Today (Tuesday) at around 3.30am in the morning, the warehouse at Grosvenor Garden Centre in Chester, caught fire.

Three fire engines from Chester, one from Ellesmere Port, one from Malpas, the aerial ladder from Chester, the High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) and a number of relief crews attended the site to attempt to tackle the blaze.

By 9.30am, the roof had collapsed so crews continued to extinguish the fire from outside a safety cordon. Fire crews will remain in attendance at this incident for the rest of the day, extinguishing any pockets of fire that may appear. The main area of the garden centre was not affected by the fire.

A fire crew from Audlem are still at this incident, checking for hot spots of fire with a thermal imaging camera.  Any they do find are being extinguished with water from a hose reel. The High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) is also being used to help extinguish hot spots inside the collapsed building. 

A fire investigation to establish the cause is now taking place.

The building housed a large amount of stock which has all been damaged by the fire, however, nobody was in the centre at the time, so nobody was harmed.

The garden centre remains closed to the public and is expected to open on Thursday morning.

The Graf UK team of Anthony Bradbeer, Kevin Beckett, Matthew Rolph and Alan McLaughlin won the closely contested GIMA Golf Day Cup last week at Belton Woods Golf Course in Lincolnshire.

The Graf UK Yellow team were level on points, 96, with the Polhill Garden Centre team of Josh Novell, Eamon Loughfrey, Spencer Goodall and Bruno but were awarded the overall win on countback.

Leon Boots team of Charlie Burgess, Alan Burdon, Jacob Lewis and Graham Cheeseman finished third with 93 points.

88 golfers and their supporters took part in the annual charity fundraising event which concluded with a chilly and windy BBQ and awards presentation.  

1st Team – 96 points (winning on countback)

Graf UK

Anthony Bradbeer, Kevin Beckett, Matthew Rolph and Alan McLaughlin

2^nd Team – 96 Points

Polhill Garden Centre

Josh Novell, Eamon Loughfrey, Spencer Goodall and Bruno

3^rd Team – 93 points

Leon Boots

Charlie Burgess, Alan Burdon, Jacob Lewis and Graham Cheeseman

Nearest the Pin 4^th

Rory Park - Imprint

Nearest the Pin 8^th

Rory Park - Imprint

Nearest the Pin 15^th

Dean Smith -

Nearest the Pin in 2 - 9^th

James Coles – Southern Trident

Longest Driver 18^th

Danny Toone - Westland

Beat the Pro

Chris Luther – Hartman

James Coles – Southern Trident

Charles Stubbs – Ames

Danny Toone – Westland Blue

Nic Griffin – Evergreen Garden Care

Neil Blake – Woodlodge

Wayne Willaim – Woodlodge

Jacob Lewis – Leon Boots

See the full photo gallery from the day below

Top line GTN Bestsellers Epos data analysis shows the long bank holiday for the Queens Jubilee had a dampening effect on garden centre footfall and sales.

Total sales volumes for the first week in June 2022 were at the lowest level for the week since 2014.

See the full GTN Bestsellers analysis of the Jubilee Bank Holiday week in an update of GTN Xtra later this week.

Are you going to the NEC Birmingham between 28^th and 30^th June? Then we’ve got another stop to add to your buying trip!

As we reported earlier in the year, Heaven Sends are not attending any Trade Shows this year, but have instead, invested in updating their amazing 2 storey showroom which is just 20 minutes away from the NEC. So, why not take a break, as many do, just make an appointment to pop over to see the Heaven Sends Angels at their showroom and this is why…

You can discover EXCLUSIVE SHOWROOM OFFERS on their collections, that are only available during show week. You can also browse their extensive range of Christmas, Halloween and Everyday products in a huge variety of styles and price points – we know that there’s something for everyone on offer. 

You can leisurely browse all the different collections in the peace & comfort of their showrooms, with expert advice on hand and with delicious refreshments provided.

PLUS, they’re also holding an amazing SHOWROOM CHARITY EVENT where they are auctioning off their much-loved, show-stopping display pieces, to raise money for the DEC’s Ukraine Appeal.

Showroom appointments are limited & filling up quickly, you can book your visit either online here: https://www.heavensends.com/showroom-tour, via the lovely office Angels on 0121 351 7457, or get in touch directly with your ‘on the road’ Heaven Sends Angel. 

Can’t make time to visit the showroom? You can still bid on the display pieces for the Showroom Charity event in aid of the DEC’s Ukraine Appeal, by getting in touch with your Angel to hear which fabulous display pieces are on offer + to place your bid. Visit www.heavensends.com and click on ‘Say Hello to an Angel’ at the top, or follow the link here: https://www.heavensends.com/about-us/meet-our-angels for your Angel’s contact info.

Garden products supplier, Treadstone, is set to unveil further innovation for its product portfolio at the Glee Birmingham show this month. This includes brand new ranges and impactful merchandising to support sales in store.

Treadstone Products have built a reputation in recent years of thinking outside-of-the-box with several innovative ideas that make gardening easier and more sustainable. With the core gardening offering within The Good Life range and the popular garden glove with that clever clip, ClipGlove, there are products that offer a point of difference for UK gardeners to take advantage of. As well as these two brands, Peter Rabbit Clothing & Accessories make gardening fun for kids, giving a springboard into the adventurous world of gardening. Treadstone supply hundreds of garden centres throughout the UK, and can

supply their products as part of a same-week-delivery system that they have operated for several years.

Champions of Innovation

At the Glee 2021 show Treadstone stole the show with the problem-solving curved Pot Trellis winning best overall new product. This was followed by huge interest and promising sales results this year.

Pot Trellis & Trough Trellis is a range of durable steel trellis that can be adapted to a planter or even a bedding area. By pushing the clever stability plate into compost, this design enables users to install a solid plant support within a matter of minutes. The most unique product in the range is the Pot Trellis that is designed for round pots. Unlike the straight Trough Trellis, the Pot Trellis is curved to follow the shape of pots, a feature unseen in the market, until now.

Champions of creativity

It may only be nine months since Glee 2021, but Treadstone are looking to repeat the accolade of ‘Best New Product’ with further innovations to make their brands stronger than ever. This year Treadstone will be launching four brand new ranges, creating over 30 new products.

The Treadstone team not only get recognised for their product ideas, but they also have won awards for their in-store merchandising. Merchandising support is key to their success with merchandisers for many ranges and a team of agents that service Treadstone displays in garden centres. This focus ensures stands are looking tidy and are fully stocked, giving the best chance for sales to occur.

The new additions also have this same approach with brand new merchandisers for each of the four new ranges. Additionally, one of the existing ranges has a brand-new merchandising concept to help increase sell-through rates even more than before.

And there’s one more thing…

Always looking for the next way to be kinder to the environment, Treadstone will be embarking on their next phase of sustainability taking recycling into their own hands. This will see a strong eco development in one of their key ranges, which will make a significant difference to reducing waste in 2023. 

All the latest innovations from Treadstone will be unveiled on their Glee stand in Hall 8-20 (20J52) at the upcoming Glee Birmingham exhibition at the NEC 28th – 30th June. You are guaranteed to see uniqueness with 36 new products, so DARE TO SELL DIFFERENT and pay Treadstone a visit. If you wish to book in an appointment at the show, please contact sales@treadstoneproducts.com.

Seed balls contain around 30 seeds, sprouting in 4-6 weeks. The balls are a mini ecosystem, protecting from birds, ants and slugs and providing  nutrition as the seeds germinate and grow.

Once in flower they provide an important habitat and food for wildlife. You can safely plant seed balls at any time of year!

Our special mix is extra bee friendly, specifically chosen to attract solitary bees, honey bees and bumblebees. Each seed ball contains around 30 seeds from a mix of Birdsfoot Trefoil, Foxglove, Red Clover, Viper’s Bugloss and Wild Marjoram – recommended by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

We’ve also added a sprinkling of pollinator-friendly annuals Chamomile, Cornflower, Corn marigold, and Night-flowering catchfly.

Available in our attractive dispensers for the ideal impulse purchase.

Dispensers are your silent salesperson, generating cash sales even while your cash registers are busy.

To order simply call 0161 8720333 or email Ian at isamuels@global-journey.com

As Glee gets set to open its doors in late June for the first time ever (28th – 30th June, NEC, Birmingham), the UK’s leading garden centre trade event invites you to a summer of garden loving!

As the most important exhibition in its field, Glee serves as a vibrant networking and face-to-face trading hub, whilst the new June date will greatly strengthen its strategic position in the garden centre buying calendar.

With millions of Brits joining the ranks of gardeners over the past two years the industry has been positively booming and Glee, as its most important trade showcase, will reflect this market strength and resilience. The show will offer an unrivalled launch platform to over 400 exhibitors – more than 150 of them new for 2022 - and the biggest contingent of global brands since 2019.

The event will have a real summer festival feel thanks to a new outdoor demo area – Fire, Grill & Chill – giving outdoor entertaining companies a chance to show off their skills. Leading brands such as Landmann, Kadamo Joe, Fandango Fire Tools, Cheeky Charlie Oven Company, Northwest Asia and Kadai will all be displaying their latest barbecues, pizza ovens and grills in this area, which will also feature a drinks truck, ice cream, daily live music and will provide the backdrop to this year’s Glee Party on June 28th at 5pm.

Shining a spotlight on new product development will be the ground-breaking Glee Innovator Zone, which has helped more than 275 companies penetrate the garden retail market since 2009, bridging the gap between pre-commercial new product ideas and market ready launches from established brands. This is the place to spot the stars of the future!

Extending the celebration of all things new will be the GTN-sponsored New Product Showcase, where exceptional new products will compete with firm favourites and proven best-sellers for the New Product Awards. On June 28th and 29th the top three shortlisted entries will make their pitch to a judging panel of industry experts, who will be looking for key factors such as innovation, design, promotion and saleability. The winners of 17 categories will be announced at close of play on June 29th.

The spotlight will also shine on exclusively British made products, in recognition of the enormous demand for locally sourced articles. UK garden manufacturers will be easy to locate thanks to the Made in Britain exhibitor filter, which you can access here. Buyers can also filter for sustainable products made of natural, recycled, recyclable or compostable materials, browse specific product categories or find suppliers from other countries.

With sustainability and wellbeing of central importance, June 2022 will see the launch of Giving at Glee, a series of initiatives that give back to the community. Visitors and exhibitors alike are invited to dress in their brightest floral attire for Floral Thursdayon 30th June and help raise money for the Greenfingers charity. Show organiser, Hyve, has also partnered with Grow My Tree, which will enable all Glee attendees to participate by planting their own tree.

Cross-Sector Sourcing

With eight dedicated product sectors, Glee will offer exceptional crossover buying opportunities, from the very best plants and organic garden care to indoor and outdoor furniture, giftware and apparel.

Garden Care is the largest category at Glee, encompassing growing media, compost, fertilisers, grow-your-own equipment, garden machinery, tools and accessories. Exhibitors include: Mr Fothergills Seeds, Burgon & Ball, Carbon Gold, CJ Wildlife, Dalefoot Composts, DJ Turfcare, Johnsons Lawn Seed, Durston Garden Products, Eden Horticulture, Elho, Fallen Fruits, Gardening Naturally, Hozelock, Gardena, Hygeia, Jardinopia, King's Seeds, Oregon Tool UK, Plantsmith, PTMD Collection, Sipcam, Smart Garden Products, Spear & Jackson, The Real Soil Company, Thorndown, Treadstone, Vegepod, Vitax, Wildlife World, Yorkshire Flowerpots and Zest.

Glee’s Landscaping and Garden Decoration zone will have some show-stopping stands from some of the most influential brands in this sector. Hard landscaping and aggregates, fencing solutions, garden buildings, pots and planters, decorative and functional garden structures, soft landscaping, statues, water features and timber supplies can all be found in this part of the show, with exhibitors that include: Woodlodge, AMES UK, Azpects, Deco-Pak, Edelman, Enigma Home & Garden, Fence Buddy, Fountasia, Gardenstone, Ivyline, Kelkay Ltd., Kiln Fired Pottery, Meadow View Stone Ltd., Primeur, Rubi UK, Smartedge, The Garden Village, UK Bamboo Supplies, and Willowstone Garden Products.

Outdoor Entertaining will come into its own with not just a dedicated show sector but a fabulous new outside demo area, Fire, Grill & Chill. Al fresco dining, entertaining, working and living have all contributed to a meteoric rise for this sector and buyers can look forward to a wealth of inspiration in the realms of garden furniture, barbeques, parasols, chimeneas, conservatory furniture, outdoor play and camping essentials. Exhibitors will include: Cadac, Campingaz, Homefire, Cheeky Charlie Oven Company, Igloo, Fandango Fire Tools, Hex Living, Shatchi, Mookie Toys, Napoleon Grills, Norfolk Leisure Lifestyle, Ltd., Pit Boss, Premier Decorations, Primus, Riverco Trading, Sun Time and Z Grills Inc.

Glee Plants – the Green Heart of the show - is where you can source the best in nursery stock, bedding plants, trees and shrubs, as well as those all-important houseplants, sales of which have boomed to more than £4billion as Brits go wild for all things green. Brands you can look forward to seeing here are: Craigmarloch Nurseries, Golden Grove Nursery, Green Inspiration Plants, Happy Plants, Henry Bell & Co, Javado, Key Essentials, Laurica Plants, MNP Flowers, The Bransford Webbs Plant Company and The Christmas Cabin.

It isn’t just garden centres or outdoor living specialists who’ll find a lot to love at Glee, with the Home, Gift & Clothing sector offering inspirational sourcing to retailers in this market from seasonal decorations, greetings cards and stationery, outdoor clothing and accessories, picnicware, games, toys, books, home fragrance, home décor and more, serving both this Christmas season and beyond to spring/summer 2023. Brands exhibiting in this sector include: Woodmansterne, UK Greetings, Noel Tatt, Museums & Galleries, Vent for Change, Stubbs Mugs, Creative Products, Deluxe Homeart, Emily Victoria Candles, Bolsius Candles, HJ Hall, Tilnar Art, Willsow; English Tea Shop, M&Co, Kidzplay, Summit/PMS International, Giftware Trading, JT England, Mood Bears, Leon Boots Co. and the Lake District Umbrella Company.

With pet products estimated to be worth over £6bn in the UK (Statista report June 2021), it isn’t all about home and giftware for humans! Glee’s dedicated PAW (Pet & Animal Wellbeing) sector will offer the goods you need to attract high-spending pet parents to your store, with a broad cross-section of grooming, pet food, pet accessories, wild animal wellbeing, bird feeders, pet toys and wildlife gardening products. Brands will include: Barking Bags, Benchmark Kennels Ltd, Christies Direct, Ditsy Pet Ltd., Goodchaps, Green Feathers, Jacobi Jayne & Company, Little Hay Company, Park Life Pet Ltd., Scruffs, and WHM Pet Group Ltd.

For many garden centres and other destination retail outlets, Food & Catering is one of the most vital aspects of their customer offering, with cafes and restaurants bringing in great profits throughout the year. This also constitutes an important sector of Glee, with companies such as The Secret Garden Distillery keen to present their product range to the trade at Glee.

Food & Catering will sit alongside the complementary Retail Experiences & Services, where you can meet the experts at: CSY Retail Systems, Dascher, Fordingbridge, Garden Connect, Gralyn Joinery, Melitta Professional Coffee Solutions, Retail Vista, Nuepos, Open Retail Solutions, Paysagea, QCR Recycling Equipment Ltd., Smiemans Projecten B.V., Stagecraft, Timber Displays Ltd., Tudor Tea & Coffee, and UCC Coffee UK Ltd.

Global Industry Showcase

Amongst the 70+ international brands due to exhibit at Glee 2022, 13 have already confirmed their place within the Indian Pavilion and the show is also looking forward to welcoming its first ever exhibitor from Uzbekistan, alongside companies fromCanada, Korea and China.

The European contingent will feature strong representation from that other famous gardening nation, The Netherlands, to include Elho, Kaemingk, Capi Europe, Kapiteyn B.V., Edelman, Madison B.V., Impulse Plants B.V., Bonfeu, JAVADO, 200 Fahrenheit, Plenty Gifts, Green Inspiration Plants, and Smiemans Projecten B.V. Glee’s new partnership with Team France Export, Business France and the Choose France™ initiative will bring Forest Style SAS (Soulet / Cerland), Vertiable SAS, Paysagea SAS and Hareau (Weenect) to the NEC, whilst key German brands, Scheurich and Burstenhaus Redecker Gmbh will also be present, alongside suppliers from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Moldova, Norway and Poland.

Taking Centre Stage

The best of garden retailing will once again be celebrated at Glee with the Buyers Power List awards, to be held on Tuesday 28th June at 5:00pm.  The prestigious awards will recognise the individual buyers and buying teams who have gone above and beyond to make a difference within the garden retail industry in the past year.

As always, Glee will offer visitors valuable content free of charge via The Stage seminar programme; a programme that has been expertly curated to tackle key themes and trends that are currently shaping consumer demand and the future of garden retail. This year’s schedule will include topics such as ‘The opportunity for growth in the current environment’ (Tuesday 28th, 11:00 – 12:00), ‘Sustaining and managing growth’ (Tuesday 28th, 13:30 – 14:15), ‘2023 Home and Outdoor living trends’ (Wednesday 29th, 13:30 – 14:15), and ‘How garden centres can adapt to a sustainable and successful long-term online strategy’ (Thursday 30th, 11:00 – 11:30).

Sealing Glee’s position as the industry’s most important networking hub, the show will again play host to our vital trade associations: Gardenex, GIMA (Garden Industry Manufacturers Association) and HTA, all of which are looking forward to seeing their existing members on the show floor, meeting with potential new members and offering their invaluable advice and expertise to those who need it.

GIMA will run its popular speed-networking event, Buyers Connect*, for the duration of the event, whilst Gardenex will also be hosting 30 international Buyer Connect events**. These short but sweet business meetings offer a golden opportunity to make personal contacts with the most sought-after buyers and suppliers, without wasting any precious show time.

Matthew Mein, Glee’s Event Director, said: “We are incredibly excited about the first-ever summer edition of Glee and proud to invite garden centres and other retailers to this year’s sell-out show.

“Our industry still faces significant challenges – mostly due to macro-economic factors and supply chain logistics – but it never ceases to inspire with constant innovation, drive and positivity. The millions of new gardeners who joined our ranks during lockdown are here to stay and will be rolling up their sleeves in the great outdoors for years to come. Glee is THE place where retailers can fulfill the requirements of all their customers – be they grow-your-own newbies and houseplant enthusiasts, veteran allotment holders, al fresco entertainers or house and garden proud Brits. With over 400 exhibitors raring to go, the sourcing opportunities at Glee this year are tremendous. We can’t wait to see you all at the show!”

Entry is free of charge to all pre-registered visitors. Register here: https://www.gleebirmingham.com/visitor-registration

*The GIMA Buyers Connect service is open to all exhibitors, but demand is high and spaces are limited. To register your interest contact GIMA directly on: info@gima.org.uk

** To find out more about the Gardenex Buyer Connect events please contact Gardenex’s Charlie Parker by emailing charlie@gardenex.com

Fast Facts

What: Glee 2022

Where: NEC, Birmingham

When: Tuesday June 28th – Thursday June 30th 2022; opening hours 9.00am - 6:00pm (Tuesday & Wednesday) and 9.00 - 4:00pm (Thursday). 

Who: Glee is a trade-only event

Website: www.gleebirmingham.com

If you sneak a peek at the long-term weather forecast you might see a glint of sunshine on the horizon for the first-ever June edition of Glee (28th – 30th June, NEC Birmingham) - no doubt music to the ears of Glee’s organising team who are currently finalising details for its new Fire, Grill & Chill area, which is dedicated to demonstrating the best that Glee’s Outdoor Entertainment exhibitors have to offer.

Located at the rear of Hall 20, this new-for-2022 area will see leading brands such as Landmann, Kadamo Joe, Fandango Fire Tools, Cheeky Charlie Oven Company, Northwest Asia and Kadai come together to showcase their latest barbecues, grills and pizza ovens. This mouth-watering display is set to open up new exhibiting opportunities for outdoor entertainment brands, and to showcase products in a way never before seen at a trade exhibition of this kind.   

Joining in the fun will be some special additions, including a drinks truck, ice cream van and daily live music and DJ sets to help add to the summer vibes.

The annual ‘Glee Party’ will also be hosted within this new area on June 28th at 5pm, with exhibitors and show visitors invited to join together for some more informal networking opportunities.

Talking about Fire, Grill & Chill, Glee’s Event Director, Matthew Mein said: “Traditionally at Glee, outdoor entertaining brands have been able to display their products on stand but being able to fire them up to truly show what they are capable of has always been more of a logistical challenge. Gone are those days however, as our new June timing enables us to make the most of the warmer summer weather and take these demonstrations to the great outdoors, enabling retail buyers to truly understand the functionality of the products on offer. What’s more, Fire, Grill & Chill will provide a unique and fun way for the garden retail community to come together to network whilst at Glee. We’re excited to see our vision become a reality at the show!”

Entry is free of charge to all pre-registered visitors. Register here: https://www.gleebirmingham.com/visitor-registration

Dobbies has expanded its compost bag recycling scheme following a successful trial across 10 of its stores.

Waste-aware gardeners across the country can now recycle compost bags at all mainline Dobbies’ stores. This packaging is typically difficult for people to recycle as very few local authorities collect polythene sacks as part of kerbside collections or at recycling centres.  

This expansion follows research from Dobbies earlier this year which revealed that 35% of gardeners want to recycle more of their garden waste products and 39% of people are more likely to shop at a garden centre that is sustainably focused. 

Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies, said: “Anyone can bring in any compost bags, no matter what brand or where it was purchased, and place it in the dedicated recycling bins. 

“It has been so positive to see the success of the scheme, and with this expansion we are looking forward to widening access for gardeners across the UK and increasing the positive impact of the project.” 

In line with the trial scheme, Dobbies will continue to work with partners Evergreen Garden Care, to create garden furniture from the recycled material. This will be donated to Greenfingers, a charity that creates green spaces for terminally ill children.  

Jane Hartley, Sustainability Marketing Manager, Evergreen Garden Care, adds: “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with Dobbies and have worked with the 10 stores to develop a collection programme that will work across all stores. The initial findings from the trial has enabled us to identify the best locations of the bins in store and simplify the collection process.” 

The expansion of the scheme follows other environmental initiatives, including a partnership with sustainable plant pot designer, elho. This has seen plastic pot recycling bins placed in 69 Dobbies which will help reduce unnecessary plastic waste in the garden and prevent further plastic waste from ending up in landfill. 

Dobbies is also the first garden centre group to only sell peat-free compost while its own-brand, John Innes peat-free compost won RHS Chelsea Sustainable Garden Product of the Year. 

Follow and support Dobbies sustainability campaign using the hashtag #sustainabledobbies 

For Dobbies sustainability policy: https://www.dobbies.com/sustainability-policy  

For Dobbies Sustainable podcast: https://www.dobbies.com/podcasts 

SOLEX has created an online appointment booking system which allows visitors to book a meeting prior to, or during the show, with the exhibitor of their choice. 

This system will enable visitors to schedule in meetings and organise their time more efficiently whilst visiting SOLEX.  

How does it work? 

• All exhibitors can be found on the SOLEX FLOOR PLAN, via the SOLEX website
• A simple click on the booking bar via the exhibitor’s page takes you straight to the Online Appointment Booking Systemallowing the scheduling of appointments during the show, meaning everyone can organise their visit before they arrive! 
• An email confirmation will be sent to the visitor and the exhibitor confirming appointment details. Each time slot is 30 minutes, which means an appointment can be scheduled from 30 up to 90 minutes.  

Gina Hinde, SOLEX Director, said: “We are always looking for ways to help our SOLEX visitors and exhibitors.  Knowing how precious everyone’s time is, and how busy we all are, we hope this new booking system helps everyone to manage their diaries more effectively over the three days of the SOLEX exhibition.” 

SOLEX 2022

12-14 July 

Halls 17,18,19 

NEC, Birmingham 

www.solexexhibition.com

A team at Tong Garden Centre walked the equivalent of Bradford to Paris to raise funds for its Charity of the Year.

Thirteen team members from came together during Mental Health Awareness Week with family and friends to do a sponsored walk to raise funds for Forget Me Not Children's Hospice in Huddersfield.

The Charity of the Year fundraising is managed by a committee led by the People and Culture team at the Tong Lane site. Tong's People, Culture and Sustainability Business Partner, Steph Bates said: "We have set ourselves the challenge to raise £10,000 this year for the hospice and have a range of events planned from raffles, walks and silent auctions. We were inspired to raise money for Forget Me Not by one of our team members, Michael Bowers after the hospice gave Michael and his family a chance to make memories with their beautiful son, Teddy.

"Our fundraising target for the sponsored walk was £5,000, so we're over the moon that we exceeded our target by over a third to an outstanding £6,743. The theme of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week was Loneliness and we encouraged team members to share the occasion of the walk with friends, family and colleagues.

"This is our flagship fundraiser for the year, so we reached out to suppliers for support and were humbled by their generosity. From generous financial donations to fruit for the walk from First Choice and a welcome Cook meal and Wold Top beer for all the walkers, we are so grateful for the part that they played in this fundraiser."

Michael Bowers was one of the walkers, as was Tong's MD, Mark Farnsworth with daughter, Jessica: "It was great to spend the day with team members from all departments and their friends and family, and even better to have raised so much for the hospice that gave Michael such comfort."

More fundraising events are planned throughout the year including a Father's Day hamper raffle and fundraising fitness classes. To contribute to Tong's fundraising, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tgc2022

At this year’s Solex Exhibition, Bramblecrest will be introducing its new ranges and extensions for 2023 and hosting a cooking demonstration. Visitors are invited to come and watch a chef prepare a wide variety of recipes that can be cooked on a griddle plate and to taste them too!

From chimichurri steaks to fired strawberries, griddle cooking is a very versatile and popular trend, so find Bramblecrest in the outdoor cooking area and tempt your tastebuds.

“Solex is always as an exciting show for us where we look forward to meeting our existing and potential stockists and showing our new products. After missing Solex for two years due to the pandemic, our team is ready and waiting to present our 2023 ranges in person.” Tim Pennell, Head of Sales.

Looking ahead to 2023, Bramblecrest will be adding to its contemporary synthetic rope and aluminium collections, as well as the traditional rattan ranges – focusing on new lines and concepts.

Due to market demands, Bramblecrest’s popular aluminium offering continues to grow; the successfully established La Rochelle range will expand from Bar Table Sets, Sun Loungers and Reclining Sofa Sets to also offer dining options. Likewise, after a successful introduction, the Mauritius range – a synthetic rope collection new for 2022 – will extend into offering dining table sets too.

Innovative additions to the best-selling firepit collection are height adjustable casual dining firepit tables which offer the consumer a more versatile product than its fixed height predecessor. Perfect for dining or informal drinks, this innovative design can be used for cooking, enhancing ambience or for extending time spent outdoors on a chilly evening.

Bramblecrest will be introducing the Bergen range - a stylish new design of aluminium furniture featuring bamboo for table and arm tops and Eco-cushions. Other introductions to the aluminium collection are Vienna with its ‘wood effect’ coffee table, Amsterdam and Zurich.

Town & Country has launched a Tiered Planter range to make it easier for everyone to feel the benefits of nurturing and growing plants, even those with small balconies or courtyards.

Sold as individual planters, they come in two sizes, a small 6 litre version (40cm/40cm/15cm) and a larger 17 litre (54cm/54cmx20cm) planter. Both sizes can be stacked to create attractive, dynamic planting schemes, ideal for planting up tumbling displays of edibles such as strawberries, nasturtiums and tomatoes, and even entire herb gardens.  

They provide a great way people to mix and match plants for dramatic, or complementary effect within the separate tiers, meaning gardeners with any size outdoor space can essentially create an entire garden in a small area, simply by planting up. 

The UK made planters are made from 100% recycled plastic and are 100% recyclable. They benefit from integrated drainage holes to ensure plants don’t sit in water-logged soil following heavy rain or an over-enthusiastic watering session.

To support the sell through and to expand the key message of planting up, both planters can be displayed in two display Free Standing Display Units.

The small version holds 50 of the tiered planters and the large display holds 40 planters per display. They are informative and eye-catching, depicting the many uses from strawberry planters, herbs and flowers to succulents and the ever-wonderful chilli plants.

A representative of Town & Country commented: "We’re excited to be able to launch these planters and enter a new sector of the gardening world, having long been established in the footwear and gloves division. We recognise the importance of making gardening accessible to all, as more people embrace the benefits and joys of it, and we see these planters as a great way to help do that."

The planters are available now from all local Town & Country sales representatives.

Further information on products is available on the Town and Country website at www.townandco.com

In the May 2022 issue of GTN magazine:

• Coming of age for Cherry Lane
• Garden centre ambulance for Ukraine
• Make your own vinok - aid ideas from Ukraine
• Glee Buyers Power List Nomination Form
• Get ready for a summer of trade shows
• GTN meets the suppliers – Zest
• Greenfingers Ty Hafan garden opens
• LOFA Column – Excited for SOLEX 2022
• HTA Column – Veg led revolution
• GIMA Column – The great juggling act of 2022.

Read on-line here:

Read GTN's Sustainability Directory 2022 here:

GTN’s Guide to Sustainability Innovations for Garden Centre Retailing.

In this issue:

• Encouraging customers to make the switch to peat free gardening - comment from RHS, Millbrook, Buckingham, The Gardens Group, Hillier, Cherry Lane, Pughs, Alton's, Groves, St Peters, Monkton Elm, Lakeside Plant Centre, Planters, Notcutts, Green Pastures, Summerseat & Bradley Fold Garden Centres.
• Taking Charge – Garden Centre EV Charging.
• LOFA members Improving green credentials.
• Get ready for new EPR regulations.
• Green commitment at Highfield Garden World.
• Small steps, big difference at The Gardens Group.
• Plant Hope at Perrywood.
• New Sustainable Products.
• Sustainability Directory 2022.

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It’s a sad fact that over the last 150 years, five species of butterfly have become extinct and that, over the last four decades, 76% of the UK’s resident and regular migrant butterflies have declined in abundance, occurrence, or both (Butterfly Conservation). 

Protecting and increasing butterflies’ habitats has never been more important, but thankfully there are ways that even the most novice of gardeners can help. Simply sprinkling some seed balls can help transform any space into a butterfly haven!

Gardens can act as important stepping-stones between nature reserves and other natural habitats if they can offer supplies of nectar and food plants, like wildflowers. Wildflower specialists Seedball, make it easy for people to grow these essential native wildflowers in gardens, balconies, and window boxes. Seedball’s Butterfly Mini Meadow pots are a perfect starting point to attract butterflies with a thought-out mixture of flowers that can sit easily on a windowsill or garden table!

The Butterfly Mix is specially developed to attract butterflies to gardens, balconies and window boxes and uses only flowers recommended by Butterfly Conservation. Each seed ball contains approximately 30 seeds from a mix of purple loosestrife, forget-me-not, musk mallow, red campion, and yarrow, plus a sprinkling of pollinator-friendly annuals chamomile, cornflower, corn marigold, and night-flowering catchfly.

The seed balls have been specially designed to make it as easy as possible to encourage wildlife into gardens. The seeds are protected in a ball of clay, with peat-free compost to aid germination and chilli powder to deter predators from eating the seeds. Simply scatter on bare soil and water! Over time with enough water and sunshine the ball will disperse and shoots will appear eventually growing into a beautiful wildflower garden.

• Simply choose a space and scatter the seed balls - it is as easy as that!
• Wildflowers need less pampering than most garden plants, they prefer poorer soil meaning there is no need to add fertiliser to the soil.
• Just give them an area, a pot, window box or a garden bed that receives at least half a day’s sunshine and regular watering.

Seedball is also encouraging people to take part in the Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count this summer.  A survey aimed at helping us assess the health of our environment simply by counting the amount and type of butterflies (and some day-flying moths) we see. Kicking off on July 15th, 2022, and running until 7th August 2022, the count highlights exactly why butterflies are so important for the wider environment and biodiversity in general.

To find out more about Seedball visit https://seedball.co.uk

Visitors can register for their visit to the new PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt garden plant fair. Garden-centre representatives, retailers and other people with a professional interest in outdoor greenery can visit the fair in the Dutch town of Boskoop on 24 and 25 Augustus.

More than two hundred plant suppliers will then be presenting their ware at their stands in a total area of 22,000 square metres while at least 5000 GROEN-Direkt sample batches will be available for immediate ordering.

Pre-registration is possible via https://plantariumgroendirekt.nl.

The fair organisers urge visitors to pre-register as early as possible as it is already becoming apparent that the fair is going to be extremely busy. The pre-registrations will enable the fair organisers to ensure sufficient parking areas and catering, which will both be available to the pre-registered visitors free of cost.

Pre-registered visitors will be granted direct access to the fair on presentation of their proof of registration. You can of course also register at the fair itself, but that may take some time if there are long queues. The fair will be exclusively accessible to professional visitors after registration.

Stand area almost sold out

Almost all the floor area available for stands at the PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt fair has been sold out. The list of participants shows around 180 companies from within and outside the Netherlands. “The enthusiasm of all the early registrations is the perfect answer to the question what the fair team aims to achieve, and that’s to jointly organise the largest professional garden plant event in Europe!,” says managing director Linda Hoogendoorn-Veelenturf.

Any companies who would also like to participate can still be registered as exhibitors subject to the availability of the last square metres. To register, simply go to the website. 

The ever popular Microgreens range from Johnsons Seeds has two new additions for next season - Cress and Mustard. Both with an RRP of £2.65, they provide a traditional taste, perfect for salads and sandwiches.

The Microgreens seed collection now consists of 18 varieties, ranging from established herbs and vegetables like Coriander and Beetroot, to more unusual choices such as Mizuna and Spinach Komatsuna. All of which can be grown for baby ‘micro’ leaves, all year round on a kitchen windowsill.

Whether it’s adding a bit of colour to a simple sandwich or an extra ‘flavour punch’ to main meals, anyone can grow these nutritious baby leaves, whatever size of garden space. Some varieties are ready to harvest in as little as two weeks, making it perfect for those gardeners wanting a quick and easy way to add some goodness to their diet.

Helen Clayton, Brand Manager for Johnsons said “Our range of seeds for microgreens continues to be a big hit with customers and consumers alike. Even after the exceptional growth we saw during the pandemic, sales of the range have continued to increase this season, by over 20% compared to 2021. For those who enjoyed growing from seed for the first time during lockdown and don’t have the time to spend growing vegetables in the conventional way, microgreens have proved an ideal choice.”

Also available as part of the range is the Microgreens Growing Kit (RRP £4.99) - a high quality reusable growing tray which includes packets of Basil, Coriander and Rocket microgreens seeds. Once ready, the Johnsons compact Micro Snips (RRP £3.99), with spring action handles, are an easy way to harvest your crops. The Microgreens Kitchen Seed Sprouter has an RRP £11.99 and is a convenient and economical way to produce continuous crops of fresh seed sprouts such as alfalfa and mung beans, as well as the baby leaves of microgreens.

Value garden centre group Cherry Lane is celebrating its 21st anniversary. The business has grown from three sites to 17 and has a month of events, activities and special treats planned for customers to mark this milestone.

Cherry Lane was established in 2001 with the purchase of three garden centres in East Anglia – Pulham Market, Fritton and Long Melford – by parent company QD Group. QD, which made its name on the high street as an independent, family-run discount retailer and opened its first store in Norwich in 1985, had been looking to diversify and the chance to take on three existing garden centres was an opportunity CEO Nick Rubins was keen to take.

Nick explains: “We already understood discount retailing and used our knowledge to create a value garden centre offering. Cherry Lane was seen as a disruptor in the industry because we wanted to do things a bit differently by offering value and selling different items. It did make things challenging in the beginning, but we really believed in the Cherry Lane brand and stuck to it. As we acquired additional sites, our quantum opened more and more doors.”

Cherry Lane has grown its business solely through the acquisition of existing garden centres, with its most recent acquisition, Riverside in Hockley, Essex, bringing the Group total to 17 across East Anglia, East Midlands and Yorkshire.

This remains a route preferred by Cherry Lane as Nick explains: “When we take over a garden centre, it is so important to look after the people who work within it and listen to the owners about how they have achieved their success over the years, to embrace it and develop the same key ingredient going forward. We’re an independent, family run business and uphold these values when we take on new sites. One of the key benefits of our business model is that we’re flexible – we don’t use the same template in every single Cherry Lane. We look to see what the garden centre has and how we can enhance it. Garden centres have a community-based feel and we’re always keen to maintain and build on that.”

In 2012, Cherry Lane acquired a garden centre in Beverley which had its own on-site nursery operation. This marked the start of Grown by Us, Cherry Lane’s homegrown plant range which is sold throughout the business. A further four on-site nurseries have been added to this in the past 10 years, enabling the business to produce in excess of 1.2 million seedlings annually.

The company also bolstered its environmental credentials with the introduction of its Value Our Planet initiative in 2019, aimed at cutting waste and carbon emissions throughout the business. New product lines have been brought in aimed at helping consumers to shop more sustainably.

To celebrate Cherry Lane’s 21st anniversary, the group is running a host of activities in-store that kick off this week and last until 3rd July. Among the festivities will be competitions, giveaways and gifts for customers. The garden centre will be bustling with birthday excitement, as well as offering massive savings for customers across its outdoor summer ranges.

Cherry Lane is also looking to reward great causes in the community to mark this milestone. 21 special hardwood garden benches are being donated in the local communities around each Cherry Lane garden centre to local groups, clubs or charities, with nominations being invited from customers to help identify worthy recipients.

After 21 years, Cherry Lane is still growing and Nick Rubins remains very positive about the future. “It is a very exciting time for us and we are looking ahead to bringing more garden centres into our family. It doesn’t seem like 21 years since we bought the first three Cherry Lanes, but the celebrations are a fitting tribute to all our staff who have been with us over the years, many for a very long time, and our customers and suppliers too.”

For more information on Cherry Lane, see www.cherry-lane.co.uk.

Above: Laura Matheson with Will Blake, Managing Director at St Peters Garden Centre.

The Garden Centre Association Trust has selected Laura Matheson from St Peters Garden Centre and Holly Byrne from Millbrook Garden Centre Gravesend to attend this year’s International Garden Centre Association (IGCA) Congress.

The two candidates will receive a sponsored place at the IGCA Congress in August as part of the Dick Allen Scholarship Award Scheme.

Sue Allen, Trust Chairman, said: “At last, the annual IGCA Congress looks set to take place once again from August 28 for six days of amazing experiences and the opportunity to make and renew international friendships, as well as seeing how Dutch garden centres continue to excel and inspire their sector of retailing.

“Pre-Covid, each year, through funding by the Dick Allen Scholarship Fund, we sponsor two delegates from UK garden centres to attend. In 2020, we selected our delegates but then the pandemic took hold and the Congress was cancelled for two years, so we are very pleased that one of our original candidates, Laura, selected in 2020, is still able to use this unique opportunity. Both Laura and Will Blake, the Managing Director at St Peters Garden Centre, are delighted that this long-delayed award can now be used.”

Laura joined St Peters Garden Centre almost 17 years ago, starting as a weekend checkout assistant at the age of 16. She has now worked her way up to the position of Buyer in the Home, Lifestyle, Gift, Christmas and Clothing categories in the garden centre.

She said: “I feel very fortunate to have been given this opportunity. The chance to visit some of the most forward-thinking garden centres and growers in Holland will be of great value to me. To be able to do this with people as passionate about this incredible industry as I am is something that will be an experience I will not forget.”

Will Blake, the Managing Director at St Peters Garden Centre has been on four IGCA trips.

He said: “What an amazing opportunity. Each one of the trips I attended was packed full of brilliant ideas, inspiration, and a healthy amount of learning. Not to mention spending a week with a great bunch of likeminded garden centre people. Laura’s passion, commitment, and drive to push our garden centre forward is second to none, so I know she will absolutely make the most of this amazing opportunity!”

Applications for the other place at the Congress were invited earlier this year and the second delegate, Holly Byrne, was selected and will be joining Laura on the tour.

Above: Holly Byrne with Mat Hester from Millbrook Garden Centre Gravesend.

Holly, who joined Millbrook Garden Centre Gravesend eight years ago, starting as a weekend member of staff on the tills and progressed in the business while studying accountancy, said: “I am so thankful to be given this opportunity to go to the IGCA in Holland, as it will be hugely beneficial to be able to see how their garden centres arrange and merchandise stock. I’m especially looking forward to seeing their fantastic range of houseplants. I’m also looking forward to meeting other retailers and growers from the industry to share ideas and hopefully make some lasting connections with them, especially as my management experience has all been through a pandemic.”

Tammy Woodhouse, Managing Director of Millbrook Garden Centre Gravesend, who is also the current Garden Centre Association Chairman, is delighted that Holly has been awarded a place on the trip.

She said: “We were very pleased when Holly chose a career with us, rather than becoming an accountant, and she has now been promoted to Shop Manager at Gravesend. After the last two years of working through COVID and rising to all sorts of challenges that she probably never anticipated, it is fantastic that she has this opportunity. 

“I know she will enjoy meeting and learning from like-minded people from garden centres all over the world and will come back with plenty of ideas and enthusiasm to take Millbrook forwards in the future.”

The object of the GCA Trust is to advance among the general public and, in particular among horticultural students, education in horticulture, and particularly garden centres, by the provision and administration of scholarships and bursaries, including prizes to foster such education.

The Trust also aims to assist horticultural students to study, research into and gain experience of horticulture.

Wyevale Nurseries has entered nine new plants for the New Plant Awards at the Horticultural Trades Association National Plant Show this month.

Among the plants Wyevale Nurseries has submitted are a new thornless rose, a sarcococca suitable for any soil and a new festuca, which is hardy down to -20°c and drought tolerant.

Andy Johnson, Managing Director of Wyevale Nurseries, which is based in Hereford, says: “Our 2022 entries include some that are great for pollinators and some that are perfect for anyone who has a smaller space and wants to have something stunning in a pot on their patio.

“We’re so happy to be back at the show, which takes place on June 21 and 22 at NAEC Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, after a two-year absence due to the pandemic.

“It’s wonderful for our team to be once again meeting customers face-to-face. We’ll have a new full colour, printed 2023 catalogue to hand out too. Our highly experienced and knowledgeable team, including our Retail Sales Manager, Colin Stanley, our Garden Centre Sales Executive, Lisa Ashford and our Production Manager, Kyle Ross, will be in Hall 1, at stand 200/205 and are really looking forward to seeing everyone there.

“We’re very proud to say Kyle is also at the show representing the Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA), as he is a committee member for the organisation, so he will be splitting his time between their stand and ours.

“We’ve all experienced turbulent times in the past two years and to be able to attend this event once again is something we’re keen to celebrate, so it’s brilliant to be putting forward a bumper number of plants for the judges’ consideration too!

“The New Plant Awards at the HTA National Plant Show showcase the best in new plant introductions from UK plant suppliers. It’s seen in the industry as the place for retailers to find the next bestselling new plant to inspire their customers.

“We’re delighted to be entering an amazing nine new plants across the Herbaceous Perennials and Shrubs & Climbers categories at the show.” 

The nine new plants are:

Rosa ‘Cutie Pie’

A wonderful new rose to hit the market, that’s dwarf and completely thornless! From May to late summer, this mound forming rose erupts into hundreds of miniature pink/white flowers, which are adored by pollinators. Hardy to -25°c this shrub is wonderful in a pot on its own or dotted around borders, especially alpine borders. Cutie Pie requires no pruning, as the flowers fall off and its compact nature means it will stay short and rounded.

Sarcococca ‘Purple Gem’

The new accompaniment to bestselling Winter Gem, Purple Gem boasts deep purple/red stems, which stand out clearly against its dark glossy foliage. For the garden, Purple Gem is ideal, as it will grow in any soil type and is hardy to -18°c. White flowers with purple tips smother it from February to April, meaning it’s one of the first plants to wake up in your garden. The flowers being heavily scented is just another bonus.

Chionochloa ‘Taupo Lights’

Hailing from New Zealand, this new variegated grass is compact and the perfect architectural garden plant. It grows to about 50cm in height but then puts out glorious plumes of flowers on 70cm stems. Hardy to -5°c. Plant Taupo Lights in a sheltered spot or keep it in a pot as a focal point for the patio.

Olearia phlogopappa ‘Spring Bling’

This aromatic shrub, commonly known as the Daisy Bush provides a literal haven for pollinators as the evergreen silver foliage becomes engulfed in masses of white daisy-like flowers from April to June. Boasting full hardiness this plant will thrive in a pot as a statement piece or in a border. Prefers a full sun position, in well-drained soil. Maximum height: 1.5m, maximum spread: 1.5m.

Lomandra longifolia ‘Arctic Frost’

Lomandra Arctic Frost is an evergreen grass-like perennial that thrives in sun or part shade. Hardy down to -10°c, this plant provides shelter for insects and other invertebrates as the foliage expands. Flowering from April to June, it boasts multiple flower spikes, which protrude from the mass of variegated foliage. It can be kept in pots or weaved through borders for architectural interest. Maximum height: 60cm, maximum spread: 1m.

Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Magic Ball’

Physocarpus Magic Ball is a stunning new shrub to hit the market offering nearly year-round interest. Pink flowers erupt in July until September. Thrives in full sun or partial shade. This shrub has a compact habit with a maximum height and spread of 1.5m. It changes foliage colour numerous times throughout the growing season. Full hardy to -20°c.

Festuca glauca ‘Sunrise’

A beautiful new Festuca which is hardy down to -20°c and drought tolerant. Plumes of flowers erupt in June on stems of sunrise red, which, compared to the green/blue foliage, are striking. Small and compact, spread 25cm, height 70cm with flower spikes. Perfect in pots or borders. Grows in any soil conditions including very poor soil.

Escallonia hybrid ‘Showstopper’

A beautiful, full hardy down to -8°c, shrub reaching a max height of 1.2m and spread of 80cm. This plant is compact and rounded in its nature, with stunning white-pink flowers erupting in masses in July-September, which are a favourite of bees. Grows in any well-drained soil, can be planted in a bed or is perfect in a patio pot for summer colour.

Delphinium ‘Red Lark’

The best new herbaceous plant to enter the market! Stunning red plumes of flowers from April-June. Grow in full sun. It’s a hardy perennial by nature. The ultimate pot plant, but striking grown at the back of borders too. Attracts bees in particular. Spread 50cm height, 70cm with flowers.

The HTA National Plant Show takes place on Tuesday, June 21 and Wednesday, June 22 in Halls 1 & 2 at NAEC Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.

The product selection available from Wyevale Nurseries is envied across the industry and the talented team regularly introduces new, award-winning plant varieties.

Its main business is to supply garden centres, landscape contractors, local authorities, foresters and landowners with a comprehensive array of trees, shrubs, hedging, herbaceous and specimen plants.

For further details about Wyevale Nurseries, which is based in Hereford, please call 01432 845 200 or visit www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk.

2022 marks an exciting year for leading gardening brand Hozelock, not only does the Birmingham based company have a range of new products being launched, but it is also collaborating with eight high profile social media influencers. 

The influencers, who have a presence on Instagram and YouTube, will act as ambassadors for Hozelock throughout the summer season. Each will produce content for their own channels as well as creating material for the Hozelock blog, newsletter and social media channels. 

The aim of the collaborations is to boost brand awareness and also target new demographics, including first time gardeners as well as those who are more experienced in the hobby. The campaign will showcase the extensive breadth of Hozelock’s existing products and also support key messaging for 2022 such as sustainability and family gardening. 

Niall McCauley, one of the ambassadors and keen YouTube gardener said; “When Hozelock reached out to me regarding a collaboration I was delighted. They're one of the most well known brands in the industry, and I’ve used their products for many years in my own garden."

“This year I am going to be focusing on using the Hozelock EasyClear fountain system to upgrade my pond and its water quality. I’ll also be creating a fantastic automated watering solution for my vegetable garden using Hozelock's universal system of irrigation parts. I’m really looking forward to sharing the results with my audience.”

Other ambassadors working with Hozelock in 2022 include Instagram’s Chicks and Veg, Your Organic PT, Plot 81 and Hairy Horticulturalist. 

Speaking of the breadth of social media collaborations, Sarah Dixon, UK Marketing Manager at Hozelock, said: “As Hozelock’s products appeal to such a wide audience, we recognised that this year we need to work with a variety of ambassadors.

“Each of the ambassadors has been selected as we feel they are cohesive with the Hozelock brand, whether this is due to their type of garden or the range of products they use. We also wanted to choose people who had different garden aspirations, whether that is growing fruit or veg, perfecting flowerbeds or using it as a space for entertaining. 

“Working with influencers has been a key part of our marketing strategy for the last two years and we are excited to work with the eight influencers this year to showcase both our latest new product development and also our historic favourites.

“With a combined reach of over 180,000 budding gardeners on Instagram and YouTube we are confident that this campaign will boost our online presence and ensure that we are the go-to brand for all gardeners.”  

To keep an eye on the rollout of Hozelock’s marketing activity follow their social channels and also visit hozelock.com 

With the unpredictability of the British weather, the Squall Rain Jacket (other options available) supplied by Taylor Made Designs, is the perfect choice for all year-round weather protection, at an affordable price.

Available in a range of colours, this fully windproof and waterproof jacket perfectly combines style with practicality, making it the must have item for men and women working outdoors.

Features include: ultrasonically welded seams for permanent wet weather protection, flapped snap closure hand pockets, partially elasticated cuffs and underarm and back venting that allows heat to escape whilst preventing moisture getting in.

John Davies, Sales Manager, Taylor Made Designs, says: “Our customers request a garment that they can wear all day in the rain and this garment provides a fully waterproof protective barrier against typical British weather conditions. Its classic styling allows free movement, perfect for those performing practical tasks, whilst providing a vital barrier against the wind and the rain.”

The Squall Rain Jacket is available in a range of sizes and can be custom-branded. For more information, call the team on 01202473311 or email us at hello@taylormadedesigns.co.uk

Every week GTN receives and analyses epos data from a number of UK garden centres to produce the GTN Bestsellers charts and weekly bestsellers sales tips.

The full charts which provide useful insight into product sales peaks, new trends and new link sales opportunities are published in the weekly GTN Xtra newsletter.

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2018 as well as 2019 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

Access is by subscription only.  For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 07973 504214, e-mail karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

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

Highlights of the GTN Plants Bestsellers chart for last week are here

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

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

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

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

Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters for only £145.00.

GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £100m.

Use the weekly Garden Products and Growing Media Top 50 sales volumes charts to plan your hotspot and other promotions and ensure you have the right products in stock to satisfy the needs of your customers.

For further information contact karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk or call 07973504214.

Buy your subscription today and start receiving the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.