2023 and the chance to see our existing stockists, whilst exploring opportunities with potential new customers. There’s nothing quite like when the industry comes together and we have the chance to chat to people in person, let them experience our products and packaging first-hand, and also get that opportunity to talk about how the category is doing. We always receive great feedback from retailers about the market, which helps to us adapt and meet their needs. As a company, we have made some important investments that further increased our capacity futureproofed key areas, so we are really excited to discuss with retailers what that can mean for their business if they come on board.”

Fifth generation, Chris Durston will also be on stand at Glee. He has been with the company since 1965, is still an active participant in the running of Durstons, and loves telling customers how the firm has changed in his lifetime.

Find out more

Durstons has been established for over 150 years, manufacturing and supplying quality growing media products to the garden trade. To find out more about the latest developments from Durstons, visit them on stand at Glee (Hall 20 stand C02), www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk or call 01458 442688.

The countdown is on to BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the Birmingham NEC is well and truly underway and with less than ONE week to go, British Garden Centres are delighted to announce some exclusive show offers and social media content over the weekend.

The show, which will be held between 15 – 18 June 2023, is known as the biggest event on the gardening enthusiasts’ calendar and is the ideal time to see your favourite gardening experts and brands, marvel at the show gardens and enjoy a day with friends and family. 

The UK’s largest family-run group British Garden Centres will also be exhibiting at the show; we will be showcasing our impressive range of luxury furniture and accessories, as well as bringing horticulture to the forefront of the show with our impressive and extensive range of plants.

Our plant buyers have given us the lowdown on the top 5 plants no garden should be without that will be on the BGC stand that you can’t afford to miss.

• Agapanthus ‘Black Jack’  2023’s New Plant winner at RHS Chelsea.
•  A new red-leaved camellia: Camellia ‘Femme Fatale’
• Phalaenopsis 'Bellissimo’
• Trachelospermum jasminoides
• Eryngium ‘Big Blue’

As well as this, both British Garden Centres’ stands (G168 and G190) will have exclusive show prices and discounts that can be used in stores. There will also be amazing offers on garden furniture, to help make your garden space the perfect paradise.

Leading garden care brand, Westland Horticulture will also be joining the British Garden Centres stand. The Westland team will be on hand to share their expert knowledge and provide any gardening advice you might need.

Hear from the experts

This year’s show will also include expert advice and sessions from Monty Don, Carol Klein, Adam Frost, Frances Tophill and Alan Titchmarsh, in the BBC Gardeners’ World Live Theatre, sponsored by British Garden Centres.  Visitors can also take-home inspiration from the stunning show gardens and border displays and enjoy the weekend which is a celebration of everything plants and garden, from design ideas and outdoor living inspiration to tools and accessories.

Social media

On British Garden Centres’ Instagram, some familiar faces and gardening influencers will be taking over the channel on each day of the show.  Join Hannah, Kirsty, Rachel and Tom who will be posting exclusive pictures and content of BBC Gardener’s World Live to our Instagram, including snaps of our exclusive offers, in session with talks and showstopping garden displays.  If you can’t make the show itself this is not to be missed so, do yourself a favour; follow us at @britishgardencentres from the 15th.

Thursday 15th June – Hannah @gingergrows1

Friday 16th June – Kirsty Ward @my_little_allotment

Saturday 17th June – Dr Rachel Greenhill @rachels.allotment

Sunday 18th June – Tom @dragqueen_gardener

*Book now and save 15% on Thursday, Friday and Sunday tickets when you use code BGC15.* Offer ends 11 June.*

*Ticket offers valid on adult/over 65s standard entry tickets only. Not valid on Saturday, VIP or 2-day tickets, on added extras, or with any other offer. Ends 23:59 on 11 June 2023.  £3.95 transaction fee per e-ticket order, £4.95 per postal order. Details correct at time of sending e-mail.

Dao by Dorsett West London, a 4 star aparthotel overlooking the green in Shepherds Bush, has launched a fun and innovative plant library for guests.

Guests can choose any plant from the library (which is located in the Lobby) and place it in their room to care for it during their stay. They can also scan a QR Code which gives them a simple care guide to their favourite plant. Plants to choose from include Birds Nest Ferns, Rubber plants, Parlour plants, and succulents like Aloe Vera, Jade plant and Snake plant.

Inspired by the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the plant selection also includes some unusual houseplants, such as the succulent Aeonium and native plants including Roses and Daisies. Key trends from Chelsea this year were drought resistant plants such as succulents that require less water, as well as native plants that thrive in the British climate. As we head into the summer months Dao by Dorsett wants to highlight the benefits of being surrounded by nature, whilst maintaining their commitment to sustainability. 

Chris Meehan, Area Commercial Director UK at Dorsett Hospitality International said: “We want to add some fun and some greenery to guests’ rooms. The health and wellbeing of our guests is very important to us, and houseplants are well known to improve people’s mood, reduce stress levels and increase productivity, as well as improving the overall air quality. As many of our guests stay for a few nights or more, we thought it was important for them to choose their favourite houseplant to add to their room to create a home-away-home feeling during their stay.”

Dao West London has 74 high quality serviced apartments with stylish bedrooms, a living space and a kitchenette - and you can bring your pet too!. Overlooking Shepherds Bush Green, and just a 5-minute walk from Westfield Shopping Centre and the vibrant White City area, it’s a great location for those on business or leisure.

