GTN Xtra - GTN Xtra - Issue 39 2016

Tesco has this morning confirmed the sale of its Dobbies Garden Centres business to an investor group led by Midlothian Capital Partners and Hattington Capital...

Tesco has this morning confirmed the sale of its Dobbies Garden Centres business to an investor group led by Midlothian Capital Partners and Hattington Capital.

The sale represents the entire share capital of Dobbies Garden Centres Ltd. Tesco will receive £217m in cash, which will be used for general corporate purposes.

Tescos announcement on the Tesco plc website states: Tesco bought Dobbies Garden Centres in 2007, and since then it has grown to become the UK’s second largest specialist garden centre retailer, operating 35 garden centres across Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.

Tesco Chief Executive Dave Lewis said:

“Through their hard work and dedication to customer service, Dobbies colleagues have built a great business, and I would like to thank them for everything they have done. It was a difficult decision to sell the business, but we believe this agreement will give Dobbies a bright future, while allowing our UK retail business to focus on its core strengths.”

Andrew Bracey and Barney Burgess, of Midlothian Capital Partners and Hattington Capital respectively, said:

“We are delighted to have been chosen by Tesco to take ownership of the Dobbies Garden Centres business. It is a great business with fantastic colleagues. We’re very optimistic about the potential of the business, and we look forward to growing the business across the UK from its base in Scotland.”

Tesco will continue to offer customers a wide selection of Home and Garden products through its own stores and online.

Gross assets relating to Dobbies Garden Centres Ltd. included in the Tesco PLC accounts as at 27 February 2016 were £255m.

Dobbies Garden Centres Ltd. made a contribution of £17m to Tesco PLC’s reported profit before tax for the year ended 27 February 2016.

Read GTN Xtra this weekend for more details.

Leighton Buzzard GC is Home & Garden's tenth

Leighton Buzzard Garden Centre will become the Home and Garden Group’s tenth centre next week...

Leighton Buzzard Garden Centre will become the Home and Garden Group’s tenth centre next week.

Home & Garden’s owner and chairman Paul Chessum also owns Chessum Plants, one of Europe’s largest rose growers. The garden centre business is run by his daughter, Karen Gill, and son, David White.

Leighton Buzzard GC, started in 1994 by brothers Stuart and Martin Hammond, will be run by Home & Garden on a 15-year lease.

David White said the new operators wanted to maintain the centre’s family atmosphere and planned to invest in new stock, polytunnels and other developments to improve the shopping experience.

Among the enhancements will be a new Blossom Café coffee shop.

GIMA Charity Golf Day hailed as a great success

See Picture Gallery from the GIMA Golf Day

Twenty teams battled it out for honour of being crowned the GIMA Charity Golf Day champions at Telford Hotel and Golf Resort on Thursday with Grange being presented with the winners' trophy by ex-professional footballer Steve Kindon.

Steve, who starred with Wolves, Burnley and Huddersfield in the 70s and 80s, joined players on the course and hosted the prizegiving and auction in the evening.

The proceeds of this year’s event will be split equally between two deserving causes and this year the funds will go to Greenfingers and Perennial.

The result:

Teams

1st Grange, 90 points
2nd Westland A, 87 points (on countback)
3rd Woodlodge, 87 points
Booby prize, Smart Graden B, 49 points

Individuals

Beat The Pro: David White, Brian Archibold, Mike Kynd, Mark Dedman, Steve Ainscough, Charles Stubbs, Taj Ghala, Phil Burgoyne, Greg Holden, Chris Norris, Roger Cumisky, Gary Kenyon, Gerard Smit, John Lawton, Rod Slater, Simon Neate, Neil Blake, Richard Newton, Martyn Olsen, Paul Crossley, Gary Price, Pete Bunker, Tony Blake.

Nearest the pin: Gerard Smith (2), Rod Slater, Andy Bunker

Longest Drive: Phil Burgoyne

Straightest Drive: Simon Hedley

Below: a gallery of pictures from the golf and the evening presentations.

Whitehall will grow to over 22,000 sq m of retail area

Wiltshire Council Strategic planning committee have approved the application for the reordering and expansion of Whitehall Garden Centre, Lacock, up to 22,572 sq m of retail space...

Wiltshire Council Strategic planning committee have approved the application for the reordering and expansion of Whitehall Garden Centre, Lacock, Wiltshire.

