In This Issue
Solus 'close to a deal' with new investors - updated
Easter kicks the convenience gardeners into gear
Are The Garden Centre Group about to change their name?
Shining a light on increasing sales
Pimp up your Roundup to win free stock
What gardeners of the future really want
'Super Sunday' initiatives aim to boost first day attendance
Briers determined to help garden centres grow this summer
If catering and food are your growth areas our new Food Xtra will help you
Gardman donates £16,000 of pet products to Wood Green
Shropshire garden centre on the market
New-look RHS website goes live
Trelawney joint venture creates new garden buildings department
Commercial Sales Opportunity for GTN Food Xtra
Who is sleeping on the job at Poplars?
Composting Awareness Week: an opportunity
It's the young plants show in Veg sales
Planters and grow bags selling well
WIN a display of Resolva 24H
Inspirational new website for Homebase
Brits admit to garden envy
Giant cactus smashes through greenhouse roof at Lincs nursery
Skydive finally happens - 10 months later
GIMA Awards are open for entries
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to GTN Bestsellers
Situations Vacant
Commercial Sales Opportunity for GTN Food Xtra
Due to the unrivalled success of our e-mail newsletter publishing operation we need now need to expand our sales team...
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Contact us with your news.  Email neil.pope@tgcmc.co.uk, or trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call the GTN News team on 01733 775700

 


Solus 'close to a deal' with new investors - updated

Trade speculation heightened this week that a deal between Solus Garden & Leisure and new investment partners was imminent.  GTN Xtra has been speaking to Ross Yealland...


Trade speculation heightened this week that a deal between Solus Garden & Leisure and new investment partners was imminent.

A spokesperson said there would be no statement this week, but sources close to Solus believe that negotiations with a finance house, possibly a private equity firm, are at an advanced stage and that a deal could be announced as early as next week.

One industry observer believes a deal involving an investment house is unlikely unless Solus were able to meet stringent due diligence requirements.

Some believe a merger with an established supplier like Gardman is still the most likely scenario, despite Gardman CEO Stuart Hainsworth’s insistence that the timing is not right for them or their backers (Goldman Sachs, TPG and Barclays).

Retailers have been concerned about continuity of supplies since the news three weeks ago that merger talks between Solus and Scotts had collapsed, at a critical point at the start of peak season trading.

Ross Yealland told GTN Xtra "We are totally focussed on delivering products and have good availability.  Trading has been strong through April and we are grateful for the huge amount of support we have received from the industry."

"Grant Thornton are being extremely helpful with our stragtic review and have brought many new ideas and potential partners to the table.  In the meantime, Solus has massively supportive stakeholders, so there is no need for us to rush with the next step forward.  We will update our customers as soon as we can."

Any deal with equity backers would see the sector’s fortunes go full circle. Gibbs Palmer, from which Solus emerged after Simon Yealland formed Gibbs Palmer (Midland) in a breakway deal, was acquired by Close Brothers in 1998. The wholesaler went into receivership two years later, leaving a trail of collateral damage, but Solus became a runaway success.

GTN Xtra comment:  The future of Solus has been a key topic of conversation for almost a year now, with the first question we are asked is always "What's going on at Solus?"  It's good to hear from Solus that business is good and that they are focussed on delivering products so that retailers and supliers can make the most of this relatively good season we are enjoying.  Here at GTN Xtra we look forward to bringing you news of the next steps for Solus as soon as we can so that the underlying concerns of the industry can be addressed before Plan B's and alternative routes to market are implemented.
Easter kicks the convenience gardeners into gear


GTN Bestsellers EPOS data reveals a steady Easter trading period, but not a record one...



GTN Bestsellers EPOS data reveals a steady Easter trading period, but not a record one, that has contributed to total sales in April being up 8% on last year but 11% behind sales volumes of April 2011, the last time we also had a late Easter.

After two years where the weather has played a detrimental part to the key growing and sales periods we now move into May trading with volume sales up by 18% on both 2012 and 2013 levels cumulatively.

Within the GTN EPOS data for the last week of April 2014 it’s noticeable that Easter has provided the trigger for gardeners who are looking for convenience products to get out and start their shopping.  Sales of growbags and planters were up by 13% on last week, accounting for 17% of the Top 50 growing mediavolume sales, where overall Top 50 volumes were down by 7%.

