In This Issue
More change at Wyevale Garden Centres as Roger builds his own team
Dobbies MD talking to investors in Tesco queue?
Frosty weather puts a hold on late April growth but sales of roses bloom
Vitax ready to cope with predicted slug invasion
Coles promote blue to back Leicester City's title bid
Gro-Sure brand gets new £1m TV campaign
Taylors Bulbs shoot for 23rd Chelsea Gold
Midsummer Cotswolds car rally to raise funds for Greenfingers
Dutch growers to stage 'inspiring' orchid week
The fashion-conscious will love this sweet pea say Wyevale Garden Centres
Wyevale Nurseries donate rare native tree to castle in Herefordshire
Legacy theme for Perennial's Hampton Court show garden
Nursery Manager (Hampshire)
Nursery Production Assistant (Essex)
Grounds Maintenance Team Leader
Horticultural/Plantarea Manager (Surrey)
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Reading garden centre plans to downsize to make way for homes
Gro-Sure Planting Magic becomes a bestseller
Veg-2-Gro sales take a dip
Slow down in compost sales
Flopro has WOW factor
Wolds View garden centre invites children to design its new flag
Eight line up for Young Horticulturalist of the Year final in Dublin
Forest Garden introduces TMTTT Lite
Dennis Espley bows out...Martin Breddy at the ready
Inside the May issue of Garden Trade News
Steve Kindon to host the GIMA Charity Golf Day
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to GTN Bestsellers
All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering
GCA centres were up 5.6% in March
Cream teas as Colin Squire looks back over group's 80 years in horticulture
Situations Vacant
Nursery Manager (Hampshire)
Salary: £25,000 - £35,000
Read more»
Nursery Production Assistant (Essex)
Salary: £17,000 - £17,500
Read more»
Grounds Maintenance Team Leader
Salary: £16,000 - £19,000 dependent on experience
Read more»
Horticultural/Plantarea Manager (Surrey)
Salary: £20,000 - £22,000
Read more»
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Email neil.pope@tgcmc.co.uk, or trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call the GTN News team on 01733 775700
More change at Wyevale Garden Centres as Roger builds his own team



News reached GTN Xtra's Newshound on Tuesday evening that further senior management changes were taking place at Wyevale Garden Centres and that has been confirmed in a Retail Week article announcing the departure of Dan Zinner...

News reached GTN Xtra's Newshound on Tuesday evening that further senior management changes were taking place at Wyevale Garden Centres and that has been confirmed in a Retail Week article announcing the departure of Dan Zinner who has been trading director for the past three years.

Zinner has been replaced by former Homebase executive Paul Emslie as Commerical Director.  He was among several Homebase board members who were removed following the recent takover by Wesfarmers.

Also reported to be leaving Wyevale is Tim Patten, Multichannel Director, who has spent a year at Wyevale Garden Centres helping to build its new transactional website that is yet to be launched.

Retail Week also report that a new Supply Chain Director has been appointed.  Richard Morgan joins from car parts retailer Euro Car Parts.



Within six weeks of taking over as CEO at the countries biggest garden centre group, former Toys'R'Us MD, Roger McLaughlan has acted quickly to assemble a new leadership team with new appointments for Finance Director, Operations Director and Supply Chain Director.

Are these changes just to take on the challenges of maximising returns and value from the group of 153 centres that former CEO Kevin Bradshaw and his team created or are they in preparation for a major step change should the acquisition of Dobbies Garden Centres from Tesco plc come to fruition and take Wyevale to 188 centres with a true nationwide coverage from Inverness to Lelant in Cornwall?

What are the challenges you would most like the new leadership team to get sorted straight away?  Use the comments button below to create a conversation with other readers or send direct to trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

You can read the Retail Week article here.
Dobbies MD talking to investors in Tesco queue?



Dobbies MD Andy King is thought to be in dialogue with equity investors in the queue to buy the 35-centre group from parent company Tesco...


Dobbies MD Andy King is understood to be in dialogue with equity investors in the queue to buy the 35-centre group from parent company Tesco.

Insider sources believe there could be up to seven bids in the next stage of the process.

Wyevale Garden Centres is understood to be the only garden centre group allowed through to the next round by investment bank Greenhill & Co, appointed by Tesco to handle the sell-off. All the others are thought to be equity investors. 

“Wyevale’s owners [Terra Firma] are the only garden centre business likely to have the cash Tesco wants,” GTN Xtra was told by an industry observer on Friday. 

Terra Firm, led by Guy Hands (right), is now believed to want to float WGC on the stock market at an early juncture, but the 153-centre business might not be big enough for an IPO (Initial Public Offering) without the £160m of turnover Dobbies would add overnight.

