After a week spent with numerous garden centres and suppliers at SOLEX and the GIMA Awards where there was much speculation about the Wyevale Garden Centres "Sale of the Century" GTN Xtra has now received confirmation that the process is moving onto the second stage this week...
After a week spent with numerous garden centres and suppliers at SOLEX and the GIMA Awards where there was much speculation about the Wyevale Garden Centres "Sale of the Century" GTN Xtra has now received confirmation that the process is moving onto the second stage this week.
A spokesperson for Wyevale Garden Centres said this morning: "We are delighted in the interest shown in Wyevale Garden Centres by a range of bidders for the company as a whole, smaller groups and individual sites. We are now entering the second stage of the sale where we will be providing further information to those bidders who have made it through this initial stage.”
At SOLEX there was so much speculation in the air that one senior industry figure commented that it was "like being at a drug dealers convention with people slipping away to have covert conversations but everyone knew what they were talking about."
Judging from the conversations we had at SOLEX and the GIMA Awards there are some sites that have been bid for many times and there could be some surprise new garden centre owners at the end of the process.
Suppliers will be looking forward to the next stage of the process moving swiftly so that interest shown by Wyevale buyers at SOLEX can be converted into firm orders.
If you have any comments to make about the Wyevale "Sale of the Century", please use the comments link below or e-mail: trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
Neudorff won the Sword of Excellence at the GIMA Awards last night with their popular VineWeevilFree – Nematodes product. Other winners on a spectacular night of celebration at Celtic Manor in Wales included: Crest Garden, Gardena, Fallen Fruits, The Willow Wand, Primeur, Burgon & Ball, Deco-Pak, Apta, Smart Garden Products, Vitax, Woodlodge, and The Scotts Company UK...
Neudorff won the Sword of Excellence at the GIMA Awards last night with their popular VineWeevilFree – Nematodes product. Other winners on a spectacular night of celebration at Celtic Manor in Wales included: Crest Garden, Gardena, Fallen Fruits, The Willow Wand, Primeur, Burgon & Ball, Deco-Pak, Apta, Smart Garden Products, Vitax, Woodlodge, and The Scotts Company UK...
GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall, commented on tonight’s event. “I would like to be the first to extend my congratulations to all of the winners. This year we have seen some emerging brands cement their place in the market, as well as established brands showcasing exactly what makes them market leaders. It’s great to see so much variety, and I’m sure you will agree when I say that the calibre of winners has far exceeded expectations, with each highly deserving of their award.”
This year, the GIMA judging panel was made up of Mike Cook (Choice Marketing), Colin Dale (Notcutts Garden Centres), Mairi Devlin (Wyevale Garden Centres), Mike Lind (Monkton Elm Garden Centre & GCA Chair), Caroline Linger (Crocus), Caroline Owen (Scotsdales Garden Centres) and Neil Pope (Garden Trade News).
Vicky added: “A huge thank you to all our judges for volunteering their time. Their input, keen eye and industry knowledge has helped us to create a final roster of winners that best demonstrates the endless enthusiasm, innovation and inspirational content that helps make the garden retail industry such an exciting industry to be part of.
“Finally, I extend my thanks to all those that have entered the awards in 2018, as well as our sponsors, without whom we would not be able to put on an event of this scale.”
TV , film and stage actor Stephen Mangan was the night's host.
GIMA Sword of Excellence Winner: Neudorff (VineWeevilFree – Nematodes)
What the judges said… A product that says great things about ecological gardening and really opens up the market for consumers.
GCA Supplier of The Year Winner: Woodlodge Finalists: Burgon & Ball, Kelkay, Vitax
What the judges said… Crest Garden have secured listings and ranging for the Kent & Stowe brand in Truffaut and Jardiland in France for the 2019 season as a core tool supplier. France will be a major market for the Kent & Stowe brand moving forward with these customers.
Garden Care Winner: Neudorff (VineWeevilFree – Nematodes) Finalists: Agralan (Permafelt)
West Country Soil Improvement (Bloomin Amazing)
What the judges said…Unique in that it is the first ambient product with a shelf life that really helps both the retailer and the customer.
Growing and Planting Equipment and Sundries Winner: Crest Garden (Flopro Eco Smart Systems) Finalists: Smart Garden Products (Double Tomato GroZone)
What the judges said… A beautifully crafted collection and perfect gifts for gardeners, young and old.
Pet Care, Aquatics and Wild Bird Care Winners: Deco-Pak (Quintessentially British Collection) Finalists: Smart Garden Products (Apple/Pear glass bird feeders) Wildlife World (Shenstone Theatre Bird Bath and Drinker)
What the judges said… Whimsical and charming – a fantastic take on the traditional bird houses.
What the judges said… A great design and the perfect style statement.
