GTN December 2023 - January 2024 - Sustainability Directory Issue with 36 pages of sustainability news, features, ideas and directory listings plus much more.

• Handing over the GCA baton. GTN Interviews Tammy Woodhouse.
• Get ready for Glee in September 2024
• Finalists and voted for contenders in GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards
• GTN’s Sustainability Directory 2024
• The last bag of Miracle-Gro peat compost
• Sustainability News
• Responsible Sourcing Scheme update
• GIMA Awards Sustainability Champions
• GCA Westland Rising Stars Sustainability projects for 2023
• Ecoveritas and EPR compliance
• LifestyleGarden makes a world of difference
• Sustainable feeding from Westland Peckish
• A more sustainable supply of houseplants from Horti House
• Timber displays the full potential
• Strengthening natural defences with Waspinator and SuperNinja
• GTN’s sustainability Directory listings for 2024
• Embracing sustainability - LOFA Column
• Environmental milestones - HTA Column
• Spring Fair Preview

Following on from the success HydriaLife received at the GIMA Awards in late 2023, we are proud to launch our new 2024 product range. See these for yourselves and meet us at the Harrogate Christmas and Gift Fair from 14th - 17th January (stand H152, Queens Suite).

Our award-winning Hydria water feature kit breathed new life into water features in 2023. This rechargeable, remote-controlled kit turns any pot into a mesmerising water feature in minutes, adding the restful sound of flowing water into your home or garden with its peaceful ambiance.

Enhanced by unique interchangeable fountain heads, captivating built-in LED lights, and a wide range of accessories, it offers a tailored water display experience. In addition, we are excited to announce the launch of our new range of Hydria add-ons, designed to further customise and enhance your water feature experience. These innovative additions, alongside our existing products, showcase our commitment to continual improvement and customer satisfaction.

At the forefront of our 2024 lineup is the Hydria 2-in-1 Fountain, a comprehensive retail solution. Priced at £199, this package combines the award-winning base kit with a stylish porcelain planter (available in black or white), a luxurious Bronze Mosaic, and two gorgeous fountain heads – the Mindfulness Pebbles and Bronze Tiered Cascade. This ready-to-go water feature is elegant and adaptable, ready to enrich any space.

Hydria Life transcends mere décor, guiding towards a more peaceful, beautiful living environment.

Our exhibit at The Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair is a prime opportunity for industry professionals to discover how we seamlessly integrate technology with aesthetic beauty.

Join us to explore our range, including the latest Hydria add-ons, and experience the allure of the Hydria 2-in-1 Fountain. Dive into the world of Hydria Life – where tranquility and elegance are effortlessly yours.

Discover more at www.hydrialife.com.

HydriaLife is sponsoring Kate Ebbens' running challenge for Greenfingers.

Last week, the judges for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards all met up to start the process of deciding the winners of this year’s awards that will be announced and presented on The Spring Fair Retail Inspirations Stage, in Hall 2 of the NEC, at 5:00pm on Monday 5^th February 2024.

The process of deciding the winners is proving to be even more challenging this year as the Christmas retailing standards and exceptional examples of garden centre teamwork that have been seen by the judges have been even greater than ever this year. 

Another two days of judging meetings are now planned to complete the review of over 100 garden centre visits made during November and December covering nominated stores from Inverness to Weymouth and from Suffolk to Caernarvon.

“It’s great to see so much good stuff going on, hear about passionate teams and continually see creative ideas converted into commercial realities,” commented the judges.

In addition to the 14 award categories that relate to the judges visits, garden centre customers were also able to vote for their “Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team.”  Votes closed on the 21^st December with a record 18,919 votes being made across 333 garden centres, proving just how great garden centres really are during the Christmas period.

If you join us at The Spring Fair Retail Inspiration Stage, in Hall 2 of the NEC, on Monday 5^th February at 5:00pm you’ll get the chance to meet the garden centre teams who are the winners of this years Gold, Silver and Bronze Greatest Christmas Awards.  It’s a real gathering of Christmas greatness!

GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards are sponsored by: AMES, Garden Radio, Glee, Kaemingk, MorePeople, Noma, PATS, Smart Garden Products, Solex, Stars for Europe and Woodmansterne.

For more information contact GTN’s editor, Trevor Pfeiffer; trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk or visit www.gardentradenews.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the judges will be looking for when they visit:

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

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

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

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

Notcutts have announced the appointment of Jane Gray as their new Marketing and Customer Experience Director. Jane previously held the position of Marketing Manager at Notcutts and, with this appointment, steps up to join the company’s Executive Leadership Team.

Prior to joining Notcutts in 2018, Jane worked with a number of other organisations in marketing, PR and commercial positions. These included roles working as Marketing and Publicity Director for Warner Bros. on brands such as the television show ‘Friends’ and film franchise ‘Harry Potter’; and as Marketing Executive for Suffolk Marine Safety developing digital and non-digital sales and marketing strategies. Jane has also previously set up and run a luxury retail florist in Suffolk.

Commenting on her appointment, Gray said: “I’m delighted to take up this new role and lead this next important phase of Notcutts marketing and customer experience strategy. The Notcutts brand is one I’ve worked with for some time now and I’m looking forward to leading its onward development and the new opportunities ahead. As a family-owned business, Notcutts has wonderful values and a culture that I’m so pleased to be a part of.”

“This is a particularly exciting time for the business with new, wider marketing opportunities presented through our new CRM system. Notcutts made the switch to a predominantly digital marketing focus in 2020 and our investment in this new CRM platform will support both a greater understanding of customer buying patterns and more targeted customer experiences,” said Gray. “We also intend to push on further with our strategy of widening our reach to new audiences through social media platforms and online communities.” she added.

Commenting on this new appointment, Nick Burrows, CEO, said: “Jane brings a wealth of experience and leadership qualities to this role, and I am delighted to have been able to make this internal appointment. Personal and professional development of our colleagues is an important part of our company culture at Notcutts and Jane was nominated for and is a current participate on the Alitus Executive Programme for senior leaders in Suffolk as a result. I look forward to the positive impact and strategic vision Jane will bring to the future development of our marketing and customer experience strategy.”

January 31st sees the closing of the application season for the varied range of Colegrave Seabrook Foundation scholarships for 2023. Bursaries from £500 up to £5,000 are available to students studying a broad base of plant science and horticultural topics, on a full or part time basis, through a UK based university or college. 

The season for applications is open for a variety of scholarships which support students with the costs of their studies, from course fees to materials and resources, along with a number of other bursaries on more specialist areas of plant science and research. The on-line application process is easy and scholarships are not means tested. 

