Commenting on the Prime Minister’s announcement of the Horticulture Resilience and Growth Offer, Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said:

“While the focus of the Prime Minister’s Summit is Farm to Fork and the indications for funding are that it is edibles focused, the government should not miss the opportunity to support the resilience and growth of environmental horticulture. The environmental, economic and social delivery of gardens and cultivated green spaces is important for our country.

“Put simply, net zero and environmental improvements cannot be met without our sector. The health and wellbeing benefits of green spaces is widely recognised. It has, therefore, been incredibly disappointing that, despite a House of Lords inquiry recommendation, the government has no strategy for environmental horticulture.

"Environmental horticulture also delivers for the economy, and our sector’s substantial contributions speak volumes, with £28 billion added to the British economy, supporting 674 thousand jobs and generating £6 billion in tax revenues. With the right support, our industry's GDP footprint could exceed £41 billion by 2030. There are very few – if any sectors – which can match the economic numbers with the environmental benefits and the social value of environmental horticulture.

“The government has an opportunity to create a long-term view to grow our environmental delivery, and we hope they seize it.”

The government press release can be read here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-sets-out-blueprint-to-boost-british-fruit-and-vegetable-sector-may-13-2024

Chard Garden Centre in Somerset has been put up for sale with a guide price of £995,000 plus stock. The sale is being handled by Alexander Mackie Associates.

The garden centre comes with a café, nursery and bungalow.

Carol and Neil Cline have owned the business for 16 years but are now hoping to retire.

The couple said: “ We purchased Chard Garden Centre in 2007 and re-located from Essex with our two children, moving into the bungalow on site and making everything very straightforward. With no commute to work to worry about we quickly settled to life in Somerset.

“Somerset is in a lovely part of the South West with Dorset and Devon right on the doorstep but also close enough to the M5 to reach the rest of the country.

“After 17 years and with our children now pursuing their own careers we feel its time to let someone else take Chard Garden Centre into the future, allowing us to retire and take up some new hobbies.

“We consider ourselves to be a small business at the heart of the local community, growing and supplying beautiful plants. We have many customers who call in every week and have supported us throughout our time here, and with houses being built in and around Chard we are also seeing lots of new faces too. Our coffee shop is always busy come rain or shine and makes us a destination for not only the locals but also visitors to the area.

“We have a good team in place across the shop/nursery and coffee shop and we take on the lead roles in buying and accounts, but its all hands to the wheel when the sun is shining and the garden centre is busy.

“We have made the bungalow into a very comfortable family home and will be sad to leave – the benefits of living on site in this great location are best appreciated with a visit to see all that this business has to offer.”

More details about the business can be found on the Alexander Mackie Associates website. Click here to view

See gallery of pictures below...

Popular garden furniture wholesaler, NOVA, has been focusing on a new brand identity as well as a new ethos surrounding the importance of service. 

Talking about NOVA’s latest developments, Ian Read, Sales Director at NOVA has been at the forefront of the brand’s growth throughout the years. Expressing excitement for the company’s latest changes, he has commented on NOVA’s evolving brand values.

‘The industry has faced plenty of challenges over the last 18-24 months, so now is a perfect time for NOVA’s fresh new look and exciting brand to come to fruition with new offerings. We’ve not only spent a lot of time improving the look and feel of our brand but also refining our service,’ explained Ian Read.

‘We want our customers to immerse themselves in our brand and trust in our values, not just buy our products, but also come along with us on our journey where we bring you the latest trends and curate not only a trade showroom but an experience for our customers,’ he adds.

Embracing the nature of their new brand, NOVA boldly took on the challenge to overhaul their entire product collection and is extremely confident in the offering they are bringing to the market. Ian Read claimed: ‘Our focus has been on design and getting the product right which allows us to take the focus off of traditional sales tactics and focus on the service we are offering to our customers, putting the same care and thought into the development of our Experience Centre.’ 

The Experience Centre gives NOVA the chance to showcase its full product range and negates the need for endless brochures, allowing them to put their energy into providing excellent service when welcoming customers to the showroom as well as great after-care.

“When visiting our Experience Centre, we welcome you to take all the time you need to help make educated buying decisions when selecting ranges to maximise your sales. The team has travelled the world to understand and to share their education with our customers.’

As a long-serving part of NOVA, Ian Read has revealed his bright outlook on NOVA’s recent changes and the future of the brand. ‘My vision for the future is to establish ourselves as the UK’s leading supplier for outdoor products and to expand on the categories we currently supply. Creating a place where retailers can come and select all their outdoor living products in one space. By offering this experience, we will continue to grow our existing relationships and add trust to new customers.’

It’s evident that service is at the forefront of every touchpoint with the NOVA brand and that their ambitions with the Experience Centre will no doubt reinforce customer relationships.

Ian Read urges garden centres and retailers to book a visit to the experience centre and embrace the new NOVA for themselves, “It’s the only place you’ll see NOVA products this year, we’re not exhibiting at trade shows, so if you’re excited about what NOVA has to offer, come and meet the team and see this incredible showroom we have put together.”

Contact your agent, Ian Read, or visit our website to book your visit! 

Ian.read@novaoutdoorliving.co.uk

www.novaoutdoorliving.co.uk  

After serving 10 years on the GIMA Council, Kate Ebbens has been voted in as GIMA President for the 2024 and 2025 term.  Craig Hall of Deco-Pak takes over the Vice President role and the GIMA Council expands with two new co-opted members joining.

The 2024 GIMA Annual General Meeting, held on 12th May via video conferencing, saw 18 GIMA members vote Kate and Craig into their respective honorary roles and officially welcomed two new co-opted Council members; Nigel Thompson of Sipcam and Patrick Thick of Ames UK.  Also continuing in their honorary roles of Secretary and Treasurer will be Mark Butler of Vitax and DLF’s Guy Jenkins respectively.  

Following her election Kate gave a short address saying: "I have been lucky enough to work in our incredibly supportive industry for 25 years now, and during my 11 years as a GIMA member I have benefited from some tremendous support from the association."

She continued: "During my time as President I hope to ensure all members understand the benefits GIMA offer and I want to encourage greater participation.  I also want to help members connect with retailers, especially in the current economic climate and against the backdrop of unpredictable weather patterns.  Finally, I would like to thank Jenny Douthwaite who has been an outstanding President for GIMA and who passes the association onto me in a very healthy position."

Working closely with the GIMA team headed up by Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director, the full GIMA Council for 2024/2025 will be made up of the following representatives:

• Jenny Douthwaite, Primeur - President
• Kate Ebbens of Capi Europe – Vice President
• Guy Jenkins, DLF – Honorary Treasurer
• Mark Butler, Vitax - Honorary Secretary
• Craig Hall, Deco-Pak
• Chris Ramsden, Hozelock
• Dan Durston, Durston Garden Products
• Martin Tompsett, Rollins Bulldog Tools
• David Nicholson, Elho
• Phil Harrison, Evergreen Garden Care.
• Edd Cantle of Gardena
• Simon Davison of Zest Outdoor Living
• Patrick Thick of Ames UK (co-opted)
• Nigel Thompson (co-opted)

GIMA Treasurer, Guy Jenkins gave a short report on the 2023 GIMA year-end accounts, reporting a profit after tax and depreciation of £16k for the year.  Commenting on the result, Guy said “Following our very strong post pandemic performance in 2022, we have now returned to more modest level of profit, which never the less continues to enable us to build our reserves.  We have also put in place a rolling plan to invest GIMA funds in high interest medium notice accounts while leaving sufficient funds available in our current account to meet our day to day running costs."

Membership of GIMA is open to all manufacturers and suppliers of products to the garden retail sector, with a UK or EU base.

