The Garden Centre Association added two festive modules to its Garden Retail Online Workshops e-learning initiative just in time for the Christmas sales season.

They include tips on how to sell real and artificial Christmas trees.

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “Christmas trees one of the main selling points so it is important staff are able to competently help customers and answer any questions they may have, which is why we released these two modules ahead of this important selling period.”

In the real trees module, staff learn about the different types available, their needle holding properties and shapes and sizes, different sales formats (e.g. cut, potted, bare-root or container grown), how to care for the trees at the garden centre and how customers can ensure the tree retains its freshness at home.

The artificial tree module focuses on helping staff to understand materials, realism, shapes available and the construction tip count. There is also a section on pre-lit trees.

There are now 57 modules, with more in production for 2014. In excess of 5,000 staff members from more than 70 garden centres can currently access them.

Photograph caption: Adam Wallis, Manager of Brimsmore Gardens in Somerset, which is a member of the Garden Centre Association, with some real Christmas trees.