Elizabeth Snowden, studying for her RHS level 3 Practical Certificate in Horticulture at Askham Bryan, who was the winner of one of the Foundations scholarships funded by Blue Diamond Garden Centres said: “The scholarship has been incredible, it is a huge relief for me to have this financial support at such a difficult time and I appreciate it greatly. My studies go right through until June 2024 and I am enjoying them so much more now with some of the financial pressure eased a little. I am inspired by what I am learning and the people I am meeting - there’s just so many things one could do in horticulture and I just want to do them all!”

Students who demonstrate the right attitude, ability and ambition to make their career in one of the many branches of horticulture can apply for some financial support to help with costs of living, purchase of course materials, fees, travel costs or something as specific as the purchase of a new laptop or other tools to assist their studies.  

Zara Snow (above), a BSc Horticulture student at Writtle University in Essex, has used her funding, to join in a study tour to the Netherlands and Finland where they have looked at a wide range of horticultural applications from herb farming to flower marketing and agroforestry. Zara commented:  “The funding I received from the Blue Diamond Scholarship allowed me to experience elements of the horticulture and food production industries abroad, giving me a greater understanding of the sector. I am very grateful to have had this support.”

College lecturers play an important part in the application process, bringing the opportunities to the attention of students that the Foundation’s scholarships provide and supporting their applications. Students who are perhaps unsure can also contact the Foundation direct or one of the Trustees for advice.

Foundation Trustee, Neil Gow said: “Students should focus their application on demonstrating their ambition and attitude as well as their aptitude rather than getting to hung up on which scholarship to apply for. As a board of Trustees as we asses each application and we will we often find funds to support from another of our funds as we look for people who want to go places and do things in their career in professional horticulture.”  

Richard Moore who has recently graduated from Edinburgh University with a distinction in his MSc in Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants in conjunction with The Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, has just returned from Nepal and Vietnam. During a 170km trek in Nepal, climbing to an altitude over 5,000m the wide biodiversity and botany has been observed and work collecting specimens for Kew Gardens.

Richard commented on his recent return: “The scholarship means a great deal to me as I never would have thought a few years ago that I’d have the chance to travel to places like this. The opportunity to do field work and the experience one gains from such activities is so enriching and educational and I’ll always be grateful for the support given to me by the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation.”

You will find full details and application advice for the range of Scholarships including those supported by Blue Diamond, Smart Garden Products and Ball Horticulture as well as those scholarships offered in conjunction with the Royal Society of Biology and Majestic Trees.

All details are on the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation website, but do not delay as the deadline is looming and applications close on the 31st January 2024. www.colegraveseabrookfoundation.org.uk

The Federation of Garden & Leisure Manufacturers is taking UK representation to this leading US event in Las Vegas on 26-28 March.

The long-established National Hardware Show with Lawn, Garden & Outdoor Living (NHS) is North America’s premier trade show for the hardware, DIY and lawn & garden sectors.  Taking place annually in Las Vegas, it usually attracts around 2,700 exhibitors and over 25,000 trade visitors.

Gardenex will be taking a group of innovative suppliers who are keen to access the North American market, as part of the UK pavilion. The US home improvement and DIY sector is worth $343 billion and garden sales are generally estimated to be over $50 billion, the highest in the world.

The overall show experience for visitors includes live sessions on the future of retail, product sourcing and merchandising, a showcase of influencers’ picks of their favourite show products and DIY demonstrations. Networking opportunities include awards presentations, a welcome reception, backyard party and celebrity chef cook-off.

Exhibitors on the UK pavilion include:

Certainly Wood 

Certainly Wood is exhibiting for the first time and will have a range of its natural firelighters under the Flamers and KindleFlamer brands. The latter is patented, providing a unique opportunity to sell a firelighter that enables fire lighting without the need for kindling – the ultimate firelighter. The products come in a range of pack sizes to suit all retailers and they are not only perfect for log fires, but charcoal barbecues too.

W2109

www.certainlywood.co.uk

Home 2 Garden 

Home to Garden is passionate about unique, fun, and creative products. 

Since 2004, the company has been supplying home and garden décor products worldwide, capturing the quintessential charm of the traditional English home and garden. 

The range includes mesmerising wind sculptures, enchanting glass ornaments, hand-tuned chimes and dazzling solar lights. 

W2210

www.home2garden.co.uk

Rustins 

Rustins will be exhibiting a variety of water-based paints and primers, including its latest G Shield Electro Smog Shielding Paint. G Shield contains graphene and provides reliable shielding from high frequency electromagnetic fields and low frequency electrical fields. 

Regular paints on show include a selection of black paints with various applications from chalkboards to doorsteps, multi-surface ASAP paint and Small Job 250ml bright colours for those smaller projects around the house. Other brands on display will be Antiquax and Lord Sheraton leather care, Hotspot fireplace care and maintenance, and Wudcare PU/PVA adhesives.

W2111

www.rustins.ltd

Trimetals 

Trimetals has been established for over 50 years and is firmly placed as Europe’s leading producer of quality metal outdoor storage buildings. 

Trimetals will be displaying one of its cycle storage products, accommodating up to three adult cycles. 

Alongside will be the firm’s deck box, available in two sizes: large (74ltr/20 gallon) and small (48ltr/13 gallon), ideal for storage of garden tools, cushions, or sports equipment.  

Trimetals also manufactures garden boxes for lawnmowers, barbecues, tools, furniture and many other applications. 

Trimetals’ products are manufactured in the United Kingdom and are distributed worldwide.

W2108

www.trimetals.co.uk

Visitors are also very welcome to visit the Gardenex UK industry information booth W2208, to meet the team and discover more about the wide range of products offered by the Gardenex membership, international buyer services and information on the UK garden sector.

More information on the UK pavilion and NHS can be found here.

National Hardware Show website.

PATS 2024, reverting to its original title of the Pet & Aquatics Trade Show, will introduce a focussed Aquatics Zone to its three-day exhibition, which takes place at Telford International Centre from Sunday, 29^th September to Tuesday, 1^st October 2024.

The Aquatics Zone will be a dedicated area for aquatics and watergardening exhibitors and will showcase all of the latest launches from the leading manufacturers and suppliers.

“The launch of the Aquatics Zone at PATS is really exciting and has been welcomed by the aquatics and watergardening sector,” said organiser Gordon Thomas.

“We know from our previous attendance figures that 615 retailers who visited PATS Telford in 2023 had an interest in aquatic products, and that was without any of the major content we have now planned for 2024. We will be working hard in the coming months to ensure the leading suppliers and the right buyers make the Aquatics Zone a great success at PATS 2024.”

“To emphasise the importance of the Aquatics Zone we have revived the original name for PATS – the Pet & Aquatics Trade Show.”

The Pet & Aquatics Trade Show will be the biggest ever in the exhibition’s 15-year history and will take over the whole of the Telford International Centre.  It will be exclusively a TRADE ONLY event.

The Zone will be located in Hall 1A of Telford International Centre as shown on the plan below, located next to the show entrance, and can accommodate up to 40 exhibitors. It will also feature its own dedicated New Product Showcase and refreshment area.

Pet product suppliers will again be exhibiting in Halls 1, 2 and 3.  With the new three show days, retailers will also have more opportunity to spend longer at the show and ensure they visit all product sectors.

Aquadip, which has been supplying UK retailers for over 25 years, was one of the first companies to book stand space in the Aquatics Zone and commercial director Joey Abrahams expressed excitement at the prospect of attending.

“As a Dutch-based supplier of live, frozen and dried fish food, aquarium plants and water treatments to UK retail outlets, public aquaria and zoos, I am thrilled to hear that PATS is introducing a dedicated aquatics section into its trade show,” said Joey.

“The fusion of pets and aquatics under one roof promises a great three-day event. It is ideal for us to connect with our existing customers but also to meet potential new ones.

We can showcase our whole range of products and explain that customers do not have to worry about customs or other paperwork since Brexit. This is all covered by our UK entity allowing customers to order without any worries.”

Other leading companies who have already reserved stand space in the Aquatics Zone include ALF, Aqua One, Cloverleaf, Fluval and Exo Terra, OASE, Pettex and Zoomed.

Retailers and buyers can register their interest in visiting PATS 2024 by visiting www.patshow.co.uk, which has all the up-to-date information about the show.

Retailers who sell pond plants are being advised to stop selling plants named as Gunnera manicata because of the likelihood that many plants under that name are the result of crossing with G.tinctoria, which is banned from sale.

Under the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019 G. tinctoria cannot be sold. A recent research paper published by the Royal Horticultural Society asserts that all G.manicata in trade is either the cross between G.manicata and G.tinctoria, or misidentified G. tinctoria. Defra has confirmed that these hybrid plants should therefore not be sold. OATA’s advice also therefore covers Gunnera × cryptica which is the name of the hybrid plant.

“Our advice to retailers is to not stock or sell any giant Gunnera species because, unless their suppliers can prove provenance, it may be a hybrid species,” said OATA Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee.

“Defra has informed us that the cross of G. manicata and G. tinctoria is banned from sale because hybrids of a parent that is banned, in this case G. tinctoria, are also banned under the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019. Although legally, G. manicata can still be sold, we advise it is removed from sale because it is highly unlikely to be pure and it is very difficult to accurately identify young plants.

“We are currently working with DEFRA to understand the invasive potential of the cross and whether trade restrictions are justified.”

OATA recommends the following Gunnera species are not sold:

• G. tinctoria (old name G. chilensis)
• G. × cryptica
• G. manicata (old name G. brasiliensis)

It is important to check the plants you are selling are correctly labelled and match the species sold.

OATA is also aware that there continue to be sales of Gunnera tinctoria – which is illegal to sell. If these are spotted they should be reported using OATA’s online reporting tool on its website. https://ornamentalfish.org/what-we-do/advice-information/report-a-problem/ 

The latest paper on the topic can be found: An investigation of large-leaved Gunnera L. (Gunneraceae) grown outside in Britain and Ireland | Sibbaldia: the International Journal of Botanic Garden Horticulture (rbge.org.uk)

The latest paper on the topic can be found: An investigation of large-leaved Gunnera L. (Gunneraceae) grown outside in Britain and Ireland | Sibbaldia: the International Journal of Botanic Garden Horticulture (rbge.org.uk)

Read the previous RHS paper here and another published on Plos One here.

The Royal Horticultural Society has announced its endorsement of VegTrug, a global leader in raised beds and products designed to help everyone enjoy a grow-your-own lifestyle.

The endorsement covers most of the wide range of VegTrug products, with specific emphasis on the core item: the classic VegTrug, a planter that allows people to easily grow their own fruit, herbs and, of course, vegetables in the smallest spaces. Designed with ergonomics in mind, the raised and unique V-shape of the VegTrug simultaneously allows for shallow and deep growth, a posture-saving working height and easy wheelchair access.

This endorsement also includes the new, very durable VegTub corrugated steel planter, as well as wooden barrels, rectangle planters and the Raised Bed Grow Kit. There will also be smaller versions of the VegTrug for children. All planter products come supplied with liners. The Raised Bed Grow Kit is supplied with a greenhouse frame and cover.

Already a massive seller both online and at garden centres in many countries, this extensive range will now include labelling that offers an ‘Endorsed by the RHS’ logo as well as RHS-supported point of sale material.

This is a significant endorsement for both partners, aligning VegTrug with a world-famous gardening charity. In turn it brings the RHS together with a sustainable lifestyle brand focused on bringing grow-your-own to everyone.

This is important. VegTrug is much more than a successful gardening products company. Like the RHS, its support for home growing is also a strong statement in favour of sustainability at a time when produce can be transported thousands of miles, often after freezing and in environmentally damaging packaging, with all that implies for carbon footprints and the environment.

With VegTrug your food's journey is known to you; the mileage from plant to plate could be no further than from your balcony to your dining room.

In addition home growing is good for you! The physical and mental benefits of growing are a strong part of an RHS message that aims to inspire and connect people with plants, empowering them to grow in any way they choose.

VegTrug was founded in late 2009, a year after the original VegTrug planter was developed. The VegTrug has since gone on to become a design icon and one of the most successful and recognisable garden product brands in the world, with partners offering its range in most territories and an especially strong presence in the UK, Japan, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most of Europe.

VegTrug has been wholly owned by Japanese garden and exterior products group Takasho since 2012 but is still operated by its original founders with a small, tight-knit team.

Paul Owen, co-founder and Managing Director of VegTrug, says: “As a sustainable lifestyle brand focused on bringing grow-your-own to everyone we are delighted to be working with the RHS. This endorsement from the UK’s favourite gardening charity will be a wonderful inspiration for many people to start the New Year by enjoying the undoubted benefits of home growing.”

Cathy Snow, Licensing Manager, RHS, says: “Sustainable growing and living well have been a strong part of the RHS message for many years and working alongside a leading, well-established name in designing and manufacturing high-quality grow-your-own products is a marvellous way to promote that message. We are delighted to be endorsing this impressive range and to be working with VegTrug to support the grow-your-own philosophy.”

Above: Sarah Squire, Chairman, Squire’s Garden Centres (centre), with colleagues. 

Squire’s Garden Centres has launched a new community gardening  programme, ‘Love Where You Live’, which provides a £5,000 fund to support the valuable work of  projects within communities close to its centres.

The initiative will seek to assist up to seven community gardening projects in local areas that exist to educate, grow  produce or provide  health and wellbeing benefits through horticulture.  Applications are invited from projects, initiatives or organisations that bring communities together through their work.  The awards will give financial support and practical advice so initiatives can make a significant step forward - or become a reality - within the communities they serve.

