Now that the blisters have started to heal and the intrepid walkers, runners and cyclists have had the weekend to recover, see all the "official" photos taken by Paul Webb at the Garden re-Leaf Day Greenfingers Charity Sponsored walk 2024.

See the gallery of photos below and see more photos "live" from the walk here.

For the northern sponsored walkers it was more a case of drying out after their treks across the peak district around Holmfirth before setting off home.

See event organiser Jane Lawlers "official" photos from the walk below and see more photos "live" from the walk here.

From raffles at Longacres to planting sunflowers at Millbrook, garden centres across the country got FUNdraising on Garden Re-Leaf Day last Friday to raise their local profile and raise money for Greenfingers Charity.

See pictures below from Aylett Nurseries, Longacres garden centres, Millbrook Gravesend and Brimsmore garden centre where Evergreen Garden Care's Phil Park donned a green wig to raise money by helping customers load compost into their cars.

Also see photos from all the BGC centres and Old Railway Line here

Jardinopia Limited is a rapidly growing privately owned multi award-winning designer and manufacturer of home and garden gift products, headquartered in Martock Somerset, and with operations in Virginia USA and Jodhpur India. We are looking for two experienced Senior Sales Account Managers/New Business Generators for both the North and South Regions of the UK to help take the business to the next level. 

We are open to looking at a flexible working model whereby you can work remotely (from home and on the road) as well as from our HQ in Martock Somerset as necessary. This is though largely a field-based role, and you will be expected to be on the road at least 4 days a week.

Reporting directly into the UK Sales Manager based in Martock, the North Territory is comprised of all English counties north of Birmingham, which we are calling ‘North’ (Cumberland, Northumberland, Westmorland, Durham, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Lincolnshire). An ideal base might be somewhere in the middle of the Territory like Yorkshire or Nottinghamshire, reducing your journey times to customers where possible. 

The South Territory is EVERYTHING ELSE! An ideal location might be Oxfordshire or Berkshire? You will be expected to support, nurture, and develop the existing Agency Team in place and your own House Accounts that we currently have within the Territory, as well as driving new business sales across the garden centre, gift shop and bricks and mortar retail environment generally. You will be separately targeted on both retained and new business.

As well as our own award-winning brands, we are also partnered with Penguin Books (Peter Rabbit & Beatrix Potter), Laura Ashley, Iona Buchanan & Emma Lawrence as their strategic garden products partner!

We sell our products directly to Trade (Garden Centres, Gift Shops, High St Retailers, Catalogues, Tourist Destinations, Supermarkets, Florists, eTailers and Charities), to Distributors & Wholesalers overseas, at Consumer Shows such as RHS Chelsea Flower Show, as well as through e-Commerce sites and 3rd party marketplaces. We also have a rapidly growing 'White Label' business where we design and manufacture exclusive ranges of garden products for some of the UK's biggest and most exclusive businesses, as well as an Indian Sourcing Service – where we manage the end-to-end procurement of a wide range of products for our customers. We opened our first High St shop in April 2023, which is thriving. 

We are seeking very experienced Senior Regional Sales Account Managers/New Business Developers that know the garden and home industry intimately, are extremely well connected with their own long list of customer relationships within the Garden Centre world, and are keen to deliver and grow a world class service to our Bricks and Mortar customer base in the UK. Our customers are as varied as Kew Gardens, Buckingham Palace, RNLI and Next - to the corner florist and gift shop! We currently have 500+ Garden Centres in the UK that we work with. This is a field-based role, and you will also be expected to travel from time to time to Trade Shows and to the HQ for meetings. Most of your time will be spent on the road visiting customers and driving new business sales.

We are looking for professional sellers with an excellent track record of growth and retention over a sustained period in the Garden Gift /Garden Centre Sector. You need a good telephone manner, first class written and oral communication, a hard-working business ethic, and can work independently alongside our customers to understand their needs, support them with product and merchandising knowledge and grow our business with them. Customer growth and retention are key to this role! You will also be confident and successful selling to new customers and can demonstrate a long track record of doing so within the Garden Center Sector. You will be familiar with Sales Administration and Data Management tools (we use Blue Alligator and Zen Desk).

We have around 2,000 products that are unique to us, and this is continuously growing. We are launching 10 new Ranges this year alone. You must be an expert in applying sales tactics, running the administration processes needed to support the sale, and data gathering for the business. You will be able to quickly drive growth through the integrated use of upselling and safeguarding existing accounts & finding new business. We need you to have your own car to use for the first year in the role.

In exchange for your experience, world class skill sets and dedication to driving customer account retention and growth, we are offering a market leading and uncapped remuneration. The compensation will be c£50K dependent on experience, and an uncapped commission scheme on all Bricks and Mortar Sales in the Territory. We would expect you to quickly earn a 6-figure salary if you are successful. We are also offering a life changing opportunity to secure a percentage of our business!

You will be particularly interested to us if you have a strong background in selling garden gift products to the Garden Centre Sector, have or are selling to garden understand Zen Desk and Blue Alligator, have managed a large Territory previously, working with and maye as an Agent, and can show us that you fully understand this sector and are well networked within it.

This is an amazing once in a lifetime opportunity to work with and alongside some of the world’s biggest companies on innovative new product launches, and to work in a fast-paced dynamic business team that sell their products to some of the biggest companies in the world. Agencies and Companies need not apply. We are looking for individuals in the UK only that are prepared to own the Bricks & Mortar sales strategy in the Territory and the ongoing success for our company.

If that's you, and you can demonstrate a strong understanding of all of the above and be prepared to show us what you've achieved in your career so far with clear unambiguous examples - then we want to hear from you straight away. 

Please contact Tony in the first instance at Tony@Jardinopia.com who would be delighted to hear from you.

There's still time to take advantage of our Easter Offers to celebrate Easter in grand style with exclusive deals on a variety of products! Wildlife World has reduced prices on select items, providing you with an ideal opportunity to replenish your inventory and pass on the savings to your valued customers. Grab a bargain and offer premium wildlife products that work for your customers this Easter.

You all may already be facing delays in receiving products due to disruptions in the Suez Canal. Wildlife World has stock holdings in its UK warehousing ready for immediate dispatch.

Eggs-ellent Easter Offers!

Ladybird Tower is now only £4.95

Previous price £6.20

This year, prepare for the Easter gifts rush by offering this ladybird habitat just in time for Spring. Save over 20% on this beautiful and practical product and pass the savings on to your customers with the new SSP of £9.99.

Solitary Bee Hive now only £11.50

Previous price £13.50

The original design, Solitary Bee Hive, is an interactive solitary bee habitat constructed in durable FSC-certified timber with stacking trays that you can open for inspection and cleaning.

Aristotle Birdbath is only £8

Previous price £13.50

The new Aristotle Oasis small birdbath and drinker, an upgrade to the Oasis birdbath and drinker. An attractive garden bath and drinker, providing essential water for all wildlife, made from recycled materials.

