Fifteen months after buying Brookfields in Nottingham, Planters have now added a further centre to the business buying Pacific Nurseries in the West Midlands.

Peter and Tom Beharrell posted on the Pacific Nurseries website: "The time has now come for us to look forward to our retirement and we are thrilled that Gerald and Christine Ingram from Planters Garden Centres have agreed to buy both of the businesses.  They were very much our chosen partner to take us over, they have been our biggest wholesale customer for many years.

"Gerald, Christine and Bethany (their daughter) know many of our staff through attending joint meetings of our Trade Associations and we are confident that the transition will be seemless from the Beharrell family to the Ingrams.

"We have made so many friends while we have been at Pacific whether they be suppliers, customers or competitors.  It is a very friendly industry with which to have been involved. It just leaves Tom and myself to say “thank you” to you all for your custom and friendship and for us to wish all of the staff and the Ingram family every best wish and we leave in confidence that the business is in safe hands."

Gerald Ingram told GTN Xtra they were delighted to be acquiring both the garden centre and the nursery. "We will be runing the nursery as it has been and the team will remain the same in the garden centre. Pacific is in a great location and has been built on firm foundations for future growth"

"We are pleased that the business is moving from one family to another" added Gerald.  "Our acquisition of Brookfields 15 months ago is proving very succesful with over £1m being added to the turnover already and the Brookfileds planteria team winning an internal competion recently."

"

New Products for the UK Garden Trade for 2025 from GIMA Members: Ames, Auto Pot Global, Avocet Hardware – Greenman Tools, Azpects, Bulldog Tools, Burgon & Ball, Capi Europe, Coir Products, Durston Garden Products, elho, Evergreen Garden Care, Fandango Fire Tools, Fargro, Forest Garden, Gardena, Glee, Greenkey, Greenleaf Horticulture, Handy Distribution, Harvest Pet Products, Hortiwool    , Hozelock, Johnsons Lawn Seeds, Kleen-Tex, LBC Ultralight Boots, Marriages, Meadow View Stone, Museums & Galleries, Panacea Products, Phoenox, PlantWorks, POTR, Primeur, Primus, Sipcam, Smart Garden Products, Sorbus, The Solar Centre, Tildenet, Treadstone, Vitavia, Vitax, Witt UK & Ireland, Woodmansterne, Zest Outdoor Living, GIMA Member Directory, Join GIMA.

Will your teams be among the winners, and will your customers vote you to be The Greatest Garden Centre Team of 2024?

Our team of judges have their Christmas jumpers at the ready to start the judging process for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2024.

If you think your Christmas teams are the best in the business, now’s the time to get them nominated for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2024 and prepare for your customers to vote for you too.

There are categories to recognise display teams, Christmas Trees sales teams, marketing teams and after 19,000 votes were registered last year we will once again be running the public vote for The Greatest Christmas Teams across the country, as decided purely by garden centre customers.

It's simple to take part, all you have to do is nominate your teams for the award categories below in an e-mail to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk including a few words about why our team of judges should come and meet your team and a photo or two that we can include in our GTN Xtra Christmas photo galleries. The closing date for nominations to guarantee a visit from our judges is Monday 4^th  November 2024.

Or complete the on-line entry form here

Here are the categories for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2024

1. The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team
2. The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team 
3. The Greatest Gardening as a Christmas Gift Sales Team
4. The Greatest Christmas Gifts Team
5. The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Promotions Team
6. The Greatest Christmas BBQ and Outdoor Leisure Team – The SOLEX Sizzle
7. The Greatest Festive RetailFood Team
8. The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team
9. The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team
10. The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team
11. The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team
12. The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team 
13. The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team
14. The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team
15. The Greatest Giant Garden Centre Christmas Team  
16. The Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team – Overall and regional winners - as voted for by customers

*The Group Garden Centre awards are for centres that are part of groups with 5 or more centres

Judging visits will take place during November and December with the winners being announced on The Stage at Spring Fair on Monday 3rd February 2025.

The public vote will start during November with full details, voting forms and poster artwork available in the GTN Xtra e-mail newsletter later this month.

So, what are you waiting for, get snapping and send an e-mail today to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk to get your entry registered or complete the on-line entry form here

Two of our judges, Neil and Nicci Gow made an early visit to Old Railway Line Garden centre last week to present the 5 Greatest Christmas Awards they won last year, but were unable to attend the presentatiosn at Spring Fair.  Make sure you have Monday 3rd Februray 2025 in your diaries so that you can be there to collect your accolades and make the most of the marketing and team motivation opportunities.

Timber garden product specialist Zest’s new Ascot and Newbury Pergolas are proving a winner alongside its ‘at one with nature’ outdoor cooking and entertaining collection. 

The Zest Ascot 2.4m Pergola has a sturdy 90mm x 90mm post frame and elegant chamfered rafters, perfect for outdoor entertaining. Handcrafted from PEFC certified slow-grown softwood, it's an eco-friendly and durable choice that adds style and function to any space and is a winner for the 2025 season.

The Zest Newbury 2.4m Pergola is an alternative and has a 70mm x 70mm post frame.

With its consumer-focused outdoor living strategy, Zest has developed a collection of innovative on-trend products which are not only about relaxation in the outdoor space, but also creating the complete – and nature inspired - outdoor room for alfresco cooking, dining and entertaining.  The products sit naturally alongside Zest’s grow your own collection together tuning into the trending consumer ‘grow, cook, eat’ well-being approach.

The collection includes the Zest Terraza Outdoor Kitchen Set offers everything the consumer needs from a kitchen outdoors and blends beautifully into the natural environment.

Zest’s Garden Bar & Two Stool Set - a perfect party piece which is also space-saving and innovatively versatile. Two stools are included which can be stored within the unit when not in use.

Zest’s Garden Pizza Oven Table with 360-degree access for fuelling and cooking has been specifically designed with outdoor cooking in mind. 

Head of Commercial Development, Simon Davison commented, “We’re thrilled to offer a curated collection of outdoor entertaining products and the new Pergolas to garden centre stockists, department stores, and online retailers.”

The Zest collection is made from sustainable slow grown softwood sourced from PEFC certified (PEFC/16-37-1490) forests.  Retailers can also benefit from a library of product photography and lifestyle videos. 

For further information about Zest’s outdoor entertaining and grow your own products, visit www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk or email Sales-Team@p-a-group.com

Van den Berk Nurseries from Sint-Oedenrode, the Netherlands, has announced it will be acquiring Tandee Nursery, based near Peterborough. The acquisition will provide a strong foundation for growth and will allow Van den Berk to meet the needs of customers in the UK private market. 

The newly established company will continue under the name Tandee & Van den Berk Nurseries Ltd, starting 13 January 2025.

For existing customers and suppliers of Tandee Nursery, nothing will change – all services and deliveries will continue as usual. Van den Berk is working closely with the existing team at Tandee Nursery to ensure a smooth transition, with owner Deanna Craighead remaining in a key role within the new organisation.

Deanna said: “With this partnership, we can continue to provide our customers with the same quality and service they are used to. We look forward to a bright future where we can further expand our knowledge and experience together.”

Pieter van den Berk commented: “I am very pleased that we have reached this point and that we will be able to better serve our current and future customers from this location and new company.”

Van den Berk Nurseries specialises in large trees and shrubs. With extensive experience, Van den Berk supplies trees and plants to landscapers, landscape architects, developers, private individuals, and municipalities across Europe.

PATS – the Pets and Aquatic Trade Show – is set to reach new heights following its acquisition by Raccoon Media Group. This development promises an exciting future for the show and its exhibitors, as Raccoon Media Group’s recent launch of an Animal Health Division will bring enhanced resources, international expertise, and vision to support PATS’ continued growth in the UK. 

By working in close collaboration with the existing PATS team Raccoon’s Animal Health Division is committed to elevating the event experience and creating new growth opportunities in the UK and beyond for the pet trade sector.