The £5,000 fund will be split into seven awards made up of three £1,000 awards and four awards of £500.   Projects selected will be confirmed mid-March and scheduled to run throughout spring and summer, culminating at the end of July 2024.  Awards made will be in the form of Squire’s vouchers so recipients can choose plants, tools and other gardening supplies according to their own needs. Projects will be selected from those close to Squire’s 16 garden centres, so colleagues can offer appropriate support.

To be considered, projects must be within a 10-mile radius of a Squire’s Garden Centre and be able to demonstrate a clear benefit to the wider community. Greater weight will be given to projects that are  accessible to anyone in the local area, but spaces benefiting a group with particular needs may be considered. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that the project will be well maintained beyond the award period.  Interested organisations are invited to make applications via Squire’s website until 29 February 2024.  

Above: Squire’s ‘Love Where You Live’ community-based gardening programme. 

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: “Supporting the communities we serve has always been at the heart of our business.  Squire’s is about bringing plants and people together and our new award programme ‘Love Where You Live’, will celebrate this. 

“Being outside and gardening have long been a source of benefit to mental and physical wellbeing. There has certainly been an increase in communities coming together in recent years through horticulture as it provides a positive platform for good. We are confident our ‘Love Where You Live’ programme will deliver much-needed assistance to local projects.

“These awards continue our support of our communities and will work alongside our long standing and successful ‘Charity of the Year’ programme, which sees each of our 16 centres working with one local charity for the duration of a year. In collaboration, our garden centre teams and their nominated charities work together raising funds through a series of initiatives ranging from raffles, collection boxes, charity events as well as through physical challenges like climbing Snowdon or a charity run. Over the years our teams have raised some fantastic amounts for their chosen charities, given back to the community, had lots of fun and importantly, forged some long-standing relationships with our charity partners and the community.”

David Austin, the renowned breeders of English roses, has announced a significant £10,000 donation to Grow to Know, a West London-based community of guerrilla gardeners founded in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. 

This charitable contribution is a testament to the breeder’s commitment to fostering inclusivity in the horticultural scene and supporting initiatives that reconnect people with nature and one another.

This generous contribution follows the unveiling of the new rose for 2023, Dannahue, at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May. Dannahue, a captivating apricot, fruity-scented English rose, named after the birth-name of Danny Clarke, The Black Gardener and Grow to Know's Director of Gardens. This rose marks the culmination of a remarkable 12-year breeding programme by David Austin Roses and the company’s dedication to diversity and unity in the world of gardening.

Under the vision of Founding Director Tayshan Hayden-Smith and Danny Clarke, emerged Grow to Know as a healing force following the tragic events of the Grenfell Tower fire. This resilient community of guerrilla gardeners has been actively engaged in transforming spaces and fostering a sense of community through their shared love for horticulture.

Speaking on the donation and the newly introduced Dannahue rose, David Austin, CEO, expressed: “At David Austin Roses, we believe in the power of nature to heal and unite communities. Grow to Know’s dedication to creating a more inclusive and nurturing environment aligns seamlessly with our values. We are honoured to contribute £10,000 to support their initiatives and that our Dannahue rose acts as a symbol of unity and diversity within the world of gardening.”

Danny Clarke of Grow to Know expressed gratitude for the generous donation, stating: “We are deeply thankful to David Austin Roses for their support. This donation will enable us to expand our community projects and continue our mission of fostering healing through gardening.”

David Austin Roses looks forward to a flourishing partnership with Grow to Know, contributing to the growth of a more inclusive and connected gardening community.

When launching a new tool brand, one that is full of industry firsts and game-changing design innovations, the marketplace sits up and notices. But when you add in a famous face, one that has adorned our screens for over 20 years and inspired a generation of gardeners, as the brand’s ambassador, it suddenly becomes an even more exciting proposition for retailers and consumers alike. Introducing David Domoney as the AMES Tools’ Brand Ambassador.

David Domoney, Chartered Horticulturist, TV regular, writer and campaigner, has come on board to help demystify gardening and allow shoppers to understand the AMES Tools difference. Recognising that the offering provides something unique whilst arming gardeners with all the know-how they need to triumph with tools in the garden, David will be creating content to educate and inspire shoppers. Here, he tells us more about the ambassador role.

Demystifying tools

Having been immersed in gardening for much of his life, David has used more garden tools than most. He recognises quality, understands why their design and materials play such an important part, and he appreciates that the variety of tools on offer can also be a confusing proposition to many. “I want to use my AMES Tools ambassador role to help gardeners gain new confidence in the tools they are purchasing. By outlining each tool’s particular use, highlighting why the unique design features matter and the difference they will make in the garden, and explaining how these differences make one tool unique against another, I hope that shoppers will have the confidence to build a tool collection that will best suit their needs both now and long into the future, and will get a better overall experience. This isn’t about having a shed full of rarely used tools. Instead, I want gardeners, no matter their experience, to carefully curate a collection that will cater for every task in the garden.”

Making gardening pleasurable 

“With 40 years of experience as a professional horticulturalist, it’s easy for me to talk about the joys of gardening, but I recognise that for many new gardeners, the task at hand can be confusing at first. I firmly believe that much of this confusion can be alleviated with the proper knowledge and the right garden tool for each garden task at your fingertips. 

“Regarding tools, the two biggest issues that impact pleasure are using the wrong tools for the job and ensuring the ones you are using are comfortable. Through the educational content I‘ve created for the AMES Companies, shoppers will be armed with the right info, but it is the AMES Tool team that has tackled the comfort aspect. Throughout the range, you will see solutions to common issues that are designed to increase usability, comfort, and ergonomics. Longer shanks, double rivets, improved head-to-handle ratio, and no weld points are some of the basic design principles that have been implemented to make using the tools an easier, lighter and more enjoyable experience. Then you have innovation exclusive to AMES Tools, including the Comfort Step™ or the Extra-Wide Leaf Rake, which has gone above and beyond to provide new solutions to common problems.”

Education is important

David’s ambassador role will also see him offer monthly gardening tips, including showcasing the perfect tool to get the job done. Featuring short- and long-content videos plus regular blog content, David and AMES Tools is set to become a vital resource for gardeners wanting to make 2024 their best gardening year yet. 

“With the right information and the best tools at hand, we hope to help many more gardeners to have great success in the garden throughout 2024, and that we can give a new generation of gardeners the confidence to get there and start their gardening journey with ease.”

AMES Tools – the journey begins

Launched at Glee 2023, AMES Tools has already garnered a strong response from all corners of the garden retail sector. Stock is already finding its home in UK garden centres, supported by a brand-new state-of-the-art warehouse and logistics system to ensure optimum stock availability throughout the season.

Find out more

To stay updated with all things AMES Tools, 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.ames-tools.co.uk. Further details about the AMES Companies by visiting www.ames-uk.com

Spring Fair, the UK's most popular, diverse, and trend led marketplace for home, gift, fashion and everyday, has announced that British fashion and textile designer and pioneer Dame Zandra Rhodes will take to the Inspiring Retail Stage for a fireside chat with retail analyst Natalie Berg, exploring her remarkable journey in design, leadership, and innovation.

The Fabric of Success: Dame Zandra Rhodes on Reinventing Fashion and Retail Leadership will take place at 12.30pm on Wednesday 7th February in Hall 2 within Moda, Spring Fair’s trusted fashion destination. Delving into her origin story, the evolution of British fashion, and her pioneering role in home furnishings, discover how her unique style and daring collaborations shaped her brand, drove innovation and legacy. This session is a must-watch for those interested in the intersection of retail creativity, industry advocacy and the cultivation of female leadership in retail.

Where fashion meets insight, the Inspiring Retail Stage will welcome industry icons and experts to share their experiences, stories, and advocacy across four days. A hub for thought-provoking keynotes including Theo Paphitis, Kris Hamer of the British Retail Consortium and ESG pioneer Paul Wright, and the vibrant Moda catwalks showcasing the latest fashion trends, the Inspiring Retail Stage is the perfect place to find inspiration for refreshing your retail rails and stay ahead of the curve.

As the trusted fashion destination within Spring Fair, Moda is one of the UK’s longest-standing fashion trade shows. Moda provides an essential hub for creativity, collaboration and trading while claiming its place as the fashion destination at the UK’s largest marketplace for home, gift and fashion.

Inspiring retail’s creators and curators, Spring Fair has brought the industry together for over 70 years so retail's people can discover the latest products and trends. The next show will be an inspirational experience dedicated to the magic of discovery. Buyers will see, touch and experience thousands of the latest products across four key destinations - Home, Gift, Moda, and Everyday - and 13 definitive sectors. An efficient show layout designed around buyer’s needs will mean less time spent finding suppliers and products and more time experiencing them and everything else the show has to offer.

For more information please visit www.springfair.com.

Charles Taylor, the market leaders in the UK, have an opportunity for a sales agent.

Charles Taylor have firmly established itself within the industry in the last ten years and continues to add new buisness to its loyal customer base:

• UK manufactured products
• 100% Stock levels
• FSC sustainbly sourced materials
• Diverse and unique DHD white glove service
• Exhibit at the leading trade shows within the UK
• Attractive commission scheme
• Dedicated sales area

To apply for the sales position please contact-

richard@charlestaylortrading.com

www.charlestaylortrading.com

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The Bransford Webbs Plant Company has announced it has achieved BS855:2016 certification for our Environmental Management Systems for the 15th consecutive year, following a recent audit.

Since 2008, we have continually strived to improve our environmental credentials, of which this accreditation is a key part. Sustainability is at the heart of Bransford Webbs as we constantly look to reduce our impact on the environment. 

Mark Jenkins, in his new role of Environmental and Health & Safety Co-Ordinator, has direct responsibility for our annual Environmental Management Systems Accreditation, as well as providing support to the Nursery and Technical Teams, and the role of Health and Safety Supervisor.    

“Mark has been one of our very experienced nursery supervisors for 25 years," commented Christine Burton, Joint Managing Director.

“We are very pleased that he has recently developed his role further by becoming the Environmental and H+S Coordinator for the business, many congratulations."

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has compiled a list of plants to correspond with Pantone Color Institute’s Colour of the Year 2024.

 ‘Peach Fuzz’ was the colour selected for the 25th year of the programme, which the Institute believes conjures an image and feeling of “our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It’s a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul.”

For gardeners planning to use this signature colour there is no shortage of peachy tones and textures to be found in horticulture, whether in the delicate petals of spring favourites such as Narcissus ‘Waldorf Astoria’, or the late summer beauty of Dahlia ‘Labyrinth’, or even indoors on a flowering cactus.

‘Peach Fuzz’ was found to be a match for colour 26D in the RHS Colour Chart – the tool for documenting plant colour worldwide. Curators of the RHS Herbarium have matched Pantone Peach Fuzz to a list of plants which can be grown in a range of spaces, big and small. Gardeners can experience the warmth and joy of ‘Peach Fuzz’ simply by introducing a few of these top ten matches into their gardens and homes:

1. Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Enbee Wedding': a half-hardy perennial that grows to 1m in height, with divided foliage and sprays of single flowers whose rays are yellowish-pink tinged with light coral pink, and creamy-yellow on reverse.

2. Dahlia ‘Labyrinth’: a tuberous-rooted perennial with dark green foliage. Its large, flamboyant flowers, up to 20cm across, have peachy petals, gently curled and twisted to reveal the darker pink undersides, and are produced from mid-summer to the first frost.

3. Kniphofia ‘Toffee Nosed’: Ideal for sunny banks and borders these exotic looking hardy perennials have slender leaves and ivory flowers turning a light toffee brown at the tips. Flowers between June and September and grows up to 100cm.

4. Lilium rosthornii: a Chinese lily, with soft golden-orange blooms, which has only become available in recent years. Easily and readily grown in light- or part-shade in a humus-rich soil.

5. Narcissus ‘Waldorf Astoria’: A double daffodil with large flowers in mid spring. These have three rows of broad, white petals, interspersed with shorter, pinky-orange corona segments. Enjoys full sun or partial shade in a moist but well-drained position.

6. Potentilla fruticosa 'Daydawn': A spreading, bushy deciduous shrub to 80cm tall, with small, pinnate leaves and saucer-shaped pale yellow flowers tinged yellow and pink, from early summer to early autumn

7. Rebutia 'Apricot Ice': a hybrid rebutia cactus, comprising barrel-shaped stems with soft, hair-like spines, and large, star-shaped orange blooms, which fade to apricot-pink. Easy to grow and makes a great beginner’s houseplant.

8. Rhododendron 'Hanger's Flame': a dazzling and lightly scented variety of the much loved shrub, with orange flowers that feature a slightly more golden tint on the upper lobes. Flowers in May and June.

10. Rosa JOIE DE VIVRE ('Korflociol'): A small shrub reaching about 60cm in height. It flowers repeatedly through the summer and autumn. The scented blooms are double and rosette in form with a peachy pink and cream colour. Needs a moist but well-drained position in full sun.
11. Verbascum 'Tropic Sun': A tall perennial – reaches up to 1.5m - developing from a rosette of large leaves. The flowers are yellow flushed with peachy-orange with a red eye.

For more information about the RHS herbarium and plants detailed above visit www.rhs.org.uk

AIPH has announced that the prestigious gala dinner and awards ceremony for the AIPH World Green City Awards 2024 will take place in the City of Utrecht at the Future Green City World Congress in September 2024.

The prestigious Awards ceremony will take the form of a dedicated gala dinner, set to be hosted on 25th September 2024 at the Royal Jaarbeurs in the heart of the City of Utrecht, Netherlands. The momentous occasion forms an integrated part of the official program of the first Future Green City World Congress, which is a global four-day event organised by the Royal Association Stadswerk the Netherlands, the Royal Dutch Society for Garden Designers and Landscapers (VHG), and the City of Utrecht.

“We are thrilled to be joining forces with Stadswerk, VHG and the City of Utrecht, a Finalist in the inaugural 2022 edition of the AIPH World Green City Awards, to host the highly anticipated 2024 Awards ceremony,” says Mr. Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General, AIPH. “At the gala dinner, we will celebrate bold and ambitious action by cities who are leading the way in championing the power of plants and nature- a shared ambition that is a perfect fit against the backdrop of the Future Green City World Congress.”

The Future Green City World Congress will be held from 23rd – 26th September 2024 at the Beatrix Theatre in Utrecht., with over 3000 experts from around the world expected to attend and share their passion and knowledge for shaping greener cities of the future.

“We are thrilled that the World Green Cities Awards Ceremony will be held in Utrecht next year. As a former nominee but also as a city that feels the impact of climate change already in everyday life, we strongly believe we must join forces in order to create healthier, more adaptive cities worldwide. The AIPH World Green Cities Awards share that belief and our ambition. I look forward to welcome everyone in Utrecht next year”- Ms. Sharon Dijksma, Mayor of Utrecht.

The Congress brings together the worlds of urban greening and civil engineering, with AIPH and our valued partners joining the cooperation with World Urban Parks (WUP) and the International Federation of Municipal Engineering (IFME) to bring the event to life. AIPH will contribute to the programme through the organisation of several workshops designed to promote the urban greening work of cities from around the world across the seven award categories offered in the 2024 edition of the AIPH World Green City Awards.

Connecting all professionals and decision makers in the urban greening sector, the Congress boasts an exciting programme which will showcase the most inspiring examples of green city transformations from all over the world, making it the perfect global stage on which to celebrate the Finalists and winners of the AIPH World Green City Awards 2024.

“We believe that resilient, liveable urban environments with nature-based solutions can only be built through strong cooperation with civil engineers and green professionals. The AIPH World Green City Awards showcase the best urban greening initiatives in cities across the globe. We are honoured to be hosting the Awards ceremony and to be celebrating leading cities at the Future Green City World Congress”- Mr. Maarten Loeffen, CEO, Stadswerk.

All 21 Finalist cities will be invited to benefit from attending the full four-day programme offered by the Future Green City World Congress. Finalist certificates will be presented at the gala dinner, which is also the moment at which the 7 category winners and the Grand Winner of the AIPH World Green City Awards 2024 will be announced and awarded their trophies.

The time is now, like never before, to come together in unity to shape the greener, healthier, and more resilient cities of the future. AIPH and the network of partners for the AIPH World Green City Awards invite you to join us at the Future Green City World Congress in Utrecht in 2024. Registration for the Congress and the Awards ceremony gala dinner will open in early 2024. Contributions to the program are invited with proposal submissions accepted here.

To stay informed of upcoming news and announcements, AIPH invites you to subscribe to the monthly AIPH Global Green City Update and join the AIPH Global Green City Forum.

The Eden Project has announced a number of group activities starting during January which aim to bring people closer to nature and each other.

Spending time in green spaces has been shown to have a positive impact on physiology with decreased stress levels and boosted creativity and productivity. Part of Eden’s Nature Connections initiative, activities aim to improve participant’s health and wellbeing whilst also providing the opportunity to learn, meet other people and observe how Eden grows and changes throughout the winter months.

Nature Connections is a collection of nature-based activities, workshops and courses that have been delivered to members of the community, many through social prescribing, professional and self-referral, since the first health walks in 2005. It includes a range of nature-based activities, with something on offer for every stage of life, from babies and toddlers with their parents or grandparents, to young people, through to adults and older people.  

Among the new offerings for 2024 is Creating Connections, a programme of activities for young people aged under 25. As part of this, a new nature-based photography course is launching on January 27.

The six-week course will explore basic photography techniques, such as composition and lighting through the use of camera phones, with Eden’s plants and landscapes providing the perfect subject matter to spark creativity and engage with nature.

The course will show how using devices to connect with what we see, when we turn our attention outwards, is a powerful tool to improve our health and wellbeing.

Also new for 2024 are Wonder Workshops. Taking place on select Fridays from January 26, these 90-minute facilitated sessions have been created to provide a friendly and sociable experience for adults seeking to learn more about the wonders of nature, trying new creative activities while connecting with others.

Participants will be led on a journey through Eden's vast living collection of plants, discovering the impact they have on our day-to-day lives. Each week will focus on a different plant, igniting curiosity and uncovering our connections to them.

Returning as part of Nature Connections are a series of ever-popular activities for under-fives and their families, which are designed to help young children understand and connect with the natural world around them. Music in the Med will recommence from January 25 and Yoga Buds from January 26. These will then be followed by Little Eden – a weekly club set in Eden’s wild perimeters -which restarts from February 20.

Sam Alford, Eden’s Head of Nature Connections, said: “It feels fantastic to be able to kickstart a new year at Eden with the launch of a whole host of activities for Nature Connections.

“We know that a visit to a green space can be beneficial to our physical and mental wellbeing, particularly during this time of the year. Having our Biomes to provide a nature-filled, biodiverse and undercover space, alongside our beautiful Outdoor Gardens and vast Outer Estate, allows us to run varied activities with something for everyone.

“As Nature Connections continues to build as an initiative, we’ll have news on more activities and courses in the near future.”

Eden has been delivering activities to support the health of local community members since 2005, when it was selected as a venue to host a weekly walk for people with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Since 2016 the team have been working closely with local GPs and health practitioners through social prescribing.

The Nature Connections scheme also runs a friendly weekly walking group, specifically designed for adults who would benefit from increased activity to support their health and wellbeing. Every Friday, one-hour walks take place for anyone who would benefit from increased activity, accessing Eden’s beautiful green gardens and being part of a supportive group. 

The team also facilitate horticultural therapy programmes in Eden’s Outer Estate, for those experiencing health-related problems, designed to improve mental and physical wellbeing. The programmes provide a quiet space to be in nature and a chance to develop practical gardening skills.  New introductory courses will start in February. 

Nature Connections is supported by the Pears Foundation, Cornwall Council, The Royal Cornwall Hospital Charity and NHS Charities Together. The Creating Connections photography course is funded by the Cornwall Community Fund. The Wonder Workshops have been made possible thanks to the Albert Van den Bergh Charitable Trust.

Many of the Nature Connections activities are free to attend, such as those that available through social prescribing or other referral routes. Pre-booking or pre-arrangement is essential. 

Nature Connections is a core part of Eden’s commitment to health and wellbeing. Other events include free weekly park runs on Saturdays, the annual Eden Project Marathon and Half Marathon (October 20) and the annual Reclaim weekend of invigorating talks, inspiring workshops and events curated to support mental and planetary wellbeing – free for students and 17-25-year-olds (January 27 – 28).

More information can be found at www.edenproject.com.

Prominent researchers from around the globe will present their findings on the health benefits of urban greening at the ‘Living Green, Liveable Cities’ Research Symposium on 4-5 February 2024 at Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar.

Organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) in collaboration with Cities & Health and Expo 2023 Doha Qatar, the symposium presents research under three themes which demonstrate the contribution of ‘living green’ to healthy and resilient cities: Social and Cultural Health, Health and Wellbeing, and Environmental Health.

The Symposium comprises four sessions focusing on these key themes. Each session will include a talk by a keynote speaker as well as presentations of research findings from other key persons studying the subjects. Keynote speakers include: Dr Bruno Marques, President of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA); Judith van der Poel, Director of Niek Roozen Landscape; and Dr Gayle Souter-Brown, Special Envoy from IFLA to the International Society of Urban Health.

In the  Living Green for ‘Social and Cultural Health’ session, Dr Bruno Marques will explore the relationship between culture, environment, and the construction of therapeutic environments. He will draw on research linking social and cultural determinants of health with different views of health and well-being. Crucially, Bruno will present compelling evidence that incorporating non-Western perspectives can address health inequalities and offer valuable insights into the design of therapeutic environments.

Judith van der Poel will lead the Living Green for ‘Environmental Health’ session, presenting her work with universities and municipalities to combine knowledge of the effects of green solutions for typical areas in cities. Together, they have investigated which types of locations have the largest impact on city health.

Starting the Living Green for ‘Health and Wellbeing’ session, Dr Gayle Souter-Brown will speak about research surrounding how urban greening can be utilised to impact the health of ‘apparently well’ people. While there is a wealth of evidence that greenery can improve health in sick or disabled people, how plants impact those who are ‘apparently well’ is a newly emerging area of study.

Other speakers include:

• Aura Istrate, Lecturer/Assistant Professor in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Dublin
• Lauriane Chalmin-Pui, Wellbeing Fellow at the Royal Horticultural Society and Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Sheffield
• Dr Irfan Khan, Architect at the Central Public Works Department, Government of India
• Dr Christine Mullan-Jensen, Environmental psychologist and qualitative researcher based in Ireland
• Dr Marcello Vitale, Associate Professor,  Sapienza University of Rome, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Natural Sciences

Dr Audrey Timm, Technical Initiatives Manager, AIPH, says: “A core feature of this symposium is the link between science and practice, which has immense relevance for the future of cities, even outside the subject field of ornamental horticulture. AIPH is delighted with the diversity and quality of research that is presented in this programme.”

In addition to the research sessions, the Symposium includes a VIP tour of Expo 2023 Doha Qatar and tours of key locations within the Doha Municipality relating to the Symposium themes.

The Research Symposium accompanies the special Cities & Health journal issue, also titled ‘Living Green, Liveable Cities’. This special issue was instigated by AIPH and Expo 2023 Doha Qatar to investigate the science and practice supporting the concept showcased the Expo of creating liveable and healthy urban environments through city greening.

Tickets for the two day Research Symposium are £100. For more information and to book your place, please visit the AIPH Website.

LOFA has issued a warning that its members are facing shipping delays and rising costs following terrorist attacks on cargo vessels in the Red Sea.

The Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association has issued the following statement: “Amidst a turbulent three years, our hopes for a calmer 2024 have been dashed. The industry now faces yet another hurdle, courtesy of Yemen Houthis. Since November, they have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea as a show of support for Hamas. As a result, major shipping companies used by LOFA members have been forced to detour around Africa's Cape of Good Hope instead of using the Suez Canal, incurring longer journeys and higher costs.

“Avoiding the Suez Canal, which handles approximately 12% of global trade, will add 10-14 days and 3500 nautical miles to shipping routes. Although the situation in the Red Sea is unpredictable and adjustments may be made if security improves, shipping companies are once again increasing costs, to the detriment of supply chains. While the cost increase may not reach COVID levels, it is feared that this disruption could also drive-up oil prices, leading to higher fuel prices and inflation.

“LOFA members will do their best to alleviate this situation, but they cannot sustain another massive hike in container costs. They may have no choice but to pass on these significant increases down the supply chain. Some companies are already facing resistance from customers regarding these surcharges, but it is important to understand that suppliers have limited control over pricing in rare Force Majeure events such as these. 

“To address the threat in the Red Sea, the US has launched an international naval operation, joined by nations like the UK, Canada, France, Bahrain, Norway, and Spain. However, some shipping companies remain wary of resuming operations immediately, concerned about container shortages and port congestion that could result from extended vessel rotations.

“Regardless of the results of military intervention and a resumed Suez route, it seems likely that higher costs and delays will continue in the run up to and possibly well beyond Chinese New Year. The situation will not only impact the outdoor leisure industry but will affect all supply chains routing through the Suez Canal.”

Sipcam Home & Garden have started the new year with a bang, with the news that their owners Sipcam Oxon have acquired the Blumen Group.

Founded in 1980, Blumen is a well-known company in the Italian gardening industry. Today Blumen Group operates with the brands such as Blumen Vegetable Seeds, Landen, Master Green and with other brands acquired in recent years such as Four (2001) Olter (2008), Crescita Miracolosa (2010), Dueci, Fito and Get Off (2015). Blumen Group is a market leader in Italy with a turnover of over 35 million euros.

Sipcam Oxon is a private Italian industrial group and has been operating for over 75 years in the production and marketing of agrochemicals, chemical intermediates, organic products, biostimulants, plant growth regulators, fertilizers and seeds intended for the world of agriculture. It is active in all continents with a turnover of over 700 million euros and more than 1,200 employees, of which 500 are in Italy. 

Developing the consumer market

In the last decade Sipcam Oxon has started to create more consumer products for hobby gardeners. They started this project with a branch in Spain (Sipcam Jardín), Brazil (Sipcam Jardim) and a branch in England called Sipcam Home & Garden, founded in 2018.

Blumen’s hobby gardening portfolio specialising in seeds, houseplant care and pet training products was of key interest in the acquisition, with brands such a FITO and GET OFF already having a well-known reputation in the UK consumer market, and already being distributed in the UK by Sipcam Home & Garden. 

Developing consumer brands

With the acquisition, this means the FITO & GET OFF brands will sit within Sipcam’s UK offering alongside brands such as ecofective, SPOT-ON and Patio-Blast. Now the Sipcam Home & Garden team will have access to new and improved products within these two established brands.

With the two companies being different in structure and specialism, Blumen will continue to operate independently, giving continuity to the work already done. However, Sipcam Home & Garden will now work in unison with Blumen to bring a wider and even more extensive portfolio to gardeners and pet lovers in the UK.