For further information about GIMA and the benefits membership brings visit www.gima.org.uk or contact the GIMA office on 01959 564947 or email info@gima.org.uk

The draw for the 10 lucky candidates for the 2024-25 LOFA Sales Academy took place at Gates Garden Centre on Friday 10 May. 

Under a beautiful blue sky GTN's Trevor Pfeiffer drew the names out of the bag to allow 10 individuals from LOFA member brands to take part in the academy delivered by Metamorphose. The Sales Training and Personal Coaching program initiated by LOFA earlier this year to nurture sales talent within our industry is now officially underway. 

The 10 candidates are: 

• Ben Depla – Ascalon Design Ltd
• Bradon Lewis – Bramblecrest
• Charlie Butt – Norfolk Leisure Lifestyle Ltd
• Clement Harris – Gardeco Ltd
• Harry Willis - 4 Seasons Outdoor UK
• Luke Badland – Rotospa
• Mateusz Kamanski – Maze Outdoor
• Poppy Mcgibbon – Beefeater Europe
• Zac Windsor – Supremo Leisure
• Zac Morris  - Firestorm Heaters 

These candidates will be enrolled in the training academy commencing on June 24th at the Metamorphose office in Cheltenham. The program comprises of three modules: Foundation Skills, Buyer Behaviour and Inspirational Presentations, and Business Negotiation. The candidate with the highest overall score throughout the program will be honoured at SOLEX 2025, along with the announcement of the next 10 candidates chosen for 2025-26 Academy. 

This is a fantastic initiative for LOFA and a wonderful opportunity for those new to our industry who can benefit from this tailored training. 

LOFA Chairman Steve Millington said: "This is fantastic for our industry as it will empower a whole new generation of salespeople, equipping them with the necessary skills to excel in their roles within today’s marketplace. It is also a valuable additional benefit for LOFA members."

www.lofa.co.uk

Dobbies has revealed the community and charity groups across the UK that will receive support to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces this year. 

Over 660 groups applied to Dobbies Community Gardens when it opened in March. Each Dobbies’ store selected their local project to support from the nominations that were made. Nominated projects were invited along to their local in-store Grow How session on Saturday 4 May when the winner was unveiled.

All winners will now receive a one-on-one session with Dobbies’ colleagues in their local store to kick-start the activity, seeing the team support the winning group right the way through their project. In addition to receiving products, tools and plants, there will be volunteer hours allocated to help bring the project to fruition and keep their indoor or outdoor space blooming.

Kilmardinny Community Garden Project members with Emma Tailford, Dobbies' Horticultural Manager at Dobbies’ Milngavie store. © StewartAttwoodPhotography

Recent research* from Dobbies by Censuswide found that 71% of Brits say being close to nature helps them relax, highlighting the importance of initiatives like Dobbies Community Gardens to help green spaces thrive.

Dobbies’ colleagues are passionate about gardens and plants, championing garden living all year round to create experiences that bring people and communities together.

Nick Anderson, Dobbies’ Operations Director, is thrilled with the response to Dobbies Community Gardens. He explained: “We are really pleased to have had so many community groups get in touch looking for support with their green spaces.

“The stores had the responsibility of picking a community group to back this year and they’ve chosen a great mix of winners from schools, nurseries and nursing homes to community gardens and charity allotments. 

“We’re looking forward to seeing these indoor and outdoor green spaces flourish over the year and helping people create their perfect garden space, indoor or outdoor.”

Mary Downing and Andrea Paddision of Deer Friends, Ryan Stevens, Dobbies' Horti Manager, Kayliegh Brown, Michelle Handley, Dobbies' Trading Manager, and Tracey Durbin, Dobbies' Horti Expert at Dobbies’ Chesterfield store. © UNP

Some of the winners include Kirkinriola Early Years Playgroup, chosen by the Antrim store for help creating an outdoor play area for children to come together and be in nature; and Mud Matters from Dementia Friendly Hampshire, chosen by the Havant store to help open a garden area for people living with dementia to enjoy.

For more information about Dobbies work in the community and to see this year’s Dobbies Community Gardens’ winners, visit dobbies.com/community-gardens.

Kirkinriola Early Years Playgroup members with Bernadette Barnes, Horti Manager at Dobbies' Antrim store, and Janeen Adams of Kirkinriola Early Years Playgroup. © Phil Smyth

*The research was conducted by Censuswide with 2007 nat rep consumers in UK 16+ between 22 March-25 March 2024. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society, which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.

British garden machinery company Handy will be showcasing its extensive product ranges and highlighting its support for dealers in its biggest-ever garden machinery event, Handy LIVE 2024, which will be held at the prestigious Moulton Grange Country Estate in Northamptonshire on Thursday 5th September.

The first event of its kind for Handy, it combines the latest expo on Handy’s garden machinery with a full day’s entertainment, whilst also providing guests with exclusive on-the-day offers and bespoke point-of-sale opportunities to help dealers/retailers maximise earning potential.

Handy’s brands - Webb, The Handy, Greenworks and AVA – will be on display and available for guests to get hands on with. This will include cordless, petrol, electric and hand powered lawnmowers, line trimmers, hedge trimmers, pole saws, chainsaws, blowers & vacuums, tillers, trolleys, spreaders, log splitters, pressure washers and more. In an exclusive preview, the new Webb Eco 20V Cordless Battery range will also be launched on the day. 

Live demonstrations from gardening experts Adam Woolcott (a Chelsea multiple award winner) and Tommy Cross (TV presenter) will run throughout the day. Plus, guests will have the chance to become target experts and try their hand at a spot of air rifle shooting and axe throwing, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Moulton Grange Country Estate.

Mark Moseley, Handy’s Sales & Marketing Director, comments: “This event gives us the perfect opportunity to showcase our fantastic product range and highlight the extensive support and service we have in place to help dealers to get the most out of our products.”

Tickets are limited so to secure a place at Handy LIVE 2024 book your tickets at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/handy-live-dealer-event-tickets-893685767187 or visit www.handys.co.uk

Dobbies has made a donation of £110,000 for funds raised in the last year to its National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust, taking its total raised over nearly a decade to £1.39m.   

Colleagues across all Dobbies stores have supported a whole host of fundraising initiatives including in-store donations, text to donate, Christmas shopping nights, social media takeovers, team challenges and carrier bag donations. Since last year, customers were given the opportunity to add a donation when booking seasonal events.  

Dobbies stores in Edinburgh, Milngavie, Southport, Livingston and Dunfermline have raised the most, with an impressive £259,000 between them in the last nine years.   

Some colleagues have even taken on their own personal challenges to raise funds. Julie Porter, aged 61, has worked at Dobbies Ashford store since the store opened 13 years ago and last year shaved her hair, raising £2,000.  

Julie said: “I have personal attachment in my family to cancer and so supporting our Teenage Cancer Trust has always been really important to me. I decided to shave my hair, because I wanted to make a big statement and raise vital funds. After all, it's only hair that would grow back! I really enjoyed the day, we had buckets at the entrance and my hairdresser came to the store to do it.”   

Mags Ferguson, aged 57, has worked at Dobbies for six-and-a-half-years and is based at their Braehead store. She took on a step challenge with her dog Dexter.  

Mags said: “I took on the challenge to support people less fortunate than myself and to help the Dobbies team. I love doing things like this, especially when I can take my little dog Dexter with me. It’s such a good feeling when you complete a challenge too!” 

Cancer kills more teenagers and young adults in the UK than any other disease. Every day, seven young people aged 13-24 hear the words “young have cancer”. They will each need specialist nursing cancer and support to get them through it. Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to meeting this vital need – so no young person faces cancer alone. 

