GTN Planteria – Seasonal picks for 2025 and beyond
Navigating change at the HTA Conference
HTA Viewpoint – Presidential reflections
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
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 4th November 2024.
Here are the categories for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2024
The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team
The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team
The Greatest Gardening as a Christmas Gift Sales Team
The Greatest Christmas Gifts Team
The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Promotions Team
The Greatest Christmas BBQ and Outdoor Leisure Team – The SOLEX Sizzle
The Greatest Festive RetailFood Team
The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team
The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team
The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team
The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team
The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team
The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team
The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team
The Greatest Giant Garden Centre Christmas Team
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.
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.
ecofective® Slug Stoppa took the headlines at Glee 2024, winning two accolades at the shows’ new product showcase awards. This includes taking top spot in the ‘Growing Materials’ category and then securing the prestigious ‘Overall Best New Product’ award...
ecofective® Slug Stoppa took the headlines at Glee 2024, winning two accolades at the shows’ new product showcase awards. This includes taking top spot in the ‘Growing Materials’ category and then securing the prestigious ‘Overall Best New Product’ award.
Demonstrating innovation in the growing category, it follows previous wins at the 2023 GIMA awards for ecofective®’s Organic Superfood range, including Organic Superfood Ideal for Peat-free Compost being awarded the GIMA Sword of Excellence for best new product in 2023.
Owners of the ecofective® brand, Sipcam Home & Garden launched Slug Stoppa earlier in 2024, just in time to help gardeners tackle a huge surge in slug numbers. Research by Sipcam has found that gardeners would prefer not to harm slugs and snails. Slug Stoppa is a new eco way to shield edible and non-edible plants from slugs and snails, without hurting them. Not only this, but the pouch packaging has also up to 55% less plastic than a conventional plastic spray bottle. This new packaging consumes less energy throughout its entire lifecycle and less plastic material used also results in less waste to collect, sort, and recycle.
How does it work?
Using a brand-new formula, Slug Stoppa is a spray that creates an invisible barrier onto plants. The barrier makes the plant significantly less palatable for slugs and snails, so they move away to feed elsewhere. Slug Stoppa is a pesticide-free child & pet safe ready-to-use spray that also contains nutrients to enhance and promote plant growth. When sprayed onto plants it gives the plant an ability to withstand slugs or snails whilst ensuring they are all unharmed and that natural predators such as hedgehogs, amphibians and birds are safe to feed in the garden.
Furthermore, the new formula is also not harmful to pollinators such as butterflies and bees, who conduct such an important job in the garden.
Meeting consumer demand perfectly, Slug Stoppa is also a joy to use with the ergonomically designed ‘thumb pump’ trigger. The design of the trigger results in a seamless one-handed spray functionality that can be used when there are the first signs of slug and snail damage in the garden.
In 2025, gardeners can re-use their Slug Stoppa trigger by purchasing the new Slug Stoppa Replacement Pouch, which attaches to the existing trigger, saving the user £1 when compared to buying a brand-new spray pouch.
In an industry first, the ecofective® range is taking a leap forward to flexible pouch packaging across its entire range, breaking the norm of plastic bottles and giving retailers a wonderful opportunity to support sustainable solutions. Sipcam were encouraging retailers to ‘Bin the Bottle and Pick up a Pouch’ at the Glee 2024 exhibition and this will continue into the 2025 season.
What support is there for retailers?
Slug Stoppa has already had fantastic feedback from garden centres, mentioning the high impact packaging as a reason for stand-out sales. Sipcam Home & Garden also offer additional instore support to encourage higher sell through rates.
This includes the Slug Stoppa three-tiered wooden display stand with an integrated tv screen. The stand is also dressed in Slug Stoppa branding and extra product information to educate shoppers in-store.
Sipcam’s ‘Bin the Bottle’ campaign highlights the flexible pouch packaging format and there is a point of sale retailer kit designed to help promote Slug Stoppa and the rest of the ecofective® pouch range. This includes floor vinyls, wobblers and units that allow Slug Stoppa to be sited by the plants such as the elevated metal shelf units and bedding table edge displays.
Are you ready to bin the bottle? Pick up a Pouch! …at the Garden Centre Expo 15th-16th October, ExCel London, where Sipcam will be exhibiting, showcasing Slug Stoppa and the rest of the ecofective® range. Speak to the Sipcam Home & Garden team today to find out how you can become a stockist - enquiries@sipcamhg.co.uk.
Following the appointment of new Mr Fothergill’s CEO, Michael Yates (pictured), in January 2024, the business has continued to strengthen its executive team. Joining Yates are Steve Parkin, Exec Chairman, Sonila Troka, Chief Marketing Officer and David Harker, Chief Commercial Officer.
Following the appointment of new Mr Fothergill’s CEO, Michael Yates (above), in January 2024, the business has continued to strengthen its executive team, as it doubles down on its purpose of 'Helping Everyone Grow'.
Joining Yates are Steve Parkin, Exec Chairman, Sonila Troka, Chief Marketing Officer and David Harker, Chief Commercial Officer.
The new leadership team at Mr Fothergill’s has more than 100 years of combined consumer experience in creating and growing brands across the world. Steve Parkin was previously CEO of PE-backed Mayborn Group (owners of the Tommee Tippee brand) for 17 years, while Sonila Troka has led brand and marketing at Loreal, Johnsons & Johnson (J&J) and Procter and Gamble (P&G). David Harker comes from Salesforce Inc, where he was a Senior Account Director, having started his career in sales at P&G.
Commenting on the appointments, Yates said: “The new leadership team brings a wealth of experience in transforming global and local consumer brands across a range of sectors, through both retailer partners and brand websites (DTC and marketplaces). Together with a fantastic team of horticultural category experts, we are confident this new team gives us both the insights, as well as the capabilities, to rapidly grow our core brands of Mr Fothergill’s, DT Brown, Johnsons and Darlac.
“The first stage of our transformation and acceleration programme will be this coming season, with brand relaunches and new product innovation across both UK and Australian retailers and DTC channels.”
Following these appointments, Mark Wootton, Commercial Director, leaves the business on 16 October 2024. Yates added: “I want to thank Mark for his two years at Mr Fothergill’s. He has contributed significantly to our retailer partnerships, and we wish him well for the future.”
In just four weeks, the garden retail sector’s finest will gather for the much-anticipated GIMA Awards, where this year’s winners will be unveiled. With tickets almost sold out, time is running out for those yet to secure their place at this prestigious event...
In just four weeks, the garden retail sector’s finest will gather for the much-anticipated GIMA Awards, where this year’s winners will be unveiled. With tickets almost sold out, time is running out for those yet to secure their place at this prestigious event.
