The Love Your Plot Masterclasses, aimed at helping garden centre and nursery teams to use the GIMB research to attract new 30-45 age group customers, have attracted an impressive total of over 100 delegates nationwide over the past few weeks...

Teams discussed some of the theory and opportunities – then got out into the plant areas at the various venues to build inspiring displays.

Ian Boardman, who facilitated the days, said: “The enthusiasm from teams was huge. Lots of ideas were discussed and generated. It’s about selling fun, relaxation, transforming unkempt areas and simply enjoying being outdoors.”

Some comments from delegates:

• “Great ideas to take back to work for boosting sales”
• “Clear, interesting, relevant”
• “Thought provoking and inspiring”
• “Having time to think outside the box”
• “Not just about gardening – it’s about lifestyle”

Extract from the Pentland Plants Garden Centre website 24 March: “Carolyn, Jayne and Vesta spent a fabulous day at the Love The Plot You’ve Got course yesterday. It is an initiative to show you just how easy it is to have a beautiful, inspiring garden. Do you think gardening is time consuming and sometimes daunting? We can inspire and help you to transform even the most neglected back yard into a relaxing, beautiful space.”

For more information visit the website www.loveyourplot.com

Huw Lewis, from The Old Railway Garden Centre near Brecon, hosted a Love Your Plot Masterclass in February and reported back recently how it had gone. “We had a great day with lots of ideas and discussion generated. The teams built displays during the Masterclass and we kept them in place to judge customer reaction. They love them – and our sales of planted containers are 91% up on last year!”

To get involved in Love The Plot You’ve Got – contact  David Arnold, Campaign Manager by email daaltd@virginmedia.com or call  07876 643 638.