The charity receives no government funding and donations from Dobbies will help to fund specialist nurses, youth support coordinators, and ensure that support is in place for teenagers and young adults, when cancer has turned their world upside down. 

Donna Bednarek, Senior Relationship Manager from Teenage Cancer Trust, said: "It is phenomenal that Dobbies colleagues and customers have raised more than £1.3 million for Teenage Cancer Trust. We started our partnership with Dobbies in 2015 and these vital funds help us to make sure that young people with cancer across the country have the best possible care and support that they need and deserve.   

"This incredible fundraising will help us to provide unique, tailored support that lets young people hold on to their identity, their independence and their dreams – so cancer doesn’t rob them of the best years of their life. Thank you to Dobbies for your loyal support – you are helping to make our work possible across the UK.”  

Nick Anderson, Dobbies Operations Director, said: “It is fantastic to see colleagues across the business supporting fundraising efforts for Teenage Cancer Trust and I’m incredibly proud of the funds we have raised to-date. The Teenage Cancer Trust team does amazing work to support individuals and families when they need it most and this milestone is a huge testament to our colleagues who are so committed to helping them on their mission.”   

Squire’s Garden Centres has confirmed that it no longer sells any bagged compost containing peat. 

The UK government proposed to ban the sale of bagged compost containing peat to home gardeners in England by the end of 2024.  Although the ban is not yet in force, this announcement by Squire’s sees the business meet this commitment well ahead of the proposed deadline.

The company has been working with its suppliers for some time to eliminate bags of compost containing any peat content from its business. In addition, Squire’s continues to support customers in their understanding of peat-free compost and how to get the best results from peat-free growing media. Squire’s recently hosted a series of peat-free talks in collaboration with Melcourt, providing a practical insight into how to use peat-free compost in everyday gardening.  

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: “We understand the significance of our peatlands for carbon capture and the habitats they foster. We are tremendously pleased to have  reached this milestone, as it’s an area we’ve been working hard on with our supplier partners for some time. 

“As an industry-wide issue, it is important that we work closely with our suppliers on the challenges involved - sharing knowledge and best practice. We know our customers have varying levels of understanding and we will continue to be a source of practical information, so they are informed and can succeed with peat-free compost. The removal of bagged compost with any peat content is an important step in our ongoing sustainability programme."

A visit to the annual Glee exhibition on any given Thursday sees the halls awash with floral skirts, dresses, t-shirts and suits as the industry comes together for ‘Floral Thursday’ – a colourful but hugely meaningful fundraising day for the Greenfingers Charity.

By donning floral attire, Glee exhibitors and visitors are helping to raise much needed funds for the charity, money that will go a long way towards helping Greenfingers create even more important garden spaces at children’s hospices across the country.

Each year you will see Greenfingers volunteers reaching out to Glee attendees as they arrive at the show, shaking their donation buckets and selling raffle tickets for the day’s floral gathering.  This year, however, in a move to make the 2024 Floral Thursday event the biggest yet, the Greenfingers Charity is launching a floral shirt amnesty. Supporters are invited to donate their unloved floral shirts to the charity so they can be “resold” this Floral Thursday to ensure no-one misses out on getting involved!

With no excuses for failing to drape yourself in floral glory, the hope is that even more money will be raised in 2024, beating the £2,076 raised in 2023.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at the Greenfingers Charity said: “Floral Thursday has always been a superb way to bring the garden retail sector together and this year will be no different. In fact, we want to make this year’s event the one that truly takes over Glee, which means there’s no hiding for those that ‘forgot’ to bring their floral shirts! With our amnesty we hope to collate a veritable encyclopaedia of the good, bad and the way over the top of floral shirts so that everyone can join in the fun!”

Anyone wanting to donate to the Greenfingers Charity floral shirt collection are invited to contact Linda Petrons via linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk or arrange to deliver their contributions direct to the Greenfingers office in Wendover.

Westland Horticulture has announced its sponsorship of the Cultivating Talent category of show gardens at this year’s Bord Bia Bloom. 

Bord Bia Bloom, taking place in Phoenix Park, Dublin, from the 30^th May to the 3^rd June, is Ireland’s largest gardening festival. It celebrates horticulture, culinary delights, and sustainable living. The family-friendly event draws in over 100,000 visitors every year, and aims to inspire, educate, and entertain visitors, with show gardens, talks, demonstrations, and children’s activities.  

At the heart of Westland’s ethos lies a commitment to nurturing emerging talent within horticulture. From the annual Rising Stars programme, which supports potential stars of the future within garden centres, to the impactful New Horizon Fund, that donates gardening bundles worth £1,000 (or Euro equivalent) to community gardening endeavours across the UK and Ireland, Westland firmly believes in inspiring and supporting talent to ensure the horticulture industry continues to flourish.

Championing the next generation of garden designers and horticulture professionals, Bord Bia Bloom launched Cultivating Talent in 2023. The programme provides financial support and one-to-one mentoring to emerging designers, helping them to produce their first ever show garden.

Keith Nicholson, Marketing Director, at Westland Horticulture, commented: “Bord Bia Bloom is a true celebration of horticulture, and sponsoring the Cultivating Talent show gardens aligns seamlessly with Westland’s core values of nurturing and inspiring emerging talent. Our team will be on hand to support the winners on every step of their journey of bringing their designs to life at Bloom, and we are developing an array of exciting and immersive activities for families visiting the event.” 

Kerrie Gardiner, Show Garden & Horticulture Content Manager, for Bord Bia Bloom, added: “Through programmes like Cultivating Talent, barriers that might traditionally prevent emerging designers from applying to showcase at events such as Bloom are removed; and with that, creativity, talent and new perspectives are allowed to shine. We’re thrilled to welcome Westland Horticulture on board as sponsors of Cultivating Talent, and this support ensures we can continue to mentor and support future garden designers.”

Students from St Margaret’s School for Girls in Aberdeen are working with STEM professionals and academics to help scientists learn more about the genetic traits of daffodils. 

The Daffodil DNA Project, created by teacher Jon Hale on the Isle of Jersey and run by the University of Dundee, aims to inspire the next generation of plant scientists and botanical horticulturalists as well as obtain genetic data on a very valuable but understudied genus.

The collaborative project, funded by a Royal Society Partnership Grant, gives students the opportunity to experience DNA sequencing in the classroom and engage with cutting edge technology to identify and map the DNA that gives rise to different daffodil flower colours, shapes and sizes. The students will be using living collections that originate from heritage varieties bred at Brodie Castle, located in Moray, Scotland, and conserved in a national collection at Croft 16, a partnership set up for conserving surplus bulbs of heritage daffodil varieties. This has been supplemented with new cultivars from Grampian Growers who are interested in helping to support the pioneering educational work.

The STEM partners involved in the project are from the world-leading James Hutton Institute and include a diverse team of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and senior academics from the University of Aberdeen and University of Dundee, giving students the opportunity to see the potential of a career in science.

Head of Biology and Sustainability at St Margaret’s School for Girls, Abby Miller, said: “This project is an incredible opportunity for girls to participate in primary science research, and has the potential for scientific publication, leading to a better understanding of daffodils.  As well as DNA sequencing lab work, the senior students taking part will be making and recording growth and phenotype observations, learning extraction techniques, visiting our STEM partner labs in Dundee and working with big data to look at the relatedness of the daffodils. Our daffodils have moved home and are now enjoying a high-tech setup in the physics lab so that we can monitor their growth using time-lapse photography. It is great to be able to use scientific equipment that we wouldn’t normally have access to. The project has exceptional curriculum links, but it is the potential for students to engage with cutting edge technology that will hopefully inspire them to start thinking about their own futures and the opportunities that are available to them if they pursue a career in science.”

