Cornish company wants your old plant pots...
A Cornish company is looking to roll out plant pot re-cycling points in garden centres nationwide...
Simon (left) and Dan Dicker show their plant pot re-cycling point at Spring Fair.
The confident consumerism that is Spring Fair’s abiding hallmark is steadily being tempered by softer message – the environment matters and consumers are demanding we respect it. You didn't have to look too hard at the NEC this week to find suppliers with a green story to tell. Nine years ago, inventor Dan Dicker set up a company to make eco-products from re-cycled coffee cups. He called it ashortwalk – because the factory (initially a shed) is close to the North Cornwall coast and he always wanted to work and live a short walk from the sea. You may have seen some of their products at Glee a couple of years ago – house numbers and signs, among others, that mimmicked slate but started life as plastic cups. The range has since balloned and now includes indoor and outdoor products like sundials, plant labels, clocks and themometers – and a brand new range of bird feeders designed to take kitchen scraps that might otherwise end up in the black bin. Also interesting is a clever new plant pot holder designed to fit between the boards of a standard lapped fence for vertical decoration. Naturally, the company has an insatiable demand for for raw material – no longer just old coffee cups but something very close to the heart of gardeners everywhere…old plant pots. The company have already persuaded around 20 garden centre stockists to carry their plant pot recycling point in-store. Its header board tells the story: “A redundant plant pot one week, a birdfeeder the next – true ‘closed loop’ re-cycling.” There isn't a keen gardener alive who doesn't want to do something about the growing mountain of old plant pots in the garden shed, and with more and more garden centres now accepting them back for re-cycling, this must be an idea whose time has come – with the bonus that customers can see for themselves how their discards will be turned into useful garden products. Simon Dicker (Dan’s brother), the company’s sales director, says that another 20 garden centres happy to take the re-cycling point could give them critical mass to roll the initiative out nationwide. Surely, another opportunity for the garden centre industry to claim a significant eco Brownie point. Information 01872 57500 www.ashortwalk.com Elsewhere, a new company called Green Corgi showed an sculpted fruit bowl handmade by gluing 128 different pieces of laser-cut recycled cardboard together. A water-based impregnation makes it water- and dirt resistant. The company, who used Spring Fair as their launchpad, represents independent international product designers. The products, unique and innovative in functionality and design, include glassware, lacquer trays, glassware, fine bone china, new bone china, coat hangers, hooks and pegs.
Green Corgi's founder David Grey with the recycled cardboard fruit bowl.
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Growing Media leads the way
If growing media sales are an indicator of future gardening activity we’re in for a bumper few weeks following a 110% week-on-week sales increase, up 74% on the same week last year.
If growing media sales are an indicator of future gardening activity we’re in for a bumper few weeks following a 110% week-on-week sales increase, up 74% on the same week last year.There are encouraging signs of activity both indoor and outdoor. Gardeners are readying themselves for the seed sowing season while orchid compost is still figuring highly in the GTN Bestsellers Growing Media chart. Multipurpose compost and farmyard manure is also in high demand as gardeners head outdoors when the winter weather allows. Thirty-six of the 50 products in the Growing Media chart experienced 100% increases in sales. Some notable performances included Scotts Miracle-Gro All Purpose Compost, 60 lites, which was the highest re-entry at No 14. The highest new entry was Arthur Bowers John Innes Seed Compost, 20 litres, coming into the chart at No 20. Arthur Bowers also had the highest climber in New Horizon Multipurpose Compost, 50 litres, moving up 18 places to No 29. Westland dominated the top of the chart with nine products in the Top 10, including Multipurpose Compost, 50 litres, and Jack’s Magic All Purpose Compost at Nos 1 and 2 respectively. Monitor your top selling growing media volumes against the GTN Growing Media Sales index – are you out-performing our index? Let us know by emailing trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
Some of the bestsellers in the Growing Media chart this week – Vital Earth's Soil Improver (No 36), Westland's Jack's Magic (No 2) and Authur Bowers Farm Manure (No 21).
