Webbs have completed the acquisition of Millets Farm garden centre from Frosts with the centre opening today at 9:00am under new ownership.

Webbs announced their new centre on facebook saying: "Exciting news. Webbs are very pleased to announce that we are the new owners of the garden centre at Millets Farm, Oxfordshire. Located in the heart of the Cotswolds, it is a fantastic addition to our award winning centres based in Wychbold, West Hagley and Cheltenham. We look forward to welcoming you in-store soon."

James Frost has said on theFrosts website: "Over 35 years after opening this lovely garden centre with the Carter family, it is with considerable sadness that we are now announcing that we will be selling Frosts at Millets on the 18th July. Although Frosts are saying goodbye, we are happy to be handing over ownership to the Webbs family, who have been in horticulture since the 1800s and share our values.

"It has been a difficult decision for Jeremy and I, but we have no doubt that Webbs will ensure that the garden centre at Millets Farm continues to prosper as a key part of the local community.

"Frosts will continue with two centres at Woburn Sands and Willington, and our online store.

"We wish Mark our Centre Manager, his team and Webbs all the very best for the future, and thank you all for your support in the past."

As we publish this update of GTN Xtra there is now news about the potential purchase of the Brampton centre by Notcutts.  Watch this space.

The North East’s Garden Centre of the Year in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category was Cowell’s Garden Centre (pictured above) and Klondyke Stokesley Garden Centre in the Garden Centre (GC) category. In the North West, Bents Garden and Home (DGC – below)) and Klondyke High Legh Garden Centre (GC) received the accolade.

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

Cowell’s Garden Centre also picked up the Barton Grange Trophy for Innovation and Creativity, the Customer Service Award for Best Customer Service, the Environment and Sustainability Award and the GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer in the North East region.

Martin Cowell, Director at Cowell’s Garden Centre, said: “We are delighted to have received several awards at the GCA regional awards presentation. To be awarded Best Destination Garden Centre and shortlisted for the national Ruxley Rose competition for best plant area is wonderful and testament to the hard work and creativity of our fantastic team.”

In the North West, Bent’s Garden and Home also took home the Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant and The Barton Grange Trophy for Innovation and Creativity.

Matthew Bent, Managing Director at Bent’s Garden and Home, said: “There are many awards available within our industry, but to be acknowledged as the Best Destination Garden Centre in the North West by the GCA really is a great honour. 

“The GCA awards aren’t based on any kind of written submission, they follow the annual audits, which are a requirement of our membership of the GCA.

“These audits are hugely beneficial as they monitor quality standards throughout the centre, not only of products and departments, but also people and service, which makes it all the more special to receive this recognition. It takes a massive team effort to achieve the high standards required to achieve this award and it’s a fantastic way to thank each and every one of them for everything they do for our family business.”

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

The full results for the North East and North West regions GCA area awards are as follows for the GC and DGC categories:

North East

Garden Centre of the Year: Cowell’s Garden Centre (DGC) and Klondyke Stokesley Garden Centre (GC)

Best Customer Service: Cowell’s Garden Centre

Environment and Sustainability Award: Cowell’s Garden Centre

The Barton Grange Trophy for Innovation and Creativity: Cowell’s Garden Centre

The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre: Coletta and Tyson

The Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant: Tong Garden Centre (DGC) and Moss and Moor (GC)

The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer: Cowell’s Garden Centre (DGC) and Klondyke Stokesley Garden Centre (GC)

The Indoor Lifestyle Award for Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer: Langlands Garden Centre, Shiptonthorpe (DGC) and Klondyke Stokesley Garden Centre (GC)

The Outdoor Living Award for Best Outdoor Living Retailer: Langlands Garden Centre, Shiptonthorpe (DGC) and Klondyke Stokesley Garden Centre (GC)

North West

Garden Centre of the Year: Bents Garden and Home (DGC) and Klondyke High Legh Garden Centre (GC)

Best Customer Service: Fron Goch Garden Centre

Environment and Sustainability Award: Fron Goch Garden Centre

The Barton Grange Trophy for Innovation and Creativity: Bents Garden and Home

The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre: Bolton Garden Centre

The Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant: Bents Garden and Home (DGC) and Klondyke High Legh Garden Centre (GC)

The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer: Barton Grange Garden Centre (DGC) and RHS Bridgewater Plant Centre and Shop (GC)

The Indoor Lifestyle Award for Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer: Barton Grange Garden Centre (DGC) and RHS Bridgewater Plant Centre and Shop (GC)

The Outdoor Living Award for Best Outdoor Living Retailer: Barton Grange Garden Centre (DGC) and Klondyke Astbury Meadow Garden Centre (GC)

The title of Garden Centre of the Year in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category in the South Thames region went to Ruxley Manor Garden Centre (above) and the Garden Centre (GC) category award went to Coolings Wych Cross (below).

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive at the GCA, said: “Our first regional awards meeting was a great success and it was fantastic to see attendees all actively engaged in the presentations and taking down lots of notes to share with the rest of their teams.

“I’d like to congratulate all of our very worthy winners and give a big ‘thank you’ to Ruxley Manor Garden Centre for being wonderful hosts and Colin Farquhar for inspecting the centres earlier in the year and presenting his findings.”

Colin inspected 52 garden centres in the region within a 12-week period.

He said: “The garden centres in the South Thames area of the GCA displayed the highest standards of customer and plant care I have experienced for a long time. It was a pleasure to watch the genuinely warm interaction between the customers and the colleagues on a daily basis, well worth a visit.”

Ruxley Manor Garden Centre also picked up the award for Catering Excellence, Best Garden Centre Restaurant (DGC) and the Outdoor Living Award for Best Outdoor Living Retailer.

Andrew Evans, Managing Director at Ruxley Manor Garden Centre said: “We are thrilled to win the best destination garden centre award and wouldn’t have been able to do it without our amazing team and all of their hard work.”

Coolings took ownership of Wych Cross Garden Centre in 2019.

Dwayne Ross, Coolings Managing Director, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded seven awards by the GCA, an incredible accolade and one the board of directors and I are extremely proud of.

“We couldn’t have achieved this without the fantastic team across all four of our centres and continued support from our customers. We are especially proud of the team at Coolings Wych Cross for being awarded ‘Garden Centre of the Year’ in the South Thames region.

“Since taking ownership of the nursery and garden centre in 2019 we have worked hard to make plants and especially roses the main focus at the centre, as growing has always been at the heart of Coolings.”

Coolings Wych Cross became a GCA member in 2021.

Louise Kemp, Coolings Wych Cross Garden Centre Manager, said: “After joining the GCA just last year, we are delighted to have been awarded Garden Centre of the Year in the South Thames region by the GCA.

“I have a fantastic and passionate team around me here at Wych Cross who I am extremely proud of for all their hard work across the whole centre and rose nursery.”

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

Garden Centre of the Year: Ruxley Manor Garden Centre (DGC) and Coolings Wych Cross (GC)

Customer Service Award for Best Customer Service: Millbrook Garden Company, Gravesend

Environment and Sustainability Award: Millbrook Garden Company, Gravesend

The Barton Grange Trophy for Commercial Innovation and Creativity: Haskins Roundstone Garden Centre

The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre: Squires Garden Centre, Milford

The Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant: Ruxley Manor Garden Centre (DGC) and joint winners Busy Bee Garden Centre and

Millbrook Garden Company, Staplehurst (GC)

The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer: Garsons Garden Centre, Esher (DGC) and Millbrook Garden Company, Staplehurst (GC)

The Indoor Lifestyle Award for Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer: Haskins Roundstone Garden Centre (DGC) and Knights Plant Centre, Betchworth (GC)

The Outdoor Living Award for Best Outdoor Living Retailer: Ruxley Manor Garden Centre (DGC) and Canterbury Garden Centre (GC)

Dobbies has announced a new partnership with Waitrose, to provide Dobbies’ customers with Waitrose’s wide range of high-quality food, grocery products and everyday essentials in over 50 Dobbies Garden Centres across the UK.  

Dobbies launched its new-style foodhall in July 2020 and since then it has seen significant growth, offering customers a wide range of fresh, frozen, ambient and chilled food as well as a range of drinks, and other household products. Waitrose is replacing the current partnership with Sainsbury’s which GTN understands has been set to change following Sainsburys decision to close their wholesale division back in July last year.

The new partnership with Waitrose will launch in Edinburgh in July, with further locations added later this year. This partnership will bring Waitrose to 20 new towns and cities. Dobbies’ new flagship stores at Tewkesbury and Reading will also benefit from the Waitrose partnership.  

Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said:“Waitrose and Dobbies share a commitment to great value, quality and sustainability. They are the natural partner for us as we look to build on the success of our foodhalls in recent years, which have become a popular part of our customer offer.” 

James Bailey, Executive Director for Waitrose, said: “With Dobbies we will be working with a partner that shares our values when it comes to quality and service, and this underlines our ambitions to bring Waitrose food and drink to even more people throughout the UK. It will take us into locations that are entirely new for us and build our presence in other areas where a Waitrose shop may not currently be conveniently accessible, despite strong demand for our products.”  

Customers will be able to choose from a wide selection of products, including the essential Waitrose range, which is the biggest value tier of any UK supermarket, plus its premium range - Waitrose No. 1 - and Waitrose Duchy Organic. Ready meals, free-from and vegan ranges, prepared fruit and vegetables, snacks and cupboard staples will all be available.  

Dobbies will continue its existing partnerships with brands including Hotel Chocolat and Cook. Customers can also buy a range of Dobbies’ own brand bakery favourites, as well as produce from its butcher and produce concession partners. 

Both Dobbies and Waitrose are focused on reducing their impact on the environment. Waitrose is committed to eliminating single-use plastics and all its own-brand packaging will be reusable, widely recyclable, or home-compostable by 2023. Dobbies is also actively working with suppliers to reduce single-use plastics and packaging, while offering a range of in-store recycling and reducing food waste in partnership with Too Good to Go. 

PP8 Marketing’s Paula Parker is no stranger to Glee. This year was in fact her 15th attendance. Whether running projects for Scotts Miracle-Gro (now Evergreen Garden Care), Southern Trident or the Retail Lab @Glee for Hyve and the HTA, she’s been there. It’s safe to say Paula lives and breathes the horticultural sector!

Now into its 6th year, her business PP8 Marketing sees her working with many of the industry's associations and suppliers providing marketing management.

What’s it like to work with Paula? Here’s what some of her clients had to say:

Steve Harper, CEO at Southern Trident.

"I have worked closely with Paula over the past two years since joining Southern Trident. In that time Paula has been invaluable in helping to drive the business forward. Her ability to understand the business, prepare for whatever we need to deliver, PR, NPD and show preparation are all exemplary. Paula delivers, follows up and completes every time with nothing being too much trouble."

Rainer Schubert , Managing Director, Burgon & Ball Ltd

"If your team is already under pressure and you're looking for an experienced and trusted pair of hands for support, then working with Paula is a no-brainer. As soon as she's involved you can instantly feel the relief that the projects you can't get to now have the attention they need. Paula works with Burgon & Ball focusing on our strategic innovation projects and branding strategy. She is very easy to deal with and now feels like an extension of our Burgon & Ball team – she is a real asset!"

Whether it’s providing strategic insight, tactical execution or acting as a critical friend or consultant, Paula is the marketing solution your business needs. Call Paula on 07500 225293 to discuss your marketing challenges.

www.pp8marketing.com

paula@pp8marketing.com

Hillier has completed the transformation of its Three Legged Cross Garden Centre. The much-anticipated refurbishment means that the centre now offers visitors bright and spacious shopping areas, with many new features added to create an inspirational gardening experience.

The centre hosts a brand-new covered plant canopy, the largest space of this kind across all 19 Hillier Garden Centres, brimming with top-quality plants including many from Hillier  nurseries in Hampshire. 

The outdoor space has almost doubled in size to a vast 48,000 square feet to allow for an enhanced product offering so that customers can enjoy a wealth of plant choices. As always, Hillier plant experts are on hand throughout the centre to offer their advice and help shoppers find the right plant for the right place.

Additionally, a selection of new concessions and retail partners have been introduced including butcher ‘Craft Meat Dorset’, Mountain Warehouse, Cotton Traders, and Johnsons Garden Buildings, amongst others.

The plant area has been relocated and it now faces the car park to offer improved accessibility.  However, it is not just the plant and shopping areas that have had a facelift - visitors can meet to enjoy a delicious meal, coffee or snack at the centre’s brand-new Mulberry & Thyme restaurant boasting contemporary interior design and a new, extensive menu. In addition, and great for summer, there is a beautiful, spacious outdoor seating area where dogs are also welcome.

True to the Hillier ethos, the renovations have been undertaken with sustainability at the core.  As part of the work, Hillier has introduced many green innovations, notably, an incredible ‘solar farm’ on the roof, which has been fully insulated and is set to carbon offset the full operational requirements of the site.

Further sustainable initiatives include the installation of new LED lighting and the latest air conditioning technology. Hillier is proud to have received the ‘Planet Mark’ certification for the third consecutive year honouring the company's commitment to creating green spaces, and the renovation works are part of this.

“We’re so excited to be unveiling the transformation work at Three Legged Cross. We sought to make the centre a bright and spacious area that offers gardening expertise and inspiration for the local community, while also being a great destination to browse, shop and meet friends. It really is an exciting time ahead as we share our extended range of quality plants and Hillier expertise within the totally transformed centre,” commented Chris Francis, Hillier Garden Centre and Wholesale Nurseries Director.

For further information, visit www.hillier.co.uk, find Hillier Garden Centres on Facebook, or @Hilliergardencentres on Instagram.

he GTN Bestsellers weekly Epos data from garden centres continues to show that whilst sales are down on levels for the same weeks in 2020 and 2021 they remain up on pre-pandemic sales.

Gardening activity is clearly up on 2019 despite the poor weather we’ve had for most of the year so far. Hopes were high at SOLEX last week that a spell of continued dry and hot weather would prompt a boost in sales of garden furniture and BBQs.

The first sign of sales related to spending leisure time in the garden at last came from Kaemingk’s Glass Hurricane Lamp with Rope Handle which climbed 25 places up the GTN Bestsellers Garden products chart to be the No 8 Bestseller of the week.

On the gardening front, Veg-2-Gro sales, whilst lower than the peaks of May and June are still running well ahead of both 2019 and 2021. There should be a bumper crop of homegrown tomatoes and other veg this summer.

As the forecasted heatwave builds it’s no surprise that demand for watering products has soared. If you were overstocked in this category, the next few weeks could be the best opportunity to clear some warehouse space!

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week in 2021: week 27.

• Garden Products Top 50 – down 18%
• Growing Media Top 50 – down 2%
• Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – up 7%
• Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – down 24%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week in 2021: week 27

• All Plants with Barcode index – down 13%
• All Items with Barcode index – down 8%

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

As Glee 2022 came to a close, GTN's Trevor Pfeiffer interviewed Glee Show Director Matthew Mein for Glee TV. They talk about what was different this year, the great range of products at the show and the impact of young people in the industry.

El Fuego's Fire Pit, Hartman's stand, The Nassau Range from Lifestyle Garden, ProQ's Flatdog and the Garden Bar & 2 stool set from Zest were the judges winners in the Solex 2022 Awards, presented this evening at the NEC.

The judges were: Iain Wylie - GCA, Marcus Bawdon - BBQ Magazine, John Smye - Ex LOFA Chairman, Suzy Skehan - Planet Mark 

Best Stand

Winner - Hartman - bright well put together good branding.

2nd - Zest - a garden environment.

3rd - Broil King - Stand out / different/ good use of light effects.

Honorable mentions

Daro - Light bright inviting.

LIfestyle Garden & Scancom - Good environmental message.

4 seasons - oozes quality.

Best BBQ

Winner - ProQ Flatdog - simplicity with clever tech makes bbqing accessible to everyone.

2nd - Danson Pitboss ultimate griddle - this does one thing very very well.

3rd - Traeger Timberline - pure technology amazing product.

ProQ win the SOLEX award plus a full page of advertising in BBQ Magazine

Best Furniture Product

Winner - Zest Garden Bar & 2 Stool Set - Innovation / clever use of material / low price point / usable small gardens /multi functional

2nd - Innovators international extending table - innovative & clever

3rd - Tramontina - Octo sun lounge - fabulous design 

Zest win the SOLEX award plus £2,000 of advertising in Garden Trade News

Best Individual Product

Winner - El Fuego Fire Pit - Excellent credentials / easy&safe / great branding

2nd - Ginique Spin - Fantastic design/ v clever/ bioethenal / user friendly

3rd - Tramontina Beer Barrel Pizza Oven - good value product @ great price

El Fuego/Crop Candle win the SOLEX award plus £1,000 of advertising in Garden Trade News

Best Sustainable Product

Winner - Nassau Range Lifestyle Garden & Scancom - Incredible products with sustainable practices at every stage.

