GTN February 2024 - GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards Bumper Issue

In this issue:

• The Greatest Christmas Awards presentations at Spring Fair
• GCA Conference Award winners
• Primeur: the home of doormats
• Environmental perceptions of garden centres
• Westlands New Horizon Community Fund
• Busy Bee tops the customer vote for Christmas greatness
• 23 pages of judges photos and comments from The Greatest Christmas Awards start here: Barton Grange, Cooks, BGC Harrogate, Pugh’s, Gates, Haskins Snowhill, Woodlands, Kent, Squires Badshot Lea, Polhill, Old Railway Line, Klondyke High Legh, Poundbury, Birkacre, Alton, Blue Diamond Newbridge, Garsons Esher, Brimsmore, Glendoick, Chessington, Wentworth, Klondyke Astbury Meadow, Cambridge Home & Garden, Bents, BGC Studley, Coolings, Newquay, The Grange, Garsons Titchfield, Keydell, Perrywood Tiptree, BGC, Dobbies, Gouldings Santa Experience, Dobbies Edinburgh and Tewkesbury, Mackenzie & Cruickshank, Munros, Pengelly, Planters Tamworth
• Thank you to our Sponsors
• Flashes of Christmas Inspiration
• Harrogate Show Ideas for Christmas 2024
• Planting Manifesto Ideas – HTA Column
• Supply Chain Challenges – GIMA Column

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Corby + Fellas have announced the partnership with The Plant Place and the implementation of their acclaimed WinRetail System to run the Garden Centres Retail, Hospitality, Loyalty and Events operations. 

"We look forward to a long standing and mutually beneficial partnership with Simon, Diane and the team, such a fabulous family run Garden Centre business," said Corby + Fellas.

This family business started its journey in 1998 and has blossomed into a remarkable garden centre with driven staff, lots of amazing visitors and an exceptional range of quality plants. In recent years, they have focused on growing their houseplant department and as a result, they have become the number-one destination for houseplants in the North West.

Wildlife World, a pioneer in biodiversity products, has launched a range of premium wildlife habitats tailored for nature restoration and biodiversity net gain projects through habitat supplement intervention.

Available to commercial developers and retail consumers alike, these habitats are manufactured in Wildlife World's UK workshop using sustainably sourced and recycled materials, backed by a 20-year structural guarantee. 

Mark Pitman, Managing Director, emphasises, "Our new range of premium ecology products not only enhance biodiversity through rapid habitat increase, but also play a crucial role in achieving zero net gain, a vital objective for the UK's environmental sustainability. By offering habitats designed for long-term usage and monitoring, we empower individuals and businesses to contribute positively to our ecosystem's health and resilience via sustainable growth and regeneration."

Designed with longevity and monitoring capabilities in mind, essential for habitat restoration, the range includes nesting boxes and habitats/refuges for a diverse array of species:

• Avian Species: Tawny and Barn owl via a multi-species large cavity nester suitable for kestrel, stock dove, mandarin duck, as well as passerines such as blue tit, great tit, coal tit, marsh tit, pied flycatcher, tree sparrow, house sparrow, redstart, blackbird, robin, and wren.
• Invertebrates: Solitary bee and small invertebrate nesters
• Reptiles, Amphibians, and Small Mammals: Refugia
• Small Mammals: Dormouse boxes
• Endangered Species: Red squirrel boxes and Pine Marten Dens
• Birds of Prey: Peregrine nest ledges

Wildlife World's commitment to sustainability and conservation extends to every aspect of production, ensuring that each habitat contributes positively to biodiversity enhancement efforts.

To learn more about our premium wildlife habitats or to make a purchase, don't hesitate to get in touch with your Wildlife World representative, call us at 01666 505333, visit our website at www.wildlifeworld.co.uk, or email our sales office at info@wildlifeworld.co.uk.

Naylor Gardenware has agreed to merge with Smith & Jennings with effect from Friday 1 March 2024.

Naylor is a 4th generation family business which has been manufacturing clay pipes and other ceramic products since its foundation in 1890; its Yorkshire Flowerpot range dates back to the early 1990’s. Smith & Jennings is a Welsh based manufacturer of high quality glazed & terracotta ware, founded by ceramicist Simon Smith in 2013.

The combined entity will be called British Flowerpots and will be based in new purpose-built manufacturing premises in Barnsley. The business will be headed by MD Simon Smith & General Manager Liz Hudston & will offer a comprehensive range of British made glazed & terracotta pots, complemented by a select range of imported items.

MD Simon Smith commented: “This is an exciting new venture and we look forward to supplying the UK market with high quality British made pots- glazed and unglazed.”

Pictured from left: Edward Naylor (Director), Liz Hudston (General Manager) and Simon Smith (Managing Director).

Lancashire entrepreneur Gemma Connolly, whose unique edible greeting cards for dogs Scoff Paper won a Glee New Product Award in 2021, has secured major backing from BBC Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies to allow her business to take full advantage of the growing pet treat market. 

Volunteer guide dog puppy raiser, Gemma, who appeared on the show on Thgursday with golden retriever Leo, clinched the deal with her clever idea and the tenacity she’s maintained in building her business from the ground up, which involved the development of never-before-seen manufacturing processes and machinery. 

As such, the famous businesswoman, known for her ability to spot big business potential, offered Gemma £50K for 25% of the company, with the option to claim 5% back if Sara recoups her investment within the first 12 months of their collaboration. With Sara’s expert eye and rich retail experience, Gemma, plans to make her world-first product accessible across the UK and internationally in the near future. 

Gemma said: “I’m not good at blowing my own trumpet, but I gave it everything I had when I went into The Den and was proud of my presentation and my responses to the Dragons’ subsequent grilling. It probably helped that I had Leo by my side. 

“When Sara said she believed in me and my vision, it meant so much. I’m over the moon that she chose to invest in my little company that’s got its eye on global domination. After all, is there a dog on this planet that doesn’t love a tasty treat? With Sara’s know-how and support, I can put 100% of my time and focus into our business and get the bespoke manufacturing facility running at maximum capacity.” 

Sara Davies added: “Gemma’s belief in her fantastic product was clear from the moment she stepped into the Den. I have so much respect and admiration for the work she’s put in to grow her company to the level she has. I’m excited to work alongside Gemma to mentor her through the next exciting stage of growth as she goes on to inspire dog owners around the world to celebrate their pets’ special occasions with edible cards.” 

Scoff Paper’s HQ, aka ‘The Scoffice’, is based in Buckshaw Village, Chorley, where all the design, marketing and manufacturing takes place. As the business grows, Gemma plans to offer more career opportunities to local people across all departments. 

Click here to watch Gemma face the business moguls on BBC iPlayer. Gemma appears 16 minutes into the programme.

Scoff Paper won a New Product Award at Glee in 2021.

As 15th March fast approaches, garden centres from across the country are busy making preparations for one of their biggest fundraising days of the year – Garden Re-Leaf Day - together raising vital funds for the children’s hospice garden charity, Greenfingers. This year, the charity has set the “250 challenge” which they hope could help retailers to become the biggest combined contributors to this special event.

What is the 250 Challenge?

Whilst many garden centres go above and beyond, each year raising thousands of pounds across the Garden Re-Leaf weekend, the charity recognises that not all centres have the time or capacity to support at this level. With the 250 challenge, garden centres can still get involved but on a smaller scale. Here’s everything you need to know.

• The aim of the 250 challenge is to raise a minimum of £250. If every garden centre in the UK raised this sum on Garden Re-Leaf Day this would total in excess of £1.5million, proving the old adage that ‘every little helps!’
• With the 250 challenge, garden centres have the option to raise funds across one day (ideally 15^thMarch to align with Garden Re-Leaf Day) or they can utilise the whole month, week or weekend to reach their fundraising target. 

Ways to raise funds

There are a million different ways to raise funds. Some can be done slowly, and others require a little bit more fanfare! Here are some ways to put the fun into FUNdraising.