The approved plans include a covered retail space of 16,105 sq m and overall retail area of 22,572 sq m. Within the development are 2 new restaurants, 2 coffee shops, an Ice cream Parlour, dedicated Pet and Aquatic areas, home interiors, 2,300 sq m regional Foodhall/Farmshop and 2000 sq m of concession space, plus extensive parking of over 650 spaces in the new main car park (including 35 assisted/special needs spaces), 5 coach parking bays and 10 customer collection spaces.

The plans provide for a level platform throughout the centre, allowing an easier access for those customers using wheelchairs, pushchairs and (potentially heavy) wheeled trolleys. In terms of the design concept, the buildings have been modelled on 'Tithe barns' with the use of good quality natural materials to complement the type of buildings found in the Cotswolds and within the village of Lacock.

Owner, Peter Self said: "Our proposals will continue to build on and enhance the horticultural shopping experience for the residents of Wiltshire, whilst securing all year round trade with diverse and high quality products. The new regional Foodhall/Farmshop, will be run in house and support Wiltshire farmers and food producers where ever possible and will be offering unique foods from the South West.

"These are challenging and exciting times. The customer expectation is getting even greater, the competition is becoming price driven and moving online, and as a family business since 1894 we are endeavouring to be intuitive and build on the hard work built up by past generations of our family, to further develop our business, serve the local community, visitors to Wiltshire and to protect the employment of our current and future colleagues."

Chelsea 2016 - GTN 030.jpg

The Self family, Peter, Claire, Charlotte and Madeline would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported the application, we have been humbled by the level of support received.

Peter added; "a special mention must go to Andrew Aldridge our Architect of Macallan Penfold, Fleet Hampshire and Richard Cosker of RCC Planning Consultants, Devizes Wiltshire our Planning Consultant without who’s help we wouldn’t have designed and succeeded with gaining approval for, with what will hopefully become one of the country’s standout, independent destination garden centres."

Glyphosate decision deferred yet again

The future of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup and other weedkillers, is still uncertain after the European Commission failed yet again to re-licence its use earlier this week...

The future of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup and other weedkillers, is still uncertain after the European Commission failed yet again to re-licence its use earlier this week.

A standing committee of experts from EU member states was due to reach a decision on Monday on a temporary 18-month re-extension for glyphosate-based products – but instead recorded ‘no opinion’.

The commission will now take the temporary re-extension proposal to an appeals committee (which does not comprise experts) on 20 June, a process that allows member states to explain their positions. If no consensus is reached, the college of 28 commissioners will make the final decision.

Some observers say the commission could choose not to act at all – in which case authorisation would lapse when the current licence expires on 30 June. A timetable for withdrawal of glyphosate products from the shelves would then follow, probably over six months – which would allow the pro-glyphosate lobby a window of opportunity to frame new proposals that might be acceptable to member states.

However, Gary Philpott, UK business director for lawn and garden, the manufacturers of glyphosate and suppliers of Roundup, believes the commission will want to grant the 18-month extension, so that the evidence can be properly re-evaluated. “There is nothing in the evidence that would warrant not renewing the licence for the full 15 years” he told GTN Xtra this week.

He said Monsanto was frustrated and disappointed that the re-licencing process had become “a political football”.

Twenty countries were in favour of a renewal this week, but they accounted for only 52.91% of the EU population. Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Austria, Portugal and Luxembourg abstained (representing 47.01%). Only Malta voted against.

Controversy has surrounded the re-licensing process since the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer and the European Food Safety Authority came to opposite conclusions about whether glyphosate was a possible human carcinogen. IARC said it was “probable”, while EFSA concluded it was “unlikely”.

It’s the consequent confusion over apparently conflicting and highly complex research and the associated methodolgy that has now produced legislative stalemate. The uncertainty is a major concern for Monsanto, which would face a massive loss of revenue were glyphosate to be banned; for retailers, who would lose a significant source of turnover, and for agriculture and commercial horticulture, which would lose a control for which there is currently no clear-cut alternative.

Sales boost for sunny side of the country

Half term saw a distinct East-West split in garden centre sales due to the weather. The GTN Bestsellers team experienced it for real while out judging for The Greatest Catering Awards and that has certainly been backed up by the Epos data supplied for our Bestsellers analysis.

All centres in the East and South had sales decreases week on week while those in the West experienced sales increases with our overall sales figures coming in at 14% down on
last year.