Industry professionals can expect a dynamic evolution of the show, with an expanded focus on product innovation, networking, and insights that will serve both emerging and established brands. The existing PATS team will work closely with the Raccoon Media Group team, combining resources and expertise to enhance and evolve the PATS brand and experience for both exhibitors and attendees. Gordon Thomas, Director of PATS, will continue in his role, working alongside Nicole Cooper, CEO of Raccoon Media Group’s Animal Health Division, to build on PATS’ strong foundations and drive the show to new heights.

Since its inception in 2009, PATS (Pets and Aquatic Trade Show) has grown to become the UK’s largest and most respected trade event for the pet and aquatic industries. Originally launched as a modest gathering for pet retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers, PATS quickly gained a reputation for showcasing the latest innovations in pet products, health, and wellness. Over the years, the show has expanded to feature hundreds of exhibitors, from established brands to exciting new startups, and now attracts thousands of industry professionals and buyers from across the UK and beyond. With a dedicated focus on supporting business growth and providing networking and educational opportunities, PATS has evolved into a must-attend annual event that consistently raises the bar for trade exhibitions in the pet sector.

Gordon Thomas, Event Director of PATS, shared his optimism: “Joining Raccoon Media Group is a fantastic opportunity for the PATS brand and our team. Raccoon’s commitment to our industry, alongside their expertise in running successful trade shows, means we’ll be able to take PATS to the next level. I look forward to working alongside Nicole and the broader Raccoon team as we embark on this exciting journey together.”

Nicole Cooper, CEO of the Animal Health Division at Raccoon Media Group added: “We are thrilled to welcome PATS into the Raccoon family. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver industry-leading experiences in the animal health and wellness sector across the globe. PATS has long been a respected platform in the pet and aquatic trade world, and we’re excited to build on its success and create new opportunities for growth and collaboration across the sector.”

PATS has a well-established reputation as the event in the UK for pet and aquatic industry professionals. With Raccoon Media Group’s resources and strategic vision, the event is poised for an exciting new chapter.

Mike Seaman, Group CEO of Raccoon Media Group, commented on the acquisition: “This is a significant moment for Raccoon Media Group and our new Animal Health Division. We are excited to join forces with the PATS team and combine our strengths. Together, we’re confident that we can continue to grow and enhance PATS’ value to the industry, delivering a world-class event that supports the success of our clients, partners, and stakeholders.”

Leading figures and associations have been responding the Autumn Budget. Find out what they had to say…

The Horticultural Trades Association Director of Public Affairs, Jennifer Pheasey, said: “The Budget paints a mixed picture for the UK’s horticulture businesses, comprising 98% SMEs. The confirmation that employer national insurance contributions will rise, a 6.7% increase in the national living wage, adjustments to capital gains tax and ongoing changes in inheritance tax and property reliefs place additional financial pressure and uncertainty on many HTA members. These announcements come against a backdrop of other challenges, such as cross-border trade. We will examine the details of these measures and work with members to establish the full impact.

“Whilst much focus has been on tax rises, the government’s commitment to housebuilding and supporting investment is welcomed. We call on new homes to come with green spaces that are designed, delivered and maintained by UK horticulture. This must be an opportunity to boost UK businesses. We also welcome some continued relief on retail business rates, but we repeat our ongoing request to reform and fully review rates, including for our members in Scotland.

“We are also encouraged that our ask for action on retail crime, which accounted for a £16 million loss in turnover for HTA member garden centres in 2022, has been listened to with the announcement of effective immunity for low-value shoplifting scrapped and more funding to crack down on organised gangs targeting retailers.

“Maintaining consumer confidence amid the cost-of-living pressures is essential, and the government’s messaging encourages spending. However, it’s important to recognise the impact that economic uncertainty has had on household budgets and for our members, consumer confidence is crucial.

“Our sector delivers for the economy, environment, and health and wellbeing, which are significant challenges the government is currently grappling with and will only become more critical – Environmental Horticulture is uniquely placed to help with all three and therefore, investment in our sector will see returns across the UK. 

“As always, the devil is in the details, and the HTA will follow up with analysis and inputs to ensure our sector’s needs are understood, enabling the industry to flourish and contribute positively to the UK economy and growth.”

Steve Rodell, Managing Director – Retail & Leisure at Christie & Co, said: “While, in today's Budget, the Government committed to economic growth, it also committed to hikes in taxes for businesses around the country, including Capital Gains Tax and a rise in employers' National Insurance contributions by a lower £5,000 threshold. There will also be an added burden to businesses from an increase in the National Minimum wage that will somehow need to be paid for.  On the plus side, small employers will benefit from an increase in the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500.

The increase in the National Living Wage is likely, and NI will likely be passed to consumers in a higher process, but measures to increase household income will help retail and leisure consumer spending.  

The current 75% discount to business rates for retail and leisure businesses is due to expire in April of next year but will remain at a reduced 40% discount with a cap of £110K.  It will be interesting to see how this may affect growth plans. It is good news that small business rate relief stays in place and that the multiplier for retail hospitality and leisure will be set at a lower rate from the 2026 revaluation.

Fuel duty is frozen for another year and the Government will maintain the current 5p discount to help households. However, it has continued to emphasise the importance of investment in green infrastructure and technologies needed to achieve net zero, as we’ve seen with its introduction of the Vehicle Excise Duty. Car drivers who have been put off electric vehicles recently haven’t seen any incentives to turn their heads in this budget.

In the retail and leisure sectors, many deals are moving forward regardless, but at the higher end of the deal value range, some stakeholders have been adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach but we should see these move forward now."

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association, said: "This is without doubt the worst Budget for independent retailers I have seen in my time representing the sector. The government's actions today show complete disregard for the thousands of hard-working shop owners who form the backbone of our high streets.

"Small retailers, who have already endured years of challenging trading conditions, now face a perfect storm of crippling cost increases. Their business rates will more than double as relief drops from 75% to 40%, while they're hit simultaneously with employer National Insurance rising to 15% and a lower threshold of £5,000, down from £9,100. Add to this the minimum wage increase to £12.21, and many of our members are telling us they simply cannot survive this onslaught.

"One member has already calculated these changes will increase their cost base by £150,000 next year alone," he said.

Mr Goodacre added: "For all the government's rhetoric about supporting small businesses and revitalising high streets, their actions do precisely the opposite. These punishing measures will force many shop owners to make heart-breaking decisions about their businesses' future.

"What makes this particularly bitter is that these are family businesses, often built up over generations, run by people who work incredibly long hours to serve their communities. They're now being asked to shoulder an impossible burden while trying to compete with online giants who face none of these cost pressures.

"This is clearly an anti-high street Budget. I can only assume that the government is happy for working people to shop online and buy cheap imports. This government has shown complete disregard for the local businesses that create jobs and maintain vibrant communities," he said.

A recent survey released by Bira showed that 46% of retailers reported worse trading in early 2024 compared to 2023, with 42.6% expressing low confidence for Q2 2024.

Mr Goodacre said: "This Budget betrays every independent retailer who has fought to keep their business alive through recent challenges. It's not just disappointing - it's potentially catastrophic for Britain's high streets."

Sue Allen, who has been the driving force behind Greenfingers Charity during her tenure as Chairman, has stepped down from the role. Sue, however, will continue to serve the charity as a dedicated Trustee for another year.

Taking up the reins as the new Chairman is Boyd Douglas-Davies, a longstanding supporter of Greenfingers and the founder of the hugely successful Garden Re-Leaf Day annual fundraising event. Boyd’s vision for the future is clear – to create more beautiful and therapeutic gardens for children in hospices across the UK and provide essential on-going maintenance and makeovers for existing projects. However, this mission will require continued financial support from the industry, the public, and partners, and Boyd will continue to be involved in the ongoing programme of fundraising events to support this.

Celebrating Sue’s legacy

During her time as Chairman, Sue has been instrumental in driving the charity forward through challenging times, most notably steering Greenfingers through the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership also saw the launch of the Greenfingers garden maintenance programme, which ensures the gardens remain welcoming and rejuvenating spaces for children and their families and carers.

