Monday 6th November is the last date to nominate the Christmas teams you feel are The Greatest in 2023.  GTN's team of expert judges will be making 100 garden centre visits to meet the nominated teams during November and early December.  As this issue of GTN Xtra goes to press there are now just 18 garden centre visits to be filled.  See the nomination and category details here.

This year you can also ask your customers to vote for your centre team as The Greatest Christmas Garden Centre team.  Click here for details.

It was a night to remember at the GIMA awards for Sipcam Home and Garden as ecofective® Organic Superfood Ideal for Peat-Free Compost took the headlines, winning two awards. This included the prestigious Sword of Excellence for best overall product.

Sipcam also picked up an award for best product in the ‘Garden Care’ category for Organic Superfood Ideal for Peat-Free Compost with the judges highlighting how the product had delivered a solution to help get great results with peat-free growing.

Since the launch of ecofective® Organic Superfood Ideal for Peat-Free Compost in 2022, Sipcam Home and Garden have been working towards accelerating the popularity of peat-free gardening by giving consumers the confidence in their peat-free gardening projects. The product’s idea was also commended at Glee 2022, where it also won an award for best product in the ‘Growing Materials’ category at the New Product Showcase awards, alongside its sister product Organic Superfood for All Plants.

A solution for Peat-Free projects

In recent years it has been a concern for gardeners that peat-free compost lessens results, however when using Organic Superfood as a partner feed this could not be further from the truth. ecofective® Organic Superfood Ideal for Peat-Free Compost (RRP £7.99) contains a complete package of nutrients to help plants flourish in peat-free compost. Plants require the basic nutrients of Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Potassium (NPK), to enable great growth. Due to the ecofective® organic NPK and many other properties, it helps promote bigger and healthier plants. 

‘The single biggest issue that we face as an industry is the move to peat-free compost and this helps to address this challenge. It's also well-presented and has great commercial opportunities’.

GIMA Judging Panel on awarding the Sword of Excellence to Sipcam Home & Garden

Happy Plants

Organic Superfood Ideal for Peat-Free Compost creates healthy and happy plants with its multi-action 6 in 1 booster. Available in powder form, gardeners can easily mix it into compost or around the planting area, resulting in up to 2 x crop yields and bigger brighter blooms! 

Once mixed in the powder feed provides improved root development of plants. One of the concerns about peat-free compost is that it may dry out quickly, however Organic Superfood is here to help by promoting improved water retention during the growing process. It also strengthens the plant to help resist disease attack due to thecombination of natural bio-stimulants, magnesium, and organic matter which provide everything the plant needs to thrive indoors and outdoors, in pots or planting out in the garden. 

Organic Superfood Ideal for Peat-Free Compost slow release of nutrients promotes long lasting support. This slow-release mechanism also supports the plant during stress conditions such as heat, drought, and over-watering. 

Happy Planet

The ecofective® mission includes creating thriving safer gardens and outdoor spaces friendly to wildlife with products that are kinder to the planet. Organic Superfood Ideal for Peat-Free Compost carries on this mission and more! Manufactured in a sustainable process it reduces the brands carbon footprint and avoids harmful gas emissions such as methane and ammonium, resulting in a much happier planet.

Happy Retailers

Using high impact branding aimed at eco-conscious consumers, each 800g recyclable pouch offers value for money by helping up to 40 plants, seedlings, and potting plants thrive no matter the soil type or conditions. With user-friendly weather-proof packaging, the product enables retailers to maximise sales by offering cross-merchandising opportunities alongside existing peat-free compost products. Full sales support is also supplied with point-of-sale options to shout loud about a product that is the best solution for peat-free growing in our industry.

If you are interested in stocking the perfect partner for peat-free compost email the Sipcam team - enquiries@sipcamhg.co.uk or for more information regarding Organic Superfood, visit our website - Organic Superfood Ideal for Peat-Free Compost- ecofective. Order now ahead of the 2024 season.

Organic Superfood is growing

New for 2024 are Organic Superfood liquid feeds. Promoting bigger, healthier, and happier plants, fruit and veg, Organic Superfood liquid feeds provide great results for gardeners with increased crop yields and bigger brighter blooms! Part of the reason behind these results is due to the ability of Organic Superfood to provide improved root development of plants and also supporting plants during stress conditions such as heat, drought and over watering. 

ecofective® Organic Superfood for All Plants is a concentrate formula that provides healthy vibrant flowers and bumper crops of fruit and vegetables to include peppers and chillies. 

ecofective® Organic Superfood for Tomatoes is also a concentrate solution that encourages the plants to take up nutrients quickly, giving results sooner, for happier, healthier, tastier tomatoes.

Up to 70% Less Plastic

The new Organic Superfood liquid range is available in an 800ml bottle and a brand new 1.2 litre pouch. The new flexible pouch, which is recyclable, also uses up to 70% less plastic and consumes less energy resources throughout its entire lifecycle, compared to that of a rigid plastic bottle. 

As well as being more sustainable, ecofective® Organic Superfood 1.2 litre pouches are supplied as a value-added launch promotion with 50% extra feed, retailing at £7.99. The 50% extra promotion and flexible pouch also features on the new ecofective Organic Seaweed, a natural growth stimulant for all plants.  The 50% extra deal is highlighted on pack so the special offer can be easily seen by shoppers in store. 

If you want to help create happy plants and a happy planet enquire today by emailing the Sipcam team - enquiries@sipcamhg.co.uk to discuss the expanding Organic Superfood range, the right choice for the planet.

Timber garden furniture, grow your own and decorative garden structure specialist, Zest won the Outdoor Leisure Category at the GIMA Awards with its popular Garden Bar and Two Stool Set, already an award winner at Glee and SOLEX 2022 proving very popular with consumers.

The Garden Bar and Two Stool Set carried off top honours, thanks to Zest’s appreciation of consumer trends towards home and garden-based entertaining and outdoor relaxation enjoying the benefits of being close to nature.  The GIMA judges commented, “In a market full of converted garden sheds or open lectern style bars, this product is like no other. It folds from a features-packed bar to a super compact footprint in seconds, securely storing the drinks and stools ready for next time.  A clever multifunctional design and a great addition to any outdoor living space.”

Zest’s fold out garden bar combines attractive drinks and snacks storage with a seating area and two bar stools, all of which can be folded away when not in use.  It is perfect for smaller as well as larger outdoor spaces.  The stools are also stackable – and available individually - meaning consumers can add further seating options if required. 

The Zest Garden Bar and Two Stool Set is made from sustainable slow grown PEFC certified (PEFC/16-37-1490) timber. The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is an international, non-governmental, non-profit organisation promoting sustainable forest management. 

Commenting on Zest’s success, managing director Steve Morgan said, “This is fantastic.  It is always so valuable to get a positive response from our industry peers to Zest’s understanding of consumer trends, and our investment in design, innovation, and sustainability.  We are continually creating new, popular, readily available timber products in line with our brand ethos – bringing our customers closer to nature.  Winning Gima Awards really supports that mission.”

For further information about Zest’s wooden GYO, decorative and furniture products, visit www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk or email sales@zestoutdoorliving.co.uk

Treadstone Products added more accolades to their name with a stellar night at the GIMA Awards which saw them get recognised seven times and across five product categories! This included winning two awards for their innovative Rope Trellis, one of which was the prestigious GIMA Sustainability Award.

Treadstone are building a reputation for creating innovative products and wherever possible launching sustainable concepts. Rope Trellis scooped another top prize, achieving Winner & Category Sustainability Champion in the Garden Landscaping category. Rope Trellis was also awarded the Category Sustainability Champion in the Growing, Planting Equipment and Sundries category. Upon awarding Treadstone with the GIMA Sustainability Award for Rope trellis the judges said:

“Sometimes the simplest of ideas are the best and this rope trellis provides consumers with a great sustainable solution for climbing plants”

Below are Treadstone’s lucky 7 awards in full:

Sustainability Award: Winner Treadstone - Rope Trellis

Garden Landscaping: Winner & Category Sustainability Champion: Treadstone - Rope Trellis

Garden Care: Finalists: Treadstone - Rope Trellis

Garden Clothing & Gifts: Finalists: Treadstone Products – ClipGlove Recycled Bottle Glove

Growing, Planting Equipment and Sundries: Category Sustainability Champion: Treadstone – Rope

Trellis / Finalists: Treadstone - Rope Trellis

Eco Friendly, User Friendly

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’.

After a solid pre-season, stock arrived in time for spring sales in UK garden centres, with the trellis quickly 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.

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 un-installed temporarily for when fencing needs painting or changing, as well as easily transported when moving home.

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.

Award-winning Innovation

With other innovative products in their brand portfolio, this isn’t the first time Treadstone have picked up awards. In fact, Treadstone have been highly commended in recent years by GIMA, Glee and also consumer titles such as Good Housekeeping, BBC Gardeners World Live and Amateur Gardening.

Treadstone’s flagship brand ClipGlove was also awarded a finalist place in the Garden Clothing & Gifts category at the GIMA awards this year for its Bottle Glove range. The multi-purpose “Bottle Glove” is made using recycled waste plastic bottles. This all-purpose garden glove is made from a staggering 95% recycled plastic bottles, with just a little added elastic for comfort. The Glove is then dipped in natural latex to provide grip and protection from dirt and water. The fun, colourful printed designs add a touch of style whilst giving a nod to the “bottle heritage” of the gloves.

Treadstone Product and Marketing Director Dean Winters said:

“At Treadstone, we are here to support garden centres with innovative products but just as important is having a commitment to sustainable ranges and giving retailers an eco-alternative that isn’t just daringly different, but also user-friendly. We are very thankful for another successful awards night for Treadstone Products! Thank you to the judges for voting for us.”

Speak to the Treadstone team today to find out more about their award-winning range. Please email - sales@treadstoneproducts.com to find out about becoming a stockist . Browse the Treadstone Garden website to view all their products and brands.

With Christmas on the horizon, festive jumper lovers are set to enjoy 24-days of the best jumpers the garden retail sector has to offer with the return of the ‘most jumperful time of the year’, a special fundraising event held annually to support the Greenfingers Charity.

This year, taking on the mantel of ‘dedicated jumper wearer’ will be Millbrook’s Tammy Woodhouse and Greenfingers’ very own Fundraising and Communications Director, Linda Petrons. Following in the footsteps of Woodlodge’s Abigail Stocker and industry stalwart, Boyd Douglas-Davies and the brains behind the whole idea, Natalie Porter, together Tammy and Linda hope to bolster the fundraising total that this festive challenge has already achieved, which currently stands at over £16,500!

Talking ahead of the challenge, Tammy Woodhouse said: “Having seen the joy that Nat, Boyd and Abigail have spread before I am pleased to carry the baton into this year’s 2023 festive season, ready and willing to fall in love with every single jumper no matter the day or what circumstances might dictate!”

Linda Petrons added: “The most jumperful time of year is such a fun way to fundraise for the charity, with every day of the challenge bringing a smile to the face of so many. A huge thank you must go to Nat, Boyd and Abigail for their efforts in previous years, and to Tammy for joining me this year on what I expect will be a rather fun few weeks!”

Get involved – call for ‘jumperful’ sponsors!

With a wardrobe full of jumpers to choose from Tammy and Linda’s efforts will be supported from the sidelines by the 24 sponsors, however these sponsors are still to be confirmed with Linda requesting that interested parties get in touch to nab their sponsorship spot. So far only December 1st has been confirmed with the team at Hornby Whitefoot PR supporting the event by wearing festive jumpers in solidarity with Tammy and Linda.

In fact, the wearing of jumpers by sponsors is a newly introduced concept that will make the jumperful challenge more interactive than ever. Every sponsor is requested to get as many team members as possible to don their best Christmas jumpers on the day they have sponsored in exchange for the small donation, as a fun way to bolster the fundraising total even further.

Find out more

To show your support of Tammy and Linda please visit www.themostjumperful.co.uk

Those interested in becoming a 2024 jumperful sponsor are asked to email Linda Petrons directly via linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk

You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Delegates booking for the 2024 Garden Centre Association annual conference in the Cotswolds in January can take advantage of an early bird discount when they sign-up this month.

Those who book before November 30 for the event, which takes place at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel near Cirencester, Gloucestershire, will benefit from a 10% discount.

GCA CEO, Peter Burks, says: “We wanted to let everyone know that booking is now open, earlier than normal, via our members’ section on our website www.gca.org.uk and that there’s an offer for those who want to book early too. Plus, we’ve additional incentives available for young members of our industry and any garden centres who have never attended before.

“Anyone wishing to come along our conference from January 28 until 31, who book before the end of November, will qualify for our 10% off early bird discount. We hope as many people as possible take advantage of this offer and the saving.

“There are also other discounts for those garden centres who have not been to our Conference before and to Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) members. Plus, sponsorship slots are also still available, so if any companies are interested, please get in touch with me.”

More than 300 delegates are expected to attend the 2024 annual GCA Conference.

Peter continues: “As always, our conference will provide attendees with pertinent information on key aspects of the garden centre industry to assist them in achieving their business goals. The information shared will focus on a wide range of topics and there will also be an opportunity to socialise and network.

“Our overarching theme this year is ‘The Future of Garden Retailing’, which is something that every one of our members can relate to. Our sub-themes are also highly pertinent. They are Environment & Sustainability, Trends & Insights and Health & Wellbeing and we have a whole host of speakers who will be covering these topics.

“On Monday, our first speaker is Josh McBain, Global Consultancy Director at Foresight Factory. He’ll be speaking about ‘The Future of Garden Retailing’. He led the research for the Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group’s ‘Growing a Green Economy’ report in 2021, which demonstrated the future value the industry could have in driving UK economic growth.”

Josh is followed on the podium on Monday by Mark Stevenson and Ed Gillespie, who will be speaking about the Environment & Sustainability.

“On Tuesday, we’ll be welcoming to the stage economist Mark Berrisford-Smith, who has spent most of his career working at HSBC. From 2012 until 2023, he was Head of Economics for the Bank’s Commercial Banking division in the UK.

“He will be followed by bestselling author, broadcaster and neuroscience presenter, Dr Hannah Critchlow, who will be talking about wellbeing.

“We’re also delighted to welcome back our motivational keynote speaker, Caspar Craven, who gave a brilliant presentation at our 2023 conference and delegates asked to have him back again.

“For those who would like to know more, then the conference pages on our website members’ section include full speaker details. There is also a dedicated email for any queries members, and those wishing to book, may have: conference@gca.org.uk. If non-members would like to join us, so they can attend, please email us via info@gca.org.uk.”  

The Horticultural Trades Association has submitted a comprehensive set of proposals to the Chancellor of the Exchequer ahead of the 2023 Autumn Budget. The asks, urging action on trade, peat-free transition, and SME support, are vital to ensure environmental horticulture can continue to deliver its potential for the UK economy and environment.

Environmental horticulture – from gardens to full-scale landscapes in rural and urban areas – is a crucial part of the nation’s economic and environmental landscape. Contributing £28.8bn to the UK economy, supporting 674,000 jobs and playing a central role in underpinning the UK’s environmental and net-zero goals.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said:  “Our members – right across the supply chain, from growers to garden centres and manufacturers – have shown remarkable resilience in dealing with volatility and challenges around climate change, high inflation, access to a workforce and changes in regulations. However, government action is essential to help our businesses flourish. We have set out realistic proposals to acknowledge the economic challenges faced by the country, and we strongly believe with targeted investment and a reduction of red tape, we can facilitate growth within environmental horticulture and benefit the broader UK economy and environment.

“Principally, we need to see better regulation around the ease of trading across borders, support for a sustainable transition to peat-free, and a reduction in the regulatory and financial burdens on SMEs. Environmental horticulture touches everybody’s lives, whether in private gardens or public parks and in addition to its economic and environmental delivery, it has been proven to be invaluable to the nation’s health and wellbeing. It is vital that government recognises and acts upon that.”

The HTA's budget asks for 2023 include:

• Resourcing and delivering borders and trade changes: A smooth imports process is critical for the industry, with 96% of UK growers relying on imports of plant products. The HTA is calling for a postponement of the shift to Border Control Posts in April 2024 to ensure a smooth transition, as well as readiness funding for impacted horticultural businesses.
• Supported and sustainable transition to peat-free growing media: The HTA advocates for returning to the agreed 2030 date for professional growers to grow peat-free, highlighting the potential economic and environmental impact of an early ban such as the loss of 100 million UK plants and trees, and seeks government support in the form of matched funding for SMEs, increased R&D support, transition grants, and comprehensive guidance to deliver success.
• Reducing regulatory and financial burdens on SMEs: Approximately 95% of the sector are SMEs. Many are family-owned businesses and have been passed down to the next generation over many decades. The HTA seeks urgent delivery on government commitments to reduce regulatory and financial burdens on SMEs, including exemptions from Biodiversity Net Gain regulations for Protected Horticulture, ensuring longer-term business rates relief, investment in measures to increase water resilience and energy efficiency and addressing the impact of National Living Wage increases.
• Action on retail crime: The HTA estimates that £16 million worth of garden centre turnover was lost to retail crime in 2022, and over 70% of garden centres reported it as an issue. The HTA calls for action to protect retail businesses and enhance police responses to theft incidents.
• Increase accessibility to apprenticeship levy funds and action on skills: The HTA calls for wider reform of the Apprenticeship Levy to make it more accessible for SMEs and encourages larger businesses to transfer their funds to smaller businesses to promote apprenticeship take-up.

The latest GRIDSERVE Electric Retail Hub has opened at Dobbies Leicester, as part of a long term partnership between the charging company and garden centre to increase the number of High Power charging locations across the UK. 

Dobbies Leicester, located near the A6, now features 12 GRIDSERVE charging bays in total to ensure space for all visitors, including two accessible bays for those with additional requirements.

The GRIDSERVE Electric Retail Hub has four dual charging units, with eight charging bays. These chargers allow two cars to charge at once at Medium Power speeds, giving EV drivers time to explore the garden centre and other amenities. There are also four High Power chargers, charging one car at a time, for a quick top up.  

To make it as easy as possible for customers to charge their EV, the Dobbies Leicester Electric Retail Hub features CCS and CHAdeMO connectors as well as AC sockets, accepts contactless payment and provides real-time status updates to a myriad of popular EV charging maps. The chargers are powered by 100% net zero carbon energy, supporting GRIDSERVE and Dobbies’ purpose to move the needle on climate change.  

Toddington Harper, CEO of GRIDSERVE, said: “We are delighted to be opening another Electric Retail Hub with our partners at Dobbies. Fast and reliable charging at convenient locations is what is needed to give drivers the confidence to switch to electric. We continue the rollout of new locations and chargers at speed and scale, and look forward to open even more GRIDSERVE chargers at Dobbies locations in the near future.” 

Nick Anderson, Dobbies Operations Director, said: “It is very important to us at Dobbies that we are constantly developing our store in line with the needs of our customers. As more drivers are switching to electric vehicles, we are delighted to be opening the electric retail hub to provide the local community with easy to access affordable and fast EV charging.”

Two Electric Retail Hubs are now open at Dobbies Swindon and Leicester, with more planned. This latest location is part of 50 new locations either already open, awaiting energisation, or in construction as part of phase one of GRIDSERVE’s 2023 delivery plans which will see 400 new chargers added to the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway.  

A frosty Christmas walk, a gingerbread house, an enchanted forest and a peaceful Christmas are just some of the heartwarming themes featured in The Gardens Group’s new Christmas displays, which are all now open to the public seven days a week until Christmas Eve. 

Featuring more eco-friendly initiatives and products than ever before, these magical winter wonderlands are the perfect setting for anyone dreaming of a greener Christmas.  

Staged at Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil, Castle Gardens in Sherborne and Poundbury Gardens near Dorchester, the elaborately decorated walkways have been constructed using repurposed and recycled materials, and are brimming with glass baubles, twinkly LED lights, recycled candles and plastic free toys.

Many of the decorations and sustainable gifts have been sourced from small scale makers and fair-trade businesses, with the hope that they last a lifetime and are passed down through families. 

In the planning since January and consciously constructed behind closed doors by The Gardens Group’s dedicated team over the past few weeks, the Christmas displays return following another award-winning year in 2022, when Brimsmore Gardens’ scooped first prize in the Garden Centre Association’s national Christmas Competition. Having now won this coveted award 11 times, The Gardens Group remains committed to delivering an immersive and special experience for visitors, while making their Christmas celebrations more eco-friendly each and every year. 

Dobbies has unveiled its new Christmas campaign, “Dobbies: Find Your Christmust”. The multichannel push was developed in partnership with creative agency elvis.

Dobbies has worked with elvis to develop a digital-first, integrated campaign, with the aim of delivering the brand’s best Christmas ever. It seeks to drive footfall and sales, as well as continuing to increase brand awareness.

Against the backdrop of consumers being more conscious of their spending, the campaign presents Dobbies as a magical, stress-free festive destination, where money is well spent.

The creative idea is inspired by the moment when your head is turned by that perfect Christmas item or experience that you simply must have – something Dobbies is calling a “Christmust”.

A 20-second hero film, directed by Daniel Liakh at Spindle, features multiple vignettes of people finding their Christmust at Dobbies, highlighting the incredible feeling that finding that specific thing gives you.

A series of digital display and social carousel executions use playful and bold typography to evoke that Christmust feeling, featuring reactions like “Gifts PHWOOOOAR them” and “OMGrotto”, while radio and digital audio spots explain the feeling of a Christmust at Dobbies.

Digital and dynamic audio spots namedrop listeners’ local stores, including dynamic countdowns as Christmas gets closer, and swapping out product names to align with shopper behaviour. The campaign also uses a number of variants for social and digital display, carrying countdown messages with different product focusses.

In line with its Better World approach, elvis selected Spindle, an award-winning production studio that represents a progressive and diverse roster of talent, as its production partner for the campaign. elvis and Spindle took an inclusive approach to casting to show that Dobbies is a brand for everyone.

Kirsty Rockey, Head of Brand Strategy and Innovation, Dobbies, said: “At Christmas, Dobbies is more than just a garden centre - it’s a day out at a festive destination where you can immerse yourself in shopping, food and events. Our new campaign really brings that to life, evoking the feeling of finding that specific item that makes Christmas feel like Christmas.”

Neale Horrigan, Executive Creative Director, elvis, added: “Dobbies has a huge range of products and experiences to choose from at Christmas, making it easier to find something special, so this campaign dramatises that feeling we’ve all experienced – the moment of spotting the perfect Christmas thing. Whether it’s a gift for a loved one, a bauble for the tree or a delicious mince pie, we all feel happy when we set eyes on a “Christmust”.

The National Trust and Blue Diamond Garden Centres are delighted to be working with multi-award-winning garden design practice Ann-Marie Powell Gardens to create a prestigious show garden for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024. 

The Octavia Hill Garden by Blue Diamond with the National Trust will celebrate pioneering social reformer Octavia Hill (1838-1912), a founder of the National Trust, who believed that ‘the healthy gift of air and the joy of plants and flowers’ were vital in everyone’s life [1]. 

Octavia worked tirelessly to improve urban housing and protect green space, yet today, one in three people in Britain still don't have access to nearby nature-rich spaces. While celebrating Octavia’s legacy, the garden also aims to inspire people to create innovative gardens that connect people with the beauty and complexity of the natural world.  

The National Trust, Blue Diamond and Ann-Marie Powell Gardens share the belief that gardens can and should be for all, and that they have the power to transform lives. This is reflected in the garden’s design as an urban community wildlife garden set on a brownfield site. The beautiful, plant-filled garden has been created with wellbeing, biodiversity, sustainability and accessibility firmly in mind. 

Designed by Ann-Marie Powell with the Blue Diamond team, the garden has a relaxed feel and natural planting style. It is laid out as a series of ‘outdoor sitting rooms’ – a core idea from Octavia Hill – where each individual garden compartment has its own atmosphere. Visitors are invited to feel they are part of nature, a fundamental need as important today as in Octavia Hill’s lifetime. 

Dividing the space in this way echoes the ‘winding ways’ that Octavia often referred to, offering the opportunity to wander, both physically and emotionally. 

Ann-Marie Powell said: “Research proves that access to public green space improves so many outcomes: educational; physical, mental and social; resilience and recovery. Providing green space isn’t a niche idea; it was, and still is, crucial to our health and happiness.” 

The garden features some 3,600 native and non-native plants working together for biodiversity and beauty.Bold, pollinator-attracting planting throughout the garden is set to appeal to wildlife and visitors alike. For example, Celtis sinensis, a climate resilient tree very tolerant of air pollution, provides nectar for pollinators, butterflies and bees through its green flowers, while its orange autumn berries are a food source for birds and mammals. Clematis vitalba brings attractive creamy flowers to the garden, while also providing food and even nesting material for a range of pollinators and small mammals.

Paths through the garden lead to a garden building designed by architect Giles Jollands with Sam Ogilvie which can be used for shelter, social gatherings and events, while still allowing interaction with nature.  Habitat has been incorporated into the building with thatch walls and a planted canopy providing nectar for pollinators, while an upper-level wildlife observation platform allows people views of the sky and surrounding tree canopies from a new, raised perspective. 

A wildlife pond sits at one end of the garden, edged with aquatic plants to provide maximum habitat value. A pond dipping platform and walk-through stream (which helps to mask traffic noise) encourage curiosity, exploration and adventure.

The garden is designed to be as accessible as possible, thinking about those with sensory loss and special access needs.  Sloping paths are all wheelchair accessible and include wheelchair passing spaces.

The garden includes an installation by sound artist Justin Wiggan which records the electrical impulses of the plants, the earth beneath our feet, and the colours within blooms, wind and water. This will enhance connections with the garden and provide alternative experiences for visitors who are visually impaired or blind. Thanks to geocaching, visitors will even be able to share and ‘replant’ the garden’s sounds, creating their own ‘sound gardens’ around the world. 

Importantly, this beautiful garden shows what can be achieved when working to the highest environmental standards. Reclaimed brick, timber, stone and thatch, sourced from National Trust places, have been used wherever possible to give old materials new purpose, and low-carbon or carbon-locking build techniques are used throughout. All plants are peat-free and are climate-change resilient including the trees. 

The garden will also help young horticulturists develop their skills. A number of National Trust garden apprentices are set to work on the garden build and planting, along with the Blue Diamond team and other skilled horticulturists from Blue Diamond Garden Centres.

Andy Jasper, the National Trust’s Director of Gardens & Parklands, said: “We’re so excited to have a garden at Chelsea Flower Show for the first time in a decade. What we wanted to do was ask: if Octavia Hill was alive today, what would concern her? Without a doubt, she’d want to provide access to nature for urban communities, because we believe gardens and green space have the power to transform lives in so many ways.

“We hope everyone will come away from this garden with an appreciation of Octavia Hill, what she stood for and how important she has been to the formation of the National Trust. We remain inspired by the role she played and we believe that gardens can continue to address the biodiversity crisis. 

“We’re proud to be working with Blue Diamond and Ann-Marie Powell Gardens to be part of one of the most sustainable, most accessible and most uplifting gardens to ever come to Chelsea Flower Show. And, of course, we hope people will be inspired to go on and visit the many historic gardens that we care for.”

Jill Kerr, Group Relationship Manager for Blue Diamond, said: “Blue Diamond, along with the National Trust and Ann-Marie Powell Gardens, believe in gardens for all – for people, nature and for wildlife. Research shows that spending time outdoors, whether it be in public green spaces or your own garden, results in better physical, mental and social wellbeing. 

“We had an idea for an Octavia Hill themed garden and so approached the National Trust who we were working in collaboration with, suggesting that we design a garden based upon Octavia Hill’s ideals.  Octavia believed that a garden should be the complement of every home and campaigned to save even the smallest neighbourhood open space as an ‘outdoor sitting room’ providing ‘pure earth, clean air and blue sky’.

“We hope the garden will inspire and encourage people to get involved and create gardens or areas for plants to flourish, to spend time outdoors in nature and in their gardens to enjoy the many proven benefits. Blue Diamond provides everything you could need to create your own ‘outdoor sitting room’ and nature friendly space, including a range of plants to capture the look and feel of our RHS Chelsea Garden, at home.”

Ann-Marie Powell continued: “In honour of Octavia Hill, we’ve created ‘a place to sit in, a place to play in, a place to stroll in and a place to spend the day in’. It is a place of refuge, a place to withdraw from personal challenges and the everyday. In this space, surrounded by wildlife, your spirit can be nurtured and revived.

“The garden also shows that the parks, verges and gardens of our cities and towns present a huge opportunity to increase plant diversity and provide habitats and food for wildlife including pollinators. Many people think of biodiversity as a luxury – a nice-to-have – but it’s the engine that produces everything that we consume. When it is diminished, everything loses out.”

She concluded: “To have the opportunity to design a garden whose message I feel so passionate about at the world’s most famous flower show is a dream come true for me and the wider design team. I hope this garden educates, inspires, invigorates and puts a huge smile on the face of all that visit, and highlights the importance of green space, plants, wildlife, nature and air being a basic human right that should be accessible to all.”

After the show, the garden will be rebuilt at Blue Diamond-owned Bridgemere Show Gardens (an RHS Partner Garden) near Nantwich in Cheshire, where it can be visited year-round.

Landscape build for The Octavia Hill Garden by Blue Diamond with the National Trust is by The Landscaping Consultants, with plants supplied by Hortus Loci.

Dobbies stores across the UK are celebrating the festive season this November with a Christmas Shopping Night fundraiser in aid of National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust.

Families across the country are invited to join Dobbies for an evening of seasonal shopping on Thursday 30 November from 5-9pm, with tickets priced at £1 available in store and online now. To help raise awareness, vital funds and spread kindness, all proceeds from ticket sales will go to Teenage Cancer Trust, alongside additional fundraising efforts from activities on the night.

Customers can explore Dobbies brand-new Christmas themes for 2023, be inspired with great value decorations that will adorn any home and take advantage of exclusive deals. Attendees can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, enjoy seasonal songs and book in to experience Santa’s Grotto where children can meet Mr Claus himself.

Cancer kills more teenagers and young adults in the UK than any other disease, and for those that are lucky enough to survive, getting the right physical and emotional support is vital for recovery. Every day, seven young people aged 13-24 are told they have cancer, and it’s projected that by 2030 this number will be closer to 10. Supporting Teenage Cancer Trust with donations helps fund specialist nurses and youth workers to be there for a young person that’s battling cancer.

Dobbies’ CSR and Community Communications Executive, Chloë Bell, has been working closely with Teenage Cancer Trust to raise awareness of the fantastic work they carry out. She said: “Our late-night shopping event is a great chance to gather the family, get into the festive spirit and support a charity that’s making such a difference to teenagers and young adults across the UK.

“Last year our fundraising efforts saw over £100k donated to the charity, and we’re hoping to top this benchmark with the help of our customers.”

Donna Bednarek, Senior Relationship Manager for Teenage Cancer Trust, added: “Dobbies’ Christmas Shopping Night is a memorable occasion and one our team, supporters and volunteers look forward to every year. It’s a great chance for communities to get together, share a magical experience and raise vital funds to help us deliver life-changing work to teenagers and young adults battling cancer.”

November is TCT Takeover month for Dobbies, with a social takeover on 2 November, donation weekends in store, donations encouraged for event bookings and the Christmas Shopping Night.

Tickets for the Christmas Shopping Night are £1 per person, with all funds raised going to TCT. Santa’s Grotto will also be available to pre book in 52 stores. In addition, customers can enjoy 2 courses for £16.99 in 63 of the restaurants, allowing visitors to get a taste of the Christmas menu. This is only bookable online and reservations can be made by visiting Events | Dobbies Garden Centres.

For more information about Dobbies Christmas Shopping Night in partnership with Teenage Cancer Trust, visit Events | Dobbies Garden Centres 

Family business Wheelie Klips Limited has won a National Award at the Clean and Tidy Home Show held at ExCel London where nearly 12,000 people visited the show.  The company walked away with the Home Organisation Product of the Year accolade.  They were also finalist in a second category Home Scent of the Year.  

The award was presented to Director Mike Deacon by Georgina Burnett ex-BBC Weather Presenter and TV Presenter on This Morning show on ITV.  A panel of influential judges decided on the winners against innovation and originality in design and strategy, commercial success, great feedback, and strong marketing and future growth prospects.  Public voting was used to identify the finalists then the winner was decided by the panel of experts.

Mike Deacon said: “We are delighted to win such a prestige award and to think that we were finalists in two categories is very pleasing.”  “Winning gives us the confidence that our products are liked amongst those who value a clean and tidy environment.”  “We had a tremendous amount of interest in our products we displayed on our stand and to realise that we were in competition with well known brands and winning was magnificent.”  “We believe our embrace of environmental issues and our solutions give us the reason to believe we were recognised in this category as it is not easy to have such a focus.  Our cleaning and tidying solution is new and different to anything else found at the Clean and Tidy Home Show.”

Penny Moyes Founder and Director of Latch Events, an event company, and organiser of the Clean and Tidy Home Show said: “Congratulation Wheelie Klips, we are so delighted that you were part of the Clean & Tidy Awards and we hope you are as pleased with receiving the award for Home Organisation Product of the Year as much as we were please to award it to you. Once again, thank you for being a part of the Clean & Tidy Awards 2023.”

Wheelie Klips Limited is a small, friendly family business in Rothwell, Northamptonshire, and has developed a new brand of solutions to help solve the problem of unhealthy waste disposal in the light of reducing local council support and responsibility.  They have a range of accessories for the household wheelie bin market, primarily for 240 litre bins along with smaller bins.  These products are all manufactured in the UK.  The solutions involve the end user clipping a bin liner in place hence keeping their wheelie bins clean and fresh.  An alternative solution to that of using a jet wash which is more expensive and usually leaves a mess on the road.  They sell clips, fragrances, bags, and safety awareness stickers.  Furthermore, to deter flies from entering wheelie bins there is a spray bottle that sits inside the bin in one of the patented clips and is applied within the bin cavity and stops the owner having that horrible experience of maggots in their bin.  The spray has been scientifically proven to deter flies.  There is no other solution like this on the market and the liners are probably the strongest available in the UK.  There is no single use plastic in the products.  Using the Wheelie Klips solution could save over 52% of plastic going into landfill when disposing of household rubbish.

The products are branded around two clip types: Klip n Fresh, Klip n Bag with a replenishment fragrance bottle Klip n Spray and a roll of 12 extra strong and large bags Klip Bags.

Both clips have a UK patent (GB2553841) design which comprises of a double step/shelf which enables them to be clipped onto the outer rim on the sides of the wheelie bin over the liner.  This is achieved with ease; no need for any tools just a small amount of pressure to push them onto the wheelie bin.

In the last two years there has been an increase of followers on Instagram to over 3600 and nearly 400 on Facebook.  All reviews on the company website are 5* and 4.6 average on Amazon.

Wheelie Klips products can be found in one of the top six football premier league grounds and a previous FA Trophy winners’ ground, a school in Chichester, and a large restaurant in Dorset and the liners are used in a multi-discipline equestrian venue in Devon, although the main customers are householders.  The company has several customers in Australia where they are prepared to pay more for post and packing than for the product itself.

Using Wheelie Klips bags and throwing householder rubbish directly into the wheelie bin, as opposed to using those from a kitchen environment, such as under sink rubbish bin liners or pedal bin liners, would involve over 52% less plastic going into landfill in respect to keeping a wheelie bin clean.  Thus, not only do our customers save money by not buying kitchen bin liners or paying for jet washing but they will also be supporting the environment.  Not having to jet wash using water to clean bins, and that all products are made within a 160 miles radius of the company home the carbon footprint is better.

Mike Deacon added: “Previously our Klip n Fresh product had been nominated for a Best New Product Award at GLEE 2019 and shortlisted for Garden and Outdoor Product at Gift of the Year 2020.  The fragrance spray has received confirmation of its fly deterrent properties from The Crop Research Institute in Prague.  As a company we were also finalists for a Family Business of the Year at the SME Northamptonshire Awards 2022.  So, winning this award at the Clean and Tidy Home Show was extremely welcomed and appreciated.”

More details about Wheelie Klips and its products can be found on its website www.wheelieklips.co.uk or by emailing info@wheelieklips.co.uk.

The only international sourcing platform of its kind, Source Home & Gift, continues to go from strength to strength with over 430 exhibitors expected to be at its third edition from 4th – 7th February 2024 at NEC Birmingham.

Uniting global manufacturers and artisan makers who all pride themselves on responsible manufacturing and sustainable production, with key retailers, brands, and contractors, Source Home & Gift increases in size by 25% with producers from UK, China, India, Philippines, Nepal and many more showcasing their wares. Debuting at the show will be pavilions from Senegal and Ghana.

Suzanne Ellingham, Director of Sourcing says, “We are changing the perception of sourcing in the UK, doubling down on quality products and championing not only the large-scale global manufacturers but also the makers and social enterprises that are really making a difference to communities around the work. I continue to be blown away by the work people are doing and some of the incredible stories behind the products. Buying from these makers has an enormous impact on their lives.

“At the opposite end of the scale, we’re also extremely proud to be showcasing the great manufacturing and products coming out of specialist regions across China such as the Fujain region – Dehua is the birthplace of Chinese ceramic culture and the quality and craftsmanship is second to none.”

Source Home & Gift brings the world to the UK as an easier, cheaper, and more effective destination to discover what’s trending, and develop and source new materials and products. All exhibitors are required to have had a recent audit from Sedex or a recognisable audit institution giving buyers the confidence that they will meet suppliers that have responsible business practices. The show features eight sectors including Homewares, Toys, Packaging, Stationery & Greetings, Gifts, Furniture, Textiles, and Technology & Services.

With a content stage dedicated to presenting and discussing the latest trends and topics in responsible and sustainable manufacturing from internationally renowned industry professionals, Source Home & Gift is the must-attend event for the retail community.

The last show in September was attended by high level personnel from leading retailers and brands including Sainsburys, Dunelm, Haskins Garden Centre, Blue Diamond, Funky Pigeon, M&M, Matalan, Disney, Morrisons, M&S, Next, Costcutter, AIS, Alzheimers Society, Amazon, B&Q, and Card Factory.

Talking about his experience at the show, Mike Dickens, Senior Program Manager, Amazon said, “Source Home & Gift is a great chance to meet lots of potential domestic and international suppliers in one place. Early face-to-face interactions with suppliers give you a good opportunity to build trust and rapport before getting into business together.”

For more highlights from the show watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF8MOXH3I9Q.

Source Home & Gift is co-located with Spring Fair, bringing the entire retail supply chain under one roof and creating the “must-attend” event for the UK buying community.

Source Home & Gift takes place on the 4th – 7th February 2024 at NEC Birmingham. Visit www.source-homeandgift.com for more information.

GTN September/October 2023: The Complete Glee New Product Showcase Directory.  In this issue:

• A passion for pots – GTN Interview at Woodlodge
• Norwegian Style outdoors with Fandango
• Captain of garden machinery – Mark Moseley Interview
• GCA Regional Awards – Full 2023 results
• GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards – Enter now!
• Water-wise Planteria retailing from Timber Displays
• Home comforts - GTN visits Yarnton Home & Garden
• Glee New Product Showcase – The complete directory
  • Garden Growing Containers
  • DIY Products
  • Garden Decoration
  • Gifts, Body & Bath, Christmas, Greetings Cards, Toys & Games
  • Garden Tools & Machinery
  • Growing Accessories
  • Growing Materials
  • Homewares, Clothing & Fashion Accessories
  • Landscaping & Garden Buildings
  • Garden Leisure & Entertaining
  • Pet Products
  • Plants, Seeds and Bulbs
  • Retail Services & Experiences
  • Wild Bird Care & Wildlife Products
• Pets show success – PATS Telford 2023
• GTN Planteria Special
  • Highlights from Four Oaks
  • Plants of the future
• Challenging success - LOFA Column
• Reaching our full Potential – Environmental Horticulture Group Column
• Notes from an Indian Summer - HTA Column
• They think it’s all over… – GIMA Column

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.

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

Following the latest update to the Offensive Weapons Act (OWA), BHETA is to host a webinar on the latest legal position on age verification.  The key speaker will be Jake Nash-Wilson from AgeChecked and the event which will take place on Thursday 23rd November at 10:00am.

Jake will be updating delegates on the most recent consultation on the Offensive Weapons Act, including the fact that sellers of age restricted products caught within OWA who fail to conduct due diligence ahead of a sale can face heavy fines and increased prison sentences.

AgeChecked can provide a seamless integration of verification technology into an e-commerce system to allow swift and secure age checking of any would be online purchaser. 

While the event is for BHETA members, non-members who are interested in experiencing a BHETA event and are thinking of joining the association, are welcome to have a ‘taster session’, on the condition they are happy to have a membership chat with the relevant sector manager.

BHETA’s marketing director, Steve Richardson commented, “Alongside its members, BHETA has been lobbying Government on the scope of the Offensive Weapons Act for some time and together we have achieved some notable  exclusions, modifications, and clarifications.  It remains imperative however that all affected suppliers take seriously the need to keep abreast of the latest developments, including the need to age check.  It’s vital that all sellers appreciate it is their responsibility to do so, and this webinar is an important opportunity for companies to ensure they are up to speed.” 

To register and for further information visit www.bheta.co.uk or contact Sally in the BHETA Member Services Team on sjg@bheta.co.uk.  

For more information about BHETA, BHETA lobbying and the BHETA responsible knife retailing campaign, contact the BHETA Member Services team on 0121 237 1130.

Skills, education and biodiversity were key topics of conversation as the Horticultural Trades Association hosted the second successful meeting of the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Horticulture, held at the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood. 

This gathering brought together diverse stakeholders, including government officials, industry representatives, and educational institutions, with a shared commitment to the growth and sustainability of the horticulture sector in Scotland.

One of the key agenda items was a substantial discussion on the importance of skills and education in horticulture. A presentation by Lantra highlighted the need to shout louder about how great the sector is, and they shed light on schools engaging with land-based education, featuring projects like Daydream Believers, Forestopia, and Solar Punk Island. These initiatives serve as valuable educational resources to inspire the next generation of horticultural enthusiasts.

Furthermore, the entire industry, including colleges, came together to address the pressing need for investment in and engagement with the next generation in horticulture. The industry's commitment to supporting schools and colleges and providing essential training to kickstart careers was a central focus of this discussion.

Biodiversity was another key discussion point. The CPG sought input on various biodiversity-related topics, including research, initiatives, and best practices. The open floor discussion emphasised the importance of nurturing biodiversity within the horticultural sector and broader environmental considerations.

Rachael Hamilton MSP, Convenor of the CPG on Gardening & Horticulture, said: “It was a pleasure to reconvene the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Gardening and Horticulture this week in Holyrood.

“It was fantastic to be able to discuss the challenges and opportunities within Scotland’s Horticulture sector with a group that is so passionate about this topic.

“Inspiring and training the next generation of Scottish horticulturalists is at the heart of what this group is trying to achieve. Our meeting provided a useful platform for us to discuss how we can support this.

“I was also pleased to have the opportunity to talk about how the sector supports Scotland’s Biodiversity and receive an update on the HTA’s Environmental Growth Strategy since it was launched earlier this year.” 

Looking ahead, the CPG discussed future activities and focus areas. These include planning group visits to provide practical insights and the discussion of themes such as green living, climate change mitigation, and health and wellbeing.

The HTA further expressed its commitment to shaping the Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy as a pivotal vision for the growth and sustainability of horticulture in Scotland. Scotland has over 1 million regular gardeners and millions more utilising green spaces. Moreover, horticulture and landscaping supported contributions of £2.8bn towards GDP and over 64,000 jobs in Scotland in 2019.

The HTA’s Growth Strategy has seven key ambitions for Scotland:

• Health – to create a healthier Scotland through horticulture
• Economy – develop green economic growth, high-quality jobs and invest in education/skills
• Environment – to mitigate climate change
• Local – increase the use of Scottish and UK-grown plants as import substitution
• Industry – drive Scottish growth through investment, development grants and reducing the cost of doing business
• Urban Nature – produce a greener planning system
• Biosecurity – enhance and protect Scotland’s natural capital.

The meeting also addressed other topics, including networking opportunities, peat, and plant health. These discussions reflect the comprehensive approach the CPG is taking to address the challenges and opportunities within the horticultural sector.

The meeting saw a good turnout, with representatives from various organisations and institutions, including the HTA, Lantra, universities, and botanical gardens. Their collective presence is a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines the CPG's mission, reflecting Scotland's unwavering dedication to a sustainable horticultural future.

A rare species of conifer, dubbed the ‘dinosaur tree’, which lived through two major ice ages and is now under threat from Australian wildfires, has been planted at RHS Garden Wisley and Rosemoor, as part of an international conservation effort to save them from extinction.

The critically endangered Wollemi pine, which can reach up to 40 metres high and has fern-like green leaves that grow in dense clusters, existed 200 million years ago during the Jurassic period when dinosaurs walked the earth.

Described as a ‘living fossil’, it was thought they had become extinct 70-90 million years ago, until 1994 when Australian botanist David Noble stumbled across a cluster of living trees whilst trekking through a remote gorge in the Wollemi National Park in New South Wales.

The discovery was hailed as one of the most important of its kind and a significant effort was made to preserve these wild trees in the Blue Mountains. The deep valley where they were growing had helped buffer them from climate extremes.  

However, despite surviving geological climate change, including several ice ages, the trees were nearly destroyed by manmade climate change when wildfires swept through eastern Australia in 2019-20 and nearly wiped them out.

Due to the ever-increasing risk of wildfires, and the spread of pests and diseases, Botanic Gardens of Sydney teamed-up with Forestry England and organised a planting initiative that aimed to create a rich, genetically diverse population of these wild trees around the world.

RHS Wisley and RHS Rosemoor are among 28 botanic gardens across the UK and Europe chosen to receive part of a collection of 170 young Wollemi pine trees that were shipped over from Botanic Gardens of Sydney and cared-for at a Forestry England tree nursery.

RHS Director of Horticulture and Gardens, Tim Upson, said: “We are thrilled to be part of the extraordinary story of the Wollemi pine which has travelled all the way over from the Blue Mountains of Australia – a long lost-relative of the monkey puzzle tree, the Wollemi is a true survivor.

“Six Wollemi pines around 3 or 4 foot high have been planted at RHS Garden Wisley and another six at RHS Garden Rosemoor – both are suitable but different climates with it being much wetter in Devon. They will be cared for and carefully monitored by the curatorial teams and allowed to grow to full maturity.”

Separate collections were sent direct from Sydney to five Australian gardens and one in Atlanta, USA.

On Monday, botanist and broadcaster James Wong launched the initiative at Bedgebury National Pinetum where he helped plant six Wollemi pines.

Royal Van Zanten has presented its autumn collection of spray and Santini chrysanthemums. The collection consists of five colourful varieties, each known for its long vase life and high quality.

Autumn colours
The autumn season is a wonderful time to have chrysanthemums in a bouquet or arrangement. Breeder Royal Van Zanten has put together a collection of spray and Santini chrysanthemums specially for the autumn period. Red, orange and yellow hues are in the forefront. The collection consists of Haydar Yellow and Haydar, both a bi-colour variety, the fire brigade red Bontempi and the varieties Melissa and Melissa Red. The latter two can be identified by their full red and orange blossoms, with a green centre.

Vase life & keeping quality
What the varieties all have in common is their long vase life and their robust keeping quality during and after transport. This means that with the right care, a consumer can enjoy their chrysanthemums for up to two weeks. Another characteristic of these varieties is their great colour retention. Haydar, Haydar Yellow, Bontempi, Melissa and Melissa Red do very well in a mono bouquet but are of course also beautiful as bouquet fillers. More information about the varieties can be found at www.royalvanzanten.com

About Royal Van Zanten
Royal Van Zanten is an international leader in breeding and propagation of cut flowers (Alstroemeria, Statice, Limonium, Chrysanthemum and Bouvardia) and pot plants (Aster, Alstroemeria, Celosia, Chrysanthemum and Multiflora). We have made it our purpose to pass on the passion that has defined our organisation since its foundation in 1862. Royal Van Zanten has over 1.100 employees that work from our home base in the Netherlands and in our international breeding and production locations in Uganda, South-Africa and Colombia.

Intelligent plant selection was the subject of the final AIPH Green City Briefing in the 2022/23 series, which presented the AIPH Pavilion at Expo 2023 Doha Qatar as an example of choosing the right plant for the right place for the right reason.

Organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) in collaboration with the Worshipful Company of Gardeners (WCoG) and sponsor Expo 2023 Doha Qatar, the AIPH Green City Briefings 2022/23 are a series of one-hour webinars focussing on cities around the world that can demonstrate significant progress in including plants and nature in their city’s form and function.

Tim Briercliffe, AIPH Secretary General, led the session and was joined by Sam Lemheney, an event producer who was involved in plant selection for the AIPH Pavilion at Expo 2023 Doha. The Pavilion showcases how plants can be used to transform a space, and encourages visitors to create their own plant-filled living and working spaces.

Qatar has a hot, desert climate that can be challenging for horticulture, but there are many species that are well-adapted to such an environment. Sam commented: “We focused on plants that we knew were heat tolerant and could survive in this environment. They speak to the landscape of Qatar.” These plants were sourced from local nurseries.

“The pavilion is made from wood, so we used plant material to help soften the environment and make it more aesthetically pleasing. Many plants were chosen so for their colour, natural shape, and their drought tolerance, such as Jatropha.”

Other plants included those native to tropical climates not an arid environment, showcasing how intelligently designed structures can meet the needs of plants and people. Sam added: “We could include these tropical plants because they like the heat, as long as we created a local microclimate to suit them and bring the space to life.”

Find out more about the AIPH Pavilion.

Urban environments present their own kind of challenge for plants. How different plants co-exist in these types of urban landscapes was the subject of Dr Mingyu Jiang’s research. As a Teaching Associate in Agriculture, Horticulture and Engineering Sciences at SRUC, Mingyu has investigated the long-term impact of design in urban meadows.

Mingyu explained: “One core problem that has been discovered from both practice and ecology studies is grass dominance.” When planning urban meadows, the design often includes colourful wildflowers. However, after a few years these wildflowers disappear as the grass takes over the landscape. “Wildflower meadow designs are often rejected because people think they are impossible to maintain long-term.”

These issues led Mingyu to develop his research project comparing the co-existence of different species of wildflowers and grasses. His study identified the wildflower species that were better equipped to compete with dominant grasses, such as Achillea millefolium and Echinops sphaerocephalus, and how design could be utilised to provide a solid base for a product that will naturally change over time.

The Briefing session concluded with a discussion that drew greater insights from the speakers about future trends in design and plant preferences.  

Watch this Briefing on-demand.

The Eden Project has announced a plan to help tackle the biodiversity crisis felt throughout the United Kingdom by unveiling a new company, the Eden Project Wildflower Bank.

The Eden Project Wildflower Bank aims to create wildflower-rich grassland habitats across the UK through the creation of Biodiversity Net Gain Units.

Biodiversity Net Gain Units are a way of measuring an uplift or increase in biodiversity through either habitat creation or enhancement.

The team behind the initiative will offer a nature recovery approach which will conserve, manage and enhance habitats to increase biodiversity while also making a significant contribution to human well-being.

The Eden Project Wildflower Bank will manage these areas of land dedicated to a particular habitat for a minimum of 30 years.

The Eden Project Wildflower Bank will work in partnership with landowners, organisations and businesses looking to invest in a positive gain for nature.

The news comes following the announcement of government legislation being implemented from January 2024 that will mandate developers to achieve at least a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain on almost all developments in England seeking planning permission.

The Eden Project Wildflower Bank will offer a straightforward and rewarding route to deliver Biodiversity Net Gain and will work with both projects covered by the new legislation as well as those not subject to it.

The work of the initiative will also support landowners who are seeking to deliver enhancements to biodiversity through the incentives set out by the government's Environmental Improvement Plan 2023.

In addition, the Eden Project Wildflower Bank will create a series of seed hubs across the country to support nature recovery. These hubs will provide the means to harvest, clean, store and distribute wildflower seed and support nature recovery more widely.

The Eden Project Wildflower Bank will adhere to the Nature Markets Principles, which encourage and support responsible private investment in nature recovery.

The Eden Project Wildflower Bank will draw on the expertise of the National Wildflower Centre (NWC), which is part of the Eden Project. For the past 20 years, the NWC has been delivering creative conservation and new wildflower landscapes all across the UK.

In the UK, wildflower-rich habitats have been particularly hard hit by habitat loss, with an estimated 97% reduction in the number of wildflower meadows since World War II. A further one in five of all UK flowering plant species are now threatened with extinction. 

Eden’s Development Director, Dan James, said: “We know that the nature crisis is at the heart of the planetary emergency. If we cannot increase the level of biodiversity of our landscapes and support nature recovery, we will not be able to reverse the impact of climate change.

“As one of the UK’s leading environmental charities, it is important that the Eden Project leads the way in supporting habitat creation and restoration. The Eden Project Wildflower Bank offers an exciting route for us to help make that happen.”

The Eden Project Wildflower Bank is now seeking landowners to help grow a network of wildflower habitats and support wildflower seed production, which, at the same time, will deliver them new income streams that support nature enhancement.

Those wanting to find out more should contact the Eden Project Wildflower Bank through www.edenproject.com.

The Royal Horticultural Society has announced a partnership in the confectionery category, further underlining the appeal of the UK’s favourite gardening charity to companies in a wide range of diverse product categories.

The House of Sarunds, a distributor of world-class chocolate and confectionery, has been licensed to produce a special RHS range of English chocolate, confectionery and biscuits, which launches early next year.

Designed to appeal to a wide audience of all ages, the first collection of products will include biscuits and traditional boiled sweets in tins for gifting as well, of course, as exquisite chocolate boxes and bags. The collection, which will also include vegan options, will be available at multiple garden centres.

After the initial launch in Q1 of 2024, the retail footprint will extend over the following months to independent garden centres, florists, farm shops and gift retailers.

A second phase, including additions to the range, will launch in May, with further additions planned throughout the year.

The packaging, whose design inspiration draws on works from the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s finest collection of botanical art, has been supplied with sustainability in mind. The tins are ideal for reuse, while the boxes and bags are not only appropriate and functional for the products but also contain recycled or recyclable elements.

Independently owned and managed, the House of Sarunds supplies the largest range of premium British and Belgian chocolate currently available to the independent retail and food service sectors.

Peter Martin, Managing Director House of Sarunds Limited, says: “Our ethos is to provide the highest-quality products in the wholesale chocolate market hand-in hand with outstanding customer service. We are delighted that the UK’s favourite gardening charity has acknowledged this commitment through a partnership that we are sure will delight confectionery lovers of all ages.”

Cathy Snow, Licensing Manager, RHS, says: “With this agreement, we are yet again demonstrating how diverse the appeal of the RHS brand is while, as ever, partnering with a best-in-class company. Few know and understand chocolate and confectionery like the House of Sarunds. We’re delighted to be working with this leader in its field.”

The Klondyke Group Limited have announced the acquisition of The Crieff Food Company from founder Jamie Landale.

The award winning Perthshire business, includes a food hall, café and gift shop. The food hall offers a wide range of products from local suppliers and producers, plus its own butchers and deli selection.

The shop will continue to trade under the Crieff Food Company name and all of the staff will be retained by Klondyke.

Commenting on the acquisition David Yardley, Chief Executive of Klondyke said ‘The Crieff Food Company has been long admired by Klondyke and is a great addition to the group. The nature of the business works nicely alongside our garden centres and we look forward to working with the team at Crieff to learn from their foodie expertise.”

The Crieff Food Company is located at the High Street, Crieff.

Boyd Douglas-Davies, industry stalwart, Greenfingers Honorary member and founder of Garden Re-Leaf Day, has been appointed as the Greenfingers Charity’s newest Trustee and Chairman-Elect.

Joining a host of industry experts that already make up the Board of Trustees, Boyd will, in this new role, help to drive the strategic development of the charity through a range of campaigns and initiatives. A long-term supporter of Greenfingers, Boyd has been integral in some of the charity’s biggest fundraising events and has selflessly devoted his time to developing Greenfingers as the garden retail sector’s ‘chosen charity’.

In an exciting move, Boyd also steps into the role of Chairman-Elect, which will see him support current Chairman, Sue Allen as she approaches the end of her tenure in 2024, before taking on the role of Chairman to lead the charity into its next exciting chapter.

Talking of Boyd’s new role, Sue Allen welcomed him by saying: “I am beyond pleased to confirm that Boyd has agreed to join the fold once again through his role as Trustee and as Chairman-Elect. There is no one I’d rather hand over the reins to and have no doubt that under his leadership the Greenfingers Charity will continue to thrive.”

Boyd added: “Supporting Greenfingers is always an honour but to join as a Trustee once again, and Chairman-Elect, has surpassed all my expectations. I cannot wait to get going and helping to drive the future of the charity along with Linda and the team, as well as all our incredible supporters.”

Greenfingers Silver Anniversary update

With the charity’s Silver Anniversary fast approaching, it has been confirmed that the fundraising target of £2,000,025 has now surpassed the halfway mark.

With over £1 million banked thanks to the generosity of pocket and spirit of its hundreds of supporters, the remaining target remains ever in sight. One key driver has been the all-new partnership programme that has seen the likes of Clarins, Evergreen Garden Care, The AMES Companies, British Garden Centres, GIMA, Woodmansterne, Woodlodge, Garden Trade News, Richard Jacksons Garden, Garden Connect, Hornby Whitefoot PR, Meadow View Stone, Millbrook Garden Centres, SBM Life Science, Gardena, Rose Press Garden and many others all undertake a wide range of activities to support the charity as it celebrates its 25thanniversary.

With Platinum and Silver Partner packages available, as well as Sterling Ambassador pledges, joining the Silver Anniversary celebrations could not be easier. To find out more and to help Greenfingers smash the £2,000,025 fundraising total please contact Linda Petrons by emailing Linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

Find out more

You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media -https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Colin Stephens, Managing Director for Evergreen Garden Care UK, has today launched an open letter calling for inherent change in the industry. He says: "DEFRA owes it to gardeners up and down the country to make the Responsible Sourcing Scheme (RSS) industry protocol, ahead of the 2024 peat ban."

Stephens is inviting key industry players to join EGC in making the RSS a trusted stamp of both assured environment standards and product quality.  This journey is one that must be started without delay, to ensure that, as peat-free growing media continues to phase in, to ensure a more sustainable and transparent horticulture industry.  The RSS’ mission is parallel to EGC’s own when it comes to peat-free (to create responsibly sourced composts and soil mixes which lower potential impact on the environment), and Stephens is pushing to make this an industry-wide stance.

The full letter can be read below:

Dear DEFRA,

My name is Colin Stephens, I am the Managing Director for Evergreen Garden Care UK, one of the biggest manufacturers of compost in the UK.

Consumers are being blindsided. Choosing a responsibly sourced compost that genuinely has a low impact on the environment – and is good quality - isn’t clear-cut. In fact, it’s pretty murky. Things need to change. The growing media industry needs to change. 

The peat ban is a step in the right direction. It will help protect rare and precious peatlands which cover just 3% of the world's land area yet hold almost one-third of soil carbon. Not to mention, conserving the habitats of hundreds of wildlife species. But more needs to be done in the journey toward more sustainable ingredients. Peat content isn’t the only factor of compost manufacturing that we need to worry about.

Peat-free composts are composed of blends of various ingredients, including composted bark, coir, and green compost, to ensure efficacy without peat. Historically, peat was used as a consistent component with reliable quality, but due to the multiple elements in peat-free compost mixes, there is more scope for variability. The introduction of the peat ban brings challenges to quality assurance, eroding the previous assurance consumers had regarding the quality of their compost. There is no longer a guarantee that the compost you purchase will be effective in growing plants. 

The good news is that we already have the answer to the problem: the Responsible Sourcing Scheme independently assesses the environmental impact of compost and gives it a score from A (lowest environmental impact) to E (highest impact). The rating is rigorous and evidence-based. Everything that goes into creating the raw materials for peat-free compost is put under the microscope, from the use of energy and water to the way people are treated and how biodiversity is cared for. 

And not only that, but the Responsible Sourcing Scheme already has built into its foundations a requirement for quality: multipurpose compost cannot receive its sustainability rating without also being a viable growing medium. This might sound obvious but could be the answer to what we’re asking – as now, purchasing compost comes with no guarantee of performance.

The Responsible Sourcing Scheme (RSS) represents excellence. It should become industry protocol.

Yet in the solution also lies the problem. The use of the RSS logo is voluntary and has no government regulation. Any business in the industry – no matter what their ethics or standards – can join the scheme and use the logo on their packaging, even with scores unverified or unpublished. This leads to confusion for the consumers, who already only have a limited understanding of the challenges, and whitewashing for the environment. Inferior compost is masquerading as the best (and most eco-friendly) on the market. 

I want to see the RSS given the respect that it deserves, for DEFRA to make the standards legislation and for all players in the industry to ensure their product is up to scratch. 

The RSS must be a trusted stamp of both assured environment standards and product quality. In the dawn of a peat-free world, consumers shouldn’t have to accept poor-quality substitutes – especially not ones pretending to be the best. As an industry, we owe it to consumers to be transparent about whether we have the formula right or if we’re still working on it. It’s all about progress in the journey to a better world. 

I hereby call on our peers and industry counterparts to join us on a mission to create a more sustainable and transparent horticulture industry, without delay.

Signed,

Colin Stephens

Notcutts Dukeries Garden Centre has announced a meticulous restoration project that will breathe new life into the historic Edwardian Messenger Glasshouses located on the picturesque Welbeck Estate. This ambitious undertaking represents a significant commitment to preserving the heritage of the garden centre while enhancing the visitor experience.

The Edwardian Messenger Glasshouses, completed in the early 1900s under the instruction of the 6th Duke of Portland, were a welcome addition to the Kitchen Gardens created by the 5th Duke of Portland in the late 19th century.

Over the years, these magnificent structures have housed a diverse collection of exotic plants, and beautiful displays. 

The repair and restoration project aims to revitalise the Edwardian Messenger Glasshouses, ensuring they continue to serve as a focal point of horticultural excellence and inspiration for the community. Notcutts Dukeries Garden Centre recognises the historical significance of these glasshouses and their role in preserving and promoting the rich gardening heritage of the region.

Notcutts Dukeries Garden Centre is collaborating with skilled architects and heritage experts to ensure that the restoration project adheres to the highest standards of historical accuracy and conservation ethics.

"We are thrilled to embark on this ambitious project to restore the Edwardian Messenger Glasshouses to their former glory," said Andrew Rawson, Garden Centre Manager at Notcutts Dukeries Garden Centre. "Our commitment to repairing and preserving this vital piece of our horticultural heritage aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire and delight garden enthusiasts of all ages. We look forward to sharing the progress and the beauty of the rejuvenated glasshouses with our community."

The restoration works are taking place behind protective screening.  Windows have been introduced in the screening to allow customers to observe the work in progress.  Notcutts Dukeries Garden Centre welcomes the local community and garden enthusiasts from afar to witness the transformation of the Edwardian Messenger Glasshouses at the Welbeck Estate. The restoration project is expected to be completed in spring 2024.

Notcutts Dukeries Garden Centre is on the Welbeck Estate, Welbeck, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 3LT (SatNav use S80 3LW). For more information, call 01909 476506 or visit notcutts.co.uk.

Photo caption: Notcutts Dukeries Garden Centre is conducting the restoration of Edwardian Messenger Glasshouses at the Welbeck Estate (Copyright: Purcell)

A 65% upsurge in reports of bed bug infestations, together with unprecedented media coverage of the misery that the miniature biting insects cause, is driving record sales of Zero In Bed Bug Killers.
 
Mammoth sales increases are being recorded by retailers across the UK, with hotspots in most major urban areas. London and Home Counties housewares retailer Robert Dyas has seen a bed bug bonanza in recent weeks, while other national and independent hardware and garden retailers are also cashing in.
 
The blood sucking insects, which can easily hide in luggage, are said to be hitching a lift into the UK with travellers returning from European summer holidays, including first class travel in the fabric of train seats aboard the Eurostar. 
 
With growing media attention and a population boom that looks set to continue, STV is encouraging retail partners to stock up.
 
The full Zero In Bed Bug Killer range is featured in STV’s new-season Autumn/Winter catalogue, available on request or for download:

There are attractive pre-season deals and special offers now available from leading national wholesalers, including Decco, Stax, and Home Hardware.

Zero In Bed Bug Killers are part of a range of speciality insect control products available under the Zero In brand, including flea, carpet beetle, clothes moth, and woodworm treatments. Zero In is the UK’s fastest growing insect control brand, now generating over £20 million of retail sales a year.

So make the most of your pre-season sales with Zero In Bed Bug Control. For further assistance please contact us at:
Email: sales@stvuk.com 
Phone: 01953 881580

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.

Our team of judges have their sleighs ready to start the judging process for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2023.

If you think your Christmas teams are the best in the business, now’s the time to get them nominated for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2023.

There are categories to recognise display teams, Christmas Trees sales teams, marketing teams and back this year are the much sought after Greatest Festive Garden Centre Catering team, The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto team and The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care and Pet team awards.

It's simple to take part, all you have to do is nominate your teams for the award categories below in an e-mail to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk including a few words about why our team of judges should come and meet your team and a photo or two that we can include in our GTN Xtra Christmas photo galleries. The closing date for nominations to guarantee a visit from our judges is Monday 6^th November 2023.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, what are you waiting for, get snapping and send an e-mail today to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk to get your entry registered.

What the judges will be looking for:

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

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

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

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

In previous years, GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards has enabled garden centre customers to be the ultimate arbiter of which teams across the country really are The Greatest, simply by voting for them.

By popular demand we are able to bring that key facet of the Greatest Awards back into play – now using just on-line voting.

If you think your customers would like to vote for you, all you need to do is print off the poster, as above, that can be accessed via this link: GTN Greatest Christmas Awards Voting Poster, display them in store, add a link to your social media pages or website where you can put the voting link or the QR code as below and let the voting begin.

It’s as simple as that.  Voting is open now and will remain open until 4:00pm on December 21^st.

Here is the link to the on-line voting page: GTN Greatest Christmas Awards On-Line Voting Link

Here is a link to the poster artwork: GTN Greatest Christmas Awards Voting Poster

Here is a link to the Voting QR code: GTN Greatest Christmas Awards Voting QR code

Voting is free, but we are partnering with The Greenfingers Charity so that voters can, if they wish, make a Christmas donation to help build more magical gardens in Children's Hospices across the country.

If you have any questions please contact: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk