GTN March 2023. In this issue: Blue Diamond’s Greatest Show – Full results and exclusive pictures from the Blue Diamond Awards 2023, Press to Impress – 6 pages of product and supplier news from the Garden Press Event, Bathgate for Peat Free NOW, Fountasia bring magic to garden centres, Evergreen Garden Care’s increased Peat Free capacity – Interview with MD Colin Stephens, Nurturing future display talent – Glee’s new Talent Store, LOFA – The voice of the outdoor living industry, Stepping stones to success – Interview with Antony Harker, Keeping plants in the headlines – GTN’s new Planteria column, Spotlight on Horticulture – HTA Column

Ligneolus UK Ltd has signed up to exhibit at the Four Oaks Trade Show to be held in Cheshire, 5 & 6 September 2023. 

Emma Brown, Commercial Manager at Ligneolus UK Ltd, said: “We’re a family run business through and through. Based in Hull, East Yorkshire, we specialise in designing, manufacturing, and supplying a range of horticultural and bespoke timber displays, as well as other sustainable and eco-friendly products. Our products are carefully crafted using only the finest materials, including FSC certified timber and other sustainable resources.

"Environmental responsibility is at the heart of everything we do all our products are handcrafted right here in the UK using ethically managed sustainable sources. When you choose Ligneolus, you gain the peace of mind that you're working with a family-run business that takes sustainability very seriously."

Ligneolus UK Ltd has chosen to exhibit at the 2023 Four Oaks Trade Show as the leading marketplace for the sector.

"We are excited to use FOTS to showcase our products and we look forward to meeting you all you on the stand – E146 & E147," added Emma.

For more information about Ligneolus UK Ltd visit www.ligneolus.co.uk

For more information about the Four Oaks Show visit www.fouroaks-tradeshow.com

Rope Trellis by The Good Life brand is the latest product from Treadstone Garden to be creating a buzz, with positive responses from garden centres and the gardening media. This month has seen a successful first round of deliveries to customers, where a solid stockist base has already been established.

Inspired by cargo nets, Rope Trellis is an alternative to conventional fixed trellis manufactured using a natural jute material. It provides the perfect marriage of user-friendly features and sustainability, at the same time of hitting the retailer value ‘sweet spot’.

Customer Friendly

Rope Trellis is available in five sizes (from 6 x 2ft to 6 x 6ft.) that all come supplied rolled up. Each pack is therefore easy to transport home where it can then be unrolled and installed. 

Rope Trellis is hand-made and tied specifically so that the product hangs tight and straight, giving a consistent sequence of support rope for plants to grip. Furthermore, if the user wants to add colour to the garden, Rope Trellis can be easily stained by dipping the rope in outdoor preservative.

Users can fix it to walls or fences or tie it between two wooden posts to create a stunning garden feature. Retailing from £19.99, installation is quick and the product can easily be uninstalled temporarily for when fencing needs painting or changing, as well as easily transported when moving home.

Eco Friendly

Treadstone are building a reputation for creating innovative products and wherever possible launching sustainable concepts. Due to the natural jute material Rope Trellis is an eco-garden solution which can be adapted to many types of gardens or outdoor spaces. 

Despite only recently being delivered into garden centres, the trellis is already experiencing wide reach after media attention in March. Rope Trellis was recommended in BBC Gardener’s World magazine’s March 2023 issue appearing in the ‘Growing Greener’ feature and was highlighted as an innovative eco gardening solution. As a result, the range has experienced even more demand from end users and gardening retailers in recent weeks.

Garden Centre Friendly

The compact size of the Rope Trellis is also beneficial to retailers as its retail footprint is small, making it a more valuable proposition than fixed timber trellis. In fact each Rope Trellis display stand fits thirty pieces of Rope Trellis, with £900 of retail value in a little over 0.25 square meters. The merchandising stand itself is supplied ready built with impactful ‘chalk board’ effect branding supporting the Rope Trellis concept.

National Account Manager, Anne Corr said: "Rope Trellis created a buzz when we launched the product last year at Glee. Now the stock has been delivered into the market we are continuing to make noise about the range. We are delighted with the recent BBC Gardeners World review which has helped increase awareness of Rope Trellis to gardeners across the UK. With this products’ unique appeal, we hope it can help garden centres offer a real point of difference, attracting gardeners of all ages."

For garden centres interested in stocking Rope Trellis or any other Treadstone product they can DARE TO SELL DIFFERENT and email - sales@treadstoneproducts.com to find out about pricing and availability. Browse the Treadstone Garden website to view all their products and brands.

The 2023 GIMA Gala Awards dinner (19th October, Celtic Manor) may yet be seven months away but suppliers who want to be in the running to win one of the highly coveted awards need to start thinking about their 2023 entries.

The deadline for all GIMA Award product and marketing awards has been confirmed for June 2nd. Entry stipulation for these awards states that all entries must have been launched during the period June 2022 to May 2023.  It has also been confirmed that this year’s judging day will take place on July 11th and 12th. Once again, these days of deliberation will take place at Warwick Racecourse, with the judging panel set to be confirmed shortly. 

Last year’s winners included Westland, Primeur, The Garden Village, Treadstone Products, Willsow, Wildlife World, Smart Garden Products and The Solar Centre. With 10 product awards, three marketing awards plus the coveted Gardenex-sponsored ‘Export Achievement’ award, the GCA-sponsored ‘Supplier of the Year’ award and the award-of-awards ‘Sword of Excellence’ up for grabs, there’s never been a better time to start your 2023 entry.

Don’t miss out!

This year, the GIMA Awards will be sponsored by a wealth of fantastic industry brands, including Glee which returns, once again, as headline sponsor, as well as the HTA, GCA, Gardenex, Garden Trade News, Gardenforum, Horticulture Week, Decco, CM Ventures, and Hornby Whitefoot PR. Sponsorship opportunities are also available - please contact GIMA to find out more.

To enter the 2023 GIMA Awards or to book your place at what is set to be a night to remember please visit www.gima.org.uk

Following media stories, some of which are included in this issue of GTN Xtra, about further developments on the peat-ban, the Defra Press Office issued the following Blog on Friday 24th March:

There has been news reporting of our ban on horticultural peat. In 2011 we agreed to a voluntary phase out of the sale of peat and peat-containing products by 2020, and repeatedly stated that we would legislate if this was not successful. While progress was made, the industry transition has been too slow. Therefore, in August 2022, we announced a ban on the sale of peat and peat-containing products in the retail horticultural sector by 2024.