Greenhill have set an end of May deadline for final bids.

Above: Terra Firma boss Guy Hands is said to be keen to float Wyevale as soon as he can.
Frosty weather puts a hold on late April growth but sales of roses bloom
Roses move up to No 3 in our Garden Plants Bestsellers chart


Sales of rose plants and Frostgard are among the big movers in the GTN Bestsellers charts this week, and for a moment we expected sales of sledges and snow shovels to feature too...



Sales of rose plants and Frostgard are among the big movers in the GTN Bestsellers charts this week, and for a moment we expected sales of sledges and snow shovels to feature too!

In the GTN Bestsellers Garden Plants Chart we see Roses enter our Top 20 volume sales by genus chart for the first time with a 300% increase to be the third most popular plant of the week. 

Pelargoniums, including all the varieties of zonal geraniums, continue to be the No 1 Bestselling genus of garden plants as we go through April and their sales increased by almost 10%, despite the cold and frosty conditions.

Imagine what the sales would have been with better weather!

Fuchsia sales grew by 30% and there were over 20% increases for Bacopa, Pericallis and Begonia. Lavender sales were up by 18% jumping two places to No 4.

With plant areas fully stocked and looking good what are your tips for the most popular plants in May 2016?

We look forward to meeting many great plant sales teams during May as we get the search for The Greatest Plant Teams of 2016 underway.  

If you’ve not sent in a nomination yet, e-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk before May 6th to ensure a visit from our team of experts.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year...
  • Garden Products - down 14%
  • Veg-2-Gro - down 51%
  • Growing Media - down 29%
  • All Items Index - down 18%
 
Vitax ready to cope with predicted slug invasion
Commenting on the predicted invasion of slugs this season, Colin Wetherley-Mein, sales manager at Vitax, says: "We have widened our distribution network which means Slug Gone is available in more garden centres and nurseries than before."

Commenting on the predicted invasion of slugs this season, Colin Wetherley-Mein - sales manager at Vitax, says:

“Slugs are going to be a huge problem for gardeners this year due to the mild winter and an increase in numbers.  As a manufacturer, we need to ensure we continue to have the right products to meet demand as gardeners look for effective, on-the-shelf solutions.

“Although gardeners are usually well prepared for an invasion, slug infestations are now becoming a year-round event which require long-term solutions.

“Demand for deterrents such as Slug Gone has increased during the first quarter and we expect this to continue.  As Slug Gone is made of natural, organic materials, it appeals to both organic and environmentally-conscious gardeners, but what is more important is that it is available to purchase.

“Over the past year, Vitax has widened its distribution network which means Slug Gone is available in more garden centres and nurseries than before.

“However, it is not just natural solutions like Slug Gone which have seen an increase in demand.  Both Slug Rid and Slug Tape are also doing well.  The fact is, slugs can destroy months of hard work in a matter of hours and we have to ensure our customers have products on the shelf.

“No one solution fits all. Gardeners need to be savvy and determine which solution suits them best for the long term. If used correctly, products like Slug Gone can provide a barrier for months.”

For more information about Vitax, visit: www.vitax.co.uk

Meanwhile, Wyevale Garden Centres  is warning the gardeners of Britain to prepare for an increase of supersized slugs this spring.

Duncan McLean, Buyer for Growing Media and Garden Nourish & Control at Wyevale Garden Centres says: “Thanks to another unseasonably wet and mild winter with few hard frosts, our slugs simply haven’t hibernated as they usually do. They’re grazing constantly on prematurely budding plants, getting larger and larger in the process (up to 40 times their body weight), whilst also having the time to breed more, adding to existing colonies and spelling disaster for our gardens.”

He added; “We are always looking for new, innovative and effective products. This year we have a new, first to market product exclusive to Wyevale Garden Centres, Sluggo Slug and Snail Killer Ultra, which is twice as potent as the current ferric phosphate pellet. It is biodegradable and will not harm children, pets or wildlife when used as directed, it contains ferric phosphate, an active ingredient occurring in nature which biodegrades into Iron and phosphate benefitting the soil. We also advise on other management methods including the re-siting of slugs in non residential areas at a distance from your garden.”

Wyevale Garden Centres has noticed a 33% increase in sales year on year in the sale of ‘friendly’ slug and snail deterrents, such as slug wool and ferric phosphate products. The growth in early season purchase also indicates that gardeners are becoming better prepared; after all, prevention is better than cure.

Coles promote blue to back Leicester City's title bid
Coles Plant Centre at Leicester have been urging their customers to ‘Colour the garden blue!’ during the past week to support Leicester City’s attempt to clinch the Premiership if Spurs fail to win at Chelsea tonight...


