Inthe wordsofthe Johnny Cash songit certainly feels as though theGTN team have beeneverywhereinthe past fewmonths.
Four days at theNEC for afabulous SOLEX, whereretailers and suppliers alikehad smiles on their faces and plenty of businesswas done
Alan spent 2days in Germany at spoga+gafa checking outthe innovations on showinEurope thatcould be coming our waynext.
Anisa has beenuptoher ears in plantsand shows visiting Ball Colegrave, RHS Hampton Court FlowerShow, The HTANational PlantShowand plenty of garden centrevisits.
We’vealso managed to squeezeinawhole load of supplier factoryvisits in the UK and Europe, some of which arefeaturedinthis issue with more to followinthe September Glee Previewissue.
On topofthat we’vedecided to getwhat wasThe Greatest Catering Awards back up
andrunning. Nowrenamed as GTN’sGreatest GardenCentreFood& Drink Team Awards we will be celebrating all that’sgreat in garden centre catering at Glee on Wednesday 17th September Full detailscan be found on pages 10 &11. We really hope your gardencentreteam andyour customers willget involved
Oh, and we’vejust startedwork on the Glee ShowGuide, the Glee NewProduct Awards andof course Floral ThursdayatGlee for Greenfingers. Phew,it’sgoing to be anotherbusy month!
We arelooking forward to seeing youall at Glee in September–remember to wear something floral on Thursday!
Below:Guy Toppingcollects his GreenfingersSpecial Awardatthe GreenfingersFloral Ball, the same week that it wasannounced BartonGrange Garden Centrewas being sold to Blue Diamond. TheFloral Ball raised over £60,000 forGreenfingerstohelp build moregardens at Children’sHospices across the UK.
Customers bought plants by thetruckload this springand thanks to thegrowers, retailershave kept theirshelves andtables full of colour.
Eventhough we arefacing hosepipebans afterweeks of warm, dryweather it would be remisofGTN to not forgot the successful spring.Acollectivesigh of reliefwas almost audible this spring when thesun shone, the days were warm, and customers were keen to buy plants. Growers worked hardtokeepup supply and even though the pressurewas on, GTNheardveryfew reports of plants not being available. In fact,judgingbyour interviews carried out at the HTANationalPlant Show and SOLEX, it wasquitethe oppositewithgrowers goingabove and beyond to keep theirretail customers happy.
VIEWSFROMTHE GROWERS
Dave Higginson. MD New Leaf Plants, Evesham. F
“You’ve got to makehay while thesun shines and you can’tuse the excuse of being ‘too busy’. It wasall hands to the pump –making surewe were getting out theretofulfilall the orders, so we’venot letanybody down
“Bedding wasprobably earlier this year forus because of thedecentweather so we managed to get that startedalot quicker.Itwas really good up until maybe middle of April andthen it really kicked off fora manic five or sixweeks
“Itwas all handsthe pump at that stage and with ourlogistic partners we made surestock went to thecentres within aquick timeframe.”
“This year we have been trying to manage everyone’sexpectations.
“Every nurseryhas got amaximum they can put out in aweek.
Andsomeofthe weeks the demandsfar exceeded what youthought youwerecapable of doing. Butthe keyishow youmanage that. Howdoyou tryand still get some form of delivery outtoall your customers so that everybody’s getting somethingfromyou?
availability, and no one has really run out.
“I thinkall ourcustomers wouldsay we’ve managed to meettheir expectations.The crops have performed very well because the weather’s been lovely.Sometimes things have come readyearlier than youreallywanted but thedemandhas been theretotakeitall and more anyway
“I think2025willbeayear that everyone will look back on andthink,‘if only we couldhavea fewmorelikeit’”.
Lizzie Russell, Quality AssuranceatHappy Plants, Merseyside. H
“It’s been an absolutelycrazy fewweeks andthe best season in my lifetimein horticulturesofar
“Weare setuptohandle1500 trolleys leavingusevery week and at peak, over the bank holiday, we were doing2000, so hugely overcapacity.It’sreallythanksto ourgrowing team whoare absolutely phenomenal
“Nobody had agoodyear last year,but we’re quitefortunatewith our product because generally whatever we didn’tsellgot cut back. Yes, therewas abit more cost involvedbut actually it makes amuchbetter plant the following year.”
“In yearslikethis, all the nurseries have been selling through all the cropsand the only surprise is that if someone had told me how many units we’d sell thisyear,Iwould expect to goback to the nurseryto find gravel and plants that weren’tyet ready forsale.But we still have
“Wehavethree really wonderful growers and normallytheir main jobistoholdthings off and keep plants justwithinspec,but they’ve just pushed things on which hasbeen absolutely fabulous.Sowe’ve been abletomeet the demand andthensome. We’rereally grateful for thegoodweather andthe really fantastic team of growers we have.”
VIEWSFROM RETAILERS
Cath Quinney, Bennybeg Plant Centre, Perthshire F
“Asa buyer,you have had to be really on the ball. It’sabit like it wasduring Covid when therewas ashortageofstock, I just sat in front of my computer,waiting for newavailability to come on and then pounce on it. Evenplants I’ve had on reserve had gone!
EdBoult -Grovewell Garden Centres, Kent F
“The seasonjustwent from thewordgoand kept rolling andthe growers adapted very well. Therewereacoupleoflittle wobbles in April on bedding,but they all seem to adapt fairlyquickly andpulled stockthrough pretty well. Allensmore andParkers were very goodand we hadtoget abit of support from some suppliers we don’tuse as much.”
“Butthere’salwayssomething good out there. AndIguessone thing we learntis that youcan’talwaysget exactlywhat we want, but sometimes it forces youto try something youmightnot haveconsidered. It’salso true for things like garden sundries. We took alot of stock from newsuppliers that perhaps we wouldn’thavechosen, and it’s worked really well for us.
“I think suppliers havedone extremely well. When we were really,reallybusy towards the end of April and some of our staff were tearing their hairout becauseof the number of plants coming in, Ishowed them little videos from companieslike FarPlants which showedjust howmany trollies theyweresending out.Itwas just phenomenal. Theyhavereallyrisen to the occasion.”
Sarah Homells– Codsall &Wergs Garden Centre, Wolverhampton.
“It’sbeen abit of amixed storyhereinthe Midlands. Notall our grower suppliers managed to keep up,but because we have ourown wholesaleand aDutch connection, it’slikea flickofaswitch.Wecan orderat3:00 in the afternoonand it’s deliveredthe next morning.
“It’snot been aterrible season by anymeans, but it hasn’t been as good becausewhen the weather gets toohot,everyonegoesto thepark or hasa bbq.Nobodybuys pants so salesjustfall off acliff.”
RichardKing– Kings Garden and Leisure,East Devon. F
“The growers have been brilliant this year.Wehavealways supported local growers. andwithout them we’redonefor
We’re very luckytohavethese familybusinesses andtheywork really hardtokeep it all going,so we need to be therefor them.
“The weather hasbeen perfect…it’sbeen right on thebutton andthey’ve kept up with it very, very well this year,and hats off to them because it’s notbeen easy.”
Sam Bosworth –Bosworth’sGarden Centres, Northamptonshire. G
“Wehaveabroad supplier base that we can dipintoifwe need to andweput reserves into most of thebigger UK growers but Ithink it’s theDutch guys that have takenupthe expansionand contraction.Weprobably bought more Dutch stock this year than we probably normallywouldhavedone to take up theslack.
“But Ialsocan see that, to acertain extent, customer’sbuying habits havechanged Generally, they’recoming in because they’ve got apot,basketorborder to fill.They’re not coming in with ashopping list, forexample, of alavender andarosemaryand Spriaea. Those gardeners arequite happytobuy something else if we haven’tgot the Spriaea. As long as we’vegot something that ticks their boxesto do that job, they’rehappy.Havingthat flexibility from acustomer’sperspectivemeans that as long as we’vegot ourbenches fullofsomething, then that’s fine
“It’sbeen agreat year forplants,and it’sbeen nice to focus on that because plantshaveafeelgoodfactor andare just lovely things to sell.”
ColinBarrie, CouldersGardenCentres, central Scotland. G
“It’sbeen great. There’sbeen no problem with plantsupplies. The season startedearly in themiddleofMarch and went on to theend of May, but it hasn’t gone on any longerthanusual.”
DavidYardley,Klondyke Garden Centres, Scotland and northern England. H
“Allensmore hasbeen great and so hasDavid Austin Roses Roseshavebeen really good forusthisyear, justgreat, as they started flowering early andwegot some goodearly sales. June wasa goodmonth,eventhoughitwasn’ta five-week monththisyear.”
Heritage shapes thefuture
Durston Garden Productshas along historyofsupplying growingmedia, andwhenyour name is on the bag, what’sinside has to be the best
For morethan 150 years, six generations of the Durston family havebeen beaveringbehind the scenes,supplying gardenerswith growing media. Theknowledge and experience gained in that time, along withdata from independentresearch andtrialling,enables Durston GardenProducts Ltdtoengineer andoffer arange of refinedand specialist productstosuit the needs of every gardener
DurstonGarden Products might not be as well-knownasmanygrowing media producers, but Chris,Steve and Dan Durston think nowisthe right time to increasetheir shareofthe market. Recent significant investment means it is on the vergeofrepositioning itself as aleading growing media supplier, and at Glee next month all will be revealed. Dan’seldest daughter is also keen to join the business ensuring the Durstons’family continues its associationwith growing media.