St Margaret’s encourages its pupils to study STEM subjects in order to tackle  the stubborn gender gap which continues in the sector.

Celine Muir, student at St Margaret’s School for Girls, said: “As someone who wants to pursue a STEM degree at university and go onto a career in science, I really enjoyed being a part of this project. I have gained important skills such as micro pipetting and have learned the entire process of how to extract and sequence DNA. Decoding the genetics of daffodils has been fascinating and it was really interesting to look at the DNA of a flower that I see all the time in my garden and around the school. Working with the Daffodil team was a very engaging experience and has deepened my understanding of the natural world surrounding us, molecular techniques and the field of bioinformatics.”

Clarissa Iluore, student at St Margaret’s School for Girls, said: “My favourite part of the project is that I get to build on my research, communication and teamwork skills during each class. I truly believe that the skills I have gained will aid me well in my future career where I hope to work in the world of medicine.”

Jon Hale Project Lead, a PhD student at the University of Dundee, said: “Through the Daffodil DNA Project, students and staff at St Margaret's School for Girls will be genuinely contributing to scientific knowledge, exploring the sequences in DNA of historically significant daffodils. With the pressures of climate change and the economy, we need to gain as much knowledge of the world around us before they are lost, and fortunately the citizen scientists of St Margaret's School for Girls have stepped up to help.

“In addition to the science, students will be interacting with scientists from across the team led by the University of Dundee, hopefully inspiring more of our students to undertake a career in plant sciences and maintain our place at the cutting edge for another generation.”

Headteacher of St Margaret’s School for Girls, Anna Tomlinson, said: “There is still a clear need to address the gender STEM gap which persists today. Initiatives which encourage students to move into STEM studies and careers like the Daffodil DNA Project, can help nurture interest and ambition in STEM fields and future careers.”

Commenting on the Government Response to the Shropshire Review into Labour Shortages, Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Policy at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) commented:

“Skills and labour shortages are critical issues for UK environmental horticulture. The HTA has repeatedly sought for a longer-term basis for the Seasonal Worker Scheme. Confirmation of a five-year scheme, albeit with the details yet to be published, is welcome and helps give horticulture businesses who are facing multiple challenges, from weather impacts to new border changes, some much needed certainty and confidence.”

“The government response to this review covers other significant areas and issues for the sector including automation, the apprenticeship levy, apprenticeship funding, and green skills. We welcome the commitment of Defra to work with other government departments to ensure that the cross-government skills agenda pays appropriate regard to the skills needs of Defra-sponsored sectors.”

“The HTA seeks for both the inclusion and importance of environmental horticulture to be recognised when developing the policy detail across the areas covered in this government response. Environmental horticulture is a hugely important industry, that delivers green jobs and skills, economic, environmental, social, health, and wellbeing benefits to the UK. It is critical that the government listens to and acts on the needs of the sector.”

The Shropshire Independent Review into Labour Shortages in the Food Supply Chain was published by John Shropshire, chair of the review, in June 2023. The government response can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/independent-review-into-labour-shortages-in-the-food-supply-chain-government-response/independent-review-into-labour-shortages-in-the-food-supply-chain-government-response#recruitment-and-retention

The Government has announced that in 2025 there will be 45,000 visas available under the Seasonal Workers Scheme. Between 2026-2029 the numbers of visas available are subject to review.

The HTA’s previous statement can be found here: https://hta.org.uk/news/hta-s-calls-for-increase-in-seasonal-worker-visas-granted-by-defra

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) will be presenting the benefits of giving the gift of gardening at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024, which will take place from Tuesday, May 21 to Saturday, May 25, 2024, at The Royal Hospital, Chelsea.

The HTA stand will showcase the National Garden Gift Voucher (NGGV) Scheme, a unique offering that can be used in over 1,000 garden centres and nurseries nationwide and is redeemable on thousands of products. The NGGV programme, with its extensive reach and versatility, is the UK's longest-running promotion of gardening and gardening good causes.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA commented: “Our stand’s theme, Giving the Gift of Gardening, underscores the profound impact of gardening, emphasising the benefits for physical health, mental wellbeing, community and nature. With every NGGV purchase, not only do you gain access to a world of greenery, but you also contribute to the Greenfingers charity, creating magical gardens for life-limited children and their families to enjoy. 

“The plants adorning the stand will be readily available in local garden centres and nurseries, with the gift vouchers providing a convenient option to follow up on your day of inspiration from the event. It's a gift that keeps on giving!”

The stand will also display a colour palette of dark greens and undertones of the Pantone Color Insititute's Colour of the Year 2024, Peach Fuzz. A shadethey describe as ‘capturing our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It's a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul.’ Roses supplied by member David Austin Roses - Dannahue, Bring Me Sunshine, and Lady of Shalott will bring peachy undertones to the display.

At the heart of the stand is a beautiful wishing tree. As a supporter of the Greenfingers charity, National Garden Gift Voucher cards will hang from the wishing tree, along with the wishes of those attending the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The tree highlights that with every NGGV card purchased, a donation is made to the charity. A collection box and QR code will be positioned beside the tree for visitors to donate once they have placed their wish.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers, said:

“We are delighted to be represented at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show thanks to the HTA and their continued support through the National Garden Gift Voucher initiative. Through the sale of the vouchers, the HTA and its members are not only highlighting the work of the charity but are also helping to raise vital funds that help Greenfingers Charity bring the gift of a garden to hospices across the nation. We very much look forward to working together in the weeks ahead to be represented at the show, and we would like to have this opportunity to wish our friends at the HTA the very best of luck for a great Chelsea.”

Bushy Business, an Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) member, will build the stand, and Composite Prime will supply the decking. Provender Nurseries, Quercus Nursery, David Austin Roses, and other HTA member businesses will supply plants. Bury Hill Top Soil will provide the compost.

Visitors can use the QR codes provided on the stand to learn more about the NGGV scheme, the plants on the stand, and their nearest retailer or APL landscaper.

Join us at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 to celebrate the transformative power of gardening and the joy of giving.

STIHL GB has announced the grand opening of its new, purpose-built head office and state-of-the-art distribution centre named Contra House, ushering in a new chapter of innovation and service excellence for the business. 

Dr. Nikolas Stihl, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the STIHL Group, presided over the opening ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the company's long history. Named Contra House in homage to the iconic STIHL Contra chainsaw invented by STIHL founder Andreas Stihl, this expansive 11,500m2 facility reflects STIHL GB’s dedication to providing unparalleled support to its dealers and end users. 

Home to more than 100 staff, Contra House is meticulously designed to enhance operational efficiency, customer service, and employee well-being. The new site features best-in-class dealer training facilities and a studio, collaborative workspaces, an on-site restaurant, and a fully-fitted technical workshop, ensuring seamless support for STIHL GB's 700-strong Approved Dealer network. 

At the heart of the operation lies the 9,000m2 distribution centre, which boasts next-generation picking and storage systems. This consolidation of logistics onto one site enables STIHL GB to streamline operations, resulting in a speedier and more efficient delivery service.

Kay Green, Managing Director of STIHL GB, said: "The unveiling of Contra House symbolises a significant step forward in our commitment to product innovation and providing exceptional service to our customers and dealer network. We are thrilled to unveil the new facility, which not only embodies our rich heritage but also stands as a testament to our vision for the future.”

Contra House distinguishes itself not only through its modern design and functionality but also its dedication to sustainability. The facility has proudly achieved BREEAM Certification, with features such as photovoltaic solar panels covering two-thirds of its roof area and 21 electric vehicle charging points, aligning with STIHL GB's commitment to responsible business practices.