Coles Plant Centre at Leicester have been urging their customers to ‘Colour the garden blue!’ during the past week to support Leicester City’s attempt to clinch the Premiership if Spurs fail to win at Chelsea tonight.



Coles tweeted  “Celebrate with @LCFC. Well done. We will keep everything crossed.”

The Foxes, currently seven points clear of Spurs at the top, drew at Manchester United on Sunday and now need a further two points from their final two games if Spurs win their remaining three fixtures including the match at Stamford Bridge tonight.

Gro-Sure brand gets new £1m TV campaign
A £1m TV and national press campaign for Westland’s Gro-Sure brand was launched this week, targeting gardeners who are not sure how to get great results...


A £1m TV and national press campaign for Westland’s Gro-Sure brand was launched this week, targeting gardeners who are not sure how to get great results.

The first in the ‘Not Sure? Gro-Sure’ series of four 10-second TV adverts went out on Thursday, with an estimated total reach of more than 26 million consumers. They are being supported by national press advertising.

The ads each feature different gardeners who are not sure how to achieve success in their gardens. They promote Gro-Sure® Easy Containers Compost, Gro-Sure® Planting Magic, Gro-Sure® Smart Seed and Gro-Sure® Tomato Food.

Jo Wilkinson, senior marketing nanager at Westland Horticulture said research showed that regardless of gardening experience, the vast majority of people are not sure how to get the best results. “Gro-Sure® products feature our ‘Grow with Certainty’ promise and are so are ideal for giving gardeners of all levels the results of an expert,” she said. “With over £1m of TV and national press advertising, customers will be flocking to your stores looking for this product.”
Taylors Bulbs shoot for 23rd Chelsea Gold

Preparations for the daffodil display from Taylors Bulbs at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show are under way at their farm in Lincolnshire. Bulbs harvested last July are now in the glasshouse and will grow rapidly from a few inches tall to medal winning blooms in a matter of days...


Preparations for the daffodil display from Taylors Bulbs at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show are under way at their farm in Lincolnshire. Bulbs harvested last July are now in the glasshouse and will grow rapidly from a few inches tall to medal winning blooms in a matter of days.

Fresh from winning his 31st consecutive Premier Gold at the Harrogate Spring Show, Johnny Walkers (pictured at Harrogate last week-end) and his team at Taylors are anxiously waiting, watching and hoping that the daffodils will lead to their 23rd consecutive gold medal at Chelsea.

The Harrogate display is traditionally made with flowers from the field. Johnny, his wife Rosemary and Sallyanne Foreman (otherwise customer services manager at Taylors) between them crop 5000 stems in sometimes miserable weather. “This year tested our resilience, especially the occasion when we were peppered with hale just about as far from the car as we could be”, said Johnny. “But we were delighted with the results and had a particularly high number of fragrant varieties at the show this year. They caused a lot of interest from visitors.”

The Chelsea display of approximately 90 varieties and 2500 flowers is the result of 15,000 flowers grown in controlled conditions every year especially for the show. Varieties from February Gold which, as the name suggests, normally flowers in the garden in February, through to Pheasant’s Eye, the old fashioned favourite that flowers in early May, can be on display.

Sallyanne explained how he bulbs were selected after harvest in August held in the warm before planting after Christmas and kept temperature controlled in the cold store. “They are brought into the greenhouse four weeks before Chelsea.  In the first week we see leaf growth and the flowers beginning to form. The initial stages are crucial for bud development and stem length but mother nature always throws something different at us each year. It never fails to keeps us on our toes!”

Midsummer Cotswolds car rally to raise funds for Greenfingers




The Greenfingers charity is holding a Midsummer Car Rally to raise funds for more gardens for children in hospices...


The Greenfingers charity is holding a Midsummer Car Rally to raise funds for more gardens for children in hospices.

You will be able to join the Greenfingers team for a classic/modern classic car navigational scatter around the beautiful Cotswold countryside on Sunday 19 June. The day will start at 9am from Studley Green Garden Store, near Stokenchurch in Buckinghamshire where drivers can ‘fuel up’ with a bacon sandwich and coffee/tea.  The rally will then take in points of interest during the day, finishing in the delightful village of Ascott Under Wychwood, where participants and their supporters will enjoy a delicious barbecue at The Swan at Ascott. 

Registration will cost £100 per car, to include breakfast, refreshments, barbecue and goodie bag for one driver and one passenger. Additional passengers, or guests wishing to join drivers for the bbq at the end of the rally, will be charged £25 per person.