See the full GTN Growing Media Bestsellers Chart here. Subscribers Only
To Subscribe to the full GTN Bestsellers Weekly Charts for only £120.00 per year click here
WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts can seriously improve your business. Only subscribe if you want to invest 15 minutes each week in improving your turnover and customer satisfaction.
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Bringing together the best of British plant suppliers
The HTA National Plant Show, sponsored by Hortipak, will see the industry buzzing when it brings the best of British plant suppliers together all under one roof this June...
The HTA National Plant Show, sponsored by Hortipak, will see the industry buzzing when it brings the best of British plant suppliers together all under one roof this June. The show, which unites suppliers and retailers at the best time of year for planning future plant ranges, takes place on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 June 2013 at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, UK. The annual two day plant focused show was a sell out in 2012 and all the signs are showing that it will be once again in 2013. HTA Director of Business Development Tim Briercliffe comments, "There is no other opportunity to see so many new plants under one roof. HTA National Plant Show is now embedded in the industry calendar as unmissable for anyone with a passion for selling plants." Exhibitors and visitors can keep up to date with the latest show activity via the new website www.nationalplantshow.co.uk, created by IT Genetics, which contains news and features as well as visitor and exhibitor information areas. Any growers wishing to book a stand are encouraged to book online now as there are limited spaces left, and visitors are encouraged to register online prior to the show which will enable quick and easy entry. This year’s show will see a range of new and returning features including the following:
- New Plant Area which hosts the New Plant Award entries and winners
- Seminar Area which will be home to three inspirational seminars with guest speakers
- British Plant Fair Marketplace with shelf after shelf of stock to buy at the show
- ProVaR area which will highlight new varieties for 2014
- International Breeders Area displaying plants which will be available from UK growers in the future
The New Plant Awards will once again be at the heart of the show and will showcase the best in new plant introductions from UK plant suppliers and a selection of international breeders.
Tully Nurseries, which received Best in Show for its plant 'Hebe 'Rhubarb and Custard' at The HTA National Plant Show 2012, had a great year following the show. Niamh Tully of Tully Nurseries (pictured) comments: "We were absolutely thrilled when Rhubarb and Custard won Best in Show at the HTA Plant Show. We secured large orders at the show and in the months that followed for 2013. As well as increasing our profile as one of Ireland's largest Nurseries, the win helped us gain exposure as a serious plant breeder." Word about the industry is that the HTA National Plant Show is a "must be at" show and if you buy or sell plants, you need to be there. Exhibitors will see their products in front of high-quality plant buyers and decision makers from across the industry while visitors have the opportunity to view thousands of plant varieties from over 100 UK growers.
For more information visit www.nationalplantshow.co.uk
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Orchid care reaches new heights
Record numbers of orchid care products have been sold this week with the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products chart dominated by this category. There are 11 products in the Top 50, five of them being in the Top 10...
Record numbers of orchid care products have been sold this week with the Garden Products chart dominated by this category. There are 11 products in the Top 50, five of them being in the Top 10.
Fito Drip Feeder for Orchids is top of the tree once again, retaining its No 1 spot for another week. Growth Technology’s Orchid Myst 100ml (pictured) has moved up to No 3 while the 300ml size is at No 7. The same company’s Orchid Pot Clear 15cm is this week’s highest climber, jumping 32 places to No 8.
There are two new entries in the chart, including Ivyline Lace Orchid Planter 12.5cm at No 49.
The other new entry at No 44 is Stewart Flower Pot Multi-Packs in 5s, 5-inch terracotta.
Gardeners are getting ready for the seed sowing season, so it’s hardly a surprise that Botanico Seed & Cutting Tray is the highest re-entry at No 10.
Outdoor activity is also on the increase and Scotts Levington Tomorite makes an early season chart return at No 40.
Gardman Solar Spot Lights are another product to make a significant move, recording sales increases of 100% and rising 12 places to No 2.
See the full GTN Garden Products Bestsellers Chart here. Subscribers Only
To Subscribe to the full GTN Bestsellers Weekly Charts for only £120.00 per year click here
WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts can seriously improve your business. Only subscribe if you want to invest 15 minutes each week in improving your turnover and customer satisfaction.
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Highfield Garden World get green light for development
Malcolm Scott Consultants have secured an important planning permission for major development proposals at Highfield Garden World in Gloucestershire.
Malcolm Scott Consultants have secured an important planning permission for major development proposals at Highfield Garden World in Gloucestershire.
The proposals include the relocation and expansion of Greenways Restaurant into a new large attractive building with far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside.
Equally important, some 2,800 square metres of additional unrestricted A1 Retail/Covered Heated Sales Space has been achieved, and an important extension to the customer car park.
The planning permission will enable Highfield Garden World to develop further into a major destination Garden Centre with the planning permission now in place to attract top flight concessions to make the centre a year round weather-proof retail experience.
Tim Greenway of Highfield Garden World said: “Well done, again, and another feather in the cap for Malcolm Scott."
Meanwhile, outline planning permission has been obtained in principle for major new development at Pontarddulais Garden Centre in South Wales.
The proposed development includes extensions to the existing garden centre building and new Canopies, together with a 620 square metre Coffee Shop and Farm Shop and a new Landscape Centre.
The proposed garden centre will benefit from a new highway access and formalised car parking. A proposed wildlife area and improved landscaping will enhance the site.
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Stewart Garden's Grow Your Own tour with Pippa Greenwood
Pippa Greenwood, BBC Gardeners’ Question Time panellist and BBC Gardeners’ World columnist, will be visiting Ruxley Manor Garden Centre in Kent on March 7 to launch a GYO tour of the UK in association with Stewart Garden...
Pippa Greenwood, BBC Gardeners’ Question Time panellist and BBC Gardeners’ World columnist, will be visiting Ruxley Manor Garden Centre in Kent on Thursday 7 March between 10am and 2pm.
Pippa Greenwood, the popular gardening broadcaster and writer, has teamed up with Stewart Garden, the market leader in quality garden products, to launch a tour around eight garden centres in England, starting at Ruxley Manor Garden Centre on Thursday March 7.
The tour is part of Stewart Garden’s partnership with Pippa, which commenced in 2011, and follows the successful series of visits to centres across the country earlier in 2012, encouraging people to grow their own produce.
Throughout the tour, Pippa Greenwood will explain the principles of grow your own and give practical demonstrations of potting, creating growing beds and propagation. Comprehensive information sheets written by Pippa and complementing the demonstrations will also be available to visitors.
Started as a family business, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre is a member of The Garden Centre Association and The Horticultural Trades Association, and also won the prize for the 'Most Improved Garden Centre' in the UK in 2008: an ideal location Stewart Garden Grow Your Own Tour with Pippa Greenwood.
Lisa Bottomley from Ruxley Manor says: “We’re delighted to have a gardening guru visit our garden centre. Pippa is an inspiration and our customers will benefit immensely from her practical demonstrations.”
While at Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Pippa will take a tour of the garden centre, and she will be talking with the staff and customers, answering their questions. Visitors are encouraged to email questions in to Ruxley Manor Garden Centre ahead of Pippa’s visit.
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Holticultural scholarships up for grabs
The David Colegrave Foundation is offering multiple scholarships to those people determined to have a career in horticulture...
The David Colegrave Foundation is offering multiple scholarships to those people determined to have a career in horticulture.
As the UK’s only charitable body dedicated to supporting horticultural students, the DCF works hard to give green scholars a means to achieve their goals by awarding successful candidates with funding and work experience.
Opportunities are also open to ex-students who are in the early days of their horticultural career or wannabe gardeners looking to move into the horticultural industry.
Jeff Colegrave, chairman of both the DCF and Floranova, the Norfolk-based flower seed breeding company, said: “The DCF aims to support the development of the UK’s ornamental horticulture industry by supporting our potential future sector leaders through encouragement, valuable business experiences and financial backing.”
The four scholarships currently up for grabs are:
Markham - Colegrave International Scholarship - This scholarship, which is funded jointly with the US based Ed Markham Scholarship Fund, works as an annual exchange programme between the UK and US/Canada. Once a year $4,500 USD (approx. £2850) is awarded to a current or recent horticultural student for the opportunity to organise a work placement in a horticultural business. Current applications support a UK candidate to go to US/Canada during the summer of 2014.
Garden Centre Group Scholarship - Supported by the Garden Centre Group (GCG), the UK’s largest chain of independent garden centres, this scholarship goes to students who have a keen interest in pursuing a career in garden centre retailing. Each year, The Garden Centre Group will fund two student scholarships worth £1,500 each as well as offering paid weekend and/or holiday work in a GCG garden centre.
Floranova Ornamental Horticulture Research Scholarship - Awarded by Floranova, Britain’s only remaining flower seed breeding company, this scholarship offers an annual prize of £1,500. It is designed to encourage the development of important skills in R&D and is awarded to a student with proven merit who is keen to pursue a research career in the horticultural industry. A work experience opportunity at Floranova will also be made available.
Ball Colegrave Scholarship - Ball Colegrave, the UK’s leading distributor of seed and young plants to commercial growers, supports an annual award of £2,500. The scholarship enables an employee in the early stages of their career at a commercial Bedding Plant Nursery to fund travel to Europe in order to develop their knowledge and experience in bedding plant production and marketing.
To find out more click here
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Have fun on Garden Re-Leaf Day
Organinsers of the 3rd Garden Re-Leaf Day on March 8 are urging all garden centres to take part and have lots of fun too...
Organinsers of the 3rd Garden Re-Leaf Day on March 8 are urging all garden centres to take part and have lots of fun too.
"This can be a great team-building exercise," said a Garden Re-Leaf spokesperson.
"Just when everyone is feeling rather weary, getting your outlet or company ready for 'another' amazing spring season. We know that last year it was companies whose staff really got behind the initiative that saw the best results."
The 'feel good factor' played a huge part when:
- Dressing in silly hats
- Weeding a local hospice's garden
- Baking cakes for other staff to buy
- Helping local schoolchildren create gardens on pallets
- Organising and participating in the celebrity quiz.
Don’t forget to post on the website exactly what you are doing for Garden Re-Leaf. This is vital if you want the National and Regional Media to pick up on your story at the Garden Media event on 14th February. Don’t miss the boat. AND make sure you tell your local media what you’re up to. They are always hungry for news in their community.
For more information click here
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Champagne success for Van Hage Gt Amwell
Pictures from The Greatest Garden Centre Festive Catering Teams
Van Hage Gt Amwell put on a champagne performance when it came to their catering last Christmas, earning them top prize in The Greatest Christmas Team Awards...
Van Hage Gt Amwell put on a champagne performance when it came to their catering last Christmas, earning them top prize in The Greatest Christmas Team Awards.
The judges felt Van Hage Gt Amwell had an excellent range in a conventional restaurant but it was their ice cafe with a champagne bar adjacent to their ice rink that stole the show.
Van Hage pipped Bents to the gold medal and there were special a`wards for Ayletts and Chessington. Other finalists were Barton Grange, Endsleigh Garden & Leisure and St Johns.
Here's a selection of pictures from the winning entries...
Growth for wild bird category
Despite declines across many of the 19 garden care categories that GfK track, sales of wild bird care products have achieved 1.5% value growth on the previous year...
Despite declines across many of the 19 garden care categories that GfK track, sales of wild bird care products have achieved 1.5% value growth on the previous year.
This may at first appear to be a relatively positive performance, however it is important to look at the context; October to December 2011 saw a 21% value decline vs. the same months in 2010. So despite the growth in 2012, the market has not recovered to the same level of value it was in 2010. With this marginal value growth in 2012, volume sales are showing a marginal decline of 1.1% vs. 2011. This is largely driven by a decline from the largest category, bird food.
Bird feeders however, have achieved value and volume growth in 2012, and with the recent snowfall in January it is likely the total bird care category will continue to report positive figures.
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Seed potatoes dominate the GTN Bestsellerts Veg-2-Gro chart this week with 17 lines in the Top 50.
The highest placed is Unwins Seed Potatoes Rocket 2kg, which saw a 100% increase in sales to lift it to No 2 spot. Unwins had three other varieties in the Top 10 – Pentland Javelin at No 7, Charlotte at No 8 and Arran Pilot at No 10.Taylors Bulbs also figured highly in the charts with their seed potatoes with their Pentland Javelin the highest placed at No 23 and their Charlotte Taster Pack at No 27. Taylors had the bestselling item this week as their Onions Sets Stuttgarter moved up two places to top spot. Returning to seed potatoes for one moment, Albert Bartlett had the distinction of highest new entry with their Anya variety making it to No 34. The highest re-entry was Allensmore Rhubarb Timperly Early, jumping into the chart at a creditable No 16.
Beetroot Boltardy (above) figured strongly this week. Thompson & Morgan’s variety was the highest climber, moving up 22 places to No 18 while Suttons saw 50% increase in sales of their Beetroot Boltardy. Tomato seeds are also being bought in good quantities with Thompson & Morgan and Suttons again seeing increasing sales of their varieties. The highest placed was T&M’s Tomato Gardeners Delight at No 24.
See the full GTN Veg 2 Gro Bestsellers Chart here. Subscribers Only
To Subscribe to the full GTN Bestsellers Weekly Charts for only £120.00 per year click here
WARNING the GTN Bestsellers Charts can seriously improve your business. Only subscribe if you want to invest 15 minutes each week in improving your turnover and customer satisfaction.
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Garden Press Event planned for Valentine's Day
Over 250 journalists from the gardening media are expected to attend the Garden & Home Press Event at The Barbican Centre in London next Thursday (February 14).
Over 250 journalists from the gardening media are expected to attend the Garden & Home Press Event at The Barbican Centre in London next Thursday (February 14).
The event has already attracted over 90 exhibitors from all categories of gardening suppliers.
The 2013 event is supported by The Garden Media Guild and supports the Greenfingers Charity.
“The Garden Press event is the year's first 'must do' date," says freelance writer and presenter Nigel Colborn.
"It kicks the gardening season off, is a brilliant venue for networking contacts in our industry and on top of all that, is great fun to attend.
"I came away with useful new story ideas and a feeling of satisfaction, having seen so many old friends and met so many new ones. Seldom is one's work so enjoyable."
The following companies are scheduled to attend: Agralan, Allett Mowers, BALI, Batsford Arboretum, Bayer Garden, Becker Underwood, Bord na MonaBosch Lawn & Garden, Bradstone, Briers Ltd, Brother UK Ltd, Capel Manor, Carbon Gold, Claire Austin Hardy Plants, Crocus, Darlac Ltd, David Austin Roses, DLF Trifolium, Dragonfli, Dr Fosters PPC, E.W. King & Co Ltd Enviroden, EP Barrus, Felco, Fiskars / Sankey, Florist Holland, Forest Garden, Gardeners Kitchen, Garden on a Roll, Garden Xtras, Gardman, Globus, Haddonstone, Henton & Chattell, Homebase , Hozelock, HTA, Irrigatia, Joe's GardenCo, John Woods, Keter, Kettler, Kubota, Little Bentley Garden Show, Meadow in My Garden, Mercia Garden Products, Mr Fothergill's Seeds, NAFAS, , Nether Wallop, Neudorff, Nison Garden UK, Plant Heritage, Plantworks, Pure Rain, Quickcrop, Rollins Bulldog Tools, Roundup, Royal Horticultural Society, Scotts Miracle-Gro, Seeds of Italy, Solus, Squires Garden Centres, STV International, Suttons Seeds, Tenax, CannyGardener,Thompson & Morgan, Timbertech, Town and Country, Tozer Seeds, Vectorworks, Vitax, Waterperry Gardens, Wellington and Barrow, Westland Horticulture, Whetman Pinks, Wood Blocx.
There is just time to book a stand. Contact Guy or Sue on guy@uniqueventsltd.com, 01243 860600 or 07767 382795.
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Dog Rocks cease to supply Amazon
Dog Rocks has decided to cease supplying stock to Amazon Retail in a bid to protect the recommended retail price of its product...
