Wyevale Garden Centres has today announced the sale of 11 garden centres in four separate transactions to British Garden Centres, The Plant Area Limited (t/a Clandon Park Garden Centre), Coolings Garden Centres and Maidenhead Aquatics.

British Garden Centres will acquire 8 centres: Albrighton, Birchencliffe, Bressingham, Gardenlands, Hemel Hempstead, Louth, Tarporley and Wolseley Bridge. This follows their earlier acquisition of six centres.

In separate transactions, The Plant Area Limited will acquire Woking garden centre, Coolings Garden Centres will acquire Wych Cross garden centre and Maidenhead Aquatics will acquire Dummer garden centre.

Anthony Jones, Chief Operating Officer at Wyevale Garden Centres, said: “The sale of a further 11 centres takes the total number sold to 101 since the sale process began. I’m delighted that these 11 centres will remain as garden centres and would like to thank all colleagues for their commitment and contribution and wish them all well for the future.”

Charles Stubbs, MD of British Garden Centres said: “We are proud to announce the purchase of these additional centres into our rapidly expanding British Garden Centres family. Phillippa, Robert and I and all the British Garden Centres teams are looking forward to supporting the new centres in the set up for the Autumn/Winter trading period. We would like to express our thanks to all involved in this complex purchase process.”

Lee Wong, MD at Clandon Park Garden Centre said: “Clandon Park has been under our independent ownership since 2003 and we are delighted to welcome all the staff at Woking Garden Centre into our company. The two centres serve different towns, but are less than 20 minutes apart and already share many customers offering significant opportunities to work and grow together.”

Paul Cooling, Chairman of the 3rd generation family business said: "The whole team at Coolings is looking forward to welcoming their new colleagues from Wych Cross. The centre and nursery has a great reputation for roses, and is a great fit for Coolings. After completion the centre will close temporarily for refurbishment and will re-open as Wych Cross Nursery on Friday 23rd August."

David Lawrence, MD of Maidenhead Aquatics said “Maidenhead Aquatics are pleased to have acquired Dummer Garden Centre. Having traded from the site for over ten years as a concession it was an opportunity to secure both the future of the site as a local traditional garden centre as well as enhancing and securing our existing specialist aquatics offering. We very much look forward to working with the existing team and further improving the centre.”

Christie & Co, the specialist business property advisor is managing the sale process on behalf of Wyevale Garden Centres. There still remains the opportunity to acquire a small group or a portfolio of well performing garden centres located in attractive locations.

Following the completion of this and other previously announced sales, Wyevale Garden Centres will trade 43 garden centres plus 4 centres trading under license. These include 42 restaurants and 154 concessions with 125 partners. These have been key to driving footfall and de-seasonalising the business, making the centres attractive all year-round destinations.

At the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last month, Guy Hands told GTN Xtra that all of the remaining centres would be sold by the end of the year and at The National Plant Show there were plenty of rumours flying around about other sales and purchases that are in the pipeline.

Who do you think are the best buyers of 2019?

The search is on for the Glee Buyers Power List and the journey starts with your nominations before voting by all members of the trade and the winners being announced on Wednesday at Glee 2019.

There are 7 categories you can make nominations in this year:

• Best single site independent Garden centre
• Best multiple site independent garden centre (5 stores or less)
• Best Garden Centre groups (6 stores or more)
• Best DIY/Builders Merchant buyer/buying team (check votes from last year)
• Best Online retailer buyer/buying team
• Best Supermarket/department store buyer/buying team
• Best high street garden retailer buyer/buying team

To make your nominations send an e-mail with "Buyers Power List" in the subject to: grace.reilly@ite-exhibitions.uk

Nominations close on June 30th 2019 and then the voting process runs through to the end of August.

Last years winners were:

Best Independent Garden Centre Buyer – Perrywood 
Multiple Garden Centre Buyer – Blue Diamond
Best Builders Merchant Buyer – Stax 
Best Online Buyer – Primrose
Best Supermarket Buyer – Waitrose
Best High Street Buyer – The Range

See you at Glee 2019.  Tuesday 10th September - Thursday 12th September.

Agapanthus ‘AMB001’ ‘Fireworks’ from Fairweather’s Nursery has been crowned this year as Best in Show at the New Plant Awards on the opening morning of the HTA National Plant Show. The show, sponsored by Hortipak, takes place today and tomorrow (18 and 19 June) at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.

When discussing the winner, the judges commented, “The agapanthus has the ‘wow factor’. It has a romantic, naturalistic look and looks exceptional even when in tight bud. It is a good commercial plant and looks to be a good improvement on its predecessor, ‘Twister’, because it is more robust and fills the pot quicker, therefore better value for money. It is exciting to have a fantastic plant that looks great in the container and in the border.”

The judges also recognised that the houseplant category was worthy of note due to an increased number of entries, with foliage houseplants on trend. There was also an increase in new retail concepts, with some good plant names for retail and those new to gardening.

The New Plant Awards, sponsored by the RHS, are the beating heart of the show and create an area bursting with inspiration for our visitors. This year there has once again been over 100 entries – meaning that over the history of the show over 1,000 new plants have been showcased.

The winners are:

Annuals
Gold and Best in Category - Impatiens walleriana ‘Beacon®’ - Ball Colegrave Ltd

Silver - Hypoestes phyllostachya hippo 'Rose' - Kernock Park Plants Ltd

Silver - Nemesia fruticans hybrid 'Boysenberry' - Kernock Park Plants Ltd

Silver - Solanum ‘F1 2414’ Plum Tomato' – Javado UK

Bronze - Helianthus annuus ‘Sunsation® Yellow F:1’ - Javado UK

Bronze - Fuchsia 'Bella Faya' - Javado UK

Bronze - Fuchsia 'Bella Laura' - Javado UK

Bronze - Fuchsia 'Bella Maria' - Javado UK

Bronze - Fuchsia ‘Bella Fuchsia ® Lisa’ - W D Smith & Son

Bronze - Petunia x hybrida ‘Amore Pink Hearts’ - Profitplant UK & Batchmere Ltd

Bronze - Petunia x hybrida ‘Amore King of Hearts’ - Profitplant UK & Batchmere Ltd

Bronze - x Petchoa hybrida ‘BeautiCal French Vanilla’ - Earley Ornamentals Ltd

Herbaceous Perennials
Gold and Best in Category - Agapanthus ‘AMB001’ 'Fireworks' - Fairweather's Nursery

Gold - Agapanthus ‘Poppin Purple’ - Wyevale Nurseries Limited/ Fairweather's Nursery

Gold - Buddleia davidii ‘Monarch® Blue Knight’ - Allensmore Nurseries Ltd

Gold - Dianthus x allwoodii hort 'Cherry Burst' - Whetman Plants International

Gold - Digitalis isabelliana (‘ISOB007’PBR) PBRAF ‘Bella’ - Hillier Nurseries Ltd

Gold - Lysimachia christianiae 'Sunburst' - Kernock Park Plants Ltd

Gold - Nepeta nervosa ‘Neptune’ - Allensmore Nurseries Ltd

Silver - Agapanthus 'Andbin' 'Ever Sapphire' – Fairweather’s Nursery

Silver - Dianthus 'Aztec Star' - Whetman Plants International

Silver - Dianthus 'Blushing Star' - Whetman Plants International

Silver - Dryopteris wallichiana ‘Jurassic Gold’ - Seiont Nurseries Ltd

Silver - Nepeta 'Cat's Pajamas' – Fairweather’s Nursery

Silver - Salvia guaranitica 'Amante' - Wyevale Nurseries Limited and Darby Nursery Stock

Silver - Sempervivum arachnoideum ‘Coral Red’ - Lovania Nurseries Ltd

Bronze - Agapanthus ‘WP001’ 'Ever White' – Fairweather’s Nursery

Bronze - Digitalis x hybrida ‘Pink Panther®’ - Profitplant UK & Batchmere Ltd

Bronze - Geum ‘Fiery Tempest’ - Farplants Sales Ltd

Bronze - Geum ‘Coral Tempest’ - Farplants Sales Ltd

Bronze - Salvia greggii ‘Amethyst Lips’ - Seiont Nurseries Ltd

Bronze - Salvia greggii ‘Cherry Lips’ - Seiont Nurseries Ltd

Bronze - Sempervivum ‘Gold Nugget’ - Lovania Nurseries Ltd and Newey Ltd

Houseplants

Gold and Best in Category - Aloe zebrina ‘Danyz’ - Javado UK

Gold - Rhapidophora tetrasperma ‘Minima’ - Javado UK

Gold - Senecio peregrinus ‘Jumping Dolphin’ - Javado UK

Silver - Anthurium andreanum  ‘Anthfytwal’ - Profitplant UK & Batchmere Ltd

Silver - Philodendron bipinatifidum ‘Philodendron’ - Profitplant UK & Batchmere Ltd

Silver - Philodendron hastatum - Javado UK

Silver - Tradescantia nanouk - Javado UK

Bronze - Asplenium nidus ‘Campio’ - Javado UK

Bronze - Cambria Odontioda ‘Nippon’ - Javado UK

Bronze - Philodendron atom selloum ‘Atom’ - Javado UK

Bronze - Tillandsia intermedia x streptophylla 'Curly Slim' - Javado UK

Shrubs and Climbers
Gold and Best in Category - Clematis ‘Elodi™ Tudor Patio® Evipo 115 (N)’ - The Bransford Webbs Plant Company & The Guernsey Clematis Nursery

Silver - Clematis ‘Sugar Sweet’ - New Leaf Plants Ltd

Silver - Hebe ‘Sunrise’ - The Bransford Webbs Plant Company    

Silver - Hydrangea paniculata ‘Early Harry’ - Lovania Nurseries Ltd

Silver - Lavandula angustifolia ‘BeeZee Blue’ - Darby Nursery Stock

Silver - Lavandula angustifolia ‘BeeZee Pink’ - Darby Nursery Stock

Silver - Lavandula stoechas lamorosia ‘TM Purple Flag ®’ - Javado UK

Silver - Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Breebay’ - Hillier Nurseries Ltd

Silver - Vaccinium angustifolium aiton × V. corymbosum L. 'Berrybux' - Javado UK

Bronze - Cordyline australis (‘TUS019’PBR) EU 49536 'Pink Star' - Hillier Nurseries Ltd and Newey Ltd

Bronze - Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Kazan’ - Javado UK

Trees and Conifers
Gold and Best in Category - Tilia x europaea ‘WILTIL’ 'Golden Sunset' - Frank P Matthews Limited

Silver - Prunus pumila var. besseyi x armeniaca ‘Aprikyra’ - Frank P Matthews Limited

This year’s judging panel include Sabatino Urzo from the RHS, Ken Cox from Glendoick Garden Centre, Tamsin Westhorpe co-chair of the Garden Media Guild and Melanie Livingston plant buyer from Fron Goch Garden Centre with HTA’s Director of Operations Martin Simmons overseeing.

All New Plant Award entries can be viewed at the show and visitors too can have their say by taking part in the Visitor Vote Awards, sponsored by Floramedia. The winner of the Visitor Vote Award will be announced on the afternoon of Wednesday 19June.

The HTA National Plant Show takes place on 18 and 19 June at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire. For more information and to register in advance please visit www.nationalplantshow.co.uk

Visitors to HTA National Plant Show this week (18-19 June, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire) can download a free app.

The new HTA National Plant Show App for 2019 from Garden Connect is available on the App Store for iOS and Google Play for Android. Search for 'National Plant Show'.

The app gives you an insight into the who, what and where of the event. Browse through exhibitors across both halls, keep up to date with seminar speakers, toolbox talks and sponsors. An interactive map will point you in the right direction.

Hall 2 is packed full of plants from the very best UK nurseries and the former Nursery Supply Show will be co-located in the adjoining Hall 1, providing everything the trade needs to sell plants under one roof.

The New Plant Awards sponsored by the RHS have attracted more than 100 entries. Visitors also get their chance to have their say in the Visitor Vote Awards, sponsored by Floramedia. There will be an entrance display of the winning plants from all nine previous shows.

You will be able to cast your vote on the app for the Planting the Seed Award – the visitor's choice for the stand displaying the most innovative plant display ideas.

In Hall 2 the Seminar theatre, sponsored by Sinclair, is hosting a range on talks on hot topics including the New Plant Awards, plant health, plastics, the PHYTO-THREATS project and sustainability.

