In This Issue
GCA members reminded to book places for first face-to-face conference since 2020
Greenfingers Challenge Cup to return at GCA Conference
More than 300 new launches from Smart Garden Products
Surprise in store for Hogewoning customers at Harrogate Christmas & Gifts show
Meadow View Stone working collaboratively for sustainability 
Perrywood raises over £45,000 for local community
Garden centre get sets to open new 100-seater restaurant overlooking Rutland Water
Turf grower challenges industry to become truly green
Bents' Finance Director retires after nearly 30 years
Hillier Nurseries continues to pass on its wealth of knowledge as key growers retire
New Greenworks 60v Battery-Powered Ride-on Lawnmowers make light of large lawns
British Garden Centres highlight gardening trends for 2023
Greensleeves celebrates third consecutive record-breaking year of growth
Spring Fair puts the spotlight on pets
INDX Homewares and INDX Furniture pack more into 2023 shows as buyer remits consolidate further
Alan Roper Interview in GTN's December Sustainability Directory Issue, read on-line here
Get your copy of GTN Xtra
Evergreen Garden Care announces changes at leadership level
HTA response to the GB Plant Biosecurity Strategy 2023 to 2028
Christmas footfall highest since pandemic began
Horticultural scholarship makes such a difference
Spring and Autumn Fair promotes Alejandra Campos to Event Director
Revealed: The UK’s Most Popular Houseplant of 2023
The best of last week's
Caroline Owen takes over as chair of the Tillington Group
Barnsfold Nurseries acquired by D.J. Squire & Co Ltd
That was the year that was... 2022
Kelkay partner with Brett Landscaping
New DIY sector set to create opportunities for retailers
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
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GTN October 2022 Issue. To view a digital version click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Greenfingers Challenge Cup to return at GCA Conference

 

Garden centre and horticultural industry staff can now sign up for a FUNdraising event being held at the Garden Centre Association’s annual conference (January 22 until 25, 2023).

 

Teams will compete for the Greenfingers Challenge Cup on January 22 to raise money for Greenfingers, a national charity dedicated to creating magical and inspiring gardens in children’s hospices across the UK.

 

Guy Topping, MD at Barton Grange Garden Centre, who has regularly captained The Pansies team, made up of garden centre owners and staff, said: “We are so thrilled that the Greenfingers Challenge Cup is back for 2023 and we are looking forward to a great battle.

 

“This year, the Pansies, headed up by Will Blake, and The Cabbages, captained by Ian Flounders from Woodlodge Products will go head-to-head in a variety of activities, including bowling, crazy golf, crazy pool and curling at The Flower Bowl Entertainment Venue.

 

“In 2020, when we had our last face-to-face event pre-Covid, we raised £12,000 for the charity and we’re hoping to smash that total this year, so we’re asking anyone who hasn’t yet signed up, and would like to, to do so via the conference booking page at www.gca.org.uk.”

 

Delegates will arrive from 5pm and be taken to The Ocean Restaurant for a fish and chip supper followed by the fun and games.

 

Guy added: “The Pansies lifted the cup in 2020 and we’re confident we will retain the trophy this time around too, however, our main aim is to raise as much money as possible to help our fantastic charity and we hope lots of people get involved.”

 

The fundraising is centered around sponsorship of the event and Guy is asking all GCA members, both full and associate, to make a charitable donation of £1,000 to support Greenfingers Charity’s Silver Appeal and be a sponsor. All sponsors will be included in a Grand Draw on the Tuesday night of the conference, where one lucky company will walk away with an array of prizes.

 

Established in 1999, Greenfingers Charity supports life-limited children who use hospices around the UK, along with their families, by creating outdoor spaces for them to enjoy with family, friends and siblings, whether through play and fun or therapeutic rest and relaxation.

 

To date, it has created almost 70 gardens and outdoor spaces in hospices around the country and has a waiting list of hospices that need its help now.

 

The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.

 

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

 

The GCA’s annual conference takes place at the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa in Blackburn, Lancashire from January 22 until 25, 2023 and places can be booked via www.gca.org.uk.

 

The conference pages on the website will be updated with speaker announcements and full listings as the programme develops and exact timings are confirmed. There is also a dedicated email for any queries members, and those wishing to book for the event, may have: conference@gca.org.uk.

 

For further information, please visit www.gca.org.uk.

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