The owners of Gateacre Garden Centre in Liverpool are closing down the store to concentrate on expanding their successful Burleydam centre in Ellesmere Port, voted Best Garden Centre in the GCA North West regional awards (above)

Gateacre, which has been open for more than 80 years, is closing its doors at the end of July.

The garden centre in Acrefield Road was opened by Ernie Williams and is currently run by the third generation of the family.

Ernie, who had originally opened a florist’s shop in West Derby, was a gardening pioneer. In the 1930s he started a landscaping business and rented various sites in south Liverpool before purchasing the land on Acrefield Road and starting to sell to the public. At the time, roses, trees and shrubs could only be sold in the autumn and winter when they could safely be lifted out of the ground.

Ernie and his sons had the idea of using discarded fruit tins from Hartley’s jam factory. This meant that gardening could become a year-round activity as plants could be purchased during the spring months, just when gardeners wanted them.

By the 1960s gardening had become incredibly popular and the Acrefield Road site became Gateacre Garden Centre when it opened as one of the first dedicated garden centres in the country.

His granddaughter, Sally Cornelissen, has had to take the difficult decision to close the centre and said: “Garden centres have evolved and become larger to offer more shopping and gift choices alongside plants and garden products. Cafes and restaurants are now an important part of garden centres and have extended a simple trip out to buy plants into an all-day experience.

“The size and shape of the Acrefield Road site mean we cannot extend our facilities and we also face space and planning issues in relation to car parking. After a great deal of discussion and soul searching we have decided to focus investment in our second site, Burleydam Garden Centre at Little Sutton on the Wirral.  

“There is currently an expansion plan at Burleydam enabling us to improve our retail and catering areas and extend car parking facilities after buying some adjacent land.”

It is hoped that some of the 19 staff who work at Gateacre may consider moving to Burleydam Garden Centre.

Sally added: “Gateacre holds many fond memories and over the years many of our customers and their families have become friends. I would like to take the opportunity to thank them for their support over the years and look forward to welcoming them to Burleydam.”

The Liverpool Echo had reported that the opening of a nearby Dobbies had been a big factor in the closing of the store.

But Sally told GTN Xtra:  "Dobbies have obviously had an effect on business, which would have been no problem had we been able to compete on a level playing field, but we trade off just over an acre in a built-up area and, as you know, out of town sites with their attendant attractions are where the money is going these days. We have purchased further land at Burleydam and consider investment there will have a much greater return.

"Sadly, Gateacre’s closure is a sign of the times for our industry and a very sad time for us. I was brought up climbing peat bales and weighing out grass seed and I remember my mother telling me that on their first date, my father took her – in full evening dress – to stoke up the boilers of the greenhouses on the way home. How times change!"

With just a few weeks to go until the doors open on a refreshed and revitalised Glee (September 14-16, NEC Birmingham), the show organisers i2i Events are urging interested parties to book their space now within the show's newest feature – The Green Heart – as available exhibition space is filling up fast.

 ‘The Green Heart of Glee’ will be home to over 40 UK growers, each exhibiting their latest 2015 ranges, as well as offering exclusive, show-only deals. Housed in the Atrium area, directly outside the entrances to Glee’s new home with NEC halls 17-20 and incorporating the event's registration desks, ‘The Green Heart’ will fill what is thought to be the biggest greenhouse within the UK. It is within this space that growers and UK nurseries can create displays of everything from herbs and bedding plants, to trees, shrubs, alpines and even houseplants.

Neil Gow, Glee’s special project manager, said: “The response to the Green Heart of Glee has far exceeded our expectations, and now we are down to our last few remaining benches.  I urge any interested parties to get in touch as soon as possible to ensure that they secure their presence within what is set to be an exciting showcase of plants at Glee.” 

One UK grower that has already signed up for the show is Newleaf Plants. David Higginson Sales Manager said: “When Neil first talked to me about the idea of The Green Heart it seemed a bit of a no-brainer to be able to get our plants in front of so many key buyers and at minimal cost, so we booked our plot straight away.”

David’s comments were echoed by Helen Boers, Sales Director at Gardeners Kitchen Nurseries. She added: “We have always found Glee one of the most successful shows we do because we can get to speak to the business owners and senior managers as well as the plant buyers from right across the country. The Green Heart concept seems just brilliant to us and being able to show off our production in good light conditions to so many key retailers means we did not need to do too much thinking before we booked up. The low cost, with so much done for us by way of benches and signage, will make this a very cost effective event for us.”

Other names confirmed for the Green Heart include Gardeners Kitchen, New Leaf Plants, Kilworth Conifers, Gedney Bulbs, Golden Grove Nurseries, John Woods Nurseries, Lovania Nurseries, Hawkesmill Nurseries, Garden Centre Fresh, Chapel Cottage Plants, Chamberlin Nurseries, Viking Nurseries, Morley Nurseries, Beaver Plants, Whartons Roses and Darby Nurseries.

Peter Burks, general manager of Trelawney Garden Leisure commented: “I am a big fan of Glee and I think it is essential the industry has one big trade show that attracts as many businesses from all areas of the industry as possible. To do this it needs to have significant representation from all key areas of business, and plants is the number one. Whilst I also believe it is quite right that each sector has its own show, e.g. plants, furniture, pets etc, the overriding need for all is one major show covering everything. So I think pulling a good selection of growers back to Glee is a great move and it will certainly make it a much more enjoyable show for me as a result.”

i2i’s Matthew Mein, Glee event manager, added: “It’s great news that the Green Heart has already proven so popular.  Plants are the cornerstone of the garden retail industry, and we want to recognise this by creating an area where UK growers and nurseries can showcase their 2015 ranges, whilst also giving plants unrivalled visibility at the heart of the show. I, for one, am very much looking forward to seeing the area come to life later this year.” 