Then
and now
Startedasabusinesscutting peat for heating fuel, and dairyfarming in Somerset, the company has beennimble enoughtochange with the times. In the 1960’sDurstonbeganto supply peat as araw material to othergrowing media manufacturers and in 1973 theysold the dairyherdtofocus on their owncompost production.“Dad wasconvinced by Steveand myself that therewas more moneyinpeat than therewas in milking cows,”says Chris. The family then began to blend their owngrowing media with thefirst bagging line coming on stream in 1989
seamless switch to peat free.
Success and forecasting means production has nowmovedtoanew siteinMeareonthe Somerset Levels. With better access,road system and more space, the move will secure the company as it movestowards an inevitable peat-freefuture.
Sincethen, Durston has created peat-based, peat-reduced and peat-freemixes.Dan Durston joined the company in 1998 and is nowNational Sales Director.Partofhis role is refining the perfect balanceofhigh-quality rawmaterials and bespokefertiliser formulations.These innovations will ensure the next-generation of growing media products deliver top-tier performance, helping consumers to makea
To help further,DurstonGardenProducts has had supportfromexperienced consultant Simon Blackhurst. Simon is also the Head of the Growing Media Association and Project Director of Enrich the Earth, which has been working with the whole gardening industry to help gardeners with adviceongoing peat free. His expertise has been central to the company’s extensivetrials and transition towardsahighperformance, peat-freeproduct range.
Revolutionary ingredients
ExclusivetoDurstonGardenProductsare twoingredients which, whenblended with otherpeat-freematerials promotearangeof benefits.
GroFibreiswood fibre from asingle tree species.“Because it’salways from thesame
Chrisand Dan Durston
species, it’sconsistent and we knowexactly howit’sgoingtoreact,”says Dan. It is treated with apatentedthermodynamic refining processand enhances waterretention, air circulation, andprovides an ideal environment for root growth. It alsoensures optimal moisture controlwithout nitrogenlock-up andprevents thecompost from shrinking or slumping in acontainer GroBoost, a100% natural material from local ingredients and is produced by Durstons. It has astrong waterholding capacity, boasts abeneficial microbiological profile together with both major and minornutrients, is 100% renewable, and vegan friendly When used in growing media the result is an outstanding peat-free compost that provides better air spaceand greater moisture availability,enabling plants to establish strong roots, quickly
Along withcoir,additions of 14 vital plant nutrients, lasting up to three to four months promote abundant, healthy growth.
Rewilding
Along withresearching and developing effectivenew solutions to help gardeners grow successfully without relianceonpeat, Durstons
has also been making significant investments in restoring its peat bogs and wildlife habitats To date, it has restored 100 acres(40ha) of peat bogs creating wetlands wherewildlife now thrives.The surrounding area is home to more than 18 bird species,including egrets and great bittern, alongsidedeer,hare, otters,dragon flies, and butterflies.
Durstons works closely with regulatory bodies including SomersetCounty Council, Defra, the Environment Agency, RSPB,English Nature, and Somerset Wildlife Trustto implement strictpractices for the restoration sitewherepeat has beenextracted. The processincludes the formation of clay banks beforethe bog is re-wetted,which creates a series of lakes.Islands arebuilt in the lakes and reed beds factoredintothe scheme, generating an attractivenatural habitat for wildlife. The claybanks arethen topped with rich,fertile topsoil and sown with meadowgrasses.On the islands, and around the perimeter of these sites,birch, goat willowand alder whips, have been planted to created woodedareas.
“The heritage of ourbusinesshas its roots in peat farming but ourlong-term vision is peatfree and we firmlybelieveitisour responsibility to do the restoration work,”says Dan.
Trials performance
In trials Durstons’ peat-free MultiPurpose Compost:
•achieved over70% bigger plants than aprofessional peat-reduced product on the market.
•outperformed bothpeatand peat-free competitor products on themarket •increased blooms by 50%.
Peat-free Tub& Basket Compost:
•achieved over150% bigger plants than aprofessional peat-reduced product
•outperformed both peat-based and peat-free competitors on themarket
•increased blooms by 50%
Durston GardenProductsLtd
Avalon Farm, Sharpham Street, Somerset BA16 9SE
01458 442688
info@durstongardenproducts.co.uk
Windrowsare turned everyweek forten weeks, and in that time,the growing media changes visually and physically during the composting process.
On the production line.
Blocks of peat stacked forheatinghomes in the 1960’sand howthe sitelooks nowafter restoration.
Whoare The Greatest Food & Drink Teams in garden centres?
Back by popular demand areGTN’sGreatest Awards forgarden centre catering teams. Recognising the excellence of Garden CentreFood& Drink Teams across the country,the awardswill be announced and presented at Glee on the “Feed Your Business Stage” at 5:00pmonWednesday 17th September. Will yourteams be amongthe winners?
Your customerswill be the judges of Greatness.
As customer serviceand customersatisfaction arethe keys to the ongoing success of garden centrecatering,the winners of TheGreatest Food &Drink Team awards will be decided by the number andquality of customer votes your teams receivebeforethe closing dateof September 7th 2025
Your customers can vote online by scanning the QR code or youcan get them to vote in storeand then send completedvoting forms to the GTNoffice for counting
To get your customers voting,all youhaveto do is download the voting postersand voting forms artwork from the link in the GTNXtra e-mail newsletter: www.gardentradenews.co.uk, display them in your restaurant or coffee shop and add votinglinks into your websites and social media pages.
As well as overall Greatest Food &Drink Team Awards fordifferent sizesofgarden
centrecateringoperationstherewill be regional awards too. What better way to promoteyour Food &Drink offerings during the Autumn thanwithaGTN Greatest Awards win,especially as it will be thanks to
your customers.Customer voting is livenow andruns until midnight on Sunday 7thSeptember,when the votes will be counted in readiness for the presentations at Glee.
ThewinnersofGTN's
Greatest Catering Team Awards in 2017
Do youserve The Greatest Garden CentreAfternoon Tea?
One of the most eagerly sought after catering awards that GTNran in the past wasfor The Greatest AfternoonTea Team. Thejudges reallyhad atough job going out and tasing themall!
This year,ifyou believe your team currentlyserve The Greatest Garden Centre Afternoon Tea, youhavethe opportunity of bringing your AfternoonTea to Glee to be displayed on the “FeedYour Business Stage” and judged by apanel ofexperts who will decide an overall AfternoonTea Team winnerplus regional awards too. The judges will alsobelooking for TheGreatest Garden CentreScone, and The Greatest Garden CentreTraybakewithin the Afternoon Teas displayed. Both sweet and savoury Afternoon Teas can be entered.
The competition takes placeat3:00pm on Wednesday 17th September with the entered Afternoon Teas taking pride of placeonthe “Feed your BusinessStage”. Therewill be afoodprepareaavailable for your team to compile your AfternoonTea ready for display and judging To reserve your teams placeinthe display
and beinwith achance of winning The GreatestGarden Centre Afternoon Tea Awardplease sendand e-mail to Trevor@ pottingshedpress.co.uk stating why you think your team should be partofthe competition.
Who hasThe GreatestCatering SupportTeam?
Everygoodgarden centreFood& Drink operationisonlyasgoodasthe back of house support theyget from their Wash-upteams, theirMarketingTeams and increasingly their EPOSteams.
This awardisfor TheGreatestteams that keep it allgoing withouteverbeing seen by the customers.For that reason,to enter your Catering SupportTeams allyou need to do is sendane-mail to trevor@ pottingshedpress.co.uk with: •photosofthe team •their names and roles •plus a200 word citation as to whythey should becrowned TheGreatestGarden Centre Catering SupportTeam at Glee on Wednesday17th September at 5:00pm.
We can’twait to receiveyour nominations
Glee2025: whereinsight grows andinnovation blooms
When Glee returns to the NECBirmingham from Tuesday16th –Thursday 18th September 2025,itwill bringwith it adynamic andfuture-focused seminar programme, designed to spark insight, drive profitability, andenergise the garden retail sector
TheFeed Your BusinessStage, located in thenewly launchedFood@ Glee area, will takeadeep dive intothe commercial opportunities within catering, hospitality,foodserviceand food retail as well as design.
Feedinggrowth
On the Feed Your BusinessStage, contentisall about delivering ROIthrough food and catering.Fromexpertledsessions on menuengineeringand kitchendesign, to talks on food truck partnerships, thepoweroffarm shops, technology-drivencooking methods, and the evolutionofthe high-street coffee model, attendees will walk away with actionableideastoincrease dwell time, margin, and customer loyalty
SessionsfromBrakes, Whitco,Debag,the FoodserviceEquipmentAssociation, Choice Marketing, PerrywoodGarden Centres, Raemoir Garden Centre, Warbeck Garden Centreand others will equip businesses with the toolstomakesmarterdecisions in layout, procurement, sustainability, and even menu insight, making Food @Gleeanessential destinationfor garden centres evolving their food and beverage offer
Celebrating excellence
Newfor 2025,GTN’s GreatestFood &Drink Garden Centre Team Awards joins the line-up,recognising the teams behind the UK’s most successfulcatering offers. Categories will celebrateexcellenceineverything from afternoontea to traybakestocustomer service, shining aspotlightonthe F&Bteams helping redefine the garden centreexperience
Glee 2025 promises garden buyers an unrivalled opportunity to discoveranexceptional mix of new, returning and long-standing exhibitors. From fresh innovationtotrusted favourites, theshowisthe ultimate destinationtoexplore the latest products, connect with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights intoemerging trends.Makesuretomarkyour diaries for16th–18th September 2025 and be partofthe event that continues to define the future of garden retail
Formoreinformation or to register to visit Glee, visit www.gleebirmingham.com.
