In the October edition of GTN, which will be arriving in the post early this week, we've published a compilation of research and analysis about the "New Gardener" phenomenon. We also asked garden centres what how they are reacting to the changing market dynamic or not:

Garden Centre Comments:  GTN asked garden centres their views on the New Gardener phenomenon…

Derek Bunker, Alton Garden Centre

 “We know we have many new customers coming in store because the most asked question this summer has been “Where are the toilets?” As a result we are buying more of what we already sell.  I wouldn’t say there were necessarily more gardeners but there are definitely more garden occupiers who have a greater awareness of their gardens.

“In our area, (South Essex), people have been buying things to go in their garden; fountains, furniture, BBQ’s, bird baths, ornaments and landscaping products.

We’ve also seen an increase in the sale of large plants as they grow their garden awareness and look to improve their gardens.”

Alan Roper, Blue Diamond

“Whilst I don’t totally buy into the ‘new gardeners hyberbole my analysis shows that new customers must be responsible for the average spend increases experienced. Average spend for June, July and August in GCA garden centres was 64%, 40% and 33% respectively, whilst footfall for the same months for GCA garden centres was down 8%, 5.45% and 7%.

“What drove gardening sales were higher basket spends. What I can’t rule out though is that the mix of customers who did shop was weighted more to ‘gardening’ and this drove average spend up. Our Blue Diamond club members spent an average 25% more so the additional 25% increase we witnessed must have come from new customers (we were 50% up in total). We did see new customers but felt this was mainly due to transfer from competitors when we had stock and they didn’t always have it at various points in the season. Our footfall has been positive every month since lockdown.

“With that in mind the facts do support that new customers entered the arena and tried some form of gardening, as they had the time! But I doubt the figures of 3 million being claimed and feel that any new interest will be fleeting. When normal life resumes the majority of consumers will resume their normal daily lifestyles. The same thing happened after the banking crisis – there was a boom in grow your own for a short period which then calmed to normal levels.

“We don’t plan any changes in our business because as a garden retailer your approach is always to focus on new potential gardeners – to support, help and demystify. Suppliers drive this through innovation and marketing.”

Will Blake, St Peters Garden Centre

“We are definitely getting more customers asking ‘How do I….’ on a whole range of subjects from planting bulbs, improve my lawn, not kill my houseplants. It highlights to me just how many more people have taken an interest in gardening. Being able to deal with and answer these questions has always been one of the strengths of the garden centre industry. It is what keeps customers coming to us opposed to going to the supermarkets or DIY sheds. So, in some ways it is business as usual for us.

“With the horticulture trend very obviously on the up, we have given more space, display & prominence to the horti products and ranges. Of course, we also made it easy for beginners, ensuring relevant products are grouped together.

“We have been as nimble as possible throughout the crisis – reacting, replenishing, moving, increasing or decreasing – anything which will help our recovery. Product has been in short supply and you can guarantee that everyone is after the same stuff! We are planning a number of department moves for January to give more space to horticultural categories, such as houseplants, as the trend roars on.

“Looking ahead I believe our core gardening categories will continue to do well in the coming months and years. If staycations remain outdoor living will continue on the up into 2021 and beyond. ‘Localism’ and ‘Providence’ seem to be more important than ever. Likewise supporting local businesses definitely appears to be higher on our customers’ radar. We also see that customer expectation around sustainability, and environmentally friendly product remains at the forefront, thankfully! I am proud to say we do not have a single ‘disposable cheap toy’ in any of our crackers this year.”

Sam Bosworth, Bosworth’s Garden Centre

“Are there actually new gardeners? Our customer numbers are down but sales up and average transaction value way up. I do think the new gardeners are there but I am not convinced about the massive numbers suddenly going green-fingered.

“We did have new customers around when we re-opened, mainly because they couldn't get standard product, such as compost, from their normal source, and they were hunting it out, but, we did not have it either.  Have we retained them?  Some yes, but that is gut feeling as we cannot analyse this sort of thing in depth.

“We are certainly selling more houseplants, that trend has continued upwards, and that is driven by a good percentage of new customers.  We only have a small traditional 'jams and chutneys' food offering, so that has been moved to make way for more houseplants, and to make them more accessible with the new customer flow in place.  Specimen and hanging houseplants have a bigger presence, and the ratio of non-flowering houseplants to flowering continues to rise.  Also, more succulents and structural houseplants are selling, which I think are a younger, newer audience.

“One thing we have noticed is that we are selling what traditional horticulturists would say are bizarre plant combinations.  If it is in flower, and looks nice, then we can sell it.  We still have some late delivered Begonias in flower in the plant area, which is leading to Begonia/Viola/Ivy/Cyclamen combinations being planted.  Newer, and inexperienced, customers are not shackled by horticultural knowledge and tradition, and we need to work with this.  Not necessarily in an exploitive way but understanding and working with inexperienced customers who just want instant colour.  Some of my staff have really struggled with this.

“We are seeing more staff time being taken up with customers, which I guess are the 'newbies' asking questions a lot of the time.  Personal shopping is the new term on the Planteria and this is difficult to discourage even if it costs significantly more staff time.  We have taken more staff on to cope with this.  One candidate was successful specifically because she came from an Interior Plant display company, after redundancy, and will bolster our service levels in houseplants.

“Looking to 2021 it will be about colour, colour and more colour in plants, particularly herbaceous in larger pot sizes. I guarantee we will all sell out of roses if we can get any!  Gardening products will still be strong sellers, but we must ensure products are fit for purpose and not price led all the while.  Grow your own will again be popular as people will still be at home more, which will hopefully see continued strong furniture and garden decoration sales.

“Marketing in 2021 is going to be based on Social media more than ever. Lead times for traditional print marketing make it risky, and we have been very busy in 2020 with no marketing and no loyalty mailings, which we will have to deal with early in 2021. Of course, I am hoping that we see a reduction in sales of face masks and visors.”

Kevin Turley, Lakeside Garden Centre

“We have found like the rest of the industry a massive increase in new customers. There have been a lot of first-time buyers and they have been asking a lot of more simple questions. They are finding their feet and using us more than the supermarkets as they can get the knowledge they need from ourselves. We have seen 40% growth on last year. Pots, plants and compost have been the winners with pots at this rate almost showing 100% growth on its own.

“As we went into lockdown we looked at what we could do to keep trading and support customers – we offered a free delivery service but with a twist. We asked our customers to give a donation to the local hospice (whose funding disappeared) and working with Taylors Bulbs we offered Narcissi Rainbow – with all proceeds going to the hospice as well. As a garden centre we have been very lucky and felt it fair to spread our luck with others who might not have been so fortunate.

“Next year is going to be interesting and I can still see a 25% growth on what this year should have been. With plans for more housebuilding I can see more growth on pots, compost and plants for these as gardens nowadays are smaller and this works easier for the busy modern gardener who doesn’t have time to weed big borders. This year social media has been a godsend with our reach increasing from 3,000 to almost 5,000 followers.”

Roger Crookes and Nicola Pugh – Pughs Garden Centre

“This feels like an amazing opportunity for our trade – I can’t recall a shift towards gardening from all ages of the public like we have seen this year. We have to make sure that when other options become available for our new customers to invest their time and money, we have converted the ‘lock-down customers’ into committed lifelong customers and successful gardeners.

 “Our trade associations have been working with each other, and us, to help all areas of the trade maximise the opportunities – but in the end us is down to us to rise to the challenges.

 “Here in south Wales we have been in localised lockdowns for a few weeks, which means that some of our customers can’t get to us so we have to be ‘light on our feet’ and ready to change plans continually, and our staff also have to be flexible. For example, kitchen staff have found themselves watering in the plant area – and enjoying it!

 “A few thoughts about our garden products plans

•              The average customer has changed, has different expectations and doesn't understand a lot of what we say and do – we need to listen to them see what they are saying and watching e.g. on social media.

•              It is hard to predict how 2021 will unravel – this year’s amazing garden products season was driven by millions of potential customers having spare time, spare money and not many options on how to invest that spare cash and time … apart from gardening!

•              Present simple clear options and messages – browsing and catering which  have been our back bone for a long time are currently less popular, customers want to be in out of the centre and back home as soon as possible (this may change as lock downs are less common).

•              Product bundles – some web shop trends of linked products can be replicated on to the shop floor.

•              Look out for products that may not have worked in the past but will be ideal for our new customers.

•              Involve ‘non gardening’ staff in the garden products planning.”

Dobbies Garden Centres

A spokesperson for Dobbies said: “The two key audiences as outlined by the HTA, Family Focus and Convenience Gardeners, are aligned with our customer personas, and we have been working hard to engage these customers.

 “Our range is already authoritative but we are increasing ranges to cater for the demand from new gardeners. We have increased the range and prominence of houseplants in all stores as well enhancing our spring flowering bulbs and autumn gardening products. A more extensive range of planted containers and hanging baskets for the patio or doorstep are now available.

“Education is an important part of what we offer – “When do I do this” is the most common question we hear, as new gardeners ask for support and advice to look after their plants. We support this in-store, on social, on email as well as online to give confidence to new gardeners.

 “In 2021, our main focus will be meeting our customers’ requirements, providing a convenient shopping experience with quality products and educational information that helps them to have success with their gardening.

 “We believe the popularity of Grow Your Own will continue – we are up on seed sales compared to last year and we have seen increased demand for strawberries, herbs, fruit trees and soft fruit such as raspberries, and believe this will continue.

 “We’ve also increased our gardening product offering online and site visits to dobbies.com are the highest on record.”

Boyd Douglas-Davies, British Garden Centres

“We are directing a lot of our marketing output to social media as we can see a large customer engagement through this – quite probably a reflection of the new customers. We are using the pen portraits from the HTA to help us with ranging for 2021. Each of our centres is treated individually so these are giving us great insight into the customers around our sites, particularly the recently acquired ones.”

 Simon Bourne, Perrywood Garden Centres

“Christmas has started really strongly, especially at Tiptree where our customers are used to seeing our displays and every year they are eager for us to open the door to the Christmas shop. At Sudbury our Christmas is quite different to under previous ownership and it will take a few more years to build momentum. We have opened Christmas in the new Plant House at Sudbury with a vastly wider range of product than last year.

“We are discussing in our teams about plans for the 2021 season. We still feel that we are reacting to change and are operating a business that is quite different to years past. Therefore, the focus has still been on making changes to ensure that the Perrywood team and customers are not only kept safe but also have a pleasant shopping experience. We have had to change the layout of the shop, the till queuing system and the style of merchandising to allow for wider aisles.

 “For autumn we have reacted where we can but for many items it is too late. Christmas order books closed in March and any surplus stock they may have has been mopped up already. In our food area we have normally stocked ‘Gift and Treat’ but this autumn we have expanded to include local frozen meats including venison and wild boar as well as cooking sauces, flour and eggs.

 “Bulb and seed sales have been extremely strong along with autumn plants. We are still experiencing longer lead times from suppliers and items going out of stock that wouldn’t normally which can be frustrating for customers. Those that have learnt from this experience already pick items up to put on the shelf as a spare and we are therefore seeing lots of out of season purchases on many gardening products.”

Martin Cowell and Lynsey Crofts, Cowells Garden Centre

“We have more customers seeking advice on care for their plants than previously, these frequently include what type of compost to use and frequency of watering. This reflects the inexperience of many of our new customers, we are more than happy to offer advice and encouragement though and it’s wonderful to have so many people interested in gardening.

“We have always carried a large range of outdoor plants, we are working to ensure that this continues and that we have sufficient volume to cater for the increased demand. Plants and core gardening products will continue to see sales growth as well as garden furniture.

 “We have increased the size of our houseplant department again to reflect the continued growth in this area.

Julian Winfield, Haskins Garden Centres

"No new initiatives specifically, we have been too busy taking money.  We have spaced out Christmas to make it easier to social distance and we think this has worked and is something we will continue to do after Covid.  Customers have been in and out of the garden centres quickly, social distancing has been the driver for this I suspect.

"Keeping on top of our inventory has been key this year to make sure that we had stock of the key lines, through enormous efforts of our buying department and loyalty to our suppliers we have achieved this.

"The weather will remain our biggest driver, as always.  We were lucky this year with customers being at home more and the weather was fantastic."

If you'd like to add your comments about the "New Gardener" phenomenon, please use the comments space below or e-mail: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk 

Read GTN's compilation of "New Gardener" research and analysis in the October issue of GTN on-line here

After the winds and rain of Storm Alice, garden centre sales jumped back to the ‘New Normal’ levels we’ve seen since re-opening, with volume sales up by 16% on the same week last year.

Gardening was the big winner for the week with growing media and plants volumes up by 58% and 39% on week 41 of 2019 while Christmas was down by 27%.

The October issue of GTN magazine has a comprehensive compilation of all the consumer research we could find from this year. From that and other trends commentary it is becoming clear that this isn’t just a flash in the pan.  

We do appear to have a huge opportunity to make the ‘New Normal’ the real normal next year and grow sales even further. Do you agree? trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 41

• Garden Products Top 50 – up 8%
• Growing Media Top 50 – up 58%
• Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – up 10%
• Veg-2-Gro Top 50 – up 36%
• Christmas Top 50 – down 27%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 41

• All Plants with Barcode index – up 39%
• All Items with Barcode index – up 16%

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

2020 has been a difficult year for everybody but one thing we know for sure is that Christmas is bound to bring some much needed hope and joy into families across the UK in these dark times.

With Christmas sales already soaring – live trees along with stand sales are set to be at an all time high!

Garden Pride are pleased to say that they have good stock of all plastic and metal stand ranges (standard, premium and sparkly) along with ample netting and accessories.

All Christmas tree stands are in stock and ready for immediate delivery. 

Garden Pride has made a number of changes over the last 6 months so watch this space for a new and exciting approach to 2021.

For more details or to order today please contact Maxine Finnegan – maxine@gardenpridemarkeing.co.uk

Paul Sykes, Managing Director of Apta, has left the company. Apta was acquired  by Ames in November 2019, prior to which Paul was the company’s owner. He led Apta since 2009 and has overseen the company’s transformation which saw sales triple over the period, entirely  through organic growth. 

Commenting on his departure Sykes said: “It’s been a huge pleasure to lead Apta for the last decade, and to have had the opportunity to work with wonderful people in the garden trade, including so many customers who have become friends. I am really looking forward to seeing Apta flourish as part of the Ames family. Ames have huge ambition for the UK, and as the worldwide leader in garden products Apta couldn’t be in better hands."

Paul North, Group Managing Director of Ames UK & Ireland, added: “We’re immensely grateful to Paul for agreeing to stay at the helm of Apta to oversee its transition into  the Ames family.  Apta is a wonderful business and we’re absolutely delighted its now part of Ames UK.  Thanks to the great work Paul and his team have done its extremely well positioned for further growth, and we look forward to cementing Apta’s position as the number one pot and planter supplier in the UK."

