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Welcome
Welcome to the May 2025 edition of Garden Centre Retail magazine. At the time of writing this, I’ve just come back from an Easter Break with my family, and I’m feeling fit and refreshed for the spring/summer season. I hope the start of the 2025 season has been strong for you all. We’re due a strong year after the past couple and we all know how important the Easter weekend is for our industry.
I love this time of year, not only because I celebrate my birthday in April, but April signifies new beginnings. Seeing the lambs in the fields, the first real shoots of life from the flowerbeds and the first strong rays of sunshine feels me with hope and happiness. Having worked in the garden retail sector for over 10 years now, I also love this time of year because I see the garden centres full of colour and full of customers. I know how busy it gets for those of you running the businesses in the industry, and business is such a positive sign.
In this issue of Garden Centre Retail, we’ve got a fantastic interview with Neil BarwiseCarr of Yorkshire Garden Centres. Neil is at the helm of the people and culture division
at the business and shares his views on all things HR and the processes and systems he’s working with that have made him extremely successful in his role.
We also speak to a couple of garden centre businesses about catering to children. We’ve got the six-week summer break on the horizon (12 weeks away according to my children) and we’re likely to see an influx of families in the garden centres. Thetford Garden Centre and Dobbies Garden Centres share their views on how to make your children’s menu appealing.
We’ve got lots more too, including a fantastic piece from Cassie King surrounding garden centres as community hubs, GIMA and the GCA share their latest views on the sector and PR experts Honest Communications share their knowledge on micro and macro influencers.
Our horticulture feature focuses on roses this month, and we’ve got the latest in homewares and candles in our product articles.
For now, I hope you remain busy and I hope to see some of you soon.
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07 08 10 14 15 20 24 26 29 33
Controlling Costs
Peter Burks, CEO of the Garden Centre Association shares his thoughts on how members are saving money in tough economic times.
Ensuring smooth supply
Industry body GIMA talks about how its members are countering the issues thrown up by economic uncertainty.
Educating your customers
Andrew Burton of Pleydell Smithyman discusses how garden centres can constantly educate customers to better decisions whilst in the shop.
Micro vs. macro influencers
Beth French of specialist home and garden PR agency, Honest Communications, discusses the differences between these two.
An interview with Neil Barwise-Carr
Garden Centre Retail catches up with Yorkshire Garden Centres’ director of people and culture Neil Barwise-Carr to find out why the business has been so successful with all things HR.
08
Industry expert Cassie King shares her experiences with garden centres that have evolved into community hubs.
Building community one seed at a time Roses
Garden Centre Retail speaks with world-renowned rose growers David Austin Roses to find out which varieties offer garden centres a fantastic opportunity in the plantaria.
Catering for Children Gifting Candles and Home Fragrance
Thetford Garden Centre and Dobbies Garden Centres offer their advice on how to nail your children’s offering in the restaurant
A round up of the latest products in the gifting sector. A round up of the latest products in the candles and home fragrance market. 24
26 14
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Controlling Costs
As our Garden Centre Association members grapple with controlling the recent new burden of running costs in its many forms, the spotlight has quite rightly fallen on all areas of business management, says Peter Burks, CEO of the Garden Centre Association
Costs may be going up, but in order to maintain your existing profit margin, can you find potential ways to increase your sales by a similar percentage?
There is definitely more than one way to approach this issue. Getting staff engagement on this factor is critical. If you can get ideas and buy-in from the shop floor, the chances of achieving good growth are greatly enhanced. Then we need some decent spring weather, which will solve most problems, as we all know.
One of the biggest costs in a garden centre business is stock, and the bigger the garden centre, the more you will have to finance. Of course, stock has to be bought and controlling how and when you buy can make a huge difference here.
Traditionally, garden centres would be offered very tasty looking deals to order and have stock delivered in the autumn but wouldn’t have to pay until early spring. The industry would not cope with having to try to deliver all the stock that is needed in the peak spring weeks without this cushion.
Data is, as always, a critical part of getting this right and careful analysis of the previous year’s sales, with a nod to the weather patterns, if it’s essential to try to get this as accurate as possible.
I feel in recent years, centres have been more reluctant to go too heavy with their pre-season orders, so that there is less chance of having unnecessary stock to store when predictions go awry. The danger with this approach is that if you get a sudden uplift in sales, which really can sometimes come after just two or three decent spring like days, sales can be missed because you don’t have enough of the right stock.
I also feel that if the tables and shelves do look a little bit bare during this sudden uplift, you can also be affecting sales later in the spring, as disappointed customers will be likely to look elsewhere. We all know our customers visit and shop in several different garden centres in an area.
A further issue in the buying field, in recent years, has been the huge fluctuation in the costs of bringing stock in in containers. Fortunately, we are currently in a calm and good value period but who knows what Mr Trump’s actions might have on this type of trade in the future.
Buying as much as you are able locally, or at least from within the UK, is bound to give significant advantages and also gives good advertising and PR angles from this as well, which we know resonates with our customers.
Those garden centres that grow on site are also giving themselves a much more controllable
flow of products. This has been further enhance by the issues with imported stock getting held up at the new border posts.
Much to ponder but I’m sure as the time passes and new more efficient practices are implemented, the industry will emerge even stronger when the good times return.
Join us for our GCA Conference 2026. Our booking platform will be going live soon. It’s the best event in the industry for meeting fellow members, enjoying great speakers and coming away with a real buzz ready for the spring season ahead.
Peter Burks, CEO of the Garden Centre Association, is a fullytrained horticulturalist and has worked in directorial and management roles for over 40 years. Peter helped set up and run the multi-award-winning Sanders Garden World in Somerset. He also became regional manager of the South West for Wyevale Garden Centres, general manager for Trelawney’s in Cornwall, and managing Fermoy’s Garden Centre in Devon. gca.org.uk
About Peter Burks
Ensuring Smooth Supply
As the global supply chain continues to create challenges across the board and events on the world stage provide further uncertainty, GIMA members detail how they are working to counter these issues.
Principal consultant, retail & supply chain expert at the Daily Hub, Clive Daley, offers insight into key challenges, including new obstacles that demand attention. “Shipping delays through the Suez Canal have become the norm, adding up to seven weeks to expected delivery times. Meanwhile, the uncertainty around tariffs feels like a high-stakes game, with no clear resolution. In the UK, inflation presents another challenge, while the Bank of England predicts a decline, major retailers expect costs to rise due to infrastructure expenses set to hit in April. As a result, companies are searching for ways to cut costs and improve margins, putting additional pressure on supply chains.”
Single sourcing
Highlighting key areas for action, Clive addresses an over-reliance on single sourcing. “Before 2020, businesses overly dependent on low-cost sourcing from China learned the hard way that diversification is essential.While China remains a key player, companies must reduce risk by exploring other regions. Diversifying your supply base not only enhances resilience but also provides valuable pricing insights.”
He stresses that now is the time for financial discipline. “Every aspect of your supply chain presents an opportunity for savings. Streamline operations, leverage volume for better pricing, and to do more in the same production hours.”
“At Formbar, we understand the importance of a smooth supply chain for retailers,” comments MD, Hannah Lewis. “That’s why we source our trolleys from trusted European manufacturers, ensuring faster delivery and easy access to spare parts—unlike some imports from the Far East, which often have long lead times and limited part availability.”
Formbar also offers short-run branding on baskets post-production, with a turnaround of just a few weeks, compared to eight weeks or more for factory branding. Rachel adds: “By keeping supply chains short and efficient, we help retailers stay stocked, avoid delays, and create a season without disruption.”
Jason Chilton, supply chain manager at 4lite says: “Over the past year, we’ve seen extended delivery lead times on all overseas shipments, prompting us to take proactive steps to minimise disruption. We’ve increased safety stock in our warehouse and boosted pipeline stock to better manage fluctuating delivery schedules and customer demand. Internally, we’ve standardised and dual-sourced raw materials to protect product availability. These measures are helping us to ensure consistent supply, avoid customer disappointment, and support a season for our retail partners.”
Meanwhile, Biohort head of international sales, Karin Palmetshofer-Hörschinger explains how the business is adapting to meet challenges and better support its retail customers:
“As one of the biggest manufacturers of metal outdoor products, Biohort faces challenges, such as fluctuating demand, limited availability of high-quality warehousing, cost development, regulatory hurdles, etc. We are addressing these challenges by diversifying the supply chains, investing in automation, technology and storage capacities, as well as following strict cost-control measures to ensure a smooth supply for retailers and a successful season for everyone.”
Claber has been operating in the UK market for over 30 years and credits a solid network of distributors and retailers with its ability to ensure a continuous supply of high-quality ‘Made in Italy’ irrigation products.
The company says: “Our fully-integrated supply chain allows us to maintain complete control over every stage of production, from sourcing raw materials to final distribution. This guarantees consistent quality, reliability, and efficiency for our customers.
“Before 2020, businesses overly dependent on low-cost sourcing from China learned the hard way that diversification is essential.”
– Clive Daley, principal consultant, The Daily Hub
By managing the entire process inhouse, we offer a seamless supply chain experience, ensuring timely deliveries and a trusted partnership for businesses looking for excellence in Italian products.”
Optimising Working Capital
With financial discipline paramount, Clive advises paying close consideration to stock levels. “Having every product available at all times is possible, but at what cost?” he asks. “Poor cash flow management has brought down many businesses. Stock is often the biggest drain on funds, so investing in planning systems and talent is crucial. Align your purchasing and sales teams to ensure you buy the right stock, in the right quantities, at the right time.”
Helping Hand Environmental proudly manufactures its litter-picking products in the UK, which ensures consistent quality, reactive lead times, reduced stock holding for retail customers and greater control over its supply chain.
Key account manager, Steven Gilbert says: “Despite ongoing global commercial challenges, our efficient production processes and strong supplier relationships allow us to maintain a competitive commercial offer without compromising on quality. By keeping manufacturing local, we minimise disruption, avoid import delays, and guarantee that retailers receive products on time in full – ensuring stock availability during peak trading periods.
Close collaboration
Disruptive times can strain customer relationships, which is why it is more important
than ever for suppliers and retailers to work closely with one another.
“Homefire ensures a smooth, flexible supply to our retailers through a dependable, customer-first approach,” says sales support marketing manager, Josie Claxon. “With local depots across the UK and a dedicated team who offer a personal touch, we deliver everything from £90 minimum orders to full pallets, full loads, and direct containers. Our Pin Live system also gives full order visibility, helping retailers track deliveries in real time.
She continues: “We operate with 24/7 customer support, including a responsive call centre and service team, ensuring reliable communication at every stage. With in-house manufacturing and flexible delivery options, we keep your shelves stocked and your customers happy.”
Taylors Bulbs has leveraged the benefits of collaboration to enhance the service it offers retail customers. The family business has been working with FloraLinc Logistics since 2021 to facilitate end-to-end transport from Taylor’s warehouse in Holland to its farm at Holbeach, Lincolnshire. National accounts & marketing manager, Ian Clark explains further: “FloraLinc takes care of export documentation and transport from Taylor’s Dutch warehouse to FloraLinc’s control point, which is local to Taylors, where bulbs are quickly and efficiently processed with APHA on the IPAFFS system before leaving for their final destination at Taylors, where all products are packed and then distributed to its customers.”
The Garden Decor company, Primus has taken decisive action to overcome extended global shipping lead times by committing to pre-season stock earlier. “This enabled
deliveries from January and an earlier rollout into,” explains marketing manager Steve Perry.
“We also implemented a new ‘first come, first served’ preseason order system that incentivised early buying, allowed better customer expectation management and more visibility on early product demand. As a result, Primus is currently tracking 46% up in revenue year-on-year and, to meet continued demand, large replenishment orders were placed and delivered early, keeping bestsellers in stock and ensuring a strong, reliable season for customers.”
About GIMA
GIMA is a membership organisation of around 170 companies representing the majority share of suppliers and manufacturers operating within the UK gardening industry, together with an estimated £4bn in annual trade.
GIMA’s goal is to promote the commercial, trading, and industrial interests of its UK and EU-based members supplying the UK garden retail industry. Run by a small team of dedicated professionals and governed by a council of members, GIMA is funded by membership subscriptions and services. The range of services and support provided for members is extensive, offering something for all members, regardless of their size or heritage.
More Information About Gima Kimberley Hornby George kimberley@hornbygeorgepr.com
Tel 07851 610573
Why educating your customer is essential in today’s Garden Centre
Andrew Burton of Pleydell Smithyman shares some top tips on how garden centres can constantly educate their customers that arrive and browse in the shop.
Not every garden centre visitor knows what they want. Most probably don’t. So here lies the problem – how do our customers leave our garden centres informed and pleased, with a product in hand?
The garden centre customer needs have changed over a number of years and we have seen a massive change in expectations of a shopper in the past decade. Customers want instant gratification and satisfaction – and this is across all demographics, not just the younger audience that have been visiting our garden centres driven by catering or experiences.
But it seems clear to me that customers are not fully aware of how a garden centre can help them. For example, most visitors are not actual gardeners, and they do not understand what plant works where and what they need with them to meet their aims when developing their gardens. This is the same across many departments we have in our garden centres. When I read lots of different surveys and views about gardeners, and new gardeners (such as
Millennials), my views are that the majority of visitors to a garden centre do not know exactly what they want or need – which ultimately creates both a challenge and opportunity for a garden centre. Educating customers isn’t as simple as ensuring there are staff available to talk to them at any time, the bottom line here is that our garden centres can’t afford to have staff less productive than they could be, noting that customer service is excellent in our industry, but our teams all do more than one task at a time.
You can’t put signs everywhere
either and expect these to be the answer, because firstly, not everyone reads signs or labels, or scans QR codes, and secondly, they can get in the way of the product if a department is ‘over signed.’
“The majority of visitors to a garden centre do not know exactly what they want or need –which creates both a challenge and an opportunity.”
Things I often think about to ‘help’ educate your customer when they are in your garden centre aren’t rocket science, but they do need to be planned, be focused, and have a commitment to deliver them. There are a huge number of ways to educate customers, but my top 5 tips are: 1. Displays are the silent teacher For years, we
have seen inspirational displays driving sales in every department, from plants to pets. Having clear sight lines, which have impact displays inspiring customers to buy products sounds so obvious, but it is not always considered, and having a planned display strategy, focusing on key areas in key places, fusing as much product as needed, is essential.
I have worked with some inspirational merchandisers in both my previous life at a high street department store, and also in my Garden and Leisure days. We always talked about site lines and customer flow to help highlight products, add link products and inform customers.
I remember being energised during one discussion where floor pallet displays, gondolas and wall units were referred to as ‘rivers, trees and mountains.’ It was reflecting on displays being beautiful and inspirational, no matter what the product is. This obviously needs taking into context, but what it has done is stuck with me over a decade on, and it helps make merchandising relevant, considered and thoughtful, with the aim to maximise impact and understanding.
2. Perfect Partners informs knowledge I walk around a lot of our garden centres and see some incredible deals selling products. Whether it is as simple as ericaceous compost next to Rhododendrons, crackers next to cheese in a food hall, or a display that links solar lights and water feature with a furniture
set - whatever it is, it works. Customers want ease and direction and what is better than showing them what they need.
Some businesses even create link promotions, but if a garden centre has not considered the positioning of products, customer flow and displays, then it really could be missing a big opportunity to educate a customer, give them what they need and gain additional sales.
3. Demonstrate your knowledge
Gone are the days of just putting plant information on plant benches, or hanging signs around the centre to explain things, if you want to encourage customers to buy from you rather than shed retailers or online competition, then you have to reach out and engage with them, which is an essential part of highlighting your expertise. So what’s the best method to do that? To be frank, most methods work, but what you need to do is ensure the customers know you are the absolute experts in your field and your reputation cannot be surpassed. This will encourage questions and confidence.
4. Maximise the impact of social media
If you haven’t got a marketing (and promotions) plan for your garden centre, then this is something you really may want to consider. It is not over corporate – it is what customers expect. Social media is about interaction, education and fun. Your business model will dictate the tone and content, but
it needs planning to have the most impact, including seasonal education ‘all year around.’
I feel that you need to have social media posts interesting and relevant, and a mix of ones that show people your expertise and how to do things, alongside some fun or inspirational messages, all help customers keep engaged.
As far as educating them goes, we see some extremely good use across the country. I follow one garden centre a couple of hours away from my home, but they mix inspirational images and videos (such as a Christmas display that had over 1 million views last year) with knowledge (often via video content by a local gardening celebrity), but what it does is firstly keep me engaged and secondly it educates in so many different ways.
5. Empower your teams
The final one of my top 5 tips is probably the one I would start with personally. Train, develop and trust your teams to deliver knowledge. The training seems to be quite a straight forward one to understand, but it needs to be considered, relevant and delivered at the right time (whether that is during induction or ongoing).
Developing a culture and team to create areas that inform customers in a positive engaging way is challenging, however, an engaged team will reap its rewards when given commitment and focus. I am sure anyone reading this will have lots of different ways to educate their customers, but I feel that in a climate of challenge, which is one we are in now, we need to be better than other retailers selling what we sell, and educating customers to buy what they need and want will only encourage that customer to come back to you time and time again.
About Andrew Burton
Andrew works for Pleydell
Smithyman as an associate director, focusing on garden centre and farm shop advice, with an overarching aim of business strategy and development. He provides site development and commercial and operational support. He sits on the Farm Retail Association Council, and previously on the Garden Centre Association Board. andrewb@pleydellsmithyman.co.uk
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Micro vs. Macro Influencers
Digging into Influencer Marketing
Beth French, account director at specialist home and garden PR agency, Honest Communications, discusses how to drive growth in the gardening sector with influencers.
In today’s digital world, influencer marketing is an undeniably effective way of reaching target customers and raising brand awareness. From showing off the latest must-have products to teaching us how not to kill our houseplants, content creators are inspiring people to dig in — literally.
Social media is packed with green-fingered gurus sharing everything from the secret to a luscious lawn to why your summer bulbs need planting sooner rather than later. It’s gardening advice, but without the heavy textbooks — just bite-sized, easy-to-digest tips and inspiration to help everyone get growing.
But what is influencer marketing?
Before we dive into macro versus micro, let’s define influencer marketing. Influencer marketing is a digital tool that connects brands with consumers through accounts with a relevant social media following and the credibility to promote products or services.
And there’s proven power in this tactic, a recent study found 69% of consumers trust influencers’ recommendations over direct brand messages. By using creators’ trust and authenticity, brands can boost awareness, engagement, and sales. Options include sponsored content, affiliate schemes, brand ambassadors, product seeding, gifting, and giveaways—each offering distinct value.
What does it mean to be an influencer?
So, what makes an influencer an influencer?
An influencer isn’t just someone chasing freebies or obsessed with selfies – that’s an outdated stereotype. An influencer is a skilled content creator with a significant online presence, an engaged audience and the ability to influence their followers’ opinions and behaviours.
Broadly speaking, influencers are defined as macro or micro categories, based on follower numbers. Micro-influencers have smaller, niche audiences (10,000-100,000 followers) and focus on specific interests, while macro-influencers (100,000+ followers) have wider appeal.
The small but mighty micro influencer
Micro-influencers are often more effective for niche markets due to their smaller but highly engaged audiences. They usually have closer relationships with followers, which translates to higher trust in their recommendations. Working with micro-influencers can be more affordable, making them suitable for smaller gardening businesses, local nurseries, new brands building an organic following on a budget, or those with low-cost products they can gift in volume.
A great example of this is when we worked with the British fertiliser brand Phostrogen to introduce a product rebrand and reach a new wave of post-lockdown gardeners. By partnering with multiple micro-influencers, including The Hairy Horticulturist and Wellies and Waffles, we increased our social media reach by 302%. Collectively, the content reached 48,644 accounts, made 58,358 impressions, and achieved 3,230 engagements,
meeting objectives to raise brand awareness and increase sales.
Reaching the masses with macro influencers
Macro-influencers have a much larger following. While they may not always create the same close engagement as microinfluencers, their broad reach is valuable for building awareness and brand recognition. They can introduce gardening products, services, or concepts to larger audiences, which benefits brands aiming to scale quickly or make a big impact and broad appeal.
This kind of campaign can be seen in the collaboration between luxury furniture brand Oxenwood and social media star Lydia Millen, who currently boasts 1.6 million followers. Lydia’s aspirational video showcased the beauty of its premium outdoor furniture, appealing to the many design-conscious homeowners and garden enthusiasts who follow her account, while helping to broaden Oxenwood’s reach to high-net-worth customers seeking timeless, luxury pieces for their outdoor spaces.
About Beth French
Beth French is an account director at Honest Communications, the chosen PR and social media agency of many leading garden brands including elho, Hillier, Town & Country, WOLF Garten, and Wilkinson Sword. honestcommunications.co.uk
An interview with Neil Barwise-Carr
Garden Centre Retail catches up with Yorkshire Garden Centres’ people and culture director Neil Barwise-Carr to speak about his role in building one of the greatest work cultures in the garden retail industry.
It’s no secret that Yorkshire Garden Centres is lauded for their work culture. With many national HR award nominations under its belt, the business is certainly striving to be a great place to work. One of the reasons for this is the development of systems and processes that Neil BarwiseCarr has spearheaded.
Humble throughout our interview, Neil has a strong history in HR, including a degree and his CIPD qualification. Although his roles have been across industries and even across the globe, he’s now been with the Yorkshire-based, seven-site
“I’ve now got the opportunity to be part of the board, which is giving me real insight into the nuts and bolts of what it’s like to run the business, and the challenges that come with that”
garden centre group for six years.
“This is my first experience within the garden centre sector” Neil explains. “I was working in Melbourne, Australia for an events business for three years and prior to that I was in manufacturing, construction and events and nuclear.”
Whilst working down under, Neil was searching for opportunities back in his homeland, specifically in Leeds. He saw an opportunity with, what was at the time, just Tong Garden Centre, and took the leap.
“I spoke to Mark Farnsworth about the growth of the business and what they were looking for. For me, I was keen to grow with the business. He spoke about how ambitious they were and what they were looking to do, he was very driven. It excited me about coming to work here” he says.
It’s been a monumental growth period in the six years Neil has spent with
Yorkshire Garden Centres, moving from the one site at Tong to the seven sites and 600 members of staff. Recently, Neil has been rewarded with a position on the board of directors, which has changed his role.
“It’s given me more exposure to what is going on right across the business” Neil says. “I was already part of the leadership team, but I’ve
now got the opportunity to be part of the board, which is giving me real insight into the nuts and bolts of what it’s like to run the business, and the challenges that come with that. I get to see and hear the impact of the decisions we are making, but also the external factors that are thrust upon us, whether that be a change in government, policies, competitors and even the weather (which I’ve now realised in the Garden Centre sector is a very hot topic!)
And even though the challenges are mounting, there doesn’t seem to be any stopping the juggernaut of growth. Neil says “we’re trying to handle the challenges we face whilst also not allowing opportunities to pass us by. The recent acquisition of Pennine came at a very opportune time, allowing us to grow our network of centres, in our patch, whilst allowing us to save roles which would have been at risk following the drastic NI and wage costs heading our way.
Another area of Neil’s role is overseeing wage budgets. He explains people are our biggest asset but wage is our biggest cost, so its important we look after this carefully. Given recent changes to national insurance costs and the rise in national minimum wages, like every other business, we have to be as lean as we can be and manage our wages accordingly,
which is a real challenge for us, and no doubt all our garden centre counterparts. Right now I’m trying to understand how to give our managers more visibility of wage budgets and more support in making quick decisions when they need the support, when it comes to resources.
During his time at the business, the workplace culture at Yorkshire Garden Centres has been increasingly recognised and shown in a positive light, a source of pride for Neil. He says “obviously I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved over the past six years. I was able to put in the foundations, starting with redefining our core values, and then introducing process and systems which not only brought consistency, but aligning
“I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved over the past six years. I was able to put in the foundations, starting with redefining our core values, and then introducing process and systems which not only brought consistency, but aligning them to our values.”
them to our Values. We’ve been able to build on these foundations and then use these and apply these to the other sites we’ve built or acquired
“That was the first step for me. Getting the processes and getting the systems in that would give us strong foundations. We set up a new HR, payroll, time and attendance platform. We’ve got clear processes for recruitment, onboarding, appraisals, and for reward and recognition. That’s helped give the management team and site managers the structure they need to be able to do what they need to do to help us create that culture, it can’t just come from the People & Culture team.”
As with any business, staffing has the potential to be the biggest headache, but creating a culture and giving managers responsibility and accountability has really helped spread the load in this regard. In terms of staffing though, Yorkshire Garden Centres is working on getting the right people in. Neil said, “we’ll try and be honest with people about what it’s like to work here, so if somebody looks on our careers page, or our social feeds, we try and get across the reality of the role. If you’re working in catering, you’re going to be on your feet doing 30,000 steps a day –it’s a tough job.
“People think it’s going to be a nice, easy job, but in reality, working in the business can be a real challenge, whether that’s in our head office, where everyone works hard to support our network of centres, to working
on our shop floor, restaurants or play areas –there is always a lot that needs to be done, our spaces never stay the same, there is always a display to move or build, a new menu to create or customers to serve – we need to get the reality across of what it’s like.
Neil and his team of HR professionals manage the first stage of the recruitment process. This includes screenings and phone calls, vetting a candidate against the values of the business. “Hopefully, by the time they come to the managers, they’re just focusing on whether this person is going to fit into the team and have the right skill set. If we get that right, the implications on the culture and the team are
significant, just like it can be if we get it wrong.
Amongst their values, Yorkshire Garden Centres is doing its best to be sustainable –a value that many potential employees like to align themselves with. Neil says “Ultimately people want to come to a good place to work. They want to be looked after, work for an employer who care not just about them but the environment and communities in which they operate, and we try our best to do this as best as we can.
Yes, we are going to make decisions that don’t necessarily align with that sustainability value that we have, but in other ways, we do a lot where we can, to make a difference through
our charity and community champions or via our carbon literacy program where our teams aim to commit to making pledges which make a difference to our environments.
Touching back on recognition for the work Neil and his team have been doing, Yorkshire Garden Centres has received a number of nominations in national HR awards. Neil commented that “a lot of what we do in People & Culture goes on behind the scene and often under the radar.
So these awards are an opportunity for us to shout a little bit about the work that goes on. We do a lot of work in-house, we don’t use recruitment agencies, last year we filled about 345 positions ourselves, including 100 seasonals. We do a lot of the training ourselves in-house (our Great by Nature programme for example), arrange and organise monthly themed events focused on our team. We manage all the employee relations; promote health and well-being, keep communication flowing across the group, wages, payroll and other essential business processes that enable us to operate as a professional and compliant business.
It’s great to remind ourselves of the great work we are doing and getting that external recognition gives that added validation. Ultimately all we are trying to do is to create a great place to work, because we care.
“It’s nice for my team to get that. I obviously do my best to try and thank them for the work they’re doing, but getting external recognition is great for them. It’s also good for the business, it enhances PR and it’s promotion from a recruitment perspective. We know that we are not perfect, but we are taking steps to continually show what (this should be that) we are thinking of our team and appreciate and recognise all that they do – we couldn’t do anything without them”
Challenges
Going through growth periods offers up a host of challenges for businesses, but going through these periods during times of economic hardship is a whole new level. Neil says “we’re going through a period of growth and a period of having to make sure we are as lean as possible.
“We’re in a challenging environment and we set some ambitious targets, so we’re always looking at ways in which we can ‘get one more visit’ from each customer, or improve our margins or reduce our costs.
We have to keep making sure that we are trying to do what we can. Obviously, we do
want to grow and we’ve got an owner who is very ambitious.
“If we see opportunities that we know are good for us because it’s on our patch and it’s going to add to our portfolio, we want to be looking at those opportunities. On the other hand, we’ve just recently gone through an exercise where we’ve had to cut some hours and roles – so managing our teams expectations through times like this, and effectively communicating across all our sites is a challenge, because ultimately it affects all of them. We have to try and communicate with the team and be honest about where we are as a business.
“Wages are the biggest cost. How do we make sure that we are across those and we’re managing those as best we can? It’s important for us to maintain this culture. It takes a long time to get your culture to where you want it to be.”
At the heart of everything across the business, Neil’s ethos is about creating a great place to work. It’s what he and his team is striving to do alongside the training of great managers. “It’s ultimately them who are helping to create the culture” he says. “We need to give them the skills, the ability to manage their teams well, the tools to be able to engage to
make sure everything we do is adding value to help make their lives easier and create this great culture.”
Neil BarwiseCarr’s journey with Yorkshire Garden Centres exemplifies the transformative power of dedicated leadership and innovative HR practices. His strategic approach to building robust systems and processes has not only fostered a thriving work culture but also positioned the company as a leader in the garden retail industry.
recognition received through national HR awards underscores the impact of his efforts and the value of his team’s contributions.
“We need to give them the skills, the ability to manage their teams well, the tools to be able to engage to make sure everything we do is adding value to help make their lives easier and create this great culture.”
Neil’s commitment to culture, engagement, sustainability, employee well-being, and continuous growth reflects his holistic vision for the business. Despite economic challenges, his ability to navigate complexities and drive the company forward is commendable. The
As Yorkshire Garden Centres continues to expand, Neil’s vision of creating a great place to work remains at the heart of its success. His focus on empowering managers and instilling a culture of accountability and engagement ensures that the company is wellequipped to face future challenges and seize new opportunities.
Neil Barwise-Carr’s leadership is a testament to the importance of nurturing a positive work environment, and his story serves as an inspiration for HR professionals across industries.
Building community one seed at a time: How garden centres have evolved into community hubs
Gardening has long been a cherished pastime in the UK, with over 1,400 garden centres and retail nurseries nationwide (HTA). But garden centres are more than just plants and have evolved, becoming deeply integrated into local communities. 68% of British adults visit a garden centre at least once in 2024, with an estimated 203 million last year*. We speak to key retailers about how they have become destinations, prioritised the visitor experience, and fostered community connections.
More than just bricks and mortar
The recent British Garden Centres’ new store openings provided the perfect illustration of the relevance and community impact of garden centres today. Hundreds of customers queued up on opening day, showing that these retailers are far more than mere transactional spaces.
Amy Stubbs, Project and Development Manager, who oversaw all the openings, said:
“The large crowds at Gosforth, Shinfield, Gloucester, Heighley Gate, Havant, and Rugby illustrated their importance to local communities. Families of all generations gathered, expressing joy at the reopening of these centres, which are more than just
shopping destinations—they provide an opportunity for families to connect and enjoy a day out together.”
Louise Smith, Senior Communications Manager at Perrywood, resonates with this community-focused ethos: “Our mission is to share our passion for gardening and anything we can do in the local community to help encourage people to get outdoors and start a project is of benefit to us as well as supporting the schools, charities and communities.”
Personal interactions are important to garden centres as Helen MacDonald, Managing Director at Merryhatton, explains: “As our business thrives, we take pride in providing a centre that creates a strong sense of belonging. Whether it’s sharing our horticultural knowledge or simply a friendly chat with
staff, we provide a unique opportunity for people to connect over a shared love of nature and the outdoors. Our customers seek more than transactions—they value experiences, inspiration, and the joy of learning.”
As traditional community hubs decline, Kati Taylor, Retail & Marketing Director at Fron Goch, strongly agrees with this. “With the demise of community centres, village life and the historical sense of community, businesses such as ours are becoming the place where you can gather all ages and meet up.
“While gardening is seasonal, our community-focused approach ensures that visitors continue to engage with us even during quieter months.”
“As a small business, customers and our team embrace the social connections, and we value the opportunity for positive interactions with people who often find themselves lonely and unheard. Simply knowing our customers’ names and about their lives and families
promotes friendships and mitigates a loss of social isolation for all. It’s a two-way street, and a big part of the reason customers visit, and why we are a great place to work.”
Year-round engagement is key to Pugh’s Garden Centres and The Garden Kitchen as Victoria Pugh, Wellbeing Officer, explains:
“While gardening is seasonal, our communityfocused approach ensures that visitors continue to engage with us even during quieter months. We are dedicated to making Pugh’s a place where people feel welcome, whether in our restaurants and cafés, the enclosed play area at Wenvoe, or our community events. By providing these experiences, we transform our garden centre into more than just a place to buy plants.”
Family day out
Cafes and restaurants play a crucial role in the success of garden centres, with HTA research indicating that 56% of UK adults visited a café or restaurant there in 2024, totalling 148 million visits*. Beyond financial gains, these cafes foster community and social interaction.
“More and more we see younger people visiting Merryhatton’s shop and café, and local carers bring the elderly for an afternoon out, says Helen. “Our award-winning café is the talk of the town. It is highly rated for quality across key social platforms, and seats are often unavailable, both inside and outside, during busy periods.
“Our chefs bake freshly made scones daily and other sweet treats for our faithful customers. Seasonal dishes and homemade soups are also extremely popular, especially through winter when customers want filling and warming food. Our ingredients are sourced sustainably, and where possible, we utilize Scottish suppliers. We are also dog friendly, so bringing the family pet is a treat when many similar establishments do not allow canine friends.”
Restaurants like Fron Goch’s serve as modern communal gathering spaces, “We have a 203 seater restaurant with different spaces
which means all that visit get the experience they are looking for - families and dog friendly areas, afternoon tea, relaxing fireside, our forest breathing atrium and patio for sunshine, nature and fresh air space as well as our top terrace with pirate sandpit or relaxed seating”, says Kati.
Dobbies has 31 soft play areas to make its stores a true family destination and appeal to even the youngest ages, as Laura Adamson, Head of PR, Communications & Events, elaborates. “We offer children’s parties in our soft plays and our restaurants; we have a children’s menu including afternoon tea. For National Children’s Gardening Week, we’re offering a Children’s Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience.”
Bringing people together through events
To foster a sense of community, garden centre events bring residents together, such as plant workshops or family-friendly gatherings.
Gardening talks, seasonal celebrations, live music, car shows, and bike nights create shared experiences that foster camaraderie and belonging.
British Garden Centres regularly holds local events across its 72 stores as James Ducker, Events Manager, explains: “We take great joy in bringing people together and organising events for everyone. This includes educational visits to Bressingham Gardens and circus shows that provide fun for the entire family. We also raise money for good causes and host car and bike shows for enthusiasts who share a passion for motors.”
Merryhatton also engages residents in its community with seasonal events. “We host a Family Easter Egg Hunt, which is an excellent event that not only allows people to explore our garden centre but also enjoy homemade fare from our award-winning café, Helen tells us. “Throughout the year, we also curate special Mother’s and Father’s Day menus, unique offers across our range of plants and other shop merchandise.”
Christmas grottos and events are a cherished tradition, with garden centres fostering festive cheer by bringing families together and celebrating the season with goodwill. “Meet Santa is a sellout each year, allowing young families to enjoy a few hours out of their busy day to have fun and create special memories, says Helen. “This is also accompanied by a Breakfast with Santa for children who need special assistance – booked
in at a quiet time before the café gets too busy.”
Fron Goch puts its community first when it comes to events, as Kati explains. “We assessed what was lacking in our area. Historically, we have hosted talks and masterclasses for skilled gardeners, but we realised we were missing novice gardeners— those who want to start gardening but don’t know how or where to begin. Our talks are free and open to everyone, with no need to book in advance. They are held on Sunday mornings, allowing those with busy weekday schedules to attend. These sessions provide an opportunity to take a break and develop a variety of practical skills applicable to everyday life, with the regular connection with nature and the encouragement of friendships supporting mental health and well-being.”
Dobbies offer a wide range of in-store activities, with customers and the community front of mind. As well as its free Grow How workshops, it has a monthly free Little Seedlings Club for children aged 4-10 years old who are eager to learn more about gardening and wildlife.
“We also hold events where we invite local schools, choirs and community groups to perform in our stores, which adds to the atmosphere, says Laura.
“We have also rolled out a programme of dog-friendly events, as we know a high proportion of our customers have a pet. We’ve built on the success of Santa Paws to create a full seasonal programme for 2025. We work in partnership with Dogs Trust for these events, allowing customers to add a donation when they book.”
As part of its commitment to fostering community engagement and celebrating local heritage, Pugh’s also hosts a diverse range of seasonal events; “We hold Easter-themed workshops and St David’s Day celebrations featuring locally sourced menus and live music, says Victoria. “These gatherings provide social and educational opportunities while
reinforcing a strong community spirit. Recent workshops have included wreath-making, planter workshops and wildlife experiences with Animal Interactive.”
Perrywood also hold events that emphasise combining education, sustainability, and hands-on engagement to serve its community, as Louise tells us: “Last year, we launched our ‘Cream Tea with an Expert’ talks. They sold out very quickly and were popular. The subjects include spring bulbs, wildlife, gardening more sustainably and easy edibles. We are running more this year and have also reached out to local WI and gardening groups, offering a similar format. Our Terrarium workshops have been immensely popular over the year, and we have recently introduced a houseplant repotting service that has been well received.”
Building community through partnerships Garden centres are also building community ties through partnerships with local businesses and charities.
Blue Diamond is funding local groups in the UK to create or revamp community gardens, bringing the outdoors to urban areas as Jill Kerr, Group Relationship Manager, explains: “Around one in three people in the UK lack access to nature-rich outdoor spaces, with some deprived areas having no green spaces at all. We launched a Community Garden Competition, offering £10,000 in plants and garden care products to be shared among five community gardens, along with six hours of expert assistance to kickstart the projects.
“The winners included the Newton Abbot Centre Association, which operates the Courtenay Centre, a community hub with activities and a café, and Transition Town Wellington, which planned to cultivate a 450-square-metre area for residents and wildlife. Step Together Volunteering’s Get Growing Project in South Bristol supports disadvantaged 16-25-year-olds by connecting them with the community and teaching
environmental skills, whilst Kingshurst Community Garden was awarded as it serves as a resource-sharing hub, promoting community resilience. Finally, Friends of Holbrook’s Thinking Garden was also chosen for its renewal project honouring Abigail, a horse-loving student who passed away from cancer.”
Blue Diamond actively supports charities by donating £1 for every charity rose sold through its brand, Fryer’s Roses. Jill tells us: “Our charity roses allow customers to contribute to causes close to their hearts. Among the charities we have raised money for are the Stroke Association, with the “Believe in Yourself” rose launched at the Hampton Court Flower Festival 2024, and the Soil Association “Queen Bee Rose.”
“Other supported charities include Alder Hey Children’s Charity, Blythe House Hospice, The Dianne Oxberry Trust, Greenfingers Charity, The Soil Association, Hope for Justice, The Sarah Groves Foundation, Action Reconciliation Service for Peace, Phab Charity, MND Scotland, and the Alzheimer’s Society.” Community engagement has always been at the heart of Merryhatton’s mission, and now the retailer is taking it to new heights. “We have partnered with charities, including Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, RNLI and Young Carers. We are now igniting our community connections with plans for a very high-profile charity event and engagement with a local primary school, says Helen.
“This fundraiser will feature an auction, quiz, music, and BBQ. We aim to give back to our community by donating seeds and plants to a local school, helping the younger generation learn about horticulture and enjoy the outdoors. These initiatives strengthen our presence in the region and bring families and individuals together for a greater cause.”
Schools are important for Fron Goch with Kati telling us: “In spring, we invite local school groups for guided tours and snacks. Last summer, we collaborated with Ysgol Rhosgadfan on a gardening project that connected children with nature, teaching them to nurture their space and grow food.
As a family-run garden centre, Perrywood has a long-standing commitment to supporting local schools to help educate the younger gardener. “Our Houseplant to Schools campaign delivers houseplants to local classrooms and provides plant care advice, says Louise.
“We also supplied plants to our local theatre,
showcasing our commitment to community spaces. This year, as we celebrate 70 years of trading, we launched a Charity Planting Campaign, inviting local schools, community groups, and charities to apply for a share of £10,000 for gardening projects, and we’ve had over 300 applications.
“We are also participating in the Essex Food and Farming event at Writtle Agricultural College in June, which provides a wonderful opportunity for us to reach out to a broader community and inspire the next generation of gardeners.
Pugh’s proudly supports local artisans by collaborating with Welsh suppliers like Caws Teifi Cheese and Dà Mhìle Organic Distillery, promoting high-quality, regionally sourced products that enhance the local economy.
The team is dedicated to supporting Age Cymru. “We collaborate with the A Friend in Need service and the creation of the Bear in the Window book and bear, which provides companionship to older members of the community.
“Our Worrall Cup Christmas campaign donated all profits from our book and teddy bear sales to Age Cymru, helping increase friendship calls to lonely older people during winter, says Victoria.
“We are excited to support Gwanwyn 2025, a festival for older individuals to engage in arts and creativity. We also invite residents to join the staff choir rehearsal in May for Mental Health Awareness Week, a planter workshop for our Nurture & Natter community during National Gardening Week, and a Coffee Morning/Afternoon for Wellbeing Week.”
Dobbies proudly support charities, schools, nurseries, and local groups to make a positive impact. “Our national charity partner, Alzheimer’s Research UK, aligns well with our audiences. We’re supporting the Think Brain Health campaign, encouraging brain health through gardening. Throughout the year, we’ll host activities and events to raise funds for dementia research, including Grow How sessions, online donations, and Walk For A Cure.
“Dobbies Community Gardens is our annual initiative inviting schools, nurseries, charities, and community groups to apply for support for their green spaces. Local stores select a project from nominations, with successful groups receiving donations of products, tools, plants, and volunteer hours to enhance their community space,” concludes Laura.
The best roses to stock for 2025
Paul Manley, head of wholesale at world-renowned rose growers David Austin Roses shares about their top roses to stock in the garden centre for 2025.
As garden centres gear up for the 2025 planting season, selecting the right varieties of roses to stock is essential for attracting customers and ensuring vibrant, thriving gardens. Roses have long been a favourite among gardeners, celebrated for their stunning blooms, delightful fragrances, and versatile uses in various garden settings.
Roses are not just a symbol of love and beauty; they are also a testament to the art of horticulture. Each variety brings its unique charm, from the classic elegance of hybrid teas to the robust and floriferous nature of shrub roses.
In 2025, garden centres should look to stock roses that not only captivate with their visual appeal but also thrive in diverse growing conditions, ensuring customer satisfaction and repeat business.
One of the key trends for 2025 is the growing demand for disease-resistant and lowmaintenance roses. Gardeners are increasingly seeking varieties that require minimal care yet deliver maximum impact. This shift is driven by a desire for sustainable gardening practices and the need for plants that can withstand changing climate conditions. By offering roses that are hardy and easy to care for, garden centres can cater to this evolving market and promote environmentally friendly gardening.
Another important consideration is the
fragrance of the roses. Scented roses continue to be highly sought after, as they add an extra dimension to the garden experience. Varieties with strong, pleasant fragrances can enhance the sensory appeal of any garden, making them a must-have for garden centres looking to provide a well-rounded selection.
In addition to these factors, the aesthetic qualities of the roses—such as bloom colour, shape, and size—play a crucial role in their popularity. Garden centres should aim to offer a diverse range of colours and forms to cater to different tastes and garden styles. From the soft pastels of English roses to the vibrant hues of modern hybrids, there is a rose for every garden and every gardener.
Olivia Rose Austin (Ausmixture)
One of David Austin’s finest roses, Olivia Rose Austin is an exceptional repeat-flowering variety known for its delicate, soft pink blooms and strong fruity fragrance. It features beautifully cupped petals that open into a classic rosette shape, making it a favourite for both borders and containers. With excellent disease resistance, it’s one of the healthiest English roses, requiring minimal maintenance. This variety thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, reaching around 3.5ft in height. A reliable performer with a long flowering season from late spring to autumn, it’s an ideal choice for customers seeking an easycare yet stunning garden addition.
Eustacia Vye (Ausegdon)
A romantic and striking variety, Eustacia Vye produces ruffled, apricot-pink petals with a rich, fruity fragrance. The blooms begin as shallow cups, opening to full rosettes, revealing petals of a richer hue, which gradually pale over time. A medium shrub, it has a compact and bushy growth habit, making it perfect for smaller gardens, mixed borders and container planting. With a height of approximately four feet, it prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil, but can tolerate shady areas and partial sun. A repeat-flowering variety with strong disease resistance, it will appeal to customers looking for a reliable, highly scented rose that delivers colour and charm throughout the season.
Elizabeth (Ausmajesty)
Named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, this rose embodies regal beauty with its large, blush pink blooms and strong, sweet fragrance with hints of lemon sherbet and Old Rose. Elizabeth is a vigorous, upright grower reaching around 4.5ft, making it an excellent choice for hedging, mixed borders, or as a standalone feature. It thrives in a variety of locations, including full sun, partial sun, shady areas, and windy or exposed areas. With strong disease resistance and a graceful habit, it produces continuous flushes of flowers and makes for a wonderful addition to any garden, offering both aesthetic appeal and ease of care.
Roald Dahl (Ausowlish)
A charming, apricot-coloured rose with a soft, fruity Tea fragrance, Roald Dahl is a tribute to the beloved author and one of David Austin’s most popular varieties. It forms a medium-sized, rounded shrub with arching stems and glossy foliage, reaching around three feet. Its blooms, which are reminiscent of the eponymous peach in James and the Giant Peach, are cupped and delicately ruffled, opening repeatedly from early
summer until the first frosts. Exceptionally healthy and robust, this variety is an excellent choice for borders, mixed plantings, or even hedging. Popular among gardeners not only for its charming blooms, but also for its versatility and low-maintenance nature.
Dannahue (Ausa6b15)
A captivating variety that will bloom in any landscape, Dannahue features apricot blooms and a medium scent with notes of zesty lemon, lychees and fresh apricots. It grows into a medium-sized, bushy shrub reaching approximately 3.5ft, with excellent repeat flowering. A versatile rose, it is happy to be grown in containers or against walls or fences, and can tolerate full sun, partial sun and shady areas, making it perfect for city dwellers, urban gardening or more compact gardens. Dannahue offers a striking burst of colour and a delightful scent that will enhance any outdoor space.
Emma Bridgewater (Ausb44a16)
Named after the iconic British potter and launched at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024, Emma Bridgewater is a beautiful, showstopper of a rose that impresses with a kaleidoscope of colours. Its full-petalled blooms are at first pink with a yellow button eye, then brighter coral-pink tones, mauve and lilac, appealing to gardeners looking for a high-impact rose.
The bushy growth habit makes it ideal for borders, cottage gardens, or large containers. It reaches a height of around four feet and prefers full sun, but can also tolerate partial sun. As a repeat bloomer with excellent disease resistance and a light-medium tea fragrance, it provides consistent colour and a delightful fragrance, making it a great choice for customers wanting a blend of beauty and reliability.
Wollerton Old Hall (Ausblanket)
One of the most highly scented David Austin roses, Wollerton Old Hall is a magnificent climber with large, creamy apricot blooms and a rich myrrh fragrance. It can be grown as a large shrub or trained as a climber reaching heights of up to 12ft, making it perfect for arches, walls, or trellises. The blooms start as neatly rounded buds with flashes of red, before opening into full, chalice-shaped flowers that repeatedly bloom throughout the season. With strong disease resistance and excellent vigour, this rose is perfect for customers looking to add height, fragrance, and elegance to their gardens.
Stocking the right varieties of roses for 2025 is crucial for garden centres aiming to meet customer expectations and enhance their plant departments. By focusing on diseaseresistant, low-maintenance, and highly fragrant roses, garden centres can cater to the evolving preferences of modern gardeners. Offering a diverse range of colours and forms will also ensure that every customer finds a rose that suits their garden style and personal taste.
The timeless beauty and versatility of roses make them an indispensable addition to any garden centre’s inventory. By carefully selecting and promoting these top varieties, garden centres can foster a love for gardening and help customers create stunning, fragrant, and resilient gardens. Embrace the opportunity to educate and inspire your customers with the best roses for 2025, ensuring a successful and blooming season ahead.
An Innovative Approach to Children’s Catering
As family dining in garden Centre rises, garden Centre retail speaks with James Feuer head of catering at Thetford Garden Centre, & Lewis Allington, Head of Product (Restaurants), at Dobbies Garden Centre’s to discuss what Garden centers can do to enhance their catering to children.
In the heart of Thetford Garden Centre, a revolution in children’s catering is taking place. Spearheaded by James Feuer, head of catering, this initiative is transforming the way families experience dining in garden centers. Feuer emphasises the importance of offering a diverse and appealing menu for children, recognising that a wellthought-out children’s menu can significantly enhance the overall family experience.
Customisation is at the core of Thetford Garden Centre’s approach, allowing young diners to tailor their meals to their tastes and dietary needs. This flexibility not only caters to picky eaters but also ensures that children with specific dietary requirements are well accommodated. Beyond the food, Thetford Garden Centre offers a range of entertainment options designed to keep children engaged and happy, making dining out a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.
Around two percentage of Lime Kiln Kitchen’s revenue comes from those dining with children, which equates to around £100k per annum. In terms of the percentage, doesn’t sound much, but translates to a huge amount of turnover. It’s a demographic that Thetford Garden Centre is hugely grateful for.
Lewis Allington, the head of product (restaurants) at Dobbies Garden Centres, also sees the importance of this demographic. “Catering to families is extremely important to us, and we regularly welcome customers with children. Our restaurants are family-friendly spaces where our customers can relax, chat, enjoy meals and sweet treats together. We also have 31 soft plays which also increases our family visitors.”
Getting the menu right is step one for both businesses, and it’s something James has a fair amount of experience. It’s important to us, you have to consider what’s going to sell, and what the kids want to eat. There’s are things to take into consideration when you do these menus.
“Health and development are important. There’s been a growing amount of research becoming known about the links between food and adverse behavior and affects that the diet does have on children. We need to set a precedent for healthy eating habits as well. That’s quite often something we take into consideration when we when we plan our menu.
Obviously, the hot topic is allergies and intolerances. There’s a growing number of people with allergies and intolerances, so I think that’s something to really pay a lot of
attention to what we want to be able to offer is that inclusion. That’s something to be really focused on.”
Lewis adds: “A well thought-out children’s menu is important. When little ones are happy, it helps the whole family enjoy their visit. We focus on offering tasty and healthy, childfriendly options that make mealtimes easy for parents.”
The menu
In terms of the offering, Dobbies has a children’s menu throughout the day. Lewis says: “We offer a hearty breakfast with items like mini sausages, hash browns and toast. On the lunch menu there are hot meals like baked potatoes with a choice of toppings and classic favourites such as chicken goujons. There’s also our popular pick ‘n’ mix lunch, where little ones can choose from a selection of sandwiches, snacks and drinks.
“For something a little more special, there’s a pre-bookable children’s afternoon tea, served with a choice of sandwiches, sweet treats and a drink. For this year’s National Children’s Gardening Week we are also offering an Afternoon Tea and Planting event especially for children.”
And similarly, Thetford’s children’s menu is as well thought out. James explains: “We used to change our menu four times a year with the seasons and we found it’s quite a big amount of work to change it that often with such a large operation. We now change it twice a year, we do a spring/summer menu and then we do an autumn/winter menu which we found actually works really well. It gives us a longer range to check what’s going well and what’s not.
“We have our specials which changed monthly, and that does include some kids options as well. But in terms of actual set dishes on the kids menu, we offer children’s breakfast, which is like a smaller version of a full English, you know, sausage, bacon, beans, hash brown and egg. And then again, we’d make those vegetarian alternatives for those who would replace that meat sausage with the vegetarian sausage.
“We do beans on toast, scrambled eggs on toast. Those breakfasts that children come to love. In terms of lunch, we doffer sausages from a great local butcher. We also offer homemade chicken goujons and we can serve those with a choice of either chips, new potatoes, or jacket potato, peas, baked beans or vegetable sticks. There’s the choice there for the kids to have that classic sausage, chips and beans, but for anyone who’s been a bit more health conscious, they can swap it out for baked potato, vegetable sticks or a salad.
“We also offer a children’s picnic. It’s half a sandwich, vegetable sticks with hummus or cream cheese dip, a homemade cookie, a piece of fruit, either an apple or banana.
“We have a range of locally made ice creams as well, so they can choose from the
classic strawberry or vanilla and then if they want, they can add marshmallows and chocolate sauce to that for no added cost. It’s just a nice little touch for kids.
And then we’ve got our American pancakes on our menu with three different flavors, we just offer a smaller portion of that as well. That’s popular, especially for breakfast, for the kids.
With Thetford Garden Centre, customisation and personalisation is a source of pride. James knows how picky children can be when it comes to food, and by offering personal changes, or a number of choices, the flexibility of the menu highlights Thetford as the place to go for dining with children.
Entertainment
Another crucial element when it comes to dining with children is entertainment, and keeping children engaged whilst waiting for the food to come out from the kitchen.
Both Dobbies and Thetford Garden Centres offer colouring pages and activity packs –something many parents take for granted.
Lewis says: “We have activity sheets with puzzles, fun facts and educational content, all inspired by our Little Seedlings Club.
It’s a great way to keep children entertained during their visit. With our 31 soft plays, parents and children can eat while they play, and we have children’s birthday parties too.”
Thetford has gone through a few iterations of the activity sheets and also has worked to make the packs more sustainable. He says: “We’re finally settled on something that works well in terms of sustainability , but is also a good offering for the kids. We’ve settled on the Twistable Crayola crayons for the kids.
“Our team have designed an activity sheet that changes with the seasons.
“We also have a selection of books in the restaurant for kids to choose from and toys as well. We’ve also introduced a new enclosed play area at the rear of the garden centre.
Parents can grab something to take away from the restaurant, and then head down there to relax, while the children play.
Our Norfolk Pizza Trailers are also open seasonally (usually May to end of September) with a great range of delicious ingredients that appeal to children and their families
Looking ahead, James envisions a future where children’s catering continues to evolve, with garden centres becoming destinations for family-friendly dining. By prioritising quality, customisation, and entertainment, Thetford Garden Centre is setting a new standard in the sector, promising a bright future for children’s catering in garden centres across the UK.
Dobbies are the same, with a focus on creating a more engaging experience at mealtimes – offering options that go beyond the usual staples and encourage younger guests to try something new in a fun and approachable way.
Gifting Products GCR May 2025
RHS Asteraceae
Secateur Burgon & Ball
This high-quality secateur carries an endorsement from the Royal Horticultural Society, one of the world’s best-known names in gardening. It features a high-carbon steel blade, fully hardened and tempered for lasting sharpness. The comfortable soft-grip handles have specially-coloured handles to complement the Asteraceae design. The bypass cutting action makes it suitable for cutting green growth and live wood up to 2.5cm in diameter.
RRP: £23.99 burgonandball.com
Fantasy Glass Blue Tit
Pretty Little Bird
Delicately hand-crafted, the Pretty Little Bird Blue Tit is a stunning glass ornament that captures the beauty and charm of one of nature’s most beloved birds. Embellished with a sparkling crystal heart and enhanced with 24-carat gold paint, the piece radiates elegance and warmth. Symbolising hope and joy, the Blue Tit Pretty Little Bird makes a thoughtful and meaningful gift for any occasion. Presented in a beautifully illustrated gift box, it’s perfect for bird lovers and collectors alike.
RRP: £9.99 wildthingsgifts.com
Bee Mix Seedball Tin Seedball
Seedballs are a brilliant and easy way to grow flowers without having to dig up soil or worry about the seeds being eaten by birds and insects. The ball is made up from seeds, clay to protect the seeds, chili powder to deter insects and peat-free compost to give them a head start. The Bee Mix is a carefully selected seed mix designed to attract honeybees, bumblebees and solitary bees.
RRP: £6.50 seedball.co.uk
Sweet Gum Bonsai Growing Kit Bees Gifts
Complete grow set, ideal for anyone wishing to grow their own bonsai tree. Set contains bonsai pot with saucer, compost, sachet of seed, decorative blue slate chippings & detailed instruction booklet.
RRP: £12.99 bees-seeds.co.uk
In The Garden Gardening Gloves & Hand Cream Set Heathcote & Ivory
Rich, velvety hand cream and lightweight, protective gardening gloves set making a thoughtful gift for a green fingered friend. Blended with shea butter, a natural emollient from the nut of the shea tree, the hand cream provides essential care for hands post-gardening. Perfectly complemented with gloves, essential kit for gardeners’ hands. Cruelty free and vegan friendly. Fresh fragrance inspired by British gardens with notes of sweet rhubarb and lilac blossoms, green leaves and white roses. Lightweight cotton gloves are ideal for keeping hands clean and protected whilst working in the garden. The packaging design features hand painted illustrations created by a British artist. A perfect gift idea for keen or occasional gardeners.
RRP: £15.00 heathcote-ivory.com
Gifting Products GCR May 2025
Step into a world of charm and nostalgia with the Rolife Corner Bookstore Model Kit. This delightful 108-piece kit recreates the enchanting scene of a second-hand bookstore nestled in a quaint alley corner. With its timeless design, it transports you to a literary town steeped in history and brimming with character. Assembling this miniature masterpiece is a joy in itself, with precision-cut wooden parts that fit seamlessly together without the need for glue.
RRP: £34.99 rolifeonline.com
DIY Miniature House KitCorner Bookstore Rolife Disney Winnie the Pooh Gardening Tool Bag Disney Home
Newly launched home and interiors brand, Disney Home, has unveiled a selection of gardening products in a variety of prints from popular Disney franchises including Winnie the Pooh. The gardening tool bags are made from sustainably sourced cotton, featuring sturdy handles and brown trims. They come with a variety of pockets and compartments.
Avocado Warmies
The perfect fluffy friend for any age, this adorable Avocado offers hours of comfort. Warmies are microwavable to quickly warm up our newest friend, making them the ideal cuddle buddies. Scented with dried French Lavender, they will offer comfort on all of the senses for a relaxing day. For the summer, they can even be left to chill in the freezer/fridge for relief in those heatwave weeks.
RRP: £19.99 warmies.co.uk
RRP: £64.99 jardinopia.com RRP: £13.60 craftykitcompany.co.uk
Needle felt yourself a pair of festive Nordic Gnomes! This needle felting kit contains everything you need, including step by step colour instructions, 100% Corriedale felting wool, felting needles, and recycled foam pad. Made in Scotland by The Crafty Kit Company.
The SnowmanTM Bean Toy
The Snowdog Bean Toy The SnowmanTM Musical Toy
Why EV charging hubs make such great passive income generators for garden centres?
As the UK continues its journey to meet the government’s net-zero goals, garden centres are rapidly finding themselves well positioned to take advantage of the passive incomegenerating opportunities that EV charging infrastructure provides.
During the early days of EV charging infrastructure planning, there was very much a mindset of mirroring petrol stations and the consumer behaviours accompanying them. However, as it quickly became apparent, the fact that you cannot just ‘fill up and leave’ with an EV meant that behaviours adjusted, and infrastructure priorities shifted away from the traditional models.
Instead, EV drivers must wait while their car charges, meaning that they either need to wait in their car or go somewhere nearby. Our customer surveys show that very few people simply wait in their car. In fact, 57% of people go shopping or grab food at a nearby establishment.
This fact has led to destination charging facilities becoming the predominant form of public charging in the UK, consisting of 49% of all public EV charging infrastructure. Garden centres are well placed to become some of the most effective destination charging locations.
What makes garden centres so great for installing EV chargers?
What makes garden centres so great is the fact that the space for implementing EV charging infrastructure already exists, most garden centres have sizeable car parks and EV chargers can slot right into them with the correct planning. Even smaller car parks could host a few chargers.
It is not just the fact that chargers can often fit easily into the existing grounds, but also that garden centres often host a wide range of amenities. As mentioned before, most EV drivers prefer to make incidental purchases while waiting for their car to charge. Whether they are grabbing a coffee or a sandwich or browsing a shop, that is a customer who is on-site for 15 to 20 minutes and needs to pass the time. These customers are brought to the location due to the need to use the charger and might not visit if the charger is not there. Therefore, the presence of the chargers helps to increase the footfall inside the garden centre.
The great part is that once an EV driver has a positive charging experience, they are likely to return to that site routinely. This means that every time they are charging their car, they are visiting the garden centre and spending money, therefore generating a steady passive income.
Many garden centres also reflect the attitudes of their horticultural patrons through their commitments to sustainability. This is often reflected through various methods, such as banning single-use plastics and using more recyclable materials. What better way to push net-zero goals than assisting the UK move to EVs by embedding your site in the growing network of UK EV chargers?
How does it work in practice?
From our work with Blue Diamond, the second largest garden centre group in the UK, installing public chargers at several of their sites, the benefits of installing EV charging infrastructure at a garden centre become clear. In total, the chargers at Blue Diamond sites have delivered enough EV miles to go around the world 80 times. If 57% of drivers prefer shopping or getting food and drinks, there is an increase in the number of customers coming on site.
There are many factors to consider when designing and installing your EV charging hub. From understanding the planning requirements, to leveraging financial incentives, and creating a great user experience, Mer has a wealth of expertise in helping retailers to install EV charging infrastructure on site. Download our e-guide for more information.
Candles & Home Fragrance Products
Enchanted Woodland Collection
Country Candle Company
Our wonderfully whimsical Enchanted Woodland Collection encapsulates the very essence of Christmas. Captivating the memories and moments made at this special time of year, told through a harmonious linking of nostalgic shades and patterns. Let your imagination and senses flow with our collection of 6 fabulously festive fragrances!
From £6.50 -£34.99 thecountrycandlecompany.com
The RHS Heritage Range is elegantly timeless and brings you four traditional true to nature scents, all based on the seasons of an English Garden. The Autumnal Warm Spice fragrance is a heady mix of ripe fruits and spices with a smoky undertone. Available as a room spray, candle, fragrance oil and reed diffuser.
RRP: from £10 frecklefacehomefragrance.com
Scentra Candle Warmer Lamp Made by Zen
The innovative Scentra Candle Warmer is an ingenious solution for scenting your home. Effortlessly melting wax without the need for a flame, Scentra envelopes your space in exquisite fragrance. Customise the scent intensity with a dimmer switch, and create a serene and Zen-like ambience with this safe and efficient addition to your home. Available in a choice of two colours, bronze or black, and perfect for the season of cosiness.
RRP: £55 madebyzen.com
Trio Candle Box Set ‘Scents of Scotland’ Sofasoy Candle Co
Bring the essence of Scotland into your home. This box set includes three votive sized candles in fragrances that will transport you to walking through storybook forests of the Scottish highlands. Each candle gives a burn time of 15-18 hours. Fragrances include famous Wild Gorse – vanilla pods entwined with soft hints of creamy coconut; Scottish Bluebell – bright and floral with a touch of musk and Woodland Pine – an intense woody scent with notes of pine and eucalyptus packaged in a vibrant tartan called the Black Watch, considered an open tartan which means it is acceptable for anyone to wear regardless of affiliation.
RRP: £25 sofasoycandles.com
Candles & Home Fragrance Products
Bay & Rosemary Scented Tin Candle Netatmo
The scent of just-rustled pine and muddled mosses, with bay and rosemary by the handful – pinched when the gardener wasn’t looking. Our Bay & Rosemary Tin Candle whispers tales of wild greenery and stolen moments with a grounding herbaceous scent. Crafted from St Eval’s clifftop home in North Cornwall, the tin candles are a love letter to the landscapes that inspire. Each fragrance features a hand-drawn illustration by Cornish artists, beautifully encapsulating its essence and story. Made with a commitment to tread lightly on the earth (B Corp Certified).
RRP: £14.65 st-eval.com
Cedar Bloom Candles Bloom Limited
Candles Bloom luxury scented candles are hand made with natural rapeseed and coconut wax. Each cotton wick is lead and zinc free. Candles Bloom uses eco-friendly wax which is free from palm, soy, beeswax, paraffin, polymers, GMO material and its cruelty-free, Kosher, Halal and vegan friendly. All of the luxurious oils are formulated in the EU, and are suitable for vegans, not tested on animals, and are paraben, phthalate and sulphate free.
RRP: £17 candlesbloom.com
This Jar candle is essential for creating serene and romantic living spaces, with its peaceful and sweet notes inspiring feelings of springtime strolls and freshly bloomed magnolias at dawn. Aery stands by creating as consciously as it can, staying clear of Paraffin wax, Palm Oil and GMOs. The company uses 100% plant-based wax for a cleaner, longerlasting burn. Collections are made right here in the UK and are completely vegan and cruelty-free.
RRP: £16 aeryliving.com
Mushroom Shaped Oil and Wax Burner
Something Different Wholesale
This adorable mushroom burner is an eye-catching décor piece for infusing the home. The intricate design brings an aura of mystery and wonder into any space. Simply remove the lid, place wax melts or diluted fragrance oils in the dish and light a standard tealight underneath to enjoy the calming scent. The lid can be replaced when not in use. This bestselling burner adds a touch of natural charm to the home.
RRP: £9.99
somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk
Magnolia Blush Aery
