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Christmas displays are opening up and down the country and Christmas Grotto booking are already sold out - and October is still a week away!
 In Scotland, Gouldings Garden Centre opened their Christmas Shop yesterday. In the East of England Baytree Garden Centre started selling artifical trees already as their Christmas Displays were completed.
In the South, Notcutts Garden Pride is open for Christmas as it is the model store for the groups Christmas Themes for 2016. And in the South West, The Gardens Group have announced their grand Christmas Opening Evenings: Poundbury Gardens, Dorchester - Tuesday 4 October, Brimsmore Gardens, Yeovil - Tuesday 11 October, Castle Gardens, Sherborne - Wednesday 19 October.
Award winning Grottos at Brookside Garden Centre and Ruxley Manor already have "Sold Out" notices on their on-line booking sites. Simon Shead of Brookside Garden Centre told GTN Xtra; "our booking site crashed three times when tickets went on sale at the end of August and within hours the days close to Christmas Eve had sold out. We now looking at adding extra days to cope with demand."
As this issue of GTN Xtra goes to press, every single session at Brookside is sold out and at Ruxley Manor most days in December are sold out too.
Nominations are now open for GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards 2016. if you think your team are The Greatest, send an e-mail telling us why to: trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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Tete a Tete tops Bestsellers Top 20 chart
Tete a Tete bulbs, multipurpose compost with John Innes and decorative Poppy Wild Bird Feeders dominate at the top of the first GTN Bestsellers All Garden Products Top 20 chart...
See GTN's New Top 20 Chart and pictures of Burfords bulb displays
Tete a Tete bulbs, multipurpose compost with John Innes and decorative Poppy Wild Bird Feeders dominate at the top of the first GTN Bestsellers All Garden Products Top 20 chart.
We’re often asked how the sales volumes of our regular Top 50 charts compare and also how sales compare with the likes of Wild Bird Care, Landscaping and Bulb sales volumes.
So here is a chart that combines all items we track with barcodes that are sold for use in the garden or for growing plants, other than plants themselves which are now charted in our Plant Genus chart.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
Adam Taylor of Taylors Bulbs spent yesterday working in the bulb sales area at Burford Garden Centreand told GTN Xtra; "they have a big display of bulbs for the peak-season weeks of September in a peak traffic-flow location in the centre. They maintain the display in the prime retail space near the restaurant entrance/exit all the way through the bulb planting season, deep into November. By investing in the bulb category with such a high profile position, they experience big peaks pre and post lunch and afternoon tea and the greatest challenge is keeping enough bagged stock on the shop floor!"
"As well as a big range of loose tulips in particular, their primary offer is of loose bulbs purchased from Taylors Bulbs that are pre-bagged for the customer by garden centre staff as required, thus requiring investment in staff on the shop floor all day throughout the weekends. They also list complementary pre-packs for those looking for bestsellers in any form, collections and some of the more unusual bulbs."
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Kate Ebbens, MD of Cadix UK was one of the intrepid team who Sky Dived yesterday to raise funds for Greenfingers. After the succesful free fall Greenfingers tweeted: "And they've done it! Huge congrats and thank you to all our divers this morning, we hope you had a great time! "
Just before the event Kate said: "This coming Saturday I am throwing myself out of a plane for Charity!! If you could sponsor me even a small amount I would be very grateful. X "You can help Cadix UK Ltd raise money for this great cause by donating directly to their fundraising page - https://www.justgiving.com/KateEbbens-Skydive?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_content=KateEbbens-Skydive&utm_campaign=pfp-email. "JustGiving sends your donation straight to Greenfingers Charity and automatically reclaims Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer, so your donation is worth even more. "Thank you for your support!"
Thank you, Kate, for throwing yourself out of a plane for Greenfingers. Well done!
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PY Gerbeau, Ibrahim Ibrahim and Leonard Diepenbrock are just three of the speakers announced for the HTA Garden Futures conference and dinner which takes place on Wednesday 12 October at Heythrop Park, Oxfordshire.
With the theme of ‘Business Agility is a Disruptive World’ this one-day strategic business conference will look at the key business disrupters facing the garden industry from the economy, the state of the economy, the impact of Brexit on consumer behaviour, external trends and retail design to smart homes and technology, future proofing, staying agile and responding to environmental challenges.
Sponsored by Hozelock and Scotts Miracle-Gro, HTA Garden Futures will bring together key players from across the supply chain to hear from business leaders and experts with impactful and thought-provoking business focussed content to inspire and energise.
Keynote speaker, French businessman and former Captain of the French Ice Hockey team, PY Gerbeau, is credited with turning around both Euro Disney and the Millennium Dome. Now, as CEO of X-Leisure, PY will talk about the challenges and opportunities presented by the various roles he has held.
Other topics/speakers include:
The future of retail - Ibrahim Ibrahim, Managing Director, Portland Design Associates
Smart Homes and technology - Leonard Diepenbrock, TOX-Dubel-Technik GmbH
Future proofing and staying agile - Paul Pleydell, Pleydell Smithyman
The economy and the impact of Brexit on consumer behaviour – Future Foundation
There will also be a panel session involving representatives from across the industry looking at how best to deal with and plan for the challenges faced by the garden retail sector.
Throughout the event there will be plenty of time for networking with your peers from across the industry. The Garden Futures dinner will include the presentation of the HTA Pearson Medal and the GTN Greatest Awards.
