The administrators acting on behalf of Solus Garden & Leisure have this week told GTN Xtra that they are making progress with potential buyers and remain hopeful of completing a sale.

Tony Barrell, joint administrator and director, PwC, said:“From the outset, we have been focussed on securing a sale and have received expressions of interest from a number of parties. 

“We have reviewed the offers received to date and are now in detailed conversations with several parties. We are making progress and remain hopeful of completing a sale." 

GTN Xtra has learned from a number of garden centres that Solus sales reps have been telling them that a sale of the business is imminent, and the potential buyer was a leading supplier in the garden industry.

Only last week the administrators announced that the company's Rackheath depot in Norwich is to close next month and that 19 jobs could be affected.

Solus will continue to serve garden centres in the region, added the administrators, but this will now be done from the Midlands (Hunnington) in future.

With 140 garden centres under his control, The Garden Centre Group CEO Kevin Bradshaw knows that maintaining a high standard throughout the company's estate is a daily challenge for his team. So how does the company, which employs over 5,000 people, ensure that garden centre staff keep up the good work?

“We’ve invested very heavily in training, and we’ll continue to do so. A lot of that training is focused on service and standards.

“The standards have to be right and the centres need to be looking tip-top but equally we want the staff to engage with customers to help them in the decision making.

“Moving forwards our employees will be much more focused on offering support and advice to the less experienced gardener. It’s quite risky spending money on plants, which may or may not work aesthetically or flourish in a particular location. “Helping to give advice and support to customers, to give them confidence in their purchasing decisions, is a big deal.

“Of course, we will continue to serve the expert, but the real focus will be on helping all customers, irrespective of their level of expertise.”

Read the full interview with Kevin in the July issue of Garden Trade News

A new marketing campaign targeting 30-45-year-olds was officially launched this week at the HTA National Plant Show.

Titled ‘Love the Plot You’ve Got’, the project follows new research commissioned by the Garden Industry Marketing Board into what consumers in this age group want from their gardens.

People are looking for that ‘holiday feeling’ when relaxing in their outdoor space, according to GIMB project manager David Arnold in his presentation at the show. Sounds including birdsong, children laughing and music all contribute to this feeling, as well as relaxing with a cold drink outside. Why not create a ‘That holiday feeling at home’ feature in your garden centre?

The research showed that people are put off when they try to grow something and it goes wrong. Garden centres could appeal to these people by holding ‘reluctant gardeners’ events where they can get help with any issues in a friendly atmosphere.

Renting is a potential barrier to gardening as people don’t want to invest in plants that cannot be moved. Garden centres could create ‘Portable planting’ ideas – the more quirky and fun the better – to capture the customer’s imagination. With plants, the novel, intriguing and downright weird can engage people so there should be more examples of this in garden centres, the project suggests  ‘Outdoor living space’ is more appealing to 30-45 year olds than the words ‘garden’ or ‘gardening’, which do not resonate as much with them. David outlined the ‘Love the Plot You’ve Got’ campaign. which has been formulated around the research results, and urged all to get behind it so that the whole industry can benefit.

Thompson & Morgan has announced the appointment of Bryan Magrath as Chief Executive. Formerly CEO of James Hull Associates, Vision Express and MD of Dixons Stores, Bryan takes over in planned succession from John May who, after 17 years in post will remain on the Board as Deputy Chairman.

Bryan brings a wealth of marketing, consumer focus and organisational strengths as well as being an enthusiastic recreational gardener.

Established in Ipswich in 1855, T&M has grown to become the UK’s leading brand for supplying seeds, plants and other related items to recreational gardeners through its catalogues, websites and in garden centres.  Its reputation for quality, exclusivity and depth of range is helped by its unique and multi-award winning breeding activity. 

Bryan Magrath said, “I am very excited to be joining Thompson & Morgan to lead the next phase in the life of this very special company – the nation’s favourite horticultural brand”.

John May said, “We are delighted to welcome Bryan to Thompson & Morgan.  I have served for over 17 wonderful years as Chief Executive, and the time is absolutely right for this succession.  I am looking forward to the future with great confidence.”

With a hall brimming full of exhibitors and visitor numbers 8% up the HTA National Plant Show which took place this week has been deemed a success.

Sponsored by Hortipak, the show which celebrated its fifth birthday this year, brought together the best from the UK plant supply chain providing plant buyers with an unrivalled opportunity to plan and select stock for the 2015 season.

The first HTA National Plant Show took place in June 2010 following requests from grower and retailer members alike for an affordable, stand-alone plant focussed show at the best time of year for them.

Speaking at the fifth birthday reception HTA Chief Executive Carol Paris said: “The quality of plants at this year’s show is truly exceptional providing a fantastic showcase for UK growers. Year on year exhibitors keep raising the bar with regard to their plant displays with many inspiring ideas for visitors to takeaway.

"Since the first show we have stayed true to our roots of a back to basics approach in order to keep exhibitor costs down and the focus to remain on the stars – the plants. The success of the show is down to the support of both exhibitors, visitors and supporters, particularly Hortipak our long standing headline partner, who have provided a huge investment and immeasurable support from the beginning. We would like to thank them all for their support.”

New plants are a key component of the show and this year was no exception with over 120 entries in the New Plant Awards, sponsored by RHS. With its vibrant bright orange open flowers and sturdy upright stems Trollius ‘Dancing Flame’ from Darby Nursery Stock and Fairweather’s Nursery won the Best New Plant Award. 

The Visitor Vote Award, sponsored by Floramedia, went to Mini Cherry ‘Cinderella’ from Blackmoor Nurseries. This new variety with compact bushy growth produces medium sized cherries in late July. It is perfect for patio pots with a final height of 1.5 metres.

Lovania Nurseries won the Best Plant Display award for their innovative ideas for alpines. Bransford Webb Plant Company, Channel Island Plants and Pentland Plants were all highly commended.

Over the course of the two days the seminar area, sponsored by Barclaycard, hosted three talks. In the opening seminar horticulturalist and broadcaster Chris Collins spoke about how even the simplest ideas can inspire and engage young people. ‘Through planting workshop provide kids with the basics and teach them that plants are alive and need to be looked after like a pet. It is empowering for kids to have the responsibility of taking care of plants.

David Arnold, Project Manager for the Garden Industry Marketing Board (GIMB), shared the findings of recent research into what 30-45 year olds want from their gardens. People are looking for that ‘holiday feeling’ when relaxing in their outdoor space - sounds including birdsong, children laughing and music all contribute to this feeling, as well as relaxing with a cold drink outside. Why not create a ‘that holiday feeling at home’ feature in your garden centre as a way of inspiring people he suggested.

Negotiation expert Steve Jones from ReSharpen spoke about some of the crucial deals which need to work for both sides before the customer makes their choice of plant from the display bench. It is important to ensure that you negotiate at the right price with the right person in order to get the best deal for both needs. It is important to collaborate but without compromise he said.

The ‘It Starts with a Pot giveaway’ proved to be popular with many garden retailers taking advantage of the opportunity to take away free pots, kindly donated by Stewarts Garden, for use in summer holiday and school activities.

New for 2014 the Plant Selfies competition attracted a lot of interest. Exhibitors were invited to submit images from the nursery of plants – close ups, with people and in action. Visitors to the show voted for their favourites. The winning image came from Sharon Lowndes from Fairweather’s Nursery for her stunning image of Eryngium ‘Big Blue’.

For further information and all the result visit www.nationalplantshow.co.uk

An independent Hampshire bus company has launched a new service between Southern Eastleigh, Parkway, Mansbridge, West End and Hedge End.  Eastleigh based Xelabus Ltd will operate the new X4 service with a frequency of every 30 minutes on weekdays and an hourly service on Saturdays.  The X4 will connect the existing X7 route Chandlers Ford and Velmore.

In planning the new service, Xelabus Managing Director Phil Blair and Operations Director Gareth Blair have arranged with the Haskins Garden Centre at West End to incorporate a Bus Stop within the car park so that bus passengers can travel more conveniently to the popular destination garden centre and the Hobbycraft Store on the site.

“We can now offer convenient, greener travel to Haskins and Hobbycraft that will benefit shoppers and the community,” said Gareth Blair. “We are delighted that Haskins have supported the new X4 route by allowing us to use what is one of the few bus stops within a garden centre in the county. ”

Matt Hill, General Manager at Haskins, said that he is to encourage the new Xelabus service: “To encourage bus travel we will be offering free teas and coffees to all Xelabus passengers with vouchers issued by bus drivers in the first few weeks of the new service.

"Until now only a small minority of visitors to the centre travel on public transport.  You could say that this is a 'Blooming good new bus service for those who want be greener in their travel arrangements'.”

Photo Caption: (from left) Xelabus Operations Director Gareth Blair and Haskins Restaurant General Manager Ben Harrison with X4 Bus stop at Haskins.

The best examples have been found as a result of “It starts with a Pot” campaign run by the HTA this spring. So that a Top of the Pots award can be made at The Greatest Awards Summer Party on July 7, the judges have been to all of the garden centres and nurseries who uploaded entries onto the campaign’s Facebook page.

What’s very clear is that those nurseries and garden centres who’ve really put effort into displaying plants in pots have earned themselves a lot more sales. “We’ve been seling them as fast as we can plant them up,” Yvonne at Brechin Castle Garden Centre told GTN Bestsellers. “I’ve even had to get extra help, including my mum, to come in and help keep up with demand.”

The winner of “Top of the Pots” will be announced at the National Motorcycle Museum on the evening of Monday, July7, during the Solex trade show.  Tickets are still available, please call 01733 775700 for bookings or buy online via the GTN Xtra e-mail newsletter.

