It's been a great week for customers voting in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards with over 3,000 new votes being cast, taking the running total as this issue goes to press up to 8,816.  The most new votes were for Cooks at Stourport who went back to the top of the chart, but there are a host of centres not far behind...

This weeks Top 20 Christmas Teams:

1. Cooks
2. Bosworths Burton Latimer
3. Busy Bee
4. Jacksons Boutique
5. Birkacre
6. Garden King
7. Pughs Radyr
8. Keydell
9. Summerhill
10. Planters Tamworth
11. Munros
12. Hillmount Belfast
13. Azure Garden Centre
14. Albrighton BGC
15. Old Railway Line
16. Gates
17. Brigg BGC
18. Perrywood Sudbury
19. Pughs Wenvoe
20. Southwood Garden Centre

In Alphabetical order, votes have also been received for:

Abridge Garden Centre, Antrim Dobbies, Arcadia BGC, Astbury Meadow Klondyke, Barton Grange, Bell Plantation, Bernaville Nurseries, Bicester Avenue Blue Diamond, Bickerdikes Garden Centre, Birchencliffe BGC, Bold Heath BGC, Bolton BGC, Bosworths at Elton, Bournville BGC, Braintree BGC, Brambridge Blue Diamond, Brentwood Garden Centre, Bressingham BGC, Bridgemere Blue Diamond , Bridgnorth BGC, Brockworth BGC, Bromsgrove BGC, Burford BGC, Burnside Garden Centre, Byrkley Garden Centre, Cadbury Blue Diamond, Cambridge Home & Garden, Canterbury Chartham Blue Diamond, Carmarthen BGC, Carpenders Park, Carr Gate BGC, Chapel BGC, Charlbury BGC, Charlecote BGC, Cherry Lane Beverley, Cherry Lane Poddington, Chesterfield Dobbies, Chilton BGC, Chipperfield BGC, Colleta & Tyson, Coton Blue Diamond, Coventry BGC, Cowells, Crawley BGC, Derby Blue Diamond, Dobbies Antrim, East Bridgford Blue Diamond, East Durham BGC, Edinburgh Dobbies, Elm Farm Florist & Gift Shop, Endsleigh Blue Diamond, Enfield BGC, Fairways Ashbourne, Fermoys Blue Diamond, Ferndale, Fosseway Blue Diamond, Fron Goch, Fryers Blue Diamond, Garden Wise Klondyke, Garforth Klondyke, Garsons Titchfield, Gilberdyke BGC, Gordale, Goulds, Hall's Garden Centre, Harlow Blue Diamond, Harrogate BGC, Harrow BGC, Haskins Ferndown, Haskins West End, Hatton BGC, Havant Dobbies, Heathhall Garden Centre, Hemel BGC, High Legh Klondyke, Hillier Horsham, Hillier Syon, Hillier Three Legged Cross, Hillmount Ards, Hillmount Bangor, Hilltop Garden Centre, Hitchin BGC, Hockley Market Garden Centre, Hollybush Garden Centre and Aquaria, Holme for Gardens, Horncastle BGC, Hornsea BGC, Houghton Hall Klondyke, Hudsons Plant Centre, Irton BGC, Jacksdale Garden centre , Jamesfield Garden Centre , Lakeside Plant Centre, Langlands Shiptonthorpe, Le Friquet Blue Diamond, Lewes BGC, Leyland BGC, Louth BGC, Lower Morden Blue Diamond, Lytham BGC, Lytham St Annes BGC, Mappleborough Green , Matlock Blue Diamond, Meadow Croft, Mere Park Blue Diamond, Mirfield BGC, Morton Hall Klondyke, Nailsworth Blue Diamond, Newbank Newton Le Willows, Newbridge Blue Diamond, Newton Regis BGC, Notcutts Rivendell, Nuyard Country & Garden Centre, Okells Garden Centre, Ongar, Ongar BGC, Osterley BGC, Pacific Nursery, Paddock Wood BGC, Paradise Park, Pengelly Garden Centre, Pennells Cleethorpes, Pennells Lincoln, Perrywood Tiptree, Peterborough Blue Diamond, Peterborough Dobbies, Planters Bretby, Playhatch BGC, Poplar Garden Centre, Pulborough BGC, Radway Bridge Garden Centre, Raglan Garden Centre, Rake Blue Diamond, Ramsgate BGC, Redfields Blue Diamond, Reighton Nurseries, Roxton BGC, Royston Dobbies, Ruxley Manor, Sanders Blue Diamond, Shipley Park BGC, Shrewsbury Dobbies, Springfields Blue Diamond, Sprowston BGC, St Peters, Stanway BGC, Staverton Nursery, Stevenage BGC, Stokesley Klondyke, Stratford on Avon Dobbies, Studley BGC, Swansea Dobbies, Swarkestone Nursery , Tansley Barn BGC, Tarporley BGC, Taverham Nursery, Tewkesbury Dobbies, Thatcham BGC, The Barn Garden Centre, The Grange, Thurrock Garden Centre, Tingley, Toftwood Garden Centre, Tong, Towneley BGC, Trelawney Blue Diamond, Trentham Blue Diamond, Tring BGC, Trowell Garden Centre , Tunbridge Wells Blue Diamond, Upminster BGC, Van Hage Blue Diamond, View Garden Centre, Waresley Garden Centre, Weaver Vale Klondyke, Wentworth Garden Centre, Whitegates Garden Centre , Wilton House Blue Diamond, Wimborne BGC, Winnersh BGC, Woburn Sands Emporium, Wolseley Bridge BGC, Woodbank Garden Centre, Woodborough BGC, Woodbridge Dobbies, Woodmansey Klondyke, Woodthorpe BGC, Worcester Blue Diamond, Wrest Park, Yarnton Home & Garden.

With voting open until Thursday 21st December there is plenty of time for more votes to be made, so if you would like to let your customers vote for your team follow this link to all of The Greatest Christmas Garden centre Team voting information and material.

The winners, that's a national winner and regional winners will be announced on The Stage at Spring Fair in Hall 2 of the NEC on Monday 5th February 2024 at 5:00pm.

Concerned that they could be missing out on votes from customers who are unable to access the on-line voting, the enterprising team remembered that we had used in-store paper postcard voting in the past.  Yesterday an envelope of in-store paper votes arrived at the GTN office.

So that other garden centres can also garner in-store paper votes if they choose we've updated the old Greatest Awards postcard artwork and that can be downloaded here:  GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2023 Voting Postcard Artwork.

