This weeks GTN Bestsellers headline EPOS data analysis only includes 2 of the three Bank Holiday weekend trading days and as we reported on Monday, that appeared to be the best of the three.  Last weeks data also compares with the week that had the Bank Holiday Monday in it too, so as with Easter, direct comparisons are not possible.

Star performers from a volume point of view, as the the weather heated up were plants.  As the graph below shows the week was the highest so far this year for plant sales and the increase of 20% year on year for the week puts year to date plant volumes at only 7% behind last year.  A few more weeks at that level and plants will be ahead of last year, but there are some big targets from last year to be beaten along the way.

Garden products continue to lag behind plants with the GTN Bestsellers Top 50 volume sales index still sitting at 15% down year on year.  Growing Media volumes jumped back up again and are now 12% down year to date.

To see the full GTN Bestsellers analysis and the Top 50 Bestsellers charts, subscribe to GTN Bestsellers using this link or email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Phew, what a scorcher!  After four glorious days GTN Xtra reports on prospects for Bank Holiday trading records being broken across the country starting with an update from Dobbies Garden Centres where they say sales sizzled over the Bank Holiday Weekend:  "Following a record-breaking heatwave weekend in April, Dobbies Garden Centres has continued to trade strongly, with the garden centre company seeing its biggest ever May Day Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 05 – Monday 07 May).  BBQ sales were particularly strong, up 229% compared to 2017. Plants and gardening categories also did well, with all three categories delivering their biggest ever weekend in terms of sales.

Graeme Jenkins, Chief Operating Officer at Dobbies Garden Centres, said: “The beautiful weather over the bank holiday weekend drove great sales for our plants and gardening ranges. People want to spend time in the garden when the weather picks up, and it’s only natural that they want to have it looking its best.  Barbecuers were clearly out in force over the weekend too. BBQs are great in that there’s one to suit every chef and every budget, from pack-up-and-go models to multi-functional grill and smoker combos.”

Martin Stewart of Stewarts Garden Centres told us on Tuesday morning: “What an amazing weekend. Sales for the 3 centres up 45% on the bank holiday of last year when we were running out of steam.

Yesterday broke all records by a good margin. The teams played a blinder. High stock levels helped a great deal. What is surprising for us when you are so close to some of the best beaches in the country is that such hot weather can drive people away from the Centres. It just shows how much genuine gardening demand there is out there. Although we are still down on last year it’s what things look like at the end of June that matters.”

Simon Bourne at Perrywood: “Well that was pretty awesome! We smashed our all time record today and ended up with a record weekend all round. Plants of all descriptions, compost, plant feeds, parasols, table sets and barbecues were all stand-out categories.  The next target is to have a huge May. I'd like to do 20% more than our previous biggest May, two years ago. We're well on track but it will be quite something if we get there.”

In the Midlands, Planters at Bretby recorded their highest figure yesterday beating last year and Planters Tamworth recorded it's highest ever Spring trading day.  Mark Shaw, Planters Bretby told GTN Xtra; "whilst very busy over the weekend at long last, we haven’t quite achieved the high figures from the corresponding Bank Holiday 2017, especially the Restaurant which possibly suffered due to the very warm weather." And Sarah Faulkener, Planters Tamworth added: “To my knowledge the weekend just gone has been the second best ever ,there is one weekend in December that is more. But for spring its beaten all others.”

In Scotland John Stevenson of Torwood Garden Centre thought they were in some alternative parallel universe from the BBC weather forecasterson Saturday where it stayed overcast and cool all day. "Sales were surprisingly good considering, so that was a plus at end of day. Sunday and Monday the sun shone at last and had the tills ringing with a record ever day on the Bank Holiday Monday. Will still be down on last YTD but things are getting back on track."

And even further North the weather wasn't helping at Brechin Castle Garden Centre.  Yvonne Richie tells us; "Our weather has not been great, Saturday was cold, Sunday was warm and sunny, and the sales reflected this, we have a tropical temperature today of 12 degrees.  It is Scotland, we live in hope of record breaking sales, but not this bank holiday."

In the North West, Jon Bottomley at Newbank Garden Centres said: “Our best ever day was recorded yesterday at Radcliffe branch. Beaten our best ever day by 20 percent. Thank god!”

Justin Williams at Fron Goch Garden Centre said: “We have just had two record weekends and today is looking good, with good weather coinciding with marketing for the 1st time this year. Looks on track to be a record breaker - but we have a lot to make up after March and April!”

Adam Wigglesworth at Aylett Nurseries was a little more cautious; “I don't think it will be a record but we have been very busy!  We will see what today brings...”

James Evans at Ruxley Manor told GTN Xtra: “Been a busy couple of days so far and so hopefully that will continue today... We certainly need it to!”

Andy Bunker at Alton Garden Centre said we should all wait to see what today brings before shouting about a record; “we’ve had very similar turnover in £ in plants, furniture and BBQ’s with  excellent numbers.  It was a buy it Saturday on all the above and do it on Sunday as quite a drop yesterday around 30%.  It is really relevant to WAIT and see what today brings.  My feeling is it will be bang in middle, not the dizzy heights of Saturday but better than Sunday.

At Brookside in Kent, Simon Shead told us: “The whole week has been record breaking, still got a long way to go but we should get there.”

Sam Bosworth chose the right weekend to open their new centre at Elton Hall to the east of Peterborough: “It’s been non-stop, but great fun.  We opened at Elton on Saturday, plants and gardening only though.  Booked some fantastic weather for opening day, cheaper and more effective than a gardening celebrity!  We are looking to get catering open by Saturday 26th May.  Still lots to do, but signs are good.  Very much a plant centre, and no doubt lots to learn, but hopefully it is what we are good at.  We’ve definitely had a record weekend at Bosworths and it has been mad trying to service that volume of trade.  Over at Elton it is nice and steady and calm but no staff hired here yet, so it is like going back in time for me.”