The retail sector accounts for 70% of peat sold in the UK. The professional sector also utilises peat to grow some food products and plants ranging from oaks to rarer species. There are already many peat alternatives on the market including bark, coir, bracken which have been well adopted in the amateur sector. Defra has jointly funded research with the industry on peat replacements in professional horticulture, the results of which are promising. Indeed sectors such as strawberries and other soft fruit growers have already transitioned away from peat-based growing media.

However, the sector has raised concerns about the widespread availability of these products. This week we set out further details to the professional horticultural sector and our expectations for a phased reduction in the use of peat with a date of 2026 - allowing for certain technical exemptions – with a complete ban from 2030.

A phased approach will enable professional horticulture businesses to conduct further commercial scale trials to identify suitable peat-free growing media, in particular for challenging plants, allow time for adaptation and replacement of commercial growing systems and to allow plants already started in a peat containing growing media to work their way through the supply chain.

The exemptions include:

• Technical exemptions for production of young plants in plugs with a maximum volume of 150ml and the production of edible mushrooms with a peat casing layer of 2cm. As our understanding of the technical difficulties improves then this may also include other plant types or production methods where peat cannot be readily replaced.
• Conservation exemptions:  It will be necessary to ensure that peat continues to be available for the safeguarding of vulnerable or endangered plant species where it is unclear whether a peat free growing media and no other reliable growing media. This exemption will not be time limited.

At all times we have considered the views of stakeholders on both sides of the argument, seeking to protect our precious peatlands, our largest carbon store, while acknowledging the difficulties the industry face in making such a change.

A Defra spokesperson said: "We have repeatedly stated that if the voluntary targets to phase out the horticultural use of peat, set in 2011, were not successful then we would need to legislate. Our peatlands are our largest carbon store as well as a uniquely valuable habitat. Our approach has sought to achieve our commitments to restore our peatlands while acknowledging the challenges faced by the horticulture sector in transitioning over the last 10 years.

"We believe that a ban in the amateur sector for 2024, which accounts for 70% of use, is still the right approach. Furthermore, we feel that a phased approach for the professional sector with some exemptions from 2026 and a full ban from 2030, is achievable given the number of peat alternatives available and the period of time permitted for the sector to adjust."

Peter Burks, GCA CEO, says: “Following the Government’s announcement on March 23, that all retail sales of peat would cease at the end of 2024, and that nurseries are to no longer use peat after 2026, we have been discussing with our members and have two concerns.

“Firstly, we believe there needs to be government support to enable good quality, alternative substrates to be available in sufficient quantity to replace all the peat currently in use.

“This needs to be made available to both growers and retailers to ensure neither is trying to make do with a poor product.

“Secondly, we are concerned that British nurseries have neither the time, nor the capacity to make up the deficit on imported plants, if plants grown in peat abroad are not going to be allowed to be imported. More time needs to be allowed for this change.

“Allowing plants grown in peat to be imported into the country in direct competition with our own growers, who would be 100% peat free, would be very difficult in what is sure to be challenging times.”

The GCA represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

For further information, please visit www.gca.org.uk.

Notcutts Garden Centres has been celebrating the success, performance and customer service excellence of its colleagues across 19 garden centres at this year’s annual awards event.

On 16 March, 130 Notcutts colleagues and sponsors gathered together at Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth to celebrate their peers and reflect on their achievements over the past year.

The family-owned garden centre group presented 12 awards in categories such as ‘Best Restaurant’, ‘Environmental Action’, ‘Best Customer Service’, ‘Planteria Excellence’, and ‘Community Hero’.

Individual colleagues were also recognised with ‘Frontline Heroes’ awards for demonstrating exceptional customer service, as well as ‘Long Service’ awards for colleagues achieving 25 and 40 year milestones in their careers with Notcutts.

Nick Burrows, Chief Executive at Notcutts Garden Centres, said: “We’re proud to recognise the outstanding service that our incredible teams deliver across the country every day, making great efforts to inspire customers and to share their skill and expertise. Well done to all our award winners and thank you to our sponsors for supporting our celebrations.”

The Notcutts annual awards event was sponsored by many key suppliers including Brakes, Mr Fothergills, Darlac, Smart Garden, Westland, FAR Logistics, McBains, Evergreen, Kettler, Char-Broil, Esprit, ADT – part of Johnson Controls, Pelican and Hozelock.

For more information about Notcutts visit notcutts.co.uk.

Photo caption: Notcutts Woodbridge Garden Centre colleagues collect their awards alongside Caroline Notcutt (front centre). (L-R) Shanel Shimmon; Neil Ludgate; Caroline Notcutt; Rob Canham; Darren Brooks, General Manager at Notcutts Woodbridge; and ‘Frontline Hero’ winner Craig Beecroft-Smith. (Credit: Chris Kemp, Copyright: Notcutts Ltd).

Following the change in regulations governing the use of ‘red diesel’ last April, the Horticultural Trades Association has been invited to be a signatory of the HMRC’s Memorandum of Agreement on rebated fuel.

This establishes a formal route to engage on a policy change which has seen cost increases impacting HTA members and with key grey areas remaining.

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs at the HTA, said: “This is a valuable opportunity and another step in increasing the role of horticulture in policy development. Becoming a signatory means that HTA will now have a seat at the table when policy developments are made on red diesel use and rebate criteria and allows us the opportunity to raise any issues on behalf of the membership.”

The current HMRC guidance note can be viewed on the government’s website here, and HTA members can access a briefing from April 2022 on their policy and member briefing pages.

Ivyline, one of the sector’s leading garden, home and giftware suppliers, has relocated its warehousing in a move that is designed to support the brand’s ongoing growth plans.

The new warehouse – part of a 65,000sq ft warehouse development operated by Amethyst Group - is located just 25 minutes from Ivyline’s headquarters at Stoneleigh Park and provides the perfect backdrop for the next chapter of Ivyline’s story. Having witnessed significant growth over the last two-years, this much larger warehouse space not only facilitates rapid future expansion, but it also ensures peace of mind for retailers with quicker despatch times and the introduction of improved systems to reduce mis-picks and stock shortages, including access to the Amethyst’s Wellesbourne site’s robot-operated shuttle racking, which is currently the largest in Europe.

To celebrate this new phase of growth the Ivyline team is inviting customers to visit the new facilities in conjunction with a trip to Ivyline’s showroom, where SS23 and Christmas 23 ranges are available to view and order.