PowerUp Anew lease of lifefor PelsisDoff
GTNvisits the Pelsis Doff factoryinHucknall, Nottingham to find out about the background to along-standing garden caremanufacturer and the future development following the acquisition by Pelsis thistime lastyear
GTN’svisit to thePelsis Doff factoryinNottinghamlastmonth deliveredseveral surprises. Firstly,the realisation that freshlymilled flour,madefromlocally sourcedwheat,is the base ingredientfor Doff's slug pellets. This came as asurprisetoGTN'seditor, who has been usingslugpellets forover45 years, as he wasnot awareofthisfact Secondly,due to thestate-of-the-art on-sitemilling facility,makingslug pellets can be dangerous work. Due to therisk of explosions, Pelsis Doff takegreat care in meetingDSEAR standards and have invested millions of pounds in protective equipment to ensurethatspecificsafety requirements areinplace.That is why thereisa“no shorts”policy in place,which meant aquick change of attirefor GTN’s editor before thetour
Thethird surprise wasthe breadth of products offered by Pelsis Doff,not just slug andsnailcontrol products, but afull complete rangeofgarden ferts and chems, including plantfeeds (all formulated, bottled andpacked on site), lawn care, pest control,and even peat-free composts. Doff startedin1946tradinginthe local market at Hucknall, Nottingham. Initially selling productssuchasant powder,they quicklybecamethe experts in slug control, pioneering theoriginal blue mini pellet in 1958,branded as Slugoids Operations Director,TerryCooper, explains: “Doff,asa business,has truly stood the test of time andhas grown tremendouslyoverthe years.Frombeing
Left:Power Up 3% slug pellets being bottled
Right: Snapshot of theUK's only SlugPellet Mill
abig businessinthe middleoftown, they beguntooutgrow their facilities and expand their pipeline of products. This lead to a purpose-built facility being built in 2001.
“The growth and expansion lead to anew mill,the UK's only authorised Slug Pellet mill, being put in placeinearly 2000s.”
Over the years Doff has seen alot of changes. Starting out as Doff Portland, as alot of the land in theareawas ownedby the DuchyofPortland, by theDoff family, to then be taken over by 151Products thirteen years ago
"With the 151 management coming in andbacking the Doff business withtheir businessmodel, with plentyofinvestment in equipment and safetyprocedures, they managed to turn Doff into agood,viable busines -with year-on-year growth forthe past 5years,” addedTerry. “Thenon1st August 2024,PelsisGroup acquired the business, moving Doff to become apartof the Pelsis Group,and strengthing theretail arm of the Pelsis offering Scott Gammon, General Manager for the UK,Ireland andRest ofWorld told GTN: “Pelsis ownone of themarket leading garden companiesinEurope with the brand, Edialux It hasalot of experienceinthe retail market, covering garden careand pest control. Thereforepurchasing the Doff business made sense, as thereisa lotofsynergy between the twobusinesses. We'rehereto supportbringingtogetherthe best of both, to deliver the best productsand continue the high-levelservicetoour customers.”
Above:Pelsis Doff Nottingham Showroom
Below: Doff vintage productsand marketing materials from the 1950's on display in reception
TerryCooper,Kim Huynh and Scott Gammon
As theonly producer and registration holder of slug pellets in the UK,PelsisDoff don’tjust makethem for home gardening use, theyalso manufacturepelletsfor the agriculturemarket acrossUK and EU Thesepellets aremanufactured slightly differentlytoaccommodatefarming practices and machinery, with alltheir slug pellets being approvedfor organicgrowing Nowthe activeingredient of the pelletsis Ferric Phosphate, which Doff gained the first UK accreditation for back in 2018
“Last year when therewas ahigh demand for slug pellets we didn'thave aproblem”explained Terry. “We'vegot capacity and good flexibilitywithin our team structure. Whenwehit theheight of season in 2024,slug pellet demand seemed to surge and we didn't want to missthat opportunity.With ourUKmanufacturing it allows us to not be restrictiveintermsof running hours and capacity,allowing us to fully servicethe demandofour customers. When we put it to thetest, we proved we
Left:Pelsis Doff labelling capabilities
Right:Weedkiller in production
can do it, andifwehavetogoagain, we are capable of doingthat.”
Product development is keytothe success of retail for Pelsis Doff products. Kim Huynh, Head of UK Marketing for Retail, is currently building out the productportfolio for the premium PowerUpbrand. PowerUp launchedin2020with the UK'sstrongest Slug Control pellet -thatincludes 3x the active ingredient to competitors. This year at Glee the brand is looking to launch newproducts acrossplant feeds, peat-free composts, weedkillers andmore. She said: “Pelsis Doff arecommitted to servicing the independents and garden centres, for example this season we launchedspecial initiatives suchasour 'VIP Club' -wherewe've offered exclusive pointofsale andretail producttraining to our VIP members. At Gleewe'll be launching new feeds with different bottles, different designs, justspecifically designed for the garden centremarket.”
“What's really exciting for us this year is the work that we haveput into our
PowerUpfeeds, thathavebeen specially formulated to work withPeat-Free composts. We'veinvested alot in doing trialsatNIAB with the Peat-Freecompost andthe feeds workingtogether,and we cannot wait to showcase the extraordinary results. We'vedone alot of research to back up the claimssothat we nowhavepointsof differenceout in the marketplace.”
Scott added: “We've got to differentiate between going to agarden centre, where really you're talking aboutpremiumproducts as opposed to the discount retailers.”
When it comes to stocking Pelsis Doff products, as well as dealing with the Pelsis Doff salesteam, the widerange of products can also be supplied viaDecco andStax. This means youdon’thavetobeamajorgarden centretobenefitfromsales of the products andthe associated POS thatisavailable.
“Decco were aPelsis customer andaDoff customer”said Scott “We'renow ableto pull allthe productstogetherand properly meet retailer needs asone company.”
The Pelsis Doff team arelooking forward to Gleewheretheywill be able to meet existing and newcustomers on one stand This year we areall brands under one roof, showcasing complete home and garden care and pest control ranges with our brands Doff,Power Up and Pest-Stop.
Terrysummed up thechange of ownership lastyear: “It's very important to say, when theacquisition happened, therewerealot of questions with certain customers. But Ithink comingonnearlya year now, it's justtaken us from strength to strength.We'vejusthad anew lease of life”
Summer of FUNdraising
Flower show gardens raise the Greenfinger’s profile while theSilver Anniversary Appeal comestoablooming endand exceedsits target.
The Greenfingers Charity marked amajor milestone withits magnificent Floral Ball,atCoombe AbbeyHotel in June which raised £60,000.Tocelebratethe charity’s 25th anniversary, 300 guestsgathered foran eveninghosted by TV personality Chris Clarkson It was filled with heartfeltspeeches, star-studded entertainment, and generous fundraisingefforts in supportofthe charity’s mission to create magical gardensfor children in hospices acrossthe UK.
“The FloralBall exceeded all ourhopes and wasatruly magical eveningof celebration NS generosity,” says Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising &Communications. ”Raising £60,000 is an extraordinaryachievement and apowerful reflection of thekindnessshown by everyguest, sponsor, and supporter.”
Awards were presented to thosethathave supported thecharity includingBoydDouglasDavies whoreceivedthe President’sAward forhis outstandingcontribution including facilitating theraising of more than £1 million throughGardenRe-Leaf Daysince 2012. Naturally, fundraising took centrestage duringthe evening, with aChampagneAuction, sponsored by Westlandand brought to life by Bob Marley.A live auction,led by Guy Topping, raised more than £40,000;a silent auction, poweredbyA Star Experience, raised afantastic £9,500 andarafflefeaturingmorethan100 prizes further boostedthe evening’ssuccess
Asignificant highlight of theevening wasthe announcement of theSilver Anniversary Appeal total. Launched in 2022,the appeal aimedto
raise£2,000,025 by thetime of the ball. The final figure exceeded expectations,reaching a remarkable£2,168,025
All aboardthe DragonBoats
In atightlycontested final, the Westland Warriors went home victors of the Greenfingers Charity DragonBoat Race forthe second year running. Taking place in early JulyatGrendon Lakes, Northamptonshire,the day was filled with thrillingraces, fierce competition, and plenty of family fun.SimonMulholland ledthe Westland Warriors which notonly won, but also secured thefastest time of theday
Evergreen’s Miracle (G)rowers, which included ColinStephens, finished aclose second while thirdplace were takenbyThe Notorious BGC,
The25th AnniversaryShowGarden, at BBC Gardeners’ World LiveinJunewas votedasrunner up in the Visitors’ ChoiceAward.Designed by PipProbertand brought to lifewithsupportfroma host of generous sponsors,the garden marked 25 yearsofmaking gardens in children’shospices across the UK. It featured vibrant, eye-catching plantingschemes,kindly donated by British GardenCentres and will liveonwith keyelements relocated to Acorns Children’sHospicein Walsall and Chestnut Tree House in Arundel
and Chestnut Tree Arundel
one of twoteams fielded by British Garden Centres, who turned headsall daylong with their commitmenttofancy dressand facepainting
“These events not only bring our industry together in themost fun way, buttheyalso help fund the beautiful gardens we createfor children’shospicesacrossthe UK,”saidLinda Petrons. “Thank youtoeveryone whorowed, supported, dressed up,donated, and helped make the day such asuccess –we’llsee younextyear!”
Arit Anderson and JoeSwift on the Together Garden at theRHS WentworthWoodhouse Flower ShowinJuly. The garden wascreated forthe Greenfingers CharitybyJoannaCharlton andPhilHirst and took homea Silver Guilt medal. Curvingtimber benches providespaces to pause and sit together shelteredbyabespokecanopy and two sculpturalforms evokehands heldtogether.After the show, theplants and elements will be carefullyrelocated to Bluebell Wood Children’sHospice in Sheffield, wheretheywillbebecomeapermanent garden outside a bereavement suiteand apeacefulspacefor families to makememoriesand find momentsofsolace.
Walsall
200 yearsand counting
Garden centres can be assured thatwhen theystock HenryBell wildbirdfeed and accessories, theycan rely on twocenturies of businessand manufacturingexpertise.
Havingarrived on the garden centrescene withinthe last sevenyears,the HenryBell branded range of birdfeed andfeeders may still be considered anew kid on the block.This may be true for the range, but it doesn’taccuratelyreflect thereality of the company. Celebrating its200th anniversarythis year,Henry Bell &Conow has Managing Director Thomas Lee, the fourth generation of his family,atthe helm.
“It’salovely position to be in because youown your destiny,” he says. “You startwith something which is absolutely fantastic butthen youhave to build on it.”
Each year,the plant in Grantham, which has been on this site sincethe 1970s, processes 70,000 tonnes of cerealsand pulses destined for animal foods. ItsbusinessinCornwall prepares fish-based dog food treats,and its equine products aremade under the EquiGlo Horse Feedsbrand. Wild bird seed and related productsfor garden centreretail mayaccount for asmall percentage, but it’sanimportant
element and onethat hasgrown on the backof theskill, knowledge and trust generatedfromcenturies of experience from the company’swhole portfolio
company’s whole
Diversification
Tomexplains how, over time, firm was‘demerged’.His grea had four boys, and each wasg of the businesstorun –steel, sack and cloth trading,and ac making flour
Tom explains over time, the family was ‘demerged’. His great grandfather and each was given a part of business to run – steel, hat making, trading, and a cold roller mill
abrand which blended dog,small animal and bird food, which camewith its own portfolio of customers. “This suddenly got us intothepet food and pet shop business,”hesays.“We stopped grain tradingand soldthe seedbusinesssowe could major on the micronising process, as well as grindingand milling.”
in the 1970s Henry Bell & Co an company trading in grain, seed, feed and fertiliser, came to his father, and in 2000 was passed Tom who ran the seed plant and seed “We still all the trading but with everybody
Eventually in the 1970s Hen Co (Grantham), an agricultural tradingingrain,seed, feed and , came to hisfather,and in 2000 to Tomwho ranthe seed plant desk. “Westill did allthe grain were small compared witheve else andwerestruggling to compete, so we diversified.”
This came in the form of a contractwithMars to make the micronised flakes as an ingredient for Pedigree PetFoods’dried dog food, which proved successful EventuallyTom acquired
From here, ahigh street retailer requested pet food but under its own brand “And that opened the door for us to makeown label products forother people,” says Tom.
Thomas LeeisManaging Director of HenryBell and fourth generation of his family to run the business.
m and Carol
Acontract with Gardman came next which expanded Henry Bellsexperience in the wild birdcaresector followedby approaches from independentand group garden centres. Arange of 120 products wascreated alongside its ownbrand, the HenryBell Wild BirdCareCollection. “Ifwe aregoing to put ournameonit,”saysTom, “it has to be right….and we don’tsellour product in any of the discounted retailers.”
Pricing is keyand its range stretches from an rrp of £1.99up to £134.99. “We want to protect the brandand thevalue for garden centres,”says Tom. “Wemakean excellent product and trytoget it delivered on time, because, as Itell our guys here, we’reonly as good as our last delivery “We’re very proud thebrand has been well received. It’sagood,qualityproduct, and range and not just about price,” says Tom. “If our feed is apound or twodearer, it’sfor areason. We arenot compromising on what we put in thepack.Our feed brings the right birdsintothe garden, so the customers arehappyand theretailers arehappybecause they keep coming back.”
The HenryBell range hasnow become synonymous with quality.“We spend such
alongtime witheverythingwemake, checking againstspecification. Everything leaves here on apositiverelease. It’sa continual processfor members of staff whoare constantly monitoring,” says Tom.
Theprocess andmore
Carol Foster,Finance Director,explains howthe micronising processisbasically
cooking. “Animalscan’tdigestraw cereals andpulses so we cook it. It’slike agas flameatahightemperature. We then roll it andthe maizecomes out lookinglikecorn flakes. It’salarge part of our business-around35% of our businessispurely processingcereals, pulses andseeds. We blend them to makeour ownrabbit, small animal and
Inside the factory
Packaging ready to be filled.
Drawing of the Henry Bell business in the19th century
Micronisers were introduced in 1980
wild birdfood. We also make 1tonne bags for customers to put intotheir ownbrandedpackaging.”
Most products areUK-based, with ingredients sourcedvia local grain merchants from farms within a40-mile radius. As partofthe Feed Materials AssuranceScheme, HenryBellhas its ownlaboratoryfacility thatsamples everything as it arrivesonsite. If any form of infestation is detected,aload will be rejected. Separatemoisturetesting and physical microscope inspections check that everything is clean.
Along with micronised cereals, linseedand pulses, HenryBell is aleading manufacturer of sugar beet equine products that areexported worldwide.
The company is accredited to the BritishEquestrian Trade Association’s NOPS feedassurancescheme.
In garden centres
Theteam looks forwardtomeeting existingand new customersatGlee in September
HenryBell nowhas around 750 garden centrecustomers. “Fromday one it wasthat real commitment to supportgarden centres,”says Tom, “irrespectiveofiftheyare independent or groups. Part of our development is understanding whattheywant, whether it’sthe wild birdcarepartorblending andprocessing.It’salways tryingto makesurewe’re doing the oldschool thing that my dad told me which is to always tryand do whatyour customer wants.”
The company can help customers develop ranges andbring newproducts to market, and drivesalesthrough its merchandising team and‘silent sales assistants’ via point-of-sale material –all of which is free to retailers.
Ingredients
EverythingthatgoesintoHenryBell wild bird feed hasbeen carefully selectedusing only thebest quality ingredients.“Cheaper feed can be full of wheat andthe smallgarden birds that customers enjoyseeing won’t be so keen,but it willbeextremely attractivetopigeonsand rats,”says Tom.
Thecompany is seeing sales of No Mess andNoGrowranges risingascustomers becomemore knowledgeable andupgrade their purchases. Also increasing arefeeds tailoredtospecificbirds.
2025 is abig year of celebration and the company’spresence at Glee willfocus on range extension –includingits ingenious three-in-onesquirrel defence feeder in black. Its forerunner in galvanised steel is nowthe topsellinggarden centreproduct Acelebratorymeal for suppliers and key customersisplanned,asisanemployee day (for their families too) to acknowledge theircontribution to the business. “We valuebeing afamily businessand we have people whohavebeen apartofthe Henry Bell family for along, long time,” says Tom. He is alsohopingthe family line continues.His youngest of three children hasjust finished hisdegree in businessand supply chain management at Northumbria University,so he has his fingers crossed.
New addition to the range this year is the three-in-one black squirrel-proof feeder
Computerisation keeps HenryBell at the forefront of milling and blending
SOLEXsuccess
Strong sales of furnitureand barbequesingarden centresearlier thisspringmeant buyerswereinapositivemood at SOLEX2025. New lines andplentyof innovation provided ample inspiration.
Another Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition has come to a close, with nothing but positive comments from organisers, visitors and exhibitors
“Thebeautifulspring and summer weather has helped alot,” says Gina Hinde, SOLEX Event Director.“Thestandswere trulystriking,featuring an abundanceof fresh products, lively colours, interesting textures, and elegantfabrics. Barbecue companies gaveittheir all. It wasfantastic to see tennew exhibitors participating,and from all accounts, the feedback points to an utterly spectacular event.”
Over the three days, awards for best stands, newand ecoproducts were judged helping exhibitors with their promotions, and large orders were placed.Exhibitors alsoreportedseeing not onlytheir existing customers but newbuyerstoo.Gina added that although she hasn’tyet seen the data, theshowthis year attracted newvisitors.
“I do think we’vehad newand different visitors. On thebuild-up we advertised to a different genreofcustomersand hopefully that has been reflected in the visitorprofile.”
LOFA Chair,Steve Millington waskeen
to thank everyone for attending.“It’s been a great show helped by the weatherearlier on this year.SinceCovid, there has been some residual stock kicking around so last year buyers were very conservative what theycommittedto. But it appears that’sall sold through and by the endof May retailerswerelooking for morestock. That’sall led to SOLEX being in agreat position with buyersable to come and look at all the newproducts and placetheir orders for 2026.”
Sprinkledthroughout the serious businessofbuying stockfor 2026,was the impressivevariety of food to be sampled, cooked on different typesofbarbeques, from wood fired through to gas in the LovingOutdoor Living Zone
Dates for SOLEX2026 7-9 July.
guest speaker SkySports commentator David ‘Crofty’Croft wasahuge success and via an impromptuauction of cardboard cutouts of F1 drivers, severalthousands of pounds wasraised for Greenfingers and Perennial. “It wasjust an absolutely brilliant evening and something for us to build on for 2026,” says SteveMilllington.
The SOLEX Afterparty and Awards evening,with ci
Steve Millington and Gina area working SOLEX Loving Outdoor Zone evening, with cing Hinde are already on 2026
Awards andnew products
Ingenuityabounds with new products and advances at SOLEXwhile awardsrecognise excellence.
Easy change from sofa to bench
Bramblecrestbrings another innovationfirst to themarket with asofathat, in fivesimple steps, quickly converts to a bench.When notrequired,the two back supports can be easilylifted upwardsand conveniently stored underthe bench seat pad.“It’sanideathatcameupinternally and throughour productdevelopmentteamand we’rereally excitedaboutit,”says MikeDale, Sales Executive.Available in 2026, TheBramblcrest BENCH, is partofthe Prague range
Ornatepanels, plantersand pergolas
At just 1.5m x2.5mthe newsmall bbqpergolainCorten effect and partofCeltic Leisure’s Saturn range(rrp £499) caused much interest at theshow. Together with aluminium planterswith ornatepanels andlargerpanelsto go between pergola uprights, they createdanattractive and desirable display.The company’s Bart Malpass says: "The play of light whenthe sun comes out and rays pass throughthe louvers and panels is stunning and reallypretty." The panels, which can be created in arangeofcolours, were shown to gage customer interest and aretail pricehas yettobeset
Voiceactivated pergola
In anotherindustryfirst, Royalcraft exhibited thefirst solarpowered andvoice activated pergola on the UK market. It’s solar panels and batterypack powerled lights, the opening andclosing of the roof, andithas arain sensorwhich automatically closes the roof whenrain is detected. By usingthe words‘open’ and‘close’ Abid Mir demonstrated the workings of the Sparta pergola’slouvres. In twosizes, 3m and 4.3m, the pergolas havetobeattached to a solid stone base, andtheyhavecurtains onall four sides which can be pulled allthe waydowntoground levelwithout leaving a gap.InSeptember,Royalcraft willalsobe introducing apergola with polycarbonate louvres which enables the roof to be closed without losingofnatural light.
Newrange of tablelightsand firepits
Part of the Dutch companythatalso owns the BonFeu range,comes Happy Cocooning,which came to SOLEX with anew logo and styling. It introduced a range of firepits and tablelights shown for the first time at Spoga+gafa just a fewweeks earlier.Powered by asmall campinggas bottle, the tablelights can burn for six hours. Interest from UK buyers washigh,with product and marketingmaterial beingprepared for February2026availability in UK garden centres.
Retailing solutions from Firepits UK
FirepitsUK, with outdoor cooking products craftedinGreat Britain,is offering retailers newaccessories, include steel boot jacks with arrp of around £20,and shownfor thefirst time at SOLEX. Director Emma Ross says thedisplay,created to show retailers what they could achieve in their ownstores, also included thepopular welly bootrack.New signage, promotional material and display stands will also supportretailersinselling product all year round especially at Christmas. “We nowhavehooksso glovesand log bags and other accessories can behung up rather than stacked,” saysEmma
Inhouse inspiration for Hartman’s newaluminium range
In three colours with coordinating cushions comes Hartman’snew Avebury range of cast aluminium butlightweight, furniture “We’re leaders in castaluminium and are seeingaresurgence of interest. This range hasbeen boughtintobridge the gap between thetraditionalornatedesign so we canoffer something alittle bit more contemporary,” says the company’s Michelle Bradford.“It should appeal to alarger demographic from young families to more maturecustomers and we offer twochairs andasmall table or sets with six chairs.”
SOLEXdebutfor Churnet Valley Garden Furniture
After some years exhibitingatGlee, Paul Barker,Sales Acquisitions, says ChurnetValleyGarden Furniturewas ready to exhibit at SOLEX to get it’s name in front of outdoor furniturebuyers. “Ourproducts aremanufactured in the UK, we’rebased in Staffordshire, we areFSC which illustrates our commitmenttosustainablesourcing andprocurement, and we believe we’ve got the edge over our competitors with some of our range. We are able to supply on demandbecause we arenot importing products and we’ve had agood growth in garden centres over the last twoorthree yearswhich we want to continue.”
KitchenCornerSet
TerrazaOutdoor
1. Best Eco-FriendlyProduct
Eco Fuego with the El GrandeFirePit
"Wewon last year with El Campo,whichwas good for camping butthe El Grandeismore contemporary for people with larger gardens. It has added valuebecausewehaveintroduced scentaswell,”says Tim Jeffs, Founder of the Crop Candle Company.“We arenow selling in nearly15 different countries. The UK is our playbook and the leadingforce in whatwe’re doing –what’s working hereisworking in other countriesaswell. So winning awards likethisare really important for us to get acknowledgement forour eco credentials, especially as thereare likelytobea lot of copycat products out thereinthe future. ”
2. Best Individual Product - Ludlow Corner Pergola –Zest Outdoor Living
“Weare really thrilled with the winfor our corner pergola which is anaddition to our rangeand onethat peoplehavebeen asking for,”says Simon Davison, Head of Commercial Development.“And it’sbeen well received at the show.”Created by the Zest design team,there were severaliterations before they cameto one with therequired strength becausecreating a corner structurecan be challenging.
3. Best Furniture - Zest Outdoor –TerrazaKitchen Island Set
Zest has added anumber of newelements to enhance its outdoor kitchencollection andthe newTerraza KitchenIslandSet hasbeen designed for thosewith limited outdoor space. “It enables customers to have an eatingspaceand entertainingislandthatisadaptable,”explains SimonDavison. “We’ve hadfantastic feedback fromcustomers, andagain it allcomes backto theworkofthe design team trying to makesure weget that right. Winning the awardisthe icing on the cake.”
4. Best BBQ Kadai -Plancher
TheKadai Plancherwas designed by the Kadai team andadevelopment on atraditional wayof cookingtaken to South America by the Spanish. Itincludes avariety of bespokefeatures suchasa mango wood base andblack limestone top. “We aredelightedtohavethis accolade because with any newproduct youare neversurewhat the demandis,”says ownerChristoMcKinnon-Wood. “Wehad 30 in stock,and we’vealready soldthem –winning the awardhas definitelyhelped and it’s been abonus as well.”
If its colourful outdoor cushionsyou are looking for,then Extreme Lounging has the range.Patterned or stripy, its Aquaclean cushions can be colour coordinatedwith plain colours to enable customers to mixand match. Available in racks to make merchandising and purchasing easy
Wood effect from WGarden Living
Of the manyranges introduced for 2026 from WGarden Living is the StLucia set –afusionofrope andwood effectaluminium. “Thereare manyversions of wood effectaluminium on the market, butfor me, this is probably the closest match to real wood,”says the company’s StuartWhalley. Availableasabistroset through to amodular corner dining arrangement, it comes in tonesofgreen andterracotta.Sets are 100% rust proof andcomewith a3-year guarantee. rust and come with a 3-year
Twoofthe simplest upgrades that deliver the biggest returns.
With atrip to the garden centre increasingly treated asa‘day out’, there’severy reason to invest in an experience thatattracts the widestpossible audienceto your centreand encourages dwelltimeoncethere.
So howcan youdo that?Inour experience, twosimple, cost-effective upgrades deliver in spades…
Transformingyour entrance
Firstimpressions really do count and upgrading your entranceplays avitalrole in creating all-important ‘wow’factor. A showstopping entrance encourages new audiencestodiscoverwhat youhaveto offer and is alsoaneffectiveway of enticing in regular shoppers to explore newranges.
As theUK’sleading garden centrecanopy provider,we’ve worked with everyone from family-owned independent centres to some of the country’sbiggestchains, to devise tailoredcanopysolutions and have helped numerous centres to createa first impression that is alastingone.
At Smith’sNurseryand Garden Centre in Baginton, Warwickshire,a stunning new timber clad entranceway has helped attract newaudiences intothe centreto discover its recently upgraded retail experience.
While at Hilliers Garden Centrein Three-Legged Cross, ahuge barrel-vaulted
canopy at the frontofthe centrehas created ashowstopping entranceand a400m2 allweather display space for seasonal plant and furnitureranges
Bothcentres haveexperienced significant footfallincreases since installation highlighting the rich rewardsthat entranceupgrades can deliver
Creating enhanced flow
Thepowerofcoveredwalkways is often overlooked, but it’s asimpleupgrade that delivers multiple benefits –encouraging people to visit your centreinall weathers, creating betterflow aroundyour centre, invitingdiscovery of lesser explored areas, and expandingretail capacity
At OldBarn CentreinHorsham an eleganttimber framed walkwaydelivers four important functions: connecting the car park and entranceinanattractive way, providing shelterfor shoppers in all weathers, creating a showstopping entranceand deliveringattractive display space for heroranges
Ready to takethe next step?
Why choose Fordingbridge for your upgrade?
• Aseamless,stress-free experience –fromsketchtostructure, we’reone friendly team, withyou everystepofthe way
• Tailored solutions –our expertteam works closely withyou to devise solutions that meet your exact requirements. We alsooffer high-end, pre-designed solutions for those withtighterbudgets and timelines
• Expertise –we’ve been designing and deliveringtailoredsolutions forthe garden centresector for 50+ years and havebeen trustedbysome of itsbiggest names
• Fast turnaround times –wedesign, manufactureand install canopies in as little as eightweeks
• Quality,sustainable solutions –we only ever use sustainably sourcedtimber and prioritise longevity in our design and materials, enabling us to offer sector leading25year guarantees on all structures
We’d love to help youtransform your vision intoareality
Check out some of our latest garden centretransformations: www.fordingbridge.co.uk/ sectors-garden-centres-canopies
To arrange acomplimentary sitevisit, callour expertteam today: 01243 55 44 55 Email your brief:info@fordingbridge.co.uk
RightTop: Show-stopping newentrance at Smith’s Nurseryand Garden Centre in Baginton, Warwickshire. Left:InMerseyside, dwell time has been increased by an elegant walkwayatLady Green Garden Centre.Above:Stylish walkwayentranceat Old Barn Garden Centre, Horsham.
Pushing the boundaries
At this year’sspoga+gafa, outdoor living companies think outside the boxwhen it comes tomaximising on garden space.
Asthe valueofleisuretimeand garden spaceisincreasingly recognised, the outdoor living sector continues to grow,adaptand become morerelevant bringing with it newopportunities for the trade and industry.Atspoga+gafa 2025,heldin Colgone’sKoelnmesse,Germany in June, innovation wasatthe forewith newproducts bought to market with increasing levels of sustainability Despite economicchallenges and global political uncertainty,the show proveditstillplays akey role as ameeting
point forthe international industry by welcoming around 26,000 trade visitorsfrommorethan100 countries. “This success not onlyunderpinsthe international relevance of the event, but alsostandsfor avisible transformation that we will consistently shape with spoga+gafa over the comingyears,”said Oliver Frese, Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse.
Next year’s show, at the same location, will run from Monday 22nd -Wednesday 24th June. www.spogagafa.com
comesfromthe imagination of Dutch designer Floris Schoonderbeek and construction studioFiction Factory. It offers 3000 litres of underground storage spaceinthe garden. It naturally keeps inside temperatures between 8-15 degrees Csoidealfor enthusiasts and professionals, home growers, urban farmers, wine collectors, cheeseloversand farm shop owners.
For2026, Kettler is introducing the Alira newcorner sofamadefromrecycled materials and for2027(no images released yet) the Latitude range with lounger, parasol,table and chairsinfour on trend coloursofwhite, beige, green and grey.
Groundfridge
Watersaving innovation came from Hartman with TheRain Tony.A hollowrainbench, it collects 500litresofrainwater through a connected drainpipewhich can be extractedfor usebyhose or watering can with the aid of a pump. It hasa removeable lid to provide easy access to clean and maintain the pump
comes theETNA RotanteControl 13”, a compact pizza oven with three segmentsenabling a range of temperatures from 80-500 degreesCelsius. It features six pizza modes, a rotatingpizza stone and quick 15-minuteheat up offering the abilitytocook awide range of dishes all year round.
Biohortisa 35-year-old family-owned business based in Austriawith 600 employees. It specialises in outdoor living and garden storage solutions and its latest innovation is the rectangular Gardening Modular Planting BoxSystem
Nurseryand garden centre with adifference
In 1994,the Alexian MonasteryGarden emerged as thesetting for the first agriculturalworkshop at the Alexian Monasteryin Cologne-Porz. The monasterygarden has sincedeveloped into a large production nurseryand retail spacewith its owncafé. With almost 200,000 customers annually,ithas reach far beyond the citylimits and is also adrawfor tourists.
Formorethan 800 yearsthe work of the Alexian Brothers, a global order,has been to servicethe poor,the sick andthosein need. Today in Cologne,the monasterygarden employsaround 250 people with and withoutmental or physical disabilities, offering astepping stone in life or with theaim to find mainstream employment within twoyears.Horticulture, floristry, garden and graveyardmaintenanceare at the hearttrainingbut learning customer serviceskills also playsanimportantrole
Home grownproducts without using chemicals, includes perennials, seasonal plants and around 100 herb varieties.These arethe backbone of salesbut regional partners who meet the garden’sstrict environmental requirementsare also used to offer awider rangeofhome and garden products.
The Alexianer MonasteryCafé sits in the heartofthe monasterygardens offering agreat view, homemade cakes, coffee and avariedlunch menu.
Also from Hartman is the newSophieLounge range in white, beige and grey
FromWitt
Retailing at its best
GCA’smembers have gathered at itsfourregionstocelebrate the winners from the annualinspections. Afull list of finalistsand additional pictures also appearin GTNXtra: www.gardentradenews.co.uk.
Garden Centreofthe Year
Destination Garden Centre
• RuxleyManor Garden Centre -SE
• BartonGrange Garden Centre-N
• Perrywood Garden Centre,Tiptree -E
• Planters Garden Centre,Tamworth-M,W &W
Garden Centre
• Coolings Nurseries -SE
• Fron Goch Garden Centre -N
• Poplars Garden Centre -E
• Old Railway Line Garden Centre -M,W&W
Local Garden Centre
• Millbrook Garden Company, Staplehurst-SE
• Fairways Garden Centre,Macclesfield- N
• Pennells Garden Centre,Grimsby- E
• Brimsmore Gardens –The Gardens Group-M, W& W
The GIMA Awardfor Best Garden Products Retailer
Destination Garden Centre
• RuxleyManor Garden Centre -SE
• BartonGrange Garden Centre-N
• Perrywood Garden Centre,Tiptree -E
• Planters Garden Centre,Tamworth-M,W &W
Garden Centre
• Squires Garden Centre,Milford- SE
• Klondyke Garden Centre,Stokesley- N
• Poplars GardenCentre-E
• Old Railway Line Garden Centre -M,W&W
TheteamfromRuxleyManor Garden Centre,Kentcelebrated with ninewins.
LocalGardenCentre
• Millbrook GardenCompany, Staplehurst-SE
• Fairways GardenCentre, Macclesfield -N
• BritishGardenCentres,Upminster-E
• Pugh’s GardenVillage,Wenvoe-M,W &W
The Awardfor Catering Excellencefor BestGarden Centre Restaurant DestinationGardenCentre
• RuxleyManor GardenCentre-SE
• BentsGardenand Home -N
• PerrywoodGardenCentre, Tiptree -E
• Planters GardenCentre, Tamworth -M,W& W
GardenCentre
• Henry Street GardenCentre-SE
• KlondykeGardenCentre, Astbury-N
• Meadow CroftGardenCentre–E(Joint)
• Poplars GardenCentre–E (Joint)
• Fairways GardenCentre, Ashbourne -M,W &W
CongratulationstoBarton Grange Garden Centre which triumphedinfivecategories.
Local Garden Centre
• Millbrook GardenCompany,Staplehurst -SE
• Klondyke Garden Centre,Howdens –N(Joint)
• KlondykeGardenCentre, Holland Arms, Anglesey–N(Joint)
• KlondykeGardenCentre, Daleside-N(Joint)
• KlondykeGarden Centre,Stringers –N(Joint)
• Rutland Nursery-E
• Raglan Garden Centre -M,W &W
Food Hall/Farm Shop Award
Destination Garden Centre
• RuxleyManorGarden Centre -SE
• BartonGrange GardenCentre-N
• Blue Diamond, Bicester -E
• Gates Garden Centre -M,W &W
Garden Centre
• Garsons Garden Centre,Titchfield- SE
• BellisBrothers Farm Shop &Garden Centre -N
• CotonOrchardGarden Centre -E
• Old Railway Line Garden Centre -M,W&W
Local Garden Centre
• Dunbar Garden Centre -N
• Pennells Garden Centre,Sleaford- E
• BrimsmoreGardens –The Gardens Group- M, W&W
Indoor Lifestyle Award forBestIndoorLifestyle Retailer
Destination Garden Centre
• RuxleyManor Garden Centre -SE
• BartonGrangeGardenCentre-N
• Perrywood Garden Centre,Tiptree -E
• PerrywoodGardenCentre, Tiptree -E
• Webbs GardenCentre, Wychbold- M, W& W
GardenCentre
• SquiresGardenCentre, Milford-SE(Joint)
• RansomsGardenCentre-SE(Joint)
• Millbrook GardenCompany,Gravesend- SE (Joint)
• Cowell’sGardenCentre-N
• Aylett Nurseries -E
• Fairways GardenCentre, Ashbourne- M, W &W
Local GardenCentre
• Knights PlantCentre, Betchworth -SE
• KlondykeGardenCentre, Daleside -N
• Pennells GardenCentre, Grimsby-E
• Webbs of Wychbold -M,W &W
GardenCentre
• Garsons GardenCentre, Titchfield -SE
• Fron Goch GardenCentre-N
• Poplars GardenCentre-E
• OldRailway Line GardenCentre-M,W &W
Local GardenCentre
• Knights PlantCentre, Betchworth -SE
• Fairways GardenCentre, Macclesfield -N
• Pennells GardenCentre, Grimsby-E
• Brimsmore Gardens –The Gardens Group -M, W& W
IanBoardmanAward for Best Indoor Plants Retailer
DestinationGardenCentre
• RuxleyManor GardenCentre-SE
• BentsGardenand Home -N
• Brimsmore Gardens –The GardensGroup -M, W& W
Outdoor Living Awardfor Best Outdoor Living Retailer
DestinationGardenCentre
• RuxleyManor GardenCentre-SE
• BentsGardenand Home -N
• Scotsdales GardenCentre-E
• Webbs GardenCentre, Wychbold- M, W& W
GardenCentre
• Garsons GardenCentre, Titchfield- SE
• Fron GochGardenCentre-N
• Poplars GardenCentre-E
• Fairways GardenCentre, Ashbourne- M, W &W
Local GardenCentre
• MillbrookGardenCompany,Staplehurst -SE
Winnersinthe East region
GCA Regional Winners
• Fairways Garden Centre, Macclesfield - N
• BritishGarden Centres, Charlbury- E
• BrimsmoreGardens –The Gardens Group- M, W& W
The BartonGrange Trophy for Commercial Innovation and Creativity
Destination Garden Centre
• RuxleyManor Garden Centre -SE
• Bents Garden and Home -N
• Perrywood Garden Centre,Tiptree -E
• Planters Garden Centre,Tamworth-M,W &W
Plantaria (RuxleyRose)
Destination Garden Centre
• RuxleyManor Garden Centre -SE
• BartonGrange Garden Centre -N
• Perrywood Garden Centre,Tiptree -E
• Planters Garden Centre,Tamworth-M,W &W
Garden Centre
• Millbrook Garden Company, Gravesend-SE
• Cowell’sGarden Centre -N
• Perrywood Garden Centre,Sudbury–E
• Old Railway Line GardenCentre-M,W &W
Local Garden Centre
• Thompson’sWelling -SE
In theMidlands, Wales& West,Brimsmore Gardens took home six winning certificates.
• British GardenCentres, Harrogate-N
• BritishGardenCentres,Charlbury-E
• BrimsmoreGardens –The Gardens Group- M, W& W
The Paul Cooling Award forEnvironment and Sustainability
• HaskinsGardenCentre, Snowhill –SE
• BentsGardenand Home -N
• PerrywoodGardenCentre, Tiptree -E
• Castle Gardens –The Gardens Group- M, W &W
Customer ServiceAward for BestCustomer Service
• CoolingsNurseries -SE
• Fron Goch GardenCentre- N
• Poplars GardenCentre-E
• OldRailway Line GardenCentre-M,W&W
The DickAllen Awardfor Most ImprovedCentre
• Thompson’s Canterbury-SE
• RHSHarlowCarr -N
• British GardenCentres,Tring -E
• Webbs GardenCentre, West Hagley-M,W& W
Larchwood on the rise
Withstrongsales in Europe, no treatment required, and apositiveimpact on plant health, Jagram asks if it’s time to reconsider your timber options?
While pressure-treated timber remains ago-tochoiceinUK garden retail, many buyersmay nothaveexploredthe benefits of larch— an increasingly popular,naturally durable softwood gaining momentum in theplanter and decorativesectors throughout Western Europe.
Jagram is introducing adedicated range of planters, screens, and garden structures made from 100% untreated, sustainably sourced larch, offering UK retailers an eco-conscious option alongsidetheir standard productlines. The bestsellerfromthe range, the Larix Planter, wasshortlistedfor the NewProductAward
atGlee 2024,and its record salesin2025 confirm its growing popularity.Other larch products are also proving popular across Western Europe.
“Larch contains up to 8% resin content nearly double that of pine—which acts as a naturalpreservative, helping to resist fungal decay,rot, and insect damage without the need for chemical treatments,” say the Jagram team. This makes it an ideal choice for edible gardens, pollinator-friendly planting,and environments wheresoil purity matters.Larch wood is classified as Durability Class3–4 under EN 350,placing it on par with many treated softwoods in termsofperformance, but withoutthe risk of chemical leaching
“Wedon’tsee larch as areplacement, but as an intelligent extension of the timber range,”the team adds.
See it for yourself at Glee 2025.Visit our stand to discoverthe potential of this revolutionarywood. Anatural, chemicalfree choicefor smartergardensolutions
Jagram SA jagram.co.uk +48 575 750 037 contact@jagram.com
Pet andaquatics trade meet to do business
Excitement builds forPATS2025atthe NEC Birmingham for the first time.
Following arecord-breaking PATS 2024, which saw the largest ever increase in both exhibitor andvisitor numbers, the 2025 event is settooffer companies even more opportunitiesasitmovestothe UK’s largest exhibitioncentre.
It’snew venue, the NECBirmingham, means morethan 400 exhibitors canbe accommodated in the centre’sHall 1and more of the latest launches can be showcased to a wider audienceofpet store,garden centres and international buyers.
Showfeatures
Theever-popular NewProductShowcase gives buyers the chancetofeel andtouch new productsfor stockinginthe comingseasons. Entries will be judged by apanel of independent retailers to decide the winners of the New Product Awards.
Therewill be twoexcitingzones: the New StarterZone,where buyers cansource products fromnew businesses and start-ups; and the Aquatics Zone,a focused area for the key aquatics, reptile and watergardeningexhibitors.
And with an increasing number newgrooming salons,PATSwill be presenting state-of-the-art demonstrations in the Grooming Workshop PATS offers free show entryand catalogue. With good cateringfacilities and plenty of seatingareas, visitorscan concentratefully on the main businessofthe day –seeing top-class products from the biggest range of suppliers and manufacturers under oneroof
PATS,The Pet& Aquatics TradeShow2025
NECBirmingham,Hall 1
Sunday, 28thSeptemberTuesday, 30th September.
Retailersand buyers can register forPATS 2025 and findthe latest showinformationat www.patshow.co.uk
Show stoppersin the headlines
Planterianewsroundup from shows so farthissummer.
It’sbeen abusy few months with trade and consumer flower shows fuelling demand and enthusiasm for plant buying.FromBBC Gardeners’ World Live, through to the HTA National Plant Showand theRHS Hampton CourtGarden Festival,there havebeen plants galoretoadd colour and interest to benches this season and those in thefuture.
the1990’s. “Thishasn’thad any human intervention –it’snaturedoing what she does best and makingamazingcreations,” addsStephanie.
Trees have been trialled on thenursery foradecade, and it’snow available for garden centrestoorder.Thereare also plans to enteritintothe RHSChelsea Plant of the Year competition in 2026 forits consumer launch, whereitwill certainly garner morepublicity
Awards for floweringcherry
The team from tree growerFrank PMatthews took home twoawards from the HTANationalPlant Show. It’s new flowering cherry Prunus sumaura ‘Fugenzo’ JAPANESE LANTERN was named Best in Show, and lovedbythe public as it took the Visitor Vote.The cherrystood out because of its most unusual blooms. Stephanie Dunn James says:“It’sshowstopping…..and probably the most beautiful flowering cherry youwill ever see.”Denselydouble and frilled, up to 30 petals per flower open with amix of white, yellow and green, deepening to adark pink as theymature and remain for up to five weeks. An exceptional choice forthe garden, this medium-sized spreading tree has bronze young leaves and vibrant autumn colour JAPANESE LANTERNS is anaturally occurringsportfound in Japan in
Italianagreement
Garden centresthroughout the UK cannow access amuchlarger rangeofstock from NewLeaf Plants following an agreement with Italian growerZelari Pinate, based in the Tuscanyregion. Dave Higginson, NewLeaf Plants Managing Director says stockisimported and held at theWorcestershire nursery allowing garden centres to takeplants when theywantthem. “Wecan drip feed it into gardencentres, so stockiskept fresh, and becausetheydon’t havetodeal direct with Italy, theyavoid allthe paperwork. They can have one, twoorthree items or whatever theyneed,”hesays. “Theyare also not having to invest ahugeamountofmoney to haveadirect deliverysoit’sidealfor the
smaller garden centres.”
Dave says he hasbeen looking intosuch an arrangement fora fewyears. “I’ve known Stephano, whoownsZelari, foranumber of years,and it is afamily businesslikeoursso it’sa goodworking relationship.”
Thearrangement has already boughtin some newleads with landscapers,afew smaller customers and groupstoo
Anyone for acocktail?
CoconutDaiquiriisa newaddition to the Whetman Cocktails range of dianthus bred by Whetman PlantsInternational which hasnow become Selecta-One UK Ltd. Alongwith theother four in the rangeand cocktail-themed labels, it offers garden centresgreat visual merchandising opportunities around summer and cocktails. CoconutDaiquiri is free flowering andhas strong upright stems. Oneplug can quickly fill a2Lpot while threecan create animpressive5Lproduct forinstant impact sales.
Thecompany hasalsocreated a promotional poster and flyer to boostthe sales of anew alpine dianthuscalled ItGirl.Atthe HTA National Plant
CoconutDaiquiri.
JAPANESE LANTERN
ThunbergiaalataSunnySusan (White Wedding)fromVolmaryisprovingtobea hit on mainland Europe forits clearwhiteblooms andlong flowering period. Pure white, and without Thunbergia’strademark blackeye,the company’sJack Cruickshank, says it’spopular fordecorating wedding venues as it canbeeasily grownaround arches, up pyramidal supports and in hanging baskets
Golden GroveNursery, Lincolnshire, hasadded to its impressivelist of around 180 varieties of coniferswith Piceaaibes‘Wild Strawberry’ bred in Poland. Aslowgrowingspruce, it reaches aheight of 0.4m and spreadofjust 0.5m in 10 years. Notable forits pink young cones, it is the perfect novelty forrock gardens and containers.
Show, Selecta One showedoff an easyto createdisplay for this bright pink and highly scented cultivar.Other points of interest include plants being drought toleranceand attractivetoinsects. The concept willbe ready next year
British first
While retaining amajorityofhouseplant growninthe UK, The HortiHouse is now also sourcingalimitedselection of plants from The Netherlands. Andy Burton, Managing Director of Double HNurseries in Hampshire, says Dutch stockincludes foliageand flowering plants and enables
CobbinsNurseryisgrowing both of thenew ‘blue’ cyclamen in theDragonseries forretail saleslater this year. CyclamenSuper SerieDragon Deep Blue wonthe Best in Flowering HouseplantCategoryinthe HTANew Plant Awards. JamesLisher, DirectorofCobbins Nursery, afamilybusiness which also owns nearbyHighdown Garden Centre, says he has 3,000 of DeepBlue andBlue plus agoodnumberofCyclamen Illusiawhichwon thesamecategory lastyear.
TheHorti Housetooffer garden centres a completerange. “British always comes first andthe Dutchplants won’tcompromise ourBritishidentity.But it does mean we cannow be aprimarysupplier forgarden centres,”hesays.
Newbespokecaretags arealsobeing rolled out acrossthe rangetosimplify growing instructions forconsumers. They also include sustainability benefits the picturesthe UnionJack
Ordering on themove
Anew app,allowing customers to order plantsfromtheir phones while out and aboutinstock andplanterias no matter what time of day hasbeen rolled outby
Bransfords Webbs Plant Company.It’s taken around six monthstodevelop the app with b2becommerce company SwiftCloud.
“Customers usethe webshopbut our main pointofcontactwithour customers is stillthe phone, andwespeaktothem on aregular basis.But we haveseen many customers placing orders on thewebshop at weekends andinthe evening,when we arenot contactable,”says SarahAllen National AccountCoordinator &Digital ContentCreator at Brandsfords Webbs PlantCompany
“Mostofour customershave smartphones and we’vebeen listening to their comments. Theysaid it would be useful to order while walkingaround the plant area,”says Sarah. Theapp is linked to anew online webshopwhich Sarah describes as ‘smooth and slick’with
Andy Burton, The Horti House.
Limited quantities of Dahlia LaBella Grande ChocolateRose will be available this summer and should be abig hit with customersifit’swin as the Best Annual, Tender Perennials and Container &Basket Plants categoryisanything to go by Deep purple blooms fading to apaler pink appear areoffsetby dark foliage and its one of four in the series bred by Beekenkamp Plants.
Thecompany’sJohanHeemskerk says plants were trialled last year in quitehostile conditions to ensure theywillbea success in gardens. “Weare really testing it to the limit, because we want to seehow good thegenetics really are,”hesays.
Grande ChocolateRose is one of four currently in therange,but Johan says moreare being trialled.
informationand orders automatically updated.
Newfeatures includeimages of crops plus pdf’s with plant information such as height, spread, flower colour and maintenancetips. It alsoremembers ‘favourites’and shows any plants that may havealready been reserved.
“Ultimately,weare using the newapp as an extrasalesperson and so far, the reactionhas been very positive,” says
From Javado UK,Michel Heemskerk proudlyshows offtwo plants whichwon the FoliageHouseplant and the Cacti & Succulents categories. Calathea‘Velvet Glory’ bringsa new wavy-edged leafeffect to the rangewhile Cotyledontomentosa ‘Green Footprint’ with feet-shaped leaves, is suretoattract the attention andcuriosity of younger shoppers. It differsfrom what is sold as Bear’s Pawbecause it has green, rather than red tips.
Hibiscussyriacus‘Purple Chiffon’ and ‘Ruby Chiffon’ arenew to themarket from G.C.Stolwijk &Co. Bothdisplaydramatic coloured and shaped blooms.
Judges of Hot OffThe Potting Bench, the new plantcompetition at BBCGardeners’ World Live gave thetop prize to DahliaGardenetta® Velvet Crush from Ball Horticulture.Animpressive plant,ithas adoublelavender-purpletwo-tone flowerswhich contrast withdeep bronze leaves. Promising robust garden performance, plants aresturdy, well-branched plants andlookgreat in patio containers.
Harkness Rosesboosted its rangeofliterary themedroseswiththe introduction of ‘Jane Austen’s Emma’ and ‘Jane Austen’s Persuasion’ at the RHSHampton Court Palace Garden Festival. Theformer is adelicatepinkhybridtea with asweet fragrance. BloomingfromJuneuntil the autumn, it is acompact grower in thegarden and stems makefor attractivecut flowers ‘JaneAusten’s Persuasion’isadeep pink floribunda, perfectfor beds,bordersand patio containers.
Nevera dullmoment
r a dull moment
Will Armitage, HTAPresident
We’ve made it to August! Not to rubitin, but I’mwritingthiswith the warm Mediterranean sun beating down, with acoolbreezefromthe south giving the waterinthe harbour aslight shimmer and keepingthe temperaturejust belowabeautiful 30 degrees.
Likeme, most garden centrecustomers will either be on holiday,or they’ll be out enjoying their gardens this summer.This meansthat after abusy last fewmonths, August will really feel quiet, but perhaps not forthose who arealready preparing for Christmas. It will be all hands to the pumps -stock pouringin, ready to be priced and stored forthe big build -asfinal adjustments aremade to the display plans, and stock inspections to seethe final quantities as it all arrives. But we ask ourselves the same question everyyear howsoon is toosoon?
Do you, likemany major retailers, startwith cards and wrap for the August bank holiday?
HTAonthe road
Members of the HTAteam arenot having aquiet summer at all. Following areally successful Plants in Parliament event during the week of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, we havetaken the showonthe road. With the help of HTACouncil members, Old Railway Line Garden Centre, has recreated Plants in the Senedd, giving us
an opportunity to talk to members of the Senedd about all thing’s horticultureand its contribution to the economy.
Following on from the successof the announcement of the Sanitaryand PhytosanitaryAgreement in May we have also been to the CzechRepublicfor the European Nurserystock Association meeting to seehow we can all work together to make sure the newagreement works for everyone. It doesn’tseem liketwo minutes sincewe held the HTANational Plant Show(18th-19th June), SOLEX has been andgone, and Glee is only afew weeks away.The HTAwill of coursebethere, so pleasedopop ontothe stand and say hello.Wenot only represent ourmembers, but we also work by default for the wider industry. If youhaven’tbeen able to attend any of our regional events and youhavesomething to tell us,please come to ourstand at Glee. We would love to meet as many members there as possible.
Annual conference
And finally,it’sthe big one next month, Horticulture, The Conference. At the time of writing,we’ve confirmed some fantastic speakers for the event at the iconic Barbican CentreinLondon on Thursday 25th September
Dr Tim Leunig, Economist and Policy Expert, is back by popular demand, where
Pleasedodropby ourstand at Glee in September to say ‘hello’ and discuss howthe HTAcan help your business.
he’ll join JenniferPheasey, theHTA’s Director of PublicAffairs, in acompelling fireside chat, Making Sense of the UK’s Economic and Political Future
Josh McBain, aleading global foresight expert, will deliver akeynotesession titled What’sShaping Our Industry? AStrategic Perspective,wherehe’ll explorethe key global forcesshaping the futureofUK environmental horticulture.
And don’tmissBBC Breakfast presenter Jon Kay as he chairs our BusinessLeaders and BusinessEfficiencysession. Our panel of businessexperts will explorewhat makes amodern leader effective, from strategic thinking and infrastructure planningto people management and communication.
Ihopeyou’vegot your ticketstojoin us for aday of insightful discussions and networking.Wehopetosee youthere! •For all thedetails about theconference, Grower of the Year Awards and thepostconference dinner visitwww.hta.org.uk/ conference
Find outmore
TheHorticulturalTrades Association is the UK industry’s leading membershiporganisation and welcomes all sectorsofenvironmental horticulture.Tolearn more, please visit www.hta.org.uk or to enquire aboutmembershippleaseemail: membership@hta.org.uk