Colin Dale from Notcutts reports: “Saturday was about 70% over last year's plant sales & Sunday about 50%, so great hopes for today also.  There is a lot of pent up demand for plants & gardening, with furniture & BBQ's also doing very well.”

They are celebrating at Baytree in Spalding: “It has been a fab weekend so far, think we will smash all previous years at this rate,” said Nigel Wallis.  “We have Ben Bartlett doing demos today with Grillstream BBQs, live music through the day and a Baravan!!”

At Scotsdales, Caroline Owen thinks “that our shoppers will be out early on Bank Holiday Monday and may then choose rightly to spend the time in their garden. A record is a possibility.”

James Ducker at Langlands had packed car parks at all centres with bedding flying out.  “I was out helping staff load up lorries to deliver bedding from our nursery at 5am this morning. It’s set to be a record Bank Holiday weekend.”

Haskins MD, Julian Winfield is hoping for some cooler weather. “I expect the weather has been too good for records, everyone goes to the beach for three of our four centres.  Forecast looks good for the next couple weeks and a little cooler.  Saturday sales were very good.”

Further North sales have been high at Klondyke: “Yes it was a good weekend with the bank holiday Monday still to come. The weather further North has been good but not really warm, still good for gardening. We will see how the Monday compares,” reported CEO David Yardley

British Garden Centres, Phillippa Stubbs also told GTN Xtra they were having a very busy weekend “some of our centres have had record days and we are currently on target for a record weekend as our group which is excellent.  Long may this weather continue.  This is bringing us back level at some of the centres so positive.  Now to keep restocking and watering.”

Mike Ryan from, The Cherry Lane group who acquired Davids Nurseries last week said “Trading has been superb so far this weekend, with most of our garden centre's breaking records. If Monday goes the same way, some will have had their best three trading days ever!”

After an appearance on BBC Radio 5 Live’s breakfast show on Sunday morning, Matthew Bent told us “It’s been two great days, customers are going mad for garden products." then after helping get stock out fro today with the team he added; "we did have a record weekend, it was the biggest ever in the spring season. Amazing weekend, many items we had our best ever day on, BBQs, planned containers as customers get ready for the nice weather."

Final word for today goes to James Debbage of Green Pastures in Norwich who was re-stocking until 9:30pm last night: “I literally just finished replenishing the basket plant displays ready for the morning. Not enough hours in the day at the moment! (I swear I’m even working in my sleep right now!).  Our weekend got off to a fantastic start on Saturday until there was an accident a mile up the road and the police closed the main route to us from Norwich which really put the dampers on the afternoon! Please can we have a level playing field? However, Sunday was a record day for the garden centre and the restaurant was full throughout the day, from breakfast right through to afternoon tea."

James then added on Monday evening: “Having narrowly broken our daily sales record yesterday, we totally smashed it today! Hardly any big ticket sales, just a LOT of plants!"

If you'd like to update us with your trading performance over the Bank Holiday weekend please use the comments link below or e-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Thanks to Blue Diamond for the images, they well ad truly joined in with World Naked Gardening Day on Saturday and their social media was very busy as were we expect the centres...

Bids from interested parties have started to come in for Homebase/Bunnings as Wesfamers look to exit the UK.

Wesfamers are reported to be offering a large financial package to a new owner to help contend with its huge losses.  That could exceed £100m.

Sky News has reported this morning that Opcapita has tabled an offer for Homebase.  Others are expected to foolow.

See the full Sky News report here

Stressful gardening is now a thing of the past thanks to self-watering planter manufacturer, Lechuza.

Suitable for both beginners and professionals, these clever planters take the guesswork out of watering. Simply fill your Lechuza planter with the included PON, cover with soil and place your plant inside the planter. Then, fill it up with either more soil, PON, or a bit of both. Next, water your plant as normal for a few weeks, allowing the roots to establish. Then, let Lechuza take care of the rest.

The clever sub-irrigation system ensures that your flowers and herbs get as much water as they need, when they need it. All that’s left to do is fill the reservoir through the handy water supply shaft and your plants are taken care of for up to 12 weeks. The included Lechuza-PON also helps perfectly control water supply, improving plant growth by 30%. For a quick check-up, the planters include a visual indicator to show how much water is left, so you know when it’s time for a re-fill.

If you’re wondering about cleaning or moving your plant pots, Lechuza couldn’t have made it any easier with the lightweight material. All planters contain a flexible and clever liner which lifts easily and some are interchangeable. Some even come with integrated rollers for completely hassle-free movement.

Lechuza planters are not only clever but shatterproof, UV-resistant and fashion-conscious. With a wide variety of colours, styles and sizes on offer, Lechuza has the perfect planter for every home, every garden and every planting idea.

If you’re struggling for outdoor space, look no further than the BALCONISSIMA Color. These stylish planters can be attached to balconies and railings using the included brackets, so even the smallest of spaces can look beautiful with Lechuza – that’s urban gardening made easy! For more space-saving ideas, the CASCADA Color is expertly designed so that planters can sit singularly or be conveniently stacked into a tower of up to 3 planters, ideal for an impromptu restyle. The NIDO Cottage is also a great choice without having to compromise on ground space. These hanging baskets are quick to plant and easy to mount and the stainless steel hanger holds your flowers securely. They can also double as a table planter on flat surfaces. All outdoor-friendly Lechuza planters include a drain plug to help release any excess water, so your plants are safe from water logging even during heavy rain.

For those looking to redesign their home or garden, the new YULA Collection boasts modern living. The combination of a table planter, plant bag and watering can harmonises well and adds greenery and sophistication to any space. They’re also the perfect addition to any kitchen, offering an elegant way to plant herbs and vegetables.

Whether on the balcony, in the garden, kitchen, lounge, small or large space, Lechuza have the perfect planter for the home, office or as the ideal gift.

