Taylors Bulbs has been awarded its 31st consecutive Gold Medal at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The show team selected over 100 varieties to grow for the show, planting 22,500 bulbs last autumn. They cropped 5,565 perfect flowers to use for the display.

Charlotte Daubney, who has managedthe preparation for the show, said: "As usual, this year provided it's own unique challenges with everything flowering early outdoors. When we brought the bulbs out of the cold store ready to flower for the show it was dull and cold, and they took a while to get going but it all worked out okay in the end!"

Find Taylors Bulbs in the Grand Pavilion on stand GDP050.

A self-watering, flat packed pot cover has been chosen as the 2024 RHS Sustainable Garden Product of the Year. Based on the Japanese art of origami, the POTR range in three sizes, is a self-assembly pot cover with internal wick to make plant watering efficient.

Andrew Flynn, Designer and a Founder of POTR explains that because the packaging in minimal, its critical for retailers to display an assembled POTR so customers can see how it works. In three sizes, retailing at £16 (11cm), £20 (15cm) and £24, they come in a range of colours. “The biggest we currently sell is 18cm diameter, but we would love to go bigger as it makes even more sense from a sustainability point of view and in terms of transport.” It would also help with garden centre displays. “It’s one of the things on our hit list,” he says.

Pots are manufactured in Edinburgh and currently retailers are selling at a 55%-60% margin.

Asked why the product stood out and was named winner, Judge and Dragon’s Den ‘dragon’, Deborah Meaden says: “It is truly, madly and deeply sustainable from the get-go. It uses it's a brilliant material – polyproline – which uses recycled product and is recyclable. But none of that matters if it isn't a cool looking product. You can have the most sustainable thing in the world, but if nobody wants to buy it, it doesn't have any impact whatsoever. I'm always looking for the reasons a product won’t work. But I'll be honest - I've struggled finding anything.” 

In a change to previous years, a Highly Commended was also given and presented to Kim Stead from Twool for its 100% British wool, Sustainable Garden Net. Retailing at £14.99, it’s perfect for supporting sweet peas and other annual climbers.

Peter Beales Roses has been awarded its 29th Gold medal at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024. Located in the Grand Pavilion (GPF089), the Peter Beales stand has captivated visitors with its stunning display of roses, celebrating the timeless beauty and diversity of these beloved flowers.

This year's central display honours the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), with whom Peter Beales Roses has partnered to celebrate the charity's 200th anniversary. The highlight of the now award-winning display is the grand unveiling of the "With Courage" rose, a special variety bred to celebrate the work of the RNLI’s brave volunteers and to raise vital funds for the life-saving charity. This beautiful new rose was officially unveiled yesterday (Monday, 20th May) during Press Day with a special photocall featuring Blue Peter presenters Anthea Turner, Janet Ellis, and Lindsey Russell, symbolic of the long-standing relationship between Blue Peter and the RNLI.

Despite the RHS Chelsea Flower Show having been open for only a day and a half so far, the Peter Beales stand has already attracted a wealth of celebrity visitors, including Joanna Lumley, Kate Humble, Joanna Scanlon, David Mitchell, Johnny Ball, Amanda Holden, Greg Davies, Joel Dommett, Kirstie Allsopp, Caroline Quentin, and many more.

Covering over 100 square meters, the Peter Beales display showcases a breathtaking array of roses, demonstrating the company's dedication to the nation’s favourite bloom.

The instantly recognisable rose-covered arches welcome guests to the fragrant and sensory display, which encourages them to linger and enjoy the beauty of the flowers. As well as ‘With Courage,’ multiple coloured and scented varieties come together in a breathtaking display, each reaching their height, and exhibited in different ways to showcase the vibrant blooms.

Arches are adorned with the deep crimson ‘Chevy Chase,’ the enchanting pure white ‘Rambling Rector,’ and the delightful ‘Paul's Himalayan Musk,’ as well as the majestic ‘Waterloo.’ Stepping further into the immersive display, visitors encounter special varieties like ‘Rachel's Joy,’ ‘Highgrove,’ ‘Loyal Companion,’ ‘MacMillan Nurse,’ and ‘Pippin,’ each a living tribute to Peter Beales' legacy.

Elsewhere, the display features old historical roses, such as ‘Comte de Chambord,’ ‘White Pet,’ and the striking ‘Rosa Mundi.’ Obelisks stand tall, proudly presenting the ‘Siluetta’ range of patio climbers alongside the captivating ‘Purple Skyliner.’

Flood Re, in collaboration with Dr. Ed Barsley and Naomi Slade, unveiled the pioneering Flood Resilient Garden. 

Today, 1 in 4 homes in the UK are at risk of flooding – not just by the coast and rivers, but in urban areas too. Flooding doesn't just damage homes and gardens; it devastates lives, causing lasting financial and emotional strain. In total, 5.4 million (1 in 8) UK adults with gardens have experienced the devastating impact of flooding on their green spaces.

The Flood Resilient Garden is designed to inspire and educate homeowners about the critical role their garden can play in flood defence. Incorporating sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), native flood-tolerant plant species, and innovative water management techniques, the garden is a model for future landscaping under the threat of increasing extreme weather events due to climate change.

In a groundbreaking display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the Flood Resilient Garden will intentionally flood to demonstrate its unique capabilities. This never-seen-before feature will illustrate how the garden adapts to changing water levels. Visitors will witness firsthand how the central swale becomes a lively stream, channelling rainwater into a feature pond where it can gradually soak away, while large water tanks double as ornamental ponds which store water for later use. 

Adding to the excitement, leading weather & climate change expert Laura Tobin will be on hand to discuss the garden's role in mitigating flood risks.

Laura Tobin Said:  "The Flood Resilient Garden shows that adapting to climate change can still be beautiful and homeowners don’t have to give up having a lovely garden to make it work hard against extreme weather. It’s about blending smart, sustainable choices with thoughtful design to protect our homes and communities”.

A Nation at Risk
The unveiling also shines a light on the latest insights from Flood Re, revealing a concerning lack of flood awareness amongst UK citizens. 

Flood Re’s research shows that only 5% of people living in areas at high-risk of flooding could correctly identify their flood risk. Concerningly, 68% of people in high-risk flood areas incorrectly think their flood risk is low. 

The research shows that despite Brits spending an average of £402 on their gardens over the past year, they are not taking the crucial steps they need to protect their homes and gardens from flooding. 

Indeed, 90% of homeowners, rising to 93% in high and mid flood risk areas, haven’t taken any steps to make their homes and gardens more flood resilient. Despite the extreme weather conditions, this doesn’t look to be changing, with only 9% of homeowners planning to add flood resilience measures to their homes and gardens in the next year

Build Back Better
In the event of a flood, Flood Re’s Build Back Better scheme allows eligible customers with specific home insurers to receive up to £10,000 as part of a claim.

The amount is meant for home and garden improvements that go beyond basic repairs, focusing on enhancing the property’s resilience against future floods.

The Flood Resilient Garden is not just a temporary exhibit. After the show, it will find a permanent home at Howbery Business Park, allowing the public to explore its features and learn about flood resilience year-round.

Flood Re is on hand to help you invest wisely in your garden to make it beautiful and resilient. Check out all the best tips and tricks to make your garden both beautiful and resilient here.

Flood Re CEO Andy Bord, said: "Gardens bring joy to so many of us but they also provide an important first line of defence to flooding. With this garden we’re hoping to inspire more people to think about their flood risk and get smart with their spending by considering the plants and garden features that will both endure a flood and could also help reduce the physical destruction and psychological distress when a flood strikes. If flood resilient features and water storage capacity were to become a feature of most gardens in a neighbourhood, the positive combined effect would be enormous!”

Naomi Slade, Garden Designer, said: “People spend a huge amount of time and money on their gardens and floods can wreak havoc and cause a huge amount of disruption, heartache and expense. The principles showcased within our Flood Resilient Garden are impactful, practical and transferable, but crucially we’ve shown that making a garden more climate and flood-resilient does not have to be a compromise on either its form or function.”  

Ed Barsley, The Environmental Design Studio, said: “With the increase in extreme weather events, heavy rainfall and flooding as well as drought, and even wildfires, many people are anxious. As individuals they can feel powerless to make a difference. But gardens are hugely powerful tools and the Flood Re: The Flood Resilient Garden sends a positive message of agency and hope, and it is packed with practical, achievable ideas and solutions to enable people, as we adapt to the climate crisis.”

The Octavia Hill Garden by Blue Diamond with the National Trust has been awarded a Silver-Gilt Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024.  

The Main Avenue Show Garden, designed by Ann-Marie Powell Gardens, was created to celebrate the legacy of social pioneer and National Trust co-founder Octavia Hill.  

Octavia campaigned for much of her life to save green space so that everyone, particularly those living in cities, could benefit from ‘the healthy gift of air and the joy of plants and flowers’. She once said: “Our lives are overcrowded, over-excited, over-strained. We all want quiet. We all want beauty. We all need space. Unless we have it we cannot reach that sense of quiet in which whispers of better things come to us gently.” 

Two years in the making, the garden champions biodiversity, accessibility, environmentally-sustainable materials and techniques, and uses a series of ‘outdoor sitting rooms’ – an idea advocated by Octavia – to enable people and nature to connect.  

The award comes after the garden received the inaugural RHS Children’s Choice Award. On Monday, a seedling from the Sycamore Gap tree, propagated by the Trust’s Plant Conservation Centre, was placed on the garden by Dame Judi Dench and 7-year-old Charlotte Crowe, a pupil from the closest Primary School to Sycamore Gap. 

Garden designer Ann-Marie Powell said: “To say that I’m thrilled by this award would be a huge understatement! It’s been a mountain for the team to climb but the result, and the reaction of show visitors, has made every moment worthwhile.  

“I hadn’t heard of Octavia before I started work on the garden, but I’m now in awe of what she achieved. We owe her such a debt. Seeing the smoggy streets, the density of city life and the closure of once-public spaces, she knew instinctively that people needed space, sky and beauty. 

“I hope we can get more people talking and thinking about Octavia off the back of the garden. But I also hope we’ve shown what can be done – let's aspire to fantastic urban spaces that bring colour and joy to our lives, and boost the biodiversity around us. It is possible.” 

Andy Jasper, Director of Gardens & Parklands, said: “We are over the moon to be recognised with this award. We wanted to show what Octavia Hill would be doing if she were alive today. We feel confident she would still be pushing for people to have ‘outdoor sitting rooms’ – gardens and green spaces where they can rest, play and enjoy the sight of things growing.  

“Those things mattered in Octavia’s lifetime and they continue to matter in today’s world, more so than ever. Her ideas don’t belong in the past, they are as relevant as they ever were. You only have to look at places like Castlefield Viaduct – our ‘garden in the sky’ in Manchester – and at the after-school club at Stoneford Community Garden in Dagenham, to see that Octavia’s ambitions still drive our work today.  

“We’re hugely grateful to Ann-Marie Powell, the craftspeople, contractors and apprentices we’ve worked with, and Blue Diamond Garden Centres. Without them, this wonderful garden wouldn’t have been possible. And I’d like to thank National Trust supporters too, who enable us to keep doing the work that Octavia started over 130 years ago.” 

Alan Roper, Blue Diamond Managing Director, said: “Blue Diamond's collaboration with the National Trust led to us originating the idea for this garden at RHS Chelsea. Ann-Marie Powell took our team on a design journey and her interpretation of Octavia's Hill's vision, for today's generation, is truly admirable.  

“Our equal investment in this garden with the National Trust exemplifies our relationship by celebrating and reminding people of one of their founding members and allows my team the rewarding experience of being part of such a journey. It is a tremendous achievement for all concerned. I am extremely proud that we were able to realise this landmark garden celebrating the National Trust and their achievements.  

