Wyevale Garden Centres have this afternoon (Wednesday 7th August) announced the sale of Findon Garden Centre in Worthing, to Findon Garden Centre Ltd, a new company set up by the current Wyevale Garden Centre Manager, Dylan Penhaligan (right), and his partner, Chrissie Chaplin.

The sale is expected to complete by mid-September and the site will continue to operate as a garden centre.

Anthony Jones, COO of Wyevale Garden Centres, said: “I am delighted to see Findon Garden Centre continue operating under management who have such an in-depth knowledge of the site. Dylan and Chrissie’s commitment to this centre has been clear throughout the sale process and I am confident we leave Findon in good hands. I would like to thank all of our colleagues at Findon Garden Centre for their skills and hard work and wish them the very best under new ownership.”

Dylan Penhaligan and Chrissie Chaplin, Directors of FGCL said: “Findon Garden Centre is now a local, independent, family run garden centre. We have years of experience in horticulture retail, including, in Dylan’s case, two years managing Findon Garden Centre, and are both looking forward to working with our colleagues and greeting our customers.”

Wyevale Garden Centres have also announced the closure of a leasehold centre, Rayleigh Garden Centre in Essex. The centre is expected to close by the end of September, following confirmation from the Landlord that a new lease will not be granted to potential new operators.

Anthony Jones, COO of Wyevale Garden Centres, said: “Our ambition has always been to find a positive outcome for all centres but I am disappointed to announce that Rayleigh Garden Centre will close by the end of September, shortly before the lease expires. I would like to thank all colleagues at this centre and wish them the very best for the future.”

Following the completion of this and other previously announced sales, Wyevale Garden Centres will trade 26 garden centres plus 6 centres trading under license. The 26 still to be sold as completion of the "Sale of the Century" of all 145 Wyevale Garden Centres that started in June 2018 are:

Blooms Swindon
Bournville
Braintree
Brockworth
Carmarthen
Chilton
Chipperfield
Crawley
Harrow
Hitchin
John Brown
Lewes
Ongar
Osterley
Paddock Wood
Playhatch
Pulborough
Ramsgate
Sprowston
Stanway
Stevenage
Thatcham
Tring
Upminster
Wimborne
Winnersh

At this year's Glee, Durston Garden Products' message is one of Simplicity and Consolidation.

All too often we see the market flooded with goods that don’t always make it out of the warehouse, let alone onto retail shelves. And that’s why Durston Garden Products are sticking rigidly to its core range.

“After all, a simple choice of composts, developed for all types of gardens, and for use all-year-round, is all any consumer really needs”, says company spokesman Dan Durston.

“When shopping for compost there’s nothing worse than being confronted with too many choices and too much jargon. When you think about it, compost has been the main staple of gardening for hundreds, if not thousands of years and as such it doesn’t need to be too technical or confusing”.

Durstons comprehensive selection of composts, offers garden centres and other retail outlets everything they need to supply their customers with what they want, and includes its ever popular Multi-Purpose Compost, Seed and Cutting Compost, Bulb Fibre, John Innes ranges and much more. 

“One thing our years of experience as a compost supplier has taught us” continues Dan, “is that the simpler you keep the choices, the more engaged the consumer will be. The sheer fact that the majority of compost suppliers best seller is its
Multi-Purpose, says it all”.

All Durstons composts are home-produced here in the UK, which gives the company an advantage over many of its competitors. The quality of its growing media and the value-for-money its products offer is also well documented and what’s more, you won’t find Durstons products cheaper in any of the supermarkets! Combine this with the company’s five-day delivery promise, yes that’s right, only five days from receipt of order and soon you will see why many garden centres chose Durstons as its preferred supplier.

At this years GLEE in Hall 8, Stand E20-21 Durston Garden Products will be exhibiting its entire range of composts and will continue to push its latest packaging which is 100% recyclable and for which it ‘s John Innes Multi Purpose design was shortlisted at the GIMA awards earlier this month.

So, if you’re looking for a new supplier or just a company to fill a short term gap, visit Durston Garden Products - you won’t be disappointed. Alternatively, and for more information check out the website: www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk or call the sales team on: 01458 442688.  They will be delighted to take your call.

Record temperatures in July have been matched with record garden centre total sales for the month.

Analysis of garden centre Epos data for GTN Bestsellers shows July 2019 was 22% up on 2018,  1% up on the previous July high set in 2015 and 6% higher than the 9 year average for the month.

After July’s record performance, garden centre sales for the year to date are now 3.6% up on last year and 1.1% up on 2017.  How many other areas of retail are in that position?  It appears 2019 is going to be yet another good year. 

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year (week 30)
Garden Products - up 41%
Growing Media - up 15%
Wild Bird Care - up 8%
Veg-2-Gro - up 3%
All Plants Index - down 3%
All Items Index - up 29%

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Festive has recently teamed up with the world’s largest battery brand, Duracell, to help you maximise your Garden Centre battery sale opportunities.

According to extensive research carried out by Duracell, there are two types of battery shoppers: 

1. Those that buy batteries as a destination purchase.
2. Those that buy on impulse, when they see a point of sale display in store.

This relatively new and exciting partnership gives you the opportunity to boost your sales and profit from both types of shoppers.

According to an IPSOS Quantative study, batteries are ranked the 2^nd most wanted and expected item at the checkout. In fact, 40% of all battery sales are bought on impulse, where the shopper is only adding batteries to their basket after seeing them on display - which tells us that display is key.

To help you boost your sales by 40% and add to your profit margin, we now offer a huge selection of Duracell batteries in a number of bespoke quality displays at a competitive price.

How many items do you sell that are powered by battery? On average, there are 17 battery operated devices per household. This figure is expected to increase by 20% year on year.

