Garden Re-Leaf Day 2024 is within touching distance (Friday, 15th March 2024) and teams, businesses and individuals from across the country are getting ready to put the FUN into fundraising, aiming to raise as much money as possible for the children’s hospice garden charity, Greenfingers.

Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walk & Cycle Challenge

Returning to the Garden Re-Leaf Day calendar are the Sponsored Walks and Cycle Challenge.

This year two walking groups will bookend the country with a 10 or 20 mile ‘south’ walk, whilst in the north walkers will tackle a 13-mile route. Zooming by the south walkers will also be a host of cycling enthusiasts, taking anywhere from 25 to 100 miles. All routes will take in stunning countryside, with south walkers enjoying the vistas of Hertfordshire, whilst north walkers can bask in ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ scenery of West Yorkshire.

This year, almost 70 people will join 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 will 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 will come 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.

Garden centres get busy for Garden Re-Leaf

Throughout Garden Re-Leaf Day and the following weekend, garden centres from across the UK will be busy holding special events to help bolster the fundraising total and to bring the Greenfingers brand to even more people and at the same time encourage gardener lovers to kick start the gardening season.

The team at The Old Railway Line will be marking the return of its popular curry and quiz night, with a special raffle also in place to bolster the fundraising efforts on the night. 

Raffles are also set to be order of the day at Haskins stores in Ferndown, West Ends, Forest Lodge and West Sussex, plus Longacres store in Bagshot, Bybrook Barn, Chobham, Shepperton and Chelmsford. Aylett Nurseries will also be holding a seed raffle alongside a Garden Re-Leaf coffee morning.

Visitors to Haskins’ Snowhill centre can enjoy a special Garden Re-Leaf tombola on 15th March, whilst Pulborough Garden Centre customers can not only enjoy a cupcake but a guessing game will also get the grey matter working.

At Millbrook Garden Centres in Kent, children are invited to plant a sunflower. For just £1, with all proceeds going to the Greenfingers Charity, children can plant a sunflower seed in a biodegradable pot to take home, learn how to care for their plant and experience the delight when their creation comes to life in spring. Not only this but Evergreen’s Phil Park will be instore to load compost for customers at Brimsmore Garden Centre throughout the day.

Across Klondyke’s 22 stores, a ‘Tea-Leaf Re-Leaf’ event will be taking place, with 50p from every cuppa and £1 from every Garden Re-Leaf planter sold on the day going into the fundraising pot.

Friends of Greenfingers FUNdraising

It’s not just garden centres getting in on the Garden Re-Leaf action. Friday 15thMarch will see offices across the country go ‘green’ to celebrate this special fundraising day.

Those with a sweet tooth will wish they worked at Woodmansterne as the greetings card publisher holds a cake sale full of homemade goodies, whilst the team at Maze will be having a special garden Re-Leaf Bake-off.  The Gardena team has also confirmed the day will be full of fun activities with their entire teams involved.

Elsewhere, Alan and Felicity Down and the Tintinhull Open Gardens Group has confirmed that they will be holding a Gardener’s Questions Time. Greenfingers Trustee, Rob Jones, of The Garden Design Co Ltd is holding a grow your own workshop where attendees will learn more about growing fruit, veg and cut flowers. Garden designer, Andrew Fisher-Tomlin, who has previously designed Greenfingers gardens, will take Garden Re-Leaf down under as he joins in the fun from Melbourne, Australia. And The Solar Centre are keen to support their customers in raising money for Greenfingers this Garden Re-Leaf Day, if you are looking for a prize for your store raffle please contact Suzie@thesolarcentre.co.uk to request a product donation.

Finally, the QVC team will be showing their support with a special Garden Re-Leaf show on 15th and 16th March, putting the Greenfingers Charity in front of thousands of viewers.

There’s still time to get involved

Whether you want to join the Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenge or hold a special event in-store or at your office, there is still time to get involved!

Simply visit https://www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/activities/29/garden-re-leaf-day-2024 where all the information and registration links are clearly marked.

Don’t forget to also create your JustGiving page so that you can ask friends, family and colleagues for sponsorship.

The UK’s largest family-run garden centre group, British Garden Centres, is gearing up for its biggest fundraising effort yet for Garden Re-Leaf Day, which takes place this Friday 15^th March. Fresh from its announcement that £60,000 has been raised for Greenfingers Charity over the past three years, the team has unveiled some exciting Garden Re-Leaf events to further increase this total across the country in its nationwide stores.

The only way is up for its flagship store, Brigg Garden Centre as an intrepid team of four will be climbing Mount Snowdon. Centre Manager, Ben Tomlinson, and Assistant Centre Manager, the gifts team, Jo-Anne Harbour-Martin and Maisie Fisher will join Haywood Andrews, to make the ascent of the highest mountain in Wales, an impressive 3,560 ft above sea level.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the country, Centre Manager, Kerrie Walker and colleague Lucy will be walking from Ramsgate Garden Centre to Herne Bay and back; a 30-mile journey along the beautiful Kent coastline to raise money to help Greenfingers continue its vital work, creating magical gardens for children’s hospices.

Other members of the British Garden Centres team will be putting their best foot forward on the Garden Re-Leaf South walk, which begins and ends at Tring Garden Centre. A team consisting ofPhillippa Stubbs (Company Director), Ricky Towers (Group Restaurant Director), Amy Hennessy (PA to Company Director), Alex Bullock (Regional Manager), Andy Matthews (Garden Buyer), Phill Robinson (IT Director),Joanne Arnott (Restaurant Regional Manager) and Dan Aitken (Centre Team Member) will be walking the 20-mile route, which takes in beautiful country views, woodland and gentle rolling hills in the picturesque Chilterns.

Steve Descombe from Tring Garden Centre will also be using his pedal power by taking on a 25-mile circular route, starting from and ending at the store. Meanwhile, Ruthie from Brockworth Garden Centre is doing a 13-mile run around her local area.

As if that’s not enough, 61 British Garden Centres stores are pulling out all the stops with fundraising events taking place across the UK, from Bressingham to Carmarthen and Lytham St Annes to Wimborne. Customers visiting any British Garden Centre location on Garden Re-Leaf Day will have the opportunity to participate in various fundraising events, such as raffles, cake sales, tombolas and competitions.

Highlights include Wolseley Bridge’s fundraising bonanza activities of a staff car wash, guessing how many balloons are in the hot tub, guessing the name of the teddy, sponsored hair dye, treasure hunt, hamper raffle and guessing the weight of the potato sack.

Elsewhere, Woodthorpe Garden Centre is holding a staff quiz night, Bold Heath is hosting a coffee morning, Charlbury is raffling spring planters and running a second-hand book sale, Mirfield will be holding a Sponsored Pyjama Day, whilst Name the Teddy Bear and Guess the Number of Sweets competitions will be happening at Tarporley.

Visitors to Chipperfield will see its staff dressed in green, Osterley will be having a plant sale and bunny hunt for children, whilst Bournville and Bridgnorth will be using coffee grounds for good and offering them to gardeners for a small donation.

Amy Stubbs, Project and Development Manager at British Garden Centres said: “As always,we want to raise as much money as possible for Greenfingers across the whole group. This year we are asking centres to go the extra mile, as Greenfingers is celebrating its 25th anniversary. We want to go bigger than ever! Last year we raised £8,851 on Garden Re-leaf Day across the group but, this year, we are aiming to double that with a target for every centre to raise £250.”

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers Charity added:  British Garden Centres’ support for Greenfingers Charity and Garden Re-Leaf Day is invaluable, and we are extremely grateful. The ongoing contributions and fundraising have significantly impacted the charity's ability to create magical gardens for children's hospices across the UK. The generosity of British Garden Centres stores and customers has made a meaningful difference to the lives of those in need. We cannot wait to see the results of their activities and events.”

If you want to find out more about how to get involved in Greenfingers Garden Re-Leaf Day 2024, whether by putting on events in your garden centre, through sponsored solo activities or simply by donating, visit the website or email the Fundraising team: Fundraising@greenfingerscharity.org.uk.

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...

With this year’s Garden Re-Leaf Day fast approaching – 15th March – Greenfingers is issuing a rallying call to encourage even more people to sign-up to the annual Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenge.

Whether you walk 10 miles or cycle 100 miles, the Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenge is guaranteed to be a lot of fun. Plus, with two locations to choose from – Tring, Hertfordshire or Holmbridge, West Yorkshire – the day has become much more accessible to brands, suppliers and individuals from across the country.

So far, the start line of both the North and South walk, plus the South-based Cycle Challenge, are set to be bustling. South walkers will include the teams from Vitavia Greenhouses, British Garden Centres, Woodmansterne, the 16-strong team from Glee (Hyve). Joining them will be intrepid adventurers from 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, Frost Gardens Centres, KSB Consultancy, Leon Boots, Cadix UK Ltd and friends Matthew, Jodie, Kirsty and James Rowlandson.

Joining them for the warm-up and a much-needed meal after the event will be this year’s cyclists, who include representatives from Tamar Nurseries and Hartwell Nurseries, as well as Casey Warwick from Decco, Steve Desombre of British Garden Centres and Antony Fitter from Westland. Each of these cyclists have the options to complete 25, 50, 75 or 100 miles across the Hertfordshire countryside. Both Tamar and Hartwell Nurseries have also been confirmed as two of Greenfingers’ latest charity partners, with Garden Re-Leaf kickstarting this fundraising journey together.

In the north, walkers will include the Meadow View Stone team, plus representatives from the AMES Companies, Deco-Pak, Evergreen Garden Care and STV International.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications said: “A HUGE thank you to all those that have already confirmed their place at this year’s Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walks and Cycle Challenge. And to those that haven’t yet signed up – what are you waiting for?! Go dust off your walking boots, free your bike from the shed or convince your friends and colleagues to join you. What better way to spend a Friday than to stretch the legs, challenge yourself and enjoy some scenic views. Plus, the best bit, you’ll be making a difference and helping us to continue to support children’s hospices throughout the country. Every step, every pedal cycled helps to raise funds, and that means we can build even more garden spaces for those that need them most.”

Don’t miss out – register today!

Getting involved in the Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenge couldn’t be easier. Simply visit https://www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk/get-involved/garden-re-leaf-day-is-coming-soon where all the information and registration links are clearly marked.

Don’t forget to also create your JustGiving page so that you can ask friends, family and colleagues for sponsorship.

Top tips for making the most of the Garden Re-Leaf Day Sponsored Walk & Cycle Challenge

1. Appropriate shoes – both routes go off-road so be prepared for mud and stiles! A well-worn pair of walking boots or trainers will stand you in good stead.
2. Remember plasters and a spare pair of socks should you get soggy feet!
3. Not wanting to trust the Great British weather, we suggest wearing plenty of layers to ensure that you’re prepared for every season in one day if needed.
4. Stops offering light snacks and water will be dotted throughout the route but it’s also a good idea to bring a few snacks or a light lunch to keep you sustained throughout the walk.
5. Have fun! Make friends! Build your contacts! Whether you are walking on your own or as part of a team, you are guaranteed to have a superb day away from the desk.
6. Raise money – don’t forget that the Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walk and Cycle Challenge has been put in place to raise much-needed funds for the Greenfingers Charity. No matter if you raise £250 or £1,000, just know that it is hugely appreciated and will make a difference to the children, friends and families that spend time in a Greenfingers garden.

For more FUNdraising ideas or to obtain a copy of the 2024 fundraising pack drop Linda a line – she’d love to hear from you: linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk

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.”

On International Women's Day approaches (8 March) the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter for Horticulture, Arboriculture, Landscaping & Garden Media professions stood together to celebrate the achievements of women worldwide and reaffirm their commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. 

The Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter for the Horticulture, Arboriculture, Landscaping & Garden Media profession came about after BALI’s Access All Areas webinars. Representatives from several associations agreed to sign a charter with the intention of putting together guidance notes for implementing best practices or policies that can be aligned.  

Supporters include the Arboricultural Association, British Association of Landscape Industries, Garden Media Guild, Green Roof Organisation, Horticultural Trades Association, Association of Professional Landscapers, Landscape Institute, Landscape Show, Royal Horticultural Society, Society of Garden Designers, Young People in Horticulture Association, Chartered Institute of Horticulture, Pro Landscaper, HortWeek and Bankside Open Spaces Trust. Signatories to this Charter confirm their commitment to progress in the breaking down of barriers in the industry and increasing access and progression for all. 

International Women's Day serves as a poignant reminder of the progress made in advancing gender equality while also highlighting the ongoing challenges women face. Discrimination, bias, and inequality persist in various forms, hindering the realisation of true gender parity. As advocates for change, the group is committed to raising awareness about these issues and taking decisive action to drive gender equality forward. 

Under the banner of #InspireInclusion, the group calls upon all stakeholders within their industries to join in celebrating the achievements of women, challenging stereotypes, and forging a more inclusive future. They hope to inspire positive change and create a more equitable world for all by amplifying women's voices and championing their contributions. 

