The GCA Garden Centre of the Year, Fairways at Ashbourne, were presented with their trophy and winners banner yesterday by GCA CEO, Peter Burks.

Ally Moseley and her team were excited for the return of the trophy they last won in 2017 after not being able to be present at the GCA Annual Dinner and Awards in January.

The centre started in 1998 after Ally's father met Ian Boardman while tarmacing the car park at Byrkley Park Garden Centre and asked "would a garden centre we a good development for a pick your own farm?"

The result is an award winning centre in beautiful Derbyshire countryside, with a team that really engage with their customers and maintain very high retail standards.

See for yourself with our GTN Xtra photo tour below.

Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has completed the sale of Hawley Garden Centre in Kent to garden centre market newcomer Castacrete.

Regarded as one of Kent's largest independently run garden centres, the business received considerable interest and attracted offers from a number of established garden centre operators after coming to the open market.

Previous owner, Janice East, who has developed the garden centre from a small plant nursery to the thriving business that it is today, said: “It is with a huge amount of sadness that I will no longer be at Hawley Garden Centre.  My time for retirement brings reflection of how I’ve so enjoyed my everyday work life and have loved working in this industry.  Happily, both my son Darrell, and my daughter Morgan will continue to work at the centre and help to continue the success of the business for the new owners.  

“I have every reason to think it will continue to flourish and be just as busy as we have always been.  I shall miss the Seasons but will eagerly keep in touch to watch the progress from a distance.  Our wonderful staff and the many concession partners are a great asset to the new owners, and I wish them all the very best.”

Purchaser Terry Smallman of Castacrete,  commented: “We are delighted to take ownership of Hawley Garden Centre. We have some exciting plans for the future, which will hopefully include new additions such as a mini golf course and a possible children’s nursery. We will also be adding one of our own Roman Stone Landscaping Centres to the list of ever-growing attractions to the Garden Centre.”

Tom Glanvill, Director – Garden Centres & Retail at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, said: “The market has been very lively so far in 2024, with our garden centre team completing three large transactions since January, including online outdoor living specialists Riverside Garden Centre and Peter Beales Roses. The sale of Hawley Garden Centre is certainly another notable transaction in the industry so far this year. A number of centres have been brought to the market and over 45 viewings have been arranged on these businesses, so it looks highly likely that the number of centres that we sell in 2024 will be considerably higher than in 2023.

“Hawley Garden Centre is a superb business, and the large freehold site offers huge potential for the buyers to introduce their ranges of stoneware, as well as develop the thriving concession business. I certainly wish the new owners all the best with the venture.”

Last week GTN called in at Dobbies Telford and Dobbies Peterborough and it was notable that there were some big gaps in new stocks, particularly aggregates, outdoor pots, plants and garden lighting, and at Telford there didn’t appear to be a great deal of growing media stock or garden furniture.

We asked Dobbies when they were expecting their centres to be fully stocked and today we have this response from a Dobbies spokesperson:

“With the new season nearly upon us, customers will see our new Spring and Summer gardening and outdoor living ranges being introduced across our stores and at dobbies.com. This includes 700 own brand gardening items that have been developed for the new season, including own brand tools, pots, grow lights, bulbs and seeds. 

“Our stock of aggregates and outdoor pots are due to arrive in-store before Easter, and our range of plants and garden lighting are increasing over the coming days and weeks. The current outdoor living ranges are available, with lots more landing for Easter, and we’ve had confirmation of containers landing in the UK.”

Dobbies  is introducing 69 new own brand product lines across horticultural categories this month including gardening tools, indoor grow lights and a diverse selection of new bulbs. They are part of the own brand range, which features 700 own brand items across the gardening range, increasing from 200 lines last year.

The expanded range responds to the growing demand from UK shoppers for quality own brand products at affordable prices. A recent study by packaging manufacturer Amcor found that 70% of respondents regularly buy private label products.

Dobbies range includes 28 new own brand gardening tools priced from £4.99 to £32.99, including a hand fork, trowel, garden border fork, lawn-edging shears and secateurs. These have been developed with both quality and value front of mind.

There are 35 new bulb varieties that can be planted from now, including an exclusive Dahlia Bright Eyes which is only available to Dobbies’ customers. These are priced from £4.99 or 3 for £12. 

Supporting inclusive gardening, Dobbies has launched own brand grow lights. These stylish, innovative and practical indoor gardening lights, support plant growth and mean people can garden even without an outside space. They support the trend for grow your own, where Dobbies has seen steady growth since 2020, as well as houseplant care. There are six new lines that are landing in store from late March, priced from £16.99, which were officially launched at the Horticultural Trades Association’s Garden Press Event on 20 February.

Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies, said: “It’s important that we provide our customers with great quality basics to make the most of their gardens – no matter their experience or skills. We have been working hard to make sure that this year we have even more great quality own brand products that we can be proud of, and are available to customers at affordable prices. The right gardening toolkit can make the world of a difference and these new lines provide high quality essentials for those looking to bring garden living to life in 2024.”

Dobbies new own brand tools and bulbs are available in-store and at dobbies.com now. Grow lights will be available from late March.

Friday, 15th March is Garden Re-Leaf Day and supporters from across the garden retail sector are busy making preparations for the big day.  

The team at The Old Railway Line will be marking the return of its popular curry and quiz night, with a special raffle also in place to bolster the fundraising efforts on the night. 

Raffles are also set to be order of the day at Haskins Forest Lodge Garden Centre, Haskins Garden Centre, West Sussex, plus Longacres store in Bagshot, Bybrook Barn, Chobham, Shepperton and Chelmsford.

Visitors to Haskins’ Snowhill centre can enjoy a special Garden Re-Leaf tombola on 15th March, whilst Pulborough Garden Centre customers can not only enjoy a cupcake but a guessing game will also get the grey matter working.

At Millbrook Garden Centres in Kent, children are invited to plant a sunflower. For just £1, with all proceeds going to the Greenfingers Charity, children can plant a sunflower seed in a biodegradable pot to take home, learn how to care for their plant and experience the delight when their creation comes to life in spring.

Over at British Garden Centres, many of its 62 stores will be participating in Garden Re-Leaf Day with a wide range of family-friendly activities, including raffles, bake sales, plant sales, competitions and even a spot of fancy dress.

Friends of Greenfingers FUNdraising

It’s not just garden centres getting in on the Garden Re-Leaf action. Friday 15th March will see offices across the country go ‘green’ to celebrate this special fundraising day.

Those with a sweet tooth will wish they worked at Woodmansterne as the greetings card publisher holds a cake sale full of homemade goodies, whilst the Gardena team has confirmed the day will be full of fun activities with their entire teams involved.

Elsewhere, Alan and Felicity Down and the Tintinhull Open Gardens Group has confirmed that they will be holding a Gardener’s Questions Time. Rob Jones, of The Garden Design Co Ltd is holding a grow your own workshop where attendees will learn more about growing fruit, veg and cut flowers. Garden designer, Andrew Fisher-Tomlin, who has previously designed Greenfingers gardens, will take Garden Re-Leaf down under as he joins in the fun from Melbourne, Australia. And The Solar Centre are keen to support their customers in raising money for Greenfingers this Garden Re-Leaf Day, if you are looking for a prize for your store raffle please contact Suzie@thesolarcentre.co.uk to request a product donation.

Finally, the QVC team will be showing their support with a special Garden Re-Leaf show on 16th March, putting the Greenfingers Charity in front of thousands of viewers.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications said: “Thank you so much to all of those who are helping to put the fun into fundraising. You are all brilliant and I truly hope that whatever you do, you and your customers have the best time.

