In This Issue
Xylella fastidiosa: how Italy has tackled the problem
Gardman reports £1.5m loss - but earnings soar by 50%
Durston Garden Products HOLD prices for 2018
Christmas provides an October sales boost
Edwin Meijer reveals lessons learned from Canada trip
Young GCA delegates experience garden centre retailing Canadian style
RHS move National Gardening Week to later spring date
Which new plants really stand out?
Yobs smash up community garden centre - causing thousands of pounds worth of damage
Elho makes 'grow your own' available to everyone
Wildlife website redesigned with customers in mind
Shoplifting costs retailers £800m a year says research
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Pot sales soar as gardeners get set for Autumn
Sales of festive products gather momentum
Cyclamen back on top of Bestsellers chart
Poppy-related Wild Bird Care products sell well
For peat’s sake – a conversation on compost
TV and Radio 4 gardening expert to launch gardening school at Tong GC
Revolution in 'on-demand' product labelling
Garden centres to benefit from generous PR discounts
The best of last week's
"Xylella is the most serious situation I have come across in 32 years in the industry"
Supplier rebates to exceed £1.5m for Choice members
Coolings buys Potted Garden Nursery at Maidstone
Scotts fail with claim that Westland Safelawn advertising was misleading
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to GTN Bestsellers
All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering
Stylish new Café Bar opens at Squire’s in Shepperton
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Email neil.pope@tgcmc.co.uk, or trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call the GTN News team on 01733 775700


Young GCA delegates experience garden centre retailing Canadian style

The two young delegates sponsored by the Garden Centre Association Trust to attend the 58th International Garden Centre Association Congress near Niagara Falls in Canada have reported back with enthusiasm.

Zoe Willis from Perrywood Garden Centre and Liz Dowling from Millbrook Garden Company were  selected by the Trust for the Dick Allen Scholarship Award Scheme.



Zoe explained: “The week had a packed-full itinerary including many visits to Canadian garden centres, a visit to Toronto botanical gardens and a night hosted by Sheridan nurseries, a harbour tour overlooking the Toronto skyline, various trips to Niagara Falls, an evening at the Hockey Hall of Fame and as much networking as you could possibly pack in! It was an unforgettable experience and my brain is completely full of inspiration. I am beyond excited.”

This year’s IGCA was attended by delegates from 20 countries, with Britain sending the largest contingent.

Liz Dowling, who is based at Crowborough, said: “We visited some fabulous, and some not-so-fabulous, garden centres but there was something to learn from each of them and the people on the congress were brilliant. It was great to share experiences and learn from them – what a privilege to spend time talking to the owners of some of the best garden centres in the world. And all this while staying on the edge of the amazing Niagara Falls – I really couldn’t have had a better week!”

The Trust is now inviting donations to fund delegates to future congresses, including one to the Czech Republic in September 2018.

Sue Allen, Trust chairman, said: “If anyone wishes to make a donation to ensure the future of this exciting and successful initiative, they should contact Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA on 01244 952170 or visit www.gca.org.uk for more details.”

An announcement inviting applications will be made at the GCA annual conference in January

Caption:  Liz Dowling (left) from Millbrook Garden Company and Zoe Willis from Perrywood Garden Centre.

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