In this issue:

• Short memories – GTN comment about the timing of trade shows.
• Reflections from Glee 2023 – GTN’s review.
• Germie, a new dawn for growing seeds – GIMA Seed Corn Funding.
• Shaping the Future of Cutting - Glee’s Best New Product 2023.
• Buyers Power List Awards at Glee.
• Glee New Product Award Winners for 2023. 
• Peckish back on TV after winning awards at Glee.
• Flying high for Greenfingers.
• Record breaking Flower Power at Glee.
• AMES are branching out – GTN Interview with Nick Jones and Caroline Elliot.
• Tramontina get in the mood winning at SOLEX.
• Outdoor Living at its best - SOLEX 2023 Review.
• Woodlodge unveil W Garden Living at SOLEX.
• LifestyleGarden stack up awards at SOLEX.
• Selling Smiles at Floral Fountasia – GTN Planteria Column.
• Keep on gardening all summer long - HTA Column.
• Innovation matters – GIMA Column

Come and visit us - Stand 6A25 and 7F10

For more than 30 years, the FOUNTASIA name has been synonymous with ‘First to Market’ creative and innovative design, fine quality, and good value specifically for the Garden Centre and gift market. A Company recognised for ‘going that extra mile’ with outstanding POS displays that build awareness and increase business, as well as offering a first class merchandising service.

As the originator of the garden décor category, Fountasia continues to innovate fun and affordable decorative items to brighten up your home and garden. Wonderful hanging deco, stunning wall art, fun garden stakes and quirky characters that make you smile! 

ROBOTIME, a unique and diverse collection of intricately cut 3-D scale models for Master Model Makers and starter kits. Everything required is in the box to make special interest models, state-of-the-art mechanical models with blueprint accuracy that work, interior lifestyle designs, iconic buildings, and primary models to inspire young model makers.

UDEAS: Safe and stimulating toys, games and Boxsets for toddlers designed to inspire imagination and creativity, fine tune manual dexterity and nurture social development as children learn through play. PLUSHTIME toys for softer moments and a huge NEW range of innovative and amusing novelties for hours of fun.

For nearly 50 years, Flamingo has developed a huge range of pet accessories and snacks to become one of Europe’s leading brands for happy pets! Categories include dog, cat, small animals and birds with a total of 850 premium products.

Simply magical Christmas Decs with our most extensive collection of decorations inspired by folklore and fable from around the world. From the market leading Gonk Factory to the classical LED magical decs. 

Come and visit us - Stand 6A25 and 7F10

If you can’t make the Fair please feel free to call us on 01303-873311 or email us on info@fountasia.com for more details.

With the Greenfingers Charity celebrating its 25th anniversary next year, it is pleased to gain even more support from the garden retail sector with Meadow View Stone confirming its silver partner status.

To mark its 25 years of creating magical gardens at children’s hospices throughout the country, the Greenfingers Charity launched its Silver Anniversary Appeal in 2022 to bring together its supporters to raise an incredible £2,000,025.  To help achieve this ambitious target, Greenfingers launched a partnership programme, which has enabled businesses and individuals to pledge their fundraising support for the next three years (or longer), with three new partner ‘packages’ available – Platinum, Silver and Sterling. The Silver package, which sees £10,000 pledged, is how Meadow View Stone plans to support Greenfingers, with the Shropshire team already well on the way to achieving this.

Silent auction

Visitors to Glee 2023 in late June may have seen Meadow View Stone’s first big fundraising event for Greenfingers, with an auction and soiree on-stand on Wednesday evening. From this event alone, Meadow View Stone has already raised over £3,000, with an array of additional fundraising activities on the to-do list. 

The team hope to repeat similar success in 2024 and is actively working with Glee’s organisers, Hyve, to create an even more significant event. The hope is that through more industry-wide collaboration, including drawing upon the company’s connections through the GIMA association, the Meadow View silent auction can become an integral part of Glee’s fundraising programme. 

Gifts in kind

Over the coming months, the Meadow View Stone team has pledged to support several Greenfingers garden builds with a range of aggregate and landscaping products, the first being at Hope House in Oswestry. Meadow View’s Managing Director, Sarah Hill, has recently visited the hospice and hopes to be back in the future with her team to lend a hand.

A team effort

In addition to auctions and products, Meadow View has pledged to include its complete business within the fundraising plans. Some ideas are being considered for office-based events such as coffee mornings, quizzes, Christmas jumper days, and feats of endurance. Watch this space to see what the team decide upon!

Talking about their pledge of support through the Silver partnership, Sarah Hill said: “We chose to support Greenfingers as the charity is very close to our company’s heart, with members of our team having had first-hand experience with the lack of facilities available for families coping with severe child illnesses or life-limiting conditions. 

“Working with this charity allows us to make a difference to a great cause and connect and collaborate with other suppliers in the industry by creating something truly magical and worthwhile. We passionately believe that greater things can be achieved by greater collaboration, so we would encourage all to support this worthy charity that has a lasting impact on children’s and their families lives long into the future - who would not wish to be a part of that?!” 

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers, said: “On behalf of all the team at Greenfingers and all those that will spend time in one of our gardens, we’d like to say a big thank you to the Meadow View Stone team for pledging their support. Their passion for what we do and their enthusiasm for advocating for industry-wide collaboration is extremely heartening. I truly believe they’ll be a true asset as we move into our 25th anniversary year.”

Linda added: “Reaching 25 years will be an incredibly emotional milestone when we reflect on all the incredible projects we have brought to life. Over the last 20-plus years, we have partnered with some of the most amazing businesses and individuals who help us continue our work year after year. Our Silver Appeal is our most ambitious fundraising project yet, and already we are overwhelmed by the positive response we’ve received from our partners.”

Find out more

To find out how you can support the Silver Appeal, please contact Linda by emailing Linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

 GARDENA is celebrating continued growth across the watering and hand tools categories, after a successful spring and summer season in the UK.

The UK gardening market has grown after a small decline in 2022, with the watering category seeing positive growth. GARDENA has made significant growth in the garden watering market, gaining shares in the hose, sprinkler and spray gun categories, reinforcing GARDENA as a strong brand in the UK watering market.

GARDENA has also overperformed with positive growth in the hand tools market. Opening over 100 new Garden Centre doors since January this year and launching in a number of DIY chain stores, GARDENA is committed to continuing its growth, with further investment into the UK market. GARDENA has confirmed a 5-year investment plan to support new and existing customer growth.

Channel sales manager Edward Cantle says; “Seeing just how far GARDENA has come over the last few years is truly astounding. Following our most successful GLEE to date, it is clear that the thirst for high-quality, reliable gardening equipment is out there. We have invested in our team, in a national marketing campaign, and in our online and offline resources - the investment is truly paying off.

“We have strengthened our presence in Garden Centres and have become the preferred brand for many independent centres and small chains. Working closely with our customers, we create eye-catching point of sale and clear communications with regards to the quality and compatibility of GARDENA products.

“We have also recently invested in our Newton-Aycliffe showroom, highlighting our 2024 innovations, ready to welcome customers to the world of GARDENA. We will not be taking our foot off the pedal, we have ambitious plans for continued growth, supported by marketing, logistics and a very passionate team.”

With over 50 years of experience in innovation, GARDENA is the number one watering brand across Europe. Based in Ulm, Germany GARDENA is the preferred brand for millions of passionate gardeners across the globe.

For more information about GARDENA, to become a stockist, or speak to your local GARDENA sales rep, head to https://www.gardena.com/uk/about/salesteam/.

The family of funds within Harwood Capital Management Ltd (‘Harwood’), a leading investor in UK SME’s and lower mid-market companies, has increased its shareholding to take full control of the group that owns Mr. Fothergill’s Seeds Limited, the international business whose distinctively branded seed packets and horticulture products are much-loved by gardening enthusiasts around the world.

Established in 1978 and headquartered in Newmarket, Suffolk, Mr. Fothergill’s Seeds is an independent horticulture supplier providing gardening products ranging from seeds and bulbs to tools and other supplementary products. The group owns/operates multiple brands with Mr. Fothergill’s at the core, supplying its ranges to over 5,000 garden centres and retailers in the UK, complemented by its online, direct to consumer channel. The group has also been operating in Australia and New Zealand since 1989 where it has grown to become market leader. Strategic distributor relationships extend the group’s international reach into Canada, Europe and the Middle East.