Make sure you don’t miss out! Book your place now at www.hta.org.uk/gardenfutures
For further information about sponsorship opportunities for the event, please contact HTA Commercial Manager Tim Bell. Tel: 07808 775177. Email: tim.bell@hta.org.uk
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 The team from Lows of Dundee were overjoyed when the innovative SkALE Greenwall was voted Best Overall Product at Glee.
Lows are the sole UK distributor of the SkALE Greenwall, a product designed by Australian Edward Warburton who was at Glee on the first day of the show.
David Wrigley, International Product Sourcing Director of Lows, said: “It is fantastic to have won the New Product Award. Edward and I presented the case for the SkALE Greenwall to the panel of judges and we are delighted to have won the overall Best Product award. Unfortunately, Edward couldn’t be at the awards presentation but we made sure he knew of the win.”
SkALE is a new innovative vertical garden system. Its unique fish scale pattern of planting pods is just the start of the innovation in both form and function.
The product enables you to install your own greenwall. Now you can create amazing greenwalls, from traditional external settings to the highest grade designed interiors.
Pictured: Dave Wrigley and wife Rosie, a director of Lows, alongside the winning product.
The SkALE Greenwall was on stand 19H51 at Glee 2016.
Lows of Dundee, An Introduction to the company with The Best New Product At Glee 2016 The Low family connection in the textile trade started in 1913 when brothers William and Peter Low co-founded Low Brothers. Starting from a humble beginning in a small commercial street office and then moving to Ellon Street Works as jute, sack and bag manufacturers. In 1919 the company moved to Wallace Works, Hilltown, Dundee and expanded their production of sacks and bags. Unfortunately there was a crushing blow in 1921 when Wallace Works went up in flames and only the offices remained of the whole building. The cost of the fire reached £100,000 — a considerable amount of money in those days. After the fire the company continued to trade specialising in jute and union interlining for the clothing trade and after the War branched out into merchanting jute goods for needle felt and carpet backing. In 1959 Low Brothers & Co Ltd became a member of Don Bros Buist Group and expanded rapidly into polypropylene production mainly for the carpet industry through their subsidiary Don & Low PLC. The Don Bros Buist Group sold the company in 1986 to Shell UK Ltd. At this time Mr Murray Low, son of the co-founder William Low, decided to leave the company and with his wife Rosalind formed their merchanting company specialising in marketing PVC coated fabrics, industrial textiles and products for the Horticultural and Agricultural markets. This company is now one of the UK's leading distribution companies in the Coated Fabrics market and Horticultural fields with a sales turnover in the region of £12 million. The family tradition continues with 3 daughters — Suzanne, Victoria and Rosemary working with their parents in the Company. Lows Today The Low family connection in the textile trade started in 1913 and today Lows of Dundee Ltd is still a family owned and managed business operating from its office headquarters in Dundee, Scotland. The business operates two separate Divisions, Commercial Horticulture and Coated Fabrics with warehousing facilities in Errol, Scotland and Blackburn, Lancashire. Substantial stocks in excess of 1.5 million pounds are held ensuring our customers receive quality products backed up with prompt deliveries enabling the Company to gain accreditation to ISO9001. Horticultural Division The Horticultural Division is a leading national distributor of commercial horticulture products. We stock a vast range of carefully chosen products. Currently, we are buying directly from factories from about 15 countries around the world, offering some of the best products and prices in the industry. Winners of Best New Product at Glee - skALE Greenwall
 For more information please visit www.lows.co.uk or call 01382 229521
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CPL Distribution launch Next Generation Biomass Fuels range
CPL’s Homefire Olive Briquettes created plenty of interest at this year’s Glee. The completely new and innovative product, which is the result of extensive research by CPL, also won the Going Green Award at the Glee New Product Awards...
CPL’s Homefire Olive Briquettes created plenty of interest at this year’s Glee. The completely new and innovative product, which is the result of extensive research by CPL, also won the Going Green Award at the Glee New Product Awards. The product was launched as part of CPL’s new range of Next Generation Biomass Fuels which also includes Homefire Torrefied Heat Logs. People love burning firewood for the look, the feel and the environmental benefits but wish that it gave out more heat and lasted longer – in short they want firewood to perform more like coal. With Homefire Olive Briquettes and Homefire Torrefied Heat Logs, CPL has developed two new fuels that give people the best of both worlds. Homefire Olive Briquettes: Burn 40% hotter than hardwood kiln dried logs Lasts twice as long 100% renewable Made from olives. For more information: Tel: 01623 860228 Email: commercialteam@cpldistribution.co.uk Visitors at Glee 2016 saw the Homefire Olive Briquettes on the CPL Distribution stand (17V10).
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Exciting new additions to Neudorff’s weed, feed and control range were launched at GLEE 2016, receiving positive feedback from the industry.
The company has experienced an exceptional season with record sales of key products including Sluggo® Slug & Snail Killer, Pyrol Bug & Larvae Killer, and Superfast & Long Lasting Weedkiller, elevated sales combined with the launch 10 new products at the 2015 show have been key contributors to the company’s success.  In addition, Organic CleanLawn, a 3-in-1 natural lawn treatment, also unveiled at the 2015 show, recently won a GIMA Award as the best new garden care product.