Among Sue’s many notable achievements are the ‘Brave the Shave’ which saw Sue and her daughter, Tammy Woodhouse, raise over £20,000 by shaving their heads, as well as her role in securing a £20,000 legacy through a conversation at the Worshipful Company of Gardeners. Under Sue’s leadership, Millbrook Garden Centre’s support via the Pennies initiative and in-store fundraising events also proved invaluable.

Sue’s commitment during her time as Chair has been unwavering, travelling across the country to attend garden openings, Greenfingers events, and industry gatherings – barely missing any in her efforts to promote the charity and its work.

Talking at the AGM, Sue Allen said: “It has been an honour to serve as Chairman of Greenfingers Charity, and I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together over the last five years.

“I am confident that Boyd will lead Greenfingers with the same enthusiasm and drive, and I look forward to supporting him and the charity as a Trustee. My thanks go to everyone who has supported me during my tenure, and I encourage everyone to continue their great support of the vital work Greenfingers does." 

Boyd’s vision for Greenfingers’ future

Boyd Douglas-Davies brings with him a renewed sense of purpose. His vision focuses on expanding Greenfingers’ work – creating more gardens and supporting more hospices with makeovers and re-freshes. Boyd is keenly aware of the importance of gardens in providing therapeutic value, especially for over 100,000 children and their families who are in the UK’s hospice system.

Boyd emphasised: “Hospices are under enormous pressure to fund the essential care provided within their walls and that’s where Greenfingers steps in. We’re the only charity dedicated to creating therapeutic outdoor spaces for children’s hospices and, with the support of our partners and the public, we can continue to make a difference.”

A warm hello and heartfelt goodbyes

Greenfingers bid a fond farewell to two long-standing members of its Board. Colin Wetherley-Mein has retired after a period of exceptional service to the charity. His connections within the gardening industry, particularly through GIMA, have opened many doors for Greenfingers over the years.

Rob Jones, meanwhile, stepped down after the completion of his tenure. Rob’s contribution as a Trustee and Chair of Greenfingers’ Garden Committee has been invaluable. His guidance and support have helped shape numerous garden projects, and his enthusiastic fundraising, particularly through Garden Re-Leaf Day, has made a lasting impact. From leading garden blitzes to workshops, Rob has gone above and beyond to raise funds for the charity.  The charity looks forward to Rob’s continued support, from the sidelines. 

Greenfingers is delighted to welcome David Carey as the newest Trustee. David brings with him a wealth of experience and a passion for horticulture, making him a valuable addition to the team.

Looking Ahead: 25 Years of the Greenfingers Charity

With Greenfingers' 25th anniversary finale coming next year, Boyd’s focus is not only on celebrating past achievements, but he is also looking ahead to the next milestone – 30 years of transforming gardens at children’s hospices. To continue this work, the charity needs ongoing support from the industry, corporate partners, as well as the wider community.

Boyd concluded, “We’ve achieved so much over the past 25 years, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, but we need to keep going. We’re calling on everyone to continue backing Greenfingers, whether that’s by participating in Garden Re-Leaf Day, attending the Floral Ball, or partnering with us for a mutually beneficial experience.”

Get involved!

As Greenfingers embarks on this next chapter, supporters are encouraged to get involved in a host of forthcoming fundraising activities. Join the Greenfingers Charity for Garden Re-Leaf Day (21st March 2025), attend the Floral Ball (26th June 2025), or reach out to the team to explore partnership opportunities. Together, we can make a lasting impact to the lives of children and families in hospices across the UK.

Further information regarding the Greenfingers Charity can be found at www.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.

Picture credit: Devon Live https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/live-huge-fire-breaks-out-9679384

Firefighters were called to The Old Well Garden Centre, Uffculme, near Cullompton, in the early hours of Friday after a huge fire broke out.

A large warehouse was well alight by the time firefighters arrived, and local residents were advised to keep their windows and doors closed due to the smoke.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “We received a call at 1.27 am due to reports of smoke and flames at a garden centre off the A38 near Uffculme. Three appliances and an aerial platform were initially dispatched from Cullompton, Tiverton and Taunton fire stations. On arrival, a large warehouse was well alight and an additional five appliances were dispatched to assist.

"Crews have made steady progress through the night using hose reel jets, safety jets and an aerial ladder to control the fire and the incident is beginning to be scaled down as crews locate and dampen down hotspots. Due to smoke, residents in the local area are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.”

The garden centre announced on it Facebook page that it was closed on Friday, and the social media post received over 300 comments from concerned customers.

Catering served up the best results for September, according to Garden Centre Association’s latest Barometer of Trade (BoT) figures out this week.

Seven of the 13 categories logged were up in the figures submitted by GCA garden centre members when compared to September 2023; with the year-to-date variance up 0.91%.

GCA Chairman, and Managing Director of St Peters Garden Centre, Will Blake says: “It’s great to see that overall, our members achieved growth for the month, despite the economic backdrop and the somewhat variable weather conditions. Seeds, bulbs and houseplants performed well and, as has been commonplace this year, catering and farm shop sales are continuing to do well.

“Unfortunately, significant categories, such as outdoor plants, and sundries haven't fared so well, which is disappointing for our industry. Let’s hope we all have a strong end to the autumn gardening season, and then Christmas is a huge success for everyone!”

The top category for September 2024, when compared to the same month in 2023, was catering at +18.16%, with seeds & bulbs in second place at +15.94% and Christmas sales next at +14.22%.

In fourth position was food hall/farm shop +12.13%, then clothing at +11.47%, gifts at +10.48% and houseplants in the seventh spot at +6.38%.

The other five categories were showing as down. They were pets & aquatics, which recorded a slight dip at -0.64%, outdoor plants down at -2.02%, hard landscaping down by -2.3%, the miscellaneous category at -2.42%, garden sundries at -3.24% and furniture and BBQs falling by -23.86%.

The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.

The BoT allows members to compare their trading positions with other centres.

This year’s Westland Horticulture sponsored, GCA Rising Stars programme attendees including the four selected finalists. (L-R, back row) Ben Clarke from Knights Nags Hall Garden Centre, Dan Furley from Millbrook Garden Centre – Gravesend, Josh Rigg from Klondyke Garden Centre – Wilmslow and Will Harris from Klondyke Garden Centre – Garforth. (L-R, front row) Dian Phillips from Pugh’s Radyr, Erin Tuchscherer from British Garden Centres – Charlbury and Gayna Barnard of Bents Home & Garden.

Four individuals from Garden Centre Association member garden centres have been announced as finalists in the industry body’s Rising Stars programme sponsored by Westland Horticulture.

The staff were put forward by their garden centres for the scheme and took part in a series of workshops during 2024.

GCA inspector, Gordon Emslie, who mentored the workshops, said: “Well done to our worthy finalists: Ben Clarke from Knights Nags Hall Garden Centre, Dan Furley from Millbrook Garden Centre – Gravesend, Josh Rigg from Klondyke Garden Centre – Wilmslow and Gayna Barnard of Bents Home & Garden. I’m looking forward to seeing them present at the GCA conference in January. Each year our finalists really excel, and this year is no exception.

“The initiative would not run without the excellent partnership between the GCA and Westlands. I would like to thank both organisations for showing such wonderful enthusiasm and commitment to the scheme and for wholeheartedly supporting the development of our colleagues in the sector.” 

All the candidates undertook projects, within their garden centres, which ran from March to September. They then presented them to a Dragon’s Den panel of judges in October, who scored them and the final four were the top scoring projects.

This year’s Westland Horticulture sponsored, GCA Rising Stars programme attendees with GCA inspector, Gordon Emslie (standing) during the Dragon’s Den element of the initiative.

Gordon added: “This season’s Rising Stars have again been of an outstanding quality of people employed in the garden centre industry. The commitment, enthusiasm and tenacity shown from them all to deliver a sustainability or environmental project has been excellent. Every one of them should be extremely proud of their journey on this year’s programme and on how well they all did presenting at the Dragons Den.

“Each of them tackled important issues around sustainability and environment, which far too many of us take for granted. They have all been very broad in their approach to this year’s projects.