“More importantly, please know that you are helping to introduce the Greenfingers Charity to so many that may not be aware of us and our work, and it is this awareness that helps us to continue building our garden spaces. It means so much to us and the children and their families who enjoy spending time in a Greenfingers funded garden, so please know that whether it’s a fundraising box for spare change or the challenge of a lifetime, everything you do to promote and support Greenfingers matters.”

There’s still time to get involved

Getting involved in Garden Re-Leaf couldn’t be easier. Greenfingers has created a fundraising pack that can be downloaded from www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/activities/29/garden-re-leaf-day-2024. The pack is full of ideas regarding how garden centres can make the Garden Re-Leaf weekend a family-friendly and fun fundraising event so even though the day is fast approaching there is still time to get involved.

The charity also offers a wealth of additional collateral that can help garden retailers to make the most of the Garden Re-Leaf weekend, including t-shirts, collection buckets and posters to name but a few. Garden Re-Leaf is also a great local PR opportunity which helps to drive customers into store, and, again, Greenfingers can offer support to maximise this with draft news releases, and advice on which media to contact.

If you want to find out more about how to get involved in Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day 2024, whether by putting on events in your garden centre, through sponsored solo activities or simply by donating - contact the Greenfingers office on 01494 674749 or email Linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

In her March update for her 366 daily run for Greenfingers, Kate Ebbens announced that after 63 days she achieved a total distance of 288km and raised £8,504 so far.

Kate said: “Spring is round the corner and I definitely need it as February was a wet one! But your kind donations have kept me going.

“February did not quite go to plan but I did catch up with Heidi Towse in London at the Garden Press Event for a morning run in London and a photo opportunity with our Director at Greenfingers Linda Petrons (see photo) who is fantastic at supporting me over my challenge.

“March is very busy this month with work, I head this week to Ireland and will be running in some of the most beautiful scenery of the breath of Ireland. GIMA have their conference in Chilton so a quick run in the stunning area will be a bonus. 

“We will join Garden Re- Leaf Day on 15th March at BGCG Tring to set off for a 5km run and then back to start the 20 mile walk with my 366 TEAM. Made up of Matt, Daniel, Jodie, James, Kirsty, Jessica, Heidi and Jeremy and we should cover over 180 miles that day as a team.

“A massive thanks to British Garden Centre Group and Woodlodge for their sponsorship in March. Please if you can help Greenfingers Charity and sponsor, every penny helps us build these magical gardens for the children.”

https://www.justgiving.com/page/kate-ebbens-1701443565987

With this year’s Garden Re-Leaf Day fast approaching – 15th March – Greenfingers is issuing a rallying call to encourage even more people to sign-up to the annual Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenge.

Whether you walk 10 miles or cycle 100 miles, the Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenge is guaranteed to be a lot of fun. Plus, with two locations to choose from – Tring, Hertfordshire or Holmbridge, West Yorkshire – the day has become much more accessible to brands, suppliers and individuals from across the country.

So far, the start line of both the North and South walk, plus the South-based Cycle Challenge, are set to be bustling. South walkers will include the teams from Vitavia Greenhouses, British Garden Centres, Woodmansterne, the 16-strong team from Glee (Hyve). Joining them will be intrepid adventurers from GIMA, Extreme Lounging, Hornby George PR, Tring Garden Centre (who are kindly providing the backdrop to the South Walk!), Blue Diamond, Evergreen Garden Care, Husqvarana/Gardena, Frost Gardens Centres, KSB Consultancy, Leon Boots, Cadix UK Ltd and friends Matthew, Jodie, Kirsty and James Rowlandson.

Joining them for the warm-up and a much-needed meal after the event will be this year’s cyclists, who include representatives from Tamar Nurseries and Hartwell Nurseries, as well as Casey Warwick from Decco, Steve Desombre of British Garden Centres and Antony Fitter from Westland. Each of these cyclists have the options to complete 25, 50, 75 or 100 miles across the Hertfordshire countryside. Both Tamar and Hartwell Nurseries have also been confirmed as two of Greenfingers’ latest charity partners, with Garden Re-Leaf kickstarting this fundraising journey together.

In the north, walkers will include the Meadow View Stone team, plus representatives from the AMES Companies, Deco-Pak, Evergreen Garden Care and STV International.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications said: “A HUGE thank you to all those that have already confirmed their place at this year’s Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walks and Cycle Challenge. And to those that haven’t yet signed up – what are you waiting for?! Go dust off your walking boots, free your bike from the shed or convince your friends and colleagues to join you. What better way to spend a Friday than to stretch the legs, challenge yourself and enjoy some scenic views. Plus, the best bit, you’ll be making a difference and helping us to continue to support children’s hospices throughout the country. Every step, every pedal cycled helps to raise funds, and that means we can build even more garden spaces for those that need them most.”

Don’t miss out – register today!

Getting involved in the Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenge couldn’t be easier. Simply visit https://www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/get-involved/garden-re-leaf-day-is-coming-soon where all the information and registration links are clearly marked.

Don’t forget to also create your JustGiving page so that you can ask friends, family and colleagues for sponsorship.

Top tips for making the most of the Garden Re-Leaf Day Sponsored Walk & Cycle Challenge

1. Appropriate shoes – both routes go off-road so be prepared for mud and stiles! A well-worn pair of walking boots or trainers will stand you in good stead.
2. Remember plasters and a spare pair of socks should you get soggy feet!
3. Not wanting to trust the Great British weather, we suggest wearing plenty of layers to ensure that you’re prepared for every season in one day if needed.
4. Stops offering light snacks and water will be dotted throughout the route but it’s also a good idea to bring a few snacks or a light lunch to keep you sustained throughout the walk.
5. Have fun! Make friends! Build your contacts! Whether you are walking on your own or as part of a team, you are guaranteed to have a superb day away from the desk.
6. Raise money – don’t forget that the Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenge has been put in place to raise much-needed funds for the Greenfingers Charity. No matter if you raise £250 or £1,000, just know that it is hugely appreciated and will make a difference to the children, friends and families that spend time in a Greenfingers garden.

For more FUNdraising ideas or to obtain a copy of the 2024 fundraising pack drop Linda a line – she’d love to hear from you: linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk

The GTN team called in at BGC Bridgnorth last week where they were holding another of their days for team members across the group. This week was plants and landscaping.

See GTN Xtra's photo tour of the centre below, including photos of the BGC Fern garden furniture range plus the displays of branded garden furniture which Charles Stubbs told us would still account for 70% of BGC garden furniture sales.

On the same day we also visited a few Dobbies centres where there were notable gaps in areas of aggregates, outdoor pots, plants and garden lighting.  We have contacted Dobbies for an update on when they are expecting stocks to arrive but have not had a reply at time of going to press.

A Bradford headquartered garden centre group has promoted from within to fill the Centre Manager role at one of its six sites. Dave Denton from Cleckheaton has been promoted to centre manager at the long established Bingley Garden Centre at Harden.

An experienced retail specialist, Mr. Denton began his career with Yorkshire Garden Centres as a member of the leisure team at Tong Garden Centre before being promoted to supervisor and, latterly, manager of the garden sundries department. He replaces Marc Salama who was promoted to the new position of group commercial plant manager earlier in the year.

Mr. Denton said: "There are a lot of experienced members within this team, some of whom have worked at this site for many years and it has been great to hear what thoughts are on our plans for the site moving forward. It has been a real pleasure getting to know the guys and I am looking forward to working with them to provide an exceptional experience for our visitors.