Garden Lighting, Water Features and Ornamentation Winner: Smart Garden Products (Eureka Firefly lantern) Finalists: The Solar Centre (TrueFlame Solar Torch Light) Smart Garden Products (Genoa Cascade)
What the judges said… A very commercial product, driving huge sales.
Best Point of Sale Material Winner: Crest Garden (Kent & Stowe Love Your Lawn Display Stand) Finalists: Kelkay (Get Creative)
Burgon & Ball (All You Need Merchandising Kit)
What the judges said… A well thought through display with good clear messaging - they clearly had the customer in mind!
Best Consumer Packaging Winner: Vitax (Fertiliser range in weatherpoof packaging) Finalists: Westland (Indoor Potting Mixes, Feeds and Watering Range) Kelkay (Premium Pot Toppers)
What the judges said… Good clear packaging – excellent design to go outside and increase sales next to plants.
Best Marketing Communication Campaign Winner: The Scotts Company UK (‘Water is not enough’ multi-media campaign) Finalists: Westland (Resolva Pro) Stihl (Garden Magic TV campaign)
What the judges said… Great message, well executed - really clear and effective.
See The Roll of Honour in the August issue of Garden Trade News (GTN).
Woodlodge Products were voted GCA Supplier of the Year at the GIMA Awards...
Woodlodge Products were voted GCA Supplier of the Year at the GIMA Awards.
What the judges said: “Woodlodge continue to deliver a great service and GCA members often remark that they go beyond what they would expect from one of their suppliers.
The team at Woodlodge always work really hard for customers and genuinely help drive their businesses. The company also offers great stock, a reliable and efficient service, all managed by a great team, made up of knowledgeable people.”
Here's our picture special from last night's glitzy GIMA Awards evening, hosted by TV, film and stage actor Stephen Mangan. Pictures taken by Steve Burden and Trevor Pfeiffer...
Here's our picture special from last night's glitzy GIMA Awards evening, hosted by TV, film and stage actor Stephen Mangan. Pictures taken by Steve Burden and Trevor Pfeiffer.
Cheques for £4,000 were presented to Greenfingers Charity and Acorns Hospice at the GIMA Awards. The money was raised at the GIMA Golf & Activity Day in June...
Cheques for £4,000 were presented to Greenfingers Charity and Acorns Hospice at the GIMA Awards. The money was raised at the GIMA Golf & Activity Day in June...
It was also announced during the evening that the Garden ReLeaf Day in March had raised £70,000 for Greenfingers. Garden ReLeaf Day in 2019 will be on Friday, March 22.
The team at Tong Garden Centre are celebrating after being crowned Job Creator of the Year at the eighth annual Bradford Means Business awards...
The team at Tong Garden Centre are celebrating after being crowned Job Creator of the Year at the eighth annual Bradford Means Business awards.
Tong, who beat stiff competition from fellow Bradford businesses BASF and The Canteen, was rewarded for having played an outstanding role in boosting employment in the Bradford district through innovation, investment and risk-taking in the face of tough economic conditions.
Of the win, Tong Garden Centre co-owner, Mark Farnsworth said: "We are proud that our success over the last three years has created job opportunities for 120 local people and it's very satisfying to have our achievements acknowledged and rewarded by our local business community."
Organised by Bradford Telegraph & Argus in partnership with Bradford Council and the Bradford Chamber, the awards have become the highlight of the business calendar in the district. The winners were announced at a ceremony at the Aagrah Midpoint Suite in Thornbury last week.
The Job Creator of the Year award was sponsored by Bradford Chamber of Commerce.
Stax Trade Centres has expanded the range of own-brand products it offers to independent retailers and trade professionals with the acquisition of the Groundsman range of premium household brooms, brushes and dustpans...
Stax Trade Centres has expanded the range of own-brand products it offers to independent retailers and trade professionals with the acquisition of the Groundsman range of premium household brooms, brushes and dustpans. The Groundsman brand, which was previously distributed by LG Harris, joins a growing range of Stax own brands which appear across the 45,000 product lines it offers to customers.
“This is tremendous news for Stax,” explains the company’s Purchasing Director, Simon Wright. “The Groundsman range is well established and has an excellent reputation for providing both quality and value for money. We became a distributor for the brand earlier this year, so we’re delighted to now be able to add it to the range of Stax own brands.
"As a wholesaler that serves independent retail businesses and trade customers Stax is absolutely committed to providing them with the very best support and expanding the choice available from our own-range brand allows us to do exactly that. It’s another step forward in our mission to deliver top quality brands at the sort of affordable prices which will allow them to compete with major national and online brands.