Ames had retained Sykes to assist them with strategy and business development via his management consultancy, Catalyst Consulting Group (enquiries@catalyst-group.co.uk).  “The transition has gone extremely well, and we’ve built a great deal of mutual respect, so I’m delighted to accept an invitation to continue a relationship with Ames in an advisory capacity to the Group."

Ames UK & Ireland comprises Apta, Kelkay, La Hacienda, Woodshaw, and True Temper in Ireland. The group has a turnover of £75m and is making significant investments to enable it to double sales to £150m within 5 years. 

Plant sales volumes for the past six weeks are now 41% on average up on last year.

• Roses were the star performers last week with sales volumes increasing by 320% to move up to No 8.
• Cyclamen leapfrogged Pansies to move back to No 1.
• Saintpaulia were the highest re-entry, back in the GTN Top 50 at No 32.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

As an indicator of core gardening activity, the sales of growing media as monitored by GTN Bestsellers mean our customers have been doing two-thirds as much gardening over the past six weeks than last year. Volume sales are up over that period by an average of 64%.

We just need one more week’s sales data with increased sales on last year for the GTN Bestsellers Growing Media Top 50 volume index to go above last year, even after seven weeks of zero sales during garden centre closures.

Highlights of the week were:

• Westland Multi Purpose with John Innes 60 litres moved 15 places up the chart to No 3.
• Evergreen Horticulture Multi Purpose Compost 20 litres climbed 19 places to No 25.
• Evergreen Garden Care Evergreen Lawn Soil was the highest re-entry of the week, back in at No 29.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

The UK garden industry is well placed to be an engine of ‘green economic growth’ says the Horticultural Trades Association, as it publishes positive industry monthly sales figures (up 25% v Sept 19) and a new consumer trend analysis report detailing changing consumer behaviours and how they’re here to stay. However, keeping garden centres open in the event of further restrictions is key to keeping this economic recovery and growth agenda and supporting physical and mental health wellbeing. 

The HTA’s Consumer Trends and the Opportunities for Garden Businesses post-COVID report shows how the nation has adjusted to steps taken by government to guide people through the pandemic, with concerns for health and wellbeing and high levels of anxiety seeing people wanting to reconnect with nature and personal connections with domestic gardens strengthened as consumers realise the benefits and relief they have provided during the crisis.  

As the pandemic continues to pose a threat, consumer desire to be more self-sufficient, to create ‘healthy habitats’ and make ‘green’ home improvements drives consumer attitudes and behaviour. 

Looking to the Christmas period, the October Market Update also suggests potential after months of uncertainty.  

Garden centre sales show strong growth in September, with sales up 25% nationally compared with September 2019. This was driven by sales of garden/gardening categories, particularly plants, seeds, tools and equipment. Indoor living and homewares and gifting categories are up 16% and 8% respectively on September 2019.   

Christmas is the second busiest time of the year for garden centres and Christmas sales are 21% up on September 2019, indicating consumers are shopping early for Christmas.  

Together with data showing consumer confidence to visit garden centres remains high and around three quarters of British adults overall say they feel confident in visiting, the chances of the good Christmas people so desperately want and need look promising. 

David Denny, HTA Futures and Sustainability Manager, comments: “Our Market Update report and new consumer trends report shows how the garden industry is well placed to lead the UK green economic recovery and growth agenda. From underpinning the Government’s ‘25 Year Environment Plan to contributing hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the British production supply chain, we are already seeing how British society attitudes and behaviours are changing to reconnect with outdoor spaces.  

“We are reminded however as the pandemic continues that this positive and opportune moment sits on fragile territory. Constant changes to restrictions by government mean that we must continue to do all we can to ensure garden centres and their associated hospitality offers can remain open, for example, and for retailers to reassure customers that the garden centre remains one of the safest and satisfying retail/leisure destinations, particularly as we approach the festive period.” 

HTA Market Update and Trends & opportunities post-COVID are available free for members to download from the HTA website, by logging in and visiting the Market Update page and the Trends report page 

Sources: HTA Garden Retail Monitor, HTA Market Update October 2020, Trends & opportunities post-COVID - HTA Market Information October 2020 

Following Hospice Care Week, there is no better time to announce that the Greenfingers Charity has completed its 59th and 60th garden projects at the Little Harbour Children’s Hospice (St Austell, Cornwall, above) and Rainbows Hospice for Children & Young People (East Midlands, below) respectively.

These two stunning garden spaces will provide the residents, families and staff of both to enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of the hospice, whilst also providing quiet places of reflection to remember those who have lost their brave fight against illness.

Garden 59 – Children’s Hospice South West’s Little Harbour, St Austell, Cornwall 

This stunning all-weather garden has been transformed under the expert eye of local award-winning garden designer, Darren Hawkes. Cornwall-based, Darren draws his inspiration from the landscape that surrounds him and his designs have a harmonious feel to them. He says "I love the relationship between plants and hard materials. The opportunity to highlight shapes both in foliage and form as well as in colour is one that I relish". This is most certainly felt within the garden, especially with the stunning garden shelter which is the centrepiece of the design.

Made from galvanised steel and standing adjacent to the curving path, the garden shelter rises out of the lush planting to give a sense of enclosure. Coloured panels adorn the shelter, which provides increased privacy, to catch the light for an almost kaleidoscope experience. Open on two sides, the shelter has been designed to be big enough to allow bed-bound residents the chance to get outside and enjoy some time in the garden.

Elsewhere in this new garden there is a rich palette of plants, with colourful blooms contrasting against soft grasses that will catch the Cornish wind and create a calming and natural soundtrack to the garden. The garden is all about maximising the sensory experience – from beautiful scents, colours and light that catch the eye, to a space to sit and enjoy the fresh air, or to feel the breeze gently caressing your skin.

Claire Kilbey, Head of Care at Little Harbour children’s hospice, said “We take just as much pride in the outside space we have at Little Harbour as we do the facilities that we have inside. Children and families really enjoy exploring our gardens and benefit on many levels from the time they spend outdoors. To have this additional space and structure, which makes it possible for even the most poorly of children to experience some time outdoors in a safe but stimulating environment, is fantastic.”

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, said: “From the very beginning we knew Darren’s vision would be truly spectacular and the reality has far exceeded our expectations. This is a truly stunning garden, and we will forever be grateful to all those that helped to make it a reality.”

Garden 60 – Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People

This beautiful garden was designed by VaRa Garden Design and built by the landscape team at Alfresco Landscaping. Together they have respectfully refreshed the Hospice’s Remembrance Garden incorporating a new area to offer more space for families and staff to come to remember lost loved ones.

New paths have been added which create a journey through the whole space, as well as trees and seating which will help to create quiet corners for peaceful reflection. Year-round planting and sculptural elements, along with a soothing water feature all add to the garden’s quiet peace for visitors whatever the season.

The largest addition to the garden is a stunning steel tree. Created by local metal company, CaltefDesigns, this bespoke memorial tree allows bereaved families to create and hang a unique personalised glass memorial leaf to commemorate their loved one. This incredibly unique tree provides a beautiful new focal point in the centre of the garden, providing an ongoing heart to this special place.

Talking about the garden project, Vanessa and Rachel from VaRa Garden Design said: “We hope that the Remembrance Garden continues to provide a peaceful, natural space for bereaved families to find solace in their time of need; designed to reflect the ongoing and outstanding care that Rainbows Hospice provides. It has been such a privilege to work alongside the hospice's amazing staff and to help to continue the fantastic work done by Greenfingers Charity - such a rewarding project and a real team effort for a very important cause''

Rainbows’ Psychological and Bereavement Lead, David Hamilton, added: “We had a very distinct vision for how we wanted the garden to look, and the preservation of the existing memorial was of the utmost importance. The teams from VaRa, Alfresco, Caltef and the Greenfingers Charity have been able to make this vision become reality in the most incredible way. The new garden space combines moments of pure beauty and places of quiet reflection with a rich tapestry of memories woven into every corner. It’s truly an honour to call this garden part of Rainbows Hospice.”

