The Garden Centre Association unveiled its winners for the North Thames region during a presentation at Poplars Garden Centre on Monday. Perrywood Garden Centre – Tiptree (above) won Garden Centre of the Year in the Destination Garden Centre category while Squires Garden Centre – Shepperton (below) picked up the accolade in the Garden Centre category.

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “The first of our regional awards meetings was a huge success and it was great to see so many of our members turn out.

“We’d like to thank the team at Poplars Garden Centre for hosting a fantastic event and to our inspector, Jane Lawler, for her crucial feedback from her inspections, which we know our members will take on board for the future.”

The ifse Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant went to Poplars Garden Centre (DGC) and Squires Garden Centre – Shepperton (GC). Poplars Garden Centre also received the Environment and Community Award.

David Little, Managing Director at Poplars Garden Centre, said: “Poplars are thrilled to have won two major awards at last night’s GCA area meeting. The award for best restaurant is a fantastic recognition of the hard work and attention to detail that our wonderful team of staff give our customers every single day.

“We are equally thrilled to win the Environment and Community Award. As a family business we are firmly entrenched in our local community and work particularly closely with our 13 local schools. To be recognised for our environmental work too is good for the planet and good for business. The standards on show last night were fantastic, the highest I’ve ever seen and every single member of North Thames should be very proud of their achievements this year – standards are on the up and as the GCA often says – better standards means better business.”

Perrywood Garden Centre – Tiptree also won the Barton Grange Trophy for Commercial Innovation and Creativity.

Hannah Powell, Communications and HR Director at Perrywood Garden Centre, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have achieved such resounding success at the GCA regional awards last night. To be recognised once again by our trade association is testament to the continued hard work, passion and dedication of the entire team at Perrywood Tiptree.”

GCA Inspector Jane was responsible for inspecting member garden centres in the North Thames areas.

She said: “It has been a privilege and a pleasure visiting the North Thames centres and I’ve met so many enthusiastic and knowledgeable people. It’s no wonder the garden centre category is bucking all the retail trends and continuing to grow. There’s something to interest and engage at every turn!”

The Area Chairwoman for North Thames was Sarah Squire, who organised the meeting.

She said: “It was great to see so many North Thames members at the meeting and to welcome representatives from some of our newest members. We are so grateful to Poplars for their very kind hospitality and generous buffet.

“Jane gave us a very comprehensive and enjoyable account of her inspections. This is such a great way for us all to learn from one another and inspires us to improve standards across the board. It is a truly significant benefit to being a GCA member.”

The full results for the North Thames region GCA area awards are as follows for the DGC and GC categories:

Garden Centre of the Year: Perrywood Garden Centre – Tiptree (DGC) and Squires Garden Centre – Shepperton (GC)

Customer Service Award for Best Customer Service: Scotsdale Garden Centre

Environment and Community Award: Poplars Garden Centre

The Barton Grange Trophy for Innovation and Creativity: Perrywood Garden Centre – Tiptree

The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre: Squires Garden Centre – Stanmore

The ifse Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant: Poplars Garden Centre (DGC) and Squires Garden Centre – Shepperton (GC)

The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer: Aylett Nurseries (DGC) and Sunshine Garden Centre (GC)

Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer: Perrywood Garden Centre – Tiptree (DGC) and Squires Garden Centre – Shepperton (GC)

Best Outdoor Living Retailer: Altons Garden Centre (DGC) and Squires Garden Centre – Stanmore (GC)

The North East and North West regional GCA awards were presented at Bents Garden & Home yesterday (Tuesday). The North East’s Garden Centre of the Year in the Destination Garden Centre category was Tong Garden Centre (above left) and Cowell’s Garden Centre (above right) in the Garden Centre category. In the North West, Barton Grange Garden Centre (below left)) and Fron Goch Garden Centre (below right) received the accolade.

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “It was great to see everyone in attendance at our second regional awards meeting and paying close attention to our inspector, Gordon Emslie’s feedback. Now is the optimum time for our members to take this feedback on board, relay it to the rest of their team and start making any changes needed.”

Barton Grange Garden Centre also won the Customer Service Award for Best Customer Service and the GIMA award for Best Garden Products Retailer (DGC) in the North West during the awards meeting.

Claire Bryce, Farm Shop Manager at Barton Grange Garden Centre, said: “Winning these awards at yesterday’s GCA area meeting is such a fantastic achievement, especially seeing how close the competition is. It’s an excellent boost for staff to see that all of their hard work this year so far has paid off. It truly shows our team’s dedication and determination to do the best they can.

“These meetings are always beneficial. It’s a great opportunity to see the developments centres are making. This helps us to keep on moving forward and upping our game.”

Fron Goch Garden Centre also won the Environment and Community Award, the ifse Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant (GC), Best Outdoor Living Retailer (GC) and Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer (GC) in the North West.

Justin Williams, Managing Director of Fron Goch Garden Centre, said: “We have a very happy a team here! We are very proud of all our team and their hard work. The GCA is a wonderful tool that enables our team to network, share and learn via the regional meetings, inspections and conference. We would not be as motivated and engaged without it and it adds a personal and family feeling as we get to know other owners and teams.”

Tong Garden Centre has now won Destination Garden Centre (DGC) in the North East three years running.

Mark Farnsworth, Managing Director of Tong Garden Centre, said: “We are delighted to win this award again, we took over the centre four years ago and have set about restoring its reputation as one of the best garden centres in the North East and to receive this award again is very satisfying. This award is testament to the hard work of the whole team here at Tong, they have worked tirelessly, and we are incredibly proud of all of them”.

GCA Inspector Gordon Emslie was responsible for inspecting member garden centres in the North East and North West areas.

He said: “It has been a real pleasure visiting the North East and North West regions this year where again the standard of garden centre retailing has been outstanding. All the centres visited deserve recognition for continuing to strive to provide the best experience for their customers year after year.

“The overall customer experience has been exceptional where year after year each centre continually raises their operational standards. I would like to congratulate all this year’s award winners.”

Notcutts has recorded strong profit growth in the year ending February 2019 with operating profit up 52.5% to £1.5m. Gross margin improved by 0.6% points to 47.5% and stock turn improved from 3.4 to 3.9 during the year.
 
Sales were level at £74.7m in a year when four garden centres had normal trading patterns disrupted over extended periods by redevelopment and improvement projects.
 
Capital expenditure was £10.5m. Restaurant redevelopments were completed at Woodford Park and Dukeries (Worksop) garden centres. Full centre redevelopments, covering both retail environments and restaurants, were completed at Booker (pictured above)and Rivendell (Widnes) Garden Centres. In each of these schemes Notcutts’ iconic show gardens were included as part of the developments. A new website and e-commerce platform was completed and launched in the year and Notcutts new brand rollout was completed across all 18 garden centres.
 
Commenting on these results, Chief Executive Nick Burrows said: “We are pleased with our progress during a year in which we were able to deliver good growth in operating profit. A focus on margin and a successful cost efficiency programme helped underpin this achievement. This during a year when we completed our new brand rollout and launched a new website and online store.”

Garden and restaurant terrace at Notcutts Woodford Park Garden Centre.
 
Burrows was especially pleased to have completed sizeable refurbishment projects which form part of the Notcutts five year strategic plan to reposition and upgrade their garden centre estate. He said: “With the completion of major projects at Rivendell, Woodford Park and Booker we are now some two thirds of the way through our planned programme of improvements. Our attention now turns to further projects at our Garden Pride (Ditchling), Woodbridge and St Albans Garden Centres which will be completed in 2019/20.”
 
Chairman Nicky Dulieu emphasised the importance of continuing to redevelop remaining garden centres in the portfolio. She said: “We have now secured planning permission for further upgrade projects at our Solihull and Tunbridge Wells Garden Centres. With both of these developments we will be improving and extending our restaurants which are now so important to the overall Notcutts customer experience.” Dulieu, with all members of the Notcutts Board, has also championed the company’s developing e-commerce and digital capability, which is seen as a key component for the company in attracting the emerging millennial customer to gardening.
 
Notcutts introduced further show gardens in the year and now have these in 14 of their 18 garden centres. Caroline Notcutt, Vice Chairman, has hosted events for customers, partners and local communities as each show garden has been unveiled. “Our show gardens are attracting customers in great numbers,” she commented. “They are an important part of the Notcutts brand and customer proposition now and really showcase Notcutts’ horticultural credentials which extend back over 120 years. We have designed them to inspire customers with ideas for plant combinations and garden layouts. They are true wellbeing spaces and are becoming a real focal point for our customers as well as a sense of great pride for our garden centre colleagues who look after them throughout the year.”

Restaurant at Notcutts Rivendell Garden Centre in Widnes.

As Dobbies were revealing their Christmas 2019 ranges to magazine journalists in London this week, the rest of the garden retail industry was at SOLEX where the atmosphere was incredibly positive for the rest of the summer and optimistic for next year.

The weather is bound to be helping, but the mood was also added to by the high level of new design and innovation at the show. Gone was the sea of weave and that was replaced with stylish contemporary aluminium framed lounge furniture along with fusions of metal, wood, rope and weave.

Everyone we spoke to was confident they would sell through the remains of this year’s stock during the rest of the summer, before they get ready for Christmas. The big question is: how much of the new contemporary designed furniture they feel they can sell next year?

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year (week 27)
Garden Products - down 6%
Growing Media - up 28%
Wild Bird Care - up 26%
Veg-2-Gro - down 9%
All Plants Index - down 9%
All Items Index - up 23%

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

Greenfingers Charity were presented with a cheque for £15,000 from LOFA at the three-day SOLEX exhibition at the NEC Birmingham.

Linda Petrons, director of fundraising and communications, received the donation from Gina Hinde, marketing manager of LOFA.

Linda said: "We're enormously grateful to LOFA for their continued support. We're delighted to receive this donation, which will help to ensure that a new garden will become a reality later in the year."

LifestyleGarden have won the Best New Product Award at SOLEX for their revolutionary DuraOcean furniture.

The judges – Chris Roberts, chairman of Van Hage, and Iain Wylie, chief executive of the GCA - were impressed with the story behind DuraOcean.

Chris Roberts said: “DuraOcean was by far the most outstanding product at the show. LifestyleGarden have done a wonderful job in producing an amazing product and now they are doing a brilliant job in selling it. It ticks all the boxes and is right on the news.”

The Best New Product Award was presented by Mark Osborne, chairman of LOFA.

Second was the Everdure 4K Grill.

See our photo gallery of all the Solex New Product Showcase entries below

Kettler scooped the Best Large Stand Award at SOLEX and received the trophy from Mark Osborne, chairman of LOFA, on the first day of the show.

The judges – Chris Roberts, chairman of Van Hage, and Iain Wylie, chief executive of the GCA – felt the stand was really stunning and beautifully lit.

“It is the biggest stand at the show and yet there is a high standard throughout,” said Chris Roberts. “All the brands stand out and there is a wonderful flow.”

Second place went to the Hartman stand and third to Bramblecrest.

Blue Diamond (group) above, Scotsdales (large centre) below, Whitehall Lacock (large centre) bottom centre and Baytree of Hilgay (small centre) bottom left, won Gold Awards in GTN's Greatest Outdoor Leisure Sales Team Awards, presented at SOLEX 2019.

Presenting the awards at a drinks reception, kindly provided by sponsors SOLEX, GTN's MD Trevor Pfeiffer said: "Across the groups we decided the winner should be Blue Diamond who have seen like-for-like sales increase by over 25% this year.

“For big centres we have two winners, Scotsdales and Whitehall Lacock, whose displays really impressed our team of experts.

“We visited lots of small centres doing a great job of selling garden furniture this year but one stood out a mile – it may have been the purple carpet – but the results speak for themselves with sales sometimes beating sales at the main Baytree garden centre, our small centre winners are Baytree of Hilgay.”

You'll be able to read more about the winners and see pictures taken by the judges during their visits in future issues of Garden Trade News and the e-mail newsletter GTN Xtra.

In the meantime, our photo gallery of Outdoor furniture at Scotsdales Cambridge is below and photo tours of Blue Diamond Endsleigh, Whitehall Lacock and Baytree of Hilgay can bee seen using this link

Barlow Tyrie have been judged the Best Small Stand at SOLEX on the first day of the show.

“The stand looks amazing,” said the judges. “We were particularly impressed with the flooring, lighting, contrast and the overall look of the stand.

Barlow Tyrie received the award from Mark Osborne, chairman of LOFA.

Second was Firepits UK and third Extreme Lounging.

LOFA's marketing manager Gina Hinde, who has been organising her first SOLEX exhibition, has said she has been extremely pleased with the response from exhibitors and visitors to the show.

"Everyone has been wonderful," said Gina on day two of the exhibition. "I've had some wonderful feedback and I'm pleased with the way things have gone so smoothly. Overall it has been a marvellous show."

Alton Garden Centre and Baytree of Hilgay won golds in GTN’s Greatest BBQ Awards presented at SOLEX on Tuesday evening.

GTN's MD Trevor Pfeiffer said: “Our small centre winner is a store that has been added to the business of an established player, as so many have in the past 12 months.  Baytree at Hilgay never sold BBQs before but this year, with live BBQ cooking demonstrations every weekend, they’ve really become serious BBQ players.

“Our big BBQ team winner is no stranger to The Greatest Awards, the double award-winning team at Altons are winners again.”

You'll be able to read more about the winners and see pictures taken by the judges during their visits in future issues of Garden Trade News and the e-mail newsletter GTN Xtra.

See our gallery of photos from Altons BBQ World below and use this link to see photos of Baytree at Hilgay

The Gardenex export federation has organised a 23-strong group of exhibitors at spoga+gafa 2019, continuing its 40-year plus association with the world’s largest international garden trade fair.

At this year’s event, to be held in Cologne from 1 to 3 September, buyers from around the world will be able to find a wide range of British garden and leisure items.

Among the more traditional garden items are the latest ideas in growing accessories, cutting tools, garden machinery fittings, watering equipment, decorative fencing, garden storage, lawn edging, garden furniture, wood protectors, garden decor, garden giftware and many more.

Utilising the latest technology, other exhibits include a Bluetooth-controlled barbecue device, an exciting new technical innovation in solar lighting and an innovative multi-speaker ultrasonic all-pest repellent.  The younger gardener has not been neglected with items on display such as garden puzzles and new ranges of children’s gardening gloves.  New pet products will be on show too.

In order to help international buyers source garden, leisure and pet products from the UK, the multi-lingual team from Gardenex will be manning a British gardening and leisure product information stand (Hall 9.1, Stand D34).  Buyers visiting the stand can obtain a copy of the latest edition of the federation's guide to British gardening products and services and find a wealth of information about the British gardening market and register their product sourcing enquiries with the Gardenex team.

The British exhibitors are as follows:

ALM Manufacturing (Hall 6.1, Stand D50) is launching a number of new products at spoga+gafa 2019 that will extend the company’s extensive range of accessories for grass trimmers, lawnmowers, chainsaws and greenhouses.  Many of the new items will be presented in new improved packaging.

BCB International Ltd (Hall 7.1, Stand B22) is exhibiting Fire Dragon, a lightweight, environmentally friendly and waterproof, solid cooking and firelighting fuel.  The product is used by the military and outdoor enthusiasts to light fires, cook food, and boil water even in the most extreme weather conditions.  The solid fuel blocks are quick and easy to ignite even when wet, and are also odourless and non-toxic with a clean burn.

Catwatch by Concept Research Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand D32) has been manufacturing quality ultrasonic animal deterrents in the UK for over 25 years.  The company’s products deter marders, cats, foxes, mice and other pests from gardens and homes.  Included in Concept Research’s exhibits will be CATWatch, the only cat deterrent tested and approved by the UK’s Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (the RSPB).

Charles Bentley (Hall 9.1, Stand D33) is a global manufacturer and leading supplier of garden and homeware products.  The company’s wide product range of wooden brush ware, garden furniture, tools and other accessories will be on the stand.  All are competitively priced to suit market requirements.

Darlac Cutting Tools (Hall 9.1, Stand E35) is launching four quality cutting tools endorsed by Sarah Raven, the UK gardening personality.  The drop forged pruners, snips and ergonomically designed smaller snips and pruners are supplied in attractive design-led packaging and feature stylish teal-coloured handles to suit the Sarah Raven brand image.

DeliVita (Hall 7.1, Stand E28/F29) is exhibiting its award-winning oven that is one of the lightest, traditional clay, wood fired ovens on the market.  Hand-made in Britain, it is a versatile, stylish product that weighs only 30kgs, making it portable and simple to operate.  The oven takes only 25 minutes to reach a temperature of 450 degrees centigrade.  It provides a fast, fun and healthier way of cooking than the traditional BBQ, with less harmful carbonisation, and produces delicious food infused with wood-fired aromas. The DeliVita oven is ideal for cooking pizzas, as well as roasting, baking and steaming a wide range of dishes.

Frogsuit Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand E37) is showing its newly launched range of wood protector products for both indoor and outdoor use.  The products have been developed over several years and won ‘DIY Week’ magazine’s Garden Care Product of the Year in 2018.

G Plants Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand E33) is exhibiting its recently launched range of spring flowering bulb gifts, as well as all-year-round gifts.  The gifts are available in English or multilingual packaging.  BEES Growing Gifts include XL frost resistant planters with flower bulbs and compost, as well as chilli and herb kits, which can be grown all year round.

Gardenex (Hall 9.1, Stand D34) is The Federation of Garden & Leisure Manufacturers Ltd, the UK export trade association that brings together UK suppliers and international buyers.  Gardenex provides a free supplier and product sourcing service for international buyers, and its sister association, PetQuip, offers similar services in the petcare product sector.  Information about Glee, the UK’s leading garden and outdoor living trade show, is also available on the Gardenex stand.  The exhibition will take place at the NEC, Birmingham, England between 10 and 12 September 2019.

Greco Design Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand D34a) is showing its plastic mat that is designed as an alternative to the feet of outside pots when situated on paving or decking.  The mat can be trimmed to size to remain inconspicuous while still allowing the pot to drain and air to circulate underneath.  It acts as an insulator to prevent ground frost rising and prevents watermark rings staining surfaces.  Designed and manufactured in Scotland.

Grow Sow Simple (Hall 9.1, Stand D31) is launching a new range of 3D puzzle garden kits for children.  New to the European market, the product comprises a self-assembly three dimensional puzzle together with seeds and a growing pot, designed to encourage children to grow their own living mini garden.

Haws Watering Cans (Hall 9.1, Stand D30) is renowned in the UK and overseas markets for its British-made top quality metal and plastic indoor and outdoor watering cans.  This year’s exhibits at spoga+gafa include some of the company’s new ranges.

home2garden.co.uk (Hall 9.1, Stand E29) is a leading garden decor company, and is exhibiting its handcrafted art solar glass jellyfish wind chime that will add a beautiful touch to any garden or indoor space.  The hand blown glass bowl is light blue in colour with a hint of dazzling green at the top and it produces a stunning effect when it catches the light during the day or when it lights up at night.  Artfully shaped and coloured, the jellyfish’s tentacles emit a beautiful sound when caught by the wind.   Made from recycled glass, the handmade wind chime is frost proof. 

Irrigatia (Hall 6.1, Stand D41a) manufactures a range of weather responsive, solar automatic watering systems.  On display will be the new Tank Series range consisting of three models – the SOL-C60, SOL-C120 and SOL-C180.

Panacea (Hall 9.1, Stand C32) is a brand leading manufacturer of decorative metal garden products, and is exhibiting at spoga+gafa for the first time.  The product ranges include decorative fencing and edging, high quality arches and arbours, and decorative and classic style steel trellis.

Pet Rebellion (Hall 9.1, Stand C30) is exhibiting its Comfy Rug that has been designed to make pets feel at home.  Made with an extra long luxury pile and then finished with a super softener and a non-slip backing, the rug provides a warm snuggle feel.  The size of the machine washable rug is 67cm by 100cm.  The rug can also be thrown over a bed, sofa or arm chair or is useful when on holiday. 

ProQ Barbecues & Smokers (Hall 7.1, Stand E53) is showing its premium barbecue smokers and accessories, including a new ProQ Smartfire Wifi and Bluetooth BBQ Controller.  The clever device controls airflow into a charcoal BBQ or Smoker, enabling the user to adjust or regulate cooking temperatures via an intuitive mobile and desktop app, thereby providing Pitmaster quality BBQ at fingertip touch.  Also new are ProQ Cold Smoking and Curing Kits that provide all that is needed to cure and smoke delicious food at home.  Completing the display will be ProQ Premium Grade Cocoshell Briquettes, a newly packaged high performance coconut charcoal.

Smart Garden Products Limited (Hall 9.1, Stand D16) will be showcasing an exciting new technical innovation in solar lighting as well as over 50 new lighting designs.  The Briers range of gloves and footwear will be re-launched with a refreshed brand image, along with the popular Kids range.  The core gardening category will also be extended with over 100 new essential items. Overall, the company’s new products for 2020 will number more than 500.

Smartedge (Hall 9.1, Stand D36a) is well known for its structural lawn edging system that is manufactured in the UK from high strength polypropylene.  The company is introducing a number of new edging brands to the UK and European markets at spoga+gafa show, as well as a new range of hanging basket drip trays.

STV International Ltd (Hall 6.1, Stand B27) is a specialist home and garden pest control product supplier, and will be launching a Mega-Sonic Multi-Speaker 360° Ultrasonic All-Pest Repeller to complement the existing The Big Cheese Ultra Power range  The ultrasonic repellent can be used inside or outside to target a variety of pests.  Also on show will be an XL Outdoor Fly Trap  ‘Zero In Ultra Power’, which is a highly effective fly trap with renewable attractant bait.

Trimetals Ltd (Hall 6.1, Stand A43) provides a range of premium garden storage solutions and bicycle stores that will be available shortly in a new eco-friendly colour coated steel.  This modern material uses Swedish rapeseed oil instead of traditional fossil oil in production, but retains its superb protection against UV rays and corrosion.  These innovative products will be on display both on the company’s stand and in the new products area.

VegTrug Europe GmbH (Hall 9.1, Stand D21) is the designer and manufacturer of the original, iconic raised bed planter.  In addition to the original VegTrug, the company will be exhibiting the VegTrug nursery greenhouse package, Bee Bar insert for use with the VegTrug, deluxe potting bench, tomato greenhouse, VegTrellis and the Windsor obelisk collection.  New to the range will be a KD builder barrel in a variety of eye-catching colours.

The Amazing Waspinator (Hall 9.1, Stand D36) is well known for its award-winning best selling wasp repellent.  A new and compact 14/21 piece counter display unit, supplied complete with a free display sample unit and hanger, will be on show.  All of the company’s display units have been re-branded to show the Waspinator in use in gardens, at barbecues, on balconies, on terraces, at the pool and at the beach.  Waspinator is now offering low minimum order quantities for own language packaging.

Whitefurze Ltd (Hall 9.1, Stand E31) has been manufacturing high-quality products for the garden and home for over 40 years.  The company’s extensive garden range includes planters and pots, propagation and composting lines, water butts and watering cans, as well as garden accessories and seasonal lines.  Whitefurze manufactures all of its products in the UK and has an impressive warehousing capacity, ensuring excellent stockholding and levels of order fulfilment.

For further information on the British exhibitors or Gardenex, the trade association that works on behalf of British companies to help them increase sales worldwide,

telephone:  +44 (0) 44 1959 565995   or   fax:  +44 (0) 1959 565885

Email:  info@gardenex.com  or visit the Gardenex website on  www.gardenex.com

Two employees from Squire’s at Badshot Lea have been given Outstanding Achievement awards from Surrey Choices.

Paul Mason, Squire’s Café Bar manager, and Kathryn Aitken, catering assistant, were given their awards at a ceremony at Denbies Vineyard.

Surrey Choices works with people who are either disabled, autistic or have sensory or mental health needs. Their EmployAbility scheme helps young people with disabilities find volunteering opportunities, work experience and paid employment.

Paul Mason (pictured) was recognised for his part in offering work at Squire’s in Badshot Lea for people with disabilities. Paul said: “When the volunteers start at Squire’s the change is quite dramatic. On their first day they have nerves, it’s the unknown, they don’t really know what they are coming into. Then once they start to work with our team and get to know their job role their confidence starts coming through, and you really see them starting to shine. I’ve worked very closely with Surrey Choices for over four years now.

“It started with Hope, and then we had Kathryn, Alex and Charlie work with us. Kathryn Aitken is now employed by Squire’s. She first came to us on a part-time six-week basis. Her confidence grew, and it got to a stage when I was getting such positive feedback from my customers that I saw a great opportunity here, and it didn’t take long to be able to offer her a permanent job. To any businesses that are considering doing this then I would definitely say yes to it, the rewards are absolutely superb, and we will certainly keep the relationship with Surrey Choices going.”

Paul Mason (Café Bar Manager at Squire’s Badshot Lea) with his “Outstanding Achievement” award from Surrey Choices

The Retail Sales Manager at one of the UK’s leading nurseries has picked his top five plants for garden centres for 2020. Colin Stanley from Wyevale Nurseries selected the plants from the company’s 90^th Anniversary Celebratory Promotional catalogue.

Colin explained: “I have selected five plants, which I think really show how we are at the forefront of new and innovative varieties and that display the diversity of our extensive range.

“They are Dryopteris ‘Jurassic Gold’, the Potentilla Double Punch Collection, Hydrangea ‘Runaway Bride Snow White’, Agapanthus ‘Fireworks’ and Raspberry ‘Yummy’.

“Some of these are award-winning plants as Dryopteris ‘Jurassic Gold’ won the Best New Plant in the Hardy Nursery Stock Category at Four Oaks in 2018, Hydrangea ‘Runaway Bride Snow White’ was awarded RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year for 2018 – you could say it’s been a runaway success! And finally, Agapanthus ‘Fireworks’ won third place as Chelsea Plant of the Year for 2019.

“We feel these plants will be very popular with retail customers as they all have a certain characteristic that will be very appealing to gardeners, whether it’s their colour, floral display, size or crop of fruit, we feel they are the best of the best for 2020.”

Dryopteris ‘Jurassic Gold’ is a brand-new addition, which erupts into golden new foliage in the spring. It is shade and moisture tolerant and will grow well in a patio pot or planted in groups for a striking gold contrast. This hardy fern will be available in a 3-litre pot in June 2020.

Potentilla Double Punch Collection is a brand-new collection of breakthrough double flowering Potentilla in a strong colour range. Forming a neat and compact mound, these make ideal container shrubs or suitable for beds and borders.

The collection includes Potentilla ‘Double Punch Cream’, Potentilla ‘Double Punch Pastel’, Potentilla ‘Double Punch Gold’ and Potentilla ‘Double Punch Peach’.

Colin added: “Hydrangea ‘Runaway Bride Snow White’ is one of the most floriferous and vigorous hydrangeas making it very appealing. It has masses of white lace cap flowers with a hint of pale pink and has six times more flowers than the average hydrangea.

“The confetti like flowers form in garlands along the full length of the stem at every leaf joint. It flowers from late spring/early summer well into autumn. Available in a 6 litre pot from June 2020.

“Agapanthus ‘Fireworks’ has stunning, eye catching, glorious bi-colour blue and white blooms that explode into life. The flower heads are supersize and densely packed with trumpet shape flowers. It grows to a medium height to around 50-60cm. It’s a significant improvement on Agapanthus ‘Twister’. It will be available in a 2 litre pot from May 2020.

“Last but not least is Raspberry ‘Yummy’. A dwarf and compact raspberry that will give a crop of fruit in its first year. It’s an ideal patio plant that comes ready to place in the garden. It fruits throughout the summer and is supplied in a red patio pot. Available in a 5 litre pot from April 2020.”

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, visit www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk, follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/WyevaleNurs or log on to www.facebook.com/WyevaleNurs

Haskins in Ferndown donated a Cascading Hearts tree (cercis canadensis) to Poole Hospital to celebrate 50 years since Her Majesty The Queen officially opened the new hospital.

The tree planting ceremony took place on Thursday July 11 at 12 noon. The Chief Executive of Poole Hospital, Debbie Fleming, joined Haskins staff for the ceremony. The tree was planted in the courtyard outside the Dolphin Restaurant, the hospital’s main dining room, following speeches from Debbie and the Chairman, David Moss.

Three members of staff from Haskins in Ferndown, Marc Etheridge, Assistant General Manager, and Ivan Gill and Tom Harbor, both Goods In staff, all attended the tree planting ceremony at Poole Hospital. Marc, Ivan and Tom were responsible for delivering the tree as well as assisting with planting it. A plaque in the courtyard now marks the event and the new Cascading Hearts tree.

Marc commented: “It was brilliant to be involved in the tree planting ceremony at Poole Hospital and a real privilege to be involved in commemorating such an important milestone.”

Her Majesty The Queen officially opened the new Poole Hospital 50 years ago and to mark this milestone, Poole Hospital celebrated in various ways throughout the day.

Debbie Fleming, Chief Executive of Poole Hospital, commented: “It’s a real honour to be able to mark the occasion and to thank all our staff, volunteers and supporters for all their commitment, and for the great care they provide, everyday, for our patients.

“It’s also a time to reflect on the contribution that the hospital has made over the past fifty years in providing excellent care for local people, and look forwards with optimism to the next 50 years and beyond.”

Haskins Garden Centre is located in Ferndown, Dorset. Visit www.haskins.co.uk for more information.

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After all that rain and now some warmer weather, plants are growing fast, and that means they need feeding! That’s why five of the Top 15 GTN Bestselling garden products were plant feeds that increased their sales week on week.

Highlights were:

• Evergreen Garden Care Miracle-Gro Rose & Shrub Continuous Release Plant Food 1kg increased sales by 57% and moved up to No 7.
• SBM’s Phostrogen Soluble Plant Food 80 Watering Can Size leaped 16 places up the chart to No 11.
• Vitax Hydrangea Feed 1kg is the highest re-entry of the week, back in at No 14.

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

A warm start to July has certainly prompted a summer spike in Growing Media sales. GTN Top 50 volumes were up 6% week on week and up 28% on the same week last year at the highest level for the week over the past six years.

Highlights of the week were:

• Kelkay RHS Horticultural Alpine Grit Large Pack was the highest chart climber of the week, up 21 places to No 18.
• Westland Cambark Premium Pine Nuggets, 50 litres, re-entered at No 29.
• Evergreen Garden Care Levington Ericaeous Compost, 56 litres, increased sales by 129% to re-entre at No 41.

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

Wild Bird Care maintained its steady year on year increase with a good sales performance at the start at July. 

Wildlife related sales in particular saw big increases.  Is there potential for more of these with the school holidays coming?

Highlights of the week were:

• The Ernest Charles Bug & Bee House from Gardman Crest was the highest new entry for the week at No 10.
• Johnston & Jeff Mealworms 500g is another new entry at No 13.
• Westland Natures Feast Hedgehog Food was the highest re-entry at No 20.

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

Herbs have taken over at the top of the GTN Bestsellers Veg-2-Gro chart as Tomato, Pepper and Chilli plant sales start to dwindle.

Highlights of the week were:

• Farplants Garden Mint. 1 litre is the number one bestseller of the week.
• Farplants Coriander, 2 litres climb 37 places to No 4.
• Quantil Oregano Variegated 8.5cm is the highest new entry for the week at No 14.

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

Summer flowering plants made the headlines in the first week of July. There were sizeable increases for Astilbe, Tagetes, Erigeron, Helianthus and Gazania.

• Astilbe climbed 21 places up the GTN Chart to No 10.
• Tagetes were one place behind at No 11.
• Erigeron moved up 15 places to No 21.
• Helianthus grew 18 places up to No 25.
• Gazanias were a re-entry at No 38.

All Plants volume sales change: Week on week DOWN 7.2%.  Year to date vs 2018 DOWN 6.1%, vs  2017 UP 2.2%.

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

Garden centre EPoS specialist Swan Retail has announced the acquisition of retail systems provider Touchretail, growing its customer base beyond 500 companies.

Employing a team of 16, Touchretail adds an established and innovative cloud-based retail management and EPoS solution that includes a suite of add-on functionality including warehouse management, loyalty and third-party system integration with mainstream accounts packages and web providers.

The business will continue to operate from its Staffordshire headquarters, giving Swan a fifth UK office and 93 employees, in addition to the first US office set up earlier in 2019. Touchretail will also integrate to Swan’s new Cygnus EPoS platform, which is due for launch in September and will provide retailers with a truly agnostic PoS solution.

Swan says it now has a solution for every size of retailer across almost every sector, whilst increasing group annual turnover to £6 million.

“We’re extremely excited about this acquisition,” said David Thompson, Swan Retail Group MD. “Every acquisition or business decision is a strategic one and the strategy behind this deal was to add a like-minded and forward-thinking organisation that had a significant foothold within cloud-based retail solutions. Touchretail has a broad range of users within fashion and leisure and our overall group offer will only become stronger with Touchretail on board.”

“We’ve grown this business from the ground up and have an enormous amount of pride in what we have achieved,” said Stuart Francis, Touchretail’s MD. “We have always known about and respected Swan Retail as a leading player within the retail systems market, so the acquisition was not a difficult one to consider and commit to. We’re excited about the next stage of our journey and what we can achieve together as part of a larger entity.”

The acquisition of Touchretail follows the 2018 acquisition of Creative Marketing Ltd, a full-service creative agency that provides digital and eCommerce solutions for the Swan Group, as well as traditional offline marketing services such as brand and marketing strategy, print advertising design, brochure creation, point-of-sale, packaging design, and art direction. The acquisitions are part of a longer-term strategic plan to position Swan Retail as the UK’s leading omni-channel solution for retailers who will be able to manage their entire business both online and offline utilising Swan’s solutions and services.

To find out more and meet the team, visit the website.

Continuing the HTA agenda and prioritisation of plant health by the HTA, Alistair Yeomans will be taking on a new role to drive this forward focussing on the development of the plant health agenda, notably advancing the Plant Health and Biosecurity Alliance and securing external funding to support its continued development.

The HTA is recruiting a new Horticulture Manager to take responsibility for HTA grower member activities including the management of the BOPP Scheme, development of the Responsible Sourcing Scheme for Growing Media and grower liaison.

With plant health being such a fundamental priority for the horticulture industry the HTA continues to work closely with other organisations including Defra, APHA and Grown in Britain. This year has seen a Plant Health conference, the publication of the Plant Health Management Standard and the launch of the Plant Healthy toolkit – a biosecurity self-assessment tool for all businesses. This is a first step towards the development of the independently audited Plant Health Assurance Scheme.

Alistair Yeomans, comments, “Following a productive year at the HTA, my new role will focus on plant health and biosecurity. I would like to thank all colleagues at the HTA and partner organisations for their help and support to date. This exciting new role will see our efforts redoubled in tackling threatening plant pests by progressing with the Plant Health Assurance Scheme and the overarching Plant Healthy initiative.”

HTA Chairman James Barnes comments, “Plant health is such an important area for our whole industry and it is vital that this agenda is progressed at pace. Alistair has been instrumental in driving this work forward and this move to a dedicated role will help achieve this. We will continue to work closely with Alistair on plant health.”

Wyevale Garden Centres (WGC) have announced that Heathlands Garden Centre at Wokingham has been sold to Squires Garden Centres

The sale is expected to complete by early August, with WGC continuing to operate the centre until this date.

Anthony Jones, Chief Operating Officer at WGC, said: "We are delighted to have sold Heathlands Centre to a highly respected operator, and that it will continue to be run as a garden centre. I would like to take the opportunity to thank our colleagues at Heathlands who have been so instrumental in making it the brilliant operation it is today and wish them all the best under new ownership.”

Sarah Squire, Squires Chairman, said “We are delighted to welcome Heathlands to Squire’s Garden Centres. As a family business, firmly rooted in south-west London and nearby home counties, Heathlands is an excellent addition to our group. The centre brings us to 16 sites in all. We look forward to working with the team at the centre and really getting to know and understand the local community.”

As a result of this acqusition Squires move to seventh, equal with Hilliers, in the ranking of garden centre groups by number of centres.

In response to the growing global demand for health and wellness products, Sundial Growers Inc. ("Sundial") has announced a new venture to give consumers more choices to meet their needs. Sundial has acquired UK-based Bridge Farm Group ("Bridge Farm") with plans to produce and sell high-quality CBD products globally.

Bridge Farm is a market-leading producer of ornamental plants, flowers and herbs in the United Kingdom. It currently operates three growing facilities with 1.5 million square feet and plans to expand to 3.5 million square feet by the end of 2021.

Using a phased approach, and subject to necessary regulatory approvals, Sundial intends to use parts of these facilities to cultivate hemp and cannabis. The Bridge Farm acquisition will establish Sundial's presence in Europe and represents an important milestone for its international expansion.

“This is a significant acquisition for Sundial, taking us one step closer to our goal of being one of the leading cannabis companies in the world,” said Torsten Kuenzlen, Chief Executive Officer of Sundial. “We recognize that expedient global expansion requires a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Bridge Farm’s experienced management team, strong market position and operational excellence made it an ideal acquisition.”

Sundial will now have two operational geographic regions: a business focused on premium inhalable products in Canada and a low-cost producer-at-scale in the United Kingdom. This positions Sundial more holistically as a company that proudly crafts pioneering cannabis brands to Heal Help and PlayTM.

“I am excited and confident that Sundial will continue to improve the operational excellence and the quality of the products grown in the Bridge Farm facilities,” said David Ball, Sundial’s President, Europe. “There is a local, European and global demand for CBD and other cannabis products, which we are well positioned to supply. Sundial is poised to become a leader in the Help sector.”

In conjunction with the Bridge Farm acquisition and evolved corporate structure with two geographic regions, Sundial is promoting Andrew Stordeur to President of its Canadian operations. Andrew joined Sundial in 2018 as Chief Commercial Officer, after previously working for Molson Coors as Chief Commercial Officer for Canada.

For more information about Sundial, visit www.sundialcannabis.com and follow us on Twitter @Sundialcannabis and Instagram @SundialCannabis.

Primeur won the Sword of Excellence at the GIMA Awards on Thursday night with their Tierra Verde Recycled Rubber Planters. Other winners on a spectacular night of celebration at Celtic Manor in Wales included: Smart Garden Products, Hozelock, Gardena,  EP Barrus, Chesneys, Farplants, Forest Garden, Treadstone, RSW International, Vitax and Westland…

GIMA Sword of Excellence
Winner: Primeur Ltd (Tierra Verde Recycled Rubber Planters)

GCA Supplier of The Year
Winner: Smart Garden ProductsFinalists: Meadow View Stone, Woodlodge Products

Gardenex Export Achievement
Winner: Smart Garden Products
Finalists: Tildenet Gardenware, Trimetals

Garden Care
Winner: Hozelock (Hozelock Pure BioMix)

Finalists: Vitax (Vitax Acer Feed), Block Blitz Ltd (Block Blitz Shield)

Growing, Planting Equipment and Sundries
Winner: GARDENA (GARDENA Metal Hose Trolley)
Finalists: GARDENA (GARDENA Textile Hose Range – Liano), The Juliana Group (Juliana City Greenhouse), Itip Handles Ltd (Itip Handles)

Decorative Pots & Planters
Winner: Primeur Ltd (Tierra Verde Recycled Rubber Planters)
Finalists: Apta (RHS Interiors Pot Covers), Woodlodge Products (RHS Interiors Pot Covers)

Garden Tools, Machinery and Implements
Winner: EP Barrus (Wilkinson Sword Ultralight Digging Spade)
Finalists: Darlac (Heavy Duty Geared Lopper), Burgon & Ball (Corona Convertible Branch and Stem Pruner), GARDENA (Corona Convertible Branch and Stem Pruner)

Outdoor Leisure
Winner: Chesneys Ltd (Chesneys Heat & Grill)
Finalists: La Hacienda (Santana Black Metal Firebasket and Icarus Oxidised Firepit), Zest 4 Leisure (Noah’s Arbour)

Plants, Seeds and Bulbs
Winner: Farplants (Spiraea Walberton’s Plumtastic)
Finalists: Suttons (Suttons Pollinators...and Predators Retail Seed stand), Mr Fothergill’s (Children in Need Range)

Garden Landscaping
Winner: Forest Garden (Victorian Walkaround Greenhouse)
Finalists: BJA Trading Ltd (Fence Mate DuraPost Fence System), The Juliana Group (The Halls Qube Greenhouse)

Gardening Clothing and Gifts
Winner: Treadstone Products (ClipGlove)
Finalists: E P Barrus (Mastergrip Gloves), Fallen Fruits Ltd (Terrarium Set)

Pet Care, Aquatics and Wild Bird Care
Winners: RSW International Ltd (Smart Choice Dog Ball Launcher (The Stomper)
Finalists: Marriages Specialist Foods (Heavy Duty Feeders), Smart Garden Products (Peacock Glass Birdbath)

Garden Lighting, Water Features and Ornamentation
Winner: Smart Garden Products (Bug Lights)
Finalists: Smart Garden Products (Firefly Balloon and Oak Leaf)

Best Point of Sale Material
Winner: Treadstone Products (ClipGlove Merchandising Stand)
Finalists: Smart Garden Products (Solar Cool Flame Hard Wired Stand), Woodlodge Products (Consumer Engagement Boards)

Best Consumer Packaging
Winner: Vitax (Plant Guard)
Finalists: Burgon & Ball (RHS Gifts for Gardeners ‘British Bloom’ boxed tool gift sets), Durston Garden Products (Multi-purpose Compost with John Innes)

Best Marketing Communication Campaign
Winner: Westland  (New Horizon Launch Campaign)
Finalists: Westland (Peckish - Love Every Bird Campaign), elho (‘The Beauty of Waste’ TV campaign)

Hillier is to stop distributing plants outside its own garden centre group unless they are grown on a contract basis.

The group said the move followed completion last week of its acquisition from Wyevale Garden Centres of centres currently undergoing refits at  Cheddar, Dorking, Lechlade and Marlow.

It added that the acquisitions had opened up opportunities for Hillier Wholesale (shrub and herbaceous sales to retail outlets). A £1million investment will enhance the facilities at the Hampshire nursery and from December, plants grown there will only be distributed to and available to buy from Hillier centres or through contract growing.

Chris Francis, director of retail and wholesale at Hillier, said: “Hillier have a reputation for great quality plants. It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to focus the nursery on growing plants for our own centres and their customers. Acquiring these four new centres and expanding our portfolio to 16 in total, means that our nursery is able grow an even greater volume of product for our own centres in the future. Along with the new investment, this enables us to continue to innovate, building on the top quality horticulture that Hillier is known for.”

The company has confirmed that with no external sales, there will be no need for a sales team so redundancies will be made, although efforts would be made to retain staff in other positions.

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

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

Read the full interview with Damian Powell in the August Issue of GTN.

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

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

As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2017 as well as 2018 to allow your teams to see variations over a three year period.

Access is by subscription only.  For £145.00 per year you and your team can have access to the most up-to-date gardening sales analysis that has already helped many UK garden centres increase their sales.  To subscribe call 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GTN Bestsellers is the only industry source of weekly garden centre sales information, collating Epos data from centres with an aggregate turnover in excess of £120m.

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

For further information contact karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.

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