For Green Heart of Glee enquires contact Neil Gow direct by calling 0203 033 2497 or by emailing Neil.Gow@i2ieventsgroup.com before August 8 to avoid missing out on the full exhibition package, including a complete listing within the Glee catalogue.

Greenfingers, the charity dedicated to creating garden’s in children’s hospices across the UK, has announced that Boyd Douglas-Davies has become a trustee for the charity.

Boyd Douglas-Davies, CEO of Hillview Garden Centres Ltd, has long been closely involved with Greenfingers, not least since he founded Garden Re-Leaf Day four years ago, which raises significant funds for the charity each year.  Boyd’s long-term support of Greenfingers has now been cemented with his new role as a trustee and Greenfingers chairman Matthew Wilson welcomed Boyd on board at the trustees meeting on Wednesday.

Matthew Wilson said: "It is an absolute honour to have Boyd join us as a trustee of Greenfingers and I’m delighted to welcome him on board today.  As someone who has long been a staunch supporter of the work we do he is already a fantastic advocate of our charity and I look forward to his input and involvement in our future work."

Boyd Douglas-Davies added: "Even before I founded Garden Re-Leaf Day I was closely involved in Greenfingers and am very happy to accept the role of trustee.  I am delighted to be working very closely with the team to develop Garden Re-Leaf Day for 2015 and beyond, and further support the work we do to create magical gardens for children and families who spend time in hospices to enjoy."

Greenfingers has been the benefitting charity of the annual Garden Re-Leaf Day since it’s inception and Douglas-Davies’s appointment as a trustee also marks officially confirming Garden Re-Leaf Day as Greenfingers’ main spring fundraising campaign.

The customers of one of the country’s top commercial nurseries have helped shape the future of its Point of Sale. Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford says it has listened to the feedback from garden centre plant buyers and has re-branded and re-worked its POS so that plants are now ‘king’.

Sales and Marketing Director Adam Dunnett said: “We’ve given our bespoke labels and correx boards a complete redesign having listened to what our customers have told us they would like and what sells plants. They requested that we made the plant image king and ensured the name was clear and easy to read. They also said we should major on the British-grown message.

“With our boards they wanted them bigger, A3 being the preferred size, and not to use cut out shapes, as these can easily get damaged. We’ve made the plant image 80% of our board too, as garden centre plant buyers told us that good photographs really sell the plants.”

This year the company has seen some significant changes, as it has re-structured from three separate businesses into one, with its container plant, tree and transplant (hedging) companies now all trading as Wyevale Nurseries.

Adam added: “We’re entering a significant new era in our development as a business and really listening and taking notice of what our customers say is an important part of what we’re doing now, and will do in the future. We have created a new brand and this has transferred to our POS giving it a fresh, contemporary look.

“This signals the start of something very exciting for our business. We are a successful company and, as such, we can never stand still. Our new brand is part of our drive to lead the industry into a fast moving, flexible, customer driven era.”

Wyevale Nurseries is one of the largest family-run wholesale nurseries in the UK. It was established in 1928 by Harry Williamson, a horticulturist and entrepreneur. It became the company it is today under the leadership of his son, Peter, who sadly passed away in 2011.

The Williamsons’ saw the opportunity to sell their product to an undeveloped retail market, creating one of the first garden centres, followed by a chain. In 1987, the retail side needed to expand and the 19 garden centres were sold as a PLC.

The family then turned its focus to Wyevale Nurseries Ltd. It continues to be a family-run business with ownership and joint chairmanship currently being held by the third generation, Heather and Simeon Williamson, with plans for the fourth generation to takeover in the future.

Wyevale Nurseries has a significant product range and is regularly introducing new plants. It offers a large variety of trees, shrubs, hedging, herbaceous and specimen plants to garden centres, landscape contractors, local authorities, foresters and landowners.

For further details about Wyevale Nurseries, which is based in Hereford, please call 01432 845 200 or visit www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk

A school in Hull has transformed a gravel courtyard into a ‘chill zone’ in which children can relax, thanks to the installation of artificial grass from LazyLawn.

The UK’s biggest artificial grass brand rolled out 200 square metres of turf at Westfield Primary School, in Cottingham, turning its courtyard into a lush, green outdoor retreat and saving money in the process.

The gravel in the courtyard was making a mess on nearby pathways and causing blockages in the drains, prompting the school to act.

“Everyone at the school was amazed when the lawn was completed,” said school business manager Vikki Garner, “and at the first break time the children insisted on taking off their shoes before going on it, because it’s so soft.”

The school opted for the Wonder Yarn brand of artificial grass for its realistic look and feel and its hard-wearing durability – perfect for coping with boisterous children at break time.

Vikki continued: “Putting LazyLawn in the courtyard has transformed this area from somewhere the children used to run through to get to the playground to a 'chill zone' where they are happy to sit and read or play quiet games. 

“It has also saved us money from getting the drains cleared every few months! We have had a number of other schools visit and they cannot believe how stunning it looks and we can wholeheartedly recommend it.”

LazyLawn is the preferred artificial grass brand for a number of big names, including JD Wetherspoon, Selfridges, IKEA, Center Parcs, Big Brother and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and was the first artificial grass brand to ever appear at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Find out more about the UK’s leading artificial turf by visiting www.lazylawn.co.uk. Alternatively, call 0843 659 5885or follow @lazylawn for the latest news.

Woodlands Garden Centre near Sevenoaks is to be the new home of Kent Fire and Rescue Museum and will be having a grand opening of the attraction on August 30.

Kim Barr, executive director of the garden centre, explained to GTN Xtra how the museum found its way to Woodlands.

"A customer told me that the museum was losing its premises in Chatham and was concerned the artifacts would be left homeless," said Kim.

"They were desperately looking for somewhere suitable to house a new museum. My father was a fireman and also my son's godfather. So I have a great fondness for the Kent Fire Service.

"I suggested they could set up the new museum at our garden centre. So I am proud to announce that on the 30th August we have a grand opening of the new Kent Fire and Rescue Museum.