The official opening event, attended by more than 160 guests, also outlined STIHL GB’s partnership with Perennial, the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping people in horticulture. The STIHL team will volunteer in a wide range of fundraising activities to help the charity provide free and confidential advice, information and support to people working in, or retired from, horticulture and their families.

For more information, please visit www.stihl.co.uk. 

Squire’s Garden Centres has made a donation to Greenfingers Charity from the sale of carrier bags in its 16 centres over the last year, with a total amount raised of £6,707.

Garden charity, Greenfingers, is dedicated to supporting children who spend time in hospices around the UK, with the aim of creating inspiring gardens for them and their families to relax in and benefit from. Squire’s donation is the result of sale of its compostable carrier bags over the last year, with the entire charge (20p) for each bag donated to the charitable cause (net of VAT).

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: “We are so pleased to continue our support of Greenfingers Charity with our donation from the sale of our carrier bags. Our bags are home-compostable, in  support of our continued drive for more sustainable ways of working, and this has been tremendously well-received by our customers. 

“We know the benefits that gardening and being at one with nature can bring. Through the inspiring garden projects Greenfingers champion, many families in real need will be able to benefit from being surrounded by plants and nature. It’s good news the government carrier bag charge can be directed into projects and activities that bring benefit to families through horticulture.

“Greenfingers Charity does such incredibly valuable work and we look forward to learning about the new projects they are planning which will support patients and families at such a critical time.”

Linda Petrons, Director, Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, comments: “We are delighted to receive the fantastic donation from Squire’s Garden Centres. It will help us in our journey to continue creating stimulating garden spaces that help bring an array of benefits to children with life-limiting conditions, making a significant difference. Our projects enable families to spend precious time together close to nature, which is incredibly valued by families we support.”

Blue Diamond Garden Centres will launch a new plant collection and a rose to celebrate The Octavia Hill Garden by Blue Diamond with the National Trust, a Main Avenue Show Garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The garden was designed by award-winning design studio, Ann-Marie Powell Gardens with the Blue Diamond Team.

The National Trust Chelsea Plant Collection by Blue Diamond contains several plants from or inspired by the garden, including Astrantia ‘Roma’ and Geum ‘Scarlet Tempest’. 

In the Great Pavilion, Blue Diamond Garden Centres will also launch a rose, Rosa ‘National Trust Beauty', on behalf of the National Trust. Author Joanne Harris will be the special guest at the launch event on Monday 20 May. See full details below.

Take home a ‘piece of Chelsea’ for your garden or outdoor space.

The Octavia Hill Garden by Blue Diamond with the National Trust features some 3,600 native and non-native plants working together for biodiversity and beauty.  The bold, pollinator-attracting plants throughout the garden will appeal to both wildlife and visitors. 

Blue Diamond Garden Centres has curated a collection of plants, The National Trust Chelsea Plant Collection by Blue Diamond, which consists of plants that are in or inspired by The Octavia Hill Garden. The collection is designed to help gardeners create their own ‘outdoor sitting rooms’ and nature-friendly spaces, both of which feature in the Show Garden. 

Jill Kerr, Group Relationship Manager for Blue Diamond, said: “We hope the Chelsea Plant Collection will inspire and encourage people to create gardens or areas for plants to flourish and spend time outdoors in nature. Blue Diamond provides everything you need to create your own ‘outdoor sitting room’ and nature-friendly space, including a range of plants to capture the look and feel of our Show Garden at home.”

The plants in the collection have been chosen for their colour, shape and texture. They include herbaceous plants, fern and grasses all of which have been carefully selected to complement each other.

This diverse range of plants bloom throughout the year and produce nectar and pollen across the seasons. The collection contains plants in a kaleidoscope of colours, designed to evoke different moods. Calming blues and moody purples mingle with playful pinks and zesty pops of orange, flooding a garden with colour for the whole growing season.  

The collection also contains structural plants with distinct shapes to provide drama in a garden. These include ferns and grasses, which provide movement, structure and contrast.

Several plants in this collection can also talk

Sound artist Justin Wiggan, who recorded electrical impulses of plants in The Octavia Hill Garden, has also recorded the sounds of several plants in the National Trust Chelsea Plant Collection by Blue Diamond. 

Visitors to the show will be able to scan a QR code at the Blue Diamond Garden Centres stand in the Floral Marquee (GPB021) to listen to plants ‘talking’. It is hoped this will enhance people’s connections with the plants and provide an alternative experience, especially for those who are visually impaired or blind.

The collection will be available exclusively in all Blue Diamond Garden Centres from late May. As part of Blue Diamond’s commitment to sustainable production, all plants in our National Trust Collections are grown in peat-free compost and potted in recyclable pots. RRP £12.99

Launch of a new and exclusive rose, ‘National Trust Beauty’

Pioneering reformer and founder of the National Trust, Octavia Hill said, ‘we all want beauty; we all need space’. 

To celebrate her life, work and these inspirational words, Blue Diamond Garden Centres will launch a new and exclusive rose at RHS Chelsea Flower Show on behalf of the National Trust, called Rosa ‘National Trust Beauty’. 

The launch will take place in the Great Pavilion at 1.05pm on Monday 20 May at the Blue Diamond Garden Centres stand, GPB021

Author, Joanne Harris will attend the rose launch as a special guest.  Joanne, who is also a keen gardener, has written several novels including Chocolat (1999), which was made into an Oscar-nominated film starring Juliette Binoche. (2)

Rosa ‘National Trust Beauty’ is bred by Rosen Tantau, and is a fragrant shrub rose with elegant golden-yellow blooms with apricot tones. It grows to a height of 1.2m with an abundance of flowers and is disease resistant.

Octavia’s namesake, Rosa ‘Octavia Hill’ will also be on display at stand GPB021.

Rosa ‘National Trust Beauty’ is available to pre-order now for bare root delivery from November onwards: https://www.bluediamond.gg/national-trust-roses-and-gardeners-favourites

Rosa ‘Octavia Hill’ is available in all Blue Diamond Garden Centres or available to order online.

A garden for everyone

The Octavia Hill Garden by Blue Diamond with the National Trust will celebrate pioneering social reformer Octavia Hill (1838-1912), a founder of the National Trust, who believed that ‘the healthy gift of air and the joy of plants and flowers’ were vital in everyone’s life.

Octavia worked tirelessly to improve urban housing and protect green space. Yet today, one in three people in Britain still don't have access to nearby nature-rich spaces. While celebrating Octavia’s legacy, the garden also aims to inspire people to create innovative gardens that connect people with the beauty and complexity of the natural world.  

The National Trust, Blue Diamond Garden Centres and Ann-Marie Powell Gardens share the belief that gardens have the power to transform lives and should be for everyone. This is reflected in the garden’s design as an urban community wildlife garden set on a brownfield site. The beautiful, plant-filled garden has been created with wellbeing, biodiversity, sustainability and accessibility in mind. 

A garden dedicated to Doddie Weir and his charity for research into Motor Neurone Disease will be showcased at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park 2024 this summer as the show celebrates its 25th anniversary.

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Designed by Pip Probert, My Name’5 Doddie will incorporate the colours of the player’s own private tartan, sculptures representing players in a line out, rugby goal posts and a water feature based on the tartan flower brooch used by the charity.

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Weir was one of rugby’s most recognisable personalities. The Scot revealed in June 2017 he was suffering from MND and launched the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation in November of that year with a vision of ridding the world of the disease. The garden’s scheme will represent the number 5 – his position in the sport.

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Other gardens include The 1804 Garden by Carolyn Hardern and Jon Jarvis, the design duo behind last year’s Best Show Garden. Hardern and Jarvis continue their campaign to support construction workers, this time focusing on how a garden can be designed to mitigate against the risks of melanoma caused by excessive sun exposure.

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Skills of local artisans and crafts people are celebrated in The Grant Horticulture Arts & Crafts Garden by Callum Bain MacKay. Inspired by the arts and crafts movement, billowing grasses, multi-stemmed trees and soft pastel toned perennials are interspersed with a hand-milled and hand-constructed timber pavilion, and hand-crafted wooden patio furniture and creasing tile sculptures, with materials sourced locally to emphasise sustainability.

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The final Show Garden comes from Ollie Pike, with This Garden Isn’t Finished Without You, sponsored by the Methodist Church, showcasing the church’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

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In the Terrace Gardens, Tom Saunders will bring a touch of the Andes to a Peak District setting with The Orchid Garden, after the designer’s travels to South America where he saw the flowers growing in their natural ecosystem and realised that native orchids can be grown domestically and set within dry stone walls.

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Sophie Godber’s Big Picture Garden highlights conscious consumerism, embracing a repurposed appearance with objects and materials sourced from a 19th century farmstead to demonstrate how building a new garden doesn’t need to cost the earth, while Hilary Newhall’s The Secret Garden: For Us, By Us raises awareness of autistic adults and the challenges they encounter, particularly in employment and being a business owner.

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This year will also see the return of the Long Borders. Women’s rights and the colours of the Women’s Suffrage Movement are highlighted in Susan Booth’s garden, Barbie says, ‘Women can be anything they want.’ (On the shoulders of giants), complete with glitter ball. Other themes touched upon include the Cheshire rail network, LGBTQ+ rights, the Manchester skyline and an edible family garden.  

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This year, the show has also introduced a new competition, RHS Career Changers of the Year, reflecting the increasing number of people who are choosing to enter horticulture and garden design. The show will also host the coveted RHS Young Designer of the Year competition, launching the careers of many a top name talent. Further details of entrants for these categories will be announced in due course.

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The next time that RHS Flower Show Tatton Park will be on the site will be in 2027, as part of a roster of changes to the shows schedule announced by the RHS earlier this year.

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Sarah Poll, RHS Head of Shows Development, said: "What a fantastic line-up for the 25th anniversary of the wonderful RHS Flower Show Tatton Park. From gardens addressing illnesses such as MND to sustainability, arts and crafts, orchids and even Barbie – we're delighted to showcase the best of cutting-edge design and thought provoking gardens. We've also got a superb range of food and drinks, live entertainment and shopping opportunities so everyone, young or old, families or individuals can come and enjoy a great day out."

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RHS Flower Show Tatton Park takes place from 17-21 July. Tickets can be bought here: www.rhs.org.uk/tatton

Leading battery-powered outdoor power equipment specialist, EGO Power Plus, is introducing an industry-leading cordless pressure washer.

The innovative HPW2000E combines heavy-duty cleaning power with market-leading battery run times. Featuring the company’s tried and tested Peak Power™ technology, its powerful motor can deliver pressure of up to 200 Bar or 2900psi, firing out more than 300 litres of water per hour.

Andrew Frohock, Product Manager at EGO, said: “The HPW2000E brings a new level of power and performance to cordless pressure washers. With this step change in technology, users no longer have to choose between mains connectivity and high-pressure capabilities.”

The first pressure washer from EGO, it features a dual battery port – and the ARC Lithium batteries are compatible with all other EGO products, providing additional versatility and reducing user costs. Standard features include remote mode selection for intuitive control, plus power and battery charge level indicators all integrated into the wand.

The HPW2000E also has large 185mm wheels and a telescopic pull-out handle for ergonomics and easy transportation. A garden hose connector is included for standard hose connection, along with a siphon hose to allow water to be taken from any fresh water source or reservoir. Quick-connect hoses, an included foam cannon, and a selection of nozzles deliver complete control for the most effective, efficient results encompassing a range of different cleaning tasks.

The EGO Power Plus Pressure Washer has a nozzle for every cleaning situation, with all nozzles featuring a bayonet system which makes switching between them easy and simple. The design of each nozzle has been optimised to create a uniform fan of water, improving efficiency and preventing water atomisation. Turbo is the most powerful nozzle in the EGO range, for use on the hardest surfaces. The 15° nozzle is ideal for brick, concrete and driveways; the 25° attachment is for cleaning decking, wheels and ATVs; while the 40° nozzle is perfect for general cleaning of windows and cars or vans. A premium Brass foam cannon is available as a separate accessory for more specialist applications.

The pressure washer is part of a series of exciting lifestyle product launches from EGO in 2024. They are supported by EGO’s next-generation battery charging solution to ensure these robust products always have the power they need throughout the day.

For more information on the latest products from EGO, visit; www.egopowerplus.co.uk

As the Glee exhibition gets set to celebrate half a century at the heart of the garden retail sector, the organising team is looking for your input. In the past 50 years, Glee has seen thousands of exhibitors pass through its doors, with hundreds of thousands of new products launched since the show’s humble beginnings in 1974. To celebrate the newness and passion that have shaped Glee and the broader garden centre market during this time, the hunt is now on to find the people and product that have driven the most change over the past five decades.

Whether advocating for sustainability or using their influence to increase the reach of horticulture, many diverse people have left their mark on the world of garden retail. They might be suppliers, retailers, industry pundits, or those who have undertaken roles across the full spectrum. Whatever their role, all of them have been integral to Glee's growth, and their work has helped maintain gardening as one of the nation's best-loved pastimes.

Or perhaps the best memories of Glee involve a larger-than-life character. This person may play a starring role in Glee’s memoirs, providing endless smiles, friendly advice and happy recollections from those that knew them pacing the aisles of shows gone by.

Like the people who create them, gardening products have also generated pivotal moments of change. From finally tackling an age-old problem, formulating an innovative bestseller opportunity, opening a meaningful dialogue about gardening's impact on the planet, or simply using technology to make gardening more accessible for the modern consumer, there have been many hero products over the past half century.

Now is the time for Glee's audience to vote for their own heroes and celebrate the people and product they think have had the most impact on Glee's future and that of the garden retail sector.

How to vote

Working in partnership with Glee's media partner, Garden Trade News, nominations are now open using this link. The deadline for making nominations is 31st May.

• Most Influential Person of the last 50 years, click here
• The Character of Glee's 50 years, click here
• Hero Product of the last 50 years, click here

Or send your nominations by e-mail to: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk  (All nominations will be dealt with in the strictest confidence)

Following the nominations round, a panel of judges will draw a shortlist of names and products before readers of GTN Xtra can place their final votes throughout June and July.

The winners will be announced onsite at Glee 2024, the 50th edition of which will run from Tuesday, 10^th September, to Thursday, 12^th September, at the NEC in Birmingham.

Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee, said: "The gardening world has changed so much from the early 70s, with each decade ringing in exciting new trends and innovation. Throughout all of this, Glee has maintained a constant presence, year-after-year providing a place where the garden retail sector can come together to inspire, network and educate. Now, we want to celebrate those who have left a mark in a fun and reflective look back on Glee's half-century. We're excited to see the nominations, find out the eventual winners, and are prepared for a tidal wave of nostalgia and questionable haircuts!"

Glee connects the garden industry to inspire change, drive growth, and promote innovation. To find out more or to register your interest in exhibiting, please visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

Due to restructuring within Charles Taylor sales network a fantastic opportunity has become available at the largest and fastest growing suppliers of outdoor wooden furniture/Grow your own range in the UK.

We already have a fantastic customer base in Scotland which needs to looked after and the opportunity to grow this established area is really exciting.

• Fantastic commission rates
• Big presence at all leading trade shows
• Established accounts already
• Proven fast selling products
• Great sales team covering UK & Ireland

Please email for more information richard@charlestaylortrading.com

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Visitors are invited to get their free tickets now for the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) National Plant Show which is back for its biggest show ever at the NAEC Stoneleigh on Wednesday 19 – Thursday 20 June 2024. 

A key event in the horticultural calendar, the show sees a huge concentration of British growers and suppliers under one roof and showcases the best of British gardening from growing to retail and everything in between. Visitors can beat the queues and register for free now at nationalplantshow.co.uk 

Elia Johnston, Director of Marketing at the HTA said: “National Plant Show offers a fantastic opportunity for visitors to see the new and exciting plant varieties available in 2024 and beyond. You can visit over 140 exhibitors displaying the latest and very best plants from UK nurseries, as well as find everything you need to sell plants like display benching, growing media, machinery, plant labelling, and product information. There is also the opportunity to meet the HTA team in the HTA Village to find out about the latest initiatives to support our members.”

Taking centre stage, the New Plant Awards, sponsored by the RHS will be at the heart of the show providing a vibrant burst of colour and a talking point for visitors. Annually attracting over 100 entries, this is the place to see the innovative and exceptional plant varieties that are new and available to the market for the following season.  Categories for 2024 are Herbaceous Perennials, Annuals, bedding and container & basket plants, Flowering Houseplants, Foliage Houseplants, Cacti & Succulents, Trees, and Shrubs (including conifers) & Climbers. The award categories will be judged and announced on the morning of the first day of the show.

This year’s judging panel includes Cath Quinney, Josh Egan-Wyer, Emma Allen, Michael Perry and Andy Bunker who will be joined by HTA’s Martin Simmons and Pippa Greenwood.

The Visitor Vote Awards sponsored by Floramedia are a popular part of the National Plant Show which gives visitors a chance to have their say, and the winner will be announced on the second day of the show.

The Seminar area, sponsored by Sinclair, will host several free interactive and informative sessions presented by experts throughout the two-day show. This will include a panel discussion on trade and borders and what you need to know about border infrastructure and process and how the HTA is supporting the industry. There will be a workshop on growing media and life beyond peat with experts sharing their insights. There will also be sponsor-led sessions from Dura-ID about Automation and MorePeople will discuss growing your team.

The HTA Village is the hub of all things HTA and provides an opportunity to find out about the latest initiatives and meet the HTA team. The Village showcases everything the HTA has to offer, including Membership, the latest updates in Policy, Market Information, Sustainability as well as National Garden Gift Vouchers. 

Registration to attend the National Plant Show is FREE and now open at nationalplantshow.co.uk 

The premier business orchid event, Orchid Inspiration Days, will kick off in four weeks' time. No fewer than 13 nurseries will be throwing open their doors between 5 and 14 June 2024 to transport the (international) trade and end customers into the wondrous world of orchids. Anyone interested can register now via the Orchid Inspiration Days website.

Registrations open
Every year, the 13 participants pull out all the stops to surprise and inspire their visitors during Orchid Inspiration Days. This offers the (international) trade and end customers the perfect opportunity to keep up to date with product developments, new products and concepts. Innovation and sustainability are also themes that are covered during the premier business orchid event. By scheduling visits in two-hour time blocks, visitors are assured of the participating nurseries’ undivided attention.

Token of appreciation
The addition of two orchid growers this year means that Orchid Inspiration Days now features no fewer than 13 participants. Each with their own types of product, their own story and their own presentation. That means that it is definitely worth visiting all the separate nurseries. Each nursery will be open from 5 to 14 June. As a token of appreciation, a nice surprise awaits all participants at the nurseries they visit. This year's participating nurseries are: Ansu Vanda, De Hoog Orchids, Geest Potplanten, Green BalanZ, Inca Orchids, Lansbergen Orchids, Levoplant, OK Plant, Opti-flor, Pannekoek Orchideeën, Phalaenova, Stolk Flora and The Orchid Growers.

About Orchid Inspiration Days 

Orchid Inspiration Days has become the Netherlands’ premier annual orchid inspiration event. It is aimed at international trade-oriented customers, and highlights the latest varieties and product concepts. The event also features plenty of orchid inspiration. For more information visit orchidinspirationdays.com.

The final opening week of Keukenhof (the Netherlands) arrived and the park was still flowering abundantly. A great time for Keukenhof participants to evaluate the season.

The teams of JUB Holland, Rijnbeek Perennials and Keukenhof meet at the Bulb Mania Mix at the spring park in Lisse. In December 2023, the parties teamed up to plant the joint border with a diverse selection of naturalising bulbs and perennials - a striking piece of nature among all the brightly coloured areas full of bulbous flowers characteristic of Keukenhof. The parties meet to review the development of the border, to exchange feedback and experiences, and to make plans for the next season.

Arno Rijnbeek explains: "The Bulb Mania Mix is designed by landscape and garden designer Carien van Boxtel and planted in close cooperation with Keukenhof designer Frans Beijk and his team of gardeners. The border offers a natural, meadow-like image within Keukenhof, with an exceptionally long flowering period. While standing here, you notice that visitors really take their time to take a good look at all the special flowers and leaf structures they see here. The information board with QR code helps with this, giving visitors more information about the plants they might not immediately expect to see at Keukenhof. While most plantings will be removed after Keukenhof closes, the naturalising bulbs and perennials of the Bulb Mania Mix will remain and rebloom next year. Expectedly, even earlier and more profusely than this first season, as the plants are now well established."

The team of JUB Holland, Keukenhof participant of the first hour, regularly takes its Dutch and international clients and relations to Keukenhof during the season. Robbert Uittenbogaard looks back: "By now, a visit to the park has become a fixed part of our JUB Study Days and is an excellent opportunity to present new ideas such as this mixed border, to start discussions, and to receive feedback. Our relations, and even we ourselves, have been positively surprised by the early flowering, the special leaf textures and the great variety. Bulb Mania Mix forms a nice combination with our own Indigo design, which is right next to this border. It offers our customers and Keukenhof visitors inspiration for their own garden and landscape projects. In fact, the first requests for 10-square-metre packages for the Bulb Mania Mix, which we will take on together, have already come in."

Keukenhof is also looking positively at the new development. Designer Frans Beijk: "The border is performing well beyond expectations and quickly gained momentum. It is great to see that almost every week different flowers grab the spotlight within this special mix. In the beginning, it were botanical tulips, euphorbia and mertensia that attracted attention; now it's the turn of white late daffodils, anemone, camassia and centaurea. There is always something new to see and it keeps surprising. Even the old tree stumps that have found a new use in the border have been planted with fritillaria and hellebores. These have provided many fun photo opportunities. We look forward with interest to the development of this border in the next Keukenhof season."

Those visiting Keukenhof in this final week of the opening until 12 May can find the Bulb Mania Mix at the eastern side of the park, near the windmill across the bridge.

GCA Garden Centre of the Year, Fairways at Ashbourne have just acquired their third garden centre; Forest Garden Centre in Matlock.

Forest Garden Centre, which is similar in size to Fairways at Maccesfield and 30 minutes away from the Ashbourne centre, has been family run for the past 40 years. 

Fairways Director, Ally Moseley, told GTN Xtra "We will rebrand the site as Fairways and look to invest in the business which has a very strong seasonal business. 

"We have already taken control of the small restaurant which was operated by a leaseholder previously. Steve who runs Ashbourne will be overseeing the integtration for Forest Garden Centre to the Fairways group.

"At present the centre does not have EPOS so we are all having to remember how to use pencil and paper to manage things to start with."

On the Fairways facebook page they say: "We are absolutely delighted to announce that, as part of our business expansion, we have acquired Forest Garden Centre in Matlock! This new venue joins Ashbourne and Macclesfield as the third centre in our group and we can't wait to welcome you all to the new 'Fairways, Matlock'.