“They have all faced challenges during the year, which the programme is designed to flush out. As testing as those were, they have all been committed to delivering their projects, as well as having the determination to see them through.

“I personally have found it a very humbling experience working with all this year's candidates and I am proud to have been their mentor again this year.”

The finalists will present their projects at the 2025 GCA Conference at the De Vere Wokefield Estate near Reading on Monday, January 27 and share with the audience how the Rising Stars programme has helped them develop during the past 10 months.

A final winner will be voted for by conference delegates and crowned at the event.

Gina Lewis, Social & Content Marketing Manager at Westland Horticulture, said: “Garden centres and the incredible teams that work within them, are critical to the success and future growth of the UK gardening industry. At Westland, we are passionate about supporting the future stars of the industry and we are delighted to continue to sponsor and support this year’s Rising Stars on their journey over the last 12 months to the GCA conference.

“The presentations they have prepared, with Gordon’s guidance, are thought provoking, insightful and innovative, highlighting the huge potential of this talented group. Each Rising Star has brought added value to their centre with their projects and kept a focus on sustainability at the heart of everything they have done. We wish them the best of luck as they move to the next stage of the competition and hope they continue to make a real difference to our industry as their careers progress.”

The Horticultural Trades Association continues to drive its campaign against retail crime within the garden centre sector, engaging with both the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for West Sussex, Katy Bourne and the Thames Valley PCC Matthew Barber.

Retail crime has both a financial and social impact on garden centres, which collectively suffer millions in losses each year. In 2022, it was estimated that theft accounted for a £16 million loss in turnover for HTA member garden centres. 

The HTA has also sent a report to all PCCs in England and Wales, followed by meetings with several in person and online to share member experiences. As a result, garden centre locations have been added to police officer patrols, and members have been invited to local business and crime forums. Guidance has been provided for reporting crimes and using apps such as Disc to submit evidence and communicate with police and other businesses. 

On 10 October, as part of the HTA regional member events, Tates of Sussex played host to a ‘Tackling Retail Crime’ event, attended by HTA members, West Sussex PCC Katy Bourne and Business Crime Sussex, as well as representatives from security systems companies. The focus was strengthening security measures and improving collaboration between local garden centres and law enforcement.  

Mark Gilbert, Commercial Director, Tates Garden Centres, said: “This was an excellent opportunity to discuss with the West Sussex PCC and the head of Sussex Police Business Retail Crime the devasting effects that shoplifting is causing garden centres. We were able to explain the huge cost to our business through the crime itself and the investment cost of more advanced security technology to help combat this matter. 

“The takeaway from the meeting was that the police have come to understand the high levels of shoplifting we are suffering and that organised crime gangs are involved in that work across the region targeting garden centres. 

“The final message was to report all these crimes so more police resources can be allocated to this sector, and there was a promise from the police to involve their new nationwide crime unit that investigates organised criminal gangs.” 

The HTA also convened a meeting with Thames Valley PCC Matthew Barber at Blue Diamond’s Bicester Garden Centre, where they discussed crime prevention strategies for the sector. Blue Diamond’s Head of Group Security, Nathan Wilson, and Group Security Manager, Zoe Piggott, discussed the importance of collaboration in tackling opportunistic theft, organised crime, and other challenges affecting garden centres. 

Matthew Barber, Thames Valley PCC, commented: “As we step up the activity to fight shopping and violence towards staff across Thames Valley, I want to ensure the garden centre sector is not left behind. Thames Valley Police have almost doubled the number of charges for shoplifting this year, and I’m rolling out the Disc system, free to retailers, to improve reporting.” 

Nathan Wilson, Head of Group Security and Total Loss at Blue Diamond, added: “It was a productive meeting to discuss the increase in crime throughout the garden centre industry and how we, as retailers, work alongside the police to tackle the increased losses through opportunist theft, career criminals and organised crime groups.  What products are being targeted, and how Blue Diamond is looking at technology to support us in reducing crime and making our Centres a safer place to work and shop.” 

These events and meetings are part of the HTA’s broader Retail Crime Support, which provides members with essential tools, resources, and guidance on reporting and preventing retail crime. A recent survey revealed that 71% of HTA garden centres consider theft a significant issue, while 40% noted that abuse towards staff is a minor concern. 

David Lydiat, HTA Public Affairs & Policy Manager said: “The HTA has been listening to what members have been saying on retail crime and their experiences. This is a concerning subject, and we were keen to bring our members together with the key decision-makers in regional police forces. I am encouraged by the meetings and actions taken so far, and the HTA will continue to support our garden centres to reduce and mitigate theft.” 

The HTA’s autumn budget submission also calls for enhanced support for retail crime prevention, with a particular focus on rural policing resources to protect vulnerable garden centre businesses.

British Garden Centres has again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to giving back to the charity, presenting Greenfingers with a cheque for £30,000. This impressive sum was raised through a year of fundraising efforts across the company's 65 stores across the UK.

Employees from the UK's largest family-run garden centre group showed their ongoing commitment to supporting Greenfingers' mission through various FUNdraising events. Highlights included store events on Garden ReLeaf Day, where customers enjoyed cake sales, tombolas and raffles, car washes, competitions and challenges. Some of the British Garden Centres team also participated in sponsored cycle rides and the Garden Re-Leaf walks, raising money as they took part in the activities across the UK.

A special collaboration with Unwins led to the Sweet Pea Butterfly Blue seeds being launched, with a small donation going towards Greenfingers’ cause. Adventurous team members from Brigg and Wolseley Bridge took on the challenge of climbing Snowdon, embracing the scenic beauty of Wales while raising vital funds.

In addition to these activities, a thrilling Dragonboat Race with a BGC team added an element of adventure and teamwork, showcasing the dedication of employees to rally together to fundraise and support the vital work of Greenfingers.

Greenfingers, a charity dedicated to creating magical gardens in children's hospices, has transformed the lives of countless children and their families. Greenfingers gardens offer a space for respite, joy, and therapeutic benefits, providing a much-needed escape from the challenges of illness.

British Garden Centres Project and Development Manager, Amy Stubbs, and Regional Manager, John Wallis presented Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers with the cheque at a packed-out Tring Garden Centre Charity Shopping and Quiz night last week.

Amy said: “I’m always blown away by the dedication, commitment and tenacity shown to this amazing charity by our team members and BGC family. We collectively continue to make a significant difference in people’s lives.”

Linda expressed her gratitude saying: "We’ve been blown away by British Garden Centres’ fundraising for the Greenfingers l and we want to say a huge thank you to them for their incredible hard work and dedication, and to everyone who has supported the charity throughout 2024. The fantastic total raised by team members at British Garden Centres will be a huge boost for the charity and help us build more outdoor spaces for children and their families, and actively help us turn garden designs into reality.”

British Garden Centres (BGC) is the UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group with 65 centres around the country. The group is owned and led by The Stubbs family, who also own and operate Woodthorpe Leisure Park in Lincolnshire.

BGC was launched in 1987 with the opening of Woodthorpe Garden Centre by brothers Charles and Robert Stubbs. Since 2018 it has expanded rapidly with the acquisition of 50 garden centres allowing it to grow from its heartland to the business it is now with 65 garden centres spread from Carmarthen to Ramsgate, Wimborne to East Durham.

The group has a team of 2,700 colleagues working across the garden centres, restaurants, growing nurseries, distribution centres, Woodthorpe Leisure Park, and Woody’s Restaurant & Bar.

Kate Ebbens has smashed through 300 days and run over 1,300km in her mammoth 366 Daily Run for Greenfingers.

To date visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/kate-ebbens-1701443565987

You can read Kate’s October update below:

Booking is now open for the GCA annual conference, which takes place at De Vere Wokefield Estate, Reading from Sunday, 26th until Wednesday, 29th January 2025.

Chairman for 2024/25, William Blake, who is organising the conference with CEO Peter Burks, says: “We’ve been working hard to make sure it’s bigger and better than ever this year. We’ve put together some very forward-thinking themes and have secured a line-up of dynamic speakers, who are informative, educational, and motivating. There will be lots of opportunity to socialise with industry friends, colleagues, and associates."