"There are some wonderful pieces on display including horse drawn pumps, helmets, uniforms, ladders, hoses, going back to the 1700s. It is run by volunteers who are highly knowledgeable and passionate about the fire service.

"As well as a vast array of exhibits, we have a real fire engine that children and adults are able to get into and climb on.

"On the launch day, we'll have ex-firemen dressed in period uniform and of course ‘fireman Sam’, as well as guest appearances from vintage fire engines kindly donated for the day."

"We are all terribly excited about our partnership, and are sure this will be a great asset to our business, bringing in new customers."

Whatever the weather, glorious sunshine or torrential thunderstorms, consumers need to protect their garden furniture and with sales of everything from benches and patio sets to BBQs soaring in this summer (a growth of 32% year to date) garden covers sales are also set to boom.  

Gardman is advising retailers to ‘make sure they have it covered’ and stock up now with their Premium Garden Covers range – the most comprehensive on the market.

“The great spring and summer weather has driven consumers to spend even more on garden furniture and BBQs this year and they’re now making the most of the sunshine, spending time relaxing in their gardens,” explained Gardman Marketing Director, Sarah Downing.  “It seems clear Brits are choosing to enjoy their gardens and dine alfresco for as long as the weather stays warm; some of the supermarkets expect sales of picnic items to be up by 380% and BBQs by 305% this weekend alone.

“Tehy will need to look after their new purchases, avoiding sun damage and protecting them from grime, dirt, bird droppings and the anticipated thunderstorms to come.  In just a few short weeks, their focus will change to protection against the winds, rain, snow and frosts of the autumn and winter so they can enjoy their furniture again next year.  

“Retailers have a golden window of opportunity in the next few weeks.  If they create an attention-grabbing in-store ‘event’ they will drive up sales.”

Coming in five colours (grey, black, green, brown and beige) and 27 different designs, Gardman has introduced 112 new products into its Premium Garden Covers Range.  With the 5 year WEATHERGUARD guarantee, all premium covers are treated for 100% all season protection from rain, bird droppings, harmful UV rays, dirt and grime, tree sap, and snow and frost. 

At a weight of 230gsm, all covers are constructed of hard-wearing PVC backed polyester and boast reinforced double sewn seams for added strength and durability, rust resistant brass eyelets and airflow vents to prevent dampness and mildew. 

They also feature a drawstring tie and Velcro fastenings to keep the cover more secure in stormy weather and come complete with a reusable storage case.  

The improved packaging of the Premium Garden Covers Range delivers maximum impact in store while new wall and island POS provides merchandising flexibility suitable for a range of store footprints.  

For full details of this range or to place an order, garden centres should contact their sales agent.  

Ten of the 40-strong group of UK garden and leisure product suppliers that will be exhibiting as part of the British exhibitor group at spoga+gafa in Cologne in 2014 will be exhibiting in Germany for the first time.  

The group, organised by the Gardenex export federation, will be aiming to emulate the long-term business successes of previous exhibitors.  The major international trade event has been a regular highlight of the federation’s overseas initiatives for over 40 years, and in 2013 many exhibitors in the group secured orders in excess of £100,000 for each company.  

Many of the suppliers in the British group at spoga+gafa this year (31 August to 2 September 2014) have been awarded £1,500 UKTI government cash grants towards stand space and fitting costs under an arrangement secured by Gardenex.  

The British firms will be displaying an array of new products in ten garden related sectors.  Among some of the more interesting displays will be: a gazebo that has been wind tested up to hurricane force; weather responsive solar powered automatic watering systems; new indoor planter covers from a recipient company of this year’s Queen’s Award for International Trade; new Royal Horticultural gifts for gardeners; and vegetable cages from a product winner at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

In addition to the product suppliers’ stands within the UK pavilion and other halls, international buyers can visit the UK garden industry information stand which is being organised and manned by the Gardenex federation’s team of multi-lingual staff, who have extensive experience of the UK gardening industry and exporting.  The stand is recognised by overseas buyers as being the focal point from which to receive information about all the exhibitors’ products and also on garden and leisure products from hundreds of British firms not exhibiting at the show. 

The British product sectors are:

1.   Garden Care & Practical Garden Accessories

Bosmere Products Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand D33) is renowned for its ranges of protective furniture covers, bags and garden sundries.  Celebrating 35 years in the industry, Bosmere will be launching a new SimplyCover range of next generation furniture/barbecue covers in three subtle shades of bramble, blackberry and barley colours with contrasting piping on the seams.  All of the covers are made from wipe-clean PEVA fabric and have reinforced tension points and a built-in cord plus cord lock. 

Faulks & Cox Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand D38) will be displaying its colourful flexible two-handled tubs, including a new miniature “Tubtrug® Micro”.  The miniature Tubtrug can be used in a variety of ways, ranging from the growing of chillies to acting as a pen holder or a party snacks holder.  The “Tubtrug® Micro” is available in a counter-top Profit Pack™, making it an ideal impulse purchase item.

Garland Products/Worth Gardening Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand C30) will be addingfifty new products to the Garland/Worth Gardening range as part of the Garland Group’s 50^th anniversary celebrations.  The major presentation of practical items to the garden, leisure and hardware trade will comprise three new product ranges, five new clip strip promotions, twenty-one new promotion bins and fourteen new pallet deals.  New for 2015 are ‘grow your own’ products, trug planters, kneeling mats, lawn care products, garden tidying tools and Christmas tree items.

Haws Watering Cans (Hall 9.1, Stand C34)is renowned in the UK and overseas markets for its quality metal and plastic indoor and outdoor watering cans.  The full range of Haws’ cans will be on show at spoga+gafa,  and includes a hand painted Union Jack design traditional 4.5 litre can, together with a new range of hand tools, quality-made leatherware, gift products and various jugs and vases.

