Caulders has made the first garden centre purchase of the New Year, buying Cupar Garden Centre, Fife, the group’s fifth outlet and its first in the east of Scotland.

Founded by husband-and-wife team Colin and Mandy Barrie, who opened their first centre  – then a small plant centre – in Mugdock Country Park at Milngavie in 1999, the group have three other centres in the Glasgow area, at Kirkintilloch, Newton Mearns (Braidbar) and Erskine.

Still a family-owned independent business, the four centres now employ around 140 staff.

Kirkintilloch was opened in 2002, followed by the purpose-built Braidbar centre in 2009 and Erskine in 2014.

Cupar Garden Centre is situated near the Eden Valley Business Park on the A91.

A Leicestershire boy’s Christmas will continue long into the New Year thanks to gardening lifestyle brand Briers...

Ten-year-old Aidan Parmar had entered a glove design competition during the summer of 2016. Sadly, the organisers were unable to fulfil the prize, leaving one very sad and disappointed boy. Hearing of Aidan’s plight via a heartfelt plea by Aidan’s father on LinkedIn, Briers stepped up to help this talented youngster to realise his design dreams.

In late December Aidan, along with his extended family, were invited to join the Briers team at its headquarters in Wincanton. The adventure started with an overnight stay in Bath before arriving onsite the next day to a hero’s welcome – which included a personalised parking space, featuring characters from his favourite movies and cartoons and a goodie bag of pens, crayons, and pencils. There was also and a glove template to begin working on.

Aidan was joined by Briers’ in-house designer, Lewis Simper, who helped to finesse the overall design, also working with Aidan to create some collaborative ideas. Inspired by nature and his surroundings, Aidan’s final design will be featured on a special range of children’s gloves that will help to raise funds for children’s hospice garden charity Greenfingers.

Lewis said he had no trouble getting his young protégé started. “Aidan is a surprisingly talented young designer - he quickly sketched out a fantastic gnome scene in double quick time!,” he said. “The whole Briers team could not have been more impressed by his creative skills.”

Jackie Eades, founder and MD at Briers, added: “I am so pleased that we have been able to help Aidan see his design become a reality despite his earlier disappointment. Supporting young designers is something we feel passionately about, and I have no doubt Aidan could have a bright future ahead of him – we’ll certainly be keeping an eye on him! His passion for design and endless enthusiasm has been an absolute joy to witness, and I am over the moon to say that his gloves will be on the retailers’ shelves as early as April 2017.”

Nilesh Parmar, Aidan’s father, added: “At first I was a bit worried we would not find a solution to help my son after his prize did not come through. So when I saw Aidan sit down with the team from Briers, I felt proud but also relieved that we could finally come to a happy conclusion!”

Pictured: Aidan with the Briers team, showing his designs.

Hillier Garden Centre and Nurseries stages its wholesaler trade days on 7 and 8 February.

The programme each day includes a welcome from Robert Hillier OBE, tours of the various nurseries and a talk from special guest, Sarah Eberle, who is designing the Hillier garden for the 2017 Chelsea Flower Show.

In 2016 Sarah Eberle became the most decorated designer in the history of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show when she received a gold medal with the ‘Hillier in Spring’ garden.

The wholesaler days event will start at 9am with a tour of the Brentry Nursery glasshouse, followed by a tour of the Woodland's Specimen Nursery and a presentation from the head of research and development.

Before lunch guests will be taken to the Sir Harold Hillier Arborteum for talks from guest speakers, including Sarah, who will talk about her experiences as a Chelsea Flower Shower designer. After lunch guests will be able to explore the nursery and view plant trends for the year ahead.

Chris Francis, Hillier’s wholesale and retail director, said: "Our open days are always a great chance for us to meet with customers and for them to explore the nurseries. We are delighted to be joined by Sarah this year as one of our guest speakers and look forward to hearing her speak about her Chelsea experiences. She might even reveal details about the 2017 design!"

The open days are invitation only, but if you would like to attend, you can contact the sales team on 01794 368733 or click here to email them 

RHS Director General Sue Biggs was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year’s Honours 2017, for services to the environment and horticulture.

Sue has been the society’s DG since 2010, having previously headed up travel company Kuoni for 25 years.

Biggs has transformed the 212-year-old gardening charity, increasing the reach of its community gardening campaigns to enrich lives and make the UK more beautiful, growing its membership to 467,000, inspiring more people to garden, and embarking on a £160 million investment programme into the future of horticulture.

This investment, designed to create a more sustainable and better society, includes the creation of a major RHS fifth garden in Salford, urban gardens in cities, more research into pests and diseases and direct support for community gardening.

Biggs chairs the Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group, a cross-industry action group that works collaboratively to raise the profile of horticulture to Government and meets regularly with Defra Ministers.

Biggs said she was “extremely proud” to receive a CBE. “I see this also as recognition of the impact that gardening and horticulture can have to make the UK a happier, healthier and better place to live. I feel very fortunate to work in an organisation with such remarkable people promoting something I feel so passionate about, and this award belongs as much to them as me.”

With a shot of Soul, a dash of Funk, a large measure of Motown all topped with a splash of Pop Func on the Rocks will rock us through the night after the presentations of GTN's 8th Greatest Christmas Awards.

On Sunday evening the 8^th annual Greatest Christmas Awards will be presented at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate.

This year over 120 garden centres were nominated in GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2016 which means our expert judges made visits to nearly 300 teams and travelled the length and breadth of the country.  From Inverness to Plymouth, from Belfast to Norfolk, the results are now only days away.

As one of our judges said:  “I am amazed by the excellence of Christmas in Garden Centres and the dedication from the teams who design, construct and maintain the displays over such a long period. Our Industry should be proud of itself!”

The standard of teamwork has been so high across the board this year and as a result on Sunday night we will be presenting Gold, Silver, Bronze or Regional Awards to over 40 different garden centres. New for this year a sack full of Santa Special Team Awards will be presented in recognition of the great Christmas retailing efforts and events that have contributed to a record breaking Christmas trading period for UK garden centres.  Here is the full list of the finalists across all our Greatest Christmas Team categories:

The Greatest Awards were conceived by the teams at Garden Trade News and Garden Radio as a way of rewarding and celebrating excellence of the teamwork in UK garden centres.  Teamwork that sets garden centres apart from other retailers and provides truly great customer experiences day after day.

It is at Christmas when that teamwork comes through in even more abundance with staff working cross departments to deliver magical experiences for young and old and peaks of trading for garden centre businesses.

You can join us at The Greatest Christmas Party on Sunday night by using this link to book tickets

Housewares, DIY and garden products supplier Creative Products has raised more than £10,200 for the Pink Ribbon Foundation charity through sales of its pink dusters.

The company donated 5% of sales revenue and has renewed its commitment to support the organisation in 2017.

The Pink Ribbon Foundation makes grants to UK charities working in the field of breast cancer.

Picture shows Creative Products’ MD Mark Hall presenting the cheque to chair of the trustees at the Pink Ribbon Foundation, Jonathan Prince, at Ruxley Manor Garden Centre. 

Mark said “We are so proud of all the garden centres across the country who helped support this worthy cause by stocking our pink duster range.”

Neudorff has doubled production of its Super Strength Seaweed Extract after the product beat sales targets following the trade launch last autumn.

The product, one of a number of additions to Neudorff’s weed, feed and control range, is a natural natural formulation that stimulates sprouting and root growth, helping to produce higher yields of edibles and enhancing overall plant quality.

Neudorff sales director, Jude Beharall said: “Super Strength Seaweed Extract is a fantastic addition to the range and has gone down very well with buyers, so well in fact that we have doubled production to satisfy demand.

“The natural plant health properties of seaweed have long been documented and this is a great all-round product for gardeners, both traditional and modern.”

The product comes in 1-litre bottles of concentrate, which can be diluted to make up to 100 litres of fertiliser. SRP is £9.99

For more information visit the website or call 0121 767 1821.

The Posh Shed Company has updated the designs of its popular hand-made Bird Boxes for 2017.

The new Posh Bird Box is uniquely designed with elegant edges, sculpted from high quality redwood timber with a removable cedar shingle roof for easy cleaning and is available in a choice of seven pastel colours. It is 4cm deeper than the previous version.

Richard Frost, CEO of the Posh Shed Company, said: “This delightful little Posh Bird Box is ideal for any garden, large or small, and will attract a variety of different bird species. We have tweaked the design this year, altering the shape of the frame and adding depth to the box.”

Known for its bespoke, hand-built sheds designed in all shapes, sizes and colours, the Posh Shed Company also creates garden accessories from log stores to bat boxes.

The 12^th Duke of Marlborough has planted an iconic Cedar of Lebanon tree beside the lake at Blenheim Palace to mark the 300^th anniversary of ‘Capability’ Brown.

The Oxfordshire stately home was one of ‘Capability’ Brown’s most significant landscape projects and contributed to the 2,000 acre Parkland and baroque Palace being awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1987.

Commissioned by the 4th Duke of Marlborough in 1763, he spent a total of 11 years transforming the Palace’s landscaped parkland which, although appearing quite natural, is ‘contrived to pleasing effect’.

In addition to planting thousands of trees, Brown also created the two lakes either side of the famous Vanbrugh Bridge.

The new sapling will eventually grow up to the impressive size of the original Cedar of Lebanon planted by Brown, which was featured in the film version of ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in 2007.

 “Capability Brown had a profound and lasting impact on the estate and virtually all of his visionary designs for Blenheim Palace can still be appreciated here today,” said His Grace, Duke of Marlborough.

 “I am delighted to be marking his 300^th anniversary by planting this cedar which will, hopefully, help to ensure his design genius continues to be enjoyed and appreciated by generations to come,” he added.

Believed to have been born in 1716, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown was the most sought-after landscape designer of the 18th century.

He was at the forefront of a new style of ‘naturalistic’ landscape gardening which replaced formalised, geometric garden layouts with more flowing and open parkland.

Brown reputedly earned his nickname by reassuring his aristocratic clients their estates had the ‘capability’ for improvement.

The Cedar of Lebanon tree can reach up to 40 metres in height, with a trunk up to 2.5 metres in diameter.

As its name suggests the tree originates in Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, northwest Jordan, western Syria, and south central Turkey.

Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1722, and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It is set in more than 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped Parkland.

Stihl aims to start selling cordless gardening products through garden centres and other non-specialist retailers later this year.

Stihl tools are currently available only though the company’s approved dealer network.

In a letter to approved dealersa, Stihl UK’s MD Robin Lennie said the change was needed to remain competitive in an expanding cordless tools market.

"STIHL and VIKING approved dealers will always be our primary route to market,” Lennie said, “ but as demand for cordless products accelerates it is vital that we are positioned to reach all customer groups. Next year [2017] we will begin discussions with prospective retail partners in urban locations, such as garden centres and hardware stores.”

Retailers will be hand-picked to ensure they can match Stihl’s customer service requirements and will be allowed to offer only a limited product range of electric and battery powered products and related accessories tailored for domestic use.

“They will be required to offer PDI and product handover and most importantly, their contract will prevent them from selling petrol-powered tools, “ Lennie continued. “Indeed we expect that some of our existing Approved Dealers will wish to open additional outlets which are focussed on cordless and electric tools and we look forward to planning these developments in the future."

The letter says no official dates are planned.

• Garden Products - down 16%
• Growing Media - down 8%
• Christmas Products - down 17%
• All Items Index - down 12%

karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Despatch Packhouse Manager (ref:DS8885)

Location: Herefordshire
Salary: £25,000 - £35,000
Date: 07 Dec 
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent

Our client strives at all times to supply, exceptional quality plants. Provide outstanding customer service, whilst maintaining a sustainable, ethical business model with a well-trained, motivated and developed team working within the 'culture' of their family business, one of; efficient and focused work ethic, respect, professionalism and friendliness where their people all feel valued, challenged and fulfilled in their work. They are currently seeing a Packhouse Manager for their Despatch Department.

The Job

To take the lead and manage the pack house planning, organising and implementation of pack house operations across two sites.
To ensure the delivery of departmental performance targets and business strategy by leading, managing, training and mentoring that team so that they continually work to a continuous improvement cycle delivering outstanding quality and customer service whilst working in an efficient and effective way, following business policies and SOP.
Required to deputise for the immediate line manager (this would include shift patterns), or during high workload times of year.
To provide support in specific key areas of the business as directed by the line manager / supervisor.
To be responsible and accountable for key business goals and targets that may be assigned from time to time as and when required by the business. 
To continually look at and suggest how the business can increase its effectiveness, efficiency, quality and customer service in the areas of the business being presently worked in at the time.

The Person

Must be an effective, accurate and honest communicator up and down, both within and across departments.
Must have experience of leading, motivating and developing teams preferably at management or supervisory level.
Must be well organised with excellent attention to detail and the ability to prioritise work.
Must have a flexible approach to work and able to demonstrate problem solving skills.
Must be proficient in the use of IT systems, including Microsoft Excel.
Must have an understanding of process improvement and LEAN systems.
Must have a working knowledge of Quality systems.
Must be a great team player and be able to motivate, mentor, train, support and develop their teams. 
Should be at ease on the shop floor.
Ideally have experience of working with the horticultural industry.
Ideally have some experience of change management.

The position may involve early morning, late night and weekend working on a rota basis during the season and may involve the use of an annualised hours contract.

Trading Manager Horticultural Mailorder E-Commerce Retailer (ref:DS8881)

Location: Surrey
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000
Date: 19 Dec 
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent

Our client is a leading Horticultural Charity and as part of the Marketing and Fundraising strategy they operate a trading arm that sells cards, gifts and gardening products via an online shop, catalogues, garden shows and retail space at two gardens owned by the charity. 

This is an opportunity for an enthusiastic retailer with a 'can do' attitude to build the charity's trading arm for the future. Currently turning over c£250k they believe the trading arm has much more potential, not only to increase its turnover and thus donations to the charity but also in raising the profile of in garden retail to reach out to more people who may be missing out on their help. Following a comprehensive review of the current structure, investment is being made in a new online shop, implementing new systems and changing the operational structure of the business. Supported by a strong management team, you would be highly involved in this exciting project.

This is an exciting time to join this dynamic client. Following a review in 2016, the operation is being streamlined and the person who takes on this role will be working closely with the Head of Trading for the first few months, who is the part time consultant brought in to review the practices on a contract basis which ends in Spring 2017. The Trading Manager will implement the operational changes and be key in developing and managing every aspect of the company for the future.

For this role they are seeking someone with:
Experience of working for a major retailer, preferably within the garden centre, gardening, giftware or charity sector. 
Experience of effective customer relationship management. 
Experience at product selection and buying. 
Experience in managing sales and fulfilment of online shops and catalogues.
Experience of organising and managing staff, trade stands at exhibitions/shows. 
Ability to think strategically with a good commercial instinct and deliver recommendations.
Excellent relationship management and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Character/Personality:
Flexible with an enthusiastic and a 'can-do' attitude. 
Able to work on own initiative.
Desire to coach and develop their own team and naturally supportive of colleagues. 
Willing and able to integrate into a fresh, creative, and fast-paced department.
Passion for gardening/horticulture.

Students with a passion for plants but limited funds to invest are encouraged to apply for a David Colegrave Foundation (DCF) scholarship by 31 January.

Application forms can be found on the new DCF website; they can be submitted directly online or by email or post.

Several scholarships are available in 2017, reaching support of up to £1,500, including Student Scholarships and Sponsored Scholarships by Ball Colegrave, Floranova, the South West Growers Show and the British Protected Ornamentals Association – Peter Seabrook Bursary.

More than £46,000 worth of scholarships has been awarded in the past four years to students studying at 12 UK colleges.

The foundation, which is administered by the HTA, is a registered charity supporting the development of students studying horticulture in the UK. It champion careers in commercial, production or retail ornamental horticulture by offering scholarships to these future horticulturists. To date, over £100,000 has been awarded.

More information on scholarships on the website

Stewart Garden is returning to the Garden Press Event in 2017 in London in Februaryto promote last autumn’s Glee launches to the press.

They include the Varese low bowl (show here), the Versailles family square planter (pictured on the cover page) and the Lead Effect 32cm round planter.

Gardening journalists, writers, presenters and bloggers will be able to select products to review or feature and meet the company’s marketing director, Juan Pillay.

Juan said the event, now jointly supported by GIMA, the HTA and the Garden Media Guild and organised by Media Events, was an ideal platform to meet the industry’s leading media figures and present the new products in detail. “We also welcome the opportunity to renew contact with journalists who came to our press day at our Banbury factory last March, where we celebrated 70 years of manufacturing in Britain,” he said.

The Garden Press Event brings manufacturers and growers together with leading writers from the national and trade press, garden and home interest magazines and TV and radio garden broadcasters. It takes place at The Barbican Exhibition Centre, London, EC2Y 8DS on Thursday 16 February 2017.

• Albert Premier Chocolate Gold Coins In Net 75g was the highest new entry.
• Premier Deluxe Plush Santa Hat was the highest re-entry.

• Westland Decorative Mini Bark (50 litres) was the highest climber, jumping 18 places to No 20.
• Bord na Mona Growise Multi Purpose With John Innes (56 litres) was the highest re-entry at No 9.
• Scotts Levington Multipurpose + John Innes (56 litres) retained the top spot.

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 printed newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2014 as well as 2015 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

Access is by subscription only.  For £195.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

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

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

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

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

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