A coalition of growing media manufacturers have formed the 'Growing Media Manufacturers’ Council’ (GMMC) with a goal of ensuring the UK offers the highest quality growing media to professional growers and amateur gardeners.

The leading growing media manufacturers have joined together to give the industry a strong voice – building a proactive and like-minded working group that champions a positive future for growing media. The group is initially fully focussed on safeguarding the future for growers by creating a clear new set of standards in professional growing media.

The council was born out of the lack of a clear and sustainable path to protect UK growers and the horticultural sector as a whole. It has become clear that there is much confusion surrounding which substrate growers should use to achieve quality results in a sustainable way. As a result, the manufacturers of professional substrates have come together to manage the risk to the whole industry, which is currently facing the potential of failed businesses and the loss of many keen home gardeners due to recurrent failures. The current void in standards (and shortage of substrates that are fit for purpose) has left the industry in need of clarity and a concerted effort is required to support and deliver the best quality growing substrates across the horticultural sector for today and tomorrow.

The council recognises the substantial challenges and opportunities currently facing the growing sector. It has therefore placed “establishment of a robust quality standard and environmental solutions” as top priorities given the surge in poorly performing raw materials entering the market, which it believes is damaging the industry’s reputation and trust.

To deliver this goal the newly formed group will proactively engage with all involved parties including retailers, growers, HTA, Government, NGOs, and other key stakeholders. The key objectives will be futureproofing the sector, creating robust and sustainable quality measures, driving innovation and supporting development, starting with the professional sector, which in turn will naturally flow and benefit the consumer and retail sector. The group will work closely with Government to secure the investment required to ensure that our customers are consistently offered excellence in growing media, and to allow growers to again focus on restoring the UK as a leader in global horticulture and technical excellence.

The founding members of the GMMC are well established multi-material manufacturers, that support the growing of over one billion plants per annum. The members have a proven track record of success, with over 150 years of knowledge, expertise, and history in growing media, and between them have invested over £100m in leading the way for innovation. The initial working group includes Bulrush, Godwins, ICL, Melcourt, and Westland Horticulture. Once established the retail manufacturers will be encouraged to join the council to deliver a future of high-quality substrates for all sectors.  

Keith Nicholson, Marketing Director, Westland, commented: “As the industry moves forward, it is imperative that there is a shared vision and strong roadmap that protects, develops and promotes the UK ornamental and edible sectors. This means developing the reliable and efficacious growing media needed to ensure the sector continues to thrive, both in terms of the health of all plants, and the choice and experience for customers. The new standard will consider raw materials, supply chain, production, usability, sustainability, retail experience, shelf life and customer satisfaction”.

The GMMC is dedicated to:

• Reducing the environmental impact of horticulture whilst delivering high quality sustainable growing media solutions to benefit the UK Horticulture Industry
• Setting a new regulated standard in professional and consumer manufactured growing media with mandatory conditions that support both the grower and home gardener
• Working towards a longer-term strategy to address the availability of high quality, consistent, and efficacious growing media
• Addressing the health and growth needs of all plant types for both ornamental and food production
• Managing the risks associated with emerging and unproven raw materials
• Complying with existing and future regulations to support sustainable horticulture practices
• Collaborating with Government to ensure that the industry is able to secure the investment needed to make these objectives a reality
• Work with all relevant parties to ensure clarity on sustainability and understanding of the costs and benefits of new substrates
• Seeking collaboration with stakeholders to deliver a strong and sustainable roadmap to help protect the environment for future generations
• Position the UK Horticulture Industry as a leader in the highest quality and sustainable growing practices.

Stephen Squires, Region Lead at ICL Growing Solutions, and appointed chair of the GMMC, commented: “The coming together of this new group of sector leading manufacturers is an exciting prospect. All members share the same vision and goals, of ensuring our industry moves forward in a positive manner providing sustainable growing media solutions that protects the professional grower, the home gardener, and the success of our industry. Our joint aim is to develop the highest standard sustainable growing media and lead the way for the future of the UK horticultural sector.”

Hope is on the horizon for the 465 staff at Dobbies that work in the 11 garden centres and 6 Little Dobbies stores that have been announced as “to be closed” at the end of the year as part of the re-structuring plan that Dobbies are working through currently.

GTN Xtra has been speaking with Jonathan Salt of Harvey Spack Field who are appointed agents for about half of the sites either going to be closed or going to be compromised where Dobbies are also seeking temporary rent reductions. “There's probably only one of my garden centres that is probably going to struggle by being a long-term garden centre.  I reckon there's a 95% chance that most of them will be garden centre, and maybe 100% in the short term. Possibly add-ons if they're not going to be garden centres, it might be garden centre and a food store or a garden centre and a gym that sort of thing. I think we can be positive about it. The opportunity now is that these garden centres can go to people that care about their people and care about their businesses.”

Jonathan explained that the landlords are happy to talk with new potential business owners about taking over the centres because they know the true potential of the sites and they are keen to negotiate rents that are viable for the long term.  “It will be short term pain for long term gain for the landlords.”

So, as Dobbies kicks off it’s Christmas retailing campaign “Christmas, in every sense”, it appears there is hope for staff, landlords and suppliers that the threatened closure of so many Dobbies Garden Centres at the end of the year may be providing opportunities for other garden centre operators to step in and get those retail sites back on track.

Choice Marketing’s Annual Conference and Trade Show, held at the Chesford Grange in Kenilworth, has gone down as the group’s most successful event ever, achieving record-breaking attendance and engagement from members and suppliers. 

The event brought together 400 industry delegates, featuring inspiring speakers and valuable industry insights for its members, together with a bustling trade show that generated more than £300,000 in orders — making it the group’s most productive conference and trade show to date.

This year’s conference marked Choice Marketing’s continued growth, with the addition of new Members Bernaville Nurseries and Merry Harriers, as well as new centres from Fairways and Caulders. With these new Members, Choice Marketing is now a group of 60 independent garden centres, collectively generating a turnover in excess of £225 million.

The conference also highlighted the strength of Choice Marketing’s supplier network, featuring 130 trade stands and exclusive ‘Choice show deals’ from many suppliers.  Mike Cook, Group Services Manager, said” “We would’ve liked to include more of our suppliers, but the event sold out quickly, and we just didn’t have the space.”

A highlight of the event was the announcement of this year’s Supplier of the Year awards, voted on by Members and presented by the Group’s Non-Executive Director, Terry Maywood. 

The winners were:

• Plants Winner - Allensmore
• Plants Special Commendation – New Leaf
• Furniture & Outdoor Living Winner – Leisuregrow
• Furniture & Outdoor Living Special Commendation – Woodlodge
• Non-Retail Services Winner - Corby & Fellas
• Giftware Special Commendation – Cottage Delight
• Giftware Winner - Woodmansterne
• Sundry Supplier Special Commendation - Woodlodge
• Sundry Associate Supplier Winner - RocketGro
• Sundry Major Associate Supplier & the Peter Wilson Cup Winner – Westland

Additionally, a special industry award was presented to Trevor Pfeiffer of Garden Trade News as the Industry Champion Winner.

The evening gala dinner, featuring an Abba tribute band, was a lively end to the 2 day event. A raffle and auction held during the dinner raised over £4,000 in support of Dr. Gray's Oncology Unit, which recently provided vital care to Peter Wilson, a cherished, long-standing Choice Member and an industry friend to many, before his untimely passing. Proceeds will also support Cancer Research UK.

"This year, we saw our largest turnout and highest level of orders to date, and it’s fantastic to welcome new Members who strengthen Choice even further," said Michelle de Lavis-Trafford, Choice Marketing’s long-standing CEO. "We’re proud of how Choice Marketing is growing and supporting our Members, all of whom are independent garden centres, as well as working in partnership with our suppliers".

With attendance and engagement at an all-time high, this year’s conference has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both Members and suppliers. One Member shared, “From start to finish, the experience was fantastic. The team put together an incredible event, and we’re leaving inspired and equipped with new connections, products, and ideas to elevate our businesses.” Another commented, “That was the best conference yet. Such good energy, thought-provoking speakers, a great trade show, and good company as always.” Suppliers also praised the event, with one saying, “It was the best trade show I have attended so far, with numerous orders placed and great attendance from Members visiting our stand.”

Choice Marketing’s team is already planning for next year’s conference, building on the energy and success of this year’s event.

See GTN Xtra's gallery of photos from the Conference Trade Show and Awards dinner below

Will your teams be among the winners, and will your customers vote you to be The Greatest Garden Centre Team of 2024?

Our team of judges have their Christmas jumpers at the ready to start the judging process for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2024.

If you think your Christmas teams are the best in the business, now’s the time to get them nominated for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2024 and prepare for your customers to vote for you too.

There are categories to recognise display teams, Christmas Trees sales teams, marketing teams and after 19,000 votes were registered last year we will once again be running the public vote for The Greatest Christmas Teams across the country, as decided purely by garden centre customers.

It's simple to take part, all you have to do is nominate your teams for the award categories below in an e-mail to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk including a few words about why our team of judges should come and meet your team and a photo or two that we can include in our GTN Xtra Christmas photo galleries. The closing date for nominations to guarantee a visit from our judges is Monday 4^th  November 2024.

Or complete the on-line entry form here

Here are the categories for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2024

1. The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team
2. The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team 
3. The Greatest Gardening as a Christmas Gift Sales Team
4. The Greatest Christmas Gifts Team
5. The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Promotions Team
6. The Greatest Christmas BBQ and Outdoor Leisure Team – The SOLEX Sizzle
7. The Greatest Festive RetailFood Team
8. The Greatest Christmas Wild Bird Care & Pet Team
9. The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team
10. The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team
11. The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team
12. The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team 
13. The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team
14. The Greatest Large Garden Centre Christmas Team
15. The Greatest Giant Garden Centre Christmas Team  
16. The Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Team – Overall and regional winners - as voted for by customers

*The Group Garden Centre awards are for centres that are part of groups with 5 or more centres

Judging visits will take place during November and December with the winners being announced on The Stage at Spring Fair on Monday 3rd February 2025.

The public vote will start during November with full details, voting forms and poster artwork available in the GTN Xtra e-mail newsletter later this month.

So, what are you waiting for, get snapping and send an e-mail today to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk to get your entry registered or complete the on-line entry form here

Two of our judges, Neil and Nicci Gow made an early visit to Old Railway Line Garden centre last week to present the 5 Greatest Christmas Awards they won last year, but were unable to attend the presentatiosn at Spring Fair.  Make sure you have Monday 3rd Februray 2025 in your diaries so that you can be there to collect your accolades and make the most of the marketing and team motivation opportunities.

The Big Cheese Free To Go is a completely new way to control rodents without harming them. It’s a safe space with meals included – making it easy to simply Catch Them & Put Them Out! 

Not everyone wants to kill mice and rats when they invade the home. There’s a growing number of people seeking humane and welfare friendly ways of keeping rodents at bay – without harming them. The Big Cheese Free To Go is a new sustainable and welfare-friendly way to control mice and rats. 

Free To Go Biodegradable Mouse Traps provide a safe and secure space as well as a plentiful supply of irresistible mouse food. The ready-baited traps provide an attractive and safe space which the mice soon adopt and then its quick and easy to relocate them out into the garden. The trap then provides the shelter and food required until they are ready to move back to nature.

The sustainably produced traps are biodegradable too, so once the mice have finally vacated their temporary home, the FSC cardboard disintegrates to leave no lasting residue.

Free To Go Biodegradable traps are available in a multi-catch version for up to 8 mice as well as a twin pack of single catch traps. There’s also a durable metal version suitable for repeated use and cage traps designed to catch and relocate rats too. 

Free To Go Mouse and Rat food is also available to re-bait traps when required.

Edwin Allingham said: “90% of all householders will seek out rodent control products each year, but we’ve seen an increasing number who don’t want to harm them. Free To Go provides a really easy way to capture and relocate them, whilst ensuring that they have the shelter and food required until they are ready to go back to nature.”

The Big Cheese Free To Go range of Biodegradable Mouse Traps is available on an In-store Problem Solved video promotion which includes a compact display and eye-catching video with a guaranteed 52% gross margin.

STV International Ltd 
Forge House
Little Cressingham
Thetford
Norfolk
IP25 6ND, GB

Phone 01953 881580
Email info@stvuk.co.uk

Staverton Nursery, near Lewes in East Sussex, has rebuilt and opened its new restaurant and food hall, 18 months after a devastating fire destroyed half of its retail space, coffee shop and offices.

This new development provides the business with a restaurant that has increased the seating numbers up to 116 internally, with an additional 56 outside. It also has a takeaway adjacent to the food hall and restaurant entrance, giving customers a grab and go options whilst providing support to the restaurant. 

The food hall offers a full range of goods, including fruit and vegetables, frozen goods, a butchery, deli products, bakery items and grocery.

When the fire happened the business reflected on its previous retail and catering offer, and considered what could be done differently to what was there before. They started work on the new building, and then in March 2024 they approached specialist Garden Centre and Farmshop Design and Business Consultants, Pleydell Smithyman, to review the site potential and create a scheme that would elevate the business.

Matthew Cottingham, Director at Staverton Nursery, said: “The fire was devastating, but on reflection, whilst it has been a challenging time, we are really pleased with the outcome and our new food hall and restaurant.

“The food hall gives our customers a great range of food and it has enabled us to work with a fantastic local butcher, C. Leppards of Halland. Our range includes fresh fruit and vegetables, which takes us back to our roots and the food hall adds more reasons for customers to visit than ever before. 

“The restaurant not only gives customers a lovely venue to visit, but it has a real sentimental aspect to it too, being named after our Grandad, Cecil, who set the business up originally. He started by selling fruit and vegetables on a table on the roadside, and the design reflects this story and history.” 

Andrew Burton from Pleydell Smithyman, added: “This was one of those projects that put a smile on your face. Not only were we working with great owners, who are bouncing back from a devastating fire, but this scheme has enabled the business to add so much more to its previous customer proposition. The development means that these new additions to the business are going to have a really positive impact on turnover, and essentially, they are two key areas in the garden centre industry right now – food retail and catering. We know that both food hall and restaurant trading is integral to Nurseries and Garden Centres, especially helping to reduce seasonal peaks and troughs, but at Staverton this has been carried out with a definite 'wow factor'.

“It’s been a really fast track project, and with our design and commercial team working closely with the client and coordinating with suppliers and contractors, delivery has been achieved it in a very timely and pleasing timescale, with December’s peak trade period for these two departments in sight.”

WHM Pet Group, a family-run company with headquarters in Holme Upon Spalding Moor, East Yorkshire and a large mill in Driby, Lincolnshire hosted a spellbinding celebration of farming, family and food, in Yorkshire last week.  

More than 150 special guests were entertained with a heritage extravaganza showcasing 200 years of milling, including the dramatic appearance of one of the last steam engines ever built.  The event also celebrated the relaunch of WHM Pet Group's pet food brand Marriage’s.

Guests were treated to a three-course meal, themed around the evolution of the food industry, which the family has served for many generations.  Sam Marriage, Managing Director of WHM Pet Group then presented a family history of farming and milling spanning 600 years, including a spectacular outdoor video display, which took the guests on a fascinating journey through time. The family's Brigadier Steam Engine, which was in service from 1934-1948, and has recently been fully restored arrived against a backdrop of fireworks before a beacon was lit with a flaming torch, symbolising the passing of business through the generations. 

Sam Marriage said: “This special day took many months of planning; it was incredible to see it come to life so beautifully. I am extremely proud of my family heritage and so grateful to the previous generations for their hard work, determination and integrity in establishing and maintaining Marriage’s as a much-loved household name.”

WHM Pet Group supply retailers and farmers with premium quality wild bird, indoor bird, small animal, racing pigeon, pig, poultry and ruminant feeds. 

For further information visit: https://www.marriages.co.uk/ and see GTN Xtra's photos from the celebration below

Groves Garden Centre in Bridport has unveiled its new Glulam Hybrid Canopy, designed and installed by Fordingbridge. This innovative structure is set to transform the garden centre's entrance, offering a fresh, modern, and inviting look while enhancing the overall customer experience.

“We're thrilled with how the project has turned out,” said, Charlie Groves, Managing Director at Groves Nurseries. “The new entrance is exactly what we hoped for—a space that welcomes visitors and showcases our plants and products beautifully in every season.”

Completed in just eight weeks, the project included the demolition of two existing canopies and the installation of the new structure. With groundwork provided by Aarron Keene, electrics and security managed by Chris Stubbs Electrical, and irrigation installed by Simon Moore, the project was a collaborative effort. The doors were expertly fitted by HTL, and Malcolm Scott Consultants ensured all planning requirements were met.

A Glulam Hybrid Canopy was chosen for its architectural harmony with Ivy House, the onsite café at Groves built in 2018.  The design features wooden curves that provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere.  Steel uprights offer the flexibility to enclose the area in the future if required.