Dressed in their black-tie best and surrounded by friends and industry colleagues, over 400 attendees will come together for an evening of glittering celebrations, networking, and toasting the successes of another gardening season.
Returning once again to the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, South Wales, the night will see 17 awards presented across multiple categories, recognising product excellence and marketing best practice. In addition to these accolades, the prestigious HTA-sponsored Sustainability Award, the Gardenex Export Achievement Award, the GCA Supplier of the Year, and the coveted GIMA Sword of Excellence will also be awarded.
Hosting the evening’s festivities will be the brilliant Tom Allen, renowned comedian, presenter, and writer. With his sharp wit and star presence, Tom is sure to bring laughter, charm, and professionalism, making it a night to remember.
Of course, the evening wouldn’t be possible without the support of our generous sponsors. This year, we’re grateful for the backing of headline sponsor Glee, alongside Gardenex, the GCA, LOFA, eBay, HTA, Blue Diamond Garden Centres, Smart Garden Products, Primeur, Durston Garden Products, Hozelock, Flower Gro, Capi Europe, Barrus, Decco, RocketGro, MorePeople, CM Ventures, Hornby George PR, and media partners Gardenforum, Garden Trade News, Horticulture Week, Garden Centre Retail, and Garden Radio.
GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall, commented: “Excitement is building as we approach this year’s awards. From a fantastic host to a winner’s line-up that’s set to impress, there’s so much to celebrate on the evening of the 7th November. As always, a huge thank you to everyone attending and to our sponsors for their generosity. We can’t wait to see you all very soon!”
To follow along with the evening’s festivities please join us on Instagram where all the winners will be revealed in real time. Simply follow @gima_org or #GIMAAwards24
For further information about GIMA and its wide range of member benefits, please contact the GIMA Press Office on (01959) 564947 or info@gima.org.uk
As part of its ongoing mission to become the garden retail sector’s ultimate one-stop-shop for pots and planters, the AMES Companies has announced an exclusive UK distribution agreement with the iconic German brand, Scheurich...
As part of its ongoing mission to become the garden retail sector’s ultimate one-stop-shop for pots and planters, the AMES Companies has announced an exclusive UK distribution agreement with the iconic German brand, Scheurich.
From 1st January 2025, garden retailers will gain access to Scheurich’s celebrated ranges alongside the AMES Companies existing brands, Apta and Artevasi, creating an unparalleled selection of pots and planters in the UK marketplace. Look out for over 350 SKUs, showcasing Scheurich’s trend-led range of indoor planters which includes both recycled plastic and ceramic designs that will cater to diverse interior styles, from contemporary to traditional aesthetics.
The distribution agreement also means that UK retailers will benefit from enhanced access to Scheurich’s UK’s top-selling product range as well as receiving exceptional support from AMES, known for its industry-leading customer care and supply chain expertise. With significantly increased UK stock levels, lead times will be reduced to as little as five days, allowing retailers to restock quickly during peak periods. A consistent pricing model and AMES’ full suite of merchandising and sales support services will further drive efficiencies from ordering to delivery.
What’s more, the partnership also significantly enhances the AMES Companies pot and planter offering, providing retailers with the most comprehensive collection available. From Apta’s premium pottery to Artevasi’s eco-friendly recycled plastic ranges, and now Scheurich’s renowned indoor planters, garden centres can expect increased sales opportunities. Notably, retailers will be able to combine orders across all three brands, optimising purchasing value through single-order processing and streamlined deliveries.
Paul North, Managing Director of the AMES Companies, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership: “Our goal is to be the one-stop-shop for our retail partners, and this exclusive agreement with Scheurich is a key step in that direction. Scheurich’s trusted brand adds to our ability to offer a full, stunning collection of durable indoor pots, available when retailers need them most. We are honoured to be the exclusive UK distributor for Scheurich and excited to grow together.”
Keith Turbett, Senior Vice President of the Scheurich-Group also shared his optimism: “This partnership with the AMES Companies ensures that our UK customers will continue to enjoy the highest standards in both product and service, while showcasing the finest of our German craftsmanship. We are confident this collaboration will deliver even greater value to the UK market and further establish Scheurich’s presence in homes and gardens across the region.”
Find out more
The Scheurich offering will shortly find its home at the AMES Companies headquarters in Pollington, East Yorkshire where it will join the wider AMES Companies brand portfolio which includes Apta, Kelkay, La Hacienda, Easy Fountain, Woodshaw and Artevasi. Retailers wanting to find out more about stocking Scheurich in 2025 and beyond are invited to contact Patrick Thick, Sales Director for the Garden Centre channel via patrick.thick@ames.com
To stay up to date with all the latest news from AMES Companies please visit www.ames-uk.com
To date, 18 brave individuals have taken to the skies above the Cotswold countryside, strapped to the top of a biplane, all in support of the Greenfingers Charity. Now, with 28th August 2025 set for the next Greenfingers Wing Walk, the charity is calling on the industry not to miss out on the chance to join the Greenfingers Hall of Fame!
To date, 18 brave individuals have taken to the skies above the Cotswold countryside, strapped to the top of a biplane, all in support of the Greenfingers Charity. Now, with 28th August 2025 set for the next Greenfingers Wing Walk, the charity is calling on the industry not to miss out on the chance to join the Greenfingers Hall of Fame!
The 2025 Wing Walk will once again take place at the home of the renowned AeroSuperBatics at RAF Rendcomb Airfield. The expert team there have guided all Greenfingers wingwalkers through their exhilarating experience, helping them conquer nerves with words of encouragement and plenty of laughter. And it’s much needed, given the nature of the challenge - being strapped to the top wing of a historic biplane before soaring into the sky at speeds of up to 140mph, performing daring flypasts, zoom climbs, steep dives, and banks, all while friends and family cheer from below.
Already signed up is Greenfingers’ very own Fundraising Administrator, Bev Clarke, who will be marking a milestone birthday in a truly unforgettable way! Rather than opting for a quiet celebration with slippers and a cup of tea, Bev is embracing the thrill of adventure. Joining her is Becky Rose of JBM Sales Ltd, returning to take on the infamous loop-the-loop.
With a maximum of 10 spaces available, there is plenty of opportunity for people to push themselves outside of their comfort zone to raise vital funds for the charity.
To register your interest, please contact Linda Petrons, Greenfingers Director of Fundraising & Communications by emailing linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.
The latest concession to open at a Bradford garden centre is an established family pet and animal supplies business. The Blue Barn opened its first site outside its Pool in Wharfedale headquarters at Tong Garden Centre...
The latest concession to open at a Bradford garden centre is an established family pet and animal supplies business.
The Blue Barn opened its first site outside its Pool in Wharfedale headquarters at Tong Garden Centre on 26th September.
The 1500 sq ft concession stocks a wide range of pet supplies and animal feed covering everything from small animals and poultry to horses.
The Blue Barn concession will be managed by experienced retailer Daisy Woodrow who worked for Pets at Home before joining The Blue Barn. She said: "The Blue Barn at Tong will sell the UK's leading dog and cat food brands and The Blue Barn's own award-winning ranges of ambient and frozen dog and cat foods and natural treats.
"We're really looking forward to getting to know the pet owners who visit Tong Garden Centre. We provide advice on all aspects of animal care, from fitting harnesses to help selecting the right feed for your dog, cat, horse, small animal or farm animal. We are pet and animal lovers ourselves and understand the importance of getting it right.
Tong Garden Centre Manager Paul Adams welcomes the new concession: "The Blue Barn is an established specialist independent pet business with staff trained to help and advise customers on a wide range of pet and animal matters from nutrition and feed to behavioural issues."
The Blue Barn is a family owned business that was established in a large blue barn in Pool in Wharfedale in 1984. It offers daily deliveries to its customers across Yorkshire.
Tong Garden Centre is a member of the Yorkshire Garden Centres family that includes Tingley, Otley and Bingley Garden Centres and Dean's York and Scarborough.
Notcutts celebrated its commitment to wellbeing after 25 colleagues have successfully qualified as Mental Health First Aiders this year...
Notcutts celebrated its commitment to wellbeing after 25 colleagues have successfully qualified as Mental Health First Aiders this year.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a nationally-recognised qualification, on a par with physical First Aid training, and typically involves two days’ intense study to equip colleagues with the skills to recognise mental health symptoms, provide initial support, and signpost individuals to appropriate professional help.
The 25 colleagues across Notcutts’ 19 garden centres nationwide have completed the MHFA training as part of Notcutts’ commitment to workplace wellbeing and to ensure all colleagues feel supported in their roles.
Sarah Dempsey, HR Director at Notcutts, emphasised the significance of the MHFA initiative. Sarah said: "Supporting our colleagues is of great importance to us at Notcutts. We recognise that mental health is as important as physical health, and we all experience times in our lives when we need some extra support.
“By training our colleagues as Mental Health First Aiders, we are taking active steps to create an environment where mental health is openly discussed, and the stigma surrounding it is broken down."
Notcutts colleagues who completed the training expressed their commitment to the role of Mental Health First Aider and the positive impact on their approach to supporting one another.
Ali Davis from Notcutts Staines Garden Centre spoke about completing the MHFA training: "The MHFA training has increased my awareness of the subject and how I can help. It’s good to know that I can now better support my colleagues. I’m looking forward to continuing this important work and helping to make Notcutts a great place to work and visit."
Sarah Dempsey continues: “As Notcutts continues to thrive and build on its 127-year history, it remains dedicated to creating a workplace where every colleague feels supported. The introduction of Mental Health First Aiders across all our garden centres is just one of the many ways we are investing in the wellbeing of our team.”
Garden furniture, grow your own and decorative garden structure specialist, Zest, part of the P&A Group, has smashed its own charity target of £10,000 yet again, reaching a grand total of £17,500 in support of the company’s 2024 chosen charity, North East Wales Mind...
Garden furniture, grow your own and decorative garden structure specialist, Zest, part of the P&A Group, has smashed its own charity target of £10,000 yet again, reaching a grand total of £17,500 in support of the company’s 2024 chosen charity, North East Wales Mind.
The company backed employees in their latest September and October money-raising endeavours and the top initiatives included a massively successful 150-foot Liverpool Cathedral abseiling event, when fifteen employees faced their fears in the name of fundraising as well as participation in Iron Man Wales. Other successful fundraising activities year to date have included the Chester 10K, the Manchester Marathon as well as company sponsored quiz nights, cake bakes and raffles - and a 24-hour walk.
A wide range of employees from different departments of the company organized and took part in events, with some individuals topping £1000 in funds raised so far for 2024.
North East Wales Mind helps people in Flintshire and Wrexham recover from mental health problems and stay emotionally healthy. In addition to telephone counselling and emotional support, the charity offers a range of online services and activities. Their phone lines are open 10am till 4pm each weekday. To donate to North East Wales Mind fundraising, please click here.
Zest’s Managing Director, Andrew Baker explained, “In a world where the importance of mental well-being cannot be overstated, we believe it's crucial to come together and shine a spotlight on the significance of supporting one another's mental health journeys. It’s important to do more to remove the stigma and silence that surrounds mental well-being and make it easy to talk about our mental health so supporting the work that North East Wales Mind is very worthwhile.
“We have now raised over £175,000 in our 14 years of fundraising – and we still have a few 2024 events to go! With next year marking the Group’s 40th anniversary, it would be great to hit £200,000 during this milestone year. Our mission is about fostering a community of support, understanding, and compassion. We believe that spending time with others, whether immersing ourselves in the great outdoors, engaging in physical activity or building on our hobbies are beneficial for the team and essential tools for increasing wellbeing in general.”
Charities previously supported by Zest have included Dementia UK, British Heart Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support, Hope House, and Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospices, Cancer Research UK, Action for Children, Alzheimer’s Society, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Meningitis Now.
Zest was established in 2005 to bring high quality, sustainable timber garden products to garden centres, online retailers, builders’ merchants, and major purchasing groups across the UK.
For further information about Zest’s Outdoor entertaining and furniture range, GYO, planters and decorative products, visit www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk.
Tubex has unveiled a range of improvements to its Nature biodegradable tree shelters, which incorporate learnings from several seasons of in-field usage and the manufacturer’s long-term partnership with Wageningen University...
Tubex has unveiled a range of improvements to its Nature biodegradable tree shelters, which incorporate learnings from several seasons of in-field usage and the manufacturer’s long-term partnership with Wageningen University.
Available now for the 2024/5 planting season, the renewed Tubex Nature range features an improved formulation which increases lifetime up to 5 years without compromising biodegradability and increased robustness – meaning that shelters are less brittle, more flexible and thus more resilient to rough handling.
The updates also include increased strength around the zip-tie points to prevent tearing, a softer flared rim to for better protection against stem abrasion, and is available in standard shelter, shrub shelter, vole guard and wrap shelter formats.
Notably, biodegradable zip-ties are also now available with Tubex Nature shelters upon request.
