As World Cup media coverage builds GTN’s intrepid team of Greatest Christmas Awards judges have started their tours to visit great teams at 100 nominated garden centres and found this topical red and white Christmas display at Summerhill in Essex.

The first days Christmas judging for GTN's Features Editor, Anisa Gress, and GTN Editor Trevor Pfeiffer and the day included a journey through the Christmas decades at Perrywood, meeting a very competitive team at BGC Braintree, Bavarian curling at Meadowcroft, an England World Cup Christmas display at Summerhill and a surprise visit to see Santa at Alton Garden Centre.

Andy Campbell started with judging visits in Cornwall, Steve Myatt has his Christmas jumper ready for visits in the North West, Roger Crookes is heading south towards Hastings and awards coordinators Neil & Nicci Gow are all set for a full week of visits next week in Wales and the Midlands.

In total we’ve had a record 100 centres nominated for The Greatest Christmas Awards 2022 and we will be visiting them all to meet their wonderful teams between now and the middle of December.

Here’s the Greatest Christmas 2022 visit list.

• Altons
• Azure Garden Centre
• Barton Grange
• Baytree
• Bennybeg Plant Centre
• Bents
• BGC Arcadia
• BGC Bournville
• BGC Braintree
• BGC Bridgenorth
• BGC Brigg
• BGC Burford House
• BGC Harrogate
• BGC Hatton
• BGC Hornsea
• BGC Studley
• BGC Thatcham
• BGC Tring
• BGC Woodthorpe
• Birkacre Garden Centre
• Blue Diamond East Bridgeford
• Blue Diamond Fryers
• Blue Diamond Melbicks
• Blue Diamond Three Shires
• Blue Dimond Newbridge
• Brimsmore Gardens
• Caerphilly Garden Centre
• California Lodge Garden Centre
• Castle Gardens Sherbourne
• Caulders Cumbernauld
• Caulders Erskine
• Chasewater Garden Centre
• Chepstow
• Chessington
• Colne Valley Garden Centre
• Coolings
• Dobbies Cirencester
• Dobbies Edinburgh
• Dobbies Head Office
• Dobbies Livingston
• Dobbies Tewkesbury
• Dobbies Woodcote Green
• Downtown
• Ellerker Lodge Garden Centre
• Fosseway
• Fron Goch
• Garsons Titchfield
• Gates
• Glendoick Garden Centre
• Gordale
• Gouldings Santa Experience
• Groves Bridport
• Hetland
• Highfield
• Holt Garden Centre
• Keydell
• Klodyke Houghton Hall
• Klondyke Astbury Meadow
• Klondyke Garden Wise
• Klondyke High Legh
• Klondyke Mortonhall
• Klondyke Polmont
• Klondyke Stokesley
• Litte Dobbies Richmond
• Longacres Bagshot
• Meadowcroft
• Merryhatton
• Munroes Nurseries
• Newbank
• Newquay Garden Centre
• Palmers Leicester
• Pengelly Garden Centre
• Perrywood Sudbury
• Perrywood Tiptree
• Planters Bretby
• Planters Garden King
• Planters Tamworth
• Poplars
• Poundbury Gardens
• Pugh's Radyr
• Pugh's Wenvoe
• Raemoir
• Rosebourne, Aldermaston
• Rosebourne, Solihull
• Rosebourne, Weyhill
• Ruxley Manor
• Sapcote Garden Centre
• Scotts of Southend
• Silverbirch Garden Centre
• St Peters Worcester
• Stratford Garden Centre
• Summerhill Garden Centre
• The Garden Society
• The Grange Garden Centre
• The Old Railway Line
• The Plant Place
• Tingley Garden Centre
• Wentorth
• Whitehall Lacock
• Woodland Walk Garden Centre
• Woodlands Garden Centre

After all those visits and plenty of mince pies the judges will be meeting in early January to decide the winners of the 15 categories who will be announced on The Stage at Spring Fair, Monday 6^th February 2023, 5:00pm.  We look forward to seeing as many nominated teams and GTN readers there as possible.

Thanks go to our sponsors who enable all these judging visits to take place, plus they are giving valuable prizes to the winners of certain categories:

Kaemingk are offering two displays from the stand at Spring Fair for the winners of

The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team

The Greatest Christmas Community Event Team

Solex have 2 hotel rooms at Solex 2023 reserved for the winners of

The Greatest Christmas Sizzle Team

DCUK will be giving £500 of stock to the winners of

The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team

Smart Garden Products are offering £500 of Three Kings stock to the winners of

The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team

Glee have 2 hotel rooms at Glee 2023 for the winners of

The Greatest Christmas Garden Centre Marketing Team

Woodlodge will be giving £500 of stock to the winners of

The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team

Global Journey have £500 of stock ready for the winners of

The Greatest Gardening Gifts Sales Team

LeisureGrow has launched a large multi-site trade portal, built on the Intersell system by Aspin.

The site has been custom developed to improve customer convenience, grow market presence, and increase partner footfall online.

With 7 websites launched, the project has been one of the largest and most complex B2B ecommerce projects for Aspin, consisting of a corporate ‘master’ website for LeisureGrow, plus 6 trade websites for the respective brands: Petface, LG Outdoor, Grillstream, Casa Mia, NOMA Christmas and NOMA Garden Lighting.

Mark Milligan, Senior Marketing Manager at LeisureGrow told GTN Xtra: “Intersell is a fully integrated online trade platform, enabling trade customers to order products and manage their account details within a single environment. The platform provides users with product information and assets, the ability to track online invoices, review account information, and even access a portal to our virtual showrooms,”

“We identified that LeisureGrow and its subsidiaries needed to be more flexible with the changing habits of our customers." added Jody Grimmer, LeisureGrow Managing Director. "This supersite trade portal is the evolution of our business to deliver a 24-hour ordering system, where customers can self-service their accounts with full visibility.”

www.leisuregrow.com

LeisureGrow is a family-run business, supplying thousands of product lines to trade, retail, and distributors in the UK, Ireland and parts of Europe. Established in 1999, we are seen as the innovators of the latest industry trends, placing environmental care at the forefront, with quality design and functionality.

LeisureGrow is a member of the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA), a professional trade association representing the very best brands within the UK gardening industry

Parallax Plastics is getting ready for the winter season with its UK-manufactured sledges and snow shovels. All products have recently received UKCA approval in addition to EU-CE approval. 

Parallax is a one-stop shop for all your outdoor winter toys with four types of plastic sledges, snow shovels and high-quality wooden toboggans, all in stock and ready to be dispatched. 

No need to purchase large quantities from China – save your carbon footprint and purchase products directly from manufacturers in Nottinghamshire. 

There is a 5% discount on sledges ordered and delivered before 30 November 2022, quote GTN.

www.parallaxplastics.co.uk

Hortiwool are family business, based in Staffordshire, who have worked with natural materials for almost two decades, including the invention of a pioneering insulated packaging solution called Woolcool. 

Founded on the ethos of reducing material waste, it was actively encouraged that the recipient of the packaging reused it wherever possible, later creating an online community where users share the wonderful ways in which wool is useful around the home, garden and further afield.

After years of investment in Research and Development and an abundance of feedback from those who have received the Woolcool range, the many benefits in and around the garden became the focus for investigation.

It was found that wool has amazing water absorption qualities: it can absorb up to 30% its weight in water, without even feeling wet to touch. This meant that when used to line baskets, pots or planters, it helps to keep plants hydrated and reduces the frequency of watering required.

As a 100% natural material, wool is completely compostable and breaks down in soil within 6-12 months, and during this process valuable nitrates are even added back into the ground, doubling it up as a nutritional compost aid. What’s more, coarse wool is a material that is available in abundance and often otherwise goes to waste! 

The Hortiwool Multi-Use Garden Pad was created, offering benefits from frost protection in the winter, to boosting hydration in the summer. It’s also great for lining hanging baskets, deterring slugs and pests, mulching, capillary matting or as a growing medium.

Hortiwool now have three products available in their range:

• The Hortiwool Starter Garden Pad - RRP £2.95
• The Hortiwool Hanging Basket Liner/ Large Garden Pad which has been specifically designed to line 12, 14 and 16-inch baskets, and comes in a pack of two – RRP £11.95
• The Hortiwool Garden Pad Pouch, which contains five Garden Pads – RRP £10.00

Contact details:

www.hortiwool.com

hello@hortiwool.com

01785 262031

Video: https://youtu.be/irlMj-RiE2g

Bulldog Tools are proud to have been awarded 'Finalist' in both the Tool and Gift category at the recent GIMA Awards for their Pedigree Garden/V&A Range where the garden retail sector comes together to celebrate creativity and innovation in both the design and product areas.