Scott Thomas, Ivyline Managing Director, said of the relocation of Ivyline’s warehousing: “Ivyline has years of experience supplying retail, which is why we were able to forecast the need for new warehousing. In recent years, not only has our retail network grown but our product portfolio has significantly expanded to incorporate exciting new categories, and as such our footprint is increasing. In order to accommodate this growth and to continue on our journey to be champions of multi-channel despatch, new facilities were a key priority. It’s an exciting prospect and we hope that our customers will join us to see what we’ve been up to ahead of peak season.”

Find out more

To find out more about the Ivyline difference or to visit the new warehouse or showroom facilities at Stoneleigh Park, please visit www.ivylinegb.co.uk, email sales@ivylinegb.co.uk or by calling 024 7633 9180.

Blue Diamond is supporting BBC Radio 2's Let it Grow initiative by donating 45,000 packets of Forget me Not seeds.

Visitors to any Blue Diamond Garden Centre will be able to pick up a free pack of Forget me Not Seeds so that they can get involved and give growing a go (subject to availability and whilst stocks last ).

The BBC’s Let it Grow will help the nation “turn dull and grey places into wild and colourful places” by reaching and supporting audiences beyond those traditionally reached by nature and gardening programming. These include audiences without regular access to private green space, to those who have not yet tried planting and growing before. For more information visit bbc.co.uk/grow  

Blue Diamond will continue to encourage and support gardeners and non-gardeners alike throughout 2023 to bring nature into their neighbourhood, simply visit our Gardening Hub at bluediamond.gg for more gardening tips and/or resources.

Dobbies is partnering with BBC Radio 2 by handing out 75,000 free packets of seeds to encourage the nation to brighten up the country this spring. 

It’s part of the BBC’s Let It Grow initiative, to inspire new growers, both young and old, to discover the joy of planting and growing, and encourage them to turn grey spaces into wild and colourful places to help support British wildlife. Dobbies is proud to support the initiative, while also educating on sustainable gardening methods and championing pollinator-friendly seeds. 

Designed for all ages and gardening abilities, Dobbies invites novice gardeners and experts alike to head along to their nearest store and collect a free packet of seeds to sow this spring.

Spring is a great time in the horticultural diary to get into gardening and a good opportunity to plant beautiful bright blooms for the season ahead. Customers can pick up either Calendula, Borage or Nasturtium seeds at their local store which are perfect for a seasonal garden refresh.

Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting this fantastic initiative by the BBC. Spring is a great time of year to get gardening and we’re excited to see the nation’s gardens bloom and the wildlife flourish with our free seeds.”

Marcus also shares his top tips for sowing these seeds, he said: “Calendula, Borage and Nasturtium are fuss-free plants that are easy to sow and care for and great for injecting some colour to your garden. As we approach the warmer months and the sun heats the ground, it couldn’t be a better time to sow these seeds.

“At Dobbies, we recommend sowing your seeds inside, under a cover or in a greenhouse to maximise the success of germination. Once the seeds have grown to be bushy young plants, and the frosts have finished, then they are ready to be planted into your outdoor pots or borders.”

Thompson & Morgan are supplying the seeds in partnership with Dobbies and customers are encouraged to visit their local Dobbies store to collect a free packet. All stores will be taking part, including the five little dobbies. Seeds will be available on a first come, first served basis, from Monday 27 March to Sunday 28 May, while stocks last, from the customer services desk (Dobbies) or till point (little dobbies).

For more information on Let It Grow, visit www.dobbies.com/let-it-grow

Twenty-four staff members from garden centres across the country took part in a training day at Millbrook Garden Centre Gravesend recently with expert mentors as part of this year’s Glee Talent Store.

The Glee Talent Store, in collaboration with the Garden Centre Association (GCA), aims to nurture and encourage the next up-and-coming stars of horticultural visual merchandising.

Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee, said: The training day was a great success and we had 100% attendance from our students, despite snow in parts of the country. Twenty-four students joined us from 18 garden centres across the UK.

“The day began with presentations on the basics of visual merchandising from Talent Store mentor, Debbie Flowerday, a Visual Merchandising Consultant who has worked with the likes of Selfridges, Gucci, and John Lewis, followed by trend insights from TrendBible’s Home & Interiors Trend Editor, Wendy Lowe, and some plant inspiration from Michael Perry, aka Mr Plant Geek, a plant expert and leading horticultural influencer.

“The second half of the programme was more interactive with the students putting their abilities to the test by creating mood boards and shop floor displays. At the end of the day, students were put into four groups and tasked with creating a pop-up store concept and design for either houseplants or outdoor plants. These designs have now been submitted to Glee and the decision on which will be chosen to be built at Glee 2023 will be announced very soon!

“I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to GCA Chairman, Tammy Woodhouse, and all of the team at Millbrook Garden Centre, who were fantastic hosts for the training day.”

Glee will take place at the NEC Birmingham from June 27 until 29, 2023.

Peter Burks, Chief Executive at the GCA, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many students in the Talent Store, which is in its first year this year, who are keen to show off what they know already, as well as learn more about visual merchandising. I can’t wait to see the submitted designs and wish everyone luck for the competition.”

The Bransford Webbs Plant Company has announced that David Chilvers and Karl O’Neill have joined the board of directors as Sales and Marketing Director and Technical Production Director respectively.  

David and Karl studied together at Pershore College of Horticulture, gaining their BSc (Hons) in Commercial Horticulture in 2001. They joined Bransford Webbs within a month of each other in late 2004.  

David, who previously held roles as a Plant Area Manager, started at The Bransford Webbs Plant Company as Northern Area Sales Representative, and has held the role of Sales Manager for the last four years. Karl, having worked at both Notcutts Nurseries and Ellis Brothers Nurseries, joined Bransford Webbs as Propagation Manager, which has evolved to Propagation and Technical Manager in recent years.  

Chair Will Tooby said "We are delighted to be welcoming Karl and David to join our Board here in Bransford. Between them they have been working here for nearly 40 years, building their expertise and experience, and making their name in the industry. They are both innovative and exceptionally talented, bringing dynamism, determination and dedication which I am sure will contribute to the ongoing success of Bransford Webb’s as a leading light in the horticultural world of ornamentals." 

The full board of directors now consists of Will Tooby - Chairman, Ed Webb - Director, Adrian Marskell – Managing Director, Christine Burton – Production Director, Richard Colbourne – Financial Director, David Chilvers – Sales and Marketing Director and Karl O’Neill – Technical Production Director.   

Zest is celebrating the success of its in house product development, design, and marketing facility – the Zest Design.shed – on the first anniversary of its opening.  

The state of the art building was officially opened in March 2022 by The Rt Hon. Lord Barry Jones, former local MP and under-secretary of state for Wales and now life peer, Baron Jones of Deeside in the County of Clwyd, accompanied by his wife, Lady Janet Jones.

The building, which is a characterful renovation of a 1950s original, includes research and concept development facilities, the latest CAD design technology, a prototyping build area, a production studio, and a marketing zone.  Over the last year it has proved its worth in terms of producing award-winning timber garden products such as the Zest Garden Bar and 2 Stool set which took the honours at both Glee and Solex.  

Neil Sholes, Zest Head of Product Design, commented, “Not only has the Design.shed helped us to create on trend products commended by the trade and popular with consumers, having such a facility has also proved an invaluable resource in terms of the inspiration and collaboration needed to continue delivering the company’s vision for the Zest brand.

“This is a building that has been re-purposed and transformed, in a contemporary way, to provide an environment to engender creativity.  It was inspired by company’s drive and commitment to be the consumer’s first choice in wooden outdoor furniture, decorative garden structures and grow your own products, and it reflects our passion for supporting our trade customers with the very latest products in the category.  It has also helped us to continue the drive on reducing environmental impact and our progress towards the goal of net zero carbon.”

During the last year, thanks to manufacturing and logistical innovations, while the company sent out 22% more products by volume, the number of loads was reduced by 17%.  Zest alsoharvests rainwater, uses biomass heating from woodchip waste to heat its offices and warehouses and has added more solar panels to flat roofs.

For further information visit www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk.

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre, located in Three Cocks between Brecon and Hay-on-Wye, raised an impressive £1,250 for Greenfingers during their Garden Re-Leaf Fundraising Day and Quiz and Curry Night.

Retail & Event Manager, Mathew Lewis said: “We are delighted to have raised £1250 this year for Greenfingers as part of the national Garden Re-Leaf fundraising day. Each year garden centres across the UK unite to raise funds for this amazing charity which builds beautiful gardens in children’s hospices nationally.

“We would like to thank the 120 people who attended our Quiz & Curry Night and everyone who purchased a raffle ticket or charity tea and cake in our Tea Room or Railway Restaurant over the weekend. We also dusted off the ‘Wheelbarrow of Fortune’ and ‘Plant Pot Pong’ after a few years, which was great fun for all who got involved!

Woodlodge, Hozelock and other suppliers who contributed to over £500 worth of raffle prizes. Also congratulations to the quiz winners, Company B, who won by just half a point with a score of 130.5 / 138!

“We love hosting charity fundraisers, and we are already looking forward to the Bingo Night in August in aid of our Charity of the Year, Wales Air Ambulance. Amazingly this event is already halfway to being sold out, so please visit our website to book ASAP if you’d like to come along.”

For more information about the Old Railway Line Garden Centre and upcoming events please contact the Old Railway Line directly by calling 01497 847055 or visiting their website www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk.

Tong Garden Centre won the Retail Company of the Year category of the British HR Awards that celebrate organisations and individuals that are driven by delivering a world-class people experience.

"We're over the moon to have beaten such stiff competition. Our work family is at the heart of everything we do at Tong Garden Centre.We are passionate about our workplace culture and providing a great place to work and continually strive to be the best employer in the UK.

Our People and Culture team of six work hard to create an environment where everyone can reach their potential, so we're delighted that this dedication has been recognised with a national award" said Tong Garden Centre's Head of People and Culture, Neil Barwise-Carr.

Organised by next-generation employee insight platform, New Possible, the British HR Awards aim to discover and celebrate the individuals, teams and suppliers who believe in the transformational role a high-performing HR function can play in building brilliant organisations. 

Nate Harwood, founder of New Possible and British HR Awards judge said: " With over 220 entries received from organisations all across the UK, from start-up innovators to public sector heroes, tech superstars, global titans and everything in between, competition proved to be especially tough."

The stellar lineup of nine judges included representatives from Shelter, Monzo, Apple and Iceland Foods.

In an all-Yorkshire final, Tong Garden Centre faced competition from Hull-based Heron Foods. The winners were announced at a celebration event in Central London on Wednesday 22nd March.
 

Tong Garden Centre occupies a 19-acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire's biggest independent garden centres with 11,600m2 of retail space and parking for up to 700 cars. It is part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) group that also owns Tingley Garden Centre and the former Stephen H Smith's Garden Centres in Otley and Harden, Bingley.

Plastics resource efficiency and recycling charity, RECOUP launches its Plastics Recycling Annual Awards 2023 to recognise and celebrate excellence in plastics resource efficiency and recycling, to champion leading a more circular plastics value chain.

Following the success of its inaugural awards last year, RECOUP has decided to make its  awards  bigger and better, by extending the award categories and holding the awards ceremony as part of its pre-conference networking dinner on Wednesday 27 September. 

Rebecca Davis, Membership & Events Manager, at RECOUP comments: “ We are excited to be able to launch a new equipment and technology focussed award category this year, alongside the previous categories which showcase and reward developments and innovations that are raising awareness of not only plastics recyclability but also reuse potential”. 

The awards are FREE to enter and RECOUP invites entries from anyone involved in the plastics resources and recycling value chain who want to be recognised for their work and initiatives under the following award categories: 

• Best Development or Innovation to Enhance Plastic Products for Recyclability or Re-Use
• Recycled Plastic Product of the Year
• Best Innovation in Equipment or Technology to Improve the Collection, Sorting, Reprocessing or Re-use of Plastics 

Tom Heap of ‘Costing the Earth’ and BBC’s ‘Countryfile’ will be joining RECOUP Chairman, Jim Armstrong to announce the winners and celebrate at the RECOUP Awards and Pre-Conference Networking Dinner on Wednesday 27 September.

The closing date for award entries is 14 July 2023 and entries are accepted via the RECOUP website www.recoup.org/recoupawards23

Award sponsorship packages are still available, please contact enquiry@recoup.org for more information. 

The RECOUP Annual Conference takes place on Thursday 28 September and RECOUP Awards and Pre-Conference Networking Dinner on the 27 September 2023. For more information, please contact enquiry@recoup.org  or to book conference tickets  please visit www.recoup.org

The Royal Horticultural Society has announced its endorsement of three fencing products designed and manufactured by Jacksons Fencing, a family-owned British company that has been crafting premium fencing, gates, and garden accessories for over 75 years.

The endorsed products include two premium fence panels and a hedgehog-friendly gravel board. The Aran and Shadowline endorsed fence panels, like all Jacksons fencing, are handcrafted. Each feature very distinct designs to suit different situations and appeal to a variety of audiences.