“Our independent research with Wageningen University has been pivotal in developing the Tubex Nature range. This partnership continues to provide critical data on both ‘on soil’ and ‘in soil’ biodegradability, helping us to fine-tune the material balance and ensuring that our shelters degrade in real-world conditions,” said James Taylor, Commercial Director at Tubex.
Tubex Nature is the first biodegradable tree shelter to combine independently validated in and on soil biodegradability, with scale of manufacture and is bio-based and non-toxic, made from plant and vegetable sources.
Biodegradable tree shelters provide an alternative to Tubex’s recyclable tree shelters and are ideal for remote locations where collection at end-of-life is not practical.
James Taylor concluded: “With demand for biodegradable tree protection on the rise, it is vital that we integrate both independent research and end-user feedback into the Tubex Nature range. By focusing on both performance and sustainability, we’re delivering a product that meets the evolving needs of tree planters.”
For The AMES Companies, Glee 2024 has been celebrated as an overwhelming success, thanks to the exceptionally positive response from buyers and industry professionals to the company’s showcase, which brought to life a range of exciting brand and business updates set to shape garden retail in 2025 and beyond...
The annual Glee exhibition is a pivotal event for the garden retail industry, with significant effort going into ensuring its success. These three days are crucial, not only for influencing the upcoming season but also for sparking new conversations, forging retail partnerships, and securing future success for participating brands. For The AMES Companies, Glee 2024 has been celebrated as an overwhelming success, thanks to the exceptionally positive response from buyers and industry professionals to the company’s showcase, which brought to life a range of exciting brand and business updates set to shape garden retail in 2025 and beyond.
A key highlight of the exhibition was the introduction of the ‘111’ initiative, designed to streamline the ordering process across all AMES brands into a single order, invoice, and delivery. Retailers praised this innovative approach for its potential to reduce logistical complexity and enhance operational efficiency. Many commented on how it would allow for better stock management, improved access to the entire AMES brand portfolio, and simpler day-to-day operations – positioning it as a valuable solution for the industry.
In addition to the operational benefits of the ‘111’ initiative – which will be live from January – The AMES Companies launched over 700 new products across its brand portfolio, generating strong interest from buyers looking to diversify their offerings for the 2025 season. Apta, for example, expanded its range by 70%, focusing on contemporary terracotta, composite, and glazed designs. The introduction of the Apta Signature sub-brand, which offers bespoke garden design options, was particularly well-received for enhancing brand loyalty and the giftability of garden pots. Kelkay, another key brand, debuted its first stepping stone collection made from 100% recycled post-consumer plastic, along with eco-friendly packaging for its garden aggregates, underscoring AMES’ ongoing commitment to sustainability.
AMES Tools also garnered attention by expanding its range of stainless-steel cutting and pruning tools, offering durable, high-quality products that retailers believe will resonate with their customers. These tools are supported by informative point-of-sale displays, helping consumers make more confident and successful purchasing decisions. Meanwhile, Easy Fountain captivated attendees with its solar-powered and solar-hybrid water features, featuring innovative designs that make water features more accessible to "generation rent", urban dwellers, and those seeking increased flexibility. These products provide a distinctive offering for garden centres.
Paul North, Managing Director at Glee, commented: “Glee 2024 was a tremendous success for The AMES Companies. Over three days, our stand – the largest at the show – was packed with key decision-makers from across the garden retail sector, all eager to explore our immersive presentation of the latest brand updates. We were thrilled to receive such positive feedback, particularly regarding our ability to combine innovation, trend-led designs, cost-efficiencies and operational productivity. As we look ahead to 2025, the response from the exhibition reinforces our commitment to providing solutions that empower retailers and elevate consumer experiences. We’re excited for the future and look forward to working closely with leading retailers to offer consumers new ways to love their outdoor spaces season after season.”
To stay up to date with all the latest news from AMES Companies please visit www.ames-uk.com
The Stars for Europe image library and Christmas 2024 trend selection are now live!
The Stars for Europe image library and Christmas 2024 trend selection are now live!
It's poinsettia time again and once again our friends at Stars for Europe have some gorgeous lifestyle shots to help get us in the mood for Christmas.
You are very welcome to download any images/captions you like, which include tablescaping inspiration, Christmas tree and window styling, wreaths, shelf faffery, step-by-step craft project guides and more: https://www.starsuniteeurope.eu/en/image-database
Poinsettias are the classic Christmas plant and nowadays there are hundreds of varieties in many different colours, shapes and sizes. As well as being lovely pot plants they also work very well as cut flowers and are incredibly versatile as decorative accessories (especially the cute minis!).
I've attached a few images as examples of this year's selection, but do let me know if you're in search of anything in particular or want help with any festive features. I'd be very happy to find something suitable for you.
If you decide to use any pics they should be credited to Stars for Europe.
The Royal Horticultural Society reveals the unsung and largely unknown edible plants and flowers flourishing in thousands of gardens that people never knew they could eat...
The Royal Horticultural Society reveals the unsung and largely unknown edible plants and flowers flourishing in thousands of gardens that people never knew they could eat.
This autumn, as part of its much-loved Festival of Flavours, the RHS, is highlighting the incredible edible plants that not only provide beautiful flowers and garden interest but that can also help to diversify diets and provide a boost to garden harvests.
Liz Mooney, Horticulturist in the Edibles team at RHS Garden Wisley, comments: “At this time of year gardeners across the UK are reaping the rewards of their vegetable patches – but without realising they already have edible, ornamental flowers and plants lurking in their borders that can provide a much more diverse range of plants to eat. Many people know about edible flowers often used on cakes and in drinks – such as violas, geraniums, borage and elderflower, but did you know you can eat Berberis and Fuchsia berries, day lily flowers, Dahlia tubers, Hosta, sea kale and Mahonia?”
‘Edimentals’ is a term applied to plants that are edible and ornamental and could be an untapped food source for thousands of gardeners. Their dual purpose offers a very practical solution to growing plants in urban areas or gardens with limited space.
Some of the most common garden flowers and plants that have great flavours too:
Edimentals:
Lily (Lilium) – shoots, leaves and flowers are edible plus lily bulbs can be cooked as a substitute to potatoes.
Day lily (Hemerocallis) – add buds and flowers to stir fries, salads and soups. Crunchy with a peppery aftertaste.
Tiger lily (Lilium leucanthemum var. tigrinum) – delicate fragrance and flavour enhances salads, omelettes and poultry
Dahlia tubers – these nutty flavoured tubers need to be cooked – boiled, roaster or fried
Fuchsia – edible flowers and berries make a good jam
Wisteria – edible flowers
Plantain lily (Hosta) – shoots are tasty spring veg and the flowers are edible too.