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

• Garden Products – up 16%
• Veg 2 Gro – down 43%
• Growing Media – down 5%
• All items index – down 10%

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

  

Over the past 10 days, garden centre customers across the UK have been voting for their Greatest Garden Centre and Greatest Catering Teams.  All votes with a vialid e-mail address stand the chance of winning one of five £100 Natinoal Garden Gift Vouchers.

If you want to join in, all you have to do is download the pdfs linked below (it's free), put up a selection of A1, A3 and A4 posters, hand out the voting slips and collect them up prior to posting back to us for counting and recording after voting closes at mid-day on Monday 30^th June 2014.  If you need more posters and voting slips you can print as many as you wish.

You can also ask your customers to vote on-line too - and on-line voting has been extended to Friday 4th July - see this link for details

Then on Monday 7th July we will announce the winners at The Greatest Awards Summer Party, in the National Motorcycle Museum, opposite the NEC.

The winners will be the teams with the most votes, with separate awards for different sizes of centre and regional awards too.

What’s more, thanks to sponsorship from National Garden Gift Vouchers, there is a great incentive for your customers to vote.  Every vote with a valid e-mail address will be entered into a draw to win NGGV vouchers to the value of £100.  There will be five winners, one from each of five regions.

Over the years, customer voting has helped many garden centres gain an interesting insight into the positive ways their customers perceive them, and it also adds a spark to team morale.

And there’s no cost to you for being involved – all you have to do is get your staff talking to your customers!

We look forward to counting your votes, and who knows, if your team can get the most votes we’ll see you on stage at The Greatest Awards Party on July 7th!

Download all of the posters and voting cards pdfs from Dropbox (there is no cost) by using this link:  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/10z9oj7ecd9a9gg/AADipaJF6Ls9NRyTtf0ny3BJa 

If you have any problems accessing Dropbox, please call 07973 504214 or e-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk 

Packs of posters and voting cards have been sent this week to centres who registered in advance.  There are a very limited number of printed packs available, please call The Greatest Awards Team on 01733 775700 if you'd like one - firts come first served.

  

Following an exceptional start to the summer season, Deco-Pak has confirmed that it is has further invested in its stock and transport systems, to ensure even higher levels of service and customer satisfaction can be achieved.

The team at Deco-Pak is dedicated to delivering the best possible customer service to its customers, and this further investment will no doubt help to further cement this reputation.  From improved stock availability, to an increased distribution network, key aspects of the business will benefit from this investment, aspects that will no doubt also benefit retailers in both the short and long term.

David Hall, Deco-Pak’s Operational Director, said: “We’re always looking at ways to improve our business, and felt that now was the right time to invest in both our stock and transport systems.

"We’ve already purchased over £500,000 in new state of art machinery that will enable us to increase stock levels significantly, and will shortly be finalising a new transportation partnership, which will see our distribution network grow, whilst also improving our delivery lead times.

"We’ve also welcomed a number of new operation staff, meaning we are now in a position to offer our customers even more unrivalled service levels.”

Additionally, Deco-Pak will further improve its recently re-launched website. Featuring an updated visual design, the new website will feature a more user-friendly format, and even more consumer-focussed content including videos and improved stockist information. Further details about the website will be announced soon.

David added: “The announcement surrounding our investment in our stock and transport systems marks an exciting period for us as we ramp up activity ahead of Glee 2014. 

"We’ve some exciting plans for the show this year, and hope that our customers – both existing and potential – will join us on-stand to find out more.”

To find out more about Deco-Pak’s market leading aggregate and landscaping ranges log onto www.deco-pak.co.uk or call (01422) 204 394.

Trollius ‘Dancing Flame’ from Darby Nursery Stock and Fairweather’s Nursery was named best in show at the New Plant Awards at the HTA National Plant Show this week.

Striking bright orange open flowers on sturdy upright stems have pronounced sepals thaty make it really stand out. With good bud colour and clean foliage, this compact and hardy trollius is easy to grow and is suited to any moist good soil in a sun or part shade position. Launched at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2014, it is more prolific in flower than other varieties and re-blooms throughout the season.

Judging panel member Stan Green (HTA president) said ‘Dancing Flame’s vibrant colour, dramatic flowers and upright form made it a border plant with ‘wow factor’. “I am sure it will be a popular choice for garden centre customers when it comes to market next year,” he added.

He said this year’s judges reached their decision after viewing the plants in natural light. Hydrangea ‘Miss Saori’, which won the Plant of the Year award at Chelsea, was a very close second.

The awards were sponsored by the RHS and attracted more than 120 entries across five categories.