Laura Ashley/Treadstone Products Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand C33) will be displaying a new range of Laura Ashley garden and outdoor products as well as new styles of existing patterns.  The range is designed in the UK and all of the fabrics are now made in the UK.  New materials such as goatskin leather are being utilised in the production of the glove range.

Nether Wallop Trading (Hall 9.1, Stand D31a) is complementing its range of innovative practical tools and imaginative garden gifts with the introduction of a Tool Track Rack designed to appeal to practical gardeners.  The rack is very strong, extendable up to 38”/965mm and holds up to 15 tools.  Supplied with fixings for wood or brick, the British-made Tool Track Rack will be of interest to anyone wishing to maximise storage space in the potting shed.

Nutscene (1922) Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand D36) will be displaying its range of high quality twines and raffia for use in the garden.  The colourful collection of biodegradable branded twines and gifts provide a new concept that will add an explosion of colour to garden settings. 

Parasene (Hall 9.1, Stand C38) will be showing its various ranges of greenhouses accessories, wheelbarrows, propagation and ‘grow your own’ items.  The company will also be showing a new range of brightly coloured galvanized mini bins ideal for use in the kitchen, greenhouse or garden, to store kitchen waste, compost, seeds and pet food.  Another new item is a mini patio incinerator for disposing of important documents or small amounts of garden waste.

Straight PLC (Hall 9.1, Stand D32) is a leading UKmanufacturer of environmental products and associated services.  On show will be the company’s award-winning BeGreen and Harcostar ranges of home and garden products that includes water butts, compost bins and recycling containers.  The items are produced from recycled materials and renewable energy in order to meet the environmental credentials of the products.

2.   Garden Furniture & Outdoor Leisure

Bambrella (Hall 3.2, Stand H1) produces some of the strongest parasols available on the market.  The company’s new design of gazebo was voted the ‘Best New Product for 2014’ at the Solex Exhibition, which is the main outdoor living trade show held in the UK in July.  The Alize gazebo is made from laminated bamboo and has been wind tunnel tested up to 126mph, which is hurricane force.

Blastcool (Hall 5.1, Stand C79) will be showing its new range of electrical safety approved outdoor refrigerators.  The refrigerators cool drinks five times faster than an ordinary household fridge and their stainless steel finish adds a professional appearance to outdoor kitchen projects.

Bramblecrest (Hall 2.2, Stand F30) will be exhibiting its ranges of finest teak, cast aluminium, woven and granite garden furniture.  All of the products are designed in-house and distributed from the company’s UK warehouse.  High stock levels are maintained to ensure that a fast delivery service is provided throughout the year, especially at the peak of the summer season when demand is at its greatest.

Garden Games Ltd (Hall 5.2, Stand G38) is adding seven new items to its ranges of large outdoor games, toys and playtents.  The  new products that will provide fun for all age groups are a jumping Joey, racing water slide, party sports day set, parachute game, target toss, tin can alley and giant dominoes in a bag.

3.   Plants, Planters & Plant Care

Gardenskill Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand E35) will be exhibiting a comprehensive range of crop protection products including the Build a Ball system of crop cages, as well as innovative ranges of netted, polythene, fleece and insect deterrent mesh pop-up cages, tunnels and cloches.  The GardenSkill range also includes stackable raised beds, drawstring fleece jackets and bamboo cloches.

G Plants Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand D39) is a manufacturer and supplier of gardening products, gifts and ornaments, and this year has launched several new products including Snails Pace™ grass seed and Rooster™ Organic Fertiliser.  The products will be on show together with the company’s latest Ultra Basket™; a complete mixture of trailing seeds, coir, watering crystals and fertiliser.

Harrod Horticultural (Hall 9.1, Stand D37) manufactures fruit cages, arches, pergolas and plant support frames.  The Harrod Horticultural Slot & Lock vegetable cage range, which won the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Product of the Year in 2014, will be launched internationally at spoga+gafa.  They feature connectors with an innovative screw locking system to keep the framework rigid, plus ‘frame saver clips’ that detach the netting from the framework to prevent damage in hurricanes and snow, and to enable easy year-round access.

Hydrogarden Wholesale Supplies Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand D35) will be exhibitinga complete, modern range of products for propagation including new Root!t rooting gel which helps natural root development of cuttings, replacing the need for hormone rooting powder.  Also on show will be Root!t First Feed, the only proprietary feed for young plants and cuttings.

Pennine Manufacturing (Hall 9.1, Stand D38a) will be exhibiting its EasyFill Pro ® range of plant baskets that are particularly easy to side plant.  Other products on show will be: 1-level, 2-level and 3-level plant stands; a flat-pack rust-proof EasyFill hanging basket bracket; a new vertical wall garden system incorporating the patented EasyFill pro features; and ground mats and underground water storage/attenuation crates.

Strata Products (Hall 10.1, Stand G58) will be launching the Sankey by Strata range of planters and propagators at spoga+Gafa 2014, having recently acquired the brand and product range.  These new items will enhance the existing Strata Products garden product portfolio and will complement the popular Ward by Strata range of watering items, planters and garden sundries.

UPI Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand D31) will be showing its water-efficient hanging and vertical planters, including the first-time showing of “The Unique Hydra” Buoyancy Operated Planter’ (iBOP).  The planter eliminates the worry of being away during hot weather conditions.  Invented and produced in the UK, the 1.7L easy-fill visible reserve reservoir enables water to be delivered automatically on demand, thereby allowing plants to receive a consistent moisture level.

Suttons (Hall 9.1, Stand C36) will be showing its extensive range of flower, vegetable and herb seeds that are suitable for all ages and abilities.  For 2015, Suttons new ‘Small Spaces’ range has eye-catching packaging and features the latest compact-growing and easy-to-grow varieties for windowsills, pots, baskets, beds and borders.  The extended range of Suttons Seed Tapes has new packaging, and includes Successional Harvest Collections for year-round crops as well as Seasonal Tape Collections.  There will also be over 100 exciting new flower varieties as well as eye-catching ‘Floral Fusions’ ‘shaker’ pots.

What More UK Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand A29) will be launching a new range of ‘Studio’ indoor planter covers that will complement the extensive ranges of outdoor planter, garden furniture and other related plastic garden items produced by the company.  In 2014, What More UK was presented with the Queens Award for International Trade. 

VegTrug (Hall 9.1, Stand D30) will be exhibiting its iconic V-shaped raised vegetable garden range. VegTrugs are available in a range of sizes, formats and materials, all providing raised areas for growing anything from herbs to strawberries to root crops.  They make a fashionable and stylish statement, popular with city gardeners attracted by their need for minimal space.  They are also a practical option for traditional gardeners, providing an easy working height.  Fun for children, the V-shape also ensures easy access for elderly or disabled users. 

 4.   Garden Lighting & Decoration

Smart Solar (Hall 9.1, Stand C39) will be extending its range with the addition of a number of new solar powered lighting and water feature products.  A new collection of battery powered lighting under the Smart Garden brand will also be on show.  Providing a complete all year round lighting solution, the new battery range consists of 32 products including string lights, lanterns, utility, decor and trees.

The Solar Centre Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand D34a) will be showing a range of solar home and garden lighting products that have been designed in the UK using the latest technology to maximise efficiency, performance and reliability.  Six new home and garden products that utilise the practicality of remote energy through solar will be launched at the show.

Home2Garden (Hall 9.1, C32) will be exhibiting its ranges ofgarden sculptures, wind spinners and solar ornaments.  As one of the UK’s leading online luxury garden decoration providers, the company specialises in manufacturing and supplying wind spinners, wind chimes, hand- blown glass and innovative solar lighting products.  Over 50,000 units of the company’s latest design, a Solar Flower Crackle Ball, have been sold into Germany, France, the USA and the UK to date.

5.   Garden Tools

Crest (Hall 9.1, Stand E33) is showing its traditional, quality cultivating tools and modern cutting tools that offer widespread appeal to European and international buyers.  The company is also launching a new watering range that comprises quality hosepipe, hose carts, sprinklers, guns and connectors plus a new range of blackened chrome fittings and hose reels.  Also on show will be various propagation units.

Burgon & Ball (Hall 9.1, Stand E31) is exhibiting a new range of Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) practical gardener’s gifts that are suitable for both men and women.  The range includes various trowels and forks, secateurs, kneelers, gloves and gardener’s handkerchiefs. The company’s hand tools, large tools and cutting tools, designed to exceed both British Standards and performance expectations, are all now endorsed by the RHS.  The company is at the leading edge of garden tool and accessory innovation and design, and in recent years has launched some of the best received new products in the industry.

Darlac (Hall 9.1, Stand E39) is adding new Ergo pruners, snips, cut and hold secateurs, a left-handed pruner, perennial shears and sleek Expert topiary shears to its garden tool range.  The company specialises in quality lightweight tools and unusual implements for gardening.  Also on show will be Darlac’s Swop-Top system that comprises telescopic poles and various accessories for pruning and cleaning, and the latest Expert Range that includes pruners, shears and loppers. 

Greenman Garden Tools (Hall 9.1, Stand D36a) will be extending its traditional English style garden tools selection with the addition of a new range of natural and ergonomic tools featuring a traditionally steam- bent extra-long ash wood handle with a longer lipped socket for superior strength that results in a beautiful useable tool.

 6.   Garden Clothing

Briers (Hall 10.1, Stand A51) will be launching its Historic Royal Palace Product Collection, sales of which provide a contribution to support five of the most iconic palaces belonging to the Queen.  The collection includes rubber clogs and boots, gloves, umbrellas and garden product collections.  Briers is also the licensee behind the award-winning Gruffalo^® range of children’s gardening clothes and accessories, and has also teamed up with HemingwayDesign to create ranges of garden Wellington boots, gloves and raincoats.

7.   Water Technology

Irrigatia (Hall 9.1, Stand C36a) will be exhibiting its weather responsive solar automatic watering system that is ideal for small to medium gardens or allotments, and can be used for pots, raised beds, hanging baskets, vegetables and greenhouses.  The kits use solar power to pump water and feed from water barrels without the necessity of wires, hose pipes or watering cans.  The kits are easy to install and set up and will provide water automatically every three hours during the day and apply more water during sunny conditions.

Porous Pipe (Hall 9.1, Stand E30), the UK manufacturer of soaker hose irrigation products, is introducing new Porous Pipe branding and display units at spoga+gafa.  New products on show will include Porous Pipe Tree Soaker Ring Kits and Micro Bore Patio Kits.

 8.   Garden Buildings

Nordic Garden Buildings (Hall6.1, Stand A58) has a number of innovative free-standing PVC garden buildings for 2014, including a new Pergoda Pavilion.  The company’s pavilions, orangeries and greenhouses are inspired by Scandinavian design and quality and are available in 4,000 combinations of style, size, roof type and colour.  The products are insulated, double-glazed, maintenance-free and offer affordable luxury.  Nordic exports to over 10 different countries and was winner of the coveted Glee "Retailers Choice Award" in 2013.  

Trimetals Limited (Hall 6.1, Stand C51) will be launching a new range of metal garden sheds.  The sheds will feature a combination of contemporary design, precision engineering and the highest quality components.  Also on show for the first time will be a new metal Patio / Decking box.  The new products have a 25 year panel guarantee. 

Yardmaster (Hall 6.1, Stand A43) is a leading European manufacturer of flat-packed DIY metal garden buildings.  The company will be exhibiting its four product ranges, which are pent-roof sheds suitable for smaller gardens or balconies; apex-roof models in three styles ranging in floor area from 2 sq m to 11 sq m; ship-lap models in pastel green colours; and imitation wood-grain models, which do not require the maintenance associated with wood.