“However, for Blue Diamond this journey is only just beginning. After RHS Chelsea, I want to ensure the legacy of the garden continues so it can be enjoyed and Octavia's ideals celebrated, for many years to come. As such, it will be rebuilt in its entirety, at Bridgemere Show Gardens in Nantwich, Cheshire, where it will take pride of place alongside 15 other RHS Gold and Silver Gilt winning gardens dating back to 1989.” 

Jim Teague, Head of Blue Diamond Production, said: "Everyone at Blue Diamond is incredibly proud of the collaboration with The National Trust, and winning a Silver-Gilt medal at Chelsea Flower Show is simply the icing on the cake! 

“The whole team have been working very hard to make sure Chelsea is a success, and that the message and legacy that Octavia Hill left us through the National Trust is able to be conveyed to all our customers within our garden centres. 

“Customers will be able to continue to visit our stores and buy a little piece of the show garden from our Chelsea Collection of plants." 

Jill Kerr, Group Relationship Manager for Blue Diamond, said: "We are absolutely delighted with the Silver-Gilt Medal and would like to thank all at the already multi-award winning garden design practice, Ann-Marie Powell Gardens, led by designer Ann-Marie Powell, the team at The Landscaping Consultants, all the talented specialists and all those at the National Trust and Blue Diamond Garden Centres involved in this tremendous project. It really was a huge team effort!  

“We hope the garden will inspire and encourage people to create gardens or areas for plants to flourish, to spend time outdoors in nature and in their gardens, to enjoy the many proven benefits. We should all take the opportunity to increase plant diversity and provide valuable food sources for pollinators and wildlife in whatever outdoor space we may have. 

“Octavia Hill believed that ‘the healthy gift of air and the joy of plants and flowers’ were vital in everyone’s life' and I think this is a belief we should all live by.” 

New for 2024, the eponymous Emma Bridgewater English Shrub rose celebrates the union of two heritage British brands, with a flower that can grow and thrive in gardens but also last forever indoors on the corresponding hand-painted Emma Bridgewater mug.

It follows an earlier collaboration in January of this year where the two co-designed a charitable mug depicting the golden yellow David Austin Bring Me Sunshine rose to raise money for the National Garden Scheme, where a £5 donation for every mug sold continues to be donated to charity.

In addition to the new Emma Bridgewater rose, David Austin® is also launching a new gift box in which recipients will enjoy a voucher for the rose, an Emma Bridgewater milk bottle vase for displaying a cut stem or two and a matching tea towel, which can also be purchased via the David Austin website.

David J. C. Austin says “Emma Bridgewater’s works are amongst the most collectable of our time, so it feels fitting to have created an English rose of such endless appeal in her honour. In the tradition of our English roses, we have meticulously bred, tested, and trialled the Emma Bridgewater variety over 12 years to ensure it is both beautiful and born to endure. Admiring the rose in full bloom at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show will be a very special moment, just as it was for me to visit the Emma Bridgewater factory in Stoke-on-Trent and see our collaborative mug being crafted.”

Emma Bridgewater says “I am delighted by our collaboration with David Austin Roses, a British brand with a real crossover of vision and ideas. Visiting the David Austin nursery and witnessing the rose creation process was thrilling and incredibly inspiring. I have been surrounded and loved David Austin Roses for as long as I remember as both my mum and granny were keen gardeners and loved them. Much like a well-loved piece of pottery, roses can be like old friends, with a personal connection for people. The Emma Bridgewater rose is wonderful, and not least because it is full of surprises, as it displays several distinctly different colours as the buds appear, open and then develop - giving three different hues in one rose. It has also been rewarding to take this beautiful rose and translate it into pottery with an illustrative mug as well as a range of vases made especially for displaying roses in all of their glory.”

First time garden designer Giulio Giorgi and Garden Contractor Landesigns received the inaugural RHS Environmental Innovation Award in recognition of the efforts they have gone to in order to reduce the environmental footprint of the World Child Cancer Nurturing Garden at this year’s show. 

The new award, which was open to all those in the Show and Sanctuary Garden categories at this year’s show, was introduced to recognise and celebrate the innovative ways designers and contractors have reduced the environmental impact of the gardens they have created.

The judging panel, which consisted of Malcolm Anderson, RHS Head of Sustainability, Liz Nicholson Managing Director at Nicholsons and Paul Cowell Chartered Landscape Architect, were unanimous in their decision.

About the winners Malcolm Anderson, RHS Head of Sustainability said; “It was a really difficult decision to make but we felt the World Child Cancer Nurturing Garden stood out as a beautifully simple example of merging old techniques with new, where Giulio has used 3D printing to create traditional keyhole gardens. The garden has been created using products made entirely from soil and timber and in its construction no power tools have been used, only hand tools, so it is a fine example of how we can design and build gardens more sustainably in the future.”

“This year has marked something of a seismic shift in the way the gardens have been designed and built, yes, we can always do better and there is always something new to learn. But we should all take a moment to celebrate the sustainability stories embedded in this year’s gardens.”

Eleven gardens applied to be considered for this award, which were judged according to seven criteria including construction, overall innovation, and biodiversity. This involved judges considering end of life plans for the gardens, whether materials can be reused, and how it will benefit the community and environment in its final location.

Innovations commended by the judges in the other gardens considered for the award included the use of hemp in the construction of the Stroke Association’s Garden for Recovery designed by Miria Harris and built by Mark Gregory of Landform Consultants, which also included a prototype hemp composite paving never been tried at the show before.   The judges were also particularly impressed with how designers Tom Massey and Je Ahn along with Landscape Associates created the WaterAid Garden with its relocated site at the forefront.  The garden has the potential to make a difference globally as plans for the rainwater harvesters in the garden will be freely available from WaterAid so that these can be replicated anywhere in the world. 

RHS Director General Clare Matterson said: “The efforts all designers and contractors at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show have gone to in order to reduce their gardens impact on the environment should be commended and demonstrates fantastic progress and a huge shift forward as we continue to work collaboratively on our journey to make the show and indeed the whole industry adopt more sustainable practices in garden design. Thank you to everyone involved and we look forward to seeing many more creative sustainable innovations in the future.”

Congratulations to all of the 2024 RHS Chelsea Flower Show award winners.

Click the link below for a list of all the award winners

https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/awards

Members of the Horticultural Trades Association and Association of Professional Landscapers are celebrating success as they showcase their exceptional talent with innovative garden design, landscaping and displays this week at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024. This year is hailed by the RHS as its most sustainable show yet, with all show gardens having gone through an environmental audit to reduce their environmental impact.

Over 20 of the prestigious medals were awarded to HTA and APL members, including the 2024 Plant of the Year Prunus ‘Starlight’, an ornamental cherry blossom tree with unique white star star-shaped flowers, which was supplied by member Frank P Matthews. 

Nine London primary schools were invited to the show to award the first ever RHS Children’s Choice Award, which was presented to the Octavia Hill Garden, a partnership of HTA member Blue Diamond with the National Trust, designed by Ann-Marie Powell with the Blue Diamond Team. The Main Avenue Show Garden was created to celebrate the legacy of social pioneer and National Trust co-founder Octavia Hill.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA commented: "All APL and HTA members who built gardens at the show were awarded medals this year which is a fantastic testament to their high calibre work. We’re extremely proud to see so many HTA and APL members highlight their exceptional talents with show-stopping gardens, blooming displays and dedication to environmental sustainability at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024. They really do reinforce the positive effect plants and gardening have on our wellbeing. This is a great week for our HTA and APL members with so many of them getting the recognition they deserve.”

Show gardens 

Crocus - Muscular Dystrophy UK – Forest Bathing Garden GOLD and BEST IN CATEGORY

Landscape Associates- The Water Aid Garden GOLD

Landform Consultants - The National Autistic Society Garden SILVER GILT

The Octavia Hill Garden by Blue Diamond with the National Trust SILVER GILT

Landform Consultants – Stroke Association’s Garden for Recovery BRONZE

Sanctuary gardens 

Conquest creative spaces – Burma Skin Care Initiative Spirit of Partnership Garden GOLD and BEST IN CATEGORY

Gadd Brothers – The Boodles Garden SILVER GILT

Container gardens 

 Wright Landscapes – The Ecotherapy Garden GOLD and BEST IN CATEGORY

 Andrew Ball MGR Changing Tide Garden GOLD

 Big Fish Landscapes – The Anywhere Courtyard SILVER GILT

 MAPL Sam Proctor Garden Design – The Water Saving Garden BRONZE

 All about plants 

 Atlantes Landscapes – The Bowel Research UK Microbiome Garden GOLD

 Big Fish Landscapes – The Pulp Friction: Growing Skills Garden SILVER GILT

HTA members exhibiting in the Great Pavillion were also awarded top Gold medals including Burncoose Nurseries, David Austin Roses, Peter Beales Roses, Primrose Hall Peonies, Raymond Evison Clematis, and Taylors Bulbs, and the Blue Diamond group of garden centres were awarded silver.

A 4-Star Trade Stand award was presented to the HTA and National Garden Gift Vouchers (NGGV) stand. The stand shows the benefits of giving the gift of gardening by emphasising the profound impact of gardening, highlighting the benefits for physical health, mental wellbeing, community and nature. With every NGGV purchase, not only do you gain access to a world of greenery, but you also contribute to the Greenfingers charity, creating magical gardens for life-limited children and their families to enjoy. 

GTN May 2024 - Summer Showroom Directory - In this issue: AMES Tools – the success story so far, One to watch – GTN visits the new Rutland Nursery, Altico celebrates 3 years, Getting wise with wool - gardening products made from sheep’s wool, On your marks – GTN’s guide to this summer’s shows, SOLEX – outdoor living at its best, Summer Showroom Directory – GTN’s guide to supplier showrooms open for business this summer, STV on the road, Creativity with Floralsilk, Smart’s showroom visit, Planteria Vox-Pops from: Gates, Newquay, Cooks, Bosworths, Coblands, Carpenters, Highfields, Pughs, Barton Grange, Cowells, Perrywood, Munros and Fron Goch, Hoping for sunshine – HTA Column, What’s driving future gardening? – GIMA Column.

A winter and spring flowering ornamental cherry with unusual pure white star-shaped flowers has won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Plant of the Year 2024 competition.

​

Exhibited at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 by Green Jjam Nurseries and bred by Ken Tobutt, the Prunus ‘Starlight’ was selected as the winner by over 180 experts from RHS Plant Committees and Trials Assessment Forums. 

​

In second place came Cosmos atrosanguineus CHERRY CHOCOLATE (‘Vg001’) with its large vibrant cherry-coloured flowers, delicious chocolate scent and contrasting yellow pollen. The plant, bred by Valin Genetics and supplied by Whetman Plants International, will be exhibited by Stonebarn & Gardeners’ Question Time.

​

Agave ‘Praying Hands’, exhibited by Stonebarn & Gardeners’ Question Time, bred by Hans Hansen and supplied byThompson & Morgan, took third place in the competition. The plant’s colourful foliage and striking shape make for a perfect pot specimen or mixed in with other succulents. Hardy to -5C and sun and drought tolerant, it is ideal for a changing climate.

​

This year, a mushroom made the shortlist for the first time. Pleurotus euosmus, a tarragon oyster mushroom, exhibited by Caley Brothers and bred by Adrian Ogden of Gourmet Woodland Mushrooms is quick and easy to cultivate for culinary use through growing kits and accessible to anyone regardless of space, experience and budget.

​

It was also the first time that voters took part in an online competition. The format was chosen so it could be widened to enable members of RHS Plant Committees and Trials Forums who are not able to attend the show to contribute their expertise.