Click here to see all the Wildlife World Easter offers. 

To order products contact: info@wildlifeworld.co.uk or visit: https://wildlifeworldtrade.co.uk

or call: 01666 505333

Happy Easter!

Check Out Our Amazing Range Of New Videos at https://www.youtube.com/@WildlifeWorldUK/videos

Dobbies, is gearing up for its busiest season of the year with more than 17.5 million summer bedding plants starting to make their way into 71 stores across the UK in pots, packs, containers and hanging baskets.

Seasonally relevant just now are Pansies, Violas and Osteospermum as customers look to fill their garden spaces with spring colour.

It might only be March but already Dobbies has seen an increase in footfall across its stores this month, compared to this time last year, as customers look to get inspiration for their garden spaces.

Dobbies is predicting an early surge in interest of its garden living collections ahead of a summer of sport. The Euros, Olympics and Paralympics, and two T20 World Cups are likely to encourage more outdoor entertaining and, as a result, the garden centre is increasing its choice of garden furniture and outdoor cooking ranges including a new collection of own-brand BBQ tools.

Andy Hannan, Commercial Director at Dobbies, said: “Spring is always a favourite time of year for us here at Dobbies because we know the joy a garden full of spring blooms can bring. We’re expecting a busy start to the gardening season with our bedding plants expected to fly off the shelves. Anecdotally, we’ve already seen customers take particular interest in our garden living collections. There’s an excitement about the forthcoming summer of sport and people are making early preparations to make sure their gardens are in tip-top shape for hosting.”

The Garden Centre Association’s Barometer of Trade report for February saw clothing romp ahead at +20.9% with catering just behind at +19.55% when compared with the same month last year.

Just three of the categories recorded by the GCA were down when likened to February 2023, according to the figures submitted by its member garden centres.

GCA CEO, Peter Burks says: “Clothing did very well and once again catering produced a very strong performance, continuing its super strong growth.

“Overall though, it was a disappointing month for total sales in February, which were only up a touch at + 0.91%. But as was the case all through last year, these figures have been significantly undermined by another poor month for furniture and BBQs at -29.34%. Houseplants, -17.59%, and hard landscaping -7.86% were also down when compared to last year.

“Plus, it was the wettest February on record with some areas having more than four times their monthly average of rain, which made it impossible to get out on the ground and it was bound to dampen enthusiasm for doing anything outside. Or even thinking of new garden furniture in readiness for entertaining outdoors in the spring and summer. 

“But it wasn’t all doom and gloom, all other categories were up, suggesting general trade was actually quite good. On the whole, the outlook is sunny, despite the grey clouds overhead.”

Excluding the Christmas section, which was showing in February at +24.63%, the GCA’s next best performer was the food hall/farm shop category, up +14.69%, when compared to the same month in 2023.

This was followed by pet & aquatics at +9.49%, gifts at +9.21%, excluding the miscellaneous category, which was up +7.91%, with seeds & bulbs in at +6.78%.

Outdoor plants also recorded a positive, if small, return in February, in comparison to the same month last year, and was up +0.47% and garden sundries was at +0.07%.

The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an up-to-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.

Thirteen employees from garden furniture, grow your own and decorative garden structure specialist, Zest successfully smashed the Chester 10k on Sunday 10^th March, raising funds for the company’s chosen charity of the year North East Wales Mind. 

The team of both experienced runners and those running a 10k for the first time represented all divisions of the business and included: Andrew Baker, Hazel Bainbridge, Jenny Blackburn, Steve Gibson, James Guilfoyle, Owen Kelliher, Lowri Mitton, Ben Morgan, Zak Richards, Luke Roberts, Jason St. Lawrence, James Turner and Reza Yaghoubi.

Commenting on the event, experienced runner Andrew Baker who is Zest’s Finance Director said, “We had a great time at the Chester 10k and I’m really pleased that so many of us were able to take part in the race.  The course took us past some really lovely scenery, starting next to the iconic Chester Racecourse, passing close to the picturesque village of Mollington before ending with the stunning backdrop of the Eastgate Clock in Chester. 

“We’d all like to say a massive thank you to everyone who cheered us along the way – it kept our spirits high and spurred us on to the finish line!”

Fellow team member Jason St Lawrence, who is a British Sign Language interpreter at Zest, added, “This was my very first 10k and I ran it dressed as the film character, Rocky. There were a few shouts of ‘Go on Rocky’, just like the film, as I crossed the line. It was good fun and thanks to everyone who generously supported me.”

North East Wales Mind helps people in Flintshire and Wrexham recover from mental health problems and stay emotionally healthy. In addition to telephone counselling, emotional support, and face to face services the charity offers a range of services and online activities. 

The Chester Marathon is just one of many fundraising events planned by Zest employees. Other initiatives include abseiling down Liverpool Cathedral, the Manchester Marathon and a 24-hour relay walk.  The company has a fundraising target of £10,000 for 2024. 

Over the last 14 years Zest has raised over £150,000 for a range of charities including Dementia UK, British Heart Foundation, Macmillan Cancer Support, Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospices, Cancer Research UK, Action for Children, Alzheimer’s Society, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Meningitis Now.

Zest was established in 2005 to bring high quality, sustainable timber garden products to garden centres, online retailers, builders’ merchants, and major purchasing groups across the UK.  For further information about Zest’s GYO, decorative and furniture products, visit www.zestoutdoorliving.co.uk.

To donate to North East Wales Mind, please visit https://www.p-a-group.com/charity.

For nearly six years, the remarkable team at Evergreen Garden Care has been tirelessly fundraising for the Greenfingers Charity. Their dedication has now reached a significant milestone, with over £100,000 raised. They aren’t planning on stopping anytime soon, however, as it has been confirmed that the fundraising partnership has been extended until 2026!

Since 2019, the team at Evergreen Garden Care – the people behind the MiracleGro®, Levington®, Round-Up®, Weedol® and Clear® brands – have gone above and beyond to help bolster their fundraising total. From taking to the skies atop a plane and climbing the nation’s highest mountains, to delicious treats, gifts in kind and volunteering time, their activities have been incredibly varied and enabled staff from across the country to contribute to this amazing feat of generosity.

FUNdraising with Evergreen Garden Care

Key highlights have included Mark Portman, along with GIMA’s Vicky Nuttall and STV’s Lowri Turner, braving the very first Greenfingers Wing Walk. Elsewhere, a group of 15 travelled the length and breadth of the country to climb the tallest mountains in Scotland, Wales and England as part of the Three Peaks Challenge, doing so in less than 24 hours!

All that adrenaline-based activity certainly called for a sweet treat, with representatives from across the business showcasing their baking skills with cake sales and bake-off style competitions throughout the year.