In addition to the teams at VaRa, Alfresco Landscaping and Caltef Designs, Greenfingers would also like to thank the other kind supporters and donors who helped make this new garden a reality, including Lynne Jackson - a local glass artist who works with families to make their child’s memorial leaf, as well as Crowders, Seagrave Nurseries,

Evergreen Garden Care, Primrose, Ryan Blacker of Vetoquinol, Karen Gimson, and all the participants of the annual Garden Re-Leaf event.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, said: “We are so pleased to be able to officially handover the new garden to the team at Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young people. The garden was already full of precious memories and it was so important that these were maintained. The new design has certainly achieved this, enhancing the space to provide more places to sit, remember and celebrate the lives of those that have called the hospice home. It’s a beautiful space which we know will provide comfort to many families now and into the future.”

Find out more

To find out more about the wonderful work the Greenfingers Charity undertakes please join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media -

https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/,  @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn.

GTN's October issue, which will be arriving in the post early next week, includes an eleven page compilation of all the consumer research we could access related to the "New Gardeners" that have become active during lockdown and during this summer.

There's research and analysis from: HTA, You Gov, American Express, LV Insurance, RHS, Squires Garden Centres, Westland Horticulture, Evergreen Garden Care, Suttons, Flymo, National Gardens Scheme and GTN Bestsellers.

Plus comment on the "New Gardener" phenomenon from: Derek Bunker - Alton Garden Centre, Alan Roper - Blue Diamond, Will Blake - St Peters Garden Centre, Sam Bosworth - Bosworth’s Garden Centres, Kevin Turley - Lakeside Plant Centre, Roger Crookes & Nicola Pugh – Pughs Garden Centre, Dobbies Garden Centres, Boyd Douglas-Davies - British Garden Centres, Simon Bourne - Perrywood Garden Centres and Martin Cowell & Lynsey Crofts - Cowells Garden Centre.

Read the on-line page turner version above, or follow this link: GTN October 2020

Do you qualify for a free printed copy of GTN Magazine?  If you are an active member of the UK garden centre retailing industry, send your details to: karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk to see if you qualify and can be added to our mailing list.

Dobbies has welcomed the Horticultural Trades Association’s horticulture manager, Pippa Greenwood, as the latest guest on its podcast as the retail chain supports #KeepBritainGrowing. 

The podcast is hosted by The Sunday Express’ gardening journalist Louise Midgley, who discusses with Pippa why gardening is so good for us and how it can bring joy to the whole family.

The gardening experts talk about how beginners can develop their passion for gardening. They also unveil some top tips on what to do in the garden during the autumn and winter months, what plants and shrubs are suitable for the seasons and different types of gardens, practical advice on growing fruit and vegetables as well as looking forward to spring 2021. 

Pippa Greenwood said: “Gardening has never been more popular, with 3 million more gardeners in the UK. Our #KeepBritainGrowing campaign is all about encouraging people to keep it up whether they are a novice or an experienced gardener. Our podcast with Dobbies is packed with top tips and advice which will inspire any gardener to get out to their outdoor space - no matter the time of year or weather.”

Graeme Jenkins, CEO for Dobbies, said: “It has been great to work with the HTA on our latest gardening podcast. Autumn is an excellent season to spend time in the garden, with opportunities to plant for winter colour or plan ahead for spring. Thanks to Pippa for sharing her tips and recommendations.”

The podcast is the seventh episode in the Dobbies podcast series which brings listeners gardening inspiration and advice. Other topics include; houseplants, gardening for beginners and grow your own. 

The podcast can be downloaded from Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Audioboom,

For more information: https://www.dobbies.com/content/podcast.html

The Federation of Garden and Leisure Manufacturers Ltd has seen an increase in new memberships as more UK businesses call on the wide-ranging services provided by its associations – Gardenex, PetQuip and the Commercial Horticultural Association.

Companies facing uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the UK’s transition from the EU are turning to the Federation for help and support.

The teams at Gardenex, PetQuip and the CHA deliver a high standard of service to all member companies, through a comprehensive range of UK and international business benefits, information and advice and an extensive programme of export events and initiatives.

Benefits exclusive to member firms include access to an exclusive database of international buyers, taking part in ‘Meet the International Buyer’ events (currently being organised ‘virtually’), global market research, technical advice, comprehensive business bulletins and access to the Federation’s online specialist exports helpline.

In addition, the Federation obtains cash grants for eligible UK exhibitors from government at key exhibitions, including major international shows like spoga+gafa, IPM and Interzoo.

The A-Z Guide to Exporting 2020-21 is a comprehensive resource of exporting information, advice and practical tips, and is one of the key exclusive benefits of membership. The 100-page latest edition provides a wealth of practical advice on every aspect of exporting, finding export customers, working with distributors and international customers generally and explains the main kinds of export documentation and payment and shipping terms required in international trade.

Gardenex & PetQuip are also holding a series of ‘virtual’ Meet the International Buyer events in 2020 and more are planned for next year. These popular events bring buyers and suppliers together to create valuable new business opportunities for both.

A series of e-commerce webinars is providing valuable insights and practical support for members and the Federation has been expanding further its international publicity and promotion on behalf of its members within the gardening, leisure, commercial horticulture and pet product sectors. 

Ergrownomics, which supplies innovative raised beds and planters, has recently joined Gardenex. Sales Director, Jamie Bending, said: “Gardenex has worked hard throughout the year to provide advice and guidance wherever possible. All members of the team have been hugely helpful, and are never more than a quick email away.”

Eco-friendly company, The Green Poop Bag, which produces compostable bags for the pet industry, is now taking advantage of the services provided by PetQuip. Founder Denise Lucas described the support she’s received so far as “absolutely superb”.

She added: “We decided to join Petquip so we could connect with other businesses in the same field. As a start-up company we’ve also taken advantage of all the information given. I believe we will be able to expand faster as a result.”

The CHA has recently welcomed new member MorePeople, whose CEO Guy Moreton said: “We have been recruiting for the horticultural sector for 20 years, so it made sense to join the Commercial Horticultural Association as an Associate Member. We know the team well and look forward to being involved in future initiatives.”

Amanda Sizer Barrett, Director General of the Federation, confirmed: “The last couple of years have seen huge challenges for UK businesses with the uncertainties of Brexit and the current coronavirus pandemic but Gardenex, PetQuip and the CHA are here to help.

“As members of our associations, companies can benefit from our help and support on all aspects of current and future exporting and we look forward to continuing to work with businesses to help them increase international sales.

“We are looking forward to supporting UK suppliers in the next months to navigate the outcome of the UK’s transition from the EU and to seize the undoubted international business opportunities that lie ahead.”

Please contact Gardenex, PetQuip or the CHA if you would like to benefit from membership of the associations or require any further advice and assistance on: 

Email: info@gardenex.com; info@petquip.com; info@cha-hort.com

Websites: www.gardenex.com; www.petquip.com; www.cha-hort.com

Darlac, the cutting tools expert, has announced its top 10 sellers over the summer months as sales rebounded after the lockdown.

It’s no surprise that the top two items were the flagship secateurs – The Professional Bypass secateurs at £15.99 and the Expert Bypass secateurs at £27.99 – which both saw sales increases of over 100%.

Tim Jeffries, Darlac Managing Director, said: “We were delighted to bounce back after the lockdown and see so many of our cutting tools hit record sales levels. 

“We have stayed true to our watchwords of ‘quality at affordable prices’ and constantly see rewards for that. Our DP1030A Expert Bypass secateurs are constant award winners, used by the professional trade and often considered close to the quality of secateurs twice their price. 

“We have tried to keep close to our service levels even though we have taken various measures to protect our staff. Although we had some issues in August while we sent out autumn promotional lines, we are now back to delivery next day in the majority of cases.”

The company weren’t surprised by many items in the top 10 which followed normal patterns – albeit with sales increase of 50% to 120%.

Of interest was the performance of the Compact Range with the Compact Bypass Pruner being the third best seller and the Compact Snips coming in at number seven.

“This range of handy items always do well as they can be put in pockets and stay with the gardener at all times,” said Tim.

The only non-cutting lines in the top ten are the Expanding Telescopic Rake – a hit every autumn – and the Fine Grade Diamond Sharpener at number nine and number four respectively.

The full list

1. DP30 Professional Bypass Pruner
2. DP1030A Expert Bypass Pruner
3. DP40 Compact Bypass Pruner
4. DP100F Fine Grade Diamond Sharpener
5. DP120 Softies Scissors
6. DP744 Super Classic Ratchet Pruner
7. DP42 Compact Snips
8. DP300 Classic Shears
9. DP465 Expanding Telescopic Rake
10. DP800 Lightweight Shears

Details can be obtained from Darlac sales agents or direct from the company, by email info@darlac.com or telephone 01753 547790.

The Royal Horticultural Society has announced the launch of new designs for the popular RHS Gifts for Gardeners range from Burgon & Ball, the UK’s longest-established manufacturer of garden tools.

The RHS-endorsed collection brings together top-selling lines from previous RHS Gifts for Gardeners design collections, including a flower and fruit snip, a pruner with holster, a trowel and fork set, a seed packet storage tin, twine in a tin, gardening gloves, an indoor watering can, and a super-comfortable Kneelo kneeler. All these well-loved gifts are presented in a brand new design collection called British Meadow.

The products will be available from RHS shops, all good garden centres and www.burgonandball.com in late November, in time for Christmas.

All the new RHS-endorsed products were introduced in September at the Glee Gathering, a virtual version of Glee, the UK’s biggest and most valuable garden and outdoor living trade show, where they received an enthusiastic response.

The new British Meadow design has been created by Burgon & Ball incorporating illustrations dating back to 1815, specially selected from the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s finest collection of botanical art. The design showcases delicate meadow flowers and butterflies, tapping into the trend for more informal gardens where nature can find a home, and the rekindling of our love for native British wildflowers and wildlife. A classic navy blue background lets the jewel colours of the blooms and butterflies shine out, bringing this lovely design to life.

The British Meadow design collection also introduces a new gifting option, with gift-boxed gardening snips to update and refresh the range. The gorgeous packaging employs inventive solutions to dramatically reduce the use of plastic, reflecting the emphasis on environmental responsibility that drives much of the work of Burgon & Ball and the RHS and that is, of course, a strong concern of the target market.

The flower and fruit snip and the pruner with holster are both presented in innovative gift boxes less than 3cm in height, ideal for sending by post and offering an attractive gift option for today’s lifestyles. Engineered cardboard keeps the tools firmly in place inside their sturdy, beautifully printed card box. Blue soft-grip handles match the design.

The tools that make up the trowel and fork set have painted blue handles bearing the RHS logo; the trowel carries an engraved quote from the legendary horticulturist, garden designer, craftswoman, photographer, writer and artist Gertrude Jekyll.

With smooth moulded curves, the seed packet storage tin is divided into three useful compartments, including a lengthways one to accommodate the very largest seed packets.

The trowel and fork set carries a lifetime guarantee, and the two cutting tools each have a ten-year guarantee.

Founded in Sheffield in 1730, Burgon & Ball is the UK’s oldest manufacturer of garden tools and accessories, with hundreds of years of expertise in steel manufacturing and an enviable reputation for quality and innovation.

Cathy Snow, Licensing Manager, RHS, says: “Our partnership with Burgon & Ball and its RHS Gifts for Gardeners range has been a long and valuable one, combining the highest-quality tools with exciting and attractive design ideas. The British Meadow collection is no exception – it’s a marvellous evocation of native British wildflowers and wildlife.”

Rainer Schubert, Managing Director, Burgon & Ball, adds: “We are always looking to bring exciting new ideas to the RHS Gifts for Gardeners range while adhering to the very highest standards of manufacture. The creative and almost entirely plastic-free packaging, the new gifting option and, above all, RHS endorsement and artwork from the RHS Lindley Collections have combined to make British Meadow what we feel will be one of our most successful collections.”

The opening of Tong Garden Centre's new restaurant brings the head count at its Tong Lane site to over 200 local people.

A total of 24 new jobs were created in the table service Mezzanine Restaurant that opened earlier this week.

The Mezzanine is situated on the first floor of the award-winning garden centre's 2500 square metre two storey expansion and is in addition to the existing Restaurant.  It offers relaxed dining with an open aspect, brunch and lunch menus using seasonal and local produce and an extensive choice of patisserie, cakes and signature bakes, all made in the centre's instore bakery.

The jobs range from front of house staff to chefs and kitchen porters and assistants.

“Created by chef Jamie and his team, The Mezzanine's menu of contemporary dishes is freshly prepared using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients where possible and brought to your table by our friendly team,” said catering manager Catharine Westmoreland.

“We're very excited to bring a delicious brunch menu as well as some inspirational dishes for lunchtime but we're especially pleased to launch an impressive and irresistible selection of patisserie all made on site by our Food Hall bakers.”

The Mezzanine is open between 10am and 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 3.30pm on Sundays and caters for all dietary requirements. Lunchtime bookings are recommended by visiting tonggardencentre.co.uk

Tong Garden Centre occupies a 19-acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire's biggest independent garden centres with 125,000 square feet of retail space and parking for up to 700 cars.

with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox.  The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.

Subscribe for free using this link

The UK’s trade show for the festive and gifts sector has announced a new date for 2021.

The show, which is the highlight of the year for buyers from numerous sectors including department stores, garden centres, tourist attraction outlets and independent gift retailers, recently announced its relocation to the Yorkshire Event Centre (YEC) due to Harrogate Convention Centre being used as a Nightingale Hospital. The event will now take place from Saturday 27^th February to Wednesday 3^rd March 2021.

For more information, visit the website at www.harrogatefair.com where you will find booking forms to complete or contact Simon – simon@harrogatefair.com or call 01902 882280 or 07798 737077.

Smart Garden Products has expanded its National Account team with the addition of Louise Gibbs.

Having worked in the Garden & Pet industries for the last 15 years, Louise has a wealth of relevant product knowledge and will be developing Smart’s Zöon pet business as well as pursuing opportunities across all of Smart’s product categories.

“I am a passionate gardener and the proud owner of 2 very naughty dogs. This has helped me understand what customers really want from both a consumer as well as a supplier perspective! I am delighted to have joined Smart as they continue to grow from strength to strength.” said Louise.

Jonathan Stobart, Managing Director added: “Louise brings invaluable experience which will be a great help to her in this key role. With both customer and product development responsibilities, she is a terrific addition to our team”.

Garden Product sales bounced back last week, growing by 16.9% to be 8.3% higher than the same week last year.