​

Now in its 14th year, the RHS Plant of the Year competition takes place each year to celebrate new developments and innovations among the world of growers’.

​

Emma Allen, RHS Head of Horticultural Relations, said: “I’m delighted to see the Prunus ‘Starlight’ has won this year. It has fabulous star-shaped flowers, really unusual, which are reminiscent of the star magnolia. Former winners have gone on to fly off the shelves, so we hope that this win brings similar future success.

​

“We are also delighted for everyone who has made the shortlist, as the competition showcases innovations and new plant features from the best of the plant breeding world for the domestic gardener.”

​

The annual RHS Plant of the Year winners and shortlisted entrants will be on display on the RHS Experience stand in the Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 sponsored by The Newt in Somerset, which runs from Tuesday 21 May to Saturday 25 May.

An impressive 21 plants have been shortlisted for this year’s RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year competition. The top three will be announced on Sunday 19 May giving garden centres an extra day to prepare for customers wanting the show’s winner.

In a change to previous years, votes submitted by RHS Committee members have been done remotely. This, says the RHS, has resulted in a much more robust result with many more experts casting a vote compared to previous years when only those able to be at the show on the particular day could take part. 

All 21 plants will be exhibited at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in the Great Pavilion.

Shortlist for the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2024

Agastache BEELICIOUS PINK  ('Agapk') from Hayloft, exhibited by Proctors Nursery           

Agave 'Praying Hands' from Thompson & Morgan, exhibited by Stonebarn & Gardeners Question Time.

Begonia 'Stellar Storm' exhibited by Dibleys Nurseries         

Clematis GUERNSEY FLUTE ('Evigsy153') exhibited by Raymond Evison Clematis 

Cosmos atrosanguineus CHERRY CHOCOLATE ('Vg001') from Whetman Plants International, exhibited by Stonebarn Landscapes 

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Yulika' exhibited by Burncoose Nurseries

Mahonia eurybracteata subsp. ganpinensis METEOR ('Hillmah') from Hillier Nurseries, exhibited Sparsholt College        

Musa sikkimensis EVER RED ('Lou 1') from Suttons, exhibited by Stonebarn & Gardeners Question Time

Narcissus 'King Charles ' exhibited by Taylors Bulbs  

Papaver (Oriental Group) RED RUMBLE ('Hg01') from Hayloft, exhibited by Hare Spring Cottage Garden Plants

Petunia NICOLA ('Kernicola') (Tumbelina Series) from Kerley & Co, exhibited by Sparsholt College 

Philadelphus PETITE PERFUME WHITE ('W1') from Hillier Nurseries, exhibited by Sparsholt College          

Pleurotus euosmus - tarragon oyster mushroom exhibited by Caley Brothers

Prunus 'Starlight', from Frank P Matthews, exhibited by Green Jjam Nursery          

Rosa CHELSEA PENSIONER ('Harhomley') exhibited by Harkness Roses 

Rosa ?   NAME TO BE ANNOUNCED on 20 May, exhibited by David Austin Roses 

Salvia × jamensis BELLE DE LOIRE 'Barsabel'  , exhibited by Middleton Nurseries    

Scabiosa KUDO BLUE ('Ichbu2005') (Kudo Series) from Sarah Raven, exhibited by Daisy Roots Nursery    

Sempervivum GOLD MINE ('Ggm2022') (Chick Charms Giants Series) from Hillier Nurseries, exhibited by Sparsholt College        

Trachelospermum asiaticum STAR OF MILANO  ('Trsuz01')  from Suttons, exhibited by Stonebarn & Gardeners Question Time

Tulbaghia cominsii 'Fancy Pants' exhibited by Hoyland Plant Centre

The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation, the charity who award scholarships to students studying horticulture, and Sparsholt College are working together to bring a garden to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show entitled Plants, Routes & Branches.

The display, in the Floral Marquee, explores the history of plant introductions from the colleges home county of Hampshire, whilst celebrating the impact of prominent horticulturists and the role the college has played. The garden also looks to the future generation of horticulturists, a key function of the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation, by exploring the numerous and exciting career routes they may follow. The display aims to signpost the potential career routes and opportunities provided by the horticultural industry. 

As well as sponsoring students at the college, the Foundation is working alongside the students and staff at the college including sourcing plants. Five new plants are incorporated in the garden, all entries into the RHS Plant of the Year competition, including the new Petunia x atkinsiana Nicola from Cambridge based plant breeders, Kerley & Co. Tim Kerley was himself winner of a scholarship and has bred this Petunia and is donating a proportion of the Royalties to the Foundation as his way of saying ‘thank you’. 

Other new plants will also feature in the display, Prunus Starlight a new subhirtella type flowering cherry, and a brand new eating apple named Peter’s Gold, both from tree specialist Frank P Matthews in Worcestershire. The apple was found and developed by the late Peter Seabrook, a founding Trustee  of the charity, and after 10 years of development work is now coming to market for the first time. A donation from the sale of each tree will be made to the Foundation.

The Foundation's podcast Cultivate Your Future, has been following the work of the student, talking to them while they develop aspects of their design, and the final recording will be made once the show is open and you will be able to listen to their journey and all the networking and collaboration they have achieved via the charities website colegraveseabrookfoundation.org.uk

GTN Xtra will be visiting RHS Chelsea Flower Show to photograph the finished garden and meet the student team as well as catching up with the many horticultural and gardening businesses that are talking part in this year’s show. 

The RHS is honoured and delighted that His Majesty The King will be the next Patron of the Royal Horticultural Society – the UK’s gardening charity dedicated to helping everyone to garden for health, happiness and the environment.

​

Keith Weed CBE, President of the RHS, said: “As an advocate for the planet and champion for environmental issues, we are thrilled and honoured that His Majesty The King is our Royal Patron.

​

“We look forward to furthering our work to reach more people of all ages, backgrounds and gardening abilities with the joy of growing plants and gardening to create wonderful gardens, combat the effects of climate change and build a better future for generations to come.”

​

Their Majesties The King and Queen will be visiting the RHS’s world-famous gardening event, The RHS Chelsea Flower Show on Monday 20 May to meet the growers, designers and horticulturists that help make both UK gardens and its nation of gardeners some of the best in the world. 

​

During their visit to RHS Chelsea on Monday Their Majesties will visit The RHS No Adults Allowed Garden, the first garden in the history of the Show to be designed by children to highlight to children everywhere how to become gardeners to help the planet, whilst having some fun.  Along with co-designer Harry Holding, the children have included in their design a woodland, meadows and a wetland with heightened colour and oversized bog plants. There is also a natural den set within a pool of water.

Other gardens that will be visited include the Moroto no IE Garden, designed by Kazuyuki Ishihara, which is a garden where vibrant acers and a tumbling waterfall blend the beauty of the natural world with the practicalities of family life and The Addleshaw Goddard Junglette Garden designed by Mike McMahon and Jewlsy Matthews where the hardy tropical planting of the balcony mirrors the structural layers of the jungle.

​

Clare Matterson CBE, RHS Director General, said: “It means the world to the RHS and our wider horticultural family of growers, nurseries, gardeners, designers and plantspeople that Their Majesties The King and Queen, accompanied by The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester are visiting RHS Chelsea again this year. 

​

“We are all hugely looking forward to welcoming them to the world famous event to enjoy the spectacular displays that everyone has worked tirelessly to create, to meet the many wonderful charities involved with the event, and hopefully, as us gardeners love to do, sharing some top gardening tips and getting lots of inspiration along the way.”

Their Majesties visited the RHS Chelsea Flower Show just weeks after the Coronation last year.  During the 2009 Show Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II presented The King, as Prince of Wales with the RHS Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH) – the Charity’s most prestigious award – as a tribute to his deep interest and expertise in horticulture.

​

Having spent a lifetime championing the environment, The King has transformed his own garden at Highgrove into one of the most inspiring and innovative in the United Kingdom. It is a garden over 35 years in the making, created with passion, vision and dedication by The King and is an exemplar of his organic principles. 

​

In 2013 The King, as Prince of Wales launched the Coronation Meadows Project to create 60 meadows, in honour of the 60th year of The late Queen’s accession to the throne. They have since thrived with over 100 fields of flowers created over the last ten years.

​

The Late Queen Elizabeth II was previously Patron of the RHS. The Queen became Patron of the RHS in 1952. She was Patron for 70 years, visiting RHS Chelsea Flower Show nearly every year of her Reign.

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has written to government ministers with its learnings two weeks into the new border arrangements. The key border change being the overnight shift on 30 April 2024 from Place of Destination (POD) checks to Border Control Points (BCPs) and Control Points (CPs).

The government’s ‘pragmatic approach’ means a very low level of plant health inspections, risking biosecurity, hiked costs of importing, and ongoing systems issues causing concern and mounting resource burdens. 

The HTA’s letter to Environment Minister Lord Douglas Miller OBE sets out clear asks on the here and now, including system fixes, engagement on costs, clarity on data and a plan for the pragmatic approach to give industry reassurance on the border. The letter goes further and seeks to ensure that along with current challenges being addressed, the longer-term need to have a plan to address BCP capability and sector access to easements, such as AOS or a trusted trader scheme, are also delivered. The HTA calls on ministers to convene a meeting of those involved and impacted by the new border changes. 

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, commented: “We know many in the sector shifted their imports to manage the risks of delays and disruption in the early days of the new changes. We are disappointed that we are still on day one check levels today and see system issues and challenges that are ongoing. Well-reported outages are having a knock-on effect on the plant trade and on the ramping up of checks, and they are causing confusion and a lack of confidence in the border, its operations, and biosecurity.

“Many across the sector still do not know, and will not know for some time, the full costs of imports and have any certainty to plan and manage cash flow, with a hotch-potch of pricing regimes, and no publicly available data on inspection levels and trade routes. We are in the dark and unable to access the data the BTOM relies on.

“The sector imports £753 million of plants and plant products annually. 90% of our growers import plants at some stage of the growing cycle. Nearly 100% are SMEs and, in theory, subject to 100% checks and charges. Today, they have near 0% access to the easements or alternatives to BCP usage. We continue to seek members’ insights into how the border and new BCP system is operating, what is working well and what is not, and the cost and resource implications.” 

The HTA’s full letter can be accessed here.

Members of the HTA should continue to feedback their insights into the impacts of the border changes to policy@hta.org.uk and more information, including forthcoming webinars, can be found here:https://hta.org.uk/policy/cross-border-trade 

Southern Trident has been recognised for its achievements at the North Lincolnshire Business Awards 2024 with the company winning ‘The HETA Green Sustainability Award’ and being runner-up in ‘The Pepperells Innovation Award’ category.

These accolades underscore Southern Trident’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, showcasing its accomplishments beyond the horticulture industry. The company’s carbon-neutral status and groundbreaking product development for the Harmony Gardens and Coco & Coir brands have been recognised as leading contributions to environmentally responsible solutions.

Innovation in Action: The Pepperells Innovation Award

Southern Trident's distinction as a runner-up for 'The Pepperells Innovation Award' highlights the pioneering efforts in creating innovative products. The Harmony Gardens and Coco & Coir brands exemplify the company's dedication to developing sustainable alternatives that meet the evolving needs of consumers and the environment. This recognition reflects Southern Trident's role as a forward-thinking leader in product innovation.

Championing Sustainability: The HETA Green Sustainability Award

Winning 'The HETA Green Sustainability Award' is a testament to Southern Trident's unwavering commitment to sustainability. The company’s carbon-neutral status and environmentally responsible practices have set a new standard in the industry. The Harmony Gardens and Coco & Coir brands are at the forefront of this green revolution, offering products that are not only effective but also eco-friendly.