Tessa Johnstone, Chair, BALI:

“The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) is committed to working together with all the Charter members to see the paradigm shift on equality in the workplace. Landscaping has always been able to offer incredibly varied roles. We need to ensure that women can see a viable route to working in the industry if they choose – and to support them. International Women’s Day offers us a much-needed platform to celebrate women’s long-standing contribution to this incredible industry.”

Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs at the Horticultural Trades Association, and Holly Youde, Chair of the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL):

“The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) wholeheartedly endorse the Access All Areas EDI charter and its associated initiatives and join in its celebration of International Women’s Day 2024. We know there is more to be done to increase diversity and representation in our industry. As well as being clear on our ambition to address diversity gaps and remove barriers, we should also recognise the success to date, particularly of the many inspirational women in roles across our member businesses.”

Helen Sessions, Development Officer for the Chartered Institute of Horticulture:

"As we mark International Women's Day, let's acknowledge the pioneering spirit and enduring legacy of female horticulturists and horticultural scientists. Their exceptional contributions have left an indelible mark on the horticultural landscape, profoundly shaping our fields. From the influential arts and crafts landscape designs of Gertrude Jekyll (1843 – 1932) to the innovative work of mycologist and illustrator Elsie Wakefield (1886-1972) and the trailblazing research of Katherine Esau (1898-1997), these women continue to inspire us and pave the way for future generations in horticulture. Let's celebrate their achievements and reaffirm our commitment to fostering equality and inclusion within our profession."

Charlotte Gilsenan, CEO, Bankside Open Spaces Trust:

“Bankside Open Spaces Trust is proud to support the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Charter for the Horticulture, Arboriculture, Landscaping & Garden Media profession. As a female-led organisation caring for a number of public open spaces founded and championed by pioneering women, including Octavia Hill's Red Cross Garden, we work to ensure people of all genders are welcome within the industry. Through our training, volunteering and employment opportunities, we aim to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and create safe spaces for all to grow.”

Nina Mason, Pro Landscaper Magazine:

“International Women’s Day is one of numerous opportunities throughout the year to consider how far the industry has come but also to look ahead and see where it could go. Those behind the Access All Areas EDI charter are working hard to break down barriers, and we’re really proud and privileged to support them.” 

Darryl Moore, Education, Diversity & Inclusion lead, Council of the Society of Garden Designers:

"As an organisation whose members are predominantly women, the Society of Garden Designers celebrates the talents and achievements of the women who drive the garden design profession and supports the fantastic work of all women throughout the horticultural industry. Too often, these voices are not heard, and we hope that the ongoing work of the Access All Areas charter group will help to address this imbalance.”

Mo Kebbay, Head of Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing at the RHS:

“The RHS is committed to working with our industry partners from the Access All Areas EDI charter in striving to ensure that horticulture, arboriculture and landscaping is more accessible for all. International Women’s Day provides us with one of many opportunities to celebrate the incredible contributions women have made to the horticultural industry. For example, Rachel Carson has changed the way that many of us look at the use of pesticides and precipitated the organic movement.  

“Juliet Sargeant has been a trailblazer in garden design and achieved numerous accolades, including a Gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show for her Modern Slavery garden. And Joy Larkcom, whose international travel in search of edible plants has transformed our diet and what we grow in the UK. Her books are inspirational and informative, too. We celebrate the achievements of all the women who are making their mark in the horticultural industry, particularly those unsung heroes whose voices are rarely heard. 

“Breaking down barriers is vitally important to opening up opportunities to more women and underrepresented people than ever before. And unlocking their potential has never been more important – for our organisation, for our industry and for our communities.”

Chris Bridgman - Vice Chair, Green Roof Organisation:

“The Green Roof Organisation is open to all and continues to actively encourage women to flourish in a growing community. On this International Women's Day, we reaffirm our equality, diversity and inclusion commitments and celebrate the skills, talents and leadership of all women in our industry, who themselves continue to break new ground, leading the way for future generations.”

As Director of GIMA for the past decade, Vicky Nuttall, has an unrivalled woman’s eye overview of our industry. She and her colleagues give some insight into their roles and share their thoughts on why it is important to recognise and celebrate women at this time.

“I’ve been the GIMA Director for 10 years now,“ she says, “and my favourite part of the job is meeting the members, and hearing all about their exciting plans.  It’s especially rewarding if we know that through our help, they’ve managed to succeed and achieve their objectives.

“Despite women being well represented in our trade bodies, I believe it’s important to draw attention to the fact that we are still underrepresented within the entrepreneurial or senior management roles within the industry.  By showcasing women who have successfully navigated their careers into senior leadership roles we can inspire the next generation to believe it’s possible for them too.”

GIMA President, Jenny Douthwaite, picks up the baton, saying: “I have immensely enjoyed my Presidential role over the past two years. It has many responsibilities (including wearing the Presidential chain at formal occasions!) but my principal objective whilst in term has been to help support Vicky in her ENORMOUS remit and work behind the scenes at making the member experience as fulfilled as possible.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work for a business that recognises and celebrates the contribution and achievements of all employees, regardless of their gender, but my positive experience has not been shared by all women. International Women’s Day brings to the forefront the disappointing reality that gender bias does still exist in the world and that there is a long way to go in promoting gender equality and empowering women. The garden industry, has, in my opinion, fostered a more inclusive approach than others and is well representing women at all levels. Is there room for improvement? Always.

“GIMA events are always my favourite part of the job. I’ve been able to get involved in many over the last few years with my all-time favourite being the iconic GIMA Awards. Not only does the evening bring together our industry colleagues for a valuable networking opportunity but I love that it recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions in the industry. Witnessing others being recognised for their achievements has motivated and inspired me to strive for the same excellence.”

Incoming President, Kate Ebbens, who is about to take over as Jenny’s two-year tenure comes to a close, says her favourite bit about being in GIMA is: “Supporting our director Vicky (she is truly inspirational) and being part of an association that can engage, develop and be face to face with like-minded people. Working with a women-led association is daily proof that women can do it!  There is a sense of unspoken understanding amongst us and that helps productivity and encouragement to do the best for our members.  Just know to trust in your knowledge and abilities.

“Recognising the achievements of women in all facets of life makes a huge impact on the development of self-respect, often leading to new opportunities. ‘There needs to be more emphasis on developing and supporting women in our industry in my opinion.”

Fulfilling another crucial role at GIMA is Membership & Marketing Co-Ordinator, Angie Lloyd, who says that favourite part of her job is: “The day-to-day variety and supporting our members through the association initiatives. Then there are the events! The GIMA Awards are a highlight of our calendar each year.

“It’s important to recognise and celebrate International Women’s Day because of adversity faced by women, but also to inspire and empower the next generation. I think we are quite lucky as an industry. Women are represented in leadership roles across the industry network and that has always been really inspiring to me. I think there’s still improvement needed in some areas, like more opportunities for women and support in general, but I think gender wise the garden industry is on the right track”.

This brings us onto the question of why garden retail is a good career option for women. Vicky’s response to this is very positive: “I would say that our industry is a good career option for anyone, from any background”, she tells us.  “The people are what makes or industry, whoever you are, the sky’s the limit.”

Jenny is equally positive, saying that: “Garden retail offers a diverse and wide range of roles for women to get involved in and provide a fulfilling career. Whether the opportunities are in manufacturing or retail, one thing for sure is that this industry never stands still, and this dynamic nature means there are always plenty of opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.”

Kate adds: “In 2021 a study by GoCompare revealed gardening is the fourth most popular trade job for women 10.23%*.  Gardening is a growing industry, with a demand for skilled people and we need to ensure women are part of that growth”.

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.

Gardening for health charity Thrive raised an impressive £3,388 through an auction and raffle at the two-day Europlants event at Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

Celebrity TV gardener and Thrive ambassador, David Domoney got the bidding underway with top prizes including Premier League Tottenham Hotspur tickets, a dinner for four at London’s Sky Garden and a giant 7kg Easter Egg!

David, who’s Thrive’s longest standing ambassador, delivered a passionate speech about the benefits of Social & Therapeutic Horticulture and the positive changes that gardening brings to the lives of people living with disabilities or ill health. Thrive’s Head of Marketing and Engagement, Sally Wright, shared an inspiring story of Rowena, a client gardener at Thrive Birmingham and thanked Europlants for their partnership: 

‘It was a very successful two days and a wonderful collaboration between Europlants and Thrive. David was a brilliant auctioneer and drove people to dig deep, a big thank you to everyone who contributed.’

Europlants has been a valued supporter of Thrive since first being introduced to their work in 2015. Jay Shah said: "We’re thrilled to announce our continued sponsorship of Thrive, an inspiring charity dedicated to utilising gardening to transform lives. Thrive's mission deeply resonates with our values, as they harness the therapeutic power of plants to enhance mental health and wellbeing."

Europlants Ltd, is a supplier of specimen plants in the UK and the UK agent for Vannucci Piante, the largest specimen producer in Europe. Horticultural traders were invited to wander round their 12-acre centre located in Hatfield and explore a wide range of specimen plants including bamboo, Photinia, palms and topiary as well as an array of exotic plants, climbers, conifers, and trees.

Thrive Fundraiser, Zoe Maynard attended the first day of the event and said she was heartened by the generosity of bidders:

“We were made to feel very welcome and were able to raise much needed funds for our work to support people at our centres in London, Birmingham and Reading. Partnerships like this are incredibly important, it was a fantastic effort by all!”

Recognising outstanding achievements in plastics resource efficiency and recycling, contributing towards a more circular plastics value chain, the RECOUP Awards aim to recognise and celebrate the innovative and inspiring projects and initiatives that have helped to drive the industry forward and lead to a more sustainable future.

The awards are FREE to enter with entries welcome from all relevant organisations and individuals who want to be recognised for their work and initiatives under the following award categories: 

• Best Plastic Product Development for Recyclability or Re-Use
• Best Innovation in Equipment or Technology
• Recycled Plastic Product of the Year

To apply for the awards, please visit the RECOUP website https://www.recoup.org/recoup-awards-2024/ and complete the entry form by the 28 June 2024 deadline. If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact RECOUP at enquiry@recoup.org . The winners will be announced at the RECOUP Awards Ceremony and Networking Dinner on Wednesday 25 September, at the Holiday Inn Peterborough – West. Spaces for the dinner are limited with tickets already on sale through the RECOUP website https://www.recoup.org/recoup-awards-2024/ .

The RECOUP Awards Ceremony and Networking Dinner is followed by The RECOUP Conference on Thursday 26 September with sponsors including Berry Global and WRAP. Registrations are now open for the day-long event, once again being held at Kingsgate Conference Centre, Peterborough.  Attracting hundreds of delegates each year The RECOUP Conference draws together stakeholders, NGOs, Local and National Government bodies and organisations from across the plastics and wider sustainability value chain, to network, share best practice, and get the latest updates from the plastics value chain.

Attendance remains FREE to members, with early-bird discounts available to non-members for a limited time only. To book your ticket for The RECOUP Conference please visit the RECOUP website, https://www.recoup.org/news-events/the-recoup-conference-2024/ .

Sponsorship packages are still available for both the awards and conference, offering organisations an invaluable opportunity to showcase their products and services in front of the most influential people in the plastics resource and recycling value chain. For more information about sponsorship packages, contact RECOUP Events and Membership Manager, Rebecca Davis, rebecca.davis@RECOUP.org

The Garden Centre Association’s Garden Retail Online Workshops (GROW) e-Learning platform has launched five new online compliance-based courses covering health and safety this month.

This batch is the second of three releases across this subject, which will see sixteen e-Learning courses in total on various food safety and health and safety topics added to GROW.

GROW’s Instructional Designer at the GCA, Antony Snow explains: “We are delighted to be working once again with Opus Safety – one of the UK’s leading providers of safety training – to offer these courses. The five new courses on GROW are Fire Safety Awareness, Fire Marshal, DSE and Home Working, Accident Awareness, and Slips, Trips and Falls.

“The first five courses from Opus Safety that were launched on GROW last summer covered food safety, including food hygiene essentials and allergen awareness, and health and safety including legionella awareness, COSHH awareness and working at height.

“They have been very popular with our users, so I’m thrilled to have extended our course catalogue further with the release of these additional health and safety courses.

“The health and safety of employees and customers is extremely important to our members and these courses, which have been tailored specifically for the garden centre industry, will continue to provide comprehensive safety training that will create a safe working environment.”

GROW courses cover a wide range of vital topics to help employees gain confidence and knowledge about products and services, so they can effectively assist any customers and colleagues who need help.

Sarah Willis, General Manager at Thurrock Garden Centre says: “The new compliance-based courses that have already been added are great. They really fill an important gap in terms of training, and I am pleased to say our teams are fully embracing them. So, thank you!”

GROW is available to all GCA garden centre members and their teams, and also those at Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) garden centres too.