Talking about the acquisition Matt Jones, General Manager of Sipcam Home & Garden said: "We welcome Blumen’s brands and expertise into our unique portfolio. We are thrilled to be able to further develop brands such as FITO & GET OFF. This continues an already well-established distribution relationship, and we are therefore ready to continue distributing Blumen products in the UK in 2024. We have already begun plans for product development and we are excited to share new concepts with our customers next year."

Sipcam Home & Garden are the home of innovative solutions for home, pet, and garden care. They provide quality assured, cost-effective solutions to help deal with the common problems and tasks in and around the home and garden.

If you are a garden or pet retailer talk to the Sipcam team today about their unique home, pet, and garden solutions – enquiries@sipcamhg.co.uk.

Brits buy into ‘easy gardening’ as interest in artificial outdoor plants rises, according to new insight from luxury faux plant and flower specialist, Blooming Artificial.

• Artificial outdoor plants and trees are topping the brand’s bestseller list, with the five most-sold products in 2023 belonging to the category.
• Blooming Artificial customers claim they purchase faux plants and flowers as they do not have time for the upkeep of real varieties.
• Brits are searching for artificial outdoor plants five times more frequently than for artificial indoor plants.

This growing preference for low-maintenance gardens seems set to stay through 2024, as the nation looks to spend more time relaxing in their spaces than maintaining them. 42% of respondents to a recent Blooming Artificial survey claimed that they purchase faux plants as they do not have time for the upkeep of real varieties. Meanwhile, nearly two-thirds (63%) of participants claim that they opt for artificial plants due to their durability, in that they are long-lasting. 

While searches for faux outdoor plants outweigh those for houseplants, there also seems to be an inclination toward statement pieces -  ‘large artificial outdoor plants’ has become a rising search trend in the UK, with a 50% increase in interest. Globally, people are searching for the ‘most realistic artificial outdoor plants’, which has recently experienced a massive 300% increase in search interest.

This demand is reflected in Blooming Artificial’s best-selling products of 2023:

1. Areca palm - 4.45% of total sales
2. Bay laurel tree - 4.08% of total sales
3. Bay laurel bush ball - 2.96% of total sales
4. Oriental bamboo - 2.6% of total sales
5. Cedar spiral - 2.42% of total sales

Embracing the ‘tropicalcore’ trend, which has now surpassed 40 million views on TikTok, the brand sold more Artificial Areca Palms than any other product in 2023, accounting for 8.5% of yearly revenue. Sales in the last month alone are up 46.5% compared to the same period the year before.

As we start 2024, Blooming Artificial predicts the Cedar Spiral to continue moving up the best sellers list, as sales in the last month increased by 137% compared to the same period last year. New contenders are also expected, with Vanilla Grass and Pansy Bushes experiencing a recent spike in sales, at 152% and 59% respectively.

The brand also reports strong growth for large broad-leaf greenery, with items such as Strelitzias and Fiddle Leafs witnessing an increase in demand through 2023 which looks set to continue in 2024.

Alick Burnett, the brand’s managing director, comments, “Looking ahead in 2024, we expect there to be a continuing desire for low-maintenance artificial plants – particularly ranges that are aesthetically pleasing but difficult to grow in the UK like palms and other exotics.

“As people’s lives only seem to get busier, so we anticipate this demand for our artificial plants to remain strong; reflecting a desire for the aesthetic value that plants bring to both interior and exteriors, combined with a need for the convenience and low-hassle nature that faux varieties offer.”

Blooming Artificial’s customer survey also revealed that 9 in 10 customers are purchasing plants and flowers for their own homes rather than gifting - surprisingly, only 5% of respondents were making their purchase as a gift. And finally, nowhere in the UK bought as many artificial plants and flowers as shoppers in the South East, with 18% of respondents located in the region.

Blooming Artificial’s 2023 wrap-up can be read on the brand’s website.

One in three consumers now give their houseplant a name, and Westland Horticulture’s research reveals traditional British names such as Bill, Ben, and Charlie top the list of the most popular name choices.  

Houseplants continue to grow in popularity and are now considered an essential décor item that no living space is complete without. To celebrate National Houseplant Week, taking place from 8^th – 14^th January, a survey by Westland Horticulture has found that over 1 in 3 (38%*) Brits name their houseplants. The research of over 1,500 consumers, found that the most popular names people chose to name their plants are Bill, Ben, Charlie, Vera, Bertie, and Bob. 

Houseplants allow everyone to connect with nature. Access to a garden space is at a premium, with Westland’s research finding that over 12% of consumers have no access to an outdoor garden or balcony. The survey recorded that 78% of us now chose to brighten up our living areas with at least one indoor plant.  

An indoor garden offers a wealth of benefits. Studies have confirmed that plants can purify the air we breathe inside our homes¹, which helps promote quality sleep, they also reduce depression² and lower stress levels³ - so for this National Plant Week, Westland is encouraging consumers to welcome a houseplant or two into their homes and reap the rewards of becoming a plant parent.

Online Hub For Houseplant Health

Westland understands that even the most experienced houseplant enthusiast needs a little help and advice every now and again. In celebration of houseplant loving Brits, this January, Westland has launched an online educational hub for consumers to find advice on all their houseplant needs and a series of helpful videos. The educational hub and the Beneath The Leaf playlist, hosted on Westland’s YouTube channel, aims to simplify repotting, growth and maintenance, making it easy for every plant parent to have a thriving indoor jungle. Viewers can follow step by step videos on propagation, common houseplant problems and how to remedy them, and even how to repot plants to keep them lush and healthy.

Indoor range

Westland is also has a range of products that have been meticulously developed to improve the health of every houseplant in every home. The potting mixes incorporate Seramis^® granules for a natural way to enhance water management, as well as zinc complex to stimulate over 80% more root growth, which reduces stress after repotting for happier, healthier plants. 

To cater to the differing nutritional needs of plants, Westland’s easy-dosing feeds are packed full of essential nutrients that promote vibrant growth and flowering. The range includes an easy dosing system to provide the perfect amount of food for houseplants, orchids, cacti, succulents, bonsai, and citrus plants. The collection also features droplet feeders, mists, orchid water, and a watering indicator to make caring for houseplants simpler than ever.  

Helen Amos, Head of Category, at Westland, commented: “We strive to revolutionise the way houseplant owners care for their plants with our 2024 indoor collection and our online educational hub. Through innovation, education, and performance-led products, we are dedicated to enabling everyone to create a thriving indoor garden. We were thrilled to learn that almost 40% of consumers name their houseplants, which demonstrates just how many of us see plants as a beloved addition to our home. Caring for plants and helping them flourish supports both our physical and mental well-being, they brighten up living areas, and even improve the air quality, and we want everyone to enjoy the many benefits that come with welcoming plants into your home.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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