2nd - Glowbus Ginique - An innovative and stunning product that is built to last a lifetime.

3rd - Smoky Olive Wood Que Fresco - A great way to create value and make use of what otherwise would be waste.

Lifestyle Garden win the SOLEX award plus £1,000 of advertising in Garden Trade News

Breeder synonym: fryyoubet

Fryer’s Roses, part of the Blue Diamond Group of Garden centres, is to launch a new rose at this year’s RHS Flower Show Tatton Park 2022 – the “Elizabeth Ashbrook” rose.

This new and exclusive rose is named " Elizabeth Ashbrook" in memory of the late Elizabeth, Viscountess Ashbrook of Arley Hall, Cheshire, and the mother of the present Viscount Ashbrook. This rose will replace a rose of the same name launched at RHS Tatton in 2018. 

Lord Ashbrook kindly provided the wording: “Elizabeth, Viscountess Ashbrook, was born in 1911 and died in 2002 aged 91 years. She was originally Elizabeth Egerton-Warburton. She married Desmond Flower in 1934 but in 1936 he inherited from his father the title Viscount Ashbrook so Elizabeth, for the rest of her life, was known as The Viscountess (or Lady) Ashbrook."

Lady Ashbrook lived at Arley Hall in Cheshire, for the whole of her life. This was the Warburton Family Estate which Lady Ashbrook inherited, the Warburtons having been at Arley since 1470 (and in Cheshire for some centuries before that).

Lady Ashbrook’s greatest interest was gardening and she did a huge amount during her life to improve the garden at Arley (which for some time had been well known, particularly for the Herbaceous Border). The garden was first opened to public visitors in the early 1960’s.

One of the major new features created by Lady Ashbrook in the garden was a collection of Shrub roses. She made this on the site of a previous formal area where there were Hybrid Tea roses. Lady Ashbrook did not particularly like Hybrid Teas in a garden, though she appreciated their value as cut flowers, but she became very fond of old fashioned and indeed newer varieties of Shrub roses both species and hybrids. The collection she made has been added to and enhanced over the years and remains an important feature.

Lady Ashbrook became quite an expert on Shrub roses and their cultivation. In this she was much influenced by many people in particular by two well-known gardeners, Graham Stuart Thomas, the distinguished nurseryman, writer and plantsman and Vita Sackville -West, the owner of Sissinghurst, where the world class garden is now owned by the National Trust. They were both rose experts”.

The current Lord Ashbrook says: “It seems to us highly appropriate that there should be a new rose called ‘Elizabeth Ashbrook’ after my mother who did so much to enhance the Arley Garden and started the shrub rose collection which remains one of our key features."

Pioneering outdoor furniture brand, LifestyleGarden, part of the ScanCom International family, is thrilled to announce that it has won the Best Sustainable Product award for its Nassau range powered by Social Plastic, at SOLEX.

Taking eco-friendly, ethical materials to a whole new level, the unique recycled material supplied via Plastic Bank’s amazing Social Plastic scheme helps clear the world’s waterways of plastic pollution, whilst supporting local communities who collect the waste for recycling, helping to lift them out of poverty. Up to 2.08billion plastic bottles have been recovered for processing since the inception of Social Plastic by Plastic Bank®, whilst more than 110,000 people have been improved. as a result of their involvement in the scheme.

Commenting on the prestigious award, ScanCom CEO, Stig Maasbol said: “We are extremely proud to have won the Best Sustainable Product award for our new Nassau range constructed from Social Plastic. This is another victory in difficult times for both LifestyleGarden and the environment - we couldn’t be more pleased about this industry recognition for our commitment to sustainable manufacturing.”

This crucial recognition of LifestyleGarden’s commitment to the highest possible standards of sustainable manufacturing follows on from the Best New Product award scooped at SOLEX 2019, for the ground-breaking DuraOcean collection made from salvaged and recycled marine plastics.

Throughout this year’s SOLEX, LifestyleGarden demonstrated how it works with the very best designers, manufacturing and material innovations to create beautiful, design-led and sustainable furniture collections, which seek to encourage a circular economy that helps protect people, the planet and vulnerable communities. LifestyleGarden has never had to compromise on quality or style through its use of recycled and other sustainable materials, in furniture ranges which can also be dismantled and recycled at the end of their life.

Find out more

To find out more about LifestyleGarden® and its multi-award-winning ranges please visit www.lifestylegarden.co.uk

Members of the Garden Centre Association will hear from industry experts during a catering webinar taking place this month.

Chris Brown (above) from leading UK catering consultancy, Turpin Smale, and Penny Cook from Penny Cook Recruitment will be speaking to GCA members during the online event on July 20.

Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, says: “We’re thrilled to have Chris and Penny joining us for our catering webinar to speak to our members.

“We’ll start with a discussion about the changes our garden centre owners have faced since Covid. Will Blake, Managing Director at St Peters Garden Centre, will talk about the successes and challenges at his garden centre, followed by Tammy Woodhouse, Managing Director of Millbrook Garden Centre and also our current Garden Centre Association Chairman, who will talk about why Millbrook’s Gravesend site stuck to counter service and what the results of this have been.

“Chris will then talk about the wider market and give his perspective on what is happening out there. We’re really interested to hear from Chris as he is well respected within the industry and will certainly give our members some key points to think about.”

The webinar will also include discussions on recruitment, retention and motivation of staff.

Iain adds: “Getting and retaining staff are hot topics for most industries at the moment, including hospitality, and it will be great to hear from Penny Cook, who will be giving us her market view of the recruitment challenges we face.

“We will then ask our members what they have implemented in their businesses to drive back footfall and talk about trading in an inflationary environment, managing margin, staff costs, efficiency with labour and energy costs.

“Our members should have already received an invitation to join the webinar, however, if not, they can get in touch with us via info@gca.org.uk to receive a link.”

Exports of British garden products are set for a substantial boost following the success of more than 20 UK companies exhibiting in the Gardenex-organised group at spoga+gafa, which returned in impressive style to Cologne, Germany, last month.

The British firms were supported before and during the show by the experienced events and research team from Gardenex and early reports confirm that worldwide enquiries have been received, export orders have been won and valuable overseas distributorships secured.

The positive outcome brought the following response from Amanda Sizer Barrett, director general of Gardenex: “The exhibition proved successful for all the companies participating in the Gardenex exhibitor group. We have already received positive feedback on the excellent business support the federation’s team provided throughout, as well as requests to rebook space for 2023 from this year’s exhibitors and enquiries from companies wishing to join Gardenex and take part in gafa next year.”

The British gardening industry information stand hosted by Gardenex attracted unprecedented interest from overseas buyers during the show.

Dean Cox, managing director of Red Gorilla International, summed up the mood of companies taking part in the British group, saying: “We had a successful gafa as part of the Gardenex exhibitor group. Visitor attendance was higher than expected and all of our European and some of our US customers visited our booth. Our core range has always been manufactured in Europe, with sundry items coming from the Far East. However, throughout 2020/21 we have invested heavily in Euro-shoring! By the end of 2022 more than 90% of our range will be made and stocked in the UK and Europe.”

Simon Reeves-Jackson, chief executive officer of Hydria Life, commented: “As a first-time exhibitor we were unsure of what to expect but with the fantastic help of Gardenex we were able navigate all the challenges of exhibiting overseas with ease. The show was a great success and helped raise our profile and generate fantastic sales. We will definitely be back again.”

Magic Henig, of Home2Garden, commented: “It was a generally successful show for us. We have seen almost all of our existing customers and made a few potential leads. The show looked busy and people were glad to be able to do face-to-face meetings once again.”

It was a similar story for Concept Research. Chris Blackburn confirmed: “gafa in Cologne has always been good for us, and this year was no exception. As a proud, established UK manufacturer, it was interesting to be approached by many more prospects than in the past, expressing frustration with their current Far East suppliers. Issues with increased transport and product costs/increased lead times and decreasing quality, came up time and time again, and we were pleased to be able to offer an alternative solution.”

Edwin Allingham, of STV International, remarked: “It was great being back in Cologne after a three-year absence, and we really enjoyed the mix of social and business that is such a feature of the gafa show. It was also good for us to get back into ‘show mode’ after an extended period of relatively subdued marketing and customer interface.”

Tracy-Anne McGregor, of Tildenet Gardenware, agreed with these sentiments: “It was nice to see customers again after such a long time and the quality of the new leads was very interesting, especially with respect to Denmark and Eastern European countries. We had a large number of leads from these two emerging markets. It was a positive show, we were well placed within the British group and well looked after by Gardenex”.

Other group participants were also pleased with the show and the Gardenex group support. “Overall, we found the show extremely valuable and are now confident of exceeding pre-Brexit levels of business in Europe,” said Damian Cardozo, of Haxnicks.

Malcolm Andrews, managing director of Panacea Products Ltd, commented: “We enjoyed a very warm welcome from existing customers on our return to spoga+gafa, with many worthwhile new enquiries gained directly by our presence at the exhibition. We look forward now to seeing our European business grow once again, with a view to returning bigger in 2023.’

Scott Hudspith, export sales co-ordinator at Whitefurze Ltd, said: 'We were really pleased with the connections we made with international buyers at spoga+gafa, with the help of Gardenex. Being at the exhibition has really galvanised the relationships with buyers, which are showing great promise for exports for the 2023 garden season.”

The final word went to Lysann Brade, of Wildlife World, who said: “spoga-gafa 2022 was a great opportunity to connect and reconnect with existing suppliers and make new connections with potential suppliers or manufacturers. We gained valuable insights into the market, the competition, supplier behaviour and needs. Working together with Gardenex was a pleasure and provided plenty of networking opportunities.”

Companies that are not yet members of Gardenex and that are interested in benefiting from the comprehensive range of business advice, market research, international sales leads and practical export support available exclusively to Gardenex members should email info@gardenex.com or visit www.gardenex.com.

LOFA's marketing manager Gina Hinde, who organised this year’s SOLEX exhibition, has said she was extremely pleased with the response from exhibitors and visitors to the show.

“We were back at SOLEX after two years and it was lovely getting together again.” said Gina.

“We have had quality visitors, the stands have been so fresh and full of great products, and the exhibitors have done an amazing job. It still has the relaxed and friendly vibe that its always had.”

Hartman’s Michelle Bradford said: “Really chuffed to be recognised for the effort we have put into building the stand. 

“It's a migration of what we have done in our showrooms during the last few years. We wanted the stand to show customers how they can present furniture in store.

“We’ve created clean branding with informative point of sale and the cafe barriers help to divide up spaces so retailers can differentiate product lines. 

“The digital signage has helped us to show the rest of the collections that we haven’t been able to bring to SOLEX.” 

Squire’s Garden Centres in Shepperton saw the welcome return of its annual Rose Festival held at the end of June, in partnership with The Rose Society UK, the national society for the nation’s favourite flower.

After a two-year break due to Covid restrictions - and the only years the event hasn’t taken place in its 45-year history - The Rose Festival returned with resounding success and much to the enjoyment of exhibitors, visitors and organisers alike.  First held back in 1977 in the year of Her Majesty’s Silver Jubilee, the event has become an annual fixture and a special highlight for the Squire’s business.  The Rose Festival made a timely return this year, for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, comments: ”We were delighted to be able to host The Rose Festival this year and so pleased it was so well-supported, with exhibitors travelling from far and wide across the UK to share their stunning roses and their creativity.  It was wonderful to see many familiar faces being with us and a true celebration of ‘the queen of flowers’.

”We had music from the renowned Panama Café Orchestra jazz band, wonderful weather conditions - which were just right for roses - and exquisite floral art displays brought along from the Walton & Weybridge Flower Club.  While exhibitors travelled many miles to come to the event, it was also a wonderful community event with local visitors enjoying the displays and general atmosphere.”

Secretary of the Rose Society, Ray Martin, comments: “We were delighted to be back at Squire’s Garden Centres in Shepperton for our Rose Festival after an absence of two years and even more delighted that it was such a resounding success and enjoyed by so many.  We had a great turn-out of exhibitors attending, which demonstrates growers are keen to get back to showing off their wonderful rose displays!  We would like to thank the Squire’s Shepperton team for hosting the event once again and helping make the event such a success.  This event is very important to us and our members - and in fact it’s probably the largest event of its type in Europe.”

Tim Jeffs, of El Fuego, said: “This is the first time we have been at SOLEX and we are overwhelmed with winning the award. 

“It's a new product and we only have a small stand so it’s nice to be acknowledged. We have told all our customers.” 

bio-bean, maker of Coffee Logs, has once again been named a Best for the World™ B Corp™ in recognition of its exceptional positive impact on the environment.

Best for the World is a distinction granted by B Lab to Certified B Corporations (B Corps) whose verified B Impact Scores in the five evaluated areas — community, customers, environment, governance, and workers — rank in the top 5% of all B Corps in their corresponding size group (10-49 people).

bio-bean earned this honour for the second year running because of its impact business model of recycling spent coffee grounds and transforming them into a variety of sustainable bio-products, including Coffee Logs. The Cambridgeshire-based company works with existing waste management and logistics infrastructure to divert businesses’ spent coffee grounds from traditional disposal methods like landfill, anaerobic digestion, and incineration. The team then processes and upcycles the grounds, ready for reuse in its fire logs for wood burners and multi-fuel stoves.

Coffee Logs burn 20% hotter than kiln-dried wood logs. And as it turns out, they’re better for the environment than disposing of spent coffee grounds via all the other standard disposal methods. In fact, Coffee Logs save 130% more in greenhouse gas emissions versus spent grounds going to anaerobic digestion.

George May, Managing Director of bio-bean, had this to say of the company’s Best for the World recognition: “Being recognised as a Best for the World B Corp in the Environment impact area for a second year is a huge honour for us. To be among the top 5% of more than 5,000 B Corps globally, and one of only 6 UK companies to be honoured for positive environmental impact is something we’re extremely proud of.

Environmental sustainability is at the heart of what we do, but we’re also focused on continuous improvement, including in our day-to-day operations. We will continue collaborating with the global B Corp community and others to improve and positively impact all our stakeholders, in every impact area.”

Every year, Best for the World recognizes the top-performing B Corps creating the greatest positive impact through their businesses. More than a badge of honour, Best for the World provides an opportunity for recognised companies to share knowledge, learnings, and best practices with the B Corp community and businesses outside of the community to encourage innovation and transformation across the business sector. The full lists are available at bcorporation.net.

The Best for the World recognition is administered by B Lab, the global non-profit network that certifies and mobilises B Corps, which are businesses that meet high standards of positive social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Today, there are more than 5,000 B Corps across 80 countries and 155 industries, unified by one common goal: building an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economic system.

"Each Best for the World edition is an opportunity to raise the bar for how businesses can and should operate to create real and lasting positive impact for their workers, customers, communities, and the environment," said Dan Osusky, Head of Standards and Insights at B Lab Global. "While no company is perfect and even the best companies can and should continue to strive to improve, the B Corps recognised as Best for the World can provide us all — standards setters, B Corps, non B Corps, and sustainability advocates — with inspiration on what true leadership in business can look like to make progress on addressing our current global challenges.”

B Corp Certification doesn’t just evaluate a product or service, it assesses the overall social and environmental impact of the company that stands behind it. To achieve B Corp Certification, a company must meet a score of at least 80 points on the B Impact Assessment, an evaluation of a company’s positive impact, and pass a risk review, an evaluation of a company’s negative impact; change their corporate governance structure to be accountable to all stakeholders, not just shareholders; and exhibit transparency by allowing information about their B Corp Certification performance to be publicly available on their B Corp profile on B Lab’s website.  

Castle Gardens in Sherborne, Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil and Poundbury Gardens near Dorchester have all installed candle wax recycling points, where businesses, churches and individuals can deposit used candles.

The discarded candles will then be collected by Exeter-based The Recycled Candle Company, which produces hand poured luxury candles using only recycled wax.

Part of a circular trading model, designed to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint, this new initiative will help the UK’s only wax recycling business keep 40 tonnes of candle wax from ending up in landfill.  

Alexa Blackmore, from Brimsmore Gardens, explains: “We have been selling The Recycled Candle Company’s products for many years, so are really pleased to get this recycling scheme up and running.

"This circular trading model is a great opportunity for businesses to join forces and reduce their impact on the environment, while helping consumers to reduce their landfill waste.

"We have seen great success with other schemes, such as sending plant trays back to suppliers to reuse and collecting empty compost bags to use in the garden centres, so we are confident that this will be another well received offering for the local community.” 

Any candle that is not in a glass container can be recycled at Brimsmore Gardens, Castle Gardens and Poundbury Gardens, seven days a week.

The Recycled Candle Company can remove other elements, such as wicks and tea light metal, once they have gathered them from the various collection points.  

Greenfingers Charity were presented with a cheque for £10,000 from LOFA on the first day of SOLEX.

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

Petface, the pet product experts, have partnered with Greenfingers, the national charity that supports children across the UK by creating inspiring gardens at hospices.

The company has developed a new range of garden themed pet products, available in a dual branded FSDU, from the sale of which Petface donates a percentage to Greenfingers.

The range includes a plus cauliflower, asparagus, sweetcorn and aubergine toy, in addition to a pineapple and strawberry made from latex.

Greenfingers is a charity close to the garden centres’ hearts and gives them the opportunity to offer unique, fun pet products to their customers, whilst supporting a great cause.

To further support the partnership, Petface will be collaborating on a series of events and fundraising drives, to raise awareness and help the charity reach their goals in building new hospice gardens across the UK.

Watch the video: https://vimeo.com/723302960

Greenfingers

A hospice can be extremely stressful for children and their families, Greenfingers creates relaxing environments that offers therapeutic rest, fresh air, and space for children to play, especially for those with life-limiting conditions. To date, over 60 specially designed, stimulating garden spaces have been created, enabling children, their siblings and their families, the chance to spend time together outdoors and away from the bedside.

Petface

Petface has over 50 years of experience developing ranges of innovative, design-led products for trade, retail, and distributors in the UK, Ireland, and parts of Europe. Each individual product is thoroughly researched and expertly designed, creating collections of fun practical toys, bedding, treats, and accessories that pets will love!

www.petface.com

GTN July 2022 SOLEX SHOW PREVIEW ISSUE

Inside this issue:

• Welcome to SOLEX 2022
• New date and new look for SOLEX 2023
• It’s all about the plants at National Plant Show
• Boosting sales at Gardeners World Live
• Alfresco dining with Glencrest
• SOLEX 2022 Exhibitor News
• Innovations from Sipcam
• Trends from spoga+gafa
• LOFA Column –     An exhibition organisers diary
• HTA Column – Words fail Boyd!

with all the news direct to your e-mail inbox.  The best news service every weekend and all the breaking news as it happens.

Subscribe for free using this link

The Horticultural Trades Association has appointed a Director of Public Affairs, reinforcing its commitment to working with government to champion the interest of members. 

Jennifer Pheasey will take up the newly created role in September, bringing 17 years’ experience in policy and government affairs roles with leading membership organisations and across a breadth of policy areas including environmental and regulatory issues. 

She is currently Head of Policy at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), where over the last 12 years she has overseen a team that covers policy, economics, trade, government affairs in the UK as well as the SMMT’s Brussels office.  

Jennifer’s work with SMMT has involved engagement with a wide range of political and other stakeholders while working closely with members. Most recently, she led on the organisation’s COVID-19 taskforce as well as its Competitiveness and Industrial Strategy workstream.   

Jennifer said: “I am excited to be joining the expert HTA team and to work in a sector that is so important to the UK’s economy, employment, and environment as well as to wider society. 

“At such an important time in the development and making of policy, I look forward to bringing my experience from another leading trade body to help build on HTA’s successes and will continue to ensure its members are heard and listened to in key debates and decisions that impact their businesses.” 

Previous roles that Jennifer has held include Senior External Affairs Advisor at manufacturers’ organisation, EEF - now known as Make UK - and political researcher at the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey. 

James Barnes, HTA Chairman, said: “I am pleased to welcome Jennifer to the HTA and am confident that she will further strengthen the team’s track record and that of our ongoing work with lobbying and government. Jennifer is very experienced in policy and government affairs which will stand us in good stead for what is a critical time for our industry.” 

Jennifer’s appointment follows HTA’s recent appointment of two non-executives to its board.  

A great week of sales for Petunias sees them leapfrog back over Zonal Geraniums to re-take the No 1 Bestselling plant of the week.  That is now the sixth week this summer that Petunias have outsold Zonal Geraniums and take the No 1 spot.

This time last year Petunias were only in 5^th place in the GTN Chart, so we are seeing a big shift in plant popularity at the moment.  That also appears to be the case with Impatiens, up to No 5 this week and this time last year they were only at No 11.

• Calla Lillies, Zantedeschia, were the highest plant Top 59 re-entry of the week, back in at No 28.
• And Diascia moved 12 places up the GTN Chart to No 30.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

“Amazing to win this award and it’s a great accolade,” said the company’s Neil Sholes.

“We have invested in a new design team and its great the team’s work has been recognised with this award from SOLEX. 

We’ve had lots of interest at the show because it's a great product with a limited footprint.” 

Plant foods once again dominated sales volumes in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Products Chart last week with five of the top 6 volume sales lines being plant feeds.

The biggest movers in terms of volume sales lines were, however, watering products with four Hozelock lines seeing big increases to re-enter the Top 50.

• Evergreen Garden Care Levington Tomorite 1L + 20% Extra Free and Tomorite 1L + 30% Free occupy the Top 2 Bestsellers spots.
• Hozelock Standard Soft Touch Hose End Connector is the highest chart re-entry at No 22.
• Koopman Garden Gloves for Kids is the only new chart entry for the week at No 40.
• Kaemingk’s Glass Hurricane Lamp with Rope Handle climbed furthest up the chart, 25 places, to No 8.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

Vaughan Denny, of Pro Q, said: “The Flatdog is a simple solution to disposable barbecues. 

“It lasts a long time, can cook enough to feed a family and friends, is efficient at burning coals and can fold flat for easy transportation. It's great to get the award for such a simple solution.” 

Although Veg-2-Gro sales continued to decline week on week, Top 50 volume sales were once again up on last year and way ahead of 2019.  Last week there was a late boost of Tomato plant sales and a surge in herb sales.

• Cheers Tomato Garden Pearl 9cm re-entered at No 1.
• Farplants Oregano Country Cream 1L climbed 31 places to No 4.
• Quantil Chilli Pepper Cheyenne 8cm climbed even more places, up 35, to No 11.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

Mike Tzimas has become president of outdoor living brand Napoleon, succeeding Ron McArthur, who previously announced his intention to retire at the end of 2022.

Mike has responsibility for global activity, and the recent spectacular growth of the company’s share of the UK market means Napoleon will concentrate heavily on supporting it.

“It’s an exciting time across the industry with real innovation in grills to ensure that amateur cooks can get professional results,” commented Tzimas. “We are investing heavily in New Product Development and the UK can expect exciting things to come in the following months and years.”

Mike has most recently held the role of chief financial officer, Napoleon. He joined Napoleon in January of 2020 as vice president of finance.  Mike was promoted to chief financial officer in January of 2021. Prior to joining Napoleon, Mike held senior finance and manufacturing roles within the auto industry.  Mike will report to Co-CEO’s Chris Schroeter and Stephen Schroeter.

Mike brings a strong background to the role as the architect of the 5-year strategic plan for Napoleon and he helped oversee a period of strong growth and expansion. 

At the forefront of Mike’s agenda, he will drive long-term sustainable growth for Napoleon and our customers, support product innovation and expand Napoleon’s global footprint.

“Mike demonstrates our core values, working and demonstrating to our associates and customers why Napoleon cares is at the very core of who we are,” says Stephen Schroeter, Co-CEO of Napoleon.

“Taking the torch from Ron McArthur, Mike will leverage our rich past, strong foundation and entrepreneurial spirit to propel us into even greater achievements in the future”, said Chris Schroeter Co-CEO, Napoleon.

Mike will oversee all global operations of Napoleon and be based at the corporate head office in Barrie, Ontario, Canada.

Growing media sales volumes continue to perform at 20% ahead of 2019 levels even into the first week of July.

Multipurpose composts dominate volumes at the top of the chart, but bark sales saw big increases in sales.

• Evergreen Garden Care Miracle-Gro Peat Free All Purpose 40L is the highest placed 100% peat free multipurpose compost at No 6 overall.
• Westland Decorative Mini Bark 70L climbed furthest up the chart to NO 15 after a 151% sales increase.
• Westland New Horizon All Plant Compost Pouch 10L was the highest re-entry of the week, back in the Top 50 at No 41.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

Harkness Roses Wholesale will join hundreds of exhibitors for the first time at the industry showcase, the Four Oaks Trade Show to be held in Cheshire, 6-7 September 2022.

Representatives from Harkness Roses Wholesale will be on hand at stand E158 & 159 to inform visitors about their (innovative products/services) the New David Domoney British Rose Revival Range. 

Which contains the best of Harkness roses, that will be promoted on Tv newspapers and social media all through 2023. 

Promoting success to new and old gardeners with great varieties that they can buy from our stockists, together with the Harkness Masterpiece Collection

Dave Andrews from Harkness Roses will have a stunning display of Harkness masterpiece roses including the new David Domoney British Rose Revival Range.

For more information about the Four Oaks Show visit www.fouroaks-tradeshow.com

The warmer weather didn’t do anything for Wild Bird Care sales last week with GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes being the lowest for the first week of July of any of the past 5 years.

There were, however, some products that performed notably well last week:

• Gardman Homegrown Harvest 12.75Kg was a new entry at No 31.
• Gardman No Nets Fat Snax 6 Pack climbed 29 places up the chart to No 11.
• Gardman Mini Suet Rolls, Pack of 6 re-entered at No 43.
• Johnston & Jeff Mealworm 1kg re-entered at No 44 after a doubling of sales.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

Pet owners near Chesterfield will soon be able to combine caring for their animal companions with a trip to Dobbies Garden Centre - thanks to a unique partnership with Carrick Vets. 

The new Carrick Vets practice will relocate in the summer from its existing site in Clowne to the Dobbies in Chesterfield. The new practice will maintain a warm and welcoming atmosphere while providing current and new pet owners with a variety of additional benefits.  

The service provided by Carrick Vets complements Dobbies’ existing dog-friendly approach and its range of pet products.   

Jessica Podmore, Clinical Director at Carrick, said: “The site adjacent to Dobbies ticks every box for us. This much larger site allows us the space we need to grow our practice whilst remaining in a central location for our clients. They have been extremely understanding during all the temporary changes we had to make throughout the pandemic. Presenting them with a fabulous, new practice will be a great way of saying thank you.” 

Graeme Jenkins, Dobbies CEO, said: “Dobbies is committed to working with companies that share our values.  The service provided by Carrick Vets alongside our Chesterfield store complements Dobbies' established dog-friendly approach and our range of pet products. 

“Pet owners will be able to take advantage of the facilities offered by both Carrick Vets and Dobbies, as well as The Muddy Paw dog groomers who are on site too. We look forward to welcoming all the team members and customers who will benefit from these fantastic new facilities at Chesterfield.” 

AIPH, the International Association of Horticultural Producers and the world’s champion for the power of plants, has revealed the 12 world-renowned members of the jury who will vote for the winners of the 2022 edition of the AIPH World Green City Awards.

Following completion of the first round of judging by the Technical Panel of Judges, the 2022 final shortlist of entries was announced. It is comprised of the three entries in each of the six categories that achieved the highest scores by the Technical Panel in the first round of judging. The 18 shortlisted entries have now been presented to the 2022 Awards Jury who will ultimately select one winner for each category, as well as the overall AIPH World Green City Awards 2022 winner.

“Welcome to all members of the jury,” says AIPH Secretary General, Mr. Tim Briercliffe. “We are confident that the impressive list of Jury members will effectively bring what has been a hugely successful inaugural round of the AIPH World Green City Awards to a close. AIPH looks forward to sharing news of the winners in due course. We are proud to have compiled an exceptional Jury to undertake this exciting process.”

The prestigious jury boasts members from around the world who are recognisable, well-respected, and influential leaders in the Green City space, and have credible authority to identify leading initiatives with the potential for greatest impact.

Chaired by the AIPH Green City Committee Chair and Vice President of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), Mr. Bill Hardy, Maple Ridge, Canada, the 11 members of the Jury are as follows:

• Henk Raaijmakers- President, European Nurserystock Association (ENA)- Deurne, Netherlands
• Ellie Tonks- Programme Lead, Climate Resilience and Manager, EIT Climate-KIC (Knowledge and Innovation Community)- Amsterdam, Netherlands
• David Maddox- Founder and Editor, The Nature of Cities- New York City, USA
• Karen Tambayong- AIPH Board member, Asia and Chairperson, Horticulture Committee Indonesian Chamber of Commerce- Jakarta, Indonesia
• Kobie Brand- Deputy Secretary General, ICLEI and Regional Director, ICLEI Africa- Cape Town, South Africa
• Tim Badman- Director, World Heritage Programme at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Lead, Heritage, Culture and Youth Team in the Centre for Society and Governance, under which the IUCN Urban Initiative sits- Gland, Switzerland
• Rob Adams- City Architect, City of Melbourne and Director, Adams Urban- Melbourne, Australia
• Gil Penalosa- Founder & Chair, 8 80 Cities and World Urban Parks Ambassador- Toronto, Canada
• Kaj Embren- Coach and senior advisor in Sustainability with focus on Climate Policies and actions- London, England
• Andrew Grant- Director, Grant Associates- Bath, England
• Colleen Mercer-Clarke- Chair, International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) Working Group on Climate Change- Ottawa, Canada

To view more information about the prestigious jury, click here.

While the Technical Panel scored each entry on its technical merit against a set of pre-defined judging criteria, the Jury is tasked with voting for the winners based on each entry’s capacity for influence, replicability, and scope to inspire change. Thus, in assessing each of the shortlisted entries, members of the Jury are invited to consider the following question:

“The AIPH World Green City Awards 2022 will help winning cities achieve greater recognition for their inspiring initiatives – in light of this, which entry do you feel may have the biggest transformational impact?”

The public announcement of the winners will take place at a dedicated AIPH World Green City Awards gala event in October 2022. The date and venue for this Awards Ceremony will be announced shortly.

“I am extremely impressed with the quality of entries shortlisted for the AIPH World Green City Awards,” says Mr. Bill Hardy. “It is an honour to be chairing such a world-renowned group of inspiring leaders. We are grateful for the opportunity to play such a significant role in finalising the first ever list of winners.”

As the final round of judging for the inaugural edition gets underway, AIPH is proud to be recognising the work of leading cities who are showcasing how nature-based solutions can have a transformative impact. As AIPH strives to celebrate cities that are taking ambitious action, the winning cities will inspire a global movement for people, for nature, and ultimately for the planet.

Following the enormous success of their first collaboration, the Royal Horticultural Society has announced the launch of a second collection from licensee Dexam, a specialist supplier of kitchen cookware, bakeware and accessories. 

The 2020 Home Grown collection of backpacks, lunch bags, lunchboxes, aprons and more was aimed at the children’s market. This year Dexam is offering collections for both children and adults: a new fun and playful collection for Children called I Bug You plus two new adult textile ranges called Benary Vegetables and Sunflower, which aim to bring the love of gardening alive and into your home.

The designs take their inspiration from some of the thousands of images held in the world-famous RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s finest collection of botanical art. In addition, as with the Home Grown collection, the I Bug You pieces have been designed with the environment in mind; this collection has been created using environmentally friendly or recycled material.

Featuring colourful ladybirds, beetles and other insects, the I Bug You range consists of a children’s apron, messy play apron, lunch bag and backpack. I Bug You uses a distinctive bug design that will appeal to children who love bright and colourful patterns. The lunch bags, backpacks and aprons are made from recycled plastic bottles via a process that turns the plastic into a durable and practical fabric.

The Benary Vegetables range has been designed using unique vegetable prints produced by renowned horticulturist and botanist Ernst Benary (1819-1893). These beautiful vintage and colourful textile prints of carrots, peas, beetroot, cabbages and other veg bring a splash of colour to the kitchen and are printed onto the finest-quality cotton. Items in the range include an apron, double oven gloves, a gauntlet, a set of two tea towels, a pot grab and a peg bag.

The Sunflower range, again including an apron, double oven gloves, a gauntlet, a set of two tea towels, a pot grab and a peg bag, makes delightful use of two beautiful illustrations from the Lindley Collections – a bumblebee and a Helianthus annuus sunflower.

The adult ranges will be available to purchase in mid-July. The I Bug You range will be available in early August. All three ranges will be on sale at independent retailers and garden centres. They will also be available at RHS shops and online, including the official RHS online store, shop.rhs.org.uk, later this year

All three collections were previewed at Exclusively Housewares, the UK's premier houseware show, at London’s Business Design Centre on 14 and 15 June, where they received a very positive response from the many representatives of the retail sector attending the event.

And that’s not all. Look out for another RHS-Dexam collaboration this year: a Mistletoe print-based collection planned for Christmas This collection, featuring textiles and tabletop ceramics, will be launched in the autumn. More new products are in the planning stages for 2023.

Bryony Dyer, Managing Director of Dexam, says: “We started working with the UK’s leading gardening charity in 2020 and are delighted to continue this partnership with the RHS and support the RHS with royalties from our stunning array of textiles and other accessories. With a Christmas collection and more new products in the planning stages for next year I look forward to even more successful collaborations with the RHS.”

Cathy Snow, Licensing Manager at RHS, commented: “Stylish, useful and a lot of fun, these beautifully designed tea towels, aprons, lunch bags, backpacks – and so much more – are perfect for kitchens or picnics, while the wit and invention with which Dexam has employed RHS imagery will delight all ages. All the items have also been designed with the environment in mind, a key concern of the RHS. We’re thrilled to have helped to inspire these wonderful new ranges.”

Missus Knows Best Ltd will join hundreds of exhibitors for the first time at the industry showcase, the Four Oaks Trade Show to be held in Cheshire, 6-7 September 2022.

Representatives from Missus Knows Best Ltd will be on hand at stand 174 , Hall E  to inform visitors about their product offer including Missus Christmas 2022 range of decorations available from stock , Missus Knows Best stock offers and a launch of Missus Christmas 2023 products. 

"We are very excited to be showing at Four Oaks Trade Show this September, having launched Missus Knows Best 2022 Christmas ranges at Harrogate in January this year. The reaction was beyond fantastic, particularly our Missus Christmas brand of decorations , which will be available from stock in September. These ranges are what everyone has been asking for, fresh and quirky, different from traditional looks, whilst also very affordable and of premium quality.

"We have set a minimum spend of only £350, to offer free delivery. Our pack sizes are only in 6’s ,  which is just perfect to trial a new brand and have something in your range that hasn’t been seen before.

How good is that? Come along and meet Missus Christmas on 6^th and 7^th September , she’s really looking forward to see you."

Despite the cooler weather at the start of the month and a Jubilee weekend that encouraged customers to party at home rather than visit garden centres total volume sales for the month were 15% higher than the average volume sales for the month between 2012 and 2019.

So, we reach the half year point with total sales volumes in the GTN Bestsellers Epos database up on 2021 by 0.6% and 16.8% ahead of 2019.  

Whilst total sales revenues may be down year on year due to the lower levels of furniture and BBQ sales the volume sales indicate a continued increase in gardening activity compared with years pre the pandemic.

That increased activity and a shift in the profile of gardeners appeared to be a major driver for the huge amount of R&D and innovation that was on show at Glee last week.

The Glee New Product Award judges certainly had a hard time deciding on the winners as there were many very good new products among the 300 plus entries.

Congratulations to all of the winners.  The full list of winners will be in GTN’s August issue and then a directory of all the products entered will feature in the September issue.

In the meantime, see you at Solex next week!

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week in 2021: week 26.

• Garden Products Top 50 – down 21%
• Growing Media Top 50 – down 11%
• Veg 2 Gro Top 50 – down 4%
• Wild Bird & Wildlife Care Top 50 – down 19%

GTN Bestsellers All Sales volumes compared to the same week in 2021: week 26

• All Plants with Barcode index – down 11%
• All Items with Barcode index – down 6%
•  

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

Calling all golfers, the forthcoming Horticultural Golfing Society’s Captain’s Charity Day (August 19th) is looking for more players, with the day raising vital funds for the Greenfingers Charity. 

Formed in 1929, the prestigious Horticultural Golfing Society’s membership is made up of 75% from the horticultural sector and allied industries with the 25% being friends of those horticultural members. New members must be proposed and seconded by members and must also have an official club handicap of 28 or less. 

The forthcoming Captain’s Charity Day will take place at Moor Park Golf Course in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. Crowned Golf Club of the Year at the Club Mirror Awards 2019 and the proud winner of 59 Club’s Service Excellence Award, Moor Park Golf Club is one of the most impressive private members clubs in the UK. This year the Captain’s Charity Day will see players tackle Moor Park’s 18-hole, 72-par ‘High Course’.

Roger Head from the Horticultural Golfing Society – newly confirmed as Sterling Ambassadors for Greenfingers Silver Anniversary Appeal – said: “We are proud to continue to support the Greenfingers Charity and the amazing work they undertake within children’s hospices across the country. The forthcoming Charity Day is testament to this fact, and we hope that others from the horticultural industry will be inspired to join us to not only increase our fundraising total but to network with others from our sector. It’s set to be a great day!” 

Talking about the event, Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at the Greenfingers Charity added: “Our sincerest thanks to the Horticultural Golfing Society for their continued support, it really does mean the world to us and those hospices we work with. We wish you the very best for your Charity Day and strongly urge golfers from across the horticultural sector to join in the fun as I am sure it will be an unforgettable experience.”

Get involved

Anyone interested in joining the Horticultural Golfing Society can find more information at www.thehorticulturalgolfingsociety.co.uk. Participation in the Captain’s Charity Day costs £150, including a bacon rolls/coffee on arrival, a three-course dinner and a donation to the Greenfingers charity.

Find out more

You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn.  

All plant sales volumes dropped by 27% compared with June 2021 but were 7% ahead of June 2019.

Year to date at the end of June sees the GTN Bestseller All Plant sales volume index at 7% down on 2021, 76% up on 2020 and 10% up on 2019.

See the full GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts, compiled from garden centre Epos data every week, with a years subscription to the printed newsletter for only £145.00 using this link.

The Royal Horticultural Society has announced the launch of a new collection from longstanding licensee Moorcroft, a renowned producer of heritage art pottery and a leading name in the world of ceramic design.

Called For The Love of Orchids RHS Collection, these five beautiful pieces of art pottery are not only a glorious celebration of the orchid. The collection also showcases the exquisite work of Nelly Roberts – the first RHS orchid artist – in the year that marks the 150^th anniversary of her birth. Each piece of art pottery is made entirely by hand in the Arts and Crafts tradition and designed by Moorcroft designer Nicola Slaney.

The first and longest-serving RHS orchid artist, Nelly Roberts was employed to paint life-sized illustrations of award-winning orchids. The skill with which this watercolourist’s brush captured the sheer beauty of her subjects during her 56-year career as an illustrator for the RHS Orchid Committee is incalculable. 

Nelly’s illustrations received no global fame outside the horticultural world, but 150 years after her birth that is about to change. Nelly Roberts left behind thousands of studies of orchids, many of them held within the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s finest collection of botanical art. Renowned Moorcroft designer Nicola Slaney has now developed five Moorcroft designs, each holding a different orchid cultivar or hybrids, and all inspired by Nelly’s work.

The five pieces are: The Dell (a jug), Almandin (a plaque), Vine House (a clock design), Rameses (a ginger jar) and, of course, Nelly Roberts (a vase). The handmade designs within the collection range in price from £170 to £895. The designs are available as limited editions, numbered editions or open editions that will be discontinued when the collection closes. Heights vary from the 12-inch vase named after Nelly herself to a 9-inch jug and the demure 6-inch ginger jar.

For The Love of Orchids RHS Collection launches on 4 July at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival and will be available to view and purchase worldwide from:

• Moorcroft’s retailers, both UK and export: www.moorcroft.com/retailers 
• www.moorcroft.com
• The Moorcroft Heritage Visitor Centre.

All the designs commemorate RHS-award-winning orchid cultivars or hybrids painted by Nelly Roberts, whose own name was immortalised in two orchids Cattleya Nellie Roberts gx and Odontoglossum Opheron gx ‘Nelly Roberts’. The collection is a fitting tribute to a painter who faithfully applied her watercolour brush to use myriad colours to create timeless beauty.

The pieces involve complex colour combinations and intricate and delicate tubelining work (where each design is outlined in liquid clay) which requires phenomenal manual dexterity and many layers of careful glaze application by Moorcroft artists to ensure that the richness of each design does justice to Nelly’s work.

The method of creating each piece made by Moorcroft originated with William Moorcroft in 1897 and is almost exactly the same today. Supported by designs from the world-famous Moorcroft Design Studio and the skills of a dedicated workforce of artists, craftsmen and craftswomen, Moorcroft pottery sells all over the world.

Moorcroft and the RHS have collaborated a number of times in recent years, notably through the RHS Rose Bouquet Collection, the RHS Beatrix Stanley Collection, Chelsea’s Choice, (a vase celebrating the extraordinary snow-white hydrangea that was awarded RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2018), the 2020 RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year collection and the 2021 Fiori Bottan Collection inspired by a collection of 45 original watercolours from the RHS Lindley Collections.

Catherine Gage, PR Director, Moorcroft, says: “We are thankful to have had the opportunity to take advantage of the RHS’s unrivalled orchid expertise and are very happy that For The Love Of Orchids can bring the sheer joy of Nelly Roberts’ work to a worldwide audience. Working with the RHS and journeying into the exotic world of orchids through the eyes of one of their finest illustrators has been a rich and rewarding experience.”