In February 2022, Harwood backed the MBO of the business, taking a material minority shareholding in the company with the aim of supporting its future growth and development to take an increased share of a £multi-billion global market.

Now, following an initial period of post-deal transition, augmenting the senior management team and infrastructure investment, including new servers, customer service software and the introduction of learning and development programmes to upskill the workforce, a shareholding restructure sees Harwood assuming control.

It also sees the departure of CEO Dave Carey, the son of one of the original founders, who is leaving the business. Trevor Parker, a highly experienced specialist adviser to private equity backed firms who had previously spent several months in the business, is returning to provide operational and strategic support to the management team.

He said: “Mr Fothergill’s Seeds is a much loved, global brand with great products and loyal customers. A business is rarely about one individual, and the family that is the Mr Fothergill’s Seeds team is no different. The Mr Fothergill’s Seeds family comprises a fantastic team of highly knowledgeable and experienced employees. I built a very close working relationship with them during the time I have already spent in the business. I look forward to building on that as we launch exciting new products and implement new systems and technology across the group.”

Dave Carey said: “I am proud of the part I have played in a business which has grown into the international operation it is today. However, after twenty-three years at Mr. Fothergill’s Seeds I now feel the time is right to leave, secure in the knowledge that the group is in the experienced hands of people who share the values that have underpinned its success to date.”

Jerry Wilson, Partner at Harwood Private Capital, said: “Harwood is a long term, considerate investor committed to supporting our portfolio companies to realise their full potential. With Mr. Fothergill’s Seeds, we haven’t just invested in a company but in the entire family of talented and committed people who bring the brand and its values to life every single day, reinforcing the enviable reputation the business has earned.

“By capitalising on the increasing interest in gardening worldwide and the focus on environmental matters, we firmly believe there is an exciting future ahead for Mr. Fothergill’s Seeds and those who work within it.

“I also want to thank Dave Carey for the part he has played over the years and wish him well for the future.”

The Rt Hon Mark Spencer MP, Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Labour’s Shadow Defra Minister Daniel Zeichner MP have joined the line-up for the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) annual conference on 5 October 2023 at the ICC in Birmingham. 

Horticulture, The Conference will focus on ‘Growing a Greener Future’. This theme will certainly be part of the speeches from the political keynotes, who will outline their views on the value of UK horticulture, green growth and policy priorities of relevance to the sector. Minister Spencer will be providing a pre-recorded speech and Daniel Zeichner MP will join the conference in-person. Mr Zeichner was elected to Parliament as the MP for Cambridge in May 2015, and has been serving on the Labour frontbench as Shadow Minister for Farming, Food, Fisheries and Rural Affairs for the last three years. 

Further political and economic insights will come from the multi-international prize-winning economist Dr Tim Leunig, a Visiting Professor in Practice at the LSE. Dr Leunig will deliver a keynote speech on the state of the economy and its outlook. He will give insights and reflections on what government looks like now, highlighting how it could look in the future and what that means for the economy and sector. Dr Leunig has served as economic advisor to two Chancellors of the Exchequer, and Senior Policy Adviser to the Defra Secretary of State. 

Fran Barnes, HTA’s CEO commented “The HTA is delighted to welcome such high-profile political and economic speakers at our flagship sector conference. It promises to be an important event for the breadth of UK horticulture. Attendees will hear the views and predictions of expert speakers and panellists, meet and debate with influential industry stakeholders, and get involved in shaping the future for environmental horticulture.” 

Hosted by gardening blogger, podcaster and TV Presenter Michael Perry, and including a keynote talk from award winning garden designer Manoj Malde, Horticulture, The Conference will explore key areas in which the sector is coming together to grow a greener future, including sustainability, the value of plants and careers in horticulture.  Further speakers and a full programme will be announced during the coming weeks. 

Horticulture, The Conference takes place at The International Convention Centre, Birmingham. For more information and to book your place, visit: https://hta.org.uk/conference

The Horticultural Trades Association has opened a call to growers to add to its support for Horticultural Crop Protection Ltd (HCP Ltd). 

The HTA, along with the British Protected Ornamentals Association, has written to their grower members, setting out the opportunity for them to make voluntary contributions to support the HCP delivery of Extensions of Authorisations for Minor Uses (EAMUs) and emergency applications for plant protection products.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said: "The HTA supports the shared ambition of establishing a sustainable and robust mechanism for processing EAMUs and emergency applications. All stakeholders should recognise the significance of plant protection products for horticultural growers and their supply chains and how vital it is to ensure the continuity of ornamental expertise and resources at HCP. The HTA thanks those who have already committed funds, and we are encouraging all members who can and will benefit from HCP’s work to consider contributing."

The HTA has already committed to a separate substantial financial and in-kind contribution to HCP. Details of the voluntary contribution scheme and a mechanism to express support have been set up by the HTA, with proposed support bands ranging from £200-£4950.

Several HTA members have already confirmed support:

Charles Carr, Head of Hillier Wholesale Nurseries, commented: “I’m delighted to be appointed to the HCP board to represent the Ornamentals sector and the HTA. The organisation is already well underway, with an experienced team working on our behalf. The role provides a great opportunity to ensure that our industry gets the output we need. Hilliers supports and welcomes the HCP offering, which is a simple solution to enable a cross-sector, transparent and cost-effective approach to maintaining and developing our crop protection options with a focus on delivering the products we so badly need. The nursery stock industry lost its ability to apply for EAMUs when the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board closed. The ability to have EAMU applications enables the majority of the chemicals that we are still able to use on the nursery as our crops are classed as ‘minor use’. It is imperative that we retain a mechanism as an industry to keep these applications live and continuing.”

Marc Jones, Managing Director of Tristram Plants and Director of Farplants Group, acknowledged the critical importance of HCP's work in ensuring effective and sustainable crop protection measures for the future. He emphasised the commitment of his organisation by stating: “The Farplants Group recognises the vital importance of the work HCP will be doing in ensuring we maintain effective and sustainable crop protection measures in the years to come. We will be making a full voluntary contribution and trust that every nursery business committed to the long-term future of our industry will do likewise. We really appreciate the commitment of both the HTA and BPOA to make this work and thank Charles Carr for representing the Nursery Stock Sector on the HCP Board.”

Jonathan Whittemore, Commercial and Business Manager at Johnsons of Whixley Ltd, commented: "We welcome this initiative in seeking cross-industry support to provide a route for the critical delivery of EAMUs. It is vital that we sustain access to plant protection for horticultural growers of all types and sizes. We encourage all those who can to join businesses like ours in supporting this activity.”

The second of Glee’s new-for-2023 registration incentives saw one lucky attendee win £1,000 to spend at the show. The lucky recipient was Sarah Daniel from Pengelly Garden Centre in Cornwall, who has used the prize fund to help local schools get into gardening.

The registration incentive was a first of its kind for Glee, and its only stipulation was that the money would be spent with a 2023 exhibitor whilst at the show. Sarah made a beeline for the Zest stand, where she proceeded to purchase a bundle of Zest’s bestsellers, including the Garden Bar, Emily three-seater garden bench, Veg Bed, and Sleeper Cold Frames. Sarah’s mission was clear, using 50% of the proceeds to kickstart a unique growing project she had earmarked with five local schools, with the other 50% used to buy even more Zest products to further fund the project, helping it to remain self-sustaining.

Upon hearing of Sarah’s plan, Zest’s MD, Steve Morgan, kindly also donated five potting benches and five raised bed vegetable planters to further bolster the vision. These have already been allocated to the schools in a boost to their grow-your-own aspirations. 

Sarah Daniel said of her win: “Winning Glee’s incentive was a superb way to begin my time at Glee 2023. I knew right away that I wanted to use the money towards Zest’s GYO products, and it’s just superb that they have been able to top up the ‘win’ with their very generous donation.

“The products have already been put to good use, not only within the schools themselves but also to further fund the long-term vision for the project. Our selected schools are already fully engaged, with our autumn workshop set to build upon this. It will be great to introduce children to growing, to let them understand where their food comes from and possibly cultivate some more interest in our industry for future generations to come on board, either working with us, shopping in our stores or doing their own gardens. It’s crucial that we get involved, as the children in our schools are the futures of all of our businesses.”

To find out more about Pengelly Garden Centre and to follow their school gardening project, please visit www.pengellygardencentre.co.uk or join the team on Facebook via www.facebook.com/pengellygardencentre1

Find out more 

Glee connects the garden industry to inspire change, drive growth and launch innovation​, with the next edition of Glee confirmed for 25th-27th June, NEC, Birmingham. Look out for even more registration incentives and the all-new Connect @ Glee online platform, where buyers and exhibitors can proactively choose who they want to meet based on criteria important to their business. 

To find out more or to register your interest in exhibiting, please visit  www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

Squire’s Garden Centres has become one of the first garden retailers to introduce electric delivery vehicles to its fleet.

The move sees Squire’s acquire three electric vehicles initially, with these based at the Twickenham, Stanmore and Long Ditton centres, where they will be used primarily for home deliveries to local communities. Complete with redesigned livery, the new vans provide a zero emission home delivery service, to reassure customers that they are shopping in a more sustainable way.  Three further e-vehicles are planned to join Squire’s fleet during 2024.

The new vehicles are designed for use in urban locations, suited to ‘stop-start driving’ conditions.  The vehicles will be used by centres included in or close to the expanded ULEZ scheme and in high volume traffic zones where the full benefits of emission free e-vehicles are realized.

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, comments:“My grandfather, D.J.Squire introduced the first vehicles to a very young business in 1930s. Who could have imagined 87 years later, we would be making deliveries using electricity.  Our new electric delivery vehicles perfectly illustrate how the business has adapted to new challenges and how, as a family business, we continue to evolve.

“The introduction of our electric vehicles is the latest initiative to help us be a cleaner, ‘greener’ business. We continue to look at ways we can be more sustainable in many areas across the business – and our move to start introducing e-vehicles is just the latest initiative.  Using e-vehicles within our centre network and for home deliveries will make a significant contribution to reducing our carbon footprint, as well as saving fuel costs across the business.”

Ross McEwan, Squire’s Sustainability Manager, comments: “We have made a commitment to accelerate electrifying our fleet of home delivery vehicles, moving from a trial of one van to purchasing three.  The introduction of these electric vehicles sees us removing three diesel equivalents from our roads, replacing 1000’s of miles with emission free travel. 

“Approximately 10% of our total business emissions come from our own transport, so this has been an important target to address. For the customer, these new e-vehicles mean they can be confident they are shopping in a more sustainable way, helping reduce their own carbon footprint.”

In addition to the new e-vehicles, Squire’s is expanding its network of public electric car charging points to include Stanmore, Hersham, Washington and Frensham this Summer.  This brings the total number of e-charging points across the business to 22, at 11 of Squire’s 16 centres.

Other recent initiatives supporting Squire’s sustainability drive include ‘Reuse & Recycle Bin Stations’ which have been positively received by customers.  Since launching the bin stations, Squire’s has collected 1000’s of plastic plant pots, trays and compost bags to be prepared for UK recycling - almost filling two 40ft containers.  In the group’s two centres with Food Halls (Frensham and Wokingham), there are successful partnerships with local community food banks who regularly collect fruit, vegetables, bakery and store cupboard items not only reducing food waste but helping make a positive difference to local charities.

There has been no doubt that the summer weather has been very British this year, with one of the wettest Julys on record and August going the same way.  With the school holidays ending and September approaching, we are heading into one of the most important months of the year for many gardeners around the UK.  With the temperamental summer season ending, it is time to start planning for the longer nights, colder wetter weather and winter frosts beginning to bite the ground. 

The team at Primeur, the leading brand in recycled garden products, is on hand to help equip gardeners in autumn and prepare for winter.

Tierra Verde Planters (from RRP: £18.99)

Nature's time for planting is autumn, when the weather is still mild, and the soil is ripe and moist, ideal for planting roses, trees, climbers, and hardy shrubs. Be sure to add fertiliser when planting to promote strong root growth and healthy establishment.

Primeur’s collection of unbreakable Tierra Verde planters is engineered for all-season durability and benefit from a sleek and timeless design.  What’s more, they will withstand the UK’s wet and cold winter as they are manufactured from recycled rubber tyres and are weatherproof with the ability to expand and contract in varying temperatures without any cracking in frosts, like terracotta. 

Tierra Verde planters have the extraordinary ability to withstand temperatures as low as -50c meaning they can take anything that the country’s winter can throw at it. They are also self-watering so if you want to stay in the cosy realms of your home, the plants will draw up the moisture when they need it.

Tierra Verde offers a variety of sizes and design options, meaning there is a planter to suit all plants and tastes this autumn.

• Sonata and Symphony – classic square planters with or without a lip
• Concerto and Aria – tall, round, tapered planters with or without a lip
• Octavia and Baritone - short round planters with or without a lip
• Horizon and Citadelle - square planters with a textured/patterned surface in tall or short options
• Flamenco – a conical planter with raised bottom with a circular top
• Vertical Curve – ideal for a vertical garden on a wall or post outside

Starting from £29.99, the planters are available in black/slate and grey/pewter colourways for a contemporary and elegant look.

Ecoway Stepping Stones (from RRP: £6.99)

Autumn has arrived and with it comes wet grass and ground, after the rainfall we have experienced over the past weeks.  A waterlogged lawn is squelchy to walk on with moss growth and the soil retains the water, which can mean that you are taking mud into the home, causing damage to interior floors, and needing extra cleaning.

If the lawn or vegetable patch is sodden, the mixture of water and fine particles of soil can also make the walking surface slippery.  But do not fear, the team at Primeur have the answer with their decorative Ecoway Stepping Stones.

Engineered for all-season durability, the stepping stones are attractive for the garden and easy to install and maintain. Unlike their heavy concrete counterparts, they are made from recycled rubber, lightweight and virtually unbreakable, providing the ultimate eco-friendly, functional solution to your living spaces.   The stepping stones also provide a firm grip underfoot with no slippery mildew growth, meaning no more soggy bottoms!

With a wide array of shapes and styles in Primeur’s recycled rubber stepping stone collection, pathways can be traditional with Primeur’s Natural Stepping Stone or Stomp Stone, inspired by woodland with a Cracked Log design.  Nature lovers can choose from round designs embossed with Leaves, whilst path elegance can be achieved with Primeur’s Scroll design.  River Rock is the perfect option for transforming gardens quickly and easily and there will be no more muddy shoes in autumn and winter, thanks to the Railroad Tie stone design, which injects style and character into an outdoor space.

EZ Borders (from RRP: £6.99)

Get autumn and winter ready with Primeur’s EZ Borders, designed to line your borders or vegetable patches on an allotment, keeping them shipshape in the last quarter of the year and beyond.  Available in different designs and neutral palettes, Primeur’s border edging can also offer a decorative element to brighten up those grey winter days and is lightweight and softer compared to concrete edging stones.

Banish rotting wood in the autumn and winter with Stomp Edge which is a lightweight, durable, and long-lasting alternative to wood or plastic borders.

Why not install Mower Edge once you have done the last mow of the year?  This will help to keep the grass contained and has a unique L shape that allows lawnmower wheels and strimmers to cut the grass effortlessly and precisely, giving it a clean, sharp line.

Primeur’s EZ Borders can also prevent plants from creeping into another area of a garden or a pathway. Bricks, Scallop and Roman Stone are Primeur’s most popular designs and give a lawn and bed a nice, clean look.

And with Britain’s autumnal weather notoriously wet, the EZ Borders are ideal for keeping mulch and compost in place during heavy rainfall and to stop any eroding soil that may run off.  Designs include Stones, Carolina, Thin Line and Stomp Edge that will complement all informal back and front gardens with gradual curves and varying slopes.

The 1.2-metre-long recycled rubber borders offer excellent natural flexibility, allowing them to curve and flow around existing lines of flower beds, vegetable gardens or pathways with ease with the benefit of easy installation.

The greener choice

Primeur’s range boasts fantastic eco credentials, as all products are made from recycled materials. The collection repurposes this common waste to create a fantastic range of durable, unbreakable products that will last for years. The unique recycled materials used mean all products are extremely hard wearing, benefiting from all-weather durability, UV, frost, and stain resistance. They are also non-toxic and therefore safe for plants, as well as for use around children and pets.

Get in touch.

To find out more about Primeur’s offer, get in touch with the team at 01274 518800 or visit www.primeur.co.uk

With shrinking outdoor spaces and Generation Rent not wanting to put down roots in properties they may not live in long term, it’s little surprise that container gardening is proving so popular. The rise in demand for what is a perfect growing solution for both small space gardening and flexible outdoor designs, creates a wealth of opportunities for garden retailers. Durstons have a range of great products to tap into this trend and encourage consumers who may be flexing their green thumbs for the first time.

Accessible growing

If nothing else, the pandemic gave people a greater appreciation for their outdoor spaces, whatever the size, and gave many a new lease of life, as the British wanted to maximise the area they had.

Small gardens and balconies are increasingly prevalent, particularly with new builds and in urban areas and the great thing about container gardening is that it allows people to grow and create a green oasis or even a kitchen garden in the space they have. It’s also hugely popular for people with busy lives who want a more low-maintenance garden to care for, not to mention renters seeking a quick and easy fix that won’t mean investing money in sprucing up a property that inevitably belongs to a landlord.

There are so many perks to container gardening that makes growing accessible to a wider demographic and people with different abilities and incomes. The RHS introducing a container garden category at the Chelsea Flower Show for the first time ever in 2021 is a reflection of just how important this type of gardening is and the opportunity it presents for garden centres to inspire their customers and get them growing.

The health benefits of gardening are well documented, so making it even more accessible to people not only promotes wellbeing but also opens your business up to a wider customer base. Whether it’s raised beds, hanging baskets or even getting creative with grow bags, there is a world of possibilities.

Products to inspire and support

Durstons can help garden centres capitalise on this trend; supporting customers and the retailer’s bottom line at the same time!

One of the biggest considerations is providing inspiration and advice to help customers realise what’s possible but you also need to have the right products for the job, ensuring they are easy to locate in store and also straightforward to use once they get them home. You want your customers to have success with the jobs they tackle and keep them coming back for more. That’s where Durstons comprehensive collection of composts, featuring their GRO BOOST technology, does the job, helping your customers to achieve outstanding results consistently and easily.

Durstons offer a dedicated Tub & Basket Compost tailored specifically to all container gardening, thanks to its additional wetting agent, promoting vigorous plant growth even in hot or windy conditions.

However, the beauty of their unique additive, GRO BOOST – a specially-formulated blend of organic materials from renewable sources – is that when your customers pick up any one of Durstons composts, from its Multi-Purpose Compost with John Innes to its Multi-Purpose Compost Peat Free, they can expect excellent nutrient content for their plants and a compost that delivers consistently impressive results.

A winning range of grow bags and planters enhances Durstons growing media offer and is perfectly placed for catering to an increase in demand for versatile container growing products. Durstons Veg Planter, an extra-large grow bag with added fertiliser is ideal for growing a wide range of fruit, vegetables, and salad crops, whilst a Peat Free Grow in the Bag is also available.

With a comprehensive portfolio of products suited to the full breadth of gardening applications, Durstons is a one-stop shop supplier for garden centres who want to offer a concise and proven range.

Aside from their stellar performance, the great thing about Durstons’ products is that they all have clear, concise packaging that flawlessly communicates how, where and why gardeners should use them. Striking imagery catches the customer’s eye, whilst applications and key benefits are front and centre on pack to help them make an informed decision. This includes messaging that Durstons products are made in the UK and also that all packaging is 100% recyclable.

Linked sales opportunity

As the cost of mortgages continue to climb and rents reach record levels, people have been forced to downsize their aspirations in favour of smaller homes to make their budget stretch. The trick is inspiring people about what they can do with the space they have.

There’s a fantastic opportunity for linked sales by creating display hotspots in your plant area of flourishing container gardens, complete with products needed to ‘get the look’. Showcase mini veg gardens grown in pots, raised planters or grow bags in your ‘grow your own’ area, helping people to explore their options, even if all they have is a balcony, and also assisting them in quickly seeking out the best compost, plant food and accessories for the project.

You can even highlight clever hacks, like cutting grow bags in half and turning them on their end to grow certain plants in deeper soil, demonstrating the versatility of these fantastic products. Secondary locations and smart merchandising are guaranteed to help boost basket spend, whilst providing much-needed inspiration and advice for growers.

The trend for container gardening isn’t going anywhere fast, as highlighted by another flurry of Gold & Silver-Gilt RHS medals handed out to gardens in the Container & Balcony categories at Chelsea this year, and social media awash with styling ideas for everything from modern container gardens to cottage-style planters. The key is making sure you have the products and inspiration in store to maximise this opportunity and help people achieve growing success with whatever space they have.

Professional gardeners, landscapers and arborists alike can take their jobs to new heights with the launch of Henchman’s strongest and most versatile tripod ladders yet.

The leading ladder specialist has introduced two new models created with even more adjustability, usability, and durability in mind, providing an enjoyable, sturdy, and – most importantly – safe working environment. 

Designed with precision engineering and structural excellence, the NEW Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder PRO offers endless options for repositioning and adjusting it as you work. Each leg is independently adjustable to accommodate substantial sloping, uneven earth, and steps. This makes jobs in tricky terrains a breeze, perfect for professionals who will encounter all eventualities across different spaces from day to day. 

While all Henchman ladders feature a built-in platform, the PRO model boasts an additional platform below, ideal for working at variable heights and or offering additional chest support to help users feel more stable.

Throughout the ladder, a host of design features have been incorporated to increase sturdiness and durability, including more rung supports to add strength in key areas, additional bracing at the first rung, and a thicker gauge of aluminium. There is also a new rear leg catch to hold the back leg securely closed and prevent it from swinging out whilst carrying, transporting or storing the ladder. The PRO model comes in sizes: 6ft, 8ft, 10ft, 12ft, 14ft and 16ft. 

Henchman Tripod Ladders are the only EN131 certified tripod ladders available in the UK. Safety and usability is at the forefront of the design, as they offer the most adjustability for uneven ground on the market. In fact, they provide at least 20% more adjustability than competitors, and up to a massive 80% more on its 8ft models - keeping their buyers safe. 

The Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder PRO will also reveal Henchman’s new signature look for the range, with an eye-catching red or blue-coated third leg and Henchman’s instantly recognisable logoplate. 

As well as the Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder PRO, Henchman has also introduced a new and improved design for its popular Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder range, which is available in sizes: 5ft, 6ft, 8ft, 10ft and 12 ft.

Featuring three independently adjustable legs for use on any surface, a more generous platform surface for increased comfort, and improved strength and durability throughout, as well as a stylish blue leg, the new design will keep users safe whether working inside or outdoors. 

Tom Kitching, CEO of Henchman, commented: “Our original line up of Tripod Ladders has been on the market for over a decade and we’ve sold tens of thousands to happy customers spanning all manner of professional sectors. Over the years, though, we’ve collected feedback, gathered insight and evolved our structural engineering, which has resulted in the new range - an even stronger, more comfortable, and long-lasting ladder that will help our customers get the job done, safely.” 

The new Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder and Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder PRO will be launched exclusively at RHS Hampton Court Flower Show from 3^rd to 9^th July 2023, and will be available to purchase online. 

For more information visit www.henchman.co.uk

Timber garden furniture, GYO and decorative structure specialist, Zest combines on trend lifestyle with sustainability in its 2024 collection which will be showcased at Four Oaks tradeshow.  It will also be giving an update on its latest package of customer support.

Positioned as a leader in ecologically sustainable outdoor living and offering one of the widest ranges of stylish, natural wood products on the market, Zest is showcasing a selection of new concepts designed to reflect consumer trends. 

Emphasising relaxation, entertainment and being at one with nature, the latest Zest products major on environmental focus and include development of existing products for greener packaging and transportation. 

New products include the Terraza Outdoor Kitchen, complementing the popular, Garden Pizza Oven Table and award winning, Zest Garden Bar and Two Stool Set, launched this spring.  There are two space-saving timber greenhouses, both sturdy, stylish and with loads of functionality for GYO enthusiasts.  Another product for GYO is the Zest Eco Hive Composter, designed to resemble a traditional beehive.  For consumers who want to relax, the new Zest Stirling Arbour is perfect.

The Zest collection is made from slow grown softwood sourced from PEFC certified (PEFC/16-37-1490) forests.  Zest’s product design is based on DFMA (design for manufacturing and assembly) principles, meaning that packaging and transportation are optimised for sustainability.  

Customer support

New for this year in terms of marketing support is an indoor display package including handy ‘how to style and merchandise’ videos.  And alongside its expanding library of images, video and point of sale, Zest is launching an augmented reality function which enables consumers to view selected product in their own gardens using smartphone technology.  It is also supporting stockists with national consumer advertising in garden and lifestyle magazines.

Zest’s Simon Davison commented, “We’re thrilled to be returning to Four Oaks with new products for the 2024 season. We have been coming to this trade show for many years and we’re excited to tell visitors to the stand about the huge investments we’ve made in product innovation at our new design facility, the design.shed based at the Zest headquarters in Saltney, North Wales.  We are confident that both the products and the marketing support available will ‘wow’ visitors to our stand at Four Oaks.”

For further information about Zest’s timber GYO, decorative and furniture products, visit https://zestoutdoorliving.co.uk/trade/ or email sales@zestoutdoorliving.co.uk

The Wall of Fame will show garden plants that won awards at a fair or exhibition in 2021, 2022 or 2023. Needless to say, they will also include winners of PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt’s last Autumn and Spring Fairs.

On top of all this the fair will of course also be bursting at the seams with a tremendous variety of stands and GROEN-Direkt’s Autumn Fair boasting 5000 sample batches, a concepts plaza and the presale of Christmas trees. Some of the novelties will be directly available here.

About PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt

PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt will take place in and around GROEN-Direkt’s hall at the International Trade Centre in Hazerswoude/Boskoop, the Netherlands, on 23 and 24 August 2023, from 7 am. until 5 pm. (4 pm. on the Thursday). More information can be found at the website. The fair is exclusively accessible to professional visitors after prior registration via the website. Prior registration will guarantee quick access to the fair!

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 newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2018 as well as 2019 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 up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 07973 504214, e-mail karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

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.

with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox.  The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.

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With over 40 years of experience within the garden retail sector, countless volunteer roles at the heart of the industry and a new venture – The Boyd Partnership – Boyd Douglas-Davies has now added Glee Strategic Advisor to his resume.

This exciting new role will see him engage with garden retailers to understand their challenges and opportunities to ensure that the event fully aligns with their needs.

Boyd will work alongside the Glee team ahead of the 2024 event (25th – 27th June 2024, NEC Birmingham), to further engage with garden retailers. With his depth of knowledge Boyd has been tasked with working alongside this group of retailers to better understand their needs and to ensure that Glee is delivering an unrivalled experience. Boyd’s findings will not only facilitate more conversation but will feed into the overall strategy for Glee’s short and long-term vision.

To kickstart his new role, Boyd will reach out to a cross section of retailers, including multiple and independent garden centres, to join him at a series of focus groups to discuss retailer challenges and opportunities to ensure that the event is fully aligned with their needs.

Regarding his newest appointment, Boyd Douglas-Davies said: “Glee is the most important event for the garden retail sector, so I am absolutely delighted to work alongside the organising team. Over the coming months, I hope to learn more from Glee’s visitors about the role the show plays for them and how we can create an even brighter future for it. Through open dialogue and honest feedback, I truly believe that together we can get to the crux of what makes Glee great and continue to build on this so that we all benefit come June 2024. It’s an exciting project, and I can’t wait to get going!”

Glee Event Director, Matthew Mein added: “Boyd is a true industry expert whose opinions, voice and experience are so highly regarded. To have him on board working with retailers to identify their wants and needs is a real coup. I do not doubt that through focus groups and access to so many retailers and buyers, Boyd will enable us to identify core growth areas that matter most to our visitors. This insight will also undoubtedly add value for our exhibitors as they look to maximise their experience at Glee.”

Find out more 

Glee connects the garden industry to inspire change, drive growth and launch innovation​, with the next edition of Glee confirmed for 25th-27th June, NEC, Birmingham. Look out for even more registration incentives and the all-new Connect @ Glee online platform, where buyers and exhibitors can proactively choose who they want to meet based on criteria important to their business. 

To find out more or to register your interest in exhibiting, please visit  www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

The ever-popular GIMA trend report is set to return this September with three webinars confirmed, each providing delegates informative and interactive insight into those trends that are set to shape consumer desires, attitudes and aesthetics in 2025.

Created in partnership with trend expert, Scarlet Opus – GIMA’s long-term trend partners, the report will explore what’s driving change and the fundamental shifts impacting consumer behaviour.  With a keen focus on gardening and outdoor living, this is the only content of its kind available in the UK and will address everything from colour and materials to shapes, patterns and textures. 

Taking place on September 12th, 13th and 14th, the team from Scarlet Opus will use the webinars to delve deeper into those trends that will shape garden retail in 2025.  Not only this but they will walk delegates through how this exclusive content can help future proof new product development, visual merchandising, packaging and marketing plans.

Every webinar delegate will receive direct access to the online event, where Scarlet Opus will present the report. A copy of the webinar recording, plus an exclusive e-book, will also be made available to delegates post-event, unveiling even more of the research and consumer marketing content that was gathered whilst identifying the trends.

GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said: “We’re excited to have Scarlet Opus onboard once again to guide us through this trend forecast. The level of detail and insight that they have provided previously has been lauded for its incredible value by previous delegates and I have no doubt that those in attendance this September will echo these sentiments. Having the ability to plan ahead is vital for futureproofing, and for standing out in a crowded marketplace, and I know that our 2023 delegates will be demonstrative come the 2025 season – watch this space!”  

To find out more, or to book your place for the webinar, please visit www.gima.org.uk or call 01959 564947.

To find out more about the forthcoming Scarlet Opus – 2025 Insights and Trends Report please visit www.gima.org.uk/events/scarlet-opus-2025-insights-and-trends-report/

Sarah Raven Kitchen and Gardens Ltd has announced that Dominic Rose has been appointed Chair of the company, as of 1st July 2023.

Dominic has over a decade of experience in leadership roles at digital disruptors in the eCommerce space including as Director of Strategy at ASOS and as COO at Depop.

Dominic will play a pivotal part in continuing the transformation of Sarah Raven from a catalogue to a truly digital business and driving the ongoing growth and success of the Sarah Raven as a true category leader. 

Dominic has a proven track record of commercial, operational & strategic leadership; developing and empowering highly effective teams to execute successful strategies to enhance business performance and deliver significant value to customers, shareholders, and other stakeholders. Whilst at ASOS sales more than doubled from ~£600M to ~£1.4B, and at Depop Dominic was instrumental in scaling the business to $650M GMV at 80% annualised growth, leading to the $1.6B acquisition by Etsy in 2021. Having started his career at Bain & Co, Dominic now focusses on a portfolio of Advisory roles, and is also Non-Executive Director at Wolf & Badger. His deep understanding of the eCommerce landscape, coupled with his passion for delivering exceptional results, and a personal passion for gardening & sustainability makes him an ideal fit for the Sarah Raven business.

Sarah Raven, expert gardener, and founder of the brand, said, “We are delighted to welcome Dominic to the board and are confident that his digital & commercial expertise will help guide the business in this next exciting phase of growth. I am personally excited to work alongside Dominic to generated further positive impact on our resilient and robust brand. Together, we will navigate the dynamic British gardening landscape, seize new opportunities, and exceed the expectations of our loyal customers.”

As Chairman, Dominic will be responsible for guiding & developing the leadership team, helping them to identify opportunities; create a clear and focussed plan to drive growth and build a resilient and sustainable customer focussed business and ensure high quality execution in line with the vision, mission & principles of the brand. Dominic's strong leadership skills and ability to form unique collaborations will be instrumental in driving innovation, strengthening partnerships, and maintaining Sarah Raven's position as a market leader.

Dominic expressed his excitement for joining Sarah Raven, stating, "I am honoured to be taking on this new leadership role. Sarah Raven is truly an icon in the gardening space, and the platform she founded has become a real category leader with deep commitment to excellence, innovation and sustainable practice. With its well-publicised positive impact on mental health, biodiversity and the environment, more and more people, young and old alike are turning to the joy of gardening, particularly looking for the education, inspiration, range, and convenience that can come from shopping online. SaraRaven.com is exactly the authentic, expert lead brand that customers are seeking and I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at Sarah Raven to deliver exceptional results over the coming years."

Napoleon Grills will once again sponsor the Big BBQ Cookout at cinch presents CarFest 2023, hosted this year by ‘First Ladies of Cue’ Sam Evans and Shauna Guinn, renowned BBQ chefs, restaurant owners, TV hosts and cookbook authors, who combine traditional Southern US grill techniques with the best of British ingredients including some special Welsh twists.

Napoleon is the exclusive barbecue brand to sponsor the BBQ Stage for the iconic annual festival.  The on-stage chef line-up for 2023 includes Napoleon guest chefs, and household names, Omar Allibhoy, Neil Rankin, and Adam Purnell aka The Shropshire Lad. They will be joined by Angela Hartnett, James Golding, Rex de Guzman, Glynn Purnell, Ian Bursnall, Owen Morgan, The Happy Pear, Michael Caines, Matt Tebbutt and Freddy Bird. Expect flavours from across the world, from grilled coffee mole and smoked chicken flatbread, to bone marrow and steak paella, to beef kebab and steak sandwiches with three cheese fondue. Napoleon’s chefs will have something for everyone in this interactive and immersive BBQ space.

CarFest, founded by Radio presenter Chris Evans in 2012, is the UK’s greatest family festival, hosting an extravagant celebration of cars, music and food, all in aid of raising money for UK children’s charities. CarFest will be entering its 12th year this August, and it promises to be the best yet. With enough activities and attractions to keep the whole family entertained, it’s the perfect way to spend the Bank Holiday weekend.

CarFest will be held at Laverstoke Park Farm from 25th – 27th August 2023

"CarFest is the perfect match for Napoleon Grills in terms of profile, scale, and values, and teaming up again for 2023 is very exciting," commented Martin Sobey, National Sales Manager for Napoleon Grills (UK). "Our range of premium grills and outdoor kitchens allows you to cook anything and everything, so having the opportunity to demonstrate this to a dedicated foodie audience, alongside some of the best celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs in the UK, is a dream scenario for us."

Speaking on the partnership Anjna Raheja, Show Director at CarFest, said “We are delighted to have Napoleon on board again this year. The BBQ stage has become a core part of the show and elevates FoodFest to new heights. With the most impressive chef line up we’ve had to date, this year’s festival promises to be the biggest and best yet.”

Created in 2012, CarFest’s sole purpose has been to raise funds for UK children’s charities. Since its conception, the festival has raised millions for its partner charities. In 2023, CarFest will raise funds for BBC Children in Need, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, mental health charity My Black Dog, Rainbow Trust, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Teenage Cancer Trust, Young Epilepsy and local Hampshire-based charity Naomi House & Jack’s Place.

Napoleon will also operate an on-site exhibition and retail space over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Tickets are available to purchase here:www.carfest.org

National newspaper, the Independent, has featured Cobra in its best robotic mowers review, recognising the Mowbot as the ‘best for lawn finish’ and “one of the best on test”.

This accompanies a recent string of accolades for Cobra, with the Mowbot also being named in Modern Garden magazine as the best value, praising it for its range of cutting heights and streamlined, stylish design, describing it as “a winner with design lovers”.

Cobra mowers have received further recognition and glowing endorsements, in particular the MX3440V, which was featured in ‘best buy cordless mower’ articles in BBC Gardeners’ World and Your Home, as well as being highly recommended in the 2023 Expert Reviews Garden Awards 2023, praising its value and stating it “punches well above its weight”.

Both t3 and the Evening Standard are Cobra fans too. With t3 endorsing the MX534SPH as the ‘best self-propelled petrol lawn mower for big lawns’, and favourably reviewing the M40SPC, with product specialist, Derek Adams, stating: “The great thing about Cobra gear is that it’s British so spares are easy to come by, and that can be a major consideration when opting for a petrol-powered garden machine. If you’re in the market for a very keenly priced, smaller-bodied self-drive petrol mower that does the job well, I suggest you make a beeline towards this one.”

Various journalists at the Evening Standard have reviewed Cobra mowers too, with the GTRM38P, HM381 and M41C all being featured. Journalist Stuart Pritchard tried out several lawnmowers for his piece, calling the Cobra M41C a “reassuringly red grass ground-razer that comes with a pleasingly plentiful 41cm blade”. Priced at just £167.99, it’s no wonder that the mower has picked up the top award, offering high-quality credentials at a wallet-friendly price. Previously named as a Gardeners’ World ‘Best Buy’, the M41C is powered by a Cobra DG350 Series engine and is hand propelled – a quality which Stuart describes as excellent “if you’re looking to get some exercise and build those muscles.”

Stuart also commented on the weight of the model, saying “it’s also very light at just 20kg, and the 50L grass catcher will cut down on extra trips to the compost heap.” That’s a viewpoint echoed in the fantastic feedback from buyers, as it’s been a perennial favourite for gardeners ever since it was launched.

The new Cobra ride on mowers, which launched earlier this year, have also proved popular with journalists and customers alike, including a double page feature in Countryside magazine, which is received by all NFU members.

Peter Chaloner, managing director of Cobra, said: “It’s always wonderful to win awards for our mowers and to see our products been reviewed and endorsed so favourably. It’s a real testament to the quality of the products and their functionality, while reinforcing our stockists' trust in our products, knowing that they are not only high-quality and reliable, but are also eminently popular and sellable.

“As ever, we are fully committed to supporting our extensive dealer network and doing all we can as a brand to drive business opportunities for them. Our marketing initiatives like this show we are supporting them right from the ground level; liaising with journalists and sending out products to gain the credentials that these mowers truly deserve, and ultimately generating more revenue for our dealers.”

Recent Cobra media endorsements also span beyond the mower range with the Independent also recognising the HT550E hedgetrimmer; Expert Reviews praising the GTRM3024V strimmer as the “best cordless strimmer for a mid-sized garden”; and the ever-popular QS2500 shredder appearing in Gardeners’ World’s ‘best shredder’ review, as well as in more than 50 regional newspapers.

For further information about Cobra, please visit www.cobragarden.co.uk.

Choice Marketing has announced the addition of a further five new garden centres to the group from across the country, further expanding its nationwide network of independent garden centres.

They are: Goonhavern and Chacewater in Cornwall, GardenTime in Dartmouth, Swarkestone in Derbyshire and Scott’s of Southend in Essex.

With these new additions, Choice Marketing now has 52 centres on board, contributing to a group retail turnover exceeding £185m.

Michelle de Lavis-Trafford, CEO of Choice Marketing, said: “We are delighted to have welcomed all five of these lovely garden centres into the Choice family, and we look forward to helping them improve their profitability, sharing in our group successes and generally sharing best practice. 

“In addition to the enhanced margins on pricing adding to the everyday bottom line, 2022 saw Choice once again repay a record amount of rebate back to its members at over £2.6m. This really does exemplify the power and positive rewards of working together within an established organisation, with fantastic support from our key suppliers. Although all our member centres are both independently owned and run, we do speak with one voice in our relationships with our suppliers.”

Choice is one of the industry’s leading buying and marketing groups and has forged strong and mutually beneficial working relationships with over 200+ key suppliers throughout the garden centre, gift, home and leisure sectors. 

Members benefit from a fully supportive central admin team and gain enormous support from other members too, it is a true co-operative. 

Additional member benefits include preferential merchant card service rates for all their debit and credit card transactions and enhanced purchase pricing for catering through its specialist partners, and a whole lot more besides. These have quite literally saved members thousands of pounds.

Choice members value the combined influence and buying strength that Choice gives its members and far exceeds anything they could possibly achieve on their own. The enhanced service that members receive from suppliers, combined with the direct lines of communication, that the team at Choice have with key account managers, right across the supply chain, ensures that any issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently.

In addition to the rewards of membership, Choice is now well under way in its preparations for its upcoming annual conference and trade show, scheduled to be held in the Midlands at the end of September. 

Mike Cook, Group Services Manager, said: “We are thrilled to report that our event is nearing a sell-out, with over 300 delegates already booked in. Our conference, trade show and gala dinner presents an excellent opportunity for our members and suppliers to connect, whilst our members can also explore the latest and greatest products and services offered by our suppliers at our trade show.” 

Mike added: “Once again, we extend a very warm welcome to our five new garden centre members and really look forward to a successful and rewarding partnership with them.”

Between the brands of Mr Fothergills and Johnsons Seeds, around 40 new ornamentals and edibles will be added to their offering for 2024.

At the annual opening of its trials ground in Kentford, Suffolk they were being grown alongside existing and experimental varieties to ensure they are true to type and perform as expected. New pink and white Zinnia ‘Mazurkia’ was looking vigorous and uniform promising a long flowering period while also being highly attractive to bees and butterflies, while Rudbeckia ‘Cherry Brandy’ brings a new deep red colour break to a normally yellow and orange range.

