Smart Garden launch the Eureka building
Paris Natar and the team from Smart Garden Products were joined by many garden centre owners and staff at the party to open their new Eureka building in Peterborough last week...
See pictures on the Eureka building
Paris Natar and the team from Smart Garden Products were joined by many garden centre owners and staff at the party to open their new Eureka building in Peterborough last week.
The 250,000 square feet building, especially built at a cost of £20m by Paris for Smart Garden Products was officially opened by the Mayor and Mayoress of Peterborough.
CEO, Jonathan Stobart told GTN Xtra; " we have space here for 40,000 pallets, which we will eventually need when we get to £100m turnover. To start with we will only use a fraction of that."
Operations, and staff, move from the Corby distribution warehouse next month once the racking has been installed. By next spring offices and showrooms will be complete and the Eureka building will be the Northern sales hub for Smart Garden products with the Abingdon Head Office becoming the Southern sales hub.
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GCA reveals Scotland and N. Ireland regional winners
Members of the Garden Centre Association in Scotland and Northern Ireland are celebrating after picking up awards during a presentation on Thursday evening at Klondyke Mayfield.
In Scotland The Mains of Drum Garden Centre (above) was awarded Garden Centre of the Year in the Garden Centre (GC) category and Simpsons Garden Centre (below) in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category.
Members of the Garden Centre Association in Scotland and Northern Ireland are celebrating after picking up awards during a presentation on Thursday evening at Klondyke Mayfield.
In Scotland The Mains of Drum Garden Centre (above) was awarded Garden Centre of the Year in the Garden Centre (GC) category and Simpsons Garden Centre (below) in the Destination Garden Centre (DGC) category. In Northern Ireland the award for Garden Centre of the Year (GC) went to Creative Gardens Donaghadee.
Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “The final regional awards presentation evening was a huge success and it was great to hear from Inspector Gordon Emslie, who presented the findings from his inspections earlier in the year.
“In Scotland, Caulders Garden Centre, Erskine picked up The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre and Creative Gardens, Bushmills received the same award in Northern Ireland.”
The national winners of Garden Centre of the Year and Destination Garden Centre of the Year are announced at the GCA annual conference taking place in January 2016.
The full results for Scotland and Northern Ireland GCA area awards are as follows for the GC and DGC categories:
Scotland
- Garden Centre of the Year: The Mains of Drum Garden Centre (GC) and Simpsons Garden Centre (DGC)
- Best Customer Service: Garden Wise – Dumfries
- Environment and Community Award for Best Environmental Practice: Garden Wise – Dumfries
- The Barton Grange Trophy for Innovation and Creativity: Simpsons Garden Centre
- The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre: Caulders Garden Centre, Erskine
- The ifse Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant: Glendoick Garden Centre (GC) and Raemoir Garden Centre (DGC)
- The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer: The Mains of Drum Garden Centre (GC) and Simpsons Garden Centre (DGC)
- Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer: Glendoick Garden Centre (GC) and Raemoir Garden Centre (DGC)
- Best Outdoor Living Retailer: Garden Wise – Dumfries (GC) and Simpsons Garden Centre (DGC)
Northern Ireland
- Garden Centre of the Year: Creative Gardens Donaghadee (GC)
- Best Customer Service: Creative Gardens Donaghadee
- Environment and Community Award for Best Environmental Practice: Creative Gardens Bushmills
- The Barton Grange Trophy for Innovation and Creativity: Creative Gardens Donaghadee
- The Dick Allen Award for Most Improved Centre: Creative Gardens Bushmills
- The ifse Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant: Creative Gardens – Galgorm Castle (GC)
- The GIMA Award for Best Garden Products Retailer: Creative Gardens Bushmills
- Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer: Creative Gardens Donaghadee (GC)
- Best Outdoor Living Retailer: Creative Gardens Donaghadee (GC)
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This year Durston Garden Products is returning to Glee with a specific message to Retailers and that is to BUY BRITISH.  “With Brexit negotiations now well under way, we need to consider the way we do business in the UK going forward” says NEW, National Sales and Marketing Manager, Dan Durston.
Dan, a sixth generation of Durston says, “I am really looking forward to meeting and greeting both old and new customers alike in my new role at GLEE this year and persuading them that BUYING BRITISH is the right way to go. Shopping closer to home makes so much more sense and is not always as expensive as we’ve been led to believe. In fact here at Durstons we not only supply an extensive range of growing media products, which offer exceptional value-for-money, but we are confident that we can beat any price out there, and what’s more, we can deliver those products in just five days from receipt of order! Now that’s got to be a good thing”.
Family owned for over 150 years, Durston Garden Products has been supplying composts and other growing media related products from its base in Somerset for 3 generations, so knows a thing or two about ‘what’s hot and what’s not’ when it comes to compost. It’s most popular brands include Manor Farm and its premium Multi-Purpose compost, but the entire range comprise a seed & cutting compost, tub and basket, an ericaceous compost, decorative bark, a John Innes range and much more. “As a family run business we can, and regularly do go that extra mile to accommodate last minute, one-off, urgent or tricky deliveries where retailers have been let down by their regular supplier” continues Dan. “It’s at times like this, when retailers are still feeling a trepid nervous about what’s to come following Brexit and are considering switching supplier, that we can hopefully persuade them that not only can we fix their short term supply problems, but that we can do so much more for them going forward.”  Some of the major benefits of stocking Durstons Garden Products include:
- Extensive range
- Home produced compost
- Excellent quality
- Added nutrient Gro-Boost technology
- Bagged in state-of-the-art packaging facility in Somerset
- Loaded onto Durston Lorry
- Delivered anywhere in England and Wales within 5 days
from receipt of order - Extremely price competitive
Durston Garden Products sales have grown significantly in recent years due in part to its investment in new plant and machinery. Combine this with the company’s recent investment also into a strategic BUY BRITISH marketing campaign and already you can see you have a company that is determined to make its mark going forward, not only as a true BRITISH supplier, but also as an all-round contender in the growing media arena. For further information contact: Durston Garden Products Ltd Avalon Farm, Sharpham, Street, Somerset, BA16 9SE Tel: 01458 442688 Fax: 01458 448327 Email: info@durstongardenproducts.co.uk
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Christmas sell-out in September
The last week of the school holidays was a good one for garden centre trading with sales volumes up week on week and up again on last year...
The last week of the school holidays was a good one for garden centre trading with sales volumes up week on week and up again on last year.
Plants and garden products fared best, giving further indication that we could be in for a good gardening September.
Meanwhile preparations for Christmas continue at speed. Notcutts opened their model Christmas store display at Solihull on Wednesday, and at Brookside in Kent, all of their grotto tickets were sold via Facebook within an hour and a half of going on general sale. Now that is a benefit of being a regular award-winning destination!
GTN Bestsellers Top 50 sales volumes compared to the same week last year...
- Garden Products - up 22%
- Veg-2-Gro - down 20%
- Growing Media - down 2%
- All Plants Index - up 12%
- All Items Index - up 6%
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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Crest launch stunning new POS campaign
Crest Garden are set to grab the headlines at Glee with a stunning range of in-store display equipment across their full range of brands – Kent & Stowe, Flopro and Plantpak...
Crest Garden are set to grab the headlines at Glee with a stunning range of in-store display equipment across their full range of brands – Kent & Stowe, Flopro and Plantpak.
Designed to create impact, interest and information, the new units are purpose built for each product group ensuring maximum attention and space efficiency.
Kent & Stowe gave the garden tools market dramatic boost in 2017 with the introduction of their ‘right tool for the right job’ campaign, supported by specific POS. This successful approach is being extended for 2018 with the introduction of ‘Potting & Planting’, ‘Topiary Essentials’, ‘Kid’s Range’, ‘Love your Lawn’ and ’Cutting Solutions’.
The extended Flopro range including the new solar efficient Eco Smart Watering is presented in evocative and informative display modules.
Plantpak has a host of new products for the coming season which includes two brand new terrariums which are available now to take advantage of the Christmas gift market. The terrarium display unit in pristine white with colour graphics is a real head-turner.
The new material will be revealed at Glee on the Crest Garden Stand No 19G21.
 
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Stax Trade Centres have secured a deal with E.P. Barrus to become the main national distributor for three of their leading garden brands.
The distribution agreement will see Stax offer customers an increased choice in garden products from well recognised brands such as WOLF-Garten, Wilkinson Sword and Town & Country. It’s a massive coup for Stax, who earlier in the year outlined their plans to improve and diversify their garden offering for customers and highlighted it as a key sector for 2017.
The WOLF-Garten collection consists of a premium garden tool collection that will offer Stax customers a total solution for lawn care, soil and cultivation, as well as tree and shrub care alongside general garden maintenance tools.
With 100 years of excellence, Wilkinson Sword is a household name known for their collection of highly engineered, high quality products. With a broad product range that spans pruners, shears, loppers and stainless steel garden tools, as well as a range of axes and multi-tools.
Town & Countrys half century of heritage will provide Stax with one of the most comprehensive selections of gardening gloves and footwear. A well established and recognised brand that’s sure to be a firm favourite with the leading wholesalers customers.
The brands will all be present at Stax’s upcoming Big Brands Show, taking place across two locations. First at their Glasgow branch on the 27th September and then at Manchester for the 4th and 5th October.
Stax Purchasing Director, Simon Wright said: “This deal is a fantastic addition to our growing gardening portfolio and a clear demonstration that we were serious when we highlighted it as a sector we are improving this year. Our customers want and deserve more choice and increased diversity and we will continue to give that to them wherever possible.”
“Outdoor living and garden care has never been so popular and we owe it to our retail customers to help them fulfill the growing consumer demand. This is the first of a number of exciting announcements we will be announcing in the coming months.”
E.P. Barrus National Sales Manager, Martin Seddon was enthusiastic about the agreement. He said: “We are delighted to have formed a partnership with Stax to supply WOLF-Garten & Wilkinson Sword garden tools to the trade. This will be added to the continuing supply of Town & Country, which has recently been added to the E.P. Barrus brand portfolio. We believe that the support of Stax will help us grow the business across all our product sectors of gloves, footwear, garden tools & accessories.”
“The Barrus acquisition of the Town & Country brand will allow us to increase our garden product range & we see Stax as a key partner for our future plans.”
In addition, Stax have also recently agreed distribution deals with Paroh among others, which will see them offer customers a vastly improved garden range with yet more high quality product lines.
The Barrus brands can be seen at Glee 2017. You can find Wilkinson Sword & WOLF-Garten on stand 19 C50-D51 & Town & Country on 18 M10- N11, where the Stax rep team will be supporting Barrus and providing advice and guidance for retailers who want to take advantage of the opportunities the deal presents.
Barrus will be also be attending the Big Brands Show 2017 at Stax’s Glasgow (27th Sept) and Manchester (4th-5th Oct) branches where they will be available to answer questions and showcase the three brands to attendees.
Wilkinson Sword and WOLF-Garten will be in branch from next year, whilst Town & Country is available now.
Pictured from left top right: Matthew Ball (Stax Trade Centres), Mark Hewett (Barrus), Simon Wright (Stax Trade Centres), Martin Seddon & Chris Noble (Barrus).
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Decco and Briers join forces
Decco and Briers have signed an exclusive partnership agreement for the supply of core gloves, boots, accessories and “the award-winning” kids range across the UK...
Decco and Briers have signed an exclusive partnership agreement for the supply of core gloves, boots, accessories and “the award-winning” kids range across the UK.
The strength of the Briers brand combined with Decco’s nationwide distribution service will enable Decco’s customers both old and new to realise the proven sales increase seen when stocking Briers.
Decco customers will also benefit from in-depth support including merchandising, refreshing design and ongoing innovation from Briers to ensure long term retail sales are maximised.
Briers’ commitment to quality and fully compliant product was also a significant factor in Decco’s decision to stock and distribute the brand.
Decco specialises in offering service and availability to independent retailers and garden centres throughout the UK. Supplying a wide range of DIY, gardening and housewares products, it has strong partnerships with the leading suppliers enabling independent retailers to benefit from the strength and differentiation of high profile brands. Contact your local Decco branch to learn more about availability of Briers products. www.decco.co.uk.
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SBM Company to market MaxiCrop in the UK
French-headquartered SBM Company has announced a partnership agreement with Italy-based Valagro, a leader in the production and marketing of biostimulants and speciality nutrients, for the sales and marketing of the latter’s gardening product brands in Europe and the US...
French-headquartered SBM Company has announced a partnership agreement with Italy-based Valagro, a leader in the production and marketing of biostimulants and speciality nutrients, for the sales and marketing of the latter’s gardening product brands in Europe and the US.
In the UK this means, from 1 October 2017 when the deal comes into force, SBM Life Science will be responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of the MaxiCrop brand and its range of organic seaweed based fertilisers.
Darren Brown, Head of SBM Life Science in the UK explained: “This deal is a part of our new business strategy – New Time, New Way – announced earlier this year. Recognising the changing trends in the garden care sector we are investing to provide gardeners with effective and trusted solutions that are well balanced and ‘In Tune with Nature’.
“Including a natural range of innovative plant nutrition solutions, the MaxiCrop brand fits with this strategy and is a perfect addition to our product portfolio.
“At GLEE we are making a series of significant announcements, including the launch of an exciting new branded range of natural and organic garden care products which will provide retailers with a bright new portfolio of natural solutions for all sorts of gardening needs, whether it’s protection against slugs, controlling weeds or protecting edibles, roses and other plants from bugs. Visitors to our stand – Hall 18 N51 – will be able to find out about the complete new range and the way in which the MaxiCrop range will integrated.”
At GLEE SBM Life Science is also announcing a new weedkiller brand, launching totally new and innovative weedkiller chemistry, as well as new Toprose care products and additions to the Baby Bio® product portfolio.
Visit SBM Life Science at Hall 18 N51 to find out more about our New Time, New Way.
www.sbm-lifescience.co.uk
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Last weekend the GTN Team joined UK garden centre buyers and suppliers at poga+gafa, the world's largest garden fair in the world where there were a record number of exhibitors as well as around 39,000 trade visitors from 113 countries.
Boyd Douglas-Davies told GTN Xtra that he had walked 26 miles in three days at the Cologne show; "we found a number of unique and relevant products from suppliers at spoga+gafa. We are now negotiating with them to bring in for next season."
See our spoga+gafa picture gallery below that includes; Crest, Cadix, Kadai, Veg Trug and the Efsa Trend display.
"Thanks to new, sustainable impulses we were able to offer an even more in-depth approach to themes and significantly more added value on 226,000 square metres of space at spoga+gafa 2017. As such, spoga+gafa did more than justice to its position as the leading global trade fair of the green industry," said Katharina C. Hamma, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse GmbH, underlining the result.
"In addition to formats such as the Outdoor Kitchen World and due to the new concept of the Smart Gardening World and the IVG Power Place Battery, we have offered the industry important trend platforms that met with a very positive response."
At 60 percent, the constantly high share of foreign visitors shows that spoga+gafa is a fixed date on the international calendar. 2,131 exhibitors from 59 countries (foreign share: 84 percent) presented their new products and innovations from the green world in the sections garden living, garden creation & care, garden bbq and garden unique.
spoga+gafa was staged in Halls 1 to 10. In addition to an even wider spectrum of offers, the trade fair provided an even more in-depth approach to themes and more added value for the trade visitors in the scope of the Outdoor Kitchen World in the garden bbq section and the Smart Gardening World together with the IVG Power Place Battery in the garden creation & care section. The Outdoor Kitchen World in Hall 8 celebrated an excellent premiere at spoga+gafa and presented a current trend within the industry in the form of luxurious and superbly designed outdoor kitchens. The new concept of the Smart Gardening World together with the IVG Power Place Battery was fully booked and thus already in the run-up to the trade fair a total success.
Top quality visitors too
In addition to the quantity, the exhibitors particularly praised the quality of the trade visitors. John W. Herbert, European DIY-Retail Association (EDRA) / General Secretary, was also able to confirm this: "We have drawn a very positive balance: This year's spoga+gafa was the best ever. We were able to welcome over 200 buyers from all over the world here at the Cologne fair grounds. That was more than ever before! Both numerous first-time visitors, including a delegation from Japan as well as one from the most important DIY store groups worldwide including no less than 27 buyers were among the top buyers, to mention just two examples. The great response and the positive feedback of the buyers from all over the globe is a clear sign for us that spoga+gafa is gaining further significance and is accepted as the leading international garden trade fair and platform for new products. This year spoga+gafa convinced once again with numerous new products and fantastic product presentations in the halls, but on the additional areas too. It was an impressive show!"
Satisfaction across the board
The top level of the quality of the trade visitors was also noticeable from the outcome of the independent visitor survey. Around 74 percent of the visitors interviewed are involved in procurement decisions, 39 percent are even decisive in the decision-making process. And the trade visitors themselves were very satisfied with spoga+gafa too: 79 percent of the people interviewed were satisfied or even very satisfied as far as achieving the goals of their visit were concerned. As such, the recommendation rate was correspondingly high: Around 90 percent would recommend a good business acquaintance to visit spoga+gafa.
New impulses through the supporting programme
Besides top business contacts, spoga+gafa once again offered a diversified supporting programme. The already established formats were enhanced by the five POS Green Solution Islands this year. Here, the organisers presented ideas for the concrete design of retail space for garden centres and DIY stores. The focus here lay on cross-selling and curated shopping in order to create whole worlds for the end user.
With 81 entries, the unique youngstar contest enjoyed a record participation in 2017. Jessica Bruni was able to convince the jury with 'Plants Talje' and claimed first place in the contest. Roee Magdassim showed how important the competition is to gain a foothold on the international circuit. In 2016, his table 'Edge' was nominated in the contest - now it was presented as one of the new products of Houe.
spoga+gafa 2017 in figures:
2,131 exhibitors from 59 countries participated at spoga+gafa in 2017, 84 percent of them came from abroad. These included 342 exhibitors from Germany and 1,789 exhibitors from abroad. Including estimates for the last day of the fair, around 39,000 visitors from 113 countries attended spoga+gafa 2017. The share of foreign trade visitors was 60 percent.*
spoga+gafa 2018 will be staged from 2 to 4 September. For further information visit www.spogagafa.com.
* All figures are calculated in accordance with the guidelines of the Association for the Voluntary Control of Trade Fair and Exhibition Statistics (FKM). (www.fkm.de).
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Squire's Garden Centres announce 'Charities of the Year'
Squire’s Garden Centres have announced their ‘Charities of the Year’ for 2017/2018. The charities include Princess Alice Hospice, Horsley & Bookham Riding for the Disabled, the 1st Fetcham Scout Group and the Aldershot & Farnborough Guide Dog Association, amongst many others...
Squire’s Garden Centres have announced their ‘Charities of the Year’ for 2017/2018. The charities include Princess Alice Hospice, Horsley & Bookham Riding for the Disabled, the 1st Fetcham Scout Group and the Aldershot & Farnborough Guide Dog Association, amongst many others.
Team members at each Squire’s Garden Centre chose a local charity that they wanted to support. They will raise awareness of their chosen charity in the garden centre and through their marketing materials, as well as providing ongoing fundraising from collection boxes, events, and Squire’s ever-popular Christmas Grotto’s. All donations from the public will go directly to the charity.
Sarah Squire, Deputy Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres said; “We are delighted to announce our ‘Charities of the Year’, which were chosen by our colleagues at each of our garden centres. Our Christmas Grottos alone raised over £24,000 for our chosen charities last year, so I hope that we will be able to repeat this success again this year. All of our centres are really looking forward to working with their chosen charity, and supporting their wonderful work in the local community.”
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 Following Gardman’s 2017 significant growth in artificial sales, and with the continued demand from consumers looking for convenience products to instantly decorate their outdoor spaces, Gardman have expanded the artificial category with double the number of SKUs.
At Glee this year, you will see Gardman bring the whole artificial range under their decorative brand, EdenBloom, which had phenomenal success launched early last year. Gardman have introduced more exciting NPD lines, including a range of realistic, maintenance-free trees, weighted hanging baskets and floral trellis in a range of sizes, offering consumers quick and easy solutions for decorative gardening.
Sarah Coleman, Junior Brand Executive, commented: “The launch of our Pre-merchandised Artificial Trellis last year was such a great success that we are now extending the range and are even more excited about introducing our new floral artificial trellis lines for 2018. As well as new SKUs, these too will be available in EdenBloom branded pre-merchandised solutions, making it quick and easy for retailers to display and drive those off fixture sales.”
Visit the Gardman stand at Glee this year (Hall 19 E30 – G31).
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Wyevale Nurseries helps restore Page Park
One of the UK’s leading nurseries was selected to provide plants to help restore a community park in South Gloucestershire. The first planting party at Page Park in Staple Hill took place last Wednesday, September 6 and Gareth Withers, Amenity Sales Executive at Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford, attended.
One of the UK’s leading nurseries was selected to provide plants to help restore a community park in South Gloucestershire.
The first planting party at Page Park in Staple Hill took place last Wednesday, September 6 and Gareth Withers, Amenity Sales Executive at Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford, attended.
 Gareth explained: “We were delighted to have been picked to supply a large selection of our plants to this wonderful community park. We had a great time at the planting party and it was great to meet some of the members of the local community who get so much joy from this fantastic outside space.
“We provided a good mix of flowering shrubs, herbaceous perennials, ferns and grasses to provide all year-round colour and interest for visitors. The mixed planting will also help to attract birds, wildlife and insects to the park providing both food and shelter.
“Key lines in the first phase of planting included Carex ‘Evergold’, a clump forming grass offering all year colour and variation. The narrow leaves have a central yellow stripe reaching 30cm in height. Veronica ‘Ulster Blue’, a dwarf form of Veronica with densely packed flowering spikes of mid blue blooms from summer through to autumn and Geranium ‘Johnsons Blue’, whose deep purple-blue flowers throughout summer are rounded with dark veins and contrast with deeply lobed leaves.”
The first phase of planting in the park focused on the area around the new Bean Tree Café but there will be two other planting days, one at the end of September and one in mid-November, which will cover the whole of the park.
Page Park is an Edwardian park, which was originally part of the Hill House estate. It was gifted to the community of Staple Hill by benefactor, Alderman Arthur William Page, in 1910.
In 2015, South Gloucestershire Council and the Friends of Page Park, who are a non-profit making, voluntary group of residents and park users, were awarded a grant of £1.6 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund programme called ‘Parks for People’ to restore Page Park over a period of three years.
They were awarded the funding in recognition of the importance of the green space in the ‘heart’ of Staple Hill, where people come to enjoy high quality facilities, outdoor events and activities, to relax and meet other people in a safe, well managed and welcoming setting.
As part of the Heritage Lottery agreement, both South Gloucestershire Council and the Friends of Page Park are required to contribute to the balance of the overall project cost. Friends of Page Park had to raise £17,000 so applied to the Peoples Postcode Lottery and were awarded £20,000. This money has been used to purchase the plants for the new planting scheme around the whole park.
South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Tourism, Councillor Heather Goddard, said: “We have been working closely with the local community in the restoration and improvement of this very popular park. Understanding and involving them at every stage will help ensure that the park has a sustainable future.
“Page Park is for everyone to enjoy, and this was reflected in the age range of volunteers helping with the planting. There was a fantastic turn out and it was great to see the enthusiasm of the local community.
“The five-year project also includes an inclusive programme of activities including parkrun, a new junior parkrun and regular Walks for Health as well as the restoration of the park’s facilities.”
The Heritage Lottery funding allowed the Bean Tree Café to be created, as well as a toddler play area, and The Nest, a space for groups and the community to hire with toilets. The renovations to the clock tower and the refurbishment of the tennis pavilion are almost completed. Next on the list is the restoration of the perimeter walls, gates and the reinstatement of the railings that were taken down in the war.
Steph Purser from the Friends of Page Park, whose aim is to protect and improve the park and its facilities for the community and future generations, added: “The plants supplied by Wyevale Nurseries look fantastic and we can’t wait to see them grow and establish themselves in the coming years.
“Page Park is a much-loved green space in a built-up area and we are so pleased that with the Heritage Lottery and the Peoples Postcode Lottery we can really restore the park to its full potential for future generations to come.”
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Greatest Award winning Christmas Grotto team, Brookside in Kent have broken yet another record with a total sell out of all their grotto tickets.
The tickets went on sale at 5:30pm on Tuesday last week, announced via facebook, and within an hour, every single slot had been booked.
Director Simon Shead told GTN Xtra; "we upgraded our server this year, but once again demand caused it to crash. The queue for processing payments is 4 hours at the moment, but every single grotto time slot has now been booked."
Notcutts staff and directors met at Notcutts Solihull last week to view the group's Christmas displays and ranges for 2017.
Persian rugs, a large area of lit decorations and and empahsis on Christmas for children and families featured in the display which was captured by GTN Xtra. See the gallery below.
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Family-owned garden centre group, Notcutts, has announced the appointment of Sarah Silverwood as Trading Director.
Sarah has been acting as Interim Commercial Director at Notcutts since May 2017 and has a wealth of past experience in trading and commercial roles, having previously fulfilled roles with Dreams, Wyevale, Habitat, Homebase and Argos.
Commenting on the appointment, Nick Burrows, CEO: said “During her time at Notcutts as Interim Commercial Director, Sarah has already brought strong leadership and vision to our trading operations and forward strategy. She has become a valued member of our Executive Team and her knowledge and expertise adds a great new ingredient in supporting us through our five-year development strategy.”
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Garden decoration and autumn gardening activity are driving the highest garden product sales at the start of September we’ve seen in the GTN Bestsellers chart for four years.
Ceramic apples, solar lighting, and pots for outdoors and in are the highlights.
- Woodlodge Garden Art Red Apple moves up to No 1.
- Gardman Stake Light Sunflower is the highest new entry at No 16.
- Growth Technology Orchid Pot Saucers 13.5cm increased sales by nearly 400% to re-enter at No 31.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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Heather Borderie (centre), Operations Director of Glendoick Garden Centre has graduated with the Institute of Leadership and Management's Level 3 Award in Coaching.
Heather told GTN Xtra, "I think this is a good example of how garden centres need to move with the times and how staff development needs to be continually focussed on!"
The qualification involved Heather taking part in three days of face-to face training in coaching skills.
Jane Cox (second right), Director of Glendoick Garden Centre told their local newspaper: "I have watched Heather put her heart and soul into what has been a lengthy commitment and Glendoick is reaping the benefits."
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E P Barrus Ltd has appointed Phil Noble to the role of Field Sales & Technical Manager for the Garden Division.
After 19 years’ service with Barrus, Phil will be stepping up from his position as Area Sales Manager to head up one of the most respected sales teams in the industry. Phil has a long track record in the garden machinery sector gaining extensive experience working in both technical and sales positions for a number of garden machinery companies and dealerships. Working alongside his predecessor at Barrus, Martin Wasley, who will retire at the end of September, Phil has been a committed and proactive member of the team and helped to build and shape the divisions business. The Garden Division has developed a strong portfolio of products with some of the highest profile brands in the trade including Cub Cadet, Lawnflite and Agri-Fab. “I am delighted to take up this new challenge at such an exciting time in the Garden Divisions development,” commented Phil. “The new Cub Cadet model line-up introduced this season has been extremely well received, both by our dealer network and the end user and we have an impressive range of products and industry first enhancements lined up for 2018. With the support of an experienced external and internal sales team, I am looking forward to driving the business forward and providing the highest levels of sales and technical after-sales back-up to our loyal dealer network.” Tim Hart, Director of Sales & Marketing at Barrus added, “With such a strong background in the garden industry and many years of experience gained working with our supplier partners andour dealer network, Phil will play a major role in the division’s next phase of growth and in supporting the requirements of our customers in all areas of our service.”
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Chillis and spinach pack a punch
After a bumper season for Veg-2-Gro, sales dropped off steeply last week. Winter potatoes still dominate but there has also been a late surge of Chilli Pepper plant sales and a big boost in spinach sales, both young plants and packs of seeds...
After a bumper season for Veg-2-Gro, sales dropped off steeply last week. Winter potatoes still dominate but there has also been a late surge of Chilli Pepper plant sales and a big boost in spinach sales, both young plants and packs of seeds.
- Farplants Pepper Chilli Capsicum ‘Orange Wonder’ 1 moves up 10 places to No 4.
- Taylors Bulbs Chilli Starter Chilli Kit is a re-entry at No 15.
- Suttons Spinach Samish Bumper Pack is the highest new entry at No 27.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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Garden tools specialists Darlac has appointed Chris Owen as Business Development Manager.
Chris joins Darlac from Mr Fothergill’s, the seed company which recently acquired Darlac and where Chris worked previously as a Territory Manager.
In addition to all existing Darlac accounts, Chris’s responsibilities will include spearheading new business opportunities with garden centres. He will personally present Darlac’s extensive collection of tools and equipment to retailers, ensuring that this quality brand is at the forefront of Buyers minds as they prepare to stock up for next season, and he will also look after a new sales agency going forward - details below.
“I am really pleased to have been given the opportunity to drive this well established and extremely popular brand forward” says Chris. It’s exciting times for Darlac as a brand in its own right, but also as part of the wider Mr Fothergill’s family. I truly believe it has the potential to do extremely well, and I will do everything in my power to make its success even greater”.
Darlac is also pleased to announce the appointment of Denholm Agencies, the much respected and well known horticultural organisation which operates sales teams’ right across the UK.
Denholm will represent the Darlac brand in Scotland, Ireland and the North of England. This will ensure a much wider offering of the brand and give Darlac complete national coverage for the first time in its long history.
For further information call Darlac on: 01753 547790
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Growing media jumps by 13%
Autumn growing activity continues at a pace with growing media sales up 13% on last week with bulb planting and garden projects driving many of the big increases...
Autumn growing activity continues at a pace with growing media sales up 13% on last week with bulb planting and garden projects driving many of the big increases.
- Westland Bulb Planting Compost 20 litres is a re entry at No 3.
- Taylors Bulb compost moves up to No 11.
- Scotts Miracle-Gro Organic Choice Premium Garden Soil 25 litres stays at No 2.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
Pansies challenge for the No 1 spot
For the third week in a row, plant sales have been up significantly on last year as customers snap up as much colour for their garden as possible. This week, 7 out of the Top 10 plant genus sales were up week on week with Cyclamen just holding off a big surge from Pansies to hold onto the No 1 spot.
For the third week in a row, plant sales have been up significantly on last year as customers snap up as much colour for their garden as possible. This week, 7 out of the Top 10 plant genus sales were up week on week with Cyclamen just holding off a big surge from Pansies to hold onto the No 1 spot.
- Sales of Pansies increased by 66% to move within a whisker of Cyclamen sales.
- Pittosporum had the biggest percentage increase to re-enter at No 26.
- Primulas started their challenge for the top spot climbing 17 places up the chart.
To subscribe to GTN Bestsellers email karen.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk
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The team from GTN are proud once again to be the official media partners for Glee producing the Glee Planner, the Glee Show Catalogue and the Glee Daily News.
We're already published the Glee Planner which was posted to all pre-registered Glee visitors and the Glee Show Catalogue which is available for FREE as visitors enter the halls at the NEC and now we've published the first 2 issues of this years Glee Daily News.
From now until the end of September the Glee Daily News, in its unique e-mail format, will keep visitors up to date with what they can see at the show and gives exhibitiors the most up to date e-mail vehicle for ensuring buyers know about their new products and other Glee activities.
Here's the schedule for the Glee Daily News 2017:- Build up preview - Live from the Show - 10th September
- Live from the Show Day 1 - 11th September
- Live from the Show Day 2 - 12th September
- Live from the Show Day3 - 13th September
- Omnibus Issue - 27th September
To make sure you get your own copy of Glee Daily News sign up here
For advertorial and advertisng opportunties please contact Ben Greenwood, Alan Burdon or Mandy Davies at Potting Shed Press Ltd, 01733 775700, owners and publishers of Garden Trade News, Garden Radio and The Greatest Awards.
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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 2015 as well as 2016 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 Veg-2-Gro Bestsellers chart for this week are here
Highlights of the GTN Growing Media Bestsellers 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.
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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 receiveing the GTN Bestsellers charts this week.
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All the latest news from the world of garden centre catering
Award-winning lunch! trade show opens in under 2 weeks!
GTN Xtra Promotion
lunch! – the UK’s favourite food-to-go trade show – is back in just under 2 weeks’ time, on 21-22 September at its new home of ExCeL London. Thousands of buyers have already registered to attend the special 10th anniversary edition which will be its biggest yet, with a record 335 exhibitors promoting their latest NPD for the eating out-of-home market...
lunch! – the UK’s favourite food-to-go trade show – is back in just under 2 weeks’ time, on 21-22 September at its new home of ExCeL London. Thousands of buyers have already registered to attend the special 10th anniversary edition which will be its biggest yet, with a record 335 exhibitors promoting their latest NPD for the eating out-of-home market. lunch! has become firmly established as the ‘go to’ show for discovering innovative new ideas and concepts. It annually attracts the biggest food and drink buyers in the UK all looking to satisfy the nation’s growing appetite for a high quality, and good value, food-to-go experience. lunch!’s 335 exhibitors – from emerging start-ups and niche, speciality producers to some of the industry’s best-known brands have a dazzling array of ‘choices’ on offer for 2017.
“lunch! goes from strength to strength, with more and more innovative start up and established companies displaying their fantastic products, it’s the ideal exhibition for buyers and developers to find new and exciting products to enhance their offers. I wouldn’t miss it!”, says Sandy Anderson, senior buyer – food at Elior. Add to this 2 free Keynote Theatres including exclusive interviews with Roger Whiteside, CEO of bakery and food-to-go giant Greggs, Andrew Walker, chief executive of EAT., celebrity chef Theo Randall (hosted by The British Sandwich Association), Paul Ettinger, business development director at Caffé Nero and many more and this is one lunch! not to be missed.  Free trade registration
“lunch! is a great celebration of the world of food-to-go,” says Hannah McKay, head of food and beverage UK & Ireland at Caffѐ Nero. “It is a great way to get updated on market trends and innovations, and enables us to ensure we offer the right products for our customers.” lunch! will take place at ExCeL London on Thursday and Friday, 21-22 September. To register for a free trade ticket in advance, please visit www.lunchshow.co.uk and quote priority code LUN114.
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