There's only nine days left for you to add your name to the guest list for the SOLEX Awards Ceremony & Afterparty on Tuesday 9 July. Marking its 16th year, SOLEX Exhibition has curated a night of celebration, networking, and a thrilling football-themed evening to coincide with the highly anticipated UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals.

Full details can be seen here.  And you can add your name to the guest list using this link: SOLEX Awards Ceremony & Afterparty

Plus, the SOLEX Fire Food and Outdoor Living Evening ison Wednesday 10th July, incorporating the BBQ Competition, which is set to light up the evening with charm and flavour.

Full details can be seen here.  And you can add your name to that guest list using this link: SOLEX Fire Food and Outdoor Living Evening

On the facebook page of Oldhams oldest garden centre is posted:

We wanted to share some news -

After an amazing 52 years we are advertising the garden centre for sale - although we expect to be here a while yet!

Richard Calder,76, company chairman said: “We have loved running the centre and getting to know so many loyal customers however we don’t have another, younger, generation of the family wanting to take it on so it’s inevitable that we offer the business for sale. We are advertising it as a ‘going concern’ and hope very much to find a buyer who will continue and develop the business and ensure that our wonderful team of staff stay here. We’re advised that this won’t be a quick process, so we’ll be around for quite a while yet, I’m sure.”

We will be running the business as normal until such time as a new owner takes over."

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has been instructed to market the popular Daisy Nook Garden Centre in Failsworth, Greater Manchester, as the current owners look to retire after more than 50 years in business.

Set opposite Daisy Nook country park, the garden centre occupies almost five acres and has been owned by the Calder family for over half a century. The site has grown considerably since it was first opened in 1972 and now sells a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants, goods and clothing. The site also features a 98 cover café with an outdoor terrace overlooking river.

The sale is being handled by Andrew Birnie, Director – Retail & Leisure at Christie & Co. He comments, “We’re delighted to have been instructed to sell Daisy Nook Garden Centre on behalf of the Calder family, who have built a fantastic garden centre business over the past 50 plus years. With an enviable location next to Daisy Nook Country Park and space to extend and add concessions, this sale represents a fantastic opportunity, and we look forward to finding a suitable owner to take the business forward.”

A search of the Christie & Co website reveals 27 Garden Centre business opportunities currently for sale.

The team from Hex Living, Mark Clews, Rupert King, Neal Lafford and Nick Moss, scored the most points to win the 2024 GIMA Charity Golf Day at Belton Woods in Lincolnshire.

85 golfers from across the industry took part last week, raising £000's for the Greenfingers Charity through sponsorships, playing fees, raffles, an auction and other donations.  The full amount raised will be announced at the GIMA Awards dinner in November.

GIMA GOLF DAY 2024 FULL RESULTS

1    Hex Living             86

2    Smart Garden 2    85

3    Zest                      85
4    Gardena               82
5    Woodlodge 2        82
6    Glee/Ivyline          82
7    Woodlodge 1        82
8    Pure Print             82
9    Henry Bell            79
10    Rocketgro/Swift/Treadstone    79
11    Graf UK             77
12    Grassgains       77
13    Vitax                 77
14    Evergreen 1     77
15    Centurion         75
16    Sunshine/Polhill    75
17    Premier decs    74
18    Ames                73
19    Smart Garden 1    71
20    Charles Bentley    60
21    Evergreen 2    59

22    GIMA               56

Nearest The Pin at the 4th             Chris Francis

Nearest the Pin at the 8th              David Stagg

Nearest the Pin at the 15th            Jonathan Stobart

Nearest the Pin in 2 at the 13th     Nigel Blow

Longest Drive at the 18th              Jonny Hotson

Beat The Pro at the 11th    Andy MacMillan, Chris Francis, Alwyn Williams, Liam Barrett, Neil Blake, John Styles, Ben Walton, Tom Lay, Josh Novell, Spencer Goodall, Jon Hotson, Dan McAlpine.

The event was excellently organised by the GIMA team of Vicky Nuttall, Angie Lloyd and Kate Ebbens with the golf managed by Andy Bestwick and Mark Butler and charity drinks stations provided by Meadow View Stone, Primeur and Hornby Whitefoot PR.

See the gallery of photos from the day below.  Photos by Paul Webb and Trevor Pfeiffer.

After over 35 years of trading on their site near Ellesmere Port in Cheshire, owners Adrian and Sally Cornelissen have sold Burleydam Garden Centre to their near Neighbours  Carr Farm Garden Centre, located further up the Wirral peninsula.

Sally & Adrian started their horticultural careers at the company’s site in Gateacre, Liverpool, following the death of Sally’s father, Gerry Williams, in 1986.  They have now decided to retire, hence the sale of their company, E H Williams Garden Centres & Nurseries.

Burleydam Garden Centre was bought by the couple in 1989 as a small retail nursery and expanded gradually before a major re-development in 2005, project- managed by Peter Jennins MBE, director of the subsidiary company E H Williams Environment Ltd, which played a major part in the conception and construction of the Liverpool Garden Festival.

Both Sally & Adrian have been staunch supporters of the horticultural industry, sitting on various HTA and GCA committees. Adrian is the current Area Representative for the HTA in the North West.

Although admitting that they will miss the cut and thrust of a busy garden centre, neither will miss opening the curtains on a Bank Holiday weekend to see what the weather is like!

The Carr Farm family will bring a new energy to the business and have many ideas to expand the offer at Burleydam. They will work alongside Colin Pascoe, who has been with the company for 34 years, and the existing management team.

Sally & Adrian wish Dave, Sue, Karen, Tomas and Catherine all the very best and thank the wonderful Burleydam team for their support and friendship over the years.

The Carr Farm family have said "Carr Farm Garden Centre are delighted to announce that Burleydam Garden Centre is to become part of our family business. Burleydam will be trading as normal, with all the familiar faces and the same trading name.

"The two garden centres together will create the buying capacity for better deals in store for all our customers. We feel Burleydam will be a great acquisition, as we are both family run businesses and will retain the friendly atmosphere.

"The Carr Farm family would like to thank Adrian, Sally, Colin and all the team at Burleydam for helping to make this happen. We would also like to wish Adrian and Sally a happy and healthy retirement."

Quinton Edwards acted for the vendors in the sale.

Blue Diamond's Report and accounts for year ended 31st December 2023 shows sales increased by £51m to £311m with profit before tax increasing by £3m to £24m.

Simon Burke, Blue Diamond Chairman states: "Having reported in January that we saw good trading in the second half of the year, I am pleased to confirm that for 2023 we achieved a profit before tax of £24.2m, an increase of 16% on 2022. Our sales were £310.6m versus £259.3m last year, a total increase of 20% and a like-for-like increase of 9%.

"This marks an important milestone for Blue Diamond, because we have now become the UK’s largest garden centre business by sales. Apart from the prestige associated with being the market leader, this brings benefits in terms of buying power and also the ability to form significant national partnerships such as that with the National Trust."

The report also includes comparison of Blue Diamond trading performance compared to data provided by the Garden Centre Association (GCA)

Managing Director, Alan Roper says "The figures are quite an endorsement of how strong Blue Diamond is in generating like-for-like sales growth. Our growth over the past 4 years is treble that of the GCA. The one department that is behind the industry is garden furniture, but we have worked on this and expect this year’s performance to be the beginning of clawing back lost ground.

"Core garden centre sales were up 3.7% against the prior year, which although modest in comparison with the industry that is still normalising after the post-pandemic sales boom, is nearly a 6% positive variance. You can see in the table consumer demand for gardening and garden furniture products is yet to return to normal levels. 

"Inflation moderated significantly in 2023 (as predicted in last year’s report), meaning that volumes were only 1% lower than sales. Our average spend last year was £32.44, which is over £5 higher than the industry average (GCA) and is testament to our high standards of customer service and product choice.

The average number of employees during the year was 4,188, up by 513 on 2022.  This is made up of 138 management staff and 4,050 retail staff.

Alan Roper explains: "Last year saw a 10% rise in the minimum wage (which was repeated in April of this year). I took the decision to maintain the hourly rate gap against the minimum wage for the many employees who are paid above the minimum wage (to maintain fairness and support staff retention) and therefore this was a significant cost increase, which has impacted our bottom line. Staff costs rose by 6.3% which was an additional increase of 3.7% against the previous norm before the pandemic, which had seen annual increases of approximately 2.6%. This equated to inflation driving our wage costs up by an additional £2.3m. The true impact was £1.9m thanks to greater efficiencies in staff costs, which increased by 0.7% of turnover, from 25.4% to 26.1%.

"Garden centre staff costs as a percentage of turnover rose by 0.4% from 16.8% to 17.2%. Restaurant staff costs driven by inflation remained higher at 41.9% of turnover than the previous norm of 38.5% in 2019, but decreased against the 42.9% recorded in 2022. Restaurants typically have a higher proportion of hourly paid staff, which means the higher minimum wage has a greater impact on staff costs. Group operational staff costs fell slightly to 3.1% of turnover from 3.2% in 2022."

On the Blue Diamond relationship with the national Trust, which culminated in winning the Peoples Choice Award for the Octavia Hill Garden at Chelsea Flower Show, Alan reports: "We are also working on a collection of plants inspired by this garden, which will be sold through our centres. Blue Diamond will also launch a new and exclusive rose at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Rosa 'National Trust Beauty' in celebration of Octavia and the Garden at Chelsea. We exhibited at six RHS shows in 2023.

"I will end by thanking all my colleagues for another excellent and progressive year as we cement ourselves as not only the largest garden group in the UK, but also the most profitable and successful in UK history."

Read the full Blue Diamond Report and Accounts 2023 here

Empathy, the pioneering brand that introduced rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi and more recently, beneficial bacteria technologies into UK gardening, is updating its look and brand messaging for 2024. The company will lead with its core ecological pedigree, which has driven all its product developments. 

“Empathy products are ecological by design.

Pioneering the use of beneficial microbes in gardening, agriculture, and horticulture, strengthening soil biology, and reducing chemical reliance.”

New Design Features: The rollout of rootgrow 150g and 360g mycorrhizal fungi products, that embrace this new branding, is underway, with the complete afterplant plant food with mycorrhizal fungi and beneficial bacteria coming in the following weeks.

The striking new designs introduce a softer, more aesthetic look to enhance shelf appeal, while retaining the strong white front panel it is known for. The brand remains committed to educating customers about the importance of soil care through packaging content and the newly introduced human-like avatar, “Emily,” accessible via QR codes on shelf ‘barkers’ to provide detailed product explanations before purchase.

Commenting on the new brand, Robert Patten, the Managing Director of Empathy, said, “Our technology has always been based on the strong ecological principles. Together with our customers, we have worked to sequester more soil carbon than almost any other company in the UK. Our new branding aims to make this more easily recognised by our customers going forward and encourage others to join us on this journey. We hope to transition the entire Empathy estate to the new livery before GLEE 2024. We are very pleased with the positive response to the imagery, messaging, and ecological focus from our partners during this process.”

Empathy continues to innovate in the ecological gardening sector. 2024 has seen two new products in the new livery: Compost Improver and Grow Bag Improver, designed to enhance peat-free compost by adding active biology.

For further information about the new branding and our new products, contact:

Simon Taylor

Business Development Director

PlantWorks Ltd.

Unit 930 Cornforth Drive

Kent Science Park

Sittingbourne,

Kent, ME9 8PX

Mob: +44(0)7756846578

Off:   +44(0)1795 411527 

e-mail:  simon.taylor@plantworksuk.co.uk

The SmashGrill by Grillstream has won the ‘Best Gas BBQ’ category at the Ideal Home and Garden Awards 2024. 

A smash hit in UK garden centres, the SmashGrill boasts a spacious non-stick flat plate for cooking. The plate is adjustable and can tilt slightly forward, allowing fats and juices to stream away effortlessly while re-basting the meat – resulting in cleaner, tastier, and healthier food.

Rebecca Knight from Ideal Home, said: "Ideal Home's expert judges were looking for products that offer great value for money, look great, with well-considered design, are of high quality, built to last, and boast brilliantly useful features."

The SmashGrill eliminates the hassle of switching between different grills or pans, allowing users to effortlessly prepare a variety of dishes. From fried eggs and pancakes, to stir-fried vegetables and classic barbecue fare, it handles it all with ease.

We've designed a dedicated space to keep your gas bottle neatly tucked away, ensuring your garden stays clutter-free. Additionally, the double-shelf storage provides ample room to organise all your BBQ tools and ingredients.

With safety in mind, we have also equipped the SmashGrill with our innovative GasSure system.

GasSure takes away the unease of using gas, as it keeps track of your gas levels and detects potential leaks, automatically shutting off the flow to prevent any gas fires.

“The SmashGrill has been developed in conjunction with industry experts. We are extremely proud of the success of the product in both the retail performance and the recognition by the Ideal Home Garden Awards,” said Jody Grimmer, MD of LeisureGrow.

www.leisuregrow.com

Rollercoaster May. It’s been another wet month to run in, but the longer days and evening sunshine is great for the soul, with a huge amount of travel with work covering 4 countries.

5 months complete and 700km run and fantastic amount raised so far. Your support and generosity are so much appreciated.

TotalSoFar£12,504.00!!!

June is another busy month with work visiting Cologne for our annual Trade Show and running each day will be very early start. Our GIMA annual Charity GOLF Day which all proceeds go to our nominated charity Greenfingers, so really looking forward to supporting and running with some of my fellow council members.

20th June is the longest day of the year and I have an extra sponsor that day Boyd Partnership, where that day I will run at sunrise 5km and then again 18 hours later at sunset another 5km, please follow me that day and support in raising money to support Greenfingers Charity.

Thank you to Klondyke Strikes Garden Centres & Merzario Logistics for sponsoring me for May and looking forward to running at Klondyke Strikes Edinburgh store later in the month.

I will keep on running please keep on giving.

www.justgiving.com/page/kate-ebbens-17014435659873

Leading garden centre chain Hillier has sealed its place at the forefront of the industry by winning Ideal Home’s Garden Retailer of the Year Award.

The company pipped other top garden retailers to the post, winning due to its brand built around delivering industry-leading expertise and horticultural knowledge, as well as exceptional customer service, top-tier plants, trees and garden accessories.

The awards, organised by the iconic Ideal Home, recognise the best in home and garden sectors. Judged by industry experts and editors, there are awards for Kitchen, Bathroom, Living Room, Bedroom and, new for 2024, Garden – with Hillier leading the way.

Now with 22 garden centres, Hillier grows over one million plants at its Peat-free Hampshire nursery, is the largest grower of semi-mature trees in the UK and Ireland, and has an online shop appealing to gardeners all across the country.

The garden retailer’s winning entry focused on the company’s flourishing story over the last few years, its commitment to sustainability and passionate support and advocacy for the industry. Hillier’s heritage in the gardening world is well documented, with the story beginning 160 years ago – and reaching new heights ever since.

The awards recognised the company’s recent successes with turnover up 32.4% in 2023, the launch of its online shop, the substantial redevelopment of Hillier Garden Centre Newbury and the acquisition of the Rosebourne Garden Centre Group in November 2022, as well as sponsorship of BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, and the incredibly popular free ‘Hillier Gardening Club’ loyalty program which now has over half a million members.

The Ideal Home Garden Award win is yet another exciting moment for Hillier in a year packed full of highlights, as fifth-generation family member George took over as chairman from his father Robert at the beginning of this year.

George Hillier said: “It’s fantastic to be part of something so special as Ideal Home’s first-ever Garden Awards, and to take home the win in its inaugural year is a real accolade.

“We are constantly striving to reach new heights of customer service and unrivalled products, but to have that recognised by an external source is a great source of pride and testament to the amazing work from the Hillier team and our unwavering commitment to the garden retail industry. We are sure that winning this award will allow us to continue inspiring people to invest time in their green spaces as a part of their homes.

“We’re excited to see the Ideal Home Garden Awards go from strength to strength over the coming years, and we hope to play a part for many years to come.”

To find out more about Hillier’s award-winning service and products, visit www.hillier.co.uk

This week Blue Diamond, the UK’s number one Garden Centre Group, are attending the BBC Gardeners World Live Show at the NEC in Birmingham (13-16 June inclusive), where they are sponsoring the new Urban Garden Area of the Show. They will showcase a Feature Garden and have a retail area as well as hosting 4 daily talks.

Visitors to the show, will be able to wander through part of an imagined, urban terraced house and out into a typical sized urban garden.

The perfect plant “capsule wardrobe”

The Blue Diamond exhibit, stands E428 and E408, will showcase the perfect plant “capsule wardrobe”, in effect 25 plants that are especially suited to planting in an urban environment but of course, are equally suited to any garden or outdoor space wherever they are situated in the UK.

These plants are the perfect ‘timeless staples’ for your garden and which can be ‘mixed and matched’ with seasonal plants throughout the year.

These plants include those that are pollinator friendly, climate resilient, low maintenance, and those that are ideal for growing up walls/structures.

Then simply “mix and match’ with seasonal plants throughout the year, especially those that are suited to pots and containers, to enable you to alter the look and feel of your garden with very little effort.

Visitors to the show will be able to buy these plants, understand the benefits each plant offers and get ideas to make the most of their outdoor space.

The importance of urban gardening

It is estimated that by 2033 the UK population will rise, from around 67.8 million, to around 71.6 million. Currently, only 6% of parks and green spaces are legally protected and 38% of people in England don't have access to a nature-rich green space within a 15-minute walk of their home, with deprived neighbourhoods having the least access.

Blue Diamond Garden Centres want to highlight this issue and try and encourage more people to garden in urban areas. For instance, by planting:

- Roof top gardens
- Balcony gardens
- Vertical or wall gardens
- Street trees
- Wildflower verges
- Small pocket parks in between buildings
- Urban gardens

- By getting involved in a local community garden project

By ‘greening’ more urban areas this can help to clean the air, reduce the risk of flooding, provide vital food for pollinators and help keep cities cool.

The Advantages of Urban Gardening

An urban garden can be an oasis of greenery – a hidden haven for people and wildlife. As well as being a place where you can de-stress and enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of nature, even a small garden can provide food, shelter, safety, and nesting sites for a wide range of urban wildlife: from hedgehogs to bees.

If you're lucky to have a town or city garden, the buildings around you will create a micro-climate, allowing you to grow more exotic plants than people in the countryside. The buildings also help to contain the scent of fragrant plants and shield butterflies from wind gusts, making it easier for them to feed.

Blue Diamond’s “plant capsule wardrobe” should make it easier for anyone to create their perfect garden.

bluediamond.gg

British Garden Centres is once again returning to this year's BBC Gardeners’ World Live, sponsoring the theatre and showcasing an expansive and inspirational stand brimming with a diverse array of plants and furniture.

From Thursday, June 13 to Sunday, June 16, Birmingham’s NEC will be transformed into a hub of horticultural delight, and the team will be on hand with gardening advice, tips, and knowledge to transform your outdoor space.

Show highlights and attractions

British Garden Centres stand: Located next to the Theatre, our stand (G290 and G300) will feature an impressive stand showcasing a variety of plants and our exclusive garden furniture brand, Fern Living. Visitors can explore a vast selection of vibrant plants perfect for any garden, alongside Fern Living’s outdoor furniture that blends functionality with aesthetic appeal. This stand promises to be a highlight for gardening enthusiasts looking to enhance their green spaces with inspiration and advice from our friendly team.   You can also sign up for our Family Card which will give you instant access to promotions, events, and lots more!

BBC Gardeners World Live Theatre: Bringing together the nation’s favourite gardening experts, this year’s show promises an impressive line-up. The BBC Gardeners’ World Live Theatre, sponsored by British Garden Centres. will feature sessions from renowned personalities such as Adam Frost, Frances Tophill, and Joe Swift, as well as Monty Don, Sue Frost and Carol Klein appearances.

The Chef’s Table Show Garden: Designed by BBC Two Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost, this garden offers a wealth of plot-to-plate inspiration. Expect live talks and demonstrations from renowned chefs and experts, including Glynn Purnell.

Gardening ideas and displays: The Show Gardens at BBC Gardeners’ World Live showcase innovative garden designs, judged on design, planting, and inspiration. Other features include gardens reflecting typical plots, urban gardening, APL Avenue for small spaces, and Beautiful Borders for compact areas. These gardens provide visitors with a wealth of ideas and take-home inspiration for their gardens.

Floral Marquee, The Floral Marquee at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, sponsored by Legal & General, is a major attraction featuring a wide array of plants from top nurseries and specialist growers. Highlights include the Let's Talk Plants Stage for expert advice, the Plant Experts Desk for gardening help, and the Pot Swap initiative for sustainable gardening. Visitors can also enjoy the convenience of a Plant Crèche to store their purchases. The outdoor Plant Village offers additional plant shopping opportunities.

The International Orchid Show:  Located in the Floral Marquee, this is a must for all orchid lovers. Featuring over 30,000 species and 200,000 hybrids, the show caters to both novice and expert gardeners who want to grow and nurture this tropical flower.

Urban Gardening:  The Urban Gardening area of the show features two urban-themed gardens designed by award-winning Cherry Carmen. Built by World Skills UK winners, these gardens will compete for the best design which will then go on to the World Skills final. The area includes an Urban Gardening Stage with host Ade Sellars and the Cloud Gardener UK.

"We're absolutely delighted to be returning to BBC Gardeners' World Live this year," says Amy Stubbs, Development and Project Manager at British Garden Centres. "It's a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with gardening enthusiasts and showcase our Fern Living furniture range and the beautiful plants we have to offer. Our stand will have something for everyone, and our friendly and knowledgeable team will be on hand to answer your questions, offer advice on plant selection, and help you find the perfect additions to create your dream outdoor space.”

For more information on BBC Gardeners’ World Live, please visit https://www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/

Data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) states that the median size of a UK garden is an estimated 188 square metres. And one in eight households have no access to a private or shared garden space at all. With access to plants and nature, a core belief of TV gardener David Domoney, he has signed a partnership agreement with Wonderwall, the revolutionary Living Wall planter system which can be used both outdoors and indoors, increasing access to plants to more people than ever before.

David says, “The garden is a lot bigger than people think, with part or all the surrounding borders whether that be fencing, garage walls, house walls, sides of sheds, and more, all going unused. This is all space that can be easily turned into a haven for growing plants. Think of your garden like a box. When you fold down the sides, you can see all the additional unused space. A Wonderwall system enables you to unlock that space for plants. Be it foliage or flowers for stunning visual effect, or productive for growing fruit, vegetables or herbs, the simply stacked Wonderwall system can transform a boring wall or side of a garage into a living beautiful space.”

The benefits of gardening for wellbeing is a topic David has campaigned about for many years. David said, “Humans can see more variant shades of green than almost any other colour. It is proven that our mood and mental health are drastically improved when we engage in plant-rich environments, whether that be outdoor, or indoor.”

Rick McKeever, who founded Wonderwall in 2016, knew that he had found something wonderful when he created the first starter kit. “The rise in popularity of biophilic design, and the demand from businesses and consumers to have plants indoors to improve their environment, was something that I felt Wonderwall was ideally suited for. Increasing an occupant’s connectivity to nature increases wellbeing and makes bland spaces look amazing.

“With David’s passion for natural environments and encouraging more people to spend more time amongst plants, working together was ideal,” added Rick.

When commenting on the ease of setup David spoke highly of the system. “The Wonderwall system helps anyone in any location have plants at their home. The system works brilliantly at supporting both indoor and outdoor design choices. Plus, the product is easy to set up and user friendly.”

Wonderwall systems are self-irrigating planting systems, making plant maintenance easy, whether indoors or outdoors. After attaching the wooden battens to your wall, you attach the containers to each batten 35cm apart, and then clip the containers together to create your own Living Wall.

The starter kit comes with 4 planter sets, these increasing in size to systems that come with 14 planters. For larger projects of 4 metres-squared or greater, Rick and his team offer a dedicated installation service who will help with initial designs to the final touches. Rick said, “My team are on hand to help create the ideal set-up for your needs. Reach out to us via our website and we’ll be in touch to provide a personalised quote to match your needs.”

“The Wonderwall system can help transform people’s lives. For those people in the UK who have no access to a shared or private garden, the ability to place a Wonderwall system on a balcony wall, or the living room as a design feature, enhances an individual, or shared home as well as allows all of us to get closer to nature,” David concluded.

The Greenfingers Charity has announced that designer duo Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer have been appointed to work on its latest children’s hospice garden project at Chestnut Tree House, the hospice for children in West Sussex.

The Kitchen Garden at Chestnut Tree House follows on from the 2008 Greenfingers-funded Meadow Garden, and the beautiful Woodland Walk designed in 2014 by Ann-Marie Powell. The area of land earmarked for the Kitchen Garden is adjacent to a newly developed playpark and sensory garden. The new area will be a sustainable kitchen garden at the hospice that will provide home-grown fruit and vegetables for both the children and adult hospices.

The project is being funded thanks to a generous donation from Greenfingers charity Ambassador, Roger Head. Roger is the former owner of Forest Lodge Garden Centre and Bird World, has a family history of vegetable growing and looks forward to seeing how the garden at Chestnut Tree House unfolds.

Sarah Clifton, Head of Major Gifts at the hospice said: “Our vision is a kitchen garden that will provide therapeutic and educational experiences for children and young people with life limiting conditions and their families. By designing the garden to be fully accessible, even for children with complex conditions, we aspire to provide them with the opportunity to engage in the process of growing fruits and vegetables.

“Research shows that the pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges stemming from isolation, particularly among families confronted with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions. In response, we firmly believe that the nurturing environment of the garden, coupled with the cathartic act of gardening itself, can help improve our beneficiaries’ mental health”.

Plans for the Kitchen Garden will encompass a dedicated gardening club tailored to children and young people, a specialised club for parents to bond over horticultural pursuits and meaningful conversations, and targeted efforts involving siblings, fostering their connection with the garden, and providing an opportunity to meet other children who understand what they are experiencing.

It is planned that a portion of the produce used in our kitchens will originate from this garden, reinforcing our commitment to self-sufficiency and local sourcing. Incorporating sustainable practices in the kitchen garden will help minimise environmental impact, conserve resources, and teach staff, children, young people and families the significance of sustainable living.

Linda Petrons, Greenfingers’ Director of Fundraising and Communications said: “We are delighted to be working with the team at Chestnut Tree House and are very much looking forward to seeing children and young people, as well as the wider hospice community benefit from what we are sure will be a wonderful new Kitchen Garden. 

We would especially like to thank Roger for his incredible generosity. All of us at Greenfingers, the hospice and  Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer look forward to sharing Roger’s enthusiasm and expertise during the design and build process and his continued support as the Greenfingers Ambassador for this garden long after the garden has come to life.”

Find out more

To find out more about Greenfingers Charity, and how to get involved in a range of fundraising events please email Linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

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

Ascalon Design is delighted to announce the appointment of Luke Hopkins as Senior Sales Manager Europe.

Having first been involved with Ascalon during his time at Van Hage over 10 years ago, Luke is excited to channel his enthusiasm for the brand into his new role, and to share his passion for Ascalon’s products with both existing and new customers.

Luke will be overseeing Ascalon’s busy sales team, with overall responsibility for trade sales across the UK and Europe. With over 14 years’ experience in the industry, he will be well-known to many of Ascalon’s customers from his time at Charbroil, Landmann Group and Van Hage, as well as his ongoing role on the Board of the LOFA, of which Ascalon is a member.

Ascalon Sales & Marketing Director Minty Stokes-Rhys comments: “We are absolutely thrilled to have Luke joining our team to allow us to better support and look after our customers, as well as to welcome new ones. His enthusiasm for Ascalon is infectious and he aligns closely with our core mission to offer beautiful and inspiring furniture and decor products at competitive prices to an industry and customer base we are passionate about.”

For over 30 years, Ascalon Design has been at the very forefront of the design and development of wrought iron garden furniture, structures, garden giftware, and festive decorations in the UK market. Characterised by a distinctive elegance and classic style which has spawned endless copies around the world, our design-led products can be found in homes and gardens across the UK.

We have successfully launched over 40 ranges of garden furniture, alongside a huge number of arches, gazebos, gates and trellises. To this, we have also added a wide range of giftware items, including countless decorative planters, outdoor mirrors, lanterns, plant stakes, and much, much more. Our best-selling selection of seatpads and benchpads includes a range of styles in over 30 distinct colourways.

Luke Hopkins

Senior Sales Manager Europe

luke@ascalon.co.uk

Minty Stokes-Rhys

Sales & Marketing Director

minty@ascalon.couk

The Launch Success Challenge is YPHA’s inaugural Accelerator Programme, designed to prioritise essential skills that our industry relies on but often neglects to nurture.

Each cohort of ten participants will be tasked with bringing a new product to market. Their responsibilities will include choosing a name, conducting market research, calculating commercial viability, capturing photography, building design briefs, communicating with the press, and pitching to buyers, all under the guidance of some of the most esteemed industry mentors.

The programme is fully funded thanks to the generous financial support from Westland, Beekenkamp, Poppelmann, Floramedia, the BPOA, BALI, and especially the headline sponsor, Bred by Peter Moore. The YPHA Committee greatly admires Peter Moore’s lifetime achievements and his commitment to reinvesting a significant portion of the royalties he raises each year into various charitable and not-for-profit causes, both horticultural and otherwise. The sponsorship network for this cohort is a cohesive and organic fit with the programme's nature—all participating businesses naturally contribute to the process of launching such a plant to market, and Peter Moore has spent his life breeding and launching new plant introductions.

The programme will be led by Natalie Boynton (née Porter), with one-on-one mentorship available from Liz Dowling throughout the programme. Additionally, team workshops will be conducted by industry experts including Boyd Douglas-Davies, Eve Kerrigan, Jennie Kwan, Jane Lawler, and more.

Beekenkamp Plants has pledged a new, unnamed Begonia elatior variety as the focus product for our 2024-2025 cohort, which will be launched at Gardeners’ World Live 2025 through partner retailer British Garden Centres. Floramedia will cover label costs and provide design and photography sessions, Poppelmann will sponsor plant pots and trays, Westland will cover substrates, and Happy Plants will grow the stock. Surplus funds raised will be reinvested into the YPHA, and future iterations of the Launch Success Programme will each focus on different new products for various market types.

The programme kicks off with behind-the-scenes tours of Floramedia and Beekenkamp in the Netherlands on the 2nd and 3rd of July. Delegates will undertake this trip as a group of ten before being split into two teams upon their return. Team allocations will be based on interactions during the trip and supported by the results of personality profiles generously provided by MorePeople Recruitment.

The Launch Success Challenge promises to equip participants with invaluable skills and experience, setting a new standard for professional development in our industry.

The ten successful applicants have been selected, and they will be announced over the coming days. Keep your eyes peeled for profile interviews of who will be taking part in the YPHA’s Launch Success Challenge.

Garden furniture wholesalers NOVA won’t be found at trade shows this year and they have a very good reason for not attending.

NOVA has boldly stated they will not be exhibiting at any trade shows this year, even after a successful showcase at the Wellness Expo last year. This is due to the outdoor living experts launching the NOVA Experience Centre.

The Experience Centre opened on June 3^rd and is already fully booked for June and July, with August and September slots filling fast. But this incredible popularity is only part of the reason NOVA doesn’t plan to exhibit anywhere else this year.

“We’ve been keeping our furniture collections tightly under wraps,” explained NOVA’s Sales Director, Ian Read. “We don’t feel that pictures truly encapsulate the scale or the feel of our showroom, so we haven’t wanted to share pictures. We want people to walk in and feel that impact head-on, not having already pre-analysed everything online. This has created an air of mystery and much anticipation amongst our customers.”

Ian adds, “It’s been amazing to witness customers experiencing the showroom for the first time. We are so proud of what we’ve achieved at the Experience Centre and getting to see people’s overwhelmingly positive responses has been so rewarding.”

NOVA has carefully teased their collections, only showing certain products online, and not issuing brochures. With no planned trade shows this year, that means the only way to see the new range, which includes over 40 new collections and over 150 new products, is to visit the NOVA Experience Centre. This has helped to create an even bigger buzz around the industry event.

Plus, having separated their collection from retailer White Stores, you won’t find their range by visiting that site. “We’ve separated our range completely from that which we supply White Stores, giving our customers much more freedom to dictate their own margins,” explained Ian.

When talking about the launch of the 44,000 sq. ft. showroom in Cambridge, Ian mentioned, “Our customers have been calling for us to open a trade showroom for years.”

“We encourage retailers and garden centres to book a visit with us,” added Ian. “We want to spend time with our customers, new and existing, and for them to see what we’ve been working so hard on in person. We believe it’s the only way to truly experience the quality of the range.”

NOVA is allocating half days and full days for bookings and confidently says less time will not be enough to see the collection and meet with the team.

If you wish to book your visit to the Experience Centre, visit www.novaoutdoorliving.co.uk

Hot Off The Potting Bench, the new plant feature at BBC Gardeners World Live, this year will display a collection of around 100 new plants, many which will not have been seen by the plant buying public before. 

Organised by the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation, breeders and growers from across the world enter their new introductions and plant varieties, with the opportunity to show those plants off to an industry panel of expert judges, competing for the Peter Seabrook Award for the best new plant in the show. In addition the 90,000 plus visitors to the show, this year will get to walk amongst the plants and cast their own vote for their favourite. Feature organiser Neil Gow, from the Foundation, told gtnXtra “this is a key reason for growers to enter their plants, as the public voting gives a great indication of the likely interest and rate of sale they can expect when the plants hit the benches of garden retail outlets next season.”

Plants are judged in categories including houseplants, annuals and bedding, perennials, shrubs and edibles and will this year include a brand new apple variety named Peter’s Gold which is being launched by Frank P Matthews at the show. Entries are also in from Bransford Webbs, Farplants, Ball Horticulture, Syngenta, MNP Suntory, Allensmore, Kerley & Co, Goldengrove, Peter Beales and many other growers. Entry of new varieties is still possible by contacting the Foundation via their website or info@colegraveseabrookfoundation.org.uk 

BBC Gardeners World Live opens it’s door to the public from the 13th to 16th June at the NEC Birmingham, and gtnXtra will be there to photograph the plants, bring you the results and all the latest news. The Gardeners World TV programme will be filmed at the show for first broadcast on Friday evening and will feature a number of the new plants from Hot Off The Potting Bench.

Pictured above: TV  gardener Adam Frost and presenter Nikki Chapman, along with Rachel Seabrook (Peter’s Granddaughter) presenting The Peter Seabrook award to the 2023 winner, rose breeder Chris Warner.

Winner of the Visitors Vote in 2023, Trollius Full Moon, entered by Allensmore Nurseries, bred by Syngenta 

As the premier event in the garden retail sector gets set for its 50^th anniversary, the best of home, gift and clothing suppliers are gearing up to join the Glee community at the NEC, Birmingham, from 10^th-12^th September. Many companies exhibiting under the Home, Gift & Clothing banner are exclusive to Glee this season, ranging in size from artisan British producers to some of the biggest suppliers in the business and nationwide buying groups.

With the garden industry performing better than most retail sectors and consumers still striving to merge their indoor and outdoor spaces, there has never been a better time for home and gift retailers to gain market insight at Glee, where they’ll discover a lot more than fertiliser and seeds! State of the art garden solutions will share exhibition space with fantastic gift ideas that will delight the millions of amateur gardeners who live in our green and pleasant land. Outdoor clothing and greetings cards, toys, home fragrances and lighting will all be there on the show floor, alongside decorative accessories for Christmas and spring seasons.

Commenting on the importance of gifting in garden centres, especially at Christmas, GCA CEO, Peter Burks, says: “Giftware is fairly steady throughout the year, with a 20% rise above the average in March/April due to Mother’s Day and Easter but then 40% of the total years sales are done in Oct-Dec, with December being well over double the monthly average. These non-gardening categories are seen as very important to our members as a way of getting both the weather impact and the seasonality of gardening reduced”.

Home, Gift & Clothing at Glee

Returning to Glee in 2024 is Cardgains (Stand 9C85), the national buying group for independent retailers selling cards, gifts and associated products, and a very familiar name to the home and gift retail community, for whom it’s been central to the independent trade for 35 years. This underscores the ever-growing importance of garden centres to the UK’s world-leading greetings card trade.

Cardgains MD, Penny Shaw, commented: “At Cardgains, amongst many other card and gift selling retailers, we support quite a few independent garden centre members and will be looking forward to seeing them at Glee.  We also hope to get to know many more garden centre people at the show. We know that Glee is a great show for both retailers to visit and suppliers to exhibit at, so we’re hoping to engage with those already associated with Cardgains and those who want to find out how we can work together. I will be on the stand at the show with our Financial Director Helen McManus and our Sales Manager, Charles Dyson.  We’re excited to welcome everyone to the Cardgains stand in Hall 9, stand C85

As well as being represented by Cardgains, Woodmansterne, Noel Tatt and UK Greetings will have their own stands at Glee, offering a golden opportunity for retailers to view their extensive new collections in a major exhibition setting. They are joined by the master of humorous greetings cards, Emotional Rescue, whilst major stationery brand, Robert Frederick, will bring an exceptional collection of licensed paper products and gifts to the powerful Glee audience.

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director, commented: “As the GCA trade barometer consistently demonstrates, home, gift, clothing and related product categories are of great importance to an increasing number of garden centres, which especially rely on the Christmas gift trade and typically inspire buying with fantastic in-store displays. The presence at Glee of major industry suppliers from non-horticultural sectors is further indication that gift shops in garden centres are very much here to stay. With so many exceptional brands and products to source from, the 50^th anniversary of Glee is a must-attend show for both garden centres and high street gift shops who want to find something new and exciting ahead for the Golden Quarter of the year when the bulk of profits are made. We are looking forward to welcoming many of them to the show in September!”

Preview the Exhibitors: NEW & EXCLUSIVE TO GLEE

Visitors to Glee’s dedicated Home, Gift & Clothing sector this September will be treated to a wealth of established brands and new names, including the likes of Creative Products, UK Greetings, Rouchette, Woodmansterne, Blade & Rose, Tilnar Art, Seedball, Freckleface, Biohort and Turtle Mat. Here we shine a light on those brands that are not only new but exclusive to Glee, meaning you won’t find them at any other UK trade show this year.

Annie Bennett Jewellery: Stand 9A70

Annie is a Bristol-based jeweller whose jewellery is made entirely from recycled silver giftware, silver jewellery and silver electronics. Packaging is also recycled and recyclable, meaning that every part of the making and packaging process is eco-friendly and sustainable. Annie's designs are inspired by geometric shapes found in nature as well as by abstract art.

By Jo Crafts: Stand 9E62-D63

By Jo Crafts is a small business run by two ladies who enjoy bringing colour and beauty into people’s homes, whether that's with coasters, hessian bags, scarves or Christmas decorations, we have amazing products with vibrant designs to suit every home, every room, and every season. Jo comes from a family of artists with her background in teaching Art & Textiles, whilst Gem's experience of working in the corporate world brings organisational skills and business acumen to drive the business forward. The result is that By Jo Crafts is a multi-award winning company with products sold across the globe. Jo & Gem are both mothers and wives who love spending time with their families.

Candle Academy (Wacky Wax): Stand 9C83

Wacky Wax is all about spreading joy, one hand-dipped candle at a time. Their vibrant and whimsical taper candles are designed to add a touch of personality and colour to any space, whether it's a cosy living room or a special occasion dinner.

Emotional Rescue: Stand 6A67

Emotional Rescue has the largest, award-winning humour portfolio in the greetings card industry, across Birthday/Blank, Relations, Occasions, Age, Spring Seasons and Christmas. The award-winning publisher is constantly updating existing ranges, so they are packed-full of contemporary and topical material, as well as working hard to introduce new ranges to the market.

Häago: Stand 9D70

At Häago, the journey began with a simple mission to create eco-friendly solutions for outdoor enthusiasts, whatever activity they’re doing. Today the company is proud to be a leader in the eco-friendly product industry, providing an extensive range of retailers, television production studios, garden centres and individuals with high-quality warmers and tableware that are both effective and environmentally conscious.  Dedication to sustainability remains at the core of everything they do, and they are constantly working to find new ways to reduce our environmental impact and promote positive change while making the great-outdoors just that little bit more comfortable.

Invisible Creations: Stand 9E80

Invisible Creations specialises in the design of stylish and accessible products for the home and garden. The attractive designs offer the safety and support of traditional grab rails while seamlessly blending into the surroundings, avoiding the institutional look: for beautiful homes without barriers.

Jemsox: Stand 9D80

Jemsox is a small family ran sock brand who highly focus on being as sustainable, eco-friendly whilst ensuring they give their customers pure comfort. Jemsox thrive on ensuring it produces high quality, on trend socks whilst working closely with its factories to ensure the fabrics and process of creating Jemsox socks are made sustainably.

Littlemore Candle Co: Stand 9C63

Littlemore Candle Company is a family run business based in rural Oxfordshire, specialising in home fragrances with unique decor including foraged botanicals, eco-glitter and healing crystals. Signature products include crystal jar candles, tealights and wax melts all made using natural, plant based soy wax, with sustainability and individuality held at the forefront of the company values.

Monique Me Retail & Concessions: Stand 9F75

Monique Me Retail & Concessions is a UK ladies and men's wear clothing concession. Its offering includes MONIQUE a stylish Italian clothing range, ME a modern classic made in UK range, and MNQ MAN a contemporary men's wear range.

Pawprint Family: Stand 9C70

Pawprint Family’s quality pins and patches feature a selection of favourite literary and heritage brands. At pocket money prices, it's just the item to help boost the gifting area in stores or shopfront.  Featured brands include Wallace & Gromit, Julia Donaldson books, The Smurfs, Moomins, Care Bears and many more.

Sandart: Stand 9F82

The Sandart story began in 2002 in a beautiful coastal town known as Wilderness, found along the Garden Route in South Africa. Now, twenty years later, they employ eight full-time staff members and supply over 150 local and international distributors. Sandart was acquired by Turrim in 2021, joining the TOWER and Kidico brands. SandArt has been

developed for 20 years with proven success in providing high-quality creative craft products.

Slipfree: Stand 9B75

Slipfree is on a global mission to keep children (& adults) safe with its unique, sustainable non-slip swim shoes for beach, pool & home.

Soctopus Ltd: Stand 9D62

The family-run, Leicestershire-based company makes socks identified by their bold design steeped in British, European and contemporary humour and history. Socks are either a cotton or bamboo blend retailing from £8 making them the most perfect gift.

SÒLAS Home: Stand 9B70

SÒLAS Home create luxury home fragrances which look and smell great as well as being planet friendly. They are handmade in its Warwickshire studio from eco-friendly, sustainable, vegan and cruelty free ingredients. The range includes candles, reed diffusers, wax melts, room sprays and gift sets, all CLP compliant, with a new pick ‘n’ mix wax melt range launching exclusively at Glee 2024.  

Sow Easy: Stand 9L74

Sow Easy are a sustainable promotional products supplier specialising in creating fun, seed-based plantable promotional products that grow into flowers and vegetables.

Stands Out Ltd: Stand 9B77

Stands Out offers fresh, colourful and fun gift ideas that suit any retail outlet, from family attractions to garden centres, gift shops and grottos. The team prides itself on displaying products at their very best with wooden display units that are created at the Stands Out HQ.

Register now for Glee 2024!

Registration for Glee 2024 is now open, with a number of exciting registration incentives set to launch soon. To find out more, and to secure your free ticket to the 50^th edition of Glee please visit www.gleebirmingham.com/visitor-registration

Find out more

Glee connects the garden industry to inspire change, drive growth, and promote innovation. To find out more or to register your interest in exhibiting, which will take place 10^th – 12^th September at the NEC, please visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

With just two weeks remaining, the HTA National Plant Show is back at the NAEC in Stoneleigh on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 June. This annual event brings the whole horticultural supply chain together under one roof to showcase new plants and products and forge new contacts.

Fran Barnes, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Chief Executive said: “In the HTA’s 125th anniversary year, the biggest ever HTA National Plant Show will give visitors an unrivalled opportunity to explore a wide variety of plants and gardening products and discover new industry trends as well as get expert advice and make valuable new contacts. The only show of its kind, this is an important event for the industry, both visitors and exhibitors alike.

“Feature areas at the show will demonstrate the work being done to enhance resilience in the industry and navigate the range of regulations impacting business, including borders and trade and the transition to peat free.

“Horticulture is a creative and dynamic industry and visitors can hear about some of the fantastic career opportunities that are available as well as learn about new plants and developments. The show is taking place at a crucial time for our industry to demonstrate its value, and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone to what promises to be a fantastic HTA National Plant Show 2024.” 

Some highlights of what will be at the show include:

Meet the experts at the HTA Village

Visitors can head to the HTA Village to speak to our industry experts on key topics including the latest developments in horticulture, HTA membership opportunities, the latest in market research, and developments in parliament.

See the full list of topics and who will be available here: https://hta.org.uk/national-plant-show/show-features/hta-village

Education Zone

The Education Zone is a space where visitors can discuss all things careers and education with professionals from companies including MorePeople, YPHA, Association of Professional Landscapers, Pershore College, RHS New Shoots, Bishop Burton College Apprenticeships and SMB College Group.

New Plant Area

At the heart of the show is the New Plant Area where visitors can cast their votes in the New Plant Awards Visitor Vote. Categories include Herbaceous Perennials, Annuals, Bedding and Container & Basket Plants, Flowering Houseplants, Foliage Houseplants, Cacti & Succulents, Trees, Shrubs (including Conifers) & Climbers.

Seminar Area

Hear more from industry professionals on key topics in horticulture including the new Plant Awards Announcement, what you need to know about Trade and Borders, Growing Media: Life Beyond Peat, Automation in Horticulture - hosted by Dura-ID, Growing Your Team - hosted by MorePeople, and there will be a networking event hosted by Women in Horticulture.  

View the timetable of seminars here: https://hta.org.uk/national-plant-show/show-features/seminars

For more information on the HTA National Plant Show, including travel to the event, visit www.nationalplantshow.co.uk

Farplants is showcasing three new plant varieties at the National Plant Show, all of which will be vying for top honours.

Roll out the Plum Carpet! This carefully selected Spiraea, the perfect pairing to Walberton's® Magic Carpet, boasts a neat, mounding habit and exceptional disease resistance. Its stunning display starts with deep plum-coloured new growth, followed by a burst of large, magenta flower heads in mid to late May and continuing all summer. Planted with its sibling, Walberton's® Magic Carpet, they create a breathtaking colour contrast that lasts from spring to late autumn. Walberton's® Plum Carpet is naturally compact, making it a star in patio containers and smaller gardens. Thriving in full sun or part-shade, it matures to a manageable 45cm x 75cm. An unfussy and low-maintenance shrub, it flourishes in most garden conditions.

Hibiscus Walberton's® Lunar® Delight, is a captivating creation by the late David Tristram. This exceptional hardy shrub boasts immense flowers (17cm) in a mesmerising mid-pink shade. The culmination of over 25 years of breeding by David Tristram, Lunar® Delight represents his quest, beginning in 1985, to improve the quality of Hibiscus available - specifically focusing on flower size and colour. The result is a stunning achievement that surpasses other hardy Hibiscus varieties, reaching a mature size of 3m x 1.8m and boasting an upright habit ideal for both borders and containers. Thriving in UK gardens, Lunar® Delight offers a prolific display of blooms from July to September and, once established, tolerates hot, dry summers with ease, ensuring year-after-year garden performance. Farplants is proud to offer Lunar® Delight exclusively to retailers (1.5L). This captivating addition joins the Walberton's® Lunar family, including Eclipse, Flare, Rhapsody, and Rose Moon.

Bred by Thompson & Morgan, Rose Scentifall® Lemon is an innovative new container rose and is a fragrant showstopper! Its tidy, mounding habit make it perfect for hanging baskets and containers. Throughout summer, Scentifall® Lemon cascades a vibrant display of citrus­scented, yellow, fully double blooms, offering a repeat-flowering spectacle. Disease-resistant and requiring minimal pruning, it's ideal for inexperienced gardeners. This hardy shrub blooms profusely from May to September, reaching a manageable 60cm x 60cm at maturity. It thrives in full sun or part-shade. We introduced it this 2024 season and it sold out immediately!

All three plants will be available in 2025 and are available exclusively to retailers through the Farplants webshop or representatives. https://shop.farplants.co.uk/ 01243 553311 

Visit the compelling Farplants stand no. 281/294 at the National Plant Show to see these, and many other new or recent introductions.

Feverfew Garden Company is celebrating its first birthday which has seen its humble growth, starting in Orkney in June last year to becoming a firm gardening favourite across the country and a must-have for female gardeners everywhere.

Launched just over a year ago by founder Rachel Eunson, Feverfew Garden Company was born from Rachel’s rediscovery of her love for gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frustrated by the lack of functional and stylish gardening wear for women and the lack of well-fitting, durable gloves for women, she set out to create the perfect gardening glove. Feverfew Garden Company was born, driven by her newfound appreciation for sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Feverfew’s hero product, the Original Ladies Gardening Gloves has received widespread acclaim, including the prestigious Best Buy Award for Lightweight Gloves from www.gardenersworld.com  This recognition underscores the quality and innovation that Feverfew Garden Company brings to the gardening market and goes beyond Rachel’s wildest dreams in his first year in the market.

Widespread media coverage followed in titles such as The Sun, Daily Express, Country Living, The English Garden, Gardens Illustrated and many more.

In its inaugural year, Feverfew Garden Company was also honoured to receive £10,000 in funding from Scottish EDGE, a significant boost that has helped fuel the company’s growth and product development. This support from the UK’s largest funding competition has been instrumental in enabling Feverfew to continue its mission of providing high-quality, female-friendly gardening products.

In February 2024, Feverfew Garden Company proudly launched its products exclusively with Marshalls Garden at the Garden Press Event. This launch included the groundbreaking introduction of gardening gloves available in four sizes, exclusively sized for female hands – a first in the industry. The collection also expanded to include a new plum colour, offering more style options for discerning gardeners and was popular with social media influencers who continue to endorse the gloves.

Feverfew’s gloves are also stocked in many garden retailers across the UK including Hidden Scotland, Darts Farm and Wellpark Garden Centre.

Building on this momentum, Feverfew Garden Company is excited to announce its expansion into a wider range of gardening accessories. The new product line includes Boonie hats, T-shirts, and hampers designed specifically for ladies. These additions reflect the company's commitment to providing comprehensive and stylish gardening solutions for women.

Founder, Rachel Eunson of Feverfew Garden Company commented, "We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved in our first year. From winning awards to securing funding and launching new products, our journey has been both challenging and rewarding. We are grateful to our customers and partners who have supported us and are excited about the future as we continue to innovate and expand our offerings for the female gardener.”

Feverfew Garden Gloves - the ultimate solution to the longstanding frustration of ill-fitting, impractical gardening gloves for women!

• Available in XS to L, our gloves are meticulously designed to fit female hands perfectly, ensuring comfort and functionality like never before. Say goodbye to the one-size-fits-all approach with our four-size options, providing a tailored fit for every gardener.
• Functionality doesn't mean sacrificing style - our gloves come in striking green and plum colours, adding a touch of flair to your gardening attire. Whether you're planting delicate seedlings or pruning branches, our gloves offer exceptional grip and dexterity, thanks to their textured palms, allowing for precise and safe gardening.
• We've thought of everything - reinforced fingertips ensure durability, while touchscreen compatibility means you can use your smartphone without removing your gloves. Plus, our padded palms provide extra protection and comfort for those more strenuous gardening tasks.
• But that's not all - our gloves also feature a handy clip, keeping them securely together so you'll never lose a single glove again. Versatile, durable, and stylish, Feverfew’s Ladies Gardening Gloves are an essential companion for any gardener. Visit our website and use our handy size chart to find your perfect fit.

The Feverfew Garden gloves have an RRP of £22.95, are vegan and arrive in 100% compostable packaging and a plantable seed label. To stock, email rachel@feverfewgarden.co.uk  

The pot and planter market is not known for its fast paced development. A mainstay of any garden retailer this popular product category has remain largely unchanged for many years, with only new colours and shapes puncturing the norm. For one brand, Apta, the time for change was easy to see, which is what led to the creation of Apta Lightweight ahead of season 24.

A brand with an extensive heritage, Apta recognises the value of traditional styles and designs, but with a new swathe of shoppers finding their home within gardening, and the pressures to deliver more responsible material innovations influencing consumer buying habits, it was time to think outside the box and create something that offered continued longevity for the brand.

With the Apta Lightweight range, a new generation of indoor and outdoor pots have been brought to market. Made from recycled material and recyclable again at the end of their lifespan, the range has been specifically created to fill a gap that has long existed in the planter category. Offering an improved product hierarchy, multiple user benefits include a 10-year guarantee, and a lower price point than the competition, making Apta Lightweight accessible to a broad range of consumers.

First seen at Glee 2023 the industry response to Apta Lightweight has far exceeded expectation as Nick Jones, Commercial Director at the AMES Companies explains: “For us the introduction of Apta Lightweight was an easy decision to make. Contemporary, long-lasting, stylish and backed by a strong sustainable message, it was able to quickly fill a gap in the market between traditional and contemporary styles, which until now were really the only two options for consumers.

“Since launch we have seen several hundred retailers place orders, including one of the biggest garden centre chains in the UK, representing their first foray into Apta pots. It was Apta Lightweight that caught their eye, a theme that has been repeated amongst other retailers as they look to source a range that offers something new and unique. What’s more, the potential for future growth is phenomenal. Whether converting existing customers to Apta Lightweight advocates, welcoming new customers to the fold or replacing other pot suppliers, we firmly believe that Apta Lightweight makes a real statement in the marketplace and is demonstrative of our commitment to innovation and responsible manufacturing, all packaged together with unrivalled customer support tools.”

About Apta Lightweight

Boasting strong environmental credentials, the full Apta Lightweight offering is constructed from recycled materials and the pots will be fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan. Perfect for indoor and outdoor usage, every product will be frost and UV resistant and, as the name suggests, are extremely lightweight making them the perfect choice for everyone from generation rent to older gardeners.

Two collections make up the current offering, both the result of significant market research undertaken by AMES UK to identify those trends which have mass consumer appeal. Weben showcases “woven” designs in three neutral colourways and three pot sizes, whilst Beton features four “concrete” planters in the same three neutral colourways.

Supporting growth

A visit to any Apta customer in 2024 will clearly demonstrate how the brand’s customer support tools have been expanded.  Key highlights including the Apta Planting Bench which seamlessly integrates multiple product categories to increase the average basket spend, highlight seasonal offerings, and showcase the latest trends

Finally, the Apta team has seen great success with its extended ‘pick and mix’ service that supports bestselling lines. From purchasing as individual units to mixed and half pallets, nested sets, boxed and ‘multiples’, this proven system offers Apta customers greater flexibility and makes it easy to support seasonal stock fluctuations.

Find out more

To stay up to date with all things Apta, including accessing the dedicated trade portal where you will find a comprehensive image library, POS guide and Product Database alongside the 2024 catalogue, please visit www.apta.co.uk. Further details about the AMES Companies by visiting www.ames-uk.com

The Horticultural Trades Association invited political guests to the Scone Palace Garden Fair to highlight the importance of gardening and environmental horticulture in communities. 

Minister for Agriculture Jim Fairlie MSP, Alexander Stewart MSP, Murdo Fraser MSP and former MP Pete Wishart were given a tour by the HTA’s Public Affairs and Policy Manager David Lydiat and Chair of the HTA Scotland Policy Forum Stan Green. Introduced by Scone’s Head Gardener, Brian Cunningham, David and Stan also gave a talk at the event about the Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy, with a focus on careers in the industry.  

The guests were introduced to exhibitors and HTA Members, and the topics discussed ranged from the cost of doing business to the benefits of gardens and flora for health recovery, careers and higher education courses, as well as the future of peat use.  

Minister Jim Fairlie MSP commented: “I am grateful to Lord Stormont and the HTA for this opportunity to celebrate Scottish environmental horticulture and showcasing the wide-ranging benefits of gardening to our natural environment and our mental and physical health. The horticultural sector’s contribution to the economy and environment, through providing employment opportunities in a wide range of green careers, is vitally important. It was great to meet so many of the exhibitors and hear firsthand of their experiences.” 

Murdo Fraser MSP said: “I thoroughly enjoyed being shown around the Scone Palace Garden Fair, a fantastic event and I was pleased to hear this year’s attendance of some 5,000+ people. It is clear there are some challenges facing the horticultural industry, yet it was encouraging to hear from various exhibitors and how they are meeting these challenges and continuing Scotland and the UK’s strong horticultural tradition. The HTA is doing brilliant work championing the industry and ensuring vital progress such as a transition toward peat-free plant production.” 

David Lydiat, Public Affairs & Policy Manager of the HTA, said: “We were really pleased to have such influential politicians engaging and showing an interest in the environment horticulture and gardening industry. Scone Palace Garden Fair provided a magnificent setting to showcase the best of horticulture. We know there are challenges that the industry faces, but it also offers solutions, for example, in health and wellbeing recovery.” 

Stan Green, Director of Growforth, reflected: “We majored on the key subjects impacting HTA members right now – careers and skills for the next generation of those working in the industry are vital. Being recognised by political stakeholders is crucial; as an industry, we need to be high on their priority list, so we appreciate their time and efforts. We were asking for support from Scot Gov for the land-based courses and peat-free transition.”

The British Grooms Association (BGA), and Equestrian Employers Association (EEA) are delighted to announce their new partnership with Henchman.

Henchman’s large-capacity wheelbarrows are available in three sizes, 135l, 200l, and 350l. Built to last, the Henchman barrow is manufactured with a galvanised steel and a polyethylene plastic tub. This is a heavy-duty plastic that’s easy to lift, manoeuvre and is non-corrodible - just what you need when working in British weather.

Fi Boughton, Membership Manager of the BGA said; “having put the wheelbarrow through its paces, I can thoroughly recommend it. Large enough to be time-saving without being cumbersome to handle.

The Henchman wheelbarrow is a wonderful addition to any yard. Instead of multiple trips to the muck heap, I can now whizz through the mucking out much more quickly.

It will also fit in all the haynets in one go – the horses think it is meals on wheels!! I was concerned about the poo picking as the field is very muddy and poached but the wheelbarrow easily moved through the mud, and then even though it was really heavy I was able to push it with just one hand.”

Henchman’s wheelbarrows not only help to tackle the yard jobs in half the time, they also minimise the risk of injury to the groom.

As the provider of essential equipment for grooms, and also the perfect tool for any equestrian employer, Henchman is a welcomed addition to the sponsors list for both the BGA and EEA.

“Our wheelbarrows are the perfect partner for grooms, making their busy day a little easier, therefore we are delighted to be working with both the British Grooms Association and the Equestrian Employers Association.” Clare Lenagham-Balmer, Head of Marketing for Henchman.

Find out more:

British Grooms Association: britishgrooms.org.uk

Equestrian Employers Association: equestrianemployers.org.uk

Henchman: henchman.co.uk

GTN May 2024 - Summer Showroom Directory - In this issue: AMES Tools – the success story so far, One to watch – GTN visits the new Rutland Nursery, Altico celebrates 3 years, Getting wise with wool - gardening products made from sheep’s wool, On your marks – GTN’s guide to this summer’s shows, SOLEX – outdoor living at its best, Summer Showroom Directory – GTN’s guide to supplier showrooms open for business this summer, STV on the road, Creativity with Floralsilk, Smart’s showroom visit, Planteria Vox-Pops from: Gates, Newquay, Cooks, Bosworths, Coblands, Carpenters, Highfields, Pughs, Barton Grange, Cowells, Perrywood, Munros and Fron Goch, Hoping for sunshine – HTA Column, What’s driving future gardening? – GIMA Column.

Elliot May, Sales Manager UK and Ireland, said: “We are excited to bring the Enders brand to the UK and Irish market on a direct basis. We want to offer retailers the chance to partner with us and continue the sustained growth that we have had in continental Europe over the last 15 years.

"Enders have a rich background in metal manufacturing combined with developing gas burner technology, dating back to 1883. With state-of-the-art engineering and award-winning design, we develop each of our barbecues, patio heaters and camping products at our site in Werdohl, Germany.

"Our team of internal and external experts tests the quality, safety and practicality down to the last detail. Our range is as varied as the barbecue itself. From mobile table barbecues and compact grills for urban barbecues to fully equipped garden kitchens, we offer the right solution for every use and every requirement. In addition, we bring warmth and ambience to the terrace and balcony with ecologically optimised patio heaters."

For more information on the Enders range, please contact Elliot May, UK and Ireland Sales Manager, elliot.may@enders-uk.com or visit www.enders-germany.com/en/

This question may already be answered in a few weeks' time at spoga+gafa, the world's biggest garden and BBQ trade fair.

Ulrich Strünck, Commercial Director DACH at Redefine Meat, is already convinced now: The meat alternatives of Redefine Meat have not only earned their place on the BBQ, but also in the meat counter at the butchers.

Mr Strünck, some people out there still don't know exactly what Redefine Meat is. What does the brand entail?
Redefine Meat was founded by two young men from Israel in 2018, who actually and interestingly enough come from the industry. After their children were born they recognised the need to do something for the planet and leave it in a better state for future generations. Due to their technology development backgrounds, they came up with the idea of manufacturing plant-based meat.

It is very important to you not to use the word meat substitute, you consciously talk about an alternative. Why?
The term substitute is so absolute. For us it is important that we provide an alternative to the animal-based product. The animal-based product has and will always have its justification. We are not trying to query that, but instead carry the enjoyment of meat over into the plant world.
We want people to take pleasure in choosing between animal and plant-based products without having the feeling they are having to do without. It is about creating variety so that one can simply alternate between them. This approach is of fundamental importance for us because it is the only way we can achieve the sustainable acceptance and integration of plant-based alternatives.

Please explain to us in a few sentences what this product is exactly.
We use different plant-based proteins as a basis - from soy, wheat, pea and rice, through to potato protein. We implement the corresponding proteins depending on what consistency we want a product to have. To achieve the perfect result we break the overall meat product down into its components: We have 60 people on the team, who exclusively carry out research and development. They analyse the structure of meat and how meat works. The art is combining this hotchpot of ingredients so that one creates the perfect overall product.

We have already mentioned the theme environmental protection. The top theme of spoga+gafa 2024 is Responsibility, with your brand you are a perfect match for the trade fair. But how exactly can your products counteract what is going wrong in the meat industry?
In comparison to the production of beef, our natural ingredients are significantly more resource-saving. We save over 90 percent especially in the case of CO2, water and land usage. That is because we use plant-based proteins, which are mainly implemented as animal fodder, directly for our products. So, we don't have to take the detour via the animal and are thus per se much more efficient. What certainly has to be pushed much more strongly in our industry is local sourcing. The proteins still partly come from regions that are too far away - in other words the transport routes are too long. However, one can definitely say that since the positive effect of using plant-based proteins is so strong and clearly prevails, the logistic disadvantages are not so decisive.

What is the cost situation like, if we take a look at the end customers?
At the moment, we haven't actually reached the position we want to and should be at. Manufacturing the products we make has not yet reached mass production level as is the case with animal meat. We still have a long way ahead of us until we reach that scale. Based on the ingredients and production technologies, long-term these products will have to be either cheaper than the animal-based products or at least the same price. There has, however, been an interesting development over the past months. Especially in Germany, various discounters have decided to drop the prices for plant-based products also to encourage the consumers to try these products. That is definitely a step in the right direction.

And what attracts you to spoga+gafa?
Barbecuing is of course also an exciting theme for us and offers us a potential sales market. At the same time, we all know that our current meat consumption can't continue long-term because the demand can hardly be satisfied, especially not in an environmentally-friendly manner. We are thus bringing products to spoga+gafa that enable people to still have fun barbecuing and enjoying meat, but which are at the same time environmentally-friendly.

Meet Redefine Meat at spoga+gafa on Monday, 17 June and test the meat alternatives in Hall 8 of the Outdoor Kitchen World too.
You can find the entire TV interview in our new magazine.
Click here for the complete event programme of the Outdoor Kitchen World.

Leading battery-powered outdoor power equipment specialist, EGO Power Plus, has launched a trailblazing new charging system to support landscaping and groundscare professionals.

EGO recently added to the PRO X series of hard-wearing and powerful tools for professionals within its product portfolio, including a chainsaw, hedge trimmers, brush cutters, line trimmers and mowers. It has also developed a next-generation battery charging solution to ensure that these robust products always have the power they need to work throughout the day.

Andrew Frohock, Product Manager at EGO, said: “Groundscare, gardening and facilities management professionals need complete confidence that their battery-powered tools can succeed at the longest and toughest tasks. Using our unique position as a pioneer in all-electric outdoor equipment, we have developed a new system that gives users incredible flexibility, whether that is charging high numbers of batteries overnight, or finding solutions for charging portable batteries out in the field.”

EGO's PGX™ Professional Charging system is a flexible charging solution that scales to meet the specific needs of any business. The system is powered by the PGX1600E-H 1600W Charging Hub, which runs off any standard electrical outlet, meaning no electrical infrastructure upgrade is required.

A modular system, PGX allows for each user to adapt it to their specific power needs. The PGX1600H Hub connects to any combination of up to 30 PGX3000D 3-Port Docks, or PGX1400PB Power Banks (available separately), to provide charging power to 90 battery ports. The system manages charging intelligently, meaning all batteries can be charged without the need for manual intervention. The charging power means that the PGX system can effectively charge up to 70 EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries, or up to 250Ah of battery capacity overnight (in 12hrs).

The 1600W Hub and PGX3000D 3-Port Docks securely mount to the wall via steel-reinforced screw through-holes and are both E-Track-compatible via the PGX™ Commercial Charging E-Track Mounting Kit (available separately) unlocking the potential for in-vehicle charging for all EGO batteries, via a single power connection. Lockable battery ports provide peace of mind that the platform remains safe on the jobsite while integrated connectivity allows users to monitor and control when they charge and provides peace of mind that power will be available when it is needed.

When disconnected from the PGX Hub, the PGX1400PB is a portable Power Bank that allows users to transport their energy to the jobsite, and recharge their portable batteries, wherever and whenever they need to. With the energy stored in the new EGO HC2240T 40Ah Battery, from EGO’s new High-Capacity platform, the Power Bank utilises high-efficiency DC: DC charging to pass this power to 2 700W charging ports, compatible with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries, for fast on site, off-grid charging. Both are available from Summer 2024.

“Creating a new charging system around our existing battery technology gives gardening and groundscare professionals the configurability they need. Now they have the tools, and the battery platform to comfortably keep them working all day.”

For more information on the new PRO X series from EGO, visit; www.egopowerplus.co.uk

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Char-Broil has announced that Ian Clifford joins Char-Broil UK as General Sales Manager, UK & Ireland, effective immediately.  

He succeeds Luke Hopkins who, following several successful years building and expanding Char-Broil’s UK business, has decided to leave the world of BBQ for a new challenge.

Ian Clifford brings a wealth of experience in sales with high profile brands like Dunlop, Hovis and McCormick & Company. With over 10 years of experience in successfully building brands and strong customer relationships, Ian is ideally placed to lead and elevate Char-Broil UK’s business to the next level.

In a further boost to the UK Sales team, Andrew Foster, will join as Sales Rep UK/Ireland, also effective immediately.  Andrew comes with strong knowledge and experience from within the BBQ industry, having worked for Napoleon for more than three years and for Primo Grills for over 5 years.

Overseeing the UK team is Char-Broil Europe’s dynamic new Managing Director, Frerk Petersen who joined the business in March, based in the European HQ in Hamburg. Petersen has extensive experience with seasonal business areas: most recently as Managing Director of a European fishing tackle manufacturer. He has also worked for Char-Broil’s parent company WC Bradley and is familiar with the company’s values and culture.  With a proven track record in motivating teams to success, Char-Broil is delighted to have Petersen at the helm of the 40-strong European team of the world-famous grill manufacturer.

Of the UK’s new team Petersen says: “We’re delighted to welcome Ian and Andrew to the Char-Broil family, and believe that their wealth of experience and high levels of motivation will help further build the brand in the UK.

“We want to keep delivering incomparable outdoor cooking experiences with our innovations – such as our patented TRU-Infrared™ technology and our App-controlled EVOLVE smart grill. We believe that this new team is fired up about spreading the word about our incredible product range, ramping up the UK business to even greater success in the years to come.”

With Google searches for ‘balcony garden ideas’ increasing by 110% in the last 90 days alone, Stewart Garden has unveiled its new Urban Balcony collection designed for consumers with small outdoor spaces.

image001.jpgHelping gardeners to transform their outdoor spaces, regardless of size, the collection features five planters, including a 3L hanging pot, 6.5L double hanging pot, 10L triple hanging pot, 7.5L railing pot, and 15.5L double railing pot.

Each product is available in Terracotta, Green or Anthracite to complement any outdoor setting, while also adding charm and personality. Sustainability is also central to this collection, with each of the 100% recyclable pots made from recycled resin to help minimise its environmental impact.

Featuring a robust hook to secure the planters in place, the hanging pots can be easily hung from balcony railings, while the railing pots include adjustable fasteners for added peace of mind. Both styles are a great way to save essential living space and to create a micro-garden full of colour, aroma and atmosphere.

Gavin Wray, Head of Sales for Garden Centres at Stewart Garden, comments: “As we move into the warmer months people will be looking at ways to brighten and improve their outdoor space.

“Our planters are made from a robust and durable material to ensure they stand the test of time, so homeowners can rest assured their outdoor oasis will stay intact without fretting about regular maintenance.”

Stewart Garden is the UK market leader in the manufacture and supply of technical plastic moulded products for the gardening sector. It offers a large range of durable, lifestyle-driven, value-for-money products, from garden planters and propagators to specialist storage products. These are available in over 1,000 outlets across the UK and Eire.

Less than one week to go until doors open on 11th June and visitors from 70 countries have already registered to attend the 20th anniversary edition of FlowerTrials, the premier event of the year in Pot and Bedding Plant Breeding. 

Meanwhile, social media channels are buzzing with images and videos of new plant varieties as exhibitors are gearing up final production for their new plant displays. The opportunity to bring across a full range of novelties as well as a wide overview of catalogue items is the main reason that many breeding companies are now choosing FlowerTrials® to be their main show event of the year.

Arthur Kramer of Schreurs Holland B.V. joining the group of 59 FlowerTrials® exhibitors for the first time this year: “We know that FlowerTrials is a key event at which to exhibit. We are already excited at the registrations coming in and look forward to meeting our customers.”

FlowerTrials welcomes two new members in 2024. Schreurs, a Dutch breeder who was traditionally active in cut gerberas and roses will show its new breeding in outdoor gerbera “Sunshapers”, meeting the growing demand for outdoor plants. Meanwhile Kolster, location host last year, has now joined FlowerTrials® to show its own breeding in garden plants, including hydrangeas and the Magical Garden assortment. Both companies will exhibit in the Middle Region.

In a change of location, Schneider Youngplants will exhibit at Schneider Westland in ‘s Gravenzande, while HiBreeding can be found this year at KP Holland.

FlowerTrials® facilitates the opportunity to view more companies during a visit by clustering its exhibitors in small groups at one location. This year the 59 breeders will show their assortment at 30 locations, a steady number which has been maintained over the past 10 years.

Don’t forget to pre-register your visit on the website to save valuable time in week 24.

PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt is holding its second summer inspection for the ‘Best Novelty’ of the Green Retail Awards on 10 June 2024.

This inspection and the presentation of the prestigious award will take place on the first day of GROEN-Direkt’s Summer Days. Eleven innovative novelties will be competing for the greatly coveted ‘Best Novelty’ Green Retail Award, which honours the yearlong process of breeding and selecting marketable new cultivars.

The plants submitted for the Green Retail Award ‘Best Novelty’

The eleven plants submitted for the summer inspection for the Green Retail Award ‘Best Novelty’ in alphabetical order:

• Abelia grandiflora 'Jelly Beans' - Van Vliet New Plants
• Agapanthus 'DWAGHYB05' (EVERPANTHUS SPARKLE) - Hoogeveen Plants B.V. & Leybaert bvba
• Astilbe japonica 'Luna' - Compass Plants B.V. together with Hans van der Meer Potplanten
• Astilbe simplicifolia 'Pretty in Pink' - Compass Plants B.V. together with Hans van der Meer Potplanten
• Gazania 'DWGZHY01' (SUNCARPET) - Roots & Plantipp BV
• Hydrangea macrophylla 'HORE9103' (DOPPIO ROSATO) - Lendert de Vos b.v., Reeuwijk
• Hydrangea macrophylla 'HORE9306' (DOPPIO AZZURRO) - Lendert de Vos b.v., Reeuwijk
• Hydrangea macrophylla 'HORE9311' (DOPPIO FREDO) - Lendert de Vos b.v., Reeuwijk
• Lavandula intermedia 'Tesseract' (SENSATIONAL!) - Handelskwekerij G. Hoogenraad BV & Plantipp BV
• Nepeta 'Bocombsky' (MAGICAL MR. BLUE SKY) - Kolster BV
• Ugni molinae ‘PI16’ (PRETTY BERRY) - FlorAmor 

All the plants can be viewed at the PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt website.

The Garden Centre Association has launched a search for a new inspector to help its members retain the very highest of standards in service and expertise.

This follows an announcement earlier in the year from Gordon Emslie that he is retiring from his GCA role.

GCA Chief Executive, Peter Burks said: “Gordon has been with us for many years as an inspector and has also been instrumental in developing our Rising Stars programme sponsored by Westland Horticulture and mentoring the candidates, which he is continuing with, so we have some very big shoes to fill. We’d like to thank him for all his hard work and dedication over the years and to wish him all the very best in the future.

“We’re now keen to hear from anyone who thinks they might be up to the job of replacing Gordon and who would like to work with us and shares our vision and that of our member garden centres.

“Candidates can be from all areas of the industry and must be passionate about providing the very best in customer service and care, as well as offering top quality advice, and helping garden centres see how they can showcase their plants and products for best impact.”

The successful applicant will join the GCA’s remaining team of inspectors, Alyson Haywood, Colin Farquhar and Phil McCann, and help to ensure consistency and raise standards throughout its membership.

Peter added: “The successful candidate will also have an insight into the market and new retailing ideas to help our members develop and face future challenges in a positive way.

“Each of our inspectors visit 50+ of our members’ centres each spring, March-June, within a specific geographic area. As part of the visit, as well as scoring the centres to a given criteria, using our detailed inspection form, they must be able to give objective and honest feedback on what they’ve seen. Inspectors also attend an area meeting and our annual conference.

“They will also need to produce reports and provide ideas for improving standards. As well as make presentations at our annual conference and regional meetings. It is a very interesting and unique role for anyone in the industry.”

Anyone interested in taking on the role of GCA Inspector, should get in touch with Peter via Peter@gca.org.uk.  

Allensmore Nurseries has announced the sad passing of its chairman Brian Taylor, who died peacefully on Thursday (May 30).

The company said: “Brian remained full of life and filled with enthusiasm for the business he started with his wife Ruth over 50 years ago. 

“He never retired and remained a presence around the nursery. He enjoyed many years judging at the RHS shows and being part of the industry, he so loved.
 
“He will be greatly missed by his family, colleagues and friends to which he shared his life with.”

Gina Hinde has stepped up to become General Manager at LOFA, having joined the association in 2019 as Marketing Manager.

Over the past five years Gina’s contribution has been substantial, working relentlessly to gain the trust of the members and the council, which has paved the way for her promotion to the current position.

The Chairman of LOFA, Steve Millington, expressed the council's happiness and satisfaction with Gina's commitment to the association. He said there were significant changes happening at LOFA, and to implement them successfully it needed someone like Gina to spearhead the new initiatives and push them forward.

Gina has worked within the industry since 2008 and was delighted to have been offered this position. She recognises the numerous challenges the industry faces and is keen to address them with the help of LOFA's support and leadership. 

She added: “The industry is going through a lot of changes, and I'm thrilled that LOFA is at the forefront of this evolution, committed to helping its members and the industry. I'm excited to take up this new role and move forward, bringing positive change with the support of the Chairman and council.”

Blue Diamond Garden Centres has an exciting new initiative for 2024. Thde group wants to help bring the great outdoors to the heart of communities across the UK by offering funding to support local groups to create new community gardens or give a makeover to existing community gardens. 

Blue Diamond share the same beliefs as Octavia Hill, the inspiration behind their multi-award winning, 2024 RHS Chelsea Main Avenue Show Garden that ‘the healthy gift of air and the joy of plants and flowers’ are vital in everyone’s life. With this in mind, they aim to inspire others to create biodiverse, outdoor spaces that enables nature and wildlife to thrive and which provides a place for people to connect with the beauty of our natural world.

Around 1 in 3 people in the UK today do not have access to nature-rich outdoor spaces near their homes, and in some deprived areas, there is no access to green spaces at all. 

To help overcome this, Blue Diamond are offering a total of £10,000 worth of the retail value of plants and garden care products, to be split equally across five community gardens, along with six hours of expert help and advice, to get the projects off to a flying start.

Blue Diamond will support the gardens over a year with the aim that these gardens will help to give the ‘healthy gift of air and the joy of plants and flowers’ to the communities surrounding them.

Get involved!

To be in with a chance of winning, you will need to demonstrate that; -

Your community garden project will increase the biodiversity in your neighbourhood, improve resident well-being and provide an immersive space where people from the local community can reconnect with nature.

Then to apply, please complete the application form on Blue Diamond’s website by the deadline of midnight on the 30th June 2024. https://www.bluediamond.gg/community-garden-application-form

Once all applicants have been thoroughly considered, based their merit and ensuring that they satisfy the criteria listed above, Blue Diamond will announce the winners on the 12^th July 2024 on Blue Diamond’s website and across all Blue Diamond’s social media channels.

Terms and conditions

1. Entrants must complete the online application form by midnight on the 30^th June 2024. The online application form can be found here https://www.bluediamond.gg/community-garden-application-form

2. Winners will be chosen based on merit and at Blue Diamond’s discretion but must satisfy the following criteria namely that; - the community garden project must demonstrate that it will increase the biodiversity in its respective neighbourhood, that it will improve resident well-being, and provide an immersive space where people from the local community can reconnect with nature.

3. 5 winning community garden projects will be chosen by a nominated representative of Blue Diamond on 12^th July 2024.

4. A nominated representative from each of the 5 winning gardens, as identified on the application form, will be notified by email sent from a representative of Blue Diamond and/or by telephone call on the 12^th July 2024.

5. Thereafter, a credit account to the value of £2000 will then be set up at the Blue Diamond Garden Centre nearest to each of the respective 5 winners of the community garden competition. This can be used to purchase plants and garden care products at their retail value.

6. A nominated and authorised person(s) from each of the respective community gardens is to be appointed and can have access to this credit account.

7. This credit account will remain valid for 12 months from the date it is set up or until such time that the credit has been depleted.

8. Each of the winning community gardens will be offered 6 x 1hr slots with an appropriate member of Blue Diamond staff who can offer advice on plants, planting and plant care products. These appointments are to be set up at mutually convenient times.

9. Each of the winners of the community garden projects are to agree to Blue Diamond following the progress of the community garden project from the date the winners are announced on the 12^th July  2024 and thereafter until the 12^thJuly 2025 inclusive, and to Blue Diamond publishing the progress of the community garden projects on Blue Diamond’s website and across all their social media platforms.

There’s no doubt that a buyer’s life is made simpler by the ease of ordering online from a wide range of companies.  However, there is no comparison to visiting a supplier showroom in person and being able to fully appreciate the look, feel and quality of a product. There is also no substitute for immersing yourself in a creative space that will inspire and motivate you when putting together floral, Christmas and seasonal collections….and Floralsilk’s centrally located, 6,500 square foot showroom does just that.

The leading destination for buyers looking for exceptional Floral, Autumn and Christmas ranges, Floralsilk’s showroom has something to meet even the most discerning buyer’s requirements.

Reasons to visit the Floralsilk showroom:

1. At the heart of their showroom experience lies the unveiling of the newest collections, creatively curated to predict market trends and inspire your customers. Mark your calendars for July 1st, as Floralsilk will be proudly launching their much-anticipated Spring/Summer 2025 collection.
2. The showroom offers an opportunity for buyers to place their Autumn/Winter orders as early as December but is also flexible enough to accommodate seasonal needs throughout the whole year, depending on stock availability.
3. It’s always Christmas in this industry and Floralsilk’s showroom provides the perfect platform to top up on Christmas 2025 essentials so you can be guaranteed a great Christmas selling season.
4. Their beautiful ceramic and stone vase collection.  Beautifully natural and available in a wide variety of sizes, tones and finishes, this vase collection is perfect for both retail displays and selling for home decoration.
5. Go simply to be inspired.  Visiting the Floralsilk showroom gives a glimpse into what trends are predicted for the coming year, how you can incorporate them into your own collections and their impressive displays are great for getting visual merchandising ideas.

Visit the Floralsilk showroom by appointment from Monday to Friday, between 8:30am and 5:00pm. Their knowledgeable staff will be on hand to assist you and provide expert advice on choosing the perfect products for your business.

Book your appointment now by emailing sales@floralsilk.co.uk or calling 01778 425205.

www.floralsilk.co.uk/trade

Two charging points for 22kW car charging are also available.

SOLEX Exhibition, the premier event that gathers the best and brightest of the outdoor leisure industry, has announced an Awards Ceremony & Afterparty to kick off the excitement of the summer event on the Tuesday 9 July. Marking its 16th year, SOLEX Exhibition has curated a night of celebration, networking, and a thrilling football-themed evening to coincide with the highly anticipated UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals.

With a captivating football-themed setting, the stage will be set with tv screens and hot food, as industry players gather, attendees can look forward to not only the prestigious SOLEX Awards but also to the electric atmosphere as the evening blends business recognition with the shared love for the beautiful game.

Adding to the excitement, former Ex - England footballer Dion Dublin will be joining us for the event to share insights and predictions ahead of the semi-final clash, (which we hope will feature England) as well as taking part in a Q&A session. The evening begins with a Welcome Drink and Hot Buffet, leading into the hotly awaited match on the big screen. The SOLEX Awards will be presented by Dion at half time. The afterparty, will be a chance to mingle outside the usual professional environment and promises to be as thrilling as the game itself.

The evening won't just be about football. We will have delicious food and drink, exciting entertainment, and a chance to unwind and socialize with exhibitors and visitors. So even if you're not a fan of the beautiful game, we've got you covered.

Don't miss out! Add your name to the guest list today BOOK NOW

Ready your grills, sharpen your knives, and stoke the fires! SOLEX Exhibition 2024 is about to welcome back the crowd-pleasing, taste-bud-teasing Fire Food and Outdoor Living Evening incorporating our BBQ Competition, which is set to light up the evening with charm and flavour.

Scheduled for Wednesday 10 July, the evening now in its second year, is the event that celebrates not only the mastery of the grill but the communal joy of al fresco dining.

Attendees eagerly anticipate the BBQ showdown, where teams of both exhibitors and visitors will vie for the prestigious BBQ Trophy. The stakes are high.  Each team aims to impress the judges, including industry experts with a signature dish.

Competition is set to heat up under the open skies outside Hall 5, be it under a radiant sun or cheering each other on beneath the shelter of gazebos, all competitors and spectators are poised to make beautiful bites of every challenge.

The essence of the evening is more than just the BBQ prize it embodies the thrill of the grill and the unifying spirit of good food shared.

Don't miss out! Add your name to the guest list today BOOK NOW