Tool box talks, sponsored by Dura-ID, is a new mini demo area. Suppliers showcasing their products are ICL - Seeka Nematode Range, Dura ID - Demo of Hortipix Pro Printing System and Melcourt - PEAT reduction targets, with an additional session on plastics in horticulture.

Visit the HTA Village to find out the latest information on key topics of interest such as biosecurity, Plant Healthy and forthcoming events such as the Catering Conference (3 July), Marketing Forum (16 October) and Cultivating Retail (19 November).

Close to the HTA Village you will find the BOPP stand where you can find out about horticultural standards in ornamental horticulture. There will also be an opportunity get the latest update on the industry move towards growing in kerbside recyclable plant pots.

If you haven't already done so already, you can register in advance here. www.nationalplantshow.co.uk

The industry has made substantial progress made towards the adoption of kerbside recyclable non-black plant pots, a meeting of the Nursery Working Group has heard.

Growers attending the meeting reported that they have all moved away from using black pots and have either switched all production to non-black recyclable pots or are on track to do so for 2020.

There have been no reports of any issues with growing in the recyclable replacements and they have been well received by customers and consumers alike.

The Nursery Working Group was established following last year’s National Plant Show, where growers recognised the need to come together to start tackling the issue around black plastic pots which are not recyclable from the kerbside. Following discussions with pot manufacturers, the move was made to grow in a recyclable, carbon black pigment free polypropylene pot, with the taupe pot being adopted as the industry standard colour.

The Group and the HTA have been working with RECOUP (RECycling of Used Plastics Limited) and LARAC (Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee) on developing a strategy to move the initiative forward by liaising with reprocessing facilities and Local Authorities.

Chair of the Nursery Working Group, David Chilvers from The Bransford Webbs Plant Company, said: “It is quite incredible to see how much progress has been made since last year’s National Plant Show and really encouraging to see businesses coming together to make a change for the greater good of the industry.”

He added “The work is far from complete and we are eager to keep the momentum going with the next phase focussing on working with materials re-processors and local authorities to ensure that the pots are collected and recycled. The new pots are really starting to make an impact in garden centre plant areas, and it will be interesting to see how this is reflected by exhibitors at the National Plant Show. Further information and messaging will be available to visitors and exhibitors at the show.”

HTA Policy Executive Sally Cullimore will be presenting an update on plastics in horticulture in two seminar sessions at the show, wherer there will also be a recyclable pot feature area.

Nursery Working Group members include:  Allensmore Nurseries, Binstead Nurseries, Darby Nursery Stock, Double H Nurseries, Farplants Group, Hillier Nurseries, Hills Plants, Johnsons of Whixley, Lovania Nurseries, New Leaf Plants, Porters Fuchsias, The Bransford Webbs Plant Company and Wyevale Nurseries.

Growers wanting to find out more about the Nursery Working Group should contact Sally Cullimore, HTA Policy Executive on 01235 776196 or by email. policy@hta.org.uk.

15 years after Nick Seaby and his father Mick bought Mill Race Garden Centre at Aldham near Colchester they have decided to sell the business as a going concern.

Both Nick and Mick experts within the Aquatics business and well respected and recognized for being one of the best in the UK. They have 4 aquatics site, Harling, Rayleigh, Colchester and also as a tenant in Gravesend as part of the Millbrook Garden Centre site.

The garden centre business, which was extended by way of spending £750k on a new 5500 sq foot building (pictured above) in 2008, although profitable has not the attention it deserves and thus having reviewed all options they have decided to sell as an on-going concern. They still have confidence in the Colchester site and will still trade the Aquatics business here as a tenant rather than as a freehold landlord.

"We purchased the garden centre 15 years ago and have traded successfully and benefited from the loyalty of both customers and our team. We are however specialists in Aquatics and are aware that a new operator could do more justice to the potential of the team and the opportunity that exists on the site and in Colchester. We therefore wish to see the business transition to new ownership and a prosperous future." said Nick.

"The Garden Centre benefits from approximately 25 000 sq. ft. of internal space, an extensive planteria and coffee shop with access onto the river, and is located close to one of the fastest growing towns in the UK, it is believed that there is potential for the site to triple its current turnover.

"We have appointed Quinton Edwards to help us find new owners and they will begin actively marketing the garden centre as from this week.

"Please contact Simon Quinton Smith or Rachel McMordie on 01635 551441 if you would like further information."

A new, state-of-the-art Welcome building at RHS Garden Wisley has been opened on June 10 by founding RHS Ambassador Alan Titchmarsh.

A bigger Plant Centre covering 5000 sq m will stock tens of thousands of plants and feature displays by specialist UK growers all year round. The RHS claim at Wisley they will be making a larger variety of rare and unusual plants available for people to buy for their homes and gardens than anywhere else in Britain.

RHS Greening Great Britain launched last month to encourage everyone to grow more plants across the UK to bring significant benefits to our health and the environment.

Alan Titchmarsh said: “Millions visit Wisley every year to be inspired by the horticulture on display and now the RHS flagship site will be a permanent showcase to celebrate specialist UK growers, just as it does at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and its other world-famous events. These plant specialists lovingly grow the rarest, most unusual and beautiful varieties in the world, which thrive in UK gardens because they’re so used to our climate.”

Country Garden Plant Sales (Dorset) will display ferns, including the new ‘Jurassic Gold’ which has golden leaves and can withstand very cold temperatures. W.D Smith and Sons (Essex) will display pelargoniums, many with unusual scents including orange, pine, rose and cola. A large range of dahlias, including some the size of dinner plates by Pheasant Acre Plants (Bridgend). Peonies by Primrose Hall Nursery (Milton Keynes), hostas by Stafford Lake Nursery (Woking) and acers by Credale Nursery (Herefordshire).

Alan added: “I promise to help Greening Great Britain by continuing to promote and buy from specialist UK growers. If the UK’s army of 27 million gardeners were to do the same, we would be protecting the UK from pests and diseases coming in from abroad; helping pollinators which need a diverse range of plants in order to survive; and supporting this vital industry that is worth more than £24 billion to the UK economy.”

To meet the growing houseplant trend, there will be more houseplants in stock than ever before. Houseplant sales at RHS plant centres are up 50% with non-flowering varieties up 64%. Plants with air-purifying qualities are selling well with sales in ‘snake plants’ increasing tenfold. Ferns are enjoying a resurgence and cacti are becoming even more popular.