Proceeds will go to the charity’s A Million Moments appeal, which aims to raise £1 million over three years to bring the precious gift of a garden to a further 5000 children, and their families, who spend time in hospices across the UK.

To register, email the name and address of your principal driver and the names of your passengers, plus your email address, a contact phone number and the type of car plus registration number, to this address.

Cheques payable to Greenfingers Charity can be sent to: Greenfingers, 23 Gregories Road, Beaconsfield, Bucks, HP9 1HH.

Dutch growers to stage 'inspiring' orchid week
Five Dutch orchid growers will open their doors for an ‘Inspiration Week’ in June to give garden centres and nurseries an opportunity to view the newest varieties and retail concepts.


Five Dutch orchid growers will open their doors for an ‘Inspiration Week’ in June to give garden centres and nurseries an opportunity to view the newest varieties and retail concepts.

The inaugural event will run from 6 to 10 June at the five locations, which are close to each other in the Westland area. They promise that “inspiration is the key factor”.

The participating growers, Levoplant, Lansbergen Orchids, OK Plant, Opti-flor and Piet Vijverberg, are all specialists in top quality orchids. They hope the week will become an annual event.

Opening times: Monday 6 June to Thursday 9 June – 8.00-18.00. Friday 10 June – 08.00-14.00.

For more information and nursery addresses, click on this link
The fashion-conscious will love this sweet pea say Wyevale Garden Centres



Wyevale Garden Centres have tipped a new sweet pea variety as a potential best seller – because of its fashionable colours...

Wyevale Garden Centres have tipped a new sweet pea variety plant as a potential best seller – because of its fashionable colours.

‘Chameleon’, formerly known as the ‘Turquoise Lagoon’ has colouring that is very similar to the Pantone colours of the year, but as its name implies, changes over time.

WGC believe the garden choices of today’s consumers are becoming more influenced by fashion.

‘Chameleon’s’ fragrant blooms start out pink, then age to more of a lavender hue. It is on sale as a plant (as distinct from seed) for the first time. Its unique colour-shifting ability is the result of cross-breeding between the traditional sweet pea and a yellow and orange plant of Turkish origin.

Pantone’s colours of the year for 2016 are ‘Rose Quartz’ (pink) and ‘Serenity’ (turquoise).

Howewver, WGC plant buyer Mark Sage reckons that the plant is “not just one for the fashionistas. Kids will love growing them on a trellis so it can wind around the structure and the colour changing process over time will keep their interest in the growing process.
Wyevale Nurseries donate rare native tree to castle in Herefordshire
Wyevale Nurseries has gifted Eastnor Castle at the foot of the Malvern Hills, a rare native tree...

Wyevale Nurseries has gifted Eastnor Castle at the foot of the Malvern Hills, a rare native tree.

Sorbus domestica, often known as the Whitty Pear or Sorb Tree, is sometimes referred to as the True Service Tree.

Wyevale Nurseries director Stephen Ashworth said the donation was suggested by Hereford Botanical Society’s chairman, Jean Wynne-Jones. “We were very happy to offer as Eastnor Castle’s arboretum has one of the county’s outstanding tree collections,” he added.

The tree is typically a native of southern Europe but in 1983 was discovered to be native to Britain too. A remnant population of dwarfed, wizened trees hugs the steepest, remotest, cliffs at rare intervals along the coast of South Wales and the rocky crags of the Wye and Severn estuaries.

The donated tree was vegetatively propagated from a population at Porthkerry, near Cardiff. Raised and grown on at Wyevale Nurseries, the tree is likely to grow in cultivation like a rowan, which it resembles. It has large crab apple-like fruits that are occasionally pear-shaped. “Surely this is the rarest British native tree and has laid low and unnoticed for so long,” Ashworth said.

At the planting ceremony, Eastnor Castle owner James Hervey-Bathurst used a freshly restored spade last used by Queen Mary to plant an English Oak in the grounds in 1937. The tree still prospers there.

James Hervey-Bathurst said the sorbus would be “quite at home at Eastnor, even amongst the cedars and Wellingtonias. It is a privilege to be playing a part in preserving this indigenous tree and good to use the historic spade to complete the planting.”

Legacy theme for Perennial's Hampton Court show garden
The Perennial Giving Garden at this summer’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show will raise awareness of the charity dedicated to helping  horticulturists in need and highlight the importance of gifts in wills...

The Perennial Giving Garden at this summer’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show will raise awareness of the only trade charity dedicated to helping all horticulturists in need and highlight the importance of gifts in wills. 