As the weather improved people got active in their gardens, tidying, repairing and preparing for next year.

Highlights of the week were:

• Gardman Weedstop Performance Weed Control Fabric 50m x 1m was the highest new entry at No 10.
• Smart Garden’s Flexitote 40 litres was the highest re-entry at No 4.
• Decorative garden products also sold well: Creative Products Bottle Light moved back to No 1 and Vivid Arts Plant Pals Robin On Stick climbed 39 places up the chart to No 5.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

The Royal Horticultural Society has announced the first titles in a new range of entertaining, informative and beautifully illustrated activity books for children in partnership with RHS Licensee Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books.

Aimed at ages 6-10 years, the first titles launch in February 2021. My Dinosaur Garden and My Unicorn Garden will inspire children to explore gardens and the outdoors with crafts, activities, gardening tips and nature facts. In March, the Outdoor Adventure Handbook will look at discovering plants, wildlife and getting closer to nature with activities for all weathers.

In May, to complement the new range, My Unicorn Garden Cards and Notelets will be launched. This is a creative make-and-do set with stickers that children can use to create unique messages to share with friends and family. Further books will follow in autumn 2021 and beyond.

The books will be available from bookshops, RHS shops, all good garden centres, through major online retailers and at shop.rhs.org.uk. Their publication will be marked with a collaborative marketing campaign to reach the extensive family and school audiences of both Scholastic and the RHS.

These are the first RHS-licensed publications from Scholastic following the announcement of a major RHS partnership with the respected children’s book publisher in August 2019. The partnership encompasses a wide range of children’s publications, including sticker and activity books, handbooks, illustrated non-fiction, board and colouring books, annuals, e-books and journals.

All the publications will make use of the vast range of expertise available to the UK’s favourite gardening charity as well as drawing on its work with families, schools and children to offer fun, educational and wonderfully designed books that will help to advance the RHS mission: Inspiring everyone to grow.

This announcement also coincides with the continuing development of the RHS range of children’s products supported by a special style guide, both of which were announced at BLE 2019. The charity is addressing this growing young audience through a strong focus on children’s products in the coming months. This is especially relevant given the growth in family visits to gardens and parks – along with the much greater time devoted to gardening – during this year’s travel restrictions.

Cathy Snow, Licensing Manager, RHS, says: “One of our most important missions as Britain’s leading gardening charity is to encourage children to develop an interest in gardens and gardening. This is underlined by our development of a licensing programme for children’s products – and who better to help us communicate our message than one of the most admired names in children’s publishing? These activity books, which both inform and entertain, are a marvellous introduction to the wonders of wildlife and the joys of gardening.” 

Elizabeth Scoggins, Publisher – Non-fiction, Licensing and Brands for Scholastic UK, adds: “It is a privilege to be working with the RHS, the UK’s most-loved gardening charity. 2020 has made everyone really appreciate opportunities to be outdoors and to explore nature on our doorsteps. We look forward to publishing books that inspire children and families to discover the wonders of plants, wildlife and the outdoors using the expertise and passion of the RHS.”

Christmas sales grew by 23% week on week but not as fast as they did last year. Half term week will now be the best indicator of whether we are in for a bumper Christmas season as all festive departments will be open by then and the final stock delivered. 

Highlights of the week were:

• History & Heraldry Personalised Christmas Elf moved up four places to be the new Christmas No 1.
• NJ Products Christmas Puppy Tissues are the highest new entry at No 7.
• Scentsicles Christmas Tree Assorted Fragrances re-entered at No 10.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

The 30th edition of trade fair GrootGroenPlus, which took place from 30 September-2 October, was a very special edition. For the first time, it was a completely digital edition, with 156 participants, including six jubilarians.

The digital participant profiles on the website and in the trade fair app were expanded, which allowed the participants to paint an even better picture of their business to their digital visitors. 

On top of that, over 50 participants opened up their company for visitors, and more than 40 participants supplied materials for a 1-minute movie. All table discussions were also taped, in the studio that was built especially for the trade fair, and decorated differently on every single day. The participants supplied the decoration.

From this studio in Zundert, we streamed for three days, on two streams, from 9 to 18 o’ clock. The program was very diverse; we sat at the ‘living table’ no less than 17 times, along with motivated table guests, including many participants. We intentionally set a limit of 15 minutes per set, which would allow viewers to combine their ‘digital visit’ with their work. 

Parts from the ‘classic’ GGP

Of course, there was also room for a few ‘classic’ GGP parts, such as digital award ceremonies for the Zunderts Groen Imago award, Jac Lodders award, Jan van Dongen award, and the presentation of the Boomfeestdaglabel. 

Novelties were also put in the spotlight, with three table discussions and five medals, ten KVBC Awards and four Road Show certificates.

Explanatory movies

Besides the different table discussions, we also set aside time for four (digital) company tours and two explanatory movies, about the sensory garden and dying trees. During the table discussions, experts provided their view on the possibilities, the market, and entrepreneurship in general. 

Given all the activities in the market, we can conclude that the industry is doing well, but that it is still very important to have a long-term vision, and to make sure that we adapt to new situations. 

Online visitors

We now know that the digital trade fair received a good number of visitors through the live streams. We had guests from all over the world, and from almost all European countries. We made bilingual recordings of all shows, which we will present to those who were unable to attend the live streams. Especially from countries that didn’t ‘visit’ this edition. 

You can check out the recordings for free via YouTube, but it might be easier to use the participant profile and program pages of the website and/or the app. You can find direct links to the recordings of those parts of the program there.

When it comes to viewers, we see a division of 70/30 (Dutch vs. other languages); the same as with a physical trade fair. The website, trade fair app, web app (over 15,000 views at the end of the trade fair days), Twitter, Linkedin, and Facebook also managed to draw in a lot of visitors.

Evaluation

Usually, we would have deconstructed everything, and made some time for the evaluation. Of course, we will do the same this year, but it will be a bit different, since we were hosting a digital trade fair. Because… we’re not done yet. Right now, we’ve put an entire digital trade fair online: the program, the promotional movies, the commercials, the participant profiles, the search options in the supply bank; these will all remain available until 30 November 2020.  After that, we will create our report. You will also have the opportunity to vote for the Road Show until 30 November.

That is why we want to encourage everyone to make use of all these opportunities - especially if you weren’t able to do that between 30 September and 2 October. Connect with new people, check out the different segments, and make use of everything there is. We were a wide digital event, and will stay that way for some time. And of course, we will continue to work on bringing participants and visitors together. Through the program in the app, on the website, or the expanded participant profiles. That is why it is not possible to register for the 31st edition until after 30 November 2020.

Physical edition 2021

We hope to be able to host a new physical edition of trade fair GrootGroenPlus in 2021: from 6 - 8 October. The 156 participants we mentioned earlier will be there. And so will some of the positive changes we made this year, such as the expanded participant profile, the supply bank, and the trade fair app. 

The National Wildflower Centre is deepening its roots in Liverpool, teaming up with young environmentalists to transform green spaces into vibrant meadows across the city.

After the centre’s HQ in Knowsley, five miles from Liverpool city centre, closed in January 2017, the Cornwall-based Eden Project stepped in to protect its legacy and continue its vital work restoring wild habitats, species, landscapes and biodiversity around the UK. 

National Wildflower Centre Director Richard Scott led the way again when he brought back a combine harvester to Everton Park in the centre of the city, supported by teams of primary school pupils.

The latest mission was to harvest millions of viper’s bugloss seeds so that swathes of the blue flower can be among the wide range of colourful wildflowers sown around Liverpool and other parts of the UK.