"I am looking forward to helping the team and the site to reach their full potential. The team at Bingley have a lot to offer and the site itself has some great opportunities for new and interesting visual merchandising, educational displays and a new layout."

Andy Mears, Yorkshire Garden Centres' Group Retail and Operations Manager, said: "Dave's retail experience with Primark and Aldi combined with a great team makes for an exciting future as Bingley evolves into the next stage of its development."

When Mr. Denton's not working, he enjoys family time, spending time outdoors and nurturing the wildlife that visits his garden.

Bingley Garden Centre will host a ‘Netwalking' group in partnership with West and North Yorkshire Chamber on 7th March. The group will explore the history and heritage of Bingley before ending the walk with refreshments in Hattie's Kitchen.

The Yorkshire Garden Centres group comprises Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley Garden Centres plus Dean's York and Dean's Scarborough. Otley and Bingley were known as Stephen H Smith's before they were acquired by YGC in 2022.

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has brought to market Preston Garden Centre & Coppers Bistro in Preston, Canterbury, with a guide price of £1.45 million.

Situated on a circa two-acre site, this charming freehold garden centre features a fantastic new restaurant, retail shop, large plant area and display gardens, which offer significant scope for private functions and events.

The family-run business enjoys an affluent local demographic and is well placed to benefit from the large number of tourist and day trippers that frequent this popular region of Kent. This presents an exciting opportunity for a new owner to take over a profitable garden centre with scope to grow the business.

Tom Glanvill, Director – Garden Centres & Retail at Christie & Co, who is handling the sale, comments, “Preston Garden Centre and Coppers Bistro has a fabulous new restaurant, large plant area and retail space. The buildings are exceptional, and the site offers huge potential to grow the range of products and increase revenue. I expect strong interest from local garden centre operators but could also see it appealing to a restaurateur or lifestyle purchaser.”

Doncaster-based wholesaler Centurion Europe has acquired Mulch., the supplier of gardening tools and gloves.

Alongside the Mulch. brand, Centurion will incorporate and invigorate its Andersons brand which has nearly 200 years of trading history.

Centurion is looking forward to expanding its range and bringing exciting new products to the market.

Jackie Baker (Eades) will be joining the Centurion team to lead the vibrant new venture, whilst continuing to represent Dymak in the UK.

Will Armitage, chairman of Mulch. Ltd said: “We are so pleased that our fledgling Mulch. brand of gardening gloves and tools has a new home at Centurion Europe Ltd.  We are all very excited to see how the brand expands and develops and we wish them every success.”

To keep up to date with Centurion Europe’s future plans, follow our socials at #mulchitover or vist https://www.linkedin.com/company/centurion-europe-ltd/ or contact: sales@centurioneurope.co.uk.

The Horticultural Trades Association has given a stark warning to the government that their border import policy, which is about to come into effect, risks the future of plant trade in the UK. 

There are just nine weeks until the 30 April Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) changes. From this date, the UK will see high-risk plant checks move to Border Control Posts (BCPs). 

HTA Chairman James Barnes points to a multitude of problems for the tree and plant trade with the government BTOM proposals: 

“The consequences present a dramatic risk to the breadth of UK horticulture businesses (the majority of which are SMEs), jobs, biosecurity, environmental target delivery, and the choice available to and pockets of the UK’s 30 million gardeners. The risks are exacerbated by coming in April, in the middle of the peak season.” 

In a letter sent earlier this week directly to the Secretary of State for Defra, Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP, Mr Barnes said:  “There is an extraordinary amount of detail missing on how BCPs will work and operate when handling high-risk plants; we have set these out months, in some cases years ago. The capacity and capability of BCPs to handle the checking of plant products is drastically deficient. From lacking the space and equipment to unload mature loads, such as trees, to having just a few curtain-sided checking bays, BCPs are not able to handle the checking of our sector’s goods at the volume and speed required for perishable products and ensure the free flow of imports.” 

Worryingly for horticulture businesses, the costs of using BCPs are yet to be known, giving no certainty and possibly prohibiting plant trade due to spiralling costs – in turn, British gardeners may not be able to purchase their favourite summer varieties. 

The HTA has called for the Secretary of State to act urgently to:

• Sustain the current well-functioning Point of Destination (PoD) system, which sees experts checking goods securely at sites until BCPs and easements are fully tested, functioning, and accessible to businesses in our sector. Any future changes must be managed carefully with the sector and not in peak season.
• Announce the Common User Charge (CuC) and engage directly with the sector on the multitude of outstanding detail and questions. It must not be the case that the sector is paying more for checks that cannot happen or deliver damaged, delayed and dead consignments. The proposed approach places the cost of all the risks and untested plans on our sector.
• Urgently meet the industry to discuss this issue. We seek Defra to match the approach of UK horticulture in ensuring a collaborative, open, expert, detailed, constructive and meaningful engagement between all stakeholders involved in cross-border plant trade to ensure we can deliver UK border changes in a way that sustains the competitiveness and availability of our sector and others involved. 

A workable border model is essential to over 90% of the UK’s tree and plant growers that import plant products for operation and propagation purposes. These all fall within the high-risk category and should be subject to checks. Imports were valued at £753 million in 2022. 

The letter can be downloaded here (also attached): https://hta.org.uk/resources/get?mediaId=17215

Westland Horticulture has launches a new peat free compost, Boost All Purpose Compost, specifically crafted to be the perfect partner to its Boost All Purpose Liquid Plant Feed. 

Less hassle, more blooms for your customers 

Westland is tackling the challenges faced by consumers when using peat free compost in containers and baskets head-on, with the introduction of the Boost All Purpose Compost that features patented West+2 Moisture Lock Technology™. This proprietary technology helps to retain and lock in moisture. To further support this, Boost compost also includes water-storing granules and a surfactant that makes it easier for customers to rewet if it has been left to dry out. These guarantee optimal plant health, whilst combatting the inconvenience consumers face when attempting to keep their containers moist throughout the summer. 

Multi item baskets 

Following the success of Boost All Purpose Liquid Plant Food, which has been the fastest growing plant food in the market, Westland is once again revolutionising the market. The new Boost All Purpose compost, available in 46l bags, is now available via Westland Live.  

Understanding the importance of educating consumers to feed their plants when using peat free composts, Westland has crafted an eye-catching packaging and point-of-sale solution that encourages shoppers to consider purchasing feed at the same time as compost.  The Boost All Purpose compost helps to keep plants hydrated. Boost All Purpose Liquid Feed has been proven to give gardeners 4x more blooms**. Together, these will help plants reach their full potential. 

Helen Amos, Head of Category, at Westland, commented: "Innovation is at the heart of our business, and our latest peat free Boost All Purpose Compost is a testament to that. We understand the challenges many consumers face with container gardening, particularly with peat free, and our technology in both our compost and plant feed ensures plants stay hydrated and get the nutrients they need to thrive.” 

In common with all Westland products, Boost All Purpose Compost and Boost All Purpose Liquid Feed can be ordered 24/7 via Westland Live, and frequent top-ups are easy as part of a Westland weekly delivery. 

GIMA has confirmed details of its Day Conference which will focus on those topics that are currently shaping change within the garden retail sector.

Taking place on 14th March at Horticulture House, Chilton, the day will split by two key themes – Market & Retail Outlook, and Sustainability and Your Journey to Net Zero. 

Experts on both topics will be leading the conversation, offering thought provoking insight and tangible takeaways that delegates can implement within their own businesses.

Adding additional value to the day, GIMA has confirmed that the Glee team will also provide an update on the plans for the 2024 edition of the exhibition. A special GIMA member panel debate will conclude the day, with many of the day’s topics up for further discussion. Interested parties are invited to register now to join the panel.

Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director said: “Our Day Conference aims to offer all attendees access to the bigger picture. From addressing the current scope of the garden retail sector and demystifying important business support services, to continuing the conversation on the sector’s sustainability journey, the day will pack a lot in. What’s more, it’s a great opportunity to network with colleagues and the wider membership to open new dialogue and share insight as the season progresses.”

THE GIMA Day Conference: What’s On

Market & Retail Outlook

Dave Denny, Director of Research and Insights at the HTA will share insight into the organisation’s latest data relating to the growth and development of the garden retail sector. He will also identify some predictions for its future.

Mark Whiteley, Director at Xenia, credit insurance brokers and GIMA associate member, will be joined by a colleague from Atradius, global provider of trade credit insurance. Together they give members an insight into the current financial state of the market, with a special focus on the retail environment.

RT7 Digital’s Jack Cooper will lead a session entitled ‘The numbers don’t lie: E-commerce as a sales channel cannot be ignored’.  As part of the full-service Amazon marketing agency, Jack will dive deeper into the world of gardening E-commerce and will highlight some exclusive stats from Amazon.

Sustainability and Your Journey to Net Zero

Mike Burks, Managing Director of The Gardens Group will be providing insight into how he runs multiple garden centres with environmental and sustainability principles firmly at the heart of the business.  In doing so, Mike is expected to set out some challenges for suppliers.

Ben Duckworth of Greenarc, clean energy experts, will lead delegates on a journey to net zero with a session entitled “Cultivating Change: Reducing Your Businesses Carbon Impact Through the Development of a Rigorous and Bespoke Plan.”

Book now

With such an excellent speaker line-up this is sure to be a popular event and those who are interested in attending are encouraged to sign up quickly, via www.gima.org.uk/events/gima-day-conference-2024 to secure their place. The cost of the event includes a buffet lunch and refreshments:

The rate for GIMA members is £80 + VAT for the first delegate and £40 + VAT for each additional delegate. The non-member rate is £160 + VAT for the first delegate and £80 + VAT for each additional delegate.

Find out more

Any businesses interested in joining GIMA are invited to contact the GIMA team on (01959) 564947 or info@gima.org.uk. Full details regarding GIMA’s multiple member benefits can be found at www.gima.org.uk

The key to successful plant sales is to work smarter and work better, said Boyd Douglas-Davis at The Future of Plant Retailing event held this week.

A collaboration between Brandsfords Webbs, New Leaf Plants and Frank P Matthews, the event, held twice over two days, attracted around 120 from the garden centre and grower sectors. They heard from Boyd, who urged plant buyers and retailers to plan beyond Mother’s Day, consider vertical planting, telling stories about how great their plants really are, but above all to promote themselves as the plant specialists. “Technology is moving at a colossal speed – the level of knowledge children have now is way beyond what we had because they have access to the world,” he said. What gardeners are being presented with online isn’t always 100% accurate so customers need to have confidence in their local garden centres.

Understanding exactly how to get the best out of peat-free growing is also crucial and, he believed, every staff member should be trialling using the products at home. “We have to deal with the misinformation and we have to take the lead. We need to educate our staff right now so they can get their heads around it and be the experts,” he said.

The industry also has solutions to many environmental issue and should be shouting about British plants grown in peat-free compost. From the floor came an idea to create a logo for use on all labels and marketing – watch out for a competition coming soon.

Creating theatrics in the planteria through exciting special event plant launches and fabulous displays was also promoted as too was another competition, led by Boyd, to find the best Brit Pot display this summer. His offer of week in his Devon holiday home grabbed the delegate’s attention. More details coming soon.

Visits to the Brandsford Webbs nursery, a presentation by New Leaf Plants and a look around the Frank P Matthews site was useful for many existing and potential customers.

Alan Titchmarsh will be launching a new gardening programme on ITV1 on Monday. The first episode of 10, lasting an hour, will be screened at 2pm.

The new series called Alan Titchmarsh’s Gardening Club will see Alan and a diverse team of experts shine a light on the latest horticultural trends and innovative gardens across the UK, providing a wealth of practical gardening tips for both aspiring and experienced gardeners. 

Alongside Alan, the expert team includes David Domoney, horticulturist Camilla Bassett-Smith, community gardener Tayshan Hayden-Smith, eco-friendly gardener Anna Greenland and houseplant expert Sarah Gerrard-Jones.

Alan and his Gardening Club team will share invaluable tips, tricks, and insights for seasoned and aspiring gardeners. 

In episode one, David Domoney reveals how to attract more birds into your outdoor space, Camilla Bassett-Smith discovers grow-your-own tips at an innovative Somerset haven, Tayshan Hayden-Smith delves into an inner-city community garden project, and Sarah Gerrard-Jones unveils secrets to crafting an indoor oasis.

Leading pet and wild bird food producer Henry Bell & Co has secured an ongoing sole supplier contract with the EAF Group. The arrangement will see an extensive range of Henry Bell Wild Bird Care feeds and accessories on sale throughout the organisation’s three stores – Animall Crown Corner in Brentwood, Animall Hertford and Animall Littlebury outside Saffron Walden.

Henry Bell will also manufacture a range of own-label feeds under the group’s Farmer Scott’s brand. This will feature core feed lines available in both 2kg and 12.55kg bags.

“We are delighted to be working with this proactive new client,” said Henry Bell National Sales Manager Andrew Mellowes. “The contract with the EAF Group has given us a great opportunity to merchandise the floor space in a really attractive and effective way, enhancing the consumers’ shopping experience and driving up market spend for its stores. 

“Instead of stocking wild bird products from several suppliers, the offering from the Henry Bell collection will be the only one available. This certainly helps to avoid confusion and supports customers in making informed purchasing decisions.”

Animall Crown Corner, Animall Hertford and Animall Littlebury have each been re-laid from scratch, with Andrew Mellowes and Henry Bell East Anglia sales agent John Ducker taking the lead in creating the stores’ wild bird product sales areas using Henry Bell’s tried and trusted expert merchandising solutions.

EAF Group Sales Director David Taylor said: “Our stores are looking fantastic with their new Henry Bell Wild Bird Care stock and we are delighted to be offering our customers high-quality products at a great-value price. Andrew and his team have been incredibly supportive and we are really pleased with the outcome.”

The merger between Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and Writtle University College – a landmark event in UK Higher Education – has formally taken place.

Writtle University College becomes ARU Writtle, in a move that provides a sustainable, long-term future for one of the oldest specialist institutions in the UK.

Over the next five years, ARU will invest £10million to improve the Writtle campus estate, near Chelmsford, Essex, and develop and extend the education and research opportunities at ARU Writtle.

Writtle was established in 1893 and has particular expertise in the areas of agriculture, horticulture, equine and canine studies, and animal management. ARU Writtle will continue to offer its full range of degree courses.

A specialist Further Education college, called Writtle College, has also been established to maintain the current course provision for 16-18-year-olds and provide a range of opportunities for adult learners.

Over 300 Writtle staff have joined ARU as part of the merger, which will allow ARU – the Times Higher Education University of the Year – to develop and extend its strengths across both education and research, as well as broaden and deepen its regional partnerships and impact.

Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said: “This is an exciting time and a significant milestone in our history.

“We are delighted to have merged with Writtle University College, and together we will build on their excellent reputation and vision to achieve sustained growth in Higher and Further Education.

“Our collective academic expertise in fields including animal, environmental, health and sports sciences will help us to support and expand both education and research at the Writtle campus.