Designed by Frederic Whyte and Darran Jaques and sponsored and constructed by Living Landscapes, this contemporary water garden is a stylish urban space, conceived for a philanthropic professional couple who want to leave a lasting legacy in the form of a garden.

Both Freddy and Darran are established in the industry and long-term supporters of Perennial. They understand how important legacies are to Perennial’s ability to continue its work and have both made provision to leave gifts to the charity in their own wills.

Anita Bates, director of marketing and fundraising at Perennial said none of the wonderful show gardens would be possible without the skilled horticulturists, growers and everyone else in the profession involved in creating them. “Perennial exists to support all of those people if ever they face difficult times. Thanks go to Freddy and Darran for leading by example and generously promising a gift to Perennial in their wills. Legacy donations form a large and hugely important part of our charitable income and all gifts of whatever size will make a difference.”

The roots of the Perennial Giving Garden are firmly planted in the profession of horticulture. Every day, designers and landscapers face the challenge of turning their client’s ideas and inspirations into living, breathing, growing spaces and this garden reflects just that. It fits the brief for a chic, contemporary space for outdoor living that both entertains and can be used for entertaining. It is dedicated to those who work to keep the UK’s gardens and green spaces beautiful and celebrates the best of British horticultural expertise, past and present.

Water plays an important role within the design, creating a relaxing and inviting ambience. Perennial’s influence is evident in various design elements such as the Arts and Crafts sunken lily pond, reminiscent of York Gate Garden near Leeds, and the natural plunge pool by Clear Water Revival, immersed in greenery that evokes the secluded beauty of Fullers Mill Garden in Suffolk.  

Paved pathways and entertaining areas introduce an elegant and contemporary streamlined feel, accentuated by contrast with a sophisticated, lush and eclectic planting palette. A bespoke pergola for entertaining and relaxing overlooks the rippling lily pond. 

Designer Freddy Whyte says: “The huge effort and team work involved in creating this garden is a testament to the vast reservoir of expertise in the horticultural sector, and justified by their collective support of Perennial.”

Nursery Manager (Hampshire)
Salary: £25,000 - £35,000


Nursery Manager | Hampshire (ref:DS8290)

Location: Hampshire
Salary: £25,000 - £35,000
Date: 27 Apr
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent


We are currently seeking an experienced Nursery Manager whose role it will be to help our client run this vibrant and growing business that produces and sells a wide range of quality nursery stock, bespoke topiary and living sculptures to the wholesale and amenity market.

The Role

For the role they are seeking a well trained and experienced Nursery Manager who has the ability to not only oversee production of the plants but also has the commercial acumen and ability to assist with sales to cash and carry and also to retail customers.

The Candidate

Ideally they would like a Manager with at least 5 years proven management experience in a similar nursery, who has good horticultural qualifications, forklift and spray certificates as well as the personality and drive to achieve good levels of sales.

Based in the New Forest, they are willing to offer a good salary for the right individual

To apply for this role click here
Nursery Production Assistant (Essex)
Salary: £17,000 - £17,500


Nursery Production Assistant | Essex (ref:DS8289)

Location: Essex
Salary: £17,000 - £17,500
Date: 27 Apr
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent


This leading Essex garden centre and nursery grow quality stock that they sell to customers that buy via their busy garden centre. Currently they have a vacancy for an enthusiastic and committed horticulturist to join their Production team as a Nursery Production Assistant.

The Role

The role will be to work within the nursery helping in all daily tasks from potting to watering, fertigation to pest and disease cure and prevention.

The Candidate

The Ideal candidate for this role should possess either a horticulture qualification or practical experience in horticulture and PA1 & PA6 certificates and a forklift certificate is also desirable.

Technical skills should include:
  • Good plant knowledge
  • The ability to identify plant pests and diseases.
  • Good knowledge of plant husbandry techniques.

Other skills needed for these positions include:
  • An enthusiastic and willing attitude.
  • Good communication skills

Hourly rate is £8.43. Paid time and a half for weekends and bank holidays.
Hours are generally 8.30am to 5pm Monday - Friday with some weekend hours in spring season and some later finishes for spraying etc.


To apply for this role click here

Grounds Maintenance Team Leader
Salary: £16,000 - £19,000 dependent on experience


Grounds Maintenance Team Leader (ref:DS8291)

Location: Surrey
Salary: £16,000 - £19,000 dependent on experience
Date: 25 Apr
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent

This leading Grounds Maintenance Company based in East Anglia, who carry out a wide range of commercial contracts throughout the UK, are currently seeking to recruit a Grounds Maintenance Team Leader / Supervisor for their Surrey Contracts.