Magnolia – young spring flower buds and flowers are edible
Bergamot (Monarda) – the whole plant is edible but particularly flowers, and there is a oregano scent to the leaves
Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) – intense colour and peppery taste useful in soups, stews and puddings.
Alpine pinks (Dianthus) – a clove-like flavour ideal for adding to cakes
Alliums – all parts are edible with an onion or garlic taste – use for drinks, soups and salad
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) – brightly coloured, peppery flowers are good in salads and pasta dishes. The whole flower, leaves and buds can be used and seeds make a caper substitute
Garden lady’s-mantle (Alchemilla mollis) - use young leaves in salads
Camassia bulbs – edible when cooked
Hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus) – leaves, roots, flowers, pods and beans are all edible with the beans turned into tofu and pods used in curries.
Daisy (Bellis perennis) – not a strong flavour but petals make an interesting garnish for cakes and salads
Cardoons (Cynara cardunculus) - essentially globe artichoke plants eaten as a cooked celery
Cherry plums (Prunus cerasifera) - common garden ornamental tree notably ‘Pissardii’ and ‘Nigra’
Sea kale (Crambe maritima) - popular in herbaceous borders but can also be forced. It’s shoots, leaves, flower bud, roots and stems are all edible.
Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) – has edible berries and whilst safe to eat can be sharp
Barberry (Berberis) – edible berries
Japanese quince (Chaenomeles speiosa) - invaluable spring flowering shrub, fruits make jelly
Crab apples (Malus sylvestris) - jelly or sauce
Sheila Das, Garden Manager at RHS Garden Wisley, said: “Edimental plants are a beautiful and easy way to grow food. They are resilient and have longevity and if you have a small garden they can be both decorative and delicious. However, take care the accurate identification of flowers and plants is essential, if in doubt don’t eat it, and you can find help with identification by visiting the RHS website www.rhs.org.uk or RHS members can contact RHS Gardening Advice.”
BHETA’s lobbying campaign – joint with members – aimed at making DEFRA rethink its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme in terms of proposed targeting, scope, and costs has seen its first result, a somewhat revised tariff level that will see an annual saving of £4.1 million extrapolated across the BHETA membership, against the figures announced in August...
BHETA’s lobbying campaign – joint with members – aimed at making DEFRA rethink its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme in terms of proposed targeting, scope, and costs has seen its first result, a somewhat revised tariff level that will see an annual saving of £4.1 million extrapolated across the BHETA membership, against the figures announced in August.
Will Jones, BHETA’s Chief Operation Officer commented, “The new reduced tax rates announced by DEFRA in September are a great first step and very much in the right direction, but it is only a first step. The jump in costs for all product suppliers who use packaging is still eyewatering, rising to an annual (revised scheme) £12.5M* from the current £1.7M of packaging tax under the current PRN scheme. Also, the targeting of suppliers and own label retailers - and no-one else - is still inequitable. I welcome this news on tariff reduction, but the campaign is still very much on. We need acknowledgement of the wider issues and the remaining rise in costs which is huge and unsustainable.”
The EPR scheme is an additional tax, which targets branded product suppliers and retailers of own label goods. It represents a shift in financial responsibility for the treatment of household waste and packaging, moving it 100% to suppliers and retailers. To date, the cost of domestic kerbside recycling / disposal is split roughly as follows: 10% by producers through PRNs; 10% by retailers; 80% by the taxpayer through Councils. Under EPR, this will change to the whole cost of collection and disposal met by own label retail and branded goods suppliers through modified PRNs.
Packaging producers affected and required to provide packaging data accordingly are any business, subsidiary or group that is not a charity, with annual turnover over £2m and responsible for more than 50 tonnes of packaging in a calendar year will receive their new EPR tax bill in October 2025. Any business with turnover of £1M plus and responsible for 25 tonnes or more of packaging in a calendar year must report their detailed EPR data.
Thanks to business lobbying activity by individuals and trade associations such as BHETA, the reduction in tariffs now announced by DEFRA includes a proposed 27% reduction in the Intermediate “Paper or Board” packaging charge, and a 17% reduction in the Intermediate “Plastic” packaging charge.
Will commented, “As we can all see the potential saving is not insignificant and I’m delighted with the impact of BHETA lobbying so far. We will however be keeping the pressure on DEFRA and urge all members to continue doing the same. The hike in costs is still very high despite DEFRA’s backdown to date.
“We also still have the unfair targeting issue to address as UK producers are being asked to pay the price of processing all products sold into the UK, from both UK and overseas suppliers. BHETA’s position is that the cost of treating packaging put into the UK by overseas companies should be paid for by the overseas companies. But as that is impossible to enforce due to national boundaries, the UK consumer will continue to fund the treatment of such packaging.
“Collectively, we must keep on talking to Government. The reality is that notwithstanding this welcome tariff reduction, UK suppliers will either have to pass costs up the supply chain to retailers and ultimately consumers, adding to pressure on inflation, or face being wiped out as no longer economically viable businesses.”
Hillier Trees, one of the UK’s leading tree suppliers, has announced its participation in Grown in Britain Week, an initiative that champions the benefits of sourcing locally grown plants and trees...
Hillier Trees, one of the UK’s leading tree suppliers, has announced its participation in Grown in Britain Week, an initiative that champions the benefits of sourcing locally grown plants and trees. As a company deeply rooted in British horticulture, Hillier’s commitment to sustainability and innovation is aligned with the goals of this important and national campaign.
Hillier, with over 160 years of history, remains dedicated to cultivating the finest trees in the UK. Throughout the week, the company will showcase its sustainable practices, long-standing expertise, and the collective efforts of its dedicated team members, some of whom have decades of experience in nurturing Britain’s natural environment.
Steve Waldock, Assistant Manager and Hillier employee for 38 years, reflected on his career and the company’s commitment to growth: “The most rewarding part is seeing the large trees we’ve grown leave the nursery, knowing we’ve done everything possible to deliver the best quality. It’s fulfilling to know that we’re contributing to Britain’s green spaces in a meaningful way.”
Hilliers’ role in supporting Grown in Britain aligns with the company’s efforts to minimise environmental impacts through programs such as ISO14001 Environmental Management, Planet Mark, and the Plant Healthy Scheme. This combination of environmental stewardship and biosecurity measures ensures that Hillier-grown trees are both healthy and resilient, while also safeguarding British biodiversity. Julian Tipper, Section Head and Plant Health rep at Hillier noted: “By supporting locally grown plants, there is less chance of importing exotic pests and diseases, and traceability is easier.”
The passion of Hillier’s team shines through in every aspect of their work. Tim Jerome, a grower with the company for over 12 years, emphasised the joy of contributing to the landscapes across the UK: “Seeing the tree go out and then spotting them years later in cities like Portsmouth, I can proudly say I helped grow that from the ground up.”