As with the on-line voting, voting closes on Thursday 21st December, after which the votes need to be sent to us so that they arrive by Thursday 28th December latest.

You can access all of the other Greatest Christmas Awards material here.

Spring Fair, the UK's most popular, diverse, and trend led marketplace for home, gift, fashion and everyday, and retail’s definitive wholesale shopping destination, returns this February giving garden retailers unparalleled cross-buying opportunities to find their next best-sellers from a star-studded line-up including Fallen Fruits, De Ree, Waspinator, Toasted Crumpet, Burstenhaus Redecker GmbH, Sass & Belle, Joe Davies, History & Heraldry, Burgon & Ball, Chalk UK, Sandy Bay, Willsow, Country Baskets, Florelle, Garden Trading, and DW Collective.

Inspiring retail’s creators and curators, Spring Fair has revealed a thrilling snapshot of what buyers can discover at the next show running from 4^th – 7^th February at NEC Birmingham. The variety of products from big brands through to artisan makers at Spring Fair is unmatched. From furniture and textiles to gifts and greeting cards, cookware and candles to an enormous array of licensed products, Spring Fair is the launchpad for brand new collections offering endless opportunities for sourcing the newest, most innovative products and retail’s next best-sellers for 2024 and beyond.

Spring Fair has brought the industry together for over 70 years and it looks set to continue to be an inspirational, product-led experience with the 2024 show dedicated to the magic of discovery. Buyers will see, touch and experience thousands of the latest products across four key destinations - Home, Gift, Moda, and Everyday - and fourteen definitive sectors. An efficient show layout designed around buyer’s needs will mean less time spent finding suppliers and products and more time experiencing them.

Spring Fair will also be hosting the live judging of the Gift Of The Year Awards and the Finalists Showcase for a fast-track view of next year’s hottest products.

A host of exclusive brands will be on show only at Spring Fair, including Coach House, Hill Interiors, Pacific Lifestyle, CIMC, Hill Interiors, Garden Trading as well as the exciting new partnership between Libra and Laura Ashley and leading Belgian lifestyle interiors brand J-Line by Jolipa 

British based newcomers, Dottypix bring their sustainable handcrafted objects for the home that appeal to minimal yet meaningful aesthetics, and Burgess Reclamation make their debut. 

Artifex Natura will present their passion for tropical and exotic plants through their collection of terraniums, zero maintenance preserved plant artwork, as well as unusual glass and nature-based home décor.

Already Spring Fair buyer favourites, Manchester-based My Gifts Trade return with their beautiful array of homewares designs including collaborations with Costa Nova, Gusta, Casa Fina, Pip Studio, and more. Don’t miss PureTableTop featuring Kew, Olly Smith and Joules, and Captivate Brands with more new designs from Mary Berry, Yvonne Ellen, and Catherine Lansfieldamongst others. 

The ultimate hunting ground for your next bestsellers, discover everything you want to gift and be gifted including contemporary designs, unique, personalised and licensed gifts, in the Gift destination. An incredible line-up of brands including SuckUK with their raft of brands, as well as Widdop & Co, Sass & Belle, Lesser & Pavey, Fountasia, Sifcon, Rex London, Powell Craft, House of Disaster, Stackers, Enesco, Burston Redecker, PMC, Willsow, Boxer Gifts, White Pebble, Ashley Ashleigh & Burwood, Ornhill Awnhill, Advance Apparel, Teal, Calypso Calipso Roast, Joe Davies, Lang's, Puckator, Candlelight, Elgate, and The Straits Trading Co will be presenting their newest designs and collections. 

From holistic home-fragrance to men’s grooming to luxurious lotions and soaps, the Beauty & Wellbeing sector will lavish the senses with a host of exquisite established brands and artisans including Luxcents, Annie Oak, Heathcote & Ivory, Upper Canada UK and Bomb Cosmetics plus debut appearances from Northern Lavender and Okiki Skincare.

As the nation looks set to re-discover the joy of writing and sending cards, the Greetings & Stationery sector at Spring Fair will offer buyers the ultimate assortment of every kind of greetings card, as well as the most creative, colourful and fun wrapping papers, stationery and paper decorations. For up-and-coming designers head to the GCA Debut area, and don’t miss Art File, Cardgains, FiveDollarShake, Rosie Made a Thing, Ling Designs, Brainbox Candy, Louise Tiler, Nicole Elders, The Seed Card Company, Dream Daisy, Ginger Betty, Moongazer, Ohh Deer, Apple and Clover, and many more who will be presenting their latest ranges. 

For everything Christmas, Festive & Floral, Spring Fair has you covered from small seasonal decorations to life-size Santa’s and show-stopping floral décor from leading brands including Lotus Imports, Country Baskets, Christmas Inspirations, Davies Products, Florelle, Jeno Floral, Sincere UK, plus The Seasonal Group who are back with their animatronic characters. With one of the largest offerings of Christmas decorations and floral designs on the market, CB Imports will present their latest trends and product lines.

With an impressive 90% of floorspace already filled and an abundance of exclusives, buyers will encounter a vibrant and bustling showcase of new and returning exhibitors offering the opportunity to source from British, international, sustainable, and licensed brands. A host of new onsite features and experiences with curated displays and trend-led showcases will be designed to inspire and assist the buying journey.

Spring Fair

4^th – 7^th February 2024 

NEC Birmingham

For more information please visit www.springfair.com

Garland Products confirmed that it suffered a serious fire in the smallest of three industrial units on The Pensnett Estate in Kingswinford in the early hours of Thursday (30th November). No one was injured in the incident.

A spokesperson for the company said: "The unit where the fire occurred was used as an overflow warehouse and housed mainly cardboard and plastic raw material plus a small proportion of finished stock. The unit did not contain any production machinery, so we are thankful that there will be only a limited operational impact on the business.

"Our factory and main warehouse will be fully operational again on Friday 1st December, although the overflow warehouse in question has been destroyed by the fire. 

"Garland Products would like to thank West Midlands Fire Service for their speed and professionalism in bringing the fire under control."

The Garland Products Group, which incorporates Glendenning Plastics Ltd, specialises in the manufacture of plastic injection moulded products and is one of the fastest growing suppliers to the garden industry. The product range is aimed at both hobby and professional gardeners.

West Midlands Fire Service said: "Shortly after 4am on (Thursday) 30 November, we responded to Pensnett Trading Estate on First Avenue, Kingswinford. Twelve fire engines crewed by around 60 firefighters from Black Country fire stations attended the scene. Two hydraulic aerial platforms were also mobilised.

"This is a fire in a two-storey industrial unit measuring 50m x 20m, which is entirely affected by fire. Parts of the building have collapsed. Crews have surrounded the fire and it is under control, but hasn’t yet been fully extinguished. Crews have been supported by a drone.

"Police and Ambulance colleagues have also been in attendance. There have been no casualties."

Miracle-Gro has produced its final bag of peat-based compost, heralding a landmark moment in its peat-free journey. The pivotal move is the latest and most significant step Evergreen Garden Care has taken to boost Miracle-Gro’s sustainable practices in an act-now commitment to better ways of working.

This proactive stance is part of Evergreen Garden Care’s recognition of the urgency to remove peat from growing media ahead of government legislation. In 2022, it set out intentions to go 100% peat free with a significant investment of over £7 million into product development and manufacturing, as well as leading education and discussion with garden centres and gardeners alike. As part of this, Evergreen Garden Care acquired a new production site in Kirkby, signaling an end to peat-based production with increased capacity for processing peat free ingredients.

Colin Stephens, UK and Ireland Managing Director, Evergreen Garden Care, says: “As the final bag of peat-based compost rolled off our production line, it marked the end of the era in Miracle-Gro’s history and the dawn of a new beginning for Evergreen Garden Care. The future is peat free.

“This is a significant milestone in our commitment to sustainability and responsible gardening practices. No matter the result of current Government debates on the date of the peat ban, for Evergreen Garden Care it’s about acting now to make change happen whilst investing in research that ensures growing media of the highest quality.  In fact, we’ve been doing so for over 30 years.

“Since I joined Evergreen Garden Care twelve months ago, pivotal decisions have been made on the sustainable future of our brands. This is something that I am extremely passionate about and will continue to support the entire company to progress.”

Evergreen Garden Care continues to lead the way in the move to peat free, by providing innovative plant care solutions to customers. This solidifies its position as a trusted partner for gardeners up and down the country and is one step in its wider journey toward more natural ingredients.

For more information about Miracle-Gro's peat free offering visit www.lovethegarden.com

Pictured: Phil Harrison, UK Supply Chain & Operation Director, holds Evergreen Garden Care's last bag of peat compost.

The Horticultural Trades Association delivered a drop-in showcase in Parliament on Tuesday, 28 November. This ushered in the festive season and underscored the importance of UK environmental horticulture. Sponsored by Heather Wheeler MP, the event attracted over 50 MPs, Peers, and staff, with positive conversations about green spaces and the sector.

The HTA talked about the industry's far-reaching benefits across various policy areas, including the economy, trade, environment, health, and wellbeing. Parliamentarians from Cornwall to Scotland, from very rural to urban areas, had the opportunity to engage with the sector firsthand. HTA members Jonathan Whittemore of Johnsons Nurseries and Laura Jackson from Swarkestone Nursery and Garden Centre, the providers of the showcased plants, joined the HTA team in representing the sector and shared valuable insights on how policymakers can best support the industry.

Heather Wheeler, MP, stated: "I was delighted to extend a warm welcome to the environmental horticulture industry in Parliament, where they could showcase the immense value of this sector along with an array of captivating seasonal plants – all locally sourced by a nursery in my constituency of South Derbyshire. The Horticultural Trades Association, at this event, provided MPs with a first-hand insight into the numerous benefits of environmental horticulture, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the challenges the industry currently faces. It's an opportune moment to discuss how government support can further bolster this vital sector."

Jennifer Pheasey, HTA Director of Public Affairs, acknowledged the overwhelming support from those who attended: "The event showed the level of support and interest by parliamentarians in UK environmental horticulture and the green spaces we deliver. Everyone we talked to about the value of plants, gardens and green spaces now knows a bit more about the sector behind it - £28.8bn GDP, nearly 700k jobs and 200 million garden centre visits a year. The HTA’s members are spread across the four corners and almost every UK parliamentary constituency. We were delighted to be able to engage across the political spectrum and build on getting greater recognition for environmental horticulture in Westminster.”

The festive spirit extended to the presentation of wreaths to five political parties, symbolising the unity and shared purpose of the season.

MPs and Peers, including Rt Hon Valerie Vaz MP and Baroness Bennett, took to Twitter (now X) to express their appreciation for the event, underscoring the value of plants to the UK's economy and environment.

Defra Minister Mark Spencer also voiced his support on X, stating: "Delighted to support the @HTAnews. The Horticulture sector is not only important to our economy but has a huge positive effect on our environment."

The HTA looks forward to continuing its efforts to promote and advocate for the vital environmental horticulture industry in the UK.

The Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade figures for October reveal a ‘strong food theme’ at member garden centres.

Eight of the GCA’s 13 categories saw an uplift during the month, as recorded by member centres, and the figures also revealed a positive year-to-date variance of +2.27%.

Peter Burks, Chief Executive of the GCA, explains: “Catering continued to be the strongest performing category in our member garden centres during October with plant sales understandably struggling, given the very wet weather. But overall, an encouraging, albeit small, increase in sales.

“The strong food theme continued with food halls and farm shops up by 8.33% and it’s great to see a decent increase in Christmas sales, which we hear is continuing into November.”

The best category in October was catering up at +12.97%, followed by the miscellaneous, other items category up at +12.57%, then food hall/farm shop which was +8.33%, clothing at +7.07% and Christmas up at +4.78%.

Pet & aquatics also performed well at +3.02% when compared to October 2022, so did garden sundries at +2.97% and hard landscaping at +2.08%.

According to October’s BoT results, furniture and BBQ sales were down by -29.03%, houseplants down by -7.64%, outdoor plants down -4.78%. Also recording a negative figure were seeds and bulbs -0.41% and gifts -0.06%.

The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.

The BoT reports allow members to compare their trading positions with other centres.

Notcutts has announced it has surpassed over 1.5 million micro-donations since partnering with the award-winning UK charity Pennies seven years ago. Collectively, these micro-donations add up to over £500,000 raised for their charity partners.

The partnership raises money by enabling customers to make a micro-donation when shopping at a Notcutts Garden Centre. Each garden centre is given the opportunity to nominate their own charity to support, then customers are invited to make their donation at the till by rounding up their total to the nearest pound. 

Some of the charities that have received the most from Pennies donations through Notcutts Garden Centres include the Air Ambulance Charity Kent, Surrey and Sussex, St Peter and St James Hospice in East Sussex, Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Julie Murray, Marketing and Customer Care Director at Notcutts, said: "We are incredibly proud to have reached this milestone and extend our heartfelt thanks to our loyal customers who have been instrumental in helping us make a difference. Our partnership with Pennies has demonstrated the power of collective microdonations, showing that small change can create big change."

Alex Redwood, Head of Corporate Development at Air Ambulance Charity Kent, Surrey and Sussex, said: “2022 was the busiest year in our 34-year history. We responded to 3,224 incidents across our communities. We can only continue to save lives and innovate our service to meet greater demand for our life-saving work with the support of long-term partners such as Notcutts. Over the last seven years, Notcutts customers have raised an amazing £51,800 with Pennies for us, allowing us to respond to the nine emergency calls we receive everyday – giving people the best chance of survival and keeping families together. Thank you, Notcutts and thank you to your employees and customers. We couldn’t save lives without your support.”

Pennies CEO, Alison Hutchinson CBE, added “Pennies is proud to partner with Notcutts, and congratulations to the team and customers for reaching this micro-donation milestone. 1.5 million donations is a significant achievement and has created tremendous impact for the local charities nominated by teams in each of Notcutts’ garden centres.

“This is such a challenging time for charities, the high street, and the British public alike, which makes the generosity of customers donating little and often with Pennies all the more special.”

For more information about Notcutts and their 19 garden centres nationwide, visit www.notcutts.co.uk.

In a bold move that heralds the opening of the new chapter for Kesslers London and Proportion London, the company's leadership has successfully acquired the business from its former owners, PFI Group.

This strategic management-led acquisition emphasises the confidence that the Kesslers London team places in its stakeholders and reaffirms the company and management team’s commitment to UK manufacturing, innovation, excellence and continued growth.

The management acquisition is a testament to the wider team's dedication to driving forward the Kesslers London and Proportion London businesses; brands synonymous with quality, creativity and innovation. This move empowers the leadership team to steer the company towards even greater heights, as they build on the strong foundations laid over the past two years of trading. The acquisition is not just a change in ownership; it signals a shift into an exciting stage of the company’s journey, allowing it to push forward towards its long-planned ambitions.

Kesslers London is excited to embark on a meticulously planned three-year strategic vision which will propel the company into new heights of success from 2024 onwards. The confidence in this plan is a testimony to the team's foresight, industry knowledge and commitment to delivering unparalleled value to their customers, partners and stakeholders. This achievement builds on two years of hard work in successfully delivering the initial company vision.

Daniel Astarita, Managing Director at Kesslers London, says "We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Kesslers London by our management team. This development represents a pivotal moment for us as we embark on a dynamic journey of growth and innovation. I would like to personally thank our customers, suppliers and staff for allowing us to realise this opportunity. Our three-year strategic plan is set to position Kesslers London and Proportion London as leaders in our fields. We have some truly exciting announcements planned for 2024 and we can't wait to share them with our valued customers and partners."

As Kesslers London and Proportion London enter this exciting new phase, the company remains dedicated to upholding its reputation for excellence in design, manufacturing and customer service. The management and leadership teams underline their commitment to fostering strong relationships with existing customers and partners, while exploring new opportunities to expand the company's footprint within its core portfolios.

The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Andrew Gowan, has unlocked the door to Santa’s Grotto at Hillmount where Santa and his elves will reside until Christmas Eve.

With a variety of scenes to visit on the magical journey through the grotto before meeting Santa, children can take a memorable enchanted walk along the winter wonderland while being entertained by elves and Mrs Claus before being transported onto Santa’s sleigh.

Councillor Gowan said:  “This is obviously a very busy time for Santa and his team - and I am delighted to hear that they have all arrived at Hillmount safe and sound.  It’s a real festive treat to see lots of happy and excited faces as children and their families set off on that magical walk.  I hope everyone enjoys the experience and Santa gets a bit of time out to enjoy a cup of tea and a mince pie or two!”

Robin Mercer, Managing Director of Hillmount, expressed his excitement about Santa’s arrival and said: “We are so excited that Santa and his elves have arrived at their grotto at Hillmount and we are delighted that the Mayor unlocked the doors to welcome them in.

“In the last 20 years more than 60,000 children have visited Santa at our grotto in Hillmount and, as a family business, we love to see generations of families visiting Hillmount every year. These include babies from just 24 hours old to visitors who are a few years from their 100th birthday! It’s heartwarming for us to see families making memories to last a lifetime and enjoying their Santa experience with us. It’s events like this at Hillmount that contribute to the festive spirit and bring communities together at the most wonderful time of the year.

“On Christmas Eve just before Santa leaves to load up his sleigh in the North Pole, we invite the four legged members of our families to visit Santa and already Santa Paws has sold out.”

To visit Santa at Hillmount, book online at: www.hillmount.co.uk

Sustainability is a paramount concern in today's world with customers now actively seeking out eco-friendly gift options to present to their loved ones. If you're looking for a Christmas gift that ticks all the boxes - affordability, thoughtfulness, and planet-friendliness - then Johnsons Lawn Seed's Wildflower Celebration tins should be at the top of your list to stock this Christmas.

The Wildflower tins, which received a lot of praise after their launch at Glee this year, are playing a crucial role in opening up a new category to gift and home retailers, in addition to the traditional garden centre audience. The perfect stocking filler for both gardeners and novices,  these make the perfect impulse gift to create pollinator-friendly zones in the garden and the perfect first seeds to sow after the frosts for months of colour.

The Celebration tins are a wonderful way to support our declining pollinator population. They are easy to sell and have an affordable price of just £9.99, which makes them perfect for anyone looking to give a thoughtful gift this Christmas to family, or friends or even for a Secret Santa gift for wildlife enthusiasts, or those wannabe gardeners who just want to have a go.

The tins are filled with a mixture of 15 various wildflower seeds, without any additional bulking agents. The seeds are perfect for even novice Greenfingers and can be planted at any time throughout spring and summer. Once scattered and raked into the soil, the seeds will quickly establish and bloom approximately eight weeks after sowing, bringing beneficial insects to an outdoor space.

Garden centres can easily display the attractive tins near the checkout counters or as part of a Christmas wildlife display within the store, making them an excellent impulse purchase to increase basket spend.