The V&A Collection was developed to provide high quality gifting to all types of budding gardener in a sustainably packaged, hard wearing and fully recyclable gift box, bearing beautifully executed heritage patterns that celebrated British design patterns that in turn match the metal etching on each tool head.

The tools made from high quality FSC Ash and “easy to clean”, lightweight stainless steel and are designed to be retained and loved. Both carry a “ Lifetime Guarantee “ as standard and retail at £28.00 each.

To find out more contact Bulldog Tools on 01279 401570 or email Brand Manager Sarah Cottle on sarah.cottle@rollins.co.uk

www.pedigreegarden.co.uk

STV Little Cressingham

STV is a business with sustainability at the core, but they don’t see it just as an item on the ‘to do’ list. Their approach is to embed the improvement of environmental and social responsibility directly into their medium and long term strategy, making sustainability a key part of every business decision.

STV are proud to be able to say that they have eliminated the use of all fossil fuels in their UK manufacturing and logistics operations through the installation of biomass boilers. They already have 1,000 solar panels on the main site with plans to install a further 500 during the next phase of their expansion. This allows them to export up to 80% of the electricity they generate to the National grid. More of their unique product is now being manufactured in the UK, reducing their carbon footprint and they have removed thousands of tonnes of plastic from their packaging over the last year.

They’re not stopping there. Motivated by the progress they have already made, STV have begun their journey to achieving B Corp Certification. All certified members are business who lead the global movement for an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy and meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.

Katy Boyd, Brand Manager said “As far as I am aware, we will be one of the first companies in our sector to achieve BCorp Certification. It’s a unique way to demonstrate our commitment to environmental and social sustainability because the process is entirely transparent with all our performance metrics measured against the B impact assessments and made publicly available on the BCorp website. There’s absolutely no hiding!”

BCorp is a global organisation with nearly 6,000 certified members in 85 countries with a mission to transform the global economy to benefit all people, communities and the planet. 

https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us

STV intend to be fully BCorp certified by the end of 2023.

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

Phone 01953 881580                                

Email info@stvuk.co.uk

After more than 50 years in business, Primeur Ltd is set to embark on a new phase of growth following the completion of a Management Buy Out (MBO) which will see the third generation of the family, along with one of its long-serving directors, taking the reins.

The MBO includes former sales director, Jenny Douthwaite, who becomes managing director after more than 19 years in the business, supported by buying director Rebecca Keighley and her brother, fellow director Edward Keighley. Former shareholders James Keighley and Ian Brazier will continue in their roles of chair and finance director respectively, as part of a phased retirement plan.

Founded in 1968 by James’ uncle, David Clayton, Primeur has become a market leader of domestic doormats in the UK, supplying most of the major retailers while its recycled garden products division has seen significant growth and also serves many independent garden centres. In addition to its head office and 50,000sq ft warehouse in Bingley, the company has recently invested in additional warehousing in Skipton to provide extra capacity for the garden products division. Primeur has grown to a 70-strong team.

The deal was supported by Neil Sengupta from TC Murray Harcourt who advised on the MBO from a tax perspective; and a team from Clarion with Caitlin Hare and Sarah Harrison providing legal advice to Primeur.

James Keighley, chair of Primeur Ltd, said: “Having spent so many years building up a successful business, my aim was always to keep it in the family and pass it on to my children so that, with hard work and endeavour, they could enjoy the same opportunities that I have. I am proud that they, along with Jenny, one of our most experienced directors, will be taking the helm – they are an extremely capable team and are working towards further growth with some exciting plans ahead. While it will very much be business as usual, it will be great to see this ‘fresh blood’ coming up with new ideas to take the company forward.”

Finance director Ian Brazier adds: “The MBO will enable a seamless transition with James and I on hand to mentor and support the new team in order to provide continuity for our loyal customers, suppliers and colleagues.”

Pictured (from left to right): Edward, Rebecca and James Keighley, Jenny Douthwaite and Ian Brazier of Primeur Ltd.

The two Adrian Hall Garden Centres in London’s Feltham and East Sheen which closed in August this year have opened again with new owners.

A failed sale of the sites back in the summer resulted in the appointment of liquidator FRP which announced this week the Feltham centre would reopen under the name of Growing Plants 4 U which has now taken over the lease. Growing Plants 4 U is part of the company run by Colin Roberts based at Parkview Nurseries and The Gardening Club in Crews Hill, Enfield.

Simon Carvill-Biggs of FRP said: “We’re pleased to have completed an assignment of the lease to Growing Plants 4U Ltd and that the site will reopen under the trading name Growing Plants 4 U. The purchasers have also acquired the Intellectual Property and domain name.  No doubt the acquisitions may result in employment opportunities for the local area. Hilco Global, alongside Moore Barlow LLP, assisted the Liquidators with the assignment and supplementary transactions.”

The other site has now re-opened as Sheen Garden Centre and joins the five other centres operated by Capital Gardens in and around London run by Colin Campbell-Preston.

The Horticultural Trades Association has warned of risks to the availability of supplies for home and professional gardeners in Scotland, due to a worsening shortage of staff in the environmental horticulture sector.

The warning comes ahead of a major careers event in Edinburgh on Wednesday.

James Barnes, Chairman of the HTA said: “It takes skill to grow, nurture and manage the wide range of plants and other products that millions of gardeners and landscapers rely on in Scotland and beyond. As we look forward to meeting the next generation of horticulturists in Edinburgh this week, it is against the backdrop of a skills shortage that was first identified in 2019 – and which has only been exacerbated by Brexit and the pandemic, with a large proportion of the sector’s labour historically having come from the European Union. Many of our members have indicated that they are already feeling the effects of the shortage.

“Our sector has huge potential to contribute to UK growth through green jobs. If we are to reach that potential, industry and government must work collaboratively to find solutions to these challenges.”

Horticulture and landscaping contributed £1.4bn towards GDP and employed 42,000 people in Scotland in 2019. There are around 1.1 million regular gardeners in Scotland.

The Chartered Institute of Horticulture’s annual Grow Careers Scotland event will see those interested in either starting a career, or further developing their career in horticulture, gather to hear from leading horticulturists about the opportunities available in the sector.

Grow Careers Scotland 2022 will take place at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden on Wednesday 16 November. The HTA is a silver sponsor of this year’s event and a representative will be present on the day to speak to attendees about opportunities for careers in the sector.

The play team at a Bradford garden centre is celebrating after being shortlisted for a regional tourism award.

Grass Hoppers Play at Tong Garden Centre has reached the final in the ‘Kids First' category of the Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards 2022.

Organised by the Yorkshire Post, the inaugural awards celebrate the best of Yorkshire's hoteliers, B&Bs, restaurants, theme parks, visitor attractions and all businesses that attract tourists to the county.

Grass Hoppers is the only West Yorkshire business in the final and faces competition from tourism businesses including Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park, York's Chocolate Story and The Hole in Wand York. The judging panel comprises chef consultant, Steph Moon, Taylors of Harrogate MD, Simon Eyles and tourism and hospitality experts, Susie Brindley and Philip Bolson.

"We have worked hard to make Grass Hoppers a great destination play area for children up to the age of 10, so we're delighted that tourism experts have recognised its appeal," said Grass Hoppers' Head of Play, Caroline Ellis.

The winners will be announced at a black-tie dinner at the Headingley Stadium in Leeds on 5th December.

Grass Hoppers is a safe and secure play space for families set in the grounds of Tong Garden Centre. A second Grass Hoppers has opened at Tong's sister site, Tingley Garden Centre, which is also home to Mission Out, a 4.8-acre outdoor adventure play attraction for 6 -14-year-olds.

Pictured: Caroline Ellis and Matt Lowrey 

GARDENA and Flymo have announced a new partnership with the UK’s leading distributer of consumer brands, EPE International Ltd.

The brands will be working closely with EPE to fulfil customer needs both online, in retailers and garden centres.

With over 20 years’ experience and with a portfolio of over 50 market leading brands, EPE International Ltd work with national, independent and online pure player retailers.

EPE’s CEO Noel Pamment and Managing Director Harry Singh said: “We’re delighted to include one of the top brands within gardening, to the EPE family of brands in distribution.

“It’s an honour to represent the GARDENA Division across Flymo and GARDENA. Providing a new product category for all our customers, in all retailers and garden centres, instore and online.

“We are excited to increase our services and support further growth within the garden industry.