“What makes this merger so significant, and sets us up for future success, is our shared values, and how we place our students at the heart of our institutions. We warmly welcome Writtle’s staff and students to ARU.”

British garden manufacturer Handy is excited to announce it has joined forces with lawn experts GreenThumb to help enhance the retail experience and drive sales with its latest Webb customer prize draw.

Customers who purchase any petrol, electric or cordless Webb lawnmower at participating retailers will be eligible to enter into a free prize draw to win their money back plus win a year’s worth of GreenThumb lawncare treatments, worth up to £700.  Launching in May, the free customer prize draw will run for three months, with winners announced across the Webb brand’s social media platforms. 

“With customer satisfaction at the heart of everything we do, we are delighted to announce our latest promotion in partnership with GreenThumb” comments Mark Moseley, Handy Sales and Marketing Director. “At a time when rising costs are making it a challenging environment for all, our exciting new prize draw is designed to help retailers drive sales whilst continuing to meet the needs of their customers”. 

As part of Handy’s new partnership with GreenThumb, this latest retail-led initiative is part of a series of money-saving opportunities and exciting offers designed to enhance the retail experience and provide customers with the chance to benefit from valuable cost savings.   

GreenThumb is a leading lawn care service that offers bespoke treatments for residential and commercial lawns. With over 200 branches, GreenThumb has built an enviable reputation of transforming customers’ lawns into a beautiful centrepiece within their outdoor space. 

“As partners with our customers in creating lawns to be proud of, we’re excited to extend that relationship into gardening tools and equipment with Webb's support.” Paul Edwards, GreenThumb’s Managing Director goes on to share; “With our focus on wellbeing through the benefits of a green outdoor space, we see Webb as an enabler for a gardening experience made more pleasurable through reliable machinery.” 

For more information visit www.handys.co.uk or www.greenthumb.co.uk or to find out more about how to participate in this exciting retailer-led competition with Handy and GreenThumb, please contact Anthony Wadley, Handy’s Marketing Manager via email anthony.wadley@handys.co.uk

British Garden Centres is returning to the prestigious BBC Gardeners’ World Live for the third consecutive year. The highly anticipated event, hosted at the Birmingham NEC from June 13th to 16th, promises a blooming celebration of horticultural wonders, innovative garden designs, and expert advice.

The show, renowned for its stunning Show Gardens, Beautiful Borders, the Floral Marquee, and the Plant Village, is a must for all gardeners to immerse themselves in a world of greenery and creativity. British Garden Centres is proud to sponsor the BBC Gardeners’ World Live Theatre for the third year and will take centre stage with a stand in the main hall, offering an irresistible variety of plants that cater to every gardening taste.

Garden enthusiasts and casual visitors alike are invited to explore the stand staffed by the BGC team, brimming with the latest plants and luxurious outdoor furniture. Known for their expertise and friendly approach, staff are on hand to guide visitors through the vast array of options to create a true plant-buyers' paradise.

For those who can't resist bringing a piece of the garden home, special show promotions will be in place. With a commitment to inspiring outdoor living, British Garden Centres and the show will inspire with products and ideas that will transform any outdoor space into a haven.

The excitement doesn't end with the stands in the hall; sit back and enjoy enlightening talks from renowned gardening experts in the comfort of a pre-booked seat, with sessions hosted by BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine editors and by the talented Nicki Chapman. The line-up includes Monty Don, Adam Frost, Carol Klein, Frances Tophill, and Joe Swift, making the Theatre a must-visit for every gardening enthusiast with questions or that needs ideas. 

The Show Gardens and Beautiful Borders aim to inspire amateur gardeners with ideas that are both achievable and aspirational and can be taken away to try out at home. Visitors can expect a variety of styles and budgets, making it easy to find inspiration to 'get the look' from the show.

The experience is not limited to horticulture; your ticket also grants access to the BBC Good Food Show, live entertainment, and various activities. It's an opportunity for friends and family to enjoy a spectacular day surrounded by nature and culinary delights.

Amy Stubbs, Project and Development Manager said: “We are thrilled to be extending our support to BBC Gardeners' World Live for the third year in a row. As proud Theatre sponsors, we will be located next to the Live Theatre. With a host of engaging sessions and expert speakers, it promises to be an informative and entertaining experience for all attendees. We look forward to being a part of this wonderful event, showcasing our plants and garden offering and contributing towards the growth of the gardening community.”

The team at a Bradford-headquartered garden centre group is celebrating after being shortlisted for two national HR awards.

Yorkshire Garden Centres Group has reached the final in both the Retail Company of the Year Award and the Innovation of the Year at the British HR Awards which celebrate organisations and individuals that are driven by delivering a world-class people experience.

"We have a great team at Yorkshire Garden Centres so we're very proud that they have been recognised with a place in the final of not one, but two awards," said Yorkshire Garden Centre's Head of People and Culture, Neil Barwise-Carr.

"We are delighted and proud that our commitment to the environment and sustainability has earned us a place in the final of the Innovation category and our commitment to nurturing and developing our team has been rewarded with a shortlist for the Retail Company of the Year award."

Nate Harwood, Founder of New Possible and British HR Awards judge said: "With a 40% increase in the number of entries this year, judging was both a great privilege and a real challenge. Congratulations to all the Finalists who have demonstrated the passion, commitment, and talent at the beating heart of British HR."

The stellar lineup of 13 judges includes representatives from Shelter, The AA, Lloyds Pharmacy and Iceland Foods.

Yorkshire Garden Centres faces competition from Heron Foods, Holland & Barrett and Selfridges for the Retail Company of the Year Award and DHU Healthcare, Egress, inploi, Jaguar Land Rover, Live More Offline, Sedulo Group and Speedy Services for the Innovation of the Year Award. The winners will be announced at a celebration event in Central London on 16th April.

The British HR Awards is powered by New Possible, a next-generation employee insight platform. New Possible helps leaders build healthier organisations by providing meaningful insight that can drive real change.

The Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) group comprises Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley Garden Centres and the recently acquired Dean's York and Scarborough. Otley and Bingley Garden Centres were known as Stephen H Smith's before they were acquired by YGC in 2022. 

Environmental compliance data experts Ecoveritas has launched its game-changing SaaS platform, my.ecoveritas, which promises to transform Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance for horticulture businesses.

my.ecoveritas is for companies tired of the complex, time- and data-intensive work of EPR regulations and instead represents a streamlined, easy-to-use, cost-effective solution that can deliver EPR data collection and reporting in days, not months.

Ecoveritas already supports businesses with collecting and reporting packaging data for EPR and has been calculating and completing submissions for businesses worldwide for over 20 years. The packaging data and reporting experts have worked closely with the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) for over a decade, most recently in developing a hassle-free solution that will simplify the data collection and reporting process under the current packaging regulations.

my.ecoveritas was eighteen months in the making and matches packaging weights to sales and purchase data using the only methodology acknowledged by the Environment Agency. The platform, which has been through two separate and equally rigorous testing phases with over 30 relevant stakeholders involved in its fine-tuning, guides businesses through six steps, which culminate in a submission-ready report.

“Firstly, we couldn’t have done this without the support of the various testing groups who diligently put my.ecoveritas through its paces,” said Irvin Newbitt, CEO of Ecoveritas. “The input we have received throughout has been invaluable in delivering the excellent product we can put in front of businesses today. We’re proud that this will be a solution by the horticulture sector for the horticultural sector.

“It goes without saying that the hard work and effort of the team here at Ecoveritas has also been remarkable. Not for a moment did we ever lose sight of our mission to make it easy for businesses to understand their obligations, get compliant and respond appropriately through reduction, substitution, and recycling.

“And what we have arrived at, is a SaaS product, that makes data reporting a simpler and more cost-effective task.”

David Denny, Director of Research and Insights at the Horticultural Trades Association, said: “The HTA continues to provide support, guidance, and information to help our members prepare for Extended Producer Responsibilities whilst obtaining vital clarifications for horticulture from government. We have been impressed with Ecoveritas’ support in this and their commitment to developing this platform with our sector and our members very much at the heart of the project.

“We’re delighted that their my.ecoveritas platform, designed to streamline businesses' efforts in meeting EPR reporting obligations, is now live. We see my.ecoveritas as highly beneficial for members and a good example of how the UK's environmental horticulture sector is embracing innovative technology.

“Whether adjusting to new practices or meeting the expectations of environmentally-conscious consumers, Ecoveritas’ solution underscores the significance of our sector’s role in fostering sustainable growth.”

Among a flurry of positive reviews, Ben Rayner, Group Finance Director at Scotsdales, said: “This is really exciting from Ecoveritas! It’s going to revolutionise the way we complete our EPR data reporting. It’s brilliant!”

Steve Boon, Sustainability Manager at Notcutts, added: “Ecoveritas has made EPR reporting so much easier. This is absolutely the best solution for garden centres, growers and nurseries looking for a cost-effective and simple tool.”

Ross McEwan, Group Retail Operations Manager at Squires Garden Centres, said: “We have worked with Ecoveritas for a number of years to support compliance with Packaging Waste Regulations, now including EPR. My.ecoveritas has removed a significant, time-consuming, administrative burden from our teams.”

For more information on my.ecoveritas, or to start growing your own EPR compliance capabilities today, please visit https://horticulture.ecoveritas.com

Modern, traditional, natural, or distinctive, whatever your shoppers want from a water feature, you can now offer them the complete choice thanks to the new Home Delivery service launched exclusively for the AMES Companies Easy Fountain brand.

Brought to market ahead of season 24, this new delivery and stock-holding approach is set to revolutionise the complete purchasing process, from the supplier to the product finding its home in gardens across the country.

Easy Fountain Home Delivery – how does it work

• No stock held in-store – forget finding space to display water features or the inevitable decision-making about which lines to stock. With Easy Fountain Home Delivery, retailers can stock the complete offering, which is currently made up of 49 stylish designs across five distinct collections.
• One merchandiser to rule them all – packed full of inspirational imagery, shoppers need only scan the QR code to find everything they need to know about the products on offer. From product images to dimensions and even info on the perfect fountain cover, consumers can make quick, easy and confident decisions at the point of sale.
• Place your order at the till – after snapping the QR code and making their purchasing decisions, consumers visit the tills to check out. Nothing added; scan the barcode, complete payment, and provide a delivery address – it’s that simple.
• We deliver direct – once the order is received, the AMES Companies team will pick, pack and despatch with delivery to the consumer within seven to 10 days. Orders placed with multiple products from across the three brands will all arrive simultaneously so that the garden updates can start immediately.

Nick Jones, Commercial Director at the AMES Companies, said: “As water features grow in popularity, retailers are caught scratching their heads as to how they can stock a variety of designs without overtaking the complete retail footprint. Whilst our traditional Easy Fountain merchandisers have already changed the game with their eye-catching and informative displays, we wanted to extend this further and make it even easier for retailers to maximise our entire offering. A minimal footprint with maximum return, the opportunity to generate cross-category sales and create happy, confident shoppers, is something very few other merchandising solutions can boast, and we’re excited about what this can, and will, mean for our retail customers.”

Find out more

Please contact your local AMES sales manager to learn how you can benefit from AMES Companies’ new home delivery service in 2024.              

To stay updated with all the latest news from Easy Fountain, including accessing the dedicated trade portal where you will find a comprehensive image library, POS guide and Product Database alongside the 2024 catalogue, please visit www.easyfountain.co.uk. Further details about the AMES Companies by visiting www.ames-uk.com

Meet the latest designs

New launches for season 2024 will include the Modern collection’s Amber Falls, a copper patinaed monolith of ridged stone that can hold its own as a statement piece, just as much as it could blend into a cottage garden.

Also joining the Modern line-up is the Rene range, made up of the Rene Falls, which draws its inspiration from art deco metalwork, and the Rene Cascade, which features the same metalwork and is topped with a steel sphere. Standing at 655mm and 695mm, respectively, these are water features that command attention and demand to be enjoyed.

Elsewhere, the Traditional collection has welcomed three new classic designs with the introduction of Winchcombe. This collection draws its inspiration from Edwardian and Victorian styles, including the Winchcombe Spring, reminiscent of Victorian spring-filled drinking fountains; Winchcombe Ripple, a new take on traditional doorstep slate planters; and Winchcombe Cascade, with its scalloped design adorning a ‘slate’ sphere. 

In the Natural collection, Cambrian Monolith and Snowdonia Monolith have been introduced to expand the natural stone offering but with a more contemporary twist.

GTN February 2024 - GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards Bumper Issue

In this issue:

• The Greatest Christmas Awards presentations at Spring Fair
• GCA Conference Award winners
• Primeur: the home of doormats
• Environmental perceptions of garden centres
• Westlands New Horizon Community Fund
• Busy Bee tops the customer vote for Christmas greatness
• 23 pages of judges photos and comments from The Greatest Christmas Awards start here: Barton Grange, Cooks, BGC Harrogate, Pugh’s, Gates, Haskins Snowhill, Woodlands, Kent, Squires Badshot Lea, Polhill, Old Railway Line, Klondyke High Legh, Poundbury, Birkacre, Alton, Blue Diamond Newbridge, Garsons Esher, Brimsmore, Glendoick, Chessington, Wentworth, Klondyke Astbury Meadow, Cambridge Home & Garden, Bents, BGC Studley, Coolings, Newquay, The Grange, Garsons Titchfield, Keydell, Perrywood Tiptree, BGC, Dobbies, Gouldings Santa Experience, Dobbies Edinburgh and Tewkesbury, Mackenzie & Cruickshank, Munros, Pengelly, Planters Tamworth
• Thank you to our Sponsors
• Flashes of Christmas Inspiration
• Harrogate Show Ideas for Christmas 2024
• Planting Manifesto Ideas – HTA Column
• Supply Chain Challenges – GIMA Column

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Westland Horticulture has become a premier sponsor of Chester Rugby Club. 

Compost is the No.1 consumed gardening product, and it is the life partner of all plants. Westland has been producing compost for gardeners and professional growers at its facility in Ellesmere Port since 2015, and the company has invested over £70m into the factory’s infrastructure, which has led to it becoming the UK’s largest producer of peat free compost. 

Both Westland and Chester Rugby Club share the vision that success is rooted in reinvesting profits into development, and Westland’s sponsorship demonstrates its commitment to the local community, where many of its 100 colleagues at its Ellesmere Port facility call home. The sponsorship includes branded assets at the Club’s 2,000 capacity ground. 

Iain Brown, Head of Logistics, at Westland, commented: “We’re very proud to be sponsoring the Chester Rugby Club for 2023/24 season. Westland and Chester Rugby Club share an ethos that community is at the heart of all we do, and our sponsorship will help the club support all its players, at all levels. We wish the club a successful season, and our colleagues are looking forward to supporting them from the sidelines.”  

Dave Maloney, Chairman, at Chester Rugby Club, added: “Sponsorship makes a vital contribution to the club’s financial wellbeing, and we would not be able to operate at the level four of the Rugby Union pyramid without the support of companies like Westland. We are extremely grateful for the backing of Westland.” 

Autumn Fair has announced the launch of its new campaign theme promising a celebration of newness and original products that will bring retail stores to life, putting the spotlight on the allure of the ‘shop window’ and the best of British suppliers.

Following constructive dialogue with key partners, buyers and loyal brands, Autumn Fair returns on the 1st – 4th September at NEC Birmingham with a renewed focus on independent retailers.  Placing the buying experience at the forefront, the show revamps as the indispensable destination for buyers to explore a wealth of new and captivating products. Recognising the importance of swift transitions from the show floor to the shop window, Autumn Fair will curate a selection of over 500 suppliers primed to deliver on smaller minimums, establishing the event as the retail industries go-to for independents seeking seamless and efficient sourcing.

Showcasing its importance in the retail calendar, Autumn Fair 2024 will host the retail market’s bellwether brands in every major sector across Home, Gift, and Fashion with over 30% of brands exclusive to the show. The September buying show will also celebrate the best that Britain has to offer, paying homage to the British suppliers who are able to fulfil quick turnarounds with new products on small order quantities to cater to the evolving needs of the indies.

Attracting a diverse array of independent retailers eager to rejuvenate their product offerings for the bustling year-end season, Autumn Fair has introduced entry-level exhibitor packages and pavilions to satisfy the desire for newness and enable new businesses with fresh ideas the opportunity to meet their first customers.

Jackson Szabo, Portfolio Director, Autumn Fair says, “We’ve listened to all the constructive feedback from our community, and we’re excited to bring a new energy and focus to Autumn Fair. From the show floor to the shop window, every retailer wants to be inspired with original products that they believe will bring their stores to life. Autumn Fair is where buyers come to shop. Where products discovered at the show are of such exceptional quality that they deserve a prime spot in shop windows. Independents flock to Autumn Fair to replenish inventory for end of year (peak season), and the buying trend is now little and often. With limited storage capacity and lower cash flow, this buying strategy is necessary to prepare for the increase in end of year sales. Autumn Fair provides the last opportunity in the year for product exploration.

“We will be putting buying at the forefront of everything we do. We’ll be revamping the way buyers shop the show with improvements to the onsite experience, website, registration and more to help them best prepare and get the most out of the show. We’ll be creating more trails and buyer experiences to enable them to find the right brands. Indies need to make every second away from the store count. They need to be efficient and effective especially during a busy time of the season, and Autumn Fair will be their trusted resource to shop the brands that can make a difference for them now.”

Samantha Gibbs, owner of Nest, a trio of giftshops in Leicestershire adds, “Autumn Fair is a staple in my buying schedule. It punctuates the season shifts and provides huge opportunities to shop new products that will be available for the Autumn/Winter. This guarantees your shop windows are looking as fresh, current and relevant as they can be, and without the fair it would be far harder to achieve that!”

For more information please visit www.autumnfair.com

Autumn Fair

1st – 4th September 2024

NEC Birmingham

Following the '2023 – Year of the Salvia' trial organised last summer at the Royal Horticultural Society's Garden at Hyde Hall (U.K.), Fleuroselect is delighted to communicate the results of the Award of Garden Merit assessment and People's Choice competition. Consumers visiting the garden were invited to choose their favourite Salvia variety whereas an expert panel assessed the Salvia display for the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

For this trial, over 100 varieties both from seed and cuttings have been entered by following Fleuroselect members: Danziger, EconSeeds, Floranova, Florensis, Hem Zaden/Genetics, HilverdaFlorist, Mr Fothergill's, PanAmerican Seed, Syngenta Flowers, Suttons, Takii, Voltz Horticulture and Westland.

Salvia farinacea 'Strata' from Floranova becomes People's Choice 

Visitors to RHS Garden Hyde Hall were asked to indicate their favourite Salvia variety in the Floral Fantasia area. Over 100 species varieties were on display with one clear winner: Salvia farinacea ‘Strata’ from Floranova. The main characteristics praised by visitors were the bi-colours, compact habit and ability to attract bees. Amongst the runners up were Salvia greggii Mirage™ 'Rose Bicolour' (Florensis), Salvia 'Mystic Spires Blue' (Florensis), Salvia patens (Bertrand/Econ Seeds) and Salvia viridis 'Bouquet Mixed' (Suttons).

For the People's Choice Award, consumers are given small voting-flags to indicate their favourite plant on trial while visiting the RHS Garden Hyde Hall. This year, approximately 600 votes were received.

Eight new Awards of Garden Merit earned during Salvia Trial

Last year, the expert panel assessed the Plant of the Year Salvia on 4 different moments, resulting in 8 varieties acquiring the seal of approval:

1.    Salvia splendens ‘Red Hill’ (Hem Genetics)

2.    Salvia 'Big Blue' (PanAmerican Seed)

3.    Salvia 'Mystic Spires Blue' (Florensis)

4.    Salvia 'Mystic Spires Sky Blue' (Florensis)

5.    Salvia greggii 'Mirage Cherry Red' (Florensis)

6.    Salvia greggii 'Mirage Rose Bicolour' (Florensis)

7.    Salvia greggii 'Mirage White' (Florensis)

8.    Salvia Salgoon 'Lake Blueberry' (HilverdaFlorist)

The panel consisted of experts in the areas of breeding, growing, plant trialing, retail, and social media. The criteria used are: ‘Excellent for ordinary use in appropriate conditions’, ‘Available’, ‘Of good constitution’, ‘Essentially stable in form and colour’, and ‘Reasonably resistant to pests and diseases’. 

Fleuroselect annually promotes a flower and vegetable in the ‘Plant of the Year’ campaign. The intention of this campaign is to raise awareness of specific crops for home gardening, while showing the wide choice of varieties available to the consumer. Extensive displays are planted each year in renowned public gardens where consumers and industry experts can enjoy the diversity of the species.

2024, Year of the Sunflower

This year, Fleuroselect will promote sunflowers to the international industry. In addition to an extensive publicity campaign, displays will be set up at RHS Hyde Hall, Wisley, Harlow Carr and Bridgemoor (UK), egapark Erfurt and Mainau (GE), Jardin des Plantes (FR), The Garden (NL) and TEGEASC (IE).

Yorkshire Garden Centres are to operate two more sites in Yorkshire.  The two Dean's Garden Centre sites at York and Scarborough will be added to the group that already has sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley in West Yorkshire.

The Dean's business dates back to 1968 when they opened the York store on a four acre site at Stockton on the Forest. This was followed by the acquisition of the eight-acre Scarborough site in 1986.  The business now employs over 100 people and all the roles will transfer with the sale.  Richard, Helen and Sarah, who are the second generation of the Dean family to run the business, will all enjoy a very well-earned retirement.

Mark Farnsworth, MD of Yorkshire Garden Centres said: "We are delighted to welcome the Dean's sites into the Yorkshire Garden Centres group in partnership with Altia Estates. We are grateful to the Dean family for letting us take the business forward, and we intend to continue to use the Dean's name, which has become so well respected over the years.  Whilst several members of the family retire, we are also really pleased that others have agreed to stay on and continue to work in the business".

Mr. Farnsworth added: "We set out our ambitions five years ago to grow the group and our four current centres employ nearly 450 people.  Planning was approved for a new site at Thorp Arch in the middle of last year but, very sadly, the delays due to the COVID pandemic and gaining Planning Permission meant that the scheme was no longer viable which was a real blow as we felt Thorp Arch was a great site.  Having established a strong management team, when the Dean's opportunity came up we recognised it was a great way to continue our growth journey."

