GTN March 2026 - Garden Trade News UK

More Bunker time for Derek

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Poised, readyfor action

Forthepasttwoweeks we’vehad glimmers ofSpring, butthe weather keepschanging itsmind. Everywhere we’vebeengarden centresarereadyfortherushandlookingin greatshape. We just needit to warmupand forthesun to shineformorethanoneday!

Inthisissue we celebratethe retirement of DerekBunker,oneoftheearlygarden centre pioneers,ashesoldAltonGarden Centre to BritishGarden Centres.Thenwesawhisson, Andy Bunkeratthe BritishGarden Centresplant show, hehasjoinedthegrouptobepartoftheirplant buying team,andmanaged to sitwith Charles andAmyStubbsfor acouple of hoursreflecting on thepastfewyears rapidgrowthofthegroup andaskabouttheirfuture plans. Youcan read thefullinterviewonpages26–28. Theirvisionof 200centresatsomepointin thefuturesets abig target to shootat.

Onethingthatstoodoutfromtheinterview wasCharlesview on competition:“Ithinkthe industryisinasgood aposition as it everhasbeen, butthe worstthingforthesectoris nothaving

competition. Forall the reasonsunderthe sun, thereneeds to be competition.”Competitionis also importantwhen it comes to suppliers and we lookforwardtolearning thefuture ofthe AMES UK businessasthatclosureand eventual selloff takesplace.Wecertainlydon’twantawholeload of stock floodingthe marketplace at sillyprices. We will be watchingthat situationveryclosely.

At theend ofApril, TheGleeRoadshow isgoing to GatesGarden CentreatOakhamand Iwillbe runningsessionsattheRoadshow with NigelGates, to get hisviewsontheseasonaheadand theissues thatarise fromrunninglargesites,plus asession withMartin &Jenny Turner from Fakenham Garden Centre wheretheyreallymakethe most oftheirtiny1.75acresite.It wouldbe greatif you canjoinusatthe Glee Roadshow on Thursday30th April 2026.You canregister to attendfor freeat: www.gleebirmingham.com/roadshow See youthere.

Trevor Pfeiffer

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More Bunker time for Derek

Fromcharging 10panhourfor hisgardening servicesas alad,tocreatingthelargestfamily gardencentreinEssex,DerekBunkercan now lookforwardtomoretimeon thegolfcourse. Retirementhasarrivedas Alton GardenCentre becomesthe 78thBritishGarden Centre.

DerekBunker hasbeen,andstillis,a voiceinthesector worthlistening to.Comfortable calling‘a spade,a spade’, he’s beenpartofthe gardencentre world sincethe early 1970’s.In thattime,he hasbuiltup astack ofstories to tell,buthis next chapter, retirement,willbefilledwith alotmore golf.

Retirementalsobrings achangeforthe teamatAltonGardenCentre,whichfor55 yearshasbeen oneofthe largestfamily centresin Essex. Derekhas runthecentre withhistwo sons AndyandJay,and this month hepassesthe businesstoanother family.TheStubbs family take on Alton GardenCentrebringingthetotalnumber ofBritish GardenCentres to 78.

“I’m delightedCharles is buyingthe business,” saysDerek,“wetalkthesame language,and Iknowhewilldoagoodjob becausehehas histwo daughters,brother andwifewithhim.Hesaid to me ‘DerekI want to makeyou proudofwhatI dowith yourgardencentre’ andI knowhewill.”

Earlydays

Derek’s local flowershowhas alwaysbeen theRHS ChelseaFlowerShowasChelsea is wherehewasbornandgrewup. “When Iwas akid,Iusedtoseepeople coming and goingfromtheshow butthen Ihad astandthere, alongsideRichard Evans from RuxleyManor,andNotcuttsselling garden furniture. Alongfromourstandwas ParisNatar whowasthen headingupPan Products.”

Having apresenceatthe Chelsea FlowerShowputAltonGarden Centreon themapbutDerekgot thebusinessand gardening bug waybefore then.Onmoving outofLondonwithhis family, he began mowinglawnsandweedingatthe ageof 15,‘for acupof teaand apieceofcake’, cyclingfromjob to jobcharging 2shillings (10p)perhour.At16hebecameinvolved withhislocalgardeningcluband was encouraged to help runthestore every Sunday morning.“In thosedays youhad abigsackof bone meal anda bigsackof hoof andhorn,and you'dshovelitintothe customers’containers,”recallsDerek.“We alsosoldBio plantfood from afive-gallon drum at 10pperpint.