Evergreen has also been very well represented at Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenges over the years, with a new team signed up for the 2024 event. You can also expect to see Evergreen’s competitive side with a crew lined up for the forthcoming Greenfingers Dragon Boat Race.

Product for gardens

It’s not just about people power, with product also forming a huge part of the company’s support of Greenfingers. Recognising that gifts in kind and product donations can greatly assist development of the many therapeutic garden spaces created by Greenfingers, the team has donated benches made from recycled compost bags to a number of projects, plus a pallet of peat-free compost to every Greenfingers garden created since the start of 2019.

The journey to 2026

With three more years of fundraising ahead of them, Evergreen Garden Care has agreed to donate a fixed sum to the Greenfingers Charity through sales of its Miracle-Gro® growing media, until the end of 2026. This sum will be made up of both cash donations and product to support the creation of new gardens, as well as supporting the charity’s Garden Makeover and Garden Re-Fresh programmes.

Colin Stephens, Evergreen Managing Director, said “Our commitment to this meaningful cause remains unwavering and I am thrilled by our ongoing fundraising partnership. Together, we will continue to nurture gardens that bring joy and solace to the lives of life-limited children and their families, and we look forward to making an even greater impact in the years to come. Thank you to our remarkable team for their dedication to making a difference and to the Greenfingers Charity for the invaluable work they do.”

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communication at the Greenfingers Charity added: “Evergreen Garden Care has proven time and time again that there are no limits to their generosity. They have consistently come up with new ways to support our work and are superb ambassadors for the charity. It’s been a joy to work alongside them and we are so pleased to see this partnership extend for more years to come. Our biggest thank you to each and every one at Evergreen for their support, it means the world.”

Seeing it through children’s eyes

As such active fundraisers, it would be easy to forgive the team for not having time to see how their hard work pays off in the hospice environment, but this is not the case. A handful of Evergreen fundraisers recently visited The Nook in Norfolk where a Greenfingers garden was reaching its final stages of completion. A highly moving day, the visit enabled them to realise the scale of work that goes into creating these hugely important garden spaces and could see firsthand how the children, their families and staff at the hospice enjoy the space, even during construction.

Summing up the day perfectly, Evergreen’s Jess Nicholson said: “After visiting The Nook and seeing the facilities and services that they offer to not just the children, but also their families, really struck a chord. It is safe to say it was an incredibly emotional day that brought us both gratitude and a newfound understanding of the differences these hospices make.  To know that our efforts to raise money for this beautiful hospice garden was amazing.  I would, with no hesitation, happily climb those mountains and break a toe all over again to see the difference it makes. This space will not only serve the children, but their families the staff and wider community for generations to come. And well, that really is just magical isn’t it.”

Find out more

To stay up-to-date with all the latest news from the Greenfingers Charity, why not join the conversation on social media - @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn, https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/ and @GreenfingersCha on Twitter.

The biggest garden and BBQ trade fair in the world, spoga+gafa, is reporting a high level of internationality among the exhibitors and 14 almost fully-booked exhibition halls for 16 to 18 June. With around 96 percent of the exhibition space booked and a high rebooking rate, spoga+gafa is carrying on the success of last year.

With over 1,850 exhibitors from 58 countries, the leading global trade fair already recorded an increase in both the number of intercontinental exhibitors and in the exhibiting companies from Europe and the DACH region in 2023. Figures that will also be achieved again in 2024. Particularly the share of companies from Europe and North America has increased significantly compared to last year: Numerous national and international companies have confirmed their participation, including many big players and renowned brands, but also newcomers and start-ups.

In the face of the challenging circumstances that prevail within the industry, Stefan Lohrberg, Director of spoga+gafa, considers the booking status of the garden lifestyle trade fair to be an important, positive sign: "With their clear commitment to spoga+gafa the companies are sending out a strong signal in spite of the in some cases challenging market conditions. spoga+gafa is the industry's most important meeting point and opens up new and unique business opportunities - ultimately the entire green industry profits from a successful spoga+gafa."

Key theme dominates the trade fair programme
This year's key theme "Responsible Gardens" is arousing widespread interest among the industry and is playing a major role in the design of the fair grounds. International experts will address the theme in depth in the scope of lectures and talk formats in the "Forum Garden Cafe". In addition, a diversified event programme with special areas like the "Boulevard of Ideas", the "POS Green Solution Islands", the Outdoor Lifestyle Trend Show" and theme-based tours await the visitors. Here the emphasis lies on the challenges of the industry as well as solutions for the future of the trade.

About spoga+gafa
spoga+gafa is the meeting point for experts and decision-makers of the green industry from all over the globe and as an order and networking trade fair provides important impulses, innovations and solutions for the current challenges of the garden and BBQ industry. The green industry discusses the line-ups and trends of the coming season at the leading trade fair and the unique range of offerings turns the trade fair into the place-to-be for the purchasing managers of all trading forms. The Industry Garden Association e.V. (IVG) is the industry sponsor of spoga+gafa.

Koelnmesse – Global Inspiration for Living, Contract and Public Spaces
Koelnmesse is the world’s top trade fair organiser for the areas of Living, Contract and Public Spaces.
At the trade fair hub of Cologne, in addition to imm cologne and interzum, other trade fair formats such as LivingKitchen, ORGATEC, spoga+gafa, FSB and aquanale are among the internationally renowned and established industry meeting places. These fairs comprehensively represent the interior and design segment, the furniture and interior construction industries' supplying sections, the kitchen world, all topics for the modern working world, garden lifestyle as well as public space, sports and leisure facilities and also sauna, pool and ambiente.

In addition to the events in Cologne, Koelnmesse is strategically expanding its portfolio in key growth markets around the globe like with the successful shows ORGATEC TOKYO in Japan, interzum bogota in Colombia and interzum guangzhou in China and interzum forum italy.

Further information: https://www.spogagafa.com/trade-fair/spoga-gafa-2024/industry-trade-fairs/

Dobbies has launched Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.

Committed to bringing a smile to its local communities, Dobbies is inviting anyone who has a community space that needs gardening knowledge and inspiration – indoors or outdoors – to get in touch, with applications now open.

Dobbies’ colleagues are passionate about gardens and plants, championing garden living all year round to create experiences that bring people and communities together. Each Dobbies’ store will select a project to support from the nominations that are made. The winning groups will receive products, tools and plants to help bring their community space to life during a personal-shopper session with a dedicated Dobbies’ colleague. In addition to this, there will be volunteer hours allocated to help bring the project to fruition.

Successful applicants will receive support over the year to keep their indoor or outdoor space blooming.

Nick Anderson, Dobbies’ Operations Director, is looking forward to hearing from groups across the country. He said: “There are so many brilliant community groups near our stores – from schools and nurseries, to In Bloom Groups and charities, and even local sports teams. Our store colleagues are ready to take on a fresh challenge for this year and we want to hear from groups right across the UK who would benefit from our support.

“If anyone knows of a community group that has a garden living project in need of our help, please encourage them to enter.”

Applications are now open and taking part couldn’t be easier. Those entering must be located within 20 miles of a Dobbies store or five miles of a little dobbies store. For more information about how to get involved in Dobbies Community Gardens, visit Dobbies Community Gardens

Nominated projects will be invited along to their local store for the free Grow How session on Saturday 4 May, 10.30am, and the winner will be announced. The winning team for each store will meet the Dobbies’ colleagues that will support them throughout the project.  

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has issued an urgent plea to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. It warns of imminent risks to the UK’s horticultural businesses and urges immediate government intervention ahead of the 30 April Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) changes.

The sector seeks a solution that would see Border Control Posts (BCPs) opened while sustaining the current Place of Destination (PoD) scheme and unlocking barriers to Control Point access. This would enable BCPs and easements to be fully tested, functioning, and accessible to businesses in the environmental horticulture sector.

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, HTA Chairman James Barnes emphasised the critical nature of the impending border policy shift, stating:

“If these changes come in without any easements, then it represents massive risks to the UK’s horticultural businesses – one of Britain’s green industries. I write to you in the utmost urgency on behalf of UK environmental horticulture requesting your government to act immediately to address the multitude of problems we face with this shift.”

James highlighted the profound consequences of the proposed changes, including threats to SMEs, job security, biosecurity measures, environmental targets, and consumer choice:

“The consequences present a dramatic risk to the breadth of UK horticulture businesses (the majority of which are SMEs), jobs, biosecurity, environmental target delivery, and to the choice available to the UK’s 30 million gardeners.”

“The risks are exacerbated by coming in April, in the middle of the peak season for imports in our sector.”

Regarding the lack of clarity surrounding operational details at Border Control Posts (BCPs), James expressed deep concern: 

“There is an extraordinary amount of detail missing on how BCPs will work and operate when handling high-risk plants...Without answers and clarity and without any of these processes being able to be properly tested in April, it is unacceptable and irresponsible to proceed as the government intends.”

Moreover, he highlighted deficiencies in the capacity and capability of BCPs to handle high-risk plant products:

“The capacity and capability of BCPs to handle the checking of high-risk plant products is drastically deficient...The consequences of not getting this right are stark – a bio-security risk or damaging delays to industry.”

On the issue of costs, the letter urged the government to provide clarity on the Common User Charge (CUC) and engage directly with the sector:

“The costs of using BCPs is yet to be known...The proposed approach places the cost of all the risks and untested plans on our sector.”

In conclusion, James Barnes urged the Prime Minister to take immediate action to safeguard the industry:

“We therefore seek you to urgently take the following responsible actions...We believe government shares our interests in successful and secure trade.”

The letter's publication also coincides with an article in today’s Financial Times online, following the HTA arranging a visit for Public Policy Editor Peter Foster to Hutchison Ports in Harwich to discuss how imports will be handled from 1 May. The article can be viewed here: https://on.ft.com/4ckTJZg

The HTA's letter to the Prime Minister can be accessed here.

British Garden Centres has announced its latest benchmarks in digital marketing. With a strategic focus on engaging content and community building, the group has reached remarkable milestones on its social media channels, setting new benchmarks for the industry.

In an age where connectivity is paramount to engagement, and young millennial gardeners are looking to social media for gardening tips and inspiration, British Garden Centres has emerged as an online leader with enthusiasts, nature-conscious consumers, and millennials seeking creativity and ideas for their outdoor living spaces. 

The company's dedication to providing valuable content and interactions has resulted in unprecedented success across its staggering 131 social media platforms, with all 62 centres managing their own channels on Instagram and Facebook.

Here are some of the standout statistics from British Garden Centres' social media:

Follower Growth and Reach: Over the past year, British Garden Centres has experienced exponential growth in its social media following, with 47 million people reached on social media in 2023. The accounts also saw an impressive 20% increase in followership across the board in 2023, with the British Garden Centres Instagram growing by 116.8% in 2023*.

Unrivalled engagement: British Garden Centres' is committed to engaging its audience with informative and entertaining content. The company sees over 150,000 engagements per month in social media including likes, shares, and comments, demonstrating its ability to create compelling posts and videos that spark conversation and inspire and drive meaningful interactions among its local communities of followers.

Innovative content plans: Headed up by Lucy Hewitt, Marketing and Social Media Coordinator and Eve Kerrigan, Content Creator, the social team uses entertaining and visual storytelling mixed with informative how-to guides to keep the social media channels fresh. Content also embraces current and new trends in both the gardening and home industries, and as a result has built a dynamic online community where gardening enthusiasts can connect, learn, and share their experiences.

Influencer Events: The social team also hold regular seasonal events for influencers including summer parties and Christmas launches, as well as lending support to Hannah Reid, AKA @gingergrows 1 who exhibited at the prestigious RHS Hampton Court Flower show last year in the Community Allotment area.

Lucy Hewitt of British Garden Centres said:  "We are thrilled to see such incredible growth in our social media presence. We are passionate about sharing our love for gardening and outdoor living with the world. These impressive statistics are a testament to the hard work of the marketing and centre teams and the ongoing support of our amazing communities."

Sir Robert Goodwill MP, chair of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, wrote to the Environment Secretary, the Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP, containing several crucial recommendations based on their inquiry into urban green spaces.  

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), commented: "The HTA is delighted with the recommendations of the inquiry, which recognise the importance of growing our urban green spaces. We provided strong and evidence-based input to this important inquiry and welcome the call for a cross-government group to deliver joined up policymaking for real change. This reflects the HTA’s longstanding call for an Office for Green Spaces, which has ever-growing cross-party support from both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. 

"With 30 million UK gardeners and a growing urban population who love and use our green spaces, it is crucial that we maximise the benefits of these important areas. Urban green spaces deliver enormous social, economic and environmental benefits, particularly in tackling climate change challenges in cities. The HTA has been urging politicians and policymakers to recognise the value of environmental horticulture for a long time now, not least because we deliver £28.8 billion in GDP and support 674,000 jobs in the UK."

The letter can be accessed here.

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre, located in Three Cocks between Brecon and Hay-on-Wye, is celebrating the commitment of Jill Fawke, Head of Indoor Lifestyle, reaching 20 years of service.

Marketing Director Joe Aldworth said: “Jill's unwavering dedication and expertise have been invaluable to our team. Her two decades of service represent her commitment to our vision and values, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as a part of our family here at The Old Railway Line Garden Centre.”

Reflecting on her journey with the centre, Jill Fawke shared, "It's been a privilege to witness the growth and evolution of the garden centre over the years, and I am proud to have played a part in its success. I love being part of a family run, award winning business with such a close knit, hard-working team."

Operations Director, Katie Eckley added: “We are proud to have such a strong team, many of which have been with us for many years. Our ‘10+ Club’ which celebrates members of the team who have been with us for over 10 years now has 21 members. All of which have been a pivotal part the businesses growth and success over the past decade or more. It’s a great feeling having such a dedicated team who have been with us over so many highs and lows, and who are still at the heart of the Old Railway Line family today.”

For more information about The Old Railway Line Garden Centre and their upcoming events call 01497 847055 or visit www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk. 

Johnsons have donated over £3,900 to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust this season, through sales of their Mixed Bumblebee Friendly Flowers seed packets.

Helen Clayton, Brand Manager at Johnsons said "We have worked with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust for over 10 years, contributing more than £40,000 to help fund their vital work. This couldn’t happen without the generous support of our customers who buy the Johnsons Bumblebee Friendly Flower packets, so a big thank you to them!”

Bumblebees are dependent on the right kinds of flowers for food and the varieties in the Johnsons Mixed Bumblebee Friendly Flowers seed packets are all carefully selected to attract bumblebees and other pollinating insects into the garden. As well as providing a food rich habitat, the lovely mix of annuals and perennials creates a colourful display from late Spring to early Autumn. 25p from each packet sold is donated directly to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

Tessa Brooks, Senior Fundraising Officer said “A huge thank you to Johnsons Seeds for your fantastic donation of £3,965 through sales of Bumblebee-friendly seed packs and your wonderful customers who have purchased them! Every flower that grows from these seeds is an oasis which provides nectar and pollen for bumblebees in the UK. Together with the latest, generous donation, you are helping our amazing, fuzzy little winged warriors contribute to our food production, biodiversity, natural environment, and inspire more people to choose bee-friendly flowers.”

 For further information on the Bumblebee Conservation Trust log on to www.bumblebeeconservation.org 

Johnsons range of seeds and seed-based kits is available from garden centres, supermarkets and leading DIY stores throughout the UK.

Calling all budding home gardeners and topiary artists! Henchman, the leading garden ladder expert, is on the lookout for Britain's best topiary artists to enter its inaugural Topiary Awards.

Launching on 20th March 2024 to mark the first day of a new spring season, the awards have been designed to celebrate the art of topiary and recognise those who demonstrate exceptional skill, creativity, and passion in shaping and maintaining incredible living sculptures.

With two categories announced – one for best professional topiary and one for best home garden creation – individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels are encouraged to enter their favourite pieces of work.

An esteemed panel of topiary experts and horticulturalists including; Elizabeth Hilliard, Editor of European Boxwood and Topiary Society (EBTS) magazine TOPIARIUS; Michael Buck, Head of Horticulture at Creepers Nursery; Andy Bourke, professional topiarist and better known as The Hedge Barber; and Owen Simpson, Managing Director at Henchman, will evaluate each submission based on creativity, craftsmanship, and overall impact.

The winners will then be announced at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Flower Festival, where they will receive a trophy, a high-value prize bundle of Henchman products, an annual membership to the European Boxwood and Topiary Society and a day trip for two to one of the EBTS UK’s day-long garden trips.

"We are excited to announce the launch of the Henchman Topiary Awards and showcase the best creations in the world of topiary from across the country," said Owen Simpson, Managing Director of Henchman. "Topiary has been an important part of British gardening for centuries, and we hope that the awards will not only shine a light on those talented individuals who create topiary but also inspire the next generation of gardeners to try their hand at the art."

To enter, simply submit photographs and a summary of your best piece of topiary before the closing date, 31st May 2024.

For more information on how to participate and for full terms and conditions, please visit hwww.henchman.co.uk/henchman-topiary-awards.

GTN February 2024 - GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards Bumper Issue

In this issue:

• The Greatest Christmas Awards presentations at Spring Fair
• GCA Conference Award winners
• Primeur: the home of doormats
• Environmental perceptions of garden centres
• Westlands New Horizon Community Fund
• Busy Bee tops the customer vote for Christmas greatness
• 23 pages of judges photos and comments from The Greatest Christmas Awards start here: Barton Grange, Cooks, BGC Harrogate, Pugh’s, Gates, Haskins Snowhill, Woodlands, Kent, Squires Badshot Lea, Polhill, Old Railway Line, Klondyke High Legh, Poundbury, Birkacre, Alton, Blue Diamond Newbridge, Garsons Esher, Brimsmore, Glendoick, Chessington, Wentworth, Klondyke Astbury Meadow, Cambridge Home & Garden, Bents, BGC Studley, Coolings, Newquay, The Grange, Garsons Titchfield, Keydell, Perrywood Tiptree, BGC, Dobbies, Gouldings Santa Experience, Dobbies Edinburgh and Tewkesbury, Mackenzie & Cruickshank, Munros, Pengelly, Planters Tamworth
• Thank you to our Sponsors
• Flashes of Christmas Inspiration
• Harrogate Show Ideas for Christmas 2024
• Planting Manifesto Ideas – HTA Column
• Supply Chain Challenges – GIMA Column

Or use this link

Jardinopia Limited is a rapidly growing privately owned multi award-winning designer and manufacturer of home and garden gift products, headquartered in Martock Somerset, and with operations in Virginia USA and Jodhpur India. We are looking for two experienced Senior Sales Account Managers/New Business Generators for both the North and South Regions of the UK to help take the business to the next level. 

We are open to looking at a flexible working model whereby you can work remotely (from home and on the road) as well as from our HQ in Martock Somerset as necessary. This is though largely a field-based role, and you will be expected to be on the road at least 4 days a week.

Reporting directly into the UK Sales Manager based in Martock, the North Territory is comprised of all English counties north of Birmingham, which we are calling ‘North’ (Cumberland, Northumberland, Westmorland, Durham, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Lincolnshire). An ideal base might be somewhere in the middle of the Territory like Yorkshire or Nottinghamshire, reducing your journey times to customers where possible. 

The South Territory is EVERYTHING ELSE! An ideal location might be Oxfordshire or Berkshire?

You will be expected to support, nurture, and develop the existing Agency Team in place and your own House Accounts that we currently have within the Territory, as well as driving new business sales across the garden centre, gift shop and bricks and mortar retail environment generally. You will be separately targeted on both retained and new business.

As well as our own award-winning brands, we are also partnered with Penguin Books (Peter Rabbit & Beatrix Potter), Laura Ashley, Iona Buchanan & Emma Lawrence as their strategic garden products partner!

We sell our products directly to Trade (Garden Centres, Gift Shops, High St Retailers, Catalogues, Tourist Destinations, Supermarkets, Florists, eTailers and Charities), to Distributors & Wholesalers overseas, at Consumer Shows such as RHS Chelsea Flower Show, as well as through e-Commerce sites and 3rd party marketplaces. We also have a rapidly growing 'White Label' business where we design and manufacture exclusive ranges of garden products for some of the UK's biggest and most exclusive businesses, as well as an Indian Sourcing Service – where we manage the end-to-end procurement of a wide range of products for our customers. We opened our first High St shop in April 2023, which is thriving. 

We are seeking very experienced Senior Regional Sales Account Managers/New Business Developers that know the garden and home industry intimately, are extremely well connected with their own long list of customer relationships within the Garden Centre world, and are keen to deliver and grow a world class service to our Bricks and Mortar customer base in the UK. Our customers are as varied as Kew Gardens, Buckingham Palace, RNLI and Next - to the corner florist and gift shop! We currently have 500+ Garden Centres in the UK that we work with. This is a field-based role, and you will also be expected to travel from time to time to Trade Shows and to the HQ for meetings. Most of your time will be spent on the road visiting customers and driving new business sales.

We are looking for professional sellers with an excellent track record of growth and retention over a sustained period in the Garden Gift /Garden Centre Sector. You need a good telephone manner, first class written and oral communication, a hard-working business ethic, and can work independently alongside our customers to understand their needs, support them with product and merchandising knowledge and grow our business with them. Customer growth and retention are key to this role! You will also be confident and successful selling to new customers and can demonstrate a long track record of doing so within the Garden Center Sector. You will be familiar with Sales Administration and Data Management tools (we use Blue Alligator and Zen Desk).

We have around 2,000 products that are unique to us, and this is continuously growing. We are launching 10 new Ranges this year alone. You must be an expert in applying sales tactics, running the administration processes needed to support the sale, and data gathering for the business. You will be able to quickly drive growth through the integrated use of upselling and safeguarding existing accounts & finding new business. We need you to have your own car to use for the first year in the role.

In exchange for your experience, world class skill sets and dedication to driving customer account retention and growth, we are offering a market leading and uncapped remuneration. The compensation will be c£50K dependent on experience, and an uncapped commission scheme on all Bricks and Mortar Sales in the Territory. We would expect you to quickly earn a 6-figure salary if you are successful. We are also offering a life changing opportunity to secure a percentage of our business!

You will be particularly interested to us if you have a strong background in selling garden gift products to the Garden Centre Sector, have or are selling to garden understand Zen Desk and Blue Alligator, have managed a large Territory previously, working with and maye as an Agent, and can show us that you fully understand this sector and are well networked within it.

This is an amazing once in a lifetime opportunity to work with and alongside some of the world’s biggest companies on innovative new product launches, and to work in a fast-paced dynamic business team that sell their products to some of the biggest companies in the world. Agencies and Companies need not apply. We are looking for individuals in the UK only that are prepared to own the Bricks & Mortar sales strategy in the Territory and the ongoing success for our company.

If that's you, and you can demonstrate a strong understanding of all of the above and be prepared to show us what you've achieved in your career so far with clear unambiguous examples - then we want to hear from you straight away. 

Please contact Tony in the first instance at Tony@Jardinopia.com who would be delighted to hear from you.

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The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) is a global organisation uniting thousands of growers of flowers and ornamental plants. It is the approving body of International Horticultural Expos, such as Expo Doha Qatar 2023.

As the world’s champion for the power of plants, our common goal is to promote the importance of plants in our lives. During the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) Spring Meeting in Doha, Qatar, members of the General Meeting elected Dr Holly Peng, from China, as its new Vice President.

Dr Peng is a leading expert in the horticultural and landscaping sector, with more than 30 years of experience. She is deeply committed to finding sustainable solutions for urban greening and horticultural Expos, and her work is driven by a desire to create an environmentally friendly coexistence for urban planning.

Dr Peng is currently the Deputy Secretary General of the China Flower Association. Through her collaboration with plant researchers at International Horticulture Expos, including Expo 2019 Beijing and China's participation in A1 Expos in other countries, such as Floriade in the Netherlands, Dr Peng has significantly contributed to the ornamental plants industry.

Dr Peng commented on her election to the AIPH Board, “I am honoured to be elected by the Members, and will strive to strengthen AIPH in its mission as the world’s champion for the power of plants.”

AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio stated, “With Dr Peng on the Board, AIPH’s valuable network in ornamental horticulture will be further developed.”

Dr Peng has been appointed as the new vice president of AIPH, alongside Mr Bill Hardy, who is also chair of the AIPH Green City Committee. He is active in several industry associations, including the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, HortEducationBC, Canadian Garden Council, and the Green Cities Foundation.

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) hosted its General Meeting during the AIPH Spring Meeting in the Expo 2023 Doha Qatar Congress Centre on 6 March.

As the world’s champion for the power of plants, AIPH has been supporting grower associations since 1948. AIPH Members are grower associations and trade organisations representing the interests of ornamental horticulture in their respective countries.

The ornamental horticulture industry is crucial to providing green solutions for combating global climate change. The power of a larger association like AIPH in bringing together and amplifying the voices of these associations is the reason for the increasing worldwide Membership.

During the General Meeting, Members voted on three new applications for Full Membership. The international applications were approved for the Dutch Flower Auctions Association, Vereniging van Bloemenveilingen — VBN (representing Royal FloraHolland and Plantion), the Horticultural Association of Bhutan, and Kenya Flower Council.

The Members also welcomed five new Affiliate Members. This Membership is available to any business or organisation involved in ornamental horticulture or has a vested interest in the industry.

The newly approved Affiliate Members are Beekenkamp Plants, Netherlands; the Gulf Organisation of Research & Development – GORD, Qatar; Korea Flower Park, Republic of Korea, Verticalle, Türkiye; and World Green Infrastructure Network – WGIN, Slovenia.

AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio said, “It is great to be part of a growing association. As more and more organisations join us, we become even stronger in promoting and supporting this important industry on the world stage.”

Become a member of AIPH 

Membership gives you access to members-only information, including free access to the AIPH International Statistics Flowers and Plants Yearbook. All our members receive newsletters, communications, and access to industry-leading research, and they are invited to attend our twice-yearly meetings. Members can also submit news items for inclusion in AIPH Newsletters and FloraCulture International (FCI) magazine. Please visit this web page for more information on membership.

The following are the dates for the next AIPH meetings:

- The 76th AIPH Annual Congress will take place from 3 to 7 September 2024 at the AIPH-approved International Horticultural Trade Show, Green is Life, in Warsaw, Poland.

- The next AIPH Spring Meeting will take place in March 2025 in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Grab your calendar and block a day for the Dutch Spring Trials! In week 18, eight breeders will show the latest assortment in pot and bedding plants to growers, retailers and industry colleagues. 

ABZ Seeds, Benary, Hem Genetics, MNP/Suntory, PanAmerican Seed, Prudac, Takii and Syngenta Flowers/Floranova will welcome visitors, by appointment only, from Monday 29th of April until Friday 3rd of May.

Further information will be communicated shortly.

Fleuroselect, the international organisation for the ornamental plants industry, has announced the election of Marc Driessen, CEO Beekenkamp Ornamentals, as President of the organisation.