"Customers who already purchase Groundsman products from us can be assured that they will continue to be available from our various trade centres, and they can offer them to their own customers in complete confidence. This development will also provide fresh opportunities for existing customers and retailers who are new to the Groundsman brand. Developing our portfolio of own-brand products in this way is an important part of our long-term growth plans. The Groundsman products will help us to expand the choice available to our household and gardening customers, and so create benefits both for our them and for Stax.”
The Groundsman brushes are made from Forest Stewardship Council-approved wooden stocks finished in a medium oak varnish. They feature rugged and durable push-fit plastic sockets and offer a variety of fillings to suit a wide range of applications.
Managers at Squire’s Garden Centres Group Office have been experiencing various roles across the business. Each one was allocated one of Squire’s 15 garden centres to work at, with the Centre Manager choosing the job that they should do for the day. Called “Feet On the Floor” this programme came about following a suggestion in Squire’s annual employee survey...
Martin Breddy, Sarah Squire and Karen Smith experienced different roles across the business.
Managers at Squire’s Garden Centres Group Office have been experiencing various roles across the business. Each one was allocated one of Squire’s 15 garden centres to work at, with the Centre Manager choosing the job that they should do for the day. Called “Feet On the Floor” this programme came about following a suggestion in Squire’s annual employee survey.
Deputy Chairman Sarah Squire commented: “It’s been a fantastic experience, definitely one that we will repeat again. I worked in the Café Bar at Squire’s in Shepperton serving customers and clearing tables. It was very refreshing to be out doing something different from my normal day job.
"I absolutely loved it. I asked to work in a café bar because I was a Saturday girl in my youth, so I had experienced working in the garden centre shop and plant areas over many years, but in those days we did not have restaurants so I was very keen to gain a hands on understanding of some of the challenges my colleagues face in the café bars.’
Finance Director Mark Wilson was kept busy assembling garden furniture at Squire’s in Reigate while Managing Director Martin Breddy helped out with goods-in and stock replenishment at West Horsley, followed by a busy day in the Plant Area at Squire’s in Cobham.
Group Marketing Manager Karen Smith worked in the Plant Area at Squire’s in Twickenham. She said: “Customers asked a range of gardening questions throughout the day and I was so impressed by the diverse knowledge of our team. What really struck me was how quickly stock moved.
"You take pride in doing a nice display and then two hours later it needs sorting out again, but our team was great at keeping the plant area topped up on a very busy day.
"It’s quite a physical job, and of course you have the challenge of the weather that you don’t have in an office role! It was great to gain some more horticultural knowledge and very satisfying to be able to help customers find the best plants for their garden.”
Pictured: Martin Breddy, Sarah Squire and Karen Smith experienced different roles across the business.
GIMA supplier Deco-Pak jumped to the top of the pecking order in the Pet Care, Aquatics and Wild Bird Care category last night, with a win at the 2018 GIMA Awards gala dinner in South Wales...
GIMA supplier Deco-Pak jumped to the top of the pecking order in the Pet Care, Aquatics and Wild Bird Care category last night, with a win at the 2018 GIMA Awards gala dinner in South Wales. Deco-Pak’s Quintessentially British Collection of decorative birdhouses and birdfeeders impressed the judges who described it as “whimsical and charming - a fantastic take on the traditional bird house.”
The new additions to the well-established Garden Bazaar range include a realistic looking miniature garden shed, a London Underground sign for nesting birds to hide behind, a wine rack feeder that promotes reusing bottles, and a scaled down No. 10 Downing Street for birds to peck on in protest. The award was hotly contested against a large number of entries this year, including finalists Smart Garden and Wildlife World.
Marketing Director Craig Hall said: “We’d already received a positive reception for our new Garden Bazaar decorative birdbox ranges from customers and the media, but to also win a GIMA Award – our first ever - is just fantastic. In a category crammed full of great products and innovations, the competition is always fierce and this year was certainly no different. On behalf of all of us at Deco-Pak I’d like to say a huge thank you to GIMA and the judges, this is a great deal for us and a key moment in the continued growth of our company.”
Designed by Deco-Pak, the new Quintessentially British range of birdboxes and feeders is priced at £16.99 - £29.99 RRP. Designed to appeal to buyers or collectors looking for quirky garden gifts, and fans of the original range of Garden Bazaar British birdhouses and feeders. Highly functional and made from FSC certified wood, the range was a finalist in the Spring Fair awards at the start of the year.
Find out more
Deco-Pak’s birdfeeders and birdhouses can all be viewed on the company’s website, www.deco-pak.co.uk. To speak directly with the sales team call 01422 204394.
Plant area managers and buyers are being reminded to book their places at the Garden Centre Association’s third annual Plant Area Forum at Ball Colegrave this month...
Plant area managers and buyers are being reminded to book their places at the Garden Centre Association’s third annual Plant Area Forum at Ball Colegrave this month.
Places are available for the event, facilitated by GCA inspector Roger Crookes, on Wednesday, July 25 for £79 per person and can be booked via www.gca.org.uk or by calling the GCA office direct on 01244 952170.
Roger, who believes that plants are still the core business for garden centres, said: “Our past Plant Area Forum events have been a huge success and this year’s promises to be just as inspiring and motivational for all who come along.
“This year we are responding to feedback from delegates who attended previous years and are looking at how we can work more closely with suppliers. We have an opportunity now to shape how the UK plant areas look and perform in the future, and for this to happen, we need suppliers of plants, pots and plant area services to join us at the forum and be part of the discussion.
“During the forum we’ll also be aiming to understand our customers better and understand what they are looking for and how we can help them to invest time and money into their gardens. We’ll discuss how we and our suppliers can develop our plant presentation to make it easier for customers to become life-long, successful gardeners.
“The day will also give delegates the chance to see the Ball Colegrave trials grounds and be one of the first to see their new introductions for 2019. There is also the opportunity to network with like-minded people from garden centres across the country.
“The potential to grow our market is still huge and the Plant Area Forum is a fantastic opportunity for delegates to share ideas and information, discuss the challenges we face, as well as analyse sales and profitability and discover potential opportunities. By talking with other plant area teams and suppliers I hope we can develop more commercial opportunities to boost our plant retailing into the 21st century.”
Roger will also be joined by GCA inspector, Michael Cole, who will be bringing his knowledge of commercial plant retailing to the forum.
Standing out from the crowd, know your products and customer engagement were the key themes at the Glee Exhibitor Workshop, which took place on 4th July at Poplars Garden Centre in Toddington...
Standing out from the crowd, know your products and customer engagement were the key themes at the Glee Exhibitor Workshop, which took place on 4th July at Poplars Garden Centre in Toddington.
Over 80 delegates from across the garden industry attended the event aimed at making the most out of the annual show. In a format new to the workshop, Trevor Pfeiffer of Garden Trade News interviewed leading garden retailers to learn their top tips on how to engage influential buyers and industry experts, as well as how to secure those vital sales, ahead of Glee 2018 in September.
“Exhibitors at Glee often don’t see the buying signs,” said Alastair Jackson, General Manager at Poplars Garden Centre, an experienced Glee visitor having attended the show for 24 years throughout his career. “If I’m asking questions, I’m interested and want information. It’s important for sales staff on the stands to understand their products, be prepared with pricing and communicate with retailers in order to secure sales.”
Alastair has seen a lot of change in Glee over the years, as it goes from strength to strength, and now regards the revitalised show as the key date in the buying calendar. Attending with his department managers and shop staff, Alastair walks every aisle of the show with his team so they can meet with existing suppliers and new ones. As Poplars plan their ranges six months in advance, he emphasised how important it was for Glee suppliers to keep the communication channels open and follow up on any interest shown to ensure their products are stocked in store.
Simon Bourne, Managing Director at Perrywood Garden Centre, echoed this sentiment on communication and how important it is for exhibitors to ask questions, and most importantly, understand the customer they are talking to. The large family-run, award winning independent centre sees Glee as the most important show of the year and make a significant investment in seeking out the latest products for the upcoming season. Simon takes a dedicated team of eight from all departments, as well as members of his marketing team to spot the innovative, new gardening trends before they hit the shelves.
“The latest trends play an important part in Perrywood’s offering,” explains Simon. “Our houseplants area already has a really large floor space and has seen a sales growth of 25% over the last 18 months. We look for stands that have made an effort with bold, inspirational, visual displays and eye-catching merchandising that we can replicate in store. Our stoneware, indoor living, gifting and clothing offerings are also expanding so I want to see what’s new and exciting immediately on the stand I’m visiting. That’s what makes me stop and start a conversation.”
Get in the shoes of the customer was the message from Caroline Linger, Head of Buying at Crocus. With a diverse customer offering through Waitrose, the RHS and Next, as well as its own website and garden centre which attracts designers and horticulturists, Crocus has a very intense, product specific focus and requirements.
“As we operate mainly online, we can represent ‘new’ very quickly,” explained Caroline. “My team of seven use every minute of the show and last year saw 60 suppliers, new and existing over the three days. We want to know price, the benefits, how it works and how it will fit on the Crocus website. We need suppliers to sell their products with confidence and have good displays on stand to give us an idea of how we would present it ourselves. It is important to know your pricing structure depending on the time of season and know our competitors. Being competitive online is hard, Crocus can’t compete with Amazon or the volume supermarkets so it’s important when you pitch to us, this is understood as a good trading relationship is so important.”
Caroline also emphasised the importance of the marketing of the products displayed at Glee. She encouraged retailers to work hard before the show and utilise all marketing opportunities available from the copy in the show catalogue, videos to online representation and social media to make sure suppliers stand out from the crowd and shout about their products to guarantee a stand visit.
As well as hearing from each of the garden retailers on how they approach Glee, delegates learnt about the exciting features and opportunities from the show’s team. Marketing Manager, Luke Murphy gave an overview of this year’s Retail Lab which will focus on the theme of ‘Happy Gardening.’ This trend will build on much of the content showcased within the Retail Lab last year but will dig deeper into the many ways that gardening can enhance our lives. Focussing on consumer purchasing patterns, this year’s offering will be split into five key areas: Grow Your Own, Feel Good, Play, Pets and Easy Gardening, giving retailers and suppliers inspiration and take-home ideas for their own business.
Marketing and PR experts also told delegates how to increase their brand exposure at Glee with Trevor Pfeiffer outlining the opportunities in Glee Daily News, the Glee Show Catalogue and the New Product Showcase. Kimberley Hornby, Managing Director at Hornby Whitefoot PR encouraged exhibitors to send preview news and take advantage of the PR opportunities available with UK and international media, bloggers and vloggers, as well as how to get your products into editors’ hands through the VIP goody Bag. Rachel Cryan, Social Marketing Manager at Glee rounded off the session with an in-depth look at how to use social media to promote presence and products before, after and during the show, the best channels to use, the hashtags to use to engage in conversation as well has how to widen the reach of each post.
Find out more Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focussing on building year-round profits for buyers and suppliers within the core gardening and outdoor leisure product categories. To keep up-to-date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com. To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2018 call 020 3033 2160, or email daniel.mcalpin@gleebirmingham.com to find out more about sponsorship opportunities within the 2018 Retail Lab at Glee.
Greenfingers Charity were presented with a cheque for £10,000 from LOFA on the first day of SOLEX. Linda Petrons, director of fundraising and communications, received the donation from Mark Osborne, chairman of LOFA...
Greenfingers Charity were presented with a cheque for £10,000 from LOFA on the first day of SOLEX.
Linda Petrons, director of fundraising and communications, received the donation from Mark Osborne, chairman of LOFA.
Linda said: "We're enormously grateful to LOFA for their continued support. We're delighted to receive this donation, which will help to ensure that a new woodland garden in East London will become a reality later in the year."
Hayes Garden World and Silverbirch Garden Centre won Gold Awards in GTN's Greatest Outdoor Leisure Sales Team Awards, presented at SOLEX 2018...
Hayes Garden World and Silverbirch Garden Centre won Gold Awards in GTN's Greatest Outdoor Leisure Sales Team Awards, presented at SOLEX 2018...
After all of the judges visits to meet nominated Outdoor Leisure Sales Teams here are the winners in each category:
The Greatest Outdoor Furniture Sales Team
Bronze Award – Poplars Garden Centre
Silver Award – Hillview Garden Centres
Gold Award – Silverbirch Garden Centre
The Greatest BBQ & Outdoor Furniture Sales Team
Bronze Award – Chessington Garden Centre
Silver Award – Blue Diamond Garden Centres
Gold Award – Hayes Garden World
Presenting the awards at a drinks reception, kindly provided by sponsors SOLEX, GTN's MD Trevor Pfeiffer said: "the judges have seen excellent examples of high quality retailing this year with plenty of effort going in to add on sales across the outdoor leisure sector that are increasing customer satisfaction and profitability."
"Where great teamwork is added to excellent retail standards that's when success is even greater," he added. "That's why our awards seek to find and celebrate the really great teams who are making a difference and setting new levels of performance that others can strive for."
You'll be able to read more about the winners and see pictures taken by the judges during their visits in future issues of Garden Trade News and the e-mail newsletter GTN Xtra.
Supremo picked up the Best New Product Award for its 'Fire-Pit table...
Supremo picked up the Best New Product Award for its 'Fire-Pit table...
The judges - Chris McCormack, past chairman of LOFA, and Iain Wylie, chief executive of the GCA - were impressed with the design of the 'Fire-Pit' table.
"We liked the neat arrangement for disguising the gas bottle, and also the Resysta wood" said the judges.
The Best New Product Award was presented by Mark Osborne, chairman of LOFA.
Bramblecrest scooped the Best Stand at SOLEX and received the trophy from Mark Osborne, chairman of LOFA, on the first day of the show...
Bramblecrest scooped the Best Stand at SOLEX and received the trophy from Mark Osborne, chairman of LOFA, on the first day of the show.
The judges were particularly impressed with the open, easy to view stand. It was well co-ordinated, and the use of plants gave the stand a natural look.
The Supremo stand was judged the second best, and Beefeater came third.
This year sees GARDENA add two Ambassador Stores to its roster, with the aim of increasing brand presence and further boosting sales into garden centres in the UK market...
This year sees GARDENA add two Ambassador Stores to its roster, with the aim of increasing brand presence and further boosting sales into garden centres in the UK market.
GARDENA is diversifying its Ambassador Store portfolio with two new locations across the United Kingdom, continuing the momentum of the brand’s first Ambassador Store launch and major TV campaign last year. GARDENA is also supporting the introduction of these new Ambassador Stores with a nationwide multimedia campaign, encompassing TV, radio, print and digital media that launched this spring. The initiative also nods to the 50 year anniversary of the brand’s Original GARDENA System – a product which revolutionised garden irrigation.
GARDENA has launched three more stores since the pilot store opened in Gordale in 2017, bringing the complete GARDENA concept to shoppers through vibrant and interactive displays.
The brand continues investment in the UK Garden Centre Market and promises to offer staff training to all involved in the Ambassador Store initiative, while providing inspirational and educational POS solutions and marketing assets.
The second Ambassador Store that GARDENA launched was in Scotland, which expanded the brand‘s offering in this region. GARDENA chose to partner with Cardwell Garden Centre given its family-operated roots, with its home and garden experts assisting shoppers in Gourouck, Scotland since 1962. This Ambassador Store showcases the full GARDENA offering of products inclusive of watering, cutting and city gardening ranges. The GARDENA combisystem and GARDENA smart system are also on show.
The third Ambassador Store that launched earlier this year is within Burston Garden Centre, St. Albans – an award-winning garden centre celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The Burston Ambassador Store also displays the full range of GARDENA products, with product demonstration to highlight key selling features and a GARDENA smart system robotics demonstration area built in.
“We are delighted to see our May sales increasing by 53% on last year after the introduction of the GARDENA Ambassador Store. The pre-season offers for customers have also been a successful sales initiative and we’ve received positive feedback around the impressive look and feel of the stands” said Sam Stickland, Garden Care Manager at Burston.
Vanstone Park Garden Centre in Hertfordshire also launched its debut GARDENA Ambassador Store in late June. GARDENA chose to partner with Vanstone Park due to its wide service offering, including a garden nursery, restaurant and pets/aquatics store.
“We are delighted to expand our Ambassador Store initiative this year and we are always looking to strengthen our retail presence in the UK. These new additions will hopefully follow the success of our pilot store in Gordale and will provide a real incentive for shoppers to travel to garden centres instead of shopping online” said Paul Simpson, UK National Account Manager for GARDENA.
GARDENA has ambitious plans for Ambassador Store expansion in 2019 and is looking to invest with retail partners interested in becoming Ambassador Stores, to offer the complete GARDENA concept. GARDENA will be launching its 2019 Ambassador Programme at GLEE later this year and invites all Garden Centre affiliates to visit stand 6M30-N31.
For more information on GARDENA’s new Ambassador Stores, contact Gary Fisher (Gary.Fisher@husqvarnagroup.com) and Michael Holden (Michael.Holden@husqvarnagroup.com).
The best plants to grow to attract bumblebees have been revealed, after gardeners across the country used an app to record bee sightings...
The best plants to grow to attract bumblebees have been revealed, after gardeners across the country used an app to record bee sightings.
The three flowers most visited by bees were viper’s-bugloss, teasel and toadflax, according to data from the Blooms for Bees app, created by Coventry University scientists.
Blooms for Bees is the only bumblebee surveying app to record the flower being foraged as well as the insect.
Its unique focus on gardens and allotments aims to improve recommendations of which flowers to grow more of to help support dwindling bumblebee populations by increasing important sources of nectar and pollen.
There has been a well-documented decline of certain bumblebee species within the UK – with two becoming extinct in the last 70 years.
The free app, developed by experts at the university’s Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience was launched last year.
More than 500 people, from as far afield as the Orkneys to the Isles of Scilly, submitted 3,011 bumblebee photographs and 2,218 plant surveys during the year.
Results from the app also found the top three bumblebees spotted by gardeners were the buff-tailed bumblebee, the common carder bee and the red-tailed bumblebee.
A total of 15 different bumblebee species were photographed by gardeners, including the ruderal bumblebee and moss carder bee which are listed as national conservation priorities.
The citizen science project encourages people to use the app to carry out five minute surveys to identify the bumblebees they see in their gardens and record which flowers they visit.
It features a detailed identification guide which includes all 25 UK bumblebee species, and makes it easy for the user to submit photos and data.
The £100k project was co-funded by the university and the Heritage Lottery Fund in partnership with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Garden Organic and the Royal Horticultural Society.
Judith Conroy, a researcher with CAWR, said: “This has given us a fascinating and vital insight into the flowers that are most popular with bumblebees.
“Our results are really important to us because they have come from gardeners themselves recording and photographing what they see. Before, most of the information we had was anecdotal evidence.
“The species of plants that came out top were not necessarily those which are most widely recommended. The information from gardeners has opened new doors for us and helped improve our knowledge of how to make gardens and allotments more bumblebee friendly.”
The Blooms for Bees team will be talking about their research findings and handing out information and free seeds with partners the RHS at Defra’s “Carnabee” takeover of Carnaby Street, London, this week to mark Bees' Needs week, which runs from July 9 until July 15.
The app is free to download on Apple and Android platforms.
The Royal Horticultural Society has announced its official endorsement of the entire range of products from The Posh Shed Company. This includes the company’s signature range of bespoke sheds and back door stores...
The Royal Horticultural Society has announced its official endorsement of the entire range of products from The Posh Shed Company. This includes the company’s signature range of bespoke sheds and back door stores.
An RHS endorsement is a significant addition to the successful RHS licensing campaign, bringing the name and support of the UK’s best-known gardening charity to an existing product line. The RHS only endorses what it believes to be the very best products in any one product category. To receive an endorsement a potential partner is carefully considered, products are checked for quality and, where possible, a site visit is conducted.
The endorsement comes at a time of continued growth for The Posh Shed Company, which has been marked by the restructuring of its product offering. Customers now have three options for just how posh they’d like their shed to be: Posh, Very Posh or Unbelievably Posh. This enhanced offering brings Posh Sheds’ reputation for quality, function and elegant design to more affordable as well as premium products. The new options were launched at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in July.
The Posh Shed Company has also unveiled a new and exclusive range of small storage solutions with its new Back-Door Stores, which are an extensive range of unobtrusive but stylish units designed for storage in small spaces. These items in particular, which offer a compact but functional and elegant area for gardeners to store tools, are an encouragement to everyone to grow, no matter how big or small their space is, that fits perfectly with the new RHS brand message: “Inspiring everyone to grow.”
Founded in 2008, The Posh Shed Company designs and builds wooden sheds of only the highest quality. They are attractive, functional, built to last and remain dry inside. All Posh Shed Company products are hand-made by skilled craftspeople in Herefordshire, and are made to order to meet the exact requirements of each customer.
Richard Frost, managing director of The Posh Shed Company, says: “We, like the RHS, believe that gardening enriches lives and we express that through our products, which, we feel, both support gardening and enhance gardens. We’re thrilled therefore to receive the endorsement of the UK’s best-loved gardening charity.“
Cathy Snow, Licensing Manager, RHS, says: “It’s important to the RHS that it has within its licensing programme a number of RHS endorsements for British-based companies that offer some of the best hand-built products available, among them Whichford Pottery (terracotta flowerpots), Sitting Spiritually (bespoke garden swing seats and benches) and now Posh Sheds. Supporting craftsmanship and keeping traditional skills alive is important to the organisation as well as working with local, UK-based businesses.”
For further information about The Posh Shed Company, and its RHS endorsed products, visit www.theposhshedcompany.co.uk
The Royal Horticultural Society annual Photographic Competition, this year sponsored by The Sunday Times, has announced the winners from each of its nine distinct categories. Photographs have been on display for the first time at the RHS London Plant and Art Fair...
Winning photographs from the nine distinct categories announced
Awarded photographs to debut in a new exhibition at the RHS London Plant and Art Fair
RHS London Plant and Art Fair to exhibit a range of botanical art from around the world, as well as workshops, arts and crafts and UK nurseries
A collection of the winning photographs to tour across all four RHS Gardens
The Royal Horticultural Society annual Photographic Competition, this year sponsored by The Sunday Times, has announced the winners from each of its nine distinct categories. Photographs have been on display for the first time at the RHS London Plant and Art Fair, and simultaneously at each of the four RHS Gardens (15 August- September). The exhibition will be a celebratory collection of some of the winning images, and shows the visual approach that entrants have undertaken.
The team of six judges, deliberated over more than 10,000 entries, choosing 24 participants to be awarded from the overall prize fund of £10,000. As well as this, a number of entrants have been listed for commendations on their photography.
Chris Young, Chair of the Judging Panel, said: “We have been delighted with the submissions. Whether close up images of flowers to the atmospheric light of a setting sun, or the beauty of a woodland compared to the abstract graphic a leaf can produce, we enjoyed an abundance of images that left us excited, interested and fascinated.”
Securing the highest accolade, the overall adult winner of the competition was presented to Lithuanian born Kristina Zvinakeviciute for her image of a soldier beetle on hair grass.