Recognition Beyond Horticulture

Southern Trident's success at the North Lincolnshire Business Awards 2024 signifies the broad impact of its sustainable initiatives. The awards demonstrate how the dedication to environmental stewardship and innovative product development resonates beyond the horticulture sector, earning admiration and respect from diverse industries.

A Bright Future Ahead

Southern Trident remains steadfast in its mission to create innovative, sustainable solutions. These accolades inspire the company to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in product development and environmental responsibility. With a focus on reducing carbon footprints and advancing eco-friendly practices, Southern Trident is poised for continued success and influence.

For more information about Southern Trident visit www.southerntrident.com

Heirloom seed company, She Grows Veg, is sowing the seeds of success as it gears up for its RHS Chelsea Flower Show debut alongside a TV appearance on BBC Gardeners’ World programme.

Since launching in November 2023, female-founded She Grow Veg has already sold a huge 30,000 packs of its rare and open-pollinated heirloom seeds to growers all over the UK and is about to reach even more potential growers as it gets set to to talk about its upcoming display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The brainchild of former jewellery designer to the stars, Lucy Hutchings, and marketeer, Kate Cotterill, She Grows Veg has quickly gained acclaim for its 150+ strong range of seeds that allow people to grow everything from Tromboncino giant butternut squash and Gniff purple carrots, to black tomatoes and chicory Rose of Venice,

“The speed in which the business has grown has been phenomenal,” comments Kate. “We knew there was a real gap in the market for heirloom seeds that produce veg that not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful too, but the response has been better than we ever could have expected. We’ve sent seeds to over 5,000 growers in the UK and amazingly, half of our customers are under 35 years old so we’re managing to reach a younger generation of growers which was all part of our mission.”

She Grows Veg is set to exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this May in the Great Pavillion with its ‘Edimental’ concept; a beautiful, opulent and never-before-seen aspirational display that will show how a garden of wonderful food can create a stunning vista of colour both outdoors and in your kitchen. Special guest chef, Raymond Blanc, is also joining the team for the first day of the show to cook some of their wonderful produce..

“When we started the business we wanted to promote the link between growing and cooking and open people’s eyes to some amazing and often forgotten veg. We never expected that within six months we’d be appearing on TV and inspiring a whole new generation of growers,” continues Kate. “It’s all happened so fast, but it’s great to be a part of such a vibrant growing community and we can’t wait to meet some of our growers at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.”

Kate and Lucy source their seeds from seed suppliers in the UK and internationally, and grow the very rarest and hard to find ones themselves in their trial garden. Each seed pack is supported with its own ‘Sow, Grow and Taste’ Youtube video, giving new growers the confidence to give it a try. 

The business launched with 156 varieties and has added a further 30 to the range since last year. “We are completely different to other seed growers as we don’t just trial our seeds at our HQ, we also have normal growers testing them out across the country in different climates and growing conditions. This allows us to offer the best possible growing advice to our buyers,” continues Kate. “Mine and Lucy’s shared passion for growing veg has led us to create the She Grows Veg brand and we can’t wait to speak to other keen gardeners and plant-lovers at The RHS Chelsea Flower Show and hopefully inspire even more people to grow their own.”

Visitors will be able to find the She Grows Veg display in the Great Pavilion at Chelsea Flower Show (21st to 25th May 2024) and purchase packs of heirloom seeds to take home. To see the whole range of heirloom seed packs available and for more information on She Grows Veg, visit https://shegrowsveg.com/ 

The biggest garden and BBQ trade fair in the world is being staged in Cologne from 16 to 18 June 2024. The preparations are running at full speed. We spoke with Stefan Lohrberg, Director of spoga+gafa, a month before the trade fair opens about the current challenges and the importance of spoga+gafa. 

Stefan, what distinguishes spoga+gafa and why is it a must-attend event? 
The green industry has experienced challenging months. Nevertheless, it is closing ranks. The mutual exchange is equally important for everyone. Joint ideas have to be developed and solutions found. The trade fair offers exactly the right setting for this purpose, conveys security, stability and a sense of "being at home". As a platform for innovations, the trade fair defines trends, offers access to the international market and first-class networking opportunities, spoga+gafa brings industry expertise, impulses as well as supply and demand together. 

Which current challenges or opportunities are you observing for the garden and BBQ industry? 
To start with: The season is going better than expected. Especially the hardware segments, for example furniture and BBQs, are catching up and the figures are more positive. We are noticing this among others from the bookings for the trade fair, which are still taking place a few weeks before the trade fair, which means the halls are continuing to fill. 
Nonetheless, there are still high warehouse stocks and the weather conditions are currently clearly challenging at least in the DACH region as well as in many parts of Europe. These themes are additionally causing the companies concern, but the industry is capable of using them as opportunities by pushing innovations and opening up new markets. I am convinced that the garden, balcony and terrace sector will also bring forth outstanding products in the coming years. And these will be presented at spoga+gafa in Cologne this year and in the future. 

Which new trends or highlights await the visitors at spoga+gafa this year? 
"Responsible Gardens" is the top theme and together with the exhibitors we aim to promote the joy in responsible gardening and present sustainable solutions. Hence, we will be addressing important themes like resource-saving gardening, fairly-produced outdoor furniture, user-friendly garden tools, efficient BBQ technologies or climate-friendly garden care and irrigation. 
I would like to accentuate the BBQ section this year. This is where spoga+gafa's first Coolingworld is located, a small, special event zone for active and passive cool boxes. There is a high demand for this theme from the specialised trade and large-surface outlets. The first major exhibitor from the "Outdoor Adventure" section is located in the direct vicinity. Petromax is presenting its interpretations of open-air adventures on space covering just under 500 m². Here, BBQs will become outdoor cooking and decorative lamps lighting that allows you to find your way at night. An area that will become significantly more relevant over the coming years. Within the trade as well as at the trade fair. 

Stefan, spoga+gafa is being staged in Cologne in mid-June, but so are the European Football Championships. Joy and sorrow at the same time? 
One thing is certain: The June is going to be positively intense. Of course, two major events being staged simultaneously brings with it challenges regarding the hotel situation. This means the hotel situation is particularly tense in the area close to the trade fair. However, there are enough reserves for every budget in Cologne and the neighbouring cities. Due to the first-class infrastructure of our exhibition halls, spoga+gafa can be reached fast and directly from the region per train, bus or taxi. So, Cologne is ready for the biggest garden and BBQ trade fair and one of the best sporting events the city has experienced. 

And joy? Are you a football fan? 
Oh yes, I am a big fan and I am looking forward to the European Championship directly on my doorstep. The colour green is thus going to be omnipresent in Cologne in June: on the one hand because of us, spoga+gafa and also on the football pitch. If anything fits together well, it is definitely BBQs, garden and football and thus there is going to be a big garden and football festival in four weeks' time. 

About spoga+gafa
spoga+gafa is the biggest garden and BBQ fair in the world. As an international trade fair at the location in Cologne, it sets impulses for the entire garden world. At the leading global trade fair, the green industry talks about the line-ups and trends of the coming season and presents solutions for current and future challenges. The focus of spoga+gafa lies on trends and innovations from the sections garden bbq, garden creation & care, garden living and garden unique. The unique range of offerings turns the trade fair into the place-to-be for the purchasing managers of all trading forms. The Industry Garden Association e.V. (IVG) is the industry sponsor of spoga+gafa.

The coming edition of spoga+gafa is being staged from 16 to 18 June 2024 under the key theme "Responsible Gardens".

To learn more about the event, visit www.spogagafa.com.

On the National Audit Office report on ‘The UK border: Implementing an effective trade border’, Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), commented: 

“The HTA welcomed the opportunity to contribute to this important audit of UK government policy and delivery of border changes. As the report highlights, the costs to the UK and businesses are huge, and too many questions about effectiveness remain. Those importing SPS goods, which for us are plants and plant products, have experienced massive hikes in costs and administrative burdens since January 2021, compounded by border changes in April 2024. This directly impacts the competitiveness of our sector and its ability to invest and grow. 

“The report highlights our significant concerns over the ability of at-border checks to deliver biosecurity and the free flow of trade. As we set out in our letter to the Minister just a few days ago, our confidence in this is low. We need urgent engagement and action on both near-term fixes and longer-term solutions, such as an accessible trusted trader scheme or other easements. 

“The report raises significant doubts over the ability to fulfil crucial aspects of a UK border – such as the Single Trade Window. The environmental horticulture sector imports £770 million of plants and plant products annually, with 90% of our growers importing plants at some stage of the growing cycle. Nearly 100% are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and, in theory, subject to 100% checks and charges. We need a world-class border to ensure the environmental horticulture sector can thrive, given its substantial contributions to the UK economy, employment, environment, health, and wellbeing.”

The NAO report can be found here: https://www.nao.org.uk

The UK’s Chief Plant Health Officer Professor Nicola Spence is urging UK beekeepers and the public to be increasingly vigilant to the presence of Asian hornet and report any sightings as we move into the peak summer season.

The Asian hornet is smaller than our native hornet and poses no greater risk to human health than our native wasps and hornets. However, they do pose a risk to honey bees and insect pollinators.

Asian hornets are distinctive and can be identified by their very dark body, wide orange stripe on the fourth abdomen section and yellow leg ends. Any sightings can be made via the Asian Hornet Watch App.

The warning comes after 2023 saw a record number of Asian hornets found in the UK. The Animal and Plant Health Agency’s National Bee Unit attended every credible sighting, locating and destroying 72 nests in 56 locations with the majority of nests found in Kent. The National Bee Unit continues to stand ready to respond quickly and effectively to any further possible sightings.

The National Bee Unit continues to take action to eradicate the Asian hornet in the UK, and this spring rolled out trapping in areas where there was an increased risk that Asian hornet queens may have overwintered. The traps, which have the means to allow non-target invertebrates to escape, have been set at locations across Kent, East Sussex, Devon and North Yorkshire.

Asian hornets are not yet established in the UK. Early trapping is a key part of our surveillance for this invasive species and fundamental to our eradication efforts.

Defra’s Chief Plant and Bee Health Officer Professor Nicola Spence said: “By ensuring we are alerted to possible sightings as early as possible, the public can help us take swift and effective action to stamp out the threat posed by Asian hornets.

“While the Asian hornet poses no greater risk to human health than other wasps or hornets, they can damage honey bee colonies and harm other pollinators.

“Please continue to be vigilant for any Asian hornets and if you think you’ve spotted one, report your sighting through the Asian hornet app or online.”

If you suspect you have seen an Asian hornet you should report this using the iPhone and Android app ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ or by using our online report form. Alternatively, e-mail alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk. Please include a photograph if you can safely obtain one.

Identification guides and more information are available and if you keep bees you should keep up to date with the latest situation on the gov.uk sightings page and on BeeBase.

It is important to take care not to approach or disturb a nest. Asian hornets are not generally aggressive towards people but an exception to this is when they perceive a threat to their nest.

This announcement coincides with the start of Chelsea Flower Show, where Defra and APHA are hosting an interactive exhibit highlighting the spread of Asian hornet and the risks to our honey bees and wild pollinators with the aim of raising awareness of the Asian hornet amongst gardeners and the industry.

Further information:

• The Great Britain Non-native Species Secretariat is a joint venture between Defra, the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government to tackle the threat of invasive species. More information can be found on their website.
• For details on the appearance of an Asian hornet, please refer to the BeeBase guide or the non-native species identification guide.
• Photographs of the Asian hornet are available on Defra’s Flickr account.
• The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is not to be confused with the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) which has been found in North America.

On Sunday 23rd June, the great and good from the garden retail sector will descend upon Grendon Lakes in Northamptonshire to find out who has the skills to be crowned the 2024 Greenfingers Dragon Boat Race winners. Open to everyone from teams to individuals, this is event will be one to remember!

With up to 14 teams able to take part, there is still space to get involved this June. Whilst teams from British Garden Centres, Westland, Evergreen Garden Care, Woodlodge, the YPHA and the AMES Companies are gearing up to take part, the team at Greenfingers are keen to highlight that smaller teams or even individuals are able to join in the fun as mixed teams are possible, with everyone getting a chance to show off their rowing prowess.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at the Greenfingers Charity, said: “The response to the Dragon Boat Race has been good so far but we still have boats to fill and are urging interested parties to book their place now! Don’t be shy if you haven’t got a full team, or just want to come along on your own, mixed teams are absolutely possible and from my experience, are sometimes the most fun to be on!

“Also, with this being a weekend event we also urge participants to bring along their own cheerleaders in the shape of friends, family and colleagues. Grendon Lakes is a super venue, with plenty to keep big and little people highly entertained, though the races themselves will certainly be the highlight of the day!”

Everything you need to know!

Where: Grendon Lakes, Northamptonshire. Set in 150 acres of stunning Northamptonshire countryside, Grendon Lakes features 12 lakes, two of which are devoted to watersports with the remaining 10 making up some of the finest fishing water in the area. The complex is also home to ‘Hostile Fire’ - the Midlands' premier paintball site. The on-site Alpine clubhouse overlooks the main watersports lake and houses a fully licensed bar, café, toilets, showers and changing rooms, making it the perfect location for friends and families to join in the fun on the day. 

Team info: The Greenfingers Dragon Boat Race can accommodate up to 14 teams, each made up of 10 paddlers and one drummer.

Team entry is priced at £900, whilst individual entry is priced at £100. In addition, the Greenfingers Charity is asking each team member to aim to raise a minimum of £100.

Find out more

Anyone wanting to secure a spot at the Greenfingers Charity Dragon Boat Race is invited to register by emailing Linda Petrons via linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk

In the meantime, you can follow all the latest updates from Greenfingers on social media - @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn, https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/ and @GreenfingersCha on Twitter.

A former scallop-diver has launched the UK’s first ever peat-free, organic seaweed compost that is sold in 100% compostable or ‘naked’ packaging. His mission is to eradicate the 100 million single-use compost bags that are sold to UK gardeners each year.

True to his roots, Guy Grieve’s Atlantic Garden compost is seaweed-enriched, making it a premium product that will help gardeners’ investments go further, but at a competitive price.

Enriched with organic seaweed gathered from the nutrient-rich waters of the Scottish coastline, the Atlantic Garden compost is bursting with nutrients and minerals proven to deliver a range of benefits to gardeners: 

• Deeper and stronger root growth
• Faster-growing, healthier and hardier plants that can better withstand adverse weather conditions and disease
• Tastier and fresher fruit and vegetables with a longer shelf-life
• Improved water retention enabling less frequent watering 

Guy Grieve, former scallop diver and the innovator behind Atlantic Garden compost, comments: “Single-use plastics in gardening is a major environmental issue and must be addressed without delay. 2024 is a monumental year seeing the end of peat-use in the UK’s composting products, making it the perfect time to mark the end of plastic compost bags, too.

“Our truly gorgeous 100% organic seaweed-enriched compost is as ‘naked’ as it comes - all packaging - from the liner through to the tape on the box can be home composted within 180 days.

“We soft launched this world-first product last month and the response has been mind-blowing - we sent out 120,000 litres in the first week. It’s as if the nation’s gardeners have been waiting for it to arrive.”

Home composting heroes

Atlantic Garden’s commendable ethos is to promote and encourage home composting first and foremost and invite people to purchase its sustainable seaweed-enriched compost to top-up or give that extra special treat to a prize vegetable patch or flourishing flower bed.  

Atlantic Garden organic seaweed-enriched compost  

The 100% organic compost is free from any nasties and contains only two ingredients. 80% is leaves, stems, grass cuttings and sticks from the Scottish Lowlands and 20% is seaweed collected from the Scottish coastline. 

The team shreds these two natural ingredients before forming composting windrows, which are turned periodically to aerate for a period of 180 days. 

Naked compost - a world’s first 

There is no peat, but more importantly, there is no plastic in any aspect of the product packaging. Everything from the cornstarch liners through to the tape used on the boxes - it can all be composted at home within 180 days. 

A world’s first. Even more to celebrate - delivery is included in the £13.99 per 40 litre price. Visit the Atlantic Garden shop.  

A kickback for the coast

Every delivery of Atlantic Garden triggers a 20p donation to the Scottish Coastal Clean-up Charity, helping to play a small part in repaying our great debt to the sea. This incredible charity removes tonnes of plastic from Scotland’s beaches. Guy works closely with the incredibly important charity. 

#NakedGardening movement 

The term ‘naked gardening’ was first used by Atlantic Garden’s founder, Guy Grieve, during a meeting with his fellow allotment owners at his plot in Edinburgh. He comments: “Introducing seaweed to the soil was a big step, but as soon as I presented my fellow gardeners with a fully ‘naked compost’ - no plastic bag - the naked gardening movement truly took off.

“We want to get the #nakedgardening movement trending throughout UK gardens. By sharing and innovating the ‘naked’ no-nasties products and solutions, we can help gardeners do their bit and strip the bad stuff out while letting the good stuff grow.”

Guy has created a #nakedgardening Facebook Group to help gardeners ‘start stripping’ here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nakedgardening

As the Glee exhibition gets set to celebrate half a century at the heart of the garden retail sector, the organising team is looking for your input. In the past 50 years, Glee has seen thousands of exhibitors pass through its doors, with hundreds of thousands of new products launched since the show’s humble beginnings in 1974. To celebrate the newness and passion that have shaped Glee and the broader garden centre market during this time, the hunt is now on to find the people and product that have driven the most change over the past five decades.

Whether advocating for sustainability or using their influence to increase the reach of horticulture, many diverse people have left their mark on the world of garden retail. They might be suppliers, retailers, industry pundits, or those who have undertaken roles across the full spectrum. Whatever their role, all of them have been integral to Glee's growth, and their work has helped maintain gardening as one of the nation's best-loved pastimes.

Or perhaps the best memories of Glee involve a larger-than-life character. This person may play a starring role in Glee’s memoirs, providing endless smiles, friendly advice and happy recollections from those that knew them pacing the aisles of shows gone by.

Like the people who create them, gardening products have also generated pivotal moments of change. From finally tackling an age-old problem, formulating an innovative bestseller opportunity, opening a meaningful dialogue about gardening's impact on the planet, or simply using technology to make gardening more accessible for the modern consumer, there have been many hero products over the past half century.

Now is the time for Glee's audience to vote for their own heroes and celebrate the people and product they think have had the most impact on Glee's future and that of the garden retail sector.

How to vote

Working in partnership with Glee's media partner, Garden Trade News, nominations are now open using this link. The deadline for making nominations is 31st May.

• Most Influential Person of the last 50 years, click here
• The Character of Glee's 50 years, click here
• Hero Product of the last 50 years, click here

Or send your nominations by e-mail to: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk  (All nominations will be dealt with in the strictest confidence)

Following the nominations round, a panel of judges will draw a shortlist of names and products before readers of GTN Xtra can place their final votes throughout June and July.

The winners will be announced onsite at Glee 2024, the 50th edition of which will run from Tuesday, 10^th September, to Thursday, 12^th September, at the NEC in Birmingham.

Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee, said: "The gardening world has changed so much from the early 70s, with each decade ringing in exciting new trends and innovation. Throughout all of this, Glee has maintained a constant presence, year-after-year providing a place where the garden retail sector can come together to inspire, network and educate. Now, we want to celebrate those who have left a mark in a fun and reflective look back on Glee's half-century. We're excited to see the nominations, find out the eventual winners, and are prepared for a tidal wave of nostalgia and questionable haircuts!"

Glee connects the garden industry to inspire change, drive growth, and promote innovation. To find out more or to register your interest in exhibiting, please visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

With the debate recurring over perennial ryegrass in lawn mixtures in the press recently, the UK’s most trusted and oldest lawn seed brand is highlighting the benefits of its use in mixtures within its product portfolio along with fescues and bents.

The perennial ryegrasses in Johnsons mixtures are the product of decades of grass breeding and research specifically for lawns and other amenity uses. The perennial ryegrasses used by farmers are derived from entirely different breeding programs designed for different characteristics. Johnsons has meticulously trialled varieties of amenity perennial ryegrass, fescues and bents, all native species to the UK, to ensure their suitability for our climate. In addition to their own trials, they have worked directly with customers to see which mixtures and species work best in lawns.

The extensive research and development conducted by parent company, DLF, has resulted in innovatively crafted seed mixes that offer the best of both ryegrass and non-ryegrass species. By combining the unique characteristics of multiple species of grass, all of Johnsons’ products ensure adaptability to various environmental conditions, foot traffic and pet damage, meaning homeowners' have success in maintaining vibrant, natural lawns.

The very reason for mixing grass species is to enable them to adapt to a broad range of environmental pressures. Lawns can endure all kinds of stress in a small area, including foot traffic and general wear, animal urine, deep shade, prolonged drought, and close mowing. The mixed seeds of each Johnson's formulas adapt to these challenges so that in one area fescues will prosper and, in other conditions, ryegrass.

Fescue is an element of many Johnson Lawn Seed mixes, except Tuffgrass and Quick Fix. This is a good seed to mix with perennial ryegrass because it germinates quickly and will not be overwhelmed by other species. Fescue grass has many benefits, including its exceptional drought resistance, deep roots, and low maintenance requirements, which make it an attractive option for areas prone to dry spells or for busy gardeners seeking hassle-free lawn care. Fescue grass also has a dense growth pattern that naturally suppresses weeds, reducing the need for herbicides and promoting a healthier lawn.

Both the fescues and bents used in Johnson’s Lawn Seed mixes have several advantages, including shade tolerance, adaptability to various soil types and environmental conditions, erosion control capabilities, and resistance to certain lawn diseases. They also require less maintenance compared to other grass varieties, with slower growth rates and less frequent mowing needs.

When used in Johnsons’ mixtures, the fine texture of fescue and bent creates an attractive lawn appearance and is included in their complementary attributes, allowing for a well-balanced combination of shade tolerance, drought resistance, overall durability and visually appealing lawns.

Johnsons Lawn Seed mixes

Tuffgrass with Dog Patch Resistance: Designed for families and pet owners, this grass seed mix is resistant to dog urine, maintaining its green colour. It can withstand family use, low temperatures, snow, and drought. Uses dog patch-resistant, fine-leaved dwarf perennial ryegrass.

Quick Lawn with Accelerator: Ideal for those seeking fast results, this formulation delivers 38% more grass within the first week compared to standard seed. The Accelerator treatment enhances water absorption and germination speed, while the seed coating contains bio-stimulants for a quick start. Contains fine-leaved dwarf perennial ryegrass, strong creeping red fescue and slender creeping red fescue.

Lawn Thickener with Seedbooster: Targeted at consumers dealing with lawn damage from winter flooding and spring drought, this offers rapid germination with 30% more grass. The Seedbooster coating on the fine-leaved dwarf perennial ryegrass aids in quick growth and includes a bird deterrent.

Shady Place Lawn: Geared towards cultivating lawns in dry or damp shade, this seed promises excellent quality and drought tolerance, addressing challenging growing conditions. Made up of hard fescue, strong and slender creeping red fescue and brown top bent, this is ideal for customers who want to seed areas beneath trees and next to high walls and hedges.

Luxury Lawn:  Responding to the trend of lawns as outdoor focal points, this mix produces lush, green lawns suitable for close mowing. It appeals to consumers seeking a manicured, deluxe lawn appearance and is a traditional fescue and brown top bent mixture.

Guy Jenkins, Consumer Manager at Johnsons Lawn Seed said: “The inclusion of different species in Johnsons Lawn Seed’s innovative mixes brings a host of benefits that go beyond just aesthetics. From improved durability to environmental advantages, these grass varieties have been researched and tested by our DLF experts and work together to create a healthy and visually appealing lawn that homeowners can enjoy for years to come.”

If you want to start stocking Johnsons Lawn Seed’s portfolio, then please call your local sales agent or visit the website http://www.johnsonslawnseed.com/product-range.aspx   

G Plants has launched its latest 'Grow Your Own' product line for autumn and winter. This distinctive range presents an excellent opportunity for retailers to introduce a fun and engaging assortment of gardening GYO products to their customers and is a fun and accessible way to grow fresh herbs, spices, and plants at home.

According to a recent GIMA Euromonitor webinar, the 'Grow Your Own' trend in the UK gardening industry experienced a significant growth rate of 13% in 2023. This trend has remained popular across different age groups in the UK, highlighting its sustained appeal and relevance in the market.

With this in mind, G Plants’ 'Grow Your Own' line consists of appealing products that combine ease, and practicality for novice gardeners and a unique gifting opportunity for retailers who can cater to the growing demand for sustainable living and urban farming.

For consumers that like the heat, retailers cannot go wrong with the peat free BEES™ Gifts Chilli Basalt Bowl (RRP £10.99) which sees chillis reaching 50,000 on the Scoville heat scale in a contemporary basalt bowl that will fill the home with elegance and style. Its sleek design enhances any setting, making it a popular choice for both experienced and novice gardeners who want to grow fresh chilli in a small space.

The Indoor Flavours Spicy & Aromatic Grow Set (RRP £8.99) caters to those with no outdoor space, offering a windowsill gardening solution for chillis and herb growing. Retailers can provide their customers with everything needed to start a kitchen indoors peat free and is a great impulse buy or gift to bring fresh, homegrown flavours to culinary creations, without leaving the house.

Add a playful touch to indoor gardening with the Novelty Dog & Cat Grow Cress Heads (RRP £8.99). These charming containers allow customers to grow cress seeds with ease, making them appealing to animal lovers and the younger generation of gardeners or children that are starting their green thumb journey.

The Sausage Dog Novelty Herb Planters (RRP £9.49) offer a quirky and creative way to grow parsley, chives, and basil. Retailers can attract customers with these fun planters that provide a touch of humour and practicality, and the choice of parsley, chives or basils make these a must for any kitchen garden or the perfect present for a cook.

Both the French Bulldog (RRP£ 9.99) and Pug Herb Planters (RRP £9.99) offer a charming and enjoyable way to grow herbs even in limited spaces. These playful planters add a touch of character to any herb garden or indoor growing space while enabling customers to cultivate a variety of herbs such as mint, rosemary, and oregano.

The unique designs of the planters, inspired by popular dog breeds, make them eye-catching and delightful, appealing to pet lovers gardening enthusiasts, and novices alike and are ideal for retailers to sell to cater for those with small gardens, windowsills, or kitchen counters, while also making excellent gifts for friends and family.

These new additions join G Plants’ existing popular GYO products including BEES™ Gifts Strawberry Bowls, Climbing Pods and Chilli Fire Bucket.

Daniel Howarth, Managing Director said: “G Plants' new 'Grow Your Own' product line offers a unique opportunity for retailers to diversify their indoor plants category and meet the demand for urban gardening products. With a focus on quality and creativity, these products bring excitement and accessibility to growing your own to even the smallest of spaces and the world of home gardening.”

Retailers interested in stocking G Plants' new Autumn/Winter range are encouraged to contact the G Plants Sales team at sales@gplants.com or phone 01254 790350. For more information about G Plants and its range of Grow Your Own gardening solutions, please visit www.gplants.com

The Cottage Garden Society team had a very successful weekend at the RHS Malvern Spring Festival.  They revelled in the chance to share all the benefits that the CGS offers to those who love all things related to gardening!

Volunteer members from the local CGS Cotswold Group were pleased to find that all their hard work was not in vain as their display won Bronze at the RHS show. It showcased how easy it is to grow in pots and create a colourful and eco-friendly display of all types of fruits, vegetables and flowers in a small space from seeds. The Cottage Garden Society seed box was at the show to give everyone a chance to try growing something from seed in return for a small donation.  

One of the main benefits of joining the society is the seed exchange.  Seeds are provided by society members so that the exchange can be enjoyed at the end of each year, up to 1,000 seeds are offered on the seed list annually.

Sue Clarke, Chair of the CGS says, "The Malvern show this year was exceptional and we all thoroughly enjoyed being back there this past weekend"  Sue continues, "We are always looking for the chance to share, not only our gardening knowledge, but also the benefits that abound from joining The Cottage Garden Society.  Shows like the Malvern Spring Festival offer us the ideal space to meet with members old and new and also any future members that would like to know more about our society."

The Cottage Garden Society will next be exhibiting in the Floral Marquee at BBC Gardeners World Live between the 13th and 16th June at Birmingham NEC.  Look out for more details in the coming weeks!

If you would like more information regarding the Cottage Garden Society, you can look on their website here at www.thecgs.org.uk or contact them direct at admin@thecgs.org.uk or telephone 01270 820940.

Wyevale Nurseries has created plant displays for Gloucestershire County Council’s plot at the ARB Show at Westonbirt Arboretum.

One of the UK’s leading commercial nurseries is working with the Council’s Greener Gloucestershire Trees team to help promote the benefits of tree planting in the county.

Alan Young, Wyevale Nurseries’ Amenity Sales Executive, who has been heavily involved with the project, says: “We’re delighted to be assisting Gloucestershire County Council with their stand, which is at Plot B02, for this important industry event. The plot will feature two avenues of our British grown trees including Acer, Betula, Liquidamber and Tilia to name a few, as well as other Wyevale plants.

“The ARB Show is a celebration of the world of tree care and is the biggest arboriculture show in the UK; offering a unique experience for all those with a passion for trees.”

Wyevale Nurseries has also been working with Gloucestershire County Council to help plant trees at Westonbirt.

Councillor David Gray, cabinet member for environment and planning at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “We are pleased to have been able to support the replanting of trees at Silk Wood, at Westonbirt, using Wyevale stock.

“We are looking forward to having a stall at this year’s ARB show to raise further awareness of our Greener Gloucestershire initiative, and in particular our wonderful tree planting initiative, and hope to see lots of people there keen to get involved.”

Wyevale Nurseries has a product selection that’s admired across the industry and its amenity team provides landscape contractors, local authorities, foresters and landowners with a comprehensive array of trees, shrubs, hedging, herbaceous and specimen plants.

Alan adds: “We’ve printed labels for all the plants on show at the event, which feature a QR code linking back to our website, so visitors can find out all about us, the nursery, and the trees, hedging and plants we offer, as well as how we can help them with their projects. They can also see our latest stock availability list online too.”

For further details about Hereford-based Wyevale Nurseries, please call 01432 845 200 or visit www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk. For more information about the ARB Show at Westonbirt Arboretum on May 17 & 18, 2024, please visit www.trees.org.uk/The-ARB-Show.

Due to restructuring within Charles Taylor sales network a fantastic opportunity has become available at the largest and fastest growing suppliers of outdoor wooden furniture/Grow your own range in the UK.

We already have a fantastic customer base in Scotland which needs to looked after and the opportunity to grow this established area is really exciting.

• Fantastic commission rates
• Big presence at all leading trade shows
• Established accounts already
• Proven fast selling products
• Great sales team covering UK & Ireland

Please email for more information richard@charlestaylortrading.com

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

Subscribe for free using this link

Claire Bishop, Senior Houseplant Buyer at Dobbies is returning to the prestigious position as Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chair of Assessors for this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

Claire will return to her lead role at RHS Chelsea from Monday 20 May, followed by

supervising the moderation and assessors at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival (2-7 July), and the Flower Show at Tatton Park (17-21 July). This includes evaluating, grading and guiding the judges, as well as ensuring consistency and fairness.

Commenting on her return as Chair of Assessors, Claire said: “It’s always an honour being recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society, and I'm excited to be able to witness all of the innovation this year's show season will bring. I’m really looking forward to seeing the design and creativity that comes out in full force at RHS Chelsea.”

Andy Hannan, Commercial Director at Dobbies, added: “Claire is an expert in her field and one of the country's leading authorities on houseplants. Her re-appointment as the RHS Chair of Assessors is a testament to her passion for garden living and hard work. Huge congrats Claire!”

For RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Dobbies will also be hosting a social takeover with inspirational looks from the show and top tips on how to recreate the trends at home. Customers will also be supported with POS in store calling out plants inspired by the show.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced plans for two major product launches at the 2024 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Brand-new RHS licensee Willsow  will highlight its delightful range of RHS Plantable Seed Paper Calendars and Plantable Christmas Crackers, while established partner Moorcroft will present its newest range of RHS art pottery, called Roses for Henry Cranke Andrews.

Both licensees join an impressive line-up of RHS partners exhibiting at the world’s most famous flower show.

Willsow was the creator of the first-ever plantable children’s book, developed with special handmade paper, embedded with hundreds of real vegetable and herb seeds to allow children to plant the pages and grow. Willsow’s primary goal is to inspire as many people as possible to get outside and get growing; this created the ideal alignment for partnering with the RHS. 

The RHS Plantable Calendars and Plantable Christmas Crackers range will contain a mixture of popular wildflower and cottage garden varieties suitable for both the avid and amateur gardener. The launch offering will consist of two Plantable Seed Paper Calendars (available in an A4 and A5 format) and a box of six Plantable Christmas Crackers.

Packaging and artwork for the range will utilise RHS-supplied artwork inspired by the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s finest collection of botanical art. Each product will also contain sowing, planting and growing advice from RHS horticultural experts.

After launch the range will be available to consumers online via Willsow’s own e-commerce shop, along with notonthehighstreet.com and Amazon. Physical retail will include garden centres, gift shops, book stores and card retailers across the UK. It will also appear at a variety of trade and consumer shows including Christmas markets such as Chatsworth House Christmas Market, as well as Spring Fair, Autumn Fair, Harrogate Home & Gift and of course RHS Flower and Garden Shows.

Exciting additions to what is expected to be a very popular product line are planned for later this year, including a plantable notebook.

There is also a prevalent sustainability element to this agreement. All of Willsow’s products are produced in Leicester at the Willday family printing business, a print house that has been going strong for 80 years, using 100% recycled paper, with vegetable and eco-UV-based fully biodegradable inks. Willsow is on a mission to make print as sustainable as it can be while looking at creative, innovative and new ways to encourage people of all ages to start growing.

Also at RHS Chelsea, Moorcroft, a leading maker and supplier of art pottery and long-standing RHS partner, will be highlighting its latest range of collectable handmade art pottery.

The new Moorcroft RHS Roses for Henry Cranke Andrews collection has been inspired by a number of beautiful early nineteenth-century hand-coloured engravings of roses from the RHS Lindley Collections by the celebrated English botanist, botanical artist and engraver Henry Cranke Andrews.

The nine pieces, which include vases in a variety of sizes, a plaque and a coaster, will be a mixture of limited and numbered editions, with each one designed and signed on the base by designer Emma Bossons FRSA. It is, however, the prestige vase, Rose Legacy that is set to cause a stir at the opening of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 with a demonstration of craftsmanship par excellence. Each of the seven roses in this prestige vase were illustrated by Andrews in his book ‘Roses: or a Monograph of the Genus Rosa’ Volume 1 or 2 (London, 1805-1828) and also appear in an individual design in the collection.

Around two hundred years since Andrews first created his masterpieces, Moorcroft pays tribute to this English botanist with its collection of rose designs, each created to continue his legacy and love of floral art. Moorcroft is proud that each piece of art pottery is still entirely handmade in the Arts and Crafts tradition and will be backstamped on the base with the RHS logo.

The collection will be available to order at the Moorcroft Heritage Visitor Centre, online at www.moorcroft.com and also at the RHS Flower and Garden Shows that Moorcroft will be attending (see more at www.moorcroft.com/events) and through all Moorcroft retailers both in the UK and abroad, including major stores, independents and china and glass retailers.

Of course, the world’s most famous flower show will also feature a number of RHS licensees and endorsements, many of which will, like Willsow and Moorcroft, show products employing designs inspired by the RHS Lindley Collections.

They include:

• Atlantic Mats: recycled, washable doormats
• Babylonstoren: one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms and supplier of the official Rosé of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024
• Burgon & Ball: quality gardening tools and gardening gifts
• Freckleface: home fragrances
• Gabriel Ash by The Juliana Group: timber greenhouses and cold frames
• Hartley Botanic: aluminium glasshouses and greenhouses
• Mr Fothergills Seeds: flower and vegetable seed ranges
• Plankbridge: multi-purpose living spaces based on Victorian shepherd's huts
• Sofas & Stuff: beautiful bespoke furniture and fabrics
• The Original Muck Boot Company: gardening boots
• The Wildlife and Birdcare Nature Recovery Project (on the Original Muck Boot Company stand): wild bird, insect and hedgehog habitats.

Tom Willday, Founder, Willsow, says: “Like the RHS our aim is to educate children and adults alike that we can all do more for the environment – and to make it fun! We’re thrilled to be bringing our love of gardening and growing to this partnership with the UK’s favourite gardening charity.”

Elise Adams, Managing Director, Moorcroft, says: “These glorious engravings by Henry Cranke Andrews have been a marvellous inspiration for Emma Bossons to produce some wonderful pieces that will have enormous appeal to art pottery collectors. Our alliance with the RHS is a long-established partnership which continues to produce breathtakingly beautiful art pottery.”

Cathy Snow, RHS Licensing Manager, adds: “The Willsow range is not only fun and useful but supports our aim of encouraging everyone – of any age – to get into the garden to be in touch with nature again. Moorcroft, meanwhile, has once again brought its renowned heritage craft techniques to a beautiful and highly desirable art pottery range. These two launches will be a highlight of the 2024 RHS Chelsea Flower Show where so many of our partners will again remind people of the breadth, depth and excellence of our licensing programme.”

Perennial, the charity dedicated to supporting people in horticulture, has announced the launch of its largest ever survey to gain a snapshot into the wellbeing of those working in the industry. 

Building on the success of the 2021 Health & Wellbeing Survey, Perennial is calling upon all those working across all sectors to participate in the 2024 survey as their feedback really will make a difference.  

The charity wants to understand more about people’s daily lives, both inside and outside of work, and the pressures they may be facing - not only to develop their services but to inform others within the industry on the key issues and challenges being faced. 

The anonymous survey will run from the 17th May until the end of June and is open to all sectors within horticulture. The results will be analysed and reported on by the University of Exeter and the findings shared with the industry this coming autumn.  

For example, a key finding in 2021 was that 85% of people’s mental wellbeing was poor or below average. As a result, Perennial worked with key industry stakeholders to roll out a successful mental health first aid at work programme which saw nearly 100 people trained as mental health first aiders across 11 sectors and 48 companies. 

Not only has this added to the number of people across the industry already qualified to provide invaluable support to their colleagues every day, it has widened the conversation and is helping to create a culture of positive mental wellbeing.  

By sharing the survey findings, Perennial aims to support and empower the industry to take proactive steps to address such identified challenges. While acknowledging that not all issues can be solved single-handedly, Perennial believes in adopting a collaborative approach and working in partnership with the horticulture sector for positive change. 

Julia Hayne, Perennial’s Director of Services, emphasised the importance of sector collaboration, stating, “The research will enable us to formulate more effective tools and support strategies to enhance wellbeing now and into the future. It’s a further step towards achieving our vision of building better futures for people working in horticulture and their families.”  

Open to all who work in or have worked in horticulture, everyone is encouraged to take the time to complete the survey and to share with colleagues and friends from Friday 17th May 2024.  

perennial.org.uk/survey

As part of its successful Plant & Pause campaign, helping people garden their way to better mental health, Robert Dyas is introducing Little Plant & Pause from Saturday 25th May to Sunday 2nd June, to coincide with Children’s Gardening Week. 

This will involve a series of child-friendly garden activities on Instagram during half term, including an exciting Grow Your Own Runner Bean competition. The winner will receive a bundle of garden games and children’s gardening equipment.

To get their little ones involved, customers can visit any Robert Dyas store to pick up a free pack of runner bean seeds and help them grow their own beanstalk! When it’s as tall as Jack’s, entrants are invited to tag Robert Dyas on Instagram @robertdyas with their best photo by July 31st, with the hashtag #LittlePlantandPause, for a chance to win.

The Runner Bean seeds are available to collect in store from Monday May 20th. There is limited availability so, get them while stocks last. 

The judge will be the UK’s #1 children’s gardening educator, The Skinny Jean Gardener, who leads on the importance of integrating gardening and growth into children's education, both in schools and at home.

Robert Dyas’ Garden Guru, Rich Redman, says: “There’s so much for children to benefit from in the garden: they can learn about and connect with nature, have fun helping their family do the gardening, and enjoy the mood-boosting and therapeutic qualities nature offers to all of us. It doesn’t matter what size space you have – gardening is accessible to everyone of all ages, backgrounds and abilities!”

Robert Dyas’ Plant & Pause campaign was relaunched in April during Stress Awareness Month for a second year. The initiative focuses on the benefits of utilising your outdoor space to promote good mental health and will run until August.

For the second year running, Robert Dyas has teamed up with the gardening-for-health charity, Thrive. With over 40 years of experience, using gardening alongside Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH), to help improve people’s physical and psychological health, they’re a great fit for the project.

 With warm weather and the garden blossoming during the May half term, it’s a great opportunity to get children out into the garden to benefit from nature and enjoy all it has to offer.

A new appointment at Hillier Trees, marks the conclusion of a two-and-a-half year focus on developing the company’s amenity team.

Will Innes-Taylor has been appointed to the team as an Account Manager, joining Gavin Bell and Ben Kyte as the third hire to the team in as many months. While Gavin and Ben will be focusing on the Landscape Contractor sector, Will is poised to lead the sales to the Local Authority market.

Gareth Ashenhurst, Hillier Trees Sales Manager, has been busy piecing together an experienced and passionate team, and is delighted to welcome Will.  Gareth said: “I’ve been rebuilding the best team possible to deliver on Hillier’s business mission statement to ‘be the industry leader in the growing and supplying of trees to the UK Amenity market’ – and I have no doubt that the appointment of Will is going to help us meet those aims.”

“Will has built an incredible reputation for himself, while at Oak View Landscapes and during his work with the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI). He has all the credentials and experience to help spearhead our sales into the Local Authority market.”

Since joining Hillier in 2022, Gareth has seen some big changes. He added: “We have bought two new farms which has allowed us to increase our field production numbers by 50 per cent, as well as make large investments into container tree production.

“We have an incredibly passionate production team, who are all very driven to produce the highest quality British-grown trees. Ensuring that we had a stellar sales force who could sell all those additional trees was becoming increasingly important! With the appointment of Will, our Amenity team is finally complete, and I truly believe we are a force to be reckoned with in the arb world.”

In recent years, the company has gone from strength to strength. Hillier has increased its production of 45-litre trees by over 80 per cent, creating an additional 25-acre container production unit as well as investing in a 100-acre field production unit, which is specifically used for growing young trees to be potted into the 45-litre tree bag, making the range a true British Grown container tree.

As well as those exciting developments, Kate Griffiths has also joined the team from Farplants to lead sales into the private estate market. Hillier grows thousands of semi-mature trees, giving it a real point of difference over any other UK nursery. Alongside that, the company has created a 10-acre mini arboretum of super semi-trees, giving customers a wide range of sizes to choose from.

Phil Hall, Senior Production Manager for Hillier, said: “We have always grown larger trees, from 60cm – 100cm girth, but they have been scattered across our 800 acres and have felt a little unloved.

“Now though, we have a rolling programme of lifting and transplanting the very best specimens from across our fields and bringing them into what we have nicknamed our ‘mini arboretum’. This gives us a great selection of high-quality 5x and 6x transplanted trees.

“Unlike most arboretums, this won’t be these trees’ final destination, as they will find their forever home in private estates and prestigious landscape projects across the UK.”

The exciting changes don’t stop there though. There have also been several internal promotions at Hillier, recognising the hard work and experience of the team. Jim Hillier has become Senior Accounts Manager, Tracey Russell has moved from a sales support role to Account Manager and Tracy Towey has been appointed as Office Manager.

Adam Dunnett, Director of Hillier Trees, said: “When I asked Gareth to join us a couple of years ago, he said he might need to make some changes. He didn’t mention the complete transformation he would be bringing about, but what an incredibly exciting team we have now! It’s a team which I know can now offer the service our customers demand, and our wonderful home-grown Hampshire trees deserve.”

“We also strive to provide our customers with the information they need for our trees to flourish, and to that end, we have recently rewritten and published our Hillier Tree Guide, with a pocket version to be launched later this year.”

This year, Hillier has also unveiled its new amenity website, showcasing its huge offering of field and container-grown amenity trees of all sizes. Trees.hillier.co.uk allows customers to browse an extensive image gallery, as well as view detailed information about the sizes and shapes of the trees grown, which can all be easily filtered based on the needs of each project.

Adam concluded: “Hillier Nurseries has been providing plants for the horticultural trade for 160 years and with George Hillier taking on the role of Chairman recently, we are now in a really good place to continue that tradition for the next 160 years set by Edwin, Harold, and Robert Hillier.”

For further information about commercial trees from Hillier and to view the new website please visit trees.hillier.co.uk. 

Chard Garden Centre in Somerset has been put up for sale with a guide price of £995,000 plus stock. The sale is being handled by Alexander Mackie Associates.

The garden centre comes with a café, nursery and bungalow.

Carol and Neil Cline have owned the business for 16 years but are now hoping to retire.

The couple said: “ We purchased Chard Garden Centre in 2007 and re-located from Essex with our two children, moving into the bungalow on site and making everything very straightforward. With no commute to work to worry about we quickly settled to life in Somerset.

“Somerset is in a lovely part of the South West with Dorset and Devon right on the doorstep but also close enough to the M5 to reach the rest of the country.

“After 17 years and with our children now pursuing their own careers we feel its time to let someone else take Chard Garden Centre into the future, allowing us to retire and take up some new hobbies.

“We consider ourselves to be a small business at the heart of the local community, growing and supplying beautiful plants. We have many customers who call in every week and have supported us throughout our time here, and with houses being built in and around Chard we are also seeing lots of new faces too. Our coffee shop is always busy come rain or shine and makes us a destination for not only the locals but also visitors to the area.

“We have a good team in place across the shop/nursery and coffee shop and we take on the lead roles in buying and accounts, but its all hands to the wheel when the sun is shining and the garden centre is busy.

“We have made the bungalow into a very comfortable family home and will be sad to leave – the benefits of living on site in this great location are best appreciated with a visit to see all that this business has to offer.”

More details about the business can be found on the Alexander Mackie Associates website. Click here to view

See gallery of pictures below...

After serving 10 years on the GIMA Council, Kate Ebbens has been voted in as GIMA President for the 2024 and 2025 term.  Craig Hall of Deco-Pak takes over the Vice President role and the GIMA Council expands with two new co-opted members joining.

The 2024 GIMA Annual General Meeting, held on 12th May via video conferencing, saw 18 GIMA members vote Kate and Craig into their respective honorary roles and officially welcomed two new co-opted Council members; Nigel Thompson of Sipcam and Patrick Thick of Ames UK.  Also continuing in their honorary roles of Secretary and Treasurer will be Mark Butler of Vitax and DLF’s Guy Jenkins respectively.  

Following her election Kate gave a short address saying: "I have been lucky enough to work in our incredibly supportive industry for 25 years now, and during my 11 years as a GIMA member I have benefited from some tremendous support from the association."

She continued: "During my time as President I hope to ensure all members understand the benefits GIMA offer and I want to encourage greater participation.  I also want to help members connect with retailers, especially in the current economic climate and against the backdrop of unpredictable weather patterns.  Finally, I would like to thank Jenny Douthwaite who has been an outstanding President for GIMA and who passes the association onto me in a very healthy position."

Working closely with the GIMA team headed up by Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director, the full GIMA Council for 2024/2025 will be made up of the following representatives:

• Jenny Douthwaite, Primeur - President
• Kate Ebbens of Capi Europe – Vice President
• Guy Jenkins, DLF – Honorary Treasurer
• Mark Butler, Vitax - Honorary Secretary
• Craig Hall, Deco-Pak
• Chris Ramsden, Hozelock
• Dan Durston, Durston Garden Products
• Martin Tompsett, Rollins Bulldog Tools
• David Nicholson, Elho
• Phil Harrison, Evergreen Garden Care.
• Edd Cantle of Gardena
• Simon Davison of Zest Outdoor Living
• Patrick Thick of Ames UK (co-opted)
• Nigel Thompson (co-opted)

GIMA Treasurer, Guy Jenkins gave a short report on the 2023 GIMA year-end accounts, reporting a profit after tax and depreciation of £16k for the year.  Commenting on the result, Guy said “Following our very strong post pandemic performance in 2022, we have now returned to more modest level of profit, which never the less continues to enable us to build our reserves.  We have also put in place a rolling plan to invest GIMA funds in high interest medium notice accounts while leaving sufficient funds available in our current account to meet our day to day running costs."

Membership of GIMA is open to all manufacturers and suppliers of products to the garden retail sector, with a UK or EU base.

For further information about GIMA and the benefits membership brings visit www.gima.org.uk or contact the GIMA office on 01959 564947 or email info@gima.org.uk

The draw for the 10 lucky candidates for the 2024-25 LOFA Sales Academy took place at Gates Garden Centre on Friday 10 May. 

Under a beautiful blue sky GTN's Trevor Pfeiffer drew the names out of the bag to allow 10 individuals from LOFA member brands to take part in the academy delivered by Metamorphose. The Sales Training and Personal Coaching program initiated by LOFA earlier this year to nurture sales talent within our industry is now officially underway. 

The 10 candidates are: 

• Ben Depla – Ascalon Design Ltd
• Bradon Lewis – Bramblecrest
• Charlie Butt – Norfolk Leisure Lifestyle Ltd
• Clement Harris – Gardeco Ltd
• Harry Willis - 4 Seasons Outdoor UK
• Luke Badland – Rotospa
• Mateusz Kamanski – Maze Outdoor
• Poppy Mcgibbon – Beefeater Europe
• Zac Windsor – Supremo Leisure
• Zac Morris  - Firestorm Heaters 

These candidates will be enrolled in the training academy commencing on June 24th at the Metamorphose office in Cheltenham. The program comprises of three modules: Foundation Skills, Buyer Behaviour and Inspirational Presentations, and Business Negotiation. The candidate with the highest overall score throughout the program will be honoured at SOLEX 2025, along with the announcement of the next 10 candidates chosen for 2025-26 Academy. 

This is a fantastic initiative for LOFA and a wonderful opportunity for those new to our industry who can benefit from this tailored training. 

LOFA Chairman Steve Millington said: "This is fantastic for our industry as it will empower a whole new generation of salespeople, equipping them with the necessary skills to excel in their roles within today’s marketplace. It is also a valuable additional benefit for LOFA members."

www.lofa.co.uk

Squire’s Garden Centres has confirmed that it no longer sells any bagged compost containing peat. 

The UK government proposed to ban the sale of bagged compost containing peat to home gardeners in England by the end of 2024.  Although the ban is not yet in force, this announcement by Squire’s sees the business meet this commitment well ahead of the proposed deadline.

The company has been working with its suppliers for some time to eliminate bags of compost containing any peat content from its business. In addition, Squire’s continues to support customers in their understanding of peat-free compost and how to get the best results from peat-free growing media. Squire’s recently hosted a series of peat-free talks in collaboration with Melcourt, providing a practical insight into how to use peat-free compost in everyday gardening.  

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: “We understand the significance of our peatlands for carbon capture and the habitats they foster. We are tremendously pleased to have  reached this milestone, as it’s an area we’ve been working hard on with our supplier partners for some time. 

“As an industry-wide issue, it is important that we work closely with our suppliers on the challenges involved - sharing knowledge and best practice. We know our customers have varying levels of understanding and we will continue to be a source of practical information, so they are informed and can succeed with peat-free compost. The removal of bagged compost with any peat content is an important step in our ongoing sustainability programme."

A visit to the annual Glee exhibition on any given Thursday sees the halls awash with floral skirts, dresses, t-shirts and suits as the industry comes together for ‘Floral Thursday’ – a colourful but hugely meaningful fundraising day for the Greenfingers Charity.

By donning floral attire, Glee exhibitors and visitors are helping to raise much needed funds for the charity, money that will go a long way towards helping Greenfingers create even more important garden spaces at children’s hospices across the country.

Each year you will see Greenfingers volunteers reaching out to Glee attendees as they arrive at the show, shaking their donation buckets and selling raffle tickets for the day’s floral gathering.  This year, however, in a move to make the 2024 Floral Thursday event the biggest yet, the Greenfingers Charity is launching a floral shirt amnesty. Supporters are invited to donate their unloved floral shirts to the charity so they can be “resold” this Floral Thursday to ensure no-one misses out on getting involved!

With no excuses for failing to drape yourself in floral glory, the hope is that even more money will be raised in 2024, beating the £2,076 raised in 2023.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at the Greenfingers Charity said: “Floral Thursday has always been a superb way to bring the garden retail sector together and this year will be no different. In fact, we want to make this year’s event the one that truly takes over Glee, which means there’s no hiding for those that ‘forgot’ to bring their floral shirts! With our amnesty we hope to collate a veritable encyclopaedia of the good, bad and the way over the top of floral shirts so that everyone can join in the fun!”

Anyone wanting to donate to the Greenfingers Charity floral shirt collection are invited to contact Linda Petrons via linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk or arrange to deliver their contributions direct to the Greenfingers office in Wendover.

Popular garden furniture wholesaler, NOVA, has been focusing on a new brand identity as well as a new ethos surrounding the importance of service. 

Talking about NOVA’s latest developments, Ian Read, Sales Director at NOVA has been at the forefront of the brand’s growth throughout the years. Expressing excitement for the company’s latest changes, he has commented on NOVA’s evolving brand values.

‘The industry has faced plenty of challenges over the last 18-24 months, so now is a perfect time for NOVA’s fresh new look and exciting brand to come to fruition with new offerings. We’ve not only spent a lot of time improving the look and feel of our brand but also refining our service,’ explained Ian Read.

‘We want our customers to immerse themselves in our brand and trust in our values, not just buy our products, but also come along with us on our journey where we bring you the latest trends and curate not only a trade showroom but an experience for our customers,’ he adds.

Embracing the nature of their new brand, NOVA boldly took on the challenge to overhaul their entire product collection and is extremely confident in the offering they are bringing to the market. Ian Read claimed: ‘Our focus has been on design and getting the product right which allows us to take the focus off of traditional sales tactics and focus on the service we are offering to our customers, putting the same care and thought into the development of our Experience Centre.’ 

The Experience Centre gives NOVA the chance to showcase its full product range and negates the need for endless brochures, allowing them to put their energy into providing excellent service when welcoming customers to the showroom as well as great after-care.

“When visiting our Experience Centre, we welcome you to take all the time you need to help make educated buying decisions when selecting ranges to maximise your sales. The team has travelled the world to understand and to share their education with our customers.’

As a long-serving part of NOVA, Ian Read has revealed his bright outlook on NOVA’s recent changes and the future of the brand. ‘My vision for the future is to establish ourselves as the UK’s leading supplier for outdoor products and to expand on the categories we currently supply. Creating a place where retailers can come and select all their outdoor living products in one space. By offering this experience, we will continue to grow our existing relationships and add trust to new customers.’

It’s evident that service is at the forefront of every touchpoint with the NOVA brand and that their ambitions with the Experience Centre will no doubt reinforce customer relationships.

Ian Read urges garden centres and retailers to book a visit to the experience centre and embrace the new NOVA for themselves, “It’s the only place you’ll see NOVA products this year, we’re not exhibiting at trade shows, so if you’re excited about what NOVA has to offer, come and meet the team and see this incredible showroom we have put together.”

Contact your agent, Ian Read, or visit our website to book your visit! 

Ian.read@novaoutdoorliving.co.uk

www.novaoutdoorliving.co.uk  

SOLEX Exhibition, the premier event that gathers the best and brightest of the outdoor leisure industry, has announced an Awards Ceremony & Afterparty to kick off the excitement of the summer event on the Tuesday 9 July. Marking its 16th year, SOLEX Exhibition has curated a night of celebration, networking, and a thrilling football-themed evening to coincide with the highly anticipated UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals.

With a captivating football-themed setting, the stage will be set with tv screens and hot food, as industry players gather, attendees can look forward to not only the prestigious SOLEX Awards but also to the electric atmosphere as the evening blends business recognition with the shared love for the beautiful game.

Adding to the excitement, former Ex - England footballer Dion Dublin will be joining us for the event to share insights and predictions ahead of the semi-final clash, (which we hope will feature England) as well as taking part in a Q&A session. The evening begins with a Welcome Drink and Hot Buffet, leading into the hotly awaited match on the big screen. The SOLEX Awards will be presented by Dion at half time. The afterparty, will be a chance to mingle outside the usual professional environment and promises to be as thrilling as the game itself.

The evening won't just be about football. We will have delicious food and drink, exciting entertainment, and a chance to unwind and socialize with exhibitors and visitors. So even if you're not a fan of the beautiful game, we've got you covered.

Don't miss out! Add your name to the guest list today BOOK NOW

Ready your grills, sharpen your knives, and stoke the fires! SOLEX Exhibition 2024 is about to welcome back the crowd-pleasing, taste-bud-teasing Fire Food and Outdoor Living Evening incorporating our BBQ Competition, which is set to light up the evening with charm and flavour.

Scheduled for Wednesday 10 July, the evening now in its second year, is the event that celebrates not only the mastery of the grill but the communal joy of al fresco dining.

Attendees eagerly anticipate the BBQ showdown, where teams of both exhibitors and visitors will vie for the prestigious BBQ Trophy. The stakes are high.  Each team aims to impress the judges, including industry experts with a signature dish.

Competition is set to heat up under the open skies outside Hall 5, be it under a radiant sun or cheering each other on beneath the shelter of gazebos, all competitors and spectators are poised to make beautiful bites of every challenge.

The essence of the evening is more than just the BBQ prize it embodies the thrill of the grill and the unifying spirit of good food shared.

Don't miss out! Add your name to the guest list today BOOK NOW