The new Welcome building also contains improved visitor facilities including a spacious arrivals hall, a 100-seater restaurant, bigger shops selling gardening and artisan products and a larger café.

For the first time, visitors will be welcomed by world class horticulture on arrival with new landscaping by multi-award-winning Christopher Bradley-Hole. 250 native trees will be planted in and around the car-park and visitors will enter the 240-acre garden through an avenue of 100 cherry trees.

Once inside the garden, visitors can explore several new areas. Namely, the 75-metre long Wisteria Walk, The Exotic Garden and Heather Landscape with ornamental grass borders.

This is the first of three major projects that make up a wider £70 million transformation of RHS Garden Wisley. The second is the creation of the UK’s first National Centre for Horticultural Science and Learning, opening in 2020, and the restoration of its iconic Laboratory. The RHS is currently fundraising for the final £2 million.

CJ Wildlife has added products in long life Dura Green Wood to its range of bird feeders and wildlife shelters.

Dura Green wood has undergone treatment in a high temperature kiln in a process that ensures it does not absorb moisture so will not easily crack, warp or rot. This environmentally friendly process increases the lifespan of the product to approximately 20 years without the use of chemicals. The products are finished with a clear water-based vanish.

The Calgary and  Ottawa Seed Feeders are vertical feeders with two clear Plexiglas sides, a suspension cord and a large overhang roof to prevents moisture reaching the food.

The Edmonton 34mm and Vancouver 32mm Nest Boxes are ideal for a range of garden birds from Blue Tits to Spotted Flycatchers.  Both have a door opening to enable cleaning when the breeding season is over.

The bottom section of the Halifax and Richmond Feeding Tables is made from a sturdy mesh allowing rainwater to run away. Both are suitable for a seed mix or other treats.

The new Milton Hedgehog House (pictured on cover page) has a long narrow passage leading to a more spacious shelter, making it more difficult for predators to enter. Ventilation holes have also been incorporated into the roof. To increase the chances of habitation, the box should be placed in a secluded corner and the nest chamber part-filled with dried leaves.

Clematis' ST17333’(Multi Pink), submitted by Van der Starre from Boskoop, was voted Best Novelty at Garden Trials and Trade 2019 in the Netherlands last week.

Clematis' ST17333’(Multi Pink), submitted by Van der Starre from Boskoop, has a unique combination of flower shape and colour and is a mutant plant from Clematis 'Hagley Hybrid', whose strength, , health and vigour it shares. According to the Royal Boskoop Horticultural Society jury, it is an excellent and innovative introduction.

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Hocomagicevo' (Magical Evolution), submitted by Kolster bv from Boskoop, was also awarded a gold medal. This exceptional cultivar originated as a mutant of 'Hokomarevo' (Magical Evolution) but it has a larger flower in a deeper shade of pink. The plants are uniform with healthy dark green foliage.

The jury also awarded three silver and four bronze medals.

The second edition of Garden Trials and Trade ran from 11 to 13 June in the Plantarium building at Hazerswoude-Dorp.

Visit the website for more information.

The start of June 2019 has been completely the opposite of 2018, wet and windy this year, glorious sunshine last year. And sales have been affected just as when we have snowfall in March. It just goes to show that whatever else is affecting garden centre business the weather is still our over-riding deciding factor. 

Thank goodness a break in the weather is forecast for this weekend.  Perhaps we may have a flaming end to June and make the most of gardening and leisure sales before we move into holiday time.

Did you make a note that the Early May Bank Holiday is moving next year? To allow for 75th Anniversary of VE Day celebrations it is moving from Monday to Friday 8th May.  The last time this happened was in 1995.  Did garden centres join in the celebrations then?  What will you plan with your local community for 2020?

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year (week 23)
Garden Products - down 14%
Growing Media - down 18%
Wild Bird Care - down 2%
Veg-2-Gro - down 8%
All Plants Index - down 28%
All Items Index - down 19%

Peter Seabrooks five pyramids of flowers, featuring 100 new plants, is the central showpiece of the Floral marquee at BBC Gardeners World Live! which opened at the NEC today.

The show, which is a festival for viewers of the TV programme and readers of the magazine, features superb show gardens, beautiful border ideas, seminar and demonstration theatres and many trade stands who aretaking the opportunity to increase brand awareness and drive sales to retail.  GTN Xtra spotted: Plantworks, Mr Fothergills, Hozeleock, Town & Country, Patio Black Spot, Pouff Daddy, Natural Grower, Handy Distribution, Gardena and Bramblecrest.  Westland sponsored the Pyramid displays and the Pyramid Stage.

A notable other retail exhibitor is M&S, selling hydrangeas, orchids and other plants.

See our gallery of photos from last nights press preview below.

Peter Seabrook describes many of the new plants as having "great energy" and as a result are vigorous with long flowering periods which should make them ideal plants for garden centre sales.

The list of new plants featured in the pyramids is here:

Agapanthus ‘Fireworks’

Supplied by: Thompson and Morgan

Ajuga tenorii ‘Princess Nadia’

Supplied by: Thompson and Morgan

Alstromeria ‘Summer Breeze’, ‘Summer Red’ and ‘Summer Sky’

Supplied by: Hilverda Kooij

Alstroemeria ‘Inticancha Imala’ , ‘Inticancha Red’ and ‘Inticancha Romance’

Supplied by: Hilverda Kooij

Angelonia Serena® Rose

Supplied by: BallColegrave/ PanAmerican Seed

Bacopa ‘Pinktopia’

Supplied by: BallColegrave/ PanAmerican Seed

Petchoa Beauticial ‘Sunray’ pink, ‘Caramel’ yellow, ‘Bordeaux’ red, ‘French

Vanilla’ and ‘Cinnamon’

Supplied by: Sakata

Begonia ‘Sweet Spice Bounty’

Supplied by: Kerleys

Begonia x bonariensis ‘Big Rose Bronze Leaf’

Supplied by: Benary

Bella Fuchsia ® Sophia

Blueberry ‘Pink Flamingo’

Supplied by: Suttons

Buddleja davidii ‘Butterfly Tower’

Supplied by: Thompson and Morgan

Calibrachoa Kabloom®

Blue Cherry Coral Denim Light Pink Blast

Orange Pink White Improved Yellow

Supplied by: BallColegrave/ PanAmerican Seed

Chilli ‘Spicy Jane’

Supplied by: Suttons

Chlorophytum saundersiae ‘Starlight’

Supplied by: Thompson and Morgan

Clematis ‘Little Lemons’

Supplied by: Thompson and Morgan

Cosmos Sulphureus ‘Mandarin’

Supplied by: BallColegrave/ PanAmerican Seed

Delphinium ‘Cinderella’

Supplied by: Suttons

Dianthus ‘BEAUTIES’

Supplied by: Hilverda Kooij

Digitalis x valinii ‘Firebird’

Supplied by: Farplants

Dryopteris ‘Jurassic Gold’

Supplied by: Seiont Nurseries

Echinacea ‘MOOODZ’

Supplied by: Hilverda Kooij

Fuchsita ‘Pink Violet’

Supplied by: Volmary

Gerbera Garvinea ‘Sweet Fiesta’

Supplied by: Florist

Gerbera Garvinea ‘Sweet Frosting’

Supplied by: Florist

Gerbera Garvinea ‘Sweet Love’

Supplied by: Florist

Gerbera Garvinea ‘Sweet Memories’

Supplied by: Florist

Gerbera Garvinea ‘Sweet Sunset’

Supplied by: Florist

Helianthus ‘Sunbelievable Brown Eyed Girl’

Supplied by: Thompson & Morgan

Impatiens, F1 Beacon™ ‘Coral’ , ‘Orange’, ‘Salmon’, ‘Violet’, ‘White’ And ‘Bright Red’

Supplied by: BallColegrave/ PanAmerican Seed

Ipomoea batatus ‘Sunpuma Purple’

Supplied by: Suntory

Laburnum ‘Yellow Rocket’

Supplied by: F. P. Matthews

Lavandula stoechas Bandera ‘Deep Rose’ And ‘Deep Purple’

Supplied by: BallColegrave/ PanAmerican Seed

Leucanthemum ‘Madonna’

Supplied by: BallColegrave/ PanAmerican Seed

Malus ‘Eden’

Supplied by: F. P. Matthews

Malus toringo ‘Aros’

Supplied by: F. P. Matthews

Myosotis sylvatica Mon Amie ‘Mix’ and ‘Pink’

Supplied by: BallColegrave/ PanAmerican Seed

Nemesia ‘Lady Penelope’

Supplied by: Farplants

Nepeta ‘Neptune’

Supplied by: Thompson and Morgan

Nepeta ‘Purrsian Blue’

Supplied by: Allensmore Nurseries Ltd

Osteospermum ‘Purple Sun’

Supplied by: Selecta One

Osteospermum Akila® Sunset Shades

Supplied by: BallColegrave/ PanAmerican Seed

Pelargonium x hybrid ‘Calliope Hot Pink’ and other Calliope cultivars.

Supplied by: Syngenta

Petunia F1 Spreading Easy Wave® Lavender Sky Blue

Supplied by: BallColegrave/ PanAmerican Seed

Petunia ‘Tumbelina Crazy Ripple’

Supplied by: Kerleys

Pittosporum tenuifolium ‘Silver Ball’

Pink 'Bridal Star’

Supplied by: Whetman Pinks

Alpine Pink 'Flutterby’

Supplied by: Whetman Pinks

Pink 'Pink Ruffles’

Supplied by: Whetman Pinks

Pink 'Red Carpet’

Supplied by: Whetman Pinks

Rose ‘Timeless Cream’, ‘Timeless Pink’ and ‘Timeless Purple’

Supplied by: Whartons

Salvia nemorosa ‘New Dimension Rose Improved’ And ‘Salvatore Blue’

Supplied by: BallColegrave/ PanAmerican Seed

Sedum ‘Atlantis’

Supplied by: Suttons

Toona sinensis ‘Beef and Onion’

Supplied by: Suttons

Xerochrysum bracteatum ‘Granvia Gold’

Supplied by: Suntory

For further information about the Plant Pyramids contact Peter Seabrook: peter.seabrook@btinternet.com

BBC Gardeners World Live! runs until Sunday 16th June at the NEC.  www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com

The Greatest Awards winning houseplant team at Aylett Nurseries have always been passionate about houseplants, keeping a full houseplant “house” throughout the past 10 years.

“Houseplant sales have grown in the past few years and now account for 6% of our total turnover, we were and still are passionate about housplants” said Julie Aylett.  “The sales mix has changed recently with foliage plants outselling flowering plants.”

Having said that when you have the space to put on displays of flowering houseplants of the quality of Ayletts it’s no surprise that those sales are increasing for them too.

Even though they don’t run an Instagram account at Aylett’s, Kathy Sanger, department manager, explained: “They come up with their list from google and from which plants since they say first pyou know what the next plants are going to be”.

Whilst the Aylett houseplant are has the look and feel of a traditional garden nursery greenhouse that doesn’t stop them stocking a selling new houseplants.  Plants grown on lava rock is the latest new addition from the continent.  Within 5 days of then going on sale half had already sold through!

Aylett Nurseries are also at the fore front of sustainable garden retailing with many displays highlighting recycling, re-use and organic gardening products.

Dobbies CEO Graeme Jenkins and Customer Director Louise Niven show GTN Xtra around their flagship Edinburgh centre.

Look out for the new, lower shop fittings that open up the store, the revamped restaurant and coffee shop (which will be moving to full waitress service when their IT systems allow) and an express check out.

In-Excess, who added four ex-Wyevale garden centres last Autumn are pulling up trees at their existing Ringwood site.  

The team have increased turnover to £4m with a mix of discount value retailing, own brand products and quality plants.

Out in the planteria they are able to maintain high plant quality really easily on a sloping site by building bespoke plant benches with plastic watering trays fitted in to avoid the need to water from above for most of their stock. According to their David Austin rep they have the best kept display in the area as a result.

N1 Garden Centre is often talked of as the place to watch for new trends in houseplants and a visit to the small centre, squeezed in between terraced houses on the edge of the Hoxton area of North London explains all. 

It is a houseplant paradise, brimming full of plants including some rare and exotic varieties. No wonder their website says they are: Making London an urban garden, one home at a time.