Room rates start from £200 on a B&B basis. 

www.daobydorsett.com 

Email: reservations.westlondon@daobydorsett.com 

GTN May 2023 A Summer of Shows. In this issue:

• Primeur – Sustainability in an evolving world
• 20 Smart years – Interview with Jonathan Stobart
• Vitavia Greenhouses are a win win for retailers and consumers
• Haven House Greenfingers Garden Opening
• A Summer of Shows – GTNs guide to June and July’s events
  • Spoga + Gafa - Social Gardens
  • HTA National Plant Show – UK in the spotlight
  • Glee – Get set to see 400 suppliers under one roof
  • Celebrate Summer at Solex
• April Recovery – GTN Bestsellers Analysis
• John Stanley and Sid Raisch look into the future
• Little dobbies No 6 opens in Cheltenham
• Barking up the right tree – Behind the scenes at Melcourt
• Lessons in rebranding – New look for Webbs Garden Centres
• Buying Power – Nominate for the Glee Buyers Power List 2023
• Stand up and be counted – OHRG Column
• Opportunities knock – HTA Column
• Growing grassroots – GIMA Column.

A rare and unique opportunity to join a fast growing and profitable SME. Reporting directly to the shareholders of the business, this is a fantastic opportunity for an individual currently operating as an Operations Director and looking for a new challenge with excellent future prospects, or for an experienced Operations Manager looking for the next step up in their career. 

Based near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, Melcourt Industries Ltd has been a front-runner in innovation and high quality for four decades, a market-leading supplier of peat-free growing media, landscape, play and biofilter products across both the retail and professional sectors.  The business has ambitious plans for the future and the successful candidate for this role will be tasked with driving the business forward, both through increasing market share and by maximising efficiencies. 

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Promoting company growth and maximisation of profit
• Management of production and office staff on site atTetbury as well as the remotely based sales team
• Review and analysis of company production and sales reports, looking for patterns in the marketplace and forecasting trends to aid the company's growth
• Monitoring and analysing company budgets and financial reports
• Creating financial plans to target increased profit margins for the business
• Allocation of the company's resources, materials and equipment to the most productive functions
• Supply chain and delivery management
• Creation of operational strategies to minimise stock losses and implementation of initiatives to reduce company costs
• Taking a leading role in the company's marketing activities
• Overseeing health and safety matters for the business.

Required skills and experience

• Commercially focused with five yearsplus experience operating at or above managerial level in an operational role
• Excellent computer skills with the ability to analyse large amounts of data to identify opportunities for additional revenue opportunities and operational improvements
• Experience of Microsoft Office package
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams and create a vision for the future of the company
• Ability to problem solve to improve processes, efficiencies and profitability
• Expert knowledge of safety and product quality standards
• Expertise in managing relationships with suppliers, customers and other stakeholders.

Desirable skills and experience

• Prior experience within the horticultural industry.

What we offer

• Negotiable salary plus bonus scheme
• Hybrid company car
• Generous employer pension contributions
• 31 days holiday inclusive of public holidays
• Relocation package available for the right candidate.

Hours of Work 

Usual working hours of Monday to Friday 9-5 with additional hours as per business needs.

Place of Work 

Role will be based at Tetbury, with occasional UK travel required.

If this position is of interest to you, please email your CV to Rachel Cash: rachel.cash@melcourt.co.uk

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The Tillington Group of Garden Centres have announced that Gates Garden Centre, near Oakham in Leicestershire, has joined the group.

Caroline Owen, Tillington Chairwoman and Scotsdales Managing Director, said: “We really are very pleased that Gates have joined us. We had been in discussions with them prior to Covid but obviously had to park those talks and so it is great that we were able to pick them back up again. They are a like-minded, family business, that we feel will really add value to the group and it was great to formally welcome them at our recent Senior Principals meeting."

Nigel Gates, Managing Director of Gates, commented: “We are really pleased to have joined Tillington, a very well-respected group within the industry. It’s fantastic to have joined them and we look forward to getting involved and visiting member centres”.

The Tillington Group comprises 11 members, totalling 40 centres, with a combined turnover of £215 million.

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) will be debating sustainable growing media solutions and industry readiness in a panel session on Thursday, 15 June, at GreenTech RAI Amsterdam.

The industry is united in wanting to create a more sustainable sector to meet the needs of future generations. Growing media is an integral component of container-grown plant production and has come under increasing scrutiny relating to its environmental impact.

Since the 1990’s growers in the UK have been faced with pressure from campaigners and the Government to reduce the use of peat. Recently the UK government has decided to bring forward its ban on the commercial use of peat in plant production from 2030 to 2026. This move will force the sector to move to peat-free production much more quickly than expected.

There are many factors that will make this transition difficult, including the availability, quality and cost of alternatives and the research required to produce quality plants in alternatives. Other European countries are also being challenged in this area and are active in seeking sustainable growing media solutions.

This panel will consider the issues around this subject, growing media options for the future and how this will affect the future of production.