The Role
  • Reporting to the Contracts Manager, the ideal candidate will currently be employed in a similar role in the grounds maintenance sector and have great team and supervisory management experience.
  • Be able to deliver the level of grounds care demanded by the client within the strict deadlines and budgets of the contract.
  • Liaise with clients when needed.
  • Be aware of health & safety and quality procedures on site.
  • Supervision of Teams.

The Candidate
  • The successful candidate should hold a relevant horticultural or landscape qualification.
  • A full driving license is essential.
  • They should also have good grounds maintenance or landscaping skills and be able to give superb customer service to clients.
Ideal candidate should be based in the Guildford Area.

Salary range: £16,000 - £19,000 - dependent on experience

To apply for this role click here
Horticultural/Plantarea Manager (Surrey)
Salary: £20,000 - £22,000


Horticultural / Plantarea Manager / Surrey (ref:DS8287)

Location: Surrey
Salary: £20,000 - £22,000
Date: 22 Apr
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent

This Nationwide Garden Centre group are continually growing and developing their leading garden centres across England and Wales. Currently they are seeking an outstanding Plants Person / Horticultural Manager to manage their Plantarea within the London suburbs.

The Role

The role will be to take responsibility for one of the largest departments within the centre. As Horticulture / Plantarea Manager you will look after the day to day merchandising and maintenance of the plant stock as well as motivating the team to provide the highest standard of customer service. The role will also have duty management responsibility across the entire centre.

The Candidate

For this role we are seeking a leader with superb retail experience to head this busy department. The plantarea is the focus point of any garden centre and your standards for customer service, merchandising and the little details that make a department special will make you stand out. Plant knowledge is essential but we are open minded about the level of academic qualification. Experience within a garden centre is desirable as is supervisory skills

To apply for this role click here
 
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Reading garden centre plans to downsize to make way for homes

Plans to demolish part of Woodcote Garden Centre near Reading to make way for nine houses have been recommended for approval by the local parish council...


Plans to demolish part of Woodcote Garden Centre to make way for nine houses have been recommended for approval by the parish council.

Michael Hill, who owns the business off Reading Road, is seeking planning permission to demolish greenhouses and other nursery buildings on a 2,426 sq.m. plot to make way for three detached, two semi-detached and four terraced homes. The garden centre would continue trading from smaller premises.

The parish council supports the scheme in principle as the site is earmarked for nine dwellings in Woodcote’s neighbourhood plan, which passed a referendum two years ago.

 
Gro-Sure Planting Magic becomes a bestseller
Westland Gro-Sure Planting Magic is the highest new entry in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products Chart, appearing in the Top 50 at an impressive No 6...
Westland Gro-Sure Planting Magic is the highest new entry in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products Chart, appearing in the Top 50 at an impressive No 6.

The highest re-entry accolade goes to Gardman Ladybird Wind-Up Torch (Red) at No 7.

And the highest climber is Neudorff Sluggo Slug & Snail Killer (800g), moving up 19 places to No 20.

Scotts Levington Tomorite (1-litre) stays at the top of the chart for another week.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Veg-2-Gro sales take a dip
This week’s GTN Bestsellers Veg-2-Gro chart has taken a bit of a dip with volumes down on the previous week, and significantly lower on the same time last year (-51%) and in 2014 (-23.5%)...
This week’s GTN Bestsellers Veg-2-Gro chart has taken a bit of a dip with volumes down on the previous week, and significantly lower on the same time last year (-51%) and in 2014 (-23.5%).

This week’s Veg-2-Gro star performers are:
  • Bridgen Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis is the highest re-entry at No 9.
  • Quantil Leek Strips are the highest climber, jumping 27 places to No 12.
  • The highest new entry is Quantil Mangetout Strips at No 28.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Slow down in compost sales
Sales of compost in garden centres are now seeing a slow down. Volumes are 2.5% below last week, and they are significantly down on the same periods in 2015 and 2014...
Sales of compost in garden centres are now seeing a slow down. Volumes are 2.5% below last week, and they are significantly down on the same periods in 2015 and 2014.

This week’s Growing Media star performers include:
  • Scotts Levington Multi Purpose Compost (50 litres) is the highest climber, moving up  16 places to No 29.
  • The highest re-entry is Westland Plant Protection Bark (90 litres) at No 33.
  • The highest new entry is Kelkay RHS Horticultural Potting Grit at No 45.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Flopro has WOW factor
Hot on the heels of the announcement of a huge consumer media campaign, Flopro have released details of their stunning display module for Spray Guns...
Hot on the heels of the announcement of a huge consumer media campaign, Flopro have released details of their stunning display module for Spray Guns.

The unit features a super size three dimensional model of the Flopro+ Hydra which really creates the WOW factor in- store.