The tin contains everything nature lovers need to attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to their garden, making it a dazzling floral spectacle that can be admired throughout the year. Flowers inside the tins include Paper Daisy, Pheasant’s Eye, Pot Marigold, Cornflower, Cosmos, Painted Daisy, Dwarf Morning Glory, Chinese Forget-Me-Not, California Poppy, Fineflower, Farewell to Spring, Baby’s Breath, Candy Tuft, Love-in-as-Mist and Corn Poppy.

The tins of wildflower seed contain enough to cover an area of up to 15m2, which makes them a great value purchase, especially when compared to other products aimed at the gifting market. Retailers can be confident in the quality control of this product, as it is backed by the trusted and oldest lawn seed brand in the UK.

Consumer Manager for Johnsons Lawn Seed, Guy Jenkins, says: “Retailers should not miss the opportunity to increase impulse purchases while also contributing to the environment this Christmas. Our Celebration Wildflower Tins are the perfect gifts that can provide a boost in sales while promoting the importance of having wildflowers in gardens. The perfect stocking filler, this living gift will create a thriving environment for pollinators that is crucial for our ecosystem and we hope environmentally aware customers will love our offering this Christmas.”

Find out more

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

There’s no denying it’s been a rather soggy year weatherwise, with the UK seeing 40% more than average rainfall in October, making it the sixth wettest since records began. With the Met Office warning that there will be more days with rainfall totals above 50mm in the winter months, Primeur has the perfect solutions for saturated lawns, flowerbeds, pathways, and vegetable patches.

Step forward this winter

With mud and waterlogged soil beleaguering many this winter, Primeur’s Eco Way Recycled Rubber Stepping Stones are perfect for navigating and enhancing outdoor spaces, even in challenging weather conditions. By providing a stable and elevated pathway, Primeur’s stepping stones help to prevent slips and falls that often occur on muddy or waterlogged surfaces. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility challenges, playing children, or muddy pets, as it offers a reliable and secure route through an outdoor space.

The collection, which includes the popular Butterfly, Scroll, Leaves, Rover Rock, Natural Stone, Cracked Log and Railroad Tie designs, boasts the appearance of real stone and products are virtually indestructible, unlike their concrete counterparts, which are easily broken. They are incredibly durable too, aid with grip when walked on and are mould-resistant, essential in the UK’s damp climate and wet winters that are set to become more common due to climate change. Stomp is a lightweight stepping stone with its small size making it ideal for Mediterranean gravel gardens, Japanese-style gardens, rockeries, and vegetable patches. Easily installed, it adds a polished finish to your winter garden.

Incorporating Primeur’s stepping stones into your outdoor space this winter can help minimise damage to your garden in the harsher weather. Creating a designated pathway, the stepping stones will encourage your family and friends to stay on the designated route, reducing the likelihood of trampling on tender plants or compacting your lawn or allotment. And, with the evenings now getting darker, providing a clear pathway will help the overall appearance and health of your garden or planting beds, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and prevent mud or other nasties from being brought into your home.

Planters to warm your winter soul

Don't let winter fool you into thinking your garden can't be vibrant with plenty of plants blooming, adding colour and life to the darkest, coldest months of the year. The Tierra Verde collection by Primeur provides an eco-friendly solution for protecting plants during winter. While some ceramic planters can crack when the temperature drops below freezing, Tierra Verde planters are made of robust recycled rubber materials that can endure even the harshest of winter weather. Rubber can expand and contract with temperature changes, which makes these containers resistant to degradation caused by freezing winters or hot summers. Like Primeur’s stepping stones, they do not attract mould or mildew and can insulate the plants' roots against the cold.

Primeur’s award-winning portfolio of planters now includes new designs, such as Whiskey Barrel, Cello, and Alto, in addition to the existing Flamenco, Symphony, Sonata, Concerto, Baritone, and Octavia. These pots have a self-watering reservoir that stores rainwater for the plants to use, without the risk of over-saturation which can be a problem during winter when moisture requirements are low. When the reservoir is full, any excess water drains out via an overflow valve, helping to prevent root rot caused by over-watering. This is especially useful in colder months, where established plants have already developed extensive root networks.

Incorporating these Primeur’s winter solutions into your garden will ensure that your outdoor space can still be used and thrives throughout the colder, wetter months.

In 2019 Primeur celebrated the milestone of its 50th year in business – an achievement of which they are incredibly proud. the company is honoured to work with many of the UK's retail groups and independents, creating bespoke ranges as well as expanding its brand offer. Just over 50,000 sq. ft of warehousing at its head office in Bingley, West Yorkshire ensures Primeur's customers have 100% availability and can react to increases in demand quickly. Innovation and product development have been key to the business’s success and remain at the heart of what the Primeur team does today.

To find a local stockist of Primeur’s Tierra Verde self-watering planters, call 01274 518800, visit the website at www.primeur.co.uk  or email sales@primeur.ltd.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 2024 edition of the AIPH International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards presents a new format for the well-established celebration of the industry’s top producers. This year, the prestigious awards ceremony will be complimented by an industry conference titled ‘Seeds of Success’.

Organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) in collaboration with Host Sponsor IPM Essen and Founding Partner FloraCulture International (FCI), the awards recognise the ‘best of the best’ in ornamentals production. Taking place on 23rd January 2024 at IPM Essen, Germany, the IGOTY Conference and Ceremony will bring together influential speakers, past IGOTY winners, and current finalists.

‘Seeds of Success’ welcomes Ynzo van Zanten as its keynote speaker. An accomplished entrepreneur, Ynzo has built extensive experience with well-known brands such as Tony’s Chocolonely and Innocent Drinks. He is widely recognized for his views on current economic and societal trends, and how entrepreneurs face the challenge of balancing financial success with social impact.

Also included in the conference is a panel session featuring past IGOTY winners. Led by Ed Smit and Renee Snijders of Jungle Talks, the session will focus on what made the winners’ businesses so successful and matters of importance to them.

Michael Perry, aka Mr Plant Geek, will join as the event’s MC. With a background as a Product Developer for Thompson Morgan before switching to a career as a social media influencer, Michael has a unique view of the industry from both the inside and outside. During the Awards Ceremony, Michael will be accompanied by Sirekit Mol, Head of Commercial Operations for Beekenkamp Plants BV. Together, the pair will announce the winners of the awards.

Tickets for ‘Seeds of Success’ and the Awards Ceremony cost only €75 (incl. VAT) per person. Groups of five tickets are available for the discounted price of €300 and groups of ten for €600. To secure your place, visit the AIPH Website.