Dog Rocks has decided to cease supplying stock to Amazon Retail in a bid to protect the recommended retail price of its product that helps to prevent pet urine burn patches on lawns. And the company has recruited a dedicated a resource to support online and independent retailers, protect the brand and provide support where necessary. In addition to ceasing supply to Amazon, Dog Rocks is also contacting all retailers on third-party websites to remind them of RRP and minimum advertised price. Dog Rocks MD Carina Evans said: “By supplying direct to wholesalers, and no longer Amazon, we are able to better support online and bricks-and-mortar retailers who will in turn be better able to respect and uphold our RRP. "We seem to have spent so many unfruitful hours tied up in admin correcting anomalies generated by Amazon in the cyber world that it is no longer feasible for us to support this third-party retail channel. "On top of this we aim to protect our brand, uphold the suggested RRP/MAP, and their proposed increased rebate was unworkable, potentially creating more of an uneven playing field with changing goal posts. "Dog Rocks has bravely put its head above the parapet, showing empathy and affinity with its retailers. “Loyalty and efficiency are key to our business and we owe it to our retailers to give them the best chance possible to gain from the great margins offered by Dog Rocks.”
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Haskins Ferndown customers raise over £2,400 for charity
The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation has received a cheque for £2424.43p presented by general manager Simon Morris on behalf of staff and customers at the Haskins Garden Centre in Dorset...
The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation has received a cheque for £2424.43p presented by general manager Simon Morris on behalf of staff and customers at the Haskins Garden Centre in Dorset.
The money followed 12 months of fundraising events and wishing-well donations.
Linda and Pete Thornton, who founded the charity to honour the memory of their son, a former pupil at Ferndown Upper School who was killed in Southern Afghanistan in March 2008 whilst serving as a Royal Marine Officer, said that they were delighted to accept the cheque.
"We thank everyone for donating to the foundation. The money provides the funding for many activities and events that enhance the lives of a variety young people from the area, offered as bursaries selected by the trustees through official organisations. Over £65,000 has been allocated this year," said Linda Thornton.
"For example the money raised at Haskins will fund five local Girl Guides to attend their County Camp at Dorchester, also support five places for disadvantaged young people aboard a Challenger Yacht with the Tall Ships Trust and two bursaries for students at Ferndown Upper School."
Anyone wishing to support or donate to The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation can call 07792121645 or visit www.jtyaf.com
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Garden Trade News made a special presentation of a 60th birthday front cover to Premier Decoration's John Athwal at the Spring Fair.
John celebrated his birthday on February 6 and to mark the occasion GTN designed a magazine cover with some of the photographs taken of him at gardening trade events.
He was surprised by GTN"s Mandy Atkin at the Spring Show and really pleased to accept the special front cover.
"It was a lovely gesture," said John. "I will certainly find a prominent place for it."
Millbrook raises more than £5k for Demelza Hospice
The Millbrook Garden Company Ltd has raised £5,390 for a hospice in the South of England...
The Millbrook Garden Company Ltd has raised £5,390 for a hospice in the South of England.The company raised the cash in aid of Demelza Hospice Care for Children through a series of fundraising events during 2012. Tammy Woodhouse, Managing Director of The Millbrook Garden Company, which has garden centres in Gravesend, Kent and Crowborough, East Sussex, said: “We select one charity to support every year and are delighted to have raised this money for Demelza Hospice Care for Children, which was our Charity of the Year for 2012. “The centres held various events during the year, including Charity Festive Evenings. I completed the Three Peaks Challenge in May, 2012 in aid of the charity too and raised £710. We are thrilled to have raised a total of £5,390. “Demelza Hospice Care for Children cares for life-limited children and their families, offering respite breaks, end of life care and bereavement support at its hospices in Kent and South East London. It also offers a hospice at home service for children in East Sussex and parts of South West Kent. “One of its main aims is to make the most of every moment that the child or young person spends at Demelza. We hope that the money we have raised will help the charity to continue its important work.” The Millbrook Garden Company Limited is a family-run, independent company and serves the South East of England. It provides customers with a wide range of quality plants, shrubs, trees, furniture, barbecues, gifts and food items. Its friendly and knowledgeable staff are on-hand to give visitors help and advice on all gardening matters. The business consists of two garden centres: Millbrook at Crowborough, East Sussex, which was founded in 1979, and Millbrook at Gravesend, Kent, which opened in 1994. Both centres also have cafés serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, breakfasts and lunches using fresh, seasonal produce some of which is grown at the garden centres. There is ample free parking at both centres.
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Celebration weekend for Hillier Garden Centre
Hillier Garden Centre is holding a celebration weekend to mark the climax of a major facelift and modernisation programme contributing to improved sustainability and increased employment in Horsham...
Hillier Garden Centre is holding a celebration weekend to mark the climax of a major facelift and modernisation programme contributing to improved sustainability and increased employment in Horsham.
Starting with a cheque presentation to the Alzheimer’s Society at 10.30am on March 1, Hillier Garden Centre Manager Terry Clarke and Chairman Robert Hillier OBE will praise the hard work of staff and customers in raising £35,175 for last year’s charity while the improvements carried out. Richard Hawley, star of BBC TV drama The Vet, will accept the cheque.
The garden centre has seen improvements including a new foyer, new roof which improves its eco-status, new plant centre and revamped Café Rowan. Accessibility has been greatly improved and 30 new parking spaces have been created adjacent to the entrance.
Sixty jobs have been retained and a further 12 created, with more to come as the garden centre continues to grow. The celebrations will continue over the weekend of March 2-3 with children’s entertainment and special offers.
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HTA supports ban on sale of invasive water plants
HTA supports a government announcement that the sale of five invasive non-native aquatic plant species will be banned in order to protect wildlife...
HTA supports a government announcement that the sale of five invasive non-native aquatic plant species will be banned in order to protect wildlife.
The banned plants are Water Fern, Parrot’s Feather, Floating Pennywort, Australian Swamp Stone-crop (New Zealand Pygmyweed), and Water Primrose.
HTA’s Director of Business Development, Tim Briercliffe, comments; “We have advised retailers for a long time now that these plants are far too invasive and we fully support this ban. In extreme cases like this drastic action is required and we again advise all retailers to check that these species are not on sale.
“Some pressure groups are calling for far more species to be banned; we are much less comfortable with that and believe that in most cases allegedly invasive plants should be managed locally in the area where they are causing a problem. We would encourage the industry to promote responsible handling and disposal of plants as outlined in the Defra Be Plant Wise campaign.”
Environment minister Richard Benyon said: “Tough laws to curb the sale of these plants could save the country millions of pounds as well as protecting wildlife such as fish and native plants. But as well as saving money and protecting wildlife the ban will also help maintain access to rivers and lakes for anglers and watersport fans.”
In the past the plants have been sold and planted in garden ponds, but have escaped into the wild taking over from native species and damaging some of our most sensitive habitats.
The plants form dense mats in water, depleting oxygen and light availability, causing declines in the numbers of fish and other aquatic species.
They also reduce access to waterways for boating and angling and increase flood risk which, taken together, can cost millions of pounds per year.
The ban means that all retailers will now have to stop selling these plants or face a fine of up to £5,000 and possibly up to six months in prison.
Retailers have a year to adjust to the ban.
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HTA catering consultant Chris Brown |
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Garden centres with catering operations will be tapping into catering best practice this month at the fourth HTA Garden Centre Catering Conference on February 28.
The one-day conference at the NEC in Birmingham promises vision and inspiration to transform food and drink into profit within a catering or garden centre business.
The event will take a view of catering best practice from inside and outside the garden centre sector.
The HTA’s catering consultants, Chris Brown of Turpin Smale and Neville Stein of Ovation, have worked to present practical and proven ideas that delegates can go on to implement in their café or restaurant.
Chris Brown, also the award winning author of the Great Cafés blog, offers an insight into his talk.
“‘The Wonderful word of Cafés’ will challenge operatives and owners to question ‘Are their cafés up to scratch?’ We will look at some role model operations outside of the garden centre industry and discuss the role of design, food and humour in the most successful UK café operations.”
While Chris will highlight examples from the fast moving world of cafés outside of garden centres, Neville will use industry case studies to detail how to reduce costs and be more profitable.
The conference is a must for anyone involved in garden centre catering.
To register your interest, email: events@the-hta.org.uk
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