Langlands currently raise over a third of the plants they sell in specialised covered areas at their Shiptonthorpe site. By moving their growing operations to the extensive glasshouses, which currently occupy 5 acres at HOSM, which are currently used exclusively for raising lettuce, it is hoped that this figure can be increased to around 90% of all the plants they sell. In addition, this will free up space at Shiptonthorpe to allow for further improvement and development of the garden centre and catering facilities. 

“This is a great opportunity for us to get back to our roots," says James Ducker, director at Langlands Nurseries. “With the glasshouses at HOSM, Langlands will be able to grow a much wider variety and volume of plants in-house. This is good news for our customers and for the environment, and a pretty exciting prospect for us as a company, as you can imagine.”

Ian Ducker, James’ cousin and also a director at Langlands, states: “We’ve recently hired a highly skilled nursery manager to help us to plan and implement our expansion at HOSM and over the next few months, as things get off the ground and we settle in to the site, we will be looking to employ a team of nursery staff to assist with the day-to-day duties and help us make this a success.

"The space we are freeing up at our Shiptonthorpe garden centre will make room for us to expand our current retail operations there, and allow us to hold more social functions and events for the community, like the upcoming Summer Ball in support of the Greenfingers children’s charity.”

The prospect of employment opportunities within the horticultural industry will come as welcome news to locals, to whom Langlands Nurseries is something of an institution, having been operating in the local area for over 50 years. Originally founded by Walter Ducker, the Langlands brand has since gone from strength to strength.

After the Second World War, Walter Ducker got a job with a Mill owner in Bingley. It was then that he gained a reputation for his Dahlias, which he grew in a small nursery at the Mill owner’s house, which just happened to be called “Langlands”. When the Mill owner retired, Walter took over the nursery business, and in 1964 he moved it to a quiet little road between Market Weighton and York. Langlands quickly built up its reputation throughout the North of England by participating in shows with their award winning Chrysanthemums, Fuchsias, and or course, Walter’s prize Dahlias, which were grown specially.



Above: James and Ian Ducker have been passionate about growing plants from a young age.

Walter’s sons, Robert and John Ducker, helped out constantly, driving around in their distinctive blue vans, delivering fresh cut flowers to markets and constructing show stands. That all changed, however, when in June 1990 a late frost killed a significant amount of Langlands’ stock. It was then that the Duckers decided to make a committed move into retail, and expanded their site at Shiptonthorpe. Robert and John are still directors of the business, along with their sons Ian and James.

Langlands currently has three garden centres across Yorkshire, including Leeds, Sheffield, and now the new plot in HOSM , employing nearly 200 people in various retail, catering and horticultural positions.

• Garden Products - down 8%
• Veg-2-Gro - down 9%
• Growing Media - up 11%
• All Items Index - up 9%

• GTN’s Greatest Catering Awards at HTA Catering Conference, June 7th 2016
• GTN’s Greatest Plant Retailing Awards at National Plant Show, June 21st 2016
• GTN’s Greatest Garden Re-Leaf Day Awards at GIMA Awards, July 14th 2016
• GTN’s Greatest Outdoor Living Retailing Awards at spoga+gafa, Sept 5th 2016
• GTN’s Greatest Garden Centre Awards at HTA Futures, Oct 12th 2016
• GTN’s Greatest Marketing Awards at HTA Marketing Forum, Nov 8th 2016

Following major investment in Gardman’s stock, the company have guaranteed availability across their best performing lines and continue to report that their service levels are running at an all-time high.

Gardman announced its Stock Availability Guarantee at Glee last autumn.  Enabling customers to order with confidence, this new assurance eliminates product shortages at peak times throughout the year; their stock availability for the season is running at an impressive 99.4% and pre-season orders are also running significantly ahead compared to early March 2015.

Pete Utting, Gardman’s new CEO, has endorsed that maintaining and improving customer service will continue to be a priority for the company. Over the next few months he is also planning to implement a new forecasting system, which will enable Gardman to respond even better to changing seasonal demands.

Pete commented: “This will not only help us to manage stock levels but, will also be of enormous benefit to our customers by anticipating their demand and ensuring we continue to support them with a high level of availability.” Then adding, “It’s the latest example of our continued commitment to ensure our customer service levels are the best in the industry.”

