Dates and venues have been announced for the ‘Love the Plot You’ve Got’ Masterclasses planned for spring.

The one day masterclasses, designed to help garden centre teams help their customers ‘love their plot’, will be run by Ian Boardman of IBBIS (UK) Ltd. The high-profile consumer promotion has received widespread support across the industry.

Aimed at garden centre teams from the plantarea, garden care and outdoor living departments, the sessions will cover different aspects of the campaign. They will include the findings of the consumer research into what 30-45 year olds want from their outdoor spaces plus information about how the campaign is being publicised, how retailers can link in with the activity and ideas on maximising sales opportunities.

The masterclasses, which will run from 9.30 am - 4.30 pm with tea/coffee and biscuits provided, cost £75 per person (plus VAT). To find out more and to book your place contact Ian Boardman – i.boardman@ibbis.co.uk

Wed 4 Feb – RHS Wisley

Thurs 5 Feb – Europlants tbc

Tues 17 Feb – Woodlodge

Thurs 19 Feb - Westland, Peterborough

Fri 20 Feb – Sinclair

Thurs 12 Mar – Glendoick Garden Centre

Fri 13 Mar – Creative Gardens, Donagadee

Tues 17 Mar – RHS Harlow Carr

Love the Plot You’ve is a new garden industry campaign to demystify and popularise gardening amongst consumers who currently see the pastime as hard work and primarily for older people. The campaign is targeting consumers aged 30-45 years who have access to a garden or outdoor space but don’t currently make great use of it.

A consumer website will go live in early 2015 and a series of regional roadshows across the country will provide examples of themed gardens and projects.

Information: click here or contact Garden Industry Marketing Board project manager David Arnold (07876 643638, email: daaltd@virginmedia.com),