Neudorff sales director, Jude Beharall said: “The 2016 season has seen Neudorff UK experience excellent growth, we have successfully expanded the UK product range and stockist uptake has been extremely positive. “Where possible we use active ingredients that occur in nature which gives retailers the opportunity to offer effective alternatives to their customers helping to set Neudorff apart from the competition.” Brand new products launched at GLEE included Super Strength Seaweed Extract (1L), a nourishing formula that will stimulate sprouting and root growth, and is suitable for organic gardening. Plus, a new Plant Invigorator (750ml spray) containing fatty acids and algae to aid optimal plant nutrition. It strengthens plants’ ability to withstand stress from pest and disease attack. Both products can be used with flowers, plants and vegetables. Furthermore, the 100 per cent natural Organic CleanLawn is now available in new handy 8 kg bags, a smaller alternative to the current 20 kg bag. The 3-in-1 formula fertilises, improves soil, and has an indirect action against moss to produce a thick and naturally green lawn. In addition, Superfast & Long Lasting Weedkiller* will be made available in a larger 2L concentrate bottle, adding to the current range consisting of a 750ml and 3L ready to use spray and 1L concentrate. *Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. RRPs Plant Invigorator 750ml - £6.49 Super Strength Seaweed Extract 1L - £9.99 Organic CleanLawn 8KG - £19.99 Superfast & Long Lasting Weedkiller 2L - £29.99 Contact info Website: www.neudorff-trade.co.uk Phone: 0121 767 1821
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Wildlife World launches stylish new range
 This Autumn, Wildlife World is unveiling an extensive range of new products, including its new novelty Dewdrop range for birds, bees and other beneficial garden insects. Wildlife World exclusively launched the range at Glee 2016 where the unique SIMON KING brushwood robin nester (below) retailing at only £6.99 won best new pet and wildlife product at Glee...
This Autumn, Wildlife World is unveiling an extensive range of new products, including its new novelty Dewdrop range for birds, bees and other beneficial garden insects (above). Wildlife World exclusively launched the range at Glee 2016 where the unique SIMON KING brushwood robin nester (below) retailing at only £6.99 won best new pet and wildlife product at Glee.
Available as a Bird Nest Box, Bird Feeder, Butterfly, Moth & Insect Habitat or Bee & Bug home, the Dewdrop range moves away from the traditional, often rectangular design and takes the shape of a teardrop, a popular and stylish design.
Each of the products has a decorative bamboo rattan exterior and are dyed using a pale aqua blue paint for a modern and attractive alternative to conventional wildlife products. The range reflects Wildlife World’s commitment to all wildlife species and is created using only sustainable materials including FSC certified timber and water-based paints and sealants.
Wildlife World’s team of wildlife experts and design specialists have added detail and workability to this new range under a new design, whilst ensuring that it remains beneficial and practical for the different wildlife species to use.
Norman Sellers, Managing Director at Wildlife World commented, “This new range is very exciting for us because it is very different to our usual style and really stands out against our other products. This range is very attractive with a rattan and painted blue finish which would make it a nice gift for anyone to receive regardless of their garden size or knowledge of wildlife.”
The new Dewdrop range includes an alternative bird nesting box that offers a beneficial habitat to a range of small bird species such as Blue Tits and Great Tits. The box features a small entrance hole to allow the birds to enter, finished with a 32mm stainless steel protector. The size of the hole deters larger birds away from the nester to protect nesting birds and their young.
The range also features a bird feeder, which uses a large front entrance to allow birds to perch whilst feeding. The feeder can be filled with a range of food types and easily emptied and cleaned to help promote good bird hygiene.
Wildlife World has also introduced a Butterfly, Moth and Insect Habitat to the range which provides a safe home for a range of species. This product is particularly beneficial to gardeners as it encourages and invites invertebrates into gardens to help form the basis of a healthy ecosystem. The entrance is created so that many different types of insect can enter and use the habitat and can be opened up to allow users to add twigs or straw to assist roosting. The habitat can be used all year round, including the winter months for non-migratory butterflies.
The final product in the Dewdrop range is a new Bee & Bug Home. Wildlife World devotes much of its time to the conservation of solitary bees and other insects due to their major benefits to pollination and pest control in gardens. The habitat features nesting tubes designed especially for solitary bees, which are known to nest and lay their eggs in deep holes in wood or trees. It also offers nesting areas for other insects such as ladybirds and lacewings.
Further information is available from Wildlife World on 01666 505333, by emailing info@wildlifeworld.co.uk or by visiting the company’s website at www.wildlifeworld.co.uk
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Following the successful 2016 show, it has been confirmed that the 2017 show has already broken Glee’s own rebooking records.
Matthew Mein, Event Director said: “The level of rebookings is testament to the value that Glee holds for the industry in which it operates. We will of course be working closely with our exhibitors and supporting trade associations to build on this momentum. Further details about our plans for the 2017 show will be revealed soon. For now, I would like to thank everyone who has continued to support Glee.” Praise from retailers visiting the show extended from independent garden centres, to on-line providers and major multiple retailers included: - John Cleland, Chief Executive at Dobbies: “I’ve only been at the show for a few hours and I’ve taken hundreds of pictures, it’s such an inspirational show.”
- Emma Kelly, Bents Garden & Home: “Glee is the main garden show with the latest innovations and inspiring products. We’ve been coming here for 34 years.”
- Stephen Searle, Monkton Elm: “I love that there are top quality suppliers all in one place.”
- Lily Knowles, Sherwood Garden Features: “I really like how the hall is organised, everything is clear and easy to find. I’ve been coming for the last 10 years”
- Toolstation: “The commercial side of the show is what really appeals to us, all the products are very innovative and there’ssuch a wide range to choose from.”
The seven dedicated sections featured in this year’s Glee encompassed every aspect of garden retailing including garden care; landscaping and garden decoration; plants & nursery; outdoor entertaining; home, gift & clothing; retail experiences and services; and pet. More than 550 exhibitors showcased their latest ranges, including 220 new and lapsed exhibitors, plus more than 100 international brands. Amongst the show’s visitor features were the Glee New Products display (featuring the New Product and Retailers Choice award winners), the Glee Inside Retail Theatre and Green Heart plant area, which featured an exciting series of merchandising displays. Other initiatives included Glee’s Buyers Power List awards, a Leaders for Change lunch attended by top industry decision-makers, and an extensive Innovators Zone launching entrepreneurial new products. The Garden Industry Manufacturers’ Association (GIMA) Business Village and Buyers Connect meetings and UKTI / GardenexInternational Buyers' Centre created even more business-building opportunities. Offering buyers the chance to shop across every aspect of their gardening ranges, Glee continued to successfully build on its ongoing programme of development, including a strengthened ‘Green Heart’, refocussed show sectors and a sold-out roster of exhibitors including over 220 new or lapsed brands and 100 international companies. The show has drawn praise for itsstrong, business-focused visitor features, but more than this it continued to facilitate a vital platform for growth for suppliers and retailers within the garden retail and leisure sectors. This year’s Glee attracted several thousand British and international garden retailers, online buyers, DIY stores, landscapers and builders’ merchants. Events such as the Leaders for Change lunch and Buyers Power List helped to increase the number of CEOs and MDs attending the show alongside their core category buyers. UK garden centres also attended en masse with over 98% of Garden Centre Association (GCA) members visiting the show to place orders and source innovation and inspirational products ahead of the 2017 season. Matthew Mein, Glee event director added: “From the opening of the show we were inundated with positive responses from both visitors and exhibitors, with many stating that Glee 2016 was one of the most successful shows for some time. We know that many people used the show to forge new partnerships, as well as networking with their peers, and building their professional knowledge through Glee’s seminar content. But more importantly, business was being done. Many exhibitors have remarked that this year’s exhibition has delivered more orders and leads than at any other show they have exhibited at within the last 12 months. This is exactly what Glee is there for – to help businesses to build better business and profitable futures, so it’s great to hear that this has been achieved.” To keep up-to-date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com. To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2017 call 020 3033 2160. Pull out box 1
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The Bathgate Horticulture team has picked up the award for Best Retail Product or Service at the recent Four Oaks exhibition in Cheshire for their new product, Champions Blend.
 The award was won for the new Champions Blend all-purpose compost, part of the Bathgate Horticulture range of products, from Bathgate Silica Sand.
Champions Blend is a premium quality compost containing a unique blend of fertiliser and essential nutrition. The performance of this growing medium is further enhanced by the inclusion of Envii Foundation, REMI. Envii Foundation Envii Foundation is a blend of naturally occurring strains of bacteria and fungi which act as a probiotic for your plant. Envii Foundation bacteria populate the root system to encourage growth and the uptake of vital nutrients for growth, whilst also generating auxins/metabolites for increased plant growth. REMIN Volcanic Rock Dust REMIN volcanic rock dust conditions and improves the compost by releasing essential natural minerals and trace elements. Remin contains over 50 valuable micro and macro nutrients that enhance plant development and sustain growth. Oceans Bounty Natural Seaweed Extract Seaweed is well reputed for improving overall plant health, increased growth and flavour in edibles. Natural Seaweed extracts are applied to fine zeolite particles to give additional slow release minerals and beneficial plant nutrition. This high quality compost is ideal for indoor and outdoor use and provides an exceptional environment for the successful growing of: - Plug plants
- Bedding and pot plants
- Hanging baskets
- Shrubs
- Fruit and vegetable plants
Bathgate Horticulture is a range of products from Bathgate Silica Sand, an independently-owned company that has been established for 100 years and is part of the Bathgate Group. The addition of Champions Blend complements Bathgate’s existing range of premium quality horticultural products. Bathgate is dedicated to providing high quality products and exceptional customer service.
www.bathgatesilica.co.uk/horticulture
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Marketing is of vital importance to any business. But with so many different aspects from market research and advertising to sales promotion, public relations and sales getting the marketing mix right for you can be tricky.
The HTA Marketing Forum, with a theme of ‘Maximising Your Potential’, takes place on 8 November 2016 at Whittlebury Hall, Northamptonshire.
Come along to our one-day event aimed at all those involved in marketing and PR across the garden industry to hear from external speakers, specialists and industry practitioners. There will be plenty of insight, inspiration and top tips in bite sized sessions to ensure you are maximising the potential of your marketing spend.
The programme includes:-
Keynote speaker Mark Palmer, Group Marketing Director for Pret a Manger (and formerly of Burger King and Green & Blacks) looks at the importance of brand and how, at Pret, they focus spending on improving the instore experience rather than spending on traditional media.
Strategy
- Marketing Consultant Nigel Temple explores the importance of having a marketing strategy and the need for a marketing mindset
- In conjunction with Horticulture Week, Creative Solutions, Haymarket’s in-house creative agency will provide inspiration and best practice examples demonstrating the value of digital marketing as part of an overall marketing strategy.
Experiential marketing
- Sally Cornelissen from Burleydam Garden Centre and Alan Down from Cleeve Nursery
- Show how they use innovative events and community activity to reach out to new audiences.
Instore – the power of visual merchandising
- Inspiration from outside the industry from ex Liberty visual merchandiser Maxine Groucutt
- Trend watcher and green stylist Romeo Sommers will talk about using storytelling to help market your products, especially plants.
Maximising social
- Pete Doyle from Social Retail will provide the latest know how on making the most of social media
- Wildfire Agency will demonstrate the effectiveness of advertising on social media in reaching new audiences.
On the box
- Richard Jackson from QVC will look at online shopping and the way in which they often sell large volumes of product at strange times!
- Matt Young, Executive Producer of Spun Gold (ITV’s Love your Garden), will look at the challenges of getting more gardening on TV.
The event will also incorporate the inaugural GTN Greatest Marketing Awards.
Make sure you don’t miss out! Book your place now at www.hta.org.uk/marketingforum
£149 plus VAT per delegate (HTA members)
£199 plus VAT (Non-members)
For further information about sponsorship opportunities for the event please contact HTA Commercial Manager Tim Bell. Tel: 07808 775177. Email: tim.bell@hta.org.uk
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VivaGreen is crowned the 2016 GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund winners!
The winner of this year’s GIMA Innovators' Seed Corn Fund is Dublin based, VivaGreen. Impressing the judges with its MossOff product which is a multi-surface concentrate that offers a new and totally unique biocide-free way of controlling moss and algae on all outdoor surfaces, VivaGreen beat off stiff competition to secure this year’s win...
Diarmuid Gavin dropped by the MossOff stand at Glee 2016 and was pleased to hear all about the exciting product from VivaGreen.
Photo (above) shows Garrett Walsh and Russell Walsh, owners of VivaGreen welcoming Diarmuid to their stand and explaining why MossOff was such a success when it was trialled earlier this year in Aylett Nurseries Garden Centre,St Albans.
Since its launch in 2014, the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund has already witnessed great success. It’s first two winners have both gone on to enjoy great commercial success; going from new brands to established and growing suppliers within the garden retail market. This same success is expected to be achieved by the 2016 winners. The lucky recipient of this year’s prize package is Dublin based, VivaGreen. Impressing the judges with its MossOff product, VivaGreen beat off stiff competition to secure this year’s win. As winners they will receive support up to the value of £6,000 to help with development and marketing costs associated with entering the UK garden retail market, plus a year’s full GIMA membership, and a wide range of business support tools.
MossOff is a multi-surface concentrate that offers a new and totally unique biocide-free way of controlling moss and algae on all outdoor surfaces. The unique technology is chemical free and completely safe to children and pets as well as plant life and even fish and ponds. The concentrate dilutes easily and is simply applied using a garden sprayer or watering can fitted with a fine rose.
The product is also available in a separate variant designed to take advantage of the specific lawn care market and provide dual merchandising opportunities as well as maintain rates of sale throughout the season.
Both products answer the growing consumer demand for garden control products that are easy and safe to handle but deliver consistent and reliable results. No special equipment is required to apply MossOff, consumers just need to choose a dry day so that the product has ample opportunity to dry to take full effect. MossOff is available in 2L & 5L MossOff Multi Surface and MossOff Lawn Care versions. The RRP for Multi Surface and Lawn Care is 2L £12.99 and 5L £24.99. GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said: “We’re incredibly pleased to confirm that VivaGreen is the 2016 winner of the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund. A truly innovative product, the judges were impressed with the simplicity of the product, as well as its dual-use that delivers results, whilst providing peace of mind for consumers. The fact that the product is also biocide-free and yet still beats chemical based competitor products, really stood out as a key USP. I’ve no doubt that VivaGreen will quickly become a core product for any garden retailer.” Call VivaGreen now to discuss your Spring 2017 stock requirements – UK & NI – Tel. 020 7197 2317 Int. - Tel. + 353 1 43 66 314 Int.- Fax.+ 353 1 43 66 315 Email. office@vivagreengroup.com To see the complete range of environmentally friendly products available from VivaGreen www.vivagreengroup.com
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The Gas Fire Pit market got red hot on the Elementi stand at Glee, 17X30.
Outdoor living is the new lifestyle choice and one of our exclusive range of gas powered ‘fire pits’ will allow you to make more use, in greater comfort, of your outdoor space. A new concept in patio heaters, designed in the USA to enhance the outdoor spaces in your home or garden with a uniquely designed piece of garden furniture that serves a practical purpose.
The Elementi range of gas ‘fire pits’, ‘fire bowls’ and ‘flaming tables’ are designed to complement a wide range of styles from contemporary to rustic and they will add to the appearance of any landscape, plus they provide warmth and the special visual attraction of ‘living’ flames. Although substantial these patio heaters (fire pits) are portable and can be moved to alternative locations/positions with relative ease.
All Elementi outdoor gas heaters are CE marked and supplied with a 6kg propane gas bottle cover that is made from GRC to match the material of the chosen Elementi portable ‘fire pit’. Additionally, a full weather cover is provided for the patio heater, together with full operating and maintenance instructions.
The Elementi fire pit is very easy to operate with a single control knob similar to many gas appliances, simply push and twist the knob, holding it in until the ‘pilot’ is established before turning the knob further to ignite the main burner. The ignition is battery powered (single AAA battery supplied) which is easily accessible and will only require replacement very infrequently. Once lit, the flame and thus heat output is easily adjustable by turning the control knob to achieve the desired heat output and flame effect, turning the control fully clockwise will extinguish the flame.
There are many other designs in addition to those shown on this site, some of which are manufactured to order, so if you have your own ideas contact us to discuss how we can help.
For more information please contact Steve Pugsley on 01271 831039 or enquiries@ardosiaslate.co.uk
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The new Aquabrush from JK's Creations is destined to be a big hit for gardeners and people with a more active lifestyle. After listening to feedback from consumers and retailers, JK's Creations have developed a high quality 500ml water bottle for their Aquabrush (pictured left) so that the product meets the demands of people wanting to clean muddy boots, tools and any manner of objects more often. For garden centres exclusively they have developed a pack with a spare brush, a cloth and the new sized Aquabrush that will retail for £16.99. This quality UK made product was a finalist in the Glee New Product Awards and exhibited on stand 20B55. Please visit www.jkscreations.com or contact James on 07831 094826
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Mr Bloom's Nursery is one of the BBC's top-rating kids' TV shows. Little Babas Toys showcased their new range of licensed CBeebies Mr Bloom Talking Veggies at Glee 2016.
The RTS North West award-winning show, starring BAFTA-nominated actor Ben Faulks is set in a colourful, fertile allotment run by the green-fingered Mr. Bloom. The show combines live action and puppetry - urging children to pull on their wellies, pick up a trowel and learn some important life lessons through the wonders of gardening. In different strands of the series, Mr Bloom: Out and About, see the eponymous character take to the road in various adventures. From learning about the importance of drinking water when it's hot to understanding that growing takes time, Mr. Bloom explores a variety of themes to help children understand the world around them. The huge child audience for Mr Bloom's Nursery is complimented by very strong parental endorsement with the messaging boards on parenting websites awash with thousands of post views of people discussing the positive impact that the show is having on their own little Tiddlers. The range of Mr Bloom's Nursery Merchandise is available to buy wholesale separately or on a range of FSDU's from Little Babas Toys. For more information please contact Robyn Dean: robyn@littlebabastoys.co.uk Tel: 01704 469196 Direct number 07703719371 www.littlebabastoys.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/littlebabastoys.co.uk/ https://twitter.com/LittleBabas
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Spear & Jackson launched their new Convertible Ratchet Anvil Secateurs at GLEE this year, as part of their Razorsharp range.
These Secateurs can convert from a standard anvil cutting action, to a ratchet at the flick of a switch, for maximum flexibility whilst pruning. The ratchet action is used for cutting through thicker, harder branches, and breaks down the cut into 4 shorter steps, meaning the user gets more cut for less effort.
The standard cutting action is ideal for pruning thinner stems around the garden, so the combination of the two cutting actions in one pair of secateurs is perfect for all-round use in the garden. 
Spear & Jackson also launched several other exciting new products ready for 2017 at GLEE this year, such as their new Titanium coated secateurs, new gift sets, a new range of cutting axes, new fixed blade pruning saw and two new styles of Hoe, to name just a few! 
For more information email sales@spear-and-jackson.com or visit their website www.spear-and-jackson.com
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Nursery Growing Supervisor (ref:DS8682)
Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £20,000 - £25,000
Date: 16 Sep
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
This is an excellent opportunity for you to join an established and innovative horticultural business. This new role will give you the chance to develop your skills whilst helping this nursery to expand and develop their business.
The job
This role will involve care and plant husbandry of trees, hedging, shrubs and herbaceous perennials. As nursery supervisor you will be required to organise your own work and schedule your time across our three production sites. You will support the team as a whole and deal with the trade where necessary to assist with sales and give advice. You should have previous growing experience and an understanding of current best nursery practice, combined with good tree and general plant knowledge.
The Candidate
The ideal candidate should posses spraying certificates PA1 & Pa6, a full UK driving license and knowledge of pest and disease will be required.
Candidates will need to be self-motivated well organised and able to work well individually and as part of a team.
Candidates may be required to help with driving and installation works during busy periods, as well as some weekend work.
Remuneration
Competitive Salary circa £20-25,000 & Company pension scheme
To apply for this role click here
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Grounds Maintenance Operative (ref:DS8679)
Location: Kent
Salary: £16,000 - £18,000
Date: 14 Sep
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
This UK based Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance Company is looking for a skilled and experienced grounds maintenance operatives / team members to work on various contacts within the Kent area. There depot is in Chatham so they are looking for someone who is based in the Medway area and is looking to develop their career in the industry
Reporting to the Southern Grounds Maintenance Contracts Manager
The job:
Assist the team leader and other staff carrying out grounds maintenance of corporate and commercial sites. Mainly strimming, mowing, weeding, hedge cutting, spraying and leaf clearing
The candidate:
For this role they are seeking an experienced gardener/grounds maintenance person with good hands-on
A background and training in horticulture is desirable
Full Driving Licence Essential
Trailer/towing Licence desirable as are PA1 & PA6 spray certificates
Salary
£8-9.00 per Hour depending on skills and experience
Overtime is also available and expected
To apply for this role click here
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Squire’s Garden Centres is getting ready for the opening of their newly rebuilt garden centre in Chertsey in early 2017 by recruiting people for various full-time and part-time retail and catering positions. A Recruitment Day will be held at Squire’s Garden Centre in Twickenham (Sixth Cross Road, Twickenham, TW2 5PA) on Thursday 29th September 2016. You need to pre-book an interview, by emailing your CV detailing your relevant experience to hradmin@squiresgardencentres.co.uk, or by calling 01252 356860 and asking for the HR Department. Please email or call by Monday 26th September 2016. Positions include a Garden Centre Manager, Assistant Garden Centre Manager, Restaurant Manager, and various full-time and part-time Sales and Catering Assistants. You must be able to work alternate weekends and be available to start around the end of November 2016. Squire’s is a successful family-owned garden centre group with 15 centres across Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, Middlesex, North and West London. www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk
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Planteria Seasonal Department Manager (ref:DS8439)
Location: Hampshire
Salary: £20,000 - £25,000
Date: 14 Sep
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
Our client is a lovely up-market Hampshire garden centre who has a well stocked Plantarea, a popular restaurant and carvery, along with a garden shop that offers customers a range of quality gifts and garden sundries. They are currently looking for a superb plants person to manage the Seasonal Plant Section of the Plantarea.
The Role
Will be to manage the seasonal plant section on a day to day basis - ensuring plant stock is in tip top condition and merchandised to a high standard.
Liaise with the Plantarea Manager, who is in overall charge of the Plantarea and Supervisors on managing supplies, merchandising and promotions.
Helping customers and ensuring that customer services are kept to a very high standard
The Candidate:
- A proven track-record in the industry preferably with training in horticulture
- Excellent plant knowledge and a good background in horticultural retailing is a must for this role .
- Be a team player with the ability to offer superb customer service.
- Experience of supervising and managing a team of staff is also desirable.
To apply for this role click here
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Garden Centre Seasonal Manager, Christmas & Furniture (ref:DS8665)
Location: Essex
Salary: £20,000 - £25,000
Date: 10 Sep
Job Type: Full-Time
Duration: Permanent
Part of a prestigious group who have just acquired this Essex based garden centre, the centre has a strong customer base and offering to its customers. The new owners are looking to vitalise and develop the site and are currently seeking a new key member of staff to join their indoor team as Seasonal Indoor Department Head.
This position is a normal garden centre working week 40 hrs, alternate weekends with a day off in the week and with responsibility for the seasonal indoor departments this will include Christmas, Furniture & Outdoor Living.
The role will focus on building a strong team that will creatively merchandise, inspire and generate great customer experience.
For this role they are seeking a high calibre individual with excellent team management skills, a quality retail background and ideally knowledge of the gardening, outdoor living and seasonal Christmas sectors.
Salary £20,000 - £25,000 based on previous experience.
28 Days holiday
20% staff discount
Immediate start
To apply for this role click here
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with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox. The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.
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Sales of orchid growing products provided a welcome uplift this week, even outselling garden lighting lines by 95%.
14 orchid lines feature in the GTN Garden Products Chart, accounting for 38% of the total Top 50 sales volume. Growth Tecnology are the biggest winner with 11 of those lines.
The highlights were:
- Orchid Focus Bloom Fertiliser 300ml is the highest re-entry.
- Orchid Focus Bloom Fertiliser 100ml is the highest climber.
- Premier Decorations 18cm Moroccan Lantern is the highest new entry.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
Onion sales are electric
Onion and garlic sales for autumn planting doubled week on week with onion sets Radar and Electric taking over at the Top of the GTN Bestsellers Veg-2-Gro chart...
Onion and garlic sales for autumn planting doubled week on week with onion sets Radar and Electric taking over at the Top of the GTN Bestsellers Veg-2-Gro chart.
With the last of the autumn planting seed potatoes also selling through, Taylors hold nine of the Top 10 chart positions.
The other main highlights this week were:
- Farplants Strawberry Cambridge Favourite was the highest re-entry at No 12.
- Farplants Chamomile Double was the highest new entry at No 32.
- Colour Gro Healthy Herbs 6 Pot Carrier was the highest climber, jumping 27 places to No 13.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
Growing media sales rise by 4%
The nation’s gardeners are back on track with growing activity. Sales of growing media moved up 4% even despite the second week of unusually hot September weather.
The nation’s gardeners are back on track with growing activity. Sales of growing media moved up 4% even despite the second week of unusually hot September weather.
As noted in the Garden Products chart, plenty of orchid and other houseplant activity is also stimulating growing media sales.
This week’s highlights were:
- Bord na Mona Growise Organic Farmyard Manure (50 litres) was the highest climber, jumping 28 places to No 20.
- Scotts Levington Ericaceous Compost (50 litres) was the highest re-entry at No 30.
- Scotts Levington Multipurpose + John Innes (56 litres) moved back to the top spot.
- Westland The Gardener’s Soil Conditioner (50 litres) returned to the Top 50.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
Top 50 plant sales grow by 28%
Mid-September plant sales show a healthy increase. Overall plant sales volumes increased by 13%, while volumes of the Top 50 genus groupings increased by 28%...
Mid-September plant sales show a healthy increase. Overall plant sales volumes increased by 13%, while volumes of the Top 50 genus groupings increased by 28%.
The top three plants are Cyclamen, Viola and Pansy for the third week running with Cyclamen sales growing by 40% to stay at No 1.
- Primula sales saw the highest percentage increase, jumping from No 18 up to No 4.
- Physalis, Photinia and Solanum all saw huge increases to enter the GTN chart.
- Cineraria sales doubled to also climb 14 places up the chart to No 26.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
Glee New Product Awards - Full list of winners
Ten ground-breaking new garden products were confirmed as the winners of the coveted Glee New Product Awards at Glee 2016, including Wildlife World (pictured) who won the Wildlife and Pets category...
Ten ground-breaking new garden products have been confirmed as the winners of the coveted Glee New Product Awards at Glee 2016.
The winning products were chosen by an expert panel of judges representing independent and multiple retailers, the media and international buyers.
After initial judging of the 305 new products first thing on Monday morning the judges selected finalists in each category. Then, for the first time at Glee those finalists had the opportunity to meet the judges on Monday afternoon to answer questions and make a pitch to be chosen as the winner. The winners were:
 Retail Services and Experiences
Winner: Compass Group (stand 17U30)
Finalist: Malcolm Scott Consultants (17T59)
 Outdoor Entertaining
Winner: Cadac - Urban Chef (17Y26)
Finalists: CPL - Homefire Olive Briquettes (17V10) and Panacea - Vintage Beverage Washtub (19F60) 
Garden Decoration
Winner: Smart Garden - Solar Daffodil (18K30-31)
Finalists: Fallen Fruits - Dog Bench (18H30) and Pot Pal - Classico (20A13)
Home, Gift and Clothing
Winner: Briers - Julie Dodsworth Orangery Comfi Gardener Gove (19H05)
Finalists: Briers - Navy Neoprene Wellington Boot (19H05) and JKS Creations - The Aquabrush (20B55)
 Wildlife and Pets
Winner: Wildlife World - Simon King Brushwood Robin Nester (18M50)
Finalists: Petface - Memory foam and microfibre mattress (18M30 - N31) and Wildlife World - ground feeder range (18M50)
 Garden Care - Growing Accessories
Winner: Lows - skALE Greenwall (19H51)
Finalists: Burgon & Ball - Large Hip Trug (19C26-E27) and LBS - Flexigrow – (18L60)
 Garden Care – Chemicals, Fertilisers and Growing Media
Winner: Block Blitz - Block Blitz (17R03)
Finalists: Westland - Safe Lawn (19G20-H21) and Westland - Gro Sure Smart
 Plants, seeds and bulbs
Winner: Javado - Growing Light Bulbs (20C30)
Finalists: Channel Island Plants - Petunia Tumbelina Maria (NB33) and Javado - Planted Wek Jar (20C30)
 Tools & Machinery
Winner: Scotts Round Up Gel Wand (18M20-N21)
Finalists: Greenworks - 40 volt Cordless Garden Cart (19C30-E31) and NAP Brands - Black and Decker Snake Wand (17Y40)
 Landscaping
Winner: Decopak - Milano Porcelain Paving (20J30-K31)
Finalists: Cadix - Birdbath (20E26-F27) and Panacea - Decorative Landscape Edging 19F60
 Best of British
Joint winner: Pot Pals and Block Blitz
 Going Green
Winner: CPL Homefire Olive Briquettes
 Best New Product at Glee
Lows - skALE Greenwall
Glee and Garden Trade News would like to thank the judges for Glee New Products 2016 for giving their time: - Andy Bunker, Alton Garden Centre
- Brian Archibald, Coolings
- Claudia Roberts, Notcutts
- Gabor Knorr, British Garden, Austria
- Heidi Towse, Frosts
- Michelle de Lavis Trafford, Choice Marketing
- Nigel Poyner, Consultant
- Stuart Whalley, Blue Diamond
- Val Kempster, Rosebourne
The judging panel was chaired by Trevor Pfeiffer, MD of Garden Trade News and kept in order by Harry Sinclair and Rebbecca Dean of GTN's owners The Garden Communication & Media Co Ltd.
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National Conifer Week takes place from 24 September – 2 October 2016 with garden centres across the country highlighting conifers with eye catching displays, demonstrating the variety and choice of conifers available. Conifers have several advantages for all types of garden; many have good aesthetic qualities, they are low maintenance and they provide structure and colour all year round. From a small balcony with room for a container, to acres of grounds with space, conifers can add another dimension to any garden. Conifers can also add year-round drama, whether as a backdrop, a standalone feature, or in a border with other plants. They are extremely versatile, coming in an amazingly diverse range of shades, textures, shapes and sizes. A potted conifer can be used to brighten up a doorstep or balcony, whilst planted conifers can create height and add fantastic accent pieces to any garden. For more information about conifers visit https://hta.org.uk/committeesgroups/british-conifer-group.html
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Fallen Fruits’ newly appointed National Sales Manager, Edward Cantle has been getting to grips with his new role with the garden giftware company at this month’s Glee. With previous positions held at Webbs, Stewart Plastics and most recently Tildenet, Edd brings with him over 15 years of experience in sales and marketing. This newest role with Fallen Fruits will see Edd maintaining sales across the UK as well as strengthening relationships with key stockists in the garden centre and giftware sectors. Speaking of his new role, Edd enthused, “ Fallen Fruits is renowned for its new product development and brilliant customer service skills. Glee has given me the chance to really hit the ground running in terms of identifying and establishing key areas for progression. With the recent opening of the company’s purpose built product showroom, there is a huge amount of scope for building upon significant customer relationships and I am delighted to be joining the team at such an exciting time. “2 Commenting on Edd’s arrival, Fallen Fruits Managing Director Michael Hall said, “ Fallen Fruits is embarking on a period of real growth and we have ambitious plans to expand our presence in both the garden centre and giftware sectors. Edd will play a key role in the development and delivery of these plans and we are confident that his wealth of experience and management skills will help to steer the company’s progression over the coming years.” Garden retailers interested in working with Fallen Fruits can contact the company on 01584 873377 or by emailing sales@fallenfruits.co.uk.
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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 printed newsletter.
As the year goes on we give sales volume comparisons with 2014 as well as 2015 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 Veg-2-Gro Bestsellers chart for this week are here
Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers 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.
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Get the GTN Bestsellers charts in full every week in the GTN Bestsellers newsletters delivered via the post 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 receiveing the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.
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