Throughout the week, Hillier will share stories from its growers to highlight the impact of supporting local horticulture. Assistant Section Head, Daniel Turner, who has been with the company for 13 years, spoke about the camaraderie within the team: “The most rewarding part is seeing the progress of everyone who comes here and how much they learn. It’s great to be a part of that journey.”
Supporting initiatives like Grown in Britain not only helps the environment but strengthens the UK’s green economy. Jamie Crowe, a Hillier grower who has been involved in some of the company’s largest projects, including contributions to the Olympic Park, summed it up perfectly: “Watching the trees develop and seeing them become part of iconic landscapes makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
As Grown in Britain week celebrates the importance of local sourcing, Hillier remains committed to growing the next generation of trees while nurturing the next generation of horticultural talent. “It’s a good laugh and a great bunch of people to work with”, said Simon Farmer, a Hillier veteran of over 21 years. “We bumble along together, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see our work come to life.”
The Horticultural Trades Association launched a new report, 'The Opportunity for Mechanisation and Automation in UK Environmental Horticulture,’ at its FutureGrow Expo event at Stoneleigh Park in Kenilworth.
The Horticultural Trades Association launched a new report, 'The Opportunity for Mechanisation and Automation in UK Environmental Horticulture,’ at its FutureGrow Expo event at Stoneleigh Park in Kenilworth.
The research aims to summarise the scope of UK plant and tree production and show potential opportunities for researchers and providers of innovative new technologies to collaborate with the forward-looking environmental horticulture sector. This is crucial to secure greener growth for the UK in the coming years.
The report includes sections such as “Environmental Horticulture in the UK”, “Growth Potential for the Sector and Labour Challenges”, and “Technological Solutions”, as well as two case studies from HTA members, J & A Growers in Warwickshire and Hilliers Nurseries Ltd in Hampshire.
Fran Barnes, HTA Chief Executive, commented: “The environmental horticulture industry is at a pivotal time of transition as we prepare ourselves for the future. With ambitious governmental environment targets, our sector needs support to evolve with technological advancements in order to help the UK reach its environmental goals. Our report shows the clear possibility of accelerating growth.
“As a sector, environmental horticulture isn’t alone in facing a rising wage bill and challenges in recruitment. Still, growers are increasingly looking to automate and mechanise to sustainably upscale production to meet this increased demand and ensure the Government can deliver on its challenging environmental targets.
“The UK’s growers produce ornamental plants and trees valued at £1.7 billion annually, enriching over 20 million gardens, parks, and green spaces, and demand is only set to rise. By investing in automation, innovation, and sustainable practices, we can meet this demand while addressing resource challenges such as labour, water, and energy. The HTA continues to support its members in gaining investment in new technologies to enable greater productivity, ensuring the UK has the strategic capacity to grow the plants and trees it needs in the future.”
Laura Jeffery, HTA Market Research Manager, on the report: "The plants and trees produced in the UK by commercial growers are increasingly being recognised for the role they have to play in improving the nation’s health and wellbeing and mitigating the effects of climate change. The pool of people in the core hobby gardening demographics is also set to grow in the years to come as the UK population ages, further increasing the demand for plants and trees.
“The appetite for mechanisation and automation technology in environmental horticulture production is strong, and many processes could or, to some extent, already are being automated, as the case studies in our report highlight. However, the researchers and providers of these innovative technologies need to engage with the sector and have government backing and support for what is a significant business investment. Our report aims to provide ‘food for thought’ to encourage engagement across all parties and secure ‘green growth’ for the UK in the coming years.”
The Royal Horticultural Society has announced the appointment of Esselle Retail, a designer and manufacturer of exceptional, well-crafted homeware, as its licensee for a beautiful and unique range of wallpaper, cushions and much more using designs inspired by RHS-supplied artwork.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced the appointment of Esselle Retail, a designer and manufacturer of exceptional, well-crafted homeware, as its licensee for a beautiful and unique range of wallpaper, cushions and much more using designs inspired by RHS-supplied artwork.
The first products in this brand-new range will be 24 premium-quality digitally printed wallpapers with designs based on artwork from the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s finest collection of botanical art, adapted for the new range by Esselle’s in-house design team.
This will be followed in February 2025 by the launch of a collection of digital fabrics, including made-to-measure curtains and blinds and made-to-order cushions, again using RHS Lindley Collections artwork.
The best of last week's
If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories...
Billing Garden Centre in Northampton is set to close at the end of November with increased running costs and declining customer numbers being blamed for the closure...
Billing Garden Centre in Northampton is set to close at the end of November with increased running costs and declining customer numbers being blamed for the closure.
The garden centre, located at Billing Garden Village, is run by charity Shaw Trust, who bought it off Hillview in January 2019.
A spokeswoman for Shaw Trust said: “We have taken the difficult decision to close Great Billing Garden Centre due to increased running costs and a decline in number of customers. The centre will close on November 30, and will be handed back to the landlord.
"We’d like to thank all the staff at Great Billing Garden Centre for their hard work and dedication over the years, and all our customers who have visited and supported the centre.”
Shaw Trust is a national employment charity, which helps people to find jobs
Blue Diamond Group of Garden Centres offered financial support to five community garden projects in the UK, when they launched their Community Garden Competition in June.
Five winners have now been selected...
Blue Diamond Garden Centres wanted to help bring the great outdoors to the heart of communities across the UK by offering funding to support local groups to create new community gardens or give a makeover to existing community gardens.
Blue Diamond offered a total of £10,000 worth of plants and garden care products to be split equally across five community gardens, along with six hours of expert help and advice to get the projects off to a flying start.
Blue Diamond were inundated with entries and are now delighted to announce their five winners, who are:
Newton Abbot Centre Association
This community project will be paired with Blue Diamond’s Fermoy’s’ Garden Centre.
Newton Abbot Centre Association is a Registered Charity which exists to run the Courtenay Centre. The Courtenay Centre is a popular local community centre serving the town of Newton Abbot in Devon. The community centre provides a home to lots of local groups and activities, as well as offering a cafe serving affordable food, a community fridge offering free surplus food to local people and running a range of support groups and activities for local people.
John Addy, Chair of Trustees, Newton Abbot Centre Association said:"Newton Abbot Centre Association are delighted to have been selected as a winner of this competition for our new community garden at The Courtenay Centre. The support of an expert and the funding will enable us to complete our community garden works. The garden that we are creating is a space where people can enjoy much needed rest and relaxation. For those looking to learn or use their 'green fingered' skills, there is an opportunity to volunteer to support the maintenance of the garden. By connecting with the various youth activities at The Courtenay Centre, we hope to inspire the younger generation to get involved and develop a love of plants that lasts a lifetime. We look forward to working in partnership with Blue Diamond’s Fermoy’s Garden Centre, in the months ahead".
Step Together Volunteering - Get Growing Project
This community project will be paired with Blue Diamond’s Cadbury’s Garden Centre.
This community “Get Growing” project is based at an allotment in South Bristol. Established in 2021 in response to the pandemic, when people needed a safe space to meet with young people, it is now an integral part of the service offered for young people facing multiple disadvantages in Bristol. The community group run sessions for young people twice a week where they can come together in small groups and develop:
Confidence, self-esteem, motivation and aspirations.
Work-related skills such as communication, reliability, team working.
Knowledge about growing produce, cooking, healthy lifestyles and project planning.
The space supports 16–25-year-olds and serves as a “safe” place where they feel connected to their local community, where they can explore their interests and learn about the land and environment around them.
Helen Kington, Project Manage,r said: “We are over the moon to receive this prize. Our allotment focusses on giving Young People the chance to experience nature, grow fruit/ vegetables and flowers and to learn new skills to build their confidence. This prize will help us to expand the variety of plants and fruit/veg we have onsite, to not only allow the Young People to increase their knowledge and awareness, but also provide produce for educational/life skill purposes if they join our Get Growing and Get Cooking programmes. They will learn new techniques and the expert advice will benefit everyone on the site."
Kingshurst Community Garden
This community project will be paired with Blue Diamond’s Melbick’s Garden Centre.
The purpose of this community group is to foster a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes local engagement. They aim to enhance the well-being of their community through various initiatives, including educational programs, social events, and volunteer opportunities. By encouraging active participation and open days, they strive to address local issues, support sustainable development, and strengthen community bonds. The group serves as a hub for residents to connect, share resources, and work together towards common goals, ultimately contributing to a vibrant, resilient, and thriving community garden.
Councillor John Edwards said: "We are thrilled and honoured that the Kingshurst Community Garden has been selected as one of the five winners in the Blue Diamond Garden Centres competition. This recognition celebrates the hard work and dedication of our residents and volunteers in creating a sustainable and vibrant community space."
Friends of Holbrook Charity
This community project will be paired with Blue Diamond’s Newbridge Garden Centre.
The objectives of the Friends of Holbrook group are to encourage the development of the community of the school, and the school within the wider community; to engage in activities which will benefit the school and all its members; to purchase equipment and books to benefit pupils’ education.
Kristina Schraitel said: "The Thinking Garden is a renewal project of a designated section of Holbrook grounds. It was initially set up 10 years ago in memory of a Holbrook student - Abigail, who sadly died of cancer. She loved horses and so the garden contains horse riding elements, which we will restore and preserve. Since funding was severely cut for primary schools, the garden became abandoned and overgrown and closed off to children. We are hoping to make it a place for everyone in Holbrook, connecting the past and the future with lush groundcover foliage and beautiful native plants, making it a practical and child-friendly place to reflect, explore and enjoy."
Transition Town Wellington (TTW)
This community project will be paired with Blue Diamond’s Blackdown Garden Centre.
The aim of this community group is to help their town become more self-sufficient as a reaction to the climate and ecological crises. Part of their work is to create community gardens in public spaces in the town with food for residents to pick for free, including fruit, nuts, vegetables and herbs. These spaces are managed to increase biodiversity and soil health to benefit nature as well as people. The group welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to join our group in the “transition” to a low carbon society.
Helen Gillingham, leader of TTW’s community gardening team said: “The Community Gardening Group from Transition Town Wellington are looking forward to creating the next stage of the Forest Garden at Fox’s Field with the help of the Blue Diamond grant and the advice from Blackdown Garden Centre. The aim is to plant up these 450 square metre spaces over the next 12 months with perennial plants and bushes, including soft fruit and other edibles, herbs and cut flowers which can provide a harvest for local residents and a home for wildlife.”
TTW's team of enthusiastic volunteers in the forest garden, with Tonedale Mill in the background.
Each community project has been paired to a Blue Diamond Garden Centre nearest to it and Blue Diamond will follow the progress of these five community garden projects over the next 12 months with regular updates on its website at: https://www.bluediamond.gg/community-garden-competition
Blue Diamond would like to thank all who entered this competition and wish all community projects success in the future.
Blue Diamond would also like to thank its suppliers, Evergreen, Westland and Gardena, who since Blue Diamond announced the competition, have come forward to offer additional product support to each of the winners.
The fourth in a series of Front Garden Facelifts with ITV's This Morning, sees David Domoney in Kent for the latest Front Garden Facelift. With the help of a team of volunteers from Coolings Garden Centre, students from Hadlow College, and more, they perform makeover magic once again in just 2 hours...
Front Garden Facelifts, ITV’s hugely popular gardening segment from This Morning, presented by David Domoney, sees David and a team of volunteers perform well-deserved transformations for people across the UK. The fourth in a series of Front Garden Facelifts with This Morning, sees David working with local garden centres across the country, to help a deserving makeover recipient.
Having campaigned to revive front gardens and make the most of outdoor space for over ten years, David arrived in Kent for the latest Front Garden Facelift. With the help of a team of volunteers from Coolings Garden Centre, students from Hadlow College, and more, they hoped to perform makeover magic once again in just 2 hours.
Introducing David and his team of volunteers were Dermot O’Leary and Alison Hammond when at 10 a.m., they knocked on the front door of Susan Wouters.
Susan is the third generation of her family to live in her home in Kent, her grandparents having purchased the property in 1932. They chose the home after seeing it advertised at the Ideal Home exhibition and fell in love with the new estate. Very keen gardeners, grandparents Frank and Rose nurtured the space at the front of the house, filling the beds with dahlias every year.
Sadly, due to health issues and incomplete renovations to the house, the garden has fallen into disrepair and needs a Front Garden Facelift.
Statistically, front gardens in the UK have been in decline for years. Recent polls have shown over 5 million front gardens in the UK have no greenery in them at all, making up one in three with no plants. Taking on an established garden can pose slightly more challenges than those of a newly built property.
New builds tend to provide you with a blank canvas, but when you decide to take on a property with an established garden, you may find yourself at a loss with where to start. David suggests the best way to get started is to concentrate on not only the aesthetics of the garden but also on improving the biodiversity of wildlife and pollinators visiting the garden.
David realises the untapped potential that exists in front gardens across the country and hopes that by creating programs like this with This Morning can really show the impact that front gardens can have on improving people’s lives and curb appeal.