Panel Participants:

• Tim Briercliffe – Secretary General, AIPH (panel chair)
• Cecilia Luetgebrune – Secretary General, Growing Media Europe
• Charl Goossens – Gova BV, the Netherlands
• Leonardo Capitanio – Vivai Capitanio, Italy and President of AIPH
• Moritz Böcking, CEO, Klasmann-Deilmann, Germany

AIPH Secretary General and Panel Chair Tim Briercliffe commented, “With a peat ban coming in the UK and significant environmental pressures on growing media in many countries, this is a topic high on the list of concerns for many container plant growers. This panel session will provide a moment for the international industry to discuss the issues and how to prepare for the future.”

AIPH invites all those in the ornamental horticulture supply chain to discuss the path towards sustainable growing media at its panel session on the Vision Stage at GreenTech Amsterdam, on Thursday, 15 June, between 11:15 to 12:00.

GreenTech Amsterdam is an AIPH-approved International Horticultural Trade Exhibition. The theme of this year is ‘Your connection to sustainable food- and flower production’. This theme includes topics such as how to reduce energy usage, public health, food security and the birth of a fresh food ecosystem. Horticulture professionals can enhance their knowledge at the Vision, Technology and Plant Compounds/ Vertical Farming stage of GreenTech Amsterdam from 13 – 15 June at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre.

To register for GreenTech and to the panel, visit www.greentech.nl

The Garden Media Guild has confirmed the appointment of its officer roles, with Mike Palmer (@mike_thegardener) returning as Chair, supported by Alexandra Campbell (@the_middlesized_garden_blog), Stephanie Hafferty (@stephaniehafferty) and Lexi Gee (@lexi_floral-fanatic) as Vice-Chairs.

Following a period of change in the first half of the year, the confirmation of these roles marks an important milestone for the organisation that represents professional garden writers, authors, photographers, broadcasters, editors, social media communicators and influencers, lecturers and allied trades.

Like any organisation, the Garden Media Guild is consistently reviewing its processes and, under the renewed leadership of Mike Palmer and three strong vice-chairs, the Guild is now in a better position than ever to support its members. What’s more, with the confirmation of these four new officers and the wider Guild Committee – which itself has recently welcomed new members – the organisation is ready to move forward, supported by a revised framework and programme of processes to ensure the longevity of the Guild and to safeguard all those involved.

Talking about his reappointment, Mike Palmer said: “I am so pleased to be back in the role of GMG Chair. The Guild and what it stands for is extremely important to me, so I’m delighted to be able to help steer the ship again and work beside such passionate and driven Vice-Chairs.

“Within my role, I will continue to build on the work that the Guild has put in place to support members. More than this, I want to herald in a new chapter where we celebrate inclusion and diversity within the media landscape. I also hope to introduce more support and transparency for all our members, so that everyone feels they have a place to ask for help whenever it is needed. This was, in particular, a hugely important part of my decision to return to the role.”

Mike added: “I’d like to thank everyone for welcoming me back into the fold, and to also thank Alexandra, Stephanie and Lexi for stepping into the Vice-Chair positions. I truly believe that we have a team in place that is driven by the best interests of our members. The future is looking very bright!”

To further support the Chair and Vice-Chairs, it has also been confirmed that new job descriptions and scope of work frameworks will be put in place.

Working alongside Mike, Alexandra, Stephanie and Lexi will be the wider GMG Committee. These committee members work on a purely volunteer basis, donating their time and expertise to drive the direction of the Guild. New ‘joiners’ include Stephanie and Alexandra, plus Ruth Goudy (GMG’s newest Honorary Treasurer), Stephen Bennett and Kimberley Hornby. Together they will join existing committee members Geoff Hodge (GMG Honorary Secretary), Mike Howes (Vice President), Stephen Studd (PGPA Chair), Sue Bradley, Alison Levey and Ian Thwaites.

Find out more

The Garden Media Guild offers a wealth of member benefits, including garden tours, networking and relationship building, exclusive discounts and Zoom knowledge / awareness sessions.

An incredible awards programme supports the ‘gardening Oscars’, where each year the good and great from the world of garden media are celebrated at a prestigious ceremony at London’s famous Savoy ballroom.

To find out more about any of the member benefits available to Garden Media Guild members, please visit www.gardenmediaguild.co.uk

Members are also invited to reach out to the GMG Committee to share their feedback, thoughts and desires for the future of the Guild. Please direct all queries and ideas to admin@gardenmediaguild.co.uk

This year’s edition of Glee - the International Festival for Garden, Leisure and Pet (27th-29th June 2023, NEC Birmingham) – will see a whole new pavilion devoted to Home, Gift & Clothing, where retailers from garden centres and department stores to independent gift shops, leisure and tourist destinations, will find a wealth of inspiration for seasons to come. Here are just a few of the exhibitors you can look forward to seeing in this sector of the show: 

Little Karma Co.: Stand 8F52

Little Karma Co hand crafts 100% natural pure essential oil candles with zero nasties and donates 5% of all profits to the Trussell Trust. Their mission is to rid the world of nasty, toxic, environmentally-unfriendly candles, one handcrafted, refillable, clean burning candle at a time. They also want to give back to their community, which is why Little Karma Co has chosen to donate to the Trussell Trust to help others during the cost-of-living crisis. The collection includes Refillable Candles, Initial Candles, Christmas collection, Candle Refills and the new Slogan Candle Range. Little Karma Co. can offer retailers a fully customisable white label service with low minimum order values.

Pam Peters Designs: Stand 7G45

From modest beginnings, in 2014, in her ‘Wendy House’, Pam created individual fused glass pieces inspired by the nature of North Wales. With the help of her daughter, Beth, they quickly began to outgrow all the facilities at their home and eventually moved from the home to a commercial premises in Mochdre, just outside Colwyn Bay. Growing yet again, they moved to their current premises in Abergele, to accommodate yet more kilns (currently sitting at six!) and a gift shop. Pam Peters Designs currently stocks over 100 retailers in the UK as well as others across the globe.

Woodmansterne Publications: Stand 20E20-F21

Woodmansterne is a third-generation family business supplying premium greeting cards to leading independent retailers, all designed and manufactured in the UK. They work with the very best of British talent including National Trust, Quentin Blake, RSPB, and Emma Bridgewater. Their W-Select programme offers you a one-stop solution for the planning and management of your greeting card assortment, helping you to create a unique and visually appealing card department with a diverse, exciting range of products.

Abysse Corp - GB Eye: Stand 7A53

Founded in 2003, the Abysse Corp Group is the European leader in licensed pop culture merchandise, offering a wide and varied range of high quality products. Retailers will discover thousands of references from the biggest licenses in Manga, TV Series, Movies, Comics, Video Games and Music, with a complete universe of tie-in products, ranging from specialised to mass appeal.

Amica Accessories: Stand 8G75

Specialists in felt since 2004, Amica Accessories is all about beautiful, handmade and Fairtrade products, ranging from toys, gifts, Christmas, Easter and Halloween decorations. Everything is designed in their Bristol studio, then made with great skill and to the highest quality by a fantastic team of Fairtrade craftspeople in Nepal. All products are made from 100% sheep's wool, plastic free and kind to the environment making them the obvious choice for anyone wanting to introduce environmentally friendly products.

Leon (Ultralight) Boots Co: Stand 7G57

2018 saw the introduction of Leon Boots Co to the UK market. With their record breaking, award winning footwear style, they now have over 800 stockists locations across the UK, from Builders Merchants to Garden Centres. Leon Boots is taking part in a revolution in the world of Wellingtons, which uses the same Ultralight, Durable, Comfortable material that is already being used in many leading award winning styles, including Adidas, Nike and Sketchers. EVA is a far better material than PVC or PU. Not only is it lighter & more durable, but EVA consists of far less harmful chemicals so is more sustainable, environmentally friendly and vegan friendly.

Hippychick: Stand: 7A51

Toy maker, Hippychick, has announced an exclusive partnership for the UK with American puzzle, playball and creative art brand Crocodile Creek. The partnership has resulted in Hippychick’s first ever puzzle collection, a range of expertly crafted, beautifully illustrated puzzles with pieces sized to suit all age groups and themes designed to encourage young minds to take an active interest in the world around them. Collection highlights include The Day at the Museum puzzle collection; My First Puzzle Case and a range of NASA themed puzzles presented in giftable tins. Hippychick will also be introducing Crocodile Creek’s popular collection of Play Balls at the show.  

UK Greetings: Stand 7D60-E61

As one of the UK’s largest direct to retail greeting card publishers, UKG is proud to create innovative, award winning greeting cards, gift dressings and social expression products for birthdays, life events, special occasions and those “saw this and thought of you” moments. Whether you are looking for a small curated selection of designs from our beautiful licenses, such as RHS or Peter Rabbit, or a bespoke display with supported category management, UKG has the perfect solution for your greeting card needs.

Annie with Alex: Stand 8G70

Annie with Alex is a mother and daughter collaboration, designing and creating contemporary bags that fit into your and your family’s lifestyle. Handmade in Hertfordshire, the bags are designed with multiple uses in mind, so that they can be used for not just one occasion. Many designs are reversible. The portfolio of bags is made of Luxury Cotton Canvas, French Provincial Linen and Luxury British made Wool they are all washable so that you can keep them nice and sparkly like the day you bought them.

Playpress Toys: Stand 8G51

Playpress Toys is a sustainable company that makes all its products here in the UK from Playboard, a sturdy material that is strong enough to stand up to everyday adventures but is completely FSC certified as sustainable, recyclable and biodegradable. Their lovely inventive sets can be pressed out, built up, and played with time and time again. At Glee they will launch two new bird related products in conjunction with their latest partner, the RSPB.

Museums and Galleries: Stand 7A60-B61

Museums & Galleries Ltd is one of the UK’s leading producers of quality art cards and design-led gift stationery, with a collection that is home to some of the most highly regarded heritage and arts brands in Britain and beyond. MGL also works with contemporary independent artists and emerging creative talent to source beautiful imagery for ranges.

Rainbow Designs: Stand 8G30

The wonderful Peter Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh, Paddington Bear and Guess How Much I Love You, are just some of the much-loved nursery collections of soft toys and nursery essentials you can see at Glee. For over 50 years, Rainbow Designs has been creating high quality, forever toys, inspired by the much-loved characters from children’s literature, for babies and children of all ages to provide comfort, fun and sensory learning as well as beautiful décor for any nursery.  Also available will be Elmer, Spot the Dog, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and The Snowman and The Snowdog ranges. Give them all a cuddle at Glee!