Among the pupils joining Richard for the harvest was a group from All Saints Catholic Primary School in Anfield, Liverpool. 

An All Saints team of Eco Emeralds featured to great acclaim in the recent ITV documentary Prince William:  A Planet For Us All.  The film showed how they have transformed part of Thirlmere Park, the nearest big green space to the school, by planting a mix of wildflowers.  

The TV cameras came back again, this time a crew from Granada TV, capturing the action as a group of All Saints pupils and another from The Beacon Church of England Primary School, Everton, joined Richard for the seed harvesting in Everton Park.

They were joined by singer-songwriter Ian Prowse with an adapted song for the day, Flowers to the People, and legendary Liverpool football Club banner maker Peter Carney, with a celebration banner made especially for the occasion.

Thirlmere Park and Everton Park are two of 16 sites covering over 15 hectares across the city that have been planted with wildflowers by the National Wildflower Centre over the last two years with the help of more than 700 schoolchildren and a variety of community groups.

Richard Scott said: “With great support from Liverpool City Council, and as part of their solid response to the climate emergency and extinction crisis, we continued to work through the lockdown period to deliver head-turning wildflower displays in the north, south, east and west of the city.

“We have grown wildflowers in playful, prominent and unexpected places.  It has been a privilege to bring some joy amid the sadness and uncertainty we have lived through this year due to the pandemic.  It is great how this has brought new value to nature to many who have enjoyed the flowers.”

He said the dedicated work of the schoolchildren and community groups demonstrated a real “scouseflowerhouse” philosophy – now a term of endearment in the city.

Richard added: “The schools have been extraordinary.  The children have become sustainable development champions for Liverpool, one of the few cities in the world voluntarily reporting on sustainable development goals.

“It proves we can reverse biodiversity decline. The kind of cornfield annual and arable weed habitats witnessed here are among the rarest habitats in the European countryside, but are easy to grow and great conservation openers for change. 

“From this point we can start to add more species and diversity in a real journey of positive change, which many others can join.

“Most importantly, the landscapes we are creating are setting standards in demonstrating local authority response to both the climate emergency and extinction crisis.”

In Cornwall, the wildflower centre has established a seed bank at the Eden Project and created wildflower meadows on the outer estate beyond the world-famous Biomes.

The centre has been supporting St Austell Bay Economic Forum and Cornwall Council’s “Making Space for Nature” programme in the creation of a wildflower corridor along the A391, and hope to expend this display to the new St Austell-A30 Link Road once completed.  

The National Wildflower Centre has been instrumental in bringing two World Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) conferences to the UK (2000 and 2015), and linking with global community of ecological restoration professionals.

Most recently the centre’s work was selected to be included in a best practice for “nature based solutions” at UN-Habitat’s World Urban Forum in February 2020, which is in important in shaping the UN’s declared decade of ecological restoration worldwide.

Just in case we’d all forgotten, when it’s raining, cold and windy garden centre sales fall. Fact. After four weeks of balmy September weather, when sales soared way above previous year levels, storm Alice came along and brought garden centre sales back down to more normal levels for the time of year, all be it still 5% up on last year.  

In a normal year we’d be writing headlines about sales being 5% up, but it all seems like a bit of a disappointment after the rocking and rolling year we’ve had since garden centres re-opened.

Even Christmas sales failed to beat last year for the first week of October. Our GTN All Plants index was up by 8% on last year for the week, growing media continued to shine at 22% up and Veg-2-Gro increased by 23%. 

As more garden centres open their Christmas displays we wait with baited breath to see how sales continue during the rest of the month.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 40

• Garden Products Top 50 – down 12%
• Growing Media Top 50 – up 22%
• Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – down 2%
• Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 23%
• Christmas Top 50 – down 27%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week last year: week 40

• All Plants with Barcode index – up 8%
• All Items with Barcode index – up 5%

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

Rosebourne garden centres have added Stuart Whalley and Gill Ormrod to their team as they plan for further development of the the group.

Stuart Whalley has joined as Head of Buying and after leaving the HTA earlier this year Gill Ormrod will take up the role of Group Marketing Manager in November.

Carol Paris, Rosebourne CEO, told GTN Xtra: "We are really pleased to be welcoming Stuart and Gill on board as we get ready for expansion next year."

The directors of Tong Garden Centre have applied for planning permission for the erection of a second store at the Acanthus Golf Centre, Tingley, in West Yorkshire.

Plans were submitted last week for Tingley Garden Centre, which will incorporate a 400 seater restaurant, a 1,000 square metre plant area, Grass Hoppers indoor and outdoor play and a 400m2 food hall alongside a large garden centre.

The scheme will incorporate the existing golf centre building as the hub for an adventure play area set in five acres for 8 to 14 year olds.

Should permission be granted, it is anticipated that the development will create over 200 jobs.

Tong Garden Centre's MD, Mark Farnsworth said: “Despite the challenges of having to close temporarily, the garden trade sector has proved resilient to the challenges that Covid-19 has presented, which gives us confidence for the future.

“We have made no secret of our ambitions to be a multi-site operation. We have been working on the Tingley opportunity for over two years, so we feel confident we can deliver a fabulous experience for our visitors. We have learnt many valuable lessons in the five years that we have been growing Tong Garden Centre and we think that Tingley Garden Centre and Adventure Playground will be a great addition to the community in South Leeds.

“If our application is successful, we hope to start developing Tingley Garden Centre in February or March next year, with a view to opening in March 2022."

Tong Garden Centre occupies a 19-acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire's biggest independent garden centres with 125,000 square feet of retail space and parking for up to 700 cars.

Before building work started

A chain of pet and garden stores has shown its commitment to high-street retailing by relocating one of its shops into the centre of a Norfolk town.

Myhill’s Pet and Garden has outgrown its current site in Attleborough and has started work on a much bigger building in the high street. It hopes to open the 6,500 square feet store next spring.

“Myhill’s feels it is making a commitment to both high-street shopping and Norfolk’s market towns despite the increase in online shopping and the current coronavirus situation,” said director Roy Hagan. “We feel the new store will be a positive contribution to retaining customers within Attleborough as a benefit for the whole town.”

Myhill’s Pet and Garden is Norfolk’s oldest chain of pet and garden shops, opening its first branch in Wymondham in 1936. As well as its stores in Attleborough and Wymondham, it has branches at Dereham, Diss, Swaffham and Watton.

The company has been actively looking for larger premises in Attleborough for the past few years.

“We discovered a development site behind the town’s old post office,” added Roy. “The company took a calculated gamble of buying the site despite the fact it had planning permission for 10 flats.” 

“We believed the town would be better served if the site was developed for retail purposes rather than residential. We went ahead with the purchase around 18 months ago in the belief that permission for a new retail store could hopefully be gained.”

Plans were drawn up in the summer of 2019 and after some delays, partly due to covid-19 restrictions, permission was finally granted in July this year.

Since then progress has been rapid with local companies working hard to ensure the project remains on schedule for its spring 2021 launch.

All existing staff will transfer to the new shop, which will also create an extra four permanent positions.

Access to bulkier items such as pet food and compost had always been a problem at the old shop but will be made easier at the new store with the introduction of customer collection parking bays. Myhill’s will also continue to offer its local delivery service.

Building work starts

Since the introduction of Woodlodge’s water feature and fire pit collections, retailers have been quick to secure stock thanks to the show-stopping displays, competitive price points and curated designs which offer mass appeal to consumers wanting to add personalised accents to their garden spaces. Now, as the 2021 season approaches Woodlodge confirms that a number of new designs have been added, further enhancing these popular ranges.

Water Studio portfolio welcome new designs

Water Studio, with its distinctive branding, continues to build on Woodlodge’s tried-and-tested approach to plug-in-and-go water features. Each model features a pump and cable and is promoted as ‘easy to set up’ and ‘no maintenance’, including no direct water sourced required, making the water feature designs perfect for gardens of all shapes and sizes. To-date the range includes over 50 models, including a selection of different colour ways for ultimate choice, as well a number of indoor water feature options.

This year the collection will welcome new designs which are already pegged to be bestsellers.

First up will be the Lagoon range, which will include new larger sizes as well as the existing medium and ‘lite’ designs. Featuring a spherical slate ‘ball’ complemented with a bowl base, and utilising LED lighting, the Lagoon design pulls together a unique fire and water theme for the ultimate garden centerpiece. Sizes for the Lagoon water feature range from 40cm to 80cm (height) with prices starting from RRP £129.99 for the Lite design, with the new XL sizes priced at RRP £399.99.

Joining the Lagoon range will be the new Victoria Falls design, priced at RRP £199.99. Standing at 53cm tall, the feature is made up of rustic stones in pale golds and creams, for a more natural look reminiscent of the famous waterfall from which it takes its name. 

Drawing inspiration from history the new Reef design would not be out of place within the annals of ancient Greece. The four stacked water bowls are adorned in rustic stone, together standing at 52cm high and priced at RRP £149.99.

Elsewhere the new Aztec water feature draws inspiration from Mexican pyramids. Standing at 65 cm high the Aztec design will provide a simple yet eye-catching addition to any garden space, priced at RRP £149.99.

Let the home fires burn

Made from a strong cast iron, Woodlodge’s rustic fire pits, fireplaces and fire bowls have seen sales increase significantly throughout 2020 as the country looks for ways to increase the comfort and at-home socialising that has shaped our lives. Looking ahead to the 2021 season, Woodlodge has added nine stunning new designs that provide retailers with even more sales opportunities throughout the coming year.

The sleek but classical Seaton fireplace in black– priced at RRP 249.99 - offers four sides of heat emittance and stands at 112cm tall making it a striking central focus for relaxing in the garden with friends and family. 

Another classic design to be introduced is the new Lelant Fire Bowl. The cast iron black bowl is topped with a mesh lid for ultimate safety, whilst the smooth lines are juxtaposed with a diamond design which will be enhanced further once backlit by fire. Supported with an RRP of £149.99, the Lelant Fire Bowl is a great entry-level design.

Finally, a more industrial look can be achieved with the stunning new Helston Fire Pit.  The rust effect 60cm bowl sits upon black square legs for a simple look; one which will appeal to the millennial market as it provides stunning social media content during those cooler nights and summer garden parties, supported by a price tag of just RRP £79.99.

Talking about these new introductions Woodlodge’s Managing Director, Michael Wooldridge said: “Each of these new products has been specially developed to ensure that our collections offer something for all tastes and budgets. Both our Water Studio and firepit collections have witnessed incredible growth in the last 12 months and we want to build on this success by ensuring that our retail customers are armed with the right products to appeal to their own customer demographic. We also believe that enjoying the warmth of a fire or the soothing sound of a water feature should be available to every household, no matter the size of the garden. Smaller designs, compact usability and ‘plug and play’ designs mean that more consumers than ever before can benefit from our offering.”

To find out more about Woodlodge’s market-leading collections please visit www.woodlodge.co.uk

Haskins Garden Centre in Snowhill, Crawley, has opened its doors to customers following a 12-month refurbishment costing £15m.

The new centre boasts a retail space of 11,813 sq.m., including an outdoor plant area and 440-seat restaurant complete with a newly installed pizza oven. Additional space has also been created to accommodate 170 restaurant guests on an outdoor patio.

Up to 70 new jobs have been created to accommodate the centre's expansion. Car parking has increased to 346 spaces.  See GTN Xtra's photo tour of the new centre below.

Chief executive Julian Winfield said the Snowhill team worked tirelessly to ensure the centre was able to remain open for the majority of the project, with minimal disruption.

“We can't wait to receive our customers' feedback on our new and improved facilities,” he added. “Over the years, we have built a loyal customer following and we are proud to be able to give back to them in this way with our new expanded centre.”

Haskins acquired the Snowhill site in 2003, inheriting a number of ageing buildings.

Haskins also has centres in Ferndown in Dorset, West End in Southampton and Roundstone in West Sussex. The family business recently acquired Forest Lodge Garden Centre, Bird World and Garden Style in Farnham.

Pictured (left to right): Julian Winfield, Jamie Haskins, Ally Haskins (married to Jamie) and Warren Haskins, the group's chairman. 

The opening event was attended by the current GCA Chairman Mike Burks and three past Chairs; Warren Haskins, Sue Allen and Julian Winfield.

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

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

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2018 as well as 2019 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

Access is by subscription only.  For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 07973 504214, e-mail karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

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

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

Highlights of the GTN Growing Media chart for last week are here

Highlights of the GTN Christmas Products chart for last week are here

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

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

GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £100m.

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

For further information contact karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk or call 07973504214.

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

Pets Choice Ltd has purchased the assets and goodwill of pet accessory business, The Animate Company Ltd, with the deal being completed at the end of October.

Tony Raeburn, CEO of Pets Choice, said: “This is a very exciting acquisition for us that increases our offering to the trade. 

“We are excited to be expanding into pet accessories and are looking forward to building on the solid base that Paul and Jackie have created and working to develop the brands further.”

Paul Sivyour, MD of West Yorkshire-based Animate, added: “We have built our family business successfully since 1996, acquiring Outhwaite Pets in 2012 and now is the time for Jackie and myself to retire and leave our business in the secure hands of Pets Choice. 

“Our company brands have huge potential, and I am sure that Pets Choice will continue to drive sales, develop the range and take Animate to the next level.’’

Pets Choice will take over all sales order processing and administration for The Animate Company brands cfrom November 1.

For immediate customer enquires the Pets Choice sales office can be contacted on 01254 54545.

Luxury British dog accessories brand Teddy Maximus has launched its new Strawberry Thief Collection.

The range features a print created by William Morris in 1883 incorporating animals and flowers. The botanical Liberty Print depicts birds stealing fruit which gives it this distinctive name.

Making its debut as part of the Strawberry Thief collection is the luxury Dog Carrier (from £189.00) with adjustable straps, cosy fleece walls and a waterproof outer base. 

The newly designed Teddy Maximus Bow Ties (£15.95) and Neckerchiefs (£19.99) are the perfect way to add a touch of style, and there is a personalisation service available, where an owner can add their dog’s name to any neckerchief.

The Teddy Maximus Strawberry Thief Collection is available now from www.teddymaximus.com with prices starting from £15.95.

Earth Animal’s No Hide The Feast Limited Edition Chew has been voted Best In Show at the PATS Telford 2020 New Product Awards.

The Best in Show title was awarded to the new product receiving the most votes from an online poll of UK pet retailers. 

Earth Animal’s No Hide The Feast Limited Edition Chew beat off six rivals after being judged the Best Dog Treat.

The judges felt the No Hide Chew was a healthy alternative to raw hide. They liked the price point (from £3.99) as well as the ingredients (turkey, pumpkin and cranberry), and felt the chews would last well.

The winners of the highly-prized PATS Telford 2020 New Product Awards were revealed following a special judging day involving a panel of independent pet retailers. An impressive total of more than 140 products were entered across seven different categories of the awards,