Further information:  www.lechuza.co.uk | info@lechuza.co.uk | 01268 548 111

Value garden centre group, Cherry Lane, has completed the purchase of David’s Nurseries in Martin Hussingtree, Worcester, as exclusively revealed by GTN Xtra earlier in the week.

The acquisition of David’s Nurseries on Ash Lane takes place with immediate effect, and makes it the 12th garden centre in the group owned by QD.

Cherry Lane is already starting to stock the shelves with its signature great value ranges including indoor and outdoor plants, as well as the introduction of new garden furniture and solar lighting lines, Wild Bird Care department and a clothing department featuring big brands at great value prices.

Boddington Koi Aquatic Centre continues to trade within the garden centre and the much-loved Olive Grove Cafe remains open as normal, serving freshly made food.

Further work to develop the garden centre will be undertaken during the summer.
 
The garden centre, now known as David’s Nurseries by Cherry Lane Garden Centres, has transferred all 15 staff over to Cherry Lane, enabling them to remain in their existing roles.
 
Eddie Reid, garden centre manager at David’s Nurseries, said: “We are delighted to join the Cherry Lane family. Cherry Lane has a great record in running garden centres and we’re very excited about this transition, which will create an even better centre for our customers to enjoy. We are looking forward to showing customers our exciting new products and additional departments.”
 
Nick Rubins, Chief Executive of the QD Group which owns Cherry Lane, said: “The acquisition of David’s Nurseries is another great landmark in the ongoing growth and success of our Cherry Lane Garden Centres. We are a family run business and this is a major purchase for our Group.

"We are very pleased to welcome the team from David’s Nurseries and are looking forward to sharing with shoppers our great value, excellent quality and ever-changing spectacular new deals.”
 
David’s Nurseries by Cherry Lane Garden Centres is now the 12th garden centre owned by Cherry Lane, the UK’s eighth biggest garden centre group.
 
For more information on Cherry Lane, visit www.cherry-lane.co.uk.

Click here to find out how GTN Xtra broke the news.

Blue Diamond joined in the spirit of World Naked Gardening Day on Saturday as some of their brave staff undressed for the occasion in many of the group's plant areas. Pictures of those taking part were then posted on the company's social media platforms...

The garden centre group also invited its customers to join in the fun.

On its Facebook page it urged customers to get in touch with their exploits.

"Send us your images of you in your garden at Home and you could win a £100 gift voucher to spend at your local Blue Diamond centre.

"PM us your message or if you are feeling your naturist side of you coming out, share them in the comments in this post!"

Below is a gallery of some of the pictures posted on the Blue Diamond Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/bluediamondgardencentres/

Carol Paris, the former CEO of the HTA, has announced the launch of a new garden centre group called Somerton Ltd.

Developing garden centres in Southern England, the business will focus on high growth sectors, including fresh local food and table service restaurants..

Puma Investments and individual investors have financed the creation of Somerton Ltd.

Puma Investments is the principle investor in Rosebourne, which opened its first garden centre in Andover 18 months ago and is currently developing a further site in Aldermaston set to open later this year.

Somerton Ltd has signed a franchise agreement with Rosebourne and will trade at its centres under the Rosebourne brand.

Carol Paris takes the helm as CEO of Somerton Ltd, bringing five years of experience as CEO of the Horticultural Trades Association. Rich in knowledge, she oversaw a £45million turnover at the Garden & Leisure Group as Operations and Buying Director before it was sold to Wyevale in 2013.

Rupert West, Investment Director at Puma and Head of Puma EIS, said: “We are delighted to be backing Somerton Ltd and to have such an experienced retailer at the helm in Carol Paris. 

“There is proven demand in the market for the kind of high quality offer that Somerton will be providing and the company is now well funded for site acquisition and development.”

Puma Investments is a fund management business with offices in London, Liverpool and Edinburgh.  It provides growth capital of £1million to £10million to UK SMEs across all sectors – https://www.pumainvestments.co.uk/growth-capital.

To get in touch with Somerton regarding potential sites contact: carol@somertongroup.co.uk

Phew, despite the colder weather last weekend, the GTN Bestsellers Plant Sales analysis shows a welcome second week of sales ahead of last year. 

As we move into the peak sales weeks of May, plant sales are now 11% down on last year, much of which could be made up if the weather holds and there are sufficient stocks to meet demand.

• Zonal geraniums (Pelargoniums in our chart) lead the way, but sales last week were 12% down on the same week last year.
• Fuchsia sales were up by 7% on last year, climbing to No 3 in the chart, just behind Tomato plants.
• Primula’s saw a resurgence in sales climbing 21 places back to No 12.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

The Horticultural Trades Association has announced the appointment of Matthew Bent, the Managing Director from Bents Garden & Home near Warrington, to the HTA Board as a non-executive director.

Matthew Bent said, “I am delighted and proud to have been selected for this post.  The HTA has a strong and meaningful purpose in the garden industry and I am looking forward to working with the board and members to help provide additional support and advice from a retailer’s perspective.”

Commenting on the appointment Adam Taylor, HTA President, said, “We are delighted that Matthew has joined the HTA Board. Bents are recognised across the industry as exemplars of garden retail practice and the appointment of Matthew will strengthen our retailer representation at Board level.”

Matthew will attend his first HTA Board meeting in June, along with Richard Pyrah from Kelkay who takes his place on the Board as the new GIMA President.

Adam Taylor adds, “I would also like to take the opportunity to welcome Richard Pyrah to the Board as the new GIMA President and thank Chris Ramsden for his contribution to the HTA Board during his tenure as GIMA President. Both Richard and Chris will attend the next meeting to ensure a slick handover.”