David has seen first-hand with This Morning how much positivity providing a fresh front garden space can have. David said, “Over the course of these Front Garden Facelifts, I’ve been able to witness first hand how important these spaces are to people. They are a way to welcome you home and can even be an invaluable outdoor escape for people who spend most of their time at home. Freshening up these gardens with a few plants is a simple way to give a garden a new lease of life.”
Alan Harvey, Head of Horticulture at Hadlow College, said: “This was an absolutely fantastic experience for our students to be involved in, and I know they all loved it. We are lucky enough to have some first-class facilities here at Hadlow that our students benefit from, but there is no substitute for the experience of working under pressure in a real life situation and I very proud of how they responded to the challenge!”
“Completing these Front Garden Facelifts is a challenging but wonderful experience,” continued David. “I would like to thank Coolings Garden Centre, Hadlow College, Hippo Waste, Harrington Brothers Contractors, Wealden Benches, Tillers Turf, Darren Horan, and David Austin Roses for their help in transforming this garden for Susan, to restore it to its former glory.”
Once the time was called for the makeover, a massive undertaking after removing large sections of concrete from the space, David revealed the new front garden to Susan and her mum Jean, who had grown up in the house. With swathes of beautiful plants framing the garden, a brand-new garden wall, and a bench with a bespoke engraving to soak it all up in, both Jean and Susan were thrilled. They particularly loved the fragrant central rose garden, which recalled the beautiful roses Susan’s grandparents used to grow. Susan summed it up perfectly to David, proudly stating, “Now I have massive curb appeal!”
See David and the team in action on this fantastic makeover on the This Morning’s YouTube channel: https://bit.ly/3ZSW9KA
With an unmatched eco-story – including the completion of a brand-new CO2 capture plant – British organic peat-free brand RocketGro is leading the charge to become climate positive by the end of 2025...
With an unmatched eco-story – including the completion of a brand-new CO2 capture plant – British organic peat-free brand RocketGro is leading the charge to become climate positive by the end of 2025.
RocketGro is on the precipice of a significant moment, not just for the Somerset peat-free business but for the industry as a whole.
Forget greenwashing and broad claims by companies about being sustainable, no other brand can deliver what RocketGro is doing; actively capturing and putting carbon back in the ground, powering thousands of homes with renewable gas, and encouraging consumers to embrace greener gardening practices by creating outstanding peat- and coir-free organic growing media.
The final significant step in its exciting journey is the completion of a CO2 plant at its biogas facility. This pushes RocketGro beyond achieving net-zero carbon emissions, so that the business is actually taking more carbon out of the atmosphere than it produces.
The result is that RocketGro is set to become the world’s first climate positive compost producer!
Let’s break the RocketGro business model down:
6,000 acres of farmland carefully and sustainably managed without using chemical fertilisers
25,000 tonnes of food waste processed each year, turned into biogas and fed back onto the farmland to grow more crops
91,000 tonnes of crops processed each year, turned into biogas and used as the core ingredient in RocketGro composts and growing media products.
3,300 homes powered by renewable green electricity every day – equating to 27,522 tonnes of carbon not being produced every year!
8,000 homes powered by green biogas every day! Equating to 180,384 tonnes of carbon not being produced per year.
The bagging and bottling lines are run on 100% renewable energy produced on site
Managing Director Toby Thomas said: “We are on a carbon capture journey: growing the crops at our farm, which we use to create our amazing products, along with renewable energy to power more than 13,000 homes – it’s all one virtuous circle!
“It’s not an exaggeration to say that every time a gardener buys a bag of RocketGro compost, they are actively taking carbon out of the atmosphere! Retailers say they want to do more to be sustainable and we are leading the charge in greener gardening, so if you’re not already stocking RocketGro products, why not?”
Get in touch to discover what our unique range can do for your compost offer.
Find out more
If you want to learn more about RocketGro or are keen to discuss adding its product portfolio into your 2025 offering, please contact Toby Thomas (hello@rocketgro.co.uk /07936 928 981) or Andy Abraham (andy@rocketgro.co.uk / 07446 937902). View the full range and discover more about the RocketGro story at www.rocketgro.co.uk
Barrus are currently looking for a Merchandiser (based in Central England) to service their garden centres, specialist machinery outlets and many national and independent retailers...
A great British company founded in 1917, Barrus is proud to have achieved over 100 years in business. Barrus operates across three diverse market sectors Marine, Garden and Industrial and is one of the UK’s leading importers and distributors of engines, engine-powered equipment, garden tools and accessories.
The Garden Tools and Accessories Division offers an extensive range of quality garden hand tools, accessories and powered products from the well-respected brands of WOLF-Garten, Wilkinson Sword and Town & Country.
Barrus are currently looking for a Merchandiser (based in Central England) to service their garden centres, specialist machinery outlets and many national and independent retailers.
The Role:
Responsibilities to include effective placement of visual display stands and materials in garden centres and specialist machinery outlets, assistance in setting up and manning of events and trade shows, stock and materials budget control, and excellent customer service to drive through sales.
The successful candidate will ideally have experience of the Garden Centre and Retail trades, be self-motivated, able to work on their own and as part of a team, have excellent customer service skills and the ability to represent the Company professionally to all. A full driving licence is essential as a Company vehicle will be provided. Candidates will ideally be based in Central England, covering central and northern territories, therefore some overnight stays may be required. Full product training will be provided.
A competitive package will be offered to the right candidate.
GTN October 2024. In this Glee Review Issue:
Meeting consumer demand perfectly, Slug Stoppa is also a joy to use with the ergonomically designed ‘thumb pump’ trigger. The design of the trigger results in a seamless one-handed spray functionality that can be used when there are the first signs of slug and snail damage in the garden. 
What support is there for retailers?
Sipcam’s ‘Bin the Bottle’ campaign highlights the flexible pouch packaging format and there is a point of sale retailer kit designed to help promote Slug Stoppa and the rest of the ecofective® pouch range. This includes floor vinyls, wobblers and units that allow Slug Stoppa to be sited by the plants such as the elevated metal shelf units and bedding table edge displays.
Sarah Dempsey, HR Director at Notcutts, emphasised the significance of the MHFA initiative. Sarah said: "Supporting our colleagues is of great importance to us at Notcutts. We recognise that mental health is as important as physical health, and we all experience times in our lives when we need some extra support.
Forget greenwashing and broad claims by companies about being sustainable, no other brand can deliver what RocketGro is doing; actively capturing and putting carbon back in the ground, powering thousands of homes with renewable gas, and encouraging consumers to embrace greener gardening practices by creating outstanding peat- and coir-free organic growing media.