“I got ataste foritandsort ofbecame thebuyer.Itwas commonsense really, makingsurewehad aloadofpeatin when it wasplantingtime.Within twoyears,I tookturnoverfrom thestore from £500a year to over£2,000.” Neverone to missan opportunity, Derek alsobaggeduprotted pigmanurefroma localfarmer and sold it to customers on thesidetobolsterhis income.

Ontheroadtohis ownbusiness

Derek’s idea to run agardeningshopwas bolsteredbythe wallflowers he grew and soldfrom hisfront gate.He also grew dahlias forexhibitionandhas astack of prizecards to prove hissuccess.

Over thenext twoyears,Dereksaved £300,and eventually foundanadvertinthe

localpaperdeclaringa businessfor sale.A farmer had40localroundssellingpotatoes andeggsbut waslookingtosell20. “When Igot there, he said hehadalreadysoldthe 20 rounds.But Itoldhim Ihad themoney with meso he said Icould have it.”

local paper declaring a business for sale. A farmer had 40 local rounds selling potatoes and eggs but was looking to sell 20. “When I got there, he said he had already sold the 20 rounds. But I told him I had the money

limitations of selling just potatoes and eggs and with the advent of more people having their own cars, customers were to visit the farm to rather than needing to

Derekquicklysaw theseasonal limitationsofsellingjustpotatoesand eggs andwiththe advent ofmore peoplehaving theirowncars,customers were starting to visit thefarm to buy rather thanneedingto have fooddelivered.

By1971,Derek hadsecured a21-year rentalagreementonagreenhouse, with aslither of landand parkingfor12cars andsobegan hisfirst garden shop.On

Jaywith hisdaughter Maisie and Andy with hiswifeJuliaat Derek's retirement partyatthegarden centre.

recommendation fromanAmericanbanker Derekmeton acruise,he boughtthe business.“Hesaid ‘whenyougethome, buythebusiness–whateverhe wants just payit’”.

In1975the centre started to take shape and,alsointhat year,Derek visitedthe first Glee.He wasmorethanpleased then in 2024,toofficiallyopenthe50thGlee.

Barerootand root-balledplants were boughtatanauctioninWisbechand eventuallyDerekbegan to tradedirectly withnurseriesinHolland. “I remember wecouldbuybarerootplantssuchas potentillaandspireafor10p each.We wouldgettheminJanuaryandpotthem up readyforselling”

SalesofWestmorlandstone were also strongascustomerscreated rockeries.“It waswater-wornandlookedfabulous.We wouldhave20tonnes aweekasnoone else wassellingit,”saysDerek.

Bringing in thefamily

Andy,Derek’s sonjoinedthe businessin 1978,straightfromschoolandin1980the adjoining10acres wasboughtfromalocal farmer whogavehim aprivatemortgage becausehesaidhewas agoodbet. Gardenmachinerybecamethe nextbig thing,headedup by Andy,withservicing andmaintenance onoffer.Andybecome Plant Managerin1995and todaybrings hisplant retailing experiencetotheRHS throughbeingamember andjudgeofplant trialsatnearbyRHS GardenHydeHall. Jay,Derek’s youngersonjoinedin2001 andhassincedeveloped aBBQ department like noothergardencentre.With42,000 followers onInstagram,hehasmade Alton ‘the’place to goforBBQ’s andaccessories andbrings in hundredsofcustomers. Like most centres,furniturewasand stillisanimportantline forAlton and Derekhas witnessedmarket trendschange fromplasticfurniture, towoodandthen aluminium.He waseven describedasthe ‘millionfranccustomerfrom England’becausehe bought somuchfrom Grosfilex. However, his gardencentresaleswere boostedfrombeingat theIdeal Home Show andtheRHSChelsea FlowerShow.

Thetrend forselling Christmas camein the 1980’sfollowingavisit to Canada.“Inwinter, the smallernurseriesjust closebecause heatingis tooexpensive,sothey

leasetheir carparks to sellChristmas trees.Thebiggardencentreshad fabulous displays, so we began, quite smalltostartwith, butas we gotbigger, wewere askedtoruntheChristmas departmentinalargedepartmentstore in Southend.

Butitwasn’tonly Christmas that linksAltonwithdepartmentstores. Gardenmachinery, silk flowersand furnitureweresoldas concessionsin20 Debenhams stores.

Industry challenges

Derekalways jokedthatwhenhis time came to leavethe business,he wouldbe carriedoutinabox,his ashesput intoa glasstimer andset on thereception desk so he wouldkeep an eyeonthe business. Butstaff andbusinesscosts aremaking itdifficultfor independentcentres to continue.“Smaller sitesare fine, butif youare asinglemediumor largersized independentsite,lifeis becoming very toughwithalltheoverheads.”

Withtheirability to spread thecost of back room staffing over many sites, groups ofgarden centres arethe ones abletosucceedin thecurrenteconomic climate.Theyalsohavestronger buying power, enablingthem to sellproductat keenprices.

Although technically retiring Derek will stillkeepin touchwiththe industry andhisvaluable experiencemeans he alreadyhas acoupleof ironsin the fire. Oneofthoseisasajudgefor theGlee NewProduct Awardsin September. With hisdecadesin retail,Derekwillmost definitelybeable to spot apotentialgood seller when he sees one.

Aloverofgolf, Derekisa regularplayer attheannual charityGIMA GolfDay.

Early promotional materialfor AltonGarden Centre.

Officiallyopeningthe50thGlee.

ExtendingtheSeason:The Greenhouse Opportunityfor Garden Centres

Customersdon’tvisitgardencentresjustto shop,they come lookingforideas,inspirationandthepromiseof asuccessful growingseason.Whiletheymayarriveforseeds,compost, tools,potsandplants,thejourneyoftenstops short of the product thatcantrulytransformtheirgrowingexperience:a greenhouse.Byofferinggreenhousesin-store, garden centres cancompletethatjourneywhileopeningthedoortoa powerfulopportunityfor year-round,high-valuesales.

Outdoorgrowing will alwaysbeatthe mercyofBritain’s unpredictableweather.Agreenhousechanges that completely.Bycreatinga stable,protected microclimate,it allowsgardenerstostart earlier, growlongerand achieve morereliableresults.Forcustomers,thatmeansgreater successandenjoyment.For gardencentres,itmeans more frequentvisits,moreproductspurchasedandengagement thatlastswellbeyondthetraditionalseason.

Vitavia, afamily-run business basedinSuffolk,is theBritish partneroftheVitaviaGroup,Europe’sleadingspecialist inqualityhobbygreenhousesandaccessories. Known for combining excellent valuewith dependableservice, Vitavia hasbecomeatrustednameamong UKgardeners.The companyis alsotheexclusiveUKdistributor for Janssens,the premiumBelgianbrandcelebratedforitselegant, design-led greenhousesandgarden rooms. Together,the tworanges offersomethingfor everycustomer,fromfirst-timegrowersto those seekinga statement featurefortheir garden.

Some retailers worrythatgreenhousesdemand toomuch retailspace,butthe realityisfarsimpler.A carefully selected displayofjustthree models;6x4,6x8and 8x10 cancreatea strikingfocalpoint whiledrivinghigh-valuesales.Betterstill, greenhousesprovide theperfectenvironment toshowcase

Vitavia

Email -sales@vitavia.co.uk

plants,potsandaccessories, turningthem into both aretail featureand apracticalmerchandising space.

Forgarden centreslookingtoextendthe season,increase marginsandinspiregreater customerloyalty,addingVitavia and Janssens greenhouses totherangeis asmart investment, onethatkeepsgrowing.

Getintouch today-sales@vitavia.co.uk

Houseplantsbenefit from theDurstons’difference

Durstons expandshigh-performance peat-free rangewith AdvancedHouseplantCompost.

Indoorplantscan nowreapthebenefits ofDurstonGardenProducts gamechangingpeat-freeformulation,asthe family-runproducerlaunches adedicated performancehouseplant compost,helping yourcustomersachieve lusherleaves, biggerbloomsand healthierplants.

Part ofDurstons’Advancedpeat-free collection –arange proventooutperform

competitor productsacross theboardin independentgrowingtrials –thisbrand-new specialist composthasbeenformulated to help houseplantsthrive, takingthe guessworkout of indoorgardening.

Itsbalanced structurecreates theideal environment forhouseplants to flourish, providing excellentaerationforhealthy roots anddeliveringeffective moisture control,thus

reducingtheneedforfrequent watering. The mixcontains 14essentialnutrients thatarereadilyavailableforplantuptake, supportinghealthy rootdevelopment,vibrant foliageandimproved floweringperformance. The result isstronger,moreresilient plantsthat areeasierfor consumers to carefor at home.

Theidealhouseplantpartner Perfect for re-potting established plants or givingnewadditionstheright start,Durstons Advanced Houseplant Compost iseasy to use

KeybenefitsofDurstons’AdvanceHouseplant Compost

 14essentialnutrients –easilyabsorbedandaccessible to plants

 Highlyeffectivemoistureretention –reducingtheneedfor frequent watering

 Up to 70%biggerplants*

 Up to 50%moreblooms*

 Premiumpeat-freeformulation

 Packagingmadefrom30%recycledplasticand recyclableat mostgarden centres

*Basedon results ofindependentgrowing trials

….lusherleaves, bigger blooms and healthier

plants.

anddeliverspremiumperformanceatan affordable price,helping to createsignificant opportunities forthose retailersseeking to capitaliseonthe ever-growinghouseplant category.

Advanced Houseplant Compostisavailable in ahandy 10-litre bagas aperfect pick-up lineor20-litrebagforlarger indoor projects. Thanks to Durstons’recent re-brand,this excitingnewlineboastsshowstoppingand informativepackaging,enablingshoppers to makequicker decisionsatpointof

AboutDurstons

purchase. Thesupport of attractivenew merchandisingandPOS materialprovides evengreater stand-outonshelf,driving thoseall-importantimpulse buys and makingit easierthan ever for customers to findthe rightproductfor thejob.

Sustainability remains centralto theproduct’sdesign.The compost is completelypeat-free, while the packaging is madefrom30% recycledplastic and canbe recycled at most garden centres.

Pickup abagofDurstons Advanced Houseplant Compost todayand seethe Durstonsdifference!

Findoutmore

Retailersinterested instrengthening theirpeat-freeofferand supporting gardenersthrough thetransition can findoutmoreabout Durstons’ award-winning range and point-of-salesupportat www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk or by calling 01458 442688.

Formore than150 yearsDurstonshasbeeninnovating,evolvinganddiversifyingits Somersetbasedbusinesstomeetthedemandsofitscustomers.Todayitisfocusedon pavingthe way forthefutureofcompost –andthe resultsspeakforthemselves withits peat free range proventodeliverup to 70%moregrowththanstandardmixes. This performanceisthanks to Durstons’passionfor asustainable, cost-effectiveproductfor customers,alongside a‘no compromise’approachtoquality.Durstonshasinvested initsoperations,iscommitted to thebestresponsiblysourcedingredients,and to delivering reliableandpersonalservice.All mixesare rigorously tested to ensureconsistent,trustedperformance.

Pollenbrings warmth tothegarden

With areputationforquality andprecisionengineering,HunterStoves isenteringtheoutdoormarket andbringing retailers anew offer with Pollen,anelegantrangeofwoodburners andstoves.

For30 years,HunterStoveshasbeenat theforefrontofBritish wood-burning stove manufacturing.Asoneofthelargest stove manufacturersin the UK,the company hasbecome renowned forproducingbeautifully designedappliancesthatofferexceptionalquality, highefficiency andlowemissions.

Asoutdoorliving hasbecomeanincreasingly importantpartofmodernhomes,HunterStoves saw anaturalopportunity to bringitsexpertise to theoutdoorheatingmarketenablingpeople to extendthetimetheyspendoutside.With customersinvestingmoreintheirgarden and outdoorspaces,HunterStoveshasseenthatnow istherighttime to bring warmth,atmosphere and craftsmanship to anew market.

At Spring Fairin February, the company unveileditsnew, beautifullydesigned Pollenby HunterStoves range to muchacclaim.Products aredesignedatthe company’s headoffice in Exeter,Devonandproducedatitsfactoryin Camelford, Cornwall.Eachapplianceisbuiltby experiencedcraftsmen and engineerswhobring decadesofknowledgeinmetalwork,fabrication and combustiondesign. Thisclose collaboration betweendesignandmanufacturingensures every product reflectsthesamehighstandardsof quality,performanceandattention to detailthat HunterStovesisknownfor.

Retailopportunity

Beingnaturaldestinationsforcustomerswho arealreadyinvestingintheiroutdoorspaces, fromplantingandlandscapingtofurnitureand decorativefeatures,garden centresarethe perfectenvironmentforselling Pollenoutdoor heatingproducts.

Smokeless fire pitand table

TheHex Smokeless FirePithas been carefully engineered to createa cleaner,moreenjoyable outdoor fire experience.Airisdrawninfrom beneaththe fire pit,creating anatural airflow systemthatfeedsthe fire whilekeeping smokewithin thechamber.Thisdesignallows flames to risebeautifullyfromthe topwhile significantly reducing thesmokethat typically drifts aroundtraditional fire pits.

The resultis amorecomfortable environmentwherethe warmthand atmosphereofareal fire can be enjoyed withoutmakingclothes andhair smellof smokeorhaving to constantly moveto escape theplumesofsmoke.

TheHexisnotjusta fire pit,itis also apiece ofgardenfurniture,doublingup as abeautiful table whennotin use.In twosizes and five colours (green,rust, black,grey and brown) eachhasits owntabletoppattern design inspired by naturalsurroundings helpingthe rangesitharmoniouslywithinthe garden and outdoorenvironment.Thisapproach creates aseamlessconnection betweenthe productsandthe landscape, allowingthem to complement planting,stone, woodandothernatural textures foundinoutdoorspaces.

Cleverengineering anddesign ensures theHex provides asmokeless experience.

Starburst patten inrust.

As atable, thewillow patternin brown.

Garden Stovesin black,brown andrust.

Outdoor stove

TheHive4-Sided Garden Stove has beendesigned to bringthe comfort andvisual appealofa woodburningstove intooutdoorspaces.Withfour large ceramic glasswindows, theHivecreates astrikingfocal pointin the garden,allowingthe fire to be enjoyedfromevery sideso thateveryonegathered aroundcanexperience the warmth andmovementof the flames.

At the centreofthedesignisthe Cyclone AirSystem, developed to keepthe glassclear,maintain acleanview ofthe fire and ensurethe flame picturelooks itsbest throughouttheburn.It alsofeaturessupports acleanand efficient combustion processwhiledeliveringstrongheat intothesurroundingspace.Byoptimisinghow airmoves throughtheappliance, theHiveprovidesboth impressive warmthand reliableperformanceforoutdoor entertaining.

Constructed to endurelifeoutdoors,theHive isstrong, durable andhandassembled,combining robustmaterials with skilled craftsmanship.The resultisabeautifullybuilt garden stove that brings atmosphere, warmthand timeless design to patiosandoutdoor livingareas.Likethe Hex, the Hiveisavailable in fivecolours (green,rust, black,greyand brown)andhas delicatepatternedpanels housing the log storebeneath.

As homeowners continuetoplacegreater valueontheirgardensasanextensionof thehome,outdoorheatingproductssuch as Pollenstovesprovide anaturaladdition thatallowscustomers to enjoythesespaces forlongerthroughoutthe year.Pollen productssit comfortablyalongsidegarden furniture, outdoordiningareasandpatio displays,makingthemeasy to showcase ininspirationaloutdoorsettingswhere customerscanvisualisethem intheir own gardens.The combinationofbeautifuldesign, practical warmthandtheatmosphereofa real fire makesthemanattractivepurchase

forcustomers looking to enhancetheiroutdoor livingexperience.

Forgarden centres, Pollen stoves alsooffera strong retailopportunity as HunterStovesoffers acompetitivetrade discount and dropshipping optionsforthoseunabletoholdstock.

Premium,design-led productsthey complementexistingoutdoor rangeswhile providing adistinctivefocalpointwithindisplays. With growing consumerdemandforoutdoor livingproducts,garden centres areideally placed to introducecustomers to outdoorheating solutionsthatextend theuseof theirgarden well beyondthesummermonths.

With anetwork ofactive retailersin theUKand overseas,Hunter Stoves products aretrusted by customers seeking reliable performance and timeless style. At the heartof the businessis adedicated and experiencedengineering team, expertsincombustion whoknow exactly howtocreateefficientheat, beautifulwarmthand astunning flamepicture.