Where the weather was great plants were flying through the tills and we can see from our Plants chart that large plants looking good are really starting to sell through.

The display of Manhatten Lights 5-litre Lupins (pictured below) at Bents Home & Garden was having to be replenished every hour when we called in last Friday. How far will Lupins move up the chart next week?

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

Garden Products - down 7%
Veg-2-Gro - down 26%
Growing Media - down 4%
All Items Index - down 14%

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

Hilltop's play barn raises £20k for Greenfingers

Hilltop Garden Store, near Chipping Norton, has raised more than £20,000 for Greenfingers through takings from its children’s play barn...

Hilltop Garden Store, near Chipping Norton, has raised more than £20,000 for Greenfingers through takings from its children’s play barn.

Since it opened in October 2014, the soft play barn has proved hugely successful, providing a local child-friendly destination for parents and grandparents and offering on-tap entertainment for youngsters whilst they shop. A donation of 50p from each £2.50 entrance fee goes to Greenfingers, with £20,347 raised to date.

Linda Petrons, Head of Fundraising at Greenfingers, said: “We are blown away by how much money The Soft Play Barn at Hilltop has raised for us. The simplicity of this initiative has been incredibly effective – and it is touchingly fitting that children playing at the garden centre are directly contributing to children being able to spend time in the gardens we create at hospices. Thank you to all at Hilltop, and to the families who have enjoyed The Soft Play Barn, for this fantastic contribution.”

Boyd Douglas-Davies, Hilltop CEO and Greenfingers Trustee, added: “We are proud to be able to offer such a fun space for the children who visit us to enjoy. Knowing that for each child who plays here another child who needs to spend time in a hospice will benefit is really special and we are thrilled to have raised such a significant amount of money for Greenfingers.”

The money raised will directly contribute towards the charity’s A Million Moments Appeal, which aims to raise £1m to bring the precious gift of a garden to over 5000 children who spend time in hospices, along with their siblings and families.

Meanwhile, Greenfingers has announced Nicola Wakefield as winner of a competition run in association with KLC School of Design to reinvigorate a garden space at Helen & Douglas House hospice in Oxford.

Alumni from the KLC School of Design garden design diploma course were invited to submit designs for a very special outdoor retreat that will enable children in wheelchairs and beds to spend time in the heart of the garden, and sheltered enough to be usable all year round.

Nicola’s ‘Kaleidoscope’ design impressed the judging panel, which included renowned garden designer Ann-Marie Powell.

Pictured above, left to right: Emma Hanford, Greenfingers; Marc O’Neil, competition runner-up; Annie Guilfoyle, KLC; Nicola Wakefield, competition winner; Ann-Marie Powell garden designer and competition judge.

Finally, Lorna Holt and Mike Cook from Briers Ltd were flying the flag for Greenfingers at the recent Royal Bath & West Show at Shepton Mallet, posing for ‘gluvies’ with all creatures great and small to raise awareness of the charity.

“Thanks to everyone who helped with the 'gluviely' pics,” they Tweeted.

January Furniture Show's future secured in NEC deal

Organisers of the January Furniture Show confirmed this week that they've signed a new long-term deal with the National Exhibition Centre...

Organisers of the January Furniture Show confirmed this week that they've signed a new long-term deal with the National Exhibition Centre.

Underlining their confidence in the future of the show, which is attended by an increasing number of garden centre buyers, the seven-year commitment cements the events position as the UK's biggest and best furniture and furnishings event.

Laraine Janes, co-director of the January Furniture Show, said: "After a turbulent few years, the industry is firmly back on track and signing the long-term deal shows everyone the unrivalled commitment we have to producing the best trade furniture show in the UK.

"There's been a trade furniture exhibition in January at the NEC for the past 26 years, and it continues to be the right venue at the right time for exhibitors to meet retail customers from across the UK. Its transport links, countrywide connectivity, suitability and scale of the halls and the accessibility for exhibitors are why almost all the UK's important trade events take place there. And, adding another layer of nationwide connectivity will be the HS2 terminal opening at the NEC in 2023."

The January Furniture Show, which was launched in 2015, has continued to grow in size and popularity thanks to a 55% increase in exhibitor numbers. Current organisers work closely with the NEC to develop and improve services and facilities. Last year saw changes to the NEC campus with the opening of Resorts World, which mirrored the re-building of the January Furniture Show.

The show runs from 22-25 January 2017.

For more information, click here, www.januaryfurnitureshow.com

Left: JFS co-directors Laraine Janes and Theresa Raymond signing the agreement with NEC MD Kathryn James (centre).

London potholes transformed into miniature gardens

Thejoyofplants.co.uk is getting to the bottom of London’s pothole crisis by teaming up with Steve Wheen, The Pothole Gardener, to beautify the unsightly holes that line the London city streets in the most unexpected of ways.

The grand finale of the Chelsea Fringe festival sees these totally unexpected three miniature creations launch around London today. The micro gardens have been designed not just to make passers by smile, but to inspire Londoners to be creative with their outside space, and get out of their usual garden rut featuring selected plants from the Garden Plant of the Month this summer.

Usually an unwelcomed and unsightly inconvenience, these (pavement) potholes have been creatively hand crafted into three highly detailed miniature gardens to celebrate the Queen’s birthday, the musical legend David Bowie and the winning Telegraph garden at Chelsea Flower Show. All gardens feature a range of the garden plants of the month from Thejoyofplants.co.uk including the rose, which is June’s garden plant of the month.

The Music Garden – Based in Brixton near the Ritzy Cinema is a tiny tribute to the musical legend David Bowie, complete with miniature instruments, speakers and it even comes with a truly British playlist, including hits from Bowie himself. This cute creation includes a range of garden plants including the rose, ivy and hydrangea petals.

The Queen’s Birthday Garden - We’re celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday this year, so what better way to celebrate than marking the occasion with a pothole garden that’s fit for a Queen! The 20cm square miniature based in Southbank opposite the National Theatre, features a number of little props including an entrance with a beautiful floral arch, water feature, cake and even miniature candles. This pothole garden comes complete with a number of bright and beautiful plants including micro branches from the blue conifer, and floral million bells (calibrachoa).

Chelsea Flower Show Garden - Chelsea Flower Show is always the talk of the town, so we’re adding to the chatter with our final creation - a miniature re-make inspired by this year’s Telegraph Garden winner, based in Chelsea, opposite the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Building on the geological theme the mini oasis includes a rock, concrete and water running alongside plants and grass.

These three eccentric alternatives to the normal city sites are sure to create unexpected little moments of happiness for all passers by. Thejoyofplants.co.uk has partnered with Chelsea Fringe, the annual festival of flowers, gardens and gardening to launch these micro masterpieces, which you can catch in Brixton near the Ritzy, Southbank opposite the National Theatre, and Chelsea opposite The Royal Hospital Chelsea, and Steve’s work can last for hours, and other times years, so anyone wanting to see these miniatures is encouraged to visit soon!

Nurseries help charity with garden at Sophie House

Wyevale Nurseries has collaborated with Nick Dunn of Frank Matthews of Tenbury Wells and together supplied the trees and plants for a charity garden on the outskirts of the city...

Wyevale Nurseries has collaborated with Nick Dunn of Frank Matthews of Tenbury Wells and together supplied the trees and plants for a charity garden on the outskirts of the city.

Chris Bennewith, who works at Wyevale Nurseries, assisted in the planning of the garden for Sophie House, part of the Martha Trust, which provides lifelong and respite care for young people with profound intellectual and physical disabilities.

Adam Dunnett (left), Sales and Marketing Director at Wyevale Nurseries, said: “We were delighted we could help the charity as it celebrates its 20th anniversary with the new garden at Sophie House in Hampton Bishop having previously assisted the charity at its first home Martha House, which opened in Hampton Green in 1996.

“Within the garden there is one area which has general garden shrubs, including cytisus, hebe, forsythia and cistus. In a secondary area we built a sensory garden and planted lavenders, grasses and rosemary. The third area contains a variety of phormiums in different colours to add structure and architectural interest to the garden.”

Chris worked closely with one of the founding Trustees at Martha Trust, Sarah Sharp-Smith on the development and implementation of the garden at Sophie House, which was officially opened on Thursday, April 14. Wyevale Nurseries supplied the plants at cost price.

Sarah added: “We were delighted to have had the expert assistance of Chris at Wyevale Nurseries, who helped us to create the large landscaped gardens we have at both Martha House and Sophie House.

“The gardens, which have been designed to be fully accessible to wheelchairs, provides important elements for therapy and sensory stimulation with seating areas allowing our families to sit with their son or daughter in a peaceful environment.”

Martha Trust was founded by Richard and Sarah Smith following the birth of their daughter Sophie, who will be 28-years-old this October. The couple hope to inspire other people to create similar facilities across the country to help more families with profoundly disabled children requiring very specialised and detailed one to one care.

Martha House and Sophie House are managed on a not-for-profit basis by a Board of Trustees, which includes the Founders of the Trust.

Both nursing homes have been carefully designed for wheelchair users and incorporate a wide variety of specialised equipment including hydrotherapy pools and raise and fall bath hoists.

The Therapy Centre attached to both homes offers a wide range of therapies including hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, aromatherapy, music, art, speech and multi-sensory therapies.

Wyevale Nurseries is one of the largest family-run wholesale nurseries in the UK. It was established in 1930 by Harry Williamson, a horticulturist and entrepreneur. It became the company it is today under the leadership of his son, Peter, who sadly passed away in 2011.

The Williamsons’ saw the opportunity to sell their product to an undeveloped retail market, creating one of the first garden centres, followed by a chain. In 1987, the retail side needed to expand and the 19 garden centres were sold as a PLC.

The family then turned its focus to Wyevale Nurseries Ltd. It continues to be a family-run business with ownership and joint chairmanship currently being held by the third generation, Heather and Simeon Williamson, with plans for the fourth generation to takeover in the future.

Wyevale Nurseries has a significant product range and is regularly introducing new plants. It offers a large variety of trees, shrubs, hedging, herbaceous and specimen plants to garden centres, landscape contractors, local authorities, foresters and landowners.

Plantarea Assistant Bedding Plants – Essex
Salary: Depending on experience

Plantarea Assistant Bedding Plants (ref:DS8419)

Location: Essex
Salary: Depending on experience
Date: 03 Jun
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent

Our client is seeking a Plant Area Assistant (Bedding Plants) to be a full-time member of their Plant Area team that has won numerous awards. They grow the majority of their bedding and seasonal plants on site in the nursery, and set high standards for the quality of plants which they grow and sell.

They create displays which help their customers to purchase, and thus increase sales. They are looking for someone who can combine knowledge of bedding plants and gardening with excellent customer service skills. As part of this role you will be working in the greenhouses moving and displaying plants, plant care & maintenance and of course delivering great customer service.

The Role

Key duties:

You will undertake daily watering, maintenance and stocking up of the bedding plant areas.
You will confidently answer customer queries and be knowledgeable about planting combinations and looking after plants.
You will create commercial displays, which inform and inspire customers and encourage linked sales. When needed you will assist in other areas of the business, including nursery production.

The Candidate

Your capabilities:

You'll have a passion for plants. You must be able to thrive in a fast paced environment, be commercially aware and understand how to care for plants in a retail environment.
You understand what makes a high quality shopping experience for your customers.
You are creative, and know effective planting combinations.
Ability to bend and lift plants, and to pull/push trolleys and barrows requirements.
Horticultural experience essential, whether that's in the form of a relevant qualification and/or experience of working in a garden centre, plant retail or a similar environment.
Good plant knowledge essential
Good customer service & communication skills - essential
You'll need to work five days a week, including one day at the weekend.
You'll need to work some bank holidays (as part of a rota with other assistants), but will be given a day's holiday in lieu and paid time and a half.
Report into the Assistant Supervisor (Bedding).
Work closely with Assistants in the Plant Area (Outdoor, Bedding & Houseplant), Nursery and Retail areas.
Occasionally work with other supervisors and office staff.

Package:

Hourly wage to be discussed (paid time and a half at weekends). In addition you will receive the following benefits:
Discount after one year - employees are entitled to receive discount for the garden centre (some exceptions apply).
Paid holiday holiday entitlement is 20 days per year, plus bank holidays. Restrictions apply.
Bonuses are discretionary according to business performance, in Summer and at Christmas.
Part-uniform provided
Training & development, as required

To apply for this role click here

Sales & Marketing Exec, Landscape Amenity Sector
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000

Sales & Marketing Exec Landscape Amenity Sector (ref:DS8417)

Location: Lincolnshire
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000
Date: 03 Jun
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent

Based in Lincolnshire but working across the UK, this newly established Tree & Shrub Nursery is currently looking to recruit a Field Sales & Marketing Executive to sell their plants into the Local Authority, Amenity and Landscaping Markets. They strive to grow and supply exceptional quality plants to the landscape sector and garden centres, while providing outstanding customer service.

The Role

The successful candidate will be part of this expanding team and will be responsible for increasing the customer data base around the country by cold calling and business developing.
The Field Sales Executive will be required to work a 50/50 split between field /office so may be based partly from home. Though they will need to be present in the office during the week as well so should be no more than one and a half hours from the office.

The Candidate

The Ideal candidate will need to have:

Good plant knowledge and business acumen to develop the business with existing and new customers.
Ideally they will already have a portfolio of clients to start with from previous roles.
Additionally, candidates should have the ability to put together and deliver professional presentations.
The position could require a large amount of travelling visiting clients or representing the company at trade shows so they must be prepared to get out on the road and also stay overnight if necessary.
A good level of computer literacy in Microsoft office would be required.
Candidates must also have a full driving licence.

Salary: £30,000 -£35,000 DOE + Car & Commission

To apply for this role click here

Garden Sundries Retail Manager - Cornwall
Salary: £18,000 - £19,000

Garden Sundries Retail Manager | Cornwall (ref:DS8368)

Location: Cornwall
Salary: £18,000 - £19,000
Date: 16 May
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent

We are currently seeking an outstanding Garden Sundries Retail Manager to manage the Shop Area of this Cornwall based garden centre that are part of a Nationwide group that are continually growing and developing their leading garden centres across England and Wales.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a cutting edge Garden Sundries Department. The ideal candidate will have a background in seasonal products or garden centre retail with excellent garden sundries product knowledge from seeds to clothing. They will manage seasonal changes and have the ability to present and merchandise their department to the highest standard.

The Candidate

Team leadership skills are essential as is the ability to communicate well with customers delivering excellent standards of customer care. Working in a busy retail team environment means you will have to have a hands-on approach to all duties within this department.
Candidates must have a background in retail, be able to merchandise and manage rapidly changing stock.
Knowledge of garden products and garden chemicals etc. would also be an advantage but additional training can be given.
If you are passionate about Garden Sundries and would enjoy sharing this enthusiasm with our client's customers, we would love to hear from you.

To apply for this role click here

Garden Sundries Retail Manager - South Gloucestershire
Salary: £18,000 - £21,000

Garden Sundries Retail Manager | South Gloucestershire (ref:DS8367)

Location: Gloucestershire
Salary: £18,000 - £21,000
Date: 02 Jun
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent

We are currently seeking an outstanding Garden Sundries Retail Manager to manage the Shop Area of this Gloucestershire based garden centre that are part of a Nationwide group that are continually growing and developing their leading garden centres across England and Wales.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join a cutting edge Garden Sundries Department. The ideal candidate will have a background in seasonal products or garden centre retail with excellent garden sundries product knowledge from seeds to clothing. They will manage seasonal changes and have the ability to present and merchandise their department to the highest standard.

The Candidate

Team leadership skills are essential as is the ability to communicate well with customers delivering excellent standards of customer care. Working in a busy retail team environment means you will have to have a hands-on approach to all duties within this department.
Candidates must have a background in retail, be able to merchandise and manage rapidly changing stock.
Knowledge of garden products and garden chemicals etc. would also be an advantage but additional training can be given.
If you are passionate about Garden Sundries and would enjoy sharing this enthusiasm with our client's customers, we would love to hear from you.

To apply for this role click here

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Durston appoints new national sales manager

Somerset-based Durston Garden Products has appointed Jerry Walker as national sales manager...

Somerset-based Durston Garden Products has appointed Jerry Walker as national sales manager.

Jerry has worked across a broad spectrum of business sectors, including gardening, with spells at Gardman and William Sinclair, where he was responsible for a number of top accounts, selling to independent and multiple retailers.

He said he would be spending as much time in the field as possible. “I am also pleased to be working once again with the gardening and DIY fraternity which is an extremely tight-knit community and a real pleasure to be part of,” he added.

Garden lighting illuminates slugs and snails

Garden lighting lines and slug control products were the star performers in this week’s GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart...

Garden lighting lines and slug control products were the star performers in this week’s GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart.

The notable performances in the Top 50 were:

Gardman Solar Mini Ice Orb held on to the top position.
The highest new entry was Smart Solar Martello Nickel Bollard Light (pictured) at No 24.
Kaemingk Solar Stainless Steel Marker Light White was the highest re-entry at No 26.
Bayer Ultimate Slug & Snail Killer 750g was the highest climber, jumping 36 places to No 14.

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

Another strong sales week for herb plants

Herb plants again had a good week in the GTN Veg-2-Gro Bestsellers chart with a number of new entries...

Herb plants again had a good week in the GTN Veg-2-Gro Bestsellers chart with a number of new entries.

The top Veg-2-Gro performers this week were:

Farplants Mint Garden Herb was the highest new entry at No 12.
Chives and sage plants were two further newcomers in the charts for Farplants.
The highest re-entry was Quantil Tomato Supersweet 100 8cm at No 15.
The highest climber was Quantil Courgette Golden 8cm, moving up 24 places to No 6.

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

Squire's to host RNRS southern rose show

Squire’s Garden Centre in Shepperton will host the Royal National Rose Society Southern Show on 25 and 26 June...

Squire’s Garden Centre in Shepperton will host the Royal National Rose Society Southern Show on 25 and 26 June.

The show, staged in a marquee, attracts rose growers from all over the country, aiming to win points towards their annual championships.

Admission to the event, which includes a floral art display and music from a jazz band, is free.

Multi-purpose compost is a bestseller for Durstons

Durstons Manor Farm Multi-Purpose Compost (60 litres) was the star performer in the GTN Bestsellers Growing Media chart, re-entering the Top 50 at No 3...

Durstons Manor Farm Multi-Purpose Compost (60 litres) was the star performer in the GTN Bestsellers Growing Media chart, re-entering the Top 50 at No 3.

This week’s Growing Media star performers were:

Other returning products – Scotts Levington Organic Blend Topsoil (25 litres) at No 18 and Vital Earth Organic Garden Compost (50 litres), a further place behind.
The highest climber was Westland John Innes No 3 Mature Plants (35 litres), jumping 20 places to No 22.

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

Thrive showcases its ‘life changing’ floral border at BBC Gardeners’ World Live

Thrive is hoping its 'life changing’ floral border at the BBC Gardeners’ World Live event this month (June 16-19) will inspire and delight visitors to the Birmingham show...

Thrive is hoping its 'life changing’ floral border at the BBC Gardeners’ World Live event this month (June 16-19) will inspire and delight visitors to the Birmingham show.

Thrive is a national charity with a local heart and uses gardening to help people with disabilities, ill health, or those who are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable and works from the famous former TV gardens in Kings Heath Park.

The floral border known as 'The Life Changing Garden’ has been developed by Thrive horticultural therapists Amanda Fields and Deborah Stubbs who are based at the charity in Kings Heath Park.

The garden is inspired by the world famous novel 'The Secret Garden’ where a young girl finds solace in a locked and neglected walled garden at Misselthwaite Manor where she is sent to live after the death of her parents.

Over time, the garden 'heals’ her after being orphaned and she brings it back to life making new friends and learning gardening skills along the way.

The fresh air and exercise restore her health, and her excitement at the beauty of the garden brings her and those whose lives she touches, back to life. She befriends the staff at the manor and a young sickly boy who has been living in a hidden bedroom in the house.

She brings him out into the garden – the first time he has been outside in many years – and over time, enjoying gentle exercise and nature, restores the boy to health.

Amanda said: "Taking inspiration from this wonderful story we can show how powerful the garden environment is.

"The story deals with bereavement, disability, loneliness, isolation, anxiety and poor physical health which are some of the reasons why people come to Thrive.

"We have seen first-hand how gardening can help everyone, regardless of age or disability and use gardening as a form of therapy allowing people living with disabilities or ill health, or those who are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable to make positive changes to their lives, feeling happier, healthier, and more confident."

Thrive has been working with Avonbank Nurseries, part of Pershore College to source the plants to depict an old English cottage garden which will include rambling and climbing roses, Lillies, Clematis, Salvia and healing plants such as Rosemary and Lavender.

Thrive staff and volunteers will be manning the Advice Centre and is the chosen charity for Plant Creche.

And Deborah Stubbs our senior horticultural therapist is doing a 20 minute slot in the Talk Time and Demo arena at the show on Sunday June 19th at 3:30pm.

Improved displays feature in Mr Fothergill's 2017 retail range

Mr Fothergill's has launched its 2017 retail range with a new and striking presentation of seed aimed at helping stockists maximise their floor-space and improving both turnover and profit.

Mr Fothergill's has launched its 2017 retail range with a new and striking presentation of seed aimed at helping stockists maximise their floor-space and improving both turnover and profit.

Investing in new ideas, larger seed collections have been given eye-catching new header and footer boards. These have been designed to sit alongside those of sister-brand Johnsons, but they retain a stand-alone look, if required.

An attractive, no-construction, wooden display unit is supplied free on loan to any customer ordering Garden Time products with a trade value of £349 (ex VAT) or more. The company's suggested collection is one outer each of the four Windowsill Kits, one of both Chilli Kits, one of Herb Grow Kits and Pesto Kits, and two outers of Munakuppis. The packaging has been designed to have great on-shelf impact.

The RSPB seed range which was launched in 2013 continues to prove the effectiveness of cause-related marketing, and the unit's header board for the new season informs gardeners that more than £25,000 has so far been raised for the wildlife charity.

Other successful lines on offer for 2017 include flower and vegetable GroMats, with an extra-keen retail price of £4.99, GroTrays for the windowsill and GroBoxes for planting straight into the garden. Mr Fothergill's also reports on the continued popularity of its attractively packaged flower Seed Shakers.

Among 13 new seed introductions are eight exclusive to the Suffolk seedsman, including the beautiful bicolor French marigold Crème Brûlée and extra long-podded runner bean Guinness Record. Other 'exclusives' include climbing bean Python and runner bean Snowdrift, an improvement on the popular Moonlight, reinforcing that 2017 has been declared 'Year of the Bean' by the European seed trade.

For more information on how Mr Fothergill's can boost stockists' profits, telephone 01638 554111, log on at www.mr-fothergills-trade.com or e-mail info@mr-fothergills.co.uk

WorldSkills semi-finalists announced for RHS Flower Show Tatton Park

Future garden landscapers demonstrated their skills over the past month at Myerscough College, Landform Consultants, Gardening Scotland, Edinburgh, and Greenmount Campus, Northern Ireland, in regional heats for the WorldSkills UK Landscape Gardening competition.

Horticultural students and apprentices from across the nation took part in the knock-out heats which were run by the Association of Professional Landscapers.

Taking part were competitors from Conquest Hard Landscaping, Greenmount Campus-CAFRE, Reaseheath College, Myerscough College, SRUC – Oatridge, Dundee and Angus College, Warwickshire College Pershore Centre and Gardenscapes.

10 competitors have qualified through to the APL WorldSkills semi-final at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park 2016:

Jake Abell, Gardenscapes
Jacob Botting, Myerscough College
Aaron Byrne, Reaseheath College
Ross Conquest, Conquest Hard Landscaping
Josh Dow, SRUC Oatridge
Ben Eaton, CAFRE
Jon Latter, Conquest Hard Landscaping
Jonathan Long, CAFRE
Shea McFerren, CAFRE
Craig Wilton, Dundee and Angus College

The competitors had two tasks to complete over the course of the day in a timed session and were marked on the quality of their work and attention to detail by an experienced APL representative. The first task was to build a decked timber frame within two hours, the second was a similar timber frame, block paved to specification.

The competitors will go to the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park for the national semi-final, having 18 hours over three days to individually build a full 6m x 2m garden. This year’s national final will be held at The Skills Show at the NEC Birmingham in November.

Technical Lead and Head Judge, Jody Lidgard, said: “The competitors produced work to a good standard. This is very pleasing as we are putting all our efforts into increasing the standard of skills coming into the industry. This semi-final is really shaping up to be a good one.”

The APL would like to thank sponsors Makita, Marshals and J A Jones for their continuing support of the WorldSkills competitions.

Inside the June issue of Garden Trade News

The June issue of Garden Trade News is packed full of advice and information for garden retailing professionals...

The June issue of Garden Trade News is packed full of advice and information for garden retailing professionals.

Exclusive SOLEX Preview.
Rreview of Chelsea Flower Show - Spotlight on new plant varieties.
Garden industry has its say on the EU Referendum.
Look ahead to the HTA National Plant Show.
Great retailing tips from Rising Stars.
Insights into property and planning.
How a GIMA Award can launch a product to great success.

To find out how you can receive your copy of Garden Trade News every month email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

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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.

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

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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.

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