It’s theweather,stupid!
Foroncethe weather isonourside.A gloriousMarchandearlyAprilhasseen garden centresales reaching record levels andtheforecast forEasterandbeyondislooking setfair too.
At thestartofthemonthweaskedgarden centre ownersabouttheirexpectationsfor Easterandbeyond.Theirfull responses were publishedin GTNXtraIssue 14 2025,www. gardentradenews.co.uk
JustinWilliamsat FronGoch:“Weare seeing betterlikeforlikegrowthin ourcurrent financial yearof11%,withbetterplantsandfurniture salestoo andI feel thisislikely tocontinue until theendof year.Oddson we willhavebetter weatherthanlast year too. I’llputmyneckout andsay Ihavestrong to highexpectationsfor therestof year,ifinternationaldisruptionavoids us.”
SarahSquireatSquiresGarden Centres: “After agoodMarch,earlyApril is shaping up well too. Itisgreat to haveenjoyeda settled periodoflovelyspring weatherearly in the season,followingsome recentspringswherethe weatherhas rangedfrombelowpar to dismal.
“Ofcoursetheweatheris drivingthis,butwith somucheconomicand geopoliticaluncertainty, Ibelieve thatplants,gardeningandnature canbe reallyupliftingforpeople.
WillBlake,St Peters Garden Centre in WorcesterandGCAChairman:“It’sbeen very busysofar,and we’reexpectingittocontinue throughuntil Easter,andhopefullybeyond.A goodearlystarttotheseason,andnow people havestartedgardeningprojects,I’msurethey will continue regardlessofany dipsinthe weather.
“Longmay thegood weather continue!It was
In this issue...
long overdue dueandwill reallyhelp ourindustry after acoupleofverytough years!”
SimonBourneat Perrywood: “Isn’t it wonderfultosee somepropersunshinein spring! It certainlymakesusfeelmuch betterin thisindustry.
Mike BurksofTheGardensGroup:“Wehave hadanextraordinarystart to theseasonwith March26% upandearlyAprilatrecordlevels too. Anditisin core gardeningandgarden furniturewherewehavethe biggestincreases. It’salldown to the weatherand areaction to how dulland wetthewinter was.”
“Climatechangehas meantthatthe weather is such alottery that predictinganythingis somewhatfoolishbutI’mcautiously optimistic!”
DavidYardley, CEOofKlondykeGarden Centres: “Willthisbeagoodseasonoran average season,who knows?Itwillbethe weatherasalwaysthat determinesthis.It’s good to havesomecashinthe bankbutthereare alot of weeksleftintheseason. We havetomakethe most ofthe good weatherwhilst we haveitbut not getcarriedaway.”
AdamWigglesworthatAyletts:“Furnitureand outdoorlivingsalesare very stronghere. We havenoproblem sellinghigh pricedsetsand expensive gazebo’s.Whenthesuncomesout the carparkisfulland peopleare shopping. We were24%upinMarch,not arecordbreaker but agreatstarttothe year.I’m very chirpy as we haveadecent weatherforecastforEaster and beyond.”
Thelastwordgoes to DerekandAndy Bunker atAltons:“Theage-oldansweris:Weather, weather,weather.Thatis 90%ofthe reason, nothing to dowiththetimingof Easter. Even withall thedoomandeconomicgloom.”
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Thewar fortalent
Celebrating25yearsof recruitment,Guy Moretonand AndyFitzmauricetalkto GTNabout thejourneyofMorePeopleand howgarden centrescansecurethebest candidates.
Withbackgroundsin thecut flowerbusiness,GuyMoreton and PeterHunthad aplan to build aone-stop-shopforhorticultural retailers.Selling everything fromfreshcut andsilk flowers throughtoshrubsand pots,the concept wastobuy acompany alreadydealinginoneofthese core businessesand, overtime,buymoreto bolton.
Luckilyforhorticultural recruitment, andallthe companiesthathave sincesecuredtherightstaff through MorePeople,itdidn’thappen.Theyworked hardto findandbuytheright business,
butthingsjustweren’t workingout. “I was getting very frustrated,” saysGuy whoadds they were pippedtothe posttoomany timesandlosingoutonopportunitiesfrom companieslikeLingarden andFlamingo. It wasthroughoneof theirmany contactsand conversations, Guy was offered ajobas acommercialdirector. He turneditdownbutpromised to find thecompanythe rightperson.HuntMore Ltddidn’thaveanamethatconjuredup theideaofrecruitment,so GuyandPeter formedMorePeople andputtheir first advert in TheGrocermagazine. Whileforgingaheadwiththeiroriginal
businessconcept, requests forhelp with recruitmentkept coming.“We were doing more andmorerecruitmentand really enjoyingit. We were lovingtalking to people,”saysGuy
Workingfrom Guy’s garagein Huntingdon, Peter’s financebackgroundin freshproduce andhorticulturemeanthe couldhelp companieslookingfor financial, technical andoperational skills, whileGuy wasabletodealwithsales teams.After justtwo years,helpwithadmin wassought andanoffice in Stamford secured.Since then thebusinesshasmovedtwice to accommodatethe growingteamwhich
Guy,Andyand RichardHanwell, Managing Director, inStamford where thebusinessis based.
Anew decade
After10-years, MorePeople took on recruitmentspecialist AndyFitzmaurice, nowCEO.Andyrecalls howGuy was initially reluctanttoemployhim, but Andy persevered.“Guylikedhiring peoplewho'd workedin the‘real world’ of commercial horticulture,foodor garden centres,butmyexperience was decidedlynot real world,” he says.“But Ithink Icamealongattherighttime as heandPeter were scratching theirheads as to whatthesuccessionand thefuture ofthebusinesslookedlike”.Andyrecalls howalltheknowledgeof thecompany waseitherstoredinafiling cabinetsor in theminds of GuyandPeter,and that neededtobechanged.
“Initiallyourclients were supermarket suppliersofflowers,plantsandproduce becausethose were the sectors we knewreally well,”says Guy. “Theyremain important to usbecause we areindustry specialists, we careabouttheindustry andunderstanditsdynamics.” Butasthe businesshasgrown,ithasexpandedinto more sectors,withgardencentresbeing oneofthem.
Thiswasfurtherenhancedin2004 withthepurchaseofThePeepulBureau, anestablished recruitmentagencyfor garden centresrun by CarolHolland. Carol waslooking to retireso selling herbusinesstoMorePeople wasa good opportunity.Thetwo businesses ranseparatelyfor afew years but eventuallyallgarden centrerecruitment wasabsorbed into MorePeople.“We immediatelyhalvedour marketingspend because we were onlymarketingone brand rathertwo,”recallsGuy.
we'veputinplace,and all of themforthe arms race fortalent, forour employees, andfor findingotherways of addingvalue to ourclients,” he says.
Thesechanges enabled PeterHuntto retireandleave astrong,forward-facing business.“Westill havethat passionand pedigreeforthe sectorand want to find other ways ofaddingvalue to our clients beyond just fillingvacancies.It'sourgoal to be to beviewedasbeingintegral to the sectorand notaperipheral hanger on which iswhyweleadthe waywithaddedvalue such as salarysurveys,successionwhite papersandpodcasts,”says Andy.
Staff retention
Regardlessofthesector,keepingholdof goodstaff isimportant,but Guyrecognises that in theworldofrecruitment,‘there alwaysgoingtobesomechurn’. "It's notnecessarily avocationandmanyare universityleavers, butthebenefitoftalking to hundredsofclientsandcandidates, is that we hear what worksinother businessesandifanyare congruentwith ourvalues, then we will tryand make it work forus." nownumbers37.
Andy introduced andembedded newsystems,a vision andculture whichhave enabledthecompanyto grow andbecomemorerobust. “The environmentinfluences theculture,the cultureinfluencestheattitudes,and theattitudesinfluencethe passion and qualityofthe work.There have been hundredsifnot thousandsofverysmall, fairly easilyimplementablethings that
Chairman GuyMoreton,and Andy Fizmaurice,CEO.
Incentives, likeTeamof theMonth, keepthe MorePeople teaminvested intheir own careers.
Heexplainsthis rangesfrompaying peoplewhatthey'reworth to having attractivebonus commissionschemes, privatehealthcare,andincentivesgalore to hittargets,whetherit'speer-nominated smallweeklyprizesorquarterlyincentives forthose that deliveraboveandbeyond theirtargets.“We also leanheavily onexternal training to make sure peoplehavegota careerjourneyandfeel investedin.It'snotjusta superficial,shorttermstuff,” he adds.
key to howwell MorePeople cansell the rolestheyneed filling.“We need clients that careabouthowweperceivethem becausethatishow we sell them andhow therelationshipblossoms. Thebetter the relationshipand themoreweknowabout thebusiness, thebetter we cansell their business,”Guyexplains.
Youonlyget one chance to makea firstimpression…
MorePeoplealsoholdsanannual conferenceand aChristmaspartywhich in 2024 washeldatnearby RutlandNursery. “I wouldsoonerspendthemoney locallyor with aclient,”saysGuy.
Garden centrerecruitment
The term‘war for talent’hasbeenused separately by Guyand Andy.“Becauseitisawar andit’sgettingtougher. Agoodpersonwillget threeorfourjob offers,”saysGuy.Heexplainscandidates still have to work hard to sell themselves andasktherightquestionsbut if theclient hasn’t work hard enough to sell them the job, itsperks,careerpathwayandreasons whytheyneed to take therole,someone else will employthem.
interview. “A lotofthe firstinterviews won'tyield therightcandidate,so you're going to haveto doit more timesthan seems necessary.And whathappensfor candidatesifitdoesn’t go well?They're going tell theircolleaguesandpartners abouttheexperience whichcould damage your companybrand.And that's evenmore importantifyou're agarden centrebecause everybodyyou meet is apotential customer, andtheyinturn, knowlotsofpeople. Fortunately,most of thegoodgardencentres dothis well which is whytheygrowandemploy goodpeople,”saysGuy.
Expectationsof theworking environmentinagardencentreare higherthan,forexamplehigh street retailing,soitshouldattract ahigher calibreofpeople. “Andothershops andbusinesseswillbefightinghardfor thosepeople too,”saysGuy.
Unfortunatelytherearen't enough peoplecomingthrough horticultural colleges withindustryqualificationsto fulfilalltherolesso agoodbusiness willbe abit broadermindedabout recruitmentandwhotheyemploy. “Ofcourse,occasionally youneed expertise.Weget that. Butoften theexpertisemightbeinadifferent product. Andifthatperson has the skill set,competencyandattitudethen they arethe right one. At interviewthereare ways to testcapability andcompetence, buttheattitudeofanindividual is rarely tested.
“Good people willalwaysbe needed.Evennow with aslightlyless buoyanteconomicclimatethan we've experiencedpreviously,westillthinkit's quitepositive. Andthe warfor talentis stillvery, very hot,”saysGuy. centre recruitment market now,” says Guy.
Todaygarden centresandsuppliers to thesectoraccountforaround athird of MorePeople’srecruitmentbusiness.“I think it’sfair to saythatwedominate thegarden centrerecruitment marketnow,”saysGuy.
Theinterviewprocess is alsoimportant as,saysAndy‘youonly getonechance to makeafirst impression’and people want to be sold ajobnotgrilled.Butfewpeople, apartfromrecruiters,aretrained to leadan
a year, the company also considers interim apart from recruiters, are trained to lead an still very, hot,” says Guy.
Findingpeople forpermanent,fulltime andsalaried rolesgenerallyfrom£25,000 ayear,the company also considersinterim rolesatmanagementlevel.Mostrolesare planteriasupervisors,sectionmanagers, andincreasinglyincatering.“Foryears, we heldoff onthebasisthere areso many catering recruitersoutthere.But we're recruitingtheirgardencentrestaff so naturallythere’saconversation to behad about recruiting restaurantmanagers and caterers,”saysGuy.
BritishGardenCentres andBlue Diamond areamongMorePeople’s clients,butGuyis‘chasing down thebiggerindependents’ and isdelightedwith howit’sgoing. Fostering astrong relationship is
TheMorePeople office–aninviting spacetoworkwith plantsand natural light.
Backing the brand
Gardencentrescanmaximisetheirleverageofthe RHSbrandas more productsgainendorsement.
WiththeRHSChelseaFlower Showbeginning to grabthe gardeningheadlines,it’sthe naturaltime to be promotingRHSLicensed Products.This springtheRHShasgiven itsbacking to afurtherthree companies whichare nowable to promotetheir productswiththeRHSlogo bringingthe number of companieswithRHSapproval orendorsement to 52.
Althoughsomeproducts areunlikely to besoldingarden centres,themajority are perfectlyaligned to gardencentreretailing anditscustomers. Twoofthe newlines are, Tildenet’s CountryForge brandofgarden supports andstructuresandAutoPot’s environmentallyfriendly,automatic watering system. Bothnowhighlight the RHSlogo onpackaging, point-of-sale material, andonline.
Productsgiven thebacking of the RHSalign,insome way, withits ethical, environmentalandsustainabilityaims.They take inspirationfrom the five RHSGardens, suchasBramblecrest’soutdoorfurniture ranges namedafter thegardens,its scientificworkor thebotanical illustrations held in theRHS LindleyLibrary. Burgon and Ball’sgiftlineoftools which aredecorated with Passiflora, awatercolour from1790 andChinesehand-colouredengravings of songbirds andfoliagedating to 1819. AbouttheAutoPot wateringsystem
Awin winwin situation for theRHS,garden centres and customers.Products bearing theRHS logo send outa clear message that reassurescustomersthey arebuyingquality.
RHSLicensed Productsfromcompaniesthatare sold through garden centres.
•Agriframes
High-qualitygardenstructures and accessories.
•AutoPot
Responsive,zero-wasteautomaticplant watering systems.
•Bramblecrest
Premium outdoorfurnitureincludingthe RHSbyBramblecrest.
•Burgon &Ball
Quality stainless steel toolsandcutting toolsandgardeninggifts,featuringdesigns inspired by theRHS LindleyCollections.
•Caspari
Exquisitelydesignedpaperplates,napkins andstationery.
•CottageDelight
Premiumfoodgifts using traditional, artisanal methods.
•Dexam
Kitchenlinensandaccessoriesspecialist andchildren’slunch bags,drinking bottles andaprons.
•DJTurfcare’s
Childand pet-friendlyorganic andorganicbasedlawnfertiliser.
•Empathy by Plantworks
Biologicalproducts containing rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi to promoteplant growth.
•FrancesLincoln
Beautifullyillustrateddiaries,address books, journalsand notebooks.
•FrecklefaceHomeFragrance
RHSHeritageandBotanicsapothecary ranges,includingcandles,reeddiffusers, room spraysandoils.
•GabrielAsh
RHS-endorsedtimbergreenhouses or cold frames.
•Genus Garden Ware
Durable, high-performance gardening trousers andclothing.
•GoldLeaf
Leathergardeningglovesproviding comfort, dexterityanddurability.
CathySnow,RHS LicensingManager says:“Thesesystems arenotonly good forthe environmentbut cost-saving andhighlyefficient –bigpluses for bothgardeners andtheRHS. They also support making gardeningaccessible to all, whetherin agreenhouseorona patio,balcony or allotment.”
From AutoPot’spointofview, the partnership brings otherbenefits.It
•Hartley Botanic
Theonlyaluminium glasshouseand greenhouseendorsed by theRHS.
•Haws Watering Cans
HandmadeinEnglandtomakewatering plantsa pleasure.
•Melcourt
Peat-freecomposts,barkmulch, grits and sands.
•Moorcroft
Fine-artpottery,usingheritage craft techniques.
•MrFothergill’s Seeds
Flowerand vegetableseedranges.
•Scholastic
IllustratedRHSchildren’sactivitybooks to informandentertain.
•SOCKSHOP
High-quality socks andRHS designs.
•SophieAllport
Timelesshomewaresinspiredbynature.
•TheHouseofSarunds
Distributes world-classchocolate and confectionerytoretail.
•The Somerset Toiletry Company
Bathandbodyproducts.
•TildenetGardenware
Horticultural specialistwith theCountry Forgerange ofstylish handcrafted garden structures.
•UKGreetings
PublisherofRHSgreetings cards.
•VegTrug
Space-saving, posture-aidingraised planters andbeds.
•WestDesignProducts
Artsandcraftskitsforadults andchildren.
•WhichfordPottery
Britishterracotta flowerpots with a10year frostproof guarantee.
•Willsow
Plantableproducts,including anRHS calendar.
•Woodlodge
Terracotta, glazedand fibreclay garden pots.
says that connecting withestablished andaspiringgardeners hasalwaysbeen apriorityandasaproducerofpowerfree, zero-waste irrigationsystems, it haslongbeen keen to communicate theecologicaland lifestyle benefits ofits approach to plantcare. Having an endorsementfromsucha trusted, go-to authorityastheRHSwillhelpit immeasurablyinachievingthese aims.
Fill thegardenwithquality
TildenetGardenwarelaunchestheRHS orge Rangeof handcrafted gardenstructures,hangingba supports.
Leadingindependent horticulturalspecialist, TildenetGardenware, haveannouncedthelaunchof atheirRHS-endorsed Country ForgeRange.
Thisbeautifullyhandcrafted collectionofgardenstructures, hangingbaskets,andplant supportshasbeendeveloped inpartnershipwith theRoyal HorticulturalSociety(RHS)and willbeavailablefromApril2025.
The collaboration combinesTildenet’s dedication to qualitycraftsmanshipwith theRHS prestigious reputation,offering gardeners astylishselectionofelegantand functionalgardenproducts -eachiteminthe CountryForgeRangebearstheiconicRHS logo reservedforproductsofthehighest standardsofquality andauthenticity.
The CountryForgebrandis reinforced withstrong‘HandCrafted’messagingon packagingandclearpoint-of-saledisplays, givingcustomers confidenceinthe range’s traditionalhigh-qualityappeal.
Andrew Downey, ManagingDirectorat Tildenet welcomedthepartnership:“Weare thrilled to be workingalongsidetheRHS to bringthesestylishandpracticalproducts to gardeners everywhere.Thispartnership
Tildenet Gardenware launches the RHS-endorsed Country Forge Range of handcrafted garden structures, hanging baskets, and plant
Archesin Roundand Gothic designs can be easilyconvertedintostunning walkwaysusing theextensionkit,whileobelisks availableinfive strikingdesignscreateinstantimpact in the garden.
highlights our ongoing commitment to innovation and quality, ensuring we
provide top-tierproductsthatinspire andsupportgardenersincreating stunningoutdoorspaces.”
CathySnow, RHSLicensing Manager,added: “Tildenetis renownedforitsexceptionalquality andstylish gardeningproducts.TheRHSis pleased to endorsethe CountryForgeRange,whichoffers acomprehensiveselectionofgardenstructures, plantsupports,andhangingbasketsdesignedto appealtogardeners across theUK.”
ThispartnershipwiththeRHS underscores Tildenet’s positon as amarketleaderin horticulture, reflectingitsdedication to developinghigh-qualityproductsthatinspireand supportgardeners worldwide.
Gardenstructures
With apowder coatedsteel construction ensuringtheproducts areboth beautifuland robust,the versatileRHSEndorsed CountryForge rangeoffersavarietyofstylestosuit any garden setting.
Plantsupports,screens
&trellis
ComplementaryBorder Edging,Screensand Trellisare available in threeclassicstylesand arefinishedin amattblack powder coated finishfor astylish and traditionalhand-crafted look.
Aversatilerange ofquality powder coated steelplantsupportsensurethatborders are keptlookingattheirbest year after year.
Hangingbaskets
Traditional hand-craftedHangingBasketsand Troughs completethe range.Three styles of basketareavailable witha rangeofBrackets andAccessoriesproviding everythingneeded to create stunningdisplays.
To placeyourordervisit www.tildenetgardenware.co.uk email:info@tildenetgardenware.co.ukor speak to yoursalesagent
Bramblecrest blossoms withtheRHS
Bramblecrest,thepremiumoutdoorfurniture brand, has beenlicensedbythe RoyalHorticulturalSociety (RHS)to produceRHSby Bramblecrest,anexclusiveoutdoordining, loungingand accessoriescollection for 2025.
This yearmarksthe25thanniversary ofBramblecrestGarden Furniture. Asthelong-standing Cotswoldbased company continuesits commitment to productinnovationandbrand development,becominganRHSlicenseeis theperfect celebrationofthisimportant milestone.
Leveraging this year’s industrytrends ofneutralandearthy colour palettes, the collectionfeaturessoft shadesofbeige, mochaandgreen,withscattercushions inbeautifulbotanical prints,inspired by
artworkfromtheRHSLindleyCollections. Allowing garden lovers to bringanorganicfeel to theiroutdoorspaces.
Each rangeisnamedafter abeloved RHSlocation:RHSGardenWisleyinSurrey, RHSGarden RosemoorinDevonand RHS BridgewaterinGreater Manchester.Wisley’s aluminiumframe,insageormocha,with matchingdeep-filledcushionsblendseamlessly withsurroundingfoliageand flowers. Bridgewater’sintricatecast-aluminiumdetailing payshomage to classicEnglish gardenstyle, perfectfor courtyardsand walled gardens.
Meanwhile,the Rosemoor’s open-weave rattanand warm, neutral cushions create aninstant gardenclassic.Printedscatter cushions,with filling madefrom100% recycledplasticbottles, providethe finishing touches for each range.
Theproductsformthefocal point ofthis year’s 25 yearsof GoodTimescampaign, embracing alifestyleand experienceledapproachtothe customer’s garden furniturepurchasingjourney. An extensive libraryofPOS,lifestyleand productimagery isavailablefor usebyRHS collection stockists.
perfect for courtyards and walled gardens garden furniture to outdoor areas, across the UK.”
Tim Pennell,HeadofSales,Bramblecrest says:“We’re delighted to be working with the UK’s best-known gardening charity to bringthis wonderfulrangeofhigh-quality, stylish gardenfurnituretooutdoor areas, acrossthe UK.”
Explorethefull collection at bramblecrest.com/rhs-collection. Formoreinformation andpricing, please contact your dedicated account manageroremail sales@bramblecrest.co.uk.
®The Royal HorticulturalSociety. TrademarksofThe Royal Horticultural Society(RegisteredCharityNo 222879/SC038262) usedunder licence from RHSEnterprises Ltd.
Aninstantgardenclassic –the Rosemoorsofa andtwobencheswithadjustabletable.
Starscome outfor Blue Diamond
More than 700members of theBlueDiamond teamattended astar-studded eveningatRoundhousein Londontocelebrateayearofachievements.
London’sfamous Roundhouse venuehas hosted rocklegendsandperformers fromThe RollingStones andJimiHendrix through to EltonJohnandBritneySpears.And at the2025BlueDiamondAwards,itaddedanother very specialguest to itslineupwithAlanRoper, thecentre’sManagingDirectortakingthestage dressed80’spopheart-throbAdamAnt.
All700 attendeesofteams andguests were encouraged to dressastheirfavourite rock androll, orpop heroes andtheyeagerly tookup thechallenge.The eveningoffun, awards andpresentations waspartnered with announcements about recentnewacquisitions andthe newsthat in2024,turnover reached £335m.Highestgrowth wasrecordedinFashion
up15%andwithprofits of£19.1m, followed closely by Christmasup13% with profitsof £10.3m.
For2025, Alanhashissightson a£400m turnoverbutstressedthe profitwouldbe affected by £11.6mdue to increases to the minimum wageandNational Insurance contributions.
The teamfromNewbridgeNurseriesinWestSussex proudlytakehomeThe OakCup Award2024for thebestlarger BlueDiamond centre.
Left:Alan Roperin fullswingasAdam Ant’s‘DandyHighwayman’.
Right: WiltonHouse Garden Centre in Wiltshire won TheAcorn CupAward 2024 forthe bestsmallerBlue Diamondsite.
BlueDiamond Awards 2025 –Full WinnersList
DestinationGardenCentreofthe Year
•The Oak Award: Newbridge
Core Garden Centre of theYear
•The Acorn Award: Wilton House
Restaurant of theYear
•OAK: Grosvenor
•ACORN: Nailsworth
Department Awards
• StockManagement: Redfields
• CustomerExperience:Sanders
• Home:AdamSmith -East Bridgford, LauraRoss-Coton Orchard
• Fashion:TraceyBull -EastBridgford, LynWalklet -Trelawney
• Christmas: Sophie Dawson -LeFriquet, SadieBaker-Peterborough
• TheMagicOf Christmas:Max Davey/ EstherKnaggs -Great Amwell,BijalMistry/ AmyRobers -Fryers
• Outdoor Furniture: Matthew Gouveia -Le Friquet,SadieBaker -Peterborough
• Gardening:Pat Langford -LeFriquet, Anne O'Hare-Tunbridge Wells
• SeedsandBulbs: Mollie Oliver -Derby, Daniela Underhill -Nailsworth
• WildAnimal: DarrenGillott-East Bridgford, ClairePoulton -Harlow
• Seasonal Plants: Emma Nash -Cadbury, Eliane Purcell -Lower Morden
• Hardy Plants: GitaEvertovska-Redfields, Dick Plug -Chatsworth
• Indoor Plants: MariaCarney -StPeters, Annette Dexter -Chenies
• Food retailer: Kirsty Membery-Cadbury, Sharon Strange/ IanRichardson –3 Shires
• Baristaofthe Year: Chloe Sum -Sanders
• HeadChef: Adam Winters -Melbicks
• PastryChef: Joanne Romera-Bicester Origins
• Originsofthe Year: MerePark
Planahead for spoga+gafa
Internationaloutdoorlivingshowspoga+gafa movesto amid-weekevent with afocuson designingardensand products.
Inthefaceofpoliticalandeconomic uncertainty,gardeningandoutdoor living continuetoholdtheirown.
Plants,thegreenindustry andgarden design areprovingcrucial in climate mitigationandfuturemarketgrowth,and spoga+gafa2025islooking to strengthen thisfurtherwith avibrant, mid-weekshow.
ClaudiaMaurer,thenewDirectorof spoga+gafa,saysthemoveto midweek dates wasdecideduponaftermuch discussionwithexhibitorsandvisitors.
For2025, theshowwillfocus on the rolethatdesignplaysinthelook,feel and designformoderngardens,patiosand balconies.“Design connectsideas,function andform,it reflects cultural influences andvalues, outlives short-term trends and unitessustainabilityandefficiency.”
Newfeaturesforthis yearinclude the StartUpSquare devotedtoupand coming youngbusinessesandOutdoorKitchen World–the centrepiecefor live bbq shows
andlectures.TheBoulevardofTrendsand GreenIdeas is themeeting point to see currenttrendsand newproducts while thePOSGreenSolutionsIslandwillhelp withinspiration to selloutdoorlivingall year round. Aftertheirdebutslast year,the Cooling WorldandBBQfor EveryWallet areas return withrefreshed looks.
With90%of theexhibitorstandsold out by earlyMarch, andcompanies suchas 4SeasonsOutdoor,YetiUk, Ooni GmbH and CapiEuropealready booked,itlooks like this year’s show is theplace to see the latest trends and ideastohelpsellmore outdoor livingproducts.
To makethemostof avisit andsee thebesthighlights, spoga+gafa isoffering guidedtours oftheshow, withanEnglishspeakingguide,lasting 45minutes.
spoga+gafa2025 24 -26June
Kolnmesse, Cologne,Germany www.spogagafa.com
Newowners for anew gardeningyear
Followinglastmonth’supdateon gardencentresopening undernew ownership,GTNcontinuestorecord abusyperiodforgarden centre re-openingsand re-furbishment.
Fivemorecentreshavereopened this monthfollowingmajor refurbishmentsby newowners.Fourhavepreviously been Dobbiesgardencentres andare nowpartof theBlueDiamondandBritish Garden Centres families.Onehas returned to theprevious ownersbefore it wasaDobbieswhile Caulders GardenCentresin central Scotlandhas reached asignificant milestone with theopeningof its10thsite andatThe OldRailway Linethe openingofabrand-new Entrance Buildingand CoveredPlantAreamarkedthe Garden Centre’s 35th anniversary.
CauldersLinlithgow
ColinandMandy Barrie, owners ofCaulders have openedCauldersGarden Centre, Linlithgow.Theybought thesite,formally Forth Valley GardenCentre, last yearand haveinvested more than £1million in its refurbishment. “When Caulders wasfounded,reachingdoublefigures in thenumberofgardencentres wasnever something we imagined,” says ColinBarrie. “This milestone is atestamenttothe dedicationof ourfantastic teamandtheongoingsupportof ourloyal customers.”
Thegardencentrehas undergonea substantialtransformationandnowoffersa comprehensiveanddiverse rangeofplants, gardenessentials,homeware,and gifts. As withall Caulderslocations,a strong emphasis hasbeenplacedoncreatinga welcoming atmospherethatencouragescustomers to enjoy both retailand hospitality inequal measure.
Blue
DiamondHarlestoneHeath Aproud momentforthe teamsatBlueDiamond HarlestoneHeathinNorthamptonshireasthe new-lookstoreopened forbusinesson24 March. BlueDiamondManagingDirector Alan Roper reportsthatthere-opened centretook £250kinit’s firstweek andhassettledat£200k per week since then
RowenaGarden Centre
In Leicester,RowenaGarden Centre, re-openedonApril5backinthehands ofthe familywhostartedthe Rowena businessmorethan30 yearsago.Led by RogerMackay,threegenerationsof thefamily were onhand to welcome customersback to thesiteaftera six-week re-generationfollowingthe closurebyDobbies.
LawnSpreaders
The re-openingmarks thestartofanew chapterfor Rowenaandonceagainsuppliers pulledoutall thestops to help get thecentre set up forspring trading.Productofferings have theaddeddimensionofrangesthroughfrom APAC owned by thesame family.The teamfrom Corby+Fellaswereonhandattheopening to ensuresmoothsignupsof the Rowena Rewardsloyaltyapp.
Corby + Fellas were on hand at the opening ensure smooth sign ups of Rewards loyalty app.
Blue Diamond Huntingdon
Blue Diamond MD, Alan Roper, with the Easter Bunny welcomed hundreds of queuing customers at the opening of Garden & Home on Thursday 12th The store, previously part of the Garden & Leisure group and
Wyevale, had been closed by Dobbies at the end of 2024 as part of their restructuring Alan told GTN Xtra: "Huntingdon (ex £206k in the first 4 days, Thursday
Blue DiamondMD, Alan Roper, along withtheEasterBunny welcomed hundredsofqueuing customersattheopeningof Huntingdon Garden&Home onThursday 12th April. The store,previouslypartofthe Garden&Leisuregroupand then Wyevale,had beenclosedbyDobbies at theendof2024 aspartoftheirrestructuring plan. Alan Roper told GTNXtra:"Huntingdon(ex VAT) took £206kin thefirst 4days,Thursday to Sunday."
Anotable welcomereturnforcustomers atHuntingdon wasthe Walter Smithbutchers counter,reportedbyAlanRoper astaking£1m
at Huntingdon was the Walter Smith butchers counter, reported by Alan Roper as taking £1m
LawnCareMadeEasy
With demand forlawncareproductssuchasfertilizers,and nowisthe time to stockuponthe best lawn spreadersfor Introducing TheHandy RangeofSpreaders -a must-havefor lawn ca theyear. From grassseedstogranularfertilizer, TheHandy Drop andB ensure quick,efficient, andconsistentapplication.
per year when thecentreitselfwastaking less than £3mper year.Alongsidethat isnowa vibrantfruitand vegofferingsuppliedbyTommy whoalsoprovidesfruitand vegtoGreat Amwell, Frosts andBeckworth BlueDiamond centres Customerswillhavetowaituntil Phase twoof there-openingin Autumn 2025 forthe fashion departmentandsome newin-storeconcessions.
BGCNorthamptonGarden Centre
NorthamptonGarden Centre reopenedon Saturday14thApril afterbeing acquired by BritishGarden Centresonly 6weeksprior. TV and radiopresenterNickiChapman performedtheribbon-cutting ceremony as hundredsofvisitors waited to seethenew storeinNewportPagnell Rd, Wootton.
thegardencentreandTheGardener’s Retreat Restaurant whichhasundergone anexpansion,now featuring anew carvery alongwithanupdatedmenuoffreshly preparedmeals,light bites,anddesserts.
TheOld Railway Line Garden Centre
TheOld RailwayLineGardenCentre welcomed hundredsofvisitors through thedoors on Saturday12thAprilfor the grandopeningofitsbrand-new Entrance Building andCoveredPlant Area. Theevent alsomarkeda significantmilestone –the GardenCentre’s35thanniversary.
Huw Lewis,FinanceDirectorofTheOld RailwayLineGardenCentre,said:“It was sucha specialday forus,made even more memorablebythesupport andexcitement fromourcustomers.Aftermonthsofhard work,seeingsomany smilingfacesenjoying thenew space wasatrulyproudmoment.” hundreds of visitors to see the new store in Newport Pagnell Rd, Northampton. The numbers came in a lot better than we
AmyStubbs told GTN: “We aresuperpleased withthe resultsfrom Northampton.Thenumbers camein alotbetterthan we were expectingwith avery highbasketspend!”
Staff numbershave morethandoubledacross
Northampton GardenCentrewasthe firstpurposebuiltgardencentrefor Wyevalewhenitfirstopenedandprevious managersof thecentreduring thosetimes,NeilandNicciGow were alsoindustryguests atthe opening.
Wyevale when it first opened and previous managers of the centre during those times, Neil and Nicci Gow also industry guests at the opening.
Best footforward forGreenfingers
In March,theindustrycametogethertowalk,run, cycle and holdfuneventsattheir centresfor GardenRe-LeafDayand raisemoneyfor GreenfingersCharity.
Onceagain,the industrypulledoutall thestopsinaidoftheGreenfingers Charityandgotwholeheartedly involvedinGardenRe-Leaf Day.Sayscurrent Chair Boyd Douglas-Daviswhocameupwiththe ideafortheFUNdraisingdaybackin2011:“Who wouldhavethoughtthatGarden Re-LeafDay wouldbecome afeatureoftheindustrycalendar andgoontoraisemorethan£1million, and counting,fortheGreenfingers Charity?”
As fundraising events continuebeyond theactualday,the final sum raised isstillbeing addedupbutit willbe announced attheGreenfingers CharityFloralBallon26Juneat CoombeAbbey in Coventry.
Allset forthe South Walk.
BGCNewton RegisGarden Centre, donnedgreenwigs anddrummedupfundsvia araffle.
Raffle andcharitybook saleatBGC WolseleyBridge.
Theteamat BGCCharlbury Garden Centre set themselvesa 58km exercise bike challenge.
Sander Teunissenof Kaemingk,theinternational decoration supplier,travelledallthe wayfromThe NetherlandstotakepartintheSouth Walk.His participation wasfurtherbolsteredbyanincredible £2,025donationfrom Kaemingk.
Garden centresshowthelove
OnFriday21stMarch,two groupsofsponsored walkerssetoff fromBGC Tring Garden Centre in HertfordshireandtheHolmfirth regionof North Yorkshire. Twocyclistsand63 walkerstookpart intheSouth Walk,while14hikedthe beautiful Yorkshiretrackforthe NorthWalkled by local GreenfingersAmbassadors,JaneLawlerandWill Armitageandsponsored by STVInternational. Asthewalksandbikeridegotunderway, garden centresaroundthe country hosted fantastic eventsoftheir owntodrumupvital fundsforGreenfingersCharity.These included BritishGarden Centreswhere cakesales, bingonights, donating plantsandgivingthe GreenfingersgardenatStAndrewsHospicea
Gardening guruandsocialmediainfluencer, ChrisJesson,finished hismammoth 39-miletrekalong theGuernseycoastalpathand raisedmorethan £1000.
spring tidyup, raised£20kontheday.
Centresin theHaskins familyorganised tombolas andraffles whilethe Ferndown site alsohosted anadditionalprize drawanda Floral Day.
OldRailwayLineheld aCurryandQuiz Night, whileadedicated teamfrom CarrgateGarden Centretook on a16-milesponsored walk. Customers atPugh’sGardenVillage supported thecausethrough aspecialproduct promotion, Longacres held araffleand Millbrook Garden Centreonceagain held aDonateand Save
Pedalpower
initiative,which rewarded customers everytime they donated, featuring everythingfromafree primrose to 20%off allplants in theirtrolley!
TheBlueDiamondGroup alsojoinedthe effortbysupportingChrisJesson’sGuernsey Walkaround thecoastline of this beautiful island,furtherdemonstratingthe retail industry’scommitment to thisimportant cause.
Supportivesuppliers
Suppliersalso steppedup.SmartGarden organised volunteeringeffortsatHelen& DouglasHouse,while CenturionEuropeand Mulch hosted aFloralsandFun day.Evergreen held abakesale, Woodmansterneran acakesale andraffle, andGardengramsold signed T-shirts to raisefunds.
Shoppingchannel QVC contributedthrough donationsfromthe proceedsoftwo dedicated showswhile RobJones andhis teamfrom the GardenDesignCoorganised aSow andGrow Dayatthe AlitexGardenPop-Upat Torberry Farm,South Harting.
“Onbehalfofthe Greenfingers Charity Iwant to sayagreatbigthank youfromthe bottom ofmy hearttoeveryonewho gotinvolvedin GardenRe-Leaf Daythisyearandhelped make it sucha success,” says Linda Petrons, Directorof Fundraising &Communications.
“Withoutthegardenindustrypullingtogether like thistheworkof Greenfingerssimply wouldn’t bepossible.”
Thereisstilltime to donatetothe2025
GardenRe-Leafeffortbyvisiting: www. justgiving.com/greenfingers/donate
Or take partinotherevents:
•The Greenfingers 650mile Challengeongoing
•TheFloralBall –26June
•The Greenfingers Dragon Boat Race–6July
•The Greenfingers Charity WingWalk–28 August
•Charity Challenge to thesummit of MountKilamanjaro– 10-21 June2026
Formoredetailsvisit: www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk
Lined up and ready for the North Walk
TopLeft:
atthe ready forthe South Walkcycle.
TopRight: Runners synchronisewatches as theysetofffromTring.
Bottom: Funonthe South Walk.
Floral farewell
As retirementbeckons, StuartLowen, MarketingManager at Ball,looksbackonthe industry's resilience,innovationand breedingbreakthroughs.
StuartLowenhasbeenafriendly face atBallfor37 years, keen to sharehisseasonalplant knowledge with all.Butthisspringheis retiringand taking astepback –hemight evenbe abletotakeasummerholiday! Butbefore hedisappearedintohis owngarden,he tooktime to speak to GTNandsharehis thoughtsonwhat’sshapedthe industry andhowheseesitsfuture.
Since 1988,Stuarthasbeenbasedat WestAdderburyinOxfordshire,his first postbeing TrialsManager.Atthe timethe businesswas ColegraveSeeds,butasit developedsodidhiscareerandhe was able to makehis waytoMarketing Manager atwhatisnowBall.
Things were perhaps alittlesimpler then.Around90%ofbeddingplantswere
growningardenborders,andthe range wassmall.Petunias,marigolds,geraniums andmesembryanthemum were in vogue withbusylizzie themostimportant of them all. Todaytheavailabilitylistisin the thousands, busylizzieaccounts fora much smallerpercentage,and container growing hastaken thelead.
“WhenIjoined, Iwas very fortunate. Thebusinesswantedtodevelop thetrial grounds so built ashinynewgreenhouse, whichatthetime,reflected thelatestin greenhouse designand technology,” he says.Thismarked the evolutionofthe Showcase which nowhoststhreeopen events everyyear andisthe place for growers,retailers andlandscapers to come togethertosee andcomparenew and exciting seasonalplants.
Stuartwiththe lateBarbara Windsorin 2004promoting VivaciousViolas.
In thelate1980’s when bizzy lizzywasallthe rage.
Part ofthejudging panelat RHS Tatton Park Flower Show.
WhenStuartjoined the company, theseed list wasapamphlet. In2002,Impatiens were stillnumber one and todayfull colour booksare thenorm.
Firm foundations
Headedup by David Colegrave,whoStuart describesasa‘pioneer’, Colegrave Seeds beganin the1960. David wasakeen travellerandunderstoodtheindustrywas globaland notjustlocal.
“He waskeentointroduceplants that were commercially beneficial to the industryandthegrowersbut were also greatinthegarden,”saysStuart.“Hewas thefirstpersontobringF1hybrid flower seed,suchasimpatiens, intotheUK andat thetime,everybodythought it wascrazy
becausethisseedwas soexpensive.But very soon thebenefits ofwhat F1stood forfroma commercialpointofviewwere demonstrated.”
This coincidedwiththeearly daysof automated plugplant productionwhich demandeduniformity,reliability andhigh seedemergence to guaranteeaquality youngplant.“Itquickly becameclearthat F1hybridsweregoing to beattheforefront of theindustry. Eventhoughtheseedwas more expensive,productionbecamemore efficient andcosteffective,”saysStuart. “Itrepresented aquantum shiftinthe way thebeddingplant industry wasableto move forwards.Andfrom aretail pointof view, growers were abletoproduce amore reliable,accessibleandmoreaffordable productforgardencentres.”
AlongsideF1seed, Stuart started to workmore closelywithplants produced vegetativelyfromcuttingsand micropropagationwhichbrought awhole newraftofopportunitiesandsignificant improvements. “For theretailer andhome gardener we can nowhaveplantsinour gardens we wouldnever have dreamtof, andbreeders areenhancinganddeveloping theseplantstomakethemevenmore suitable fortheUKclimate,”saysStuart.
Disasteroutofthe blue
In2003 andagainin2007,impatiens downymildewwipedoutallbusylizzie fromplanterias.“From breeders to distributioncompanies,weallagreed to take impatiensoff themarket.Butthe wonderful thingaboutplantbreedingis that it becametheholygrail to developa plant withhigh resistance,” recalls Stuart.
Less than adecadelater,and Ball Colegraveintroducedtheimpatiens Beacon®series. Althoughinitiallyithada
limited colourpalette,thiswasoffsetbyits ability to withstand thisdevastating disease. This wasasignificant development, andinhis time at Ball Colegrave,Stuart hasbeeninvolvedin bringing retailers groundbreakingintroductions. “Wehave acupboardfullofawardsfor novelties like PetuniaBeesKnees andPetuniaBlack Velvet but in thebackground, thereare alwayslots ofsilent improvements which helpgrowers to bemoreefficientand successful.”
One ofthesehas been the concept ofthe Speedplanter,introducedabout 10 yearsago,whichhaveseven premium colour coordinated plants in ashallow potwhichcan be easilydroppedintoa final retail container. Stuartexplains this revolutionisedproduction forgrowers, as it savedspaceandquickly establish asaleable product.“It’s been areallysuccessful solutionforgrowerswhenspaceisata premiumandforthe end customer.They get amixed containerwithout thefussof choosingalltheindividualplants.”
Shapingdecisions
Thechanging climateand weatherare increasinglyinfluencingthedecision processwhenit comestoplantbreeding andbuying.“Thepublicaremoreaware andconcernedandthat’sdrivingthe way we developplants, whatwegrowand what we retail. We workcloselywithplant breeders whoare actively trying to find plantsmore resilient forclimatesaround theworld. From our pointofview, we want to makesureweselectplants resilientfor theUKclimateand growing conditions we face,” saysStuart.
Themarket haschanged butthe desire forseasonalcolourremainsthesameasit wasin1988. “You wouldbuyplants,plant them,get thesummerdisplay andthen throwthem away.That’snotchanged,” saysStuart.“Whathas changed is the format.Today we tend to sellplants ina largerpot thatareabit more forgiving.It’s alreadyin flowerbut will stillgivethesame amountofpleasureinthe garden.”
Industry relationships
Stuart is afirmbeliever that good relationshipsarethesecretofsuccess. “We’ve alwaysvaluedbeing part of the relationshiptrianglewith us,the grower andthe retailer.Trust andworking together issoimportant andmuch strongerthanit’severbeen.Those working closely together seem to reapthe greater benefits,” saysStuart.
"Ourpartistoensure we showideas, retail conceptsandupand coming varieties,soretailersareatthe leading edgeofnewplants to market. What we don't wantisfor retailersandgrowers to besurprisedwhensomethingappears in ourcatalogueandtheyhavemissedthe opportunity to seeitgrowingbeforehand."
Pasturenot sonew
Makingthedecision to retire hasn’t been easy.“It’saharddecisionandIwillmiss thisplacetremendously.It’sbeena really exciting37 years.I'vetravelled to Australia, China,Canada,and overEurope,meeting lotsofexciting peopleandvisitinggreat places.Justbeing averysmallpartofthe company’s historyislovely.Butnowis thetime to stepasideandforthe teamof talentedpeopleatBall Colegrave to move themarketingforwards,"saysStuart.
Althoughhe’sleavingBall, Stuart’s
Stuart'sstarsofthe future
experience will continue to beappreciated. He continues as amemberoftheRHS OrnamentalPlantsExpert Groupand part oftheFloralFantasiaat RHSGardenHyde Hall,setup by thelatePeter Seabrook,as agardentooffer abridgebetween the industry andhomegardeners.
“For theindustry, this is reallyimportant becauseit’s an opportunity, andthereare notmany of them,wherethe commercial worldcan exposethe gardening public to thecutting-edge plant breeding.”
Stuart willalso continue to be aTrustee oftheColegraveSeabrook Foundation. “The Ball Companyhas been really kind to me and givenmeopportunities soit’snicetogive somethingback to the youngpeople coming intotheindustry."
PetuniaBlackVelvet andBeesKneeshave beenrecognised withmanyindustry awards.
Oftheindustryinfluencersshoringupthe futureofseasonalplants,Stuartbelieves calibrachoais at the topbecauseofits colour combinations,easeof growingand weather resistance.MillionBells wastheforerunner catchingtheimaginationof bothgrowers andgardeners.“Butit wasmisunderstood.It didn’tlikehardwater,being wetorcoldand it wasn’tincredibly floriferousasit tended to floweronthetipsoftheplantsandnotthe wholecanopy.”
"VarietieslikeCalibarchoa Cabaret® (pictured)haverevolutionisedbasketsand containers in thegardenand Ithinkthis is onlythetipoftheiceberg,"hesays.“They haverevolutionisedbasketsandcontainersin thegarden, and Ithinkthisisonlythetipof theiceberg,”hesays.
Valuebegonias
Offeringgreatvalue formoney and performingwellin all conditionsarebegonias. “They'reeasytomaintain,alwaysbrightand colourful,and have foliage which contrasts really wellwiththe flowers.Inthepast we’ve hadthesemperflorensand nonstoptypes with notmuchinbetween,but nowwe're exposed to somany wonderfulvarieties with allsorts ofgreatfeatures.”
Dazzlingdahlias
“Everybodyseems to love dahlias,” says Stuart whoaddsthere is lots of breeding workgoingon behindthescenes."We are finding strong,robustplantsthatarenaturally branched andbusy withlarge flowers, wonderful colour andcontrasting foliage suchasDahliaGardenetta®. They easily fill containersandborders."
Mediterranean feel
Plants withamoretropicalfeel arealso on therise,illustratedwithLanataPassion Fruit (above)votedfavouritebyvisitors to theBall Colegravesummer2024trials.
Mandevilla Tropicana ®(pictured)was placedin10thplace whichhintsatits potentialas abasketand container plantfor summer-longcoloureventhoughithasa long waytogobefore gardenersarefamiliar with it.“It looksgreat on theendof benches inplanteriaswithclearpointofsale,”says Stuart.“Itshouldbepartofthe general pot andpatio gardenseasonalmixas it does everythingotherplantsdoand more.Itisa bitmoreexpensive,andsometimes we get abit hungupabout what peopleshouldbe paying,butthey'regoing to getvaluefrom it.Without adoubt,it’sthe bestbasketplant I’ve evergrown!It floweredright throughthe summer well into October –it’sano-brainer.”
Dahlia Gardenetta VelvetCrush
Beddingand seasonal bonanza
Forinspirationandideas, avisitto FlowerTrialsisworththetrip.
FlowerTrials2025isonthehorizon, the eventfrom 10-13Junewhen56breeders ofseasonalbeddingand potplantsin TheNetherlandsandGermany,opentheirdoors to thetrade.Last year 5000visitorsfrom80 countriesmadethetrip to seethe latestinplant breedingandinnovation.
Traditionallyfocussedonpackbedding,the eventhas evolved to nowincludepotplantsand perennials. "Themodernconsumer is looking forsustainablevarietiesthatare heat-resistant, drought-tolerantorattractivetopollinators. And growersarelookingforplantsthatcan beproducedin amoreenergy-friendlyway,” saysMarjoleinKuyucu-Lodder,Chairofthe FlowerTrials Committee.
“DuringFlowerTrials,ourexhibitorsare presentingthelatest plantsolutions,providing growerswiththe necessary cultivation informationwhileinspiringretailers to successfully telltheircustomersthestoriesbehindtheplants."
New for this year, Eyecatching Percallis POP! from Beekenkamp willcertainly stop shoppers in theirtracks.
Retailerswelcome
AnnieckNota-Ruijgrok,Marketing Managerat BeekenkampPlants has certainlyseenanincreasein visitorsfromthe retailsector during FlowerTrialsandBeekenkamp
is respondingwith salessolutions andinspiration.
“Retailersoftenvisit in combination with agrower, butalso independently withtheirpurchasing team. TheupcomingFlowerTrials willfeaturethe newPericallisPOP!seriesasanextensiveretail concept. that reallystands outontheshelfin earlyspring.”
Michael Perry, (MrPlantGeek),isanadvocate ofFlowerTrialsandbelievesits relevance is growing. “Thiseventhasrapidlybecomeamust dointhehorticultural calendar,” hesays.“Itis theperfectshowcaseof newvarieties,butalso theidealplace to rediscover forgottenvarieties, andtosee theperformanceofexistingvarieties too. Thelevelofdisplaysisexcellent, and really helpsyouseethe plantsattheirbest, butitalso cangivesomeideas forretail, which is fantastic. Nottomention,the hosting, thelunches, the cupsof coffee, theendlesssupplyof notepad andpens, they reallydotreat youwell all week nonstop!!Andof course,the people, youwill be meeting thepeople youbuyplants from,making newcontacts, andthesewillbefromallaround theworld,that’swhy they callitthe event where plantsmeetpeople.”
An online routeplanner forFlowerTrials makesiteasy to optimisetravelbetween breeders to makethemostof thetrip. Register onlineat: flowertrials.com
Scantoseeall the exhibitors
SomeofMichael's favouriteretailideasfromlast year’s event. PicturescourtesyofMichael Perry
visitors from the retail sector
Setting the record straight: Addressing misconceptions about SOLEX
Gina Hinde, LOFA General Manager
Ibelieve SOLEX has developed a somewhat undeserved reputation After conducting a brief survey following last year’s exhibition and enquiring why certaingarden retailersdonot attendSOLEX, we discoveredwehavebeenunfairlylabelled asan eventthatonly serves companies looking to place large containerorders. Thisissimplynottrue.
SOLEX is owned by LOFA (Leisure & Outdoor FurnitureAssociation)and caters to the whole outdoor living sector
Numerousexhibitorsmaintainstockin their warehouseswhichcanbe ordered throughouttheseason,andthisperfectly suitssmaller retailerswholackthespace to store20or40-foot containers.
Vehicleforselling to all Establishedin2008,SOLEX wasdesigned to assist LOFA members inselling theirproducts to theentireoutdoor livingindustry, notjust thoseplacinglarge containerorders.While theyare morethancapableoffulfilling such orders,theyalso enjoycollaboratingwith smaller, niche companiesthatwish to provide somethingfreshanduniquefortheirclientele. If youare oneofthesmallerindependent
retailerscontemplatingentering theoutdoor living market or aiming to offer your customers a wider range of products than you currently do, then attending SOLEX is essential. Our LOFA members willguideyou throughtheirproduct ranges, assist youin selectingthe mostpopularitems in the latest colours,and helpyou embarkon thejourney
…theyalsoenjoy collaboratingwithsmaller, nichecompaniesthatwishto providesomethingfreshand uniquefortheirclientele.’
of sellingoutdoorliving products in your stores.
Additionally,theycan steer youtowards thetrendsthat will dominateshopfloorsin 2026 and 2027 andoffer youinsights into what consumerswill be seeking in thefuture. We anticipate demand for smaller products suitableforthosewithlimited outdoor space, moreportableitems for renters,adaptable furniturefor remote workers, outdoor
structures,minimalistic designs, outdoor kitchens, and a diverse colour palette
To give you an idea of our variety, we have numerous exhibitors who manufacture exclusivelyin theUK. We have companiesthat supply eco-friendlyitems, smallandmediumsizedfamily businessesprovidingcustom products,andnew firms showcasingdesigner goods.Additionally,you’llfindcompanies offering spas, garden décor, and unique productsunavailable at otherexhibitions.
Don’t hesitate and don’t listen to gossip; we cater to theentire outdoorliving industry ensuringwhether youare asmall or alarge retaileryouwillfind valuable opportunities at SOLEX.
Withour supportand resources, youcan confidently expand your product offerings andmeettheneeds of your customers.
SOLEX2025 8-10JulyNEC, Birmingham Comeandjoinus. Registrationis freeat: solexexhibition.co.uk
Demand forproductssuitable for limitedoutdoorspacesisanticipated.
Boostingbusiness development
WillArmitage, HTAPresident
Atthetime ofwriting,itseemstohave been agoodmonthformostofus, withtheweatherbeginningtopick upandmany customerseager to spendtheir timeandmoneyinvestingintheirgardens –awelcome returnafterwhathasfeltlikea particularly long winter.
Asalways,there hasbeena hive of activity happeningatHorticultureHouse and throughoutthewiderHTA team.Our governmentlobbying continues at arapid pace,withthepolicyteam providing evidence to multipleparliamentarycommittees, demonstratingthelong-termeffectsofthe shift to atborderchecks,whicharecurrently costingoursectormorethannecessaryand damagingsupplychains.
We’restillinvestigatingtheextent to which the AutumnBudget’simpactswillaffectour members’businesses,followinga Spring Statementthatoffered little reliefforthe horticulturesector.Isense thatformany of us,itfeelslikethegovernmentistrying to squeezesectorslikeours, which could be growingandemployingmore,but the governmentseems to want to do theopposite by increasingthe costsassociatedwithhiring staff andblockingour confidencetoinvest.
Willhas travelledthe lengthofthe countryto visitindustry members includingBennyBeg Garden Centre in Perthshire and Kernock ParkPlantsin Cornwall.
The HTAteam continuestowork hard to inform policymakers of thelasting challenges our sectorfacesand to represent youasbest as possible;ithasnotgoneunnoticed.The Trade Association Forum recognisedour ownKatie Neenan(Senior Policy Executive)withthe latestRisingStarAward–truly well deserved. The HTAalso received aHighlyCommended awardforour Regional Meetingsprogramme, thankstothe dedication ofourMember EngagementManagers.
Helping to improve business
AsPresidentoftheHTAand aconsultant, I’mveryluckytovisitsomefantastic placesand chair incrediblemeetings.I’ve beeninvolvedwiththeHTA’sBusiness ImprovementSchemegroupsinScotland andthe southeast,aswell astheNursery BusinessImprovementScheme, andithas beencrucial to seeand hearhowIcan best supportmembersastheir President while theydevelop their businesses. Lookingahead, we’regearingupfor anotherPlants in Parliament eventhosted in Westminster to meetpolicymakerson StGeorge’s Day (23rdApril). Thisfollows
onfrom thesuccess of aprevious eventin November andagain we willbeinviting MPs, peersandstaff to comeandengage withthe HTAtoheardirectly abouttheimpactofkey policies,from economyand trade to health, andwellbeing.
We’llhave both HTAand APLmembers present attheRHS ChelseaFlowerShow (20th-24thMay)andNationalChildren’s Gardening Weekisset to bring events to children acrossthe country(24th May –1st June).
Additionally,our events team is taking bookingsforbothvisitors andexhibitors at ourmuch-lovedNationalPlantShow, held at Stoneleigh Park on18th –19thJune.Ifyou wouldliketoknowmoreabout anyofthe HTAevents,schemesorcouncils,pleasedon’t hesitatetogetin touch.
Findoutmore
TheHorticultural Trades Association istheUKindustry’s leading membership organisation and welcomesall sectorsofenvironmental horticulture. To learnmore, please visit www.hta.org.uk or to enquire aboutmembership please email: membership@hta.org.uk
Vicky Nuttall, Directorof GIMA
You’dbeforgivenforthinking we’d beentransportedback to 2020,based onthecurrent demandforgarden products.Withthe weatherfinally playingball andEasterbringingwithitdayafterdayof glorioussunshine,it’s safe to say consumer appetiteforgardeningisasstrongas ever.
Thedemandhas beenstaggering,with products flyingoff theshelvesacrossall categories.Oneofthebiggest comeback stories hastobelandscaping.Aftera washout in 2024,wherepoorweatherhaltedmany landscapingprojectsintheir tracks,2025 has sofarpainted averydifferentpicture. Thisseason, consumershavehittheground running.Patiosarebeinglaid,borders reshaped,andgardenbuildingserectedin record numbers.
Butwithgreatsales comes afamiliar thorninourside –supplypressures.Aswe approachedtheseason,manyin theindustry were understandablycautious. Government policyupdates,includingtheNational InsuranceandLiving Wage ‘bomb’,aswellas proposedinheritancetaxchanges,leftmany tightening thepursestrings to safeguard cashflow. This‘perfectstorm’ resultedina hesitancy to investin pre-seasonstock,which is nowleading to asurgein reordersthatare outstrippingpre-ordersand,insomecases, supplycapabilities.
Adding to the complexityisthespring calendar,packedwith twobankholidaysin quicksuccession.While they’regreatfor drivingfootfallandsales,theydocreatepinch pointsinthesupplychain.As aresult,it’s neverbeenmoreimportantforretailersand suppliers tocommunicateopenlyandplan effectively.
So,whatcanwedo?
The keytakeawayhereissimple -forecast, forecast,forecast!It’s nolongerenough to simply reacttodemand,instead we need to beanticipatingit. Take stockofthedatawe have atourfingertipsandbuild apicture of what’slikely tocome.Butdon’tstopthere. Once you’ve gotanideaofwhat’s needed,sharethatforecast with yoursupplypartners and,crucially,commit.This levelofcommunicationand confidencewillhelpsmooth
Sunshine, salesandsupply
It’snolongerenough tosimplyreacttodemand, insteadweneedtobe anticipatingit.’
the wayforward andavoid unnecessary disruption.
Of course,thisiswhat we’d call a‘nice’ problem to have.Highdemandis, afterall,far betterthanthealternative.But we owe it to ourcustomers and ourbusinesses to manage it aseffectively aspossible.Some shortages may beinevitable,butwherewecan plan and mitigate,itsimperativethatwedojustthat. Away from theshopfloor, it’salsobeen an eventfulfewweeks on theinternationalstage. Therecent tariffsintroduced by the American administrationhavecertainly raised eyebrows globally.It’sanissue thatremains fluid, and we atGIMA arekeeping aclose eyeon developments.Thesemovescouldpotentially lead to arenewedfocus on domestic manufacturing and reducerelianceonimports. A silverlining,perhaps,butone thatwilltake time to shape.
More members
Meanwhile,atGIMAHQ,thingshavebeen moving atpace.Fromour well-attended Day Conferencetoengaging webinarsandBuyer Connect events,there’s beenno let-upin activity.What’s particularlyexcitingisthe growth in ourmembership.We’re on trackto
hit200members by midsummer, collectively representing over £4billion in trade.What’s more,the representedproductcategories coveredbythis membershipis everexpanding, representativeofthe versatility of garden retail.
As we headintopeakseason, let’skeep the momentum going.I’m hopingthatbymy next columnwe’llstillberiding this crest, withour sectorontrackfora bumper year! Butbefore this,let’sbesuretoleanoneach other,planahead,and don’tbeafraidtohave those conversations aboutstock,strategyand support.
2025 KeyDates forYour Diary
•GIMACharityGolfDay: 5thJune
•GIMABuyer Connect with Hillier: 17thJune
•GIMAAwardsJudgingDays: 23rd-24th June
•GleeBirmingham: 16th -18thSeptember
•GIMAAwardsGala Dinner: 6th November
Findoutmore
Anybusinessesinterestedinjoining GIMAcan contact theGIMAteam at 01959 564947 orinfo@gima.org.uk. Fulldetails regarding GIMA’s multiple-member benefits canbefound at www.gima.org.uk