"This new addition will allow us to offer even more variety for all of your gardening and lifestyle needs. We are dedicated to providing top-quality products and exceptional customer service, and this new garden centre is a fantastic opportunity for us to further enhance your experience.

"Our team is currently hard at work to ensure a seamless transition, stay tuned for more updates and special promotions as we continue to grow and serve the wider Derbyshire community!"

The sale to Fairways was handed on behalf of the vendors by Alexander Mackie Associates Ltd.

Two weekends ago Dobbies ran a 20% off all plants promotion.  On a visit to Dobbies Beaconsfield that weekend, GTN was pleased to see the Planteria full of plants and with 20% off too! With much of the season to go we were surprised to see the 20% off offer however. So we asked the Dobbies Head Office team for feedback on the promotion:

Andy Hannan, Commercial Director at Dobbies Garden Centres has now commented: “Our 20% off plants and houseplants event, which ran across all our stores nationwide last week, had a really positive response from our customers and Club members.

“Despite mixed weather across the UK, we saw an average 10% increase in footfall, week-on-week. We were well prepared with volume of stock and this resulted in really great sales over the 6 days of the promotion.”

See GTN's gallery of photos from Dobbies Beaconsfield below

For the fourth year running Norfolk Leisure are opening their doors to display their full 2025 catalogue of Garden Furniture and Accessories. 

Heading to Cranmore Park, Solihull from the 20th-29th May 2024 Norfolk Leisure will be inviting both new and existing customers to browse the full 2025 range of Garden Lounge Sets, Dining Sets, Pergolas, Parasols, Pizza Ovens and more.

Showcasing new features, colourways, cushion materials and ranges as well as the best-selling products from brands such as LIFE Outdoor Living, Royce, Keter and Ooni Pizza Ovens. Whilst also displaying their very own range of handpicked Furniture and Accessories with their Norfolk Collection range. 

Experience the Royce Cube firsthand - this best-selling Bioclimatic Pergola boasts cutting-edge features including LED Lighting, Adjustable Louvres, and Integrated Guttering. Its sleek, contemporary design and revolutionary functionalities make the Royce Cube the ultimate enhancement for any garden or outdoor setting.

LIFE Outdoor Living is boldly embracing contemporary colour trends with their latest cushion materials and vibrant colour palettes. Not only that, but their innovative All-Weather and Soltex materials redefine low maintenance, making them an irresistible choice for those seeking both style and practicality in their outdoor furniture.

Ooni Pizza Ovens is evolving its product line-up to stay ahead in a competitive market and better serve its customers. Discover their extensive range of Pizza Ovens, accessories, and the recently introduced Detroit Style Pizza cookware, reflecting their commitment to innovation and meeting diverse culinary needs. 

Trade customers are being invited from across the nation for this event, so if you’re a new or existing Norfolk Leisure customer then contact their friendly team at sales@norfolkleisure.co.uk

Today, business success isn’t just measured by the bottom line. Most businesses are looking to make thoughtful procurement decisions and to have a positive impact in the world beyond. 

So, how can you do that, while also keeping an eye on costs and driving your own business forward?

Supporting British manufacturing is one way to have an instant impact. Not only does every order boost a vital sector for our economy, but supporting British manufacturing keeps the manufacturing miles and carbon footprint of any upgrade work you do to your site to a minimum. 

Leading canopy and buildings designers Fordingbridge embody this approach. They design and manufacture all their canopies, frames, and building structures from a single West Sussex site near picturesque historical town Arundel. They also work with British suppliers with the highest sustainability standards wherever possible and are leaders in incorporating eco-friendly features into their designs.

This means that you can complete upgrade work to your garden centre, knowing that you’re supporting British businesses while meeting your sustainability commitments – something that’s increasingly important to customers. It’s the ultimate win-win. 

Want to find out more? Get inspired about what British manufacturing can do for you at www.fordingbridge.co.uk

The new three-day PATS 2024 continues to exceed all expectations as a record number of companies and brands book stand space for the show, which takes place at Telford International Centre from Sunday, 29th September to Tuesday, 1st October 2024.

With PATS 2024 taking over all of the exhibition space at Telford International Centre, this year’s event will also feature the Aquatics Zone, a dedicated area for aquatics and watergardening exhibitors.

Showcasing all of the latest launches under one roof, the show’s reputation has grown impressively over the past 16 years since launching in 2009. With such a winning formula, PATS has become the ‘must-visit’ event for UK and international retailers and buyers.

With still five months to go before the doors open, over 260 exhibitors have already been confirmed, with the final figure expected to reach well over 300.  

JR Products have become the 260th company to sign up to exhibit at PATS 2024.

Natural dog food supplier Finer By Nature is making its return to PATS, eager to take advantage of the show’s reputation for attracting key decision makers and buyers, and the show has also attracted an impressive number of first-time exhibitors, like PAWD DRINKS and Fell Dog.

As the exhibitor numbers continue to grow over the coming months, work continues on delivering the best visitor attractions, including:

• The biggest ever showcase of new pet, aquatic and watergardening products
• Unrivalled show offers and competitions
• Top groomers giving insightful demonstrations, workshops and talks
• Fantastic networking opportunities
• Free entry, free show catalogue, free parking for up to 1,300 cars and a complimentary tea/coffee voucher

You can register online at www.patshow.co.uk where you’ll also find a full list of exhibitors and information on how to reach the venue.

SOLEX Exhibition, the premier event that gathers the best and brightest of the outdoor leisure industry, has announced an Awards Ceremony & Afterparty to kick off the excitement of the summer event on the Tuesday 9 July. Marking its 16th year, SOLEX Exhibition has curated a night of celebration, networking, and a thrilling football-themed evening to coincide with the highly anticipated UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals.

With a captivating football-themed setting, the stage will be set with tv screens and hot food, as industry players gather, attendees can look forward to not only the prestigious SOLEX Awards but also to the electric atmosphere as the evening blends business recognition with the shared love for the beautiful game.

Adding to the excitement, former Ex - England footballer Dion Dublin will be joining us for the event to share insights and predictions ahead of the semi-final clash, (which we hope will feature England) as well as taking part in a Q&A session. The evening begins with a Welcome Drink and Hot Buffet, leading into the hotly awaited match on the big screen. The SOLEX Awards will be presented by Dion at half time. The afterparty, will be a chance to mingle outside the usual professional environment and promises to be as thrilling as the game itself.

The evening won't just be about football. We will have delicious food and drink, exciting entertainment, and a chance to unwind and socialize with exhibitors and visitors. So even if you're not a fan of the beautiful game, we've got you covered.

Don't miss out! Add your name to the guest list today BOOK NOW

Ready your grills, sharpen your knives, and stoke the fires! SOLEX Exhibition 2024 is about to welcome back the crowd-pleasing, taste-bud-teasing Fire Food and Outdoor Living Evening incorporating our BBQ Competition, which is set to light up the evening with charm and flavour.

Scheduled for Wednesday 10 July, the evening now in its second year, is the event that celebrates not only the mastery of the grill but the communal joy of al fresco dining.

Attendees eagerly anticipate the BBQ showdown, where teams of both exhibitors and visitors will vie for the prestigious BBQ Trophy. The stakes are high.  Each team aims to impress the judges, including industry experts with a signature dish.

Competition is set to heat up under the open skies outside Hall 5, be it under a radiant sun or cheering each other on beneath the shelter of gazebos, all competitors and spectators are poised to make beautiful bites of every challenge.

The essence of the evening is more than just the BBQ prize it embodies the thrill of the grill and the unifying spirit of good food shared.

Don't miss out! Add your name to the guest list today BOOK NOW