The display module is being supplied to Garden Centres free of charge as part of the Spray Gun promotional deal which comprises the Flopro+ Hydra, Flopro+ Vergo and Elite Spray Guns together with the Flopro+ Hose Connector Starter Kit. The whole promotional deal has been designed to exactly fit on the unit. The overall size of the module is 91cm x 43.5cm and 168cm high.

Commenting on the campaign, Natalie Searle, Marketing Manager said: “Flopro entered the watering category with the aim of developing a real point of difference in product, consumer communication and retailer support.

"The new Spray Gun POS is eye catching and has great consumer appeal creating a real feeling of theatre in-store.

"This is just the start of a heavyweight promotional campaign scheduled throughout the peak selling spring and summer months.”

To place an order see your local Crest Garden contact or phone the Flopro Hotline on 01480 443753.

Wolds View garden centre invites children to design its new flag

Wyevale Garden Centres’ newly-named Wolds View centre at Horncastle (formerly Crowders) is inviting local schoolchildren to design a new flag...


Wyevale Garden Centres’ newly-named Wolds View centre at Horncastle (formerly Crowders) is inviting local schoolchildren to design a new flag.

The design should represent ‘Wolds View’ – a name that describes the scenic view of the Wolds from the centre’s well-known plant area.

The competition, open to children up to age 11, will be judged by the town mayor and Ken Dawson, the garden centre manager.

The winning design will grace a flag to fly at the entrance. The winning young designer will win a £500 voucher to be spent on plants or equipment for their school garden.

The runner-up will receive a £250 voucher for their school, and the third prize winner will get potted sunflower seeds for their classroom or school garden.

The centre’s new name was among those suggested by customers and came top in a customer poll.
Eight line up for Young Horticulturalist of the Year final in Dublin

The Grand Final of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture’s Young Horticulturist of the Year 2016 takes place next Saturday (7 May) at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin.


The Grand Final of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture’s Young Horticulturist of the Year 2016 takes place next Saturday (7 May) at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin.

Some of the brightest young talent in horticulture will compete for the prestigious title of CIH Young Horticulturist of the Year 2016 and a £2500 travel bursary provided by the Percy Thrower Trust.

Following the eight regional finals during March, the eight finalists are:

Scotland – Lachlan Rae
Ireland – Francis Mulholland
Northern – Sally Newbrook
North West and North Wales – Joshua Stevens
Midlands and South Wales – Lydia Mackay
Eastern – Fern Champney
South East – Lawrence Wright
South West – Miriam Petry

Last year over 1,800 young horticulturists from around the UK and Ireland competed for the title. Since the competition started in 1990 an estimated 25,000 people have participated.

The competition is sponsored by the Shropshire Horticultural Society, the recruitment company MorePeople, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), Wyevale Garden Centres and the HTA.

Anyone interested in taking part in or sponsoring the 2017 competition can contact the Chartered Institute of Horticulture by clicking this email link.

 
Forest Garden introduces TMTTT Lite
Forest Garden have introduced a new 'Lite' version of their highly popular and proven sales tool, Take Me To The Till, in a bid to help support promotional and seasonal sales...
Take Me To The Till (TMTTT) is Forest’s most-popular and proven sales tool.  Award-winning and proven to drive sales in-store – with some retailers reporting a 300% increase in sales of the home delivered range merchandised on the display unit - a new ‘Lite’ design has recently been launched to help support promotional and seasonal sales.
 
The new TMTTT Lite display unit has been designed to be entirely portable, making it the perfect solution when space is at a premium.  Made from lightweight Correx, TMTTT Lite will feature Forest Garden’s best-selling product lines, supported by impactful branding and graphics including a forest green colour as part of the branding to be featured on all of Forest’s point of sale material.
 
John Gomersall, Forest sales and marketing director, said: “Since its launch, Take Me To The Till has been praised by retailers for the ease in which it allows them to offer a greater selection of our products without having to dedicate large amounts of precious floorspace or storage onsite. More than this, the displays also help to empower the customers, enabling them to make informed buying decisions which gives them the confidence to make the purchase in store.
 
“TMTTT Lite has been created to support our retailers with promotional and seasonal sales activities. The unit is not only portable, which means it can be removed and stored at the end of the season. We know how effective this system can be, and adding a more flexible option seemed like the next logical move. I’ve no doubt it’ll become an essential part of our overall merchandising offering going forwards.”
 
TMTTT Lite is available now, with many retailers already benefitting from adding it to their instore offering.
 