The canopy not only improves the aesthetic appeal but also creates a light, bright space that encourages customers to explore the centre freely. This new space will allow for the year-round display of products in an inspirational and dynamic way.

Groves celebrated the official opening of the new space with a celebratory event on September 21, featuring live music and local stallholders. With an overwhelmingly positive response from customers, supplier and the Groves team, the canopy is already enhancing the customer journey, setting a new standard for garden centre entrances.

For more information about this project or to learn more about Groves, visit grovesnurseries.co.uk

With just two weeks remaining until the 2024 GIMA Awards, excitement is building for what promises to be the garden retail sector’s most prestigious event of the year. Now officially sold out, the evening is sure to be one to remember.

On November 7 more than 400 guests will gather at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, South Wales, for a night of celebration, networking, and recognition of the outstanding talent and innovation that has shaped the sector over the past year. The event will be hosted by comedian, writer, presenter, and bestselling author Tom Allen, whose wit and charm will ensure an evening of laughter, glamour, and unforgettable moments.

As final preparations are made, heartfelt thanks go to the evening’s generous sponsors, whose support has made this event possible. Special mention goes to headline sponsor Glee, alongside Gardenex, the GCA, LOFA, eBay, HTA, Blue Diamond Garden Centres, Smart Garden Products, Primeur, Durston Garden Products, Hozelock, Gardena, Flower Gro, Capi Europe, Barrus, Decco, RocketGro, MorePeople, CM Ventures, Hornby George PR, and media partners Gardenforum, Garden Trade News, Horticulture Week, Garden Centre Retail, and Garden Radio.

For those unable to attend this year’s sold-out event, you can still follow the excitement and announcements live on Instagram. Simply follow @gima_org or track #GIMAAwards24 to stay updated as the winners are revealed in real time.

The Plant Barn has opened at Heart Of The Shires Shopping Village in Northamptonshire.

The Hunt family purchased the shopping village site in 2017 and endured four years of planning negotiation. The build expansion of the site has taken two year.

Phase one of the development – The Plant Barn  – opened this week. Phase two – a brick built courtyard and seven addition rental units – will open in March 2025. Three units are still available for rent.

The Hunt family also own and operate Whilton Locks Garden Village just 1.5 miles up the A5, now into their 20th trading year. Their ice rink opens on the 15th November with a Children In Need Pudsey Bear Donate & Skate evening, £5 per session with all proceeds going to Children In Need.

See more pictures in the gallery below...

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre has launched of its first-ever Christmas children’s book, The Magic of a Christmas Gift, written by team member Matt Lewis. 

Featuring enchanting illustrations by Amy Willis, this magical tale celebrates kindness, friendship, and the joy of giving qualities that perfectly capture the true spirit of Christmas.

The Magic of a Christmas Gift follows a heart-warming story that reminds readers, young and old, that even the smallest acts of kindness can inspire grand dreams and unexpected miracles. The characters in the story are inspired by some of the youngest members of the Old Railway Line family, making this release a truly personal and emotive.

The garden centre is donating all profits from book sales to two remarkable charities:

• Be More Frank: A special fund of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, Be More Frank supports families affected by childhood cancer in Herefordshire, Powys, and surrounding areas. The fund honours Frank, a young boy who tragically lost his battle with a rare bone cancer at age 13.
• Ewing’s Sarcoma Research Trust: Partnering with the Bone Cancer Research Trust, this fund is dedicated to Eif’s Ewing Sarcoma Research Fund, in memory of Eif. Proceeds from the book will contribute directly to research, information, awareness, and support for families affected by primary bone cancer.

“We hope this story adds a touch of magic to everyone who reads it. With every purchase, readers will help us make a difference by supporting the essential work of Be More Frank and the Ewing’s Sarcoma Research Trust,” said Matt Lewis, author of The Magic of a Christmas Gift.

Matthew added: “The book’s story has also inspired our Christmas video this year which will be released on Thursday 7^th November. There is always lots of excitement around our Christmas video so we are hoping the book will go down well too!”

The book is now available at the Old Railway Line Garden Centre and online through their website, making it the perfect Christmas gift to share a story of hope and kindness. This festive season, join us in spreading a little more magic by giving back to those who need it most.

For more information visit www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk. 

The latest Horticultural Trades Association Market Update for October 2024 shows that overall garden centre sales in September 2024 increased by +1% compared to September 2023, driven largely by catering and non-garden categories. 

However, overall sales were down by -1% when excluding catering. In a dominant narrative for 2024, this is reflective of the challenges for garden-related sales in periods of adverse weather, seen across all areas of the UK.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, commented: "September is traditionally a smaller month for sales, but bulb sales continue to usher in autumn gardening for many consumers. Our sector continues to adapt to the ever-present weather challenges in the UK, particularly wet weather, with garden and gardening categories sales down by -6% in September compared to the same period last year. Although bulb sales provided a seasonal boost, this was offset by the impact of the wettest September in Southern England since 1918, with rainfall 233% of the long-term average, dampening consumer enthusiasm for outdoor gardening.

“Non-garden categories continued their upward trajectory, with sales up +9% compared to September 2023, including catering. Even when catering is excluded, these categories still saw a healthy +6% growth. Food and farm shop sales stood out, surging by +17% compared to last year, reflecting consumers’ growing preference for fresh, local produce.

“Average transaction values (ATVs) across garden centres dropped by -2% year-on-year, with the average basket size now at £22.85. However, inflation was a potential driver behind the +4% increase in ATVs for cafés and restaurants within garden centres.  

“Consumer confidence also fell by -7 points compared to August last year, potentially reflecting growing concerns about the upcoming autumn budget.  

"However, while these issues pose challenges, our industry continues to show incredible resilience, and as we move further into autumn and Christmas displays start to appear, we expect garden centres to continue thriving as community destinations."  

The full October 2024 market update is available to HTA members on the HTA website. 

The Commercial Horticultural Association has announced the final line-up of British growers and suppliers who will be taking part in IPM Essen on28-31 January 2025.

IPM Essen is the international trade fair for plants and the world’s leading trade fair for horticulture, showcasing the entire value chain for plants, including production, technology, floristry, garden features and point of sale.

In 2024, 1,403 exhibitors and over 36,000 visitors attended the event from all over the world.

“IPM Essen is always a busy show for us, with many of our exhibitors returning each year due to the importance of the event in the trade show calendar and the prime position we enjoy in Hall 7, one of the show’s main halls,” commented Emma Brazier, the CHA’s Event Manager.

“We are delighted to welcome 10 UK companies to the show in January, who will be supported by our extensive logistics and marketing support package. We are looking forward to a lively and productive event, which kicks off our industry event calendar for 2025.”

Products and services which will be presented by UK companies include containers, garden plants (including roses, clematis and young plants), design services, labels, tags, POS material and packaging, horticultural LED lighting, tree ties and sundries, sustainable fertilisers and biostimulants.

Confirmed exhibitors include:

• Air-Pot
• David Austin Roses
• Garden Centre Design Company – C Long Studios
• PPC Labels
• Raymond Evison Clematis/The Guernsey Clematis Nursery
• Pinnacle Plants International
• Green Connection
• Tyne Moulds and Machinery
• INDO Lighting are also part of the group, exhibiting in Hall 3.

UK growers wishing to attend the event should contact the CHA for a link to exhibition entrance tickets at a preferential rate.

Choice Marketing members voted Westland as their Supplier of the Year, winning the Peter Wilson trophy, presented by Peter's Son Ally of MacKenzie Cruikshank Garden Centre at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth tonight.

Plant Supplier of the Year

Winner: Allensmore
Special Commendation: New Leaf

Giftware Supplier of the Year

Winner: Woodmansterne
Special Commendation: Cottage Delight

Furniture & Outdoor Living Supplier of the Year

Winner: LeisureGrow
Special Commendation: Woodlodge

Non-Retail Services Supplier of the Year

Winner: Corby + Fellas

Sundry Associate Supplier of the Year

Winner: RocketGro

Sundry Supplier of the Year

Special Commendation: Woodlodge

Sundry Major Associate Supplier of the Year

Winner: Westland

Industry Champion

Winner: Trevor Pfeiffer

And the night ended with dancing to ABBA...

Read more and see pictures from the conference trade show of 130 exhibitors and 400 attendees in GTN Xtra at the weekend.

Yorkshire Garden Centres, owner of Tong, Tingley, Bingley and Otley Garden Centres, plus Dean's York and Scarborough, has been shortlisted in the Sustainability, the Large Business and the Rob Burrow Outstanding Contribution to Charity categories of the Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards.

Yorkshire Garden Centre's MD, Mark Farnsworth, said: "It's a testament to the efforts of our hard-working team to have reached the final in three categories at this year's awards. We are particularly pleased to be recognised for our fundraising efforts with a shortlist place for the new Rob Burrow award. Our teams work year round to support a wide range of regional and community charitable and are proud to make a difference in our local communities."

In the new Rob Burrow Outstanding Contribution to Charity award, Yorkshire Garden Centres faces competition from Karl Avison from Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café, Regal Food Products Group, RJC Plant Services, Rob Northfield and Gripple. Fellow finalists in the Large Business of the Year areFMG, Kings Secure Technologies, Royal Armouries, Torsion Group and Zenith and in the Sustainability award, it's Ambion Heating, Burendo, instantprint, The Bio-D Company and Zenith.

The team will learn whether they have been successful at an awards ceremony at Headingley Stadium on 21st November that will be hosted by BBC Look North anchor Amy Garcia.

Now in their 19th year, the Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards recognise and reward businesses and the vital role that they play in Yorkshire's economic success.

Pictured, left to right: Natalie Hope-Smith, Matt Lowrey and Steph Harrison from Yorkshire Garden Centres.

A new restful ‘sanctuary’ for vulnerable older Londoners is underway at Thrive London. The Sanctuary Garden will provide a peaceful, safe and accessible space for older and disabled people especially those living with dementia and their carers.

The garden, located in Thrive London’s Main Garden in Battersea Park, London, is designed to be a secure environment suitable for people with a range of sensory and mobility needs. Fragrant and vibrantly coloured plants and shrubs will provide excellent stimulation alongside sheltered seating to offer a place for conversation, quiet reflection and enjoyment of the changing seasons.

As well as making the benefits of nature and gardening publicly available to the older generation, the new garden will importantly support Thrive London’s Garden Thyme programme. Here, trained practitioners help people living with dementia or memory loss to engage in gentle gardening activities and nature-based crafts to enhance their wellbeing and quality of life. Each session is designed to stimulate the senses, evoke memories and maintain or improve physical abilities, and provides an opportunity to interact with others and connect with nature and plants.

The garden will also be used as a resource within Thrive’s Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) courses to help develop more professionally trained STH practitioners.

“We’re so excited to start the build of the Sanctuary Garden and look forward to welcoming people to this reassuring safe space where older visitors and people on our programmes and their carers can benefit from time in nature, therapeutic gardening and feeling part of a community,” says Thrive STH Practitioner Alex McDonald.

“We hope that health and social care providers will welcome the garden and the support that it will bring to the local community. STH is invaluable for people with early onset dementia and can have a positive impact on their quality of life. Whilst people with dementia may not be able to remember their tasks, the feelings last longer than the memories,” adds Alex.

Engagement with nature and gardening drives behaviours that reduce the risks of dementia, delaying the onset, slowing the decline and reducing social isolation. Gardening activity in older age has also been associated with cognitive benefits over the course of life, with those who spend time gardening shown to have better cognitive function in later life than those who do not.

The creation of the Sanctuary Garden was generously funded by grants from the Wolfson Foundation and The National Garden Scheme, with funding for the Garden Thyme programme provided by the Julia Rausing Trust, helping Thrive to deliver its incredible services to even more people. The works started mid-October with a view to open in Spring 2025.

Bath, the inaugural winners of Britain in Bloom, have once again been crowned champions in the 60th anniversary year of The Royal Horticultural Society’s nationwide gardening competition.

52 finalists from across the UK, who were nominated to the Finals after impressing judges in their regional and national competitions, competed to be winner in one of 11 categories, as well as for an RHS award. The overall winner was announced on The One Show (BBC One, 7pm) and was awarded to Bath in Bloom, who achieved a gold medal in the Small City category and who first won the competition in its maiden year sixty years ago.

Beyond the delightful gardens and seasonal displays - including flower beds featuring 3D carpet bed bees amongst a sea of marigolds - the judges were struck by Bath’s strong emphasis on community and environment. The group showed excellent engagement with local schools, facilitating horticultural activities from planting trees to creating raised beds for edibles, as well as living roofs, bug hotels and dipping ponds. One project even involved growing wheat and milling it to produce flour before baking bread, providing pupils with first-hand experience of the plot-to-plate journey.

The group also works with It's Your Neighbourhood groups such as More Trees for BANES, which recognises the importance of using locally harvested seeds. 11,000 trees have been planted since the project’s inception in 2008, with local school children growing on saplings in raised beds on their school grounds.

Other highlights noted by the judges were the Parade Gardens and the Bath Women’s Institute Garden, with its bench for quiet contemplation and plenty of herbs which are there to be harvested by all. The judges noted the location’s tranquillity, adding that it’s a space equally enjoyed by members of the public and the volunteers who tend to it.

Darren Share, Chair of the RHS Britain in Bloom judges, said: “Huge congratulations to all finalists of the 2024 Britain in Bloom competition, especially in this milestone 60th anniversary year. Each group demonstrated the creativity, hard work, and commitment to sustainability that Britain in Bloom has championed for six decades. It is wonderful to see the passion and dedication of these hardworking groups in bringing together communities across the UK and make a lasting impact on our local environments.”

Dame Mary Berry, RHS Ambassador, said: “Bath in Bloom won this competition 60 years ago and have done it again on their 60th anniversary. Bath is such a special place to me – I grew up there. Congratulations!”

First-time entrants Wrexham in Bloom, in Wales, won the City category and a gold medal, delighting judges with a balance of annual and perennial displays, including 20 wildflower meadows throughout the city. The group has shown great community initiative, using the Erlas Walled Garden as a centre for learning for schools and dementia groups, while elsewhere they are developing connections with the local prison.

Other winners included Forres in Bloom, Scotland, who won the Town category and impressed with outstanding bedding displays, planters and baskets throughout the town. The Wee FIBbees (the Wee Forres in Bloom bees) were cited as an outstanding example of education with schools, enabling children to grow vegetables, tender perennials and annuals. Forres demonstrated that biodiversity is at the heart of all their activities, with plans to carry out wildflower turf trials along with the grafting and distribution of heritage apple trees in Mannachie Park and around the community.

Sarah Galvin, RHS Head of National Community Programmes, said: “Bath in Bloom showed not only outstanding horticultural displays but also great dedication to their community and the environment. They were the first ever winners of the competition, 60 years ago, so it’s a great pleasure to be able to crown them champions once again in this special anniversary year. Over the past six decades Britain in Bloom has evolved from what many saw as a rural hanging basket competition to a major socio-environmental campaign that is improving villages, towns and cities across the UK.”

Winners were presented with their trophies at the RHS Britain in Bloom 2024 awards ceremony, held this afternoon in Manchester, with the overall winner unveiled to the public on BBC One’s The One Show.

Full results of the RHS Britain in Bloom 2024 UK Finals can be found at: rhs.org.uk/bloomawardsresults

Pictured: Bath in Bloom (Credit RHS Mark Bolton).

Spring Fair, the UK’s largest home, gift, fashion trade show which celebrates its 75th anniversary on the 2nd – 5th February 2025 at NEC Birmingham, needs your help to bring together a Hall of Fame compilation of nostalgic memories, pictures and great stories from the show’s 75-year history.

The Hall of Fame will be brought to life at Spring Fair, offering the show’s community the chance to reminisce and remember seven decades of its history as well as a snapshot of memorable past events and current affairs between 1950 - 2024. The show’s timeline, a large digital screen of pictures and stories, and a selfie wall to capture the industry’s biggest trade show gathering in 2025, will create a celebration of retail’s past and present.

Were you an exhibitor or visitor in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000’s…? Do you have any memorable stories or pictures to share? Were you at the show in 1975 when Queen Elizabeth opened it at the NEC? Do you have any great then & now pictures from the show or of your stands? Can you chart any memorable moments at the show that stick in your mind or defined your business? Did you make new connections with brands or retailers that you still work with today? What were the highlight product launches over the decades? Are any products that became best-sellers still available today and how have they evolved over the decades?

Are you also celebrating a big anniversary in 2025?

If so, Spring Fair would love to hear from you. Please send your memories and pictures to Reka Rasko at reka.rasko@hyve.group to be considered.

Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director of Spring Fair says, “This milestone event will bring the retail community together – to celebrate the past, present and future of retailing and put the spotlight on the people and businesses who have made Spring Fair a part of their retailing journey. We would love to receive all your memorable memories and pictures, and we will create a place where the community can take a nostalgic look back on the years gone by. I can’t wait to see pictures from the past and hear your stories.”

About Spring Fair

Spring Fair is the UK’s leading retail event attracting 38,000 attendees with a combined budget of £2.25bn. It hosts the largest, highest-spend assembly of retailers in the country and is the ultimate destination for buyers. Over 1,200 exhibitors across Home, Gift, Fashion, and Everyday categories, will showcase over a million new and exclusive products.

Spring Fair sparks connections, broadens horizons, and enables opportunities for the wholesale home, gift, fashion and everyday retail communities to thrive. As the ultimate hub for forecasting and innovation, Spring Fair delivers essential trend insights to keep retailers informed and ahead of the curve.

2025 will celebrate 75 years of rich heritage. Inaugurated by the Queen in 1975 when it moved to the NEC and endorsed by retail icons, Spring Fair has remained a trusted marketplace even through significant industry changes.

Spring Fair’s 75th edition runs from 2nd – 5th February 2025 at NEC Birmingham. Visit www.springfair.com for more information.

British Garden Centres has unveiled its Christmas themes for 2024, designed to transform homes into magical winter wonderlands. This year’s collection features a captivating array of magical themes, each crafted to inspire customers and enhance their festive shopping experience.

The main themes are at the heart of our Christmas offerings, setting the stage for a truly spectacular festive family experience.

Traditional: The Traditional theme embodies the essence of Christmas with its timeless appeal. Featuring rich tones of oxblood red and royal blue, this theme exudes elegance and warmth. Classic decorations such as ornaments, garlands, and twinkling lights create a cosy atmosphere that resonates with the nostalgia of seasonal gatherings. heart of the season.

Winter: For those seeking a more contemporary approach, the Winter theme offers a sophisticated palette of white, silver, and light blue. This theme evokes the serene beauty of winter landscapes, enhanced by hints of dark blue that add depth and sophistication, whilst showcasing the beauty of the season through snowflakes, icicles, and shimmering ornaments.

Gingham: Bringing a playful and charming element to the season, the Gingham theme features a classic red and white checkered pattern, reminiscent of festive picnics. Enhanced with hints of light green, this theme is designed to evoke joy and nostalgia, making it particularly appealing to families by creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that encourages all to embrace the festive spirit.

Iced Gingerbread: This delightful theme captures the essence of holiday baking with its warm, inviting colours and gingerbread motifs. Perfect for creating a warm but playful atmosphere, Iced Gingerbread is ideal for retailers and homeowners looking to evoke the sweet nostalgia of holiday treats.

Sugarplum: Inspired by the whimsical world of fairy tales, the Sugarplum theme features vibrant colours and playful decorations. This theme is perfect for families and children, creating a magical environment that sparks joy and imagination.

Woodland: Returning for 2024, the Woodland theme brings the beauty of nature indoors, featuring earthy tones and natural elements. This theme is perfect for those who appreciate rustic charm and want to create a serene, nature-inspired Christmas setting.

Mulled Wine: Evoking the warmth and comfort of Christmas gatherings, the Mulled Wine theme features rich reds, warm colours and heartwarming decorations. This theme is designed to create an inviting atmosphere that encourages friends and family to gather and celebrate.

Lollipop: A theme bursting with childlike joy. Imagine a sugar rush of colours and textures, where neon blues and pastel pinks collide with shiny silvers and gold in a dazzling display that kids of all ages will adore. Lollipop is about letting your hair down and embracing the joy of play, making it the perfect theme for Christmas with a young family.  

Holly Berry: This, as the name suggests, captures the essence of Christmas with its festive colours of red and green and traditional motifs. Holly Berry is perfect for creating a cosy, inviting atmosphere that resonates with the holiday spirit.

Snowflake: The Snowflake mini theme brings the beauty of wintery whites indoors, featuring delicate snowflake designs and cool colours. This theme is ideal for retailers and homeowners looking to create a serene but contemporary Christmas vibe.

Dark Nights: Sleek, moody, and ultra-modern, Dark Nights is a captivating Christmas theme. Imagine dark, stormy skies, silently falling snow, and the crisp, winter moonlight. Its striking combination of blue, black, and silver creates a clean, contemporary look that perfectly complements the modern, urban home.

Mistletoe: Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of our Mistletoe theme. Inspired by the colours and textures of the forest, this theme blends lush, mossy greens with the bright shimmer of fresh snow. Pairing tones of pearl white with earthy browns and greens, Mistletoe strikes a perfect balance between natural and sophisticated. It's the ideal choice for those who appreciate a minimalist aesthetic without compromising on personality.

Glam: Opulent and sophisticated, Glam is the epitome of luxury. With its classic pairing of silver and gold, accented by a touch of intriguing orange, Glam is a versatile theme that adds a lavish touch to both traditional and frosted trees.

Amy Stubbs at British Garden Centres said: “As we prepare for the festive season, British Garden Centres is excited to offer a diverse range of Christmas themes for 2024 that will suit all tastes and interiors. After a dismal summer, we know that everyone is looking forward to some cheer, so we hope homeowners are excited to explore these themes and join us to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.”

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Sinclair, part of Westland Horticulture, has announced the appointment of two highly experienced members to its sales team – Adam Price and John Crinall. They will support the development and growth of the brand in key regions across the UK, bringing a wealth of horticultural expertise and industry knowledge.

Adam Price joins Sinclair as Sales Manager for the South West, and brings with him over 20 years’ hands-on experience in the horticulture industry. A graduate of Pershore Horticulture College, Adam began his career producing annual and perennial plug plants, and later progressed into commercial roles. Throughout his career, Adam has built long-standing relationships with a wide range of customers by delivering high-quality products and support.

Adam Price commented: "I am looking forward to the new challenge of working with Sinclair in the South West and I am eager to help growers in the region produce high-quality yields season after season."

John Crinall has been appointed as Sales Manager for the North East & Scotland, and brings over 30 years’ horticultural experience to Sinclair, with a career that spans roles in sales, manufacturing, and distribution. His in-depth product knowledge covers everything from hardy nursery stock plants to fertilisers, and his understanding of growers' needs positions him as a trusted advisor to customers.

John Crinall added: "Having the best growing media is essential for starting a successful crop, and I’m thrilled to be joining the Sinclair team to offer our customers the solutions they need. Sinclair’s excellent range of products, combined with leading technical expertise, makes the brand the first choice for providing solutions for all crops and growing systems.” 

Andrea Marshall, Head of Professional Growing Media for Sinclair, 

commented: “Both Adam and Johns’ appointments reinforce Sinclair’s commitment to providing expert support to growers across the UK, helping to optimise our customers’ growing operations. Sinclair has a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, and both Adam and Johns’ experience and passion will be invaluable to our business during this critical phase of industry development.” 

For more information visit www.sinclairpro.com.

In partnership with Morris & Co, Riva Home has introduced a collection of outdoor cushions featuring timeless heritage prints from the inspiring archive of William Morris. 

Reflecting some of Morris’ most iconic prints, this collection celebrates the flourishing beauty of nature through the seasons, with a playful companion or two adding to its charm. Crafted from soft cotton and thoughtfully treated to withstand the elements, these cushions are both water and UV-resistant—ideal for the unpredictable British weather.

Additionally, their soft cotton fabric and timeless design make them perfect for indoor use as well, offering excellent value for money for those seeking versatile, all-around functionality.

“It’s been an honour to work with such an iconic heritage brand, taking timeless designs from the William Morris archive that beautifully capture the charm of British wildlife, and designing items for modern outdoor living,” said Faye Senior, Lead Product Developer at Riva Home.

In recent years, Riva Home has noted an increased focus on using outdoor spaces as an extension to interior living spaces; evident in the use of lounge-style furniture and soft furnishings to create comfortable spaces. 

“We are proud to offer unique and design-led furnishings for outdoor spaces, blending with the functionality needed for our Great British summers. We recognise that homeowners are now looking to extend their homes into outdoor spaces by creating garden living areas with comfort and style,” added Anna Jones, Brand Manager at Riva Home.

“The blend of Morris’ nature-inspired prints with heritage colours makes for a timeless, harmonious look for gardens.”

Riva Home reports a 20% annual growth in its outdoor category in 2024, with the addition of the Morris & Co outdoor collection offering an extra touch of heritage charm to their portfolio for homes and gardens. 

The Morris & Co outdoor cushion collection launches in January 2025, ready for early spring days in the garden, and is available for stockists to pre-order now for deliveries in January. 

In extension to the outdoor cushion collection, retailers can discover Riva Home’s inspiring collection of Morris & Co readymade curtains, cushions and throws for the home, with stunning details such as intricate embroidery, luxury jacquards and exquisite trims. Designed in partnership with Sanderson Design Group, the focus was on using remarkable techniques to archive designs, reimagining them for modern homes.

The full Morris & Co collection can be viewed on the Riva Home website and ordered through their easy-to-use trade portal. Visit www.rivahome.com to discover or sign-up for a trade account now.

The Horticultural Trades Association has welcomed the new Defra Plant Health Information Service, which has been made live at a time when horticulture businesses are facing huge challenges with importing.

The tool, developed in consultation with the HTA and sector businesses, is a more user-friendly system to navigate the guidance and make clearer the requirements for plants and plant products for businesses importing them.

Sally Cullimore, HTA Technical Policy Manager, commented: "This is a long-awaited and welcome improvement, which now needs to be fully resourced and maintained, with a plan for urgent expansion to include business and trade critical information, such as when and what additional declarations are required. We are keen to work collaboratively to shape this further so it works for our sector - the primary users of the tool.  

“The urgency is clear, and we reiterate the asks the HTA has made for action to address the many communication and infrastructure issues which are causing friction at the border, thereby increasing costs and ultimately resulting in lost plants."  

The HTA encourages its members and their supply chains to familiarise themselves with the tool and give feedback on suggestions for further improvements.

To use the new service, find out the rules and the pest or disease risks for importing plants, plant products or seeds to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for commercial use, follow this link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-plant-health-information-and-import-rules

The British-made Air-Pot system has been chosen by The Clean Plant Center Northwest (CPCNW) in Washington USA to help boost its vital supplies of virus-tested plants.

CPCNW, part of the US Department of Agriculture-funded National Clean Plant Network, is using the Air-Pot containers to grow plants with healthy non-circling root systems, making them more disease resistant.

Marketing & Sales Representative at Air-Pot® in Edinburgh, Georgie Single explains: “The healthier, faster growing plants from Air-Pot containers are better for biosecurity and the environment, as well as offering much better result for growers; whether that’s a healthier tree sequestering more CO2 and slowing climate change, or a plant that is grown to help feed us.”

The unique design of Air-Pot containers has evolved since 1990, constantly improving to guarantee that plants only develop healthy fibrous roots, with no circling.

The design also ensures perfect drainage and aeration of the growing medium, creating ideal conditions for healthy bacteria to release more nutrients to the plant.

Production Manager at CPCNW, Pieter Kowalec says: “Our philosophy of ‘start clean, stay clean’ emphasises the importance of planting with clean materials, to ensure high-quality production from orchards, vineyards and hop yards.

“The clean plant material is provided to nurseries, growers and research agencies. The clean ‘mother’ plants at the centre are a cornerstone of state certification programmes for the US pomme and stone fruit, grapevine and hop industries.

“Our Air-Pot containers are proving a wonderful growing environment for hops and grape vines, which are thriving. Top quality hops are vital for breweries and wineries seeking the highest quality ingredients, as healthy hops and grapes make better beer and wines!”

The shape of the Air-Pot container’s wall guides each root towards an air hole where increased air in the growing medium dehydrates the tip, pruning it and stimulating root branching. The process repeats until there is a mass of healthy fibrous roots.

Georgie adds: “Healthy roots mean faster growth and better uptake of nutrients and water.

“Made from recycled HDPE, our Air-Pot containers are sturdily built and reusable many times, even in tropical sunshine. We manufacture with the minimum possible environmental impact. Central to this is our use of recycled plastic.”

For further details, please visit www.air-pot.com/nursery/. To find out more about CPCNW, please visit https://www.cpcnorthwest.com/s/.

Three retail security specialists will speak to Garden Centre Association members at a free webinar on the topic next month.

The online event will be chaired by Tammy Woodhouse from Millbrook Garden Centres and takes place on Wednesday, November 13 from 3-4.30pm.

Peter Burks, GCA Chief Executive, says: “All our members and associate members are invited to sign up and log in for this free, informative and very useful webinar, where we’ll have a discussion to help and support them with their retail security in the workplace. It’s a particularly good time to discuss this as we head towards Christmas. 

“We will hear from Mark Gilbert from Tates Garden Centre, Nathan Wilson from Blue Diamond and Corin Dennison from Insight Retail Risk Consultants. We’d love to have lots of members join us for this to hear what our experts have to say on this very important topic.”

It is hoped there will also be an opportunity for attendees to impart their stories and ideas, as well as ask questions too. 

Peter adds: “There will be time for attendees to join in and share their experiences. The expectation is that the webinar will last for no more than 90 minutes. Please email laura@gca.org.uk if you would like to attend and we can send you the invitation link.”

As the days shorten with the clocks going back, the weather becoming chillier and the trees around us filling with stunning shades of red and yellow and purple and gold, there can’t be a more satisfying time to be spending outdoors.

The season of “mists and mellow fruitfulness” throws up familiar sights and sounds like conkers dropping from Horse Chestnut trees and skeins of migrating geese taking over the skies - you might even glimpse the sight of a Harvest Moon rising above the evening horizon.

So why not don your boots and gardening gloves and have a go at some of the fantastic tasks the RSPCA’s volunteering department have devised so people can play their part in a one million strong movement to change the lives of animals for the better?

Last year around 2,000 people signed up for the charity’s Wildlife Friends scheme as part of the Big Help Out, a nationwide volunteering initiative which marked the King’s Coronation. This year 1,950 volunteers have already taken part since Wildlife Friends was relaunched again in the Spring.

Among the tasks they have been working on include spring cleaning bird feeders, leaving food out for hedgehogs and even larger projects such as building bug hotels and planting wildlife-friendly plants to support local ecosystems.

There are 24 self-service tasks for Wildlife Friends volunteers to complete in 2024 with different tasks set for each of the four seasons. Points are earned when completing tasks and those volunteers who earn a set number or more during a season are awarded a seasonal certificate.

RSPCA head of volunteering Brian Reeves said: “We all share our neighbourhoods with wonderful wildlife and we need to protect them. By becoming an RSPCA Wildlife Friend, animal lovers can join with their community to make a safe space for the animals who share our world.

“The RSPCA’s Wildlife Friends volunteering scheme is great for anyone who can spare a few minutes, or a couple of hours, to create a better and kinder world for every animal. 

“We’ve got seven great tasks to inspire everyone into action this Autumn. It is a great time of the year to get out and enjoy gardens, open spaces and woodlands and the tasks can all be completed close to home.

“By getting involved, people can help make their communities safer for wildlife. Small tasks like these all make a huge difference for wild animals and their welfare. We had a great response last year and we want more people to pitch in again as we aim to create a one million strong movement for animal welfare, during our 200th year.”

The Autumn tasks that volunteers can access by registering online are:

• Cleaning bird feeders ready for the winter
• Creating a mini compost heap
• Cleaning out nest boxes 
• Discarding pumpkin leftovers carefully 
• Taking part in Hallowclean 
• Helping hedgehogs get ready for hibernation
• Keeping wildlife safe from bonfires

Wildlife Friends make a difference for the nation's wildlife by helping to create habitats and environments where wildlife can thrive and be safe from harm, and promote ways people can help the animals in their neighbourhood. Everyone can play their part in creating a better world for every animal. Whether you have five minutes or five hours spare each week, whether you live in a flat, narrowboat or house with a garden - there are tasks suited to you. 

By getting involved in volunteering to support wildlife, people can also free up time for RSPCA officers to tackle cruelty and neglect cases.

Staff at RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre played their part in Wildlife Friends this month by hosting workshops and events focused on nocturnal animals.

The centre’s education staff hosted bat walks and tours at the centre near Nantwich as well as a bat walk at Birkenhead Park on the Wirral. Those taking part enjoyed spotting several species of bats and experiencing the echolocation sounds they make to navigate by using bat detectors.

Evie Astbury-Field, Stapeley Grange Community Engagement Manager said: “Our bat walk was a fantastic event that not only celebrated these remarkable animals, but also highlighted the vital role they play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

“At Stapeley we hosted a number of bat talks and walks and our education officers Ali, Carolyn, Holly and Charlie were all involved in welcoming a local wildlife and conservation group, a scout group and hosting a public talk and walk. These experiences were a fantastic opportunity to involve our community in learning about these beautiful animals and their welfare at Stapeley Grange, and for us to talk about the work we do.”

The Horticultural Trades Association and the Fresh Produce Consortium have issued a joint letter to the government, calling for urgent action following a roundtable meeting on plants, cut flowers, and border-related issues.

In the letter, the HTA and FPC emphasise the vital role of horticulture and fresh produce, contributing significantly to the UK economy, food security, and environmental sustainability. The joint letter highlights substantial obstacles to the trade of both edibles, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and non-edible plants, including cut flowers, planting materials, finished plants, trees, shrubs, bulbs, and seeds. Issues such as rising logistics costs, damaged goods, delays, increased waste, and complex paperwork severely impact sector growth and investment in the future. 

As a result, the UK's business reputation is being tarnished, business relationships are under strain, and there is reduced confidence in border processes. These challenges threaten the country’s food security, hinder progress towards achieving the UK’s environmental goals, and directly impact the choices available to consumers. 

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs at HTA, commented: “We are asking policymakers to urgently work with the HTA and FPC, listen to our members, and take swift action to safeguard UK horticulture. Our sectors face growing pressures from rising costs, supply chain issues, and regulatory changes.

"While our sectors face different impacts, we share the same vision for frictionless border trade. There is an urgent need for oversight of all trade-related policies, whether trade with Northern Ireland, GB Plant Passport changes, or CITES regulations. If these aspects do not function cohesively, we face increased friction, costs, and damage to the UK's competitiveness, which ultimately restricts growth and impacts consumers directly. The HTA remains committed to collaborating with the government to address these challenges.” 

Nigel Jenney, CEO of the Fresh Produce Consortium, said: “The UK border strategy imposed by the previous Government is an overwhelming and ongoing failure without any immediate sign of improvement. We simply need an affordable and effective biosecure border which meets the needs of industry and consumers.  

“As a sector, we have been proactive for many years, investing in effective self-funded border solutions. However, a dynamic industry which is the bedrock of the nation’s food and wellbeing has been knowingly compromised by the previous government.  

“It’s now 6 months since the launch and nothing has changed. Our highly efficient industry solutions are being knowingly starved of “official inspection resources” therefore we are being forced to use Sevington a Government owned BCP which imposes mandatory unjustifiable costs on every consignment whether inspected or not. On reflection, no commercial operator would be allowed to adopt this approach, and if they did, it would probably be called out as a monopoly.

“Data suggests a commercially managed control point providing a vastly improved service is 90% cheaper than Sevington. Ultimately, industry and consumers are spending millions on avoidable costs imposed by our own government. Another new and hidden tax perhaps.   

“It’s essential the nearly new Government resolves this chaos soon. While it’s a crisis not of their making, it’s their problem to solve, and it’s been 3 months. Industry can readily solve the problem if given the opportunity. Industry has proven solutions, but we need the Government to agree and implement rapidly.” 

On 20 September, the HTA requested a meeting with Defra to allow both HTA and FPC members to present their concerns and discuss solutions. The associations are urging the government to prioritise this meeting to ensure the voices of the industry are heard. 

The HTA and FPC remain steadfast in advocating for a thriving horticulture and fresh produce sector. The joint letter encapsulates the concerns of businesses across the supply chain, all of whom rely on clear, supportive policies to continue providing quality products to consumers while also safeguarding jobs and the environment. 

HTA members can read the full letter here.

The Board of Directors of Squire’s Garden Centres have announced that Martin Breddy has decided to retire from his role as managing director next summer. 

Martin joined Squire’s in May 2016, overseeing steady growth in sales and profit in his early years at the helm. His calm leadership helped the business negotiate the challenges posed by the Covid and Post-Covid period, emerging with a strong platform for renewed growth, and with Squire’s local identity and community reputation, enhanced. 

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, said: “Martin’s leadership, enthusiasm and business acumen has served us well since he joined. He has ensured the Squire’s proposition remains sharp and relevant as our customer base evolves. His passion for great customer service and commitment to our team members, at all levels, will leave a lasting mark. We will all miss him greatly and wish him all the very best in his retirement.”

Martin commented: “I feel privileged and fortunate to have spent the last nine years of my career in the wonderful business that is Squire’s.  I will miss the constant and ever-changing challenges that our sector throws up. But even more, I will miss the camaraderie and support of everyone at Squire’s and in the wider horticultural industry.”

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Squire’s Garden Centres on Martin's replacement as MD of Squire's Garden Centres. For further information about the role, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference HBQUA. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. 

International real estate advisor Savills is bringing Macplants to the market. Macplants is a successful and long established privately owned plant nursery business, with family home alongside, set in 8.37 acres.

Located in the sought-after village of Pencaitland, East Lothian on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Macplants comprises a retail unit, plant beds, polytunnels, a glasshouse, workshop, outbuildings, car parking, two separate paddocks, car parking and further development potential. The sale also includes a well presented four bedroom house in private gardens and is available for a guide price of £1.375m. Click here for property listing.

Macplants has become one of Scotland's largest growers of herbaceous perennials, alpines, ferns, and ornamental grasses, including many rare and highly sought-after varieties. The plant center is open to the public from March to October, while the business also serves a diverse trade client base and operates a thriving mail-order service that supplies customers nationwide. Particular specialisms include award-winning autumn Gentians and one of the largest collections of Meconopsis cultivars available anywhere.

Macplants Berrybank Nursery is situated within Boggs Holdings, on the outskirts of Pencaitland, where there are local shops, restaurant and pub, church, primary school and garage. There is direct access to the property off the B6363 which is approximately 10 minutes by car to the city bypass, offering convienice for retail customers.

Savills leisure and trading specialist Katherine Wigham said:  “We are excited to be launching this long-established plant nursey to the market for the very first time. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a family-owned business which benefis from a nationwide and prestigious client base. The property benefits from the opportunity to further increase its offering through expansion of the premises subject to planning consent, and we are expecting a number of enquires from a range of investors.”

Savills residential agent Jessica Gwyn adds: “This highly regarded plant nursery, with its lovely family home alongside, is perfect for individuals with green fingers who may be looking to take on a thriving business in the heart of East Lothian.”

Would you like to share your garden design talent with thousands of gardening enthusiasts? Applications for BBC Gardeners’ World events’ Beautiful Borders competition are now open.

The Beautiful Borders are compact, 9m2 show gardens, bursting with creative design features and imaginative planting. These colourful mini masterpieces are always a popular highlight at BBC Gardeners’ World Live and Spring and Autumn Fairs, providing visitors with endless inspiration and take-home ideas, particularly for small or challenging garden spaces.

Creating a Beautiful Border is a fantastic opportunity to gain show garden experience at a large-scale pubilc event and to showcase your skills to a large, enthusiastic audience. Whether you’re a design or landscaping professional, a first-time designer or student, or a gardening club, community group or charity, BBC Gardeners’ World events’ friendly and experienced horticultural team support entrants every step of the way, from application to final build. Limited bursaries worth £200 are available to applicants for plants and props - 25 bursaries for the flagship BBC Gardeners’ World Live and twelve for the Spring and Autumn Fairs. 

The creative theme for the 2025 Beautiful Borders competiton is ‘Cultivating Connections’, inspired by the power of garden spaces, no matter how small, to foster meaningful connections of all kinds. Whether it's connecting cultures, species, generations or communities, or deepening our relationship with nature, education or mental wellbeing, the organisers are looking for small spaces with big impact.

Entries are assessed on site at all events by esteemed professional assessors, with medals for all and awards presented for Best Beautiful Border, Best Interpretation of the Theme, and Best Subscriber Border for the best design by a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine subscriber. Event visitors have their say too, voting for their favourite Border in the Peoples’ Choice award.   

Lucy Tremlett, Event Director at Immediate Live, organisers of BBC Gardeners’ World events, said: “We – and our visitors - never cease to be impressed at the creativity that goes into the Beautiful Borders. The designs are not only technically brilliant with an eye-catching aesthetic, but really come from the heart, often reflecting a designer’s personal story, journey or experience. Gardens are wonderful spaces to bring human beings and nature together, so the Cultivating Connections theme should inspire some really strong entries. We can’t wait so see them!”

Winners of the ‘best in show’ Beautiful Borders and Platinum awards at BBC Gardeners’ World events’ 2024 competitions were:

• BBC Gardeners’ World Live, NEC Birmingham: Leanne Woods for Following In My Footsteps, inspired by the designer’s experience of following in her grandparents’ gardening footsteps. The Border provided a dual space for relaxation and for children to play. 
• BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, Beaulieu, Hampshire: Andrew Williamson and Laura Hall for Together, inspired by the supportive space provided for people affected by cancer at Maggie’s Southampton.
• BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, in association with English Heritage, Audley End House and Gardens, Saffron Walden, Essex: Amy Drewitt for The Daisy Chain, a multi-generational family garden. 

Commenting on her experience, Amy Drewitt, winner of the BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair Best Beautiful Border winner, said: “I had such an amazing experience designing and building a Beautiful Border. Working alongside such industry titans and gaining so much experience was amazing. To end up winning a Platinum and then Best Border was a real dream come true and has helped me to launch my own garden design business.”

To enter a Beautiful Border for a 2025 BBC Gardeners’ World event, download the application form and find full details, including bursary information, at www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com and www.bbcgardenersworldfair.com. Applications close on 23 January 2025 for BBC Gardener’s World Live and the Spring Fair, and 1 May 2025 for the Autumn Fair.

Tickets for BBC Gardeners’ World Live and the Spring Fair are on sale now. Autumn Fair tickets go on sale in the spring. Highlights at BBC Gardeners’ World events include inspiring Beautiful Borders and show gardens, spectacular floral displays, plant and garden shopping, theatres and stages featuring gardening tips and advice from BBC Gardeners’ World TV presenters, Magazine edtors and plant experts, garden tours and talks, and workshops and demonstrations, plus delicious food, drink and live entertainment.

www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com www.bbcgardenersworldfair.com

Grassroots non-profit Grow to Know officially opened new community garden space ‘Life Under the Westway: Maxilla Gardens’ in North Kensington, as part of its continued mission to unlock access to nature within local communities. 

With 96,000 vehicles driving across the Westway above the garden each day, the impactful garden design seeks to provide an accessible sanctuary for residents while also cleaning up the air. The area was hugely impacted by the Grenfell Tower fire and one of Grow to Know’s key aims was to uplift the surrounding community. Maxilla Gardens received £41,000 funding from the Mayor of London’s Future Neighbourhoods Fund through Kensington and Chelsea Council and is now a community space for everyone to enjoy.  

Inspired by life under the Westway in 1960, the garden tells stories of adversity and activism in both the past and the present. The innovative design has an abundance of undulating, meandering and swathing greenery for wildlife, with bespoke furniture and repurposed materials used to create the pathways and features, inspired by the industrial development of the past. 

The main feature of the garden is its dual helix, which threads through the space, with interweaving pathways embedding the DNA of the community throughout. One path represents society, and the other represents the environment, symbolising the intersection of socio-environmental challenges and solutions. The garden is at the crux of community development - positioned as the front garden of Dale Youth Boxing Club, Bay20 Community Centre and the incoming Maxilla City.

Spearheaded by Grow to Know with the Westway Trust being involved throughout development as custodians of the land, the garden is also supported by the Mayor of London, as well as luxury fashion house Gucci, who contributed a tapestry of plants from the set of its Gucci Cruise 2025 Fashion Show held at the Tate Modern, giving the plants a new lease of life whilst supporting the community.  

The Future Neighbourhoods Fund supports the Mayor’s plans for London to reach net zero by 2030 by providing funding and expertise to help transform some of the areas in London most vulnerable to climate change. All Future Neighbourhood projects have been developed by working closely with the local communities and are innovative projects that help tackle the climate emergency. The Mayor believes all Londoners should be able to access green spaces and nature, and has developed a London Green Roots Fund to support councils and communities pay for trees, wildflower meadows, parklets and other new green spaces.  The garden was designed and delivered by Grow to Know, Westway Trust, SuDS UK, George King Architects and Wylie Wood. 

Tayshan Hayden-Smith, Founder and Creative Director of Grow to Know, said: “Following the detrimental impacts of the local injustice, the Grenfell Tower fire, the global pandemic, and the current cost-of-living crisis, we wanted to create a safe sanctuary of real meaning to uplift the community of North Kensington - not just to survive, but to thrive and bloom, alongside nature and wildlife. It is by embedding and highlighting stories of both past and present that will help guide our future. We look forward to inviting the community to enjoy the space, free of charge, and for a lifetime.”  

Mete Coben, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, said: “This new community garden is a great example of one of the ways we can bring green spaces to inner London. The project, which has been developed closely with the local community and provides residents with a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy while also cleaning up the air in a busy part of the city.  

“The Mayor believes access to green space is a social justice issue and throughout his third term Sadiq plans to support community organisations to deliver green spaces in the capital for everyone to enjoy.  

“It’s been a pleasure supporting Grow to Know and the wider team on this project. Together we can all build a safer, fairer, greener and more prosperous city for all Londoners.” 

The Westway Trust, said: “The Westway Trust is here to encourage a happier, healthier and more prosperous community and is really excited to support this community-led project, which will improve the space for use by the people of North Kensington and visitors to the area. The garden will also be a focus point for events and activities and for us to draw attention to important environmental issues, such as air quality. It is part of a wider ambition to transform this area of the Westway Estate, complementing other projects and create more space for families, reflection and wellbeing.” 

Life Under the Westway: Maxilla Gardens has been designed by Grow to Know with further support from a community of brands, including DK, Second Home and Mercedes Benz Vans, all of which are invested in supporting Grow to Know’s mission to provide a greener future. 

The garden is now open to residents of North Kensington and the wider community and Grow to Know plans to continue building and developing new spaces within the garden for residents to enjoy. 

For more information, please visit: www.growtoknow.world

Corby + Fellas has announced that prestigious department store Charnley’s Home and Garden has implemented its acclaimed epos and retail management system, WinRetail.

A spokesperson for Corby + Fellas said: “Charnley’s Home and Garden is a member of the fantastic Choice Marketing Group, we are so pleased to welcome another Choice Marketing Limited member to Corby + Fellas.

“Charnley’s in Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, is a family run home and garden destination with a difference! With gifts, interiors and furniture to inspire. Also deliciously tempting meals and cakes plus everything to make your garden grow!

“We look forward to working with Sam and the team at Charnley's and a long prosperous future with them.”

www.charnleys.co.uk

Pictured: Sam Procter, Managing Director, with C+F’s Jacob Parker

How it works

Waspinator is like a scarecrow for wasps : they see it, are frightened by it, and fly away from it. They think it’s an enemy nest and that they will be attacked if they get too close, so they go somewhere else where they don’t feel threatened. Leave it out all season and they will stay away - they think the garden is another colony’s territory. 

Why it works

Wasps are very territorial, if a wasp goes too near another colony’s nest, the nest’s defenders will attack it and chase it away. Consequently wasps instinctively know to stay well away from nests that aren’t their own.

Leave it out all season and they will stay away – they think the garden is another colony’s territory.

Waspinator is designed to look like an enemy nest: the colour, shape and size mimic a wasps nest. The horizontal striations make it look fibrous and layered to the wasp, just like a real nest.

Good for ecology

The Natural History Museum recently said: “If it wasn't for wasps we would be overrun with spiders and insects – we should call them the ‘gardener’s friend.’ Wasps kill more that 14 million kgs of caterpillars and greenfly every year just in the UK, they also pollinate plants and flowers. With the increasing threat to bee populations, the role that wasps play in the ecosystem is becoming ever more essential.”

Testimonials

Daily Telegraph Gardening Advice : July 2011 

“Waspinator is an effective wasp deterrent…

Helen Yemm reviews the Waspinator, and finds it a very effective deterrent: …having made an appeal to readers for more information as to its effectiveness, the Waspinator (with a couple of somewhat churlish exceptions) received a universal thumbs up from you all. 

• Also used and featured by Monty Don on BBC Gardeners World 2017 
• Used by the National Trust to protect their outdoor eating areas

Contact:

Nigel Clarke

Tel: 00 44 1476 530374 

Mob : 00 44 7798 815832 

E: n.clarke@superninja.eco

GTN October 2024. In this Glee Review Issue: RocketGro – Towards Climate Positive, Open for business in Shetland - GTN visits the new centre in Lerwick, It’s Christmas – Entry details for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2024, Glee 2024 – The Buzz is back, Making an impact at Glee, Potr - GIMA Seed Corn Fund Winner, Glee Hero’s – Influencing the past 50 Years, Glee New Product Award Winners, Floral Thursday at Glee sets new records, Hold on tight – Wing walkers for Greenfingers, GTN Planteria – Seasonal picks for 2025 and beyond, Navigating change at the HTA Conference, HTA Viewpoint – Presidential reflections