Elected by the membership during the Annual General Meeting in July 2023, Marc succeeds to Karol Pawlak, owner of Vitroflora. Marc has been part of the Board of Directors since 2019, representing the business unit Production and Distribution and acted as the organisation’s Vice-President for the past 5 years. 

Karol Pawlak: “Marc has been an invaluable support during my presidency. Thanks to his extensive network, strong work ethos and excellent vision, he is the perfect candidate to steer Fleuroselect towards the future.” 

Marc Driessen: “Karol has done an outstanding job in guiding the organisation through a turbulent time that included corona and the energy-crisis. We are very grateful for all the time, expertise and enthusiasm he has dedicated to the organisation. I’m proud to take over the reins and look forward to working with all the members.” 

Ann Jennen, Secretary-General Fleuroselect: “Thanks to his previous years on the Board and 5 years as Vice-President, Marc knows the ins and outs of the organisation as no other. The Secretariat is looking forward to continuing its excellent working relationship with Marc and further develop the organisation’s activities.”

Thomas Bousart, Manager Sales & Marketing Europe & Emerging Markets at Benary, has been appointed by the Board of Directors to succeed Marc Driessen as Vice-President. With former work experience at Syngenta Flowers and Dümmen Orange, Thomas has a sound knowledge of the ornamental sector, a clear vision on the organisation and is strongly connected within the industry. He has been on the Board for 8 years. 

Thomas Bousart: ”As Benary is one of the key breeders in Europe and a founding member of Fleuroselect, I am proud to become the Vice-President of the organisation. I am looking forward to work with Marc, the Board of Directors and the secretariat to take the organisation to the next level.”

Harlow (above) were the Acorn Cup winners and Newbridge (below) the Oak Cup winners of the Blue Diamond Best Garden Centre Awards, presented in the Empress Ballroom, Blackpool.

The star studded Strictly Blue Diamond Event, attended by 750 staff members, saw MD Alan Roper announce that Blue Diamond were now the biggest garden centre group at £308m turnover.

Blue Diamond Awards 2024 - Full results:

Garden Centres of the Year

OAK Garden Centre of the Year: Newbridge

Nominees:

• Brambridge
• Cardiff
• East Bridgford
• Newbridge
• Redfields
• Sanders

ACORN Garden Centre of the Year: Harlow

Nominees:

• Harlow
• Lower Morden
• Percy Throwers
• Nailsworth
• Trelawney
• Wilton

Restaurants of the Year

OAK Restaurant of the Year: Percy Throwers

Nominees:

• Cardiff
• Grosvenor
• Percy Throwers

ACORN Restaurant of the Year: Nailsworth Waterside Cafe

Nominees:

• Lower Morden
• Harlow
• Nailsworth
• Worcester

Origins of the Year: Cadbury

Nominees:

• Bicester
• Cadbury
• Sanders

Pastry Chef of the Year: Vitalina Krykun – Mere Park

Nominees:

• Francesca Onorato – East Bridgford
• Vitalina Krykun – Mere Park
• Amber Fowler - Sanders

Head Chef of the Year: Tom Garstone – Percy Throwers

Nominees:

• Andrejs Agapovs – Bicester
• Adam Winters – Melbicks
• Tom Garstone – Percy Throwers

Barista of the Year: Lauren Trick – East Bridgford

Nominees:

• Amy Porter – Blackdown
• Lauren Trick – East Bridgford
• Rachel White – Fermoy’s
• Gemma Askew – Melbicks

Food Retailer of the Year: ACORN Jo Sparkes – Coton Orchard, OAK Michelle Richardson - Trentham

Nominees:

• Cadbury
• Cardiff
• Coton Orchard
• East Bridgford
• Endsleigh
• Evesham
• Fermoys
• Lower Morden
• Trentham

The Magic of Christmas Award: ACORN Anna King - Bridgmere, OAK Amy Roberts – Fryer’s

Nominees:

• Bridgemere
• Derby
• Evesham
• Fryers
• Great Amwell
• Hereford
• Le Friquet
• Sanders

Christmas Award: ACORN Scott Oleary Harris – Hereford, OAK Loredana Piraino - Redfields

Nominees:

• Bridgemere
• Derby
• Hereford
• Le Friquet
• Melbicks
• Redfileds
• Sanders
• Trelawney

Furniture & Outdoor Leisure Award: ACORN Tracey Uphill - Chatsworth, OAK Andrew Gurd - Brambridge

Nominees:

• Brambridge
• Chatsworth
• Derby
• Fryers
• Harlow
• Le Friquet
• Sanders
• St Peters
• Trelawney

Wild Animal Award: ACORN Callum Joss – Nailsworth, OAK Larry Su – Percy Throwers

Nominees:

• 3 Shires
• Canterbury
• Chatsworth
• Hereford
• Le Friquet
• Lower Morden
• Nailsworth
• Percy Throwers
• St Peters
• Tunbridge Wells

Growing Media, Features & Containers Award: ACORN Anne O’Hare – Tunbridge Wells, OAK Rob Pettigrew - Brambridge

Nominees:

• Brambridge
• Canterbury
• Le Friquet
• Redfields
• Tunbridge Wells

Seeds and Bulbs Award: ACORN Anne O’Hare – Tunbridge Wells, OAK Ben Smith - Sanders

Nominees:

• Bicester
• Canterbury
• Chatsworth
• Lower Morden
• Nailsworth
• Orchard Park
• Percy Throwers
• Rake
• Redfields
• Sanders
• Tunbridge Wells

Garden Care and Décor Award: ACORN Anne O’Hare – Tunbridge Wells, OAK Zoe Gillyett – St Peters

Nominees:

• Brambridge
• Bridgemere
• Canterbury
• Derby
• Fryers
• Lower Morden
• Sanders
• Springfields
• St Peters
• Tunbridge Wells
• Weybridge

Indoor Plants Award: ACORN Jonathan Mower - Worcester, OAK Sam-Louis Robinson – Percy Throwers

Nominees:

• Cadbury
• Cardiff
• Lower Morden
• Melbicks
• Mere Park
• Percy Throwers
• Worcester

Hardy Plants Award: ACORN Andrew Harper – Coton Orchard, OAK Fiona Holmes - Newbridge

Nominees:

• Bicester
• Canterbury
• Coton Orchard
• Harlow
• Lower Morden
• Newbridge
• Orchard Park
• Rake
• Redfields

Seasonal Plants Award: ACORN Jane Meyer Edwards – Orchard Park & Kate Langley – Coton Orchard, OAK Shelly Haynes – Percy Throwers

Nominees:

• 3 Shires
• Brambridge
• Cadbury
• Canterbury
• Coton Orchard
• Fermoys
• Grosvenor
• Harlow
• Lower Morden
• Melbicks
• Orchard Park
• Percy Throwers
• Rake
• Sanders
• Trelawney