Our fully merchandised support for the world’s leading battery range also includes a replenishment system to provide all year round management of the category. With the peak selling season for batteries fast approaching, be sure to place your order now for autumn delivery.

Here’s to winning with Festive.

To learn more about our Duracell offering and how we can help you, get in touch today.

Landing page: http://www.festive.co.uk/festive-catalogues/duracell-catalogue/

July plant sales were down 9% on last year but 12% up on 2017 according to GTN Bestsellers Epos data analysis.  That means on a year to date basis total plant sales this year are now 6.3% down on last year and 2.7% up on 2017.

Within all plant sales we know that veg 2 gro plants have seen huge increases on last year. That means it is flowering garden plants that are down.  Does anyone have a theory as to why that should be?  E-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

• Zonal Geraniums remain the most popular plant of the summer.
• Sedum were the highest chart climber, up 14 places to No 33.

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Wyevale Garden Centres have announced the sale of Bridgemere Garden Centre and Bridgemere Nursery to Blue Diamond, and Cheltenham Garden Centre to Webbs Garden Centres.

The acquisition of Bridgemere Garden Centre and Bridgemere Nursery increases the footprint of the Blue Diamond brand to 37 centres and brings the total number of garden centres bought by Blue Diamond during the Wyevale Garden Centres sale process to 16. The site will continue to operate as a garden centre and nursery.

Webbs Garden Centres’ purchase of Cheltenham Garden Centre increases their Midlands based operation to three centres. This site will also continue to operate as a garden centre.

Both sales are expected to complete by mid-September.

Anthony Jones, Chief Operating Officer at WGC, said:

“Alan and the Blue Diamond team’s decision to acquire Bridgemere centre and nursery demonstrates the strength and potential of this historic garden centre. I am also delighted Cheltenham will be under new ownership with the respected garden centre operator Webbs. I would like to thank all of our colleagues at these centres for their skills and hard work and wish them the very best under the new ownership.”

Alan Roper, Managing Director of Blue Diamond, said:

“As a horticulturalist, I am personally so pleased to be acquiring Bridgemere centre and nursery, which I have known since the 1980’s. I look forward to focusing on its original virtues and to working with our new colleagues at the centre. I would like to thank the team at Wyevale Garden Centres for their support and professionalism throughout this process.”

Edward Webb, Chairman of Webbs Garden Centres Ltd, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Cheltenham to the Webbs family of stores. We are an independent, family owned garden centre operator with over 150 years of horticultural roots in the Midlands. Cheltenham will be our third centre and is the perfect fit, giving us a very natural extension to our existing and long-established

customer base. We look forward to welcoming the team on board and continuing to develop Cheltenham into a store that embraces the local community.”

WGC also announce the closure of two leasehold garden centres, Potters Bar and Syon Park. Both centres are expected to close in the autumn.

Anthony Jones said: “I am disappointed to announce two centre closures. Our ambition has always been to find a positive outcome for all centres but unfortunately Potters Bar Garden Centre and Syon Park Garden Centre will close in the autumn. I would like to thank all colleagues at these centres and wish them the very best for the future.”

Seperately a Wyevale Garden Centre spokesperson has confirmed to GTN Xtra that as well as Potters Bar and Syon Park, one of Nicholas Marshall's favourite garden centres, Elm Court in North Kent has also been handed back to their respective landlords. 

"Wyevale Garden Centres can confirm that is has surrendered its existing lease at Elm Court Garden Centre but has agreed terms to continue operating the site as a WGC under a license arrangement until September 2019. At the same time, WGC is working closely with the landlord to secure the future of Elm Court as a Garden Centre.

"On Syon Park, Wyevale Garden Centres can confirm that is has surrendered its existing lease at Syon Park Garden Centre but has agreed terms to continue operating the site as a WGC under a license with closure likely during Autumn 2019."

That now leaves just 28 Wyevale Garden Centres remaining to be sold from the original 145 that were put up for sale in May 2018.  They are:

• Blooms Swindon
  Bournville
  Braintree
  Brockworth
  Carmarthen
  Chilton
  Chipperfield
  Crawley
  Findon
  Harrow
  Hitchin
  John Brown
  Lewes
  Ongar
  Osterley
  Paddock Wood
  Playhatch
  Pulborough
  Ramsgate
  Rayleigh
  Sprowston
  Stanway
  Stevenage
  Thatcham
  Tring
  Upminster
  Wimborne
  Winnersh

GIMA’s many fundraising activities during the past year the year have raised more than £20,000 for Greenfingers, the association’s chosen charity, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary year.

The GIMA Charity Day kick started proceedings, with 18 teams fighting it out on the golf course, whilst over at Lilleshall Cricket Club teams tackled the infamous Crystal Maze. A three-course dinner, entertainment and an auction rounded off proceedings, with a magnificent £8,000 raised throughout the day.

GIMA’s biggest ever fundraising event – and personal challenge for those taking part – was the GIMA Wing Walk in late June, when GIMA’s Vicky Nuttall, Evergreen Garden Care’s Mark Portland and SBM Life Science’s Lowri Walker took to the skies strapped to the roof of a vintage bi-plane for a flight none of them will forget. They raised a staggering £10,000.

The glittering jewel in GIMA’s fundraising crown was – as always – the annual GIMA Awards, held once again at Celtic Manor in July. A table raffle with prizes supplied by Hozelock saw the money pour in, while the More People sponsored main raffle kept wallets and purses open. The combined proceeds exceeded £3,000.