In the Garden Products chart, even more sales increases were seen for the convenience of solar garden lighting with 5 lines in the Top 10 and lighting making up over 37% of theTop 50 Bestsellers volume.

And in the Veg 2 Gro chart, sales of young veg plants continue to thrive with over two thirds of the Top 50 lines increasing their sales week on week and only three seed packet lines appearing in the GTN Bestsellers chart – that’s a record low for veg seeds we believe!

All we need now is for a decent spell of weather through May and June.  As Garden Radio is encouraging customers to: “Go on, make the most of your plot and enjoy the summer,” and preparing the Summer Sounds music library, are you fine tuning your POS to tap into those summer feelings?  I bet your “convenience” customers will welcome your ideas.

As Garden Radio is encouraging customers to: “Go on, make the most of your plot and enjoy the summer,” and preparing the Summer Sounds music library, are you fine tuning your POS to tap into those summer feelings? We predict your ‘convenience’ customers will welcome your ideas.

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

  • Garden Products – down 5%
  • Veg 2 Gro – up 4%
  • Growing Media – down 12%
  • All items index – down 1%
To subscribe to GTN Bestellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk


Are The Garden Centre Group about to change their name?

      

The Garden Centre Group is reported to have confirmed it is considering changing its name back to Wyevale...


    

The Garden Centre Group is reported to have confirmed that it is considering a change of name to reinforce it as a national consumer brand.

Reverting to the original Wyevale name is believed to be the preferred option, but the group’s Blooms and Country Gardens brand names are also understood to be in the frame.

Wyevale was re-named The Garden Centre Group in 2009, with the name of the town replacing the Wyevale name at 90 centres, in a move designed by then chief executive Nicholas Marshall to emphasise a local identity.

GTN Xtra understands that TGCG’s owners, Terra Firma, believe the 140 strong garden centre group can be best promoted to consumers as a strong brand by adopting a more national stance.

A group spokesman is reported on a website to have said the group was looking at how best to develop its Country Gardens, Blooms and Wyevale names. The Garden Centre Group also owns the seven Garden & Leisure centres which currently continue to trade under the Garden & Leisure name with TGCG branding in store.

Decisions are expected within a few months.  TGCG did not respond to GTN Xtra's request for clarification in time for this edition.
 
Shining a light on increasing sales

Sales of garden products continue to grow as the season develops, according to the latest GTN Bestsellers data, with volumes up by 10% on the previous week. Lighting products are again the star performers, representing 37% of total sales in the Top 50...


Sales of garden products continue to grow as the season develops, according to the latest GTN Bestsellers data, with volumes up by 10% on the previous week. Lighting products are again the star performers, representing 37% of total sales in the Top 50.

  • There are five lighting lines in the Top 10 of the chart.
  • Gardman Solar Stainless Steel Border Light retains top spot.
  • Kaemingk LED Stainless Steel Solar Spot Light (pictured) is the highest new entry at No 2.
  • The highest climber is Roundup Weedkiller Gel and the highest re-entry is Town & Country Master Gardener Ladies Gloves.
To subscribe to GTN Bestellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk


 
Pimp up your Roundup to win free stock
To coincide with the biggest ever Roundup TV campaign, the UK's number one weed control brand is challenging independent retailers to get their creative caps on and go that extra mile when displaying Roundup in store this season. The new 3-month promotion, 'Pimp up your Roundup' will see the UK's number one weedkiller brand giving away over £6000* worth of stock...

To coincide with the biggest ever Roundup TV campaign, the UK's number one weed control brand is challenging independent retailers to get their creative caps on and go that extra mile when displaying Roundup in store this season.

The new 3-month promotion, 'Pimp up your Roundup' will see the UK's number one weedkiller brand giving away over £6000* worth of stock to independent retailers that create the most inventive and eye catching Roundup displays.

Running from the beginning of May until the end of July, retailers simply need to take a photo of their pimped-up Roundup display and either tweet the photo with the hashtag #PimpupRoundup or email the photo to pimpuproundup@roundup-garden.com.

At the end of each month a winner from the North and a winner from the South will be chosen based on their display photo, giving six winners in total.

The prizes will vary by month but will include two Roundup Gel 150ml x 140 units, two Roundup Pump N Go Mini 2.5L x 64 units and two Roundup Ready to use 1L x 116 units.

Gary Philpotts, Roundup Lawn and Garden UK business director, comments: “We wanted to thank our independent retailers for their support by giving something back, whilst also having a bit of fun at the same time. Pimp up your Roundup provides independents with a great incentive to add a bit of interest to the chems and ferts aisle, whilst being in with a chance of winning free product!

“Running into July the impressive Roundup TV advertising campaign is already underway and at the same time we are driving consumers in store via our print, PR and social media strategies so there is no better time to create an eye catching Roundup display that will further encourage consumers to make a purchase.”

Roundup has added to its range of innovative weed killers this year, with the launch of Pump 'N Go mini a 2.5L variant of the top selling 5L pump 'N Go which offers a unique controllable spray.

In addition, research has shown that more consumers than ever before, even those that haven't purchased a weedkiller for some time, are choosing Roundup Gel due to the accuracy and control it offers when targeting weeds.

To find out more about the 'Pimp up your Roundup' promotion and to read the terms and conditions, visit www.roundup-garden.com/pimpup or call 01483 410334.

*at Suggested retail value

What gardeners of the future really want
Key insights at the HTA National Plant Show





Key messages from the latest research into what 30-45 year olds want from their gardens will be aired at next month’s HTA National Plant Show...

Key messages from the latest research into what 30-45 year olds want from their gardens will be aired at next month’s HTA National Plant Show.

David Arnold, project manager for the Garden Industry Marketing Board (GIMB) will share the insights during a seminar at 3pm on Tuesday 25 June.

New research commissioned by the GIMB highlights that the way the garden industry currently communicates with this consumer group does not always resonate with them. David will suggest fresh new ideas for the industry as a whole to engage with these vitally important ‘Gardeners of the Future’ and encourage them to spend more on their outdoor living space.

This year’s seminars will share a theme of adapting to challenges and change.

The HTA National Plant Show, sponsored by Hortipak and celebrating its fifth birthday this year, takes place at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry on 24 and 25 June.

Thousands of plant varieties from more than 100 UK growers will be exhibited under one roof. With its ‘back to basics’ approach to exhibiting, the show focuses purely on plants at the best time of the year for visitors to plan their ranges for the following season.

Exhibitors already signed up include: Allensmore Nurseries, Ball Colegrave, Bell Brothers, Bransford Webbs Plant Company, Kernock Park Plants, New Forest Plants, Osberton Nurseries, Pentland Plants, Quality Ornamentals, Seiont Nurseries, Whetman Pinks and Young Plants Ltd. For a full list of exhibitors visit www.nationalplantshow.co.uk.

Visitors can register here:  http://www.nationalplantshow.co.uk/index.php/visitors/visitor-registration 
'Super Sunday' initiatives aim to boost first day attendance





Glee organisers i2i have announced ‘Super Sunday’ initiatives designed to attract more visitors on opening day...

Glee organisers i2i have announced ‘Super Sunday’ initiatives designed to attract more visitors on opening day.

They say the new Sunday-only features will bring suppliers and retailers together in a way never previously seen at Glee (14-16 September, NEC Birmingham)

A new clearance event, where exhibitors can sell their end-of-range products, including reduced pricing structures and bulk buy deals, is certain to be popular. Staged in a dedicated area in the outdoor space next to the exhibition halls, it will enable exhibitors to clear 2014 stock and also offer retailers last minute bargains to bolster end-of-year stock levels.

A special ‘Glee Garden Party’ open to exhibitors and visitors for informal networking will be held on the Sunday evening, with refreshments from the barbecue.

Launched at Glee 2013, Buyers Connect returns with a special Sunday-only international focus, in collaboration with GardenEx and the UKTI. It will use the Buyers Connect speed-dating style sessions to bring together British exhibitors with a desire to export with international show visitors. 

A wider Buyers Connect event, organised and run by GIMA and available to all exhibitors, will take place on the second and third day of the show.