The HTA Board consists of:

Adam Taylor – Taylors Bulbs – President
Adam Wigglesworth – Aylett Nurseries – Immediate Past President
Alex Vick – HTA Senior Executive and Finance Director
Bob Hewitt – Klondyke Garden Centres – non-executive director
Chris Ramsden – Hozelock – ex-GIMA President – non-executive director
Matthew Bent – Bents Garden & Home - non-executive director
Richard Pyrah – Kelkay – GIMA President - non-executive director
Sandy Shepherd – Ball Colegrave - non-executive director
Simon Fraser – Ben Reid Garden Centre - non-executive director

Phoenix Natural Gas has announced its support of the Kids Gardening
Club at Hillmount. The free to attend club is hosted at Hillmount garden
lifestyle centres in Ards, Bangor and Belfast on the first Saturday of each
month.

Alan Mercer, Managing Director, Hillmount, said: "As a fourth generation
garden lifestyle centre, at Hillmount we are committed to teaching our next
generation about the beauty of nature and the thrill of planting seeds
which bloom into flowers or giving the children who attend plants to take
away which grow into edible strawberries for them to enjoy. Our kids
gardening club has grown in popularity over the past year in all our garden
centres and we welcome the support from Phoenix Natural Gas in what is a
very important initiative for Hillmount."

Geri Wright, Communications Manager at Phoenix Natural Gas, said, "Natural
gas is a fuel with inherent environmental benefits and since arriving in
Northern Ireland in 1996, has provided local energy consumers with an
energy source that is up to 50% less carbon polluting than the
non-regulated oil and coal alternatives.

"Environmental responsibility is a key focus for us and Phoenix Natural Gas
is actively involved with environmental partners to implement corporate
social responsibility initiatives that will bring real benefit to local
communities.

"We are delighted to establish this new partnership with Hillmount Kids
Gardening Club and help inspire the younger generation to care about the
environment, and learn how to protect it, through a very engaging and fun
initiative. I would encourage families to come along to the Gardening Club
and enjoy a great morning getting close to nature and learning about the
fantastic plant life at Hillmount."

Hillmount Kids Gardening Club in association with Phoenix Natural Gas,
Hillmount (Ards, Bangor and Belfast) Saturday 5 May at 10.00am and on the
first Saturday of each month. The club is free to attend and ends at
11.00am. Refreshments are provided.

Garden centres are throwing their weight behind The National Rose Festival, which takes places from June 23 to July 1.

The event is being backed by top rose growers, including David Austin, Peter Beales and Blue Diamond-owned Fryers, plus more than 60 garden centres are fully behind it.

The National Rose Festival is also being supported by The Sun, whose columnist Peter Seabrook said: “The Rose Society UK was recently formed in the wake of the demise of the Royal National Rose Society last year, owing to massive pension-fund debts. This was a great shame and everything needs to be done to support the efforts of these keen rosarians to get this new organisation serving the interests of the UK’s rose lovers off the ground.”

Haskins, Stewarts, Blue Diamond, Klondyke, Millbrook and Baytree are among the garden centres taking part.

Strikes in Stokesley, North Yorkshire, has opened a temporary shop as the business attempts to recover from a devastating blaze last month...

Manager Caroline Scaife, speaking in the Northern Echo newspaper praised the resilience of staff and the community spirit shown by nearby residents and customers after the blaze broke out on April 7.

We spoke to Tony Hutchinson, Managing Director of Vitavia Garden Products Ltd, to find out how he feels about celebrating Vitavia’s 10th Anniversary in 2018.

This year Vitavia celebrates its 10^th Anniversary. What thoughts and emotions come to mind when you think about that?

It’s quite a milestone and I’m very happy that over the last 10 years Vitavia has become  a major supplier to both the UK and European greenhouse markets.  Sons Robbie & John and daughter Andrea have all joined Gay & I in the family business and I feel we are in good shape to take on the future challenges of the changing trading environment.

What made you start Vitavia?  Where did you draw inspiration in order to start and build this business?

When the offer came to start the UK company and join our European partners in the Vitavia business, it was an opportunity not to be missed. It was an exciting time, starting a business and working for ourselves, but we drew confidence from OPJ in Denmark and EPH in Germany who were already well established in their own markets and also that we had a dedicated supplier in the part owned factory in Qingdao, China.

What were your visions in 2008 and how have you met them or even surpassed them?

I had already worked in the greenhouse industry for a number of years, mostly in export markets, so the UK was a new area for me. We have worked hard over the last ten years to become a significant supplier to both the UK and other European markets.

In what different ways have you grown Vitavia over the past 10 years?

The trading environment has changed dramatically over the last ten years, with the emergence of the internet and web retailing. Over 90% of our business now involves home deliveries and our logistics team has had to adapt accordingly. Our marketing strategies have also had to adapt to the arrival of Google and google ads, facebook & twitter.

What do you see as the biggest accomplishments since your start in 2008?

I guess just making it to our 10th Anniversary is commendable these days and having Robbie, John & Andrea join Gay & I in this growing business.

The full interview can be found by clicking here

One of the UK’s leading nurseries will be providing a selection of plants to The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) for its first ever garden trade stand at The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Malvern Spring Flower Show.

Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford will be loaning 22* different plant varieties, including Lomandra ‘White Sands’, Veronica ‘Tissington White’ and Pittosporum ten. ‘Variegata’ to BALI for the show, which will open to the public on May 10.

Adam Dunnett, Sales and Marketing Director at Wyevale Nurseries, said: “BALI’s The Secret Garden trade stand celebrates English history and traditions and will contain strong lines, verdant planting and featured focal points that will create form and structure. The colour theme for the garden is green and white to create a relaxing English cottage garden.

“The theme is an excellent close fit for us as we are steeped in history and rich with English heritage ourselves. We are one of the horticultural industry’s truly pioneering companies built from humble beginnings. In 1930, Harry Williamson bought Kings Acre Nurseries, Hereford and Wyevale Nurseries was born and since then the business has thrived, like the plants we’ll be supplying.”

The garden, designed by BALI and designer member Jane Bingham of The Cheshire Garden Landscape Design, promotes calm and tranquillity with inspirational elements derived from a splendid English country garden.

 

The 20m2 plot will contain a myriad of British grown plant varieties alongside a plethora of high quality BALI member landscaping materials. The garden will be built by BALI Registered Contractor member Isola Garden Design.

Darren Taylor, Marketing and Communications Manager at BALI, added: “We would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Wyevale Nurseries for loaning us the large selection of plants. We had a wonderful couple of days at its nurseries in Hereford wandering its large site to select the perfect British grown plants for our garden trade stand. We can’t wait to see the garden once it has been created in all its glory.”

BALI was established to promote, support and inspire all professional landscapers, garden designers and landscape suppliers to be leaders of an environmentally, ethically and commercially sustainable landscape industry.

RHS Malvern Spring Festival has been held at the Three Counties Showground since it began in 1985. One of the first major shows of the year, the festival opens the door into the summer season and its setting provides the backdrop to a plethora of plants and gardens.

RHS Malvern Spring Festival 2018 is open from Thursday, May 10 to Sunday, May 13 from 9am until 6pm. Tickets can be purchased via www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/malvern-spring-festival/about-the-rhs-malvern-spring-festival.

Director and National Sales Manager, Dan Durston of Durston Garden Products is one of three new GIMA council members appointed at last month's AGM.

Dan is a sixth generation member of the Durston Family owned company in Somerset which has been in business for over a century and a half and is delighted to be part of the now  eleven strong GIMA council team.

“I am really looking forward to being part of a great and diverse range of GIMA team councillors and working together for the benefit of the organisation which represents manufacturers and suppliers to the garden retail  industry both here in the UK and in Europe," says Dan.

Dan will hold the office of councillor for a 12-month period taking him into the Spring of 2019.

A new, state-of-the art gardening education and community outreach resource has been opened by the Royal Horticultural Society at RHS Garden Wisley in Woking in Surrey – and RHS licensees have played a major part in making it happen.

The new allotment site hosts a number of projects that use edible growing to build the skills of professional and amateur gardeners as well as providing a showcase for visitors to enjoy. The late-April opening of the area was celebrated with a major event to thank the licensees and all those involved in creating, building and establishing the new plot at RHS Garden Wisley.

The new vegetable plot, situated within the historic orchards at RHS Garden Wisley, was built by RHS staff under the supervision of Sheila Das, Garden Manager, Wisley. Sheila, who was heavily involved in the design, also arranged the celebration to thank everyone who helped to get the plot ready against a very tight deadline and in often difficult weather in time for the spring growing season.

As well as highlighting the extraordinary dedication of the Wisley team and RHS staff and supporters in getting this ’super-allotment’ up and running, the celebration also highlighted the close relationship between the RHS and many of its licensees – and how these continuing partnerships support the work of the charity.

Three RHS licensees played a major part in making the vegetable plot a reality: greenhouse designer and manufacturer Gabriel Ash, preferred partner for licensed seed and seed gifting products Mr Fothergill's Seeds Ltd, and multi-award winning manufacturer of garden and agricultural tools Burgon & Ball. Wine for the event was supplied by home-delivery wine merchant, and official RHS wine partner, Laithwaites.

Gabriel Ash, an RHS-endorsed timber greenhouse supplier, produced and supplied a ‘grow and store’ building to RHS specifications. Made to an original design, this hybrid shed/greenhouse is the biggest building ever supplied by the company, which has been designing and constructing greenhouses for over 70 years. Gabriel Ash also supplied the community outreach glasshouse. On top of these generous gifts, the company also donated approximately £30,000 worth of additional staging, waterbutts, coldframes and shading equipment.

For a project of this size to work it needs a lot of seeds, for which the RHS was able to rely on the continued support of Mr Fothergill’s, which donated all the seeds for these projects, and for the more than 20 vegetable plots. Long-term licensee Burgon and Ball donated tools to enable the continuing success of these community and educational projects. 

The area will have a number of purposes. There are 24 evenly sized rectangular beds. A number of these are allocated to RHS students on the first year of their Diploma in Horticultural Practice course; this forms an assessed project as part of their programme. Also maintaining plots on this site are participants in the RHS community allotment adult learning course – beginner growers who keep a plot at RHS Garden Wisley for a year and benefit from master classes from a team of professional experts. The site will also be used by the RHS to welcome visiting groups to engage in growing activities from all sorts of wider communities as part of its outreach work from the garden.

The Gabriel Ash-supplied community outreach glasshouse, meanwhile, is to be used to teach and educate schools, local refugee groups and others about gardening and growing vegetables and to use this knowledge in community projects, schools or their own gardens/balconies.

The event was attended by RHS Garden Wisley and RHS licensing staff, representatives of all the licensing partners, RHS students and local winners of the community ballot to maintain a plot for one year.

The various partners were all delighted with the celebration – and the successful launch of the vegetable plot. Di Limam, Managing Director of Gabriel Ash said: “When Sheila suggested this project – and especially our part in it – we saw it as both a wonderful opportunity to highlight our partnership with the RHS and an inspired way to promote gardening in general. The result has been a triumph. We believe this project will benefit students and would-be gardeners for many years to come.”

David Carey, Joint Managing Director, Mr Fothergill’s, which has generously donated seed for a number of RHS programmes, said: “We are thrilled to once again have the opportunity to underline our role not only as a supplier of quality merchandise under the RHS brand but also as a supporter of the RHS mission to inspire everyone to grow.”

Ruth Posey, Head of Sales – UK and International, Burgon & Ball, said: “We are proud that our gardening tools and gifts have received the endorsement of the RHS — and really pleased, as always to help with special projects and initiatives within RHS gardens. RHS gardeners regularly test our tools and we’ve developed several specialist products in conjunction with the gardening teams too.”

Finally Adam Clarke, Partner Account Manager of Laithwaites added: “We were delighted to be asked to help the RHS with its celebrations. Raising a glass of wine is often appropriate on special occasions – and this one certainly was special.”

Cathy Snow, RHS Licensing Manager, said: “Between them, our licensing partners have made this not only a state-of-the-art allotment and learning space, but also a truly spectacular showcase of RHS-endorsed products. We’d like to offer a big thank you from the licensing team to our RHS licensing partners for their enormous generosity.”

Sheila Das said: “For all of these grower groups, this site represents their chance to have their own little piece of Wisley. It will also be a great destination for our visitors, who can watch the plots evolve throughout the year. The RHS has been delighted to work with our licensees on this project which will help us to support our talented pool of new professional horticulturists and, in a very tangible way, inspire everyone to enjoy the benefits of growing.“

Three intrepid runners from Zest 4 Leisure are celebrating after completing the London Marathon in the hottest conditions on record.

Managing Director, Steve Morgan, Finance Manager, Andrew Baker and Manager John Vaughan ran the iconic marathon to raise money for Action for Children.

Steve described the marathon as one of his “toughest but biggest achievements”, in his long list of fundraising events.

He continued: “We did it. Every step was worth it for Action for Children. The atmosphere was exciting and the support from the crowd along the way was phenomenal.”

“The conditions were very tough in terms of the heat and the sheer number of people running but I was determined to keep a steady pace and give my all to raise the funds for our 2018 chosen charity.

“It was great to see our families at miles 13 and 23. It was a constant sea of people so we’re amazed they spotted us but the boost they gave us was incredible. I did try to get another family member to complete the run for me but my powers of persuasion had deserted me at that point!”

Steve finished in 04:19:15, just behind Andrew who ran it in 03:58:47. John, who suffered with back pain during the marathon, managed to power through and recorded a time of 05:36:50.

“I was very pleased with my time in view of the hot conditions and I am so pleased with my team, not only in terms of us running, but also the support that we had from everyone back at home as well as from our generous sponsors,” Steve added.

The fundraising target for the London Marathon is £6,000 which the company has almost reached.

Key sponsors for the Zest team which ran the London Marathon include Skat Transport, ECC Timber, Lloyd Spar Quarries, Farrall’s Group, Hanson UK, Compass Finance, Seevent as well as iData, Spotnails Ltd, Office Envy, Humphreys Signs & Print, the Linde Group and Dutton and Peters.

The Garden Centre Association is hosting its third annual GCA Plant Area Forum for plant area managers and plant buyers at Ball Colegrave on Wednesday, July 25.

The event will once again be facilitated by GCA inspector, Roger Crookes, who believes that plants are still the core business for garden centres.

He 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.

There are still places, which cost £79 per person, available for the event and members can find a booking form on the GCA website www.gca.org.uk or contact the GCA office direct on 01244 952170.

We have a vacancy for Deputy Centre / Plantarea Manager at Scotland Nurseries Garden Store that we are looking to fill.

Scotland Nurseries Garden Store is a rapidly growing store in the Hillview Garden Centres group. With a 300 year heritage as a plant grower and seller it continues to punch above its weight when it comes to horticulture. From its location on the hills above Matlock it dominates the Derbyshire horticulture scene in more ways than one!

We're looking for an experienced plants/horticulture retailer to join the team at Scotlands. As well as driving the plants and gardening departments you'll also be deputy GC Manager, working closely with the store manager to ensure all budgets are achieved and the business goes from strength to strength.

Send your cv and an inspiring cover letter to boyd.ddavies@hillview-group.com

Leading home improvement and garden wholesaler, Decco has appointed Andrew Ballantine as its Chief Operating Officer, following the departure of Charlie Lacey to take up a position as Managing Director of the Stearn Electric Company Limited.  The appointment is effective from 1st June 2018.

Andrew joined Decco in 1998 and was appointed Profit Centre Manager for Sheffield in 1999 before taking up his current role of Profit Centre Manager for Leeds in 2003. With his 20 years’ service, he brings with him a wealth of knowledge of the industry.

Commenting on his appointment, Andrew said, “I’m delighted to be leading the team at Decco in these exciting times.  Decco remains committed to offering a great service to our customers and to offering our suppliers the best route to market for their products.”

Both Decco and Stearn are among the eight subsidiary businesses belonging to Newbury Investments (UK) Limited. 

With seven strategic locations around the country giving a total of over 350,000 square feet of warehousing space and holding over £10m worth of stock, Decco supplies independent High Street retailers and garden centres throughout the UK with a wide range of gardening, home improvement and housewares products. It’s strong partnerships with the leading suppliers enables retailers to benefit from the strength and differentiation provided by high profile brands.

To learn more about Decco, visit www.decco.co.uk.

Garden Product Top 50 sales volumes were down year on year for the 11th week running as April came to a close.

Yes, the gap has narrowed but there is now a lot of sales to make up in May and June to get anywhere near to parity for garden products.

We really do need people to be spending time outside and then wanting to decorate their garden as well as look after it.

Highlights were:

• Apta Pot Toppers make a welcome return to the GTN Top 50.
• Gardman Hanging Basket Coco Liners, 30cm, are the highest chart climber as basket season gets underway at last.
• Fountasia Butterfly Bells Hanging Decorations more than double their sales to re-enter.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Just when you expected Veg-2-Gro sales to steadily climb week on week through into May that damn cold weather returned and put a lot of people off buying their veg plants and seeds, just yet.

So there is plenty of potential to be won over the May Bank Holiday weekend to make sure gardeners get growing their own for summer and autumn crops.

Highlights were:

• Nursery Fresh Plants Strawberries in 9cm pots stay at No 1 for the third consecutive week.
• Quantil’s Cucumber Ridge, 8cm pot is the highest chart re-entry at No 20.
• Farplants Parsley Moss Curled is the biggest selling Herb plant at No 17.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Growing media sales are going up and down like a roller coaster with all this changeable weather.

After the record heatwave sales of the previous week, the last week of April saw sales drop immediately back to pre heatwave levels.

Clearly more heatwaves are required to get sales back up to last year’s levels!