GIMA Director Vicky Nuttall sthnaked you to everyone who had taken part in the fundraising. “Raising over £20,000 for Greenfingers is an achievement we should all be so proud of, especially as we know the difference this money will make to life-limited children and their families. I’d also like to congratulate Greenfingers on reaching such a milestone anniversary – 20 years! We look forward to supporting you throughout the next 20!”

Linda Petrons, Greenfingers’ director of fundraising and communications, added: “From the bottom of our hearts – thank you to GIMA and all its members for their continued support. £20,000 is a huge sum of money, and we are so incredibly grateful. This donation will help us to create even more magical gardens and to help bring many more smiles to life-limited children and their families.”

GIMA is encouraging new businesses and innovators to enter this year’s annual GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund (GISCF), a special fund set up to encourage grass root business and product development.

Judged by a panel of industry experts, the GISCF helps to bring to market never before seen products and inventions and aids the winners with the opportunity to showcase their creation to leading manufacturers, retailers and distributors within the gardening industry.  A successful entry to the GISCF can help take a product from concept to a commercially viable and successful product!

Winners of the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund benefit from an unrivalled prize package, including a £6,000 grant and help with development and marketing their product to the UK garden retail sector. Included within this prize fund is a year’s full GIMA membership, plus a wide range of business support tools designed to help ease the journey into a new and unfamiliar market place, including access to a leading business consultancy, one-year ACID (Anti Copying In Design) membership and a half-page advertisement in the next GIMA Product Digest.

Glee (10-12 September, NEC Birmingham), where the winners are announced each year, also funds the winner with a stand package up to the value of 6sq.m. free of charge, either as space-only or shell scheme at next year’s Glee (any additional costs of attending the exhibition must be met by the winner).

Since its inauguration, in 2014, five winners have been crowned, all of which have gone on to witness significant core growth. Last year’s winner, Bloomin’ Amazing, has witnessed phenomenal success, often topping bestseller lists and outselling some of the big, high-profile branded lines.

To find out more, click here and complete the online application form ahead of the August 16 deadline.

Green gardening is not a fashion or a passing fad – it’s here to stay. With sustainable growing championed by the likes of BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don, demand for eco-friendly gardening products is on the up. The top priority for the nation’s growing band of environmentally conscious consumers is cutting down on single-use plastics, an issue that was propelled to the top of the agenda when Sir David Attenborough’s landmark Blue Planet series highlighted the devastating effect that plastic waste is having on marine wildlife.

In the first of a two-part series, we look at how exhibitors at next month’s Glee (10-12 September, NEC Birmingham)  are planning to reduce dependency on single-use plastics, while also examining manufacturers’ and suppliers’ efforts to boost recycling and lower carbon footprints. Here, we focus on core gardening – suppliers of goods that help consumers to grow, sow and mow – and investigate what they’re doing to relieve their burden on the planet.

Garden products giant Evergreen Garden Care says it is “committed to finding new ways to reduce waste” and points out that it has systematically reduced the weight of packaging since 2001 by more than 1,000 tonnes. Recent initiatives include virgin plastic reduction of 800 tonnes via improvements made to its bottles, caps and sprayers. For example, the new Miracle-Gro 1L bottle saved 40 tonnes per year, according to the company.

An Evergreen Garden Care spokeswoman adds: “We have saved 420 tonnes of plastic with the introduction of recycled material in our compost packaging. Paper has reduced by 600 tonnes, with 95% of cartons made from 100% recycled paper fibres. Packaging recycling on sites has increased by 30% in the last 12 months, with all initiatives saving 2,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide in one year.”

Eco-friendly supplier Primeur offers a range of garden products all made from recycled rubber tyres that would otherwise be sent for landfill or burnt. With well over 2.5 billion tyres manufactured globally every year, the company says finding ways to repurpose the waste rubber has never been more vital.  Primeur won a GIMA award in 2018 for its Recycled Garden Borders, followed by the GIMA Sword of Excellence this year for its Recycled Planter range.

Primeur’s Sarah McLafferty said: “We know that recycling waste products has never been more important to our customers and we are already exploring how to expand the range with new innovation. As one of the major importers of doormats to the UK, we are also looking to bring environmentally friendly materials to this category. Our Mighty Mats range already includes mats made with Recycled Rubber and manufactured in a way to reduce pressures on the environment. We are working with our factories to create more recycled and recyclable products.”

Neudorff has made a big impact in the UK as demand for organic gardening goods grows. Its accolades include being crowned ‘National Champion’ at the European Business Awards in the Environmental and Corporate Sustainability category in 2016, while it also won the title of ‘Germany’s most sustainable company’ in 2014.

In recent years Neudorff has focused on helping retailers and their customers to use less single-use plastic by introducing refill options. But Jude Beharall, sales director at Neudorff UK, points out: “Plastic packaging is essential for many of our weed and control products, due to registrational reasons. However, we have taken steps to help customers make reductions. For example, our best-selling Sluggo Slug & Snail Killer range was the first slug killer to be made available in cardboard cartons. We encourage customers to use the 300g and 1kg cartons wherever possible, thereby significantly reducing the quantity of plastic being added to landfill as a result of gardening activities."

Where plastic currently remains a necessity to deliver an eco-friendly product, suppliers have been taking other steps to reduce their burden on the environment. Equigrow, based in north London, produces and distributes compost, the range featuring manure-based and straw-based green waste products.

Equigrow director Allan Clutterbuck points out that although compost currently comes in plastic bags, the company is reducing its carbon footprint: “We source all of our horse manure and green waste locally, and deliver to the local area, although bulk loads sometimes go farther afield. Our products are ‘green’ because they have been recycled from waste. We don’t add any chemicals and they are peat-free, contributing to the preservation of peat bogs and fens. We add nothing to our composts, and they decompose through a process of shredding, turning and heat.”

Promoting sustainable growing is the goal of Deep Roots, a company that’s dedicated to replacing plastic in both gardening and agriculture. Its own roots lie in a small town in western India, when in late 2017, Deep Roots founder, Nikunj Agarwal, saw saplings being nurtured and raised in single-use plastic containers. Nikunj said: “This seemed a huge irony, and since then, Deep Roots has dedicated all its resources to the pursuit of protecting of our ever-degrading environment.”

The company’s Jute Grow Pots are the first of their kind for sustainable growing. “Jute Grow Pots are organic plant-raising containers made out of natural jute fibre. They’re 100% bio-degradable and a great alternative to plastic pots. Not only is our primary raw material from a renewable source, we also run a zero-waste facility while, at the same time, promoting employment among the under-privileged in society. We can do business and we can do good!” The company says sizes of Jute Grow Pots can be customised for various growing needs, from starting seeds to transplanting or as an attractive stand-alone planter.

Vegepod, a supplier of self-contained raised garden beds, says it is often asked about the green credentials of its polypropylene plastic, eco-climate covers and containers. A Vegepod spokeswoman said: “Because our containers are durable and designed for optimal plant growth, an individual Vegepod has a minimum 10-year lifespan. Most untreated timbers are lucky to last longer than two years before rotting and breaking down. The impact of such timber production, the repeated timber growing, harvesting and rebuilds would make an interesting study when compared to a one-off plastic container that lasts up to 10 years.”

But are Vegepod’s containers made from recycled plastic? The company points to an important issue: “Recycled plastic is unable to be certified as ‘foodsafe’ as it contains many different grades of plastic. Vegepod will not allow such material to be used for organic food growing, despite the appeal of the tagline ‘Made from recycled plastic’.  However, our eco-covers and containers are completely recyclable and do not end up in landfill.”

Vegepod puts forward a strong argument for the use of robust, long-life plastics in gardening. The spokeswoman adds: “When it comes to garden materials, there’s nothing more beautiful than timber. Unfortunately, termites agree. Untreated wood also has very little resistance to the elements such as moisture, mould, fungi, heat and pests. This significantly shortens the lifespan of such beds.  Corrugated iron beds also eventually rust and breakdown, and can leech harmful elements into the surrounding soils and plants. In our opinion, polypropylene pods are safer, more productive and a more sustainable way to garden. They’re durable, long-lasting, affordable, water efficient, and when all is said and done, they’re 100% recyclable.”

Speaking about the garden trade’s increasing focus on environmental awareness, Glee Event Director, Matthew Mein, said: “The garden industry is channelling huge efforts into sustainability initiatives, delivering a new generation of products with truly green credentials. Not only will such initiatives play a role in preserving the planet, but they serve to cater for consumers who are increasingly demanding gardening goods that are free from single-use plastic while still delivering great results. We’re really excited about the level of product innovation at Glee 2019, and to see this combined with a focus on eliminating single-use plastic means there will be plenty to whet the appetite of buyers looking for the latest eco-friendly products.”

At Glee, exhibitors and visitors will be encouraged to make a pledge, committing to making one small conscious change to reduce their impact upon the environment and the world in which we live. Pledges could include anything from promising to recycle more, choosing bio-degradable alternatives, or refraining from using single use plastics. Together these singular commitments add up to a much bigger and stronger impact; one that can help lead a positive change.

Showing your support for the initiative couldn’t be easier – simply visit the Power of One wall to make your pledge. All you need to do is snap a shot of yourself in front of the wall, share it on social media, along with your pledge.  As a little way of saying thank you, ‘pledgers’ will receive a free reusable water bottle, supplied by Glee exhibitor and Power of One partner, Summit International.

You can also join in the conversation on social media by following #PowerOfOne, #Glee19 and #GleeBirmingham.

Katie Blake Outdoor Furniture has really made an impact on the market. After its launch in 2013 it has gone from strength to strength and is now a serious contender in the world of Garden Furniture with more than 400 outlets.

Quality and price has been the key to its success as it outsells all other brands, according to stockists. One garden centre said:”Its great when the customers walk in and after a short while end up selecting Katie Blake – and we know that there is not going to be any returns or problems.”

Katie Blake can’t be purchased cheaper online as Glencrest monitors the internet and quickly jumps on anyone cutting prices. Of course, customers help by informing the company of anyone offering ridiculous discounts. “Being a family business Glencrest understand their customers’ needs and how important margin is. When customers buy by container, which is very little furniture really, the margin of profit is amazing – and because it’s backed up with UK-held product, it means if ever you’re unlucky enough to be of stock, you can still make profits.

The Holiday Competition was an offer dreamt up by the chairman Jack Whiteley, who loves warm sunny beaches on castaway islands. “I wanted to make this prize something really special,” says Jack,  “and trust me it will be. The hotel is the 5-star Mango Bay in Barbados which looks beautiful and is all-Inclusive. Flights will be by either British Airways or Virgin from Gatwick and Heathrow. All the winner has to do is get themselves to the airport and take enough money for tips."

Initially the flight had been organised for October but the holiday can be taken at any time except over Christmas and the New Year. Visit Katie Blake for more information.

The winner, selected randomly by the team at Garden Trade News, is Phil Stevenson of Charlton Park Garden Centre in Wantage, Oxford. Congratulations to Phil and his partner.

Staff at Haskins in Ferndown completed a charity Static Bikeathon in aid of Faithworks Wessex.

Staff from all departments in the garden centre and restaurant took part – a total of 25 riders, aged 17 to 67. Each completed 15km on the static bikes, which were positioned outside the garden centre.

The venture raised £320 via individual sponsorship and bucket collections.

