Have you ever known a time when plant sales went up in the second week of August? And up by 66% on the same week last year?  Even as people start to go back to work the gardening bug seems to be sticking as more and more people are happily spending time in their gardens and feel comfortable about visiting garden centres.

Reports from many centres indicate a good take up of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme which will be driving footfall, but plants and gardening products are also being bought in higher numbers than seen before during August on other days and over the weekend.

As our graph (above) shows, plant sales are already above normal levels seen in September and October for Autumn planting. Could it be that this Autumn really does get back towards being a second spring?  Have you made new plans for Autumn plant and gardening sales this year?  Do let us know of you thoughts: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 32

•           Garden Products Top 50 – up 12%

•           Growing Media Top 50 – up 133%

•           Wild Bird Care Top 50 – down 17%

•           Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 121%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 32

•           All Plants with Barcode index – up 66%

•           All Items with Barcode index – up 31%

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and charts in the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter each week.  To subscribe for only £145 a year use this link.

History & Heraldry have followed up their phenomenal selling Face Mask range with a new Snood Mask just in time for the Autumn months.  Double layered for added protection and made from breathable stretch and washable fabric, the Snoods ensure a perfect seal around the nose with the same curvature and nose pinch found in all H&H comfort face masks.

Coming in a choice of fashionable colours, the snood is printed on both sides to ensure it looks as stylish as a scarf as it does when it’s used as a protector.

Experience of selling Face Masks in some of the largest Garden Centres has shown that a table display can multiply sales fourfold.  The company has therefore decided to give mannequin heads and table hooks at no additional charge, to model the Snoods, as part of their opening package.

Sales Director Nevil Furber said: “Our experience from mask sales is that marketing protective masks as a fashion item is increasingly benefitting retailers, as their customers already have basic coverings to comply with the law”.

The new Snoods will launch late September and have a retail price point of £9.99.  To order simply email sales@historyheraldry.com , telephone 01709 730700 or contact your local H&H Agent.  Fax: 01709 731700   Web:  www.historyheraldry.com

As face coverings become a part of every day life, fair trade brand Earth Squared who are well known for their range of fantastic fashion accessories, are reporting tremendous sales (and feedback) for their 100% cotton face coverings. 

Stylish and comfortable, and in a variety of designs (plain, patterned and floral) – the coverings, which retail at £4.99 are proving a massive hit at garden centres around the country.   Machine washable and 2 ply 100% cotton (all in accordance with Government guidelines), Earth Squared are selling them in assorted packs of 20 – priced at £41.40 ex VAT per pack – and with deliveries arriving into their warehouse every few days, they are well placed to meet the current massive demand. 

‘Customers just love the quality, price and the fair trade story behind our products’ said Simon Henderson, Director at Earth Squared.  ‘And as everyone looks to do what they can to limit the spread of Covid-19 we anticipate continued strong demand in the weeks and months ahead’. 

To order simply email sales@earthsquared.com or call 01620 892289 or visit https://www.earthsquared.com/face-coverings

Scottish Agents, Darran McBride and Lucy Sharp have taken the initiative for their Scottish retailers following the cancellations of Autumn Fair, Harrogate Gift Fair and Glee to set up a socially distanced, by invitation only, pop up showroom in Edinburgh for the next 10 days.

From the 17th to 27th August at the Apex Grassmere Hotel, two of Scotland’s leading agencies, Sharp Stuff and Easy Agency, combine and invite you to pop along to their pop up. Bringing you the opportunity to view new and best selling seasonal products from an array of brands.

Fabulous products in a lovely space! Parking is provided, refreshments will be available and there will be the opportunity to get some free social media advice from our expert guest.

Darran explained: “We could see a while back that Glee, Autumn Fair and Harrogate(Gift) Fairs are looking likely to be cancelled. I’ve known Lucy for about 20 years and as such she is constantly coming up with ridiculous ideas but this was actually something we had discussed before so it wasn’t a stretch to think maybe it would help everyone to have a one stop shop for garden centres, gift shops and heritage market. To be honest we chatted about the idea a few months ago but obviously the time wasn’t right to try to put something together. We both wanted to wait to feel that retailers were back at work, assessing their own situation and then gauge the customer reaction. It’s such a fine line, I think everyone has someone who is, or has been, shielding and we wanted to do something structured and in a responsible way. It’s NOT a trade fair where everyone can just wander about, it had to be appointment only.

“It’s in Edinburgh, Lucy lives in Edinburgh, 5 minutes away and is extremely lazy so I got bullied into travelling every day for two weeks from Glasgow. It starts on the 17th till 27th August. It’s a beautiful rooftop venue with lots of light and views of the castle. The thought of a 2 week stint with Lucy doesn't exactly excite me but since it’s been 5 months since I’ve seen another human other than my family then I’ll live with it. Seriously though, we are both genuinely excited to see our customers, many who are friends, and chat about life, business and look at some fabulous products”

So what’s in it for the garden centres Darran? “Good question. 15 years ago I decided to aim at covering most areas of a garden centre, well the fluffy nice stuff they sell. Cards, gifts, stationery, scarves, jewellery etc. I then have my business partner Barry Scott who covers the serious horticultural side so that was the overall plan and it’s worked pretty well so far. Between us we cover most of the main product categories. Now as time has went on the garden centres have, year on year, become cooler, funkier, more progressive, although never forgetting what they are about. Always offering what their clientele wants and indeed seeking out what the customers didn’t know they wanted. That’s the beauty of a great buyer. That’s also where Lucy Sharp comes in. She is completely focussed on the beauty of product, the origin, the story. To be honest I love that too, I genuinely like to analyse the stores but I want the retailer to know if it’s going to also help them make a profit.

"Now not all or products are going to be right for everyone. But there is definitely something for everyone. As a marriage of companies we seem to cover most of the bases, Lucy’s companies are amazing and already work in garden centres as well as farm shops. Talking tables is phenomenal. Arbrams and chronicle is about to explode. From my side I already know Edelman, Kikkerland and IF are pretty much are at the top of the sales figures in gift departments if done right. 

Darran explained that Edelman BV have gained a lot of traction in the UK.  "Due to their diverse range of categories customers are becoming familiar with brands such as Mica, Luca, House Of Seasons & Casa Vivante. Edelman are a fabulous Dutch company and are probably the best European supplier of indoor ceramic pots which is a huge trend at the moment along with artificial plants and flowers, of which we have the best, biggest and broadest range in the market. In addition to this they are best known as a key seasonal supplier for both Spring/Summer and Autumn Winter/Xmas. Now we are right in the middle of selling for Spring Summer 2021 but due to coronavirus most customers understandably are reticent to fly so we have created a Spring Summer website that has every available product to pre order. The showroom allows customers to come along and discuss this years selection, look at last years and create their orders. It’s not perfect but nothing is at the moment, however all our loyal customers know the quality and how well it sells every year so it makes it a little easier.

"All of the companies we represent will be present.  We had a few who were a little unsure, understandably. Who wants to spend money in the current climate unsure if anyone would want to come along? The answer surprisingly was pretty much all of them. I have to say it’s so nice that the companies we represent have supported this project. I mean I was panicking that no one would show, like that 40th birthday party where everyone says yes and then you get the fear it’ll be you left on your own with a party popper. 

"Social Media is an interesting one for me. It’s been a goal of mine for about 5 years or so to find the holy grail of social media and make my millions and then explain how easy it was. It’s not, it’s painful. Pretty much everyone does it, some fantastically well, some not so much. What I’ve managed to do is find the smartest and sharpest young social media people I know, and if anyone wants to chat through how to get more followers, how do understand how to actually make money from this, then we have someone who hopefully can give them an insight. It’s free, it shouldn’t be, but we are super lovely and as such we have tried to add something which, especially now, is necessary and we will make it fun. No one will leave knowing less I suppose.

“We've had an Incredible reaction so far.  I’ve now agreed to a 3rd week now, I think I’ll have to ensure the wine is on draft to get through it. What I would say is some garden centres are in a tough position. They’re  working on skeleton staff, all hands to the pump. The buyers are multitasking, always getting their hands dirty and to say they are away for the day(or two) is tricky. Personally I think it’s a great use of their time to get away for the day, get back to buying and seeing new products, remember they’re buyers and that’s what they love doing. And it’ll mean that we don’t come to your store! So silver linings I suppose. 

"Retailers have told us: Please do it, We can’t do another zoom call. 

"Covid-19 is our biggest concern. Unfortunately we would appear to be nowhere near past this awful pandemic. Everyone is entitled to have their opinion on whether it’s a big factor in their view. We all know the world needs to keep turning, however I have people in my family that are vulnerable whether through cancer, elderly, illness etc and I’m personally not willing to take any shortcuts, it’s social distancing, hand sanitiser, masks provided and temperature gauges all the way.

Apologies to anyone who feels we are being OTT. Oh and also no touching products (well they can but I’ll have to burn them after). It’s ok, people can play with the products all they want but you get the idea and remember it’s appointment only, it’s not a Wetherspoons.

"This is an invite only event and we’d love to welcome you along, but so that we can ensure a comfortable, but managed and socially distanced event we ask you to please RSVP as soon as possible to reserve a slot."

To book an appointment: 

Darran McBride 

07971 796736

darran@easyagency.co.uk

Lucy Sharp 

07976 575046 

lucy@sharpstuffsales.com 

Instagram 

@easyagency.co.uk

@sharp stuff life

With the latest phase of its expansion progressing well, the team at a Bradford garden centre have announced further plans to enhance the visitor experience.

In addition to providing new facilities for the 200 strong team and extending the range of gardening products and houseplants, the second storey of the 25,000 square feet extension at Tong Garden Centre will be home to a new 180 seater restaurant, The Mezzanine.

With panoramic views over the Tong Lane site’s established grounds, the new table-service restaurant will offer a relaxed dining experience with new brunch and lunch menus and a choice of sweet and savoury sharing platters when it opens this autumn.

Mark Farnsworth bought the ailing garden centre in 2015 with business partner, Tom Megginson and the pair have invested over £7million in a bid to become one of the North’s leading centres.

Mark said: “We’re excited to add a second restaurant to our destination garden centre and extend the current gardening range.

“In the main building we’re making some changes to our concessions area with Pavers seeing a significant expansion, allowing them to bring a much bigger range to Tong. 

“Sadly, we’ll be saying goodbye to some of our retail partners, including Mountain Warehouse and Klass. In the next phase of our plans, we will see this space transformed and we are looking forward to sharing our  plans later this year. 

“In the meantime, the additional space will allow for our Christmas ranges to be better spaced, with social distancing in mind, to help our customers to shop safely and with confidence during the festive period.” 

Tong Garden Centre occupies a 17 acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire’s biggest garden centres with 110,000 square feet of retail space and parking for up to 1,000 cars. 

Pictured: Members of Tong’s catering team review the plans for the new Mezzanine restaurant.

While gardening activity continues to soar, Wild Bird Care sales in garden centres are still lagging behind previous years.  Is that because people are buying their bird feeds elsewhere or is it just a lack of interest and knowledge from new gardeners?

Autumn Watch won’t be back on air until October but in the meantime there must be an opportunity to educate new gardeners to the benefits of wild birds and other wildlife in their gardens.  That together with good social media marketing should rejuvenate garden centre sales in this sector.

• Gardman Seed Mix 2kg is the highest climber in the GTN Wild Bird Care chart this week, up 21 places to No 4.
• Tom Chambers Hungry Hedgehog Blend 0.75kg is a re-entry at No 37.
• The Gardman Forget Me Not Bird Bath is the highest chart new entry at No 16.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

Two garden centres – Raemoir in Aberdeenshire and Beckworth Emporium in Northamptonshire – have both had plans for extensions approved.

Raemoir’s building will be constructed in a sarnafil flat roof with grey fascia, with the walls clad in thermawood, three small high-level timber windows and a glazed exit door.

A report by Aberdeenshire Council planners said: “The materials proposed are high quality and appropriate for the style of the existing building.

“The existing space serves its purpose but the addition of the extension will allow for a better flow, organisation and layout for the employees and members of the public.

“The extension is not in a prominent location, with no immediate neighbours and therefore will not cause a detrimental impact on neighbouring amenity.”

Meanwhile Beckworth Emporium has been granted planning permission to grow its business despite protests from nearby villagers.

The garden centre and food emporium was given permission by Wellingborough Council to knock down and renovate parts of its premises and build a new event building as well as new kitchen, store rooms, toilets and a restaurant extension.

Altogether 3,970sq m of existing buildings will be demolished and replaced with 4,300sq m of new facilities. Parking spaces will also be increased to 510.

Within the framework of the '2020, Year of the Rudbeckia' marketing campaign, Fleuroselect members have joined efforts this summer to offer a full overview of the existing Rudbeckia range. Over 80 varieties have been grown and planted by five top level public parks: RHS Garden Hyde Hall and RHS Garden Harlow Carr (U.K.), EGA Park Erfurt and Blumeninsel Mainau (Germany) and Jardin des Plantes (France). In addition, the Irish research station TEGEASC is also showing a part of the assortment to its visitors.

The goal of this yearly campaign is to highlight the wide diversity of a crop for the Home Gardener. Simon Crawford, Commercial Director at Burpee Europe and Chairman of the Home Gardening Business Unit at Fleuroselect: "Each year we choose a crop which is suitable for the Home Gardener. For the first time we have added varieties from cuttings as well as from seed to mirror the width of the selection available. We anticipate that the attention given to Rudbeckia this year will clearly raise the profile and inspire gardeners to choose these spectacular plants with their long season performance for their gardens and patios.''

The Rudbeckia plantings are expected to look at their best in August and will last until the end of September. Both industry colleagues and the general public are warmly invited to visit and be inspired.

One of the most impressive varieties in the trial is the recent 2021 Gold Medal winner Rudbeckia hirta Amarillo Gold from Benary.

Both RHS Gardens Hyde Hall (above, top) and Harlow Carr will be sites for the judging for the RHS Award of Garden Merit. The Judging Committees plan three official evaluation moments of the trial throughout the summer and an additional People’s choice contest.

Peter Seabrook, British garden writer and broadcaster who is organising the trial at Hyde Hall as part of his Floral Fantasia: "The Fleuroselect Rudbeckia trial is now way beyond my best expectations. The judging panel will have plenty of excellent entries to assess. Some are truly eye-catching with masses of huge flowers. At the end of July the trial was already spectacular and will be exceptional in a few weeks’ time."

Rudbekia are selling well through UK garden centres.  In the GTN Bestsellers Plants Epos data, sales increased by 73% to make them the highest chart climber, moving up 20 places to No 28 in the Top 50 UK garden centre plants.  See more about the GTN Bestsellers plants chart here.

In Germany, Blumeninsel Mainau has integrated all 80 varieties at three locations in the park: a cosy lounge corner to relax while enjoying the beauty, in containers on the entrance bridge from the mainland to the island and in borders surrounding the park fountain. The Ega Park in Erfurt shows the entire assortment in one giant flower bed which can be admired close-up as well as from the visitor platform which offers a stunning panoramic view over the Rudbeckia splendour.

The Jardin des Plantes, one of the prime green locations in Paris is showing the Rudbeckia varieties in mixed flower beds. Locals and tourists can enjoy the striking yellow and orange blooms while crossing through the park.

The TEGEASC Research Institute has grown the seed-raised selection on its trial field and is showing visitors the rich diversity of the species.

Natural gardening brand, Empathy, is set to unveil a number of new products and updated packaging to buyers virtually during Glee 2020.

To further enhance the current range of class leading, eco-friendly and sustainable products that focus on reducing the need for synthetic NPK fertilisers and pesticides by improving soil and plant health naturally, the team will showcase a brand new liquid feed and starter product featuring rootgrow™ Mycorrhizal Fungi.

Following the successful launch of the Supreme Green lawn care range at the 2019 show and subsequent sales the company will also roll out its new striking white and green packaging design across another key product category. The new design will offer improved visual presence in store as the business moves towards a unified design that clearly communicate the key ingredients and the RHS endorsement.

Empathy’s Simon Taylor said: “Whilst the business has had an incredibly successful season we are now placing our focus firmly on 2021 and working closely with retailers to ensure we are providing the best service possible to their adapting businesses.

“We manufacture rootgrow™ Mycorrhizal Fungi and distribute all of our products directly via our facility in Kent, this means we can meet our customers' needs completely from developing themed packs such as the Summer Kits - which were specifically created for online retailers during lockdown - to delivering products directly to stores. 

“Myself and the team are looking forward to connecting with buyers virtually via the Glee Gathering, presenting the new products, discussing the fantastic link-selling benefits of our range and planning for a successful 2021.”

For buyers interested in setting up meetings with members of the Empathy team to discuss new and existing products please get in touch either directly via email or via the Glee Gathering. To view the current range of products visit rootgrow.co.uk

EKJU Ltd are getting ready for the 2021 gardening season by launching a brand new catalogue, detailing their whole offering. The European distributor and manufacturer of timber garden furniture have added many new product lines to an already extensive range of garden furniture and grow your own products.

The catalogue titled ‘The comfort of nature that lasts’ brings together their well thought out and high quality assortment of products that will bring UK families together outdoors to enjoy their gardens in 2021. 

Upheld in the catalogue is EKJU’s mission to continually have high product standards, creating garden furniture that is crafted with care and attention constructed using quality FSC sustainably sourced timber. EKJU carefully choose suppliers of timber grown in Northern Europe because of its high density and durability.

With an 18 acre manufacturing facility, EKJU are well versed in providing custom designs and bespoke product ideas for key customers. However, the real appeal is EKJU’s commitment to a large assortment of products ready to ship that have the end consumer in mind, which is seen in the new catalogue.

The investment in supporting their product range is clear to see with regular lifestyle photography for existing and new products, featured throughout the new brochure. As well as this, there are product assembly videos to help make product assembly as easy and quick as possible for customers.

In 2020, EKJU have gone from strength to strength, surpassing expectations. This has been a period where many companies have halted production, however EKJU’s factory in Latvia has never been busier, whilst ensuring social distancing. This momentum resulted in the decision to press on with the EKJU UK Ltd formation and bolster the logistical network from Latvia to the UK. Now with the brand new catalogue there is further good news with over 20 new product lines for customers to consider.

Core range categories have now been strengthened. Two new garden table sets have been added to the range. The ‘Garden Set Light’ offers a new value offer, whilst the ‘Garden Set with Cross Legs’ offers a compact solution to alfresco entertaining. Other compact solutions include the ‘Foldable Picnic Table’ which has a clever fold up leg bench design and the ‘High Table & Bench Set’ offers a fantastic area to enjoy cocktails with friends. As a more contemporary bench option the new ‘Cubic’ bench range is ideal for the modern and minimalistic garden space.

In the grow your own category there is plenty to choose from. The stylish Valmiera planter range has been extended to include a vertical and narrow option, providing space efficient options for those with smaller gardens. The new ‘Hexagonal Raised Planters’ have a traditional design and provide a suitably sized area to grow in comfort without the need to bend down to tend to flowers and plants. Showing an appreciation for changing garden sizes, the ‘Triangular Raised Bed’ adds a new dimension to the range with a fantastic way to make the most out of that dead space in the garden. The range extension doesn’t stop there, with four additional new raised bed products available as well. 

EKJU UK Ltd Director Laura Galzone said ‘We continue to make improvements to our range with the end user in mind. The new catalogue demonstrates our specialist knowledge and high quality garden furniture range. We remain a versatile supplier to customers whilst also focusing on providing the best-selling solutions available so it is easy for them to sell our products in their offering. The 2021 range has both traditional and modern product styles, there are many products for the family to enjoy together’.

The new catalogue also includes existing key products such as ‘Round Table with Backrests’ and the ‘Relax Chair’ and these along with the new products are available in 3 treatments – Pressure Treated Green, Pressure Treated Brown and Dip Treated Grey.

For more information on EKJU’s new 2021 range or to talk further about EKJU UK Ltd, you can contact EKJU UK Sales Manager Jurgis Dzerve at jd@ekju.lv or click here to view the EKJU catalogue to browse the product range.

Dobbies Garden Centres has announced its support for the Stroke Association, a charity which provides specialist support and funds critical research for people affected by stroke. 

With gardening providing a number of benefits to stroke survivors, having positive impacts on both physical and emotional recovery, Dobbies will be showing its ongoing support for the Stroke Association, with the partnership launching during National Allotments Week.  

Running from 10 to 16 August, National Allotments Week is dedicated to growing food for health and well-being, celebrating the many benefits of growing, cooking and eating home grown produce. Dobbies has curated a series of expert ‘How to’ videos for the Stroke Association, focused on gardening projects for stroke survivors. 

Example videos include ‘how to pot a plant’ to ‘how to create an attractive hanging basket’, with each project incorporating health and wellbeing benefits for stroke survivors. The videos will be available to view on the Stroke Association My Stroke Guide portal, which currently reaches 19,000 people across the UK. 

Graeme Jenkins, CEO at Dobbies, said: “At Dobbies we’re passionate about enriching the lives of our customers and believe in the positive physical and mental benefits of spending time in the garden. Not only does gardening help with mobility and rehabilitation, but there are benefits for mental wellbeing too, something that is so important for stroke survivors.”

Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive at the Stoke Association, said: “A stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. The impact varies depending on which part of the brain is affected. It could be anything from wiping out your speech and physical abilities, to affecting your emotions and personality. 

“Gardening has many benefits for people rebuilding their lives after a stroke and we’re very grateful to partner with Dobbies to inspire and encourage stroke survivors to get gardening. 

“From potting plants to digging up weeds, gardening activities can be adapted to all abilities and are a fun and rewarding way to keep active and build confidence.”

Links to the Dobbies’ expert ‘How to’ videos will be available to access from the Stroke Association website stroke.org.uk

During National Allotments Week, Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, will be hosting a Facebook Live Q&A. Taking place on Saturday 15 August at 11am, Marcus will share his top tips for allotment gardening, along with the benefits for stroke survivors.   

For more information visit dobbies.com

A Cumbrian business which makes eco garden compost from Herdwick wool and bracken has been selected as a finalist in the Micro Business of the Year category of the prestigious Growing Business Awards. 

Dalefoot Composts, based at Heltondale near Penrith, has been shortlisted for the awards which recognise the UK’s most outstanding entrepreneurs and high-growth businesses.  

The family-owned company makes a range of premium peat-free organic composts, used by champion growers and stocked in over 170 nurseries and garden centres, with many ingredients harvested from the local fells – lower grade hill sheep wool that farmers find difficult to sell and invasive bracken. Lockdown saw demand for the composts soar as the country spent more time in their gardens and sales in the peak week saw 1290% growth compared to last year. Dalefoot’s team managed this ‘compost rush’ efficiently and safely, signing up new stockists and thousands of new mail order customers. 

The company’s ethos centres around driving positive environmental change within the horticultural industry and leading by example, proving that gardening can be done in a more sustainable way. Uniquely, as well as making peat-free compost, the business also restores damaged peatlands across the UK, from the Cairngorms to Dartmoor, using innovative techniques, working to fight climate change and highlighting the devastating effects to the environment, wildlife and history of peat-harvesting in horticulture.

Simon Bland of Dalefoot Composts, who runs the company with Professor Jane Barker, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award, particularly given how testing the year has been for everyone. We’ve been so proud of how our small team has stepped up to the challenge over recent months, managing a huge uplift in sales, maintaining quality production standards and signing up lots of new customers, whilst often working remotely from home.

“Our expansion means we are in a position to take bracken and wool from more farmers. Last year we worked with over 50 and we’re aiming to double that, helping even more farmers and local landscapes.”

The winners of the Growing Business Awards will be announced on November 25.

Horticulture students have received scholarships from the David Colegrave Foundation (DCF) this year, with more to follow. 

Receiving £7,500 between them, the students’ interests include plant pathology, growing technology and tree, bedding, houseplant and alpine production. 

DCF Chairman, Jeff Colegrave, comments: “We are delighted to be receiving more and more scholarship applications every year. This past season we saw entries from horticultural students studying at 27 colleges and universities across the UK. We strive to select only the most deserving of candidates as our winners based on their personal needs and their passion for the industry. We believe our latest winners will bring a positive contribution to horticulture.”  

The £2,500 Horticulture Research Scholarship went to Liam Morton from Burntisland, Fife. Liam is studying for a MSc Sustainable Plant Health at Scotland’s Rural College/Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Liam is very interested in plant pathology and comments: "I'm really delighted to receive the Horticultural Research Scholarship and will be putting the money toward the cost of pursuing a masters course in Plant Pathology. I'm interested in forest pathogens - particularly species of Phytophthora - and I'm hoping that the masters course will prepare me for a research career in this area."  

The £1,000 BPOA - Peter Seabrook Bursary has been awarded to Argyll College UHI to support a field trip in 2021 for its HNC and HND Horticulture students. The students plan to visit commercial ornamental producers to get hands on experience of working at a nursery. Amber Crowley, Curriculum Development Officer - Horticulture at Argyll College UHI: comments: "Visiting leading horticultural establishments will give the students some insight into this industry sector which they otherwise might not experience. An oversight of the possible employment areas in the industry is essential for them to know what opportunities await. This will be an invaluable experience for the students." 

Receiving £1,000 each to support their studies in horticulture our Student Scholarship winners are: 

Esther Thoburn from Carrickfergus, County Antrim, who is studying FDSC Horticulture at College of Agriculture Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Greenmount Campus. Esther is most interested in propagating and growing trees. She comments: "I am very excited for the year ahead; thanks to this scholarship I can upgrade my plant production from home as I complete my Foundation Degree in Horticulture. My passion is for growing native and fruiting trees. I hope to run my own tree nursery or farm in the future." 

Hannah Butler from Worcester, Worcestershire, who is studying a Level 2 Crop Technician Apprenticeship at Pershore College while working as a gardener at Aston University. Hannah is keen to explore tree care and production. She comments: “This scholarship will contribute towards arboriculture training courses that I have been desiring but not been able to afford. It will also allow me to invest in my own personal protective chainsaw equipment for the future.”  

Isobel Watson from Pershore, Worcestershire, who is studying a Level 3 Crop Technician Apprenticeship at Pershore College while working as a grower at Bransford Webbs. Isobel is passionate about growing technology and house plants. She comments: “I am so excited to be given this opportunity and I feel this student scholarship will help me develop in my current role as a grower and support my studies with my apprenticeship. It will be such a valuable learning experience that can support my horticulture career in many ways.”   
Isobel also just won the Midland Regional Growers Apprentice of the Year and was an IPPS Europe 6 pack award winner in 2019. 

Lee Holmes from Southport, Merseyside, who is studying Production Horticulture Level 3 at Myerscough College while working as a Grower at Lovania Nurseries. Lee’s interest lies in production of alpines from young plants to establish saleable plants. He comments: “I am absolutely thrilled to have received a scholarship. I have been a grower now for nearly 10 years and have completed numerous training courses. I feel it’s helping me develop as a horticulturist and the extra support I have received from the David Colegrave Foundation is greatly appreciated.” 

Winners were also selected for the John Gibson Environmental Scholarship, Majestic Trees Sponsored Travel Scholarship and a Trip Bursary. News will follow later due to current restrictions concerning COVID-19. 

Get ready for the next DCF Scholarship season opening in September 2020.  

More information on DCF can be found at www.davidcolegravefoundation.org.uk   

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Plant feeds are selling faster this summer than ever before. This week’s GTN Bestsellers Garden Products Top 50 has sales volumes higher than any previous August week and almost double the same week from two years ago.

Then within that Top 50, plant feed products account for almost 30% of the Top 50 bestsellers volume. Pots account for just over 20% of the volume and garden lights account for 17%.

Compared with the summer of 2018, plant feed lines this year are selling at 50% higher volumes currently.

• Evergreen Garden Care Levington Tomorite 1L + 30% Free moves back up to No 1 with a 58% increase in sales as stocks are replenished.
• Woodlodge Spang Pot 6 inch is the weeks highest chart climber, up 34 places to No 13.
• Hozelock’s Hose Gun Starter Set is the weeks highest re-entry at No 21, one of six watering lines to be in the Top 50 Bestsellers for the week.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

A Norfolk garden centre, hit by a suspected arson attack which caused £5,000 of damage, was hoping to re-open again this weekend.

The fire broke out at Didlington Nurseries near Thetford in the early hours of last Sunday morning (August 9).

According to Norfolk police, damage was caused to the shop, office, a public toilet and a water pump.

The business was temporarily back up and running on Tuesday but closed down again on Wednesday to allow for the demolition and removal of fire-damaged buildings.

Owner Sean Rickard praised the fire service, saying on a social media post: “A very quick attendance by firefighters saved the whole nursery.”

New gardeners are looking for summer colour, so much so that Echinacea, Cyclamen, Dianthus and Chrysanthemum all increased sales by 70% or more to dominate the GTN Bestsellers All Plants sales chart.  

Between them these 4 groups of plants accounted for almost 30% of the Top 50 Plants volumes.

• Echinacea were the No 1 Bestselling plant of the week with sales up by 200% on last week. The first time Echinacea have been at No 1.
• Dianthus dropped one polace to No 3, but still saw an increase of 70%
• Chrysanthemums moved up 4 places to No 4.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

Garden centres are being urged to take advantage of the huge demand among customers to buy online by making their web presence unique.

Edwin Meijer, founder of Garden Connect, said: “Many garden centres are wondering what to do with their webshop going forward. We want to help retailers realise their online ambitions by offering a practical eBook. 

“We were fortunate enough to help over 20 garden centres to set up a webshop during the early days of the lockdown. But setting up a webshop isn’t the hard part. The main question is how to make it a success.”
 

With so many webshops and online competition, one question needs to be asked: what makes you unique? 

“Why should I buy from your garden centre if I can order a larger range of products from Amazon for a lower price? It’s interesting to figure out how an independent retailer can beat giants like Amazon,” added Edwin. 
 

The Garden Connect eBook is based on the Golden Circles of Simon Sinek. “Simon Sinek uses the Golden Circles to make something complicated, very easy to understand. We’ve adapted his model to illustrate how you can build a webshop which will last instead of being just another one trying to move products,” said Edwin.
 

“People who are familiar with us know we’re always happy to share best practices. We hope this eBook will inspire garden centres to rethink their online strategy. From products to purpose.”

The new eBook can be downloaded via www.gardenconnect.com/ebook.

Sales during the second week of August in the GTN Bestsellers garden centre epos data were higher than any September week over the past six years and if we look at trends September sales are usually at least double the levels seen in August.

Top soil sales were particularly notable in the GTN Growing Media chart last week.  Sales were over 350% up on the same week last year and accounted for 16% of the Top 50 Growing Media products sales volume.

• Westland Top Soil 25 litres zoomed 40 places up the chart to No 5.
• Melcourt Topsoil Blended Loam 20 litres is a new entry at No 34.
• Evergreen Garden Care Levington Essential Top Soil 35 litres stays at No 3 for the 4^th week in a row.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

Tributes have been pouring in for the original garden centre Guru, Ernest Werthiem, who died last week in California aged 100.

As a landscape architect in the fifties he designed his first retail plant nursery for Jack Schneider.  The term garden centre didn't exist before Orchard Nursery was designed and developed.  Then in 1958 Ernest predicted that plants would sell better and last longer if they were sold in containers rather than bare root or rootballed.

In the eighties he brought his expertise to the UK, first working with Warren Haskins who leads these tributes to a remarkable man.

Warren Haskins, Haskins Garden Centres writes:  "Ernest Wertheim was born in Hamburg in 1919 and as German Jew managed to escape Hitler by the skin of his teeth, just before the outbreak of the second world war, eventually settling in the US.  After becoming a citizen he was trained as a spy to be dropped back into Germany but was seconded by General McCarthy to go to the Far East as an inelegance officer and he went on missions behind emery lines on a number of occasions.

"He had been qualified as a landscape architect so after the war set up a practice in San Francisco with two architects as partners, Wertheim Van der Pluge and Klemeyer.  When finishing the designing a new house for the owners of Orchard Nurseries they were was asked to work on their retail business and in the process they came up with the description "garden centre”, so in fact coined that term.

"I met him at an IGCA Congress in California in 1981 and he started work for us a year later.  The designs of the centres that he worked on were all unique as he was skilled at interrupting the businesses experience and ideas and working with the owners.  Apart from Haskins, he worked with Bents, Barton Grange, Stewarts and Alton and also overall on projects on four continents. He has also lectured at GCA conferences and in many other countries.

"We opened our first centre purpose build centre in 1994 and have used the same model for three further centres, most recently at Snowhill near Crawley.  He was not only a designer but a consultant and really got behind the families and the way a centre operated and we found that with our new concept we could run our purpose build centres with less staff due to the straightforward built-in efficiencies. 

"He became my mentor and a good friend, and last August visited him at his home in Alpine Meadows, Lake Tahoe to find that his mind to still be sharp but that his body was starting to give up.  He turned 100 years old on 30th December last year.

"He has recently produced his life story which tried to encourage him to find a way to turn into a film, but I think the production of the book was too tiring for him.  Chasing Spring is available from Amazon and a good read."

Warren told GTN Xtra: "His life revolved around the garden centre and horticultural industry generally and his customers. He used to land in England after a flight from California. I picked him up from the airport at six o'clock in the morning and by 8:00 or 9:00 he would be showered and, in my office, working until 10:30 that night. I would pick him up at 7:00am the next morning for breakfast and he'd already done all the notes of the previous day! A remarkable man.

"His work has had enormous influence on the garden centre industry internationally and his legacy will live on for many years.  Haskins as well as many other businesses around the world will be eternally grateful to him."

Guy Topping, Barton Grange said: "We found Ernest quite late on; in fact he was 84 when we started working with him.

"What Ernest did, which in my opinion was unique to him, was to work out what Garden Centre you wanted to build rather than deliver the Garden Centre that he thought you should build.

"This was achieved via a painful, lengthy process as he tried to work out what you wanted and in many instances you simply didn’t know what you wanted.

"He helped you to find the answers and for that I will always be eternally grateful.

"As we worked with Ernest over a period of years, we were fortunate to learn of his former lives; as an aspiring landscape architect growing up as a Jew in Nazi Berlin, as an intelligence officer in the US army during the 2nd world war and then his involvement in Garden Centres from their creation in the late 50s.

"There will never be another Ernest Wertheim!"

Derek Bunker, Alton Garden Centre recounts: "Ernest was not only an adviser to us, but also a personal friend.  He brought an enormous amount of experience in garden centre retailing to our business and really opened our eyes in those early days.

"He never stopped working and even when we went out for an evening meal with him to a restaurant, he would be pointing out how they could be more efficient.

"There are an awful lot of garden centres around the world, UK, Germany, USA, etc. that have Ernest to thank."

Ron Bent writes: "Holocaust survivor, Intelligence Officer for General MacCarthy, World Renowned Garden Centre Designer all terms to describe one man.

"100 year old Ernest Wertheim has played a pivotal role in the development of Bents Garden & Home.  Having been involved with the development of the Bents family business since the early 1990s he became a very close family friend and we are deeply saddened to hear of his passing.

"I first met Ernest when he was a guest speaker at the Garden Centre Conference in 1988, I was immediately taken by him and his approach to garden centre planning and design. He was a very knowledgable plantsman and garden designer so his approach was totally different.

"He was also actually a psychologist. He would listen to all of your hopes and aspirations and ask you the most difficult questions, nothing escaped his observations but he always managed to capture your ideas and dreams in his notes and eventually on paper in the garden centre design.

"He converted me from a reactionary into a planner and we still use to this day all of the questions that he would ask. “What would Ernest ask” is still a core part of our discussions and planning.

"Ernest has been part of the Bents family for many years, during which time he has helped us plan and deliver every stage of our development from the first shop extension in 1996 to our latest expansion plans.  We are enormously grateful to him for all the help and guidance he has give to us over the years, but most of all we will miss him as a dear and cherished friend."

Matthew Bent comments: "Ernest was a big part of our life not only in work but also at home, he has shaped and influenced all our lives in a great way. ‘What are your plans for the next 5 years, Matthew?'

"He has had a fantastic effect on the business helping us to work together better, plan better and see the business from the customers point of view." 

Reinhard Biehler, Baytree Garden Centre says: "Ernest was a pioneer of garden centre design and was a big help and influence on how Baytree developed over the years."

John Ashley told GTN Xtra:  "Ernest loved coming to the UK and made many friends during his many visits. He loved talking on a one to one basis. His deep knowledge of marketing garden products and understanding the Miracle story within the US help me in the early days of the launch in the UK.

"He was very happy when talking to Horace Hagedorn two great industry men who will be long remembered. Rest in peace."

Sue Allen, Millbrook Garden Company: "I am very sad to hear that Ernest has died.  Many of the leading garden centre entrepreneurs in the U.K. will not need me to tell them what a remarkable man he was and I know that the response to this sad news from around the World just underlines in what high esteem he was held by so many.

"Although Millbrook never worked with Ernest and his team on a professional level, meeting him on IGC trips or at the British GCA conference was always a memorable and enlightening experience.  I particularly remember standing on the deck of the New York Harbour evening cruise boat, looking at the Twin Towers (destroyed just a couple of weeks later) while he spoke of sailing into New York as a young man and telling me of just some of his experiences.  Having since read his book, I realised that was just one tiny part of his unique and incredible life story.

"My thoughts are with Ernest’s family and business associates as they all come to terms with the loss of such a lovely man and the end of an era in which he was the key driver of developing the garden centre industry of today.  In these current difficult  times I do believe that of all the retail sectors out there, we are privileged to be in the one which could potentially be in a far better state than most.  This is in no small measure thanks to Ernest.  What an amazing legacy he has left for us all."

Carol Paris, Rosebourne Garden Centres said: "I thought Ernest was an inspiration to all in the industry. A pioneer of garden centres. He was also a lovely man and great company. His book , Chasing Spring shows what an incredible character he was. He will be much missed."

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive adds: "Ernest was known by many in the GCA, through his association with the IGCA and he attended a few GCA Annual Conferences too (which is where I met him). He has worked with many of the UK’s leading garden centres, helping them with developing their concepts and master plans and has made a significant contribution to the evolution of garden centres into the great retail destination centres we see today.

"On behalf of the GCA, our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."

Boyd J Douglas-Davies; HTA President: "Ernest was an incredible part of the Horticulture industry who for many, many years quietly and modestly influenced the shape of UK garden centres.

"There are many great examples of his work that are looked upon as leading examples of profitable retail. His skill can be seen throughout the world and will continue to inspire.

"One of the industry's true gents, he will be missed by all those who had the privilege to meet him."

John Herbert, European DIY Retail Association, based on Cologne said: “Ernest was a truly remarkable person and when you read his book “Chasing Spring” it is simply amazing to see how positive he was considering the destruction of his family by the Nazi’s.

I remember asking Ernest if he still felt he was German. He looked at me, paused and said... but John, I am an American!  Ernest was an inspiration to all whom he came in contact with. Even at 98 years of age Ernest talked about the what we do for the future!"

Here's a video: Celebrating Ernest: An Unmatched Legacy, from American Hort in 2017.

Last words in this tribute are taken from the end of his book Chasing Spring which can be purchased on Amazon using this link

"It is on the mountain, among the primroses, where both Margrit and I would like to be put to rest. We hope our ashes will provide some nutrients for these beautiful plants, just as my relationship with plants has nourished me. But it is the love and joy of my family — particularly for Margrit, our sons, and grandson — along with the gift of good friends and the many lessons I’ve learned that have humbled me and hopefully made me a better person. How lucky I have been."

Linda Parker Hamilton, Ernest Wertheim. Chasing Spring (p. 375). Lulu Publishing Services. Kindle Edition.

Retail giant John Lewis says future development of the company could include a horticultural side of the business.

As part of its strategic review, John Lewis has sought the views of customers, suppliers and its partners on how it could grow.

And horticulture is one of four ideas that the company will investigate further, along with financial services, private rented housing and rental/resale/recycle.

John Lewis chairman Sharon White said: “Horticulture, this was the number one idea from Partners and is highly relevant to our target customers. We are exploring how we build a new business out of Waitrose Garden, Leckford Estate and the Waitrose Farm, landscaping and John Lewis Outdoor Living – potentially with new partnerships and acquisitions.”

She added: “We clearly won’t be able to achieve all this alone. So we will create partnerships with other businesses who respect our ethos and can bring resources or capabilities we don’t have. This will allow us to grow efficiently. Partnerships will give new meaning to our ‘& Partners’ rebranding. We are already in a number of commercial discussions and are also looking at acquisitions.”

With retail profit margins under pressure, Sharon White says the company needs to expand beyond retail. “More than that - we have the opportunity to offer our customers new services where trust and a strong sense of purpose are important.”

New gardeners are keeping garden centre sales volumes significantly ahead of normal for the summer. GTN Bestsellers Epos data analysis shows the first weekend of August was over 20% up on any of the previous four years with no sign of the sales increase abating.

In the August issue of GTN, out next week and on-line here, HTA chairman James Barnes is quoted as saying that the association believes there are at least one million new gardeners as a result of the Covid-19 crisis and all of the publicity gardening has received.

One million new gardeners are a huge opportunity for the industry but we will have to adapt normal practices to keep them as long term customers.  

For sure they will be more influenced by the Internet and social media, so garden centres will need to up their game and change their voice to make sure they are heard.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 31

• Garden Products Top 50 – up 17%
• Growing Media Top 50 – up 110%
• Wild Bird Care Top 50 – down 21%
• Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 101%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 31

• All Plants with Barcode index – up 27%
• All Items with Barcode index – up 21%

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and charts in the GTN Bestsellers printed newsletter each week.  To subscribe for only £145 a year use this link.

Ayrshire garden centre owner, Michael Hayes of Hayes Garden Land in Symington who set up a JustGiving page to raise money for the family of Philip Moore who died after a tragic accident at Westlands Dungannon factory has reported that while the fund has reached the target of £5,000 further donations to help the family would be welcome.

"Weʼre raising £5,000 to help the wife & young child of a man accidently killed in our Garden Centre industry and show we care," writes Michael on the JustGiving page.  "An Irish man recently lost his life whilst working to supply our industry. He leaves a wife and young Child and although no amount of money will heal their loss, we are honoured to show our appreciation of his endeavours. The Growers and Retailers of the Garden Centre Industry of the UK and Eire thank you."

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/westland-tragedy

The owners of Dennetts Garden Centre in Daventry had to evacuate their home on Monday evening (August 3) after a massive blaze broke out at a car scrapyard adjacent to the centre.

At its peak, 40 firefighters tackled the blaze and a huge plume of smoke could be seen for miles around.  

At about 8pm, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue received a call from the site, plus 18 calls from concerned members of the public, relating to smoke that could be seen from a car scrapyard in London Road. 

Seven fire engines, two water carriers and 40 firefighters were quickly deployed to the scene, with support from Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service. 

Upon arrival, about 40 cars and vans were fully alight.

The crews were able to deploy ultra-high pressure hoses which allowed them to create an effective fire break with the rest of the stored vehicles on the site. The crews also used hose lines and were able to extinguish the fire fully within three hours. 

Group Commander Barry Mullan said: “I would like to thank all of the crews on scene last night who dealt with this fire in an exceptionally efficient and professional manner and contained the fire to one area of the storage compound.

“I would also like to thank our colleagues at Northamptonshire Police who quickly deployed to the scene to close the A45 and engage with members of the public so we could concentrate our efforts completely on the job at hand.” 

The cause of the fire is not being treated as suspicious.

On its Facebook page Dennetts Garden Centre said:

“Thank you to all our friends, family and customers for your messages.

“As you are all aware there was a large fire at Intapart last night. 

“My family, garden centre, buildings, kennels and farm are all okay. 

“We would like to thank the fire brigade and police for all their hard work. 

“We obviously had to keep public away from our property for their own safety and to let the fire brigade do their job.

“Many thanks from all the Dennett family.”

Pictures: Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue

Haskins Garden Centre in Snowhill, Crawley, has opened its doors to customers following a 12-month refurbishment costing £15m.

The new centre boasts a retail space of 11,813 sq.m., including an outdoor plant area and 440-seat restaurant complete with a newly installed pizza oven. Additional space has also been created to accommodate 170 restaurant guests on an outdoor patio.

Up to 70 new jobs have been created to accommodate the centre's expansion. Car parking has increased to 346 spaces.  See GTN Xtra's photo tour of the new centre below.

Chief executive Julian Winfield said the Snowhill team worked tirelessly to ensure the centre was able to remain open for the majority of the project, with minimal disruption.

“We can't wait to receive our customers' feedback on our new and improved facilities,” he added. “Over the years, we have built a loyal customer following and we are proud to be able to give back to them in this way with our new expanded centre.”

Haskins acquired the Snowhill site in 2003, inheriting a number of ageing buildings.

Haskins also has centres in Ferndown in Dorset, West End in Southampton and Roundstone in West Sussex. The family business recently acquired Forest Lodge Garden Centre, Bird World and Garden Style in Farnham.

Pictured (left to right): Julian Winfield, Jamie Haskins, Ally Haskins (married to Jamie) and Warren Haskins, the group's chairman. 

The opening event was attended by the current GCA Chairman Mike Burks and three past Chairs; Warren Haskins, Sue Allen and Julian Winfield.

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.

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

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

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

Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro chart for last week are here

Highlights of the GTN Wild Bird Care chart for last 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.

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.

PATS Telford, the UK’s number one pet industry exhibition forced to cancel because of Covid-19 restrictions, has launched a new initiative aimed at bringing buyers and sellers together online.

The PATS Telford Forum will take place on the exhibition’s website www.patshow.co.uk during August, September and October, and offer exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their new products as well as offer deals and discounts to retailers.

There will also be up-to-date information on all PATS Telford Forum exhibitors and links to their websites, grooming demonstrations to be viewed online, and educational seminars from industry experts, which can be watched at a time to suit the viewer.

“We were extremely disappointed and sad that PATS Telford 2020 as a ‘live’ event will not take place this September, but there is still a thirst for suppliers and manufacturers to talk to buyers, and vice versa. We are therefore delighted to introduce The PATS Telford Forum,” said organiser Gordon Thomas.

“By running the Forum across August, September and October, we are not limiting activity to just a few days of online interaction but offering a long-term facility for online communication and trade between PATS exhibitors and buyers.”

One of the most popular features of PATS shows is the New Product Awards, and thanks to the support of long-term sponsors pbwnews these will go ahead, with both entries and winners featuring in the Forum as well as the magazine.

To access the PATS Telford Forum visit www.patshow.co.uk.

Lintbells, a leading manufacturer in premium natural pet supplements, has shown its support for the veterinary industry by announcing a partnership with VetYogi to offer a free, six week online Yoga course.  

According to a 2019 RCVS survey, 33% of veterinary nurses felt there was a lack of respect for their profession and 54% felt undervalued. The pandemic has also heightened the stresses and challenges our veterinary team have been facing to care for the nation’s pets.

Lintbells’ mission is to support all pets to live a happy and healthy life and veterinary care is core to this mission. This summer Lintbells is teaming up with VetYogi to launch ‘Hatha for Heroes’.  The campaign was created to raise awareness of the importance of health and wellbeing and to say thank you to the superheroes in scrubs who work tirelessly to look after our pets every day. 

The ‘Hatha for Heroes’ beginner's online yoga course will be free for professionals in the veterinary industry that sign up to the Lintbells new and exclusive Facebook Group, The Vet Hub - https://www.facebook.com/groups/561348331472815/. The six week, hour-long yoga sessions will run from Wednesday 12^th August 2020 between 8pm and 9pm and will be accessible via Zoom. To help people get prepared, practice and engage better in the class, the sessions will be accompanied by a blog accessible on the Lintbells Facebook page and website, and a ‘how-to’ guide for that week’s poses will be hosted on VetYogi’s YouTube channel.

VetYogi was founded in 2017 by Chloe Hannigan, a qualified vet and yoga teacher, to promote self-care and mental health awareness within the veterinary community. 

Jessica Hyatt, Spokesperson for Lintbells, comments: “Our mission is to support all pets to live a happy and healthy life and the veterinary community plays a vital role in both preventative and emergency care. We launched this campaign to show our appreciation and support for everyone in the industry. Looking after other people’s much-loved pets can be incredibly stressful, so we hope our partnership with VetYogi will give veterinary professionals – whatever their role - the opportunity to explore how Yoga can help them improve their well-being and help them unwind after a busy day at the practice."

Chloe Hannigan, Founder-VetYogi, comments: “I am delighted to be collaborating with Lintbells in offering this fun and accessible online 'Beginner’s Yoga’ course. As a practising vet myself I am all too aware of the daily stresses and challenges a veterinary team faces, and am passionate about the evidence-based ways in which a regular yoga and meditation practice can have meaningful physical, mental, and emotional benefits. I look forward to guiding you and welcome you regardless of whether you are a complete newbie to yoga, or simply wish to further what you already know."