Creative Director, Paul Holt, told us that 20 years ago, when the business started, houseplants were only a fraction of the centre, now they occupy all of the “inside” retail area and trade is brisk.  “Our customers really love and care for their houseplants so we are always looking for new plants to offer them. We also make sure our pot range is very special, sourcing them from many suppliers not found in usual garden centres.”

An example of the specimen plants at N1 when we visited were variegated Cheese Plants that were on sale for £350.  “We can’t get enough of these.” Paul explained.

Houseplants are on trend and sales are on the increase.  GTN Xtra has been on the trail of the garden centre houseplant sales phenomenum to unearth great sales ideas and trends that are driving younger customers into garden centres like never before.

Elsewhere in this issue we feature pictures and ideas from Aylett Nurseries, Stewarts Christchurch, Perrywood, Whitehall Lacock and the London houseplant trend leaders N1 Garden Centre but we started our journey of houseplant discovery at Notcutts Norwich, the biggest Notcutts centre for houseplant sales and now one of the Top 10 garden centres in the UK for houseplant sales.

We first spotted the big change in the Notcutts Norwich houseplant area last Christmas, it’s quite different from a traditional garden centre houseplant department, funky industrial style racking that is stacked full of plants, plus loads of hanging houseplants create an inspirational plant forest effect.

Colin Dale, Category Manager for Plants and Garden at Notcutts explained that the inspiration came from his daughter two and a half years ago.  “She was then 23 and she came to me asking to go to the garden centre to buy some houseplants. Now that is not the sort of thing I expected from my daughter at all. There's something really strange here. What she bought were succulents and things like sanseverias. It's all the trend she explained to me, it's all on social media.

Read the full interview in the June issue of GTN using this link: https://issuu.com/gardentradenews/docs/gtn_june_19_digital_version

At Perrywood, houseplant sales are booming. 

With an Instagram account unique to houseplants, perrywoodhouseplants, driving people to the centre from as far afield as central London, the team watch trends from other centres, N1 in particular, and make sure they have as many new plants available as possible.

Their unique houseplant room sets, this year with clever planting right into the props, gives existing customers plenty of inspiration to buy more houseplants.

The importance of Instagram for their houseplant sales is explained by Zoe Willis: “We get so many questions through Instagram daily and then when we've had a delivery in and we put up a post everyone wants to know; can I come and get them and how much are they?”

“I have an Instagram account, zoeshouseofhouseplants, myself and I've got 5,000 followers. I think it's an amazing community to meet people, find out about different plants and get advice. I get so excited about it.”

Perrywood have also been making the most of aspiring houseplant owners wanting to ensure the watering of their precious plants is as easy as possible.  Using in-store sales demos and Instagram videos they are driving good sales of the Elho Easy Watering pot inserts.

At Plymouth Garden Centre, the only one we've visited that has a drawbridge as part of the entrance structure, they make the most of every plant and pot sales opportunity, even with popular Blueberry plants.

They also take great care on which greetings cards to stock and as a result sell over 65,000 cards a year. 

Nick Oliver at St Johns Ashford leaves customers in no doubt that the centre has different owners, they bought the centre from Wyevale last year, and at the same time underline their planty background.

St Johns original site in Barnstaple doesn't offer a childrens menu, just child sized portions of their main menu, which can also be ordered by "customers with smaller appetites." It is a huge success for them.

Stewarts Christchurch win the GTN Award for the most in-store trolley parks and the best use of trolley park space. 

Every trolley park was also being used as a merchandising unit meaning more could be deployed across the centre to ensure customers could easily find that trolley as soon as the need one.

Compared to some other garden centre houseplant areas Stewarts Christchurch is relatively tiny, but because they pack so much in they create a tropical forest effect which entices people to stop and but on their way into the centres and on their way to the tills.

In April, houseplant sales across the three Stewarts garden centres were up by 23%, and that was on top of good increases last year.

As well as a good range of pot covers, Stewarts also had available a good range of small tables and plant stands, a much needed extra purchase when you want to add more plants and you’ve run out of windowsill and shelf space to put them on.

The GTN team are always looking for innovative items on garden centre menus and at Whitehall Lacock we found the most delicious ‘Moving Mountains Plant Based Burger’ in the Lavender Lodge Restaurant. 

Top marks for taste and top marks for emphasising the plant-based items on the menu of a garden centre restaurant.  We can’t wait to go back again and try more.

What a spectacular entrance to the furniture department at Whitehall Lacock, an idyllic spring garden setting created with backdrop and props.  It matches the cover of Whitehall’s Beautiful Gardens magazine too!

Houseplant sales are 50% up at Whitehall Lacock. Peter Self says’ “It’s all about green architecture.  Every time we order some bigger plants they just sell though.”

“Sales had been flat up to a couple of years ago and slowly the momentum has built. The Instagram generation is leading the way.”

Calatheas have been particularly good sellers for the Whitehall team who are also amazed at the number of macramé pot hangers and cover pots they are selling.

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The wind, rain and dark cloudy skies appeared to be key factors when it came to garden product sales volumes last week.

Tree stakes and bamboo canes sold well, plant foods continued to be in demand, slug deterrents re-entered the Top 50 and garden lighting products had a good week.

Highlights were:

• Woodlodge 4-foot-long tree stakes were a new entry at No 42.
• SBM Ultimate Slug & Snail Killer, 750g, was the highest re-entry at No 11.
• Smart Solar’s Eureka! Neo Light Bulb Lantern zoomed up the chart from No 50 last week to No 2 this week.

As schools prepare to close their doors for the long summer break, Perennial can help parents and carers worried about the additional cost of the school holidays.

It costs families an average of £124.23 per week for full time holiday childcare and many parents pay more than twice as much during the holidays as they do for after-school clubs during term time. Most working parents are unable to take 13 weeks annual leave to look after children in holiday periods, so must incur childcare costs instead.

Perennial can support people working in all areas of the wider horticulture industry with childcare costs, holiday activities and clubs, to allow people to continue working, and help meet the costs of additional food required over the summer break. The team can also help people access other sources of support depending on their situation.

Julia Hayne, director of services at Perennial, is keen to remind people about how Perennial can help during these times. She says: “Every parent wants their child to enjoy their summer break from school but for people working in our industries, summer can be a busy season and it can be difficult to take time off work to look after children during the day. We understand that many parents and carers, despite careful budgeting, worry about the rising costs of raising a family, especially in the school holidays. We’re here to help alleviate some of the holiday stress with advice and financial support for families with at least one parent working in horticulture.”

For families whose children are in receipt of free school meals, which are not provided during the school holidays, the extra food costs associated with the summer break can put additional strain on already stretched budgets. Almost two-thirds of children experience hunger during term time but some families have to find an extra £30 a week in holidays. 

Julia continues: “It doesn’t take much to push a carefully planned monthly budget over the edge. Many of the people we help are successfully managing their money but we understand how extra meals, holiday childcare and activities can cause additional stress and we’re here to help with that. I’d like to encourage anyone who is worried about the forthcoming school holiday to contact us to find out how we can support them.”

If you, or someone you know, works in horticulture and needs additional support over the summer break, contact Perennial in confidence on 0800 093 8543, send an email services@perennial.org.uk or request support online www.perennial.org.uk/holidayhelp    

Runner bean plants, strawberry plants, herbs and peppers are starting to take over from tomato plants in volume sales. 

The wind and rain which kept many people away from garden centres will have contributed to the 55% drop week on week.  We’ve had a great year so far for Veg-2-Gro sales, let’s hope that continues through the rest of June.

Highlights were:

• Quantil Runner Bean White Emergo Strips increased sales and climbed up 15 places to be the No 1 Veg-2-Gro line for the first week of June 2019.
• Farplants Oregano Common was the highest re-entry at No 9.
• Quantil Strawberry Elegance 8.5cm made it’s debut in the GTN Chart at No 10.

A novel non-toxic and eco-friendly BBQ lighter was launched at the BBC’s Gardener’s World  Live last week.

Cardiff-based manufacturers BCB International Ltd have developed the world’s first solid bio-ethanol fuel, called ‘FireDragon’.

Following extensive research and development, laboratory and field trials, the UK Ministry of Defence adopted the ‘FireDragon’ fuel. Shoppers will now be able to get their hands on the newly-launched retail range.

BCB’s MD Andrew Howell says ‘FireDragon’ is cleaner than most traditional domestic barbecue lighters on the market.

The range includes solid and gel variants, supplied in attractive and easy to use packs and pouches.

 “Our ‘FireDragon’ fuel delivers a premium performance,” Howell said.  “It is non-toxic, eco-friendly, all-weather and provides a quicker, cleaner burn too. It is so clean that it can double as an anti-bacterial hand cleanser, making it safer to handle.

Fire Dragon was demonstrated at Gardener’s World Live by the chef and expert barbecue Ben Bartlett. “I have worked with many firelighting fuels over the years, they come second best to FireDragon,” he said.

Growing media sales suffered with the weather but they were 25% up on the same week in 2017, which puts things into perspective underlining the long term sales increase of this category.

Whilst overall GTN Top 50 sales volumes dropped, four lines did increase their sales week on week:

• Westland New Horizon All Plant Compost, 60 litres, climbed 12 places to No 4.
• Westland The Gardener’s Soil Conditioner, 50 litres, moved 17 places up the chart to No 30.
• Westland Gro-Sure Rose, Tree & Shrub Compost & 4 Month Feed, 50 litres, was the highest re-entry at No 36.
• Growth Technology Houseplant Compost, 8 litres, increased sales by 23% and re-entered the Top 50 at No 48.

The Springwatch effect helped keep Wild Bird Care sales at a good level despite the inclement weather. Top 50 sales volumes were almost level with the first week of June 2018.

Highlights were:

• Gardman Seed Mix 2kg moved up 16 places to No 3.
• Gardman Peanuts 2kg were the highest placed re-entry at No 8.
• Tom Chambers Sunflower Hearts 2.5kg jumped four places to No 4 after a 20% sales increase.

The rain and wind last week prompted a big drop in plant sales, well down on the same week last year but 8% up on the same week in 2017. 

As roses bloom their sales increase, moving up 10 places to No 4, only behind Pelargoniums (including zonal Geraniums) Petunias and Begonias in terms of volume sales and popularity.

With gardeners looking for more instant colour it was good to see so many new plants with long flowering periods at BBC Gardeners World Live! this week.  We’ll be watching the GTN Bestsellers Epos data carefully next year to see how they sell through when they get into full production.

All Plants volume sales change: Week on week DOWN 38.6%.  Year to date vs 2018 DOWN 3.4%, vs  2017 UP 1.7%.

Team Hartman, led by Paul Facey with Steve Ainscough, Jay Bunker and Keith Laird, were victorious for the second year running at the 10th Anniversary GIMA Golf & Charity Day held at Telford Hotel and Golf Resort on Thursday 6th June 2019.

Eighteen teams took part in the Charity Golf competition and a further group took park in a Crystal mazed activity and Kwick Cricket at nearby Lilleshall Cricket Club.

Further fundraisng for the Greenfingers Charity continued throughout the evening dinner with a prize giving ceremony and after dinner entertainment a charity raffle and auction. 

Results of the golf competition were:

1 Hartman
2 Sunshine GC
3 Mr Fothergills
4 Woodlodge
5 Bord Na Mona A
6 Evergreen
7 Garantia
8 Zest 4 Leisure
9 Forest Garden
10 Smart Garden A
11 Bord Na Mona B
12 GIMA
13 Westland
14 Vitax
15 Bathgate Silica
16 Eden Horticulture
17 Smart Garden B
18 Kelkay

Beat the Pro:
Derek Bunker, Simon Mulholland, Paul Crossland, Patrick Thick, Chris Daws, Steve Ainscough, Keith Laird, John Ducker, Phil Harrison, Pete Bunker, Aide Lewis, Simon Davidson, Antony Barrett

Nearest Pin 3rd Neil Blake
Nearest Pin 11th Jay Bunker
Nearest Pin 16th Jay Bunker
Longest Drive 14th Chris Daws
Straightest Drive 18th Patrick Thick
Nearest Pin in 2 8th Richard Keegan

The winners of the Mazed Maze competition were the "Orange" Team.

See GTN Xtra's gallery of photos from the Golf and the Dinner below

After the record breaking, and season saving, bumper May for garden centre sales last year no-one expected May 2019 to top that. GTN Bestsellers Epos data analysis reveals the month ended 9.4% down on 2018 but 5% higher than the average for May between 2011 and 2019.

With all the growing activity that has started this spring there should be plenty of reasons for customers to re-visit their garden centre and spend more, so we look forward to reporting good sales this month.

GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year (week 22)

• Garden Products - up 2%
• Growing Media - up 14%
• Wild Bird Care - up 13%
• Veg-2-Gro - up 24%
• All Plants Index - down 10%
• All Items Index - down 1%

To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

Thieves raided Kershaw's Garden Centre at Brighouse in the early hours of Tuesday morning, after smashing a fence and cutting through two locked gates.

They escaped with thousands of pounds worth of plants, pots, wood carvings and garden stoneware. Particular plants were selected, all high value, which led manager Mark Yates to speculate that the gang may have been stealing to order.

On making enquiries, it transpires that four other local nurseries and garden centres in the Calderdale Area have been raided in the past two weeks.

The gang at Brighouse used a grey Transit van, reg YB55XCR .

The early May bank holiday in 2020 will move from Monday 4 May to Friday 8 May to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day which takes place on 8 May, and enable people to pay tribute to those who served in one of the most significant events in our country’s history, Business Secretary Greg Clark announced on Friday 7th June 2010.

The occasion will remember the contribution of British, Commonwealth and Allied armed forces personnel; those who contributed to the war effort and safeguarded the Home Front. As well as marking the Allies’ victory in 1945, the bank holiday will serve as an opportunity to pay tribute to those who have served and continue to serve in the UK Armed Forces and their families.

Commemorative events will take place over the 3-day weekend across the country, including: 

• The Nation’s Toast, where over 20,000 pubs will encourage patrons to raise a glass to the Heroes of World War II
• Bagpipers playing the traditional Battle’s O’er at the top of the 4 highest peaks in the UK – Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, Mount Snowdon in Wales, and Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland
• Bells in churches and cathedrals across the country joining forces in a special Ringing Out for Peace
• Local street parties and celebrations across the 3-day weekend.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: "VE Day marked an historic moment in not only our nation’s, but the world’s history and it is important that we commemorate this great occasion on its 75th anniversary. Honouring those who did their duty – whether on the battlefields of Europe or through their efforts and sacrifices here at home.

"Moving next year’s early May bank holiday to VE Day itself is a right and fitting tribute. It will ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to remember and honour our heroes of the Second World War and reflect on the sacrifices of a generation."

VE Day was first celebrated on 8 May 1945 when Allied Forces formally accepted Germany’s surrender.

Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said: "As we’ve seen over the past week with the D-Day commemorations, the British people truly appreciate the sacrifice made by those who fought for our freedom throughout the Second World War. Moving next year’s Bank Holiday will give us the opportunity to come together to remember and honour those who gave so much to secure our freedom and liberty."

Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR, Pageant Master of VE Day 75, said: "This amazing event taking place on 8-10 May 2020 provides the perfect opportunity for the United Kingdom to come together to celebrate and commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe. It will involve local communities, youth and voluntary organisations, faith groups and individuals paying tribute to the millions who sacrificed so much to secure the freedom we all enjoy today."

Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity said: "Acknowledging 75 years since VE Day with a commemorative bank holiday is absolutely fitting. It is our duty to keep the events of the past alive in collective memory, including future generations - this is how we ensure that such a conflict never happens again. It is our hope that the nation takes a moment to reflect on the significance of this date, as a milestone that changed the course of history for the whole world."

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity was proud to have been there supporting men, women and families during the Second World War, and is still here now for the whole Forces community – whenever they need us. We’re honoured to be the official charity partner for VE Day 75 and call on everyone to remember the men and women that fought to defend our freedom.

The early May bank holiday will move in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Bank holidays are a devolved issue in Scotland.

This will be only the second time the early May bank holiday has been moved, it was changed from 1 May to 8 May in 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of VE Day.

CSY Retail Systems are delighted to be working with Martin and the Raglan Garden Centre team again, 10 years since we first implemented Vector there.

Raglan Garden Centre is an independent family run business in Monmouthshire, which opened in 1992. We first worked with Martin in 2008, but our systems were replaced when Wyevale purchased the garden centre in 2014.

When we found out Martin and his family were returning to Raglan, we could not wait to help and we are thrilled to be providing them once again with our reliable and powerful EPOS.

“There was a huge sigh of relief when the team were told that Vector 7 was being installed, one even commented ‘great no more queuing at the tills and frustrated customers’,” said Chairman of Raglan Garden Centre, Martin Davies.

“Having installed this system previously at Raglan Garden Centre I knew the enormous benefits Vector offered.”

• CSY focus on ease-of-use at the point-of-sale.  “The terminals are compact and fit well with the look of the centre. The system is very user friendly and our till operators quickly learned the process of using the POS terminals, using them with confidence the same day we opened.”
• In a busy garden centre, like Raglan, we know it is important for all stock information to be correct and up-to-date. “The real-time information was a key decision maker in returning to Vector, having the back office functionality and the ability to look at stock, sales etc. at any time is invaluable.”
• CSY always aim to minimise that the business impact when we are installing a new EPOS system.  “We anticipated a lot of disruption as this was a complete system change throughout the centre and office, but CSY worked in the background and I am pleased to say there was no system down time or any technical issues. Communication pre-install was excellent, which prepared us for the arrival of the CSY team and equipment.” said Martin.
• With a dedicated account manager, project manager, in-house helpdesk and onsite training we were able to mobilise quickly to make sure the centre went live smoothly. “Having used the Helpdesk Live Chat option in the past week I was amazed at the speed of the response which immediately answered my question,” said Karen Hughes, Operations Director at Raglan Garden Centre. “The installation team were extremely professional and supported our teams providing one to one training during the visit.”

“Overall the system meets all our requirements and access to the CSY team is great. I would strongly recommend Vector 7 to any retailer looking for a fast and efficient EPOS system,” adds Martin Davies.

https://www.csy.co.uk/our-customers/garden-centres-epos/

0115 948 4848

CSY Retail Systems, CSY House, 9-10 Chase Park, Nottingham, NG2 4GT

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 2017 as well as 2018 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 01733 775700, e-mail karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or buy on-line using this link.

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

Highlights of the GTN Garden Plants Bestsellers chart for this week are here

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

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

Highlights of the GTN Veg-2-Gro chart for this 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 £120m.

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.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk or call 01733 775700.

Buy your subscription today and start receiving the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.