• Plantathons are perfect for generating some buzz in-store whilst simultaneously generating more stock and donating to Greenfingers. Previous events have included 12- and 24-hour Plantathons. To undertake a Plantathon you need lots of pots, growing media and plant stock. Simply plant up as many as you can during your chosen duration and sell them off to boost your fundraising total.
• Hold a quiz, with a minimum donation for all entrants. Guaranteed fun and some friendly competition.
• Why not set yourself a 25-minute challenge? Get the whole team involved to all undertake a 25-minute sponsored challenge. It’s a small investment of time that not only fosters a great sense of team achievement but also, once again, adds up to a superb, combined effort. Get your customers to sponsor you – whether it’s standing on one leg, or running on a treadmill, this is your chance to create a real buzz in-store.
• Raffles and tombolas are a great way of getting lots of people involved. Gather prizes from around your store, or ask friends and colleagues to donate prizes, before selling raffle tickets ahead of the grand unveiling of the lucky winner!
• Cake sales and coffee mornings – are simple yet effective FUNdraisers, whilst drawing more people into your café area. 
• Team up with colleagues to complete a walk or cycle challenge. Set yourselves a target – 100 miles for example – and work together to achieve it. Walk around your local area, on a treadmill, or add an exercise bike to the store for an afternoon of cycling excellence, with customers invited to donate by throwing loose change into a bucket or via a QR code. 
• In-store talks and workshops – do you know a local gardening group, or expert rose grower that could come into your store to run a special talk or workshop? Or perhaps one of your team is amazing at creating Easter wreaths and would run a special session with customers. This is a great way to raise money whilst also engaging with your customers and showcasing your in-house skills.
• Countertop fundraising – with a bucket, a bit of signage and teams briefed, it is easy to get customers to throw their spare coins at the end of every transaction. Plus, with the inclusion of a dedicated QR code those more generous customers can donate larger sums of money via their phones.
• Plant sales – consider a special Greenfingers plant display where a percentage or set fee from each sale is donated to the charity. This is a great way of creating a talking point in the store, whilst promoting the charity. It can also help drive impulse sales and push those hard-to-sell or seasonal plants.

Last but not least - maximise social media. Whatever you do to support Garden Re-Leaf Day don’t forget to shout if from the rooftops via your social media channels. In doing so, you can encourage more customers into your store to support your fundraising efforts.

Don’t miss out – register today!

Getting involved in the 2024 Garden Re-Leaf ‘250 Challenge’ please visit https://www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/garden-re-leaf-day-own-event or reach out to Linda Petrons, Greenfingers Director of Fundraising & Communications via linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk for more information and to grab your fundraising pack.

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The charity also offers a wealth of additional collateral that can help garden retailers to make the most of the Garden Re-Leaf weekend, including t-shirts, collection buckets and posters to name but a few. Garden Re-Leaf is also a great local PR opportunity which helps to drive customers into your store, and, again, Greenfingers can offer support to maximise this with draft news releases, and advice on which media to contact.

The recent Garden Centre Association (GCA) conference was not only an informative and educational event, but it also featured a lot of fundraising for the garden retail sector’s adopted charities, including Greenfingers. In fact, delegates dug so deep into their pockets, wallets and purses that it has been confirmed that over £25,0000 was raised for Greenfingers during the event!

Sunday saw the conference dedicate its time to fundraising, with Greenfingers one of three charity beneficiaries. Through a range of activities including a quiz and prize donations, £1,000 was raised for the children’s hospice garden charity and opened the fundraising pot. Greatly adding to this was Evergreen Garden Care, which auctioned off its last ever bag of peat-based Miracle-Gro compost, along with 12 pallets of peat-free compost, raising £8,000 in the process thanks to the highest bidders, Stewarts Garden Centre.

A late-night bonus fundraising opportunity also presented itself when Woodlodge’s Ian Flounders raised over £7.500 by shaving off his ‘Santa’ beard.

Talking post-event, Greenfingers Chairman, Sue Allen, said: “Within Greenfingers, we know just how much hard work, detailed planning and energy is needed to ensure a successful fundraising campaign.  That was in evidence yet again at the recent GCA conference, where delegates, garden centres and suppliers came together in a generous show of support, whether through quizzing, donating prizes, auctioning off products, committing financially or signing up to take part in Garden Re-Leaf Day, the Wing Walk or the Dragon Boat Race.  

“And then, late in the evening, in the bar, something unplanned and spontaneous raises over £7,5000.  Ian sacrificed his beard and astute ‘pledge gatherers’ ensured it was a money-spinner.  That is what makes this all so worthwhile.  A massive thank you to everyone involved in every aspect of the fundraising, whether planned or not.  Without your continued support we would not be able to create those magical spaces within children’s hospices.”

The Greenfingers Charity would also like to extend their sincerest thanks to the GCA for their continued support and for allowing the team to share the stage to tell delegates more about the charity. Having this platform is an important part of the charity’s work.

The Pennies Scheme

Whilst on stage at the GCA Conference, Sue was accompanied by Tammy Woodhouse who outlined details of the Pennies Scheme; a fantastic initiative designed to ‘make giving simple, everyday’.

Pennies sees microdonations added via the epos system, with small donations quickly adding up to pounds. To find out more about how to implement the Pennies Scheme in your store please contact retail software specialists, Corby & Fellas, via www.corbyfellas.com. Tammy of Millbrook Garden Centres – who have already raised almost £8,000 for Greenfingers through the scheme, has confirmed that she will make herself available to anyone wanting to know more about making it work in their garden centre.

Find out more

To stay up-to-date with all the latest news from the Greenfingers Charity, join the conversation on social media - @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/ and @GreenfingersCha on Twitter.

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has set our clear asks to the Chancellor of the Exchequer ahead of the Spring Statement 2024.

The HTA represents approximately 1,400 businesses in the UK's environmental horticulture industry and calls for urgent action to ensure the sector's growth, which makes vital contributions to the economy and environment and delivers on net zero.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said: "The environmental horticulture sector is at a critical crossroads. We urge the Chancellor to secure resources and readiness funding for the impending border and trade changes that are now just ten weeks away at the peak of our trading season, facilitate support and grants to successfully and sustainably support our members to transition to peat-free growing media, reduce financial and regulatory burdens on SMEs, address retail crime, and enhance accessibility to apprenticeship levy funds.

“Many businesses are grappling with a surge in trade costs, wage increases, and wider inflation, which poses a serious threat to the sector's viability and growth. Our SMEs are pivotal to the country's economic and environmental landscape, as they generate employment, promote health and wellbeing, deliver green spaces, and support environmental sustainability goals. Around 95% of our sector comprises SMEs, so it is imperative for the government to extend its support to overcome challenges and foster growth.

"Whilst the end of 2023 saw inflation rates decrease slightly, we understand the ongoing fiscal constraints and uncertainty in which this Budget statement is set.  As a result, our submission highlights the need for practical and targeted investments and support and the reduction of unnecessary bureaucracy that detracts from sector investment. Tackling just some of these would help eliminate barriers to growth within the industry, ultimately leading to positive outcomes for the UK economy and environment.

"Our members have shown remarkable resilience. We are one of the few sectors where weather and climate impact our entire supply chain, including growers, landscapers, and retailers. Last year delivered the wettest March in 30 years, the warmest June since records began, and a July with very little sunshine. Already this year, in just a matter of days, businesses have dealt with storms, heavy rainfall, and flooding. Additionally, international uncertainty, for example, in the Red Sea, will likely increase costs.

"We look forward to seeing what certainty and confidence the Chancellor will bring. The association is ready to engage further with government officials, facilitating discussions or site visits to highlight the industry's key economic issues."

The HTA's key priorities for government action include:

Resourcing and delivering borders and trade changes: A smooth import process is critical for the industry's operations. The HTA calls for a temporary easement of Place of Destination checks for plant trade until at least the end of January 2025, alongside readiness funding for impacted businesses. Streamlining border processes and ensuring adequate resourcing are essential to prevent disruptions and enable competitiveness.

Supported and sustainable transition to peat-free growing media: Urgent review of the early peat ban policy is necessary to mitigate adverse impacts on plant production and job losses. The HTA advocates for a return to the agreed 2030 date for professional growers and matched support funding for SMEs to transition to peat-free alternatives. Increased R&D support and transition grants are essential to facilitate a successful transition.

Reducing financial and regulatory burdens on SMEs: The HTA seeks urgent action to alleviate financial and regulatory pressures on SMEs. Recommendations include exemptions from Biodiversity Net Gain regulations, longer-term business rates relief, and investment in water resilience and energy efficiency measures. Addressing wage bill increases and freezing the business rates multiplier is also imperative to support SMEs' sustainability.

Continued action on retail crime: The HTA highlights the significant impact of retail crime on the sector and calls for enhanced government action to protect retail businesses. Provisions for police responses to theft incidents, particularly in rural areas, are crucial to safeguarding businesses and ensuring competitiveness.

Increase accessibility to apprenticeship levy funds and action on skills: Wider reform of the Apprenticeship Levy is necessary to make funds more accessible to SMEs and promote apprenticeship uptake. Collaboration between government and industry is essential to identify skill gaps and ensure adequate skills provision within the horticulture sector.

As part of its push to get clarity on the details of the April border changes, the Horticultural Trades Association joined Plants Limited in welcoming the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP to their site in Surrey. 