About TMTTT
Forest’s TMTTT has been helping retailers to effectively sell its range of sheds, summerhouses, pergolas, arches and arbours, without dedicating precious extra space on the shop floor since 2013. The concept of the display is simple:  it is designed to make the shopping experience more convenient for consumers by providing them with a tangible product to take to the check-out for quick self-service and easy purchase.
 
Find out more
Forest products are available from garden centres and other retailers across the country, as well as online.  Made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timber, they come flat packed where relevant for easy assembly.  Home delivery and assembly is also available on selected items at a small extra charge.  For local stockists, and more ideas for better garden storage, visit www.forestgarden.co.uk
Dennis Espley bows out...Martin Breddy at the ready

Squire’s managing director Dennis Espley retired on Friday. Former Scotts Miracle Gro UK director Martin Breddy takes over on 16 May...


Squire’s managing director Dennis Espley retired on Friday after a 30-years career with the garden centre group. Former Scotts Miracle Gro UK director Martin Breddy takes over on 16 May.

Dennis takes the role of chairman of the Tillington Group in June.

He is a member of the RHS council and a former chairman of the GCA
 
Inside the May issue of Garden Trade News
The May issue of Garden Trade News is packed full of advice and information for garden retailing professionals...
The May issue of Garden Trade News is packed full of advice and information for garden retailing professionals.
  • Who will buy Dobbies? Spotlight on the leading contenders.
  • Preview of Chelsea Flower Show - Spotlight on new plant varieties.
  • Garden tools that make life easier.
  • GTN's Greatest Awards - how to enter.
  • The case for EPoS - a great opportunity unity to communicate with target consumers.
To find out how you can receive your copy of Garden Trade News every month email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Steve Kindon to host the GIMA Charity Golf Day
This year’s GIMA Charity Golf Day will be hosted by one of the genuine "characters" of football, Steve Kindon...
This year’s GIMA Charity Golf Day will be hosted by one of the genuine "characters" of football, Steve Kindon. 

As a keen golfer, Steve will join players on the course and host the prize giving and auction in the evening, taking place on Thursday 9th June at Telford Hotel and Golf Resort.

With over 160 first-class goals to his credit, this former striker left winger starred with Wolves, Burnley and Huddersfield in the 70's and 80's and he also won caps for England in the Youth team, the under-23's and England B.

Nowadays, "Kindo" - as he is affectionately known – prefers to take a more leisurely pace, though travelling the length and breadth of the country at sporting and corporate dinners throughout the land. 

He is certainly one of the best football speakers around and his humorous reminiscences are certain to have the GIMA guests wanting more.

The proceeds of this year’s event will be split equally between two deserving causes and this year the funds will go to Greenfingers, a small national charity dedicated to creating magical gardens for children’s hospices, and Perennial, a UK charity dedicated to helping horticulturists in need.

To take part either by playing, donating, sponsoring or simply joining us for dinner in the evening visit the GIMA website or call the GIMA office on 01959 564947.
 
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts...

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 printed newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2014 as well as 2015 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 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for this week are here

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

 
Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters delivered via the post 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 £120m.

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.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.

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

All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering

GCA centres were up 5.6% in March



Turnover at Garden Centre Association member centres was 5.6% up on average in March, with food hall and farm shop up more than 23% compared to the same month last year...




Turnover at Garden Centre Association member centres was 5.6% up on average in March, with food hall and farm shop up more than 23% compared to the same month last year.

The GCA’s latest ‘barometer of trade’ returns show that the best performing traditional category was houseplants at +8.36%

Outdoor plant sales rose 3.31% compared to last year while sales in seeds and bulbs were down 6.65%. Catering sales were up 11.78% and clothing was up 10.7%. 

Gift sales rose marginally by 0.13% but pets and aquatics showed a  6.19% increase. Hard landscaping sales were down 0.94% and furniture and barbecue sales up 7%.

GCA chief executive Iain Wylie said the success of the food hall and farm shop category was no surprise. “Due to the poor, wet weather and early Easter break, many gardeners haven’t had the chance to get working on their plots,” he said. Because the Easter break was so early this year, the month’s sales figures were not a true like-for-like comparison.
Cream teas as Colin Squire looks back over group's 80 years in horticulture







Colin Squire, chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, is to host a ‘Tea & Talk’ later this month as part of the company’s 80th birthday celebrations...

Colin Squire, chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, is to host a ‘Tea & Talk’ later this month as part of the company’s 80th birthday celebrations.

Squire’s at Shepperton will host the event, on Saturday 14 May, when Colin will take his audience on a fascinating journey through the 80 years of the business’s involvement in the horticultural industry, followed by a question and answer session. The ticket price of £6 a head will include a loose-leaf cream tea.

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