GCA Chief Executive, Peter Burks adds: “GROW is a cost-effective way of providing staff training and personal development that enhances customer experience. It’s accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, making it convenient for people to log-in when it suits them.

“Member garden centres have said GROW is an effective and essential training tool for them, as well as giving their staff additional confidence.”

GROW started as an initial idea, devised during a strategy meeting of the GCA’s executive committee, to bring education and training tailored to individuals employed in the garden centre industry.

It’s a self-funding and non-profit facility with any surpluses being reinvested into its ongoing development and improvement. Currently there are 87 courses and 12,000 plus users throughout the UK.

These courses include a wide range of topics that cover horticulture, customer service, food safety, regulated sales and health and safety.

All the courses have been written by experts in their field and are designed to apply to a garden centre environment, with the content for the horticultural courses drawing on the vast experience of members within the GCA.

Peter concludes: “If you’d like further details on GROW and the courses offered, please get in touch with either Antony or myself. There is also a section on our website www.gca.org.uk/gca-grow-information with information and people can contact the team via a dedicated email too grow@gca.org.uk.”

The GROW e-Learning facility is available to both GCA and HTA member garden centres. The new course is accessible immediately to existing subscribers.

Despite being one of the few sectors that were once believed to be immune to recessionary pressures, the gardeners in the UK had a slow start in 2023 due to the colder and wet weather conditions. This year, British Garden Centres has decided to launch a new spring campaign with the social hashtag #Whatevertheweather to encourage people to spend time outside and rekindle their love for gardening during the 2024 season. The campaign aims to inspire individuals to take a proactive approach to gardening and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors, regardless of the weather.

Running under the strapline of ‘Whatever the weather, we bring your garden together’, the aim is to kick start the gardening season through a range of social media and PR content that will inspire and guide homeowners through essential spring tasks, ensuring the garden flourishes with beauty and vitality whatever the unpredictable UK climate throws at it.

Topics will include seasonal plants for spring gardens with advice on preparing their pots and window boxes for summer, gardening products to help their gardens grow and top tips on protecting them from pests and steps to improve lawns.

Look out for content on how to attract wildlife to your garden and trends for growing your own, what summer bulbs to plant, edible plants and herbs, houseplants, al fresco dining and family activities for the spring season.  Spring doesn’t just stop at plants as the British Garden Centres team will highlight outdoor furniture, patio accessories, and other items that enhance the outdoor living experience during the spring season and transform their outdoor spaces ready for summer.

The campaign will also be backed with Whatever the Weather spring POS for all garden centres to use in-store and for their local marketing initiatives.  We are also providing centres with a toolkit of social media posts, full of colourful, inspiring content to share with customers on their pages and encourage them to get out and create the garden of their dreams.

Amy Stubbs, Product and Development Manager at British Garden Centres said: “Following a disappointing start to last year and a wet summer, there is a lot of pent-up enthusiasm from the public who want to get outside and garden. We are delighted to launch our new campaign which will kick-start what we hope will be a better spring season.  We love spring as it is when gardens start to come to life and whatever the weather this year, your local British Garden Centres store will have everything to enhance and care for your garden this season.”

According to luxury Glasshouse and Greenhouse manufacturer Hartley Botanic, growing edibles from heritage seeds is one of the biggest trends amongst Greenhouse owners this year.

Interest in heritage, edible varieties, some of which can be traced back to as early as the 1600’s, has been largely driven by the rediscovery of their unbeatable flavours. Often tender crops, requiring specific growing conditions, a Greenhouse offers the perfect environment to propagate and grow these heirloom plants which, along with their taste, are valued for their historical and cultural significance and deserve to be conserved.

Hartley Botanic’s gardening writer Matthew Biggs, looks back at the history of heritage varieties, their modern resurgence and suggests some of the best to try growing.

Over the centuries, hundreds of local seed varieties, mainly fruit and vegetables, were passed down as an ‘heirloom’ through generations of families, or shared among local communities in villages or regions. The best were selected for characteristics like flavour, productivity, and disease resistance, at the same time as breeding a range of seeds that would work for different soils and climates – such as apples for areas of high rainfall (where others would suffer from canker,) and cold resistant short season edible varieties.

There are countless reasons for the loss of heritage varieties including government legislation, the influence of large seed companies, old varieties falling from favour and the commercial need for vegetables to be transported over long distances and cold stored.

Fortunately, a remnant remain. If Heritage varieties were allowed to disappear, we not only lose the associated stories and local history, the fabulous range of textures and flavours, the suitability for a wide range of growing conditions, but most importantly of all, we lose the genetic diversity for breeding crops in the future. This is at a time when we are focussing on planet-friendly gardening and the massive challenges of climate change.

Small nurseries and charities like Seed Savers Exchange in the USA (www.seedsavers.org), the Alliance of Native Seed Keepers (www.allianceofnativeseedkeepers.com) and Garden Organic’s Heritage Seed Library (www.gardenorganic.org.uk) in the UK are at the forefront of seed saving and maintaining biodiversity, although some crops filling our catalogues like potatoes still rely on established varieties.

Heritage seeds, like the sweetly flavoured broad bean ‘Bunyard’s Exhibition’ (introduced in 1884) or Leek ‘Musselburgh’ which can be started off in a cold Greenhouse, have found their way into the seed catalogues of larger seed companies. Some have also become the focus of small-scale specialists. Others are exchanged at hugely popular ‘seed swaps,’ or have been saved by becoming trendy or novelty crops like container grown pea ‘Tom Thumb’ and the Asparagus pea - a 16th century vegetable, with winged pods and crimson flowered broad beans which was popular in the 1700’s which almost became extinct. Heritage varieties like ‘Nero de Toscana’ or Black Tuscan Kale,beetroot ‘Albina Vereduna’, Aubergine ‘Listade de Gandia’ from Spain which can be started early in modules in the Greenhouse, have also found their way onto seed lists in places other than their country of origin.

What heritage or ‘heirloom’ varieties may lack in uniformity, productivity, or consistency of F1 hybrid cropping, they more than compensate in heritage, back story and in the majority of cases, flavour; our heritage is also our future.

The 3 best heritage varieties to try in your Greenhouse

1. Cucumber 'Telegraph Improved' - mild flavoured, grows very long and straight.  Needs humidity, warmth and constant moisture. Plant in borders for easy of watering, and mist regularly with tepid water. 
2. Chilli Pepper 'Anaheim' - a variety from the early 1900's with low to moderate heat which makes it good in salsa or sauces. Needs a long growing season and temperatures between 15 -30 C to fruit well. Damp down the Greenhouse floor with water twice a day to maintain humidity. Feed weekly with high potash tomato fertiliser when the first flowers appear.
3. Tomato 'Brandywine Pink' - a large, delicious beefsteak, tasty in sandwiches, salads or on the barbeque. Train the main stems up canes, remove the sideshoots that appear between the stem and leaf base, using your finger and thumb, water regularly with tepid water to keep the compost moist and feed with high potash liquid tomato fertiliser once the first fruits start to swell.

Other heritage varieties popular with Greenhouse owners    

• Tomato ‘Black Russian’ (Solanum lycopersicum): This heirloom tomato variety is known for its dark colour and rich, complex flavour. It's a popular choice among gardeners for its unique appearance and delicious taste.
• Runner Bean ‘Scarlet Emperor’ (Phaseolus coccineus): This pre-1633 heritage runner bean variety is prized for its vibrant red flowers and excellent flavour.
• Beetroot ‘Bulls Blood’ (Beta vulgaris): From around 1840, this beetroot is both edible and ornamental and valued for its deep burgundy leaves and tender roots. It's a versatile variety that can be used for both its leaves and roots.
• Kale ‘Black Tuscany’ (Brassica oleracea): Also known as ‘Cavalo Nero’ or ‘Nero de Toscana’ introduced into cultivation around 1885, this heritage variety has dark, bumpy leaves and a mild, slightly peppery flavour. It's a popular choice for salads, soups, and stir-fries.
• Golden Bantam Sweetcorn (Zea mays): This heritage sweetcorn variety, introduced commercially by US seed company Burpee’s in 1902 from seed given to them by a gardener in Massachusetts, is known for its deliciously sweet, golden-yellow kernels.

Professional and home gardeners don’t need to worry about aching arms and strained backs when using heavy equipment and tools, thanks to the new Henchman Lifting Harness from Henchman.

The leading ladder specialist, which is well known in the horticulture world for its adjustable tripod ladders and high-step platforms, has introduced a multi award-winning, new and improved model to keep users safe and comfortable while working.

Designed with precision engineering, the Henchman Harness takes up to 100 per cent of the weight of heavy garden tools to dramatically reduce back strain, arm fatigue, and repetitive strain injury, while retaining better posture.

The lightweight harness features a rotating overhead boom arm and carabiner, which can be easily attached to most hand-held equipment, such as pole saws, hedge cutters, grass trimmers, and blowers.

Made from durable, rust-resistant cast aluminium, the handy piece of kit takes weights up to 9kg, allowing users to work comfortably for extended periods of time.

The Henchman Harness has already been recognised for its outstanding design, having recently been hailed as best product in the “Outdoor Equipment” category at the European Product Design Awards and the prestigious iF Design Awards.

Created with wearability and usability front of mind, the harness is lightweight, easy to assemble and is worn like a backpack, allowing for a full range of motion, greater precision and improved control, while using less energy.

Owen Simpson, managing director of Henchman,  commented: “At Henchman, we’re dedicated to helping our customers get their gardening jobs done safely and comfortably. The Easy Lift Harness has been a popular product for many years, helping to reduce the aches and pains that many gardeners will have undoubtedly suffered when carrying out common tasks.

“The introduction of the new model, which has already been recognised as outstanding across Europe, marks the next chapter in the Henchman Harness, having been redesigned using the latest engineering to ensure a more supported and comfortable experience.”

The Henchman Harness is the newest product introduced by Henchman, having recently launched the Fully Adjustable Tripod Ladder range earlier this year.

For more information visit www.henchman.co.uk

Kettler has unveiled an exclusive distribution agreement in the UK, with Cozze, one of the leading producers of gas and electric pizza ovens.

This marks a significant milestone in the Cozze journey, as it allows them to provide their market-leading offering across the UK through Kettler’s established distribution channels.

Included in the range is the Cozze Electric Pizza Oven, which offers a compelling reason to make the switch to electric. Say goodbye to gas refills and embrace the future of outdoor cooking. Not only is it incredibly easy to use, but it's also the most cost-effective electric pizza oven on the market. The Cozze Electric Pizza Ovens are available from £299, and only require a total cooking time of two minutes, illustrating the efficiency of this market-leading range of ovens, offering a fun, creative experience for the whole family.

For people living in a space where open fires are restricted, have a balcony, or those who are simply seeking a hassle-free cooking experience, these electric pizza ovens are the answer, and for the environmentally conscious, these ovens also offer the benefit of a reduced carbon footprint.

“We are delighted to be the exclusive UK distributor for Cozze Pizza Ovens," stated Paul Bevington, Managing Director at Kettler. "At Kettler, we believe in enhancing the family experience at home, and with Cozzes' pizza ovens, we're making it easy for customers to create memorable moments outdoors and enjoy delicious pizzas together. It's like having the best takeaway right at home.

“The Cozze Electric Pizza Ovens create the ‘Plug & Pizza’ experience and offer a move towards a greener, more convenient and budget-friendly lifestyle.”

"We are thrilled about our partnership with Kettler," said Allan Boutrup, Director at Cozze Electric Pizza Ovens. "Kettler's dedication to delivering top-notch outdoor products perfectly aligns with our mission to provide customers with a fun and memorable cooking experience, whether they choose to cook indoors or prefer to dine al fresco. We are confident that this collaboration will introduce the pizza-making experience to even more UK families." 

As the exclusive distributor of Cozze in the UK, Kettler is committed to making these convenient ovens readily accessible to families across the nation. Leveraging their well-established distribution network and renowned customer service, Kettler ensures that customers experience a seamless journey when acquiring and using their Cozze Electric Pizza Ovens. 

 For more information and to explore the full range of Cozze Pizza Ovens, including their Gas Pizza Oven, which is available from £259, please visit: www.kettler.co.uk

Hillier has unveiled its garden design for the 2024 BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair. As headline sponsor of the show, the leading nursery will curate a cultivated woodland themed display perfectly suited to the New Forest surroundings of the show.

The garden will embody a traditional woodland brimming with many natural woodland plants such as Cornus, Hellebores, Ferns, Foxgloves and Primroses – offering gardeners inspiration for how to create their own pockets of woodland at home.

Visitors to the garden will also find narrow bark paths that resemble forest pathways and animal tracks, with stumps and woodpiles providing natural habitats for insects. Beneath the canopy of the trees, dappled light will filter through the leaves to create a calming and captivating outdoor haven, transporting visitors to the British countryside.

“We are pleased to unveil our design for the 2024 Spring Fair. This year, with more focus on woodland and naturalistic planting and cultivated areas, we have created something completely unique in comparison to our usual style,” says Chris Francis, Wholesale and Retail Director of Hillier. “We are looking forward to once again providing inspiration and advice to visitors at the Fair and are excited to be able to share this natural and harmonious woodland we are creating.”

Subtle flowers such as Snakeshead Fritillary, Primrose and Cowslip will surround the garden around the long grassy borders, and Hellebores and Foxgloves will punctuate with blocks of colour to contrast against the green and brown hues of the trees and bark. Under the canopy of large semi-mature trees ,visitors will appreciate an array of planting with a variety of different heights, structures, and textures to create a dynamic effect.

As well as exploring the woodland garden, visitors to the Fair will be able to enjoy the Hillier Experience and receive advice directly from Hillier experts. The Fair will also be the first outing for some new plant introductions from Hillier Nurseries – with more to be announced soon! Guests are encouraged to upskill their green-fingers at the talks and demo stages around the Fair and discover design ideas from the Showcase Gardens and space-savvy Beautiful Borders. They can even book a practical workshop to go home with some new skills too. With over 100 exhibitors, gardeners can bring their ideas to life and shop directly for plants and kit.

There are plenty of attractions to keep guests entertained, including the BBC Good Food Market, street food and al-fresco bar, and they will be able to explore Beaulieu’s attractions including the National Motor Museum, Palace House, and spring gardens. Visitors will also be able to see BBC Gardeners’ World’s Frances Tophill (Friday), Adam Frost (Saturday), Rachel de Thame (Sunday), and Sue Kent (Saturday) across the weekend.

The BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair is taking place in the stunning setting of Beaulieu from 3rdto 5th May, and Hillier is proud to be a sponsor for the fourth year in a row. Tickets are available from www.bbcgardenersworldfair.com.

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

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The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) is a global organisation uniting thousands of growers of flowers and ornamental plants. We are 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. International Horticultural Expos are a source of inspiration for governments, professionals, and communities around the world.

During the AIPH Spring Meeting in Qatar, organisers of the International Horticultural Expos presented their progress reports at AIPH’s International Horticultural Expos Conference. The AIPH officially approves horticultural expositions, which serve as a platform for showcasing the latest horticultural advancements and ideas to a global audience.

In his opening message, AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio emphasised the importance of ornamental horticulture by stating, “The world needs to hear the message we have to tell. AIPH, as the world’s champion for the power of plants, will continue to promote the importance of plants.”

AIPH’s Expos Conference took place alongside AIPH-approved Expo 2023 Doha Qatar - the first AIPH-approved Horticultural Expo in a desert climate. Over 120 delegates from 23 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East gathered in the heart of Al Bidda Park in the Expo’s Congress Centre to hear the reports.

Expo 2023 Doha has been open to the public since October 2023, and it has so far welcomed 3,881,971 visitors who have experienced its theme of ‘Green desert, better environment’. It has been an inspiration for visitors, showcasing how desert cities can move towards greener futures. The Expo has seen participation from 71 countries, with each garden and pavilion exhibiting ornamental horticulture and best practices.

Mr. Mohammed Ali Alkhoori, the Secretary General of Expo 2023 Doha, spoke about the Expo's activities to educate visitors about sustainability, environmental awareness, modern agriculture, technology, and innovation. He also provided an overview of the plans for the Expo site after its closure on 28 March.

The Conference allowed delegates the opportunity to review not only Expo 2023 Doha’s progress but also the progress of upcoming International Horticultural Expos, which will be taking place in China, Türkiye, Thailand, and Japan. There was also the opportunity to look back on Expos that finished in 2023 with Final Reports given from Suncheon, South Korea, and Kahramanmaraş in Türkiye.

Representatives of Expo applications for AIPH approval also had the opportunity to present their cities to AIPH Members. These included applications to host Category A1 Expos from Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), (Thailand) and Minnesota (USA). Applications for Category B Expos from Ulsan (Korea) and an application for a Category C International Horticultural Show from Euroflora, Genoa (Italy).

After the AIPH Expos Conference, delegates had the chance to take a VIP Tour of Expo 2023 Doha.

Recordings of each Expo presentation at the International Horticultural Expos Conference will be available to view soon on AIPH YouTube.

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) is a global organisation uniting thousands of growers of flowers and ornamental plants. We are 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. The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) gave approval for a Category A1 application for an International Horticultural Exhibition in the Nakhon Ratchasima province, in the Northeastern region of Thailand, known as “Korat”, from 10 November 2029 to 28 February 2030.

The approval by Members took place on 6 March during the AIPH Spring Meeting in Doha, Qatar, in accordance with AIPH Application Regulations and following an excellent application presentation by the organising team at the AIPH International Horticultural Expos Conference on 4 March.

On behalf of the Royal Thai Government, H.E. Mr. Sira Swangsilpa, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the State of Qatar, began the presentation to AIPH Members, highlighting why Thailand is the ideal host for the A1 Korat Expo 2029.

He stated: “Korat is rich in history, agricultural land, and biodiversity. Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located in the province, putting Korat as one of four cities in the world with the prestigious title of the “UNESCO Triple Heritage”.

Mr Swangsilpa continued, “Korat Expo 2029, under the theme of “Nature and Greenery: Envisioning the Green Future”, will showcase our natural wonders, ethnic diversity, and biodiversity. It will introduce the harmony of sustainable horticultural and agricultural technology, providing a platform to share our expertise on sustainable growth and sustainable initiatives.”

Reaffirming Thailand’s strength in biodiversity, local wisdom, and innovation to host Korat Expo 2029, Mr. Rapibhat Chanarasrivongs, Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Thailand, elaborated on the “Green Future” and the country’s contributions to horticultural development. He said: “Korat Expo 2029 will be a platform where local and international communities come together to show how important agriculture and horticulture are. It will be a global hub to display innovative practices of horticulture that blend modern technology with age-old wisdom, as well as dynamic learning platforms.”

The total population of Nakhon Ratchasima is 2,630,058, and 9.9 million people visited in 2022. Dr Metinee Srivatanakul, Secretary General of the Horticultural Science Society of Thailand (HSST) and Dr Peeradorn Kaewlai, Associate Professor of Architecture, explained how the 109 hectares of Expo Park would be designed in distinct areas to accommodate the attraction of Korat Expo 2029.

Mr Tim Briercliffe, AIPH Secretary General, said, “The AIPH inspection team were very impressed during the site inspection of Korat last year, and the members gave their unanimous support. We look forward to working with the Korat team to create an amazing Expo in 2029”.