James Brindle, Gardman’s Business Development Director, said feedback from our sales force indicated the company’s best sell-in for many years.

He added: “They’re telling us that customers are responding extremely well to our new stocking strategy and evidence of this is clear with the  unprecedented level of orders they’re placing with us across so many of our categories.”

Blue Diamond rolled out the red carpet at Trentham Garden Centre in Stoke-on-Trent, when they held hosting their 6th Annual Blue Diamond Awards.

The event, which celebrates the group’s greatest achievements from the past year, recognises and rewards the hard work and dedication of staff throughout their garden centres and restaurants.

A total of 23 awards were presented on the night recognising outstanding achievements in all departments within the group from the business’ core Plants and Gardening categories to Home, and Customer Service through to Head Chef.

The judging panel, which was chaired by Managing Director, Alan Roper, was made up of the group’s buying and operations teams.

‘Our centre and restaurant staff have worked incredibly hard this year and it was a really tough deliberation process,’ said Mr Roper. ‘Because it’s very important to duly recognise the hard work and successes of these individuals, it’s crucial that we consider all of the nominees carefully before deciding on the winner.’

‘Garden Centre of the Year’ was awarded to Newbridge Nurseries who joined the group in January 2015. ‘I’m thrilled we won such a prestigious award’, says Newbridge Nurseries Manager, Steve Nicholls. ‘It really has been the best 13 months of my career since we joined the group and with the help and leadership of Alan, we can see the light!’

The Vines Restaurant, based at Chatsworth Garden Centre, won the final award of the evening with Restaurant Manager, Eloise Young, who also manages The Garden Gallery at Matlock Garden Centre, taking to the stage. ‘I want to thank my fantastic teams at both restaurants for all of their support and for helping me to grow in Blue Diamond.’ Says Ms. Young. ‘This award spurs me on to achieve and look forward to another fantastic year!’.

Catering for the event was Blue Diamond’s very own restaurant team at Trentham Garden Centre, headed up by father and daughter team, Mike and Kelly McGlynn, who prepared and served guests with a delicious 3-course menu.

Also attending the event were the group’s board members including Life Chairman and member of the founding family of Blue Diamond, Geoff Dorey, accompanied by his wife, Jenny; Sir John Collins, accompanied by his wife Sue; recent addition to the board, Patricia Alford-Burnett and Group Chairman, Simon Burke.

Roy Walker, Manager of 3 Shires Garden Centre, was also honoured with a special mention and gift at the end of the ceremony. Over the next year, Mr Walker will be retiring after 18 years of outstanding contribution and dedication to company.

Pets Corner have bought the entire shareholding of competitor business PamPurredPets for £6 million as they seek to continue to expand their number of stores across the country.

Over the past year Pets Corner have consolidated their market leading position by successfully opening 14 new stores in 2015, with more planned for 2016.

The acquisition of the shares of PamPurredPets will add another 51 stores to their holding company’s existing UK portfolio of 110 shops and create the second biggest pet chain in the UK by store numbers and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation).

Pets Corner will continue running PamPurredPets as a separate entity but plan to rebrand the stores, which are located across southern England and Wales, over the next few years and add Pet Practice veterinary concessions to seven of the locations. PamPurredPets’ staff will be introduced to the renowned Pets Corner classroom based training programme.

Cavendish Corporate Finance advised Pets Corner on the debt facility used to complete the deal.

Read more about this aquisition and other current Pet Trade stories in Pet Trade Xtra: http://pettradextra.newsweaver.com/Newsletter/q6sxo1u9abg

More than £12,500 of scholarships has been awarded by the (DCF) to nine students studying horticulture.

        
Left to right: Jamie Satterthwaite, Lydia Mackay, Natasha Golley

The awards include the DCF’s own Student Scholarships as well as several Sponsored Scholarships from South West Growers Show, Ball Colegrave and the British Protected Ornamentals Association.

An award for the Markham-Colegrave Scholarship supporting a study tour to the US was also made this year.

Scholarships have been awarded to:

Student Scholarships  (£1,000) – James Crawford, CAFRE Greenmount College; Lydia Mackay, Pershore College; Natasha Golley, Askham Bryan College; Ran Lyu, Writtle College; Stephen Massam, RHS;  Steven Jenkins, Pershore College (£500)

South West Growers Show Scholarship (£1,500) – James Jones, Bicton College

Ball Colegrave Scholarship  (£1,500) – Steven Jenkins, Pershore College.

