Dobbies has unveiled a new advertising campaign, “Spring’s OUR thing”, developed in partnership with creative agency, elvis.

Launching during National Gardening Week (29 April – 5 May), the campaign has been developed based on insight that people feel more optimistic in Spring than any other season. This is supported with research from Dobbies by Censuswide, which shows that 71%[1] of Brits say being close to nature helps them relax and 41% of respondents who use their garden for activities say being in the garden brightens their mood.

Positioning Dobbies as champions of garden living; being in and enjoying your garden space to work, play and grow, the campaign showcases new product ranges and aims to increase awareness, putting Dobbies front of mind, and encouraging customers to visit during the Spring season.

The campaign features a quirky, humorous 30-second film, which will run across multiple media platforms. Featuring a character in various gardens while interacting with different gardeners and products, the film showcases the breadth of garden living products available in stores.

Kirsty Rockey, Head of Brand, Dobbies Garden Centres,said:“We know that people feel more optimistic in Spring than at any other time of year and that many are looking forward to seeing their gardens bouncing back to life.

“Our campaign demonstrates how liberating and rejuvenating being in touch with nature can be, and motivates customers to make the most of it. As champions of garden living, we want to remind people that Dobbies is the place to go for all they need to make the most of their gardens this Springtime.”

Watch the Spring’s OUR thing ad here: Dobbies - Spring's OUR Thing (youtube.com)

*The research was conducted by Censuswide with 2007 nat rep consumers in UK 16+ between 22 March-25 March 2024. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society, which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.

In order to ensure that everyone can fully immerse themselves in the Exhibition and exciting SOLEX Evening Events, we have secured Special Hotel Rates For Visitors who wish to attend these events and stay overnight on Tuesday 9th or Wednesday 10th July.

For the exclusive price of £100 per room, per night, SOLEX visitors can take advantage of this offer and enjoy a comfortable stay while attending the exhibition and events. This offer is not to be missed!

Don't miss out! Follow the link to book your stay BOOK NOW

or scan this QR Code:

N.B. Hotel rooms are subject to availability. Offer ends 30 April 2024.

Meadow View Stone has announced  the addition of Molly Shaw, as a Customer Service Administrator to the team. Molly previously worked for Long Rake Spar, Meadow View Stones sister company, and so brings a wealth of product knowledge, customer service skills and familiarity with the companies operating systems.

In her role, Molly will be responsible for a multitude of critical tasks, ranging from all sales order processing, invoicing, and the front line for all customer communications. Claire will continue in her role as Assistant Manager, whilst being Molly’s mentor to ensure a seamless transition will be achieved for our customers.  

"We are delighted to welcome Molly Shaw to our team," said Sarah Hill, Managing Director at Meadow View Stone. "Her extensive experience and passion for customer service make her the perfect fit for the role. We are confident that Molly will make significant contributions to our team and help us continue to exceed our customers' expectations."

Looking for dog products that are British made, high quality and distinctive, well then look no further than newcomers Storeys and Tails. Debuting for the first time at this year’s PATS and Glee they are the story (pun intended) we have all been waiting for. 

From humble beginnings, Storeys and Tails has been dedicated to sourcing and designing pet accessories from start to finish with the modern pet owner in mind.

Nestled in a quaint studio in Devon, alongside her husband Alex, Natasha Taylor pours her heart and soul into every hand crafted piece.

Natasha's expertise in the leather industry, gained from her early career handcrafting leather goods for renowned UK-based fashion businesses, has allowed Storeys and Tails to elevate their products to the utmost standards. 

With a deep understanding of the needs and desires of pet lovers, their collars and leads are meticulously handmade to ensure both durability and style. Between their Luxury leather and All-weather collars and lead ranges, there really is something to suit every customer.

We invite you to explore their collection and discover the perfect way to offer your customers the premium, British made accessories that consumers are seeking.

Check them out at Storeysandtails.co.uk to view all their collections and learn and bit more or follow them on socials @storeysandtails  

Can’t wait till PATS or Glee? Order now for 10% off your first order (offer ends 30.06.24)

Contact Natasha and Alex at sales@storeysandtails.co.uk for more information.

Or give them a call on 07875358964.

Michael Gove, Member of Parliament for Surrey Heath, visited Evergreen Garden Care (EGC) in his constituency on Friday 26^th April to discuss the importance of consistent industry standards for peat free product quality.

Meeting with Colin Stephens, Evergreen's Managing Director, Gove discussed the company’s continued campaigning for high quality peat-free customer experiences. With a history of fighting environmental causes, and as the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Gove is keen to support campaigns that lead to a greener future, such as the peat ban.

The meeting was held ahead of the Horticultural Peat Private Members Bill discussion in the House of Commons due 17^th May. Commenting on his visit to Evergreen Garden Care and the issue at hand, Michael Gove stated: “It was a pleasure to meet the team at Evergreen Garden Care and to hear all about their campaign for a peat ban. Reducing peat usage and restoring our peatlands to health is hugely important, and Evergreen Garden Care has been doing brilliant work promoting peat free gardening. I know my colleagues at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are working towards a peat ban, and I will be in touch with Robbie Moore MP, Minister for Water and Rural Growth, to report back on my visit.”

Evergreen Garden Care has been at the forefront of advocating for peat free gardening practices. Since launching an open letter to DEFRA last September, urging commitment to implement better peat-free growing media standards, the company has led various initiatives to reduce peat usage. Notably, EGC’s Miracle-Gro brand, transitioned to being completely peat-free at the end of 2023 with the Levington brand following 2024. Furthermore, Evergreen Garden Care has been actively campaigning for legislation to establish the Responsible Sourcing Scheme (RSS), aiming to promote sustainability and transparency across the horticulture industry.

Colin Stephens, Managing Director of Evergreen Garden Care, comments, "No matter the outcome following the second bill read in May, the requirement is clear – consumers must have access to good quality, peat-free compost that is kind to the planet as well as gardens. We all have a duty of care when it comes to the makeup of peat-free compost to ensure consumers experience the same quality and product efficacy every time. Whilst there is no current commitment on when the peat-ban will fully come in, the support of Michael Gove’s visit today is one step closer to a wider commitment from the government."

To read more about Evergreen Garden Care’s campaign for the peat-ban, and to read their open letter to DEFRA, visit https://evergreentrade.co.uk/openletter.

Boost, the All-Purpose Liquid Plant Feed from Westland Horticulture, is back on TV this April in the UK and ROI, driving awareness and preference ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend.

Following the success of Boost, which is the fastest growing* plant food on the market, Westland is investing in a media campaign for Boost for the third consecutive year. The 20” advert will be aired on high viewership channels, including Channel4, ITV3, ITV4, and Sky, surrounded by contextually relevant programming for the home and garden. Launching today, 29^th April, and running until early June, the campaign is phased to maximise coverage to drive visibility and preference, ensuring Boost remains top of mind as consumers enter the peak consideration window for plant feeds.

The campaign is expected to reach over 40 million consumers with a captivating creative centred around the product’s key messaging of achieving 4x more blooms** along with more fruits and vegetables, by adding Boost watering cans. The All-Purpose Liquid plant feed, meticulously crafted for use in peat free compost, features PLANTSENSE™ technology, which is an optimised ratio of high-quality nutrients as well as a water management system, helping plants get all the nutrients they need so they reach their full potential.

Helen Amos, Head of Category, at Westland Horticulture, commented: “At Westland, we want every gardener to enjoy a successful season, year after year. We continue to invest in our brands through media campaigns to help drive awareness and consideration, and inspire consumers to choose Westland as their trusted partner in the garden. Our creative aims to connect with gardeners and demonstrate how Boost can transform their garden into a thriving, vibrant space that’s full of colour.

“We will also be supporting our retail partners with a high level of in-store presence of Boost, and there’s a variety of options available to capture consumer attention in-store to maximise sales opportunities.”

In common with all Westland products, Boost All Purpose Liquid plant feed range can be ordered 24/7 via Westland Live, and frequent top-ups are easy as part of a Westland weekly delivery. Scan here to login in or sign up.

*Boost All Purpose Liquid Plant Food is the fastest growing all-purpose plant food. Source: GfK Management Report 2022/23, Fertilisers, Plant Food, Non Straights Liquid.

**Bedding plants fed with Boost liquid plant food versus unfed.

The huge positive reaction from the Front Garden Face Lift transformation last month had ITV’s This Morning producers inundated with applications for future projects. Television has only really focused on rear garden projects, on pre-recorded makeover shows. This front garden focus has captured the nation’s interest in front gardens and being able to watch it transform on television in real-time has everyone feeling the jeopardy as it happens.

Never one to back down from a challenge, David Domoney returned to ITV’s This Morning to face the Front Garden Facelift challenge again. Watched by millions of viewers across the UK, David and his brilliant team of volunteers completed the mammoth task.

Live from Radstock, David’s team of volunteers from Blue Diamond Garden centres and young horticulture students from Wiltshire College and University Centre working to breathe new life into the space. 

The clock began ticking at 10am when Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley introduced David whilst he knocked on the door of Clair Liddiard. 

Clair is a care worker who is battling ovarian cancer and creating a dream garden that attracts wildlife has felt out of reach. 

According to research statistics from Cancer Research UK, on average there are 7,495 cases recorded each year. It’s the 6th most common type of female cancer. Sadly 4,142 people who have been diagnosed with the illness have lost their battle. However, 35% of those who battle the disease live for 10 years or more and 11% of cases are preventable. 

Front gardens have been in decline across the UK for several decades. Many homeowners have decided to convert their outdoor garden space into parking spaces for vehicles. London and the Southeast account for 32% of these conversions across the UK. It’s reported that the average cost of a garden conversion to a driveaway in 2021 was £2474 which based on inflation has rocketed to £2950 in 2024.

By illustrating what is possible with a front garden, David wants to inspire more to visit the garden centre and give their front garden some TLC. David said, “For me, front gardens are the smile that your house gives you when you come home. Whether it’s from work or from a trip out, you want a beautiful garden to greet you and that’s what the front of your property can do.”

Victoria Fiander, an assessor in Horticulture from Wiltshire College and University centre, said: “We were delighted to receive the request for help from This Morning. The experience of working alongside an industry figure like David is invaluable to build the students Knowledge and skills, which allows them to develop their Soft landscape installation techniques and Factors influencing plant selection including planting combinations, microclimate, soil, purpose, aesthetics.”

“The biggest challenges with any makeover, are time and the size of the garden,” said David. “With the help of the Lackham Campus of Wiltshire College and University Centre students, Blue Diamond Garden & Living Centre at Cadbury, AMES Tools, Hope Grove Nurseries, AJ Champion and Sons, CJ Wildlife, Jacksons Fencing, Miracle-Gro, OASE Water Solutions, The Hedgehog Society, Plantool Hire Centres, McCathy Marland Recycling, and Protest Electricians we were able to create something special for a very deserving person. Clair is going through a very challenging time, and I believe that gardens, plants, and nature can help soothe our minds and lift our spirits.”

As time was called on the makeover work, David was able to take Clair on a guided tour of her new front garden. Clair was so pleased with the transformation thanking everyone, with highlights for her including the water feature by OASE UK, bird station and feeds from CJ Wildlife, plants and staff from Blue Diamond and hedging from Hope Grove Nursery and the special Front Garden Facelift blue plaque created for This Morning by Fun Blue Plaques.

"Garden Centres up and down the country are one-stop shops for everything you need to create your own garden sanctuary. Shopping for Clair prior to the makeover at Blue Diamond Garden Centre in Cadbury was a tantalizing experience, a place for inspiration, not to mention the expert advice available for those looking to bounce ideas and discuss layout questions."

“Everyone involved in this makeover has done an incredible job. I’m so grateful that the horticultural industry has come together to illustrate what we can do. The volunteers and students have helped to create a lovely place for Clair to enjoy, and for wildlife to thrive,” David concluded.

Please find a link to the makeover which is now up online https://youtu.be/J4w5GbmZTFs?si=DwrJCCU1pTnEWAwl

Robin Mercer BEM has received his British Empire Medal from Lord Lieutenant Dame Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle DBE, at a ceremony in Hillsborough Castle. 

Speaking about the occasion, Robin said: "It was an immensely special day to receive my British Empire Medal in such a beautiful venue. Even the weather was kind to us and we got to enjoy the Hillsborough Castle gardens! 

"The ceremony was very well organised and everyone made me feel so special. 

"I was proud to receive my honour with so many people from all over Northern Ireland who received well deserved awards including those from the medical profession and those recognised for their charity work. 

"It was lovely to see everyone turned out in their best attire and after the official ceremony, we were treated to tea and coffee while a harpist entertained us, before having official photos taken as a magnificent memento of the day.

"Now that I have received the medal it makes the honour so real following on from the surprise of receiving the letter I received late last year advising me of the award. 

"I was grateful to have my wife Edith, son Alan and his wife Ciara with me to witness the presentation of my BEM and we ended the day celebrating with afternoon tea at the Grand Central where we had a beautiful view of Belfast to admire thanks to the weather! 

"I am now looking forward to further celebrations with my wife at a garden party in Buckingham Palace next month."

Robin Mercer BEM is managing director of the fourth generation garden lifestyle business Hillmount which has garden centres in Ards, Bangor, Belfast and Cheshire.

April Showers!!  It's been a wet month to run in but also some beautiful crisp early morning sunrises.

The km's are acclimating and so is the total, your continued support helps us to raise money for Greenfingers to create magical gardens for Children’s Hospices.

Completing “Not the London Marathon “but a 10Km run in London and a PB time!

Thank you to Ruxley Manor Garden Centre for sponsoring me this month and had the opportunity to run at the garden centre with a photo opportunity with James, Andrew & some of the team.

Running my last day of the month in Edinburgh and looking forward to May!

‘Charting a steady course in marginally calmer waters’ probably best describes Squire’s performance in their financial year ending 31 July 2023, after the somewhat rolling seas of the Covid and immediate post Covid era. 

This year’s results were, as anticipated, a little below the results for last year, with retail sales of £66.3m (2022: £68.2m).  Within that total, Garden Centre sales dropped to £56.9m (2022: £59.9m), while Restaurant sales rose by 13% to £9.4m (2022: £8.3m).  E-commerce recorded sales of £1.1m (+10%) in its second full year and the company is pleased with the steady development of this channel. The newly-acquired Barnsfold Nurseries business contributed £1.6m of sales in its maiden seven months with the group, taking total Group sales to £67.9m. 

Demand for plants and horticultural products remained strong, well above pre-Covid levels.  And, as the supply chain stabilised, stock levels were reduced, particularly in garden furniture.  

Underlying profit before tax dropped to £2.4m (2022: £4.0m) with an additional contribution of £0.4m from Barnsfold.  

Over the course of the year, capital expenditure focused on improvements across several Centres, rather than one large project. A number of these investments were aimed at carbon and energy cost reduction.  With a favourable cash position at the year-end, the company is in a good place to look for further acquisitions and to invest in existing sites.

Following the year end, Squire’s has reported a satisfactory Christmas. Although volumes were down, sell through was good and the sales were more profitable. With the spring season in its early stages, plants and gardening again look encouraging. Sarah Squire comments: “Calendar year 2024 started well for Squire’s. We were thrilled that Hersham was awarded the GCA Ruxley Rose trophy in the Garden Centre category. With Woking coming third and Wokingham in the top ten, this cements our confidence in the plant side of our business.”

Despite wider geopolitical turmoil, domestic political uncertainty and a challenging UK economy, Squire’s has confidence in its teams and the robust nature of the industry. The company will continue to invest in the business and its people. Priorities over the coming year are replacing the roof at Twickenham and the garden furniture shop at Milford. Both projects include solar panels. Work will continue on the company’s sustainability programme, and its commitment to charitable and community involvement.

Sarah Squire adds: “Above all, I remain full of admiration for my talented colleagues, in our Centres, Restaurants, Nurseries and in Group Office, who have shown such commitment and worked so tirelessly in the volatile landscape of FY2023, and who continue to consistently give of their best in 2024."

Notcutts Garden Centres joined forces with Jason Williams, The Cloud Gardener, to create a wildlife-friendly shade garden for renters, showcased at the RHS Urban Show in Manchester.

The garden exhibit was co-designed and built by the team at Notcutts Ashton Park Garden Centre in Ashton-Under-Lyne, in partnership with Manchester-based urban garden influencer Jason Williams, The Cloud Gardener, with the aim of showcasing how renters can make the most of a small, shaded outdoor space using moveable potted plants.  

The garden featured a range of vibrant pots, upcycled containers and hanging baskets filled with a mix of evergreen and shade-loving plants. Gravel and stone pathways created texture and interest throughout the garden alongside a small outdoor seating area, and water feature to attract wildlife. Many features in the garden were portable to demonstrate how someone renting a home could create a space to enjoy and take with them to their next home. 

The design was one of seven gardens created as part of The Cloud Gardener’s ‘Cloudscape’ project, aiming to tackle some of the common challenges faced by urban gardeners. The Cloud Gardener’s vision is about creating greener cities for residents, with horticultural retail, developers and local authorities all working together to make urban areas greener. 

Kath Mitchell, garden centre manager at Notcutts Ashton Park explains how the collaborative project came about: “We’ve been following Jason Williams’ journey as The Cloud Gardener for some time, as he shares our passion for biodiversity and sustainability through gardening and wildlife. We were inspired by his creative vision for urban gardening, so we were keen to explore ways that we can work together. 

“The RHS Urban Show has been a fantastic opportunity to share our garden design expertise and to work collaboratively with Jason to create something inspiring and relatable. We hope the garden inspired people to realise the amazing potential of their outdoor space as a haven for wildlife – no matter how small or shady, or temporary as a renter. The impact on wildlife in the city centre would be incredible if everyone were to just add one or two plants to their homes, using whatever outdoor space they may have.” 

The show garden will now be relocated to the Notcutts Ashton Park Garden Centre where the public can continue to enjoy it. The RHS Urban Show was new for 2024, hosted entirely indoors at Depot Mayfield, Manchester, to celebrate urban and city gardening. In a similar style to the renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the Urban Show featured a selection of creative garden designs showing innovative planting and ideas for small spaces, as well as talks from experts on urban gardening and houseplants. 

For more information about Notcutts visit notcutts.co.uk. To find out more about The Cloud Gardener and his urban gardening projects, visit cloudgardeneruk.co.uk.  

The Garden Centre Association’s Garden Retail Online Workshops (GROW) e-Learning platform was presented with a ‘Highly Commended’ at the recent Totara Awards.

GROW received the accolade in the ‘Best Extended Enterprise Solution’ category and was given a special mention during the awards ceremony too.

GROW’s Instructional Designer, Antony Snow says: “These awards recognise the innovativeness, business impact and fulfilment of a market need using the Totara platform, so I’m extremely proud that the GCA’s commitment to making GROW a key tool for training our members’ employees has been recognised.

“I’d also like to thank Hubken Group, who have been our Totara partner since 2022, for their continued support, which helps us to maintain this commitment.”

Totara is a global leader in flexible learning technology solutions and the Totara Awards recognise the most innovative, inspiring, and successful implementation of their products from around the world.

The Best Extended Enterprise Solution is given to the organisation that has built a platform that focuses on providing learning, education, certification, and skills development to multiple audiences.

GROW is available to all GCA garden centre members and their teams, as well as to those at Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) garden centres too.

GCA Chief Executive, Peter Burks adds: “Last year, the platform was shortlisted as a finalist in the Association Excellence Awards for Best Learning/Professional Development Programme too, so it’s now really getting noticed as an important training tool.”

GROW started as an initial idea, devised during a strategy meeting of the GCA’s executive committee, to bring education and training tailored to individuals employed in the garden centre industry.

It’s a self-funding and non-profit facility with any surpluses being reinvested into its ongoing development and improvement. Currently there are 87 courses and 12,000 plus users throughout the UK.

These courses include a wide range of topics that cover horticulture, customer service, food safety, regulated sales and health and safety.

All the courses have been written by experts in their field and are designed to apply to a garden centre environment, with the content for the horticultural courses drawing on the vast experience of members within the GCA.

Peter adds: “GROW provides a cost-effective way of giving staff training and personal development that enhances the customer experience. It’s accessible 24/7, making it convenient for people to log-in when it suits them.

“Member garden centres say it’s an effective and essential training tool that also gives their staff additional confidence. If you’d like further details about GROW, please get in touch. There’s a section on our website www.gca.org.uk/gca-grow-information with information too.”

Haskins West End Garden Centre in Southampton will continue to support Friends of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Southampton Children’s Hospital as its charity partner for 2024. During 2023, Haskins donated over £7,500 to the charity thanks to a variety of charitable events.

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Friends of PICU supports children and their families on the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, providing an excellent level of specialist care.

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Peter Callaway, General Manager at Haskins West End, said: “Haskins West End is thrilled to continue our support for Friends of PICU in 2024. We’re all excited to build on last year’s fundraising efforts, with plans already in place for a children’s summer event and Christmas activities.

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“We have worked with the brilliant team at Friends of PICU for some time now, and their incredible work never ceases to amaze us at Haskins. Our team is proud to support this remarkable charity, and hope we enable them to continue offering their fantastic services.”

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A particularly successful event during 2023 were the charity raffles for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, which raised over £900. The team also collected donations from customers via the Charity Wishing Well and Pennies system, which encourages customers to add a donation to purchases made via a card transaction.

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Peter continued: “The entire West End team worked incredibly hard last year to raise essential funds for Friends of PICU, a charity close to many of our hearts. The charity has such an overwhelmingly positive impact upon our local community, offering care and assistance for families that visit our centres day-in, day-out. It gives us immense pride that the funds our team donate to these charities allow them to offer a level of care to those that need it.”

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Please visit www.haskins.co.uk for information on Haskins’s charitable services.

Westland Horticulture, home to market leading brands such as Jack’s Magic, Big Tom, Boost, Resolva, Peckish, Unwins and Kent & Stowe, is thrilled to announce the launch of The Westland Garden, a newspaper for garden centres to give away free to their customers.

A quality guide to gardening success

The 32-page newspaper is designed and written to be a gardening friend to anyone, written by gardeners, for gardeners. The free newspaper aims to be a quality guide that helps consumers achieve success in their garden, from what to plant, dig, sow, water, cut, prune, and everything in between. Readers will enjoy news and features, guest interviews, practical advice, and even puzzles and competitions.

The Westland Garden is packed with editorial content written by expert horticultural journalists, whilst highlighting Westland’s key brands and products. The newspaper aims to inspire consumers to get the best from their outdoor space as well as their indoor jungle.

Far-reaching publication

The first issue of The Westland Garden is expected to reach over 400,000 households, making it one of the largest print publications dedicated to gardening, and will be available for retailers to give away free to their customers from the first Bank Holiday weekend in May.

This issue will focus on spring/summer, and retailers can also expect a second issue later this year that motivates consumers to keep on gardening even as the days start to shorten. 

Each publication will be delivered alongside a fully branded freestanding display unit, that can be placed by garden centre entrances, tills or in cafes.

Driving consumers back in store

Retailers can reap the benefits of this publication by ensuring they stock a wide variety of Westland’s products. Within each issue the content aims to inspire readers to head back in store to purchase products that help them achieve gardening success – from the right tools for the job and plant feed for an abundance of blooms and vegetables, to bird feed that attracts the most colourful birds to gardens.

Keith Nicholson, Marketing Director, at Westland, commented: “Westland want to support customers in every possible way, from social media, through to the newly created Westland Garden publication. The newspaper will inspire consumers with helpful advice on how to create and maintain beautiful gardens. Offering the Westland Garden to our retail partners to provide free advice-led content to their customers helps drive traffic back in store and maximise sales from each visitor. We hope retailers are as excited by the prospect of a new publication to the gardening world as we are.”

Following a short hiatus, the leaders in hand, garden, contractors, agricultural, landscaping and professional tools, Spear & Jackson, is confirmed to return to the 2024 edition of Glee.

The Sheffield-based brand, who has been producing tools since 1760, is excited to return to the annual trade exhibition where it will showcase its full range of quality hand tools, including a first look at its new introductions ahead of the 2025 season.

Talking about its return, Spear & Jackson’s Marketing Manager, Karen Abbott, credits the new September dateline with enticing the company back. She said: “We’ve always enjoyed our time at Glee and are so pleased to see it return to a September schedule. For us this timing aligns perfectly with our sourcing and buying cycles, meaning we can exhibit fully armed with our complete new product proposition and a clear picture of what is in the pipeline for the year ahead. Together this enables us to have valuable and productive conversations with new and existing customers.

“We’re so pleased to be back and are looking forward to sharing with the market the Spear & Jackson difference.”

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director, added: “It’s superb to be able to confirm Spear & Jackson’s return to the show. They’re true stalwarts of the industry, with a history that stretches far beyond Glee’s, so I am sure they’ll be able to share some incredible insight into how garden retail has changed during their time. More importantly, their presence will provide buyers and garden retailers with access to one of the most respected and comprehensive tools brands on the market today, a proposition that will continue to add value season after season.”

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.

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) welcomed local MP David Johnston to Horticulture House, Chilton, its Oxfordshire office. The visit mainly focused on the imminent Border changes, which pose a significant challenge for the horticulture sector. This sector imports plants and plant products worth £753 million every year.

The visit also provided an opportunity for the HTA to brief Mr Johnston on its work and share key data and insights on UK environmental horticulture. Vicky Notarbartolo, Manager of British Garden Centre’s Chilton site, also participated in the visit. 

David Johnston MP is also the Children’s Minister, and the visit was a great chance to discuss the upcoming National Children’s Gardening Week (25 May - 2 June 2024). This popular annual initiative aims to capture children’s enthusiasm for gardening at a time of year when results are immediately visible. Environmental horticulture has numerous benefits for young people, including promoting physical health, supporting mental wellbeing through a connection with nature and improving behaviour by instilling responsibility in caring for plants. Gardening also supports learning across various subjects such as literacy, science, and numeracy while teaching about the origins of food and providing a richer understanding of the natural world and food production.  

David Johnston, MP for Wantage, commented: “It was a pleasure to visit Horticulture House today to learn more about the work the Horticultural Trade Association is doing and the issues the sector is facing. Thank you, in particular, to Vicky from Chilton Garden Centre for giving me her perspective. I was also pleased to discuss National Children’s Gardening Week and fully support their plans to get children more involved with nature.” 

Jennifer Pheasey, HTA’s Director of Public Affairs, commented: “We were delighted to welcome David at Horticulture House. Environmental Horticulture supports 674,000 with huge economic, environmental, health, and wellbeing benefits. HTA members are diverse in what they do to deliver for gardens and green spaces, but they are facing many challenges. Whilst we represent members across the UK, the opportunity to meet our local MP to Chilton gave us a chance to brief him on the sector and some of these issues, from adapting to a changing climate to increased costs of doing business and next week’s border changes as an imminent risk and costs.” 

Some of the biggest and most exciting changes for a generation are being made to RHS Flower Shows, which will celebrate the best of UK horticulture, design and talent, take the world-class Shows to stunning new locations around the country, and work with more communities and schools.

In the future, well-loved RHS Shows will tour to new locations to promote gardening to as many people as possible.  The changes will be a catalyst for new content for an exciting visitor experience.

Whilst RHS Chelsea Flower Show as the world’s greatest and most famous gardening event will stay as it is, RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival will become a biennial event in two years with a new Show taking place in 2026 in the historic grounds of Badminton Estate, in Gloucestershire, returning to Hampton Court Palace in 2027.  The RHS Shows will remain at Hampton Court Palace for 2024 and 2025.

After 2024, its 25th anniversary, RHS Flower Show Tatton Park will return to the site every three years, with a 2025 RHS Show happening at Wentworth Woodhouse, one of the grandest stately homes in the country in Sheffield, and 2026 RHS Show taking place on the Sandringham Estate, the private country retreat of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The first RHS Urban Show took place in Manchester earlier this month and there will be another Urban Show announced for a new location next year shortly.  The RHS Urban Show diversifies from the traditional RHS Shows model with more focus on gardening for small spaces and community involvement.  RHS Malvern Spring Festival will remain the same.

The changes will enable the RHS to deliver world class horticulture to the doorsteps of members who may not have an RHS Garden near them and creating Shows in fixed venue sites means better sustainability opportunities too.

RHS Director General Clare Matterson said: “Our RHS Shows are without a doubt the best horticultural events in the world, however we must not and should not stand still.  We owe it to the horticultural world, our invaluable RHS members, our visitors and our nation of gardeners to look at how and what we can do to create new content, work with new contributors and find ways to generate interest and inspiration both within our current much loved British events and in new locations with new Shows to work with new populations and people.

“These are some of the biggest changes we’ve made to our Shows in a generation and we’re delighted to be extending our reach and making the RHS more accessible and welcoming to more people.

“We want to inspire current and new audiences with world class horticulture and provide access to the UK’s best plants people to help even more people garden and grow.”

RHS Director of Shows, Commercial and Innovation, Helena Pettit finished: “We have been working with our existing partners over the last few years to ensure that we can continue to deliver the amazing RHS Shows in the iconic sites, whilst innovating in new sites and having the ability to grow the number of communities, schools, designers, nurseries and all stakeholders that the RHS collaborates with.

“We’re excited about the opportunities these new partnerships in new locations will offer and will be able to get really creative with ideas and content for our visitors.  At the same time we are delighted that we can continue to work with Historic Royal Palaces and Tatton Park to deliver these much loved events.  

“We look forward to working with current friends and new to innovate and create the best horticultural events in the world.”

British garden equipment manufacturer Handy has announced that its best-selling Webb Supreme range of self-propelled petrol lawnmowers is now available with an innovative swing tip blade on its 46cm and 53cm models. 

The 4-swing tip blade system enhances cutting efficiency while significantly reducing the risk of blade and crankshaft damage. If the mower encounters a solid object, the blades at the end move back, reducing the impact force.

Robustness is at the heart of Webb Supreme lawnmowers, with premium Briggs & Stratton engines, a choice of high quality aluminium or steel cutter decks, and extra large ball bearing wheels for maximum manoeuvrability over any surface. These wheels have the added advantage of eliminating damage that can be caused by narrow wheels digging into your lawn and leaving unsightly tracks.

For maximum flexibility and convenience, Webb Supreme Lawnmowers come with eight height cut settings, from 25mm to 80mm, which are quickly and easily adjusted through a single lever movement. Clippings are gathered in up to large 65 litre easy fit collector fabric bag with hard top, or can be discharged to the side or rear, or mulched, using an innovative 4-in-1 function.

This 4-in-1 function is just one of a host of premium features that you would not necessarily expect to find on lawnmowers at this price point. Further features of note include clearly visible red OPC and drive levers, an integrated grass full indicator, easy to access throttle control, and quick release lever to fold handles for storage; all of which make for exceptional ease of use.

Lightweight and quiet to operate with reduced vibration, the latest range of Webb Supreme Lawnmowers with 4-swing tip blades also feature an easy-to-clean wash port for simple maintenance. Covered by a three-year warranty, they are available with a full range of spares, including blades and collection bags, which are held in stock. 

To place an order at trade prices, please visit www.webbgardenpower.co.uk/become-a-webb-stockist/

Alitex, a leading manufacturer of premium glasshouses, is setting a new standard for employee wellbeing and supportive workplace culture in the horticultural industry.

A Perennial study revealed that 85% of employees’ mental wellbeing in the industry was poor or below average. 

As a leader in the industry, Alitex is proud to be a role model to other companies and share its comprehensive approach to staff wellbeing, aimed at nurturing an encouraging, inclusive, and growth-oriented workplace culture.

"At Alitex, our employees are the heart and soul of our company, and their wellbeing is our top priority," said Tom Hall, executive chairman and owner of Alitex. 

"We believe in creating an environment where our team members feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Through ongoing learning opportunities, access to a beautiful work environment with green spaces, and encouraging team members to get involved in our philanthropic activities, we aim to set a new standard for employee wellbeing in the horticultural industry and help implement widespread changes across the sector as a whole.”

This commitment is reflected in a series of programs that go beyond mere checkboxes and are designed to foster a nurturing and inclusive workplace, and make employees feel appreciated and supported every step of the way. These include a weekly mood survey, where employees rate their feelings and share highlights of their week, as well as the 'Alitex Champions' program, which celebrates acts of kindness and helpfulness among peers. Recognising the importance of professional support services, Alitex has also partnered with Myndup to provide counselling, therapy, and life coaching to all employees. 

Alitex has a programme called Nurture where staff can learn new skills, experience life in different teams across the business and create both short and long-term goals to work towards. "Alitex's Nurture program is not just about learning new skills, it's about building a culture of growth where every individual has the opportunity to flourish” shared Jo Lee, Learning and Development Coordinator at Alitex. “Through exploration across different teams and setting meaningful goals, we empower our staff to unlock their full potential and contribute to the collective success of the business.” 

Additionally, internal Friday updates collate videos from across all departments to boost morale and maintain connectivity within the team. During the festive season, Alitex organises a "Twelve Days of Christmas" project, where each department hosts activities such as raffles, pub quizzes, or video showcases. Alitex also runs "Feel Good Feb," a month-long campaign focused on promoting wellbeing and building connections among team members where the team is encouraged to take part in activities such as sound baths, art and yoga. These initiatives serve to encourage teamwork, foster relationships, and spark creativity among employees.  

“We encourage ongoing learning, learning new skills and goal setting to encourage personal and professional growth and boost fulfilment. We aim to empower everyone to make informed decisions and learn from them. Whether it's through our handy Nurture platform or other resources, we're here to help our team reach their goals and beyond!” said Jo. 

To find out more about Alitex, visit www.alitex.co.uk

Why is the chop recommended? Not only will cutting back herbaceous perennials in late spring improve the plants shape but it will also extend the flowering period. Newly cut stems will develop side shoots which will significantly increase the plant's total number of flowering stems. The now compact, bushy and fuller plants will also have greater weather tolerance and will be less prone to flopping over under the weight of heavy flower heads.

Another effect is to set the growth back slightly meaning the plants will flower slightly later so, if some plants are chopped while others are not, you can extend the flowering period as a whole - what's not to like?

For more details check out our blog on the Mr Fothergill's website

https://mr-fothergills.co.uk/blogs/all/the-chelsea-chop-with-darlac-tools?utm_source=emailCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2303&mxmroi=2388-19879-893890-0

The Royal Horticultural Society has announced its third collection in partnership with Sofas & Stuff Ltd, a creator of beautiful British bespoke sofas, chairs, beds, footstools and more. A superb new Sofas & Stuff range, called the RHS Botanicals collection, will draw inspiration from the rich history of botanical exploration.

Indeed, Sofas & Stuff describes the RHS Botanicals fabric designs as an ode to the beauty and diversity of botanical specimens throughout the ages.

The range will, once again, be based on the extraordinary selection of assets available to RHS licensees from the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s finest collection of botanical art.

This collaborative partnership will bring fascinating elements of the RHS archive to the interiors space, adapting original artworks into seven unique fabric designs that can be used across the full Sofas & Stuff range of British handmade bespoke sofas, chairs, beds, footstools, and cushions – or purchased as fabrics for curtains and blinds or other soft furnishing projects.

The seven fabric designs include: Pieter Van Kouwenhoorn Tulips, inspired by the legendary Dutch botanical illustrator; Plantae Japonicae, a sweeping floral design; Henry Moon Lion’s Tail, inspired by a watercolour painting of the Leonotis Leonurus plant by botanical artist Henry Moon; Mark Catesby Grosbeak, taken from a hand-coloured engraving of a sketch by early 18th century English naturalist, Mark Catesby; and Foliage, Ferns Toile and Palm Leaf which each reflect a distinct narrative from the RHS Lindley Collections.

All the designs except Tulips will be available in a variety of colourways.

The collection will launch at Stand 615 (Soane House), at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show (21-25 May). It will then be available to purchase exclusively through Sofas & Stuff, both online and in the company’s 23 showrooms across England and Scotland, including its new King’s Road showroom, not far from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Sofas & Stuff was chosen by the RHS not just for the durability, quality and British craftsmanship essential to its output but also for its strong environmental credentials. The company is committed to creating and promoting eco-friendly furniture; this includes sustainable sofas and fabrics and cushions made from recycled plastic.

The core demographic for this Sofas & Stuff range is homeowners in general and lovers of fine British craftsmanship in particular. To this can be added the many supporters of the RHS and buyers of always high-quality RHS licensed products.

Sofas & Stuff is a family-run business based out of Fittleworth in West Sussex. Its focus on quality British craftsmanship in the design of its stunning bespoke pieces has made it a nationwide brand; the company’s handcrafted sofas, chairs and footstools are made to order in its own factory in Preston, Lancashire.

The first RHS collaboration with Sofas & Stuff was the B&LLA-nominated RHS 2022 Fabric Collection, whose popularity inspired the launch of the RHS 2023 Fabric collection. The RHS Botanicals collection continues this successful and highly creative partnership.

Andrew Cussins, Founder of Sofas & Stuff, says: “We are thrilled to launch RHS Botanicals, our third exclusive fabric collection created in partnership with the RHS. Each fabric tells a unique and authentic story about humanity's enduring connection with nature. We look forward to unveiling our new collection at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and welcome everyone to experience it first-hand.”

Cathy Snow, Licensing Manager, RHS, adds: “This is, once again, British craftsmanship of the highest quality, skilfully combining works from our own collection of superb botanical art with beautiful fabrics and furniture. Sofas & Stuff are true experts in making and upholstering bespoke sofas, chairs, beds and sofa beds, and these exciting new fabric designs are a delight.”

Global manufacturer of heavy-duty power tools, accessories and hand tools for professional users worldwide, Milwaukee Tool, has expanded its range of outdoor power equipment (OPE) to help provide industry professionals with a one-stop shop of the tools they need to complete the job at hand.

First launched in 2017, Milwaukee Tool’s OPE range has grown to feature more than 60 tools and cordless solutions, and the manufacturer is continuing to develop equipment to meet the demands of its customers, with the latest releases including updates to its range of lawn mowers, blowers, pole saws, hedge trimmers and more.

Rhys Adams, national sales manager OPE commented: “Thanks to our extensive OPE range, professionals have access to a singular battery platform with the right tools to ensure they can get the job done with ease and efficiency. To further support our customers, we’ve invested heavily in the development of our leading battery powered equipment, ensuring the needs of the end user are put first, each and every time.”

Among the products launching this year is the M18 FUEL DUAL BATTERY SELF PROPELLED LAWN MOWER with a 46cm (M18 F2LM46) steel deck and blade design. Following the successful launch of its flagship 53cm (M18 F2LM53) lawn mower in 2022, Milwaukee Tool has expanded the range to provide users with a more compact, 46cm option suitable for a range of grass types. Furthermore, the 46cm lawn mower provides gardening, landscaping and agriculture professionals with more manoeuvrability, allowing them to reach tighter spaces for a best-in-class cut.

It is joined by not one but two M18 FUEL HEDGE TRIMMER options to provide a range of solutions for professionals in the gardening, horticultural and landscaping sectors. The first features a double sharpened 45cm (M18 FHET45) blade which allows users to cut through branches up to 19mm thick. Meanwhile, the 60cm (M18 FHET60) option can tackle branches up to 20cm thick – providing a powerful yet flexible solution to achieve a cleaner cut, every time.

To help professionals reach new heights, the M18 BUSHLESS TELESCOPIC SHEAR (M18 BLTS) allows users to expand the tool from 2.1 metres up to 3 metres 2.1m up to 3m, with the power to cut through branches up to 4.4cm thick in those hard-to-reach places. The shear’s retractable branch hook not only helps users keep a compressed profile for better access but also provides a sturdy solution for pulling down tangled branches with ease.

Further expanding the range’s telescoping capabilities, Milwaukee Tool has developed the M18 FUEL TELESCOPING POLE SAW 30 CM (M18 FTPS30) to achieve precise cuts in higher tree areas. Providing users with powerful cutting performance and balance, even when extended to up to 400cm, the pole saw can achieve powerful cutting performance due to a chain speed of 25.4m/s, high torque and a 30cm cutting length for fast and effective results.

Rhys added: “We’re excited to be expanding this range in 2024, to bring even more solutions to tackle the challenges our customers are facing at work every day. With these new releases, landscaping, horticultural and agricultural professionals can utilise their existing Milwaukee Tool battery platforms to guarantee that the same level of power and performance is achieved across their complete tool set.”

More products are set to join the range later this year including a DUAL BATTERY BACKPACK BLOWER and a third-generation release of its M18 FUEL BLOWER, as well as a variety of new attachments for Milwaukee Tool’s M18 FUEL OUTDOOR POWER HEAD WITH QUIK-LOK.

To find out more about these products, or to discover the full range of outdoor power equipment available from Milwaukee Tools click here or visit https://uk.milwaukeetool.eu/.

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Do you know someone who is considering a career in Horticulture, but is unsure where to start or simply want to know what the options are? 

The Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH) is delighted to announce the first ever GROW Careers Horticultural Conference to be held in the North of England. Following on from successful GROW events in Scotland, the day is intended to draw together passionate horticulturists and allied professions from across the region to network and inspire new entrants into the horticultural industry.

Set in the magnificent gardens and grounds of Harewood House, Leeds on Friday 24^th May, the event aims to provide current horticulture students and early-career horticulturists as well as potential students and career-changers the opportunity to hear inspirational speakers, attend practical workshops and demonstrations, tour Harewood’s historic gardens and meet employers, industry bodies and trade partners.

Jason Daff, CIH Secretary says " Horticulture is an exciting and dynamic industry and we are excited to showcase the range of opportunities available.  This is a great way draw on the wealth of horticultural knowledge we have in the region to give the next generation of growers, gardeners, horticultural scientists, garden designers, landscapers, arborists and turf specialists a huge boost in their career path.”

Chair of the Northern Branch of the Chartered Institute Clive Parker adds "I remember the colleagues who gave me a steer when I started in the horticultural industry, so it is a huge honour to be able to forward the favour to the people who will be continuing our work in the industry. We have a long and proud history of outstanding horticulture in the North, and we can't wait to hear from speakers including Matthew Wilson, Katie Rushworth, and Katy Merrington”.

To register for the event, or to view the full program of speakers and industry supporters please visit the CIH website horticulture.org.uk. For exhibitor, sponsor or press enquiries, please contact northern@horticulture.org.uk

Autumn Fair has announced the launch of a New Business Pavilion designed to support small businesses and the next generation of makers and creators, helping put their products on the map and reach thousands of buyers nationwide.

100 New Business Pavilion ready-to-exhibit entry level price packages are available and include space at both Autumn Fair taking place from 1st – 4th September 2024 at NEC Birmingham, and Spring Fair from 2nd – 5thFebruary 2025.

As the indispensable destinations for buyers to explore a wealth of new and captivating products from the most coveted brands in retail, the packages have been curated to give retail’s future leaders a chance to reach a new marketplace, learn from seasoned businesses, and be part of the future of retail with Spring & Autumn Fair.

The packages are offered across all sectors including The Summerhouse, a curated home for the most beautiful, style-led and on-trend interior accessories and gifts; as well as Home Living & Décor; Gift; Beauty & Wellbeing; Greetings Cards, Stationery & Wrapping; Kids, Toys & Play; Everyday; and within Moda, Clothing & Footwear; Fashion Accessories; and Jewellery & Watch.

Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director of Autumn Fair says, “We are very excited to launch our New Business packages, tailor-made for small businesses to help them put their products in front of key, purchase-ready buyers from leading stores like Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Tesco, Dunelm as well as thousands of independent retailers. This opportunity also helps businesses who have never exhibited before to meet and learn from the best by joining the 800+ seasoned makers, creators and product sellers while at the show.”

New Business Pavilion exhibitors will be able to showcase their products at two of the UK’s biggest retail trade events - Autumn Fair 2024 and Spring Fair 2025, within a large pavilion of other new businesses ready to make the next step selling their products to business across the UK and Ireland. From open plan displays to creative showcasing solutions, new businesses will be able to amplify their presence and products to key buyers at both shows. 

Exhibitors will also get access to exhibitor playbooks and association support, dedicated marketing initiatives to support your business, and ongoing support from a dedicated account manager.

Spaces are limited but applications are now open - visit https://www.autumnfair.com/new-business-pavilion to apply. 

To discover why Autumn Fair is the largest trade event in retail's peak season and explore the brands, products, content and more that make this an unmissable show for retail buyers and independent businesses visit www.autumnfair.com.

The team at a Bradford-headquartered garden centre group is celebrating after winning a regional sustainability award.

Yorkshire Garden Centres Group won the SME Business (up to £50m turnover) category at the inaugural Yorkshire Sustainability Excellence Awards, which were presented at a celebration lunch at Swinton Park in Ripon on 18th April.

"The category celebrates SMEs that are clear leaders in their field, setting an example for others to follow and driving progress across the board. We're proud that our Climate and Community initiatives have been recognised and rewarded with this award," said Yorkshire Garden Centre's Head of Marketing, Jo Dales.

Yorkshire Garden Centres beat Astonish, Kolorcraft, Sewell Construction and The Bio-D Company to win the award.

TheBusinessDesk.com joint managing director Alex Turner said: "I congratulate each and every firm who won an award today. We were thrilled with the very high standard and number of entries we received for these awards. We could have created a second shortlist that would also have been full of innovative organisations that are seeing strong results from their sustainability initiatives."

The awards were created by the founding group of partners—TheBusinessDesk.com, Clarion, Deloitte, and Swinton Estate—to recognise businesses and organisations that are making permanent and positive changes to their environmental impact.

The Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) group comprises Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley Garden Centres and the recently acquired Dean's York and Dean's Scarborough. Otley and Bingley Garden Centres were known as Stephen H Smith's before they were acquired by YGC in 2022.

Haskins Snowhill Garden Centre in Felbridge is set to support Queen Victoria Hospital as its charity partner for 2024, with fundraising activities well underway for the year ahead.

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During 2023, Haskins Snowhill supported Alzheimer’s Society, Royal Marsden Hospital and Greenfingers, donating over £5,000 thanks to a variety of charitable events.

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Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead is now set to benefit from the garden centre’s donations. A specialist NHS hospital, Queen Victoria provides life-changing reconstructive surgery, burns care and rehabilitation for those that have been affected by accidents or disease. The world-leading clinical teams provide treatment to people across the south-east and beyond, while also treating more common conditions and treating minor injuries for East Grinstead locals.

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David Lilly, General Manager at Haskins Snowhill, said: “Our team at Haskins Snowhill is looking forward to supporting our chosen charity for 2024, Queen Victoria Hospital. We’re all excited to build on the great fundraising efforts of last year, with lots of plans already in place in aid of the incredible charity, from regular foyer collections to bake sales.

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“The brilliant team at Queen Victoria Hospital carries out invaluable work daily, helping so many people through difficult times. Our team is proud to support this remarkable charity, and hope we enable them to continue offering their fantastic services.”

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A particularly successful event during 2023 was the Christmas jumper day and tombola, which proved popular with customers. The team also collected donations from customers via the Charity Wishing Well and Pennies system, which encourages customers to add a donation to purchases made via a card transaction.

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David continued: “Our team worked incredibly hard last year to fundraise for Alzheimer’s society; a charity close to many of our hearts. The charities we choose to support have such an overwhelmingly positive impact upon our local community, offering care and assistance for families that visit our centres day-in, day-out. It gives us immense pride that the funds our team donate to these charities allow them to offer a level of care to those that need it.”

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Please visit www.haskins.co.uk for information on Haskins’s charitable services.

PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt is continuing to grow! On 21 and 22 August 2024 the third autumn edition of the fair will again be the place to be for suppliers and everyone else professionally involved in the green sector. The total fair area will be 10% larger than last year, and a good 70% of that area has already been reserved. With another four months to go, the organisers expect the area to be fully booked well before the fair opens.

 

The fair has meanwhile also become international in scope, attracting lots of interest from exhibitors outside the Netherlands. Foreign exhibitors who participated in preceding editions will be attending again this autumn, and will even be expanding. And a large proportion of the new stallholders will be from outside the Netherlands, too. The fair organisers themselves are of course making efforts to attract new visitors and exhibitors from abroad. Exhibitors from any country are welcome to participate, even those without any direct relations with GROEN-Direkt. Everyone interested is to register via the website. Those who book a stand (other than the budget stands) by 26 May at the latest will benefit from an early booking discount.

 

New: attractive outdoor patio

PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt is all about plants. But the autumn edition is also an ideal opportunity for growers and buyers to meet one another – to boost their relations, establish new contacts and make plans for the coming seasons. Next to the permanent fair building will be a spacious, light, air-conditioned marquee surrounded by a large patio for indoor and outdoor catering. So whatever the weather, the fair will offer you a perfect, attractive environment in which to meet and talk to people, conduct negotiations and generally have a great time.

 

Green Retail Awards

PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt is of course also the number-one fair for the introduction of novelties and innovations, which will be presented at prominent places throughout the fair. You’ll find the Visitors’ Favourite and the Wall of Fame directly at the entrance, and the aforementioned marquee will accommodate an attractive hotspot for the Novelties and Market Innovations.

 

Groups of visitors

PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt offers its visitors a very warm welcome, with free coffee, tea, soft drinks and sandwiches. There are also facilities for making things even more convenient for groups of buyers/visitors. For example, groups whose visit has been registered beforehand will enjoy direct entry via a group ticket, their coach will be allowed to drop them off at the entrance, a table can be reserved for them at the meeting point, and, if so desired, they can be welcomed and given a tour of the fair. 

 

About PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt

Along with GROEN-Direkt’s Autumn Fair, PLANTARIUM|GROEN-Direkt, the Green Retail Fair, is the ideal place for suppliers and everyone else professionally involved in the green sector to meet one another. The fair also pays lots of attention to novelties and innovations. The next edition will take place on 21 and 22 August 2024. The fair will take place in and around GROEN-Direkt’s hall at the International Trade Centre in the Dutch town of Hazerswoude/Boskoop. For more information and to register your participation or visit, go to the website: plantariumgroendirekt.nl.

Renowned hospitality professional, Robert Cook, has joined Dobbies as a board advisor to support the strategic development of its restaurant business. 

A seasoned hospitality CEO, Robert has led a number of the UK’s hospitality and leisure businesses including TGI Fridays, Malmaison & Hotel du Vin, and Virgin Active.

Robert Cook said: “Dobbies restaurants have something for everyone, serving thousands of customers every week. For so many people, a visit to Dobbies is not complete without a stop off to enjoy the great food and drink on offer. I’m looking forward to supporting the team to strengthen the offering and ensure customers have the most memorable experiences possible.”

David Robinson, CEO of Dobbies, said: “Robert has worked for some of the biggest and best names in UK hospitality and we’re delighted to have him share that wealth of industry knowledge and experience with us. Our restaurants are at the heart of our business with significant opportunity for growth.”

Dobbies has 77 stores across the UK, employs 3,800 people and has welcomed over 30 million customers in the year-to-date.

From big feats to small wins, Miracle-Gro is encouraging consumers to celebrate their ‘Gro-ments’ – the feelings of joy sparked by growing achievements - in its multi-channel campaign with an important peat-free message.

Coined by the leading gardening brand to express those special moments such as seeing a seed sprout or taking a first bite from homegrown veg, Gro-ments encapsulate the emotion of gardening and the importance of quality compost.

The initiative is part of a wider £1 million peat-free campaign being rolled-out by Miracle-Gro’s parent company, Evergreen Garden Care. It has already seen Colin Stephens, Managing Director of the compost manufacturer, call on DEFRA to make the Responsible Sourcing Scheme (RSS) legislation in an open letter. The letter has since been signed by the likes of the RHS and Homebase, and Stephens is continuing to push its agenda forward.

The Gro-ments consumer campaign, is fronted by budding gardener and lover of the outdoors, Rob Rinder, and is underpinned by a study of 2,000 people. The research found that over three-quarters of people feel intense achievement when growing their own plants – a feeling that Evergreen Garden Care says can be helped along by starting with the right growing foundation. 

Colin Stephens, UK and Ireland Managing Director, Evergreen Garden Care, explains: “Often people blame themselves for gardening fails – but it is much more likely to be the fault of the compost. This campaign is about educating consumers on the importance of good quality peat free compost, to both the health of the planet and their garden.

“Miracle-Gro has spent over 30 years developing the best product and as part of our commitment to peat-free and doing things a better way, we want to help consumers understand the difference it can make.”

Launching next week, the Gro-ments initiative will be backed by a far-reaching consumer campaign, including press, broadcast, strategic advertorial placement and social media content creators.

From bats to worms right through to weed control and tree planting, the 11 GCA and Westland Rising Stars for 2024 are already making headway into their retail projects. All have a focus on sustainability and regeneration and, for the first time, they unveiled their ideas to the group at a meeting held at NIAB, in Cambridgeshire.

After an update on Westland Horticulture’s range from Stuart Staples, the company’s Head of Technical, it was time for each candidate to stand in front of the group to present their ideas so far. The Rising Stars programme not only gives opportunities for candidates to carry out projects in their own garden centres and monitor success, but also builds on valuable public speaking experience.

Coordinated by mentor Gordon Emslie, the event was the second time the group has got together. He suggested the group trust their projects but be prepared to be flexible. “The more you do, the more you will know and your journey may change, so go with it,” he said.

A behind-the-scenes visit to NIABs research and growing facilities gave the Rising Stars a better understanding of plant and product trialling plus a peep into the world of testing grass seed.

The Rising Stars are now back in their garden centres working on their projects which mostly run from May to August.  Next time they meet will be in June at Ellesmere Port to see Westland’s growing media manufacturing plant, followed by visits to Allensmore Nurseries and Glee. In the autumn the ‘Dragon’s Den’ will whittle the 11 down to five who will go on to pitch their ideas at the GCA conference in 2025. 

This year’s Westland Rising Stars are:

• Ben Clarke, Knights Garden Centre, Naggs Hall
• Jasmin Rogers, Haskins Garden Centre, Ferndown
• Dian Philips, Pugh’s Garden Village, Radyr
• Dan Furley, Millbrook Garden Centre, Gravesend
• Will Harris, Klondyke Garden Centre, Garforth
• Erin Tuchscherer, Charlebury Garden Centre
• Gayna Barnard, Bents Garden and Home
• Josh Rigg – Klondyke Garden Centre, Wilmslow
• John Enright - Bournville Garden Centre, BGC
• Nat James – Harrow Garden Centre, BGC
• Sarah Lyons – Tring Garden Centre, BGC

As the Greenfingers Dragon Boat Race fast approaches, the team has revealed more about what paddlers – and spectators – can expect from this adrenaline fuelled day!

When: Join in the fun on Sunday 23rd June 2024, with the first race earmarked to start at 10:30am

Where: Grendon Lakes, Northamptonshire.

Set in 150 acres of stunning Northamptonshire countryside, Grendon Lakes features 12 lakes, two of which are devoted to watersports with the remaining 10 making up some of the finest fishing water in the area. The complex is also home to ‘Hostile Fire’ - the Midlands' premier paintball site. The on-site Alpine clubhouse overlooks the main watersports lake and houses a fully licensed bar, café, toilets, showers and changing rooms, making it the perfect location for friends and families to join in the fun on the day. 

Team info: The Greenfingers Dragon Boat Race can accommodate up to 14 teams, each made up of 10 paddlers and one drummer.

To date, the YPHA, the AMES Companies, Evergreen, Westland, British Garden Centres, Deco-Pak alongside GIMA, and Woodlodge have signed up to battle it out on the water.

Don’t worry if you have a smaller team or want to enter as an individual, subject to numbers there may be the option to create mixed teams to ensure everyone can join in the fun!

Cost: Team entry is priced at £900, with the Greenfingers Charity asking each team member to raise a minimum of £100.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at the Greenfingers Charity, said: “The Greenfingers Dragon Boat Race is just one of the events we will be running to celebrate our forthcoming 25th anniversary, so we hope that supporters will come together to make it yet another superb occasion. The response has, so far, been great, with teams already ramping up the sense of competition! As always, interested parties are urged to book their place now to avoid disappointment, and for those already signed up – we’ll see you on the water very soon.”

Anyone wanting to secure a spot at the Greenfingers Charity Dragon Boat Race is invited to register by emailing Linda Petrons via linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk

In the meantime, you can follow all the latest updates from Greenfingers on social media - @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn, https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/ and @GreenfingersCha on Twitter.

Corby + Fellas are delighted with the successful launch of Yorkshire Garden Centre Group's Green Card Loyalty App.

Both YGC and C+F have worked incredibly hard to design, develop and deploy this fantastic App! As you can see from YGC Managing Director Mark Farnsworth comments below, their launch has been very impressive indeed.

“On Wednesday we soft launched our new loyalty scheme - the Green Card. We then raised the noise on Thursday as the teams grew in confidence and readiness. We’ve had 5,300 customers sign up in 5 days - we are chuffed to bits with the start.

This has been months of hard work and I want to thank all those involved. Firstly, led by our marketing team it’s been a complex integration of systems and our team have worked tirelessly to iron out the issues! Jo and Leigh have led the team at this end and I’m grateful for all their hard work. Our tills and retail teams have then trained and executed brilliantly, finally big thanks to all our catering and play area teams who have embraced this wholeheartedly.

The second thank you is to Alan McCammon and his team at Corby and Fellas who have developed the App and integrated our ticketing platform, DigiTickets. Particular thanks to Claire, Adam and Gary at C&F and to Barnaby and Josh at Digitickets. Thank you all….we got there!

So, thanks to all who have got us this far. We are really excited by the opportunities that this can provide our business and we are working hard to make it a success. Today though, let’s celebrate an encouraging start and thank those who got us there!”

-Mark Farnsworth, MD at YGC

The benefits of this new App to both YGC and its customers is vast. Ranging from exclusive, personalised, promotions and offers, discounts on monthly deals on in-store products. Add to that, surprises & early access for events – It also offers increased customer engagement and boosts footfall, and is linked to our enhanced CRM+ ,module to analyse and target customers behaviour.

Congratulations to Mark, Jo, Leigh, Katie and all the team at YGC - it’s a pleasure to work with you.

Please get in touch if you want to elevate your Retail System to the next level sales@corbyfellas.com

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