Glee event manager Matthew Mein said that in the year that sees Glee move to new halls in the NEC complex, i2i wanted to create content that would feel fresh and exciting.  “Sunday is an incredibly important day at Glee, and our research has shown that the industry feels the same.  It was with this mind that we decided to build activities that offer a sense of exclusivity, whilst also kick starting the show in the best possible way.  We’re excited about what these plans can bring to the show, and hope that the industry will engage with them in the same way.”

For exhibiting information, call 0203 033 2160

Latest show news: www.gleebirmingham.com.
 
Briers determined to help garden centres grow this summer
With the peak season approaching, a collective effort by suppliers and retailers can ensure a fantastic summer of gardening and it is important to maximize basket spend, so eye-catching POS is essential.

And according to Briers, gloves are THE ideal pick-up line, so a combination of high footfall location, great stands and eye catching POS is key to maximizing sales...

Tristan Sissons, trading director at glove and footwear specialist Briers, reveals how to make the most of the peak season...

Market research shows the importance of high impact point of sale. Briers are the market leaders in their product ranges, a position which fantastic point of sale (POS) plays a significant role in growing. We encourage all types of concepts for our retailers, including new solutions, working with individual retailers to respond to the needs of their customers. We believe it is important to keep stands updated with new designs and regular POS refreshes.

With the peak season approaching, a collective effort by suppliers and retailers can ensure a fantastic summer of gardening and it is important to maximize basket spend, so eye-catching POS is essential. Gloves are THE ideal pick-up line, so a combination of high footfall location, great stands and eye catching POS is key to maximizing sales.

Briers work closely with merchandising expert, John Hawkins, who always introduces innovative merchandising concepts. Working with a leading industry expert ensures that our trade customers have access to professional retail support and fixture advice, which leads to increased sales.

Garden centre sales in July and August 2013 were up 25% and 13% respectively over the same months in 2012*. GTN recently reported that sales of products in its Bestsellers list have increased by 11.2%*. These figures are a clear reminder that our industry can really grow in the summer.

We want our POS stands to keep catching customers’ attention. If the offers remain the same, customers lose interest. By keeping offers fresh, we keep Briers at the forefront of customers’ minds.

During peak times, the shop floor can be a hectic place. It is essential to keep shelves and merchandise stands fully stocked and presentations structured and attractive.

Keeping stock visible is crucial, as having products at the fore creates further opportunities to buy.

Similarly, cluttered shelves reflect poorly on the brands, the products and the retailer, and this could lead to a drop in sales at this critical time of the year.

Spot-checks help prevent these problems and ensure shelves, planograms and merchandise stands are used to their full potential.

At Briers we provide proactive merchandising support. Our teams help retailers with any merchandising requirements and queries. We listen to retailers and devise the best solution for them.

This bespoke approach enables us to continuously raise retail margins for retailers such as Dobbies and Homebase – and we’re certain the trend will continue. It also reinforces the Briers’ reputation among existing customers while attracting new ones as well.

This year, we see potential to win new customers – from the avid gardener to the trendy festival-goer seeking out the latest summer essentials.

* http://www.diyweek.net/news/news.asp?id=16964

*http://tgcmc.newsweaver.co.uk/gtnxtra/1clkelbo6q5?a=1&p=46507545&t=20355025

If catering and food are your growth areas our new Food Xtra will help you
To see our NEW GTN Food Xtra e-mail newsletter...
Gardman donates £16,000 of pet products to Wood Green


Provider of pet care products from leads and collars to toys and training tools, Gardman is donating £16,000 worth of pet care products to a local animal charity, Wood Green, The Animals Charity...



Provider of pet care products from leads and collars to toys and training tools, Gardman is donating £16,000 worth of pet care products to a local animal charity, Wood Green, The Animals Charity.  

Headquartered in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, which is near Gardman’s new Peterborough head office, Wood Green takes in unwanted and lost animals, provides shelter and care and then re-homes them.  

“We have a long track record of supporting Greenfingers, the charity of the gardening trade,” said Sarah Downing, Marketing Director of Gardman.  

“We want to continue to make meaningful charity donations at the same time as bedding ourselves into the community surrounding our new Peterborough head office. So donating essential products from our petcare range (from collars, leads, training pads and litter trays to toys, coats and blankets) to Wood Green grants us the perfect opportunity to do both and we’re delighted to be able to support such a worth cause in the heart of our community.”