Vitavia Garden Products Ltd (Hall 6.1, Stand A48/B49) will be introducing two new hobby greenhouses called the Phoenix and Apollo, which each have low threshold doorways enabling easy access for wheelchairs or wheelbarrows.  Vitavia manufactures twelve greenhouse models, each in up to five sizes and three colour finishes, which are anodized aluminium, powder coated green and black. 

 9.   Pest Control

Catwatch (Hall 9.1, Stand D34) is manufactured by Concept Research Ltd, which has been selling its animal deterrent products throughout the world for the past twenty years.  The company’s entire range of animal deterrents is now produced in the UK following the transfer of its indoor mouse deterrent pest controller manufacture.  The move will ensure total quality control and shorter lead times for its customers. 

STV International Ltd (Hall 7.1, Stand E11) will be unveiling a number of new pest control products for home and garden use.  These include Defenders, which is a three-step attack on moles that identifies mole-runs and assists the successful placement of mole traps.  There is also a new-look Zero In range of insect sprays, powders and baits for the control of household pests such as flies and ants.  The products are colour coded for easy and successful product selection. 

10. Other Products

Envira Products Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand C38a) will be focusing on the selling and developing of its trademarked brand of de-icing products throughout Europe.  The range comprises a granular de-icer and two new developments, which are a deep freeze granular de-icer that freezes down to minus 40 degrees and an environmentally friendly liquid de-icer.  The products are safe for people, animals, plants, paths and structures.

Podington Garden Centre scooped the title of Best Garden Centre (GC) and Burston Rose & Garden Centre took home the award for Best Destination Garden Centre (DGC) in the GCA North Thames region.

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “We had a wonderful awards’ event yesterday at Van Hage, Great Amwell. Congratulations all round to all our members who won awards. All members work extremely hard to ensure they meet our levels of excellence and this is to be applauded. Well done to everyone involved and a massive ‘thank you’ to the team at Van Hage for helping host the evening.

“The awards included Best Customer Service, which went to Burston Rose & Garden Centre, and the Best Environment and Community award was scooped by Poplars Nursery Garden Centre.

“Burston Rose & Garden Centre also took home the award for Best Creativity and Innovation and the Most Improved site was won by Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Hyde Hall Plant Centre and Gift Shop.

“There were lots of other awards presented on the night by our inspector, Ian Boardman, who attended the ceremony, and it was an inspiring and motivational event for everyone involved.”

The full results for the North Thames region GCA area awards are as follows for the GC and DGC categories:

Best Garden Centre: Podington Garden Centre (GC) and Burston Rose & Garden Centre (DGC)

Best Customer Service: Burston Rose & Garden Centre

Best Environment and Community: Poplars Nursery Garden Centre

Best Creativity and Innovation: Burston Rose & Garden Centre

Most Improved: Hyde Hall Plant Centre and Gift Shop

Best Plant Area: Podington Garden Centre (GC) and Burston Rose & Garden Centre (DGC)

Best Restaurant: Squires Garden Centre – Shepperton (GC) and Frosts at Woburn Sands (DGC)

Garden Products Retailer: Sunshine Garden Centre (GC) and Burston Rose & Garden Centre (DGC)

Best Indoor Lifestyle: Squires Garden Centre – Shepperton (GC) and joint winners The Burford Garden Company and Poplars Nursery Garden Centre (DGC)

Best Outdoor Living: Sunshine Garden Centre (GC) and The Van Hage Garden Company – Great Amwell (DGC)

The awards are decided by the results of the annual inspections, which take place at all GCA garden centres. Garden centres have no advance warning about when their inspection will take place and they do not have the option to turn away the inspector.

The Best Garden Centre and Best Destination Garden Centre awards went to the members that scored the highest overall mark in the area in their annual inspections.

The top scoring centres overall, nationally, in both the Destination Garden Centre and Garden Centre categories will be re-inspected before the titles of Garden Centre of the Year and Destination Garden Centre of the Year are announced at the GCA annual conference taking place in January 2015

The Garden Centre Association has revealed its winners for the South Thames region during a presentation at Chessington Garden Centre.

Squires Garden Centre – Hersham took home the title of Best Garden Centre (GC) and Haskins Roundstone Garden Centre was presented with the award for Best Destination Garden Centre (DGC).

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “This was the final award evening in our current series and it was an exceptionally upbeat event. A very well done to all our members who took part and everyone who scooped awards. We appreciate meeting our levels of excellence involves a lot of hard work and dedication. We’re also indebted to the team at Chessington Garden Centre for helping host the evening.

“The awards included Best Customer Service, which went to Thompsons, Isle of Wight, and the Best Environment and Community award was scooped by Thompsons, Canterbury.

“Garsons Garden Centre – Esher received the award for Best Creativity and Innovation and the Most Improved site was won by Blackbrooks Garden Centre in Battle, East Sussex.

“There were lots of other awards presented on the night by our inspector, Roger Crookes, who attended the ceremony, and it was an inspiring and motivational event for everyone involved.”

The full results for the South Thames region GCA area awards are as follows for the GC and DGC categories:

Best Garden Centre: Squires Garden Centre – Hersham (GC) and Haskins Roundstone Garden Centre (DGC)

Best Customer Service: Thompsons, Isle of Wight

Best Environment and Community: Thompsons, Canterbury

Best Creativity and Innovation: Garsons Garden Centre – Esher

Most Improved: Blackbrooks Garden Centre

Best Plant Area: Newbridge Nurseries (GC) and Coolings Nurseries (DGC)

Best Restaurant: Newbridge Nurseries (GC) and Chessington Garden Centre (DGC)

Garden Products Retailer: Newbridge Nurseries (GC) and Garsons Garden Centre – Esher (DGC)

Best Indoor Lifestyle: Joint winners Blackbrooks Garden Centre and Squires Garden Centre – Hersham (GC) and joint winners Garsons Garden Centre – Esher and Garsons Garden Centre – Titchfield (DGC)

Best Outdoor Living: Canterbury Garden Centre (GC) and joint winners Garsons Garden Centre – Esher, Polhill Garden Centre – Sevenoaks and Ransome Garden Centre (DGC)

The awards are decided by the results of the annual inspections, which take place at all GCA garden centres. Garden centres have no advance warning about when their inspection will take place and they do not have the option to turn away the inspector.

The Best Garden Centre and Best Destination Garden Centre awards went to the members that scored the highest overall mark in the area in their annual inspections.

The top scoring centres overall, nationally, in both the Destination Garden Centre and Garden Centre categories will be re-inspected before the titles of Garden Centre of the Year and Destination Garden Centre of the Year are announced at the GCA annual conference taking place in January 2015.

For further information, please call 0118 930 8918 or visit www.gca.org.uk.

Fairways Garden Centre – Ashbourne was named Best Garden Centre and Webbs of Wychbold scooped Best Destination Garden Centre in the GCA Midlands region.

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “Another inspirational awards’ evening last night. A hearty slap on the back to all our members who work exceptionally hard in their pursuit of excellence, and their achievements are to be applauded. Bravo to everyone involved and a huge ‘thank you’ to Klondyke’s Byrkley Park Garden Centre for hosting the event.

“The awards included Best Customer Service, which went to Planters Garden Centre – Tamworth, and the Best Environment and Community award was picked up by Planters Garden Centre – Bretby.

“Planters Garden Centre – Tamworth also took home the award for Best Creativity and Innovation and the title of Most Improved site was won by St Peter’s Garden Centre in Worcester.

“There were lots of other awards presented on the night by our inspector, Andy Campbell, who attended the ceremony, and it was an inspiring and motivational event for everyone involved.”

The full results for the Midlands region GCA area awards are as follows for the GC and DGC categories:

Best Garden Centre: Fairways Garden Centre – Ashbourne (GC) and Webbs of Wychbold (DGC)

Best Customer Service: Planters Garden Centre – Tamworth

Best Environment and Community: Planters Garden Centre – Bretby

Best Creativity and Innovation: Planters Garden Centre – Tamworth

Most Improved: St Peter’s Garden Centre

Best Plant Area: St Peter’s Garden Centre (GC) and Webbs of Wychbold (DGC)

Best Restaurant: Stratford Garden Centre (GC) and The Van Hage Garden Company – Peterborough (DGC)

Garden Products Retailer: Fairways Garden Centre – Ashbourne (GC) and Planters Garden Centre – Tamworth (DGC)

Best Indoor Lifestyle: Fairways Garden Centre – Ashbourne (GC) and Webbs of Wychbold (DGC)

Best Outdoor Living: Fairways Garden Centre – Ashbourne (GC) and Webbs of Wychbold (DGC)

The awards are decided by the results of the annual inspections, which take place at all GCA garden centres. Garden centres have no advance warning about when their inspection will take place and they do not have the option to turn away the inspector.

Our client is an award winning mailorder / e-commerce business who have a high and longstanding reputation of providing the amateur gardener with outstanding varieties of fruit and vegetables. They are currently seeking a top buyer who can buy, range plan and category manage. Someone who is retail commercial aware and can build on their current success and continue to stimulate growth in the 'Grow your own' sector. 

The ideal candidate will have considerable experience within the e-commerce and or retail buying. Have experience within the live plants and horticultural sector and preferable at chain or supermarket level. Must be a superb team leader who can lead from the front.

Please call Dianne Saunders on 07929 013910 or apply with your CV quoting reference 6536 to info@morepeople.co.uk

A fantastic opportunity has arisen at our Birchencliffe garden centre for an enthusiastic, self-motivated Restaurant Manager for our established café within our family-run garden centre.

The successful candidate will be a confident and committed individual with excellent people management and communications skills. You will have a proven record of achieving growth in both sales and profit targets, and able to positively lead and develop your food services team to ensure a consistently high level of customer service.

Key experience

· Previous managerial experience in a catering environment is essential

· Demonstrate planned career progression within quality food and beverage environments

· NVQ level 3 / 4 or equivalent

· Coordinate and direct the day-to-day operations of the kitchen and front-of-house

· Responsible for the direction and supervision of all catering staff

· Ordering food, costing and planning menus

· Responsible for maintaining high standards of hygiene, health and safety

· 40hrs/week, daytime working and alternate weekends, occasional late nights

To apply, please send your CV with a covering letter detailing your experience, evidence of your capability to fulfil the role and why you should be considered for the position to recruitment@armitages.com

Closing date Friday 8th August 2014

My client is a large garden retailer who is currently looking for a plant area manager at one of their flagship sites.

 I am looking for a planteria manager with the skills to join the leadership team of one of the UK's top garden centres.

 You must be an excellent man manager and have the necessary retail skills and experience to take on this role.

Plant retail knowledge must be good but specific in depth knowledge is not required.

 This role will suit an individual that has ambition and is looking to progress to a site management role in the future.

Our client is an award winning mailorder / e-commerce business who have a high and longstanding reputation of providing the amateur gardener with outstanding varieties of fruit and vegetables.

They are currently seeking a Junior Buyer to form part of their buying team. Ideally someone from a good horticultural background who is keen and driven and can work within this fast paced business that buys seeds, onion sets, live-plants and garden sundries for a catalogue driven market. 

The ideal candidate will have 2-3 years post college experience within a retail or commercial horticultural business. Experience of buying is desirable but not essential. Good IT and communication skills.

Please call Dianne Saunders on 07929 013910 or apply with your CV quoting reference 6537 to info@morepeople.co.uk

I am currently recruiting for a chain retailer based in the garden industry.

I am looking for an ambitious individual to join a hardworking team based on the south coast.