Highlights were:

• Biggest sales increase of the week goes to Westland Composted Bark, 70 litres, to re-enter at No 30.
• Scotts Levington John Innes No 2, 25 litres, was the highest chart climber, up 11 places to No 34.
• Bloomin Amazing Soil Enricher, 70 litres, moves back up to No 25 after entering the chart only 4 weeks ago.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

The flip back to cold wet weather prompted a small uplift in Wild Bird Care sales, but overall sales volumes continue to be below last year.

Over the past two weeks, seven new products have entered the GTN Wild Bird Care charts.

Having recovered from their fire, Gardman Fat Snax are back at No 1.

Highlights were:

• Smart Garden Chapelwood Suet Balls, tub of 50, are a new entry at No 20.
• Gardman Berry Suet Feast is the highest re-entry at No 29.
• Westland Peckish Daily Goodness Mealworms increased their sales by 67% to debut at No 40.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

GIMA has announced Thursday 31st May as the date of the next Buyer Connect session - featuring buyers from Choice Marketing, Klondyke Garden Centres & Perrywood Garden Centre.

The speed networking event will allow potential suppliers to meet with key garden retailers in timed 20-minute appointment sessions.  The following buying groups and garden centres will be attending to meet with potential new retail partners, as opposed to existing suppliers.

Choice Marketing Group is a buying & marketing group of 39 garden centres.   They would like to see any potential suppliers across all categories except growing media, fertilisers, chemicals, plants or birdcare.

Klondyke Group operate 22 garden centres throughout Scotland, England and Wales.  Buyers attending say they are happy to meet any potential suppliers across all areas of the Klondyke retail business.

Perrywood Garden Centre is a large family-run, award winning independent centre in Tiptree, Essex.  The team from Perrywood would like to meet potential new suppliers for any garden related products and outdoor leisure – but will not be using the event to meet plants, giftware or homeware suppliers.

Suppliers who are interested in meeting any or all of these companies should complete the relevant application forms and return them to info@gima.org.uk by Wednesday 16th May.

The cost for non-members taking part in the above sessions will be £145 plus VAT for the first appointment, then £35 plus VAT for any extra meetings after that. GIMA members receive the discounted price of £95 plus VAT for the first meeting and an additional £25 plus VAT for subsequent appointments.

It is anticipated that there will be a lot of interest in these sessions, so interested parties are urged to confirm their applications as soon as possible.  Applications will be dealt with on a first come first served basis, and GIMA cannot guarantee appointments for all applicants, particularly if they are received late.

Visit www.gima.org.uk/buyer-connect or contact GIMA direct via email info@gima.org.uk or telephone 01959 564947 for further information.

With a month to go until the HTA Catering Conference now is the time to book your place to ensure you don’t miss out on this unique event for the garden industry.

This year’s conference and dinner, themed ‘A Recipe for Growth’, takes place at The Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 June.

With the focus on strategy and operations on day one and food on day two this action packed programme covers a whole raft of topics pertinent to running a garden centre catering operation. With a combination of speakers from inside and outside the industry, plus panel session, it is a great way to gain inspiration and knowledge. The event provides the opportunity to network with garden centre catering peers and also meet with suppliers in the accompanying exhibition.

The latest updates to the programme include:

Paul Pleydell from Pleydell Smithyman who will be looking at the key ingredients required to create a great garden centre café in his session titled ‘Designing a Café is like cooking a great meal’.

David Denny, HTA Marketing and Insights Manager will help to set the scene by looking at the latest market information and consumer insight and expectations for catering.

Paul Weston from Frobishers will be using examples from across the industry to show how premierisation and differentiation can help to achieve a recipe for growth.

New for 2018 will be a stage demonstration from Quorn foods who will be showcasing the versatility of this sustainably produced, healthy protein source.

Martin Breddy, Managing Director of Squires Garden Centres will be talking about their catering offer across the group especially new Café bar at the Woking centre.

They join speakers including Jim Cregan from Jimmy’s Iced Coffee, Josh Brown from Harris + Hoole, Paul Hargreaves from Cotswold Fayre, Jane Land from Veganuary, Tom Hunt from Poco, James Debbage from Green Pastures.

TV Chef Rosemary Shrager will be providing the after dinner speech in the evening.

To view the programme and book your place visit www.hta.org.uk/cateringconference

Exhibitors booked to attend so far include Arden Coffee Ltd, British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA), Citation, Frobishers Juices Ltd, Dawn Foods, Eden Furniture Ltd, Frobishers Juices Ltd, Funnybones Foodservice, Jestic Foodservice Ltd, Matthew Algie & Co Ltd, Newberry International Produce Ltd, Pleydell Smithyman Limited, Quorn Foods, Review Systems, Sound Leisure, Space Catering Equipment Ltd, Sussex Bakes Ltd, Tea from the Manor, The Handmade Cake Company Ltd and Vision Commercial Kitchens.

On behalf of Beth Chatto OBE and the Beth Chatto Education Trust, we are delighted to announce a special gathering of gardeners, designers and plantspeople in honour of Beth’s 95th birthday and the 40th anniversary of her first book, The Dry Garden.
 
Join us at the University of Essex on 30-31 August 2018, to hear speakers from around the world that are re-imagining ecological planting in both design and practice, and working to expand our plant palette. Building upon Beth’s lifework, this ambitious programme will generate multi-disciplinary conversation and
connections that advance ecological horticulture.

Featured speakers: Marina Christopher, Olivier Filippi, Åsa Gregers-Warg, James Hitchmough, Peter Janke, Taylor Johnston, Peter Korn , Dan Pearson, Andi Pettis, Cassian Schmidt, Midori Shintani , Keith Wiley
 
For more detailed information, including programme and booking details, please visit the Symposium website:
 
www.bethchattosymposium.com
 
All proceeds from the Symposium will go to support the work of the Beth Chatto Education Trust.