Katja Jones, Corporate Fundraising Officer at Wood Green, said: “We aim to provide the best possible care for animals in need by taking in, caring for and re-homing unwanted and lost animals and, promoting good animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.  

"Generating the resources to do this is a continual challenge and so we really appreciate Gardman’s help and this wonderful contribution.”



Pictured: Katja Jones from Wood Green and Sarah Downing from Gardman.

Shropshire garden centre on the market
A North Shropshire garden centre and nursery business with a five bedroomed house and nine acres of land are on the market for £770,000...




A North Shropshire garden centre and nursery business with a five bedroomed house and outbuildings and nine acres of  land are on the market with agents Halls of Shrewsbury for £770,000.

Holly Farm Nurseries & Garden Centre, Whitchurch Road, Prees, is four miles from Whitchurch and 12 miles from Shrewsbury. The owner is retiring.

The garden centre and nursery business, which covers 1.65 acres designated for A1 retail use adjoining the A49, had a turnover of £276,029 last year. The buyer will have the option to purchase Endymion, a modernised three bedroomed bungalow, separately.

The 797 sq ft retail area has an adjoining canopy and outside planteria. A Dutch barn houses a 22-seater coffee shop. The site also houses workshops, toilet facilities, two twin-bay canopies, seven polytunnels and a greenhouse.

Holly Farm is a detached house with a large garden and outbuildings in a plot of nearly half an acre.

Shaun Jones, a rural professional director at Halls says planners have confirmed A1 retail use on 1.65 acres with good frontage to the A49.
New-look RHS website goes live




The RHS unveiled their new-look website this week...

The RHS unveiled their new-look website this week (http://www.rhs.org.uk)

It contains more than 6,000 pages (excluding the plant details pages, which takes it to more than 225,000), 35,000 images and hundreds of thousands of links.

Highlights include:

  • A more contemporary design with larger images, a warmer colour palette and lots of clear space
  • Improved navigation and information architecture which makes it easier for users to find what they are looking for
  • Online registration open to anyone, allowing sign-up for newsletters, and posts to blogs/articles, with ability to save content to ‘My RHS’
  • Easier links to social media and sharing of pages
  • New RHS videos and podcasts specifically created for the new website

Plant Selector and Plant Finder have been merged into a single search which allows searches by name and/or attribute. The search dynamically adjusts as you set each preference so, unlike the old site, no search will deliver ‘zero results’. There are links to suppliers and nurseries.

You’ll also find a new Beginners’ Guide section, new Garden Design section and a new free text advice search.

Exclusive content for members includes videos, podcasts and articles.
Trelawney joint venture creates new garden buildings department
Trelawney Garden Leisure at Wadebridge have formed a partnership with Elite Spas & Leisure to create a new garden buildings department...



Pictured:  Steve Mullin, installation and sales manager at Elite Spas & Leisure, launches the new garden buildings department with Trelawney’s Peter Burks.



Trelawney Garden Leisure at Wadebridge in Cornwall have formed a partnership with Elite Spas & Leisure to create a new garden buildings department.

Elite had been operating an indepedent concession at the centre for the past two-and-a-half years. “We have a great relationship with them, “ said Peter Burks, general manager of Trelawney@Wadebridge, “so it seemed fitting to form a partnership to launch this new venture.”

The new department will stock 17 different Regency greenhouses, sheds and summer houses on a 500 sq.ft site and initially employ at least three people.

Elite  director Chris Williams said: “As companies we have the same core values and our main focus is on customer service. We want to offer consumers variety and value for money.”

Elite Spas & Leisure is a large leisure company which stocks Elite hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, log cabins, gazebos, chemicals and accessories.

Pictured above:  Steve Mullin, installation and sales manager at Elite Spas & Leisure, launches the new garden buildings department with Trelawney’s Peter Burks.

Commercial Sales Opportunity for GTN Food Xtra
Due to the unrivalled success of our e-mail newsletter publishing operation we need now need to expand our sales team...

Due to the unrivalled success of our e-mail newsletter publishing operation we need now need to expand our sales team.