Representatives from other charities also attended, including Poole Foodbank, Wimborne Foodbank, Bournemouth Christians Alongside Rough Sleepers and SleepSafe.

Marc Etheridge, assistant general manager at Ferndown, said: “The event was a massive success, and everyone enjoyed taking part - some team members even rode twice! We all thoroughly enjoyed this challenge and it's rewarding to know we raised money for a great cause too.”

The Ferndown centre is supporting Faithworks Wessex as its nominated 'Charity of the Year' via fundraising activities throughout 2019. The charity helps those in need get out of crisis and isolation, funnding practical solutions around food, finance and shelter.

Ian Bromilow, chair of trustees at Faithworks Wessex, said: " Haskins is so committed to fundraising for us that some even did this on their day off!

"Money raised from the event will be used to support our projects, including Food Banks, rough sleepers work, support for those with addictions, debt advice and lone parent families. We look forward to working on more joint events with Haskins and hope to spread the word about Faithworks Wessex even further. Thanks again to the Haskins team!"

Leading grass seed brand Johnsons Lawn Seed will unveil a major breakthrough in seed technology at Glee (stand 8B50-C51) – revealing the solution to a lawncare problem that consumers have been craving for decades.

The much-anticipated launch is the result of over 670 individual tests carried out by DLF Seeds, the parent company of Johnsons Lawn Seed, which pumps €14 million into research and development every year.

Johnsons Lawn Seed will also take the wraps off a second development in seed technology that will help gardeners to establish a new lawn quickly, even when conditions for sowing and establishment are less than ideal.

Johnsons Lawn Seed’s consumer manager Guy Jenkins said: “These two launches will raise the bar for the lawncare sector, showcasing rock solid research and development work that has brought genuine innovation to market. The resulting two launches will help retailers to drive growth in the lawncare category while providing consumers with top-quality products, underpinned by scientific research.”

Seven Oaks Garden Centre at Ruthin has been named Garden Centre Café of the Year in the 2019 Welsh Café Awards.

An elegant ceremony at the Exchange Hotel Cardiff saw top baristas, coffee specialists and representatives of local cafes gather to honour the art of making good coffee.

The awards were run by by Creative Oceanic but voted for by the Welsh public.

A spokesperson for the Welsh Café Awards 2019 said: “Coffee is the most popular drink worldwide and the trade values billions of pounds. According to Roast and Post, £1bn was spent on coffee only in Britain last year.

“As a result, the Welsh Café industry has seen a massive growth over the past few years with many new coffee shops entering the sector, increasing the competition.

Seven Oaks Garden Centre was purchased by Ian Forsyth in 2001 and has since grown steadily in size and popularity. The café was built in 2014 and is famed for its blueberry and lemon scones.

Demand for natural slug controls will continue to grow, despite the withdrawal and review of the metaldehyde ban following a High Court ruling, says ecofective.

The news that the ban on chemical metaldehyde slug pellets had been overturned on a technicality following a legal challenge by a commercial slug pellet producer took the industry by surprise. DEFRA’s ban saw retailers clear shelves of metaldehyde-based products by the end of June.

Ecofective’s head of sales, Nigel Thompson, said: “The news that metaldehyde could return as a result of this decision is disappointing and flies in the face of growing consumer demand for natural and environmentally friendly pest control products. We know that retailers and consumers are crying out for slug control products that protect precious plants from molluscs without posing a risk to nature or the wider environment - and that is what we will continue to deliver.”

Ecofective Slug Killer uses a ferric phosphate formula approved for organic gardening on bare ground outdoors, in greenhouses and under permanent or temporary covers. It contains a bait that causes slugs to stop feeding and move away from the area. Other manufacturers also use ferric phosphate in their formulations.

A Defra spokesperson saidthe government has decided to withdraw and review the decision made in December 2018 to restrict the sale and use of metaldehyde products following concerns raised about the decision-making process.

“We will retake the decision as swiftly as possible, taking account of the procedural points raised.  Our priority is to protect people and the environment, and all decisions on pesticides are always based on the best available science,” her added.

Sources close to suppliers said it was unlikely production of metaldehyde pellets for UK retail use would be resumed until the results of the review were available.

A spokesman for the Common Sense Gardening Group, which encourages consumers to use of pesticides responsibly, said: “The High Court has overturned the 2018 withdrawal of products containing metaldehyde by Defra on the basis of a legal technicality. Whilst this court case is an important decision, we will wait to see the practical outcome of this with further comments from Health and Safety Executive/Chemical Regulations Division.”

Dorset’s most wildlife-friendly gardeners were honoured in an awards ceremony at Castle Gardens in Sherborne sponsored by The Gardens Group.

It was the culmination of Dorset Wildlife Trust’s 10th annual Wildlife Friendly Gardening Competition, which this year reached more gardeners than ever before this year with a record-breaking 73 gardens judged.  The competition linked up with the trust’s ‘Get Dorset Buzzing’ campaign, an initiative helping gardeners of all levels to encourage more wildlife into their gardens.

The awards were presented by Trust president Dr George McGavin, who gave an entertaining and engaging talk about why everyone should care about wildlife in their gardens. Highlighting how insects are integral to the ecology and biodiversity, he said pest control would take care of itself without the need for chemicals when gardeners provided food and habitats for pollinators, invertebrates and insects.

Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group, said around 700 gardens had been judged since the competition started 10 years ago – an encouraging sign that people were taking responsibility for the way they interact with wildlife at home. “Every year the standard of entries rises, as gardeners of all ages and levels of experience come up with creative ways to build an oasis for themselves and any wildlife visitors. Far from the days when us wildlife enthusiasts were a rare and misunderstood breed who felt like they should meet in secret, gardening with wildlife in mind is now more popular than ever, and initiatives like ‘Get Dorset Buzzing’ are a fantastic way to feed this enthusiasm. As gardeners, we collectively have the potential to make a huge impact on Dorset’s natural environment and the creatures that live within it, so it’s incredibly fulfilling to see just how far we’ve come over the past decade.”

Picture caption: Winners of Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Friendly Gardening Competition 2019 with Dr George McGavin.

Former Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy will top the bill at the Cultivating Retail conference in November.

Sir Terry, who is a Dobbies shareholder, will talk about the opportunities and interest around horticulture and draw on his experiences to talk about sustainability and the customer.

HTA chairman James Barnes, a previous Dobbies chief executive, said he was delighted to have him on the programme, which focuses on the sustainability issues facing the garden industry. “This provides a unique opportunity for all of us to hear from one of the key business leaders of our time and his thoughts on some of the opportunities within horticulture, supply chains and how issues around sustainability might influence the consumer,” Barnes said.

Sir Terry was appointed CE of Tesco PLC in March 1997, retiring from the post in March 2011, and was instrumental in driving the grocery giant’s sustainability agenda. He received a Knighthood for services to food retailing in the 2002 New Year’s Honours, in the same year was made a Freeman of the City of Liverpool and is a member of the Liverpool Enterprise Partnership Advisory Board. He has received many accolades as a business leader including Retail Leader of the Year by Retail Week (2008), Britain’s Most Admired Leader by Management Today (from 2005 to 2010) and in 2010 he received the Daily Telegraph’s Award for a Decade of Excellence in Business. Sir Terry is now a part-time senior advisor to Clayton Dubilier & Rice, the US private equity firm, and holds various chair and executive committee memberships.

‘Creating a sustainable future for the garden industry’ is the key theme at this year’s Cultivating Retail (19 November, East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham) which is jointly hosted by the HTA and GIMA and sponsored by Evergreen Garden Care. Bringing together retailers, suppliers and growers, the event – hosted by journalist and broadcaster Daisy McAndrew – provides a mix of strategic and inspirational content.

The programme will include the latest consumer attitudes and thoughts on what sustainability means for the garden industry including key topics such as biosecurity, growing media, plastics, labour/skills, water and pesticides, and the significant role the industry can play in delivering the UK’s environmental plans and climate change ambitions.

For more information and to book a place, click here www.hta.org.uk/cultivatingretail or email events@hta.org.uk.

Blenheim Plant and Garden Centre at Colchester has been named as the local Garden Centre of the Year in Awards run by the Colchester Gazette.

Manager Trevor Hammans said the success was particularly sweet as the centre is celebrating its 30th year.

He said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to our loyal customers, many of whom have been with us for the past 30 years.

“We are stunned to have beaten some of the larger garden centres in the area, and believe it’s our friendly, knowledgeable staff and the quality of our plants that help us stand out from the competition.

“Our wonderful team of staff, that seem more like family, are all passionate about the business, adore plants and love seeing the garden centre evolve.

“We are celebrating our 30th year this year, and many of our customers will remember those early days when we sold a few home-grown plants from a field at the front of the nursery.”

Most of the centre’s plants are grown on site.

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The hottest July may have hit plant sales but garden product sales certainly benefitted. The month ended up 14% on last year making it the best July since 2016.

Highlights were:

• Vitax Nippon Wasp Nest Foam 300ml moves furthest up the chart to No 10.
• Tildenet Heavy Duty Ground Cover Bulk Roll 2x50m is the highest new entry at No 25.
• Fountasia’s Pot Hanger Glass Butterfly is just one place behind at No 26.
• Woodlodge Spang Pots 4 inch are the highest re-entry at No 16.

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Netherlands plant fair Plantarium and leading wholesalers GROEN-Direkt have said they are planning closer links between the two at next year’s event.

GROEN-Direkt’s Product Promotion Square was aligned with Plantarium at the 2018 show and proposals for further collaboration to provide a joint platform will be aired at this year’s event (21-23 August, Boskoop)

Both sides say they hope to announce a single mutual approach before the end of the year.

An 18% increase for Growing Media sales in July puts the monthly sales up to record levels, even beating the previous volume sales high for the month set in 2015.

Highlights were:

• Westland GroSure Easy Container 25 litres was the highest climber up the GTN chart in the last week of July.
• Kelkay RHS Horticultural Alpine Grit Large Pack was the highest re-entry, back in at No 24.
• Growth Technology Cactus Focus Compost 8 litres also re-entered at No 41.

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A wetter more overcast June meant garden centre sales were 2% down on last year for the month of June – but non-gardening categories performed well.

A strong start to 2019 means sales remain up for year to June comparisons, according to the June 2019 issue of HTA Market Update published last week.

Garden centre sales are 10% up based on the calendar year to June 2019 vs 2018. Houseplants saw the highest increase at +20% for the calendar year to June, followed by growing media at +16%.

Weather reports show that June 2019 was wetter than June of last year across most of the UK, recording the highest number of rain days and most rainfall for the month of June since 2012.

HTA director of membership Martin Simmons said: “ In June, houseplant sales continued to grow, but sales of garden and outdoor ranges suffered in the wetter weather. Non-garden categories like gifting and pets, performed well in June. It’s good to see that a strong start to the year means year to date comparisons remain up on last year for all of the product categories reported.”

This issue of Market Update also contains a topical feature looking at what consumers say they use their gardens for. It is available free for members to download from the HTA website. https://hta.org.uk/learn-develop/market-information.html

High temperatures and heavy rain prompted good sales of Wild Bird Care products in July.  July 2019 sales were up by 11% on 2018.