British Protected Ornamentals Association - Peter Seabrook Bursary  (£1,000) – Connor Deacon, Nottingham Trent University

Markham-Colegrave International Scholarship Award ($4,500) – Jamie Satterthwaite, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

        
Left to right: Ran Lyu, Stephen Massam, Steven Jenkins

Jeff Colegrave, DCF Trustee, said the calibre of this year’s scholarship applications highlighted the promising level of talent coming into the horticultural industry. “Those awarded are all a great investment, with interests that include production and commercial horticulture as well as plant pathology and new technology,” he added.

More than £46,000 worth of scholarships have been awarded in the past four years to students studying at 12 UK colleges. The next Scholarship Season runs from Sep 2016 to Jan 2017.

Find out more here

The Japanese maple is. the Horticultural Trades Association’s ‘Plant of the Moment’ for April – a perfect choice of tree for any compact or courtyard garden.

Points for the information desk:

• Japanese maples will put on a show throughout the year, starting as soon as foliage unfurls in spring and continuing until their autumn transformation into shades of gold and bronze before they eventually fall.
• Many acers are commonly called Japanese maples, but their parents could be derived from several different species including Acer japonicum, Acer palmatum, Acer shirasawanum or others.
• The natural shape and growing habit of their branches make Japanese maples an ideal choice for gardens or growing in large patio pots. Leaf shapes, sizes and colours vary immensely; many have a broad palm shape, but these are often divided and dissected into the most delicate and intricate forms.  Add to this their wide range of colours, from deep greens to yellow, gold, purple or even variegated patterns and you have huge variety to choose from. 

Top varieties

Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’

A.palmatum ‘Osakazuki’  

A.palmatum ‘Sango-Kaku’

Golden Shirasawanum maple  (Acer shirasawanum ‘Aureum’, pictured)

Top tips for your information hand-out

· Choose a sheltered site where trees are protected from late spring frosts, cold winds and scorching summer sun.

· Maples prefer well-drained soil containing plenty of compost to lock in moisture and ensure the ground never dries out.

·For growing in containers choose large and stable terracotta pots with several drainage holes in their base. Line pots with a sheet of plastic before filling with compost to reduce water loss through the sides.

Planting combinations

Japanese maples need space to flourish. Partners to consider include

Azalea, ferns, flowering cherries and plums (prunus varieties), hydrangeas and wisteria.

Visit www.the-hta.org.uk/plantofthemoment for more information and to download the media pack which features: plant information for each month including top plants, tips and companion plant ideas, high and low resolution photos, plus Point-of-Sale samples from Floramedia and Hortipak.

[Photo - ©Adam Pasco Media]

Thrive has a long history of providing consultancy to a number of care homes and dementia care settings on the best way to use gardening to promote health and wellbeing for many years. The charity also consults on how best to design a suitable garden and is entering its seventh year of working with Hallmark Care Homes.

Many of the 800,000 people in the UK living with dementia have had significant experience of the outdoors either through work or in their own leisure time, which is often lost as a result of the restrictions that dementia brings.

Although the health and wellbeing benefits of stimulating natural environments are becoming increasingly well known**, it is often the case that the outside spaces of many dementia care settings are rarely used and tend to be tidy, easy-to-maintain, highly-manicured spaces without areas to grow plants or wild corners that attract wildlife.

Staff will also be trained to promote frequent access to more appealing outdoor areas where people can rediscover gardening skills or simply relax and take in the multi-sensory experiences of nature.

Damien Newman, Training, Education and Consultancy Manager at Thrive, said: “Over time, those experiencing dementia may not be able to maintain their ability to manage everyday tasks, as their mood and understanding are affected.

“These changes mean help may be needed to find new ways to do these jobs, such as breaking each task down into stages or concentrating on the experience of activity more than trying to get activities finished.

“Many familiar gardening jobs can easily be broken down into smaller steps and through this approach people can be encouraged to continue to achieve. And then as dementia progresses encouraging people to explore the sensory qualities of plants and nature can improve mood and affect.

“From our own pilot study research into the effects of gardening on those with young onset dementia *** we found that structured gardening activities appeared to alleviate the expected deterioration of wellbeing and possibly even cognitive functioning. Gardening act also provide opportunities for exercise to maintain physical functioning and provide time to socialise in an environment where we feel we belong

“A well designed garden can be a safe and enjoyable place that can help give a sense of time and continuity through being in touch with the seasons.

“Well considered routes around the garden can be easier to negotiate and reduce the anxiety of making decision. Seating can be a place for conversation or quiet reflection and beds or containers at comfortable heights will make gardening more enjoyable. Special consideration for other potential age related conditions will also enhance accessibility.

“We are looking forward to seeing some new gardens being designed and empowering staff to use them with residents and understanding the benefits this will bring.”

Kathryn Rossiter CEO at Thrive, said: “This is an exciting project which will make a positive difference to hundreds of people living with dementia.

“Our own research revealed that for people with dementia, gardening and being outdoors can lead to improved mood sociability and improved self-identify as valued and confident individuals.

“Carers also commented that dementia patients gardening together in a small group had resulted in feelings of independence, enjoyment, value and achievement.

“This project has the ability to touch the lives of hundreds of people living with dementia.”

Juno Hollyhock, Executive Director, Learning through Landscapes, said: “This project brings together elements such as garden design, staff training and support, client based consultation and local knowledge to create innovative and exciting garden spaces.

“We believe that bringing together the very best in current thinking around designing for people living with dementia will give many more settings the chance to try out low cost solutions in their outdoor spaces in the future.”

Thrive offers bespoke training and consultancy services to anyone wanting to maximise the use of outdoor space in their care settings.

Please contact our training team on 0118 988 5688 if you’d like to see how Thrive could help your organisation or team.                                                                            

*Alzheimer’s Society: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/infographic

 **Living with dementia and connecting with nature – looking back and stepping forwards, Dementia Adventure, 2011.

Greening Dementia - a literature review of the benefits and barriers facing individuals living with dementia in accessing the natural environment and local greenspace, Natural England, 2013.

Living Well With Dementia: a national dementia strategy, 2009.

*** Evidence, messages, learning: Does A Structured Gardening Programme Improve Well-Being In Young-Onset Dementia?

http://www.thrive.org.uk/Files/Documents/Evidence,%20Messages,%20learnings.pdf

• The ideal candidate will understand both the category and customers, possess strong  communication and negotiation skills and have a passion and enthusiasm for customers and products.
• They should an excellent team player focused on driving sales and profitability.

National Sales Manager Amenity and Landscaping Sector (ref:DS8170)

• Relationship building with sales prospects and influencers in target markets.
• Increase sales to existing customer base.
• Identify and secure new customers in the target market.
• Set up and manage network of distributors in target markets.
• Research and identify new sales and market opportunities.
• Present the company and its products face-to-face at trade shows and sales presentations.
• Negotiating terms of agreement and closing sales.
• Active participation in the development of company sales strategy.

The Candidate

• The candidate will have a positive 'can do' attitude.
• An inquisitiveness to learn and be challenged.
• A warm personality and sense of humour.
• Willingness to work hard and beyond the remit when necessary.
• A grasp of 'green' principles and understanding of the importance of sustainability.
• A proven track record in taking new products to market.

The successful candidate will have autonomy to ensure the sales objectives are met, so will need to be a self-starter, driven to build customer acquisition. They will also contribute to the creation of annual strategic sales plans and supply regular detailed feedback and analysis to inform future planning direction. A proven track record that demonstrates understanding of the sales process from prospect identification to close of sale.

This role demands an ability to think strategically, combined with the ability to multi task. A thoroughly organised individual who can tactically deliver and implement is essential.
Having a sound grasp of what makes this company 'special' and believing in the principles of organic production are essential.

Location: Based in central Bristol (BS1) but required to travel across the UK and Europe for meetings.

Salary and terms: £tbc + commission or performance-based bonus. 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays. Company mobile phone and laptop provided.

To apply for this role click here

• Woodlodge Standard Spang Pot (2.5-inch) is the highest re-entry at No 8.
• The highest climber is Scotts Evergreen Complete (360 sq m), jumping 28 places to No 14.
• Scotts Evergreen Complete Tub (150 sq m) is a new entry.

• Quantil Tomato Supersweet 100 is the highest climber, moving up 46 places to No 4.
• The highest new entry is Bridgen Thyme Golden Thymus citriodorus ‘Aureus’ at No 37.

• Shamrock Irish Moss Peat (75 litres) is the highest re-entry at No 11.
• Scotts Levington Multi Purpose Compost 50L jumps the most number of places, 23 places to No 24.
• GroWise Landscape Mini Chip Bark (100 litres) is the highest new entry.

Benefitting from cutting edge technology, the Ultimate Panel revolutionises the traditional lap panel design, overcoming common problems with damage and decay.

Boasting a whole host of design innovations, the Ultimate Panel features smooth, fine sawn and straight cut timber slats for a premium finish. A first to the fencing market, the fine sawn finish prevents the frame from fraying over time, as well as providing a luxurious, high quality appearance. The re-engineered frame includes a neat rebated frame for a more superior fit and uses flush mortise and tenon joints.

Not only does the Ultimate Panel benefit from game-changing architectural innovations but it also comes complete with a revolutionized packaging design. Distributed in packs of 18, the Panels sit on sturdy timber box pallets and are individually secured by 5mm bands which can be removed one by one, allowing for secure transportation and easy storage.

Commenting on the new addition, Trade Marketing Manager, Antony Barrett explains, “With over 60% of sales in the fencing industry directed towards the traditional lap design, the Ultimate Panel offers consumers a state-of-the-art alternative with a level of quality over and above any other panel in the lap market. With the support of a bespoke step-style merchandising display, retailers will be able to drive sales of the Ultimate Panel, providing a superior fencing solution and maximising on profit.”

Available in two sizes- 1.8M x 1.83M and a smaller 1.5M x 1.83M- the Ultimate Panel is pressure treated in either Golden Brown or Natural Green to ensure a stylish, long-lasting panel to suit any outdoor area.

Retailers can contact Grange for more information about the Ultimate Panel and other available products on 01952588088 or by emailing sales@grangefen.co.uk.

Eden Farm Hulleys will be doing daily nationwide deliveries with a minimum order requirement of £65.

The company has 37 reps out on the road and provides a national distribution service from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

Noel Conlon, of Frozzys, said: “It’s a fabulous arrangement with Eden Farm Hulleys because it means everybody can get Frozzys now. We have just completed an extension to our factory in the Ribble Valley so we are capable of meeting the expected extra demand.

“The real winners will be our furry friends. It’s much better for dogs to have a lactose free, pro-biotic ice treat. Vets love it in their surgeries  for dogs after operations, it’s loved by people who have done long walks and end up at a garden centre, and for dogs that have teething problems.

“Selling through our branded freezers reaps a 6-to-1 sales benefit compared to stocking in other company freezers. I’ve been amazed at how sales hold up in the winter months.”

To find out more about Frozzys visit www.frozzys.com

Award-winning garden designer, TV gardening presenter, journalist and author Ann-Marie Powell has been appointed as a Creative Director for the inaugural London Flower Show, which runs from the 8-11 September 2016.

A passionate designer and horticulturalist, Ann-Marie will work alongside the event’s founder and event organisers Live Industry to oversee the show’s design, look, feel and personality, and the shows collaborations with exhibitors, brands and the public.

 “This is a wonderful opportunity to create an engaging, fun, different show - a jamboree of all things gardens and gardening,” Anne-Marie said. It would be London’s local garden show where families and friends could meet, eat and grow, whether  they were keen gardener, grow your own devotees or are armchair supporters. “I look forward to creating a festival of gardening which truly inspires our capital’s residents to revel in all that the great outdoors has to offer.”

Sam Speaight, MD of Live Industry said Ann-Marie’s unrivalled knowledge and experience in designing and creating gardens for private clients, companies and charities, her enthusiasm for inspiring the British public about gardening through her books, TV appearances and articles in national newspapers and magazines made her the perfect candidate to help build an exciting, unique, and inspiring programme.

Set in the grounds of the Georgian country estate Osterley House and Park, the four-day event will see a blend of show gardens, floral displays and growing competitions.

Live entertainment, music and art installations will bring together people from all walks of life in a celebration of everything green, in bloom and home–grown.

Early bird tickets cost £10 through the event website 

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

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

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2014 as well as 2015 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

Access is by subscription only.  For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

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

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

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

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