Aran is a semi-solid panel with a traditional design. It is suited to rural or wind-prone areas, as the panel is deliberately designed to let light and air through.

In contrast, Shadowline offers a contemporary design involving a dynamic shadow which is cast in the gaps between each board. Its solid design makes it ideal for garden owners who favour privacy – especially in busy, urban areas.

Complementing these two items is Jacksons’ hedgehog-friendly gravel board, which was created to combat the decline of Britain’s hedgehog population. Hedgehogs depend on being able to move between gardens in search of food and mates for their survival. A gravel board that allows hedgehogs free and safe passage between gardens is a small change – but it is one that can have a positive impact on these much-loved animals.

Both the panels and the gravel board are made from Jacksons’ premium Jakcure® treated timber, which is guaranteed for 25 years against rot and insect attack.

The RHS collection launched at the end of March. It is available online at jacksons-fencing.co.uk and through the company’s three Jakstore locations in Bath, Chester, and Kent.

The RHS endorsement will be highlighted online and in Jacksons’ literature. All three products are aimed at owners who want to invest in quality fencing that is designed to last and look good for years to come. 

Originally started by Ian Jackson and his father back in 1947, Jacksons Fencing is still a family-run business today. It has become the leading supplier of fencing-related products across the UK and is a market-leading authority on all things related to fencing and gates for residential and commercial settings.

Peter Jackson, Managing Director, says: “At Jacksons Fencing we continually strive to develop products that improve our landscapes and gardens, but also have the lowest impact on the environment as possible. It’s a sentiment that the RHS shares with us, so we are naturally delighted to have the endorsement of Britain’s favourite gardening charity for these premium products.”

Cathy Snow, RHS Licensing Manager, added: “Jacksons is a company synonymous with UK manufacturing with an enviable reputation for quality – which the Aran, Shadowline and hedgehog-friendly gravel board clearly demonstrate. All three products are beautifully handcrafted, durable and are readily available at accessible price points regardless of garden size. Jacksons Fencing is the perfect partner for the RHS and we are delighted to be endorsing these products.”

Renowned for its premium landscaping products and competitive pricing, Hallstone, part of the Rolawn group, is taking steps to more effectively support landscaping professionals with its newly-launched trade-only offering. 

After acquiring Hallstone in 2010 with the aim of providing the UK market with sustainable, fit-for-purpose landscaping products, Rolawn has this month announced the relaunch of the brand in a move that will shift focus to see Hallstone become a supplier dedicated to trade, with its products now only available through stockists. 

Having intentionally chosen to enhance its trade offering at a time when many in the industry are facing challenges, from supply chain issues to rising costs, Hallstone is confident it can help support its customers. By sourcing, rigorously testing and screening, Hallstone is able to offer consistent, high-quality landscaping supplies, including topsoil, bark, compost, and turf, to those in the industry with the intention of delivering a reliable, competitively priced service that landscapers and gardening professionals can confidently depend on. 

Ken Brewster, Marketing Director for the Rolawn group commented: “Relaunching Hallstone is an important step for us in ensuring that we are moving in the right direction for our loyal trade customer-base. As with any development at Rolawn, we have looked at the future of the market and believe that this is the best way that we can provide support in the current climate and for the foreseeable future."

As part of the relaunch, substantial investment has been made to Hallstone's brand development, including a new logo and website, which have been designed to create a more ‘trade-friendly’ appeal. In addition, a complete overhaul of the website, social media and marketing plan have been undertaken to help ensure its products remain front of mind and to increase the likelihood of sales and profitability for all Hallstone’s business customers.

Hallstone will not sell directly online, instead the non-transactional website will drive customers to trade stockists. This decision has been taken to help build stockists’ confidence in the brand and so trade customers receive the best prices possible when purchasing Hallstone landscaping products.

"We’re looking forward to demonstrating the benefits of Hallstone to stockists and merchants, from the cost and reliability to broader issues that could positively impact their businesses, including our ethical sourcing and manufacturing processes.” 

Ken Brewster added: “We understand that for many in the industry a good reputation is important for growth and we see our products playing a role in the satisfaction of our customers and that of our customer's customers.”

The new Hallstone website is now live at https://www.hallstone.co.uk

The new lifestyle garden collection from British company, Ivyline, is in stock and ready to fly out to garden centres, home and outdoor living stores around the country, as gardeners lie in wait for temperate weather with a packet of hard-won seeds!

The reception to this beautifully styled range has been incredibly positive, as gardening and growing become ever-more popular and quality lifestyle products win the battle against throwaway plastics and unsightly equipment in the great outdoors.

Included in the collection are lovingly designed plant supports, hanging baskets and elegant trellis’, which position gardening as an aspirational lifestyle choice that isn’t all about muddy boots and buckets, broadening its appeal amongst affluent consumers and other houseproud shoppers. The design-led look and feel of the collection also makes it ideal for gifting, offering wonderful solutions for any occasion and both male or female recipients.

Since its official launch to the retail trade in Autumn 2022, both large garden centre groups and independents have fallen in love with this collection, which is supported with bespoke point of sale materials. The stylish in-store units help garden centres to capitalise on the booming consumer interest in grow-your-own, which recently made national press because of a shortage of certain vegetables.

Great Displays

The attractive pallet displays are available as either single or double-sided units, which draw the eye across the shop floor and will both inspire and inform customers seeking to dip their toe into growing or upgrade their existing garden accessories.

The slatted timber offers a calm and neutral platform, which beautiful lifestyle photography sets the scene and shows customers how to style the collection to great effect in their own garden. Optional shelving, space for hanging, wall-mounted or stacked displays and a two or four pallet footprint, give retailers the flexibility to create their own customised displays, as space permits.

The displays can be ordered from Ivyline fully stocked with the complete offering for the most cost effective and profitable merchandise units. The main USPs of the products are prominently shown, highlighting to customers that this collection is:

• Premium Quality
• Handmade
• Ethically Sourced
• Frost Resistant
• Two-year warranty 

The Managing Director of Ivyline, Scott Thomas, says: “We introduced our new lifestyle gardening collection last autumn and have been delighted by the way it’s been received by retailers, including some of the leading groups in the country. They love the elegance of the designs and wonderful quality of this handmade collection, whilst the trusted ‘Ivyline benefits’ and aspirational POS have greatly helped to support the range in store. As we head into the main gardening station our warehouses are well stocked with products ready to go, but we do anticipate high demand with so many consumers keen to grow-their-own.”