Cathy Snow, Licensing Manager, RHS, adds: “I am both delighted and entranced by this new collection which celebrates the extraordinary achievements of the very first RHS orchid artist. In the year that marks the 150^thanniversary of her birth it’s hard to think of a better tribute to the genius of Nelly Roberts than this exquisite collection of handmade art pottery inspired by some of her finest work.”

Over the past couple of years, gardening has grown in popularity for a range of people, including city dwellers who want to make the most of whatever green space they have available, no matter how small.

New gardeners who live in the city need gardening equipment that allows them to tend to a range of gardening needs while respecting the requirements of their smaller outdoor spaces.

This presents an opportunity for garden retailers to promote the latest innovations in versatile gardening solutions for smaller garden spaces, which includes the new Hozelock City bag. 

The Hozelock City bag, which has an RRP of £44.99, includes the essentials for new gardeners with small outdoor spaces such as balconies, terraces, and small gardens. 

To offer users versatility when gardening, the Hozelock City bag includes a 7.5m Superhoze and a Rose Spray gun. Gardeners also have the option of pairing the Superhoze with a Hozelock indoor tap connector, which is ideal for those without convenient access to an outdoor tap.

The gardening essentials are housed within a versatile and durable bag which is designed to help gardeners with a range of tasks, from weeding and pruning to watering and storage solutions.

Commenting on the launch of the new Hozelock City bag, Hozelock’s UK and International Marketing Manager, Sarah Dixon, said: “At Hozelock, we’re committed to offering a diverse range of products to suit all different types of gardens and for gardeners of all abilities, and we’re delighted to announce the launch of the new Hozelock City bag; providing the essentials a start-up gardener needs. 

“We were delighted to showcase the new City bag at Spoga + Gafa and GLEE last month and received a fantastic response from our customers, retailers and the press, helping to generate interest ahead of the official launch in January 2023.” 

Hozelock will also be offering the City Plus bag, with an RRP of £60, which features a 15m Superhoze, Rose Spray gun and a Multi Sprinkler, making it an ideal for city gardens with a small lawn.

Vitax has added to its specialist liquid feed range for 2023 with the launch of three, new specialist feeds.

Joining the already popular liquid fertiliser range will be Liquid Hydrangea Feed, Liquid Buxus Feed and Organic Lawn Feed.

Liquid Hydrangea Feed has been formulated to ensure hydrangeas thrive in all types of soils and situations and receive all the essential nutrients required for vibrant and strong healthy growth.

Ideal for use in peat-free composts, free-draining growing media and soil with varying pH, Liquid Hydrangea Feed contains potash to encourage abundant blooms, nitrogen for strong growth and rich leaf colour. Low-levels of iron and manganese have also been added to the formulation to ensure the availability of trace elements – essential for chlorophyll production

Liquid Buxus Feed is the second new addition to the range, created to help gardeners keep their common box or buxus in tip-top condition. Ideal for buxus planted in pots and containers or in the ground, it is the perfect solution for consumers looking for a regularfertiliser as part of their ‘little and often’ feeding regime.

Liquid Buxus Feed contains nitrogen for strong growth and added magnesium to enhance chlorophyll production for rich green foliage.The addition of both nitrogen and magnesium helps to produce stronger buxus to fight disease.

The final member of the trio is Organic Lawn Feed. Made from natural, plant-based ingredients, it is a chemical-free concentrated solution containing all the natural nutrients required for healthy growth. It also helps protect lawns against drought and helps to fight off moss and weeds.

All three feeds are available in a weatherproof, recyclable bottle which can be merchandised outdoors to provide the perfect linked-sale opportunity.

E: sales@vitax.co.uk

T: 01530 510060

W: www.gardenworld.co.uk

(From left to right) Horticulturalist and Head of Growing Karin Williams, Joint Chairman at Wyevale Nurseries, Heather Williamson, Finance Director, Les Pettitt and Payroll and Credit Control Manager, Diana Barber with their medals from the Three Counties Agricultural Society for 30 and 40-years continuous service at Wyevale Nurseries.

Six current and one retired team member from Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford have recently been recognised for notching-up more than 30 or 40 years of long service with the company.

Alan Hopkins, Russell Abell, Diana Barber, Michael Smith, Les Pettitt, Patrick Lewis and Karin Williams have all been praised for their continuous service, totalling a collective more than 230 years.

Joint Chairman at Wyevale Nurseries, Heather Williamson, whose grandfather started the business 92 years ago, said: “Huge congratulations and a big thank you to our magnificent seven for their sterling commitment to our success and for their tremendous support to their colleagues and our customers through the decades.

“Five of the seven were recently presented with either silver or bronze medals to celebrate their achievements from the Three Counties Agricultural Society in June.

“Alan, who has now retired, received a silver medal for more than 40 years long service and Diana, Les, Patrick and Karin were presented with bronze medals for 30 years or more of service. Russell, Alan and Diana should have received their awards in 2020 and Les in 2021, but due to Covid this wasn’t possible.

“Russell, who has been with us for 45 years now, and Michael for 32 years were unable to attend the awards ceremony, so have yet to collect long service medals, but have, nevertheless, given their all to us and are stalwarts of the company.

“Our seven together have given a collective 230 plus years of service to us, which is wonderful. We can’t thank them enough for their continued hard work and dedication. They are highly skilled and experienced individuals and we’re so lucky to have them as part of our team.

“Russell is our Despatch Manager. He has an incredibly detailed knowledge of our customers’ requirements and will always go that extra mile to deliver an outstanding service to everyone.

Above left: Alan Hopkins, now retired, who was the Goods Handling Manager at Wyevale Nurseries with his Silver Medal for long service. Above right: Stock Controller Patrick Lewis with his Bronze Medal for long service at Wyevale Nurseries.

“Alan was our Goods Handling Manager and worked with three generations of my family. He started in 1980 and spent his first 10 years driving our lorries and doing deliveries nationwide. He also helped set up the show gardens at the Garden Festivals of Liverpool, Stoke, Glasgow and Ebbw Vale. He then moved to our Despatch Yard and trained countless colleagues on the correct way to handle and safely load trees and shrubs. He was a tremendous team player and we would also like to take this opportunity to wish him all the very best for his retirement.

“There are very few jobs that Patrick has not undertaken here in his 30 years of service with us. He has worked in Propagation, Crop Protection, Irrigation and more. Patrick is hugely experienced and has exceptional plant knowledge. His current role is in Stock Control, where he combines his knowledge with ensuring our customers receive the quantities they need.”

Karin joined Wyevale Nurseries’ Propagation Department after studying horticulture at college. For many years she specialised in propagating and growing herbaceous plants.

“Her level of technical knowledge has always been outstanding. After many years working in propagation, she moved to our growing team, working on stock for garden centres and landscape customers.

“Through the years, Karin met her husband Justin, who also works for us, and their daughter Charlotte now works here too. Karin currently heads up growing and is central to ensuring the stock we send our customers is excellent quality. Karin is an outstanding horticulturalist and has given so much to us over the decades. She is also very happy to pass on her knowledge to our next generation of plantspeople too.”

Diana is Wyevale Nurseries’ Payroll and Credit Control Manager. She comes from a farming background and in 1989 moved from north Herefordshire to Hereford after marrying a farmer from the area.

“She joined us in the same year, initially, as receptionist but after a short time moved to a position in the Accounts Department. She has undertaken a variety of roles within the department including overseeing payroll and the purchase and sales ledgers. She is currently our Credit Controller, as well as still running payroll. She is extremely dedicated team member and has on occasions, during floods, even arrived at work in her husband’s tractor!”

Michael started as a seasonal worker in Wyevale Nurseries’ Field Production Section in the 1980s and became full-time in 1990 in the Propagation/Liner Unit. He stayed there until 1995 when he transferred to work with the company’s tree department.

Heather adds: “Michael is a very knowledgeable grower and an expert at tree pruning. He’s an invaluable team member who has contributed significantly to the success of our Tree Division, and we’re indebted to him for his hard work and commitment.

“Our Finance Director, Les started working for us in 1991 and has played a very important part in managing our accounts and business opportunities. Our organisation has evolved significantly through the years and Les has been an excellent, supportive member of the board. He’s also been instrumental in ensuring our good financial governance. We’re very grateful to him for all his dedication and input, which has been invaluable.”

Wyevale Nurseries is a member of The Three Counties Agricultural Society, which issues medals to people who have completed continuous service to horticulture or agriculture with the same employer or holding company.

The society is a registered charity working for rural industry, the environment and countryside life. It is committed to supporting farmers, growers and horticulturists in the region and developing understanding between urban and rural communities.

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

For further details, please call 01432 845 200 or visit www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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