“At EPE we pride ourselves on prioritising great brands, great people and great service and we plan to continue on this trajectory with this fantastic partnership with the GARDENA Division.

Key Account Manager for both GARDENA and Flymo, Laura Eltringham said: “We’re incredibly excited to announce the partnership between GARDENA / Flymo and EPE to enhance and improve our offering to retailers.

“GARDENA has seen substantial growth and customer demand over recent years and our new partnership will support GARDENA growth online, offering extended listings via dropship.

“We’re looking forward to working closely with the team at EPE who have a long standing relationship with key National Retailers and exploring new opportunities together.”

For over 50 years GARDENA has provided everything passionate gardeners need. The broad assortment of products offer innovative solutions and systems for watering, lawn care, tree and shrub care and soil cultivation. Today, GARDENA is a leading supplier of high-quality gardening tools in Europe and is represented in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Flymo, market leaders in the lawncare industry offer a full range of rotary, robotic and hover lawnmowers, hedge and grass trimmers and other gardening equipment. With over 60 years’ experience in lawn care, Flymo continues to innovate and help make gardeners Flymo their life easy.

Dobbies has announced its ‘Not Your Average Gardener’ winners with four lucky winners across the UK winning gardening products to help their green spaces flourish.

The community initiative aims to celebrate and support passionate gardeners from across the UK, irrespective of experience or gardening space, following the positive rise in Brits enjoying gardening.

The Not Your Average Gardener winners are:

• Most Sustainable Gardener, Jane Clark (62), Renfrewshire
• Best Mini Garden Makeover, Philip Smith (47), Bridport
• Best Houseplant Parent, Jack Joyce (28), Leamington Spa
• Best Young Gardener (under 16 years), Daniel Walker (10), County Durham

The judging panel included Broadcaster, Jo Whiley; Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles; Dobbies’ ambassador and ITV This Morning’s Daisy Payne; and Dobbies’ ambassador and gardening influencer, Henry Agg. The expert panel had the challenge of selecting a worthy winner for each of the four different categories who deserved the recognition and support.

Jane, Philip, Jack and Daniel have received giftcard to spend in store, product contributions and advice from the Dobbies’ team on how best to bring their gardening areas to life.

The most popular category for the awards was Best Mini Garden Makeover, which invited nominations from those who have a more compact space to work with. The higher number of nominations in this category highlights how gardening has become more inclusive, with garden space not impacting creativity and passion for gardening, no matter the space or budget. 

Retired Head Teacher and current RHS level two gardening student, Philip, has transformed his mini garden space and shares his advice. Philip said: “The best thing about gardening is that there are no rules, and you can reuse and repurpose your existing plants as much as you like. I wanted to create a bright space that would put a smile on not only my family’s faces but also those of my neighbours and our wider community. It’s been a delight to have people comment on my mini garden makeover and it really shows you that you don’t need much to transform your space.”

Judge Jo Whiley was impressed with the calibre of entrants: “The nation has blown us away this year with their gardening talent. We’ve seen some beautiful gardens and plenty of passionate gardeners who are using sustainable practices to make their green spaces bloom. It’s great to see how many people have given gardening a go, no matter their experience or garden space, and I’m excited to see what the winners do with their prize.”

Dobbies’ Horticultural Director, Marcus Eyles, said: “We are thankful for everyone who took the time to enter our awards and offer the winners our warmest congratulations. It was an incredibly challenging process choosing just four winners out of so many brilliant applicants, but that clearly means we’ve got a lot of keen gardeners out there!

“Sustainability was a large part of the judging criteria, and it’s been great to see so many gardeners across the UK using eco-friendly practices and products.”

For more details on Dobbies’ Not Your Average Gardener visit:

https://www.dobbies.com/not-your-average-gardener-awards

Burgon & Ball has been helping to get the West of England buzzing, in a new awards initiative created to raise awareness of the vital importance of bees and pollinators.

The very first Bee Bold Awards were held in October at an event at Siston Common, near Bristol. Not only were the winners of the awards announced on the day, but a whole new wildflower meadow was planted, too. Over 300 volunteers planted more than 8,000 wildflower plug plants, a phenomenal achievement. Burgon & Ball donated FloraBrite trowels and gloves, bulb planters and watering cans to help the volunteers create a new space for wildlife.

The awards have been introduced by the West of England Combined Authority to showcase West of England groups taking positive steps to support bees. From schools to shops, from factories to local community groups, all kinds of groups entered to showcase how they’re taking action for pollinators.

The awards scheme is part of a wider package of measures from Metro Mayor Dan Norris to make the West of England the bee and pollinator capital of the UK. He said: “Bees and pollinators are not just nice to have - they are absolutely essential to ensuring we can have the fresh fruit and veg we eat year-round and keeping our precious countryside and forests maintained and cared for. That’s why they’re a priority for the West of England Combined Authority I lead.”

Rainer Schubert, managing director at Burgon & Ball said: “We’re very happy to contribute to the success of the Siston Common planting day. The whole initiative – the new wildflower meadow and the inaugural Bee Bold awards – is a fantastic way to highlight how we can all give pollinators the support they need. We’re delighted we’ve been able to help out.”

The mass planting day was part of South Gloucestershire Council’s Common Connections project, funded by nearly £1m of investment from the West of England Combined Authority. After the planting day, Burgon & Ball’s equipment was donated to Kingsmeadow @ Made Forever Community Hub and to the Avon Wildlife Trust, which will continue to make good use of it.

A team from Hartman took part in the Shropshire Mud Run at Eaton Mascott Hall at the weekend.

This was a five-mile course that trailed through swamps and rivers, down steep mud slides and wading through mud pits that were as deep as waist height. 

This was all in aid for Severn Hospice, raising £200 for the fantastic local charity.

LeisureGrow has launched a large multi-site trade portal, built on the Intersell system by Aspin.

The site has been custom developed to improve customer convenience, grow market presence, and increase partner footfall online.

With 7 websites launched, the project has been one of the largest and most complex B2B ecommerce projects for Aspin, consisting of a corporate ‘master’ website for LeisureGrow, plus 6 trade websites for the respective brands: Petface, LG Outdoor, Grillstream, Casa Mia, NOMA Christmas and NOMA Garden Lighting.

“Intersell is a fully integrated online trade platform, enabling trade customers to order products and manage their account details within a single environment. The platform provides users with product information and assets, the ability to track online invoices, review account information, and even access a portal to our virtual showrooms,” said Mark Milligan, Senior Marketing Manager at LeisureGrow.

From hot new trends to evergreen brands, today, the Toy Retailers Association unveiled the DreamToys Top Toys for Christmas. Selected by an independent panel of retailers and toy experts, the DreamToys list is the most authoritative predictive list of what items will be the most sought after this festive season. 

This year, the panel selected a long list of 72 toys, and from that, this selected 12 Top Toys for Christmas to suit a range of ages. 

The complete Top 12 list is (in alphabetical order - please note the top 12 is not selected in any particular order): 

All prices quoted as RRPs, market price may vary from retailer to retailer.

“Featuring an exciting mixture of classic toys and the year’s biggest brands, the DreamToys 2022 list encapsulates what we believe will be the most sought-after products this Christmas”, commented Paul Reader, the new chair of the DreamToys selection committee.

“2022 has been a challenging year for many families and the committee took this into consideration when selecting this year’s list with eight of the top 12 priced under £35. We know many use the DreamToys list for guidance when it comes to making purchasing decisions and we feel we’ve selected the best toys to delight children this Christmas while suiting different budgets.”

Alongside the Top 12 list, the Toy Retailers Association released a longer list of 72 toys demonstrating the depth and quality of choice available to consumers, and to give guidance on the best toys the market has to offer, so there is something to excite every child this Christmas. The average price of this year’s Top 12 list is more than £35. 

Melissa Symonds, Executive Director, UK Toys, The NPD Group commented, “Despite the current cost of living crisis, Christmas remains a key event for families and a celebratory event to look forward to at the end of the year. With the average price of a toy in December just £13.11, parents and gift buyers don’t have to spend a fortune on presents that will guarantee some fun and smiles during the festive period.” 

To see the Top 12 in more detail, and the full longlist of DreamToys, consumers can head to the DreamToys Facebook page (www.facebook.com/dreamtoysUK).

Military veterans from the Defence Gardens Scheme (DGS) have been planting hundreds of devil’s-bit scabious (Succisa pratensis) on the Eden Project’s Outer Estate in a bid to tackle habitat loss for the threatened marsh fritillary butterfly (Euphydryas aurinia).

Eden has been working in partnership with the DGS since May 2022 to provide nature-based therapy programmes for veterans facing mental health struggles.

The ten-week courses, which ran in May and September of 2022, and will be returning for 2023, involve building, tending and harvesting vegetable patches and supporting the National Wildflower Centre (NWC) at Eden with this initiative.

The NWC cleaned, dried and carefully stored the seeds of the devil’s-bit scabious, which were collected by the NWC’s Wildflower Warrior volunteers from various locations across Cornwall, with the permission of landowners.

These were then grown from seed and cared for by the veterans and other attendees of Eden’s nature-based therapy programmes, which take place at the tranquil Vounder Farm, on the wider Eden estate, just beyond the Biomes.

Stephanie Knights, NWC Projects Manager at Eden, said: “Devil’s-bit scabious - also known simply as devil’s-bit - are a native British wildflower that have these dainty, blue rounded blooms that appear between July and October. The plants typically thrive in damp and acidic marsh-like environments, which have unfortunately faced a decline in the UK due to increasing temperatures, decreasing rainfall and intensive agriculture.

“The threatened marsh fritillary butterfly relies almost exclusively on these unassuming wildflowers for their food source, and these flowers were once widespread in the wild across Britain and Ireland. Now, in Cornwall, this is restricted to three main areas: the Lizard Peninsula heaths, mid-Cornwall and Bodmin moorlands.

“We’re lucky to have the perfect conditions on Eden’s Outer Estate area. So far, we’ve planted around 400 devil’s-bit, with the invaluable support of the DGS veterans, across two locations to increase this wildflower corridor for the marsh fritillary butterfly.”

Julia Durbin, Eden’s Horticultural Therapist, said: “It’s been wonderful to support the NWC with the growing, nurturing and planting out of this species that’s so important to habitat preservation of this threatened butterfly.

“Horticultural therapy taps into the peace and tranquillity of the natural world to help people who are struggling with their mental health, low confidence or isolation, in a very gentle way. It allows people to be outdoors, do some physical exercise, be in a peaceful space and grow their confidence by learning new skills.

“To be able to feel pride in what they achieve, and the wider conservational impacts in this case, we hope, is incredibly rewarding.”

For more information on nature-based therapy programmes at the Eden Project, contact Julia Durbin on jdrubin@edenproject.com and to find out more about the National Wildflower Centre at Eden, visit www.edenproject.com.

It’s not too late to place orders with Durston Garden Products for 2023, allowing you to tap into a comprehensive growing media offer and peat-free collection – all wrapped up in recyclable packaging.

Following a fantastic Glee and strong 2022, with an encouraging response to exciting new launches, Durstons look set to give retailers’ compost sales a real boost next year, as well as creating new opportunities around peat-free, with products that deliver on their promises.

With a host of new additions introduced ahead of the 2023 season, Durstons are letting retailers know there is still time to get those all-important orders in ready to enhance your growing media offering for the coming year.

Creating Opportunities in Peat-Free

As part of Durston Garden Products’ mission towards a peat-free future, the family-run company launched a host of exciting new products to create opportunities for garden retailers; all of which have been firmly welcomed by retail buyers in the industry.

New additions include Multi-Purpose Compost Peat-Free; a top-quality multi-purpose compost produced entirely from renewable sources and featuring Durstons’ unique performance-enhancing ingredient, GRO BOOST.

Also part of Durstons’ peat-free family is their new Organic Multi-Purpose Compost Peat Free, which boasts a blend of the highest-quality organic, peat-free growing media, combined with a wetting agent. Both composts provide excellent nutrient content and creates ideal growing conditions for plants.

Another launch that garnered great interest this year is the brand-new Peat Free Grow in the Bag, which is offered in an extra-large pack, making it ideal for growing a wide range of fruit, vegetables and salad crops. This product has been extremely well received by buyers who believe it plugs a gap in the peat-free market. 

Finally, in a bid to cater to all price points, Durstons’ Manor Farm Multi-Purpose Compost Peat Free is a super value, eco-friendly compost that contains all the nutrients needed to actively promote healthy growth and establish seedlings, cuttings, young plants, flowers and vegetables.

Comprehensive Offer

Durston’s peat-free collection joins a well-established and comprehensive growing media offer that satisfies the need of garden centre customers of all skillsets to help them tackle an extensive range of gardening tasks.

Within this quality line-up is a Multi-Purpose Compost that boasts an impressive nutrient value, essential for healthy plant growth, thanks to Durstons’ unique organic additive, GRO BOOST. Available in 10-, 20-, 40-, 50-, and 60-litre packs, the best-selling compost also contains a wetting agent and is blended perfectly for optimum water absorption, aeration and drainage.

Another top-selling product is Multi-Purpose Compost with John Innes (50 litre pack), which also benefits from innovative GRO BOOST technology, plus added John Innes to help retain water for longer and assist in re-wetting compost if it has been allowed to dry out.  

With a 22-strong portfolio on offer, retailers can also take their pick from Durstons’:

• Ericaceous Compost (40 and 60 litres)
• Seed & Cutting Compost (20 litres)
• Tub & Basket Compost (50 litres)
• Bulb Fibre Compost (20 litres)
• Rose Tree & Shrub Compost (50 litres)
• John Innes Seed Compost (25 litres)
• John Innes No.1 Young Plant Compost (25 litres)
• John Innes No.2 Potting On Compost (25 litres)
• John Inned No.3 Mature Plant Compost (25 litres)
• Enriched Top Soil (20 litres)
• Soil Conditioner (40 litres)
• Farmyard Manure (40 litres)
• Decorative Bark (50 and 100 litres)
• Grow Bag
• Vegetable Planter
• Manor Farm Multi-Purpose Compost (40, 50 and 60 litres)

Following a packaging revamp, all products in Durstons’ range provide real stand-out on shelf thanks to eye-catching imagery and clear, concise messaging, which helps garden centre customers navigate the confusing world of compost more easily and find the right product for the job.

Making Responsible Choices

As part of Durstons’ commitment to a sustainable future – as seen by the company’s peat-free pledge – they were also one of the first growing media brands to introduce 100%-recyclable packaging in the market.

The bags in which all of Durstons composts are packed are not made of laminated polythene, meaning they are completely recyclable, where facilities exist. Durstons have also incorporated 30% recycled material into the make-up of their compost bags.

Durstons Garden Products make a concerted offer to only work with suppliers that can offer a range of sustainable and renewable packaging solutions.

As sustainability and ethical choices rank high on the consumer agenda, retailers need to consider recycling when choosing their compost supplier because, trust us, your customers certainly will!

Don’t miss out – take time to review your growing media offer for 2023 and plug the gaps with outstanding products from Durstons.

For more information about Durstons' products and services, call 01458 442688 or email info@durstongardenproducts.co.uk

Spring Fair, the UK’s leading marketplace for wholesale Home, Gift and Fashion returns to the NEC Birmingham NEC from 5th – 8th February 2023 hosting an even more dynamic and inspirational offering.

As the largest and most accessible “shop for shops”, Spring Fair is the UK’s trusted platform for discovery and innovation, putting the most sought-after products, bright new finds, and industry-leading creative thinkers, under one easy-to-navigate roof whilst giving retailers unparalleled cross-buying opportunities.

Almost 90% sold out across the show, Spring Fair encompasses 14 sectors within four destinations across 8 halls – Home which includes Living & Décor, Housewares, Everyday, and The Summerhouse, Gift including Christmas, Floral and Seasonal Decorations, and Moda fashion featuring its own Catwalk as well as Jewellery & Watch, Womenswear, Fashion Accessories, and Footwear, and the newly launched responsible sourcing show Source Home & Gift - all offering thousands of much loved and established favourites alongside an array of sustainable and new brands showing for the first time. The show creates a compelling and unmissable platform for buyers to touch, feel, and experience the latest products, trends and innovations.

Nicola Meadows, Portfolio Director, Spring Fair, says, “All of the team at Spring Fair are very excited about opening the doors to the next Spring Fair in February 23. We are all committed to offering our visitors, thousands of the UK’s brilliant retailers, the most accessible, diverse, and inspirational marketplace for discovering their shop’s bright new finds. The show offers an incomparable destination for sourcing newness, innovation and your next best-sellers. Our vision for discovery builds on the show’s heritage as a trusted platform for buyers and adds an improved layout and unparalleled opportunities for cross-buying and creativity.”

In a saturated marketplace, suppliers are constantly vying for the attention of retailers (and consumers). Whilst peat-free is the order of the day, there are still significant gaps in knowledge and misunderstanding around the provenance of growing media.

Recognising this, The Real Soil Company – the brand behind organic SuperSoil – is on a mission to create complete visibility surrounding its products and hopefully offers retailers important peace of mind.

Waste soil = gold for garden retailers

One of the many reasons for a move away from peat is that the harvesting process is continually removing a natural finite resource which cannot be replaced. With every bag of growing media contributing to this issue, suppliers from across the market have had no choice but to look to more sustainable solutions.  In the case of The Real Soil Company, they turned to the legacy of its parent company, Boughton.

From Boughton’s headquarters in rural Northamptonshire the company has been creating organic ‘as dug’ topsoils for decades and from this science the The Real Soil Company’s garden retail offering was born.

The material used in all The Real Soil Company’s topsoil products is typically sourced from pre-construction and construction sites from the counties surrounding Northamptonshire. Not only are these topsoils completely natural, organic and peat-free but they are, in theory, a waste product and not drawn from finite sources. So, whilst surplus to requirements on the construction site, these repurposed soils are a golden opportunity for brands such as The Real Soil Company.

Once removed from site, The Real Soil Company’s soil scientists closely inspect and screen the material before use. It is important to note that recycled soils are never used as they cannot be relied on to be of a consistent quality.

Simon Hedley, Managing Director The Real Soil Company said: “There certainly is not enough awareness about the provenance of our product and why its origins should make a difference when choosing a topsoil supplier. We work hard to protect the world around us and are proud to be repurposing so-called waste material from construction sites. It is, however, important to reiterate that our products suffer no detrimental impact from using this material. In fact, all our products utilise ‘single source’ or ‘as dug’ soils which provide us with greater consistency and complete traceability, as well as ensuring that we always use 100% organic and nutrient rich peat-free soils.”

GTN October 2022. More New Products for 2023 & The Greatest Christmas Awards 2022 launch.

Inside this issue: An understanding of stone – GTN Interviews the Meadow View Stone team, Crystal ball gazing for 2030 – HTA Conference 2022, Camden Garden Centre Photo Tour, Tales from the shop floor – Mark Portman at Camden Garden Centre, Rosey future at Mr Fothergills, Celtic Spa’s – LOFA Member profile, GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2022 – Nominate you teams now, Serious about selling plants at Four Oaks, Glee New Product Directory, Part 2, Solex New Product Directory, Change brings opportunity – GIMA Column, Horticulture and government – ORHG Column. Advertisers in this issue: The Solar Centre, Evergreen Garden Care, Apsley Farms, Meadow View Stone, Sipcam, Mr Fothergills, The Real Soil Company, Vitax, Fandango Fire Tools, Pot Mate, Solex 2023.

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Gardenex Meet-the-Buyer days are popular and unmissable events that deliver considerable success for buyers and suppliers alike. 

In the association’s latest event launch, Gardenex is giving UK suppliers a unique opportunity to secure a one-to-one virtual meeting with a buyer at Gardener’s Supply Company, one of the leading US garden specialist omni-channel retailers.

There are three buyers taking part to meet suppliers on three dates: on Wednesday 7th December 2022, Tuesday 13th December 2022 and Wednesday 14th December 2022. 

Taking place virtually via Zoom, this event is an excellent opportunity for you to introduce your company, products, explain your USP and take those first vital steps towards potential new export orders.

The 25 minute meetings will take place between 14.00 and 17.00 UK time and your meeting time and date will be allocated on payment and confirmation. The subsidised cost for members of Gardenex is £92 plus VAT per meeting; for those who are not yet members, it is £192 plus VAT. 

Gardenex will forward details of all applicants to the three buyers,  who will then select those suppliers they would like to meet. This means that if you are allocated a meeting, the buyers have an interest in your products and this is a genuine opportunity for new business.

The Meet-the-Buyer sessions will be co-ordinated by a member of the Gardenex team. We will introduce you to the buyer and then mute and withdraw ourselves for your 25 minute meeting, only coming back online once your meeting time has finished.  

“This is a great opportunity to put your company’s products in front of buyers at a major US omni-channel retailer," confirms Amanda Sizer Barrett, Director General of Gardenex. “Gardener’s Supply Company works with many Gardenex members already, and the buyers are eager to find new lines and new suppliers via this event. We look forward to some excellent new introductions between suppliers and the Gardener’s Supply buyers as a result of this latest initiative.”

Meeting allocations are booking fast so for further information and to request a meeting at this event, please contact Lydia Stubbs on 01959 587445 or email  lydia@gardenex.com.

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs, Horticultural Trades Association, comments on today’s Autumn statement…

“We welcome the Chancellor’s commitment to supporting business over the next five years, and measures on Business Rates and employer NICs, which will soften the blow for some of our members, but we need a guarantee of longer-term support to offset the impact of the recession.

“While the Energy Price Guarantee for the next year is also needed, this scheme will not give confidence to businesses in our sector based on the current impact of rising energy costs on their everyday business operations.

“The Chancellor noted stability and growth as two priorities for the Government. The horticulture sector needs stability to allow for growth and investment in jobs, which can’t be done without the right policies and support. Environmental Horticulture has the potential to significantly contribute towards achieving economic, climate change and health ambitions for green industries and the levelling-up strategy – both were key references in today’s Autumn Budget speech.

“Employment figures in the UK are yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. As HTA represents 1,500 members in a sector which supports nearly 700,000 employees and contributes almost £28bn to UK GDP, it is well placed to contribute to green growth ambitions.

“The impact of seasonal labour shortages will be critical for our industry ahead of the growing season, and greater flexibility will be needed on the Apprenticeship Levy scheme and access would be supported to enable the sector to nurture a highly skilled workforce.

“We will continue to work closely with our members over the coming weeks and months to assess the impact of today’s statement.”

Garden Centre Association members will hear from a serial entrepreneur, former Chief Finance Officer and adventurer on how to achieve ‘big bold goals’ at its annual conference in Blackburn (January 22 until 25, 2023).

Caspar Craven, who has twice sailed around the world and is a leading voice on leadership and the fundamental role high-performance teamwork plays, will speak to attendees on January 23. 

Tammy Woodhouse, GCA Chairman, explains: “We’re thrilled to have Caspar Craven with us on Monday. He understands firsthand, the importance of putting people first in order to achieve big bold goals, learnt from both his mistakes and successes along the way, so he definitely knows what he’s talking about!

“This stems from his experience, which spans 30 years, working in a wide variety of environments and with businesses of all sizes, including selling a tech firm for a seven-figure sum, working as a Chief Finance Officer and five years with KMPG.

“He’s also sailed around the world twice! Once as a team leader on a trophy winning yacht in the BT Global Challenge in 2000/1 and then with his wife and three young children, all aged under 10, who circumnavigated the world together in 2014/16.

“Several years ago, I saw Caspar speak about his story of sailing around the world with his famil and the planning that went into the expedition as well as the learning and experience they all got from the adventure. It was a truly inspirational story and I definitely feel our members will also benefit hugely from hearing it.”

Caspar has built and led teams in global corporations, start-ups, businesses, struggling businesses and high growth companies.

He’s also a Bloomsbury bestselling author. His most recent book ‘Be More Human – Rethinking the Rules of High-Performance Teamwork’ explains the 20 principles behind achieving his famous big bold goals.

Tammy adds: “Caspar will be joining our other speakers on the Monday, where the focus is on staff development and helping to improve sales. He will tell attendees that the most successful leaders and teams are the ones which recognise that we are all building two teams – one at work and another at home.

“We look forward to hearing about his unique mix of experiences and believe our members will leave feeling energised and ready to leverage their teams in the best way possible to achieve their goals.”

The GCA represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

The GCA’s annual conference will be held at the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa in Blackburn, Lancashire from January 22 until 25, 2023 and places can be booked via www.gca.org.uk.

The conference pages on the website will be updated with speaker announcements and full listings as the programme develops and exact timings are confirmed. There is also a dedicated email for any queries members, and those wishing to book for the event, may have: conference@gca.org.uk.

Caspar Craven will be speaking to attendees on Monday, January 23.

For further information, please visit www.gca.org.uk.

Azpects Ltd has welcomed Georgina Hammond as its new Head of Marketing.

Georgina is an agile, result-orientated marketing leader with 15+ years of global management experience. 

Commenting on her appointment, Georgina said: “I am happy to be joining a forward-thinking business at a very exciting time. By analysing industry trends and conducting market research, I will ensure that our products remain at the leading edge of innovation.” 

Kevin Ager, Sales Director of Azpects, said: “We are delighted to welcome Georgina to the senior leadership team. She brings a wealth of experience that will bring enormous benefits to the business and our customers.”

Samantha Norman (AIBM) has also been promoted from Business Development Manager to Head of Business Partnerships in recognition of her contribution to developing Azpects relationships with their major accounts.

Sam recently became an associate member of the Institute of Builders Merchants as well as a BMF Ambassador which she sees as instrumental to supporting and strengthening Azpects ties within the Builders Merchants Industry.

Peter ten Have joined the Flower Council of Holland’s Executive Board on 14 November. The director/owner of nursery J&P Ten Have and cofounder of Decorum is well known as a pragmatic manager with an extensive network in both production and trade. 

According to Marco van der Sar, Ten Have is an important addition to the team, especially considering the current global situation. “Peter is a real unifying force who puts the interests of the sector first.” 

Ten Have will be replacing Bert Schouten, who has been on the board since May 2018.

Ten Have has gained extensive experience over the years, initially as chairman of the growers’ cooperative Decorum and later in such roles as district chairman at Royal FloraHolland. That experience has convinced him of the substantial value of the cooperative. He comments, “The same can be said about generic promotion. This added value isn’t always evident and that concerns me. Promoting flowers and plants is in the best interest of the sector as a whole. I’m willing and able to actively contribute to this – which is not something you achieve by standing on the side lines.” 

Ten Have was closely involved in the ‘Fill the distance with beauty’ campaign in 2020. Coordinated by the Flower Council of Holland, this international flower and plant campaign addressed the physical and emotional distance that became so commonplace during the pandemic. The collective campaign was the result of close cooperation among over 30 international parties. “At the time, I saw what we could achieve together in promotional activities. Consumers were encouraged to buy more flowers and plants, precisely because of the pandemic,” explains Ten Have. 

As a board member, Ten Have is keen to convey the value of collective promotion by and for the sector. “I consider my role one of close engagement with colleagues. I’d like to talk about what the Flower Council of Holland does and show what the sector is accomplishing. Anyone who knows me knows that I will approach that task with a critical mindset from the perspective of entrepreneurs in the sector.” 

The Horticultural Trades Association has responded to reports that the UK had halted the imports of poinsettias.

An HTA spokesperson said: “We understand that the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) placed a temporary hold on some consignments of Bemisia tabaci (tobacco whitefly) hosts, which includes poinsettia, due to a number of incorrect Additional Declarations on phytosanitary certificates. 

“Defra has advised that the APHA will be releasing the consignments currently being held – provided that, on inspection, they are confirmed as pest-free – in order to negate impacts on industry and to avoid impacting the Christmas trade.

“Defra has confirmed that it is engaging with the Dutch National Plant Protection Organisation to provide guidance, with a view to avoiding a similar situation occurring in the future. Defra has advised that the correct Additional Declarations will be required for future consignments, in line with usual practice.

“Defra will update in due course the published guidance on Additional Declarations at: Requirement for Additional Declarations (ADs) on Phytosanitary Certificate (PCs) - UK Plant Health Information Portal (defra.gov.uk).”

Luxury confectionery business, Bon Bon’s Wholesale Ltd, has announced a change in its senior management team with the appointment of two new joint managing directors. 

Kirsty Firth and Ben Yates will take the helm at the Tockwith-based business, which includes hf Chocolate, while former managing director Steve Campbell has returned to sales. Both Kirsty and Ben are promoted from within the business, Kirsty from Head of Customer Services and Ben from Head of Sales. 

Kirsty has been with the company for 15 years, continuously focused on delivering the absolute best service for customers. Since joining the company in 2007, Kirsty has gained experience across all departments that will help her to manage the operation at the business’s head office. 

Ben joined Bon Bon’s as a territory account manager in 2013. Having run the sales operation for the past 4 years, Ben has extensive knowledge of customers’ needs and the markets the business operates in.  

Both Kirsty and Ben are Bon Bon’s through-and-through and will be working hard with the wider team to progress the company vision, strengthen supplier relationships and deliver sales growth for our customers in the years ahead. 

Steve remains at Bon Bon’s as account manager for the North East and will lead the business’ sustainability and packaging projects. his service for the company has been exceptional during incredibly challenging times including the impact of Brexit, the covid pandemic and the recent move to our new premises at Moorside, Tockwith. Steve’s departure has been a planned process which will help avoid any instability during the change.

Bon Bon’s is part of the family-owned Lanchester Group whose CEO is Tony Cleary: “We recognised the change of leadership needed to be well thought through to ensure the continuation of the culture, values and business principles, which in our view, are the main driver of our success. We deliberately chose to recruit internally to ensure consistent progression in our business aims and objectives.

“Steve steered the business through an extremely tumultuous period and guided it exceptionally well. We are delighted he is staying within the business.

Bon Bon’s (Wholesale) Ltd provides luxury confectionery for high-end independent retailers and visitor attractions, and in 2019 purchased hf Chocolates, a leading importer, distributor and wholesaler of fine chocolates and novelties. 

For further information on Bon Bon’s and hf Chocolates, please visit www.bonbons.co.uk

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), in association with Union Fleurs, the International Flower Trade Association, announces the 70th version of the International Statistics – Flowers and Plants 2022.

The International Statistics Flowers and Plants Yearbook 2022 has the most comprehensive production and trade data collection for the ornamental plants and flower industry. It is now available to purchase and instantly download from www.aiph.org.

The importance of this annual publication to the ornamental horticultural industry is invaluable to trade organisations, policymakers, marketers, producers, traders, libraries, and universities. In its 70th year, the contents result from extensive research and data compiled by the Centre for Business Management in Horticulture and Applied Research, Leibniz University Hanover, Germany.

The Statistics Yearbook provides production data from countries in Europe, Asia, North America, and South America, with detailed breakdowns, product comparisons, market data and prices and global import and export data. This edition also features additional survey responses, carried out in Spring 2022, from member organisations of AIPH and Union Fleurs about the Economic development of ornamental horticulture in 2021.

The 2022 Yearbook is published as a digital document and features 232 pages of illustrations, tables, diagrams, and maps of crucial production data.

New data contained in the 2022 Statistics Yearbook includes:

• Online survey with results from 18 countries and the effects on production and trade after the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Updated figures for per capita consumption for Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, the UK, Japan, and the USA.
• New figures on area and production and additional updated summary information for 39 countries
• New country page and map for Guatemala
• Overview trade tables for import and export of cut flowers, live plants, cuttings and slips, bulbs and tubers and cut foliage
• Summary of sales and marketing of top-selling flowers and pot plants for wholesale markets.
• New external trade maps showing the most important producing countries of cut flowers and the most important exporters and importers of cut flowers.

AIPH Secretary General, Mr Tim Briercliffe, says, “The 70th edition contains even more analytical information on the production and trade of ornamentals and provides critical statistics to the industry globally”.

Union Fleurs Secretary General, Ms Sylvie Mamias, adds: “The Statistics Yearbook offers an invaluable and detailed picture of the latest available data on the global production and trade of flowers and plants. It is a unique reference for anyone – trade, production, policymakers, researchers – who wishes to gain an in-depth understanding of the latest state and trends of the flower and plants industry.”

The International Statistics Flowers and Plants Yearbook 2022 can be purchased online for €195.

With its orchid cultivation in hexagonal pots, Hazeu Orchids is the winner of the 2022 Greenovation Award. 

Owners of the family business from Pijnacker, Chiel and Sjors Hazeu, were presented with the sustainable award on the first day of Trade Fair Aalsmeer. Royal FloraHolland CEO Steven van Schilfgaarde was the first to congratulate the brothers. 

The public and jury found the hexagonal pot in which Hazeu grows their orchids to be the best sustainable product or concept introduction within the floriculture sector. The hexagonal nursery pot enables 20% more plants on the same surface area and 20% more plants in transit, meaning a 20% reduction in energy consumption and a demonstrable 15% lower CO2 footprint. Or, rather: "Using it allows us to produce 20% more with the same energy consumption," says Chiel Hazeu.

The brothers did not really expect the win. "A 1-in-9 chance. But fortunately, more people are seeing that such a simple intervention on an existing product, can have a big impact."

People follow a good example

Steven van Schilgaarde "Improving sustainability and, in particular, making the transition to non-fossil energy sources are crucial for the future of floriculture. The sector has already made a good start, but the current energy crisis is proof of the urgency to take action. Energy transition is also a business imperative for a lot of companies right now. Improving sustainability and savings often go hand in hand. That is why I am pleased we are presenting the Greenovation Award for the sixth year in a row. After all, people follow a good example. All entries are a source of inspiration. This is characteristic of our sector. The nine Greenovation Award nominees show that floriculture isn’t resting on its laurels. These companies aren’t simply waiting around: they are taking the lead in becoming more sustainable. We can’t have enough of these kinds of companies and innovations in the years to come."

Jury's opinion

Both the professional jury and the public decided the winner this year, with each having a 50% share in the overall assessment. From the jury report: "A great example of practically applicable, tangible innovation and sustainability. The nursery pot has practical application for other growers. In doing so, Hazeu Orchids is doing the sector a service. Perhaps this pot will become the new standard in the sector."

The professional jury this year included Quincy von Bannisseht (Glastuinbouw Nederland), Anne-Lotte Boudeling, (FM Group) and Maarten Bánki (Royal FloraHolland).

Numbers 2 and 3

There was also a great diversity of innovations this year. A returns system for flower buckets, innovation of the old-fashioned climbing pole against which climbing plants grow, a post-harvest treatment to keep flowers fresher for longer during sea transport... There really were some very interesting ideas among them. Finishing second was Tesselaar Alstroemeria with Alstroemeria Mistral, a CO2-neutral flower. People with poor job prospects work in their greenhouse. Third prize went to Floral Trade Group with Refleur. This concept was designed to offer clients a commercially viable sustainable proposition. Refleur is meant to create more awareness for sustainability among customers and growers.

You can read about the entries of all nine nominees, including that of the winner, at your leisure on the Greenovation Award webpage.

About the Greenovation Award

We can look back on a successful presentation with inspiring products and concepts, and would like to thank everyone for their contribution and participation. Royal FloraHolland calls on the sector to stimulate these innovations and to constantly look to make further optimisations. Sustainability is and will remain an important focus for the floriculture sector and, despite all the good work, there are still gains to be made across the board. Does your company also focus on sustainability, and are you innovating? If so, you might be eligible for nomination for next year’s Greenovation Award. Keep an eye on our website and social media.

Envirobuild has received a 5-star review for its Hyperion Explorer Composite Decking from product reviewers Slinky Studio.

Slinky Studio is an affectionately friendly independent online lifestyle hub that curates the discovery of cool, interesting and unique product ideas. To this end, they decided to go for the Silver Birch decking in order to realise an eye-catching pathway leading up to the company's garden room studio.

After a quick and simple installation process, the founder and editor-in-chief of Slinky Studio, Jacob Sheppard, was full of praise for the final result:

"We wanted a good woodgrain look. The Explorer Silver Birch won us over, with an embossed woodgrain effect and the fact that it can be supplied in 4 metre lengths. This meant that we could produce a one metre wide pathway without any waste whatsoever. We also needed edge boards for two steps to raise our path upwards. This comes in 2.5 metre lengths, so for our use it was ideal. Envirobuild can supply all the fixings and screws according to the lengths of material ordered. Our order arrived with sufficient fixings and we were immediately impressed with the Silver Birch grain look and finish"."

Dr Aidan Bell, spokesperson for Envirobuild, was very happy to receive such an impressive rating from Slinky Studio and said: "It is an absolute honour to get a five-star rating from Slinky Studio. They review some of the highest quality products out on the market, and haven't given a perfect score in almost half a year. Therefore, we are grateful to have received a 5-star review from them, and we hope this goes to show the high standard of our Hyperion Explorer Composite Decking."

The Hyperion Explorer Composite Decking was chosen by Slinky Studio for its realistic wood look and wood-grain texture. However, the decking utilises the latest technologies and material innovations to go far beyond being pleasing to the eye. Manufactured almost entirely from recycled materials (~90%), Hyperion Explorer Composite Decking has a 64% reduced global warming potential in comparison to traditional timber decking. With a low-maintenance anti-slip surface, this decking solution is protected from stains and scratches, saving money and time in the long-run compared to wood products. It also benefits from a 10-year commercial limited warranty (15-year residential) for added piece of mind.

Envirobuild are offering free sample packs for the Hyperion Explorer Composite Decking in all available colours. To order yours, click here. To learn more about EnviroBuild or to browse their collection of products, take a look at their website www.envirobuild.com. To receive a free same-day quotation and expert advice on installation, contact the company by following this link: https://www.envirobuild.com/pages/get-in-touch.

Podcaster, writer, author, and gardening influencer, Ellen Mary, has launched a plant-based wellness consultancy to help people discover the intrinsic link between plants and good health.

People Plants Wellbeing offers a wealth of resources, all with nature at its core, where Ellen Mary shares how to discover the magical link between people and plants for positive well-being.

In 2020, Ellen launched her website to share people’s stories about their connection with plants and share inspirational content and helpful services. It quickly became clear how many people are compelled to turn to nature as a form of healing and therapy, especially through testing times. Inspired by the success of the online studio, Ellen realised the need for a well-being consultancy specifically to improve people’s lives with plants at the core. And so, People Plants Wellbeing was founded.

People Plants Wellbeing encourages incorporating well-being practices in every aspect of our lives. Combining Ellen’s previous HR experience with her well-being knowledge, Ellen Mary has developed corporate and individual well-being coaching to help integrate positive nature-themed practices into the workplace and everyday life. To further consolidate awareness of well-being practices in the corporate world, People Plants Wellbeing offers tailored assistance with the development of corporate well-being policies, including topics and workshops such as mindful gardening, forest bathing, nature-based crafts and deepening the connection with nature through outdoor meditation, walking and yoga.

For special moments when an extra detox is needed, the studio offers plant-based well-being retreats and wellness days. Providing precious time away from online scrolling, the well-being retreats allow visitors to immerse themselves in plant-based activities. Also covering meditation, manifestation, reiki, and much more, the People Plants Wellbeing studio is a curated selection of helpful resources, created with help of plant lovers, wellness coaches, nutritionists, and health experts.

Through the inspirational blog and compelling webinars, discover well-being-focused insights, such as ways to detox the mind, or tips on how to create balance in the mind, body, and soul. On the brand-new podcast, delve deeper into the world of healing through plants. Chatting with exceptional guests about everything from forest bathing to mindful gardening, the episodes cover topics such as “Finding awe and curiosity via your inner child” and “Grief Gardening with Dr Radha Modgil”.

An experienced podcaster, writer, author, and gardening influencer, Ellen is well-qualified in sharing her well-being expertise. Starting her career in HR, Ellen then discovered gardening to be her true passion in life, so undertook horticulture studies with the RHS. Ellen Mary has also studied wellness coaching and is trained in social and therapeutic horticulture, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), and forest bathing. Ellen has been featured in numerous publications around the world, appeared on TV, and speaks at many shows, including for The Royal Horticultural Society.

Start unearthing your magic with the help of the People Plants Wellbeing studio. Keep up to date by signing up for the monthly newsletter and following @peopleplantswellbeing on Instagram.

Industry trade show LANDSCAPE ‘does its bit’ for sustainability and takes the leap to only support real turf at their event in September 2023. This environmental stance means LANDSCAPE will not accept any bookings from exhibitors representing artificial turf, plants or flowers.

Event Director, Jeremy Storey-Walker and the LANDSCAPE team are keen to best serve the industry that they represent and are all too aware of the problems that artificial turf contributes towards. He says: “We each have a responsibility to respect our environment and at LANDSCAPE we have the ability to help enforce the message and encourage the use of natural materials wherever possible”.

With UK Parliament announcing an environmental and climate emergency, it is shocking that sales of artificial grass are steadily increasing. The increased application has troubling consequences and the team at LANDSCAPE cite three main reasons for their push towards real turf over artificial:

1. the environmental impact
2. the effect on wildlife
3. widespread recycling issues.

Unlike real grass, artificial turf does not remove carbon from the atmosphere, nor provide habitats for wildlife, or effectively drain water. Additionally, artificial turf is made of toxic PFAS chemicals, spreads micro plastic, and ironically requires more upkeep than its natural inspiration (watering the hot plastic in summer, clearing debris, even weed treatment and, of course, replacement every decade or so). Taking the more natural approach by only using real grass offers homes for wildlife where a whole ecosystem can survive and thrive.  Artificial turf is also currently unrecyclable. In a world where we condemn plastic shopping bags and drinking straws, LANDSCAPE thinks the option to cover gardens in plastic doesn’t seem quite right.

The decision to only represent real turf at LANDSCAPE 2023 also sits in line with the views of two of their long-standing Event Partners, the Royal Horticultural Society and the Society of Garden Designers. The RHS banned artificial grass from all of its events in 2022 in keeping with the charity’s ethos on plastics and as part of their Manifesto for Sustainable Gardens & Landscapes, the SGD suggests using natural alternatives such as wild flower areas or gravel if grass is non-negotiable. 

LANDSCAPE hopes this choice will be met with understanding and support from the industry; choosing what is right over what is convenient; choosing carbon absorbing over carbon producing. 

LANDSCAPE 2023

27th & 28th September, Hall 3 at the NEC, Birmingham 

Alan Roper has just announced the Blue Diamond Acquisition of the Van Hage group of 3 garden centres. The sites are the flagship store at Gt Amwell Ware; Chenies between Amersham and Rickmansworth and their centre on the PE1 retail park at Peterborough. Blue Diamond will own and operate the retail park.

Blue Diamond CEO Alan Roper told GTN Xtra: "For me personally, this is a landmark acquisition, Van Hage’s was one of 3 garden centres in the early nineties I would visit as a younger man for inspiration and would feel in awe of what they had achieved and never imagined that one day, we would be the proud owner of such a business.

The Van Hage family have said "The Board and Shareholders of Van Hage &Co. Holdings can today confirm the sale of our Trading company, Van Hage and Co. Ltd and our Garden Centre business to the Blue Diamond Group.

"The entire trading business, all colleagues and centres will now become part of the successful Blue Diamond family of garden centres with immediate effect.

"Making the decision to pass the Group into new hands was not an easy one to make; it has been a central part of all of our lives, and many of our staff and suppliers over the decades, and our priority was to ensure that the Company and our colleagues would be passed into the hands of new owners who would have the vision and resources to ensure the continued thriving of Van Hage.

"Blue Diamond are rapidly growing and are Britain’s second-largest Garden Centre group, known for great quality and customer experience.  They have both the resources and vision to further grow and develop our brand going forward. The Company will continue to trade as Van Hage under their stewardship."

Hillier Garden Centres have announced the acquisition of Rosebourne Ltd. Rosebourne is a group of boutique destination garden centres across 3 sites, Weyhill, Aldermaston and Hampton in Arden.

Founded by Edwin Hillier in Hampshire in 1864, Hillier is a horticultural business with more than 155 years of expertise. Hillier is proud to remain a family business to this day, with the fifth generation actively involved.

The acquisition of Rosebourne follows a period of growth that has seen Hillier move from 12 garden centres in 2019 to 19 garden centres and an online shop currently, this acquisition brings the group to a total of 22 garden centres.

At the heart of the Hillier business is a mission to “inspire the creation of green living spaces for now and the future.” Visitors can expect to see Hampshire based Hillier Nurseries great range of home grown, top-quality plants arriving in the Rosebourne garden centres soon, blending with the extensive product range already on offer in the centres.

“We are delighted to be adding Rosebourne with its three fantastic garden centres to our business,” comments Chris Francis, Hillier Wholesale and Retail Director. “They are all really impressive destinations, we feel they are a great fit for our business. We are looking forward to getting to know the Rosebourne teams and their local gardening communities and inspiring them with our great range of quality Hillier plants. This acquisition continues the rapid growth the company has seen over the last few years and makes it well equipped to move forwards confidently into the future”

George Hillier, Director of property, who has been working with the Rosebourne team on the project, says, “I would like to thank everybody from the Rosebourne and Hillier teams who have collaborated to ensure this acquisition has been as smooth a process as possible”.

Carol Paris and Charles Good from Rosebourne comment. “We are delighted that we have been able to secure a sale to Hillier with such a strong horticultural pedigree and a family run business. We share a very similar company ethos and values, with the customer at the heart of all we do. We believe both companies will benefit from this collaboration and look forward to seeing the Rosebourne centres enter a new and exciting era.”

Through these new locations, Hillier looks forward to being part of the local communities, continuing to offer high standard gardening and restaurant destinations for people to grow, meet, eat and be inspired.

Visit hillier.co.uk to find out more about Hillier Garden Centres 

Broadcaster and Dobbies’ ambassador, Jo Whiley, officially opened Dobbies’ newest store at Tewkesbury last week.

Jo was joined by ITV This Morning’s gardening presenter, Daisy Payne; The Mayor of Tewkesbury Borough, Councillor John Murphy; and Dobbies’ team members along with a range of key people from across the region and those involved in the project to celebrate the launch of Dobbies’ new flagship store.

Local school children and charity representatives were among the first through the doors of the new store.

Graeme Jenkins, CEO at Dobbies Garden Centres, said: “As our biggest store in the Southwest, the opening of Dobbies’ Tewkesbury is an important and exciting milestone, and we look forward to being part of vibrant and visionary upcoming retail destination as the Cotswolds Designer Outlet develops.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in bringing the store to fruition for all their hard work and we hope our customers will enjoy the exceptional shopping experience that Dobbies’ Tewkesbury will offer.

“We also look forward to building on our work in the local community, having already starting supporting Ashchurch Primary School with a new vision for their garden and supplying great value products from the store.”

Jo Whiley said: “I’ve had a fantastic time opening Dobbies’ newest store. With such a diverse range of products, from plants and gardening, to homeware and pets, there’s something for all members of the family, which will make it a brilliant day out.”

Spanning 70,000 sq ft, the Tewkesbury store represents one of Dobbies’ biggest garden centres and as well as creating around 100 jobs for local and neighbouring communities, it is expected to serve more than 750,000 customers each year – underlining the company’s ongoing growth across the UK. The launch comes just in time for Christmas, with the new store featuring Dobbies’ full festive product range.

The purpose-built store features heating and lighting generated by efficient low carbon energy technologies while rainwater harvesting has been incorporated for plant irrigation and all timber used in the fitout is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. EV charging points are available in the car park and through the Too Good to Go food surplus scheme, Dobbies will save fresh and delicious surplus food that would typically be wasted.

The Tewkesbury store features Dobbies’ range of plants, houseplants, gardening products, seasonal items, pet range, cookshop, home décor, gifts and toys, as well as a Walter Smith butcher and Waitrose products in the foodhall.

The store also features a Little Seedlings soft play area for children and a 10,000 sq ft restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

Reinforcing its reputation as a go-to destination for a magical Christmas experience, a programme of  festive events calendar will begin in late November, with something for everyone including a Christmas Shopping Night in aid of Dobbies’ National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust, as well as Santa’s Grotto, Santa Paws and festive afternoon tea.

The new Dobbies store is the first phase of a major development, brought together by Robert Hitchins Ltd, which also includes the forthcoming Cotswolds Designer Outlet, expected to open in 2024, and 1,310 homes being built to the south. The whole development is sited in a prime location at J9 of the M5 and close to Ashchurch for Tewkesbury train station.

Simon Tothill, Property and Development Director of Robert Hitchins Ltd, said:"We are delighted to be working with Dobbies and investing with them into the future in what forms part of a large and exciting mixed-use development, including the Cotswolds Designer Outlet." 

See GTN Xtra's photo tour of the new centre below and look out for a full interview with Graeme Jenkins in the November issue of GTN magazine.

AMY HART – NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER

1. Name, job title & how long you’ve been at Primeur

Amy Hart, National Account Manager. I’ve been with Primeur for over 12 years.

2. If you could get people to know one thing about Primeur, what would it be?

People are at the heart of primeur – whether it be our buyers, staff or customers. We strive to do our best by everyone and are always ready to help should a situation arise.

3. What is your favourite bit of your job and why do you love working at Primeur?

As national account managers we are involved in every stage of the products journey from concept to launch..….no two days are the same and we love to visit centres and see our visions come to life on shelf!!

4. Your Primeur top pick (fav product)

I personally love the planters (sonata are my favourite – I love the simplicity and contemporary feel) . I’ve even had people knock on my door to ask me where I bought them!!  I have a toddler who is forever knocking my bay trees over and although I have to sweep up the soil I can rest easy knowing the pots wont smash and need replacing.

5. What does next year bring for Primeur?

Despite the challenges of the past few years Primeur has experienced tremendous growth which is testament to the fabulous nature of our products! We are confident that 2023 will be a great year and we aim to work closely with our customers to ensure they have the best product ranges to drive volume and growth!!  We also have some innovative new products launching which will enhance our offering and hopefully entice some new customers.

6. Your best/worst gardening experience?

I’m not a very green fingered person and I prefer a neat, low maintenance garden which doesn’t need much upkeep….giving me more time to enjoy the space!

On the other hand, my children love growing fruit and veggies in plant pots and delight in harvesting it all. At the end of the season, we stack all the planters (nice and neat) ready for next year!

To find more about Primeur’s 2023 offering, please contact the team on 01274 518800, email sales@primeur.ltd.ukor visitwww.primeur.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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