The Collection

This beautifully curated collection of lifestyle garden products features plant protection and supports, hanging baskets, and trellis. Each of them is lovingly handmade with great attention to detail from either zinc or rustic-patina bronze – which can be styled to equally suit a contemporary garden space or a place with rural ‘cottagecore’ charm. All items in the collection are frost resistant and come with a two-year guarantee. Prices range from RRP £34.99 - £59.99.

Find out more

To add Ivyline’s new lifestyle driven grow-your-own range to your retail offering in 2023 please contact the team to discuss your stocking needs via sales@ivylinegb.co.uk / 024 7633 9180.

A Yorkshire garden centre group has been chosen to stock a limited edition coronation tin of biscuits featuring artwork by celebrated artist Eleanor Tomlinson.

Stocks of the celebration biscuits that Brighouse-based Lottie Shaws have made are now available at Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley Garden Centres. They feature a selection of biscuits, a decorative sleeve and a commemorative print of the ‘Coronation Capers' illustration designed to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III on 6th May.

"We're very excited to have secured stocks of these special biscuits for our customers. Eleanor's exquisite artwork is ‘inspired by Yorkshire', Lottie Shaws is based in Yorkshire and has been stocked in sister centre Tong Garden Centre since it opened in 2015, and Hearty's is full of fabulous Yorkshire produce, so there's a great fit!" said Jo Dales, Head of Marketing at Yorkshire Garden Centres.

The tin features a selection of individually wrapped biscuits, including Millionaire's Shortbread, Yorkshire Parkin Ginger Biscuits and Traditional Oat Flapjack.

Yorkshire-born and globally known artist and illustrator Tomlinson rose to fame when her ‘Jubilee Ma'amalade Tea' illustration,which celebrated HM Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, went viral.

Tong and Tingley Garden Centres are part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres family with Otley and Bingley Garden Centres.

In this issue:

• Hillier grows – Interview with Chris Francis,
• GCA Conference 2023 – Big, bold, sustainable and £100k raised for Greenfingers,
• GCA Winners – All the winners from the GCA Conference,
• PATS Sandown Show preview,
• BeefEater – LOFA Member profile,
• Beautiful stonework from The Patio Black Spot Company,
• GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards Presentations at Spring Fair,
• Pictures from all The Greatest Christmas Award winning centres: Barton Grange, Rosebourne, The Old Railway Line, Pughs, Gates, Longacres, Gouldings, Alton, Groves, Meadowcroft, Brimsmore and Poundbury, British Garden Centres, Pengelly, Blue Diamond, Klondyke, Gordale, Silverbirch, Woodlands, Little Dobbies, Azure, Stratford    , Chessington, Chacewater, Coolings, Sapcote, Wentworth, Perrywood, Garsons Titchfield, Keydell, The Grange, Tingley, St Peters, Garden King, Fron Goch, Ellerker Lodge, Chepstow, Birkacre, Bennybeg,
• Thank you to the judges and sponsors of The Greatest Christmas Awards 2022,
• Encouraging signs for Spring – HTA Column,
• Cash is king – GIMA Column.

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

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The HTA hosted a town hall meeting with more than 100 sector professionals to discuss last week's decision by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) regarding the ban on peat.

The attendees, who represent various segments of the horticultural industry, including garden retailers, growers, manufacturers and suppliers, landscapers, and service providers, voiced their concerns about the need for clarity and certainty about the next steps in terms of timing, exemptions and legislation. Although horticultural businesses are at different stages of the journey to transition away from peat use, the significant confusion caused by the lack of a formal Defra announcement was a clear theme of the discussion. Without clarity around exemptions, combined with bringing the ban on growers forward from previous UK government plans for 2030 to 2026, business operations are being put at risk.

HTA members are calling for the government to take a holistic approach that considers responsible sourcing of alternatives and water use, among other factors. They also raised concerns about the availability of quality peat-free alternatives in the UK, which could lead to increased imports and put the UK horticultural industry at a disadvantage, undermining the government's 25-year environment plan.

Other chief concerns which were queried included a potential ban on imported plant materials grown in peat in Europe – this would substantially reduce the supply of plants and trees to garden centres in the UK. As a nation, the UK cannot meet internally grown market demands without the support of imports. Additionally, for young plants grown in peat and supplied to over-winter in 2026 – it is unclear if these products will be illegal to sell in the 2027 season.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of HTA, welcomed the feedback from members and promised to relay their comments and questions to the government. She emphasised the importance of a workable transition away from peat to ensure the sustainability of the industry and avoid placing further undue economic and trading pressures on businesses. Although the use of peat has already decreased significantly, the HTA members stressed the need to ensure there is a sufficient quantity and quality of sustainable peat-free alternatives available to growers by 2026.

In addition to the annual trade fair in Cologne, spoga+gafa also provides an all-year-round, digital offer: The innovative B2B matchmaking platform, spoga+gafa 365.

Alongside extensive networking options, the platform also enables different product placement, supplier and new customer scouting offers as well as simple trade fair preparation and follow-up options. The platform that kicked off last year as a pilot project is going online on 30 March 2023 with a new alignment and a new design. Access is possible with a free Koelnmesse customer account.

International, diverse, relevant
spoga+gafa has been impressively demonstrating its standing as the world's largest lifestyle trade fair for the garden for over 60 years. This is where garden enthusiasts, decision-makers and top players from the green industry engage in an exchange about new ideas, innovations and new products. 
"The digital platform will bring the supply and demand, challenges and solutions together all-year-round in future. We are thus expanding the reach and increasing the benefit for the industry by creating a platform that provides added value 365 days a year for both the buyers and the suppliers," commented Stefan Lohrberg, Director of spoga+gafa. All of the players of the green industry are invited to become part of spoga+gafa 365. 15,000 active users have already registered.

spoga+gafa 365 provides cross-target group benefit
The matchmaking platform offers the industry participants the benefit of all-year-round, efficient product, supplier and new customer scouting using AI-supported recommendations. In this way, not only relevant contacts are suggested that can be addressed via digital communication tools, searching for product and industry trends is also simplified.
"spoga+gafa 365 gives buyers and suppliers a fast overview of relevant new products, trends, newcomers and competitors and they can expand their own network in a targeted manner in connection with the annual industry get-together at the trade fair here in Cologne," added Lohrberg. Because the platform can also be utilised for the preparation and follow-up of the trade fair. The digital format features a digital product and exhibitor search as well as a personal trade fair calendar, which supports more efficient appointment scheduling with integrated lead tracking.

Curated B2Buyer events round off the overall offer
Curated B2Buyer events on product segments such as Grills and BBQs, Outdoor Furniture or Decoration and Garden Tools are staged several times a year. In the scope of these digital, focused events, spoga+gafa 365 brings selected buyers together with audited suppliers. Stefan Lohrberg added, "Furthermore, they can also inform themselves in advance about new products by studying product videos and the Showrooms. Suppliers on the other hand can directly address the buyers thanks to detailed search filters and ensure the attractive presentation of their products in virtual showrooms."
The participants are brought together via a matchmaking algorithm that is based on previously stated preferences. For instance, the Business-Speed-Dating brings matching business partners together so they can engage in an exchange about products and orders.

spoga+gafa 365 is thus the first industry-specific digital platform of the garden lifestyle industry.

Registering on the digital matchmaking platform, spoga+gafa 365, is free of charge and one can log in at spogagafa.com via one's personal Koelnmesse customer account.

Koelnmesse – industry trade fairs for the interior, outdoor and design sector: Koelnmesse is the world’s top trade fair organiser in the fields of interiors, furnishings, design, home living, garden lifestyle and modern work environments. At the trade fair grounds in Cologne/Germany, the leading international trade fairs imm cologne, LivingKitchen®, spoga+gafa and ORGATEC showcase the latest trends, products and innovations, serving as international, central gatherings for the global industry. In addition to the events at its Cologne headquarters, Koelnmesse is strategically expanding its portfolio internationally: The inaugural ORGATEC TOKYO will be hosted in 2022. It will be the first trade fair in Japan to focus on professional and hybrid work environments. As the satellite event for imm cologne and ORGATEC, idd shanghai provides European companies in the premium and luxury segment of the interior design industry with a unique platform for showcasing exclusive, design-driven products. 

Further information: https://www.spogagafa.com/trade-fair/spoga-gafa/industry-trade-fairs/

Brambles Pet and Wildlife are advising retailers to stock up on Brambles Hedgehog Food ahead of the forthcoming Hedgehog Awareness Week (HAW), which takes place on 30 April-6 May.

David Tracey, sales manager, commented: "We’re getting ready for a bumper week of activity on Social Media during HAW where we’ll be giving away over £1000 worth of wildlife food and associated products for Wildlife Rescues in our popular giveaways. There’s always a huge increase in demand for our food during this period so we recommend retailers ordering much more of our hedgehog food than normal in time for HAW."

For more information visit www.bramblespaw.co.uk

The HTA hosted a CITES – the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species - webinar jointly with Defra, key UK government agencies and bodies.

Initiated by the HTA following increased reports of compliance challenges, the webinar had over 100 participants. The session aimed to inform those involved in the movement across the UK border of trees, plants and bulbs covered by CITES controls. Participants heard about the rules, how to be compliant and future developments in policy and system processes.

HTA has also set out to the UK CITES-responsible bodies some of the challenges experienced by the sector and ambitions to see a number of improvements to user experience. This includes an increased speed in processing import permit applications for live plants and full digitalisation of the CITES application permit process. Attendees also expressed concerns over the handling and destruction of seized plants.

Sally Cullimore, HTA Technical Policy Manager, said, “We welcome the support for today’s meeting. The level of attendance showed the importance and need for communication, information and understanding of how CITES rules work. HTA’s priorities are to support members with their knowledge and compliance with CITES rules and highlight to decision-makers the impact on trade that the current unsuitable arrangements are having.

“We look forward to working with the authorities to improve the system and its application for UK horticulture and to ensure no trade is lost and consumer choice maintained.”

Preparations for the second autumn edition of PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt are already underway and the registration of exhibitors has opened.

The fair – the largest garden plant event for professional gardeners from all over Europe - will take place on 23 and 24 August, offering its visitors a complete overview of the latest range of garden plants, including all innovations and novelties. 

PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt, which will coincide with GROEN-Direkt’s Autumn Fair, will take place in and around GROEN-Direkt’s hall at the International Trade Centre in Hazerswoude/Boskoop (the Netherlands). This year an extra participation concept has been introduced in order to appeal to an even wider group of growers and be able to present an even fuller range of outdoor plants. This concept – Budget - comprises stands with a depth of 2 metres of the simplest design. So exhibitors are now offered a choice of four participation concepts:

1. Budget: a fixed stand depth of 2 metres exclusively intended for the presentation of plants, exclusively on CC trolleys
2. Basic: a fixed stand depth of 3 metres exclusively intended for the presentation of plants, exclusively on CC trolleys
3. Comfort: a stand of a basic standard design that may also be used for the presentation of non-live products
4. Premium: a stand of your own design in which to express your own identity.

An extensive survey of dimensions and associated services is available for all the above concepts. The stands’ locations will be allocated by the fair’s organisers.

Registration

Interested exhibitors can easily register for participation in the fair at plantariumgroendirekt.nl/exposanten. Early registration offers you the following benefits:

• a guaranteed place (the total number of available square metres is limited)
• a discount on the square metre prices of concepts 2 - 4 (for registration by 29 May at the latest)
• any specific stand requirements can be met as well as possible
• you’ll benefit most from all the PR and other communication activities organised in relation to the fair. 

Fair manager Marjolein Wieckardt is enthusiastic about the participation options. “These four concepts enable us to offer all interested exhibitors a place to suit their requirements. This will make the range of garden plants on show fuller than ever, which is great. We expect that there will be a lot of interest in participation, especially with the attractive early registration discount for those who register by 29 May 2023. So don’t waste time: fill in the registration form now to be assured of your place at the fair,” says Marjolein. 

About PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt

Along with GROEN-Direkt’s Autumn and Spring Fairs, PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt, the Green Retail Fair,is the number-one opportunity for anyone active in the green sector and their suppliers to meet one another. The next edition will take place on 23 and 24 August 2023, coinciding with GROEN-Direkt’s Autumn Fair. The fair will be held in and around the GROEN-Direkt hall at the International Trade Centre in Hazerswoude/Boskoop, the Netherlands. The fair will be open from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., except on Thursday 24 August, when it will close at 4 p.m.

Garden Re-Leaf Day 2023, on Friday 24th March was a huge success with hundreds of people from across the industry and across the country taking part to gain publicity for the start of the gardening season and to FUNdraise for the Greenfingers Charity.  Over £50,000 has been raised so far with the total growing hour by hour.

Greenfingers Charity Fundraising Director, Linda Petrons, told GTN Xtra: "What an incredible Garden Re-Leaf Day 2023 has been and what a roller coaster of emotions so many of us have been on over the last few days!  Seeing 100 walkers, 4 runners and 15 cyclists set off from Tring Garden Centre, to hearing how our incredible volunteer Ambassadors, Jane Lawler, William Armitage, Jenny Douthwaite and Martin Cowell, saw 28 walkers set off from a brand-new walk-in Holmfirth has been simply amazing. We really can’t thank Jane enough for putting this brand-new Garden Re-Leaf Day event on the calendar!

"Over 100 garden centres and suppliers across the UK have held a fabulous range of events; there have been quiz nights, donations from every planter and cuppa sold, raffles, tombolas, bikeathons, head shaves and teams going Green for Greeenfingers.  There have been virtual plant sales, delicious cake sales in offices, car washes and so much more besides. 

"Thank you so much to every single person and every business who has gone the extra s-mile to get involved this year.  Your support has been humbling, fantastic and so very much appreciated.  The money you have raised will for sure see the next Greenfingers garden become a reality! Thank you from us all at Greenfingers Charity."

Boyd Douglas-Davies, the founder of Garden Re-Leaf Day, who set the walkers off at the first ever Northern sponsored walk for Garden Re-Leaf Day and then drove to Tring to see the walkers home at the southern event said: "I'm so grateful to the whole industry for taking my little idea and making it in to a massive event. I never thought, back in 2011, when I launched the idea at GIMA awards that it would have grown so well. 

"Talks, nursery tours, schools planting, gardens being refurbished, crowds walking, riding and running, choirs singing, curry & quiz nights,  raffles, bake offs.... the list goes on and on!!!

"Amazing!!!!"

See the stories below for photos from the southern and northern events and watch this space for details of other FUNdraising events that took place on Garden Re-Leaf Day 2023.

Thanks to the efforts of Greenfingers Ambassador Jane Lawler, William Armitage and Jenny Douthwaite, the first ever Garden Re-Leaf Day Sponsored Walk in the north of England took place on Friday 24th March 2023.  

Starting from the Pickled Pheasant pub near Holmfirth, South Yorkshire, 28 walkers set off for a 13 mile trek around beautiful "Last of the Summer Wine" country.  The scenery was stunning and the hills were proper hills!

See the gallery of photos taken by Steve Burden and GTN's Trevor Pfeiffer below.

100 walkers, 20 cyclists and a flashmob from the Rock Choir meant this year's Garden Re-Leaf Day event in the south of England was the biggest yet, raising even more money for Greenfingers.

Starting and ending at BGC's Tring Garden Centre the walk took in the Buckingham country side and canal towpaths.

See photos from the day by Paul Webb and GTN's Alan Burdon below:

According to the March Market Update report from the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), garden centre sales received an early boost in February 2023, showing the value consumers place on their gardens despite challenging financial times.

The report shows that sales of seeds and plant care products were up 28% and garden tools up 23% compared to February 2022. Catering also saw a significant increase of 21%, offering consumers a small treat amidst the tough economic climate.

Dry conditions in February may have helped encourage consumers to think about their gardens earlier than normal. However, this comes with caution and questions, not least over the need for horticulture businesses – from retail to grower – needing to be prepared for more frequent drought conditions.

February 2023 was the driest in 30 years, leading to lower reservoir levels and concerns for longer-term drought prospects over the summer. Without grants to support reservoir improvements and water-saving innovations, the changing climate remains a critical concern for environmental horticulture.

Fran Barnes, HTA CEO, said, "As we enter into Spring, we're delighted to see a growing interest in garden centre retail, not only in increased spending on gifts and café visits but also in core gardening supplies. It's heartening to see that people recognise the many benefits of gardening, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, which prompted many to take up this hobby, love their gardens and appreciate the benefits of environmental horticulture.

However, we remain mindful of the pressures on wage bills, looming utility price hikes, and longer-term concerns about drought. We were disappointed that the Spring Budget did not address the pressing issue of water scarcity, which poses a significant threat to the industry. It's important that the government takes immediate action to raise awareness among both businesses and consumers about the importance of conserving water and building drought resilience. We urge policymakers to support measures that encourage water use reduction and ensure the gardening industry's long-term viability."

The full report is available to HTA members.

With e-commerce providing a quick and easy shopping experience for consumers, it is important for retailers to maximise the customer experience in store. Hartman wanted to support customers in this journey and as a result have created some in-store spatial branding that defines the centres garden furniture offering without compromising on shop floor space.

Hartman Marketing Manager, Michelle Bradford, said: “The new in-store branding solution enables garden centres to add definition to their seasonal department, capture the consumers attention and effectively present the Hartman brand. It enables customers to create flexible spaces that work with their floor plan, without compromising on space. We launched the concept at SOLEX 2022, defining areas of our stand using the branded banners, and it is fantastic to see the concept being rolled-out into store.”

Belinda Brett, of Buckhatch Nursery and Garden Centre, comments: “Here at Buckhatch Nursery & Garden Centre we have been partnering with Hartman for 4 years now and look forward to many more years of trading and increased business.

"When considering what stockists to put into the new sales area I carefully considered what I thought was the right fit for our centre. Knowing that Hartman was a long established brand within the garden centre industry gave me faith in becoming a stockist. 

"My experience has been extremely positive from all aspects, the area sales representative, customer support when needed, staff training annually as required, POS graphics & cafe barriers making the area defined yet stylish.

"Whilst the past few years haven’t been the easiest to manage with stock supply and customer demand they have made that journey somewhat easier.”

Hartman unites comfort, design and quality into all the garden furniture it creates. Click here to become a stockist of Hartman garden furniture.

With Easter approaching, which is considered to be the start of the season for hard landscaping, Meadow View Stones stock inventory across their multiple production sites is at its peak, ready and able to react quickly to the anticipated increases in demand. 

Sarah Hill, MD, states: “Whilst high stock levels ensure our team can adequately react to demand, transport is always a consideration with the rush to secure vehicles an industry wide problem due to the majority of suppliers reliant on third party haulage.  For this reason, we are advising our customers to place orders as soon as possible to ensure orders can be grouped and deliveries can be achieved ready for Easter trading."

Meadow View Stones in house merchandising and sales agent team can provide set-up assistance, with both teams offering decades of product and industry expertise to ensure continued sales growth via range planning and creative merchandising.  

With over 200 garden centres already merchandised, the teams are on hand to continue the transition with new or existing accounts ready for the peak of the season. 

The whole team at Meadow View would like to wish all customers and fellow suppliers a Happy and prosperous Easter.

If you would like further sales assistance or help getting your area set up, please contact a member of the sales team or email info@meadowviewstone.co.uk. 

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.

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.