Full list of winners:

Annuals

Gold and Best in Category – Impatiens SunPatiens ‘Electric Orange’ – Earley Ornamentals

Gold – Dianthus Suntory ‘Pink’ – Channel Island Plants (UK) Ltd

Gold – Petunia Happy Magic Mini ‘Double Black’ – Channel Island Plants (UK) Ltd

Silver – Calibrachoa Minifamous ‘Double Soft Pink’ – Pentland Plants Ltd

Silver – Pelargonium grandiflorum ‘Bermuda Soft Pink’ – Eagle Plants Ltd

Bronze – Begonia F1 ‘Majestic Sunrise’ – Ball Colegrave

Herbaceous Perennials

Gold and Best in Category – Trollius ‘Dancing Flame’ – Darby Nursery Stock and Fairweathers

Silver – Dianthus ‘Twinkle Star’ – Whetman Pinks and Lovania Nurseries

Silver – Rodgersia ‘Bronze Peacock’ – Kernock Park Plants

Bronze – Eryngium x zabelli ‘Neptunes Gold’ – Lovania Nurseries and Seoint Nurseries

Bronze – Rhodoxis – Eagle Plants Ltd

Houseplants

Gold and Best in Category – Phalaenopsis ‘Japanese Cascade’ – Garden Centre Fresh

Silver – Phalaenopsis ‘1072’ - Javado UK

Bronze – Euphorbia Monadenium – Javado UK

Shrubs and Climbers

Gold and Best in Category – Hydrangea ‘Miss Saori’ – Javado UK

Silver – Hydrangea ‘Black Diamond Series’ Dark Angel Purple – Profitplant (Batchmere Ltd)

Bronze – Clematis Prince George – New Leaf Plants

Bronze – Starlet Roses ‘Carmen’ – Burston Nurseries

Bronze – The Poet’s Wife (Auswhisper) – David Austin Roses

Trees and Conifers

Gold and Best in Category – Mini Cherry ‘Cinderella’ – Blackmoor Nurseries

Bronze – Acer ‘Going Green’ – Garden Centre Fresh

Fairweather’s Nursery is celebrating winning the Plant Selfies Photography Competition launched at this year’s HTA National Plant Show.

As part of the show’s 5th birthday celebrations exhibitors were asked to send in photos to help to celebrate the beauty of plants. There were three categories, Plants up close, Plants in action and Plant pals with a grand prize for the overall Best plant selfie.

The winning Plant Selfie, a stunning close up of Eryngium Big Blue, won the Best plant selfie as well as the Plants up close category. Fairweather’s Nursery will receive £1,000 worth of advertising with HTA News plus the selfie is to feature on the front cover of the magazine. Sharon Lowndes, Sales Manager at Fairweather’s Nursery, who took the winning photo on her smart phone, was delighted to receive the prize.

Other category winners were Ball Colegrave Ltd. for its Plants pals entry featuring King Kong with Coleus Kong™ Rose, and Bell Brothers Nurseries for its Plants in action entry of the 2014 Lincolnshire Ladies Tractor Run in aid of Breast Cancer.

All of the Plant Selfies were well received by exhibitors and visitors alike, and the competition will be back next year. In keeping with the show, the entry photos were presented in terracotta plant pots supplied by Yorkshire Flowerpots.

The award for Best Plant Display at the HTA National Plant Show went to Lovania Nurseries for an inspirational display of alpines.

Bransford Webbs Plant Company, Channel Island Plants and Pentland Plants were all highly commended.

Among the features of Lovania’s display was a dining table with an alpine centre piece complete with place settings consisting of garden trowels and forks for cutlery. Lighting around the edge of the table helped to provide added effect. Along with a water feature, a planted chest of drawers and alpine cupcakes, the display had many features which could be easily replicated in a garden centre setting, providing cross selling opportunities.

The Bransford Webbs Plant Company took an innovative approach to promoting their new series of ‘wine and champagne’ inspired Hebes by using wine crates and bottles with bespoke hebe name labels on them.

Channel Island Plants produced a stunning display of plants which couldn’t fail to catch the eye. Like a living catalogue, the impact of the colour in hanging baskets and containers was dramatic.

Theming their display on the Commonwealth Games Pentland Plants effectively demonstrated how to tie in with national and international events to appeal to customers. Their turf path through the display was marked out as a running track, helping to pull the theme together with flag bunting providing a colourful edging.

Agrumi, Kirton Farm Nurseries, Wyevale Plants, Key Essentials, Gedney Bulbs, RHS, ProfitPlant, Green Team, Peter Eastwood Plants, HSK Gardening and Leisure, Allensmore Nurseries, Frank P Matthews and Plant Selfies were all praised for their displays.

The judges for 2014 were Ian Boardman from IBBIS UK Ltd, Mike Wyatt from Garden Trade News and Marcus Cousins from Aylett Nurseries.

Presenting the awards judge Ian Boardman comments “The standard of displays at the show was top notch with the quality of plants exceptional – all credit to British growers. There were plenty of show stoppers and great examples of inspirational merchandising that could easily be replicated within garden centres.”

He added: “The display from Lovania with such attention to detail, particularly in the table setting feature, was a worthy winner. A display such as this, even on a smaller scale, is sure to stop customers in their tracks and create a great talking point.”

Mini Cherry ‘Cinderella’ from Blackmoor Nurseries has been voted the Best New Plant by visitors to the HTA National Plant Show. The Visitor Vote Award, sponsored by Floramedia, proved extremely popular and with over 100 entries in this year’s awards visitors were spoilt for choice.

Full Visitor Vote results

Best in Show –  Mini Cherry ‘Cinderella’ by Blackmoor Nurseries

Best Annual – Begonia F1 ‘Majestic Sunburst’ by Ball Colegrave

Best Herbaceous Perennial – Trollius ‘Dancing Flame’ by Darby Nursery Stock and Fairweather’s Nursery

Best Houseplant – Phalaenopsis ‘HTA Happy Summer’ by Garden Centre Fresh

Best Tree and Conifer – Mini Cherry ‘Cinderella’ by Blackmoor Nurseries

Best Shrub and Climber – Hydrangea ‘Black Diamond Series’ Dark Angel Purple by Profitplant (Batchmere Ltd)

The Greatest summer awards and evening garden party will take place in association with SOLEX at the National Motorcycle Museum on 7th July at 7.15pm.

Reward your team after a busy day at SOLEX and rub shoulders with The Greatest Garden Centre teams in the business.

Included in the ticket price is a pre-dinner drinks reception, a three course meal with wine, coffee and mints and the prestigious awards ceremony, followed by dancing to our live band.

Back by popular demand after their success at the Greatest Christmas Awards, The Rockits are the resident band from the Cavern Club in Liverpool.

Dress code is smart casual

Book early to avoid disappointment, call 01733 775700 or book on line using the Buy Now link below:

Tickets

1 Ticket £102.00 GBP2 Tickets £204.00 GBP3 Tickets £288.00 GBP4 Tickets £384.00 GBP5 Tickets £450.00 GBP6 Tickets £540.00 GBP7 Tickets £630.00 GBP8 Tickets £720.00 GBP9 Tickets £810.00 GBPTable of 10 £840.00 GBP

My client is a small garden centre group based in the London area.

They are looking for an experienced garden centre manager to lead the team of a large destination style garden centre based in a scenic and historic part of London.

You will have site management experience previously and be ready to take on a challenging role in a very competitive environment.

There is an opportunity to grow with the business. 

info@morepeople.co.uk

My client is a large independent garden centre with an excellent reputation in the industry.

They are currently looking for a talented horticulturist with good retail experience to join their team.

You will be responsible for leading a team in the shrub area of the plantarea and will be responsible for maintaining quality of both the customer service and the plants.

The planteria supervisor must have excellent plant knowledge and would be able to potentially cover other areas outside of shrubs.

Please call Brad Peck on 01780 480530, or apply with your CV to info@morepeople.co.uk

As J & E Importers re-structure, an exciting new opportunity has arisen for an experienced National Account Manager to join the team. The role will involve working from Head Office, out in the field and from home as required in developing and implementing a sales strategy for a group of products marketed primarily for large volume resellers. 

The ideal candidate will have good working experience in a similar role and knowledge in the Home, Garden and Pet environment and seeking a new challenge within this expanding industry. 

The successful candidate needs to be hardworking, energetic, enthusiastic and committed for this exciting and rewarding position.

This role provides an excellent opportunity within a growing company offering a range of recognised products across multiple markets.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience: applicants should possess the following:-

An understanding and background within the Home, Garden & Pet industry would be considered advantageous, but not absolute for the right calibre person.

Excellent communication skills and a warm outgoing personality

The ability to excite, engage the customer and explore the full potential.

The knowledge and ability to be able to deal with container sales as well as palletised options

Strong influencing skills are required, as well as a diplomatic manner and a positive pro-active outlook.

To nurture and develop customer relations

To establish new accounts and to develop a clear strategy and action plan to grow sales and profitability within our existing portfolio of accounts as well as new.

Regular concise, clear and logical reporting on a regular basis is a pre-requisite for this position.

Must be able to produce/substantiate a proven track record of sales within a similar position/role

The package includes a Company car, laptop, mobile phone, 28 days holiday including bank holidays and staff product discount

Please email vince.green@greenjem.co.uk for further information or to forward your current CV

Our client is a well established young plant supplier who supply the professional growing market with a large variety of plants. They are currently seeing a driven sales orientated individual who has both superb plant knowledge and an aptitude for sales or a professional sales person who has sold into the growing sector.

The SUCCESSFUL Candidate will be responsible for:-

• Managing key grower account
• Developing new business and managing existing accounts
• Provide technical advice to customers
• Represent the company at trade shows and exhibitions

For this role our client is ideally seeking:-

• A proven background in territory sales to the grower sector or an outstanding individual from the growing or retail sectors who has the drive to become a top sales person
• Be a target driven individual who has the ability to hit sales target and achieve growth within their sector
• A strong relationship builder who has excellent customer skills and can ensure customer satisfaction   

Please call Dianne Saunders on 07929 013910 or apply with your CV to info@morepeople.co.uk

Town & Country has made two new appointments to its sales division as it continues to develop the business with an increased product portfolio and growing brand presence.

Mark Butler takes up the position of UK Sales Manager, where he will be responsible for building business within key accounts, supporting the sales force and developing new markets. Mark has worked in the industry for more than 25 years, having held key account manager roles with leading garden sector names including Solus and Sinclair.

Bringing a wealth of expertise to the company is Terry Murphy who joins as National Accounts Manager. With a total of 30 years’ experience within the UK and international garden centre sectors, Terry will be responsible for the company’s UK garden centre groups as well as the buying group accounts.  He joins following a six year stint in a similar role at Solus, having previously worked with Ronseal.

Barry Page, Town & Country’s Chief Executive commented:  “The expertise that Mark and Terry bring to the business will be vital in helping drive the brand forward.  Trading conditions in the industry continue to be challenging, but the last 12 months have been excellent for us.  The implementation of our Growth Development Programme has produced some extraordinary results, with some of our customers showing increases in excess of 250% compared to the previous year.”

To keep up with the latest products and promotions from Town & Country contact 01530 830990 or email info@townandco.com

Suttons Seeds is reportedly set to axe a total of 18 full-time jobs as it undertakes a remodelling of its business because of difficult market conditions.

Reports in the Torquay Herald Express quoted the company's Tom Sharples as saying: “As with almost all other retail sectors, the gardening marketplace has changed considerably in recent years.

“The pace of this change will only accelerate as this vibrant sector adapts to new entrants and new ways of serving existing and potential new gardeners.

“For over 200 years Suttons Seeds has helped shape the gardening landscape of the UK and we plan to continue doing this for many years to come.

“With this objective in mind we are remodelling our business in order to be able to most effectively meet the needs of our existing retail, online and catalogue customers.

“This change has involved transferring the skills of some staff into new parts of the business.

“However, it is likely to also result in up to 18 roles becoming redundant.

“We are working to minimise the impact on individual members of staff while ensuring the business will continue to innovate and thrive in the future.”

The Greatest Garden Centre Catering Teams:

http://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/GTN/1kylf3j9wfv?a=6&p=47641441&t=27966603

The Greatest Garden Centre Team

http://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/GTN/krqfbpl133o?a=6&p=47641440&t=27966603


If you have any questions about the on-line voting for The Greatest Awards, please e-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

The Royal Horticultural Society today announces a 10 year Strategic Investment Programme of more than £100 million. This will enable the charity to provide even better inspiration and advice for more people, both its members and the British gardening public. The charity will also broaden its appeal and raise the profile and impact of every aspect of horticulture.

With these funds, the RHS will promote and help secure the future of horticulture across the UK for as many people as possible by:

• engaging even more with communities to bring the joy of horticulture and gardening to people, regardless of location and ability
• creating two new inner city gardens for local communities
• searching for and opening a fifth garden for RHS members and visitors, in an area of the country where the RHS isn't currently present
• redeveloping the hilltop area at RHS Garden Wisley to create a new centre for Science, Learning, and Horticultural Events. This third "hub" in the Society's flagship garden will combine modern Science laboratories and a new Herbarium, a Library, additional Learning and catering facilities, as well as an inspiring Living Science Garden
• creating a new Learning Centre at RHS Garden Hyde Hall with a teaching garden
• increasing the number of horticultural apprenticeships offered at RHS Gardens from 8 to 22
• substantially improving the horticulture and infrastructure in the four existing RHS Gardens at Hyde Hall, Rosemoor, Wisley and Harlow Carr through major investment

RHS Director General Sue Biggs said, "This is a landmark moment for the RHS. As a charity we are careful with our funds and invest them when we believe the time is right. We have turned around a trend of declining members and visitors, and today are in a strong position after several years of growth, with membership and garden visitors at an all-time high. After years of planning, we are now confident to make this significant investment and increase our work to further help and inspire the millions of people who garden in the UK today.

"This 10 year Strategic Investment Programme substantially expands the scope of our existing Key Investment Projects (KIPs), to increase our charitable work and support the future of horticulture for years to come. Two years ago we announced our five-year investment plan of 10 KIPs with a budget of £27m, financed by £18m from the sale of the lease of Lawrence Hall and £9m from fundraising. We are now increasing our fundraising target to £20m over the next ten years, with the remaining £80m to come from the RHS.

"We've already made some significant progress with our KIPs, including the recent launch of our new website, new horticultural content at Hyde Hall and the development of designs for the new Learning Centre at Hyde Hall, the redevelopment of Lindley Library & Hall at Vincent Square and the new Science building and entrance and retail facilities at Wisley.

"Our new expanded ten year programme builds on these and will see us investing in projects that will make a real difference. Our intention is to inspire passion and excellence in horticulture; conserve and showcase the nation's rich horticultural heritage and cultural collections; educate children about the importance of horticulture and horticulture careers; transform lives and communities through gardening and make our planet a greener, better and more beautiful place."

Sir Nicholas Bacon, RHS President, comments: "210 years ago our founders changed the face of horticulture forever when they met in a small London bookshop and resolved to start a Society to further the encouragement and improvement of the science, art and practice of horticulture. The commitment we make today is no less momentous and will see us taking their original vision out to more people and places than ever before. The RHS is the strongest it has ever been and, after careful consideration and planning, the Council and I are confident that it is time to look to the future.

"The projects we embark on now will mean we can teach the next generation to love, understand, and care for plants and habitats, in their own gardens and across the country; conduct pioneering scientific research; reach out and change lives in new communities; and conserve, share and celebrate our rich horticultural heritage, art and culture.

"The investments will also ensure we develop sustainable income streams for the RHS and can continue to improve our world through horticulture for generations to come."

George Hassall, eight years old, from Buckton Vale Primary School in Carrbrook, near Greater Manchester has been named RHS Young School Gardener of the Year 2014 after wowing judges with his infectious enthusiasm, passion and impressive knowledge of gardening. 

Noreen Daw, Higher Level Teaching Assistant at Imberhorne School in East Grinstead, West Sussex was also awarded RHS School Gardening Champion of the Year 2014 for her incredible dedication to school gardening, and a 39-strong Eco Club from Ysgol Esgob Morgan in St Asaph, Denbighshire was named RHS School Gardening Team of the Year 2014 for their unwavering teamwork and enthusiasm.

The panel of judges, which included ITV'sLove Your Gardenpresenter, Frances Tophill, broadcaster and gardening editor, Peter Seabrook and Head of Site at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Ian Le Gros, were bowled over by the standard of entries of the 20 finalists chosen for each of the three awards. 

Between January and May this year, over 200 nominations for pupils, gardening clubs and colleagues were sent by schools to the RHS Campaign for School Gardening. 12 finalists were selected for RHS Young School Gardener of the Year and four finalists for both RHS School Gardening Champion of the Year and RHS School Gardening Team of the Year. Each of the finalists was given a digital camcorder to make a short film that would show the judging panel their knowledge and passion for gardening. 

George Hassall beat off stiff competition to be awarded winner of the 7-11 age group and the title of RHS Young School Gardener of the Year 2014. Awards were also given to Kodey Holt, six from Ampney Crucis C of E Primary School in Gloucestershire who was winner of the 5-7 age group, David Scott Cavey, 14 from Stoke Damerel Community College in Devon who came top of the 11-14 age group and Jacob Coles, from Writhlington School in Somerset who was the winner of the 14-16 age group. 

Frances Tophill said: "From the moment we watched George's video, we could all see a young star emerging. For someone so young, his gardening knowledge is incredible and it became clear that his enthusiasm reaches out to the school as a whole, as well as the local community. He is a natural gardener and a young presenter in the making; I'm sure with his passion and cheeky personality we'll be seeing him on our TV screens before long!" 

RHS School Gardening Champion of the Year 2014, Noreen Daw, proved to be a hit with the judges with her video showing her to be a dedicated and generous member of staff. With no gardening background, Noreen worked hard to learn a variety of skills from scratch in order to pass them onto her students, helping those who were passionate about gardening, as well as students with behavioural difficulties who have thrived by working on a number of outdoor projects. Judges described Noreen as an "inspiration", "incredibly committed" and "a credit to her school". 

Winners of RHS School Gardening Team of the Year 2014, Ysgol Esgob Morgan, were chosen for their fantastic teamwork and enthusiasm. Over just a couple of years, the group has developed the schools grounds into a gardening haven, complete with their resident chickens, and has helped improve the local community by litter picking and planting up banks of the River Elwy. Older members of the team were shown to take on a mentoring role, passing on skills to younger members of the group so it can continue to grow and develop in the future, as well as sharing skills with children from other schools to help them develop their own gardens. 

Peter Seabrook said: "Each year this competition shows us just what young people are achieving across the UK and the standard is always outstanding. The introduction of the two additional categories is also a fantastic way of recognising the team efforts of schools and also the teachers who lead them to success." 

George, Noreen and the Eco Club at Esgob Morgan will each receive £500 in gardening vouchers for their school and an engraved trowel as their trophy. George will also win a selection of tools, a day working at an RHS garden and tickets to an RHS Flower Show next year. Noreen has won RHS membership for a year, a day working at an RHS garden and a place on a school gardening training course. Esgob Morgan has won a selection of tools, gardening gloves for each club member and a fantastic Keder Greenhouse worth £1,855. 

Sarah Cathcart, Head of Education & Learning at the RHS says: "We are all delighted for George, Noreen and the team at Esgob Morgan, each of them is a shining example of what can be achieved in school. We'd also like the thank every school that sent in a nomination this year, it's wonderful to read through the applications and discover so many individuals who are giving their time to improving their school grounds, local community and also helping and inspiring others." 

All 20 finalists' videos can be viewed on the RHS Campaign for School Gardening's YouTube page at youtube.com/RHSSchoolGardening. 

The RHS Young School Gardener of the Year competition is part of the RHS Campaign for School Gardening which is now supporting almost 19,000 schools across the UK. RHS research has shown that gardening can help children develop by teaching them life skills and improving their wellbeing. 

Retailers can take advantage of margins of up to 50% with Town & Country’s latest promotions featuring some of the brand’s latest and best-selling glove products.

There are two display formats available - Clip Strips and revolving ‘Spinner’ displays – each providing an ideal format for impulse purchases as they can be positioned at strategic locations around the store to provide consumers with quick and easy access to products they might otherwise have overlooked.  

Offering 50% margins, each Clip Strip display has the capacity to hold 12 pairs of gloves and they are available for the Master Gardener, Aquasure, Classics, Taskmaster, Weedmaster and Essentials gloves, as well as the newly launched Ditsy Patterned Goatskin and Ditsy Synthetic Leather gloves.

The two premium Ditsy glove designs are now also available in the revolving ‘Spinner’ display formats which offers retailer margins of 45%.  Designed to hold 36 pairs of gloves, the display stands at 60cm high and can be used as a counter-top display.   Highly visual headers provide a striking look to maximise the impact.

To take advantage of these special offers, contact your Town & Country sales representative or contact Town & Country on 01530 830990 or email sales@townandco.com

With the growing season in full swing, gardeners are tackling those weeding and feeding tasks with related products showing up strongly in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart.

• Scotts Roundup Pump n Go (2.5 litres) is a new entry, along with the company’s Pathclear Gun.
• With tomato plants growing well, Scotts Levington Tomorite (1 litre) has taken over top spot.
• Garden lighting is another good category, with Gardman Solar Sparkling Bubble Lights, (triple pack) being the highest new entry.
• Gardman Heavy Duty Knitted Netting is also a newcomer to the chart.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

There are several carrot lines showing up strongly in the GTN Bestsellers Veg-2-Gro chart.

• Quantil Carrot Chantenay is the highest re-entry at No 14.
• Suttons Carrot Early Nantes 5 has also returned to the chart.

Thompson & Morgan Carrot Resistafly F1 Hybrid is the highest new entry at No 32.

The highest climber of the week is Quantil Lettuce Winter Cos, jumping 41 places to No 6.

Quantil Runner Bean White Emergo has moved to top spot to displace French Dwarf Bean, which drops to third place.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Gardeners seeking to keep the weeds under control while retaining moisture for their plants in the warm weather, are turning to decorative  bark products, according to the Growing Media chart.

• Westland Decorative Mini Bark (50 litres) is a re-entry after a good sales week.
• Arthur Bowers Bark Chips (60 litres) has jumped to No 2 with a doubling of sales.
• Westland John Innes Repotting No 2 (30 litres) is the highest climber.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Detailed plans for Scotland’s first joint Tesco supermarket and Dobbies garden centre in East Kilbride, Glasgow, were given the green light this week.

The massive new development at Peel Park will bring over 400 jobs to the town, with recruitment taking place locally.

The site already had planning permission for a stand-alone supermarket and a garden centre but the proposals which went before South Lanarkshire Council’s planning committee are the first of their kind in the country.

It will see a Tesco superstore, a petrol station, a Dobbies garden centre, incorporating a restaurant and cafe, farm foodhall, poly tunnels, cold house and external sales/display/demonstration areas.

The stores will be linked with a central atrium entrance foyer which contains the garden centre restaurant.

There will be 948 car parking spaces in total for the two stores.

Members of the Horticultural Trades Association now have access to a dedicated legal advice line to help with any Business Legal queries they may have.

This new helpline is provided by Darbys Solicitors LLP, a regulated law firm and provided via their specialist legal advisory team.

The legal world can often seem detached and unapproachable and coupled with a fear of expensive bills often means businesses don’t seek professional advice when they need it.  

Provision of this helpline now provides a valuable extension to the range of benefits provided by the HTA, aiming to help remove these barriers and apprehension and enable our members to obtain quality professional advice and support when they need it.

Darbys Solicitors LLP are a full service law firm, which means they have the expertise to provide advice on any area of the law, and are ranked in the top 200 law firms in the country.

The service is free for HTA members to use and is completely confidential and covers all business legal matters, with the exception of employment which is already supported by the HTA HR and Health and Safety advice line, run by Alcumus.

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 2012 as well as 2013 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 upto 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.