Johnsons Garden Centre Sales, which supplies plants to independent garden centres, has put ambitious plans in place for 2019 following a year of strong growth.

Part of the Johnsons of Whixley Group based in North Yorkshire, the division achieved a 10% increase in sales in 2018 despite an unpredictable year of weather.

They sold 599,111 plants to 226 customers – 30 of them new or returning clients – to help achieve more than £2.1 million in sales.

The 2019 catalogue features its largest ever range.

The sales team, led by Mark Reynard (pictured) and Paul Lamb, have set their sights set on a similar turnover next year, when more technological investment is also promised.

 “The weather was a real challenge this year,” said Mark. “With a longer summer and very unpredictable weather changes, we had a bit of a battle on our hands.

“But that’s been a real highlight for me this year as we managed to overcome any of the obstacles thrown at us and by the end of June, we were in fact ahead of budget. Turning things around in such a short space of time has been a big highlight for 2018.

“There’s been other successes too from achieving new contracts, retaining our fantastic customer base and being invited to various garden shows across the UK.

“Further investment into systems is a 2019 priority and these will be installed next year to improve efficiency and the sales order processes between Johnsons and its customer base.”

Johnsons of Whixley is one of the largest commercial nursery businesses in Europe.