GTN June-July 2025 Solex Preview Issue - Garden Trade News UK

JUNE/JULY 2025

gardentradenews.co.uk

26 Page SOLEX Preview Advice & information for garden centre professionals

Outdoor style at SOLEX 2025 SOLEX 2025 PREVIEW ISSUE

ONLINE GARDEN CENTRE

High street garden retailer interview

CHELSEA CELEBRATIONS

Industry success at RHS flower show

ALADDIN’S CAVE

GTN tours Kaemingk’s showroom

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Comment

Paving the way for a positive summer T alking to garden centres and growers this month, we’ve learned that although the end of May and June were quiet, the slower sales haven’t dampened the spirits of what was an extremely busy spring. After several years of what has felt like and uphill struggle, the favourable weather has certainly lifted the mood. Even with financial pressures from elsewhere, businesses are pushing on and investing in their futures.

In this issue, GTN has an exclusive interview with Richard Redman, Head of Online Trading at Robert Dyas. He offers insights into why the high street retailer feels now is the right time to launch its new online garden centre.

At Monkton Elm Garden Centre, Mike Lind tells

In this issue...

4

54

Westland’s Rising Stars

29

Fandango Fire Tools

GTN exclusive

56

Introducing the Greatest Food &

33

Firepits UK

Drink Awards at Glee

34

Hartman Outdoor Products

26 Page SOLEX Preview Advice & information for garden centre professionals

Outdoor style at SOLEX 2025 SOLEX 2025 PREVIEW ISSUE

ONLINE GARDEN CENTRE

GTN exclusive interview with Richard Redman

CHELSEA CELEBRATIONS

Industry success at RHS flower show

ALADDIN’S CAVE

Tour of Kaemingk’s showroom

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING Garden Trade News Potting Shed Press Ltd Dairy Drove Thorney Peterborough PE6 0TX Tel 01733 775700 www.gardentradenews.co.uk THE GTN TEAM Editor Trevor Pfeiffer trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk Features Editor Anisa Gress anisa@pottinghsedpress.co.uk Advertising Sales Alan Burdon Alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk Digital Editor Neil Pope neil@pottingshedpress.co.uk Subscriptions Karen Pfeiffer karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk Design & Production AT Graphics Ltd www.atgraphicsuk.com Lucy Carnell – Design Alun Jones – Production Manager Robert Tipping – Managing Director James Tipping – Technical Director Printing CG Print Ltd Do you qualify for a copy of GTN?

Alternatively, if you prefer your Garden Trade News digitally, sign up for GTN Xtra, our weekly e-mail newsletter at www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Potting Shed Press Ltd

39

Norfolk Leisure

40

Woodlodge W Living

Garden Trade News is published by Potting Shed Press Ltd who also publish: GTN Bestsellers, GTN Xtra, Glee Daily News and the Glee Catalogue, and the Solex Sun. Potting Shed Press also supply Garden Radio to over 100 garden centres across the country.

43

Zest

Director Trevor Pfeiffer

45

Alexander Rose

46

SOLEX

24 Welcome to SOLEX 2025

47

Autumn Fair

25 Afterparty, awards and events

Advertisers in this Issue

51

Kaemingk

2

Celtic Leisure

61

PATS

Glee

62

Four Oaks Garden Girls

Kaemingk showroom visit

12

Industry-wide help for peat-free

58

Catering investments at Monkton Elm

growing advice

19

gardentradenews.co.uk

If you’d like to be added to the GTN distribution list, please send your details to Karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk to see if you qualify to be included.

New online garden centre –

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16

GTN why the decision to revamp and update its catering facilities was the right one. With more than 400 covers, the centre is now prepared for the busy future.

And, of course, this issue has an exclusive focus on SOLEX 2025 with a 26-page preview offering everything you need to know about the show taking place at the NEC. With buoyant furniture and bbq sales so far, the show will help buyers secure a positive summer and be ready and waiting for 2026.

We look forward to seeing as many of you as we can at SOLEX and don’t forget you can keep up to date with SOLEX Sun bringing you daily news from build up and every day of the show.

See you at SOLEX!

JUNE/JULY 2025

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

62

Planteria

inspiration and winners

64

EHG Viewpoint

GTN’s SOLEX 2025 Preview

65

HTA Viewpoint

22 Exhibitor plan and listing

66

GIMA Viewpoint

26 Bramblecrest at 25 28 SOLEX exhibitor news

7

36 HEX Living luxury

13

Handy Distribution

63

48

GIMA golf day

14

Deco-Pak

67

Museums & Galleries

52

GARDENA makes watering easy

20

Celtic Leisure

68

LOFA

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

SMALL PRINT: All material © Potting Shed Press Ltd 2025. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever, either for sale or not, without the express permission of the publishers. The information supplied in this publication is published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Potting Shed Press Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by reliance on information contained in this publication or in the event of any bankruptcy or liquidation or cassation of the trade of any company, individual or firm mentioned, is hereby excluded.

June/Julyy 2025 3

Interview

Digital garden centre Richard Redman, Head of Online Trading at Robert Dyas, gives GTN exclusive insight into the background, theory and planning behind the new online site gardencentre.co.uk. and the opportunities it presents for suppliers.

T

here aren’t many in the business who would turn their nose up at securing the domain gardencentre. co.uk, so when it was offered to Theo Paphitis he snapped it up. Although an avid supporter of high street retailing and small businesses through the Theo Paphitis Retail Group (TPRG) including Robert Dyas, Ryman, Boux Avenue and London Graphic Centre, the chance to expand garden retailing digitally was too good to miss.

The recent launch of the site, gives TPRG the perfect opportunity to grow its garden business, which until now has been just one of the categories within the many offerings of Robert Dyas, rubbing shoulders with sales of kettles, homewares and DIY must haves. That’s said, it is a core sector, accounting for a healthy portion of the business, through the high street’s e-commerce channel (robertdyas.co.uk).

Gardening will continue to be part of the Robert Dyas online offer, and the new platform gives TPRG the space to further inspire keen gardeners through new products and a like-minded community to ensure their gardens bloom.

A much-used online search term ‘garden centre’ swiftly brings shoppers to the site, where they will find a breadth of range to rival any traditional, bricks and mortar garden centre. Google will be the shop window for the new venture with its own branding and logo, new tone of voice, and expert advice, buying guides and information. It has been designed to delight shoppers already in a gardening frame of mind, helping to provide solutions for all their gardening needs.

The expertise and support for gardencentre.co.uk comes from existing

4 June/July 2025

Robert Dyas teams but there are no visual clues. Small print will reveal it to be a development of TPRG and suppliers with products on both robertdyas.co.uk and gardencentre.co.uk will find the same order management system in place. Products on both sites will be priced the same, but with a wider selection of garden-focussed products and solutions on the new platform. The ethics and values of Robert Dyas as a brand have been instilled and are the backbone of gardencentre.co.uk.

Full product range Richard Redman, has been with Robert Dyas for 25 years, initially as category manager for gardening (bolstered by a degree in plant sciences) and more recently as Head of Online Trading across all sectors. Since 2012, when Robert Dyas became part of the TPRG, investments have been made in the high street, and online businesses. “Theo believes you can have both. Our bricks and mortar high street proposition is core to Robert Dyas but we've realised the e-commerce channel isn't going away, and it's an increasing part of how customers want to find products,” he says. In fact, data from The Office of National Statistics show that in March 2025, 26.3% of all retail sales were via the internet. Compared with March 2018, before Covid, when the figure was 17.3%.

Robert Dyas has been working to bolster the garden product offering in readiness for the launch with both stores and its website benefitting from the increase in choice. Covid got in the way of gardencentre.co.uk’s developments but even so, he says, the site couldn’t go live until a comprehensive range of products

was available. “Five years ago, we didn't sell garden buildings, and they are now a multimillion-pound category for us, and three years ago, we didn’t sell live plants,” he says.

A partnership with Thompson & Morgan now means a comprehensive range of seasonal plants is available, and so far, the 2025 season has been the best yet.

Having the domain name secure isn’t a guarantee of success, but research carried out on the Robert Dyas website has highlighted people wanting to buy garden products, will use ‘garden centre’ as their search term. “We discovered a high percentage of our online orders came from postcodes nowhere near a Robert Dyas

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Interview

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

June/July 2025 5

Interview appear on the new website. “We are trying to get the 365-day turnover to fulfi fulfill the expectations of garden centre customers,” says Richard.

Retail evolution

store showing that our product range was resonating with customers online, as well as in-store,” says Richard. Although the brand remains strong on the high street, it seems shoppers are finding the site through searches using key words, which are not necessarily ‘Robert’ or ‘Dyas’.

What to expect Gardening has become a popular part of the Robert Dyas online offering, but as it is a mass retailer the website offers a myriad of products providing solutions for the home and garden. Although the lead in May is usually gardening, by July it could be paint that’s heading up the home page. Being able to give gardening its own platform on gardencentre.co.uk and give customers a wide range of product choice, brings a multitude of opportunities. “It allows us to enhance one of our key areas and gives us more space to talk about one set of products, even though there are tens of thousands of skus. Gardencentre.co.uk offers the opportunity to develop out the successful gardening lines, offering more range and diversity of product for beginner gardeners to those experienced gardeners looking for something more special for their garden.” says Richard.

By working closely with key suppliers and relying on their assets and knowledge, Robert Dyas aims to bring customers direct expert information so gardening and ‘how to’ messages remain strong. Richard said: “If we are not talking the same language, the end goal gets diluted, and we are not helping our green-fingered customers in the way we want to.” This all leads to a soft, friendly tone of voice that’s less price point driven.

Gardencentre.co.uk has a wide-range of suppliers offering everyday product needs,

6 June/July 2025

It will be part of the garden centre community, that just happens to be a digital version. but also the more unique and specialist larger items for the garden.

“It opens a whole new avenue of fruitful conversations for me and my buyers to bring in new vendors. It’s an exciting new string to our bow, building on our expertise in this area.”

And don’t forget Christmas. This too will

“We've seen the gap in the market and have always said that garden centres are missing a trick. If we don’t do it, someone else will. It will be interesting to see where the journey takes us,” says Richard.

“Gardencentre.co.uk is an evolution, not a replacement or ‘and/or’”, says Richard. “I'm excited because retail is tough. Everyone’s trying to enhance the game so from our point of view it’s how we reach another set of customers, grab that sale and continue to talk to that customer going forward.”

According to Richard, now is the perfect time for suppliers to join TPRG, because gardencentre.co.uk will drive their products with a pure focus on the gardening marketplace.

“I want to work with industry leading brands like all the bricks and mortar garden centres do, because they are the customers I am buying for. We've got a dedicated team bringing on new suppliers who are obviously focusing more on gardening now because of the new venture. It will be part of the garden centre community that just happens to be a digital version. It should be a marriage made in heaven.”

Promotional plans

This year will be test and learn for gardencentre.co.uk, “The idea is to get it up and running, to start doing some paid search activity through Google and social media,” says Tanya Carter, Head of Marketing at Robert Dyas. “We will build up sales this year, so we will have a clear view for February next year when we will do a bigger push. It’s a great time to soft launch, whilst still in the garden season.”

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Europe's most loved Garden Retail Trade Show

Are you in?

Bigger, better, and blooming with opportunity

New at Glee this year:

150+ brand new exhibitors for 2025

Introducing and Feed Your Business Stage

Plus, you can expect 400 of the top garden retail exhibitors waiting for you!

an exciting new area dedicated to the profitable opportunities and extended dwell time that a strong F&B offering brings to your garden centre.

Scan to register:

Updated dateline

New show layout

You asked, we listened — and September delivered!

We’re thrilled to welcome you back this September.

Improved for your perusal pleasure

GTN promotion

Spring Summer 2026,

Kaemingk style!

GTN visits Kaemingk in Holland to see its 2026 Spring Summer collection and meet the team as they gear up to start those allimportant deliveries of Christmas 2025.

I

t’s been over 10 years since GTN has had the opportunity to pop over to Aalten in eastern Holland to visit the Kaemingk showrooms. In that time the scale of the Kaemingk operation has grown enormously but the welcome, the quality of product offering and the wonderful Kaemingk hospitality hasn’t changed. It is of the highest quality and makes for a memorable and rewarding visit for the hundreds of UK garden centre buyers who make the trip.

More than 85 years ago the Kaemingk family business was created as a small market stall importing and selling Christmas products, including hand decorated Christmas baubles.

Then 30 years ago the current owners took the business over from the family and started making it fully international with major investments in the showroom, logistical solutions and more recently in IT tools.

Patrick Brinkcate, Sales Manager UK

8 June/July 2025

and Ireland explained: “Kaemingk is a truly international business, supplying. We are totally focused on making it an excellent experience to visit the showroom where customers can select product ranges in an easy to shop and inspirational environment.

“The main idea for Kaemingk for both Christmas and Spring Summer is that we want to be a one stop shop for seasonal decorations for our most import customer groups, the garden centres and independent retailers such as home interior and gift shops.”

The showroom is vast, with themed areas, specific product group areas and plenty of visual merchandising ideas all based around a central meeting and dining area which customers and their account manager use as a base during their visit.

“When people come to the showroom, they're met with their rep who guides them through the showroom and the simple process of ordering products

using scanners and in the Your Kaemingk webshop,” continued Patrick.

“Before showroom opening the sales staff gets a full two-day training programme, organised by our buying department so that we understand the thinking behind the themes, what is new, different, where we have the best possible pricing, new unique designs and concepts and how the different products complement each other.”

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

GTN promotion

Showroom tour A full tour of the Spring Summer Showroom is best split into two parts, the themes first, and then after an exceptional showroom lunch, the specific product areas. With roughly 7,000 lines to choose from, most customers stay overnight to come back for a few more hours ordering before their return journey.

THE FIVE THEMES FOR SPRING SUMMER 2026: • Boutique Resort – Take me to the tropics • Hello Sunshine – Live in full colour • Tasty Greens – From garden to table • Bella Vita – Where every day is a holiday • Cottage Love – Cherry every moment

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Each theme area starts outside with a walk into indoor where all the items on display are Kaemingk products. Colours, patterns and designs unique to Kaemingk created by the buying team with plenty of wow displays build by the Kaemingk deco team.

Patrick started our tour explaining “Every theme room is set up more or less the same.

All based on product or product groups so it's easy to identify what you are buying into.”

As we toured the themes Patrick highlighted a few new concepts that are being well received already: “Pasta & tomato and Fruti di Mare in Bella Vita has excited customers. Other areas getting a lot of interest are our sustainable products such as our recycled glass range. Colour is also becoming so much more important now because there's a lot of doom and gloom.

So, people try to find a way to have a bit of

fun, enjoy life and this is where colour helps.”

Sustainability seeps through the Kaemingk story, from extensive solar panels used to charge the fleet of warehouse logistic forklifts, the use of river transport to move containers from Rotterdam to Nijmegen saving thousands of road kilometres, and increased use of FSC cardboard for packaging.

After the tour around the theme areas, it’s time to visit the specific product displays featuring all of the products seen in the themes, plus more!

The Kaemingk Flower Shop range has doubled in size in three years with the flowers becoming more lifelike. “We even have real touch now for tulips and roses.

Plus, we also now offer complete flower and plant shop displays to make it easier for garden centres to maximise their sales of artificial flowers and plants.”

June/July 2025 9

GTN promotion

The miracle of delivering Christmas

Solar lights, plug in lights, pots, water features, outdoor furniture, rugs, hammocks and parasols all have their own display areas, in many cases grouped by factory to make direct container ordering easier.

Patrick adds: “We see ourselves as a seasonal business and don't classify ourselves as a typical garden furniture our outdoor pottery supplier. We focus a lot more on what is on trend which is clearly visible in the designs and use of colour.”

The last showroom area of Spring Summer 2026 to be toured is Easter, always an important and strong area for Kaemingk and its UK customers. And there’s not just one display of Easter products, there’s Easter for the themes of Cottage Love, Hello Sunshine and Tasty Green, plus a whole room full of eggs.

If you would like to find out more about the possibilities to work with Kaemingk, you can scan the QR code below.

This also allows you to make an appointment to visit the ‘pop-up’ Spring Summer 2026 Kaemingk showroom at Stoneleigh near Coventry between 7-18 July 2025.

10 June/July 2025

Did you know that Kaemingk have already started picking orders for Christmas 2025?

Niek Sanders, Kaemingk’s logistics manager showed us around the main 20,000 sq metres picking warehouse where orders are already being collated and then stored away ready to added to when further stock arrives. “It is peak in the warehouse now and unloading up to 45 containers a day,” he explained, “We pre-pack everything now, store it in one of 7 other warehouses and by the time the customer wants the product delivered, we do another pack, combine the two and then ship it to them.”

Patrick Brinkcate added: “We're in a much better position than last year. We've changed a few things in our way of ordering in China, the logistical process in our warehouses and as a little bonus we took advantage of US ordering downturns earlier in the year, bring our production forward where possible. We already have over 70% of Christmas 2025 in stock and will be at least at 95% by September.

So that means when people expect their delivery, they can expect to receive a high delivery percentage in their first drop.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Seasonal Savings for Smart Retailers

British garden equipment manufacturer Handy has announced a raft of promotional offers across a substantial range of garden machinery ideally suited to Autumn tasks. Retailers can benefit from pricing reductions on SSP for hedgetrimmers, chainsaws, log splitters, leave blowers, shredders and more.

AUTUMN

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Retailers can unlock serious savings on trusted garden tools

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AUTUMN CHAINSAW DEALS WEECS402200

Long days and warm weather can take its its toll on gardens during the Summer months, so Autumn is a busy time of year as gardeners across the nation step up and start to prepare for the dominant Winter months ahead. Having the right Autumn gardening machinery in stock is essential to meet customer needs and provide valuable sales opportunities.

Webb 2200W 40cm (16”) Electric Chainsaw

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With the arrival of Autumn comes the bane of the season for many gardeners, clearing fallen leaves. To make light work of this task, garden blowers/ vacuums are an essential piece essential pieces of garden equipment. Handy has special offers on blowers and combined Vacuum/Blowers that also shred debris into a compostable mulch, across its Greenworks cordless, The Handy and Q Garden electric, and Webb petrol models. There is a wide range to choose from to suit all budgets.

Autumn is also the time of year you’re most likely to hear chainsaws in the garden, as trees and light shrubs get pruned to help keep them healthy and in good shape for the months ahead. To make light work of this challenging job, Handy has a comprehensive range of chainsaws and logs splitters available.

When it comes to getting rid of all those leaves and branches after pruning back those trees and shrubs, a garden shredder is ideal. Three shredders included in Handy’s Autumn offers is including the Webb Electric Impact Shredder with Box and Detachable Hopper.

Over 70 garden machinery products have been included in Handy’s new Autumn garden machinery promotion, which is available on orders placed before the end of September 2025

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WEESS Webb 2800W Electric Silent Shredder with Collection Box

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1

Growing media

Via YouTube, Mike Burks guides gardeners through choosing and using peat free.

Joined up story telling Garden centre teams and customers throughout the UK can now benefit from consistent and free advice about using peat-free growing media, thanks to a collaboration between the GCA, the RHS and industry.

N

avigating away from peat-based growing media has been tricky, with both garden centre staff and their customers having to quickly learn new approaches to handling different mixes. Watering, feeding and selecting the right product have all come under the spotlight and with 2.8 million cubic metres of bagged growing media (equivalent to about 1,120 Olympic swimming pools) sold through retail, shop floor teams have been under pressure to guide their customers and help them grow the best possible plants.

12 June/July 2025

“It was clear consumers were struggling with using peat-free compost and they also didn’t understand why we had to go peat free. We wanted to try and explain why we needed to change,” says Peter Burks, GCA Chief Executive.

“We wanted the same message and the same wording to go out to everybody.”

Both the Garden Centre Association (GCA) and Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) are ports of call when it comes to providing advice and have recognised the need for information to be robust and consistent. By working together with the

industry and leaning on decades of research, new resources have been created to benefit everyone.

Free videos to post on garden centre websites and a downloadable leaflet are now available to all, plus the RHS has created an email service for anyone to use if they want extra advice or specific information.

“We’ve launched this new peat-free [email] advice service to support gardeners in making a smooth transition to sustainable growing media,” says Alistair Griffiths, RHS Director of Science.

“Our trials have shown that peat-free compost

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Growing media

PEAT-FREE WORKS...

DIFFERENTLY! Compost is changing to become peat-free.

To get the best results, adjust the way you water and feed plants. Although the new compost will look, feel and smell different to peat-based compost, plants don’t mind and will still thrive when you follow these simple steps.

Buy wisely Choosing the right compost is key to healthy plants and saving money.

Here’s a quick guide: • Sowing Seeds? Look for seed and cutting compost.

• Potting and Containers? Use multi-purpose compost or specific container and basket compost.

• Soil Improver? Using home-made compost will save money otherwise choose a specific soil improver or farmyard manure.

• House plants? Use a house plant compost or a specific mix for plants such as cacti, citrus, orchids or bonsai.

• Reduce Weeds and Watering? Use mulches like bark or coir chip to keep moisture in and block weeds.

• Growing Acid-Loving Plants? Choose a special ericaceous peatfree mix for acid loving plants like rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas.

Some of the images available to help boost social media content.

Buy fresh compost each season, store in a dry space.

Check out the independent Responsible Sourcing Scheme to learn more about your peat-free compost.

Email the free RHS advisory service if you have any questions, at peatfree@rhs.org.uk.

Tips Using peat-free compost wisely 1. Check Moisture Levels: Peat-free compost can appear dry on the surface while remaining wet underneath. To avoid over-watering, check moisture by sticking your finger into the compost or lifting the pot to gauge its weight. If it is heavy or feels moist below the top 2cm’s of the surface, it likely has enough water.

2. Monitor Plant Health: Keep a close eye on your plants. Signs that they may need feeding include slowed growth, pale leaves, or fewer flowers. If you notice these changes, start feeding regularly with a balanced, all-purpose plant food. To be on the safe side you can use a mild liquid feed from two weeks after potting.

3. Proper Storage: Store your compost in a cool, dry place to maintain its quality and effectiveness.

Why is peat-free important?

Peat is great for the planet when left in the ground as it supports wildlife and reduces the impact of climate change. Become a greener gardener by moving to peat free and make a real difference.

Free to download from enrichtheearth.co.uk, this leaflet and images for social media can be used freely by all garden centres.

can match or even outperform peat-based mixes, and we hope this service will help dispel any doubts by offering practical, expert guidance.”

Spreading the word Through funding from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, the GCA and RHS have created three videos ranging in running time from one minute up to three minutes. Hosted by Mike Burks, Managing Director of the Gardens Group and Nikki Barker, RHS Peat-free Transition Project Co-ordinator, they present tips on how to choose, use and store the right product. “We’re hoping garden centres will run the videos in their compost areas, and shop floors, or include it on their own websites,” says Peter.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Enriching the earth The videos are boosted by an advice leaflet created earlier this spring and available online via another collaborative campaign called Enrich the Earth. Partners range from environmental charities through to retailers and academics working together to transform green and food waste into nutrient rich compost and to boost peat-free gardening. It’s hoped the downloadable leaflet will be embedded into social media platforms or printed for display in till or compost

areas or given to customers when they buy compost. In addition, there is a selection of images for garden centres to use for social media.

All these sources lead customers to the Responsible Sourcing Scheme website and RHS peat-free hub where more information can be found.

Projects are ongoing and the GCA and RHS are in regular discussions, keeping tabs on the nature of the enquiries coming in to ensure information remains up to date.

Making the most of free information and advice Email • peatfree@rhs.org.uk is a free service email set up by the RHS for anyone, including garden centre teams, who need advice and tips on gardening peat-free. It is especially useful for garden centre customers who have specific or tricky questions.

Videos • Peat-free gardening advice from the GCA and RHS for use on websites or social media platforms • Short tips bit.ly/RHSGCAtoptipspeatfree • Longer advice bit.ly/RHSGCApeatfreetips

Leaflets • Downloadable and printable leaflets plus images for boosting social media content are available from Enrich the Earth. Visit www.enrichtheearth.co.uk

June/July 2025 13

Gravel, Grit and Graft: The Hall brothers on the future of Deco-Pak

For over two decades, Deco-Pak has stood as a staple of the UK garden retail landscape, offering a broad portfo olio of decorative aggregates, creative landscaping solutions, and a service model deeply rooted in family values. No ow, with the next generation firmly at the helm, brothers Cra aig and David Hall are steering the business into a bold ne ew chapter — one defined by innovation, agility, and amb bition.

W

e sat down with Managing Director Craig Hall to explore the business’s rich legacy, their shared vision for the future, and why a blend of tradition and transformation is the winning formula for success.

From garden roots to retail reinvention “Deco-Pak has always been a family business,” Craig explains, recounting the early days alongside his brother David and their father, who first made his mark in the decorative aggregates world in the mid-1980s with a business called Cem-Pak. “The industry was in our blood. When we launched Deco-Pak, we saw a real gap

in the market for a supplier that combined innovative products with strong logistics and service. We knew we could offer something different.”

That spirit of hands-on involvement started young. “Our school holidays were spent helping out in the office or on the shop floor. I vividly remember designing POS displays for Dad’s business,” Craig reflects. “At the time, displays were an afterthought, but we began to see their value in shaping the customer experience.

That’s a lesson I’ve carried through ever since.”

A family business – built on complementary strengths While both brothers share the reins at DecoPak, each brings a distinct set of strengths to

the business.

“My background is rooted in marketing, so my focus has always been on product development, packaging, and presentation — right through to how everything looks and feels in-store. Over time, that’s evolved into a real passion for process: identifying marginal gains, refining operational efficiency, and continuously improving how we produce and deliver. David, on the other hand, is a natural with people. His breadth of experience in sales and supply chain instils real confidence in our buyers. When he says we’ll deliver, he knows exactly how we’ll make it happen.”

This balance of skills has helped transform Deco-Pak from a respected industry player into a modern, agile operation — perfectly

company’s supply chain through a “sourceto-store” model. A major development that promises to transform everything from procurement to delivery.

Trends to watch: from pouches to premium

positioned to meet the changing demands of garden retail.

Small changes, big impact When asked about the biggest learning curve in leadership, Craig doesn’t hesitate: “It’s often the smallest changes that make the biggest difference.”

One example? Something as seemingly trivial as reorganising bag film storage in the warehouse. “It now saves us an hour a day in production. That’s 1,500 extra tonnes processed a year, all from one minor change.”

This granular focus on operational efficiency is part of a wider transformation strategy that’s gathered serious momentum over the past 18 months.

Sustainability, service and the road ahead Under Craig and David’s stewardship, Deco-Pak has undergone a quiet revolution. A hybrid haulage model has slashed delivery lead times — currently averaging 4.8 days, with a 3-day target firmly in sight — while the team drives hybrid and electric vehicles, sources smarter packaging materials, and recycles on-site water for aggregate washing.

But sustainability isn’t just a tick-box exercise.

“Everything we do has to deliver real value to our customers,” says Craig. “It’s about making the business more resilient and responsive, without compromising on service or quality.”

The brothers are also reimagining the

With garden retail evolving rapidly, Deco-Pak’s product innovation is sharp and strategically placed. Their Chelsea pouch range, for instance, taps into the booming houseplant and indoor gardening trend, offering compact, POS-friendly formats that drive crossmerchandising and increase basket spend.

Meanwhile, the Signature Collection satisfies demand for more luxurious outdoor living aesthetics, and their expanding winter fuel range continues to deliver strong seasonal sales.

Deco-Pak’s growth mindset is also visible in the expansion of its EcoStone line, which makes it easier for consumers to make sustainable choices without compromising on design or quality.

Facing the future: from Brexit to blue skies In an industry hit hard by Brexit, global supply challenges, and environmental pressures, DecoPak has remained remarkably nimble.

“We’ve built a supply chain based on trust and long-term relationships. That’s helped us stay agile,” Craig says. “And where there have been hurdles, we’ve used them as opportunities to innovate; whether that’s switching materials or finding efficiencies in logistics.”

Even weather patterns, the perennial wildcard of the landscaping market, are met with strategy and foresight. “A season can hinge on a few good weeks of sun. That’s why we focus on creating products that off er lasting offer

impact, are easy to install, and present great value.”

Looking ahead: growth, innovation, and a legacy in the making So, what’s next for Deco-Pak? “Year one under our leadership was all about stabilisation. Year two has been about consolidation. Now, we’re entering a growth phase, with the long-term goal of reclaiming our position as the UK’s number one landscaping supplier to garden retail.”

This ambition is being backed by investment in facilities, a restructured supply chain, and product development that blends retail insight with sustainability and lifestyle appeal.

There’s also a long view. While their children are still young, Craig and David aren’t ruling out a third generation of Halls joining the business in the future. “They’ve already done a few weekend shifts,” Craig smiles. “If they do join us one day, we hope to pass on the same values that shaped us — a strong work ethic and a creative mindset for doing things differently.”

Brothers in business – and in belief What ties it all together is trust. Not just between Craig and David, but within the wider Deco-Pak team.

“Seeing the growth of both the business and our people is incredibly rewarding,” Craig says.

“Working with my brother means we bring a shared vision and a deep understanding of each other’s strengths. That’s made us better leaders, and it’s what’s driving Deco-Pak’s next chapter.”

With gravel, grit and graft — and a sharp eye on the future — the Hall brothers are proving that Deco-Pak’s best days are still to come.

Find out more

At Deco-Pak, the focus is not just on supplying aggregates but on transforming the category, helping retailers off er products that inspire customers and offer drive footfall. Through innovation, sustainability and a proven commitment to dependable service, DecoPak is positioning itself as the supplier of choice for season 2025 and beyond. find out more contact the Deco-Pak team today To find by emailing sales@deco-pak.co.uk, calling (01422) 204394 or visiting www.deco-pak.co.uk

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025

Fields of gold Eyes of the gardening world see UK horticulture at its best while the garden centre sector is boosted by a hoard of gold medals.

S

umptuous plants exquisitely displayed in gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, have further elevated the gardening frenzy already being enjoyed by the sector thanks to the warm, dry spring.

And while naturalistic, wildlife gardens still dominate, the good news is that colour continues to creep back in. Particularly noticeable were bolts of bright yellow, but strong pinks and blues were included in many of the borders tempting visitors and television viewers to try something different.

Roses remain steadfast with Rose ‘Wild Rover’, a predominant cultivar used in Jo Thompson’s The Glasshouse Garden, selling out during the first day of the show from the Peter Beales website. Other roses used in the garden elevated traditional varieties and included Rosa ‘Charles de Mills’ thought to date back to 1790, and ‘Tuscany Superb’ from 1837.

Sector success Well-known names in the garden centre sector added more gold medals and awards to their list including David Austin Roses, Taylors Bulbs, Raymond J Evison: Clematis (which also took The President’s Award), Dibley’s Nurseries, and Blue Diamond Garden Centres.

After a gold last year for its garden with the National Trust on Main Avenue, Blue Diamond created a walk-through feature in the Great Pavilion and repeated its winning success. It received a gold for its exhibit created by Peter Dowle of Leaf Creative, Gloucestershire with lots of help from Blue Diamond teams, and Tree of the Show for an Acer palmatum ‘Shishi-gastira’. Generating huge amounts of interest, smaller plants will be on sale through the garden centres.

As well as launching two new roses, it also had two introductions in the final of the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year Award.

Interest for Fuschia MAMBO ‘Kerfumam’

16 June/July 2025

(Patio Dancer Series), bred by Kerley & Co in Cambridge, was strong with visitors liking the combination of compact branching habit and large, classic pale pink flowers. Perfect for patio pots, it also blooms two weeks earlier than many others, giving customers enjoyment for a longer period.

It’s second finalist, Hydrangea FAIRYTALE WHITE wasn’t in flower but plants in full bloom will be hitting stores this month and are guaranteed to fly out of the planterias.

Inaugural success Adding to the Sustainable Garden Product of the Year award 2025 was a new trophy to recognise sustainability across a whole business. POTR, which makes flat pack pot covers and vases from industrial and marine waste, impressed judges and won the inaugural Sustainable Business of the Year award.

Founded by Andy Flynn, this young company won the garden product award last year for its pot covers, with water reservoir designed around the concept of origami, and in the autumn was the recipient of the GIMA Seed Corn Fund.

“We’ve reinvented the humble plant pot from the ground up with sustainability at Right: Roses steal the show in Jo Thompson’s The Glasshouse Garden.

Left: Jolts of yellow brighten up The Avanade Intelligent Garden.

its core,” says Andy. It’s not all about the materials either. “Our products are designed back to front, so we currently going through B Corp accreditation but are tackling scope three because it accounts for things like transport emissions of your products. We know this is the biggest problem for us so are tackling it now,” says Andy.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

RHS/NEIL HEPWORTH

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025

Number crunching has revealed a consignment of 4000 POTR pots can fit on one pallet. The equivalent number of traditional stone or terracotta pots would need two 40ft containers producing 2500kg of CO2 compared to just 15kg for the single pallet.

Along with a vase, new this year is a relationship with Waterhaul which collects and processes 100 metric tonnes of marine waste. In time for Chelsea, POTR launched the Self Watering Ocean Pot in three sizes and this first production run used just 5 metric tonnes of material.

“We are removing the waste from that fragile marine ecosystem and turning it into products that have longevity and are useful and actually allow and cater for plants to grow in the home,” explains Andy.

Additionally, 4% of the profits go back into to fund beach and ocean clean-up projects and each pot comes with a QR code which tells the purchaser to trace where the material came from. “Customers can see exactly what beach they are cleaning with the product they buy.”

Since Chelsea and Glee in 2024, POTR has launched into around a dozen garden centres. Andy explains that because of the Cath Kidston design and gifting potential, with her new

line, Geranium No.3.

his products appeal to a broad demographic.

“It works really well in a lot of lifestyle stores as well as garden centres,” he says.

Crown for first pink mock orange

Andy Flynn from POTR, winner of the Sustainable Business of the Year award, with the new Self Watering Ocean Pot

Winning the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year competition, is a sure-fire way of boosting sales. This time the accolade went to a dwarf mock orange, with a graceful habit and showers of light pink flowers.

Bred by Alan Postill, now retired but who for 60 years was propagator at Hillier Nurseries, PhiladelphusPETITE PERFUME PINK, has been many years in the making. His goal to create a pink, compact variety for the modern garden is now a reality and plants in 3L pots are for sale through its online and Hillier Garden Centres at £19.99.

Joint second place went to Salvia TROPICOLOUR SUNRISE exhibited by Middleton Nurseries, Staffordshire for its bright orange-red variety and Hosta ‘Silly String’, supplied by Fairweathers Nursery, Hampshire, and displayed by Sienna Hosta, Surrey. This unusual variety has narrow blue leaves with wavy margins and is perfect for containers or a shady border.

A fabulous and unusual Acer palmatum ‘Shishigastira’ on the Blue Diamond exhibit was named RHS Chelsea Tree of the Year.

The Blue Diamond team celebrate with a gold.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

June/July 2025 17

RHS Chelsea Flower Show Left: Ed Boers from Fibrex Nurseries is keen to get pelargoniums into more garden centres.

Fresh from winning the Contemporary Gift category at the Gift of the Year Awards 2025 for its Collector Scalloped Indoor Watering Can Range, Burgon & Ball had three of the four colours on show. Alongside were new glazed pots in stripy blue and red which add to the popular snips, gloves and storage tins.

Congratulations to Nutscene Twine for creating another stand-out display. It also caught the eye of Claire Matterson, RHS Director General, who deemed it her favourite stand and presented her award to Nutscene’s CEO Shona Young.

Pellymania Alitex chose Chelsea to launch a new greenhouse design The Wainscott and to celebrate the wave of interest for pelargoniums, dubbed as ‘Pellymania’ invited Ed Boer from Fibrex Nurseries and designer Cath Kidston. Fibrex Nurseries grows around 1500 species and cultivars of pelargoniums, while Cath Kidston has created the C. Atherley range of body and bath products based on the scented leaf forms which is being sold in some garden centres.

Both the plants and the C. Atherley products have a great story to tell garden centre customers individually but when

18 June/July 2025

displayed together, create an inspiring narrative.

“I’ve always loved them,” says Cath.

“When I was lucky enough to get my own greenhouse, I started to collect them, particularly all the scented varieties which I adore.” Cath had the idea of bottling the scent so worked with an apothecary to match up the scents including lemon, mint, rose and lavender, with essential oils. After two years, Geramiun No.1 was introduced based on Pelargonium radens, followed by Geranium

Dutch tool company Sneeboer Trading was awarded Sustainable Garden Trade Product of the Year for its Garden Scoop – all of which sold out in the first two days of the show.

Made by hand in the Bovenkarspel workshop the company combines techniques that have been passed down for more than a century with investment and development in innovation, digitalisation and sustainability.

They come with a 50-year warranty.

No.2 from Pelargonium tomentosum (peppermint geranium). “For Chelsea, we’ve launched Geranium No.3 based on Pelargonium ‘Mable Grey,’ which has a very sherbet lemon, summery scent and it’s also good for keeping the mozzies away,” she says.

Ed Boers and his wife Laura, bought Fibrex Nurseries two years ago and have been building up stock ever since. “At the moment we are 95% mail order, but we do want to push out into a different direction [garden centres] probably with the top 100 varieties,” he says. Currently Fibrex pelargoniums are sold in Burford Garden Company.

Rhododendron lovers were treated to an excellent display of plants, some of which had never before been exhibited at the Chelsea show.

A tribute to the late Peter Cox, the exhibit by Glendoick Garden Centre, includes the Scottish Mountain Series which Peter bred with his son Ken (pictured), and the Glendoick range of ever green azaleas. This is the first time Glendoick has exhibited at Chelsea.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

JUNE/JULY 2025

gardentradenews.co.uk

26 Page SOLEX Preview Advice & information for garden centre professionals

SOLEX 2025 – where perfect summers are made Image provided by Daro.

SOLEX

2025

PREVIEW

ISSUE

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From our best-selling Saturn Pergola to the new Rhea LED model, our modular structures offer year-round outdoor living, trusted by landscapers and loved by homeowners.

Also launching at SOLEX 2025: our curated range of high-quality garden furniture, combining timeless style with commercial flexibility.

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CELTIC LEISURE ~ Quality Outdoor Living

SOLEX 2025 Preview JUNE/JULY 2025

gardentradenews.co.uk

26 Page SOLEX Preview Advice & information for garden centre professionals

SOLEX 2025 – where perfect summers are made Image provided by Daro.

SOLEX

It’s going to be a busy SOLEX

G

arden centres have been buzzing to far this spring and early summer with customers finally able to enjoy spending time outside in favourable weather. And with the HTA recording garden centre sales up by 21% and 22% in March and April, and May much quieter but still up by 4%, compared with 2024, we are, thankfully, seeing this enjoyment being converted into sales, which is a welcome boost for the sector.

All of this bodes for a busy SOLEX, the Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition at the NEC this month, for everything outdoor living and cooking related. Not only can buyers stock up on last minute deals for this season, but all the latest trends, innovations and developments will be on display guaranteeing shop floors and customers will be on trend next year and beyond.

For a flavour of what exhibitors will be displaying at SOLEX, curated events and networking opportunities, see GTN’s special 26 page SOLEX preview.

SOLEX Afterparty and Awards Evening Tuesday 8th July 6.30pm-22.00 The Vox, NEC. (pre-booking only) The Loving Outdoor Living Zone Tue and Wed 11am-5pm Thur 11am-2pm.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

PREVIEW

ISSUE

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Fandango Fire Tools

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Firepits UK

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Hartman Outdoor Products

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING Garden Trade News Potting Shed Press Ltd Dairy Drove Thorney Peterborough PE6 0TX Tel 01733 775700 www.gardentradenews.co.uk THE GTN TEAM Editor Trevor Pfeiffer trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk Advertising Sales Alan Burdon Alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk Features Editor Anisa Gress anisa@pottingshedpress.co.uk Digital Editor Neil Pope neil@pottingshedpress.co.uk Subscriptions Karen Pfeiffer karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk Design & Production AT Graphics Ltd www.atgraphicsuk.com Lucy Carnell – Design Alun Jones – Production Manager Robert Tipping – Managing Director James Tipping – Technical Director Printing CG Print Ltd

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Norfolk Leisure

Do you qualify for a copy of GTN?

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Woodlodge W Living

In this SOLEX 2025 Preview 22

Exhibitor plan and listing

24

Welcome to SOLEX 2025

25

Afterparty, awards and events

26

Bramblecrest at 25

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SOLEX exhibitor news

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HEX Living luxury

Advertisers in this Issue 20

Celtic Leisure

43

Zest

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Alexander Rose

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SOLEX

SOLEX 2025 Tuesday 8th to Thursday 10th July Tue 9am-5.30pm Wed 9am-5.30pm Thur 9am-3pm

2025

@solexexhibition @solexexhibition @solex-exhibition @solexexhibitionNEC www.solexexhibition.com

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If you’d like to be added to the GTN distribution list, please send your details to Karen@pottingshedpress.co.uk to see if you qualify to be included.

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Potting Shed Press Ltd Garden Trade News is published by Potting Shed Press Ltd who also publish: GTN Bestsellers, GTN Xtra, Pet Trade Xtra, Glee Daily News and the Glee Catalogue, and the Solex Sun. Potting Shed Press also supply Garden Radio to over 100 garden centres across the country.

Director Trevor Pfeiffer

SMALL PRINT: All material © Potting Shed Press Ltd 2024.

No part of this publication may e reproduced in any form whatsoever, either for sale or not, without the express permission of the publishers. The information supplied in this publication is published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Potting Shed Press Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by reliance on information contained in this publication or in the vent of any bankruptcy or liquidation or cassation of the trade of any company, individual or firm mentioned, is hereby excluded.

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SOLEX 2025 Preview

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410 4 Seasons Outdoor UK Ltd Alexander Rose 550 Ascalon Design Ltd 310 BBQ Gourmet 350 Blackstone 770 Bonfeu 610 Bramblecrest 210 Broil King Barbecues 345 Cabinex - Beefeater Europe 400 Calor 775 Casa Grande 718 Celtic Leisure 330 Char-Broil Europe GMBH 615 Charles Taylor 625 Charlie Oven 108 Churnet Valley Garden Furniture 760 Daro 645 Eco Fuego 102 Enders – UK Ltd 355 Extreme Lounging 340 Fallen Fruits by Esschert Design 105 Firepits UK 405 Firestorm Heaters 720 Gallery Direct Limited 612 Garden Furniture Global 630 Garden Impressions Outdoor UK 300 Hartman Outdoor Products UK Ltd 250 HEX Living 520 Hill Interiors 450 Innovators International Ltd 510 Instashade 750 Kadai Ltd 740 LeisureGrow 230 and 320 LOFA Lounge 460 Minster Stylish Living Ltd 710 Miriad Quest Leisure 600 Napoleon Grills 530 Norfolk Leisure Lifestyle 440 Outback UK Limited 540 Pacific 420 Pagoda-Munro Importers 430 Pit Boss - Danson 615 Primo Grill 700 RAGO UK 500 RotoSpa UK Limited 660 Royalcraft Limited 120 SOLEX New Product Area 640 Supremo Leisure 200 Tom Chambers Ltd 455 Trans-Continental Group Ltd 670 Tripod Home Ltd 100 W Garden Living by Woodlodge 115 and 240 Wilkholmform 718 Witt UK & Ireland Ltd 110 Zest Outdoor Living 650

The Loving Outdoor Living Zone - open from 11am - 5pm Tuesday&Wednesday - 11am - 2pm on Thursday

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June/July 2025 23

SOLEX 2025

Welcome to SOLEX 2025

SOLEX 2025 is more than just an exhibition space; it is a dynamic showcase teeming with versatile and cutting-edge outdoor living products, promising to inspire and delight all who attend.

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his time last year, we were bemoaning yet another disappointing summer – just like the ones before it – and warehouses were still brimming with leftover stock. Fast forward 12 months, and we’ve been treated to the best spring since 2020! This year will surely be remembered for its record-breaking warmth, dryness, and sunshine. April 2025 was officially the sunniest on record, with temperatures well above average and rainfall far below.

So, what does this glorious weather mean for SOLEX? It means exhibitors and visitors alike will have had a whirlwind couple of months.

Someone mentioned they were 400% up on last year – and I couldn’t help but smile. It’s fantastic news! It means everyone will arrive at SOLEX having had a brilliant year so far, full of optimism and ready to do business. Orders will be placed, and perhaps, just perhaps, the industry can finally steady itself after years of uncertainty.

for the challenges ahead. Futureproofing is key, as we’ll face not only more rainfall but also longer, more intense heatwaves.

Adapting to these changes means outdoor living furniture must evolve to handle both wet and hot conditions. While consumers might Gina Hinde, SOLEX Event Director, is looking forward to welcoming exhibitors and visitor to this year’s SOLEX.

not realise it yet, they’ll soon be searching for weather-resistant outdoor solutions. Think covered areas, rain and heat-proof materials, stylish and versatile barbecues and firepits, modular outdoor kitchens, and entertainment spaces. These innovations will allow people to enjoy their outdoor spaces all year round, no matter the weather.

That’s why attending SOLEX is an absolute must. It’s the perfect opportunity for buyers to discover exciting ideas for outdoor spaces that their customers will love. Outdoor living is booming, with huge appeal across the market.

People from all walks of life are aspiring to create beautiful outdoor spaces, tailored to their budgets and available areas, with functionality that rivals their indoor setups. Practical, durable, and low-maintenance designs are the way forward.

SOLEX 8-10 July 2025 Hall 5.NEC, Birmingham www.solexexhibition.com

Futureproofing Of course, we all know how unpredictable the weather can be. And with climate change becoming an ever-greater influence on our lives – and our industry – it’s vital we prepare ourselves

24 June/July 2024

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

SOLEX 2025- awards and events

It’s lights out, and away we go!

Awards, an after party and live cooking make SOLEX 2025 an unforgettable experience.

Crofty will be sharing the thrills and spills from the world of F1 motor racing.

Lad, Adam Purnell, to the Loving Outdoor Living area. Adam will spend time with each of our BBQ exhibitors (see the schedule), sharing his expert hints and tips to help you get the very best out of every BBQ. Adam is a true master of ‘fire cookery’.

Winner of Heston Blumenthal’s Netflix and Channel 4 show Crazy Delicious, and a critic on MasterChef: The Professionals, Adam has been described as ‘one of the leaders in the UK street food and pop-up scene.’

Adam Purnell will offer his expert tips for perfect fire cookery.

See you at SOLEX And there you have it – two days packed with excitement, entertainment, and expert insights! Whether you’re revving up with F1 thrills on Tuesday night or taking a more laid-back approach with fifire re and flavour flavour on Wednesday, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

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ast year saw the launch of our very first SOLEX Awards & Afterparty Event – and what a night it turned out to be! Joined by the brilliant Dion Dublin, we enjoyed delicious food, fantastic company, and cheered as Spain triumphed over France 2-1. To be honest, we weren’t sure how we were going to top such an incredible evening – the bar was set pretty high!

Well, believe it or not, we’ve managed to do it! With the excitement of the F1 Grand Prix at Silverstone as our inspiration, we’re bringing all the thrills and spills of the racetrack to the VOX on Tuesday 8th July.

We’ll be off the starting grid by 18:30 with beer and bubbles, followed by the one and only David “Crofty” Croft joining us for the evening to share the inside track on all things F1 and will also help present the prestigious SOLEX Awards.

From 20:00, you’ll be treated to a feast inspired by racetracks from around the globe. Take your pick from the Shanghai International Circuit Oriental Bun House, the Circuit of the Americas Street Food, the Silverstone Chippy or the Circuit De Spa Francorchamps Belgium Waffle

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

• 11:00 – 11:30 – PRIMO GRILL • 11:45 – 12:15 – GRILLSTREAM • 12:30 – 13:00 – ENDERS • 13:15 – 13:45 – BLACKSTONE • 14:00 – 14:30 – KADAI • 14:45 – 15:15 – CHARBROIL • 15:30 – 16:00 – BRAMBLECREST Station. We’re also thrilled to off er four offer F1 Silverstone Simulators – and we hope everyone has a go! The top four racers will battle it out for the coveted LOFA Cup in a final race, complete with live commentary from Sky’s top F1 Commentator.

We can’t wait to share this high-octane evening of networking, fun, and fantastic food with you!

BBQ Expertise with The Shropshire Lad Wednesday 9th June will take a more relaxed pace, focusing on fire and food.

We’re delighted to welcome The Shropshire

June/July 2025 25

Promotion

Together, the Bramblecrest company mark 25 years in business at its Cotswold HQ.

Bramblecrest at 25 Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Bramblecrest’s Head of Sales, Tim Pennell reflects on the key achievements of the British-owned and designed garden furniture brand.

From its longest-standing and favourite range, product innovations to its new employee-owned future, we hear how they have shaped the company’s path to success.

W

e are nothing without our people,” begins Tim, before an all-company shot at the Cotswold HQ. Home since 2008, the WW2 Hangar at Aston Down Business Park is part of its heritage. Always a Cotswoldbased company, the two founders started off the back of an unexpected visit to a Javanese pot factory during their travels.

They decided to ship and sell in the UK to such a success, that in 2000, Bramblecrest was born.

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Industry milestones “When you put it all together, all the hard work is there to see,” comments Tim. Now synonymous with excellence in quality, comfort, durability, and outstanding customer care, Bramblecrest launched the dual heightadjustable table in the UK during 2017, bringing a fresh approach to outdoor dining, with adjustable settings for either a low coffee table or a casual dining height.

In 2023, the business took the bold move to transition to an Employee Ownership Trust,

meaning it can provide opportunities for its employees, remain independent, resilient, sustainably financed and maintain excellent customer service. “We are so proud to be an employee-owned business. We care deeply about our people, our values, and the future we’re building together. There’s much more to come,” says Tim enthusiastically.

Standing the test of time Celebrated for its ongoing innovation in product design, the brand unveiled new collections this season in on-trend mocha and sage tones, while also expanding its use of cutting-edge materials such as heat transfer ‘wood-effect’ surfaces and highperformance synthetic rope.

This season also marked the launch of three new collections in collaboration with The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Promotion

Bramblecrest is set to unveil a series of exciting product launches at SOLEX, including an all-new outdoor rope range, brand new outdoor kitchen range and its ‘greenest product’ yet, a Global Recycled Standard certified Textilene chair.

Timeless Chedworth, Bramblecrest’s largest and best-known range.

Alongside these new developments, longstanding favourites remain, with the brand perhaps best known for its timeless Chedworth range. One of the largest collections, its sophisticated blend of traditional rattan design, Chedworth boasts classic good looks combined with the benefit of durable, modern materials.

Another standout innovation is the introduction of eco-fabrics crafted using recycled plastic bottles. These materials not only offer a sustainable solution by reducing plastic waste and minimising environmental impact, but they also provide exceptional durability, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability in everyday use.

Tim adds: “Over the past few years, we’ve seen a real shift in what customers expect - from sustainable materials to smarter, multi-functional designs. Innovation isn’t just about new products; it’s about adapting to how people live and relax outdoors. We’re constantly evolving to stay ahead of those trends.”

ensure that they have all the tools required to maximise success.

“From offering extensive in-store POS and product training, a dedicated account manager and a bespoke online portal, to ongoing investment in marketing and PR. This demonstrates that we’re listening and directly responding to customer feedback and evolving business needs,” continues Tim. Bramblecrest also remains committed to environmental responsibility and an ongoing partnership with Ecologi, the UK’s most trusted climate action platform. Tim adds, “Through our investment in reforestation, we are dedicated to carbon reduction. We’re delighted to be approaching a major milestone— supporting the planting of our 100,000th tree worldwide, with one tree planted for every set sold.”

Since joining in 2005, Tim has spent two decades developing strong, trusted relationships with a diverse range of customer accounts. He also serves as a director on the

board of the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association, the UK-based trade body representing the outdoor leisure industry.

Bramblecrest has won several industry awards, including the Gold Award for ‘Greatest Outdoor Leisure Supplier of the Year’ at the GTN Awards, Best Stand at SOLEX, and five star tradestand award winner at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2021 and 2025 - the highest accolade for a tradestand. “We are always moving forward and that’s the way we like it,” concludes Tim.

Visit Bramblecrest at SOLEX (8th–10th July) for more information about their product collections and pricing.

Alternatively, contact their sales team at sales@bramblecrest.com.

The Bramblecrest way Since the beginning, the company has focused on building long-standing relationships with national retailers while developing a reputable and well-known brand, grounded in quality and customer satisfaction.

Now serving over 250 retail outlets, Bramblecrest offers more than 40 distinct styles and collections, including exclusive ranges specially designed for customers.

“We’re always refining the way we work to better support our trade customers to

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Bramblecrest launches all-new outdoor rope range at SOLEX.

June/July 2025 27

® The Royal Horticultural Society. Trade marks of The Royal Horticultural Society (Registered Charity No 222879/SC038262) used under licence from RHS Enterprises Ltd.

Bramblecrest at SOLEX

SOLEX 2025 exhibitor news

Let the sunshine in GTN brings you an exclusive preview of some of the new products and outdoor living innovation being unveiled at SOLEX 2025.

Elegance and innovation from Norfolk Leisure

Six new collections in the Alexander Rose line up Back in 1994, Alexander Rose had a vision to bring only the highest quality garden furniture to the UK; to give customers a wide choice of styles and designs, whether wooden or weave or metal, in both contemporary and traditional styles. Each piece has been lovingly designed and crafted with practicality and comfort at the very forefront. Alexander Rose also wanted their collections to not only look beautiful and inviting, but to confidently be able to withstand the elements of the unpredictable UK weather. These are the qualities that Alexander Rose is still known for today, some 30 years later. Sit back, relax and enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest!

Stand 550

Norfolk Leisure is excited to unveil an extensive lineup of new garden furniture, accessories, and pergolas. This year’s showcase features more new products than ever before, with fresh collections that blend comfort, durability, and design excellence—perfectly tailored for modern outdoor living. Expect innovative features, thoughtful functionality, and striking new colour palettes that reflect the latest lifestyle trends. From sleek contemporary seating to versatile shade solutions and eyecatching accessories, there’s something to inspire every outdoor space. With leading brands including LIFE Outdoor Living, Norfolk Collection, Royce, Keter, and Ooni, the SOLEX stand brings together the best in outdoor innovation and elegance.

Stand 440

Lifetime guarantee for Rotospa hot tubs RotoSpa is the UK’s only hot tub manufacturer, a family- owned business with over two decades of experience. We have supplied thousands of hot tubs throughout the UK and Europe. At SOLEX explore how RotoSpa can help your business generate new revenue streams with strong margins! RotoSpa hot tubs are made in the UK for the UK providing maximum quality and unbeatable value for money. The most energy efficient hot tub on the market they are: built to last and come with a lifetime guarantee; 100% recyclable; truly portable; professional hydrotherapy by clever design. We use a unique manufacturing process that no other hot tub manufacturer in the world uses, to create a product that will last you a lifetime, and not costing the earth. Hot tubs made right in the UK. Stand 660

Char-broil caters for all outdoor cooking enthusiasts Char-broil is a leading brand in the grilling industry known for innovation, quality, and performance. With a wide range of gas, charcoal, and electric grills, they cater to all types of outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Their durable construction and advanced technology make them a popular choice among consumers for delicious barbecue experiences.

Char-Broil really is ‘the smartest way to BBQ’.

Stand 615

28 June/July 2025

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Alexander Rose will be showcasing a huge variety of the best quality outdoor furniture at Solex and introducing 6 stunning new collections including the beauty of natural Teak, the finest quality weave and durable and space saving metal ranges.

To find out more visit us in Hall 5, stand 550.

www.alexander-rose.co.uk enquiries@alexander-rose.co.uk 01444 25928

SOLEX 2025 exhibitor news

Supremo style redefines outdoor luxury Supremo is thrilled to introduce our 2026 collection of new ranges featuring innovative designs and materials at SOLEX. Our latest offerings promise to redefine outdoor luxury, combining exquisite detail with unmatched functionality. Crafted from materials that evoke indoor style outdoors, our products offer enduring beauty and resilient elegance.

This collection includes elegant dining sets, luxurious lounges, versatile modular designs, and cutting-edge pergolas, catering to every style and budget. Customers can expect a lineup that inspires and invigorates the sector, transforming buying options. Discover these expertly crafted pieces, where craftsmanship meets style and outdoor luxury begins.

Stand 200

Design expertise from 50 years of Gallery Direct heritage

Pit Boss turns up the heat Pit Boss® Grills brings the heat to the barbecue market with a Bigger, Hotter, Heavier® mentality.

While Pit Boss offers a full slate of valueengineered, technologically innovative products, we’re more than just a grill manufacturer. Pit Boss is a full-service barbecue provider, offering wood pellet, gas, charcoal, and combination-fuelled grills, barbecues, smokers, and portable grills.

Stand 615

With a heritage spanning over 50 years, Gallery Direct brings a wealth of design expertise and industry knowledge to every product. Their award-winning Outdoor Living Collection combines style, durability, and comfort - conveying the elegance of indoor living outside. Alongside their outdoor furniture ranges are elegant parasols, shade solutions, atmospheric fire pits, and decorative lighting, textiles and accessories – designed to seamlessly create complete and cohesive outdoor living spaces. Gallery Direct unites timeless design with high quality weather-resistant materials to ensure longlasting appeal, and for added peace of mind all core outdoor ranges are supplied with extended warranties of up to three years.

Stand 612

Competition winning flavours from BBQ Gourmet Our goal is simple, to bring you the very best, crafted with care and only using natural ingredients that are as clean as they are delicious.

BBQ Gourmet is dedicated to promoting real BBQ and is the UKs leading importer of American BBQ rubs, sauces, brines and injections. We supply all the famous brands you know and love including: Lane’s, Blues Hog; Meat Church; Hardcore Carnivore; Sucklebusters; Heath Riles; Slap Ya Mama; Texas Pepper Jelly; Killer Hogs; Rufus Teague; Plowboys; 2 Gringos Chupacabra and many more! Mostly MSG and gluten free and vegan friendly. Our products give you the freedom to do it your way. Whether your dinner table is in your home, outside by the grill, or standing with a plate at a BBQ event, we want you to love your food and the time you spend with friends and family.

Stand 350

30 June/July 2025

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

SOLEX 2025 exhibitor news

Zest’s trend-led timber solutions At SOLEX, Zest will showcase an extended collection of innovative timber outdoor entertaining products designed to inspire the creation of ‘on trend’ outdoor rooms. Discover show offers and trend-led solutions for today’s outdoor living consumer and explore the latest additions to the award-winning Terraza Outdoor Kitchen, including a new Kitchen Island Set and Corner Set ideal for an Egg BBQ. Also on show are new versatile modular outdoor Kitchen units, a garden shelter, and the impressive Ludlow Corner Pergola—ideal for the younger market. Completing the line-up in a new rich brown finish is the stylish Lara Bench and Jersey Arbour. The display will highlight lifestyle imagery and video content to support retailers’ sales.

Stand 650

Garden Impressions sets the trend The new 2026 UK collection from Garden Impressions will be showcased at this SOLEX. With over 250 new product lines, our vast range continues to lead the way and set the trends in the ever-developing outdoor living sector. We are a one stop solution for all your garden furniture requirements: lounging suites, dining suites, parasols, rugs, heating, lighting, weather covers. Come and see us, we are right in front of the entrance!

Stand 300

Bringing culinary visions to life Unleash your culinary imagination with the Cabinex PRO series, an invitation to transform your outdoor space into a bespoke culinary haven.

Crafted to reflect your unique style, this collection offers an array of modular units and premium barbecue grills, empowering you to design the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. The new PRO range elevates the classic and premium series with innovative additions, including a versatile corner and Kamado module.

This expanded lineup allows for limitless configurations, giving you the flexibility to create an outdoor kitchen that not only meets your cooking needs but also amplifies your outdoor living experience. Enhance your design with an array of fresh, sophisticated door colours - Black, Rustic Ironbark, Titanium Grey, and Golden Oak and bring your vision to life effortlessly using our intuitive online designer app.

Stand 400

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

June/July 2025 31

SOLEX 2025 exhibitor news

On-trend quality from Pacific Pacific is a leading UK supplier of outdoor furniture and accessories, offering highquality, on-trend products with dedicated sales support for our trade partners.

We’re proud to have been named the 2025 Big Furniture Awards Best Supplier for Garden and Outdoor Furniture. Pacific’s Outdoor Living Collection includes a range of outdoor furniture, Cosi fire pits and lanterns, Platinum parasols and pergolas.

Our breathable Aerocover range provides year-round protection for all your garden furniture and accessories. We look forward to showcasing our new ranges and competitive pricing structure, providing superb quality along with a breadth of outdoor living solutions.

Stand 420

Pagoda from Munro Importers We acquired the Pagoda brand name in 2014 and have strived to introduce new and exciting products to the ranges. We offer a comprehensive range of varied materials including synthetic wicker, aluminium, Textilene, padded and decorative sets to suit all outdoor spaces.

Along with shading to complement our furniture. These ranges are chosen by our skilled staff with you in mind.

Our office in China, established in1997, is constantly visiting factories to ensure excellent quality and modern products for the coming seasons. Great care is taken in inspecting every shipment using AQL International sampling before shipment.

Stand 430

Attention to detail for 25 years Celebrating 25 years of bringing friends and families together outdoors, Bramblecrest has become a firm fixture in British gardens. Recognised for quality, service, and design excellence, Bramblecrest applies its signature standards to every detail – from considered comfort and stylish silhouettes to practical features built to last. Looking ahead to 2026, the collections continue to evolve with fresh, on-trend colourways, organic forms and elegant updates to timeless favourites. Bramblecrest is also proud to introduce its all-new outdoor kitchen range – where contemporary design meets everyday functionality, creating the ultimate outdoor dining experience.

Stand 210

Making a contemporary statement Trans-Continental Group offers contemporary statement pieces, timeless classics and trend led collections under the brands of Helios, SunTime and NewGarden. We are proud to be trusted suppliers to leading retailers and garden centres such as John Lewis, Hillier, Freemans and many more. Our values encompass: trend-led design; modern aesthetics with wide appeal; sustainable materials; responsible sourced wood and eco-friendly finishes; quality and value; handcrafted techniques; robust performance and competitive pricing. We look forward to exhibiting our specially selected outdoor living 2026 collections, which have already had a great reaction at our showroom previews, and offering SOLEX visitors exclusive prices.

Stand 670

32 June/July 2025

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

REASONS TO USE FIREPITS UK WITHIN YOUR OUTDOOR LEISURE DEPARTMENT • All products hand-made in Britain • Quality products built to last • Support for British manufacturing • Factory provides local rural jobs • Employment for skilled metalworkers • Competitive pricing • Distinctive products for warmth, comfort – and cooking over fire • Sustainability is a priority • Flexible orders with low minimum order requirement

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT PRODUCTS AND STOCKING

VISIT: FIREPITSUK.CO.UK EMAIL: SALES@FIREPITSUK.CO.UK TEL: 01873 840777

PLEASE VISIT US AT SOLEX

Designed for Outdoor Living...

Step Into Summer Style – Visit Hartman at SOLEX - Stand 250!

Hartman showcase its inspiring 2026 outdoor living collection at SOLEX. This inspiring new range has been thoughtfully and meticulously curated, with an unwavering focus on comfort, innovative design, and exceptional quality. The 2026 collection showcases a stunning array of fresh designs, introduces sophisticated new colour palettes, and includes extended lines of some of our most popular and best-selling ranges—ensuring a perfect blend of familiarity and innovation.

Created to elevate outdoor living spaces, the Hartman 2026 collection offers retailers a distinctive and exciting point of difference. With trend-led styling, enhanced durability, and a refined aesthetic, the collection is tailored to meet the evolving tastes of today’s consumer.

Whether you’re an independent centre or part of a larger group, we’ve structured our offer to support your business with strong margins, and trusted trade service.

Visit us on Stand 250 at SOLEX – your exclusive opportunity to experience our 2026 collection of beautifully crafted garden furniture in person.

We look forward to welcome you!

Visit Hartman - Stand 250

Cast Aluminium: A Proven Performer with Renewed Consumer Appeal Cast aluminium has seen a strong resurgence across all demographics in recent years—and it continues to gain momentum with today’s consumer. Known for its timeless aesthetic, outstanding durability, and lasting comfort, cast aluminium furniture remains a highly commercial and dependable category for garden centre and retail partners.

For 2026, Hartman proudly introduces Avebury—a striking new addition to our cast aluminium offering.

Designed to resonate with a broad customer base, Avebury blends classic elegance with contemporary detail, making it a standout piece in any outdoor furniture display.

Now available in an appealing new colourways, Avebury elevates the category further, offering buyers a fresh, eye-catching alternative that enhances your in-store or online assortment.

As a market leader in cast aluminium furniture, Hartman is proud to expand its portfolio with this exciting new range—crafted not only to meet consumer demand but to drive margin and offer a clear point of differentiation for our trade partners.

Promotion

HEX Living: Lasting. L HEX Living is a family business with a mission to bring the indoors outdoors with engineering excellence.

36 June/July 2025

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Promotion

Limitless. Luxury HEX Living at SOLEX 2025 This year, HEX Living is unveiling new products at SOLEX, a first for its product portfolio, set to enhance outdoor living and entertaining. Each product combines luxury design, premium materials, and British craftsmanship.

These new products will join HEX Living’s existing catalogue, spanning modular outdoor kitchens to refined furniture pieces that blend indoor comfort with outdoor durability - setting the standard in quality-led, contemporary outdoor living.

More than just a brand, HEX Living is a family business with a mission: to bring the indoors outdoors with engineering excellence. Your customers aren’t just investing in their gardens -they’re investing in a centrepiece for memories which will last a lifetime.

With over 30 years of engineering and manufacturing expertise, Martin Smith and Paul Clews, Managing Director of HEX Living, set a clear goal to bring engineering excellence to the British outdoor living market. So that’s what they did.

A range of contemporary outdoor living

L

et’s travel back to 2020 for a moment, to the days of the pandemic, which reshaped daily life in ways no one expected. As the world slowed down, so did we.

With restrictions keeping many of us at home, gardens became a place of refuge, a precious escape from the indoors. And from there on, the demand for well-designed, functional outdoor living products grew.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Bringing the comfort of the indoors, outdoors Having grown up in an engineering family, Martin Smith, now CEO of HEX Living, part of The HEX Group, understands metal works like the back of his hand. Martin quickly realised the outdoor living market lacked the level of quality, durability and design he believed outdoor products should deliver—durable and synonymous with indoor comfort.

As garden storage is an important feature in any outdoor space, HEX Living launched its first collection in 2022, a sleek, durable range of outdoor storage solutions. From garden sheds with integrated organisation layouts and builtin drainage, to sleek wheelie bin storage designed to hide your bins away in style without restricting functionality—this first collection filled all corners of the outdoor storage market.

But it didn’t stop there. With an emphasis on all-year-round outdoor

June/July 2025 37

Promotion

living, Martin and Paul were set on fulfilling every seasonal need. For those cooler months, HEX Living launched a gas-controlled firepit, perfect for extending evenings outdoors, and garden pergolas to provide protection from the unpredictable weather our country is known for, ensuring outdoor entertaining can continue despite the wind and rain.

Today, HEX Living has grown its portfolio to include stunning garden furniture, contemporary outdoor dining sets and outdoor kitchens. The Buckley outdoor kitchen range, the most recently launched collection, boasts items from barbecue units and smokers to sinks, coolers and functional bar areas. All six layouts are thoughtfully designed to suit a variety of lifestyles and are as stunning as they are functional, offering the finest al fresco experience. The Buckley can also be customised to suit bespoke requirements.

38 June/July 2025

Designed for life: British made, British manufactured In today’s era of modern manufacturing and mass production, quality is often compromised by the allure of cheap overseas prices. But for HEX Living, as a business born and built in Britain, it makes sure to keep its production process under one roof. This allows for more sustainable and improved alternatives to overseas imports, providing a reliable nationwide supply throughout production.

Whilst delivering the highest quality and modern designs, HEX Living products also offer customers exceptional durability—this is due to their unique galvanisation process which adds extra protection to metal. This

protective layer, made up of zinc, prevents the metal from corroding, creating an allweatherproof and rust-resistant material that’s perfect for outdoor use all-year round.

“Quality is at the core of everything we do,” says Paul Clews. “Our customers want lifetime luxury, and that’s exactly what we deliver. We believe in making products that are built properly and stand the test of time.”

HEX Living. Built to last.

Designed to impress. Perfect for your customers. rupert.king@hexliving.co.uk 07793 967 534 www.hexliving.co.uk

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

SOLEX 2025 exhibitor news

Designed in Britain for British gardens

Debut for Churnet Valley

Discover Celtic Leisure’s premium pergolas and outdoor garden furniture collections created specifically for the British climate and customer.

Designed in Britain; fast UK delivery; built for retail success. From our bestselling Saturn Pergola to the new Rhea LED model, our modular structures offer year-round outdoor living, trusted by landscapers and loved by homeowners. Also launching at SOLEX our curated range of high-quality garden furniture, combining timeless style with commercial flexibility.

Garden centres can take advantage of our exclusive offer to order now and mix up to six different furniture ranges on a single container – ideal for maximising display, choice and margin. Visit us at SOLEX to explore partnership opportunities, POS packages and in-store display support.

Stand 330

Churnet Valley Garden Furniture are looking forward to showcasing their beautiful, durable and classic wooden garden furniture ranges for the first time at SOLEX this year. Designed and handmade in the UK, their premium outdoor furniture is made to stand the test of time. Offering two distinct ranges: a heavy-duty Tanalised range protected against rot for up to 20 years, and a pre-treated Valley Collection, with its stunning golden oak oil finish. They are totally committed to sustainability, as all products are now FSC® Certified and made from high-quality Scandinavian redwood, ensuring the well-being of forests for generations to come. Let them impress you and boost your success with year-round pre-season trade pricing on pallet deals and dedicated support from experienced regional sales agents.

Stand 760

VISIT US AT SOLEX STAND 440

STYLISH SOLUTIONS FOR OUTDOOR SPACES

MORE NEW PRODUCTS THAN EVER BEFORE

01553 811717 www.norfolkleisurelifestyle.com

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

June/July 2025 39

Woodlodge continues to grow its successful W Garden Living leisure collections

Introducing the W Garden Living collection for 2026—a premium range of outdoor leisure products that redefine sophistication, comfort, and value. Designed with thorough attention to detail, our latest collections blend timeless craftsmanship with innovative materials, offering a refined selection of classic open weave designs and fusion elements, alongside our bestselling ranges in weave, metal, and wood.

Enhancing every outdoor space, W Garden Living also offers an extensive range of complementary accessories,

including parasols, bases, soft furnishings, and outdoor heating— each providing exciting add-on sales opportunities. With a commitment to premium quality at competitive prices, we empower retailers to maximise their sales potential while delivering exceptional products to their customers.

At the heart of W Garden Living is our unwavering dedication to service and merchandising support, a core value driven by Woodlodge, a family-run business since 1987. Our expert sales

team remains committed to fostering strong partnerships with retail garden centres, ensuring outstanding customer service without compromising integrity.

True to our ethos, we focus on sales to Garden Centres only, prioritising relationships that align with a premium garden furniture experience.

Experience outdoor living elevated— welcome to W Garden Living 2026.

To book appointments for the showroom or SOLEX, please contact your local sales representative or email showroom@woodlodge.co.uk

Visit us at Solex: Stands 115 & 240

Showroom open for appointments

17th June – 1st July & 15th July Onwards

SOLEX 2025 exhibitor news

Parasol perfection Instashade returns to SOLEX with its full range of premium commercialgrade parasols, trusted by cafés, hotels, restaurants, and hospitality venues across the UK. Combining sleek design with lasting durability, each parasol is built to withstand heavy use and unpredictable weather, without compromising on style. From compact models to large-scale shade solutions, Instashade offers options for every outdoor space. All parasols are made with marine-grade materials and are easy to operate, making them ideal for high-demand commercial environments. If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor offering with practical, design-led solutions, visit Instashade to explore the full range.

Stand 750

Daro shares its 2026 collection Daro is delighted to share a preview of its 2026 collection at SOLEX, featuring exciting new developments across outdoor and indoor living.

Highlights include brand-new outdoor furniture ranges and modular kitchen and BBQ units, designed for stylish, flexible garden spaces. A new collection of innovative indoor-outdoor fabrics offer durability and elegance in any setting. Find out more about Daro’s Express Delivery Service and from stock service, meeting the growing demands of the customer to ensure fast turnaround times whilst still providing a bespoke choice. The indoor furniture collection continues to provide timeless appeal for all-year-round sales, complemented by a beautiful selection of UK made soft furnishings.

Stand 645

Guaranteeing elegance and style With a product range encompassing everything from various ranges of garden furniture to glass style Tiffany lighting, you’ll appreciate that Minster Stylish Living is no ordinary supplier. A family concern set in the delightful Nottinghamshire market and minster town of Southwell, Minster Stylish Living was established in 1978. The business has enjoyed a natural, sustained and steady growth since then, developing and consolidating trade links across Europe, India and the Far East. Minster Stylish Living today has an unrivalled selection of elegant, fine quality and often unusual garden furniture and furnishing accessories.

Stand 710

Exciting opportunities from Garden Furniture Global At Garden Furniture Global, we partner with some of the most experienced and innovative designers and manufacturers of outdoor leisure products.

We are always seeking new innovative products and strategic partnerships to bring exciting opportunities to the UK market. Our many years of experience in the outdoor living industry enables us to bring our customers exciting new lines at the most competitive prices. We work hard to keep our operating costs to a minimum and pass on these savings in our very competitive trade prices. Our products include top of the range luxury garden furniture sets, outdoor kitchens and state of the art barbeques. Our furniture products include both 100% aluminium and fashionable resin weave designs.

Stand 630

42 June/July 2025

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

20 YEARS

SOLEX 2025 exhibitor news

Lounge your way in 2026 Discover the latest b-lounge collection from Extreme Lounging, comparing three products in two stunning colours. A versatile range of outdoor seating solutions to complement any outdoor space.

Stand 340

Hill Interiors for premium living spaces Discover Hill Interiors crafted premium living spaces at SOLEX. Their extensive range now boasts exceptional outdoor furniture, showcasing the finest materials: HDPE wicker, hardwood feet, powder-coated aluminium frames, and durable Olefin fabric.

Experience enduring quality and timeless style.

Stand 450

Winning style from LeisureGrow LeisureGrow is a UK family-run business with a passion for quality craftsmanship, smart design, and lasting comfort. We’ve grown from humble beginnings to become one of the UK’s leading names in outdoor living – trusted by garden centres, retailers, and homes across the country. From awardwinning barbecues and garden furniture to year-round garden lighting solutions, everything we design is built around one simple idea: life is better outdoors. Be sure to see our SmashGrill Go – Winner of Best Gas BBQ 2025, and our Sanctuary Gazebo – Winner of Best Garden Shade 2025 at the Ideal Home Awards.

Stand 230

Elevating outdoor living Hartman is launching its inspiring 2026 outdoor living collection at SOLEX. Thoughtfully and meticulously curated, with an unwavering focus on comfort, innovative design, and exceptional quality. The 2026 collection showcases a stunning array of fresh designs, introduces sophisticated new colour palettes, and includes extended lines of some of the most popular and bestselling ranges—ensuring a perfect blend of familiarity and innovation. Created to elevate outdoor living spaces, the Hartman 2026 collection offers retailers a distinctive and exciting point of difference.

With trend-led styling, enhanced durability, and a refined aesthetic, the collection is tailored to meet the evolving tastes of today’s consumer.

Stand 250

44 June/July 2025

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

TRADE EVENT

Who’s ready for summer?

Source: Kadai

The relaxed and friendly outdoor living exhibition 8 - 10 July 2025 NEC, Birmingham solexexhibition.com Garden Furniture | Barbecues | Shading | Outdoor Living Accessories | Garden Decoration Garden Leisure Buildings | Outdoor Heating | Outdoor Health | Outdoor Entertainment

THE UK’S LEADING TRADE SHOW FOR PEAK SEASON BUYING Discover next year’s trendiest garden accessories at Autumn Fair 2025

Scan to register

Charity Golf Golf Day

GIMA Charitty Gollf Day deliverrs ano other winn ning ro ound for the e Gree enffiing gers Ch harity ty.

The Premier Deccorations tea am of Jack “FFall Guy” Gates, Praviin “TTeflflon” l Patel, Rolf “The Gru unt” Hunt and Scott ttt “S Schefffflfler” l r”” McCabe won the ffiirst GIMA MA A Charity ty Go olf Day Besst Dressed Te eam Award d, selected by GIMA MA A Presid dent Kate Ebb bens. Purep print Imprintt won the golf compettition.

T

he annuaal GIMA Charity Golf Dayy teed off in style on Thursday 5th Ju unee, at Belto on Woods Golf, Spa and Hotell in Graanth ham m for a day off sporrtingg competition, netwo orkking, g,, and fundraising – all in aid of the Green nfin ngers Charity.

Witth 23 teams made up off suppliers, retaailers and colleaggues from acro oss the industry, the evventt combined sportiing spirit with charittab ble generosity, raisin ng a fantastic sum to heelp Greenfingers co ontinue its mission of creatting magical gard dens for chilldren n’ss hospices accrosss thee UK. wing a day on the cou urse, participants Folllow gatherred d for a well-earned po ost-round buffet, award ds presentation, and chaarity auction, wh here thee camaraderiee con ntinu ued late into the evening.

Pureprint Imp prin nt emerged victorio ous at the 2025 GIMA Golf Day, taking the title with a score of 86 points. Hot on their heels were Smartt Garden 2 in second d place with 85 poiints, while Woodlodgee 2 seecured a strong third witth 84 points.

48 June/July 2025

The “Wooden Spoon” awaard d was sportingglyy accepted by the Hom mefire/ Roccketggro/Potting Shed team m who, despite a sterling effortt, fou und d themselves at th he bottom of the lead derboard.

New-for-2025, thee Yellow Ball Challen nge – kindly sponsored by Vitax - saw Team GIM MA take home the win with 37 pointss, cllosely followeed by Woodloge 2 and d Sm mart Garden 2 with 36 an nd 33 points respecttivvely.

Bestt Dressed Team Also o new forr 20225, th his award ad dded a tou uch of flair to the fairw wayy, with the team fro om Premier Decoratio on receiving this year’’s accolade thanks to o some rather eye-cattch hing atttire. Also, reccognised d for their sarrtoriial choiices weree the teams from Smart Garden 1 and Zestt Outdoor Living.

A day made possible by generous sp ponsors and sup pporters GIMA is hugely grateeful to all sponsorrs an nd donors who madee th he event such a succceess.

Th his year’s sponsors lisst included Pureprin nt Im mprint, Durstons, Sm mart Garden Productts, Horn nby George PR, Mead dow View Sttone,, Eco Fuego, Web bb Garden Powerr, Vitaxx, Homefire, Spear & Jaackkson, Gardena, Wo oolcool, Keter, Outtrade, Greenman Tools, Gleee,, Yard Force, CM Ventu ures, Toolbank, Decco o, Woodlodge and d Prim meurr. Toggether th hesee bran nds sponsoreed evverything from th he on n-course banners, driinks sttations, spot and ho olee prizes, plus also kind dly prroviding prizes for thee raffle and auction n.

After the event,, GIM MA Director Vickyy Nutttall said d: “IIt’’s alw ways incrediblle to seee the industryy come togeeth her to support Greeen nfingers.

The 2025 evvent was one of thee best yet with almost 100 0 golfers coming toggether for a day of fanttasticc golfing, g,, wonderrful company and – mosst importantlly – a brillliant fundraiising totaal fo or a cause close to all of our hearts. Than nk you to every golfer, sponsor, and donor who co ontributed.”

To see moree eveents upcoming att GIMA, or for moree info ormation regard ding membership, please visit www.gima.org.uk.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Charity Golf Day Charity

June/July 2025 49

GIMA Golf Day

GIM MA GOLFF DAY 202 25 FULLL RESULTTS Fu ull Results

1 Imprint 86 2 Smart Garden (teaam2) 85 3 Woodlodge (team m2) 84 4 Zesst 83 5 Gard dena// Husqvana 82 6 Woodlo odgge (team1) 82 82 7 Glee/LBC Boots 8 MorePeop ple 81 9 Andeerson ns & Mulch 81 10 Keter/Sumecc/ Go oodlife 79 11 Hex (team2) 78

12 Chaarless Bentley 76 13 Everggreeen (team2) 76 6 14 Everggreen (team1) 755 15 GIMA A 733 16 Polhill GC 73 17 Smart Gard den (teaam1) 72 18 Premier Decs 68 19 Hex (team1) 68 ban nk 67 20 Durston/Toolb 21 Vitax 64 b Marley 63 22 Bob 23 Hom mefifire/Rocketgro/ 54 4 Pottingg Shed

• Lon ngesst Driive: Jonny Hottson (GIMA) • Straigh hte est Drive: Andrew w Fitzmaurice (MoreePeeople) uth herford (Imprint) • Nearesst Pin 2nd: Arron Ru • Nearesst Pin 5th: Richard Newton (Woodlodgee) est Pin 17th: Ryan Maso on (Andersons & Mulch) • Neare • Beatt the Pro: Neil Lafford (Hexx); Jamess Parrr (Smaart Gaarden); Jonathon n Paayling (Gardena// Husq qvana); Neil Bllake (Woodlodge) Daniel McAlpin (Gleee// LBC Boots); Chriss Clements (Vitax); Sccott McCabe (Premierr Decs); Phil Park (E Evergreen); Nick Griffi ffin(Evergreen); And drew Fitzmaurice (MorrePeople)).

50 June/July 2025

www.g gardentradenew ws.co.uk

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Following the incredible success of the Kindling Cracker™ firewood splitter & Espegard fire pits & accessories - now a customer favourite at leading retailers like Blue Diamond, Lakeland, Waitrose Garden, Polhill Garden Centre, and Burford Garden Co - we’re thrilled to expand our range of premium outdoor living products.

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Promotion

Make watering your garden easier than ever this summer with GARDENA New Dual Hose Box from GARDENA takes the hassle out of keeping your garden happy and hydrated.

52 June/July 2025

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Promotion

A

ddressing the demand for a more efficient and user-friendly hose storage solution, GARDENA introduces the Dual Hose Box—an innovative product designed to enhance ease of use, flexibility, and comfort for gardeners. The launch marks a significant expansion and investment in the watering category within the UK market.

The Dual Hose Box comes pre-assembled with a free 1.5-meter connection hose; so you can enjoy all 25 meters of included hose. The hose box offers versatility and convenience which can be attached to the wall easily and removed with just one hand.

Alternatively, the lightweight hose box can be used on the ground and transported around the garden using the carry handle.

As every experienced gardener knows, winding your hose comfortably without knotting or kinking

the hose can be tricky; GARDENA’s Dual Hose Box features a comfortable, foldable crank handle and integrated hose guide for effortless, kink-free retraction.

The slim, compact and affordable Dual Hose Box comes with a five-year warranty and is perfect for medium sized gardens.

The Dual Hose Box includes a 25m hose, all necessary connectors, connection hose and spray nozzle which can be used for both cleaning and irrigation. The UV-proven hose box can be left outside all summer long, without risk of discolouration or the hose splitting.

With over 50 years of experience in designing and engineering high-quality watering products loved by passionate gardeners across the world, GARDENA will bring its new Dual Hose Box to the UK market in 2025.

Find out more

The new Dual Hose Box is available on a full pallet display, which stocks 30 hose reels.

For more information about GARDENA, head to www. gardena.com/uk.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

June/July 2025 53

2025 Westland Rising Stars

Stars in the making Thorough a series of workshops, including a visit to Westland’s Ellesmere Port facility, this year’s Rising Stars candidates are gaining from expert guidance to help them develop projects in their own centres.

A

fter an initial meeting in April, the nine garden centre team members taking part in the Rising Stars programme, sponsored by Westland Horticulture and supported by the GCA, are making great progress.

Each has come up with an idea for a particular project to boost sales within their own centres to benefit their own personal career development and confidence, plus the bottom line of their garden centres. Coaching via a series of workshops

by Gordon Emslie is helping enhance and hone personal and presentation skills, while visits to various locations, including Ellesmere Port in May, will grow their knowledge and broaden their understanding of the garden centre sector.

Workshops in Cambridge in June, Allensmore Nurseries and Glee in September will get candidates ready for the ‘Dragon’s Den’ presentations in October where finalists will be chosen.

At the GCA Conference in January 2026, each finalist will present the results of their projects

54 June/July 2025

on stage, with the winner chosen by votes from conference delegates.

Char Sait Haskins Ferndown • Project: Wildlife Gardening Through the creation of a wildlife calendar/ planner, Char’s project will highlight the importance and encourage the implementation of wildlife gardening. Four seasons of gardening guidance will benefit a variety of wildlife at crucial times of the year, marrying the benefits of gardening for ourselves as well as the environment and future of our wildlife in the most efficient and sustainable ways possible.

Aaron Caffarelli Thetford Garden Centre • Project: Circle of Life Responding to the loss of natural habitat from the large number of new houses being built around East Cambridgeshire and Norfolk, Aaron is creating a small garden within the centre. With hedgehog and insect houses, a bird table, and a water feature, it will also include a selection of locally grown plants to attract insects, birds, and wildlife.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

2025 Westland Rising Stars

Louise Lockwood Planters Tamworth • Project: Buzzing for a better tomorrow!

Louise is tackling the decline in bee numbers by educating the younger generation and learning to be beekeeper. Focusing on the conservation of bees, the project will drive linked sales of honey, plants, mead and other bee friendly products. Louise will also visit local primary schools to help them create bee friendly spaces and bee themed artwork to display in store.

A ‘Bee Weekend’ linked to World Bee Day will include activities such as painting, tastings and special offers.

Jess Salter BGC Gloucester Garden Centre

inspirational baskets Lewis has created to encourage customers to have a go at home.

Joe Jones BGC Irton Garden Centre • Project: Grow Your Way To 5 A-Day Joe is promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, which in turn will help improve the environment.

Alongside a selection of fruit and veg plants will be posters and booklets explaining how to plant, maintain and harvest fruit and veg plus inspiring recipes. The end goal is to motivate and teach others how to grow and maintain their own fruit and veg, while using recycled materials to benefit customers and the planet.

• Project: Cup to Compost

Ewan O’connell Rutland Nurseries

Through a passion for coffee, Jess is promoting the gardening benefits of recycled coffee grounds from the restaurant. Coffee grounds will be bagged and displayed to show how to use coffee in compost and a comparison of growing hydrangeas with and without coffee enriched compost to show how the acidity in the soil can help turn flowers from pink to blue. Linked sales and signages will encourage gardeners to try it at home.

• Project: Water Sustainability Ewan’s project will focus on ways to conserve and save water, while educating people on how to water efficiently and sustainably especially if they are using peat-free growing media.

Throughout the planteria and store, Ewan will use flood benches, capillary matting and water butts and link these to educational displays which explain how peat-free compost dries out quicker and is harder to re-wet once dried.

Duncan Schofield BGC Harrow Garden Centre • Project: The Rocks Are Alive Duncan’s work in the hard landscaping area, has fuelled his belief that rockeries are an excellent addition to a garden as they look beautiful and provide homes for a variety of insects and other creatures.

By building a small rockery with a display about their value in promoting biodiversity, Duncan will drive education on the effect that different rock and paving types have on water runoff and water conservation.

Robert Ede Squires Frensham • Project: The Birds & The Bees Robert is creating a modern lifestyle display on a pallet, so it is mobile and remains consistent even when moved. It will a house or courtyard scene with water features, wildflowers, bug hotels and bird feeders and include a shoppable so customers can purchase the products included. It will be easy access for impulse sales, and also very trackable for sales reporting.

Lewis O’Neill BGC Gloucester Garden Centre • Project: Hanging About Lewis is creating a bundle of everything needed to make pollinator-promoting hanging baskets. Adopting a market stall approach, it will be sold in areas including Best Buy which, due to a one-way system, receives 100% footfall. The stall will be decorated with

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

June/July 2025 55

Greeatest Food & Drink

Winners of the last GTN’s Greatest Catering Team Awards in 2017

The search is on for

The Greatest Garden Centre Food & Drink Teams,

F

plus The Greatest Garden Centre Afternoon Tea

or the first time in years, we’ve had busy garden centre trading throughout the spring into summer and now it’s time for your catering teams to make the most of the holiday period with exceptional food, drink and customer service.

That’s why we are bringing back GTN’s Greatest Awards for garden centre catering to celebrate all that is great about food & drink across UK garden centres. GTN’s Greatest Food & Drink Team Garden Centre Team Awards will be announced and presented as part of Food@ Glee at the NEC on Wednesday 17th September 2025.

56 June/July 2025

The Greatest Garden Centre Food & Drink Team From mid-July through to the end of August you can give your catering and food retail teams a boost by getting your customers to vote for them as one of The Greatest Teams in Garden Centre Food & Drink.

Voting will be on-line, as we do for our Greatest Christmas Awards, linked to a QR code and by voting forms you can print out and place on tables in your café/restaurant.

The winners will be the teams with the most votes, with separate awards for different sizes of centre and regional awards too.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Food @ Glee

A delicious new chapter for the UK’s leading garden retail trade show

Glee returns for its 51st edition with an exciting and flavourful new addition this September – Food @ Glee. A brand-new sector is set to transform the show experience, offering garden centres and retail buyers the opportunity to explore the growing world of food and drink in garden retail.

Award winning Afternoon Tea at Green Pastures

The Greatest Garden Centre Afternoon Tea Award What an accolade to win! In the past we’ve been out on the road to meet afternoon tea teams, but this year we’re inviting garden centres from across the country to bring their afternoon teas to Glee on Wednesday 17th September, assemble them for display from lunchtime onwards, to be judged by a panel of expert judges in traditional village fete/WI style.

The winners, overall and regional, will be chosen by the judges, along with extra awards for The Greatest Garden Centre Scone and The Greatest Garden Centre Traybake.

The Greatest Garden Centre Catering Support Team When we last ran GTN’s Greatest Catering Team Awards in 2017, one of the most highly regarded awards was for The Greatest Wash Up Team, the support team that keeps your catering service flowing through the peaks and all day long. This year we’d like to give accolades to The Greatest Catering Support Team, be they wash up, cleaners, IT support staff or marketing teams that are behind the scenes adding that extra bit of greatness for your customers.

How to enter

To enter GTN’s Greatest Food & Drink Garden Centre Team Awards 2025, just send an e-mail to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk stating which awards you would like to enter and we will send you full entry details, along with links for the on-line voting, poster and voting form artworks.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Food @ Glee is the exciting new area dedicated to the profitable opportunities and extended dwell time that a strong F&B offering brings to your garden centre. Whether you’re exploring retail options like food halls and farm shops, or hospitality ventures from cosy cafés to food trucks and fine dining restaurants, the opportunities are endless – and growing! As consumers increasingly view garden centres as destinations for family days out, social dining and leisurely browsing, this area delivers the education and inspiration you need to capitalise on this trend and boost your profits.

Discover inspiring exhibitors ready to support your F&B ambitions, from concept to service, alongside the new dedicated Feed Your Business Stage – where profit is always on the menu.

This stage serves up expert insights and practical strategies to help you implement, refine and grow profitable F&B operations that’ll transform your garden centre into a must-visit destination.

Feed Your Business Stage where profit is always on the menu The main course of Food @ Glee is the new dedicated stage championing Food & Beverage retail and hospitality innovation. Top sessions include: Tuesday 16th – The UK high street coffee sector is changing AGAIN – What’s happening and what does it mean for garden centre catering?

Tuesday 16th – The Catering Edge Garden Centre Catering Innovation

Wednesday 17th – What is a Good Package for Good Chefs? How Garden Centres Can Attract Better Culinary Talent Wednesday 17th – GTN’s Greatest Food & Drink Garden Centre Team Awards 2025 Thursday 18th - Planting the Perfect Kitchen: Food Service Design Thursday 18th – ‘Retail Ready: Creating Irresistible Food Halls that Sell’ This new chapter for Glee reflects the evolution of the garden retail sector and its customers’ expectations. Food is not just an add-on – it’s a key ingredient in creating thriving, multi-sensory retail environments. Whether it’s a graband-go offering, a full café menu, or a curated in-store food hall, Food @ Glee is where ideas will come to life, collaborations will be sparked, and future success stories will be born.

Glee 2025 promises garden buyers an unrivalled opportunity to discover an exceptional mix of new, returning and long-standing exhibitors. From fresh innovation to trusted favourites, the show is the ultimate destination to explore the latest products, connect with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights into emerging trends. Make sure to mark your diaries for 16th–18th September 2025 and be part of the event that continues to define the future of garden retail.

For more information or to register your interest in exhibiting, visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call 0203 3545 9752.

June/July 2025 57

Garden centre focus

Tasty investment After recently opening its new restaurant, Mike Lind, Mike Lind says Managing Director of Monkton Elm Garden Centre in the catering has Somerset, talks about why, in uncertain times, it made investment given Monkton Garden the investment and his plans to maximise on the space. Elm Centre a roadmap

I

t was 10 years ago that Monkton Elm Garden Centre took a massive move and expanded its restaurant with a new purpose-built building. At the time it was a huge and successful development and the glass and metal building was state of the art.

Mike Lind, Managing Director, says since then, the team learnt that three things proved to fundamentally wrong - the service style and facilities in the kitchen, the high levels of noise, and the excessive and uncontrollable heat in the summer.

58 June/July 2025

for the future.

“We needed to look to change, to give us a roadmap for the future,” he says. With the help of Playdell Smithyman, the team at Monkton Elm were able to address all these challenges and in April this year, opened its refurbished 400 cover restaurant.

Plans to make the changes started some two years ago, well before Government announced the latest increases to the minimum wage and National Insurance contributions.

“We considered the impact of budget but took the view that in the

Garden centre focus

The Elm Tree Restaurant has 400 covers.

spin off to customers when they're here will continue to help us grow.”

Practicalities

face of an onslaught, you can't just batten down the hatches. We had a great design so decided to continue with the investment strategy to generate additional revenue for the business as opposed to burying our heads in the sand,” says Mike.

“We went through various consultations with staff to look at how we could reduce the cost of running the business, but we took the positive decision of aiming for growth. We are always looking at how we can be more efficient and build on our local, community orientated family business model to generate additional revenue.

“We're very, very lucky to straddle hospitality, retail, events, and be a destination centre. There are lots of reasons why a local community comes to a garden centre and we wanted to make make food and hospitality a real central point for coming to visit us. We want food and beverage to be 25%-30% of garden centre turnover, and if we do that well, the

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

The refit was major, covering 960m2, and after much deliberation, it was decided to carry out the works from January to March, and close the facility completely. In its place, a temporary kitchen was set up with 100 covers in the area traditionally used for seasonal plant sales.

“The building window between January and March meant we could open just before the peak season, but we wondered whether to do it in stages, to close it and take the hit on the revenue, or see if there was anywhere, we could have a pop-up restaurant?

“We set a target to achieve 70% of last year's takings over 13 weeks and I’m pleased to say we exceeded that target,” says Mike. “It was an interesting journey, not without its problems, but we got through it, largely down to Wendy Tyzack [Food and Beverage Manager] and her team.”

Refurbishment changes included lowering the ceiling, fixing in acoustic panels and bringing in greenery and foliage to absorb sound. An air source heat pump was favoured over the original underfloor heating which also improved the centre’s environmental footprint. An outdoor seating area was covered and is now The Garden Room.

After studying the customer journey and design of the kitchen, a larger kitchen and re-modelling of the service area and customer seating space was implemented.

“We had quite specific reasons form making the changes and anticipate it will give us a lot of growth over the next few years. We have 400 covers inside, plus a few outside, and the kitchen has been set

up to deal with that sort of volume in terms of capacity. It should give us a lot more strength and resilience to build a key part of future garden centre revenue,” Mike explains.

Maximising investment Part of the new building’s design included the facility for events and Monkton Elm has lots planned. Already, the garden centre has a thriving gardening club which meets once a month, and this spring, for the first time, the restaurant served as a function for the first Glee Roadshow event. But to make the most of the facilities, the team are looking at how they best bring in people outside of traditional opening hours.

“When we built the restaurant building ten years ago, the customary thinking was to make your key reason for your customers to visit you as far away from

June/July 2025 59

Garden centre focus

Foliage and acoustic roof panels have helped dampen the noise levels.

the entrance as possible. So, we built the restaurant at the opposite side to the entrance. But this doesn’t help when we want to bring customers who are only coming here for an evening activity. They have to come all the way through the whole shop which means it needs to be open and staffed. We'll probably bring people in through the plant area, but then do we need to have a covered walkway because it's probably going to be raining?

There's a myriad of challenges but it is something we would like to do.”

“We want to be approachable as a place where people can come either for a business event, a family event, or some sort of local community event. As a business we strive to make our customers feel welcome.”

This will undoubtedly shift the demographic of the customer base and within the first few weeks of opening, this is already being seen. “Apart from the curiosity factor, a much wider age profile has visited, and this is something we want to encourage.” This is even without the new outdoor play area opening.

Spreading the word Monkton Elm’s 44,000 strong loyalty card

The Garden Room opened in May.

60 June/July 2025

Strength in the brand

customer base was the obvious place to start to market the new restaurant. A cautious approach was taken because build dates can easily shift, so messages focused on ‘coming soon’. The team also wanted to ensure everything ran smoothly before making a big announcement. A strong plan to ramp up marketing is in place which included a breakfast offering in May and a series of staged events over the next six months. “A lot has been driven around our existing customer base and looking after our customers who look after us,” says Mike.

Once the restaurant has lured customers in, the skill is to encourage them to buy from other departments. “I think it's a failing if a customer who comes here has a fabulous experience with the food and coffee, but they don't pick something up on their way out,” says Mike.

With the aim of securing up to 30% of turnover from the restaurant, can Mike see a time when the words ‘garden centre’ are dropped from the business name? The answer is absolutely not.

“We are extraordinarily privileged to be in the garden centre sector, and I would fight tooth and nail if it was just called Monkton Elm and not have the strapline of being a garden centre. It would be a real step backwards. We are proud to be Monkton Elm Garden Centre & Restaurant.

People will always come to a garden centre expecting there to be some form of hospitality but not to reference us as a garden centre is something I couldn’t entertan. Being a garden centre sets us apart from so many other retail entities out there. It's got a real synergy with a very large customer base and is our point of difference against some of the big, nationals. The experience we offer as an independent garden centre is quite unique, and something we really want to highlight.”

For Monkton Elm the extra 100 spaces are going to be important in light of the 1500 new homes planned nearby, as is the need to work out how new customers are going to engage with the garden centre in the coming years. It’s expected more people will also walk, cycle or use public transport to reach the centre, which means looking at the product mix as the environment around evolves. Key considerations are items like heavy bags of growing media. “We want to continue to be the centre of the community and encourage people to engage and come to us through whatever means possible, and not just in a car,” says Mike.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

THE PET & AQUATICS TRADE SHOW

28-30 SEPTEMBER NEC BIRMINGHAM Where the Pet & Aquatics Trade meet to do business

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Planteria

Roses of success

New plants aplenty at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show but roses steal the headlines.

O

Rosa ‘Catherine’s Rose’ from Harkness Roses.

ne sure-fire place to see unusual, new and exciting plants for any planteria is Chelsea’s Great Pavilion. In addition to the entrants in the RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year competition, the pavilion was the place to see a flurry of new rose varieties too.

Royal roses Martin Ward, B2B Marketing Manager for David Austin Roses, says King Charles has been growing The Kings Rose for the last three years.

Stealing the limelight due a visit from King Charles was Rosa ‘The Kings Rose’ from David Austin Roses. Unusual for David Austin, this variety has a single, open bloom, so perfect for attracting pollinators, and bi-colour petals.

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62 June/July 2025

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Planteria

Left: The work of Muscular Dystrophy UK will benefit from sales of Rosa ‘Stronger Together’ with red flowers and a white centre. Available through Blue Diamond Garden Centres, it is joined by Rosa ‘Vianne’s Chocolat’ a highly fragrant hybrid tea with dark crimson blooms.

Rosa ‘The Elton John AIDS Foundation Rose’ from Harkness Roses is the first in a series for the foundation. Others will follow with names based on or around Elton John albums including a purple climber to coincide with World Aids Day in December. £5 from each sale will be donated to the foundation.

It was 12 years in the making, and as it was such a prestigious launch, the company kept it under wraps until the day before the flower show. Martin says stock is limited in this first year. “But plants were delivered to around 80 garden centres, so they got the Chelsea look,” he says.

The Princess of Wales now also has a rosed named after her, thanks to a new launch from Harkness Roses. Initially

available online and later through garden centres, Rosa ‘Catherine’s Rose’ is a repeat flowering floribunda with clusters of up to 15 blooms. A mid to dark pink, flowers also have a strong traditional rose fragrance but with a hint of mango, and when open fully are pollinator friendly. From each sale, £5 will go to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and plants will feature in new wellbeing gardens being championed by the Princess.

Light pink Rosa ‘Linda Lee’ will add softness to any border. From Peter Beales, this repeat-flowering form has light pink to cream, fragrant, open double flowers and is highly scented.

n ® m tu u a in y it os in m lu e or M : ls ir Gardeng

Classic Line

Late Line

Amina

Milva

sprin Flowering until

asting Extremely long-l

g

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Strong luminosity

Dense flowering

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Upright growth

Upright growth

Flowering until spring

Flowering until october (No tying up of the flower)

(No tying up of the flower)

Lilith

Leandra

Aurica

Coco

Paula

Lioba

Your colourful world of heather W W W. G A R D E N G I R L S . D E

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

June/July 2025 63

Viewpoint

It’s good to talk Boyd J Douglas-Davies, Chair of the Environmental Horticulture Group

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’m often asked what I talk about when I meet Parliamentarians on behalf of the Environmental Horticulture Group (EHG). It is sometimes easier to say what we don’t talk about. The important thing is that we ARE talking and as a result I feel we are starting to see actions, and we all know how much louder they are than words!

The speed at which environmental horticulture can make a tangible difference to the growth of the UK (no pun intended) is of real interest to the government and opposition. Whilst industries across the country, and indeed world, are striving to reduce their environmental impact, the world of environmental horticulture should be encouraged and allowed to make a bigger impact. Without the trees and plants we create the world would stop breathing very quickly.

A good example of action was the announcement, a few months ago, by Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, relating to additional funding for Children’s Hospices across the country. Part of the money was ringfenced for green spaces at the hospices.

That acknowledgement of the huge value derived from plants, open spaces and fresh air would not have happened a few years ago, whichever government was in power. I had the opportunity to meet Wes Streeting in Westminster a few weeks ago, and gave him a real, and current example of how that money is being put to good use at a hospice where the Greenfingers Charity is currently building a kitchen garden.

Global, floral stage The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the greatest flower show in the world. One of the wonderful things it does is provide us with the perfect opportunity to speak with many from the Palace of Westminster and this year was no exception. At 6am, (yes 6AM), on the Tuesday morning they arrive for a breakfast

64 June/July 2025

The Baroness Janet Fookes is an advocate of the horticultural industry and Clematis ‘Baroness Fookes’ was launched at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to recognise her unwavering support. Bred by Raymond Evison, it produces a prolific display of purple/blue petals with a darker bar.

…remove the barriers and let us grow a greener Britain briefing and guided tour of the show before the gates open. The record turnout of MPs, Lords & Ladies was great to see and even more important was how engaged they all were.

I told them about a young family I met just the night before. Of how sitting under a tree on a sunny day enjoying dappled sunshine was a product of environmental horticulture. How lying on the grass and watching birds, bees and butterflies in the garden was a product of environmental horticulture. How letting a bubbling fountain run water between the children’s fingers was a benefit of environmental horticulture and how pleasure gained from crushing herbs between the fingers and smelling them was again thanks to environmental horticulture.

All of that had been happening, for this particular family, for the last five years from within a hospice garden.

Nobody can deny the great things environmental horticulture delivers so the ask I always make, whichever department I am facing, is let us do what we do so well, remove the barriers and let us grow a greener Britain.

Oh, and what don’t we talk about… sport!

I made that mistake early on with a minister when I thought I would break the ice by telling him I often watched his local rugby team. He replied with ‘never watch them, I’m a football man!’, lesson learnt!!

Find out more

To download the latest EHG reports visit: hta.org.uk/missiongreengrowth Please let me know of any issues you want raised by the Environmental Horticulture Group.

Email: boyd@theboydpartnership.co.uk

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Viewpoint

Retail shifts and spring achievements Will Armitage, HTA President

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ell, spring 2025 didn’t disappoint. While May’s performance was slightly stifled by the change in weather, it was more likely a reflection of the strong trading in March and April - customers had got in early this year. Now, with a bit of luck and another shift in the weather, those same customers will have done all the work in their gardens and be looking forward to spending as much time there as possible during the summer months, and hopefully, your garden furniture sales will be trending positively too.

I’m sure many of you will be heading over to SOLEX to get your ranges sorted out for next season.

I know many businesses out there are so pleased and relieved to have finally had the spring we needed, but with the current high cost of employment, it would be very easy to lose all those gains over the next few quieter months. We’re seeing some major shifts in retail, as many supermarkets are changing their offerings and removing highwage customer service positions. I notice that Tesco is also now looking to reduce its opening hours in a bid to reduce costs. I feel this government is forcing us to change the look and feel of leisure retail and catering.

We need to find the innovation to keep it our own.

Border trade changes I hope you have all seen the trade press and national media reporting on the HTA’s recent achievements in helping to get the UK/EU Sanitary Phytosanitary Agreement changed, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the HTA. This is not just the faces in the media, the presence in the Houses of Parliament, or the evidence given to highlight the nightmare this has been for the past five years, but to all the companies out there who sell and redeem the HTA Garden Gift Cards - this is what you are contributing to! And to the HTA team who have kept this high on the government’s agenda long before it became

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

evident in April 2020 when the Brexit wall went up, their hard work is only just beginning. We now have to make sure the proposed changes continue to help our industry. So, on behalf of the HTA membership, a huge thank you.

At Bord Bia Bloom in Dublin, a great shop window for horticulture.

Flower power in Dublin and London As your HTA president, I was fortunate enough to have been invited by the RHS President to attend the President’s Lunch at the RHS’s Chelsea Flower Show. This really is one of the industry’s best shop windows. A chance for designers, growers, landscapers, influencers, the media, celebrities and most importantly, the gardeners and garden fans that look to our fabulous garden centres and nurseries to provide them with the goods to make it happen. And it’s not just here in the UK. The Board Bia of Ireland to invite me to its famous flower show, Bord Bia Bloom in Dublin—an incredible melding of food, farming, and horticulture, and a very different atmosphere. But the gardens at both events were incredible, well-designed and perfectly executed.

And the season doesn’t stop there. The HTA National Plant Show at NAEC Stoneleigh in mid-June was a fantastic opportunity for the trade to come together, see the best new plants, explore innovation and connect

with suppliers and peers from across the industry. If you didn’t manage to visit this year, I encourage you to make a date in your diary for 17th -18th June 2026.

Find out more

The Horticultural Trades Association is the UK industry’s leading membership organisation and welcomes all sectors of environmental horticulture. To learn more, pleasse visit www.hta.org.uk or to enquire about membership please email: membership@hta.org.uk

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Viewpoint

Breaking records and building growth

Vicky Nuttall, Director of GIMA

I

t’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through 2025, but perhaps even harder to believe just how many records have been broken in these six short months. From record membership numbers to unprecedented levels of product innovation and industry engagement, this year is shaping up to be one of the most significant in GIMA’s history.

The standout milestone, of course, is our membership growth. For the first time ever, GIMA is now home to 200 member companies.

That’s not just a number. It’s a powerful reflection of our industry’s confidence in the work we do. To be representing such a wideranging, diverse group of businesses - across every product category and scale - is a huge honour. It also speaks volumes about the importance of strong, connected communities in a sector that continues to navigate change and opportunity in equal measure.

This support is perhaps more important than ever. With the closure of several wellknown retail names, the first half of 2025 has presented some real challenges, but it’s also opened doors. Through our ongoing work with members, we’ve helped identify and establish new channels to market, filling the gaps left behind and turning disruption into progress. It’s a clear example of the value that GIMA delivers, not just in good times, but as a constant, proactive support system whatever the market looks like.

Innovation, too, has reached new heights. By the time you read this, our 2025 GIMA Awards judging day will likely have taken place, and 200

we’re pushing forward, growing stronger, and setting new benchmarks along the way.’ plus entries submitted, our judging panel had their work cut out for them. More than 200 is a staggering number of new products being brought to market, and reflects the remarkable investment in R&D, sustainability and design being made by our members. The winners, of course, are under lock and key until our awards night on 6th November, but there’s still time to make your mark. Nominations remain open for our prestigious Supplier of the Year and

Export Achievement awards, so if you haven’t yet put yourself or another deserving business forward, now’s the time!

Maintaining momentum Looking ahead to Glee, the momentum continues. The GIMA Business Village is set to break its own records this year, with over 50 brands joining us at the NEC. That’s our largest-ever presence at the show and a clear sign of the appetite for visibility, connection, and collaboration. With our hosted Buyer Connect meetings also returning, it’s shaping up to be a fantastic platform for retailers and suppliers alike. If you’re a buyer and want to meet engaged, forward-thinking businesses, we’d love to have you involved.

So yes, the pace of 2025 has been rapid, but it’s also been remarkable. We’re not just keeping up; we’re pushing forward, growing stronger, and setting new benchmarks along the way. Thank you to our members for being such an integral part of this journey. If the first half is anything to go by, the second half is going to be even more exciting.

Find out more

Any businesses interested in joining GIMA can contact the GIMA team at 01959 564947 or info@gima.org.uk. Full details regarding GIMA’s multiple-member benefits can be found at www.gima.org.uk

66 June/July 2025

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