You will preferably have a purchasing background, preferably at at least a buying administrator level and be looking to step up.

Preferably from a fashion background preferably with experience in accessories also.

Could suit a graduate with work experience.

Please call Brad Peck on 01780 480530, or apply with your CV quoting reference #6493 to info@morepeople.co.uk

The HTA ihas announced that Hortipak has signed a three-year sponsorship deal as Headline Partners of HTA National Plant Show demonstrating their continued support of the event.

The HTA National Plant Show, which celebrated its 5th birthday this year, brings together the best from the UK plant supply chain providing plant buyers with an unrivalled opportunity to plan and select stock for the 2015 season.

Hortipak, part of the Ryedale Group, is a family run printing company based in rural North Yorkshire. The company is a major supplier of printed products in the garden industry and has supported HTA National Plant Show since its outset in 2010.

James Buffoni, Commercial Director at Ryedale, comments: "We're delighted to reconfirm our commitment to the HTA National Plant Show as Headline Partners. Hortipak have been involved since the show's inception, and after 5 years - with all due credit to the capable team at the HTA - it's great to see the formula evolve into one that works so well for the partners, exhibitors and visitors. As each HTA National Plant Show passes it continues to build positive momentum, and since feedback remains overwhelmingly positive the decision to renew our commitment and investment was straightforward."

HTA Chief Executive Carol Paris adds: “Securing a further 3 years’ support is fantastic and we’re excited to continue working with the team at Hortipak, without their support the HTA National Plant Show would not be where it is today. From the very beginning their investment has enabled us to make improvements each year to bring to the industry the show they had been waiting so long for and has helped ensure its success. With Hortipak’s continued backing, the show will go from strength to strength as the trade show to view plants in the UK.”

The next HTA National Plant Show will take place on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 June 2015 June at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry and booking is now open! Exhibitors should bookbefore Friday 31 October 2014 to take advantage of the discounted early bird rate and save up to £180 per stand. The Show offers a 'back to basics' approach, focusing purely on plants at the best time of the year for retailers to plan their ranges for the following season.

www.nationalplantshow.co.uk

Knowledge, they say is power, and that’s something that the staff at Somerset based Durston Garden Products are keen to embrace as key members of staff attended a Soil Science Refresher Course in its lab earlier this week as part the company’s on-going training programme.

“We may have been in business for 150 years," says Sales & Marketing Director Chris Durston, “but we never claim to know it all. Building on knowledge and attending refresher courses like the one held earlier this week is something that we not only encourage at Durstons, but insist our staff attend on a regular basis. 

"Dealing with products such as composts and growing media is a scientific process and unless our staff are well equipped with the science technology and knowledge involved in the processing and life-cycle of the product, then we wouldn’t be doing our job properly.  It’s an absolute must that when dealing with an ever  growing list of customers in the trade as ours, that our staff are well equipped and able to talk them through the product with total confidence.”

Following another excellent season, Durston Garden Products will be returning to GLEE this September with its comprehensive range of compost and growing media and lookforward to welcoming old and new customers alike to its Stand K02, which is first on the left as you enter.

Jarloc, a new solution to prevent candle theft, will be widely available to all retailers from September.

Theft of glass jar candles is reported by many retailers as a particular problem and losses can be as high as 30% of turnover, impacting both stock availability and devouring profit margins.

Thieves target leading brands such as Village & Yankee Candles, amongst others, often steal in bulk.

Until now, retailers have gone to great lengths to deter theft, including removing the lid of the jar, reducing stock holdings and applying security tags.

Jarloc is the brainchild of Jeremy Davies, Managing Director of GCS (GB) Limited, provider of the HTA security advice line and retail security specialist.

It is a standalone, reusable security device specifically designed to protect glass jar candles from theft. Jarloc fits snugly inside the top of the jar, locks into place, preventing access to the wick. The lid fits on top and the candle can be displayed as normal.

Jeremy comments: “The problem of protecting glass jar candles from theft has been very difficult to solve. The shape of the jar does not lend itself to the existing range of security tags available in the market. Significant nvestment in product development and a new approach to an old problem was needed, ensuring effective protection for all retailers, not just those equipped with security tagging systems.

"Jarloc provides retailers the confidence to improve product availability to the consumer through increased shelf stock holding, leading to increased sales, while managing stock loss effectively.”

For further information about Jarloc, including demonstration videos, visit www.jarloc.com, where retailers can also reserve Jarloc through the pre-order facility.

Thirteen out of the Top 50 bestsellers in the Garden Products chart are lighting lines, with volumes up 40% on last year.

Gardman Solar Stainless Steel Border Light has jumped to No 3 in the chart, just behind the Ice Orb Solar Light.

• The highest re-entry is Kaemingk Glass Tealight Holder with Hanger at No 19. 
• Growth Technology Orchid Myst is the highest climber, moving up 16 places to No 13.
• The highest new entry is Woodlodge Heritage Stack (27cm).
• Scotts Levington Tomorite retains the top spot.

Seed potatoes for Christmas fill the top 5 places in the GTN Bestsellers Veg-2-Gro chart.

• Taylors Autumn Planting Seed Potatoes Pentland Javelin jumps 23 places to top spot after a brilliant sales week.
• The following four places are filled by Charlotte (highest re-entry), Duke of York (highest climber), Red Duke of York and Maris Piper – all from Taylors.
• The highest new entry is Thompson & Morgan Kids Salad Seeds at No 33.
• Suttons Chilli Pepper Vampire is another newcomer. 

Bark sales volumes in the GTN Bestsellers Growing Media  chart are up 59% on same week last year.

• Arthur Bowers Mini Bark Chips (100 litres) has seen the biggest growth this week, and is the highest climber.
• The same company’s Bark Chips (60 litres) has moved up to top spot in the chart.
• Westland Landscape Bark (100 litres) has jumped into the Top 10 bestsellers.

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 2012 as well as 2013 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 upto 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.