Of the dahlias, D. ‘Caramel Antique’ and ‘Karma Prospero’ were performing well, while a variety of sweet corn for making popcorn called ‘Field of Dreams’ has tricolour foliage which adds to its garden value.

In the tunnels, 76 different peppers were impressively heavy with fruit while the 75 varieties tomatoes were showing differing reactions to being grown in peat-free growing media. With two plants per grow bag, Brian Talman says he is feeding three times a week to ensure maximum yield. Of the 15 aubergines, the intriguing Turkish Orange looked more akin to a tomato and added to the range of white, purple and almost black fruits which are highly attractive as well as being edible.

Glee, the international festive for garden, leisure and pet, demonstrated the continued resilience of the garden retail industry in the face of ongoing economic challenges, whilst giving participants a sense of the future direction it will take. 

Across three days the show saw thousands of buyers flock to the NEC to support hundreds of exhibitors and brands, together representing ten core product sectors.

Trade Associations including GIMA (Garden Industry Manufacturers Association), HTA, PetQuip, Gardenex and the GCA (Garden Centre Association) had a strong presence throughout the show, underscoring the importance of Glee as a networking hub and trading powerhouse.

Glee 2023 saw a wealth of new initiatives unveiled, including a new partnership with the British Home Enhancement Trades Association (BHETA) and British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), which demonstrated the importance of its new DIY sector. BHETA members joined the existing line-up of suppliers and brands exhibiting at Glee, where BIRA members and other retail buyers had invaluable access to exciting new suppliers and product innovations. The exciting development gave retail buyers across the garden and home improvement sector an invaluable access to new suppliers and innovative products.

Another new pavilion was devoted to Home, Gift & Clothing, where artisan candlemakers and skincare specialists rubbed shoulders with the best of greetings cards, plush toys and fairtrade gifts. Kate Leach of renowned greetings card publisher, Woodmansterne, commented during the show: “We’ve had a brilliant day today (Wednesday). In fact, I think it was our best day ever at Glee! We’ve spent some time with our wonderful existing customers, and also met some new ones. We’ve had some fantastic leads”. Woodmansterne celebrated its 70th birthday during the show with drinks, nibbles and a host of industry friends.

Elsewhere at the show, Philip Wilson of Pot-Mate agreed with the positive sentiment, saying: "We wouldn’t be anywhere without Glee! We came here for the first time in 2021 and we won the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund, which was fantastic. Glee is so great for meeting new people. I love it! I never stop talking to people. Over the course of the show so far, we’ve had people on from Australia, America, Sweden, Finland, to name but a few. The great thing was that they spent a long time talking to us – a good quarter of an hour each time – so you could tell they were genuinely interested in the product”.

Content is King

The unified strength of the sector was also to be seen at Glee’s exceptional seminar theatre, The Stage, where topics ranged from sustainable macro trends and outdoor living trends (as forecast by Trend Bible) to optimising digital marketing and promoting diversity in the gardening sector. 

Kicking off the seminar programme was David Denny, Head of Research at the Horticultural Trade Association, who explored how “global trends driven by climate change will affect business operations in the coming years and drive changing consumer needs and expectations.” With significant growth on the horizon for our sector, Denny delved deeper into those aspects – including biosecurity, demographic change, the amount of water and green space available, the availability of labour and skills, research and development and sustainable productivity – that could restrict this forecasted growth opportunity. 

Glee Brand Ambassador, Michael Perry (AKA Mr Plant Geek), breathed new life and panache into the Green Heart of the festival, where future innovations of the plant world were showcased in the atrium, flanked by new Talent Store concepts put together by competing teams of young visual merchandise professionals.

As a highly respected and much-loved horticulturalist and social media influencer, Michael could also be found at The Stage on 28th June, as Glee celebrated Pride Month with the panel discussion, Glee X Pryde: Embracing Inclusivity. Michael joined hostess Rachael Forsyth, Senior Reporter at Horticulture Week, Jason Williams, multi-award-winning Balcony & Small Space Garden Designer, the Cloud Gardener and Mollie Higginson of the YPHA in an enlightening discussion about the importance of diversity in the gardening retail world. Suppliers and retailers alike would do well to reach out beyond the traditional garden centre customer to newer generations with different requirements, helping to open up new product categories and tap developing market sectors.

Elsewhere, the inaugural Talent Store contest – where merchandising new talent came together to create two highly visual concept stores focusing on indoor and outdoor plants - was won by the Outdoor Plants merchandising team, who impressed judges Debbie Flowerday, Visual Merchandiser and Stylist Consultant, and Peter Burks, Chairman of the GCA.

The winning team showcased how sustainability can be placed front and centre within displays. Concepts included a tablescape of edible ideas that not only look good but taste good too, a pond in a pot that will make a difference to the ecosystem in customers’ outdoor space, a display of pollinating plants to create a wildlife sanctuary, as well as a wildlife product display that will turn the garden into a bug wonderland.

Debbie Flowerday said: “Everything you see in the Glee Talent Store at the show can be used to create a scene and retail theatre, guiding customers through a store, and we hope that retailers are inspired to try these simple tips when they get back to their businesses.”

Industry Award Winners

Every year, Glee actively celebrates the best of the industry with a series of prestigious awards which together recognise the exceptional achievements in new product development, the most exciting new plants, excellence in retail and expertise in visual merchandising.

Hills Plants were named the winner of this year’s Green Heart Best Merchandising Display, with a spectacular showcase which demonstrated how foliage-dense plants can be coupled with flowering beauties to create an irresistible presentation in store. The concept is simple to replicate in even the smallest plant area and superbly demonstrated how plants can be used to entice shoppers.

Retailers were recognised in the prestigious Buyer’s Power List Awards, where winners are peer-voted, making them an invaluable accolade. The full list of winners is as follows:

• Plants buyer/buying team of the Year - Colin Dale, Notcutts
• Garden Care buyer/buying team of the Year - Al Sheppard, Haskins
• Outdoor Leisure buyer/buying team of the Year: Nigel Gates, Gates Garden Centre
• Landscape buyer/buying team of the Year: Dan Kirby, British Garden Centres
• Home & Gifts buyer/buying team of the Year: Jodie Smith, Perrywood
• Pet buyer/buying team of the Year: The Old Railway Line
• Retail Food & Drinks buyer/buying team of the Year: Bents Garden & Home
• Christmas buyer/buying team of the Year: Rachel Churcher, Perrywood
• Online buyer/buying team of the Year: Helen Henshaw, Crocus
• Overall Multiple Retailer buyer/buying team of the Year (hardware, DIY, high street): QD Stores
• Overall Multiple Garden Retailer buying team of the Year (6 stores or more): Blue Diamond
• Overall Independent Garden Centre buyer/ buying team of the Year (up to 5 stores): Haskins 

On the supplier side, the New Product Awards once again yielded treasures, with several hundred entries received across 15 product categories. This year’s winners, revealed during a ceremony held at The Stage on Wednesday 28th July included: 

• Overall Glee New Product: Kent & Stowe Surecut Loppers & Shears - Westland
• Best of British: Firestorm Phoenix Pellet Patio Heater - Pinnacle Agri Products Ltd
• Sustainability Award: EcoMade Indoor Hemp Planters - Woodlodge Products
• Wild Bird Care and Wildlife Products: Peckish Natural Balance Coco-Not® Wild Bird Feeders - Westland
• Pet Products: Pet Bed Topper - The Wheat Bag Company
• DIY Products: Racan Premium Anti-Rodent Sealant (RACARSM) - Lodi UK
• Landscaping: Rubber Play Space Tiles – Primeur
• Retail Services & Experiences: Indoor Gardening Essentials Merchandising Solutions (G.E.M.S) - Westland
• Gifts, Body and Bath, Christmas, Greeting Cards, Toys and Games: Playpress Vets Mini Playset - Playpress Toys
• Home: Recycled Bottle Scarf - Art on Scarves
• Leisure & Entertaining: Firestorm Phoenix Pellet Patio Heater - Pinnacle Agri Products Ltd
• Tools & Machinery: Kent & Stowe Surecut Loppers & Shears - Westland
• Garden Decoration: Gemini Solar Wall Light pack of 2 - The Solar Centre
• Growing Containers Joint Winners: Cottage Garden 12L Beehive Planter - EP Barrus Ltd and EcoMade Indoor Hemp Planters - Woodlodge Products (joint winners)
• Growing Accessories: ClipGlove Warm 'n' Waterproof - Treadstone Products
• Growing Materials: Coco & Coir Houseplant Compost - Southern Trident
• Plants Seeds & Bulbs: Nymphya Purple Fantasy - Anglo Aquatic and Petunia Tumbelina Nicola and Colegrave Seabrook Foundation/Kerley & Co (joint winners)

Commenting on the coveted awards, Glee Event Director, Matthew Mein, said: “Every year, our exhibitors continue to impress with the level of innovation that they bring to market. This year’s quality of the entries has been really impressive, and the pitches demonstrated the passion and dedication that goes into every product entry. Congratulations to both our shortlisted entries and the winners. I sincerely hope the win will positively impact your growth in the coming season as it has for many previous winners”.

See you next year!

When the doors finally closed on Glee 2023, it was to a re-energised and fully activated trade, where retailers and suppliers alike were optimistic and looking forward to seeing what the second half of the year will bring for this thriving industry.   But what of the 2024 event?

One of the biggest developments will be the introduction of the new Connect @ Glee online platform, where buyers and exhibitors can proactively choose who they want to meet with, based on a criteria that’s important to their business. Connect @ Glee enables suppliers and buyers to request meetings, and when a double opt-in is achieved provides the perfect opportunity for new retail relationships to be forged. Taking place on exhibitor stands and offering complete flexibility, the new Connect system has already garnered a positive response as its ability to improve time efficiencies at the show is fully recognised.

Glee connects the garden industry to inspire change, drive growth and launch innovation​, with the next edition of Glee confirmed for 25th-27th June, NEC, Birmingham. To find out more or to register your interest in exhibiting, please visit  www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

Retailers respond to Glee 2023

Whilst busy in the aisles, we caught up with some visiting buyers to find out more about the value of Glee for their business.

Asha Lockyer, Buyer, Hilliers – “Great to come back to Glee, it is now my fourth time here, great facilities and great to see all my suppliers in one place. Also, great to see some Glee deals which are brand new and it is a very exciting time. Hopefully come back this time next year.”

Dan Kirby, Hard Landscaping Buyer, British Garden Centres – “Glee 2023 has been a good show for myself and the wider buying team. We’ve been able to source products for many of our stores and have had meaningful conversations with a wide range of new and existing suppliers. Glee remains an important part of our annual planning.”

David Gillies, Manager, Mackenzie & Cruickshank – “This is our first Glee, and we are very impressed with the range of companies and the range of stock and variety. Very happy with what we have seen today.”

Rob Fury, Buyer, Green DIY Uckfield – “Beautifully laid out, wandered around looking at all the amazing stands. Placed several orders and have been amazed by the quality of products.”

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Read in full in the August issue of GTN on-line here or as text below

I’ve been attending Glee since 1988, when I became a junior publisher of Garden Trade News and every year there has always been chatter about the size of the show, the numbers and quality of the audience and often about the date of the show. However, this year I was struck by the volume of discussion and sometimes quite vitriolic comment about the timing of Glee.

At GTN and GTN Xtra we try our hardest not to report on speculation and general gossip and instead stake our reputation on bringing you stories based on fact with reports on actual ideas and inspiration happening in the market.  As many of you will know we are also media partners of both Glee and SOLEX, so any comment we make may be construed as biased. What follows is comment from me, Trevor Pfeiffer, based on my recollections over the past 35 years, with the sole intention of helping to make all trade shows for our industry successful for both exhibitors and retailers, highlighting some past actions and trends that are perhaps being missed. Many in our industry appear to have short memories…

Let’s start with the elephant in the room:  the timing of Glee. Despite many exhibitors telling me at the end of Glee 2023 that they had had a very successful show, if I had received £10 for every time someone told me it should be in September, I could have doubled the money raised for Greenfingers on Floral Thursday!

Some of the comments about moving back to September were based on the fact that Glee in September 2021 was their most successful Glee ever and neither of the June events since then matched that. Does that mean they have forgotten that Glee in September 2021 was the first show post Covid, when everyone met up for the first time since lockdowns and went mad, buying more than ever before to make sure they were not caught short in 2022? That post-Covid boost certainly made Glee 2021 a huge success, but in itself created a situation where retailers had so much stock left in 2022 that they didn’t need or want to buy much new, and probably wouldn’t have had, whether Glee was in June or September.  And the situation isn’t much different this year with stocks bought in 2021 still selling through at retail due to the later than usual summer.

Those with longer memories will cast their minds back to the Glee shows of the five or six years prior to Covid when the talk was of retailers either having completed all their ranging or buying decisions prior to September and therefore not attending in force or being too busy setting up Christmas retailing to be able to spare staff to go to Glee.  The general consensus was that something needed to change, and I know the Glee team spent years consulting with exhibitors and retailers about the issue.

Strategically for our industry, the move to having a trade show where new ideas and new product ranges can be shown right at the end of the previous season would seem an obvious winner.  The world’s biggest garden and outdoor leisure trade show, Spoga + gafa in Koln also came to the same conclusion. Especially as the earlier dates allow for prototypes to be shown rather than just those products which have already been ordered for manufacture ready for availability next spring, as was becoming the case with the September date for Glee.  Buying straight after one season for the next year is also the preferred method for the other main garden centre retailing peak: Christmas.

Moving a trade show to an earlier date for manufacturing and ordering purposes was also the factor that created SOLEX as a stand-alone show in July back in 2008. LOFA members said they needed to get their orders into their manufacturing centres before September as lead times with the Far East grew longer. Prior to 2008 LOFA members had occupied Hall 2 and part of Hall 3 at Glee. 

It's rather ironic that the sale of Glee to Emap back in the 1990s ended up essentially funding the set-up of SOLEX as a members only show. I can vividly recall walking around Glee in 1989 with David Arculus, Emap’s Deputy MD, who said that Glee would be a great show for Emap to buy and sit alongside Spring Fair, which it had bought earlier that year.  My comment was that as a trade show owned and organised by the industry, that probably wouldn’t happen.  I was wrong, and Emap did buy Glee.  LOFA was one of the shareholders of Glee and as a membership organisation use their funds to help LOFA members and the sales of their products, giving them the ability to set up SOLEX (at Telford from 2008 to 2012) and subsequently at the NEC, always in early July.

At SOLEX this year many retailers were commenting on the inconvenience of having to travel to the NEC twice within three weeks for Glee and then SOLEX.  Those with long memories will recall the joy with which having SOLEX separate from Glee was greeted: “It’s great to be able to spend as much time as a I want buying furniture and BBQS’s at SOLEX and then being able to focus on gardening at Glee, when before we were having to squeeze them both into one trip” was a typical comment from retailers.  The call this year was for both shows to happen at the same time.  With pressure on time today and the wide availability of suppliers showroom visits, post Covid, that may be a good route for the industry.

That doesn’t, however, resolve the issue of the cries to move Glee back to September. I doubt if SOLEX will be moving back after 14 years of a show in July.

I heard plenty of comment that smaller retailers weren’t going to attend Glee this year.  I personally bumped into plenty of folk from smaller garden centres, but I can imagine that some retailers who still have much too much stock from 2021’s ordering frenzy to sell through would prefer to stay at their centre to help sell that through.  It’s quite likely they could still be doing that this Autumn, so possibly having Glee in September may not solve that issue.

On the positive side, I’ve heard much more feedback from retailers, both big and small, who are taking a more strategic view of their buying and ranging, who understand the value of the earlier trade show date to give them more food for thought and planning and so that next year’s ranges and products can be put to bed before Christmas gets into gear.

My personal view is that the best time for Glee would be early July, but that is when SOLEX happens, and NEC contracts usually include non-competing events exclusion clauses so there would have to be plenty of negotiations to make that move.

If Glee is to be useful to groups and chains - including those on the fringes of gardening i.e. High Street and discounters – then September may be too late for them and my concern about moving back to the later date is that we may or may not get the smaller retailers to the event (as mentioned above) but we decrease the opportunity for new exhibitors and new products to be seen and listed by those retailers who need and want to plan their business in a strategic manner.

As I stated at the start of this article, as media partners we are only interested in the success of all our trade shows for both exhibitors and retailers.  At the end of the day, GTN won’t have any say in the timings as that is down to the owners and organisers of the events; however, we hope people’s short memories don’t lead us down a path that could be in the wrong direction.