On Sunday

London Retail Safari featuring a trends presentation from Matthew Brown @ Echochamber and the Self-Guided Retail Safari Tour. 

Any profits from this event will be donated to charity.

We have booked a first come, first served 50-seater luxury coach.

On Monday

Presentations from our inspectors, guiding you through the best practice seen in UK garden centres. Rising Stars will present their projects, and the winner will be voted on and announced.  YPHA will update on what they are doing within the industry.  Plus, the announcement of competition and category award winners. Monday’s speakers will focus on Customer Experience, Employee Engagement and someone who will challenge our imagination.  In the evening, we will enjoy our Associate networking dinner and take on a ‘London Underground’ theme.

Speakers:

• Imagination Rob Hopkins - What if (Imagination) talk
• Customer Experience / Celebrity Service Geoff Ramm
• Generational Diversity & Inclusion – Working with Future Generations Henry Rose Lee

On Tuesday

We will hear from knowledgeable speakers who will discuss the economy, marketing and leadership, followed by presentations from the RHS and HTA. We will also hear from our supported charities Colegrave Seabrook Foundation, Perennial and Greenfingers. We will have a talk on AI along with further presentations from IGCA and GCA Trust.  In the afternoon we have the Associates Exhibition – a chance to meet suppliers in an informal setting to view their products and services and to finish, our prestigious Awards Gala Dinner.

Speakers:

• Economist Martin Roger-Fagg
• Brand / Sustainable Marketing Michelle Carvill - How to drive profits with purpose
• Laughter & Leadership Professor Sophie Scott

How to book / Discounts available

Booking is now open via this link: Garden Centre Association Tickets, Bundles - Buy Online (digitickets.co.uk)

There’s a 10% early bird discount until the end of November and an additional discount for Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) members.

Registration is live for the UK’s leading Home, Gift, and Fashion trade show, Spring Fair, which is on track to sell out at its 75th anniversary edition. Taking place from 2nd – 5th February 2025 at NEC Birmingham, the milestone event has revealed that its Gift destination in Hall 4 is now completely sold out, with space quickly filling up across all categories.

Spring Fair annually hosts over 1,200 exhibitors, showcasing over a million new products across 12 unmissable buying destinations dedicated to Home, Gift, Fashion and Everyday. The 2025 edition promises to be one of the most highly anticipated in the event's history, featuring industry-leading brands alongside hundreds of newcomers, and heaps of exciting new theatres and activations to experience in celebration of the 75th anniversary.

The burgeoning Gift destination, which is expanding into Hall 5 to meet increasing demand, remains one of the most sought-after categories. Brands are securing their spots early to take advantage of the buzz surrounding this historic event.

With nearly 700 gift exhibitors and over 15,000 visitors interested in gift items, Spring Fair is the largest and most comprehensive gift marketplace in the UK. Covering all your bases, from classic to contemporary, licensed, eco-friendly, gifts for kids, and British-made at all price points, the Gift destination has huge appeal for all buyers interested in diversifying their offer and developing their product ranges. To meet the growing trend for experience retailing, more and more businesses are now buying gifting products. Gone are the years when a florist only sells flowers. Everything from tattoo parlours, hairdressers and barber shops are now stocking products which sit within the Gift destination.

Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director of Spring Fair says, “We’re bursting at the seams – it’s been incredible to feel and see the momentum build for Spring Fair 2025. The desire for brands to take part in this milestone event is palpable. And it’s not just the Gift destination seeing extraordinary growth. The Home destination is over 85% sold out and The Summerhouse has expanded by 30% - with many brands increasing their stand sizes to showcase bigger collections. In Moda, we’ve seen a surge in Fashion Accessories and Jewellery brands. There are so many reasons to be part of Spring Fair’s 75th edition – to ensure you get the best locations still available, get in touch.”

To be a part of the Spring Fair’s 75th Anniversary celebrations and secure your space visit https://www.springfair.com/exhibit. 

To register to attend visit Spring Fair 2025

The team at a South Leeds adventure play attraction is celebrating after being shortlisted for a Yorkshire tourism award.

Mission Out, based at Tingley Garden Centre, has reached the final of the Kids First award in the Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards. 

Tingley Garden Centre is part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres family. Group Play Manager, Caroline Ellis is delighted with the news: "Since we acquired our first garden centre at Tong in 2015, it's always been our ambition to be a great destination attraction for all the family and we were aware that there was a gap in our offer for something new and exciting for 7 - 14 year olds to enjoy. In a world that can be dominated by screen time, our challenge was to create a park that inspires, engages and challenges this age group.

"Visitor numbers suggest that we have achieved our ambition, and a place in the final is great recognition for Mission Out's popularity and the team's hard work plus exceptional customer service."

Mission Out faces competition from High Adventures Holidays, Piglets Adventure Farm and The Hole in the Wand York. The team will learn whether they have been successful at an awards ceremony at New Dock, Leeds on 2nd December. The judges include Wayne Topley, MD of the Cedar Court Hotels Group, Susie Brindley, MD of Willow Business Support, and Philip Bolson, Owner, Mr B Hospitality.

The Yorkshire Garden Centres family comprises Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley Garden Centres plus Dean's York and Scarborough.

A significant stage in the YPHA’s Launch Success Challenge was reached with completion of the product pitches. Kindly hosted by St Peters Garden Centre, Worcester, who provided the teams with use of their cosy yurt which made a fabulous venue. 

The first day was spent refining presentations and receiving super supportive training from Boyd Douglas-Davies with a focus on pitch delivery. This time was valuable to the teams to allow them to run through all their hard work that has compiled over the last few months in response to the training provided on the Launch Success Challenge programme. 

Training on the programme consisted of a wide range of topics from plant photography, plant labelling, product identity and commerciality, branding, content creation, costings, and more. 

The two teams, Gream Team and Blue Team, received all their training separate to the other team which allowed open discussion and concept creation resulting in the product pitches being unique to one another as all ideas were kept undisclosed. 

On the day of the pitch presentations the Green Team were up first. As they carried out the set up for their pitch the judges on the panel started to arrive. The panel consisted of: 

• Bob Sweet – BBC Gardeners World Live Events – Horticultural Director
• Lucy Tremlett – BBC Gardeners World Live Events – Event Director
• Liz Dowling – Business Coach 
• Micheal Perry (Mr Plant Geek) – Author and TV Presenter 
• Annieck Nota-Ruigrok – Beekenkamp Plants – Head of Marketing 
• Andy Abbey - Beekenkamp Plants – Technical Plant Specialist 
• Peter Moore – Plant Breeder – Launch Success Challenge Headline Sponsor 
• Amy Stubbs – British Garden Centres – Project and Development Manager 
• Julian Palphramand – British Garden Centres – Head of Plants 
• Nick Mathias – Floramedia – Managing Director 
• Ella Miles, Launch Success Challenge Delegate 

The Green Team delivered their pitch followed by a questioning session. The genuine feeling of collaboration between the team members was notable. After the judges took some time to confer, the Blue Team then presented their pitch followed by questions. At last, the two teams were able to reunite but the anticipation of the judges results still had everybody unsettled. 

After what felt like a long deliberation period the results were shared with the delegates of both the Green Team and the Blue Team. The day was full of nerves and excitement for what was a unique opportunity for the Launch Success delegates to have the chance to share their ideas with such professionals in the industry.

 The feedback was positive and constructive. Both teams exceeded expectations which resulted in not just one concept being chosen but elements from both teams being decided upon to release the new plant at Gardeners World Live 2025. The work is not over for the delegates! Its now time to prepare for the official launch. 

Now is the time to give your learning a boost with scholarship support from the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation. Applications are open for more scholarships than we have ever offered before - and for more money.

The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation has this month launched it’s varied range of scholarships and applications are welcomed from students studying a broad base of horticultural and plant science topics, through a UK based university or college, whether as a full-time or part time course, or through an apprenticeship scheme.  

The very popular Smart Garden Products Student Scholarship scheme returns, with the great added bonus of not just financial support but the opportunity for students to get involved with the Knowledge Development Tour as part of the scheme which has proved so popular over recent years. Added to the range of Scholarships for 2025 is the Wyevale Nurseries Scholarship for students with a particular interest in the commercial products of hardy nursery stock. Also new for 2025 is the RHS bursary scheme, aimed specifically towards those studying for their Level 2 or 3 RHS Qualification.

Chair of Trustees, Jeff Colegrave told us: “We recognise the cost impact of studies is growing significantly for students and as a result, as well as increasing the number of scholarships we offer, we have also increased the value of many of them. We are extremely grateful to all our sponsors including Smart Garden Products, Blue Diamond, BOA, Ball Horticulture, The Crispa Foundation and the Worshipful Company of Gardeners, for their continued support and are delighted to have new sponsors joining us including Wyevale Nurseries and the RHS.” 

The Foundation offers a variety of scholarships which students can use to help with the costs of their studies, from course fees to materials and resources, along with a number of other scholarships on more specialist areas of plant science and research, none of which are means tested, but judged on the attitude, ability and ambition of the applicant. 

There is a single, simplified on-line application process and you will find full details and application advice for all the Scholarships, including those offered in conjunction with the Royal Society of Biology and Markham Colegrave International Scholarship, on the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation website www.colegraveseabrookfoundation.org.uk

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BHETA is to hold another of its popular face-to-face Meet The Buyer days with garden centre group, Dobbies. The event which is entitled Innovation Day takes place from 9am until 5pm on Thursday 21st November 2024 at Dobbies Garden Centre, Atherstone, Cross Lane Farm, Nuneaton Road, Atherstone, CV9 1RF.

Dobbies, which is celebrating its 160th anniversary in 2025, is keen to see both new and existing suppliers to develop ranges and extend the offer for the garden centre group’s loyal customer base.  New products are sought across all categories and there is also an opportunity for new promotional and seasonal lines.  The overall emphasis is very much on innovation in all cases.

Suppliers in the following sectors are especially encouraged to attend:

• Home Décor
• Spa
• Accessories
• Outdoor living
• Christmas
• Tableware
• Cookshop
• Utility
• Small Domestic Appliances
• Pet and Bird
• Gardening

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• Impulse and promotional products
• Toys
• Books

The Dobbies team on the day will be Commercial Director, Andy Hannan, plus the head of trading and buyers representing all the product categories above.

Suppliers can bring two people and will be allocated a twenty-minute meeting with the relevant buyer.   Multiple appointments can be booked if suppliers have products relevant for different categories.

All supplier registrations are subject to approval by the Dobbies buyer and appointments will be confirmed by the BHETA team.  There is a cost of £89 plus VAT for BHETA members, £199 plus VAT for non-members attending their first BHETA Meet The Buyer day or £249 plus VAT for non-members who have been to a previous such event.

The closing date for registration applications is 14th November, and registration can be made via the BHETA website or by contacting Sam in BHETA Member Services on sa@bheta.co.uk.  Payment by non-members must be received no later than 15th November.

BHETA’s DIY & Gardening sector manager, Steve Edwards commented, “The chance to speak directly to the Dobbies buying team is obviously a great 

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opportunity and we are expecting an excellent turn-out, so I strongly recommend applying for registration as soon as possible.”

More details of BHETA’s events programme, which includes webinars, Meet The Buyer events and networking forums with leading retailers can be found on the BHETA website www.bheta.co.uk.

The ornate Tinkerbell, intriguing Medusa and astonishingly hot Carolina Reaper are among the fascinating varieties of chilli on show in a lavish exhibit at the Eden Project in Cornwall.

Found in the heart of the attraction’s Mediterranean Biome, the must-see display contains more than 300 plants which are made up of 34 different cultivars (cultivated varieties) and represent all five of the major species of cultivated chillies.

Visitors to the Eden Project can currently see a huge range of chillies sporting many shapes and colours within the display including fruits that are purple, brown, apricot, black, orange, yellow and green, as well as some stripy variations alongside beautiful, varicoloured purple, white and green leaves.

Six of the cultivars being grown this year are from seed the Eden Project team have had in storage since 1999 - the time when the organisation began acquiring seeds for early plantings. Initially sown as a test to see if they would germinate, the plants, consisting of Pimento, Banana Sweet, Tennessee Cheese, Rocoto Yellow, Aji Panca and Alma Paprika, are performing very strongly.

The sizes of chilli plants on show range from ones that could fit into a small pot on a windowsill to some that grow into a small tree. Their heat ranges from 0 up to a staggering 2.2 million on the Scoville heat scale – higher than some law enforcement-grade pepper sprays.

The Eden Project’s horticulture team have found that while the exhibit is indoors, the outdoor light levels have had a major impact on the growth of the chillies.

A largely wet and overcast summer, with few prolonged sunny periods meant that the plants had no setbacks and were able to establish, grow and yield the most impressive chilli display the team have grown to date.

Across the exhibit, there is representation for all five of the major species of cultivated chillies - Capsicum annuum, C. chinense, C. baccatum, C. frutescens and C. pubescens – all of which originate from South America.

One of the notable cultivars being grown as part of the exhibit is Tinkerbell. Unusually, this chilli’s heat is not evenly distributed. The pungency is concentrated in the fruit’s central core, while its outer wing-shaped area has no noticeable heat at all.

Also growing is Medusa. Named after Greek mythology’s snake-haired Gorgon due to its appearance, it produces masses of mild, long, twisted, multi-coloured, upright fruit.

Visitors can also see the Carolina Reaper. Although it was recently dethroned as the world’s hottest chilli, the Carolina Reaper has an impressive Scoville scale rating of up to 2.2 million units - 400 times hotter than a Jalapeno chilli pepper.

Also thriving is the Rocoto Long. Shaped like elongated cones and with a distinctive floral aroma, these chillies unusually contain black seeds as opposed to the usual white ones found in most varieties.

Other highlights include the Sugar Rush Peach Stripey, an attractive and tasty peach-coloured chilli with unique red stripes and a fruity flavour, and Bolivian Rainbow, one of the most beautiful chilli plants with its deep purple leaves. This cultivar’s colourful chillies ripen from purple to yellow to orange and finally red.

The chillies are one example of an array of horticulture highlights for visitors to the Eden Project to enjoy right now.

Also in the Mediterranean Biome, the horticulture team have been working to create a thriving citrus display full of varieties such as satsumas, clementine, navel and blood oranges. These fruits can be seen ripening in abundance with the display set to shine for weeks to come.

In the Outdoor Gardens, the green leaves of the Liquidambar styraciflua, also known as sweet gum, have turned to fiery shades of reds and oranges, creating a dramatic rim of colour which can be seen from across the Eden Project site.

In the Rainforest Biome, an example of an extremely rare species of palm, known as Tahina spectabilis, is settling into its new permanent home. Visitors can enjoy this plant in the Tropical Islands area of the Biome. The species was only discovered in 2006 and is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Catherine Cutler, the Eden Project’s interim head of horticulture, said: “We are delighted to be able to showcase so many different types of chilli in our exhibit this year and to educate our visitors about the fascinating and unique attributes each cultivar possess.

“Autumn is a fantastic time to enjoy our entire site, with the relaxing Outdoor Gardens rich with the colours of the season, many intriguing plants growing in our Mediterranean Biome and the recent exciting addition of the Tahina spectabilis to our Rainforest Biome. It’s great to see our visitors continue to engage with our wonderful living exhibits and the important stories they tell.”

For more information on what to see and do at the Eden Project and to pre-book online for the best price see www.edenproject.com.

Tickets are now available for the AIPH International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards, which takes place on 28th January 2025 at IPM Essen, Germany.

Supported by Headline Sponsor MPS, Host Partner IPM Essen, Category Sponsor GLOBALG.A.P. and Founding Partner FloraCulture International, the 15th edition of the AIPH IGOTY Awards will celebrate top ornamental production nurseries from around the globe.

Michael Perry, better known as Mr Plant Geek, returns as MC for the evening, joined by Sirekit Mol, Head of Commercial Operations and Head of Marketing & Retail for Beekenkamp Plants.

The awards will be presented for the four categories: Cut Flowers and Bulbs, Young Plants, Finished Plants and Trees, and Sustainability. From among these categories, only one winner will be crowned the ‘AIPH International Grower of the Year 2025’ and receive the ‘Gold Rose’ – the industry’s most coveted prize last won by Greenwood Plants, UK.

AIPH has once again partnered with Jungle Talks for the fourth ‘Young International Grower of the Year’ Award. Participants of Jungle Talks’ Pro Manager Mastercourse will have a chance to pitch their ideas to the jury and the most inspiring candidate will be chosen as the winner.

Finalists will be announced in December 2024. Judging will be conducted by a panel of industry experts who will access the entrants on five key criteria; economic performance, innovation, market insight, sustainability and human resources policy.

All winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony on 28th January 2025 at IPM Essen, Germany. Tickets to attend the ceremony cost €120 and include a standing buffet dinner and post-award celebratory drinks. Groups of five are priced at €480, saving 20%, and groups of ten cost €840, saving 30%.

To find out more about the IGOTY Awards and to purchase tickets, visit the AIPH Website.

AIPH thanks Headline Sponsor MPS, Host Partner IPM Essen, Category Sponsor GLOBALG.A.P., Support Sponsor MyPlant&Garden, and Founding Partner FloraCulture International for their continued support of the awards.

A coalition of growing media manufacturers have formed the 'Growing Media Manufacturers’ Council’ (GMMC) with a goal of ensuring the UK offers the highest quality growing media to professional growers and amateur gardeners.

The leading growing media manufacturers have joined together to give the industry a strong voice – building a proactive and like-minded working group that champions a positive future for growing media. The group is initially fully focussed on safeguarding the future for growers by creating a clear new set of standards in professional growing media.

The council was born out of the lack of a clear and sustainable path to protect UK growers and the horticultural sector as a whole. It has become clear that there is much confusion surrounding which substrate growers should use to achieve quality results in a sustainable way. As a result, the manufacturers of professional substrates have come together to manage the risk to the whole industry, which is currently facing the potential of failed businesses and the loss of many keen home gardeners due to recurrent failures. The current void in standards (and shortage of substrates that are fit for purpose) has left the industry in need of clarity and a concerted effort is required to support and deliver the best quality growing substrates across the horticultural sector for today and tomorrow.

The council recognises the substantial challenges and opportunities currently facing the growing sector. It has therefore placed “establishment of a robust quality standard and environmental solutions” as top priorities given the surge in poorly performing raw materials entering the market, which it believes is damaging the industry’s reputation and trust.

To deliver this goal the newly formed group will proactively engage with all involved parties including retailers, growers, HTA, Government, NGOs, and other key stakeholders. The key objectives will be futureproofing the sector, creating robust and sustainable quality measures, driving innovation and supporting development, starting with the professional sector, which in turn will naturally flow and benefit the consumer and retail sector. The group will work closely with Government to secure the investment required to ensure that our customers are consistently offered excellence in growing media, and to allow growers to again focus on restoring the UK as a leader in global horticulture and technical excellence.

The founding members of the GMMC are well established multi-material manufacturers, that support the growing of over one billion plants per annum. The members have a proven track record of success, with over 150 years of knowledge, expertise, and history in growing media, and between them have invested over £100m in leading the way for innovation. The initial working group includes Bulrush, Godwins, ICL, Melcourt, and Westland Horticulture. Once established the retail manufacturers will be encouraged to join the council to deliver a future of high-quality substrates for all sectors.  

Keith Nicholson, Marketing Director, Westland, commented: “As the industry moves forward, it is imperative that there is a shared vision and strong roadmap that protects, develops and promotes the UK ornamental and edible sectors. This means developing the reliable and efficacious growing media needed to ensure the sector continues to thrive, both in terms of the health of all plants, and the choice and experience for customers. The new standard will consider raw materials, supply chain, production, usability, sustainability, retail experience, shelf life and customer satisfaction”.

The GMMC is dedicated to:

• Reducing the environmental impact of horticulture whilst delivering high quality sustainable growing media solutions to benefit the UK Horticulture Industry
• Setting a new regulated standard in professional and consumer manufactured growing media with mandatory conditions that support both the grower and home gardener
• Working towards a longer-term strategy to address the availability of high quality, consistent, and efficacious growing media
• Addressing the health and growth needs of all plant types for both ornamental and food production
• Managing the risks associated with emerging and unproven raw materials
• Complying with existing and future regulations to support sustainable horticulture practices
• Collaborating with Government to ensure that the industry is able to secure the investment needed to make these objectives a reality
• Work with all relevant parties to ensure clarity on sustainability and understanding of the costs and benefits of new substrates
• Seeking collaboration with stakeholders to deliver a strong and sustainable roadmap to help protect the environment for future generations
• Position the UK Horticulture Industry as a leader in the highest quality and sustainable growing practices.

Stephen Squires, Region Lead at ICL Growing Solutions, and appointed chair of the GMMC, commented: “The coming together of this new group of sector leading manufacturers is an exciting prospect. All members share the same vision and goals, of ensuring our industry moves forward in a positive manner providing sustainable growing media solutions that protects the professional grower, the home gardener, and the success of our industry. Our joint aim is to develop the highest standard sustainable growing media and lead the way for the future of the UK horticultural sector.”

Hope is on the horizon for the 465 staff at Dobbies that work in the 11 garden centres and 6 Little Dobbies stores that have been announced as “to be closed” at the end of the year as part of the re-structuring plan that Dobbies are working through currently.

GTN Xtra has been speaking with Jonathan Salt of Harvey Spack Field who are appointed agents for about half of the sites either going to be closed or going to be compromised where Dobbies are also seeking temporary rent reductions. “There's probably only one of my garden centres that is probably going to struggle by being a long-term garden centre.  I reckon there's a 95% chance that most of them will be garden centre, and maybe 100% in the short term. Possibly add-ons if they're not going to be garden centres, it might be garden centre and a food store or a garden centre and a gym that sort of thing. I think we can be positive about it. The opportunity now is that these garden centres can go to people that care about their people and care about their businesses.”

Jonathan explained that the landlords are happy to talk with new potential business owners about taking over the centres because they know the true potential of the sites and they are keen to negotiate rents that are viable for the long term.  “It will be short term pain for long term gain for the landlords.”

So, as Dobbies kicks off it’s Christmas retailing campaign “Christmas, in every sense”, it appears there is hope for staff, landlords and suppliers that the threatened closure of so many Dobbies Garden Centres at the end of the year may be providing opportunities for other garden centre operators to step in and get those retail sites back on track.

Choice Marketing’s Annual Conference and Trade Show, held at the Chesford Grange in Kenilworth, has gone down as the group’s most successful event ever, achieving record-breaking attendance and engagement from members and suppliers. 

The event brought together 400 industry delegates, featuring inspiring speakers and valuable industry insights for its members, together with a bustling trade show that generated more than £300,000 in orders — making it the group’s most productive conference and trade show to date.

This year’s conference marked Choice Marketing’s continued growth, with the addition of new Members Bernaville Nurseries and Merry Harriers, as well as new centres from Fairways and Caulders. With these new Members, Choice Marketing is now a group of 60 independent garden centres, collectively generating a turnover in excess of £225 million.

The conference also highlighted the strength of Choice Marketing’s supplier network, featuring 130 trade stands and exclusive ‘Choice show deals’ from many suppliers.  Mike Cook, Group Services Manager, said” “We would’ve liked to include more of our suppliers, but the event sold out quickly, and we just didn’t have the space.”

A highlight of the event was the announcement of this year’s Supplier of the Year awards, voted on by Members and presented by the Group’s Non-Executive Director, Terry Maywood. 