Richard Dean, a partner at Dean's Garden Centre said: "We are pleased our centres are joining the Yorkshire Garden Centre group. We have followed their progress with interest and feel that we have many shared values. Having grown up living on the York site, we've been involved in the business in some capacity or other from a very young age. Now though is the right time for my sisters and I to retire, something that I personally was aiming to do in 2021, before Covid hit. The business can now move forward and provide, what will no doubt be an enhanced shopping experience for our customers. We wish the group the very best of luck as they move forward."

 
"We are also incredibly grateful to Antony Harker of Altia Estates for the financial support and faith he has shown in us," added Mr Farnsworth.

Mr Harker commented: "We are delighted to support this opportunity and we wish the whole team at Yorkshire Garden Centres the very best.  I look forward to seeing the sites continue to grow and flourish under their management."

Yorkshire Garden Centres began with the acquisition of Tong Garden Centre by Mark Farnsworth and Tom Megginson in 2015. They invested £9m to turn Tong from an ailing centre with a disenfranchised team to one of Yorkshire's leading garden centres. The Group's strategy is to operate destination garden centres with a compelling mix of retail, food and play for all the family.

The Horticultural Trades Association releases its February monthly market update, which shows that despite the UK economy's recently announced recession, garden retail continues to show some green shoots to kick off the year. 

The resilience is a continuity of some positive trends, which included strong plant sales over the last year and a loyal customer base of gardeners that has been retained since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, commented: "Although the weather was unpredictable in January, with cold temperatures and disruptive storms, some warmer weekends rejuvenated footfall and ignited early gardening activities in anticipation of a better Spring. Coupled with consumer confidence continuing to improve into the start of 2024, this has helped garden centres see overall sales up by 2% by value compared to January 2023, accompanied by a modest 1% uptick in sales volumes. It is worth noting the 14% increase in catering sales and a 19% increase in wild bird care sales, which shows customers searching to treat themselves and keen to support the wildlife in their gardens.

“The positive start does come with some caution on costs and confidence. Businesses continue to struggle with mounting wage bills, with the impending April increases to the National Living Wage set to hit wage bills that currently average at 24% of turnover for retailers (increasing to around 40% in the café/restaurant) and 30% for growers, amplifying financial pressures.

"Compounding these challenges are the soaring shipping costs, as evidenced by the Drewry's World Container Index, which recorded a staggering 90% increase in container costs compared to the previous year. Shipping routes have been disrupted due to the suspension of the Suez Canal since disturbances in the Red Sea towards the end of last year and January 2024. As a result, ships are being redirected through the Southern tip of Africa to avoid conflict, leading to longer journeys and higher shipping container costs. It remains to be seen how these factors will affect the costs of garden furniture and large garden equipment. Additionally, the EU's Emissions Trading Scheme will likely add to the cost burdens, necessitating a strategic re-evaluation of operational efficiencies to protect profit margins.

"Despite these challenges, garden retailers remain poised to navigate the recessionary headwind, looking at ways of becoming more efficient to maintain profit margins as we approach Spring and the peak gardening season."

The Garden Press Event welcomed over 300 members of the garden press and media for a day-long exhibition showcasing the entire supply chain of the environmental horticulture industry. 

Organised by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and Garden Industry Manufacturers Association (GIMA), the event featured almost 100 exhibitors at the Business Design Centre in London.

Rounding off the day was the announcement of two prestigious awards: the Bob Maker Memorial Award for Best Stand Display and the Best New Product Award. Throughout the day, the visiting press voted on both awards, with entrants also donating to the Greenfingers Charity to be considered for recognition.

Blue Diamond’s British-grown houseplants won the ‘Best Stand Display’ prize.

Jill Kerr and Nick Jones from Blue Diamond expressed their delight:

“We are absolutely delighted to be presented with the Best Stand Award at the Garden Press Event for British grown and peat free houseplants and our eco range of coffee pods. We’ve had a fabulous day meeting so many members of the press and all types of different communications at the show today.”

The Dipping Tank Company emerged victorious in the 'Best New Product' category.

Their innovative product offers a new way to store harvested rainwater with beautifully designed garden Dipping Tanks, which are not only eco-friendly but also add an exciting new feature to gardens.

Andrew Cousins from the Dipping Tank Company shared his excitement: “I’m really pleased to get this award, a bit overwhelmed really – this has gone from an idea I had a few years ago, tinkering away in my spare time, and people telling me I should push it, and here we are, winning an award for it! Thank you very much to everyone that voted.”

GERMIE seed starting kits were highly commended for their ultra-compact and reusable kits, which offer an easy and efficient way to begin your seedlings.

Eric Baudouin from GERMIE commented: “I’m so grateful to win this award, with so many other people, and from 70 new products, and we’re a winner! I’m speechless, really.”

Blue Diamond has invested in five new nurseries to supply over 11 million home-grown, locally produced, British plants to its 44 garden centres and 8.8 million customers. 

The acquisition of these nurseries will allow Blue Diamond to grow new and exciting varieties each season and to offer an even wider selection of high-quality plants for its customers. 

“We are growers, gardeners and horticulturists. We don’t just buy and sell plants, we grow plants. We are hands on and deeply invested in providing the right care for our plants so they reach our customers in perfect condition.  Our garden centres are built on strong horticultural foundations," said Jim Teague- Head of Blue Diamond Nurseries.

Gardeners’ increasingly have an expectation for healthy, British-grown plants with a minimal environmental footprint. The value added for Blue Diamond customers is the availability of a wide range and variety of high quality, British grown plants, with provenance, which have been grown with robust plant health controls, an emphasis on reducing environmental impact, produced in peat-free growing media and in the case of hardy stock, come with a 5-year plant guarantee. 

The focus on sustainability extends to packaging. Blue Diamond is aiming to be at the forefront of the development of new packaging that could reduce the use of plant pot plastic altogether. The pots the plants are currently grown in are made from recycled plastic and are fully household recyclable.

The majority of the British-grown plants are already growing in peat free compost. Blue Diamond aims to be completely peat free, in plant production, by the end of 2025. The nursery acquisitions give Blue Diamond more control in developing compost mixes and plant care techniques from nursery to point of sale in the post peat era. 

A garden centre group the size of Blue Diamond, with sales of over £330m, needs to control its own plant supply to ensure it has the range and variety of plants of the right quality for its customers.  Blue Diamond has a huge range and probably has the largest range of British-grown plants available, of any UK garden centre group. 

Greenfingers has announced Neil Sewell’s appointment as its new Operations Director, responsible for delivering the charity’s new garden projects and expanding the Garden Re-Fresh programme.

As well as working alongside the charity’s Director of Fundraising & Communications, Neil will work closely with the Treasurer and Finance Administrator to oversee the charity’s financial health.   

As Neil takes up his new role, the Greenfingers Charity says farewell to Sally Jenkins, Director of Finance & Resource. As Sally looks forward to her retirement, her role will be incorporated into that of the Operation Director.

Regarding Sally’s departure and Neil’s appointment, Sue Allen, Greenfingers Chairman, said: “Our thanks must first go to Sally. As her time at Greenfingers draws to a close, we would like to offer her our sincere thanks for her work and dedication during her tenure. She has been a valuable part of the team and will be much missed by us all.

“And the warmest of welcomes to Neil who, having been involved with the charity since 2016, truly understands our values as an organisation. Undoubtedly, his experience and knowledge will be an asset to our future development, helping to nurture our relationships with hospices, garden designers and landscape contractors.”

Find out more

To stay up-to-date with all the latest news from the Greenfingers Charity, why not join the conversation on social media - @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn, https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/ and @GreenfingersCha on Twitter.

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