View the presentation video: https://youtu.be/NaaAx81zChQ

Last week GTN called in at Dobbies Telford and Dobbies Peterborough and it was notable that there were some big gaps in new stocks, particularly aggregates, outdoor pots, plants and garden lighting, and at Telford there didn’t appear to be a great deal of growing media stock or garden furniture.

We asked Dobbies when they were expecting their centres to be fully stocked and today we have this response from a Dobbies spokesperson:

“With the new season nearly upon us, customers will see our new Spring and Summer gardening and outdoor living ranges being introduced across our stores and at dobbies.com. This includes 700 own brand gardening items that have been developed for the new season, including own brand tools, pots, grow lights, bulbs and seeds. 

“Our stock of aggregates and outdoor pots are due to arrive in-store before Easter, and our range of plants and garden lighting are increasing over the coming days and weeks. The current outdoor living ranges are available, with lots more landing for Easter, and we’ve had confirmation of containers landing in the UK.”

Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has completed the sale of Hawley Garden Centre in Kent to garden centre market newcomer Castacrete.

Regarded as one of Kent's largest independently run garden centres, the business received considerable interest and attracted offers from a number of established garden centre operators after coming to the open market.

Previous owner, Janice East, who has developed the garden centre from a small plant nursery to the thriving business that it is today, said: “It is with a huge amount of sadness that I will no longer be at Hawley Garden Centre.  My time for retirement brings reflection of how I’ve so enjoyed my everyday work life and have loved working in this industry.  Happily, both my son Darrell, and my daughter Morgan will continue to work at the centre and help to continue the success of the business for the new owners.  

“I have every reason to think it will continue to flourish and be just as busy as we have always been.  I shall miss the Seasons but will eagerly keep in touch to watch the progress from a distance.  Our wonderful staff and the many concession partners are a great asset to the new owners, and I wish them all the very best.”

Purchaser Terry Smallman of Castacrete,  commented: “We are delighted to take ownership of Hawley Garden Centre. We have some exciting plans for the future, which will hopefully include new additions such as a mini golf course and a possible children’s nursery. We will also be adding one of our own Roman Stone Landscaping Centres to the list of ever-growing attractions to the Garden Centre.”

Tom Glanvill, Director – Garden Centres & Retail at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, said: “The market has been very lively so far in 2024, with our garden centre team completing three large transactions since January, including online outdoor living specialists Riverside Garden Centre and Peter Beales Roses. The sale of Hawley Garden Centre is certainly another notable transaction in the industry so far this year. A number of centres have been brought to the market and over 45 viewings have been arranged on these businesses, so it looks highly likely that the number of centres that we sell in 2024 will be considerably higher than in 2023.

“Hawley Garden Centre is a superb business, and the large freehold site offers huge potential for the buyers to introduce their ranges of stoneware, as well as develop the thriving concession business. I certainly wish the new owners all the best with the venture.”

The GTN team called in at BGC Bridgnorth last week where they were holding another of their days for team members across the group. This week was plants and landscaping.

See GTN Xtra's photo tour of the centre below, including photos of the BGC Fern garden furniture range plus the displays of branded garden furniture which Charles Stubbs told us would still account for 70% of BGC garden furniture sales.

On the same day we also visited a few Dobbies centres where there were notable gaps in areas of aggregates, outdoor pots, plants and garden lighting.  We have contacted Dobbies for an update on when they are expecting stocks to arrive but have not had a reply at time of going to press.

Dobbies  is introducing 69 new own brand product lines across horticultural categories this month including gardening tools, indoor grow lights and a diverse selection of new bulbs. They are part of the own brand range, which features 700 own brand items across the gardening range, increasing from 200 lines last year.

The expanded range responds to the growing demand from UK shoppers for quality own brand products at affordable prices. A recent study by packaging manufacturer Amcor found that 70% of respondents regularly buy private label products.

Dobbies range includes 28 new own brand gardening tools priced from £4.99 to £32.99, including a hand fork, trowel, garden border fork, lawn-edging shears and secateurs. These have been developed with both quality and value front of mind.

There are 35 new bulb varieties that can be planted from now, including an exclusive Dahlia Bright Eyes which is only available to Dobbies’ customers. These are priced from £4.99 or 3 for £12. 

Supporting inclusive gardening, Dobbies has launched own brand grow lights. These stylish, innovative and practical indoor gardening lights, support plant growth and mean people can garden even without an outside space. They support the trend for grow your own, where Dobbies has seen steady growth since 2020, as well as houseplant care. There are six new lines that are landing in store from late March, priced from £16.99, which were officially launched at the Horticultural Trades Association’s Garden Press Event on 20 February.

Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies, said: “It’s important that we provide our customers with great quality basics to make the most of their gardens – no matter their experience or skills. We have been working hard to make sure that this year we have even more great quality own brand products that we can be proud of, and are available to customers at affordable prices. The right gardening toolkit can make the world of a difference and these new lines provide high quality essentials for those looking to bring garden living to life in 2024.”

Dobbies new own brand tools and bulbs are available in-store and at dobbies.com now. Grow lights will be available from late March.

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co has brought to market Preston Garden Centre & Coppers Bistro in Preston, Canterbury, with a guide price of £1.45 million.

Situated on a circa two-acre site, this charming freehold garden centre features a fantastic new restaurant, retail shop, large plant area and display gardens, which offer significant scope for private functions and events.

The family-run business enjoys an affluent local demographic and is well placed to benefit from the large number of tourist and day trippers that frequent this popular region of Kent. This presents an exciting opportunity for a new owner to take over a profitable garden centre with scope to grow the business.

Tom Glanvill, Director – Garden Centres & Retail at Christie & Co, who is handling the sale, comments, “Preston Garden Centre and Coppers Bistro has a fabulous new restaurant, large plant area and retail space. The buildings are exceptional, and the site offers huge potential to grow the range of products and increase revenue. I expect strong interest from local garden centre operators but could also see it appealing to a restaurateur or lifestyle purchaser.”

The GCA Garden Centre of the Year, Fairways at Ashbourne, were presented with their trophy and winners banner yesterday by GCA CEO, Peter Burks.

Ally Moseley and her team were excited for the return of the trophy they last won in 2017 after not being able to be present at the GCA Annual Dinner and Awards in January.

The centre started in 1998 after Ally's father met Ian Boardman while tarmacing the car park at Byrkley Park Garden Centre and asked "would a garden centre we a good development for a pick your own farm?"

The result is an award winning centre in beautiful Derbyshire countryside, with a team that really engage with their customers and maintain very high retail standards.

See for yourself with our GTN Xtra photo tour below.