AIPH thanks Host Sponsor IPM Essen, Founding Partner FloraCulture International, Sapphire Sponsor GLOBALG.A.P. & GGN Label, Pearl Sponsor MyPlant & Garden, and Media Partners Economía & Viveros, Guiaverde, and Pod Osłonami PL for their continued support of the awards.

The market-leading substrate supplier Cocogreen has appointed Ian Riggs as Head of Business Development UK.

This strategic business appointment reinforces the company’s mission to broaden and increase the market and sales of their sustainable growing substrates.

Riggs comes armed with a wide spectrum of experience and knowledge of the UK horticulture sector.  He has been a grower, buyer, sales, and marketing executive for a range of businesses including Sainsburys, Homebase, Sakata, Gardening Direct, Kings Seeds, Desch Plantpak, Lechuza and Southern Trident. Furthermore, Riggs has received many sector accolades and awards for his work as an industry representative on NFU, HTA, BPOA and WSGA national and specialist committees.

Riggs will bring market insight and a network of contacts to his remit of Business Development, bolstering the existing experience and knowledge of Cocogreen’s commercial team to raise the business’s profile and drive sales.

Riggs says: “Cocogreen impressed me immensely. A highly professional company that, with its class-leading Growing Media Technology, is a Greentech innovator and the leader in coir-based substrates. I look forward to working with the Cocogreen team to bring the existing range and new products to new sales channels and markets.”

Thomas Ogden, co-founder and CCO at Cocogreen, said: “Welcoming into our team a highly regarded UK industry veteran like Ian will allow Cocogreen to position its unrivalled sustainable, innovative growing media into sales channels where he has 30 years’ experience. Having already moved the UK berry growing media market from 100% peat to 100% peat free as long ago as 2015, we are now firmly focused on sharing our expertise in a wide range of crop applications across all six continents of the world. Ian will be an invaluable asset as we continue empowering growers, buyers and industry partners to exploit the benefits of our unique, sustainable and technically advanced product offer and raw material supply chain.”

After months of consultation within the garden industry, the organisers of Glee have moved next year’s 50^thanniversary exhibition to Tuesday 10^th – Thursday 12^th September 2024 at the NEC Birmingham.

Glee takes ultimate pride in bringing together the entire garden retail ecosystem each year. Now, following market-wide feedback and insight, it has been confirmed that Glee 2024 will take place in September to better serve its retailer and supplier community

Reinforcing the future of garden retail

The decision to reposition Glee’s timing didn’t happen overnight and was just one learning to come out of months of consulting numerous steering groups, and industry-wide collaboration. The Glee team spoke to smaller independent retailers all the way through to the biggest multiples, with them all playing a part in informing the show’s latest chapter.

As Glee’s Event Director, Matthew Mein explains, these conversations had a deeper purpose: “Our industry is constantly evolving, and Glee plays an important part in shaping the future of garden retail – from the ideas shared on our stages through to the partnerships forged on the show floor. In order to do this, it’s important we stay absolutely up to date with what is promoting change now and also what the future may hold for trading conditions and trends. Staying constantly connected with our community unlocks that and armed with this knowledge, we are better positioned to create a ‘great Glee’ that supports its stakeholders with everything they need to flourish.”

A new dateline to offer tangible benefits

Boyd Douglas-Davies, the show’s new Strategic Advisor, who has been integral in the latest research project, explains how the new dates were arrived at.

“The full calendar was reviewed but September consistently embodied the ‘sweet spot’ for retailers and suppliers, with over 55% of Steering Group participants ranking September as the best month to hold Glee. By comparison, the second most popular choice, June, only had 15%.  It wasn’t as simple as ‘June is wrong’ because we know it offered value for many, but the overall effectiveness of Glee as an event for business growth changed as we moved into a new chapter post-Covid, with buying cycles, lead-times and seasonality all impacting how our industry ‘shops’.

“One issue that many retailers voiced to us was about a lack of price lists available in June and, with a need for comprehensive data to support orders for the year ahead, the buying cycle was becoming unnecessarily extended. The September timing allows for the industry as a whole to be ready, including those that export, with the show perfectly positioned at the natural close of one season, and with a new one on the horizon. This will lead to a more streamlined process, with Glee marking the transition between seasons, with ordering finalisation, planning and preparation coming immediately after the event.

“From a logistics perspective, a September event also offers multiple benefits. Stores are quieter, with teams enjoying a brief reprieve before the festive season commences. It is also term time for most schools, meaning no more crossover with the summer holiday season. This, in turn, allows retailers to bring bigger teams to Glee to be inspired and source new products and supply partners from the hundreds of exhibitors, innovators and new products that find their home at Glee every year.”

The start of things to come

As the industry buzz for Glee’s latest development takes hold, Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director explains that this move is demonstrative of Glee’s desire to remain responsive to the needs of Glee’s represented sectors. He said: “The success of Glee is aligned wholly with having our finger on the pulse of our industry. Through our latest research and continual dialogue, we are now better placed than ever to invest in the show’s future. Whether it’s tackling those topics that are effecting change, building a platform for growth, or providing a voice for the industry, we have a renewed long-term vision for Glee and look forward to bringing to market new content to support the continued advancement of garden retail.

“To everyone that has shared their thoughts on Glee’s timings, including those that kindly donated their time to join us at one of our steering groups, I’d like to say thank you. You have all been crucial in the development of this next chapter of Glee.”

Find out more 

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.

Source Garden confirms move to September alongside Glee 2024

Source Garden, where high quality meets ethical responsibility, has confirmed that it will also take place in September 2024, with the second edition of the event taking place alongside the Glee trade exhibition.

Fully supportive of the new September dateline, Source Garden will once again return to the NEC to bring responsible suppliers and manufacturers together with brands and retailers who are looking to tun their vision into a new product line. 

Launched exclusively in 2023 as a standalone event, Source Garden offers access to key sectors, including outdoor entertaining, garden tools, pets, and supply chain services, and remains the UK’s most important event for sourcing sustainable garden products.

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co and joint agent, Clark Weightman have been instructed to market Millstone Garden Centre in Grimsby, Lincolnshire.

This well-established garden centre was originally established in 1989 by current owners, Tom and Joanna Rutherford and benefits from a loyal, local retail and trade customer base.

Set in the foothills of the Lincolnshire Wolds and across a 4.2-acre site within walking distance of Waltham village, this traditional, family-run garden centre specialises in offering a comprehensive range of high-quality plants, hard & soft landscaping products and a wide range of other garden-related products. The site features a retail shop, large glasshouse, conservatory and extensive standing beds.

Also included in the sale is a detached, five-bedroom house with a double garage, gardens front and rear, pond, greenhouse and vegetable plot.

After almost four decades of ownership, Tom and Joanna have decided to sell as they are hoping to retire. They comment, “After 50+ years landscaping and 40 years nurturing our family-run garden centre, retiring feels like we are ready to bring our story closer to a conclusion. We really do cherish the countless memories, blooming friendships, and the joy of cultivating a thriving and passionate gardening community. It's our time to bid farewell and send our heartfelt thanks to all our wonderful staff and our beloved customers. We’re very much looking forward to writing the next, peaceful chapter in our book!”

Andrew Birnie, Director at Christie & Co who is handling the sale, comments, “This is a great business, ideal for a family to purchase and live on site. Alternatively, as the house is accessible through its own driveway, a new owner may wish to sell it separately without too much alteration at a later date.

“The site is well-managed, has ample space for development, and enjoys a loyal customer base which is continually expanding. With the hundreds of houses being built nearby, there is plenty of scope to grow the business and capitalise on the increasing demand.”

Local MP, Tom Tugendhat, got a first-hand look at the work Hadlow College is doing to inspire the next generation of students when he visited the College’s state-of-the-art glasshouse.

Constructed in 2022, the glasshouse plays an integral part in horticulture courses and features cutting edge technology, including:

• Suspended gutters running hydroponics for tomatoes and peppers in separate houses
• LED and High Pressure sodium lighting
• Vertical growing farm
• Latest environmental control computers – PRIVA
• Fogging systems for plant propagation
• Dedicated space for individual glasshouse research
• Outdoor standing down beds for shrub and herbaceous plant production
• New structures for seasonal bedding plant production

Students work alongside practitioners from leading industry grower Thanet Earth to develop their skills and produce hydroponic tomatoes in the Venlo glasshouse.

The tomatoes are grown on a rockwool system using the industry training system known as layering. Scissor lifts are employed to allow students under supervision to work on the crop at height to carry out all the necessary cultural requirements of the crop. Biological control is used to control any unwanted pests, these are populations of beneficial insects.

The Venlo glasshouse is operated using PRIVA environmental control computers which also control the vertical growing farm where students grow a range of salad crops from seed and harvested as micro leaves in as little as three weeks for some crops.

A misting unit is also built into the glasshouse for the propagation of a wide range of plants from both stem cuttings and seeds with the aim of these finished plants being sold at pop-up plant sales which take place every Wednesday afternoon from 1pm to 4pm at the College outside the glasshouse.

Tom Tugendhat, Member of Parliament for Tonbridge and Malling, enjoyed his visit, saying: “The new glasshouse offers a brilliant opportunity for students to work alongside and learn from the fantastic team at Thanet Earth and I’m sure it will go a long way in supporting their development.”

“It is fantastic to see investment into our community like this. I had a great time visiting the new glasshouse at Hadlow College and it really shows how invested they are in our community.”

Chris Lydon, Vice Principal of Hadlow College, said: “We are proud to be working with Thanet Earth to produce tomatoes in our new Venlo glasshouse. This unique partnership gives students the best opportunities to develop their skills working alongside current practitioners from a leading industry grower and the produce from the tomato crop is used on site in our own student eatery and also distributed by Fair Share.”

Rob James, Technical Director of Thanet Earth added: “We have a long standing relationship with Hadlow going back to 2011 when we set up our first Fellowship with the college, the facilities we now have on site are perfect for nurturing the next generation of experts in our industry.”

The glasshouse illustrates a commitment from the College to regenerative farming and horticulture, using practices that minimize harm to the environment.

Unveiled earlier this year, the College also has a ‘robotic orchard and vineyard’.

This two-hectare area, showcases the latest technology including automated AI management systems, a state of the art irrigation, fertigation and frost protection system and automated fruit picking.

The crops are grown with sustainability in mind at all times. Drones are used to monitor bud set, predict yields and monitor the growth of the crop allowing precise applications of nutrition, pest and disease control methods to be used.

Sensors installed throughout the orchard monitor, amongst other things, moisture, relative humidity, PAR and rain fall.

To learn more about Thanet Earth, visit their website www.thanetearth.com

It’s that time of year once again and British Garden Centres, the largest UK family-run garden centre group has revealed its festive decorating inspiration to help customers deck the halls for the season. From classic and natural styles to bright and bold glamour, there are ideas to suit every taste and every home.

New for 2023:  This year has seen a dopamine decor trend with homeowners embracing bold colours and playful patterns to create a fun and happy space for guests to enjoy Christmas. British Garden Centres is proud to reveal its Lollipop theme which sees sweets and tasty treats in bright vibrant colours mixed with pastel! This is a delightful and bright combination, think Christmas Red mixed with Sugar Blue, and Lipstick Pink and Pistachio for a delightful sprinkle reminiscent of Hundreds & Thousands.

Also new for this Christmas is the Fruits and Berries theme which is rich, sumptuous colours and textures with sugar finish and antique gold. Think lush greenery, frosted berries, oranges and clementines to bring texture and scent to the home. For those who like a more modern look to their festive home, Dark Nights is a dramatic theme for contemporary homes with darker shades of grey, blue and black giving a cool urban living look. A sleek but stylish trend, the darker colourway will never go out of style and will look effortless in years to come.

Visitors can also enjoy British Garden Centres’ popular schemes in-store which include:

The Traditional Christmas range features shiny reds, greens, and gold to evoke the true Christmas spirit. This collection includes ruby red poinsettias, gift bows, vintage nutcracker ornaments, wreaths, and Santa figurines. Our much-loved Winter Wonderland theme uses icy blue, silver, and white colour schemes to create an elegant festive environment, whilst the Romance collection features delicate rose tones and soft pink shades for a dreamy and romantic mood.

Gingerbread is a traditional theme with red and white with hints of green and biscuit brown. This collection includes classic gingerbread houses, striped candy canes, and sweet shop stripes. The Woodland trend features dark brown, amber, green, and terracotta colours for a fresh, nature-inspired look. This theme is perfect for garden lovers, as it can be created from foraged plants.

The powerful Midnight theme features deep rich blues paired with luxurious warm gold, inspired by celestial, zodiac, and constellation motifs. The navy-blue trend continues to gain popularity this festive season, featuring dark blue candles, gold holders, gift wraps, ribbons, ornaments, and moon and stars.

The Glam décor range adds elegance to the home this Christmas season with its warm gold accents and sprigs of holly berries. These trends will bring a touch of elegance to the home and make it feel more festive and inviting.  And for those young at heart, the Kids Festive Fun theme is aimed at children and features festive family activities and products to get you in the Christmas spirit.  Featuring products that will appeal to all ages including Paint Your Own, plush toys, and Babies First Christmas keepsakes, this will be a must-see area with gifts for everyone.

Amy Stubbs, Development and Projects Manager at British Garden Centres said: “Everyone approaches the design of our homes differently, so why should our Christmas decorations be any different? Our curated trends will appeal to all tastes and personalities and allow the Christmas aesthetic to shine through. Whether you are dreaming of a white Christmas or decking the halls with thousands of lights and bold colours, British Garden Centres has the Christmas décor theme for you.”

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

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

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

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

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

Hundreds of customer votes for The Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team have already been made and with 5 more weeks of voting there's plenty of opportunity for more centres to ask for the support of your customers.

So far, after only 10 days of voting the front runners are: Bosworths, Cooks, Ferndale, Gates and Planters Tamworth.  Votes have also already been submitted for Blue Diamond East Bridgeford, BGC Burford House, Bosworths Elton Hall, Goulds, Gordale, Jackson’s Boutique Garden Centre, Planters Bretby Tong, Wentworth Garden Centre and Woburn Sands Emporium.

To add your Christmas Team into the competition, whihc will have regional winners  as well as an overall custoer voiting winer, all you have to do is print off the poster, as above, that can be accessed via this link: GTN Greatest Christmas Awards Voting Poster, display them in store, add a link to your social media pages or website where you can put the voting link or the QR code as below and let the voting begin.

It’s as simple as that.  Voting is open now and will remain open until 4:00pm on December 21^st.

Here is the link to the on-line voting page: GTN Greatest Christmas Awards On-Line Voting Link

Here is a link to the poster artwork: GTN Greatest Christmas Awards Voting Poster

Here is a link to the Voting QR code: GTN Greatest Christmas Awards Voting QR code

Voting is free, but we are partnering with The Greenfingers Charity so that voters can, if they wish, make a Christmas donation to help build more magical gardens in Children's Hospices across the country.

If you have any questions please contact: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk

The GTN Xtra team visited Bosworths at Burton Latimer at the weekend to see how they were generating votes in store.  See our gallery of pictures below.

Our team of judges have started the wonderful task of visiting the 100 garden centres who have been nominated for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2023.  And our sponsors have been lining up prizes of stock or hotel accommodation for the category winners.

Here are the categories for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2023

• The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team
• The Greatest Christmas Tree and Outdoor Plant Team
• The Greatest Christmas BBQ and Outdoor Leisure Team – The Solex Sizzle
• The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team
• The Greatest Christmas Marketing Team
• The Greatest Christmas Community Event
• The Greatest Festive Gardening Gifts Team
• The Greatest Festive Retail Food Hall Team
• The Greatest Festive Garden Centre Catering Team
• The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Video
• The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team
• The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team*
• The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team*
• The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team
• The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team
• The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team

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

Judging visits will take place during November and December with the winners being announced on The Stage at Spring Fair on Monday 5^th February 2024.

As well as the kudos and fame from winning a Greatest Christmas award, our Gold winners in each category will win prizes including stock, services or hotel accommodation from our sponsors, which at time of going to press include:

• AMES
• Garden Radio
• Glee 2024
• Kaemingk
• LeisureGrow - NOMA
• PATS 2024
• Smart Garden Products – Three Kings
• Solex 2024
• Stars for Europe
• Woodmansterne

Watch out for details of the prizes on offer in issues of GTN Xtra: www.gardentradenews.co.uk and in the next issue of GTN.

What the judges will be looking for when they visit:

As GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards firstly recognise the amazing teamwork involved in garden centre Christmas retailing excellence we asked our judges what specific things they will be looking for in each Christmas Awards category this year:

• The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team
  • Christmas theming of the displays, link sales and plants as Christmas presents 
• The Greatest Christmas Tree and Outdoor Plant Team
  • Extending the Christmas experience out into the Planteria, not only making the sale of cut trees fun and different but what is being done to promote link sales to trees as well as plants as presents. 
• The Greatest Christmas BBQ and Outdoor Leisure Team – The Solex Sizzle
  • Effort (and success) being put to inspiring  sales of BBQ’s, firepits, furniture, arbours and leisure items normally associated with summer rather than Christmas
• The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team
  • From a gondola end of Christmas pet treats to a whole department dedicated to wild bird care or pets of all shapes and sizes. The festive feeling generated by the team, from their attitude for sales to their inspirational displays.  Who has been bold enough to include a pet or wild bird care display in the main Christmas area?
• The Greatest Christmas Marketing Team
  • On and off centre Christmas marketing activity: advertising, p.o.s. video, social media, influencer promotions. We are looking for originality, execution and sucess.
• The Greatest Christmas Community Event
  • A one off ‘launch’ or an ongoing feature – for example a zoo, woodland walk, colouring competition, cookery demonstration or a charity fundraiser that engages the community and extends the Christmas experience.
• The Greatest Festive Gardening Gifts Team
  • This is all about creating sales at this time of year through inspirational use/display/promotion of regular gardening tools and sundries items in a festive setting /department which are capturing sales to both new annd experienced gardeners.
• The Greatest Festive Retail Food Hall Team
  • Food Hall, Farm Shop or just a department in the retail area. Looking for seasonal lines, offers and services to build unit sales as well as dressing of the area. What is special to your Garden Centre offer over other food retailers?
• The Greatest Festive Garden Centre Catering Team
  • What have you done to make your restaurant or coffee shop a part of the Christmas experience? Looking for dressing of the seating area, servery, menu, special offers, link sales, promotions and of course, Festive staff!
• The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Video
  • Simply a Christmas promotional video that creates garden centre visits and sales.
• The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team
  • What have the team done this season to create a really memorable and enjoyable experience.
• The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team*
• The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team*
• The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team
• The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team
• The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team
  • For all of the overall team awards the judges are looking for happy, festive garden centre teams who can keep their Christmas retailing standards at their best throughout the Christmas sales period. 

By popular demand we have brought back Customer Voting for The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas teams, after all it is what customers think that is most important. See the details here

The first Greatest Christmas Awards Team visit the judges carried out this year was at British Garden Centres Woodthorpe, back in August.  See our gallery of pictures below: