Garden Centre Retail September 2025 by 44Group

Garden centres as individual as your business.

Founded as a family business in South Tyrol, Italy, Rabensteiner is now one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of innovative glasshouse constructions. With over 40 years of experience, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering durable, visually striking and commercially effective solutions.

Our portfolio:

•State-of-the-art garden centres of all sizes

•Eye-catching façades

• State-of-the-art garden centres of all sizes

Our portfolio:

• Eye-catching façades

•Stylish cafés and restaurants in glasshouse settings

•State-of-the-art garden centres of all sizes

•High-quality convertible roofs

• Stylish cafés and restaurants in glasshouse settings

•Eye-catching façades

•Stylish cafés and restaurants in glasshouse settings

• High-quality convertible roofs

•High-quality convertible roofs

Curious to learn more about our approach and services?

Come and talk to us at Glee, stand 11B79 or meet us at GARDEN CENTRE Conference & Expo.

Curious to learn more about our approach and services?

Come and talk to us at Glee, stand 11B79 or meet us at GARDEN CENTRE Conference & Expo.

www.rabensteiner.eu

Welcome

Welcome to the September issue of Garden Centre

Retail. September is a pivotal month for the industry – it’s the start of the Christmas preparations, and as we all know, the busiest time of year for garden centre visits. But just before you get into the swing of Christmas, I want to point you in the direction of the Garden Centre Conference and Expo, taking place at Convene Sancroft, St Paul’s, London on 26 September.

It’s a day packed full of actionable, insightful and informative seminars, a curated exhibitor hall and copious networking opportunities – something that has been lacking in the sector.

The Conference has two specific content streams for you to enjoy – one is focused on strategy and business growth, the other dedicated to operational excellence.

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EDITORIAL

Head of content – Joe Wilkinson joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 587

Graphic Designer – Louise Klose louise.klose@eljays44.com

Content subeditor – Carmel Mary carmel.mary@eljays44.com

On the Business Strategy Stage, there are insights on consumer and business trends, drawing lessons from hospitality, leisure, retail and garden sectors, diversification and accessing new opportunities, financial strategy and sustainability.

Meanwhile, the Operational Excellence Theatre, themed “Improving Performance and Efficiency”, offers practical sessions to boost profitability, labour challenges and loss prevention.

With a mix of sector specialists and business experts, the event promises actionable insights and peer-led learning to help garden retailers grow smarter and operate more efficiently.

We hope to see you there.

ADVERTISING

Event director – Adolfo Pedorsa adolfo.pedrosa@eljays44.com Tel: 01903959400

MANAGEMENT

Managing director – Jamie Wilkinson

CIRCULATION

Subscription enquiries info@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570

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Garden Centre Retail is published by Inspire44 Ltd. The 2025 subscription price is £125. Subscription records are maintained at Inspire44 Ltd, Orchard Street Business Centre, 13 Orchard, Street, Bristol, BS1 5EH . Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Eljays44 Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, non-commissioned photographs or manuscripts.

Whilst every effort has been made to maintain the integrity of our advertisers, we accept no responsibility for any problem, complaints, or subsequent litigation arising from readers’ responses to advertisements in the magazine. We also wish to emphasise that views expressed by editorial contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Reproduction of any part of this magazine is strictly forbidden.

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The Employment Rights Bill

One of the UK’s leading HR and Health and Safety providers, Citation, shares insights on the new Employment Rights Bill.

How to keep watering sales flowing

From innovations in irrigation to restorative feeds that improve water retention, GIMA members have the solutions for your customers. 10

Catering: The Not So Secret Ingredient to Garden Centre Success

Andrew Burton, associate director at Pleydell Smithyman, shares his expertise on the catering side of the garden retail industry, and why it’s so important for continued growth.

Why social media should be social

Holly Daulby, managing director of Honest Communications, delves into why there’s more to social media success than simply writing a post and hitting publish.

GCCE Preview

Garden Centre Retail takes a look at the goings on at this year’s Garden Centre Conference and Expo, taking place at Convene Sancroft, St. Paul’s. London on 26 September.

How acquisitions are reshaping the UK garden centre market

Regular GCR contributor Cassie King explores the growth of the garden retail sector, through investment and acquisition.

Winning over Gen Z

Garden Centre Retail explores the areas where garden centres can maximise their offering for the newest generation of gardeners. 34

Purpose-Driven Partnerships: How Retailers and Charities Can Create Shared Value

Garden Centre Retail looks into how garden centres can partner with charities in ways that are meaningful and mutually beneficial. 37

Poinsettias

Garden Centre Retail takes a look at the varieties, history and relevance of the plant. 26

The Employment Rights Bill: What Garden Centres Need to Know

Gillian McAteer, director of employment law at Citation talks us through the Employment Rights Bill, and what that now means for garden centre owners.

The Employment Rights Bill, introduced to Parliament in October 2024, represents the most substantial reform to UK employment law in over 30 years. With more than 30 proposed changes and a phased rollout through 2027, this legislation is set to reshape how businesses manage their workforce. For garden centres—often reliant on seasonal staff and flexible contracts—the implications are particularly significant. Understanding the changes and preparing early will be key to avoiding disruption and maintaining a compliant, motivated team.

Zero-Hours Contracts: A Shift Toward Stability

Garden centres have traditionally depended on zero-hours contracts to manage fluctuating staffing needs, particularly during seasonal peaks. However, the Employment Rights Bill introduces new obligations that will limit this flexibility. Employers will be required to offer guaranteed-hours contracts to zero-hours workers who have consistently worked a set number of hours over 12 weeks. While seasonal surges such as summer or Christmas may be exempt from this requirement, the finer details are still under consultation. Importantly, workers retain the right to decline these contracts, but the obligation to offer them will reoccur if the same working conditions are met again. In addition to contractual changes, the Bill mandates that employers provide reasonable notice for shifts and cancellations. Although “reasonable” remains undefined, the

government has indicated it will not exceed seven days. Workers will also be entitled to compensation if shifts are cancelled or altered without sufficient notice. For garden centres, this means a move away from last-minute scheduling and toward more structured staffing practices, with potential implications for payroll and operational planning.

Statutory Sick Pay: Expanded Access and New Responsibilities

The Bill also introduces significant changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), making it more accessible to employees who were previously excluded due to low earnings or short-term absences. From April 6, 2026, SSP will be payable from the first day of absence, rather than the fourth, and the earnings threshold will be removed. This means that more employees—including part-time and lower-paid staff common in garden centres—will qualify

for sick pay.

These changes may lead to an increase in short-term sickness absences, making it essential for garden centres to have robust absence management procedures in place.

Employers must ensure that their policies are clearly documented, fairly applied, and non-discriminatory. The new Fair Work Agency, also introduced under the Bill, will be responsible for enforcing SSP entitlements, alongside holiday pay and minimum wage compliance. Garden centres offering occupational sick pay should also review their terms to ensure clarity and fairness across their workforce.

Unfair Dismissal:

Day-One Protection for Employees

One of the most transformative aspects of the Bill is the removal of the two-year qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims. Under the new legislation, employees will be protected from unfair dismissal from their first day of employment. A proposed amendment may reduce this to six months instead of eliminating the threshold entirely, but the final outcome is still pending. This change significantly increases the legal exposure for employers and underscores the importance of fair and transparent dismissal procedures.

The Bill also strengthens protections for employees returning from maternity and statutory family leave, although the specifics are yet to be clarified. Additionally, it introduces new rules around contractual changes, making it automatically unfair to dismiss an employee for refusing changes to their contract or for being replaced under similar terms. Employers may defend such dismissals only if they can demonstrate that the changes were necessary due to severe financial difficulties and that no reasonable alternatives were available. Even then, tribunals will assess the fairness of the dismissal, including the extent of consultation and other mitigating actions taken.

Flexible Working: A New Default Standard

Flexible working will become a default right under the Employment Rights Bill, allowing employees to request flexible arrangements from their first day of employment. Employers will be required to respond more quickly to these requests and provide clear, justified reasons for any refusals. For garden centres, where weekend and holiday shifts are common, this change could impact scheduling and workforce planning.

To adapt, garden centres should develop comprehensive flexible working policies and ensure that managers are trained to handle requests fairly and consistently. Clear communication and documentation will be essential to maintaining operational efficiency while respecting employee rights.

Preparing for the Changes Ahead

Although many details of the Employment Rights Bill are still under consultation, garden centres can take proactive steps to prepare. Reviewing employment contracts to include probationary clauses, flexible working terms, and clear expectations around shift notice is a crucial first move. Training managers on the new rules surrounding dismissal, scheduling, and sick pay will help ensure compliance

and reduce the risk of legal disputes. Update internal HR policies—particularly those related to recruitment, induction, absence management, and consultation—will also be vital. Staying informed is equally important. Employers should monitor government updates and legal guidance, especially regarding exemptions and definitions that may affect their operations. The government has announced a series of consultations this autumn to clarify how the new rules will be implemented.

Turning Compliance into Opportunity

The Employment Rights Bill is a landmark reform that will reshape the employeremployee relationship across the UK. For garden centres, the changes may seem daunting, but with early planning and the right support, they can be managed effectively. By reviewing contracts, updating policies, and engaging with staff, garden centres can not only ensure compliance but also foster a more stable and motivated workforce.

About Citation

Citation is a full-service HR and Health and Safety provider. citation.co.uk

How to keep watering sales flowing

As

gardeners battle extreme weather, from record downpours to droughts, GIMA members provide irrigation innovations and restorative feeds to keep gardens thriving

The UK’s weather has always been fairly unpredictable but climate change is making seasons even more erratic, as gardeners try to navigate a deluge one minute and prolonged dry spells the next. This might prove a headache for consumers but can present opportunities for retailers if they have the right products on shelf.

Smart watering & irrigation

Making watering a pleasure and ideal for committed gardeners stuck holding a hose during a heatwave, Greenkey’s Adjustable Hose Guns are the ultimate watering solution – engineered for performance and built to last. Featuring thumb-operated flow control and adjustable spray speeds from gentle mist to powerful jet, they offer precision with ease. Perfect for everything from watering plants to filling cans, the hose guns are crafted with a durable metal body, brass snap-fit control, and a soft-moulded casing for protection and thermal insulation. Fully compatible with all recognised snap-fit hose fittings, these guns deliver reliable, garden-centre-ready quality. Perfect for customers seeking comfort, control, and premium results.

Engineered to outperform traditional fittings, Qwickhose Connectors feature the unique JawGrip clamping system, replacing brittle internal ‘teeth’ with a precision grip for a secure, lasting hold. Designed to fit standard UK hosepipes and leading brand accessories, they eliminate pop-offs and provide a dependable connection through the watering season.

Qwickhose’s range includes the No-Flow Connector, which automatically stops water when disconnected, reducing mess and waste whilst appealing to eco-conscious customers. Proudly made in the UK from UV-stabilised materials, Qwickhose offers retailers a durable, high-quality solution to drive interest and sales in the watering category.

Meanwhile, the Bronte porous pipe from LBS Horticulture is a highly efficient, watersaving irrigation solution that will have huge appeal for greener gardeners. Designed to deliver water directly to the root zone, it reduces waste, promotes healthier plant growth, and significantly cuts down on water usage. Manufactured using recycled rubber and plastic, it supports sustainable gardening and helps retailers meet growing demand

for greener solutions. Usable during hosepipe bans and compatible with timers and water butts, it offers gardeners a reliable, eco-friendly watering method in all conditions.

Bringing water efficiency indoors, Khloris from AutoPot is the first automatic, powerfree, fully responsive plant watering system to be designed for living rooms, balconies, and conservatories. Combining a tasteful, sculpted, interior-friendly aesthetic with highly effective, easy-to-use irrigation technology, the new system puts an end to hand watering and gives plants full control of their own irrigation. With Khloris, plants can draw what they need, when they need it, and thrive, all without the need for electricity or mains water.

Available in copper, metallic sage, or blackberry, Khloris includes two pots equipped with water control devices, a reservoir and all the colour-coordinated pipe and fittings required to create the ideal layout for any space.

Little helpers

As gardeners bemoan their parched lawn this summer, they need look no further than Grass Gains’ One Shot Wonder, the ultimate hose-end solution for greener lawns with less effort and less water. Combining a fast-acting liquid feed with a powerful wetting agent improves soil moisture retention and reduces the need for frequent watering. Designed to fit standard hose connectors, it treats up to 100m² in minutes, making it perfect for busy gardeners and sustainable-minded consumers alike. For garden centres, it’s an ideal autumn pick-meup line with strong add-on sales potential and growing consumer demand for lawn care that works smarter.

Meanwhile, ecofective Natural Water Storing Granules are great for garden care buyers seeking a sustainable hydration aid. This eco-friendly blend of natural plant materials and minerals forms a gel around root systems, delivering water directly to roots and cutting down on watering. Each granule stores 80 times its weight in water and is biodegradable, non-toxic, and completely odourless. Perfect for containers and hanging baskets, these granules are also an ideal supplement to use with peat-free compost. Safe for children, pets, and pollinators, it is packed in a recyclable pouch, making this watering solution the right choice for the planet.

Another great solution is Hortiwool Garden Pads, which are perfect for improving water retention in the garden. Made from 100% pure British wool, each pad can hold up to 30% of its body weight in water. The unique structure of wool fibres releases water slowly at the root zone, reducing the need for frequent watering and promoting healthier, more resilient plants. Whether in pots, borders or beds, using wool in the garden is great at sustainably retaining water. Hortiwool Garden Pads are compostable and suit those gardeners who want to make every drop count.

When looks matter

Functional products can also look good, helping your customers keep up with indoor and outdoor gardening tasks whilst tapping into aesthetic trends. This can create opportunities for retailers throughout the year, as Burgon & Ball managing director Rainer Schubert, explains: “Watering is an essential task, even into autumn, as it ensures that roots get adequate water. It’s such a constant task that it’s worth investing in a good watering can. Our classic steel Waterfall can is available in 5-litre and 9-litre sizes and a choice of colours.

“As we move into winter, shoppers look for indoor watering cans too, so be sure to include smaller designs in your offering. Small cans which look good as well as being functional are popular – such as our award-winning trend-inspired scalloped watering can from the new Collector range. ”Water butts are another great way for gardeners to water wisely, but some shoppers shy away from practical, yet unsightly, models. Fortunately, Prestige Water’s UK-manufactured rainwater harvesting and garden solutions ‘look the part’ and blend beautifully into any garden scheme. Prestige’s durable MDPE water butts and planters promote sustainable water management, combining practicality with aesthetic appeal to enhance the garden.

“Our robust water butts efficiently capture rainwater, offering an elegant solution for environmentally conscious homeowners,” says brand manager, Holly Quincey. The planters, crafted from recyclable MDPE, are frost and UV-resistant, boasting natural-looking finishes and matte textures in various sizes to suit diverse planting needs. Many models also include integrated water storage, fostering sustainable gardening.

Making water more of a celebration than a chore for gardeners, Altico Garden Products offers an extensive range of water features from the Virtue Water Features collection. Meticulously handcrafted in a specialist workshop, every water feature is unique and of

the highest quality. With user-friendly features, garden enthusiasts can enjoy the calming benefits of the Virtue range in minutes by adding water and plugging in the low-voltage features. Celebrated for its elegant designs, the Virtue range is set to be made bigger and better in 2026, with some unexpected twists that will redefine garden water features.

And, of course, every garden needs outdoor storage to keep things tidy and stop tools, sundries or watering equipment from crowding an outdoor space. Biohort’s highquality, diverse product portfolio – from privacy screens and pergolas to planters and a wide range of outdoor storage – enables the creation of practical outdoor storage solutions, the realisation of gardening passions, and the transformation of homes into serene oases.

Trent Kieser says: “Proudly manufactured in Austria, our metal products exemplify quality, durability, and design, all backed by a 20year manufacturer’s guarantee. Beyond our durable products, Biohort offers comprehensive services that set us apart, ensuring a strong, collaborative partnership.”

About GIMA

GIMA is a membership organisation of over 200 companies representing the majority share of suppliers and manufacturers operating within the UK gardening industry, together with an estimated £4billion 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. gima.org.uk

Catering: The Not So Secret Ingredient to Garden Centre Success

Andrew Burton, associate director at Pleydell Smithyman, shares his expertise on the catering side of the garden centre industry, and why it’s so important for continued growth.

As we all know a garden centre is about more than just plants. It’s about people—families, friends, gardeners, and retail tourists—who come not only to buy, but to relax, connect, and feel good. You’ve likely felt that shift in customer profile over the years yourself, watching your centre grow from a place of practicality into one of pleasure and purpose. And at the heart of this ongoing evolution, whilst we are seeing development in many areas of the business, there’s one element not so quietly transforming the experience and building stronger connections with every visit: catering. Garden centres across the UK have embraced cafés and restaurants—and now they are seen not just as ancillary propositions, but as essential, thriving parts of the customer journey. In our industry, not everyone has embraced catering fully ‘just yet,’ but if you’ve already stepped into catering and taken it to the level our customers demand, you’ve no doubt seen the positive impact firsthand. For those who are considering in developing their catering offer, or if you’re still finding your rhythm, know this: the potential is enormous, and you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to make it work.

A Space That Feels Like Home

In truth, our restaurants and cafés have become one of the most beloved features of a

modern garden centre. They offer something deeply human—a place to pause, chat, reflect, or celebrate. Whether it’s a couple enjoying Sunday brunch, a grandparent treating the grandkids to milkshake and brownie, or a gardener warming up with a pot of tea after a wet morning in the planteria, catering helps turn a functional visit into a memorable day out.

We know that dwell time taken spent sipping coffee often leads to one more plant in the trolley, or a thoughtful gift picked up on the way to the till. It’s a gentle nudge toward deeper engagement and greater spend, without ever feeling like a sales tactic.

Creating Moments, Not Just Meals

A great café doesn’t just serve food—it creates space for moments. Community coffee mornings, garden club lunches, breakfast with Santa, kids’ craft days over hot chocolate— these aren’t just events; they’re stories that customers tell their friends. And in a world where word-of-mouth is more powerful than ever, these stories are marketing gold.

Think about how your catering offer could align with your centre’s values. Community, sustainability, local sourcing, health and wellness and your own brand—these are all themes that today’s customer cares about, and areas where cafés can lead the way.

More Than A Profit Booster—It’s A Reason To Help All Seasons

We already know how seasonal the garden retail world can be. When the weather turns or the planting season slows, cafés can step in to balance the books and footfall drops.

At Pleydell Smithyman, in many of the garden centres we work with, catering now accounts for 25%–30% of annual turnover, with some up to 35%—and that is a figure that’s hard to ignore. The financial benefits go beyond departmental percentage of turnover; compared to many retail lines, even though staff costs are higher, foodservice tend to offer higher margins to counteract this. And when a café becomes a destination in its own right, it brings in customers to your retail area, who might not have come at all. But perhaps most importantly, it creates reasons for people to return—not just for gardening needs, but for connection, routine, and a sense of comfort.

What You’re Probably Already Doing Well

Let’s be honest—many garden centres likely have the basics nailed down already. You know that fresh, home-made and locally produced food matters. That ambience—the light, the layout, the smell of scones—can make or break the experience. You know your audience: they want quality, value, and a warm welcome.

So maybe the next step isn’t a full overhaul. Maybe it’s about refining what’s already there. Is your menu seasonal and flexible? Are your staff confident and consistent? Could a refreshed seating area or new daily special breathe new life into an old favourite? Small changes can make a big difference. And it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Enhancing What You’ve Already Built

You may already have a thriving café or restaurant—something you and your teams have worked hard to build. If you’re now wondering what’s next, that’s a sign of growth, not a gap. Sometimes the next step isn’t a full expansion, but a thoughtful addition.

Introducing something like a dedicated coffee shop or ice cream bar, that compliments your restaurant, can offer your customers more choice and a fresh reason to return. These smaller, focused additions don’t just enhance the experience—they often deliver strong financial returns, too. In fact, we’ve seen takeaway catering units working alongside existing restaurants bring in up to £250,000 per year, all while operating with leaner staff costs and stronger gross margins.

And if you haven’t yet introduced catering, that’s okay. You don’t need to leap straight into a full-scale restaurant or cafe. Many centres have successfully started with smaller, phased options—like a coffee cart, seasonal kiosk, or takeaway hut—allowing you to test the waters while keeping capital expenditure under control. These entry-level steps can still drive meaningful footfall and create a solid foundation for future growth.

You don’t need to overcomplicate your catering offer. Often, it’s the simple, wellexecuted ideas that have the biggest impact. By stepping back and looking at the bigger picture, you can create even more value for your customers—and more opportunity for your business.

Looking Forward, Not Just Back

If you’ve ever questioned whether developing your catering is “worth the cost, and hassle,” you’re not alone. Running a foodservice operation alongside a retail business isn’t easy. But the centres that treat their restaurants and cafés with the same strategic attention as their plant ranges are the ones seeing real growth.

Now could be the time to invest—whether that’s in building a new catering outlet, or simply through training, better signage, a new coffee machine, or a few tweaks to your menu.

Catering isn’t a side hustle. It’s a core part makes a garden centre thrive. You need to identify if it is the first thing to do, or part of a phased approach.

Final Thoughts

I know just about everyone already knows what makes their garden centre special. Having the correct catering is simply a way to extend that magic—a warm smile, a comforting bite, a space to slow down. In a fast-paced world, that matters. So trust what you know. Build on what you’ve done. Take advice where you need to. And remember: the best garden centres don’t just feed gardens—they feed people. With good food, good service, and good company, your café might just be the secret ingredient your business needs to bloom even brighter.

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

Why social media should be just that – social!

Holly Daulby, managing director of Honest Communications, says social media success requires than posting—it needs strategy, storytelling, and engagement

It’s easy to think of social media as just another marketing box to tick: write a post, add a photo, hit publish, and carry on with the day.

But here’s the thing – if you’re using social media like it’s a noticeboard, you’re missing half the point (and probably more than half the results!). Social media isn’t just a broadcasting platform. It’s a conversation. A virtual coffee shop, where people stop, chat, share inspiration and swap advice. For businesses, this is a golden opportunity to grow real connections, build loyalty, and create an engaged community around your brand.

Why it matters

In a world of ever-changing algorithms, community engagement is one of the best ways to get your content seen. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok favour accounts that spark conversations, not monologues. That means replying to comments, sharing posts from your followers, and joining in with relevant conversations is just as important – if not more so – than creating polished graphics or writing clever captions.

On average, your content is only shown to around 10% of your followers. But the good news? That number can grow significantly if your post receives strong engagement – think likes, comments, shares, and full views. The algorithm sees that as a sign your content is valuable and therefore shows it to more people, including new audiences. Want to boost engagement? Start by interacting with your own followers and engaging with other likeminded accounts who might return the favour when you post.

Beyond the algorithms, let’s not also forget that social media is all about people. Gardeners, whether they’re seasoned professionals or hobbyists growing their first tomato, love to share. They want to ask questions, celebrate successes, and occasionally mourn the demise of a much-loved houseplant. When your business takes time to respond, interact, and support, it builds trust. People start to see your brand not just as a seller of goods, but

How to grow your online community

Here are some easy ways to make your social media more active:

1. Respond to every comment and message

Whether it’s a question about compost or someone tagging their friend in a post, reply! It shows you’re listening and that there’s a real human behind the account. Even giving a comment a simple like will do the job.

2. Ask questions

Not just rhetorical ones. Invite opinions, spark debate (“What’s your go-to spring bulb?” “Have you mowed your lawn yet?”), or run mini polls. People love to share their views.

3. Share user-generated content

Got a customer who’s just posted a cracking photo of your plants or products in use? Reshare it (get permission first and include a tag and a thank you!). Not only does it show off your products or services in the real world, it also makes followers feel valued.

4. Show some personality

It’s okay to be a little informal, even cheeky,

as a partner in their gardening journey. Community engagement builds connection. Remember there are people behind the profiles

If you walked into a real-life garden centre, asked a question, and were met with silence, you probably wouldn’t rush back. The same goes for social media. Community-building might not always deliver instant sales, but it’s a long-term investment in your brand’s reputation, reach, and relevance. Remember, behind each and every profile is a potential customer, just waiting to build a connection with your brand.

So next time you hit publish on that beautifully composed post, stick around for a few minutes. Say hello to your followers. Answer their questions. Like their comments. Because when it comes to social media, the clue’s in the name – it’s meant to be social.

if it suits your brand. Share behind-thescenes snaps from the potting shed, celebrate a team birthday, or post a “plant of the week” with a bit of humour. People connect with people, not faceless brands, so ensure you’ve got a strong brand voice and use it!

5. Get involved beyond your own account

Don’t just wait for engagement to come to you. Comment on posts from others in the industry, share useful resources, and join wider conversations using hashtags. Think of it as mingling at a garden show, but online. It doesn’t need to be time-consuming, engagement doesn’t mean being glued to your phone all day – you’ve got plenty of things to get done, after all. Setting aside just 10 to 15 minutes a day to check in, reply to comments, and show up on other people’s posts can make a world of difference. Think of it as daily watering for your digital community – small effort, big growth.

Need help growing your community?

Honest Communications is a PR and social media agency specialising in the home and garden world. Named the CIPR’s Specialist PR Consultancy of the Year 2025, it looks after well-known brands such as elho, Hillier Garden Centres, WOLF-Garten, Charles Bentley, Town & Country, and Seedball.

About Holly Daulby

Holly Daulby is the managing director of Honest Communications, a leading PR and social media agency that specialises in the home, garden, and lifestyle sectors. With over a decade of experience in gardening PR, Holly is experienced in ensuring high-visibility coverage for Honest Communications’ clients, helping to enhance their media presence and reach new customers.

Adam Halford, Director, Primrose Hill Nurseries

SEPTEMBER 2025

CONVENE SANCROFT, ST. PAUL’S. LONDON

The 2025 Garden Centre Conference and Expo promises to be a day packed full of insightful, informative and actionable content, kicking-off with a conference with two content streams - one dedicated to strategy and business growth and the other to driving operational excellence.

Designed to deliver actionable insights and strategic opportunities through innovation, this event sets itself apart for its content-driven focus. Expertly crafted to bring together thought leaders and forward-thinking businesses, it offers a platform to explore groundbreaking solutions, gain strategic insights, and uncover new opportunities shaping the garden centre sector. Whether you’re seeking fresh ideas, valuable partnerships, or a deeper understanding of market trends, this is a must-attend event for driving success.

Our commitment to exclusivity focuses on ensuring premium content and participants. Each exhibitor will

bring innovative solutions and expertise, ensuring they address the current challenges and opportunities facing garden centre businesses. This targeted approach means visitors can be confident that the solutions and innovations presented will be directly relevant to their operational needs and growth objectives.

Through a combination of structured networking sessions, educational seminars, and informal discussions, participants have direct access to peers and thought leaders who are actively shaping the future of the garden centre industry. This creates an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange and relationship building.

This curated approach ensures that attendeescomprising key decision-makers and industry leaderscan engage in meaningful discussions and forge valuable connections without the overwhelming atmosphere of larger trade shows.

The GCR100 will also be announced, shining a light on the leading stars shaping the present and the future of the UK’s garden retail sector.

THERE’S STILL TIME TO REGISTER

Gala dinner sponsor

GETTING TO CONVENE SANCROFT

Convene Sancroft, St Paul’s is conveniently located in The City. Situated minutes from the iconic landmark of St Paul’s Cathedral.

By Car

If driving, use the postcode EC1A 9DS for Smithfield Car Park West Smithfield, London EC1A 9DS

By Public Transport

The closest underground and railway stations to the venue are St. Paul’s (Central Line), Bank (Central, Northern, Waterloo & City Lines), Mansion House (Circle and District Line) Moorgate (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern), City Thameslink and Blackfriars

Bus: Several bus routes serve the area, Including St. Pauls Station - King Edward Street8,25,56,133,N8,N25,N242

AGENDA

Business Strategy Stage “Driving Future Growth”

10:30 - 11:15

Consumer and business trends – Insight, commentary and trends in our sector, hospitality, leisure and retailing

Saxon Moseley and Kay Griffiths

11:45 - 12:30

Diversification dilemma / 2.0

Paul Pleydell, Peter Burks

Taking the plunge – understanding the opportunity for my business?

Where do I go next – realising the full potential of incremental opportunities to enhance the offer to your market

13:30 - 15:00

The Finance and Investment Sessions

Sam Bosworth, Neil Collins, James Phipson

• Securing funding for growth

• Succession planning

• Taxation

15:15 - 16:15

Selling sustainability – leveraging what we are famous for to drive future growth

Jason Danciger, Kersten Catella

SPEAKERS

Operational Excellence Theatre “Improving performance and efficiency”

10:30 - 11:15

Pricing strategies – what action can we take to drive volume and profit?

Andrew Burton

11:30 - 12:15

Profiting from our festive events & occasions

Neil Grant, John Cowan

12:30 - 13:00

How can sustainability help you access key business insight?

Connor Launder

14:15 - 15:15

NiCs, minimum wage increases – where are the opportunities to drive productivity in our businesses?

Agata Mabena, Louise Brake, Andrew Goodacre

15:30 - 16:30

Loss prevention – masterclass on minimising retail theft

Corin Dennison, Chris Barnes, John Redfern, Nathan Wilson

John Cowan The Retailer Group

Jason Danciger Hana Group

Corin Dennison Insight Retail Risk Consultancy Ltd

Andrew Goodacre British Independent Retailers’ Association

Neil Grant Ferndale Garden Centre

Kay Griffiths Savills

Andrew Burton Pleydell Smithyman

Chris Barnes Sensormatic

Sam Bosworth Bosworths Garden Centre

Louise Brake In-Workforce

Peter Burks The Garden Centre Association

Kersten Catella Wyevale Nurseries

Neil Collins Christie & Co Finance

Connor Launder Planet Mark

Agata Mabena The Retailer Group

Saxon Moseley RSM UK

James Phipson Dragon Argemt

Paul Pleydell Pleydell Smithyman

Nathan Wilson Blue Diamond Garden Centres

Exhibitors A-Z

AQUA CURE

Aqua Cure Service Solutions, a division of the Aqua Cure Group, provides specialised installation and maintenance services in water treatment, extending the group’s reputation for quality and innovation. Based in Burscough, Lancashire, with a state-of-the-art facility, it focuses on sustainability while ensuring system performance and longevity. Serving foodservice and commercial kitchens, Aqua Cure offers consultations, proactive maintenance, and cloud-based monitoring, delivering customised, reliable, end-to-end water treatment solutions backed by decades of expertise. aquacure.co.uk

ASSOCIATED INDEPENDENT STORES LTD

Associated Independent Stores (AIS), the UK and Ireland’s leading buying group, empowers independent garden centres with expert range advice, global supplier networks, product exclusivity, and market insights. From fashion and toys to homewares and furniture, AIS drives growth, innovation, and efficiency while preserving independence through tailored support, INDX shows, and streamlined payments. aistores.co.uk

AU VODKA

Au Vodka, founded in 2015 in Wales, is the UK’s most popular vodka, recognised by its signature gold bottle symbolising purity and perfection. Expanding into Europe and the USA, Au has won multiple Spirit Masters awards, including a Master’s for Original, Gold for Green Watermelon, and Silvers for Black Grape, Blue Raspberry, and Fruit Punch. auvodka.co.uk

BAPI

Building Automation Products, Inc. (BAPI), founded in 1993, is a leading HVAC/R sensor manufacturer based in Wisconsin, USA, with BAPI UK in Aldershot, Hampshire. Specialising in temperature, humidity, pressure, and air quality sensors, plus wireless solutions, BAPI delivers worldwide with fast service, driven by quality and innovation. bapihvac.com

BOTIVO DRINKS

Botivo is a handcrafted British Aperitivo, made in small batches at Lannock Farm and aged for a year to deliver a bright, bittersweet finish. Blending rosemary, thyme, gentian, wormwood leaf, and orange zest with apple cider vinegar and wildflower honey, it’s best enjoyed over ice with soda and orange. botivodrinks.com

BRAKES A SYSCO COMPANY

Brakes, founded in 1958, offers the UK’s most extensive foodservice product range, spanning ambient, chilled, frozen, fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, seafood, and meal solutions. With own and supplier brands, catering equipment, and non-food essentials, Brakes provides a one-stop-shop. Since joining Sysco in 2016, it ensures stability, innovation, and competitive pricing. brake.co.uk

CHIRP PROTECT

Chirp Protect is an anti-theft solution designed for garden centres, tackling challenges of open layouts, multiple exits, and hard-to-monitor areas. Its tamperproof tags trigger loud alarms without security gates, sync with CCTV and headsets for instant alerts, and integrate easily with existing systems, reducing shrink, deterring theft, and supporting staff effectively.

CHIRP-PROTECT.COM

COFFEE KING

Coffee King, founded in 2016 by Sean Le Tissier, is a dynamic brand built on fairness, quality, and innovation. Known for bold flavours, unique products, and strong family values, it operates cafés, e-commerce, and international offices. Serving major B2B clients, Coffee King crafts experiences, fostering connection, community, and continuous innovation. coffeekingdirect.com

CORIEL LTD

Coriel Solutions delivers systems that optimise inventory and maximise revenue with real-time visibility across locations and business units. Enabling rapid stock counts, streamlined storage, expiry management, and reduced waste, it supports e-commerce, faster checkouts, returns, and stock movements, while providing insights into top-selling products to enhance efficiency and customer experience. coriel-solutions.com

DOJO PAY

Offering a wide range of merchant services, from payment links to business funding, this provider supports businesses trading in person, online, or by phone. Backed by a friendly UK-based team, it delivers hands-on assistance, including remote device support, with a dedicated independent account manager for personalised service and peace of mind. pacepayments.co.uk

DE BAERE LTD

De Baere is a wholesale bakery with 26 years experience supplying independant retailers and chains with high level artisan veinnoiserie, cakes, cookies and breads. Our three pillars are passion, patience and perfection which we pour into every product, taking the time to make sure everything that arrives with our customers is the best. At De Baere Bakery we believe in the magic of baked goods, made with love and quality ingredients.

debaere.co.uk

DEXRETAIL LTD

Dexretail Ltd, based in Gillingham, North Dorset, is a subsidiary of Dextra Group Plc, one of the UK’s largest privately owned lighting manufacturers. Established in 2011, it supplies specialist LED solutions for all retail sectors, including garden centres, enhancing visual impact while delivering energy savings and reduced maintenance costs.

dextragroup.co.uk

DIDICI LTD

Do Didici simplifies data by turning messy spreadsheets into accurate daily insights, giving operators a clear, prioritised business view. Partnering with Mastering Multi-Units, it combines advanced analytics with frontline leadership development, embedding real-time coaching to build confident managers, stronger teams, and consistent performance — enabling businesses to shift from firefighting to forward-thinking.

masteringmultiunits.com

DRAGON ARGENT LTD

We Dragon Argent provides expert advisory, accounting, tax, and legal services designed to help businesses realise their potential. Focused on removing barriers to growth, it empowers founders to scale rather than just manage. With a long-term, partnershipdriven approach, Dragon Argent acts as an integrated, proactive, and entrepreneurial extension of every business.

dragonargent.com

EASITILL

Easitill EPOS Solutions, with over 35 years of experience, provides specialised electronic point of sale services to the retail and horticultural sectors. Supporting 250+ retailers nationwide, its feature-rich systems include tailored functionalities such as loyalty programs, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency to meet the evolving needs of modern retailers. easitill.co.uk

ECO PROVIDERS LTD

Eco Providers delivers tailored solar PV solutions across the UK, helping businesses cut costs and carbon emissions. With cash-positive financing, clients see ROI within 3–5 years and long-term savings. Backed by expert leadership and a 100+ strong team, we provide turnkey delivery, measurable sustainability, and trusted support for futureproof operations.

ecoproviders.co.uk

EPT GLOBAL (EPX)

Epx is a leader in energy and asset optimisation, helping businesses cut costs, lower carbon, and enhance resilience. Its retrofit-ready platform, EDGE Industrial, unifies systems into one intelligent view, delivering energy savings, extended asset life, predictive maintenance, and streamlined ESG reporting — driving smarter, greener, and more profitable operations.

eptglobal.com

FUTURA FOODS

Futura Foods, Mediterranean dairy specialists for over 30 years, supply authentic cheeses and yogurts from Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Spain, and France. From PDO Feta and Halloumi to Parmigiano Reggiano and burrata, we deliver quality, provenance, and innovation to Foodservice, Retail, and Manufacturing, backed by Nordex Food group’s global expertise. futura-foods.com

HIGHVANTAGE LTD

HIGHVANTAGE Ltd is a UK leader in professional drone spraying and spreading, serving horticulture, agriculture, and forestry. Using cutting-edge drone technology, we deliver efficient, sustainable operations that support a net-zero future. Specialists in glasshouse shading and cleaning, we help growers maintain optimal conditions, plant health, and safe working environments nationwide. highvantage.co.uk

IN-WORKFORCE LTD

In-In-Workforce is a specialist consultancy helping organisations maximise workforce potential through expert support in WFM, Payroll, HR, Talent, Smart Time Capture, and Software Development. Platform-agnostic and people-first, our certified consultants deliver strategy and implementation across retail, hospitality, and multi-site sectors, streamlining systems, boosting productivity, and preparing businesses for the future. in-workforce.com

INDICATER LTD

IndiCater helps garden centres transform food and drink operations into profitable, sustainable parts of the customer experience. With over 20 years of hospitality software expertise, its UK-based team supports cafés, restaurants, and multi-site venues by streamlining procurement, optimising stock, reducing waste, ensuring allergen transparency, and unlocking realtime operational insights. indicater.com

INPLOI LTD

Inploi, founded in London by Matthew de la Hey and Alex Hanson-Smith, is a leading candidate experience platform for enterprises with high-volume hiring needs. Integrating with existing Applicant Tracking Systems, it enhances recruitment efficiency, reduces marketing spend, boosts application conversion, and delivers full visibility across the hiring funnel for blue-chip clients. inploi.com

INSTAVOLT

InstaVolt, headquartered in Hampshire, operates the UK’s largest fully public network of ultra-rapid DC EV charging stations. Backed by EQT, it develops, installs, and manages nationwide chargers with a seamless tap-to-pay system, 24/7 support, and strategic locations. Focused on sustainability and innovation, InstaVolt accelerates the UK’s transition to lowemission transport.

instavolt.co.uk

IRON WOOD GLITTER

Ironwood Glitter is a team of designers, fabricators, and creative problem-solvers specialising in immersive, experiential environments. From mirror mazes to lighting, photo-ops to set pieces, they reimagine tools, tech, and materials to create functional yet magical solutions for theme parks, resorts, zoos, aquariums, and garden centres—turning bold ideas into unforgettable experiences.

ironwoodglitter.com

FELLS

Under the Vintage Marque brand, Fells offers wine, spirits, and speciality food gift packs. With 30+ years’ experience, collections feature wines, spirits, teas, biscuits, and hot chocolates. Supported by in-house design, technical, and logistics teams, Fells works with Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, John Lewis, M&S, Waitrose, independents, and regional stockists. fells.co.uk

FRESHLOCK® BY BARFOOTS

Founded in 1976 by Peter Barfoot, a fifth-generation farmer, Barfoots is a family-owned business growing and supplying fresh sweetcorn and speciality vegetables worldwide. Pioneering semi-exotic produce in the UK, Barfoots serves major supermarkets and restaurants with sustainably farmed, innovative products, including Freshlock® vegetables—offering convenience, nutrition, and reduced food waste. freshlockbybarfoots.com

JOOS SOLAR

Joos Solar delivers renewable energy solutions across solar PV, battery storage, and carports, helping businesses reduce costs and carbon footprint. Combining technical expertise with flexible finance enables access without heavy upfront investment. Trusted for complex projects, Joos Solar ensures performance, resilience, and long-term value, supporting energy independence, savings, and sustainability. joos.solar

KLASS

Klass is a UK women’s fashion retailer and manufacturer with over 30 years of heritage and more than 110 stores and concessions in garden centres nationwide. Family-owned and headquartered in north-west England, Klass designs stylish, high-quality, and affordable clothing, combining seasonal trends with excellent customer service and a first-class shopping experience. klass.co.uk

LIFE WELL LIVED

Life Well Lived began around a firepit, where friends realised life is meant to be celebrated. Born from adventure, camaraderie, and humour, the T-shirt brand creates conversation-sparking designs—cars, bikes, pints, mountains, open roads. More than apparel, it celebrates friendship, adventure, and laughter—a life well lived.

lifewelllived.co.uk

MARCH MUSES

March Muses, founded by Croydon entrepreneurs Alison Burton and Natalie Duvall, is the UK’s leading brand for inclusive Christmas decorations. Stocked by Selfridges and Liberty London and supported by a £50,000 investment on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, the brand has expanded through a Tesco partnership and now offers a year-round lifestyle collection. marchmuses.co.uk

MEPAL

Mepal, founded in 1950 in the Netherlands, is dedicated to creating simple, smart, and durable designs for preparing, storing, and carrying food and drinks. With a legacy of craftsmanship, responsibility, and innovation, Mepal goes beyond lunch boxes and bottles—making everyday life easier while promoting sustainable choices.

mepal.com

Unlocking year-round growth

case study on

How The Evergreen Agency is driving real-world visits for Perrywood

Garden Centres

Perrywood is a family-run group with three centres: Tiptree, Buckhatch and Sudbury, known for their plants, a coffee shop people love, and a Christmas shop that’s become a local tradition. Like many garden centres, Perrywood experienced pronounced seasonal peaks and quiet lulls, making it difficult to maintain consistent engagement and to measure marketing ROI.

Despite a strong loyalty program, their online presence was fragmented: Google Ads were paused, and Meta activity was underused. The brief was clear: broaden reach, increase repeat visits, and get a clearer read on ROI, both online and in-store.

A unified online strategy for real-world impact

We partnered with Perrywood to build a cohesive digital strategy that blends compelling storytelling with precisely targeted paid media, all designed to nudge local people to visit in person and to keep Perrywood front of mind all year.

Human stories that drive visits

We produced a brand film that puts people and purpose first. It shows the family roots, home-grown approach, the plants, the

coffee shop, and the seasonal displays that Perrywood is known for. The film lives on the website and in-store screens

From a single, well-planned creative shoot, we created a reusable content library: drone shots from above, candid coffee shop scenes, plant-focused walk-throughs, and concise talk-to-camera moments. Every asset was optimised for a variety of aspect ratios, including vertical, so it feels native on social and stays accessible. The outcome is a steady output of authentic local content that keeps Perrywood top of mind and makes the online experience match what customers feel in store.

Catching intent with localised paid search

We made sure Perrywood appears the moment customers are planning a trip On Google and Microsoft (Bing), tightly geo-targeted campaigns capture highintent searches such as “garden centre near me”, “plant nursery” and “buy real Christmas trees”. Ads surface opening hours, directions, and current highlights via sitelinks and location extensions, making a visit the easy next step.

Campaigns combine brand protection (for Perrywood’s own name) with non-brand

“We enjoy working with Evergreen. They are creative and enthusiastic and always deliver on their promises. I love our brand film, even though I’m in it! Paid media has been a great addition to the marketing mix, and I’m excited to see what it delivers for the Autumn and Christmas seasons.”

Hannah Powell, Perrywood

Watch the Perrywood Brand Film

search tailored to each centre. We test 5 / 10 / 20-mile radii, so the budget goes where results are strongest. Ad copy shifts with the calendar from “Spring colour in the planteria today” to “bring the whole family to see the Christmas displays” or “book your spot on the Barbecue cooking course”. Working with Perrywood’s CRM data, we identified search trends, catchments, and typical in-store patterns to shape the paid search strategy and support Meta activity.

Boosting footfall through paid social

On Facebook and Instagram, we launched campaigns that showcase the full Perrywood experience and, crucially, drive in-store visits. Ads highlight seasonal displays, the coffee shop and key events, using short-form, authentic video that feels local and worth acting on.

Creative is a constant test-and-learn. We try formats and messages, keep what resonates and iterate quickly so campaigns stay fresh. That agility lets us react to upcoming events or shifts in demand, keeping Perrywood front of mind when it matters most. Campaigns are structured to support all three sites, with budgets that flex to match local needs. Hyper-local targeting and tailored copy make each ad

relevant to its audience; Store Location Ads give instant directions to the nearest centre. By tying campaigns to loyalty data, we strengthen retention while expanding reach to new customers who mirror our most valuable visitors.

Print creative: on-brand restaurant menus

We’ve refreshed one of Perrywood’s restaurant menus alongside paid media and video. Designed for their new 200-seat restaurant and coffee shop, it’s clean and unmistakably on-brand. The result: menus that feel Perrywood through and through.

Sustainable, year-round growth

Perrywood transformed its marketing rhythm and overall awareness grew. The team now has a clear understanding of what drives visits and, most importantly, a repeatable engine that combines storytelling, precise paid media, and

consistent in-store messaging, exactly what’s needed as the business continues to grow.

Ready to cultivate your own year-round growth?

If your garden centre wants to move beyond seasonal peaks and build a steady flow of customers, we can help. Start with a clear goal in mind, pair it with a strategic online presence fueled by great creative, and tie it together in-store. That’s how online activity turns into real-world visits and lasting success.

“Tell a human story. Show what’s on. Be there when people search.”

Aaron Rudman-HawkinsFounder, The Evergreen Agency

Exhibitors A-Z

MITIE GROUP

Founded in 1987, Mitie is the UK’s leading technologyled Facilities Transformation company, employing 76,000 colleagues and serving 3,000 blue-chip clients. Combining data, technology, and human insight, Mitie delivers smarter services from precision cleaning to waste reduction and grounds maintenance, helping organisations cut costs, reduce carbon, and enhance workplace experiences. mitie.com

MONTY MIRACLE LTD

Monty Miracle, inventor of the patented outdoor cleaner, redefines surface care with a biodegradable formula removing algae, moss, black spot and more in 10 minutes without scrubbing. UK-made, safe for children and pets, it’s driven by TikTok demand and expanding in 2026 with a complete cleaning range. montymiracle.co.uk

MULBERRY STUDIOS LTD

Mulberry Studios has been creating innovative personalised gift products for over 30 years, serving the retail and garden centre industry worldwide. Known for quality, affordability, and eye-catching design, its keepsakes and sentiment gifts drive impulse sales and add value for retailers, helping them boost revenue and stand out in a competitive market. mulberrystudios.co.uk

NEARST

NearSt connects in-store stock systems to Google, Meta, and delivery partners, showing nearby shoppers real-time product availability, price, and directions. Integrating with 150+ systems and processing over a billion updates daily, NearSt helps retailers boost visibility, drive footfall, and win back sales—making every shelf searchable and keeping commerce local. near.st

NEDFOX

Since the 1990s, NedFox has specialised in ePOS, ERP, and mobile app software for garden centres through its cloud-based solution, RetailVista. Combining realtime tills with integrated chip and pin, loyalty schemes, labelling, and mobile management, RetailVista streamlines operations. In 2025, NedFox launched RetailVista Nuvio, enhancing customer engagement and communication retailvista.io/en

NEO WTR

NEO WTR is the first British spring water brand to use bottles made from 100% recycled Prevented Ocean Plastic™, actively protecting oceans from pollution. Bottled at source in the Mendip Hills, its mineral-rich spring water supports both people and planet by reducing waste, cleaning coastlines, and creating sustainable livelihoods worldwide. neowtr.co.uk

PELSIS LTD

Pelsis is a global leader in pest control and garden care, serving both professionals and consumers with trusted solutions. With leading brands like PestStop and Doff, Pelsis offers everything from robust professional tools to retail-ready products, delivering comprehensive expertise across the entire value chain for prevention and treatment indoors and outdoors. pelsis.com

PIB INSURANCE BROKERS

PIB Insurance Brokers specialises in tailored insurance solutions for garden centres, nurseries, and the wider horticultural industry. With expert advice on covers for greenhouses, cafés, play areas, polytunnels, and specialist equipment, PIB helps protect investments and assets by understanding each business’s unique risks and providing customised protection and support pib-insurance.com

PIERHOUSE TECHNOLOGIES

NetTickIT is a powerful pricing and signage platform designed to help garden centres manage in-store communication through paper labels, electronic shelf labels (ESLs), and digital screens. Integrated with major ERP, POS, and PIM systems, it automates real-time, accurate labelling across thousands of SKUs, reducing administration and ensuring compliance. Already trusted by leading garden centres such as Haskins and Squire’s, NetTickIT enhances consistency, boosts promotions, and improves customer experience, while ESL integration offers flexible, dynamic digital labelling for modern retail environments. nettickit.com

ign

PLEYDELL SMITHYMAN LTD

PLEYDELL SMITHYMAN is a leading garden centre design and business consultancy, offering strategic and design-led solutions across multiple sectors. With a multidisciplinary team, the practice provides tailored services that add value and deliver bespoke outcomes to meet each client’s unique requirements, combining creativity, strategy, and industry expertise pleydellsmithyman.co.uk

PURE CAFFE LTD

Pure Caffe, the official UK distributor of Carraro 1927, delivers authentic Italian coffee experiences nationwide. Based in London, it supplies premium blends, professional espresso machines, grinders, and full technical support. Combining Carraro’s nearcentury roasting heritage with tailored service, Pure Caffe provides cafés, restaurants, hotels, and offices with consistent, world-class coffee solutions. carrarocoffee.co.uk

R. TWINING AND COMPANY LTD

Twinings, founded in 1706 by Thomas Twining, is one of the world’s oldest and most recognised tea brands. A subsidiary of ABF, it serves customers in 100+ countries with iconic blends like Earl Grey and English Breakfast, alongside innovative ranges such as Superblends and cold infusions, blending tradition with wellness-focused innovation.

twinings.co.uk

RABENSTEINER GMBH

Rabensteiner, founded in South Tyrol, Italy, is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of garden centre structures with over 40 years of experience. Renowned for combining architectural elegance, durability, and functionality, it delivers bespoke centres, cafés, and façades that enhance customer experience, reflect brand identity, and drive long-term business success rabensteiner.eu/en.html

RENTADINOSAUR LTD

Attract visitors of all ages with RentaDinosaur’s funny theatrical Dinosaur Shows, interactive Walkabouts and entertaining Meet & Greets! Educational, slapstick and musical shows plus stacks of fun, feel-good family entertainment! 2025 is RentaDinosaur’s 10th Anniversary! One of the largest and most experienced UK dinosaur companies! Huge range of realistic, quality dinosaur puppets, from adorable Dino Babies to giants - including the world’s largest Stegosaurus! (And giant herbivores love garden centres!) rentadinosaur.co.uk

RGIS

RGIS UK, part of the global RGIS network with 60+ years’ experience, provides fast, accurate, and tailored inventory solutions for garden centres, nurseries, and horticultural businesses. From large-scale stocktakes to cycle counts and compliance audits, RGIS UK uses advanced technology and trained teams to optimise stock control, reduce costs, and improve supply chain visibility. rgis.co.uk

RJJ FREIGHT LTD

Established in 1918, RJJ Freight is one of the UK’s leading independent freight forwarders, providing global sea, air, and land shipping solutions. With expertise in postBrexit logistics and IPAFFS, it supports the horticultural supply chain with compliant, efficient services. AEOaccredited and family-run, RJJ Freight ensures secure, transparent, and cost-optimised freight management rjjfreight.co.uk

ROSEMULLION DISTILLERY LTD

Rosemullion Distillery is a small, family-run business based in the orchard of an 1870s Cornish house near the Helford River. Since 2018, it has won multiple national and international gold awards for its handcrafted gins, rums, and spirits. Using Helford rainwater, local ingredients, and small-batch copper still production, Rosemullion combines traditional craft with Cornish authenticity. rosemulliondistillery.com

SAVILLS LEISURE AND TRADING

The Savills Leisure and Trading team provides specialist advice to operators, investors, and lenders in the garden centre sector. Offering valuations, consultancy, and transactional support, the team works across trading and investment assets nationwide. Backed by Savills’ extensive UK presence, they deliver best-inclass expertise in sales, leases, planning, sustainability, and development. savills.co.uk

SENSORMATIC UK LTD

Sensormatic Solutions, part of Johnson Controls, has supported retailers for over 50 years with technologies spanning loss prevention, inventory intelligence, and shopper insights. At the Garden Centre Expo, it showcases EAS security and ShopperTrak Analytics Orbit AI, empowering retailers to protect merchandise, optimise performance, and enhance customer experience through trusted, data-driven innovation. sensormatic.com/en_uk

SIMPLY

COMMERCIAL

KITCHENS

Simply Commercial Kitchens specialises in the design, supply, installation, and servicing of commercial kitchens, serverys, and front-of-house spaces for garden centres, cafés, and hospitality venues. From bespoke layouts and equipment sourcing to stainless steel fabrication, ventilation, and ongoing maintenance, the team delivers tailored, compliant, and visually appealing solutions from concept to completion. simplycommercialkitchens.com

SKRATCH

Skratch AV specialises in transforming brand visions into immersive experiences, combining bold design, digital displays, dynamic lighting, scent marketing, and cutting-edge technologies. With over 21 years of expertise, they deliver full 360 services from concept to flawless installation and maintenance. Trusted by global brands like Microsoft, Google, Asda, Costa, and Bentley, Skratch AV redefines digital signage and experiential marketing, boosting engagement, loyalty, and revenue through unforgettable, sensory-driven brand interactions. skratchav.com

SNOWDONIA CHEESE COMPANY

Snowdonia Cheese Co, founded in 2001 by brothers John and Richard, fourth-generation dairy farmers from North Wales, creates small-batch cheeses inspired by the region’s wild landscape. Using only the finest ingredients, they produce award-winning varieties like Black Bomber Cheddar and Red Storm Red Leicester, celebrated for their bold flavours and craftsmanship. snowdoniacheese.co.uk

SUPREME IMPORTS LTD

Heath & Heather was established in 1920 and is rooted in English heritage. Grounded in over 100 years of expertise Heath & Heather uses the most efficacious herbs to craft delicious certified organic teas and infusions with fully recyclable packaging and home compostable teabags. heathandheather.co.uk

SYMPOSIUM SPIRITS

Hayman’s, the Original London Gin, has been crafted from the same family recipe for generations. Founded by the great-great grandfather of Miranda and James, it produces classics like London Dry and Old Tom, alongside innovations such as Vibrant Citrus. A certified B Corp, Hayman’s champions sustainability and renewable sourcing. haymansgin.com

TEDDY TASTIC

Crafting memorable experiences that your customers will always love as fellow leisure industry operators, we understand the keys to delivering outstanding customer experiences and activities. Our product selection is handpicked to ensure your business can achieve both customer satisfaction and profitability. teddy-tastic.co.uk

THE EVERGREEN AGENCY

Evergreen is a boutique paid media and creative agency specialising in home, garden, and lifestyle brands. Trusted by clients like Perrywood and Casa Bella Furniture, it offers Google, Meta, YouTube, and Bing Ads, alongside video, design, photography, and digital strategy consultancy. With partnerships from £2k per month, Evergreen helps brands grow online quickly theevergreenagency.co.uk

THE TIPI COMPANY

The Tipi Company provides turnkey outdoor venue solutions for garden centres, transforming underused outdoor space into premium, weatherproof destinations. British-made giant tipis, manufactured in-house and installed within four weeks, enable yearround events from seasonal markets to weddings. With full support from planning to aftercare, The Tipi Company helps garden centres boost revenue, dwell time, and customer loyalty. thetipicompany.com

WAVE

Wave is an award-winning national water and wastewater retailer, supporting over 300,000 customers from small businesses to large organisations. Helping businesses cut wastage, save money, and adopt sustainable practices, Wave combines expertise with community impact. Recognised as Water Retailer of the Year in 2021, 2023, and 2025, it drives efficiency and greener growth.

wave-utilities.co.uk

WHITLEY NEILL GIN / DEAD MAN’S FINGERS RUM/ BANKHALL

GREAT BRITISH WHISKY

Halewood is a UK-based producer of artisanal spirits with a portfolio of award-winning brands, holding over 80 gold, double gold, and silver medals from prestigious competitions. Its leading labels include Whitley Neill, the UK’s number one premium gin; Dead Man’s Fingers, a bold spiced rum born in Cornwall; and Bankhall, a historic brand showcasing the best of British distilling. Known for innovation, flavour experimentation, and heritage, Halewood continues to craft distinctive spirits celebrated worldwide.

halewoodsales.com

WORLDPAY

Worldpay is a leading global payments technology company, powering businesses of all sizes to take, make, and manage payments both in-person and online. Operating in 146 countries and 135 currencies, Worldpay delivers secure, efficient solutions that drive great commerce experiences, helping businesses grow faster and operate more successfully worldwide worldpay.com/en

YARD FORCE UK

Yard Force delivers innovative, high-performance garden power tools that blend advanced technology with user-friendly design. Its range includes robotic and ride-on mowers, pressure washers, and handheld tools, all built for reliability and efficiency. With sustainability at its core, Yard Force develops eco-conscious, intelligent solutions backed by strong customer support and after-sales service.

uk.yardforce.eu

Smart Water Solutions for Garden Centres by Wave

Garden Centre Retail speaks with Lissa Wood, director of SME Customers at Wave to uncover how their services are making a difference—from smart water management to sustainability strategies.

Water is the lifeblood of any garden centre. From nurturing plants to the kitchen, managing water efficiently is both a business necessity and an environmental responsibility. As the UK’s garden retail sector faces increasing pressure to reduce waste and improve sustainability, Wave is stepping in with tailored solutions that help garden centres thrive.

Understanding the Challenge: Drought, Demand, and Diverse Water Needs

The first thing to call out,” Lissa begins, “is the fact that we’re experiencing droughts throughout the UK. We know that it has a massive effect on garden centres and on all our customers, but it also affects us personally in our home lives as well. It does make you aware of where you are using water and what you’re doing with it.”

Garden centres are particularly vulnerable to water shortages. Not only do they rely on water to keep plants alive, but many now operate cafés, soft play areas, and other hospitality services — all of which consume water in different ways. “It’s about us trying to get to know our customers, to understand what they’ve got to do that might help,” Lissa explains.

Tailored Solutions: Submetering and Smart Monitoring

One of the most effective ways to manage water use is through sub-metering — installing separate meters for different parts of a business. “It absolutely is possible,” Lissa says. “What we would ordinarily say for

business customers is that the easiest and quickest way is to get a registered plumber from somewhere like WaterSafe and get those submeters commissioned yourselves. This approach allows garden centres to monitor water use across different departments — from plant nurseries to kitchens — and identify inefficiencies. “Understanding where your meter is a great start — and you’ll be amazed at the number of businesses that still don’t necessarily know where their meter is or read it regularly —it is one of the first things I always recommend when talking to customers,” Lissa adds.

Toilets, for example, are often overlooked but can be major sources of waste. “If you’re

constantly hearing a cistern flushing and a tap dripping, it’s quite scary the amount of water that you can lose just from not tackling those small issues.”

Smart Metering: Real-Time Insights for Better Decisions

Wave is also helping garden centres adopt smart metering technology. “In certain areas of the UK, there’s been quite an accelerated rollout of smart metering,” Lissa says. “The first is actually getting the smart meter in. The second is the technology or the infrastructure that links that up.”

Smart meters provide real-time data on water usage, helping businesses spot leaks, track trends, and make informed decisions.

“Another option is to put a data logger on a meter which can measure usage, where it’s going, and if there’s any opportunity to improve,” Lissa explains.

All Wave customers have access to an online portal where they can view their meter reads, usage patterns, and billing information. “If they’ve got specific questions, we’re more than happy to try and work with them to understand what’s what.”

Facing the Cost Pressures Head-On

Water costs are rising — and garden centres are feeling the pinch. “Typically, our costs rise on the wholesale side every April,” Lissa explains. “The reason is that the water wholesalers invest in infrastructure and several large-scale projects on an annual basis.”

This year, the situation has been compounded by a dry spring and summer. “The likes of the Anglian region and a number of other regions have had to enforce temporary usage bans known as TUBS and put usage restrictions in place,” Lissa says. “I don’t believe it would apply to a garden centre because ultimately, it’s the lifeblood of their industry. But anything that a garden centre can do to be more conscious of their water use is only going to help.”

Balancing Efficiency with Sustainability

As garden centres adopt new technologies to improve labour efficiency, water and energy use can sometimes be overlooked. “There have been so many discussions in previous years about rainwater harvesting — and around grey water reuse,” Lissa says.

While many centres have invested in rainwater harvesting systems, the lack of rainfall in recent years has made these systems less effective. “Water butts are another thing that at one point everyone was talking about — everyone needs a water butt at home. But when you’re talking about something on the scale of a garden centre, it’s not going to help.”

Instead, Lissa recommends a balanced approach: “The first critical part of all of that is understanding what you’re using water for.”

Wave’s Social and Sustainability Promise

Wave’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond water efficiency. “We’ve called it something a little bit different — it’s our social and sustainability promise,” Lissa says. “We’re really committed to not just looking at what we can do in terms of our company, but also with our people, with our customers and community, and for the planet.”

That promise includes some ambitious targets:

1. Saving 9.4 billion litres of water by 2026

2. Reducing customer CO² emissions by four million kilograms

3. Achieving zero waste to landfill by 2030

“The one thing that we do that probably makes us stand out from the crowd is that we do measure it,” Lissa says. “We make sure that we know that we can stand by our numbers and that we’re working positively and proactively alongside our customers in that effort.”

Customer Support That Works for Garden Centres

Running a garden centre is a full-time job — and then some. That’s why Wave has made customer support a priority. “We’re rated excellent on Trustpilot, we’ve got a 4.8 ranking,” Lissa says. “Our contact Net Promoter Score is plus 22 at the moment, and we’re striving every day to make that better.”

Wave offers flexible support through multiple channels, including WhatsApp, live chat, and email. “We don’t use any bots within the organisation,” Lissa notes. “The team are available Monday to Friday, 9-5, but if you email us outside of those times, we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can.”

A Partnership for the Future

Wave isn’t just a utility provider — it’s a partner in sustainability. From helping garden centres install submeters and smart meters to offering leak detection support and sharing best practices, the company is committed to helping businesses thrive in a changing climate.

“We love to work alongside our customers and really understand what they need and want to get out of it versus what we can do,” Lissa says. “We’ve got an experienced customer experience team as well as an awesome water efficiency services team, and we’re here to help.”

As the garden retail sector continues to evolve, smart water management will be key to staying competitive, sustainable, and resilient. With Wave’s support, garden centres can take control of their water use — and their future.

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How acquisitions are reshaping the UK garden centre market

If there’s a single word that sums up 2025 for the UK’s garden centre trade, it’s “expansion”. The momentum that had been building over recent years has accelerated, with operators large and small seizing opportunities to grow through acquisition. These transactions are not only reshaping the garden retail landscape but also revitalising local communities, safeguarding jobs, and ensuring brick-and-mortar stores continue to thrive across the country.

British Garden Centres (BGC) has been the most prolific acquirer, cementing its place as the UK’s largest family-owned garden centre group. In 2025 alone, BGC has added eight new sites to its portfolio, including former Dobbies acquisitions in Gosforth, Shinfield, Gloucester, Heighley Gate, Rugby, Havant, and Northampton, bringing its total to 73 centres. Another notable acquisition was Hayes Garden World in the Lake District, a centre with roots stretching back to the early 19th century.

“Bringing new stores into the British Garden Centres family this year is a big and exciting step for us, but there’s also real strategy behind it. We’re not just growing for the sake of getting bigger; we’re strengthening our presence in key areas across the UK, enabling us to reach and support more communities. The additions mean we’re better equipped to offer a wider range of plants and gardening products, and with a stronger network, we can collaborate more with our suppliers to keep quality high and prices fair, Amy Stubbs, managing director of British Garden Centres, tells us.

“These acquisitions help us solidify our position as the UK’s leading family-run garden centre group, now with 73 centres nationwide, whilst safeguarding jobs, providing new ones and providing career development for all our teams who have joined our family.”

We aim to create aspirational retail environments, beautifully merchandised, immersive, and design led.

Blue Diamond has grown its portfolio beyond 50 garden centres in the UK and the Channel Islands this year. The group brought Yarnton Home & Garden into the fold, as well as acquiring two Dobbies sites at Harlestone Heath and Huntingdon. Both are set for major updates, with Blue Diamond aiming to turn them into real highlights in their network. The group didn’t stop there and added the Aylesbury centre (formerly Dobbies World’s End) to make them one of the driving forces in garden retail.

Alan Roper, managing director, says when it comes to selecting sites, Blue Diamond is selective. “We target sites with strong catchments and untapped potential. Each acquisition must have the capacity to be elevated to our premium

retail standard. We don’t chase scale for its own sake; we pursue excellence.”

With the addition of these centres, Blue Diamond’s turnover has surpassed £400 million - a milestone in the UK garden centre sector. “Reaching this scale gives us greater resilience and buying power, but our focus remains on creating exceptional garden centres. It’s not about being the biggest, it’s about being the best. Growth allows us to reinvest more meaningfully into our offer, people, and customer experience.

“We aim to create aspirational retail environments, beautifully merchandised, immersive, and design led. Layout and shopfitting are central to guiding the customer journey and showcasing our curated product ranges. It’s about delighting the senses and offering something unique in our sector, explains Alan.

“We differentiate through originality and depth. We’re not a formulaic chain. Each centre reflects its local market while staying true to our brand values.”

Regional players make their mark

While the national chains grab the headlines, it isn’t just about the bigger fish, as 2025 has also seen a flurry of activity among regional businesses. These operators are proving that there’s still plenty of room for growth outside the retail giants.

Caulders Garden Centres, founded by Colin and Mandy Barrie, reached double figures this year with the opening of their tenth location in Linlithgow. Previously known as Rouken Glen Garden Centre, Linlithgow was an off-market opportunity owned by the Sheikh brothers, who were friends with the Barries and offered the opportunity to purchase the site.

“Our Linlithgow Centre is a great milestone for Caulders - and we are delighted with it! Mandy and I started Caulders 26 years ago and have gradually worked at building the business. Every time we take on a new centre, we learn a bit more and hopefully improve our offer for our customers,” says Colin Barrie, managing director.

The site has undergone a £1.4 million refurbishment, with the team working hard to improve the store. “We have changed the physical look and used our in-house Projects Team to manage and execute the works, Colin continues.

“Linlithgow is our biggest site, which allows us to give a larger offering of products and create a better version of Caulders. Our priorities are increasing the plant and gardening offer, refurbishing and relaunching the catering, introducing table service, and improving gift, clothing and home range in-store. As we grow, we ensure that our core customer service values are embedded in our business ethos and everything we do. We have always believed that we’d “rather make friends than make money” and are constantly ensuring that our team reflects this.”

In the north of Scotland, Simpsons Garden Centre has made its first foray into Moray with the acquisition of Christies Garden Centre in Fochabers. This move brings Simpsons’ total to three sites and secures the future of a wellestablished local business. Andrew Simpson, managing director, tells us: “Owners Ron and Christine were ready to retire, and it was the perfect time for us to acquire this garden centre in a location which perfectly aligns with our other two stores.”

Christies has long been a legacy of the community since 1820, and in its next chapter, Simpsons is keen to preserve its tradition of quality and local connection. “We know how

important Christies is to the people, and the centre had similar values to Simpsons, where the focus is on quality products, excellent customer service and attention to detail. Simpsons will ensure that this is continued, with our twist, providing the best plants, gardening items and food in the restaurant, as well as embracing and welcoming the established team on site, continues Andrew.

“We aim to respectfully upgrade all areas over time. From upgrading and expanding the outside plant area to new ranges in store, as well as a refreshed restaurant menu, consistent with our other sites. Our management team were visible on site from an early stage, making the team feel welcome in the Simpsons fold. We also incorporated training days in our flagship store alongside a welcome and introduction evening with all team members in the Fochabers centre.

“For customers, we have positively engaged through social media, internal communications and press announcements. Also, our Simpsons Rewards App allows customers the benefit across all three stores, all with positive feedback so far.”

Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC Group) expanded its portfolio by acquiring the former Dobbies Pennine Garden Centre in Huddersfield. This new site joined the existing group locations, which include Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, and Dean’s Garden Centres in York and Scarborough.

Mark Farnsworth, managing director, knew the Pennine centre was an instant fit, “This was a centre we knew well as we have benefited from a number of the former Armitage’s team joining us over the years. We knew the potential that was there, and the location works as we can easily service the centre.”

With the site only four acres, YGC has developed or added to the existing offer. “We have already enhanced the restaurant and improved the range of products. We have also nearly doubled the number of people working there, so we can offer great customer service, says Mark.

“We have grown quickly over the last three years and gone from 1 to 7 centres. We have lots of work to do to ensure all our systems and processes are fit for purpose; what we did with one centre doesn’t work for seven. We have been pleased with the response we have seen from the local community and excited about the Pennine site’s future.”

One of the most striking features of this year’s acquisition wave is the number of family-run centres changing hands. For decades, these businesses have been the heartbeat of their communities, often run by the same families for generations. But as founders approach retirement, many are seeking solutions that will preserve their legacy while ensuring continued employment for their teams.

J. Parker’s took on Daisy Nook Garden Centre in March. The garden centre was owned by the Calder family for over 50 years. In the 1990s and 2000s, it was one of the most well-regarded garden centres in Greater Manchester; however, as time passed, there was a lack of investment in the store, but J. Parker’s saw an opportunity.

“The centre is local to our head office in Old Trafford, so it was a natural step for the business,” said Jonathan Bracewell, group head of marketing. “The immediate priority is to do up the existing buildings with improvements to the café and a new decking area. We are listening and taking on board feedback from the longstanding Daisy Nook customers, and we now have thousands more plants in the range than

before and expanded outdoor living. J. Parker’s has also taken on concessions in Daisy Nook, the first across our portfolio, which include outdoor buildings and retailers like Regatta.

“Plans for Daisy Nook also include the possibility of putting systems in place to harvest rainwater, solar energy and the use of electric vehicles across the site.” Jonathan continues.

Since the acquisition, J. Parker’s is looking to strengthen community ties by continuing with events, educational talks and hiring out rooms as the centre did before. They have also started outreach to local businesses around the vicinity, looking at partnerships and ways to work together.

“One of our community initiatives is working with Friends of Daisy Nook Park, a small group of volunteers who help improve the space. This was historically known for its canal system, which played a crucial role in transporting coal and cotton mills into Manchester but had fallen into disrepair. The garden centre will help curate parts of the park, providing them with plants, with staff from the centre and head office helping to plant and improve the space for residents to enjoy.”

Gates Garden Centre acquired the Dobbies Stapleton site at the beginning of this year. Gates is already a renowned independent garden centre, with a flagship site at Oakham, located in the rural village of Cold Overton on the Leicestershire and Rutland border, and has been family-owned since 1948.

The team plans to replicate the award-winning hospitality experience of its Oakham centre as managing director, Nigel Gates discusses: “ We are focusing on four key areas at Gates Woodlands Hinckley; horticultural excellence, exceptional dining at Fred & Ivy’s restaurant named in honour of our founders, in recognition of our proud 75 years of heritage, our Farm Shop, and extending our customer-centric services like the Gates Loyalty Club, providing the same high standards our customers expect.”

“We’ve already completed Phase 1 of our Fred & Ivy’s restaurant expansion and refurbishment and will be starting Phase 2 later this year, as well as introducing our Farm Shop. We’re enhancing existing infrastructure, fostering collaboration with our retained team, and undertaking a significant recruitment drive. Product-wise, we’re bringing the full Gates Garden Centre offering, including our award-winning plants, extensive garden furniture, local produce, and a curated selection of home goods and gifts.”

“Our long-term ambition is to solidify Gates Garden Centre’s position as a leading independent garden centre group, known as a complete rural

department store and a full-day destination. We’ll achieve this by expanding our award-winning concepts, investing in sustainable infrastructure, maintaining our core values of excellent customer service and value, and strengthening community ties, all while staying true to our 75-year family legacy and horticultural passion.”

Meanwhile, The Gardening Club made headlines with its acquisition of Hare Hatch Sheeplands. This move, while less high-profile than some others, includes not just investment in facilities but a renewed focus on community engagement.

“Hare Hatch Sheeplands has always had a special place in the local gardening scene as it’s a site with real heart and history. For us, it ticked all the boxes with a strong horticultural legacy, a loyal customer base, and plenty of potential to grow, said managing director, Tom Cook.

“Hare Hatch has a genuine charm and a sense of place that fits perfectly with how we do things. We’re all about quality plants, great service, and creating spaces that people genuinely enjoy spending time in.

We’d rather make friends than make money and are constantly ensuring that our team reflects this.

“We’ve already made some big improvements, and there’s plenty more in the pipeline. The plant area has had a proper refresh, with a wider, more inspiring range, much of it grown in our nurseries. We’ve also opened a brand-new farm shop, which has been well received. Next up is a carvery restaurant, which we’re excited about; it’ll be a lovely addition and a great spot for customers to relax and enjoy a proper meal. We’re working hard to make Hare Hatch a place people love to visit, whether they’re popping in for plants, food, or just a bit of inspiration.”

At the time of writing, The Gardening Club has also just taken on Studley Green Garden Centre, previously operated by Capital Gardens.

Squire’s Garden Centres, another stalwart of the industry in the south, made a significant move by acquiring the former Dobbies Hare Hatch site, just across the road from Sheeplands.

The store reopened in February with chair,

Sarah Squire, saying: “ The centre offers a wide range of plants, gardening supplies, children’s activities, and planting masterclasses yearround to engage local families and celebrate its horticultural roots.”

Squire’s Hare Hatch also took on concessions like Berkshire Garden Buildings, Cotton Traders, Maidenhead Aquatics, Pets Corner, and Pools Plus on the site. Family-run and founded in 1936, Squire’s now operates in 17 locations.

Down in the South West, Otter Garden Centres continues its steady, regionally focused growth, adding an eighth site to its portfolio in 2025, Whitehall Garden Centre located in Whitchurch, Bristol. Jacqui Taylor, Managing Director of Otter, said: “We have known the Self family for many years now and have always admired their way of running an independent family business. What appealed to us was how closely their ethos aligns with our own: family-run, customer-focused and with a strong commitment to quality and sustainability.

“Like Otter, they are known for offering exceptional plants, something we know our customers value. We will be supplying the Whitchurch garden centre with plants from our growing nurseries, which we are sure our new customers will love.”

Stratford Garden Centre also announced that it had secured a lease on the garden centre site at Warwick Road, Stratford, following Dobbies’ tenure. managing director, Helen Lloyd said: “It is 20 years since we moved into our site at Clifford Chambers, serving Stratford and the North Cotswold area. As a family-owned garden centre, we have built close links with the local community and looking forward to establishing a similar presence in the north east of Stratford.”

The Next Generation of Customers: Winning Over

Gen Z Gardeners

Garden centres, trusted for plants and advice, now face rising costs, regulations, weather challenges, and a widening generational gap that threatens the sector’s future resilience and growth.

While Baby Boomers and Gen X have traditionally formed the backbone of garden centre customers, younger audiences are far less engaged. A growing body of research and media commentary highlights that Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) are not flocking to garden centres in the same way as their parents and grandparents. But this does not mean they are uninterested in gardening. In fact, evidence shows the opposite: they are highly engaged in sustainability, urban growing, and plant-based lifestyles. The issue is that many do not view traditional garden centres as aligned with their values.

For UK garden centres, this presents both a challenge and a major opportunity. Winning over Gen Z could secure the next generation of loyal customers, ensuring long-term business resilience.

Understanding Gen Z’s Mindset

To connect with this audience, it helps to understand what drives them. Gen Z is the most environmentally conscious consumer group in history. They want peat-free compost, plastic-free packaging, locally sourced plants, and wildlife-friendly products. If these are not front and centre, they may look elsewhere.

78% of Gen Z consumers say a brand’s environmental practices influence their purchasing decisions.

(Source: Deloitte, 2024)

This is the first generation to grow up entirely online. They turn to TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for plant tips, design ideas, and product recommendations. A lack of digital presence makes a garden centre invisible to them.

For Gen Z, a purchase is often tied to an experience. They are drawn to workshops, social spaces, and brands that feel like communities, not just shops.

With many living in rented accommodation or flats, they are less interested in lawns and landscaping and more focused on houseplants, balcony pots, and compact grow-your-own kits.

They expect honesty. If a garden centre claims to be sustainable, it must be backed up with evidence — for example, clear signage, product labelling, and transparent sourcing.

Where Garden Centres Are Missing the Mark

Despite clear demand, some traditional practices are holding garden centres back from engaging Gen Z. Common sticking points include an over-reliance on plastic. Rows of plastic pots, single-use packaging, and chemical-heavy products undermine environmental credentials.

Another area to work on is the lack of houseplant focus. Many centres still prioritise outdoor bedding plants, while Gen Z often wants statement indoor greenery.

UK houseplant sales grew by over 30% between 2019–2023, with Gen Z cited as the main driver. (Source: HTA, 2024)

Poor online visibility is also an area for improvement. A Facebook page updated once a month isn’t enough to capture digital natives.

Unwelcoming experiences can put off guests. Cafés and concessions are often geared towards older demographics, not spaces where younger audiences feel comfortable spending time. Finally, signage and marketing sometimes emphasise tradition and nostalgia, which may not resonate with a generation more motivated by climate action and community.

Opportunities to Engage Gen Z

Garden centres that adapt can win long-term loyalty from this group.

Sustainability is not a side note; it’s the entry ticket. That means clearly labelling peatfree composts and explaining why they matter or offering pot recycling schemes or discounts

67% of Gen Z discover new brands via social media before traditional advertising. (Source: Sprout Social, 2023)

for customers bringing back used containers. You could highlight pollinator-friendly and native plants with visible signage and stock sustainable lifestyle products, such as water butts, solar lighting, and wildlife habitats.

Workshops and events are powerful tools to engage younger customers. Consider houseplant care masterclasses with practical demonstrations, urban growing sessions, showing how to cultivate herbs and salad leaves in small spaces or ecocrafting workshops such as making bug hotels or terrariums.

Experiences turn a casual visit into a social, shareable moment — something Gen Z is more likely to return for.

To reach Gen Z, garden centres need to be active where they spend their time. Shortform video is king. A 30-second TikTok on

repotting a plant can drive more engagement than a printed leaflet. Instagram is ideal for showcasing visually appealing displays, new arrivals, and behind-the-scenes stories. Loyalty apps or digital vouchers can build ongoing relationships.

The key is consistency. Even smallscale, regular posts can make a centre feel approachable and relevant.

Think beyond traditional layouts. Younger audiences are drawn to spaces that are aesthetic, interactive, and social. Dedicate a prominent section to indoor plants and accessories.

Add lifestyle displays, for example, “apartment-friendly garden” setups. Refresh cafés to include modern, health-conscious menus, plant-based options, and co-workingfriendly seating. The aim is to create an environment where a 25-year-old feels just as at home as a 65-year-old.

Authenticity is everything. Marketing materials should use plain, conversational language, perhaps focused on climate-positive stories, “Every bag of compost here is peatfree.” Avoid clichés that can feel outdated. Where possible, give Gen Z a reason to belong. Loyalty programmes framed around sustainability, for example, planting a tree for every 50 purchases, can resonate strongly.

Houseplants and the Gen Z Boom

One clear success story is the rise of houseplants. Market data shows strong growth in indoor plant sales over the past five years, driven largely by younger shoppers. Garden centres that leaned into this trend with stylish displays, workshops, and curated product ranges have seen real benefits.

This demonstrates an important lesson: when garden centres align with Gen Z values and interests, the demand is there. The key is ensuring this approach extends beyond a single category and permeates the entire business.

Why It Matters

Winning over Gen Z isn’t just about boosting short-term sales, it’s about securing the long-term future of the garden centre sector. As older customer bases naturally decline, new generations will determine whether garden centres remain thriving community destinations or retreat into niche retail.

There is also a bigger opportunity. Gen Z is not just a consumer but also an influencers within families. A young adult who chooses a local garden centre over Amazon is likely to encourage their parents and peers to do the same. Engaging them has ripple effects across demographics.

The garden centre industry is at a crossroads. Cost pressures, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory changes are pressing challenges — but so too is the generational shift in customer expectations.

Gen Z may not yet see garden centres as their natural home, but with the right adjustments, that perception can change. By prioritising sustainability, embracing digital platforms, offering experiences, and refreshing retail spaces, garden centres can secure the loyalty of the next wave of gardeners.

This is not just about selling plants. It’s about positioning garden centres as hubs of climate-conscious living, creativity, and community — values that speak directly with Gen Z. Those who act now will not only thrive today but also lay the foundations for decades of success.

Fashion That Fits: How Klass Is Transforming Garden Centre Retail

Klass Ladieswear is redefining what it means to shop for fashion in the heart of a garden centre. As a family-owned brand with over 35 years of retail experience, Klass is combining stylish, affordable womenswear with an innovative retail model that’s gaining traction across the UK — unmanned, fully supported fashion concessions that seamlessly integrate into garden centre environments.

The concept has found a natural home within the garden retail sector, from longstanding partners like Klondyke Group to successful rollouts with Dobbies and recent openings with British Garden Centres. Klass’s unique approach is proving just as successful with independent garden centres too, with Gates Garden Centre and Simpsons in Scotland becoming model examples of how the concept enhances footfall, dwell time, and customer satisfaction.

The Roots: A History of Innovation

Founded in 1985, Klass began with a clear mission: to deliver on-trend, quality clothing at an affordable price, with exceptional service and flexibility. With decades of experience operating across standalone stores, concessions, and online, the business saw an opportunity in an unlikely but highly effective location — the garden centre.

As garden centres evolved into lifestyle destinations, Klass recognised a gap for stylish, affordable fashion that could serve the same loyal, experience-driven customer base. The result was a purpose-built, unmanned concession model, expertly designed to sit comfortably alongside plants, homewares, cafés, and gift ranges — with minimal setup and operational demands for the host garden centre.

The first unmanned Klass concessions began appearing several years ago. Today, they are a proven formula with more than 80 locations nationwide — and growing.

Seamless Partnerships: How It Works Setting Up a Concession

Klass makes integration as smooth as possible. Each concession is designed to complement the garden centre’s layout, with full fit-out and visual merchandising handled by the Klass team. There’s no need for a dedicated tills or staff — Klass products are sold through the host’s EPOS system, with full support provided.

“Klass have done all the decorating and fittings – and have regular visual merchandiser visits to make sure it’s the best it can be, with POS, mirrors, stands, and more,” says Sarah Crawford from Gates Garden Centre. “It’s been very easy to work with them.”

Product Selection & Control

Each location benefits from tailored collections, based on regional trends, seasonality, and customer behaviour. Garden centres can trust the Klass team to curate product ranges that resonate with their local audience, supported by data and decades of fashion retail experience.

Growth & Momentum: A Year of Expansion

In the past year alone, Klass has launched 46

Klass design office, Bury

new unmanned concessions, accelerating its presence within both independent and group garden centres. This includes major partnerships with British Garden Centres, Klondyke Group, and an expanded rollout across Dobbies Garden Centres.

“Klass has been working in collaboration with us to enhance the fashion ranges available for our customers,” says Andrew Horrix, head of concessions at Dobbies.

“The Klass collections have been really well received. Our colleagues are enjoying working with the Klass team.”

With a flexible model that suits a variety of site sizes and layouts, Klass has demonstrated it can work as well in a large-format group site as it can in a single independent location. It’s adaptability, combined with strong sales, that’s capturing attention across the sector.

Spotlight on Partnerships

Gates Garden Centre (Oakham & Hinckley)

A leading example of success in the independent space, Gates Garden Centre partnered with Klass at its Woodlands

Hinkley site — and has seen strong customer engagement from day one.

“It sometimes seems like every second person at the till has a handful of Klass items!” says Sarah, who manages the concession at Gates.

“There’s a strong parallel with our demographics. The concession looks clean, well put together, and fits in perfectly with our store. Klass gave us excellent support during Loyalty Club promotions and offer clear merchandising guides, which make it easy for our floor staff to present the collections well.”

While the EPOS integration model was a new approach for Gates, Klass supported the process every step of the way.

“It’s definitely worth considering,” Sarah adds. “There’s of course a measure of work, but Klass is great at giving us as much information as possible to make it easy for both parties.”

Simpsons Garden Centres (Scotland)

Simpsons is another standout example of how the Klass model is resonating with regional groups. After a successful launch at their Mintlaw site, the fashion concession was extended to Fochabers — and the results speak for themselves.

“Klass has really lifted the year-round offering for our customers,” says Robin Bosworth, general manager at Simpsons. “Sales and repeat purchases have been excellent since introducing the ranges.”

“We have multiple generations visiting our centres, and Klass lets us offer affordable, stylish clothing across different age groups. It keeps people in store longer and fits beautifully alongside our gifts and accessories. ”On the operational side, Klass has also delivered.

“The support we’ve had has been excellent,” Robin says. “Replenishment is quick, and deliveries arrive when we need them. Klass is a great addition — it attracts new customers and gives regular ones a reason to return.”

Why Partner With Us?

Whether you’re a single-site garden centre or part of a growing group, Klass offers a compelling package:

• New revenue stream with no upfront

• Unmanned, fully supported model

• Custom merchandising aligned with your retail environment

• Proven sales performance and ROI

• Increased dwell time and repeat visits

• Expert team providing training, marketing, and ongoing support

• Most importantly, Klass is easy to work with — something echoed in every partner testimonial.

As the retail landscape evolves, garden centres are looking for ways to deepen customer engagement, diversify revenue, and deliver exceptional instore experiences. A Klass Ladieswear concession does just that — with minimal disruption and maximum impact.

If you’re ready to explore the opportunity of hosting a Klass concession, get in touch with our partnership team today. Retail director: David.Cohen@Eleganze.com www.klass.co.uk

Purpose-Driven Partnerships: How Retailers and Charities Can Create Shared Value

At a time when the retail sector faces mounting pressures—from economic uncertainty to the rise of e-commerce—purpose-driven partnerships offer a way to stand out, build loyalty, and make a tangible difference. This article explores how collaborations between retailers and charities can create shared value, drawing on insights from two inspiring organisations: Greenfingers Charity and Leukaemia Care.

The Rise of Values-Based Consumerism

The modern consumer is discerning, values-led, and purpose-conscious. According to a recent Feefo report, 74% of UK consumers consider brand values before making a purchase. Among Gen Z and Millennials, over 60% are willing to pay more for environmentally sustainable products. This marks a significant shift from even a decade ago, and it’s reshaping how retailers approach everything from marketing to partnerships.

Colin Dyer, CEO of Leukaemia Care, notes: “We are at a crossroads, where a real opportunity exists across retail to demonstrate it’s in tune with its buyers—not just brand aspiration, but an authentic alignment of values.”

Why Now Is the Time for Retailers and Charities to Collaborate

The UK retail sector has weathered its share of storms—Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. In this context, connecting with customers on a deeper level has never been more important. Charity partnerships offer a way to do just that.

For garden centres, which are often deeply embedded in their local communities, the potential is even greater. These businesses are uniquely positioned to support causes that resonate with their customers—whether that’s children’s health, environmental sustainability, or community wellbeing.

In today’s retail world, consumers buy into brands that reflect their values. For UK garden centres, partnering with charities offers meaningful, mutually beneficial opportunities for growth and impact.

The Role of Retailers in Supporting Charitable Causes

Retailers can be powerful catalysts for good. By aligning with charities that reflect their values and customer base, they can amplify their impact while enhancing their brand.

Take Tesco’s Health Charity Partnership, which has raised over £29 million since 2018 for Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation, and Diabetes UK. Through storebased campaigns and employee engagement, Tesco has reached 24 million people with health insights and interventions. The key to its success? A long-term, strategic approach with unified governance and clear impact tracking.

What we need most is flexibility, open ears, and a willingness to co-create something meaningful together.

Closer to home, garden centres have also demonstrated the power of partnership. Greenfingers Charity, which creates therapeutic gardens for children in hospices, has worked with numerous retailers to bring its vision to life. “These aren’t just nice outdoor areas,” says Linda Petrons, director of fundraising and communications at Greenfingers Charity. “They’re built around five core pillars: play, care, grow, learn and remember. When partners truly understand that, it changes how they approach supporting us.”

Business Benefits of Charity Partnerships

While the social impact of charity partnerships is clear, the business case is equally compelling. Done right, these collaborations can drive footfall and sales through cause-led campaigns and community events, enhance customer loyalty by creating emotional connections and shared values and boost employee morale by giving staff a sense of pride and purpose.

Dyer explains: “Partnering with a charity can do much more than tick an ESG box. It can energise your team, deepen customer loyalty, and build trust. Internally, it gives teams something deeper to connect with. Employees want to know their work contributes to something bigger.”

Creating Shared Value: More Than Just CSR

The concept of “shared value” goes beyond traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR). It’s about creating long-term, strategic partnerships that benefit both the business and the charity.

For Leukaemia Care, one standout example is their partnership with JCDecaux. Through the JCDecaux Community Channel, the charity received donated digital advertising space across the UK to promote its “Spot Leukaemia” campaign. The result? Millions of people were reached with life-saving information about early symptoms. “That is the power of partnership,” says Dyer. “Not just fundraising and awareness, but life-changing action.”

Similarly, Greenfingers has seen the most success when businesses approach them with openness and a willingness to co-create. “Some of our most meaningful moments have come from brands rolling up their sleeves to help plant, build, or design with us. That kind of connection stays with people” says Petrons.

What Charities Wish Brands Knew

Both Greenfingers and Leukaemia Care emphasise the importance of authenticity, flexibility, and collaboration.flexibility,

and collaboration emphasise the importance of authenticity, flexibility, and collaboration.

“Sometimes brands come to us with wonderful intentions, but very fixed ideas of how they want to help,” says Petrons. “What we need is flexibility, open ears, and a willingness to co-create something meaningful together.”

They also stress that support doesn’t have to be expensive to be impactful. Whether it’s a one-off fundraising event, a volunteering day, or a long-term relationship, every contribution counts.

“Please don’t ever feel that your contribution has to be huge to matter,” Petrons adds. “Every effort, no matter how ‘small’ it might feel, helps us move forward.”

Leukaemia Care echoes this sentiment: “We’re not just looking for a logo on a cheque. We’re looking for collaboration and creativity with a shared ambition.”

Building Authentic, Impactful Relationships

So how can businesses approach charity partnerships in a way that’s respectful and genuinely helpful? Start with curiosity: Ask, “How can we help?” rather than assuming what’s needed.

Be flexible: Charities often have limited resources. A collaborative, open-minded approach goes a long way.

Engage your team: Involve employees in volunteering, fundraising, or awareness campaigns.

Think long-term: The most impactful partnerships are those that grow over time and become part of your brand’s DNA.

Choose alignment. Pick a cause that naturally fits with your brand, your customers, and your culture.

A Call to Action for Garden Centres

Every effort, no matter how

‘small’ it might feel, helps us move forward.

Case Studies: Partnerships in Action

Greenfingers has partnered with numerous garden centres and suppliers to create over 60 therapeutic gardens across the UK. These spaces are designed not just for beauty, but for healing, memory-making, and joy. Retailers have supported through fundraising, volunteering, and in-kind donations—often involving their entire teams in the process.

“That warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you know you’ve made a difference? It lasts,” says Petrons. “And it strengthens your brand, your culture, and your people.”

Leukaemia Care

From national campaigns with JCDecaux to local initiatives like B&Q’s Branston Distribution Centre choosing Leukaemia Care as their Charity of the Year, the charity has seen the power of both large-scale and grassroots partnerships. “Staff or regionally-led initiatives really help bring people closer to the cause,” says Dyer. “They often turn into groupwide support and ongoing partnerships.”

For garden centres, the opportunity to lead with purpose is immense. These are businesses rooted in community, nature, and wellbeing—values that align beautifully with many charitable causes.

Whether it’s supporting children’s hospices through Greenfingers, raising awareness for blood cancer with Leukaemia Care, or championing local initiatives, the potential for impact is real. And the benefits go both ways. As Dyer puts it: “Collaborating with a charity not only supports social impact but also demonstrates a company’s commitment to responsible practices and community investment. It strengthens brand reputation, boosts employee engagement, and aligns with investor and consumer expectations.”

More Than Just Good Deeds

Purpose-driven partnerships are more than just good deeds—they’re good business. They offer a way for retailers to connect with customers, energise their teams, and make a lasting difference in the world.

For the UK garden centre market, the message is clear: now is the time to think more strategically about your social impact. By partnering with charities in authentic, creative, and collaborative ways, you can grow more than just your bottom line—you can grow your purpose, your people, and your legacy.

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Poinsettias: The Crown Jewel of Festive Garden Centre Sales

A Christmas favourite, Poinsettias are soon to be filling the benches at garden centres across the country. Garden Centre Retail takes a look at the varieties, history and relevance of the plant.

As the festive season approaches, garden centres across the UK and beyond prepare for one of the most visually striking and commercially significant plants of the year: the poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima). With its vibrant bracts and deep-rooted cultural symbolism, the poinsettia has become synonymous with Christmas. But beyond its seasonal appeal lies a rich history, a diverse range of cultivars, and a unique set of horticultural needs that make it both a challenge and an opportunity for garden centres.

A Brief History of the Poinsettia

The story of the poinsettia begins in the tropical forests of Mexico and Central America, where it grows as a perennial shrub reaching heights of up to 13 feet. Known to the Aztecs as cuetlaxochitl, the plant was valued for its red dye and medicinal properties. It symbolised purity and was often used in religious ceremonies.

The plant’s journey to global fame began in the 1820s when Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico and an amateur botanist, encountered it during his travels. Captivated by its beauty, he sent cuttings back to his home in South Carolina. From there, the plant was cultivated and popularised, eventually being named in his honour.

By the early 20th century, the Ecke family in California had developed techniques to grow compact, bushy Poinsettias suitable for indoor display. Their marketing efforts, including appearances on television and in magazines, cemented the poinsettia’s association with Christmas.

Cultural Significance and Symbolism

The poinsettia’s red and green colouring naturally aligns with traditional Christmas themes. In Mexican folklore, the plant is tied to the legend of a poor girl named Pepita who, having no gift for the Christ child, gathered weeds from the roadside. When placed at the nativity scene, the weeds miraculously bloomed into vibrant red poinsettias—earning them the name Flores de Noche Buena (Flowers of the Holy Night).

Popular Varieties Prestige Red

Today, poinsettias are a staple in holiday décor across Europe and North America. In the UK, they are often used in festive displays, table centrepieces, and as gifts. Their popularity peaks in December, making them a crucial product for garden centres during the winter season.

The Prestige Red poinsettia is a standout variety known for its vibrant red bracts, strong branching, and symmetrical form. Bred by Paul Ecke Ranch, it’s a favourite in both mass-market and upscale displays. Its lush, full appearance makes it ideal for festive decor, especially during the holiday season.

Prestige Red features dense foliage and uniform branching, which supports a rounded, bushy shape. The bracts are a rich, velvety red that contrasts beautifully with their dark green leaves, creating a classic and elegant look.

Jingle Bells

The Jingle Bells poinsettia is a festive and eye-catching variety, instantly recognisable by its bright crimson bracts speckled with white, resembling holiday confetti or snowfall. This variety brings a playful twist to traditional poinsettias, making it a popular choice for holiday displays that aim to stand out. Its oakshaped bracts and compact, upright growth

habit give it a tidy, ornamental form that works well in both pots and arrangements.

Jingle Bells is bold and cheerful, ideal for adding a whimsical yet elegant touch to seasonal décor. Its unique coloration pairs beautifully with golds, silvers, and deep greens, making it versatile for both modern and classic holiday themes.

Autumn Leaves

Ice Punch

The Ice Punch poinsettia is a striking and festive variety, known for its rosy-red bracts streaked with bold white splashes, creating a dramatic “reverse marble” effect. This unique coloration makes it a standout in holiday displays, offering a modern twist on traditional poinsettia aesthetics. Its dark green, heavily

pointed leaves and drooping bract arrangement add to its ornamental appeal

Ice Punch is a medium-vigour, uniform grower with excellent branching. It flowers relatively early in the season (around midNovember) and adapts well to various pot sizes.

The Autumn Leaves poinsettia is a unique and eye-catching variety that brings a warm, seasonal twist to traditional holiday décor. Its bracts are a blend of peachy yellow and soft pink, evoking the tones of fall foliage. This makes it a perfect choice for thanksgiving centrepieces and a gentle transition into Christmas themes. Its soft and warm hues offer a more subtle and elegant alternative to the classic red poinsettia.

In terms of form, Autumn Leaves typically features a compact, bushy shape with dense foliage and strong stems. This structure supports its large, colourful bracts well, making it ideal for tabletop displays or grouped arrangements.

Polar Bear

The Polar Bear poinsettia is a stunning variety known for its creamy white bracts that give it a soft, snowy appearance—perfect for winter and holiday displays. Its elegant, clean look makes it a favourite for minimalist or modern décor themes. The bracts are broad and slightly rounded, contrasting beautifully with the plant’s

deep green foliage, creating a crisp, highcontrast aesthetic.

Growth Habits and Horticultural Insights

Understanding the growth habits of poinsettias is key to maintaining their health and appearance in a retail setting.

In their native habitat, poinsettias are large, woody shrubs. However, commercial varieties are bred to remain compact and bushy, typically reaching 30–60 cm in height.

In terms of form, Polar Bear has a compact, upright growth habit and is wellsuited for tabletop arrangements or grouped displays. It typically grows to a moderate size and maintains a symmetrical shape with good branching.

These cultivated forms are shaped through a combination of selective breeding and horticultural techniques such as pinching, which encourages branching and a fuller appearance. Growers often manipulate light exposure to control flowering, as poinsettias are short-day plants that initiate blooming when daylight hours decrease. This photoperiod sensitivity is crucial for timing their vibrant bract coloration to coincide with the festive season.

Proper spacing, temperature control, and humidity management also play vital roles in producing high-quality plants. Retailers should ensure plants are kept away from drafts and extreme temperatures, as these can cause leaf drop. With careful attention to these growth habits, Poinsettias can remain visually striking and healthy throughout the holiday period.

Winter Rose

The Winter Rose poinsettia is a unique and elegant variety, prized for its curled, rose-like bracts that give it a distinctive floral appearance. Unlike traditional poinsettias with flat, pointed bracts, Winter Rose features tight, ruffled clusters that resemble blooming roses, making it a sophisticated choice for holiday décor. It comes in shades of red, pink, white, and

marble, and typically grows to 8–24 inches tall and wide, making it ideal for tabletops and compact displays.

In terms of form, it has a compact, bushy growth habit and is often sold as a finished plant during the holiday season. Its smaller, curled bracts and dark green foliage create a lush, ornamental look that lasts for several months.

Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

As consumer awareness grows, so does the demand for sustainably grown plants. Garden centres can appeal to eco-conscious shoppers by sourcing from local or UKbased growers to reduce carbon footprint. Highlighting growers who use peat-free compost or biological pest control. Offering recyclable or biodegradable pots and packaging.

Poinsettias are more than just a holiday tradition—they’re a vibrant, versatile, and profitable addition to any garden centre’s winter offering. By understanding their history, embracing the diversity of varieties, and implementing smart retail strategies, garden centres can turn these festive favourites into a seasonal success story. Whether it’s a classic red ‘Prestige’, a snowy ‘Polar Bear’, or a whimsical ‘Jingle Bells’, there’s a Poinsettia for every customer—and every and every christmas display.