The Fashion Award: ACORN Lisa Magee – Orchard Park  OAK Tracey Bull – East Bridgford

Nominees:

• Bicester
• Blackdown
• Brambridge
• Cardiff
• Coton Orchard
• East Bridgford
• Endsleigh
• Hereford
• Melbicks
• Mere Park
• Newbridge
• Orchard Park
• Percy Throwers
• Trelawney

Customer Experience Award: Lower Morden

Nominees:

• Evesham
• Lower Morden
• Matlock
• Trelawney

The Home Award: ACORN Josh Pack – Springfields & Becky Pettigrew - Brambridge, OAK Sarah Thompson & Constantina Parvu – Redfields

Nominees:

• Brambridge
• Chatsworth
• Harlow
• Melbicks
• Orchard Park
• Redfields
• Springfields
• Trenthan

The Stock Management Award: Redfields

Here's a link to the Blue Diamond Instagram Showreel

See the full GTNXtra photo gallery from the evening which started with dancing from former Strictly Come Dancing professionals and ended with a mass dancing class that filled the ballroom below.

GTN Xtra called in at Bents Garden and Home last week to capture a photo tour of the GCA Destination Centre of the Year only to be there at the same time as Gino D'Acampo was in-store promoting his new range of pizza ovens.

He certainly drew the crowds, spending all of his time taking selfies with customers.  Bents MD Matthew Bent thought he ws coming just to sell his ovens:  "We sold around 5 pizza ovens on Friday, however the Gino effect on the day meant that sales were well up compared to previous years," Matthew told GTN Xtra after the weekend.

As you can imagine the centre was brimming with stock and brilliant creative merchandising, which you can see for yourself in the photo tour below...

Branded Garden Products has announced that Chris Wright has been appointed as its new CEO.

Chris held the role of Joint Managing Director for over three years and, together with Mel Upton, also Joint Managing Director, has steered the business through the COVID pandemic and the period of economic uncertainty that followed.

Appointing Chris as CEO will take BGP into the future – someone with over 16 years’ experience of its business and industry, with ambition and passion for continued success and profitability.

Mel Upton will become Chief Operating Officer, working with Chris as his second in command across all business areas.

Commenting on his promotion, Chris said: “I am hugely humbled and honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead Branded Garden Products. I have worked for this wonderful company and with these amazing people for 16 years, learning from each and every experience. I am extremely excited by the challenge of continuing to grow some of the UK’s most loved, respected and oldest brands.”

These changes cement the leadership team for BGP, creating the right structure to drive the business forward – with an emphasis on continued growth, building on the solid foundations of the Group’s recent trading. 

BGP is committed to product development, introducing new plant varieties and category-leading horticultural innovations. It aims to propel its marketplace, offering an increasingly wide range of products to the public via a network of partners.

T&M Marketplace is a custom-built platform that allows Thompson & Morgan’s partners in the horticulture industry, including garden centres and growers, to sell their products through the market leading T&M website. The groups websites generate over 20 million visits per year, providing a platform for the gardening industry to sell their products to an active buying audience.

Fran Barnes, Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Chief Executive, said: “The Spring Statement reflects where we are electorally but not the reality of those running businesses in environmental horticulture. 

“We recognised the context when we set out our five key areas for action by the Chancellor. Trade and borders are a pressing issue, so we are disappointed that the Chancellor did not respond to the HTA’s urgent asks on costs, capacity and clarity on the imminent April 2024 border changes. 

“This shift in how we operate comes when we also face a universal wage hike, delays in deliveries caused by global challenges, investment in the transition to peat-free, and a leap in business rates. All of which result in massive costs for businesses across the sector as we look to our busiest season. 

“The Chancellor has missed an opportunity to act now and boost a mostly SME sector that delivers so much for the economy, environment, and 30 million gardeners.

“The Chancellor’s acknowledgement and investment in crime reduction is welcome, but we need to see that action expedited to deliver results quickly. We also welcome the raised VAT threshold and previously announced full expensing. 

“Our sector contributes £28.8bn to GDP and supports 674,000 jobs across the supply chain; we must not be overlooked.

“As the Chancellor acknowledges, green industries and SMEs are key to future growth. We urge the government to truly back sectors like environmental horticulture, which can deliver both environmentally and economically, innovate, and support big, costly issues like health and wellbeing.”

The Garden Re-Leaf Day Northern sponsored walk across the peak district around Holmfirth has got off to a wet start.

And here's the reply from Boyd and Linda at the Southern Walk

Garden Re-Leaf Day has arrived and the UK's garden industry is out in force raising valuable money for Greenfingers...

Two big events on Garden Re-Leaf Day are the Sponsored Walks and Cycle Challenge.

Two walking groups took to the roads and byways with a 10 or 20 mile ‘south’ walk, whilst in the north walkers tackled a 13-mile route. 

Zooming by the south walkers were a host of cycling enthusiasts, taking anywhere from 25 to 100 miles. All routes took in stunning countryside, with south walkers enjoying the vistas of Hertfordshire, whilst north walkers basked in ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ scenery of West Yorkshire.

This year, over 70 people joined the south walk start line, including British Garden Centes,  Vitavia Greenhouses, Glee, Woodmansterne, GIMA, Extreme Lounging, Hornby George PR, Tring Garden Centre (who are kindly providing the backdrop to the South Walk!), Blue Diamond, Evergreen Garden Care, Husqvarana/Gardena, Woodlodge, KSB Consultancy, Cadix UK Ltd, Johnsons Lawn Seed, Leon Boots, Durstons, Garden Trade News, plus friends Matthew, Jodie, Kirsty and James Rowlandson and Greenfingers Trustee Richard Claxton.  

In the north, walkers include Sipcam, The HTA, AMES Companies, Deco-Pak, STV International, Meadow View Stone, Supremo, @Husqvarna/Gardena, The Groovy Gardener, and Centurion Europe/Mulch, all thanks to event organiser, Jane Lawler and her support team, William Armitage and Jenny Douthwaite.

This year pedal power came from teams at Tamar Nurseries and Hartwell Nurseries, as well as Casey Warwick from Decco, Taylor Bulb’s Ian Clark, Steve Desombre of British Garden Centres, Simon Mulholland and Antony Fitter from Westland.

See our gallery of photos from the day so far below.  We will be adding to this during the day, so please send us your Garden Re-Leaf Day photos to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk

The team at Old Railway Line are the first to send photos through of their Garden Re-Leaf Day FUNdraising activity with BGC not far behind...

GTN Xtra will be publishing regular updates from Garden Re-Leaf Day and we'd love to include your fund-raising efforts. So please send details of your activities along with pictures to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk

Team Glee has been on a mission to raise funds for Greenfingers and before taking part in the charity walk, team members have been hard at work bringing in the cash.

Their bake sale and office drinks trolley raised over £750 (and counting).

Pictures taken from Team Glee’s social media platform.