Highlights were:

• Gardman Seed Supreme 12.75kg climbed 35 places up the chart to No 5.
• Gardman No Grow Seed Mix 12.75kg was the highest re-entry at No 17.
• Tom Chambers Fat Balls pack of 12 re-entered at No 38.
• Jacobi Jayne Goldfinch Taster also re-entered at No 44.

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After all the increases from earlier in the year, Veg-2-Gro sales finally ran out of steam in July. Top 50 GTN Bestsellers sales were down by 16% on last year for the month.

Highlights were:

• Taylors Autumn Planting Seed Potatoes Maris Peer remains at No 1 for the last week of July.
• Suttons Beetroot Boltardy climbs 33 places up the chart to No 7.
• Farplants Parsley Moss Curled re-enters at No 13.
• Unwins Lettuce (Cos) Little Gem is the highest placed new entry at No 17.

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Wyevale Garden Centres have announced the sale of two more centres in two separate transactions. Springfield Garden Centre in Essex is being sold to Longacres Garden Centres and Par Garden Centre in Cornwall to Maidenhead Aquatics, following its purchase of Dummer Garden Centre in June 2019.

Both centres will continue to be run as garden centres. The sales are expected to complete during August and September respectively.

Anthony Jones, Chief Operating Officer at Wyevale garden Centres, said: “We are pleased to announce the sale of two more centres; one to a respected garden centre operator and one to an experienced concession partner. I would like to take the opportunity to thank our colleagues at Springfield and Par Garden Centres who have worked so hard for us over the years, and wish them all the best under new ownership.”

Nigel Long, Managing Director of Longacres Garden Centres, said: “We are delighted to expand the Longacres group through the acquisition of the Wyevale Garden Centre’s Springfield centre in Chelmsford. Longacres is a multi-generation, family-run business and we are looking forward to bringing our fifth site and new team members on board.”

David Lawrence, Managing Director of Maidenhead Aquatics said: “Maidenhead Aquatics are pleased to have acquired Par Garden Centre. We intend to run the centre as a traditional horticultural garden centre and very much look forward to welcoming and working with the existing team.”

Following the completion of this and other previously announced sales, Wyevale Garden Centres will trade 32 garden centres, listed below, plus 6 centres trading under license. These include 30 restaurants and 117 concessions with 114 partners.

The 32 Wyevale Garden Centres still to be sold are:

• Bournville
  Braintree
  Bridgemere
  Brockworth
  Carmarthen
  Cheltenham
  Chilton
  Chipperfield
  Crawley
  Findon
  Harrow
  Hitchin
  John Brown
  Lewes
  Ongar
  Osterley
  Paddock Wood
  Playhatch
  Potters Bar
  Pulborough
  Ramsgate
  Rayleigh
  Sprowston
  Stanway
  Stevenage
  Swindon Hay Lane
  Syon Park
  Thatcham
  Tring
  Upminster
  Wimborne
  Winnersh

Variety retailer B&M, which has more than 600 UK outlets, has confirmed it is to include a garden centre when it relocates to a former Homebase store on the outskirts of Ipswich...

The company said it will be relocating its Bargains store in Ipswich on Ransomes Europark to “a much bigger and better space just round the corner”.

Feedback from regular customers suggested they wanted a bigger shop and even more products.

The store currently employs 43 but the bigger space will see them taking on more than 40 additional staffs.

The current store will close on Sunday 1 September and the new store will undergo a comprehensive internal and external make over programme before opening its doors on at 9am on Saturday 21 September. 

Customers can expect to find a wide variety of branded products including toys, food and drink, pet range, health & beauty and homewares as well as an extensive DIY, decorating and furniture range. 

The store will boasts its own garden centre - with everything from seeds to pots and hundreds of plant varieties delivered fresh to store throughout the season. 

Store Manager Tim Pitts, said: “We're feeling really positive about the creation of more jobs for local people and we hope customers are going to be delighted with their new store.

“We are all really excited to get the doors open and welcome our customers through the door next month.

B&M, whose mantra is ‘top branded products at sensational prices’, regards gardening as a key category for its value offering and operates a number of garden centres within its portfolio of outlets that criss-cross the UK from Aberdeen to Penzance. Gardening was a significant element in the Homebase mix.

Pet Industry marketing expert Peter Johnson has joined Smart Garden Products to head up its newly-created Pet Division that will launch at Glee under the brand name of Zöon brand. Pronounced ‘Zow-On’, it is the Greek word for ‘Pet’.

 “When the company offered me this role, I was delighted to accept.” Peter said.  “I am really looking forward to working with Paris Natar, Jonathan Stobart and their amazing team to bring this exciting new project to market. Smart are the natural choice to launch such an innovative and much-needed new pet brand, with their industry-leading service, stock levels and total commitment to customer care.”

Paris Natar commented: “We are thrilled to have Peter on board given his extensive retail, product and pet industry expertise. Pet care as a sector has proved to be uniquely resilient and complements our core gardening businesses perfectly. There is a clear market opportunity within the pet market for Smart and we sincerely hope that our retail partners will like what they see when we unveil it all to them at Glee.”

Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre has been named Garden Centre of the Year in the destination garden centre category of the GCA’s Wales and West regional awards, while and The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (pictured below with GCA inspector Michael Cole, front row right) won the garden centre category for smaller centres.

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, said: “Our Wales & West regional awards meeting was a huge success and we'd like to thank all those who attended. It was great to hear our GCA inspector, Michael Cole's feedback from his inspections on the centres and now our members can take this vital information back with them to their centres and make any changes needed.

“A big thank you must also go to Castle Gardens, who were fantastic hosts for the evening. We now have a bit of a break until our Scotland and Northern Ireland regional awards meeting, which will take place on August 29 at Klondyke Mortonhall.”

Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre were also the winners of the Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre, the IFSE Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant (DGC) and the Indoor Lifestyle Award for Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer (DGC).

Mike Lind, Managing Director of Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the Best Destination Garden Centre in Wales and the West of England by the GCA.

"We won a total of four awards in our annual area awards presentation. A big thank you to our amazing team for their hard work, creativity and dedication and to our loyal customers for their ongoing support of Somerset's leading family business."

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre has now won the Garden Centre of the Year title for eight years in a row.

It was also awarded the Barton Grange Trophy for Creativity and Innovation, Best Customer Service Award, the Environment and Community Award, the GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer (GC), the IFSE Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant (GC), the Outdoor Living Award for Best Outdoor Living Retailer (GC) and the Indoor Lifestyle Award for Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer (GC).

Director Mark Cleary said: "We are delighted to have been awarded Garden Centre of the Year in Wales and the West for the eighth year in a row. It's a true testament to our amazing, creative and hard-working team who work tirelessly to both maintain and improve our standards.

"Our ethos is based around creating the best customer experience possible so to be recognised by the GCA for our efforts alongside the customer service award, is brilliant.

"All shop departments and our Railway Restaurant were credited with an award each too, which demonstrates consistency throughout the business. We have a fantastic team who work together to create somewhere for our loyal customers to visit and enjoy.

"We are immensely proud of the team's achievements at this year's GCA regional awards and look forward to the national results in January, which marks the start of our 30th year in business celebrations."

Huw Lewis, general manager at The Old Railway Line Garden Centre and Wales & West area chairman, organised the regional awards meeting.

"Our Wales and West annual regional awards evening was a great success, hosted by Castle Gardens, Sherborne. The meeting was very well attended and was a fantastic showcase of excellent standards throughout the region.

"A big thank you to our hosts and to Michael Cole for an entertaining presentation of highlights from this year's judging, which provided excellent examples of good practice and inspiration for all in attendance. Thank you to all who made the effort to attend and congratulations to all the winners."

Michael Cole said: "The garden centres in the Wales & West region have gone from strength to strength and all the staff members have worked incredibly hard to make their centres a shining example to others. I am thrilled to say the inspection scores have increased on last year, showing that all the hard work has certainly paid off.”

The full results for the Wales & West region GCA area awards are as follows for the GC and DGC categories:

• Garden Centre of the Year: Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre (DGC) and The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (GC)

• Best Customer Service: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre

• Environment and Community Award: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre

• Barton Grange Trophy for Innovation and Creativity: The Old Railway Line Garden Centre

• The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre: Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre

• ifse Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant: Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre (DGC) and The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (GC)

• GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer: Endsleigh Garden Centre (DGC) and The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (GC)

• Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer: Monkton Elm Garden & Pet Centre (DGC) and The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (GC)

• Best Outdoor Living Retailer: Cadbury Garden Centre (DGC) and The Old Railway Line Garden Centre (GC)

Follow the links below to results from the other GCA Regions.

SAP Nurseries, one of Ireland's oldest and largest nurseries, has extended its production facilities by 5,600 sq.m. of polytunnels and greenhouse production.

Historically well-known in the Irish and UK markets for its large trees, The company has in recent years focused production on plants for the garden retail market, enabling SAP to become a premier supplier of garden centre plants to multiple retailers throughout Ireland.

With increased production capacity, the nursery is now looking to supply garden centres in the UK and in conjunction with UK sales agent Bob Haward has developed a range of small pot grown trees for garden centre sales.

MD John Flanagan, who has been running SAP Nurseries for 15 years said: “Typically ornamental trees for sale on a garden centre are difficult for customers to transport home and this can be a barrier to purchasing a tree. Our new and exciting range of trees grown in a 5-litre pot are easy to carry home, simple to manage and the retail price point makes them affordable for a wider range of consumers.”

 The SAP concept of Easy Fit, Carry Home and Plant Today trees was tested and trialled by Haward in the UK market in 2018. Haward says: “Many of my retail customers have been asking me where they could buy a small, carry-home type tree that would easily fit into a normal car and be retailed at a sensible price point and so I am delighted now to be able to work with SAP to help fill this demand.”

 As a result of early interest from selected customers, the range of Easy Fit trees, which currently includes 25 top-selling varieties, will be broadened significantly for 2020. The three-year old trees will range in height from 1.20m to  1.75m and will include full colour labels and bar codes.  Recognising that there is still demand amongst the public for a mid-sized tree, Flanagan has also pre-selected a range of best-selling ornamental trees in a 10-litre pot including ornamental half standards and fruit trees for the UK market. 

Flanagan who has been a long time exporter of garden plants to the UK market, said: “We are very confident that both our 5-litre Easy Fit trees and our 10-litre trees are just what the market needs as I have seen this gap in the market for many years. As a result of our confidence in the UK market we will also be introducing a range of HOT Spot displays of promotional shrubs and herbaceous in 2020.”

 Commenting on the nurdsery’s recent success at the HTA National Plant Show, Haward said: “We had fantastic interest at the show from garden retailers with orders being placed… and so I amm confident this this range really will fill a gap on plant areas.”

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RHS Retail Director, Damian Powell, took GTN's Trevor Pfeiffer on a guided tour of the new plant centre and retail areas at RHS Wisley last month.

With 70% extra display space across the shop and the plant centre stocks have been increased stocks to fill the new plant area.  That includes 30 metres of Ferns which are in great demand.

Read the full interview with Damian Powell in the August Issue of GTN, out this week.

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 2017 as well as 2018 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 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

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

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

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

Highlights of the GTN Wild Bird Care chart for this week are here

Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro chart for this week are here

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

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 £120m.

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.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.

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