As their constituency MP, Plants Limited contacted Mr Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, with their concerns following HTA Member briefings.

With just two months to go until the 30 April border changes, the HTA is continuing to engage with all levels of policymakers and work with sister associations across Europe to get answers to the many questions and challenges that must be overcome. The HTA has been clear in its ask that without communication, confidence in capacity and clarity on costs, it fails to see how the shift from at-site expert checks to a handful of Border Control Points (BCPs) will work. 

Jennifer Pheasey, HTA’s Director of Public Affairs, commented:

“We were pleased to meet Mr Gove with HTA members, Plants Limited, to show what the real impact of changes in our operations means to a business. April is the start of the peak season in the movement of plants. With just two months to go, we have too many unknowns. Without the critical detail from the Government, such as the costs that its own Border Control Point (BCP) will charge, it is too little, too late.”

“With an import value of plants and plant products of £753 million, it is critical to the sector that this trade can happen smoothly, securely, and affordably. The sector has invested and adapted to moving goods across borders since January 2021. We are asking to continue with the current approach until the BCPs or alternative trade routes are operational, viable and tested. Without doing this, we risk huge damage to the sector, an industry which delivers for the UK economy, jobs, environment and 30 million gardeners.”

“The HTA is doing everything it can to get the clarity our members need and support them in understanding options to have more control over their future trade. Next week, we will host a workshop at Provender Nurseries dedicated to borders and trade issues and encourage members to sign up. We are also asking more members to follow Plants Limited in writing to their MPs to raise the urgency and risks and increase awareness of Environmental Horticulture and the importance of cross-border trade.” 

Rachel Blakey, Plants Sales Director, Plants Limited, commented:

“We were impressed with the quick response from our local MP, Michael Gove, to our ask to visit our Chobham site. We are a family-owned wholesale plant nursery and pride ourselves in the quality and range of our hardy nursery stock for the landscape trade. Imported stock plays an important role to deliver for our customers, so what will happen on 30 April really matters.”

“We are a Place of Destination (PoD) site and are experts at checking our goods on arrival and working with APHA on this. We are really worried about the risks of using BCPs as we do not know how they will be able to safely check our loads, how long it will take, and what this means cost-wise. Having our local MP come and see the types of plants we are talking about, and just after he announced more opportunity to hopefully grow our customer base with planning being eased, will hopefully help get some of those answers we need.” 

Joining the visit to Plants Limited, alongside the HTA, were representatives from Long Acre, Crocus, Euro Plants and Dingley Dell.

Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group, which owns Castle Gardens in Sherborne, Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil and Poundbury Gardens near Dorchester, has been awarded Honorary Membership of the Garden Centre Association (GCA). 

Presented by GCA Chairman Will Blake,  at the GCA’s 57th annual conference, held at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel near Cirencester last week, this accolade comes in recognition of Mike’s commitment to and achievements on behalf of the industry.

William Blake, managing director of St Peter’s Garden Centre and Chairman of the GCA, commented: “As Mike Burks steps down from the GCA Executive Committee, with his role as Past Chairman coming to an end, the Committee board members wanted to recognise the extraordinary work he has done over the Past six years.  Mike took the reins just two months before the first Covid lockdown. He was instrumental in getting garden centres listened to by government, so that they could reopen after just seven weeks, undoubtedly saving many businesses within our industry. His guidance, support, leadership and environmental focus for the GCA and our industry is undeniable, and he will be sorely missed at Executive Committee meetings.”

Mike Burks, (pictured above centre) explains: “I am bowled over by this announcement. The GCA represents the UK’s leading garden centres, so to be recognised and celebrated for my contribution is such a privilege. We are always inspired and motivated following the GCA Conference, and this year is no exception. Our team is already looking at ways to implement their new ideas at each garden centre this year.”

Sparsholt College, Hampshire, has teamed up with the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation to create Sparsholt’s 2024 RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden entitled ‘Plants, Routes & Branches’.

The garden has been designed by Sparsholt’s multiple medal winning team including Chris Bird and Lucy Lewis in celebration of Sparsholt College’s upcoming 125^th Anniversary of Horticultural training in Hampshire. The exhibit will explore the history of plant introductions from Hampshire whilst celebrating the impact of influential horticulturists and the role the college has played in horticultural education.

Lucy Lewis, Horticulture Lecturer at Sparsholt College, said: “Plants, Routes and Branches is about what exciting careers paths there are for people who choose a life in Horticulture.  

Our aim for the garden is to inspire young people or career changers to look at a career in Horticulture and all the potential interesting places they could go. The theme fits so well with the work of the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation do with students, they just seemed the most natural partners for us in the project.”

Most importantly, the garden will look to the future generations of horticulturists, exploring the numerous and exciting career routes they may follow. This includes continual developments of new plants with the aim to signpost potential career routes and opportunities provided by the Horticultural industry for both new learners and those looking to branch out their careers.

The design consists of four areas all essential in supporting students of horticulture to become dedicated industry professionals:

• The Plant Breeding / Laboratory Area including a Choisya timeline. 
• A Nursery/ Growing Area, home to, nursery beds, informational boards and five RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2024 entries including:
• Chaenomeles ‘Lemon Sorbet’
• Mahonia ‘Meteor’
• Philadelphus Petite Perfume ‘White Pearls’
• The Classroom Area, set up with desks and bookcases
• A Workshop/Breakroom Area complete with seating, lockers filled with overalls and muddy boots. 

All four areas surround a central ‘Demo Shed’ with a corrugated panel roof made of recycled plastic, one of many sustainable features.

Students and staff from Sparsholt College were joined by members of the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation team to celebrate the launch of the garden with a morning unveiling the design. They were joined by Sparsholt College Alumni and Industry Professionals and the media. Visitors gathered at the college’s Hampshire Rural Business Centre to meet the enthusiastic student team, sharing their experiences, give support and to wish them the best of luck for the project. 

The Sparsholt Chelsea Garden Team of 2024. Students with Lucy Lewis, Chris Bird and Nicci and Neil Gow from the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation.

Quin Walling, Horticulture student said:  “The launch has been an interesting networking event; we’ve got to meet lots of plant breeders and past students and it’s been really enjoyable to meet possible future employers. I can’t wait to see how the garden all comes together and the finished project at the end of it.”

The college’s team are encouraging those with a link to horticulture at Sparsholt college to share their stories, experience and images with them for the project. Please send them to Hortstories@sparsholt.ac.uk

The Mountfield team like to help charities whenever they can and were pleased this Heart Month to make a donation of one of their mowers to be auctioned off for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) at the Cape Cornwall Golf Club.

The Mountfield Electress 34LI has been donated to the auction which will take place this month.  As strong advocates of healthy living, the Mountfield team know how important it is to reap the rewards of all of the mental and physical benefits that gardening can offer.  Mowing is one way to contribute to exercise to keep our hearts well.  The simple act of being outside in the fresh air and enjoying the greenery around you, can help de-stress you and improve your mental well-being.  Whilst working in the garden, nurturing your lawn and plants will offer physical exercise and a sense of achievement too.

 Andy Cleary of Cape Cornwall Golf Club stated "Cape Cornwall Golf Club are so happy to be supporting the BHF during Heart Month 2024. Being one of the most prolific mowers of grass in the area we are delighted to be supported by Mountfield with this generous donation. A round of golf uses approximately 15,000 steps and we hope this mower adds to the health benefits of one of our members”

 Money raised by this auction will help the BHF fund ground-breaking research to find new treatments and cures for heart and circulatory diseases, which affect 7.6 million people in the UK.

 Mark Hawkins, BHF Fundraising Manager said: “With around twice as many people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases than with Alzheimer’s and cancer combined, we urgently need to fund more lifesaving research to fight heart conditions like cardiac arrest that devastate so many people and their loved ones. We are very grateful for this support during Heart Month as it will help to fund the breakthroughs of tomorrow and keep families together for longer.”

 People can find out more about how to help BHF during Heart Month on their website bhf.org.uk/heartmonth

The Bransford Webbs Plant Company were thrilled to be awarded the Best Hardy Plant Supplier of the Year at the Squires Annual Plant Show last week at Squires, West Horsley, for the second year in a row.

The award, voted for by the plantarea managers, recognises the hard work of our entire team involved in growing the high-quality plants we supply. The award was presented to Trina Cole, our sales representative for Squires, on our stand which featured a range of ‘looking good crops’ along with displays of the upcoming plants due to feature in this years Beautiful Gardens and Beautiful Summer Magazines.