GTN Xtra has learned that the Home & Garden group of garden centres is to be split up as a buyer for the whole business hasn’t been forthcoming. It’s understood that at least a couple of the centres will be taken back by former operators...

The sale of the garden centres is being handled by Quinton Edwards, and Simon Quinton Smith told GTN Xtra today: “Terms have been agreed with all but one of the nine garden centres in the group and now we’re just waiting for the paperwork to be signed.”

The beleaguered Home & Garden Group went into administration in March and a team from Mazars was appointed administrators.

Prospective buyers were set a deadline of Monday, April 23, to submit their offers and it’s understood the administrators would like to draw a line under the whole process by May 13.

If a buyer isn’t found for the one remaining garden centre by then it faces closure.

The Home & Garden Group consists of the following centres:

• Rutland Garden Centre, Oakham
• Leighton Buzzard Garden Centre, Bedfordshire
• Willington Home and Garden
• Ise Garden Centre, Kettering
• Stansted Park Garden Centre, Rowlands Castle
• David's Nurseries, Worcester
• Shopwhyke Garden Centre, Chichester
• Plowmans Garden Centre, Bournemouth
• Floralands Garden Centre, Nottingham

GTN Xtra tried to contact Mazars for a comment and are still waiting for a reply.

After the Beast from the East, parts 1 and 2 that decimated trading in March, all that April could deliver was an average month for garden centre sales volumes.

GTN Bestsellers EPOS data analysis shows that volumes for the month were ahead of volumes in 2012, 2013 and 2016, but didn't get anywhere near the highs of 2011 or 2017 which owners and managers would have been hoping for to make up the March shortfall.

All is not lost however.  GTN Bestsellers prediction, based on sales matching the highest totals for each of the next 9 weeks we could get to plus 2% by the end of June.  

So the weather forecast for the next 10 days is all important and the Met Office have just published their forecast for the next 10 days which says that Monday may be the warmest Bank Holiday Monday on record.  See for yourself here:

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

The Norwich-based QD Group, which currently owns 11 Cherry Lane garden centres, has bought David’s Nurseries in Worcester from the beleaguered Home & Garden Group, which went into administration in March.

GTN Xtra learned that the deal was completed this morning and that an official announcement will be made later this week, along with details of sales of the other garden centres in the Home & Garden Group.

QD have been active recently in growing their Cherry Lanes portfolio of garden centres, having bought The Barn Garden and Aquatic Centre in Peterborough in January.

The Barn by Cherry Lane Garden Centres in Peterborough has been undergoing major works, which started when Cherry Lane acquired the store in January. The garden centre has been fully refurbished and extended to offer even more great value garden, aquatic and home products and a new look 120 seater Coffee Barn restaurant.

Located on Gunthorpe Road, Paston, Cherry Lane is now bigger both inside and out to offer an even greater variety of fantastic value plants, aquatics, outdoor living products, garden furniture and homewares. Brand new Scallywags Value Pet and Archie’s Grocery stores have been created, along with the introduction of a clothing department featuring big brands at great value prices. New cookware and indoor furniture areas have also been made, while the wild bird area has been doubled in size. The much-loved Coffee Barn restaurant has also been fully refurbished to create a 120-seater restaurant with a full menu of delicious freshly prepared food, including all the existing favourites.

Helen Foster, Commercial Director of Cherry Lane, said: “We’ve made some big changes to The Barn over the past three months to make the garden centre even better for our customers. The transformation is now complete and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to show them our new indoor and outdoor sales areas, not to mention hundreds of great value products across our gardening and new seasonal ranges.”

Cheryl Reeve, store manager at The Barn, added: “The Barn is so much more than just a garden centre. With our extensive and varied departments, not to mention the Coffee Barn, we’re very family friendly and a great shopping destination for a day out. We’d like to thank all our customers for their patience while the work has been carried out and hope to see them in our new look store very soon.”

To read more about the Home & Gardens Group of garden centres being split up click here

Wesfarmers, the Australian owner of Homebase, has asked prospective buyers of the ailing business to submit initial offers today as it sought a fast-track exit from its disastrous foray into the UK retail sector, according to Sky News reports.

Sky News has stated that sources close to the seller say it is assembling a large financial package to hand to any new owner to help contend with its huge losses.

The value of the dowry has not been finalised, but one insider said it could easily exceed £100m.

Homebase, which is part of Wesfarmers' Bunnings UK and Ireland division, is expected to lose approximately £190m in this financial year on revenues of roughly £1bn, according to the source.

Sky News has also revealed that Alvarez & Marsal, the restructuring specialist, has been drafted in to advise Wesfarmers on alternatives to a sale, including a mechanism that would see it closing scores of Homebase outlets.

Wesfarmers began approaching potential buyers of the DIY chain several weeks ago, just two years after completing a £340m takeover.

Investment bankers at Lazard are handling the sale discussions, with turnaround investors such as Endless and Hilco reportedly interested in a takeover.

Homebase employed nearly 12,000 people in Britain across an estate of almost 250 stores at the end of last year.

The move to unwind Wesfarmers takeover of the UK's second-biggest DIY chain comes less than three months before the Sydney-listed company has said it will update investors on the results of its strategic review.

Homebase was intended to be a launchpad from which the Australian retailer would take on B&Q in a battle for supremacy in the DIY market.

However, Wesfarmers' strategy has backfired spectacularly in the last 18 months‎, forcing it to write off more than £500m after it ditched some of Homebase's most popular business lines.

The full Sky News report can be viewed by clicking here

Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips.

The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2015 as well as 2016 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

Access is by subscription only.  For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

Highlights of the GTN Garden Products Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Garden Plants Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Wild Bird Care chart for this week are here

WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts seriously improve the business of our subscribers.  Invest 15 minutes each week in improving your sales using the GTN Bestsellers charts and your turnover and customer satisfaction will improve too.

Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters for only £145.00.

GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £120m.

Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.

For further information contact karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.

Buy your subscription today and start receiveing the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.