We’re looking for the ideal person to take on the sales of our unique mix of banners, buttons, Webitorials and E-mail Advertorial special issues for Pet Trade Xtra, GTN Xtra and GTN Food Xtra.

If you have telephone and face to face sales experience, have a good understanding of digital media and an interest in either the pet, gardening or catering markets then joining our team could be the ideal opportunity for you.

Our company is renowned for producing excellent b2b editorially led products that fully engage with our audiences and provide real results for our advertisers and commercial partners.

To find out more about this great opportunity, please send an e-mail to Trevor Pfeiffer making your case to be interviewed, together with your current CV.  E-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk.

 


It's Al Sheppard from Burgon & Ball who had worked so hard he had a well-deserved nap on the massive kneelo cushion in the new Burgon & Ball concept area at Poplars Garden Centre.

Poplars General manager Alastair Jackson sent us the image of their Burgon & Ball concept area.  "Like last season Burgon & Ball have worked hard to create an amazing shop within shop concept area at Poplars," he told GTN Xtra.  "The area looks great and if it works as well as last year it’ll increase our sales dramatically. It goes to prove when retailers and suppliers work hand in hand it can be so beneficial for all involved.

Thanks for the picture Alastair, we'll report in full on the new concept area in a future issue of GTN Xtra.

Composting Awareness Week: an opportunity
International Composting Awareness Week (5-11 May), gives the trade an opportunity to promote this unglamorous and often-neglected sales category...

International Composting Awareness Week (5-11 May), gives the trade an opportunity to promote this unglamorous and often-neglected sales category at a time when recycling issues are high on the agenda.

Composting is surrounded by a host of myths. Like…

Composting is just for people with large gardens and lots of space. In fact, it can be just as rewarding for people who live in a flat and only have a balcony. Composting is easy, can be fun, saves you money and helps to grow great plants – but not everyone knows where to start, let alone how to make the most of their compost.

Garden centres who appoint a member of staff as 'composting champion' would be well-placed to sell the benefits to customers through special displays and demonstrations, particularly when linked to grow-your-own fruit and veg.

Author and composting expert Nicky Scott helped to set up the Devon Community Composting Network and continues to help community composting groups around the country. He also advises schools and businesses on composting kitchen waste, engaging children and adults alike, and encourages a change in attitudes toward food waste and composting as well as getting them involved in projects.

Green Books publishes a range of books suitable for anyone with an interest in learning the secrets of good composting:

  • How to Make and Use Compost: The Ultimate Guide (Scott)
  • Composting: An easy household guide (Scott)
  • Composting for All (Scott)
  • Backyard Composting (Roulac)
Green Books, 01223 301 041
 
It's the young plants show in Veg sales
All but three of the Top 50 products in the Veg-2-Gro chart are young veg plants...

All but three of the Top 50 products in the Veg-2-Gro chart are young veg plants, a record in the last 5 years of GTN Bestsellers charts. Quantil have 31 entries and Suttons 16.

  • Suttons have the three bestselling products – two grafted tomato plants (Elegance and Sweet Petit) and one grafted cucumber (Shakira).
  • They also have the highest new entry in grafted tomato (Indigo Rose).
  • Quantil have the highest climber in Courgette Golden and the highest re-entry in Strawberry Elsanta.
To subscribe to GTN Bestellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
Planters and grow bags selling well
Overall volume sales in the Growing Media chart are down on the previous week but the positive news is that planters and grow bags have been selling well...



Overall volume sales in the Growing Media chart are down on the previous week but the positive news is that planters and grow bags have been selling well.

  • The highest placed is Scotts Levington Tomorite Giant Planter with Seaweed at No 3.
  • Arthur Bowers Grow Bag has moved up 10 places in the chart.
  • Westland Grow Bags (32 litres and 38 litres) have both seen increases in sales.
To subscribe to GTN Bestellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
 
WIN a display of Resolva 24H
If you want to be in with a chance of winning an entire display of Resolva 24H, simply snap a picture of yourself or your centre wearing the Resolva facemask you found inside the April issue of Garden Trade News...
If you want to be in with a chance of winning an entire display of Resolva 24H, simply snap a picture of yourself or your centre wearing the Resolva facemask to be found inside the April issue of Garden Trade News. See the image gallery for entries received from Pacific Garden Centre, Moulton Park Garden Centre and Goonhaven Garden Centre. To subscribe to GTN, email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk


 
Inspirational new website for Homebase
With more people than ever looking for inspiration and advice online before making a purchase, Homebase has launched a new look website to help customers find the information they need to ‘get the look’ – no matter how big or small their home projects...