The winners were:

• Plants Winner - Allensmore
• Plants Special Commendation – New Leaf
• Furniture & Outdoor Living Winner – Leisuregrow
• Furniture & Outdoor Living Special Commendation – Woodlodge
• Non-Retail Services Winner - Corby & Fellas
• Giftware Special Commendation – Cottage Delight
• Giftware Winner - Woodmansterne
• Sundry Supplier Special Commendation - Woodlodge
• Sundry Associate Supplier Winner - RocketGro
• Sundry Major Associate Supplier & the Peter Wilson Cup Winner – Westland

Additionally, a special industry award was presented to Trevor Pfeiffer of Garden Trade News as the Industry Champion Winner.

The evening gala dinner, featuring an Abba tribute band, was a lively end to the 2 day event. A raffle and auction held during the dinner raised over £4,000 in support of Dr. Gray's Oncology Unit, which recently provided vital care to Peter Wilson, a cherished, long-standing Choice Member and an industry friend to many, before his untimely passing. Proceeds will also support Cancer Research UK.

"This year, we saw our largest turnout and highest level of orders to date, and it’s fantastic to welcome new Members who strengthen Choice even further," said Michelle de Lavis-Trafford, Choice Marketing’s long-standing CEO. "We’re proud of how Choice Marketing is growing and supporting our Members, all of whom are independent garden centres, as well as working in partnership with our suppliers".

With attendance and engagement at an all-time high, this year’s conference has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both Members and suppliers. One Member shared, “From start to finish, the experience was fantastic. The team put together an incredible event, and we’re leaving inspired and equipped with new connections, products, and ideas to elevate our businesses.” Another commented, “That was the best conference yet. Such good energy, thought-provoking speakers, a great trade show, and good company as always.” Suppliers also praised the event, with one saying, “It was the best trade show I have attended so far, with numerous orders placed and great attendance from Members visiting our stand.”

Choice Marketing’s team is already planning for next year’s conference, building on the energy and success of this year’s event.

See GTN Xtra's gallery of photos from the Conference Trade Show and Awards dinner below

Groves Garden Centre in Bridport has unveiled its new Glulam Hybrid Canopy, designed and installed by Fordingbridge. This innovative structure is set to transform the garden centre's entrance, offering a fresh, modern, and inviting look while enhancing the overall customer experience.

“We're thrilled with how the project has turned out,” said, Charlie Groves, Managing Director at Groves Nurseries. “The new entrance is exactly what we hoped for—a space that welcomes visitors and showcases our plants and products beautifully in every season.”

Completed in just eight weeks, the project included the demolition of two existing canopies and the installation of the new structure. With groundwork provided by Aarron Keene, electrics and security managed by Chris Stubbs Electrical, and irrigation installed by Simon Moore, the project was a collaborative effort. The doors were expertly fitted by HTL, and Malcolm Scott Consultants ensured all planning requirements were met.

A Glulam Hybrid Canopy was chosen for its architectural harmony with Ivy House, the onsite café at Groves built in 2018.  The design features wooden curves that provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere.  Steel uprights offer the flexibility to enclose the area in the future if required.

The canopy not only improves the aesthetic appeal but also creates a light, bright space that encourages customers to explore the centre freely. This new space will allow for the year-round display of products in an inspirational and dynamic way.

Groves celebrated the official opening of the new space with a celebratory event on September 21, featuring live music and local stallholders. With an overwhelmingly positive response from customers, supplier and the Groves team, the canopy is already enhancing the customer journey, setting a new standard for garden centre entrances.

For more information about this project or to learn more about Groves, visit grovesnurseries.co.uk

Staverton Nursery, near Lewes in East Sussex, has rebuilt and opened its new restaurant and food hall, 18 months after a devastating fire destroyed half of its retail space, coffee shop and offices.

This new development provides the business with a restaurant that has increased the seating numbers up to 116 internally, with an additional 56 outside. It also has a takeaway adjacent to the food hall and restaurant entrance, giving customers a grab and go options whilst providing support to the restaurant. 

The food hall offers a full range of goods, including fruit and vegetables, frozen goods, a butchery, deli products, bakery items and grocery.

When the fire happened the business reflected on its previous retail and catering offer, and considered what could be done differently to what was there before. They started work on the new building, and then in March 2024 they approached specialist Garden Centre and Farmshop Design and Business Consultants, Pleydell Smithyman, to review the site potential and create a scheme that would elevate the business.

Matthew Cottingham, Director at Staverton Nursery, said: “The fire was devastating, but on reflection, whilst it has been a challenging time, we are really pleased with the outcome and our new food hall and restaurant.

“The food hall gives our customers a great range of food and it has enabled us to work with a fantastic local butcher, C. Leppards of Halland. Our range includes fresh fruit and vegetables, which takes us back to our roots and the food hall adds more reasons for customers to visit than ever before. 

“The restaurant not only gives customers a lovely venue to visit, but it has a real sentimental aspect to it too, being named after our Grandad, Cecil, who set the business up originally. He started by selling fruit and vegetables on a table on the roadside, and the design reflects this story and history.” 

Andrew Burton from Pleydell Smithyman, added: “This was one of those projects that put a smile on your face. Not only were we working with great owners, who are bouncing back from a devastating fire, but this scheme has enabled the business to add so much more to its previous customer proposition. The development means that these new additions to the business are going to have a really positive impact on turnover, and essentially, they are two key areas in the garden centre industry right now – food retail and catering. We know that both food hall and restaurant trading is integral to Nurseries and Garden Centres, especially helping to reduce seasonal peaks and troughs, but at Staverton this has been carried out with a definite 'wow factor'.

“It’s been a really fast track project, and with our design and commercial team working closely with the client and coordinating with suppliers and contractors, delivery has been achieved it in a very timely and pleasing timescale, with December’s peak trade period for these two departments in sight.”

The Big Cheese Free To Go is a completely new way to control rodents without harming them. It’s a safe space with meals included – making it easy to simply Catch Them & Put Them Out! 

Not everyone wants to kill mice and rats when they invade the home. There’s a growing number of people seeking humane and welfare friendly ways of keeping rodents at bay – without harming them. The Big Cheese Free To Go is a new sustainable and welfare-friendly way to control mice and rats. 

Free To Go Biodegradable Mouse Traps provide a safe and secure space as well as a plentiful supply of irresistible mouse food. The ready-baited traps provide an attractive and safe space which the mice soon adopt and then its quick and easy to relocate them out into the garden. The trap then provides the shelter and food required until they are ready to move back to nature.

The sustainably produced traps are biodegradable too, so once the mice have finally vacated their temporary home, the FSC cardboard disintegrates to leave no lasting residue.

Free To Go Biodegradable traps are available in a multi-catch version for up to 8 mice as well as a twin pack of single catch traps. There’s also a durable metal version suitable for repeated use and cage traps designed to catch and relocate rats too. 

Free To Go Mouse and Rat food is also available to re-bait traps when required.

Edwin Allingham said: “90% of all householders will seek out rodent control products each year, but we’ve seen an increasing number who don’t want to harm them. Free To Go provides a really easy way to capture and relocate them, whilst ensuring that they have the shelter and food required until they are ready to go back to nature.”

The Big Cheese Free To Go range of Biodegradable Mouse Traps is available on an In-store Problem Solved video promotion which includes a compact display and eye-catching video with a guaranteed 52% gross margin.

STV International Ltd 
Forge House
Little Cressingham
Thetford
Norfolk
IP25 6ND, GB

Phone 01953 881580
Email info@stvuk.co.uk

GTN October 2024. In this Glee Review Issue: RocketGro – Towards Climate Positive, Open for business in Shetland - GTN visits the new centre in Lerwick, It’s Christmas – Entry details for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2024, Glee 2024 – The Buzz is back, Making an impact at Glee, Potr - GIMA Seed Corn Fund Winner, Glee Hero’s – Influencing the past 50 Years, Glee New Product Award Winners, Floral Thursday at Glee sets new records, Hold on tight – Wing walkers for Greenfingers, GTN Planteria – Seasonal picks for 2025 and beyond, Navigating change at the HTA Conference, HTA Viewpoint – Presidential reflections