“The whole team here at the nursery are extremely proud of winning this award," commented David Chilvers, Sales and Marketing Director. “Being voted for by the plantarea managers makes it extra special too."

Plastics resource efficiency and recycling charity, RECOUP, have released their latest set of case studies ‘MRF Processes – Understanding Material Sorting’ and ‘Packaging Design Principles – Small Changes for a Big Impact.’  

‘MRF Processes – Understanding Material Sorting’ intends to educate readers about how packaging placed in kerbside collections gets detected and sorted by material recovery facilities (MRF), from the entrance hall, right through to the final baled materials. The case study looks at common issues such as the recycling of small items, which can get lost early in the process and end up with the glass recycling fraction, as well as a detailed breakdown of how near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) is used to determine which polymers packaging is made from to capture the packs for recycling.

‘Packaging Design Principles – Small Changes for a Big Impact’ is aimed at individuals new to the packaging industry and covers many design principles to improve the recyclability of plastics packaging at the design stage.  It covers the important components of packaging  for recyclability including the use of additives and barriers, adhesives, labels, and colourants, to help packaging designers make informed decisions.

Richard Cham, Senior Packaging and Recyclability Projects Officer at RECOUP said, ‘We often get asked about the processes that happen at the sorting stage, the MRF case study will assist stakeholders to understand the reality of how packaging is sorted and the implications design can have on the detection of different polymers.’

Paul East, Head of Packaging Recycling and Design at RECOUP said, ‘The sorting process at the MRF is a crucial link in the recycling chain. The Case Study illustrates how following design guidelines such as RECOUP’s Recyclability by Design, increases the likelihood  a pack will get sorted correctly.’

The case studies are accessible on the RECOUP website now for members and will become publicly available in 3 months. RECOUP also offers their members access to their laboratory testing facilities, including materials recovery facility sorting trials, free of charge to help packaging designers and brands to make informed decisions on pack design for recyclability. If you would like to find out more about RECOUP membership, then contact membership@recoup.org

For those seeking more in-depth information about the plastics resource and recycling value chain, registrations for RECOUP’s, not-to-be- missed annual conference, to be held on Thursday 26 September, are now open. 

The plastics resource and recycling value chain event of the year sees hundreds of delegates in attendance and draws together stakeholders, NGOs, Local and National Government bodies and organisations from across the plastics and wider sustainability value chain, to network and share best practice.

To book your place at The RECOUP Conference 2024, please visit the RECOUP website, www.recoup.org

The Royal Horticultural Society is bringing a slice of tropical life to the heart of London as one of its most popular events, the annual RHS Orchid Show, comes to the capital next month.

From tiny flowers the size of a 10 pence piece to immersive installations, specimens of one of Britain’s most popular flowering houseplants will be on display in all their glory alongside talks on their history, conservation and advice on how to care for them.

Specialist growers at the show will include Grow Tropicals, who will display an educational exhibit focused on orchids and terrariums. Also taking part in a panel discussion, hear about their conservation work involving experts in America and India as they unveil their plans for their exhibit at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024.

Writhlington School in Wiltshire will bring their ground-breaking 30-year-old Orchid Project, with a living educational display propagated, designed and built by students using their collection of 900 orchid species as part of their work to engage the public in plants, tropical ecosystems and the communities that share habitats with orchids.

Spicesotic Plants’ display will include specimens the size of a 10p coin, and the Mathers Foundation will exhibit plants from the National Collection of Oncidiums, which were at the heart of the Victorian orchid obsession and have been grown in the UK for over a century.

Taiwanese orchid growers Orchis Floriculturing Inc will display exotic orchids from Taiwan, and the Orchid Society of Great Britain will showcase the plants in a spectacular artistic installation.

Talks will include Dino Zelenika on orchids of Myanmar, Sara Rittershausen of Burnhams Nursery on easy orchids to grow at home, and Helen Millner on orchids in terrariums, while visitors will also be able to sample RHS Garden Wisley’s popular exhibition, Danger and Desire: The Seductive Power of Orchids.

As well as a host of shopping opportunities, a bespoke menu created for the show will be on offer courtesy of caterers at RHS Garden Hyde Hall, who will bring their cookery theatre to cook up a range of vegan and non-vegetarian dishes, with barista-made coffee and a special cake selection on offer.

Normally held at RHS Garden Wisley, this year’s RHS Orchid Show is being held at RHS Lindley Hall in Vincent Square, London due to ongoing roadworks affecting access to the garden that weekend. Judging takes place on the opening day, with trophies shortly afterwards.

David Ridgeway, chair of the RHS Orchid Committee, said: “Orchids comprise the largest and most diverse plant family on our planet. Visitors to the show are able to admire displays staged by both professional growers and amateur orchid societies.”

Fiona Davison, RHS Head of Libraries and Exhibitions, said: “Orchids have inspired countless works of art, literature, film and fashion. Their complexity, diversity and rarity have fascinated scientists and obsessed the rich. Visitors can discover how our different perceptions of orchids – as aphrodisiacs, fictional predators and mass-market commodities – have evolved.”

The RHS Orchid Show takes place at Lindley Hall in Vincent Square, London, from 15 to 17 March. Free to members, tickets cost £6 and can be purchased here:https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/orchid-show/rhs-orchid-show

Johanna Elvidge, Head of Domestic Design at Marshalls has shared the garden, patio and colour trends that are likely to make an appearance in 2024...

Style Trends:

1. Nurturing Gardens  “Garden trends will begin moving away from minimalism and heading towards creating more nurturing and wildlife-friendly environments. We will likely see people bringing more flowerbeds, shrub-filled areas and vegetable planters into the space, livening up the garden and allowing for greater biodiversity. These changes are not only great for the environment but will also have a positive impact on our wellbeing, encouraging more time in the garden and in amongst nature.”
2. Joyful Gardens  “2024 will likely see people wanting to transform their gardens into playful, positive spaces that encourage socialisation and time enjoyed outside. These gardens will likely centre around seating areas, outdoor kitchens and fire-pits - all spaces which will encourage to spill home life into the outdoors. Those who have more space to work with may section off their garden to make the most of it. Having regions for open-air cooking and eating, areas designated for children to play in, and an area for brightly coloured flowers to liven the space up through nature itself.”
3. Regenerative Gardens “Having a garden space that focuses on rewilding and prioritising nature has become the forefront for many over recent years. We will see people embracing trends such as No Mow May where they will allow their lawns time to re-energise and grow for the sake of wildlife and natural habitats. This trend sees imperfections being embraced, allowing for plants to take their own course where possible. ‘Edible landscapes’ will have their place, with people creating vegetable patches and planting fruit trees to create bright and tasty havens – both fun and practical, saving you a trip to the shop!”
4. Luxurious Gardens  “Quiet luxury is not only a trend for the home’s interior. This can also be achieved in the garden, encouraging a serene space outdoors. This trend is achieved through clean lines of architectural landscaping which can be created through paving, pergolas and planting beds. These clean lines can then be softened through plants and shrubs to showcase the natural beauty of the garden throughout the design. Both light and dark tones can achieve this aesthetic, finding a tone that complements your home can be a great way to elevate the overall look, tying the entire space together.”

Patio Trends:

1. Indian Sandstone “Indian sandstone is a great choice for a garden revamp. Ethically sourced options are still affordable, and the natural appearance provides a rustic feel to the space. The varying tones of the stone mean that this paving choice will suit almost any setting and aesthetic.”
2. Porcelain Paving “Porcelain paving is likely to be a common choice for many homeowners in 2024. This type of paving is known for its low maintenance, beauty and durability. This is an ideal choice for many applications, even for those who have moss-prone gardens due to dampness and shade. The wide range of colours and shades makes it a diverse choice for any outdoor space.”
3. Block Paving “Block paving is a popular choice for driveways and garden paths. The range of colours allows for borders and patterns to be created through different layout choices. This paving choice can also complement other materials, maintaining consistency throughout a space whilst still elevating the look”

Colour Trends:

1. Grey “Grey is a timeless trend, ideal for both modern and older-style homes. The shade complements most types of brickwork, avoiding a harsh contrast between the home and garden. Grey paving can also be a great choice for creating a smooth transition between the outside and inside - a great choice for those with large garden-facing windows and patio doors.”
2. Warm tones  “Warm tones have seen a surge in popularity over recent years, with many homeowners enjoying the cosy look these shades provide throughout the garden. The shades can create the atmosphere of a Mediterranean oasis, transporting people to the feel of being on holiday, benefiting mental health and wellbeing.”

You can read more about 2024 garden trends here: https://www.marshalls.co.uk/gardens-and-driveways/blog/2024-garden-trends 

Save the date! National Children’s Gardening Week will again be partnering with THE WORLD OF PETER RABBIT from 25 May to 2 June 2024.  

This May half term, National Children’s Gardening Week is encouraging families to Grow with Peter Rabbit!  There will be free Grow with Peter Rabbit activity booklets available for HTA members to order and give away in store for families to take home – packed full of mischievous and fun indoor and outdoor activities for them to enjoy this National Children’s Gardening Week. 

The aim of National Children’s Gardening Week is to inspire children’s curiosity, whilst the warm weather is a great time to see speedy results of seed sewing, planting and other gardening activities. The week promotes gardening to the general public and encourages garden centres across the UK to hold events throughout the week to connect a new generation with the joy of gardening.

Peter Rabbit has been getting up to mischief since his early adventures in Mr. McGregor’s garden in The Tale of Peter Rabbit.  Written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter, the Tale was first published in 1902 by Frederick Warne & Co. (Beatrix Potter’s publisher and owner of THE WORLD OF PETER RABBIT) and has sold over 46 million copies around the world.

To get involved visit the webpage where you will find everything you need to celebrate National Children’s Gardening Week with Peter Rabbit! https://www.childrensgardeningweek.co.uk

National Children’s Gardening Week will help support member garden centres with ideas and inspiration and supply easy to use social media content.  There is the opportunity for HTA members to register their events on the website to encourage more visitors.

Follow the hashtags on social media:

#NCGW #ChildrensGardeningWeek #GardeningIsFun #GrowwithPeterRabbit

Facebook @nationalchildrensgardeningweek @officialpeterrabbit

Instagram @officialpeterrabbit

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Hillier has announced the appointment of two new account managers, Ben Kyte and Gavin Bell, to support its Amenity division. 

With a passion for horticulture and sales, Ben has over 14 years of experience in the industry. Meanwhile, Gavin, who joins Hillier from Crowders, has worked in horticulture for more than 20 years, much of which time was spent working for his family run nursery.

Discussing his new role, Ben said: “Having the opportunity to utilise my experience at Hillier provides a great sense of achievement. A company with such heritage, that is constantly striving to produce the very best quality trees for future generations, is fantastic to be part of. I look forward to contributing to the strong and dedicated team, to really put Hillier at the forefront of customers’ minds as a tree supplier.”

“I have known Hillier for its values and for being the largest tree nursery in the UK, and I wanted to be part of that team. I'm ambitious to get more UK-grown trees out to the Amenity market and push the company name further out there,” said Gavin. 

Gareth Ashenhurst, Amenity Sales Manager at Hillier, commented: “All at Hillier are thrilled to have Ben and Gavin join our already strong Amenity team, we are confident that the skills and expertise they will bring will make significant impact on our continued success.

“Their professional and extensive industry background aligns perfectly with Hillier’s goals and values, and their arrival comes at an exciting time for the company as we continue to grow and expand within the UK market. I am personally very proud of the team we are building and look forward to the next chapter of Hillier Amenity.”

Hillier looks forward to leveraging the extensive experience of Ben and Gavin to further strengthen its position as the expert growers of British Trees. They join at an exciting time of growth following Hillier’s £4 million purchase of a 200-acre farm in Liss, Hampshire. 

For further information about commercial trees from Hillier and to view the new website visit https://trees.hillier.co.uk

Key industry figures including Defra’s Chief Plant Health Officer Nicola Spence, Fera Science Ltd CEO Dr Andrew Swift, and Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) CEO Fran Barnes introduced a host of experts from Defra, Fera and APHA (Animal and Plant Health Agency) at an exclusive interactive event for HTA grower members held at the Fera Laboratories in York on 14 February.

Fran Barnes, HTA CEO commented: "The event highlighted the benefits of collaboration on the shared challenges and opportunities in productivity, biosecurity, policy development and research; and demonstartes how industry, government, and science can work together effectively.

"By building mutual knowledge and understanding of the Plant Inspection process, and Defra, APHA, Fera, and the HTA working together on this to ensure the process and arrangements, will ultimately safeguard and benefit growers and the UK’s capacity to produce plants and trees.”

Nicola Spence, UK Chief Plant Health Officer commented: "I was delighted to see so many growers join us for a behind-the-scenes look at how government, scientists and the trade all work together to protect plant health. The event was a great opportunity for us all to share and discuss our collective knowledge and ideas and it was good to see so much enthusiasm among those who were able to attend."

Dr Andrew Swift, Fera CEO said: “It is in everyone’s interest for the UK to sustain a thriving and prosperous horticulture industry, but also one which is safe and biosecure. Reducing risk starts with increasing awareness along all of the supply chain. This is why days like today are so important and it has been really encouraging to hear so many HTA members feedback how informative and helpful this event has been. Fera is committed to supporting the UK Horticulture Industry and our scientists love hosting such interactive meetings. We are grateful to all of those members for taking the time out to join us and especially to our friends at the HTA and Defra (PHSI) with whom it has been a joy to organise today’s proceedings.”

After 20 years at RHS Garden Wisley, nearly nine of them as Curator, Matthew Pottage is spreading his roots and will be leaving the RHS at the end of May to take up a new role, Head of Horticulture and Landscape Strategy, at The Royal Parks.

Beginning his time at RHS Wisley as a student, Matt’s career over nearly two decades has seen him progress from Garden Manager to becoming Curator with responsibility for all living collections within the 200 acre site and overseeing a team of 110, including students and apprentices, and 150 volunteers.

During his time as Curator at the internationally renowned garden, Matt has overseen the creation of the Exotic Garden, the Wisteria Walk, the Heather Landscape, a dedicated orchid house and more recently the new rainwater capture Clear Lake on the site of the old trials field.  The final project Matt will oversee, finishing this spring, will be the new Piet Oudolf Landscape.

Clare Matterson, RHS Director General, says; “Matt has made an extraordinary contribution to RHS Garden Wisley – he’s dedicated two decades to this magnificent garden and, both the splendour of the garden and the amazing team that looks after it are in no small way thanks to his vision, dedication, passion and enthusiasm. Thank you Matt.  I’m proud of how the RHS grows careers and Matt is a fantastic example of this from starting as a student to managing one of the best gardens in the world and now moving on to this exciting new opportunity.

“Whilst we, and me personally, are sad that Matt is leaving to take up this opportunity, we understand that this is a wonderful new challenge for Matt and he also feels strongly that it is time for someone else to take up the baton – or should we say trowel! – and continue to work with Tim Upson, Director of Gardens and Horticulture, and teams to develop and grow RHS Wisley for today and future generations.”

Matt Pottage, Curator RHS Garden Wisley, says:  “I feel I leave the garden landscape working as a whole much better with more personality, theatre, detail and exciting plants around each corner. Curating this vast and much-loved garden has been challenging and rewarding in equal measure.

“The RHS has grown me from Student to Curator, and the last eight and a half years as Curator have been a privilege. The affection I hold for the garden, the team I have worked with, and the wider charity, runs deep.

“I am now ready for a new challenge and leading on the vision, strategy and horticulture across the 8 Royal Parks is an opportunity I can’t refuse.  I Ieave RHS Wisley as one of the world’s finest, and most exciting gardens and look forward to watching a new Curator take the garden onto its next stages as it continues to grow and flourish.”

Matt will be at the RHS until the end of May to the finish of the delivery of the Piet Oudolf Landscape and also to be at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.  Both the RHS and Matt see themselves continuing to work together in some form in the future.

Leading lighting, electrical and power giant, Luceco Group has appointed Sarah Thompson as Communications Manager.

A highly experienced Communications Specialist, Sarah has a wealth of international experience in media relations, communication, PR and campaign strategies, including roles at Goodyear Tyres and Volvo Cars, and extensive freelance experience with clients across varied sectors, including work with Capgemini, Northern Foods and Manchester United Football Club.

Sarah gained her NUJ and IFJ press cards working on environmental initiatives, alternative fuels, and electric vehicle projects in Westminster and has joined Luceco following five years at one of the region’s longest-running business support organisations where she oversaw all external communications and edited the West Midlands’ longest running business publication.

She is now responsible for Luceco Group’s portfolio of respected lighting, electrical and EV charging solutions.

Tania Tams, Marketing Director at Luceco Group plc said: "We welcome Sarah on board in this key role and are sure her enthusiasm and wide experience will make a positive difference to the Luceco brands."

Sarah said: "This is an exciting opportunity for me to further develop Luceco’s strong presence and potential within the marketplace. I look forward to using my experience to help push the company forward."

Living green has a crucial role to play in developing liveable cities by contributing to social, cultural, environmental, physical, and mental health. Prominent researchers from around the globe presented their findings on the health benefits of urban greening at the ‘Living Green, Liveable Cities’ Research Symposium on 4th-5th February 2024 at Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar.

Organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) in collaboration with Cities & Health and Expo 2023 Doha Qatar, the symposium presented research under three themes which demonstrate the contribution of ‘living green’ to healthy and resilient cities: Social and Cultural Health, Health and Wellbeing, and Environmental Health.

The opening session welcomed speakers from Doha. Ruben Munoz of the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) presented the development and implementation of the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS). Ruben explained how this is the first integrated and performance-based system in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, designed for assessing and rating buildings and infrastructure for their sustainability impacts. Of high interest to the audience was the point that 42% of the weight of assessment criteria of GSAS is on preserving and enhancing vegetation.

Water sourcing and management is a major challenge for many countries around the world, including Qatar. Presenting traditional knowledge and practices towards sustainability, Dr Deema Almasri, Senior Policy Associate for Earthna, spoke about Earthna’s water studies. Dr Almasri explained: “The only fresh water source Qatar has is groundwater, which is currently being depleted at an immense rate - almost five times the rate of its recharge.”

To find solutions to this issue, Earthna has studied ancestral knowledge and traditional practices of water management in arid regions around the world to assess their scalability, efficiency, and suitability within the environment. Dr Almasri commented: “We need to tap into non-conventional water sourcing methods to maintain the water balance and secure a sustainable future in a country that is climate change resilient.”

In a similar vein, Dr Bruno Marques, President of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA), highlighted the significance of traditional Māori greenery practices and how they have been implemented in new projects in New Zealand.

Recovering traditional practices of indigenous peoples is vital not just to those communities, but to the environments they occupy. Dr Marques said: “With a history of colonisation and increased globalisation, many indigenous cultures have witnessed a decline in the quality of their natural ecosystems.”

Working in collaboration with Māori tribes, Torrens Terrace was developed in Wellington, New Zealand. This garden, in the heart of the city, grows plants used in Māori ceremonies. The benefits of this project are multilayered. In addition to being a therapeutic environment, the garden allows people of all cultures to learn more about the Māori people. Dr Marques added: “For Māori, who have become disconnected from their cultural roots, it offers opportunities for Indigenous groups to embrace their cultural identity.”

Another example of how thoughtful and intentional greenery can impact the social environment was presented by Dr Gayle Souter-Brown, Special Envoy from IFLA to the International Society of Urban Health. The case study focused on a school playground in London, UK, where there was very little greenery. “This community was at the time one of the most socioeconomically deprived in Europe,” Dr Souter-Brown explained. “They had all sorts of social problems and it wasn't safe to be on the streets after 3pm.”

The redesign of the park included musical and wildlife sensory gardens, a space for outdoor education, the use of natural material in the play equipment, and edible fruit trees. “Not only did the children do better in school, but the ripple effect out across the community was profound. Now, the area attracts investment, and there is a waiting list for children to attend the school.”

Expo 2022 Floriade Almere in the Netherlands applied a similar understanding of the benefits of greenery on a larger scale. Judith van der Poel, Director of Niek Roozen Landscape, presented the World Horticultural Expo as an example of how plants can be used to improve the lives of citizens.

Over the past few years, the average temperature in the Netherlands has increased significantly. This has a multitude of detrimental effects, including the heightened risk of death. Van der Poel said: “Over four per cent of deaths in European cities during summer are due to the ‘heat-island-effect’. Extra trees in the city would avoid almost one third of those deaths.”

Tree canopy offers shade and helps to cool the surrounding area. Research in this subject informed the planting of trees at the Floriade 2022 site in Almere. New trees were planted alongside existing trees to create vibrant, green areas around each plot. Visitors to the Expo used the shade provided to relax.

Covering four sessions over two days, the audience enjoyed presentations about costs and benefits of vertical greenery, river regeneration, and urban air quality. They were inspired at how living green provides emotionally and physically restorative environments that also support biodiversity.

Last autumn, H.E. Ms Joanna Roper, British ambassador to the Netherlands, Keukenhof’s director Sandra Bechtholt and gardener Patrick van Dijk planted Tulipa King Charles III. This Spring the regal golden bloom will reach its glorious peak.

The wonderful King Charles lll tulip will not only flower in Keukenhof – its blossoms can be seen in Britain too. Through the  Dutch Embassy in London, the special tulip bulbs were forwarded to Herfordshire. Here the King Charles III bulbs have been planted in the garden of Longmeadow, gardens of Monty Don and BBC Gardener’s World.

Ambassador Roper said: ‘Tulips are perhaps the most famous symbol of the Netherlands and to name this tulip after His Majesty King Charles III is a wonderful way to emphasize the close ties between the UK and the Netherlands. I look forward to seeing this tulip in bloom, both in my own garden and at the world-famous Keukenhof.’

Hybris, the flower bulb’s breeder, was extremely honoured to receive permission to name a mutant of Tulipa Rejoyce after the new British monarch. In 1952, another royal tulip, Queen Elizabeth II, was registered with the Dutch General Bulb Growers’ Association (KAVB), by P. Nijssen and Sons. One of the Nijssen sons, P.J. Nijssen, went on to become one of the founders of Hybris B.V. in 1979.
The King Charles III tulip is a Rejoyce mutant, which is, in turn, a mutant of an original cultivar, Lydia. The King Charles III has the same bulb and plant structure as the popular garden and tub varieties Lydia and Rejoyce but is a different colour. The export market launch of the King Charles III tulip, which is suitable for planting both directly in garden soil and in balcony boxes and planters, is expected to take place between mid-2027 and 2028.

Flower Exhibition Keukenhof opens on 21 March 2024. This year, it will be 75 years since the first of these flower exhibitions opened to the public.
The exhibition will last for almost eight weeks, during which 1.4 million people from all over the world will flock to this magical park, because there is no better place to see millions of tulips, daffodils and other flowering bulbs in bloom than Keukenhof.

Dobbies has opened two new outlet stores at its branches in Morpeth in Northumberland and Atherstone in Warwickshire.

The outlet stores stock products from across its homeware; outdoor living; gifts, kids and pets; and gardening ranges with discounts between 30-70% off their usual price.

At Atherstone, the outlet is located in a separate on-site building while Morpeth’s outlet is located near its restaurant within the footprint of the main store with a standalone pay point.

Paul Travis Anderson, General Manager of Dobbies Morpeth, said: “This is the first time we’ve had a dedicated outlet in Morpeth and we feel really positive about being able to offer discounts across a number of ranges for our customers.”

Sarah Faulkner, General Manager of Dobbies Atherstone, added: “We’ll be replenishing stock frequently, so there’s lots of opportunities for customers to get some fantastic bargains. With spring just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of price reductions across a wide selection of our products.”

The outlet stores are open 10am to 4pm, Monday to Saturday; 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sunday.

Dobbies has appointed Andy Hannan as Commercial Director.

With extensive experience from across the retail sector, Andy will lead the delivery of Dobbies’ commercial strategy as it enters its new financial year. 

Andy has previously held senior commercial roles at retailers such as Homebase, Halfords, Jessops and Argos, where he was part of the team that led the digital transformation of the business. Also within the B2B sector at LKQ Euro Car Parts.

Departing Commercial Director, Richard Hodges has stepped down from his role which he has held since 2021.

David Robinson, CEO of Dobbies, said: “Andy is a really experienced commercial director and will bring with him brilliant knowledge from his time at other major UK retailers.

“As we move into our new financial year, someone with Andy’s depth and breadth of experience is just what we need to ensure we are well positioned to further develop our commercial success. He is a really experienced operator and will be an asset to the team.

“I’d also like to thank Richard for his hard work and commitment over the last two years. In his time at Dobbies, he has delivered a number of successful partnerships and been integral in instilling a positive culture across the business. He leaves with our very best wishes for the future.”

Andy Hannan said: “I’m super excited about the opportunities there are with Dobbies. I’m a frequent Dobbies customer, with five stores in the area where I live. With a market leading position, I’m really looking forward to meeting, and working with, colleagues and suppliers across the business.”

Richard Hodges adds: “After two years at Dobbies, I’m preparing to leave the business to explore new career opportunities. As Commercial Director, I’ve worked closely with our supply base to better serve the 30 million people who walk through the doors at Dobbies each year. What I am most grateful for is the opportunity to partner with so many talented, smart and kind people throughout my journey. I wish everyone at Dobbies all the best for spring and beyond.”

Dobbies has 77 stores across the UK, employs 3,800 people and has welcomed more than 30 million customers in the year to date.

It’s fair to say that the DCUK brand has gone from strength to strength. Brand advertising and regular emails (sent to a passionate fanbase of collectors) has seen incredible levels of interest. 

Their commitment to customer service has seen them awarded a coveted Gold Award by Feefo in record time. And, the amount of fresh DCUK marketing activity, brand awareness, and point of sale support have all been important elements of the company’s progress.

As a result, they urgently need more official UK stockists, helping to make the most of the incredibly high customer demand and enthusiasm that’s out there for the DCUK brand. The recent Spring Fair show at the Birmingham NEC proved to be a positive platform for talking to potential new stockists, as well as existing customers.

The DCUK stand was busy again this year, with visitors taking the opportunity to talk to the team, as well as enjoying imaginative displays of the latest ranges. Based on the number of people taking photos and selfies, one of the biggest hits was their Wild Welly Penguins display. Alongside the cute character boots, the display included an indoor bubble wall water feature that provided a memorable backdrop.

Almost as striking, the British Flower Ducklings on their patterned pedestals created a lot of interest too. Back by popular demand, the Flower Ducklings were a big hit with customers looking for them to sell strongly as part of Mother’s Day and Easter displays.

These were joined by some other new additions, including colourful Rainy Day Duckys, collectable Hedglets in gift boxes, baby Puffins (sorry, Pufflings) new designs for the best-selling Baking Duckling range, and several tartan-themed characters.

The 2024 DCUK catalogue is available to download now via www.dcuk.link/gtn

Their website also has more information about the brand. Visit www.dcuk.com/trade

Greenfingers Charity supporter, Kate Ebbens, who has vowed to spend her 2024 running every single day with the aim of raising thousands for the children’s hospice garden charity, reports on how the first two months of her challenge has gone. Kate is hoping to raise as much as £10,000 in 366 days.

Kate said: “Now 40+ days into my running challenge and over 200km run with hopefully some of the worst of the weather behind me and the days are getting lighter and I really enjoying the daily running.  

“A huge thanks to my sponsor this month Scotsdale Garden Centre, MeadowView, and all those other very kind donations have taken the total to £7,504!

“As we enter the next 40 days of Lent maybe you would like to join me and take up an activity for the next 40 days until Easter, either walking, sit-ups, planking anything with some kind of exercise and you can do EVERY day.

“I forgot it was a Leap Year so I am now 366 days of running and on Thursday 29^th February I will be running with some of the staff from Scotsale Garden centre if you want to join me, we will start at 10.00am.

“My next official 10K run is the London Winter Run 25^th February and will be working hard to improve on my last time and getting to speak to people about the Greenfingers Charity. 

“I have now filled all my sponsorship places for Garden centres however there are some months for suppliers that would be greatly appreciated.

“Thankyou for all your support and so very grateful. I will keep on running.”

www.justgiving.com/page/kate-ebbens-1701443565987

Leon Boots director Kevin Burgess is celebrating 40 years cancer free after he was diagnosed with cancer as a teenager. He is putting himself through his paces training to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon in his wellies to raise vital funds and awareness for a charity close to his heart.

At just 15, Kev was diagnosed with cancer. Following his diagnosis on 8th October 1984, which ironically is the date his daughter’s birthday, born 14 years later, he attended the old St Micheals Childrens hospital to start his chemotherapy. This treatment lasted until the end of 1985, and involved six lumbar punctures, two endoscopies and a colonoscopy.

Despite having the odds stacked against him in this way and being told at 20 with his ever present, supportive (Kendra) wife they may not be able to have children, Kev went on to have an enriching life, both personally and professionally.

He has since completed an incredible 17 challenges for Young Lives vs Cancer, including 10 challenges in one year! He has also started his own Welly boot (www.lbcboots.com) brand with his son (Charlie) in 2018 which he will be running in on 7th April and has also became a granddad to his first grandchild baby Elora born in December 2023. 

To sponsor Kev in his effort to raise £2,000 for his London Landmarks Half Marathon, 

£1,000 – Young Lives vs Cancer - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Kevin-Burgess24

£1,000 – Greenfingers -  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kevin-burgess25

For more information contact Kev on 07525 772427 or kevin@leonbootsco.com

BGC Harrogate, Squires Badshot Lea, Cooks, Birkacre, Pugh’s Radyr, Barton Grange and Busy Bee have picked up Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Team golds in GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards, presented at Spring Fair on Monday. Kaemingk walked away with The Greatest Christmas Supplier gold.

Here are all the winners:

The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team

GOLD AWARD: Haskins Snowhill

SILVER AWARD: Newquay

BRONZE AWARD: BGC Studley 

FINALISTS: BGC Studley, BGC Tring, Blue Diamond Newbridge, Brimsmore Gardens, Dobbies Brighton, Dobbies Edinburgh, Dobbies Richmond, Gates, Haskins Snowhill, Klondyke High Legh, Newquay, Perrywood Tiptree, Whitehall Lacock

The Greatest Outdoor Plant & Christmas Tree Team

GOLD AWARD: Old Railway Line

SILVER AWARD: Pugh’s Radyr

BRONZE AWARD: Coolings, Rushmore Hill

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Planters Tamworth

FINALISTS: BGC Bournville, BGC Playhatch, BGC Winnerash, Brimsmore Gardens, Coolings, Rushmore Hill, Garsons Titchfield, Haskins Snowhill, Jacksons Boutique, Klondyke Astbury Meadow, Klondyke Mortonhall, Old Railway Line, Pengelly, Perrywood Sudbury, Planters Tamworth, Pugh's Radyr, Squires Badshot Lea, St Peters Worcester, Tong

The Greatest Gardening Gifts Sales Team

GOLD AWARD: Gates

SILVER AWARD: Blue Diamond Newbridge

BRONZE AWARD: Newquay

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Pugh’s Wenvoe

FINALISTS: BGC Bournville, Blue Diamond Newbridge, Castle Gardens Sherbourne, Fron Goch, Garsons Titchfield, Gates, Newquay, Pugh's Wenvoe

The Greatest Wild Bird Care & Pet Team

GOLD AWARD: Barton Grange

SILVER AWARD: Bents

BRONZE AWARD: Old Railway Line

FINALISTS: Barton Grange, Bents, Blue Diamond Newbridge, Garsons Esher, Garsons Titchfield, Groves Bridport, Old Railway Line

The Greatest Festive Retail Food Hall Team

GOLD AWARD: Pugh’s Radyr

SILVER AWARD: Garsons Esher, Old Railway Line

BRONZE AWARD: Barton Grange

FINALISTS: Barton Grange, Bents, Chessington, Garsons Esher, Klondyke Mortonhall, Longacres Bagshot, Old Railway Line, Pugh's Radyr, St Peters Worcester, Whitehall Lacock

The Greatest Festive Outdoor Living Team

‘The SOLEX Sizzle’

GOLD AWARD: Polhill

SILVER AWARD: Alton

BRONZE AWARD: Cambridge Home & Garden

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Newquay

FINALISTS: Alton, Cambridge Home & Garden, Chessington, Newquay, Old Railway Line, Polhill

The Greatest Festive Garden Centre Catering Team

GOLD AWARD: Woodlands, Kent

SILVER AWARD: Bents

BRONZE AWARD: Pughs Wenvoe & The Garden Kitchen

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Dobbies Tewkesbury, Haskins Snowhill

FINALISTS: Bents, Dobbies Tewkesbury, Haskins Snowhill, Holt, Jacksons Boutique, Munros Nurseries, Newquay, Pengelly, Pugh's Wenvoe, Squires Badshot Lea, The Garden Kitchen By Pugh's, Woodlands, Kent

The Greatest Christmas Marketing Team

GOLD AWARD: Barton Grange

SILVER AWARD: Pugh’s

BRONZE AWARD: Gates

FINALISTS: Barton Grange, Bosworths, Burton Latimer, Cooks, Fron Goch, Garsons Esher, Garsons Titchfield, Gates, Hall's Garden centre, Pugh's Radyr, Pugh's Wenvoe, The Garden Kitchen By Pugh's

The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Video

GOLD AWARD: Old Railway Line

SILVER AWARD: Alton

BRONZE AWARD: British Garden Centres, Dobbies

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Pengelly

FINALISTS: Alton, Barton Grange, British Garden Centres, Dobbies, Keydell, Old Railway Line

Pengelly, The Grange, Tong , Wentworth

The Greatest Christmas Grotto Team

GOLD AWARD: Chessington

SILVER AWARD: Gouldings Santa Experience

BRONZE AWARD: Keydell

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Birkacre, Coolings Lifestyle, Ruxley Manor

FINALISTS: Barton Grange, Baytree, BGC Arcadia, Birkacre, Chessington, Coolings Lifestyle, Gouldings Santa Experience, Keydell, Ruxley Manor, Tong , Wentworth

The Greatest Christmas Supplier

GOLD AWARD: Kaemingk

SILVER AWARD: Gisela Graham

BRONZE AWARD: Smart Garden Three Kings

FINALISTS: Festive, Florasilk, Giftware Trading, Gisela Graham, Kaemingk, Premier Decorations, Richard Lang, Smart Garden Three Kings

The Greatest Group Small Centre Christmas Team

GOLD AWARD: BGC Harrogate

SILVER AWARD: BGC Studley

BRONZE AWARD: Klondyke Astbury Meadow

FINALISTS: BGC Bournville, BGC Braintree, BGC Burford House, BGC Charlbury, BGC Harrogate, BGC Playhatch, BGC Studley, Klondyke Astbury Meadow

The Greatest Group Large Centre Christmas Team

GOLD AWARD: Squires Badshot Lea

SILVER AWARD: Klondyke High Legh

BRONZE AWARD: Haskins Snowhill

HIGHLY COMMENDED : Dobbies Edinburgh

FINALISTS: BGC Woodthorpe, Blue Diamond Bridgemere, Blue Diamond Newbridge, Blue Diamond Van Hage, Dobbies Edinburgh, Haskins Snowhill, Klondyke High Legh, Klondyke Mortonhall, Klondyke Stokesley, Squires Badshot Lea, Tong

The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team

GOLD AWARD: Cooks

SILVER AWARD: Poundbury Gardens

BRONZE AWARD: The Grange

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Munro’s, Pengelly

FINALISTS: Bennybeg Plant Centre, Cooks, Munros Nurseries, Pengelly, Poundbury Gardens, The Grange, Whitehall Pewsey

The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team

GOLD AWARD: Birkacre

SILVER AWARD: Glendoick

BRONZE AWARD: Woodlands, Kent

HIGHLY COMMENDED: MacKenzie & Cruikshank

FINALISTS: Birkacre, Bosworths, Burton Latimer, Brimsmore Gardens, Castle Gardens Sherbourne, Glendoick, Hall's Garden centre, Holt, Jacksons Boutique, Mackenzie & Cruickshank, Newquay, Pugh's Wenvoe, Silverbirch, Whitehall Whitchurch, Woodlands, Kent

The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team

GOLD AWARD: Pugh’s Radyr

SILVER AWARD: Wentworth

BRONZE AWARD: Garsons Titchfield

FINALISTS: Fron Goch, Garsons Titchfield, Old Railway Line, Pugh's Radyr, Wentworth

The Greatest Giant Garden Centre Christmas Team

GOLD AWARD: Barton Grange

SILVER AWARD: Gates

BRONZE AWARD: Perrywood Tiptree

FINALISTS: Barton Grange, Bents, Garsons Esher, Gates, Longacres Bagshot, Perrywood, Tiptree, Whitehall Lacock

Voted The Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team

GOLD AWARD: Busy Bee (1^st)

SILVER AWARD: Cooks (2^nd)

BRONZE AWARD: Bosworths Burton Latimer (3^rd)

HIGHLY COMMENDED (Top 20): Garden King (4^th), Jacksons Boutique (5^th), Gates (6^th), Southwood Garden Centre (7^th), Birkacre (8^th), Old Railway Line (9^th), Trowell (10^th), Pughs Rady'r (11^th), Planters Tamworth (12^th), Munro's (13^th) Keydell (14^th), Newquay Garden Centre (15^th), Summerhill (16^th), Azure Garden Centre (17^th), Hillmount Belfast (18^th), Allbrighton BGC (19^th), Planters Bretby (20^th)

FINALISTS: Allbrighton BGC, Azure Garden Centre, Birkacre, Bosworths Burton Latimer, Bow Garden and Aquatic Centre, Braintree BGC, Brigg BGC, Busy Bee, Cooks, Ferndale, Garden King, Gates, Hillmount Belfast, Jacksons Boutique, Keydell, Munro's, Newquay Garden Centre, Old Railway Line, Pengelly, Perrywood Sudbury, Perrywood Tiptree, Planters Bretby

Planters Tamworth, Pughs Rady'r, Pughs Wenvoe, Roxton BGC, Southwood Garden Centre, Summerhill, Trowell, Woodthorpe BGC

The Greatest Christmas Award judges.

Watch out for The Greatest Christmas Awards photo tours of the centres in future issues of GTN Xtra, starting this coming weekend and in the next issue of GTN magazine.

See more pictures from the presentations in the gallery below....

Our team of judges have now completed the task of visiting the 100 garden centres who were nominated for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2023.  And our sponsors have been lining up prizes of stock or hotel accommodation for the category winners.

Here are the categories for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2023

• The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team
• The Greatest Christmas Tree and Outdoor Plant Team
• The Greatest Christmas BBQ and Outdoor Leisure Team – The Solex Sizzle
• The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team
• The Greatest Christmas Marketing Team
• The Greatest Christmas Community Event
• The Greatest Festive Gardening Gifts Team
• The Greatest Festive Retail Food Hall Team
• The Greatest Festive Garden Centre Catering Team
• The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Video
• The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team
• The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team*
• The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team*
• The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team
• The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team
• The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team

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

Judging visits will take place during November and December with the winners being announced on The Stage at Spring Fair on Monday 5^th February 2024.

As well as the kudos and fame from winning a Greatest Christmas award, our Gold winners in each category will win prizes including stock, services or hotel accommodation from our sponsors, which at time of going to press include:

• AMES
• Garden Radio
• Glee 2024
• Kaemingk
• LeisureGrow - NOMA
• PATS 2024
• Smart Garden Products – Three Kings
• Solex 2024
• Stars for Europe
• Woodmansterne

Watch out for details of the prizes on offer in issues of GTN Xtra: www.gardentradenews.co.uk and in the next issue of GTN.

What the judges will be looking for when they visit:

As GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards firstly recognise the amazing teamwork involved in garden centre Christmas retailing excellence we asked our judges what specific things they will be looking for in each Christmas Awards category this year:

• The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team
  • Christmas theming of the displays, link sales and plants as Christmas presents 
• The Greatest Christmas Tree and Outdoor Plant Team
  • Extending the Christmas experience out into the Planteria, not only making the sale of cut trees fun and different but what is being done to promote link sales to trees as well as plants as presents. 
• The Greatest Christmas BBQ and Outdoor Leisure Team – The Solex Sizzle
  • Effort (and success) being put to inspiring  sales of BBQ’s, firepits, furniture, arbours and leisure items normally associated with summer rather than Christmas
• The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team
  • From a gondola end of Christmas pet treats to a whole department dedicated to wild bird care or pets of all shapes and sizes. The festive feeling generated by the team, from their attitude for sales to their inspirational displays.  Who has been bold enough to include a pet or wild bird care display in the main Christmas area?
• The Greatest Christmas Marketing Team
  • On and off centre Christmas marketing activity: advertising, p.o.s. video, social media, influencer promotions. We are looking for originality, execution and sucess.
• The Greatest Christmas Community Event
  • A one off ‘launch’ or an ongoing feature – for example a zoo, woodland walk, colouring competition, cookery demonstration or a charity fundraiser that engages the community and extends the Christmas experience.
• The Greatest Festive Gardening Gifts Team
  • This is all about creating sales at this time of year through inspirational use/display/promotion of regular gardening tools and sundries items in a festive setting /department which are capturing sales to both new annd experienced gardeners.
• The Greatest Festive Retail Food Hall Team
  • Food Hall, Farm Shop or just a department in the retail area. Looking for seasonal lines, offers and services to build unit sales as well as dressing of the area. What is special to your Garden Centre offer over other food retailers?
• The Greatest Festive Garden Centre Catering Team
  • What have you done to make your restaurant or coffee shop a part of the Christmas experience? Looking for dressing of the seating area, servery, menu, special offers, link sales, promotions and of course, Festive staff!
• The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Video
  • Simply a Christmas promotional video that creates garden centre visits and sales.
• The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team
  • What have the team done this season to create a really memorable and enjoyable experience.
• The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team*
• The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team*
• The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team
• The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team
• The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team
  • For all of the overall team awards the judges are looking for happy, festive garden centre teams who can keep their Christmas retailing standards at their best throughout the Christmas sales period. 

By popular demand we have brought back Customer Voting for The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas teams, after all it is what customers think that is most important. See the details here

The first Greatest Christmas Awards Team visit the judges carried out this year was at British Garden Centres Woodthorpe, back in August.  See our gallery of pictures below: