Thousands of customers have been voting for The Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team as part of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards. With voting open for another month until December 21st there is plenty of opportunity for more centres to be in with a chance of winning the overall Christmas accolade or one of the regional Greatness Awards...
Thousands of customers have been voting for The Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team as part of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards. With voting open for another month until December 21st there is plenty of opportunity for more centres to be in with a chance of winning the overall Christmas accolade or one of the regional Greatness Awards.
As of yesterday, Monday 21st November to Top 20 centres in the customer voting were:
Cooks Garden Centre
Bosworths Burton Latimer
Jacksons Boutique Garden Centre
Busy Bee Garden Centre
Birkacre
Summerhill Garden Centre
Gates Garden Centre
Perrywood Tiptree
Perrywood Sudbury
Planters Tamworth
BGC Roxton
Planters Bretby
Ferndale Garden Centre
BGC Harrow
BGC Albrighton
BGC Brigg
BGC Ongar
BGC Brockworth
East Bridgeford Blue Diamond
Thurrock Garden Centre
And, in alphabetical order, votes have also been received for the following Garden Centre Christmas Teams:
This week our team of judges have started the wonderful task of visiting the 100 garden centres who have been nominated for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2023. And our sponsors which include: AMES, Glee 2024, Kaemingk, LeisureGrow, NOMA , PATS 2024, Smart Garden Products, Solex 2024, Stars for Europe, Three Kings and Woodmansterne have been lining up prizes for the category winners...
This week our team of judges have started the wonderful task of visiting the 100 garden centres who have been nominated for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2023. And our sponsors have been lining up prizes of stock or hotel accommodation for the category winners.
Here are the categories for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2023
The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team
The Greatest Christmas Tree and Outdoor Plant Team
The Greatest Christmas BBQ and Outdoor Leisure Team – The Solex Sizzle
The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team
The Greatest Christmas Marketing Team
The Greatest Christmas Community Event
The Greatest Festive Gardening Gifts Team
The Greatest Festive Retail Food Hall Team
The Greatest Festive Garden Centre Catering Team
The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Video
The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team
The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team*
The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team*
The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team
The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team
The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team
*The Group Garden Centre awards are for centres that are part of groups with 5 or more centres
Judging visits will take place during November and December with the winners being announced on The Stage at Spring Fair on Monday 5th February 2024.
As well as the kudos and fame from winning a Greatest Christmas award, our Gold winners in each category will win prizes including stock, services or hotel accommodation from our sponsors, which at time of going to press include:
AMES
Garden Radio
Glee 2024
Kaemingk
LeisureGrow - NOMA
PATS 2024
Smart Garden Products – Three Kings
Solex 2024
Stars for Europe
Woodmansterne
Watch out for details of the prizes on offer in issues of GTN Xtra: www.gardentradenews.co.uk and in the next issue of GTN.
What the judges will be looking for when they visit:
As GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards firstly recognise the amazing teamwork involved in garden centre Christmas retailing excellence we asked our judges what specific things they will be looking for in each Christmas Awards category this year:
The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team
Christmas theming of the displays, link sales and plants as Christmas presents
The Greatest Christmas Tree and Outdoor Plant Team
Extending the Christmas experience out into the Planteria, not only making the sale of cut trees fun and different but what is being done to promote link sales to trees as well as plants as presents.
The Greatest Christmas BBQ and Outdoor Leisure Team – The Solex Sizzle
Effort (and success) being put to inspiring sales of BBQ’s, firepits, furniture, arbours and leisure items normally associated with summer rather than Christmas
The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team
From a gondola end of Christmas pet treats to a whole department dedicated to wild bird care or pets of all shapes and sizes. The festive feeling generated by the team, from their attitude for sales to their inspirational displays. Who has been bold enough to include a pet or wild bird care display in the main Christmas area?
The Greatest Christmas Marketing Team
On and off centre Christmas marketing activity: advertising, p.o.s. video, social media, influencer promotions. We are looking for originality, execution and sucess.
The Greatest Christmas Community Event
A one off ‘launch’ or an ongoing feature – for example a zoo, woodland walk, colouring competition, cookery demonstration or a charity fundraiser that engages the community and extends the Christmas experience.
The Greatest Festive Gardening Gifts Team
This is all about creating sales at this time of year through inspirational use/display/promotion of regular gardening tools and sundries items in a festive setting /department which are capturing sales to both new annd experienced gardeners.
The Greatest Festive Retail Food Hall Team
Food Hall, Farm Shop or just a department in the retail area. Looking for seasonal lines, offers and services to build unit sales as well as dressing of the area. What is special to your Garden Centre offer over other food retailers?
The Greatest Festive Garden Centre Catering Team
What have you done to make your restaurant or coffee shop a part of the Christmas experience? Looking for dressing of the seating area, servery, menu, special offers, link sales, promotions and of course, Festive staff!
The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Video
Simply a Christmas promotional video that creates garden centre visits and sales.
The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team
What have the team done this season to create a really memorable and enjoyable experience.
The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team*
The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team*
The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team
The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team
The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team
For all of the overall team awards the judges are looking for happy, festive garden centre teams who can keep their Christmas retailing standards at their best throughout the Christmas sales period.
By popular demand we have brought back Customer Voting for The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas teams, after all it is what customers think that is most important. See the details here
The first Greatest Christmas Awards Team visit the judges carried out this year was at British Garden Centres Woodthorpe, back in August. See our gallery of pictures below:
Johnsons Lawn Seeds, Gardena, Miracle-Gro and Westland were among the garden centre suppliers who sponsored categories in The Garden Media Guild Awards 2023, which took place at The Savoy Hotel last week...
Johnsons Lawn Seeds, Gardena, Miracle-Gro and Westland were among the garden centre suppliers who sponsored categories in The Garden Media Guild Awards 2023, which took place at The Savoy Hotel last week.
Gardena sponsored The Peter Seabrook Practical Book of the Year Award, which was won by Emma Crawforth for “50 Things to do with Plants.”
Stihl were the sponsors of Garden Book of the Year won by Shahina Chaznafar for “Plants of the Quar’an.”
Johnsons Lawn Seeds sponsored the Garden Publication of the Year which was Gardens Illustrated.
Cobra were the sponsors of Practical +Journalist of the Year who was Benedict Vanheems.
Linda Petrons from Greenfingers Charity presented the Gordon Rae Photographer of the year Award to Bennett Smith.
Guild Committee member Kimberley Hornby presented the Portfolio Photographer of the Year Award to Molly Hollman.
HTA President Alan Down announced the Radio Broadcast or Podcast of the year winner, which was Talking Gardens by Gardens Illustrated.
Evergreen Garden Care, under their Miracle-Gro brand, sponsored The Alan Titchmarsh New Talent of the Year Award, won by Bob Askew.
Past Guild Chair, Val Bourne won Digital Gardening Writer of the Year, sponsored by Honda.
Thompson & Morgan were sponsors of Individual Social Media Influencer of the Year who was Rekha Mistry for Rekha's Garden & Kitchen.
Brand Social Media Influencer of the Year was sponsored by The Garden Press Event, presented by GIMA’s Vicky Nuttall. The winner was Borde Hill Garden.
Finally, Barbara Segall was awarded the Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by Westland Horticulture.
See GTN Xtra's gallery of photos from the awards lunch below
Shelley Harrison, a team leader from Haskins Garden Centre, Snowhill, is encouraging change in the industry by presenting a compelling scheme to encourage increased hot bin composting, to the Garden Centre Association. She is calling for increased engagement with the sustainable gardening initiative, as part of a wider mission to put sustainability at the forefront of gardeners’ minds...
Shelley Harrison, a team leader from Haskins Garden Centre, Snowhill, is encouraging change in the industry by presenting a compelling scheme to encourage increased hot bin composting, to the Garden Centre Association. She is calling for increased engagement with the sustainable gardening initiative, as part of a wider mission to put sustainability at the forefront of gardeners’ minds.
Shelley, who has worked at Haskins for three years, has introduced hot composting bins to the branch for the first time as part of the GCA competition. Through curating and deploying an in-store campaign, Shelley has engaged with customers to encourage the adoption of this sustainable composting method.
Discussing the scheme, Shelley said: “My entry for the GCA competition focuses on the benefits of utilising hot composting bins over traditional cold composting, or ready-made products. As the temperature cools in the autumn and winter, there is no better time to begin composting with a hot bin. When managed properly, hot bins can generate a composting heap in 30-90 days, compared to the 12-24 months cold composting requires.”
With the UK Government targeting 2030 as a deadline to prevent any food waste from being sent to landfill, gardeners creating composting areas quickly and conveniently within their outdoor spaces will become increasingly important. A passionate gardener, Shelley will use her presentation to the GCA to highlight the positive impact hot composting can have on the environment and demonstrate how garden centres can effectively market and sell the products.
Among the additional positives, Shelley highlights: “Hot bins not only generate compost at a faster rate but they also produce natural liquid feed, useable as an alternative to chemical products in your garden, allowing gardeners to take further steps towards becoming more sustainable.”
The Haskins team leader has also generated social media content on TikTok to educate a wider audience on the benefits of hot bin composting, with her content amassing over 8,000 views combined.
Shelley highlighted the values of hot bin composting and the messaging she has provided to customers, to the Chair of the Garden Centre Association on the 31st of October. She has now successfully progressed to the final five, and will present her learnings at the annual GCA awards in the Cotswolds in January. The best scheme presented will be voted for and recognised as part of the awards ceremony.
Shelley added: “I hope that this project will demonstrate the value hot bin composting provides gardeners and encourages other centres both in the Haskins group and more broadly to offer these products to their customer base.
“This project has been a great opportunity for me to develop my confidence in presenting and grow my knowledge of how the products we sell at Haskins can have a hugely beneficial impact on our customers and the wider environment. I can’t wait to present my findings and discuss this project with customers at Snowhill in the coming weeks.”
Sustainability is a core value for Haskins, with the Snowhill Centre implementing a number of solutions to minimise the environmental impact of the site. These methods include rainwater harvesting and the maintenance of mature trees along the site boundaries to support the continuity of biodiversity in proximity to the centre.
For more information on Haskins Garden Centres and the huge variety of plants and gardening advice available, please visit: www.haskins.co.uk. Alternatively, you can follow @HaskinsGarden on X and @HaskinsGardenCentres on Facebook to share any garden-related queries and keep up to date with all the latest news.
Southern Trident announces its remarkable achievements in 2023 and sets the stage for further success in 2024. As a company dedicated to environmental responsibility, Southern Trident has solidified its position as one of the most eco-conscious manufacturers in the industry...
Southern Trident announces its remarkable achievements in 2023 and sets the stage for further success in 2024. As a company dedicated to environmental responsibility, Southern Trident has solidified its position as one of the most eco-conscious manufacturers in the industry.
Southern Trident has been at the forefront of environmental stewardship, establishing itself as a carbon-neutral company. All coir sourced by Southern Trident is Soil Association organic approved, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to sustainable and organic practices. As an early adopter and supporter of the Responsible Sourcing Scheme it joins the call for a more robust measurement of responsibility, consumer awareness and a focus on product quality, in short ensuring the growing media works and gives expected results.
The success of 2023 has been underscored by Southern Trident's triumph at Glee, where the company clinched the coveted "Growing Materials" award for its innovative expanding Houseplant range. This range, featuring Houseplant, Cactus, Orchid, and Citrus composts, stands out for its unique composition. Unlike other houseplant composts that include bark and woody materials, Southern Trident's solution is made of coir, preventing issues like Sciarid Fly infestations as well as fantastic plant growth.
Furthermore, Southern Trident was recognised with the Sustainability Award at Four Oaks, reinforcing the company's commitment to offering products that not only resonate with consumers and retailers but also contribute positively to the environment.
Looking ahead to 2024, Southern Trident continues the expansion of the world's only carbon-neutral growing media, the Harmony Gardens range. This step is a testament to Southern Trident's unwavering dedication to sustainable practices and its commitment to growing this essential sector of the business and demand from garden centres for additional products in the range.
Steve Harper, CEO at Southern Trident, is excited about the company's achievements, stating, "We continue to be humbled by the recognition of our products and the success of 2023. Our commitment to environmental responsibility has not only set us apart in the market but has also been acknowledged by prestigious awards. As we move into 2024, we are excited to expand our Harmony Gardens range, further solidifying our position as leaders in carbon-neutral growing media as well as the other sectors we trade in. Commercially our products sell, the new Houseplant compost is gaining rapid distribution in retailers large and small and flying off the shelves."
About Southern Trident
Southern Trident is a growing name in the garden centre and nursery sector, committed to producing environmentally responsible and innovative products. As a carbon-neutral company, Southern Trident continues to lead the industry in sustainable practices, offering award-winning solutions for both consumers and retailers which reinforces its mantra Green Today, Greener Tomorrow.
Compliance expert Ecoveritas has urged the government to stay the course on environmental reform, as Defra welcomes its fifth Environment Secretary in just over four years amidst another shake-up at the top of government...
Compliance expert Ecoveritas has urged the government to stay the course on environmental reform, as Defra welcomes its fifth Environment Secretary in just over four years amidst another shake-up at the top of government.
The latest government reshuffle saw Thérèse Coffey replaced as Secretary of State by Steve Barclay, the former Health Secretary. Coffey’s year-long tenure saw Defra implement several key environmental policies, including a single-use plastics ban for foodservice outlets and the protracted introduction of extended producer responsibility (EPR) data collection requirements. Her sudden departure means the future expansion of these flagship policies is again mired in uncertainty.
“It’s incredibly hard for businesses to build a trusting relationship with Defra when the direction from the top is continually changing,” said Andrew McCaffery, Chief Strategy Officer at Ecoveritas. “We would urge the government to take this opportunity to refocus and recommit to its environmental strategy – stay the course and let businesses plan for the future with confidence.
“We’ve already seen uncertainty plague the rollout of the single-use plastic ban and EPR, with many businesses still unsure or unaware of their obligations. Now is the time for the new Environment Secretary to offer clarity on the future of his policy – not more uncertainty.”
However, McCaffery also said there was cause for optimism, adding, “This does represent a clean slate and a chance to leave the sudden U-turns and tiresome culture war-style discussions around environmental policy behind. We can only hope the government allows the new Secretary of State to take that chance.
“Data collection remains the only way businesses can act with certainty around their packaging supply chain and the packaging waste they create,” McCaffery continued. “Whichever direction the new Environment Secretary decides to take his department in, Ecoveritas remains on hand to support businesses with their packaging and packaging waste data.”
For more information on the ecoveritas range of data compliance services, visit www.ecoveritas.com.
Garden centre staff can now gain knowledge to help customers to deter and combat pests in a more natural, sustainable way via the Garden Centre Association’s GROW (Garden Retail Online Workshops) e-Learning platform...
Garden centre staff can now gain knowledge to help customers to deter and combat pests in a more natural, sustainable way via the Garden Centre Association’s GROW (Garden Retail Online Workshops) e-Learning platform.
The organisation has launched its new Sustainable Pest Control course because many gardeners, conscious of their impact on the environment, are choosing more environmentally friendly methods of pest prevention.
Antony Snow, GROW’s Instructional Designer, explains: “Following on from the recent, successful launch of Sustainable Disease Control, I’m thrilled to have added Sustainable Pest Control to our extensive course catalogue. It has been written to provide our members’ employees with the knowledge to help their customers to minimise the chance of a pest outbreak through the careful planning of where to plant and good plant husbandry.
“Many gardeners choose to use synthetic controls to combat pests because they are effective, convenient and easy to use.
“However, as more and more customers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact they are having on the environment, many are choosing to adopt a more natural and sustainable approach to control the pests in their garden.”
GROW courses cover a wide range of vital topics to help employees gain confidence and knowledge about products and services, so they can effectively assist any customers and colleagues who need help.
GCA Chief Executive, Peter Burks says: “We are fortunate that many garden centre customers are actively pursuing more sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to garden, so it’s very important we help staff to be able to advise them on successful ways of gardening without the use of synthetic chemicals.”
GROW courses are available to all GCA garden centre members and their teams, and also those at Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) garden centres.
Peter continues: “GROW is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, so people can log-in when it’s convenient for them. It’s a cost-effective way of providing staff training and personal development that enhances customer experience.
“Members have said it gives their staff confidence, as well as being an effective and essential training tool for them too.”
GROW started as an initial idea, devised during a strategy meeting of the GCA’s executive committee, to bring education and training tailored to individuals employed in the garden centre industry.
It’s a self-funding and non-profit facility with any surpluses being reinvested into its ongoing development and improvement. Currently there are more than 100 courses and 12,000 plus users throughout the UK.
These courses include a wide range of topics that cover horticulture, customer service, food safety, regulated sales and health and safety.
All the courses have been written by experts in their field and are designed to apply to a garden centre environment, with the content for the horticultural courses drawing on the vast experience of members within the GCA.
Peter concludes: “Anyone who would like more information about GROW and the courses we offer, please get in touch with either Antony or myself. We’ve details on our website www.gca.org.uk/gca-grow-information too and a dedicated email for people to contact us through as well: grow@gca.org.uk.”
The GROW e-Learning facility is available to GCA member garden centres, as well as to HTA garden centre members too. The new course is accessible immediately to existing subscribers.
Having successfully introduced the Cramer brand of professional battery-powered tools to the UK, British garden equipment manufacturer and distributor Handy has revealed that substantial investments are set to be made in Cramer by its parent company Globe Technologies, who will take this innovative brand to the next stage...
Having successfully introduced the Cramer brand of professional battery-powered tools to the UK, British garden equipment manufacturer and distributor Handy has revealed that substantial investments are set to be made in Cramer by its parent company Globe Technologies, who will take this innovative brand to the next stage.
Mark Moseley, Handy Sales and Marketing Director, states: “We enjoy an excellent working relationship with Globe Technologies, which began – and continues - with the Greenworks brand, and has seen us effectively pave the way for the Cramer brand in the UK. The future of commercial landscaping equipment lies in Lithium-Ion technology, but the levels of long-term investment required to grow and service such a large and aggressive market and growth ambitions, needs a greater and direct commercial focus. With Handy’s core market being consumer gardening machinery, we have decided the time is now right for Handy to pass the Cramer baton to Globe, who are now in a position to make a significant investment in the UK operations, including establishing their own operating company and distribution hub.”
The Globe group recently floated on the Shenzhen stock exchange, which has enabled them to fund the future expansion of the company worldwide. They will be making substantial investments in Cramer across Europe, with a particular focus on the UK. This funding will not only result in further new technologies and innovative products, including battery ride on mowers, UTVs, robotics, and class leading 82v handheld products but, just as importantly, will enable Globe to establish comprehensive sales and distribution support. New premises to house distribution, after sales, spare parts, finance, and customer services, are already in the process of being acquired, and personnel recruited and trained.
For existing UK dealers of the Cramer brand, the transition from Handy to Globe Technologies UK Ltd. is expected to take place from early 2024. Handy and Globe Technologies will work together closely to ensure a smooth transition, and Handy will continue to manage and support the Cramer business until that transition is completed. Globe Technologies will honour the same commercial terms that are currently in place with Handy.
This latest development will not affect the Greenworks brand of battery powered garden machinery and power tools, which Handy will continue to distribute, along with its other key brands, Webb, The Handy and Q Garden.
Looking to the 2024 season, garden retailers can step up their sustainability game and enhance their outdoor offer with Primeur’s new recycled planter designs and colourways...
Looking to the 2024 season, garden retailers can step up their sustainability game and enhance their outdoor offer with Primeur’s new recycled planter designs and colourways.
If you are keen to stay ahead of the curve and meet the increasing demand for environmentally friendly gardening solutions, Primeur's latest offerings are a necessary addition to your product line-up.
New designs
Primeur’s newest containers still stay true to the company’s award-winning portfolio of landscaping and decorative products, using recycled materials in their manufacturing process. The British supplier’s garden range is crafted from recycled rubber tyres, helping to keep this common waste material out of landfill, where it would otherwise take decades to break down. The innovative use of this rubber crumb makes these stunning planters an excellent choice for environmentally-conscious retailers who want to deepen collaboration with eco-suppliers and enable gardeners to make better choices.
Barrel (RRP £99.99)
Meet customer demand with the rustic charm and newly designed Whiskey Barrel, joining the Primeur line-up for the 2024 season. Timeless and classic, this barrel measures 38cm in height and 54cm in width, providing ample space for plants and trees. The Whiskey Barrel is not only lightweight and plant-safe but also UV- and frost-resistant, ensuring durability and longevity. This eco-friendly planter won’t crack and looks great in any garden setting, complementing almost any type of plant.
Cello (RRP £39.99)
Introducing the stunning new Cello planter – a beautiful and timeless addition to your planter offering. Its classic shape is enriched with a wavy ribbed pattern, designed to showcase your plants at their best. The planter is available in a sleek slate colour that tones with any indoor or outdoor space. Cello features Primeur’s renowned built-in watering system and measures 36cm in height x 33cm in width, to accommodate a wide variety of plants.
Alto (RRP £79.99)
Drive sales with the new Alto planter, which completes Primeur’s new trio for 2024. With its sleek and contemporary design, Alto adds a touch of modern elegance to any interior or garden space. Crafted with simple yet sophisticated lines, this planter is ideal for those who appreciate minimalist aesthetics.
The Alto planter is available in a slate colour and comes equipped with a built-in watering system. Measuring 40cm x 38 cm it adds a touch of class while making a positive impact on the environment.
Fresh colourways
As the popularity of container gardening continues to rise, Primeur’s existing planters will draw on current trends in home and fashion, with new colours to enhance both the sales area and the home. The best-selling Sonata core range and Octavia planers will now be available in new blossom, oak and cappuccino colourways in 2024, in addition to the existing popular slate and steel grey.
These new shades can also be stocked to order for the Sonata trough, Aria, Concerto and Symphony planters, with a new palette of terracotta, lime and heather also available to order, if required.
Primeur Managing Director, Jenny Douthwaite said of the new product lineup: “With both container gardening and environmental awareness increasing every season, sustainability is imperative for Primeur, and the new container shapes have been designed to introduce both style and greener solutions into the garden. Retailers can look forward to sales inspired by new natural colours and recycled materials with Primeur, whilst gardeners will enjoy the new designs that convey a sense of naturalness and inspire others to take similar steps in the garden to make our planet a better place.”
Primeur’s products are supported by attractive point-of-sale displays that showcase recycled rubber's unique benefits. The stands maximise space and showcase multiple collections on three shelves, whilst pallet displays optimise floor space and encourage cross-selling.
Get in touch
To find a local stockist of Primeur’s Tierra Verde self-watering planters, call 01274 518800, visit the website at www.primeur.co.uk or email sales@primeur.ltd.uk
Gardening expert and broadcaster Monty Don OBE and writer Rona Munro will receive Honorary Doctorates from the University of Stirling next week...
Gardening expert and broadcaster Monty Don OBE and writer Rona Munro will receive Honorary Doctorates from the University of Stirling next week.
Monty and Rona will be celebrated at Stirling’s winter graduation ceremonies, which take place on November 23 and 24.
Broadcaster, writer and celebrity gardener Monty is being recognised for his outstanding contribution to horticulture, broadcasting and charity.
Born Montagu Don in West Berlin, he is the great nephew of Scottish botanist George Don. Both of his paternal grandparents were Scottish.
Monty, whose television and writing work has been prolific, has had a lifelong passion for gardening, although no formal training. A keen proponent of organic gardening and sustainable beekeeping, Monty has spoken out about the therapeutic benefits of gardening for mental and physical health. He has written of his own struggle with depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Monty has hosted a range of programmes across the BBC and Channel 4, including Channel 4’s Real Gardens and Fork to Fork and, for the BBC, programmes including Monty Don’s Japanese Gardens, Paradise Gardens and Italian Gardens, Around the World in 80 Gardens, and Chelsea Flower Show. He has hosted BBC Two’s Gardeners’ World for the best part of two decades. Writing credits include The Observer, Daily Mail and BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine. He is also the author of more than 20 books.
Monty has been affiliated with a number of charities and organisations, including the Bees for Development Trust, the Soil Association and Farms for City Children. In 2018, he was made Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Scottish writer Rona Munro, who is being recognised for her outstanding contribution to Scottish literature and drama, has enjoyed a 40-year career writing extensively for stage, radio, television and film, to enormous critical acclaim and with multiple award wins.
Born in Aberdeen, Rona wrote and acted for the stage during her teenage years. Her first play was staged at Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre just a year after she graduated from the University of Edinburgh. She went on to write extensively for the stage and radio.
Amongst her most notable works are The James Plays, five plays in an ongoing cycle covering the reigns of the Stewart kings and queens of Scotland. Her theatre awards include the John Whiting Award for Iron; the Peggy Ramsay Memorial Award for The Maiden Stone; and the Evening Standard Award, Critics’ Circle Award and Susan Smith Blackburn Award for Bold Girls.
Rona’s film and television work includes the Ken Loach film Ladybird, Ladybird and the television series Doctor Who. With actress Fiona Knowles, she is one half of the MsFits, Scotland’s longest running small scale touring theatre company presenting feminist comedy drama.
The honorary graduands will celebrate alongside more than 1,000 University of Stirling students, and their family and friends, over two days of ceremonies on the Stirling campus.
Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “Monty Don and Rona Munro are truly inspiring in their fields, which intersect film, media, creative writing, the environment and history. All of these are popular subjects of study and research at the University of Stirling. Monty and Rona also share Stirling’s purpose of making a real difference to the world in their respective fields. They are excellent role models for the students about to graduate with them.”
Three ceremonies will take place on 23 and 24 November and are the last in the 2023 series of graduations, following the spring and summer events earlier in the year. For more information, please visit the University’s graduation webpages.
Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts...
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.
As the AMES Companies continues on its upward projection, firmly on its mission to being the garden retail industry’s ‘partner of choice’, it has recently appointed a new Finance Director to support this growth...
As the AMES Companies continues on its upward projection, firmly on its mission to being the garden retail industry’s ‘partner of choice’, it has recently appointed a new Finance Director to support this growth.
With two decades of experience under his belt, including manufacturing, distribution and FMCG sectors, John Thompson is the perfect fit to lead the next chapter at AMES, with the financial landscape firmly in his sights. In this new role, John will be responsible for all aspects of accounting and payroll, plus financial planning, reporting and analysis. Additionally, with significant investments already underway across the business including new warehousing and ERP systems, John will be working as part of the wider leadership team to ensure that every aspect of these investments offer real tangible value for not just its customers but also the internal teams.
John said of his appointment: “I have been greatly impressed by the vision for the AMES Companies and the steps that have already been taken to achieve this. What’s more, the people and the culture make this a superb place to work, and I am keen to make an impact in this new role. With ambitious growth plans comes the need to make the right decisions in both the short term and the long term, and it is here that the finance team and I come into play. It’s an exciting prospect to be part of this story and look forward to seeing many of our plans for the future come to fruition.”
Vitax Limited has appointed a new area sales manager to cover the North West region as it continues with its drive to expand its presence in the area following investment in new products and additions to key brands...
Vitax Limited has appointed a new area sales manager to cover the North West region as it continues with its drive to expand its presence in the area following investment in new products and additions to key brands.
Chris Hilton joins the team from Shackletons Home and Garden where he was head of plant and sundries.
With over 35 years’ experience in the horticulture industry, Chris will be responsible for driving new accounts, whilst working alongside existing customers and Vitax’s distributors.
Prior to joining Vitax, Chris worked in a variety of roles including garden centre management, but his key strengths lie in area sales management, building customer relationships, securing new business and long-term account development.
Mark Butler, Vitax’s national sales manager, says: “We’re thrilled to secure an area sales manager with the strength and depth of knowledge Chris will bring to the team.
“Chris has already built a great reputation within the garden centre industry in the North West through previous roles and we are excited to introduce him to our existing clients and prospects.”
With a real passion for gardening and the great outdoors, Chris is currently studying an RHS Level 2 in Horticulture and will work across Vitax’s portfolio in the North West region, as well as working alongside the company’s sales team to drive and promote the sale of new product lines.
“It is very rare to find an opportunity to join a company that is not only steeped in history, but also well known and respected in the horticulture industry.
“Vitax’s market-leading brands have been a staple for many gardeners and garden centres for many years and I am excited to be able to introduce their products to new customers as well as joining such a strong team,” added Chris.
The spring edition of PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt is almost sold out! As can be seen on the interactive fair plan, only a few places are still available...
The spring edition of PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt is almost sold out! As can be seen on the interactive fair plan, only a few places are still available.
“The past few days the applications kept streaming in and the fair floor rapidly filled up. Our sector is evidently in a positive flow once again, and we’re now investigating whether we can create some extra room so as to be able to offer everyone a place,” says fair manager Marjolein Wieckardt.
With more than 150 exhibitors already and the 5000 sample layers of GROEN-Direkt’s Spring Fair, the spring edition ofPLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt will kick off the new garden plant season. After the successful autumn edition, many companies would like to participate in the fair next spring too. The next edition will have the same, greatly appreciated fair layout as the last autumn edition. The interactive fair plan and information on the participants can be viewed at the website. Companies interested in the last available places can register via the website.
Green Retail Awards
The Green Retail Award in the category ‘Visitor’s Favourite’ will be presented during the spring edition of PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt. Exhibitors and GROEN-Direkt suppliers who would like to generate extra attention for their new products can register their product for this inspection. During the fair days, visitors will be invited to vote for what they consider the best new product. The submitted products will be presented directly behind the fair’s entrance. Products can be registered for this inspection via de website. The closing date for registration is Wednesday 24 January 2024. The winner of the Green Retail Award will be festively announced around 2 p.m. on Wednesday 7 February.
About PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt
The combination of PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt, the Green Retail Fair, with GROEN-Direkt’s Autumn and Spring Fairs makes it the number-one meeting event for suppliers and everyone else involved in the green sector. The next editions will take place on 6 and 7 February 2024 and 21 and 22 August 2024. The fairs take place in and around GROEN-Direkt’s hall at the International Trade Centre in Hazerswoude/Boskoop (the Netherlands), from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. (4 p.m. on the 2nd fair day). More information can be obtained at the website https://plantariumgroendirekt.nl/. The fair is exclusively accessible to professional visitors and visitors can already register via the website.
The International Statistics Flowers and Plants Yearbook has the most comprehensive production and trade data collection for the ornamental plants and flower industry. It is now available to purchase and instantly download...
The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) is a global organisation uniting thousands of growers of flowers and ornamental plants. As the world’s champion for the power of plants, AIPH's common goal is to promote the importance of plants in our lives. Since 1952, we have published the International Statistics Flowers and Plants Yearbook.
The International Statistics Flowers and Plants Yearbook has the most comprehensive production and trade data collection for the ornamental plants and flower industry. It is now available to purchase and instantly download.
This annual publication on the ornamental horticultural industry is invaluable to trade organisations, policymakers, marketers, producers, traders, libraries, and universities. In its 71st year, the contents result from extensive research and data compiled by the Centre for Business Management in Horticulture and Applied Research at the University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
The Statistics Yearbook provides production data from countries in Europe, Asia, North America, and South America, with detailed breakdowns, product comparisons, market data and prices and global import and export data. This edition also features additional survey responses, carried out in Spring 2023, from member organisations of AIPH and Union Fleurs about the Economic development of ornamental horticulture in 2022.
For the first time, this edition also includes statistics about licensing from the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) in Angers, France.
The 2023 Yearbook is published as a digital document and features 238 pages of illustrations, tables, diagrams, and maps of crucial production data.
New data contained in the 2023 Statistics Yearbook includes:
Online survey with results from 18 countries and the external effects on production and trade.
Updated figures for per capita consumption for Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, the UK, Japan, and the USA.
New figures on area and production and additional updated summary information for 38 countries
New CPVO statistics
Overview trade tables for import and export of cut flowers, live plants, cuttings and slips, bulbs and tubers and cut foliage
Summary of sales and marketing of top-selling flowers and pot plants for wholesale markets.
New external trade maps showing the most important producing countries of cut flowers and the most important exporters and importers of cut flowers.
AIPH Secretary General, Mr Tim Briercliffe, says, “The 71st edition contains even more analytical information on the production and trade of ornamentals and provides critical statistics to the industry globally”.
Union Fleurs Secretary General, Ms Sylvie Mamias, adds: “The Statistics Yearbook offers an invaluable and detailed picture of the latest available data on the global production and trade of flowers and plants. It is a unique reference for anyone – trade, production, policymakers, researchers – who wish to gain an in-depth understanding of the latest state and trends of the flower and plants industry.”
The International Statistics Flowers and Plants Yearbook 2023 can be purchased online for €195. For more information, visit www.aiph.org
Living Raspberry Pink Improved has been named Hydrangea paniculata with the best shelf life by Royal FloraHolland...
Living Raspberry Pink Improved has been named Hydrangea paniculata with the best shelf life by Royal FloraHolland.
For the third time in a row, this means gold for breeder Alex Schoemaker. "Previously, we received this award with Living Pinky Promise® and Living Little Rosy®. All three winners fall within our Living Creations line with good genetics, promising 100-day flowering, among other things. That the results are consistent is therefore explainable, but it is again a great acknowledgement that we have received this confirmation this year. In all cases, we deliver our plants to the inspection untreated and unsprayed. Pure winners, then," says Alex Schoemaker.
Living Raspberry Pink® Improved is, as the name suggests, an improved version of Living Raspberry Pink®. Especially the growth characteristics have been optimised. Improved branching produces a compact growth form with strong branches. This results in a nicely filled-out, lushly flowering plant. The flowers start out creamy white and turn light pink in the course of the summer.
Test method
For this judgement, the plants were tested intensively for a long time by Royal FloraHolland's Knowledge Centre. Here, the logistic route from grower to consumer is simulated. It then looks at how and how long the plant performs in a simulated end-customer environment. On this, the professional jury judges the entry against the other entries.
The Boskoop breeder also expects to have new varieties tested in future years: "Every year we expand our assortment with new colours, new applications but also improvements within the Living Creations® assortment. Core promises here remain more than 100 days of flowering, hardy to -30 and easy to care for." Extensive consumer-focused information is available via livingcreations.com. For the trade, more information is available at alexschoemaker.co.uk.
The best of last week's
If you missed last week's GTN Xtra, below are the most-read stories...
It’s time for a new chapter at Hillier Nurseries Ltd. Chairman Robert Hillier has announced that he will be standing down from his position of Chairman and will hand the reins of the family-run business over to George Hillier, who will take the role of Chairman from 1st January 2024. Robert will remain actively involved in the business as a Board Director on a part-time basis...
It’s time for a new chapter at Hillier Nurseries Ltd. Chairman Robert Hillier (pictured right) has announced that he will be standing down from his position of Chairman and will hand the reins of the family-run business over to George Hillier, who will take the role of Chairman from 1st January 2024. Robert will remain actively involved in the business as a Board Director on a part-time basis.
Hillier will celebrate its 160th anniversary next year and during that time there have only been four Chairmen. Robert has worked in the company for more than 50 years and has been the driving force behind Hillier since 1980.
It is his passion and dedication that has led Hillier to where it is today, from the introduction and growth of the retail chain of garden centres to the expansion of the Hillier Trees division, winning significant tenders for projects such as The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Robert Hillier says: “It has been a privilege to be at the forefront of this company for so long. I am extremely proud to be handing over to the next generation of the Hillier family. We are a business that has always looked to the future, so it is wonderful to see George take the reins and continue to build on the fantastic achievements of the last 160 years."
George (above) has worked in the company for 23 years and is ready to build on the strong foundation that has been laid down. He began as a Garden Centre Assistant and worked his way up to become Manager of Hillier Garden Centre Chichester, before progressing to Area Manager for three years and then into his current role as Director of Property. He has managed the company’s recent property acquisitions and developments taking the portfolio from 12 to 22 garden centres, as well as acquiring additional land for growth in the Hillier tree nurseries. George has also been instrumental in setting and delivering the company’s sustainability objectives, working with Planet Mark to reduce the business’ carbon footprint.
Discussing his new position as Chairman George said: “I’m looking forward to the opportunities ahead of us. These are exciting times for Hillier following our recent acquisitions and our launch of online shopping. The world is experiencing some uncertain times right now, but we have a strong and experienced team at Hillier who support our values and our vision and care about our customers, so we’re in a great position to look at what’s next for our business and continue the growth that my predecessors championed for decades. Of course, this is all while we focus on what we do best – trees, plants and great customer experiences!’
Transitions like this are always a significant milestone in any company’s history and we’re looking forward to this next chapter for Hillier!
Five individuals from Garden Centre Association member garden centres have reached the finals of the industry body’s Rising Stars programme sponsored by Westland Horticulture..
Five individuals from Garden Centre Association member garden centres have reached the finals of the industry body’s Rising Stars programme sponsored by Westland Horticulture.
The staff were put forward by their garden centres and took part in a series of workshops this year.
GCA inspector, Gordon Emslie, who mentored the workshops, said: “I’d like to say a huge ‘congratulations’ to our finalists: Shelley Harrison from Haskins Snowhill, Callum Spencer from Stewarts Broomhill, Haydon Walters from British Garden Centres Thatcham, Warren Bolter from Thurrock Garden Centre and Kerry Barrett from British Garden Centres Upminster.”
All the candidates undertook projects, which ran from June to September, within their garden centres. They then presented them to a Dragon’s Den panel of judges at Millbrook Garden Centre – Gravesend in October, who scored them and the final five were the top scoring projects.
Gordon added: “This season’s Rising Stars have again raised the bar on the outstanding quality of people employed in the garden centre industry. The commitment, enthusiasm and tenacity shown from them all to deliver a sustainability or environmental project has been truly fantastic. Every one of them should be extremely proud of their journey on this year’s programme and on how well they all did presenting last week.
“Each of the final 12 tackled important issues which many gardeners take for granted. They have all been extremely creative to make their projects work.
“They have all faced challenges during the year, which the programme is designed to flush out. As testing as those were, they have all been tenacious with their projects, as well as having the determination to see them through, and have become more resilient people as a result. It has been an extremely proud and humbling experience for me to work with all this year's candidates.
“The programme would not run without the strong partnership between the GCA and Westlands. I personally would like to thank both Peter Burks (GCA) and Keith Nicholson (Westlands) for having the enthusiasm and commitment towards supporting the development of colleagues within the industry.”
British Garden Centres has two finalists who will be going forward to the GCA Conference in January – Haydon Walters from Thatcham and Kerry Barrett from Upminster.
Amy Stubbs, Development and Projects Manager, at British Garden Centres, explains: “I am really proud of both Nathan and Kerry. It’s been great to see them grow through the Rising Stars scheme.
“The garden industry is rapidly changing and young talent is supporting and driving change and it’s fantastic to see the enthusiasm and passion for horticulture continue to be represented in the British Garden Centres family. “
The finalists will present their projects at the GCA Conference at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel near Cirencester, Gloucestershire on Monday, January 29 and share with the audience how the Rising Stars programme has helped them develop during the past 10 months.
A final winner will be voted for by conference delegates and crowned at the event.
Gina Lewis, Social & Content Marketing Manager at Westland Horticulture, said: “Garden centres and the incredible teams that work within them, are critical to the success and future growth of the UK gardening industry. At Westland, we are passionate about supporting the future stars of the industry and we are delighted to have been able to sponsor and support this year’s Rising Stars on their journey over the last 12 months to the GCA conference.
“The presentations they have prepared, with Gordon’s guidance, are thought provoking, insightful and innovative, highlighting the huge potential of this talented group. Each Rising Star has really engaged with the sustainability brief, bringing something new and exciting to their centres. We wish them the best of luck as they move to the next stage of the competition.”
Sarah Raven ihas announced the acquisition of award-winning nursery, Taylors Clematis, cementing their position as the largest clematis retailer in the UK...
Sarah Raven ihas announced the acquisition of award-winning nursery, Taylors Clematis, cementing their position as the largest clematis retailer in the UK.
The full range of Taylors Clematis will become part of the Sarah Raven offering, with over 100 varieties of clematis available. Sarah Raven will continue to deliver the same outstanding quality and advice Taylors Clematis has become synonymous with, but customers will now benefit from the assistance of Sarah Raven’s dedicated UK-based customer support team, including its live chat feature.
The acquisition of Taylors Clematis by Sarah Raven is a perfect opportunity to integrate one of the UK’s most experienced clematis cultivators into the Sarah Raven family. Taylors Clematis has over 40 years’ experience breeding plants of the highest quality and has won multiple RHS Gold Medals. The brand is excited to embark on this new venture and is the perfect fit for Sarah Raven; sharing similar values and an innate focus on providing a range of premium products to customers.
Alison Doherty, CEO of Sarah Raven, said, “Through this strategic and exciting acquisition, Sarah Raven will now become the largest suppliers of clematis plants in the UK. We look forward to helping even more gardeners bring beauty, colour, and joy to their much-loved outdoor spaces, underpinned by our mutual commitment to excellence, knowledge, and quality.”
The expansion is a landmark journey for the Sarah Raven brand, as the introduction of Taylors Clematis provides the opportunity to enhance its offering of rare breed and award-winning clematises. Previous customers of Taylors Clematis will now be able to order their favourite exclusive varieties with lower delivery cost, while also benefiting from Sarah Raven’s extensive range of top-quality plants, bulbs, and seeds, plus expert advice, and dedicated courses for gardeners of all levels.
Chris and Suzy Cocks of Taylors Clematis said, “We are so excited for the future of Taylors Clematis as the brand joins the Sarah Raven family. It’s a great time for the business and ultimately our highly valued customers, who, whilst still benefitting from Taylors Clematis' extensive range, will also have access to Sarah Raven's dedicated customer support team and Live Chat function. It really is such a proud milestone for the company to join such a well-respected horticultural brand.”
The full range of Taylors Clematis by Sarah Raven will be available from 20th November. Customers will be able to browse hand-selected varieties, from old favourites to best in-show plants that are suitable for all gardens, whether you’re looking to elevate containers or incorporate a fencing feature.
British Garden Centres, the UK’s largest family-run garden retailer, has unveiled its new Christmas advert, “#AllWrappedUp” for 2023’s festive season...
British Garden Centres, the UK’s largest family-run garden retailer, has unveiled its new Christmas advert, “#AllWrappedUp” for 2023’s festive season.
The touching advert, which stars two local children from North Lincolnshire, has been rolled out in a multichannel campaign across email marketing, social media and YouTube.
The 106-second video follows an excited young boy and girl who unwrap Christmas in their front room, starting with the Christmas tree, followed by decorations and ornaments before being visited by Santa himself who offers them a golden ticket to British Garden Centres which offers everything, they could possibly need to make the big day as magical as possible.
Told in an enchanting rhyme, the advert positions a community’s local British Garden Centre as the ultimate Christmas destination and the home of the festive season, “full of candles, calendars and accessories galore. Lamps and lanterns, teddy bears and more. Biscuits and sweets and many more festive treats. And Christmas gonks with beards down to their feet.”
Shot and directed by British Garden Centres, Group Brand Manager, Ian Hutchinson, the short clip highlights how British Garden Centres stock an extensive array of festive items for every home big or small making it your one-stop Christmas destination.
Amy Stubbs, Project and Development Manager at British Garden Centres said, “British Garden Centres aims to deliver a memorable yet affordable shopping experience for all households and the ultimate in-store experience, so this video is perfect in illustrating both the excitement of Christmas and how each centre is the ultimate “one-stop shop for decorations, gifts and so much more.”
Blue Diamond have been shortlisted as The Best Retailer over £250m in the Retail Week Awards 2024 alongside Boots, Frasers Group, ScS Group, Superdrug, Tesco, The Very Group and Wickes...
Blue Diamond have been shortlisted as The Best Retailer over £250m in the Retail Week Awards 2024 alongside Boots, Frasers Group, ScS Group, Superdrug, Tesco, The Very Group and Wickes.
Alan Roper told GTN Xtra: "I entered the competition on behalf of all our colleagues who work on the shopfloor and our operational retail teams that support them.
"Because when you take a step back and reflect on the extraordinary retail standards we have strived for and achieved over the years, I believe they stand shoulder to shoulder with the best retailers in the high street on any given day.
"I am very proud indeed that my colleagues have been recognised."
The Retail Week Awards take place on Tuesday 5th March at The Grosvenor House, London.
British Garden Centres and the leading surplus food app, Too Good To Go, have announced a significant milestone in their partnership. Together, they have successfully prevented more than 10,000 meals from going to waste since the initiative was rolled out across some sites earlier this year...
British Garden Centres and the leading surplus food app, Too Good To Go, have announced a significant milestone in their partnership. Together, they have successfully prevented more than 10,000 meals from going to waste since the initiative was rolled out across some sites earlier this year.
With 40% of all food ending up being wasted and the current cost-of-living crisis putting pressure on purse strings, the Too Good To Go app is one way that British Garden Centres can offer support to their customers in each community effectively.
2023 saw the start of the collaboration with Too Good to Go across its 26 carvery sites - Tarporley, Osterley, Chapel, Thatcham, Bressingham, Arcadia, Carr Gate, Roxton, Ramsgate, Hornsea, Horncastle, Wolseley Bridge, Shipley, East Durham, Tring, Woodthorpe, Albrighton, Irton, Leyland, Louth, Braintree, Bolton, Gilberdyke, Crawley, Brigg and Mirfield. These centres have handed out Surprise Bags of food to local customers and collectively helped avoid 25,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions, equivalent to more than 4 million full smartphone charges or 114 flight tickets from London to Berlin.
Too Good To Go is a social impact company working with companies to prevent food waste by enabling customers to purchase surplus food from restaurants, convenience retailers and producers in an affordable way. Users download the free Too Good To Go app and search for nearby businesses that offer unsold food, where they can then purchase a Surprise Bag filled with great food at a fraction of its original retail value, collect it at an allotted time and enjoy.
Ricky Towers, Group Restaurant Director at British Garden Centres said: “British Garden Centres and Too Good To Go have successfully reached the impressive milestone of 10,000 meals, showcasing their fruitful partnership. Our team takes great pride in the accomplishments and the food that we have saved from going to waste at our carvery sites in recent months. This significant achievement serves as a testament to our shared dedication towards combating food waste and its environmental implications. By demonstrating how small actions can yield significant transformations, we are looking forward to continuing our collaboration and achieving bigger milestones, all in the pursuit of a sustainable future.”
Sophie Trueman, UK & Ireland Managing Director at Too Good To Go adds, “We’re thrilled to have reached this incredible milestone together with British Garden Centres. Their commitment to tackling food waste has made them the perfect partner for us, and it’s amazing to see the significant impact we are driving together. Saving good food from going to waste not only carries huge benefits for our planet, but it can also be a great help in coping with the rising food costs we’re experiencing at the moment. I can’t wait to see our partnership continue to flourish and rescue even more good food from going to waste."
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.
Hundreds of customer votes for The Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team have already been made and with 5 more weeks of voting there's plenty of opportunity for more centres to ask for the support of your customers. After only 10 days of on-line voting the front runners are: Bosworths, Cooks, Ferndale, Gates and Planters Tamworth. Votes have also already been submitted for Blue Diamond East Bridgeford, BGC Burford House, Bosworths Elton Hall, Goulds, Gordale, Jackson’s Boutique Garden Centre, Planters Bretby Tong, Wentworth Garden Centre and Woburn Sands Emporium...
Hundreds of customer votes for The Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team have already been made and with 5 more weeks of voting there's plenty of opportunity for more centres to ask for the support of your customers.
So far, after only 10 days of voting the front runners are: Bosworths, Cooks, Ferndale, Gates and Planters Tamworth. Votes have also already been submitted for Blue Diamond East Bridgeford, BGC Burford House, Bosworths Elton Hall, Goulds, Gordale, Jackson’s Boutique Garden Centre, Planters Bretby Tong, Wentworth Garden Centre and Woburn Sands Emporium.
To add your Christmas Team into the competition, whihc will have regional winners as well as an overall custoer voiting winer, all you have 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 21st.
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.
The GTN Xtra team visited Bosworths at Burton Latimer at the weekend to see how they were generating votes in store. See our gallery of pictures below.
Shelley highlighted the values of hot bin composting and the messaging she has provided to customers, to the Chair of the Garden Centre Association on the 31st of October. She has now successfully progressed to the final five, and will present her learnings at the annual GCA awards in the Cotswolds in January. The best scheme presented will be voted for and recognised as part of the awards ceremony.
As the AMES Companies continues on its upward projection, firmly on its mission to being the garden retail industry’s ‘partner of choice’, it has recently appointed a new Finance Director to support this growth.
It’s time for a new chapter at Hillier Nurseries Ltd. Chairman Robert Hillier (pictured right) has announced that he will be standing down from his position of Chairman and will hand the reins of the family-run business over to George Hillier, who will take the role of Chairman from 1st January 2024. Robert will remain actively involved in the business as a Board Director on a part-time basis.
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.