With more people than ever looking for inspiration and advice online before making a purchase, Homebase has launched a new look website to help customers find the information they need to ‘get the look’ – no matter how big or small their home projects.

As well as offering improved functionality and easy to navigate pages, there are over 50 videos to help with almost every gardening and DIY dilemma, from laying turf to putting up wallpaper.

Homebase Director of Multi Channel, Siobhan Fitzpatrick said: “We know that nearly 40 per cent of our customers start looking for ideas online before visiting us in store. That’s why we have developed a new website to start to provide more support, help and inspiration around the key home and garden projects.”

Homebase sells a number of exclusive brands including Habitat, Qualcast and Farrow & Ball. Now customers can more easily search through Homebase’s vast number of products on a brand by brand basis, save a ‘love list’ of their favourite products and also compare items to help their decision making.

Siobhan said: “Customer service is at the heart of what we do and providing the convenience to shop how they want, when they want is increasingly important. We have simplified the checkout process to make it easier for customers to arrange home delivery and Reserve & Collect in store in one transaction, offering more flexibility than ever.

“Using IBM WSC7 platform and the Aurora starter store will put us in good shape for the next phase of a chain of new digital developments over the coming months. We have a great deal to look forward to, including new apps, more video content and delivery options, as well as better visibility of pricing and stock.”

To view the new website, log on to homebase.co.uk

Brits admit to garden envy
A third of Brits have confessed to believing the grass is greener on the other side and are jealous of green-fingered neighbours...

A third of Brits have confessed to believing the grass is greener on the other side and are jealous of green-fingered neighbours.

That’s according to a new poll by online garden centre GardeningExpress.co.uk who quizzed homeowners on the things that turned them green with envy about next doors’ outside space.

An immaculate lawn was the one thing those questioned wanted and didn’t seem to have, with 71% agreeing they’d love a moss and weed free lawn like their neighbours’.

Just under two thirds, 64% were envious of the top of the range garden furniture they’d spotted in next doors’ garden, with 61% coveting the well-kept patio or deck area they were sitting on.

Colourful, well-maintained flower-beds were all it took to turn 53% green with envy, with 48% wishing they had their neighbours’ luscious hanging baskets.

The size of the garden was enough to make 34% of people jealous of their friends next door with 33% admitting they’d love their neighbours’ perfectly trimmed hedges without a branch out of place.

Just under a third, 29%, said they wished their garden had the sun all day, with 18% agreeing that they’d love their neighbours’ well kept vegetable patch.

Just eight per cent were envious of their neighbours’ water feature or pond.

One respondent said: “I’d give anything to have next door’s lawn. It’s always immaculate – no weeds, no moss and no muddy patches. The edges are always trimmed perfectly and there really is no blade of grass out of place. That said, they don’t have two kids running around on their lawn like I do which probably explains why it’s so lovely and mine is a muddy mess.”

A second commented: “I love my garden and enjoy working in it, but when I see next door relaxing on their perfectly maintained deck on their brand new garden furniture, with the barbecue sending delicious aroma’s over the fence, I do get a little jealous.”

Another added: “I don’t envy anything about my neighbours’ gardens. I design our garden for us all to enjoy – that’s what’s important to me. I have to admit, I’d love it if my neighbours’ were jealous of the space I’ve created.”

A spokesman for GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Sometimes the grass really is greener on the other side and I’m pretty sure there are times when most of us have coveted something in next door’s outside space.

“However, each garden is different. Gardeners have to bear in mind the needs of their family and that will influence how the garden is designed and used.

“If you have young kids you need somewhere safe for them to play, if you want to be self sufficient then you need a good plot to grow your own, and if you work hard and want somewhere to relax after hours, then you’ll be after a low maintenance, relaxing space.”

 
Giant cactus smashes through greenhouse roof at Lincs nursery

A giant cactus, which just won’t stop growing, has turned into a prickly customer by smashing the glass of a greenhouse at the Plant Lovers Nursery in Candlesby, Lincs...


A giant cactus which just won’t stop growing has turned into a prickly customer by smashing the glass of a Lincolnshire garden centre greenhouse.

It happened at the Plant Lovers Nursery in Candlesby and was witnessed by partners Mink and Tim Sumner-Wilson.

They could only look on as the Giant Agave broke through the roof of their greenhouse.

And the native Mexican plant, nicknamed the Green Giant, isn’t intent on stopping there.

Since smashing through the 12-foot ceiling on March 29, it’s been growing at an incredible two inches a day at the nursery five miles east of Spilsby.

And it now needs a stepladder just to measure its full height of 14 feet and heading skywards.

Mrs Sumner-Wilson, 70, said the plant’s actions were part of the final stages in a somewhat tragic life - one that will see it eventually flower for the first time before dying shortly after.

“They are known by some as the ‘Century Plant’ because they don’t flower – or only flower once in a century,” she said.

“The flower stem is likely to exceed 25 feet, by which time it will have produced side branches that will produce numerous flowers.

“It will take most of the summer to fulfil its dream and then a further two years to die.

“This thing is going to be spectacular.”

The couple have run the specialist cactus nursery – believed to be the largest in the country – for many years and now have more than 20,000 plants.

And they reckon the Giant Agave, which they bought from a French nursery in 1968, is already between 50 and 60 years old.

“We were really surprised to see it flower,” said Mrs Sumner-Wilson.

“I really didn’t see it coming. I was talking to a visitor to the nursery when I glanced up at the greenhouse and realised that it had broken through the greenhouse roof.

“And I was surprised because I wasn’t expecting it to flower – I didn’t think it was old enough.

“They also usually alter in shape when they are coming up to flower and I didn’t think it had done so.

“We really didn’t think we were going to live long enough to see it happen.”

The pair will now allow the plant to complete its fateful final journey before repairing the damage to the greenhouse.

But, having been in possession of the plant for such a long period of time, it’s not going to be easy for them to say goodbye.

“Once it has finished flowering we will cut it so we can fit the glass back on, then we will probably leave it to die,” Mr Sumner-Wilson said.

“In that time it will produce off-shoots and we shall pop them up ready for sale.

“It’s become part and parcel of the family – so it will be very sad when it dies.”



Read more: http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/Giant-cactus-bursts-Lincolnshire-roof-won-t-stop/story-21023729-detail/story.html#ixzz30Y1qMrPv
 
Skydive finally happens - 10 months later
Alastair and Mikala from Poplars finally got the chance to complete their charity fundraising skydive...
Alastair and Mikala from Poplars finally got the chance to complete their charity fundraising skydive raising over £1500 for CLIC Sargent children’s cancer charity with kind donations from friends, family, colleagues and suppliers.

In typical Poplars style Alastair told us "It was A….Bloody…..Mazing!!  I was getting a little fed up of people asking if we had done our skydive since our previous attempt last July but now I can confirm we’ve done it!!
GIMA Awards are open for entries

Suppliers are reminded that the 2014 GIMA Awards are now open for entries...


Suppliers are reminded that the 2014 GIMA Awards are now open for entries.

The respected GIMA Awards are recognised as the garden industry event of the year. Recognising excellence in new products, marketing support and export achievements, winning these coveted prizes is a significant achievement for any supplier.

  • Among the benefits entrants can expect are:
  • Exposure to the panel of influential industry judges
  • Recognition in front of hundreds of influential guests at the awards evening
  • Trade and consumer media coverage

This year’s awards gala dinner is being held at the prestigious Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, South Wales on Thursday 17 July. It’s always a night to remember, so book your places now.

Closing date for entries is Friday, 20 June. Judging staging day is Tuesday 1 July at Warwick Racecourse, where judging takes place the following day, Wednesday 2 July.

To download a full guide on how to enter, click here

http://www.gima.org.uk/GIMA_Awards_2014/2014Howtoenter.pdf
 

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.

 


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GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnoiver in excess of £120m.

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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