Andrea Jones, Expert Garden Photographer and Judge, said: “Kristina Zvinakeviciute’s image epitomises composition and quality of light, as well as being quick minded to capture the movement of a living subject. The gentle light highlights the delicacy and colour of the grasses whilst the composition is well thought out and, whether intentional or not, follows the rules of the golden ratio, which artists for centuries have been successfully guided by. The little soldier beetle is well captured and uncannily compliments the tones of the textured grasses, which are softened with a skilful use of depth of field. "
All 36 awarded photographs will be displayed at the RHS London Plant and Art Fair and will include the Portfolio category, which will be judged for RHS medals at the show.
In addition to this, the show will feature a selection of striking and original botanical art from around the world, offering a unique insight into the world of botanical art and Japanese garden design. Features will also include Ikebana-inspired workshops for Japanese flower arranging techniques, a stunning Bonsai Garden from expert Mark D’Cruz plus an array of exhibitors displaying plant-inspired design, arts and crafts. Meanwhile, 2018 RHS London Shows Floral Artist in Residence Zita Elze will create an inspiring summer floral installation exploring the Japanese art of origami.
A late event will be hosted on July 10 (5–9pm) for a summers evening set to include the very best in botanical art as well as seasonal plants and garden wares from leading UK nurseries and horticultural suppliers. The first 200 tickets booked in advance will receive a complimentary drink on arrival.
The RHS Photographic Competition re-opens for 2019 on Sunday 8 July, closing 1 March 2019 and encourages novice and expert photographers alike to enter their photographs to demonstrate their passion for gardening, plants, outdoor spaces or wildlife. Entering is free and open to anyone simply by visiting the RHS website.
A recent survey commissioned by the Common Sense Gardening Group, and conducted by Yolo Communications, said 40% of gardeners have seen an increase in the number of weeds and invasive plants in their gardens...
A recent survey commissioned by the Common Sense Gardening Group, and conducted by Yolo Communications, said 40% of gardeners have seen an increase in the number of weeds and invasive plants in their gardens.
Almost 50% of the gardeners surveyed said they would like to spend less time on weeding their gardens, and 43% of survey respondents use garden care products to control issues with garden weeds.
The Royal Horticulture Society (RHS) sites that hedge bindweed, with its white trumpet-shaped flowers, can be a particularly common weed problem for gardeners at this time of year; choking plants in garden beds and borders*.
Eliminating garden weeds in a traditional fashion can be both time-consuming and arduous, and gardeners have identified that using garden care products is one way to create an immediate impact on problem areas.
Some of the common weeds found in typical UK gardens include prickly thistles and poisonous hemlock, and these can begin to inundate gardens as soon as temperatures start to rise.
Most people don’t want to waste their leisure time weeding their outdoor space, so garden products provide a reliable solution. Although many gardeners use garden care products, around 22% of survey respondents actually believe that they are fundamental to the proper maintenance of their gardens.
Gary Philpotts, the Chair of Common Sense Gardening Group, said: "Summer is almost upon us and as temperatures rise, people are clearing up their gardens. This research endorses our mission to better educate people on the important role garden care products play in creating and maintaining a garden. As ever, a majority of the population will not have time to tend to their garden and will be turning to garden care products to assist them in eliminating weeds quickly from their outdoor areas."
Due to new technology and research, garden care products are effective, safe and easy to use for weeding, just so long as the application instructions are followed.
Common Sense Gardening Group is an alliance of five member companies involved in the manufacture and sale of garden care products, and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) endorse the group's ethos and championship of consumer gardening concerns.
The group is part of the Crop Protection Association, which is an important aspect to the UK plant science industry. The primary focus of the Common Sense Gardening Group is on the safety of garden care products and it aims to assist consumers with gardening problems they experience. The group also provides tips on the safe use, storage and disposal of garden products.
The results of this survey were no surprise to many industry experts and complements anecdotal research already carried out by the European Crop Protection Association which has found there are a number of benefits and economies linked to the correct use of weed control products. Garden care products are a particularly inexpensive way to get rid of invasive species, and are relatively easy to apply and very time efficient.
All garden products which are approved to use around the home or garden need to undergo stringent safety assessments before they can be registered as safe to use. Physical controls are also incorporated into product design and packaging to reduce risks of consumer contact with products and prevent any misuse. The Common Sense Gardening Group provides further information on garden products online at https://garden-care.org.uk.
Designed by Deco-Pak, the new Quintessentially British range of birdboxes and feeders is priced at £16.99 - £29.99 RRP. Designed to appeal to buyers or collectors looking for quirky garden gifts, and fans of the original range of Garden Bazaar British birdhouses and feeders. Highly functional and made from FSC certified wood, the range was a finalist in the Spring Fair awards at the start of the year.