Playmonster UK: Stand 7A43

PlayMonster UK specialise in developing and marketing innovative toys and games. It is a product-lead company with a passion for creating high quality, enduring kits at affordable prices, with brands that include My Fairy Garden®, WWF Wild Scenes, Peppa Pig, FabLab®, Fuzzikins®, My Living World® and Charm Jewellery, all designed and developed in-house. Playmonster has ecently added some hugely popular brands including 5 Second Rule®, Spirograph, Pop-A-Tops® and Ann Williams. With inspiring growing activities, great games and beautiful craft kits, there's something for everyone.

HJ Hall: Stand 6H50-J51

HJ Hall, the UK’s largest branded sock manufacturer, is set to release its new range of thermals and underwear at Glee. Extending its expertise to thermals and underwear is the natural next step for HJ Hall, offering premium standard basics for everyday comfort. Joint MD, Andrew Townsin says: “As part of the overall strategy to accelerate growth for our brands, I am delighted to announce that the HJ Hall brand will be launching two new and complementary categories, namely underwear and thermals. HJ Hall has been making socks since 1882 and, in that time, has built long standing relationships with its valued customers, and knows that they too will share in the excitement.”

Hothands: Stand 8G58

HotHands are air activated heat packs that provide easy warmth to protect you from a chill in everyday situations (including working outdoors, walking/hiking and commuting). HotHands are available in the UK in three main variants; Hand Warmer, Foot Warmer and Adhesive Body Warmer to provide warmth to the whole body. Single sachets retail at £1 making them the ideal impulse selling opportunity for any retailer in the autumn and winter seasons!

Lighting Legends: Stand 6B05

UK lighting specialists, Lighting Legends, have been helping homeowners to transform their indoor and outdoor areas with an array of high-quality lighting since 2020. Now the Derbyshire-based specialists are excited to be launching an innovative new line to its growing range at Glee, the Super Festoon "Warm White" Plug-in Outdoor LED String Lights.  This brand-new product line is available in a range of sizes ensuring that there is always a solution, no matter the space that needs covering. The new Super Festoon "Warm White" Plug-in Outdoor LED String Lights are designed to create a warm and cosy space that is perfect for sitting back and relaxing in. 

Art on Scarves: Stand 8F56

Art on Scarves was founded by North Wales based artist Lucy Hay, who was inspired by the amazing beauty of the countryside and the diversity of the wildlife. She started with prints, cards, mugs and coasters and one day 'accidentally' printed on a scarf!  Art on Scarves was born! The Company continues to grow and is delighted to add designs from a number of different, extremely talented, British artists. These stunning designs, along with Lucy's paintings, make up a collection that is both unique and eye catching. All the scarves are handprinted in North Wales on a variety of super soft and luxurious fabrics.

Brass Bee: Stand 8F48

Established in 2019, Brass Bee is a family- owned company which is a market leader in brass hardware products such as door knockers, cabinet knobs, door numbers, homeware and giftable products. Their copyrighted designs are unique to Brass Bee, designed from their home base in Morpeth and supplied to garden centres, department stores, boutiques, gift shops, homeware stores and distributors all over the world. The toilet roll holder and stand, towel ring, towel rail and toothbrush holder will bring a buzz of elegance to any bathroom!

The Crafty Kit Company: Stand 8G45

The Crafty Kit Company stand is, where you'll discover fabulous and fun kits to create a range of DIY crafts. Giving back is at the heart of everything the company does as it strives to impact lives through inspiration, creativity, and fun, supplying a unique range of quality crafting kits - Needle felting, Cross-stitch, Embroidery and Felt Flower kits.

Robbie’s Toys: Stand 8G46

Established in 1997, Robbie Toys Ltd is a family run business which prides itself on its extensive range of products, excellent working relationships with its manufacturers, suppliers, and customers, also providing a comprehensive aftersales and backup service with a helpline facility. Robbie Toys Ltd is the official importer and UK distributor for Rolly, Ferbedo, Razor, Buki, Winfun, Lionel, Nikko, Toimsa, Totum, Pilsan, Paradiso and more recently Goki, Les Deglingos and SmarTrike with new manufacturers joining their portfolio all the time. Robbies Toys also has the exclusive license for Gabby’s Dollhouse on arts and crafts for the UK.

Freckleface Home Fragrance: Stand 7E40-F41

Freckleface offers handmade, ethically sourced, vegan products for the home, with Pick & Mix soya wax melts are individually hand poured and topped with dried botanicals. Freckleface is a family business established in 2017 by Mum & Son team, Tara & Noah, when Noah was 14. Everything is handcrafted in the Lincolnshire workshop and products are now stocked in over 750 stockists and five Freckleface high street stores, this brand is making its mark in the Home Fragrance & Bath and Body market.

Jarapa: Stand 8G32

Established for over 18 years, Jarapa sources and manufactures recycled homewares including 100% recycled glassware, cotton rugs and glass lamp bases. Paints used to colour the glass are mostly plant based, some are organic, and the main glass supplier complies with all Kyoto protocol aspects and International treaties that commit to reducing greenhouse gases. Products are sourced from the UK or EU to keep product miles low and the lamps and lampshades are manufactured here in the UK using high quality fittings and local craftsmanship. 

Entry to Glee is free of charge to all pre-registered visitors.  Simply register via the Glee website at: www.gleebirmingham.com/register

For more details on planning your visit go to https://www.gleebirmingham.com/plan-your-visit

Find out more 

Glee connects the garden industry to inspire change, drive growth and launch innovation​.

To keep up to date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com.  To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2023, which will take place June 27th – 29^th at the NEC, please call +44 (0)203 3545 9752

The Horticultural Trades Association’s National Plant Show is back at the NAEC Stoneleigh this month, on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 June 2023.

With a huge concentration of British growers and suppliers under one roof, it’s a key event in the horticultural calendar showcasing the best of British gardening from growing through to retail and design to landscaping and everything in between. Visitors can beat the queues and register for free at nationalplantshow.co.uk. 

Elia Johnston, HTA Director of Marketing said “This year’s show is set to provide an unrivalled opportunity to visit over 140 exhibitors displaying the very best plants from UK nurseries, along with everything the trade needs to sell plants under one roof. Visitors can meet a full spectrum of suppliers with a wealth of innovation and expertise, from seeds, bulbs, houseplants and a wide range of garden plants to labelling and product information, growing media, display benching, and machinery.” 

A favourite with visitors and exhibitors alike, the New Plant Awards will take centre stage at the show, providing the perfect burst of colour and interest. Annually attracting over 100 entries, this is the place to see what is new and available to the market for the following season. Categories for 2023 are Herbaceous Perennials, Annuals, Houseplants and Trees, Shrubs & Climbers (including Conifers). The award categories will be judged and announced on Tuesday 20 June. 

This year’s judging panel includes Emma Allen (RHS), Andy Bunker (Alton Garden Centre), Cath Quinney (Bennybeg Garden Centre) Michael Perry (Mr Plant Geek) and Chris Young (RHS), with HTA’s Consulting Horticulture Manager Pippa Greenwood and Horticultural Support Manager Martin Simmons overseeing. The RHS is sponsoring the New Plant Awards, and Joy of Plants validates all the entries. 

The Visitor Vote Awards are a popular part of the National Plant Show which gives visitors a chance to have their say, and the winner will be announced on the second day of the show. 

The Seminar theatre, sponsored by Sinclair, will host a number of free interactive and informative sessions throughout the two-day show, including the first-ever Hort-Talk LIVE! Podcast, which will focus on the importance of apprenticeships and education within the horticultural industry. There is increasing pressure on the industry to recruit and retain staff, and this session will look at the support available. 

Planet Mark will host a seminar with Hillier Nurseries to discuss the successes and challenges that Hillier Nurseries have experienced through their company-wide sustainability plan and how they are adapting and refurbishing their stores to align with their net-zero ambitions. Plus, there will be plenty of insightful, expert-led discussions to help visitors keep up with the latest market trends and political updates affecting the industry. 

The HTA Village is the hub of all things HTA and provides an opportunity to find out about the latest initiatives and meet the HTA team. It showcases everything the HTA has to offer, including Membership, the latest updates in Policy, Market Information, Sustainability as well as National Garden Gift Vouchers. 

Meet the Buyer was launched at The National Plant Show last year and will be hosted again at this year’s show, allowing exhibitors to have one-to-one time to pitch to a mix of retail buyers. This will take place in a dedicated area at the show sponsored by Green Solutions Software UK.  

Registration to attend the National Plant Show is FREE and now open at nationalplantshow.co.uk  

Trudy Harrison MP, Minister for Natural Environment and Land Use, told a gathering of MP's, Peers and industry representatives at yesterdays Parliamentary Reception, hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Gardening & Horticulture Group; "we need the horticultural sector, the environmental, horticultural sector to be buoyant, to be thriving, to be prosperous..."

Environmental Horticulture Group (EHG) launched at parliamentary reception in Westminster yesterday, Wednesday 7th June 2023.

• EHG aims to champion UK gardens, landscaping, arboriculture and environmental horticulture, and push the government for greater support for the sector.
• Industry event in the House of Lords attended by more than 160 high-profile MPs, Peers, officials, ministers and sector representatives, as well as TV’s Jim Carter and Alan Titchmarsh

The Parliamentary Reception was hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Gardening & Horticulture Group, a cross-party group of MPs and Peers who support the environmental horticulture industry. The Parliamentary Reception was sponsored by:

• British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI)
• The Horticultural Trade Association (HTA)
• Westland

Baroness Fookes, Chairman, All-Party Parliamentary Gardening and Horticulture Group, introduced the speakers:

• Boyd Douglas-Davies, Chair, Environmental Horticulture Group Listen here
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• Trudy Harrison MP, Minister for Natural Environment and Land Use, DEFRA Listen here
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• Jim Carter, gardener and actor, best known for playing Mr Carson in Downton Abbey Listen here
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• Alan Titchmarsh, gardener and broadcaster Listen here
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The new EHG includes garden centres and their supply-chain, public and private gardens, commercial growers and nurseries, arboriculture, and domestic and commercial landscaping. The environmental horticulture industry includes British based multinationals, through to independent, multi-generation family run businesses. The EHG’s core members are:

• Arboriculture Association (AA)
• British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI)
• The Horticultural Trade Association (HTA)
• Royal Horticulural Society (RHS)

The EHG was formerly known as the Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group (OHRG) and continues the OHRG’s work of championing environmental horticulture – the original green economy industry – and calling on the government to do more to support the sector to help it reach its full potential.

Research by Oxford Economics has found that the environmental horticulture industry could grow to support GDP contributions worth £41.8 billion and 763,000 jobs by 2030, if the government supports the sector to grow.

As part of its ongoing engagement with government, the EHG will be campaigning on a number of key issues important to the wider environmental horticulture sector including:

• challenges with cross-border trade
• the need to set seasonal workers schemes on a firm footing
• the need to incorporate green spaces into future urban planning
• how to improve environmental sustainability

As a sector built around the supply of plants and trees, environmental horticulture will play a crucial role in many of the environmental-based solutions tackling climate change. This is particularly relevant as the UK’s gardens and green spaces can directly mitigate the worst effects of climate change, provide relief from heat and extreme weather, and foster biodiversity.

Boyd Douglas-Davies, Chair, Environmental Horticulture Group, said: “Caring for and improving the environment – be that through private gardens, urban green spaces or public parks - goes to the heart of what the Environmental Horticulture Group stands for.

“I was honored to chair the OHRG and now I am delighted to Chair the EHG as we continue to champion the enormous success and exciting potential of the environmental horticulture sector. I look forward to working closely with government stakeholders to achieve our shared aims in a breadth of policy areas including economic, environmental, science, research, net zero, business, health, planning, taxation, skills and education.

“The time is now if we are to make the most of the next decade of growth opportunities and work with government to create a truly greener, happier, more environmentally sustainable society and economy.”

Baroness Fookes, Chair, All-Party Parliamentary Gardening and Horticulture Group said: “I am delighted that this Reception has brought together not only a large number of representatives from the many aspects of horticulture but also a wonderful turn out of MPs and Peers from all parties.

“I hope that the new body launched today will spearhead a new era in horticulture where at long last it will take its rightful place as a key player in mitigating climate change and promoting biodiversity.  I see it as my role to support this endeavour and to do my best to get the Government to rise to the challenge too!”

• Defra date shift on peat ban risks devastating impacts on the horticultural industry and the Government’s 25-year Environment Plan, new HTA survey shows
• Commercial growers project a shortage of 100 million plants and trees in the year immediately following the ban
• Professional peat use is already below 50% of previous levels and on track for the original 2030 deadline
• Sector reiterates calls to support a sustainable transition from peat use not to undermine the UK horticulture and garden industry.

New data from the Horticultural Trades Association shows there is likely to be a severe impact on plant availability after recent government indications that a ban on professional peat use in the horticultural industry will be brought forward by four growing seasons.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has stated its intention to ban peat in commercial plant, tree, fruit, and vegetable production by the end of 2026 rather than 2030, as previously indicated. This would more than halve the number of growing seasons commercial growers have to complete extensive trialling to changes in their crop production techniques, raising serious concerns about potential environmental and economic impacts.

In a survey of its members, commercial growers projected a shortage of 100 million plants and trees for sale in the UK in the year immediately following the ban. This shortage could result in a significant loss of greenery and biodiversity in gardens, parks, and streets, depriving the UK of its vibrant natural landscapes.

James Barnes, Chairman of the HTA, said:

“We urge the government to reconsider the timeline and ensure a manageable transition away from peat use, allowing adequate time for growers to successfully and sustainably trial and adapt their methods and materials. By doing so, we can protect jobs, preserve biodiversity, and continue to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that arise from our connection with nature.

“The long-term impacts on Britain’s horticultural industry and the environmental benefits it delivers will be seismic and out of all proportion with the environmental gains of bringing in a peat ban a few years early – at a time when the industry is already demonstrating year on year reduction in its use.

“Defra's recent announcement without proper consultation or impact assessment has raised concern across horticulture – from retailers to growers. The industry shares the ambition to deliver a sustainable transition from peat use, with the same environmental outcomes as Defra, but requires the government to find a way forward that aligns environmental ambitions with the economic viability of the environmental horticultural sector. The HTA has long championed sustainable practices and supports the industry's transition from peat use, and much work has been happening to reduce it. UK commercial plant growers are well on their way to voluntarily removing peat by 2030, as encouraged by the government over the past decade. The use of peat in bagged compost is at a record low on a sharp trajectory towards zero, and professional use is already below 50% volume of previous levels. This puts the UK ahead of the rest of Europe on the peat-free journey.

“The HTA's survey findings depict a grim outlook for the horticultural industry and the millions of gardeners who rely on it. Some plants are problematic to grow in peat free compost, and further trials are needed. One in three suppliers to parks and public green spaces fear they will be unable to fulfil their obligations, potentially leading to defaults or contract withdrawals. Garden centres, a vital source of plants and trees for consumers, predict they will have gaps and reduced product lines by 2027.

“The HTA survey also reveals that two-thirds of the UK's commercial growers anticipate increased water and nutrient usage as they are forced to use peat-free alternatives without testing the best ways of using water and nutrients in a new growing medium. These new irrigation regimes will put pressure on efforts to increase water resilience and reduce use, a priority for the UK with increased extended drought periods, such as seen in 2022.

“Furthermore, the HTA warns of severe economic repercussions, with an estimated 68% of garden centres expecting to reduce staff due to decreased plant and tree sales and all the associated products that relate to container gardening in particular. These consequences ripple throughout the supply chain, impacting jobs in garden retailers, nurseries, and landscape maintenance services. Many of these businesses are small, family-run establishments that have been passed down through generations and employ members of the local community.

“Given these statistics and the impending threat of a shortage of plants and trees, it is crucial to reassess the accelerated peat ban. The HTA calls for collaborative and responsive engagement with Defra to gain clarity on the policy shift and seek alternative solutions that strike a balance between environmental goals and the wellbeing of the horticultural industry, as well as the wellbeing of the nation.”

More and more gardeners are going peat free in a bid to tackle climate change.

This comes ahead of the complete ban on the sale of peat-based composts in England next year. In a pioneering move and as part of its commitment to the environment, Groves Nursery and Garden Centre has launched its own 100 per cent peat-free, multi-purpose compost – the first garden centre in West Dorset to do so.

Created from a unique combination of Forest Gold wood fibre, composted bark, and clay, Groves multi-purpose compost is a proven all-rounder.

The family-run garden centre has been testing the special blend of compost in its own nurseries for more than a year.

Now they use it exclusively for everything from seed sowing to striking cuttings, potting on, and filling containers and baskets.

Charlie Groves, managing director at Groves Garden Centre, said: ‘I’m proud to say we’re now 100 per cent peat free here at Groves. Taking the essential step to reformulating our much-loved, multi-purpose compost is a great milestone for us and the environment. We’ve tested and tested and tested it in our own nurseries to get the formula just right. We were finding other peat-free composts were drying out too quickly so the added wetting agent in ours has been a real game changer. Our compost is free draining, but still holds onto moisture as a result. The bark provides excellent aeration and drainage and we’ve added essential nutrients to last for three months.’

For those gardeners who have found going peat free frustrating, Mr Groves had the following advice: ‘Going peat free has been a learning curve for us all,’ he said
‘We’ve found the key is to water slightly more frequently and to feed more frequently too. I would advise feeding containers and hanging baskets every week in the growing season and seedlings when the first true leaves come through. We use our compost for everything but mix it with vermiculite for seed sowing. The look and feel might be slightly different to what everyone is used to, but we’ve found that working the compost through your fingers helps.’

Groves is committed to being a peat-free centre, not only to protect Peatlands across the UK and Europe, but also to prevent tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. Peatlands act as a store for carbon so when dug up, this carbon is released and contributes to greenhouse gas levels. Peatlands also provide a rich habitat for a number of animals and birds.

At £8.99 a bag or £15 for two, using Groves 100 per cent Peat-Free, Multi-Purpose compost is also an affordable way to do your bit for the climate. And for those wanting to cut down on car journeys, Groves offers free local delivery on orders over £40.

The demand for easy-to-use, compact gardening products has increased in recent years, particularly as people are embracing smaller outdoor spaces, such as balconies and courtyards, more than ever before.

Consumers are seeking products that don’t compromise on performance or efficiency, while having the added benefits of being easy to use and not requiring much storage, which is often limited in smaller gardens.

Hozelock’s alterative hose offering, which features the popular Tuffhoze and Superhoze, has been strengthened this year with the addition of a new expanding hose – Wonderhoze. 

Made from a woven fabric, which is soft and tactile for the user, the Wonderhoze is available in 12.5m and 25m lengths, making it ideal for small to medium sized gardens. 

A key feature of this product is its’ ability to expand up to 3x its length once full of water. The key design choice that sets the Wonderhoze aside from competitors is the absence of elastic within the fabric covering of the hose, which increases the durability, as this is often the first to break under testing.

The inclusion of a smooth inner tube ensures a consistent and effective water flow, plus anti-leak connectors prevent water waste. 

As the pressure of water pumping through the hose is constant, Wonderhoze will not kink or twist. Plus, due to the nature of the product and it retracting when not in use, the hose can be put away with ease when compared to traditional PVC hose products.

The Wonderhoze is available now and has an RRP of £39.99 for the 12.5m and £49.99 for the 25m.

For more information, visit: https://www.hozelock.com/product/wonderhoze/

Timber garden furniture, GYO and decorative structure specialist, Zest has launched a selection of products ahead of Glee, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable outdoor living.  Highlights are previewable on the Glee portal https://rb.gy/x6y5h ahead of the opportunity to view on stand 20D30-E31.

Combining relaxation, entertaining, and being close to nature, with sustainability, Zest’s 2024 range includes the Terraza Outdoor Kitchen Range, which complements the award-winning, Garden Bar and Two Stool Set and Garden Pizza Oven Table, launched to consumers this spring.  The Terraza range is a collection perfect for outdoor entertaining and alfresco cooking - at a very affordable price!  All items can also be purchased individually. 

The new Zest Compact Botanical Greenhouse, a glazed Perspex small space greenhouse, ideal for nurturing young plants is accompanied by the Tall Botanical Greenhouse.  This combines stunning looks with functionality, ideal for positioning against the wall of the house or outbuilding. 

The Zest Eco Hive Composter is both practical and attractive.  Shaped like a traditional beehive, it has a 405-litre capacity and an open base helping to produce internal heat and make compost faster. 

For relaxation, the new Zest Stirling Arbour offers covered seating for four people to enjoy dining, or coffee and conversation.  Zest is also showing new and improved versions of existing best sellers, adding up to be one of the largest eco-friendly outdoor living range on the market.  All products are made from slow grown softwood sourced from PEFC forestscertified (PEFC/16-37-1490) forests.

For further information, visit https://zestoutdoorliving.co.uk/trade/ or email sales@zestoutdoorliving.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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