To stockthePollenrange or find out more visit: www.pollenfire.co.uk

Hive

TheBronze edition features asolid brasshandle.

Refreshingly different

Fromclassicarttochildren’sfavourites anddadjokes,the familyowned MintPublishingandMuseums &Galleries have cardsandgiftstomakeeveryonesmile.

Greetingscards andgiftpackaging have earned theirplace in garden centres andguarantee to generaterepeatbusiness.Thishas been fuelled by thewidechoiceand quality from Museums &Galleries (M&G)which like theever-evolvingproduct rangesold ingarden centres,has grownitsoffering to encompasscards,notebooks, gift packaging,kitchen andhomewares.

Knownfor itscollaborationswith classic brands suchasV&A,British Museum, Natural HistoryMuseumand Tate ranges, M&Gisconstantly workingtobring fresh designs to consumers. Butthecompany behindM&Gbrings retailers far morethan heritagelines.

From

vanilla to mint

M&G isoneofthe brandsunder the umbrellaofMint,setup20years ago by DebbieandAlanWilliams. Today it continues to be afamilybusiness, with sons Tomand Andy on theteam.Ithas 50,000sqft warehousinganddespatchin Corby, Northamptonshire, andFrome in Somersetwherethe creativeteamis based. Debbie’s backgroundin thegreeting cardbusinessput heringoodstead when thecompanyshe wasworkingforcalled Vanillacameupfor sale. Shesawit had greatpotentialanditcameatatimewhen herhusbandAlanhad recentlysold his dairyfarm.“Theyputthemoneyfrom thefarm into buyingthecompany they

Sophie Bylina-Williams, Relationships Manager(left) andSam Poulton, Relationships Co-ordinator (right)

M&Ghasthelicense to sell products worldwide andhas11 agents in theUKandtheChannel Islands. PaddingtonBearandV&A (featuring Leicesterwallpaperdesign by JohnHenry Dearle)are justtwoofmanygloballyrecognised brandsinM&G’scollection.

renamedMint,”saysSophie Bylina-Williams, RelationshipsManager.“Thestrapline is ‘refreshinglydifferent’and itoriginally beganbysellinghumorouscardswith‘dad’ jokes. We havesincebecomeknownfor our‘hapeabirthday’card,whichisstill around today,and we havesoldmillionsof them.”Thishelped put Mintonthe map withJohn Lewis referring to the company as‘theknittedpeapeople’.

Success bought amovefroma small warehouseinMarketHarborough to the site in CorbyandMint hassince moved into giftingwith keyrings,magnets,

coasters andgiftpackaging.Lookingto grow thebusiness, DebbieandAlansaw anopportunity in2013 to buyMuseums& Galleries; although very differenttoMint’s range,it complimentedperfectly, opening doors to newmarkets.

“Atthe time M&G wasjustselling cards,a smallrange ofgiftwrapand afew notebooks buttheacquisitionincludedthe licensewiththe V&AandBritishLibrary,” explainsSophie. “Italsodidbespokework forothers,sotheinitialaim wastokeep theseimportantlicenses happy, andweare stillworking withthem today.” Tate and TheBritish Museumhave sincebecome licensedbrands, along withindividual designerslikeMatthew Williamsonand CatherineRowe,plus children’sfavourites Paddington,BramblyHedge, PeterRabbit andThe TigerWho came to Tea.

Althoughgreetingcardsarethe breadand-butter lines,it wasduring thecovid pandemicthat an unexpectedopportunity came about. Customers wanted to buy packs ofcardstomaximisetheirshopping opportunities, anddemandfor stationary increasedaspeople hadmoretime to writeletters. “Wewerealsoasked to look

One of Mint’s most popular cards.

As well as cardsandgift packagingthe M&G range includes giftinglines suchas coasters, note booksand bookmarks.

at making cotton facemasksbecause people wantedsomethinga bitmore stylishandthenbluemedical-looking ones,” saysSamantha. This wasa huge success,andonce thecotton manufacturer andsupplierhadbeen secured,DebbieandAlansaw they couldoffer tote bags, pouches and pencilcases.

This led to aprons, ovengloves andtea towels,sothenextnatural progression wastotabletopproducts, putting thelicensedimagesonChina mugs, coasters andplacements andthenumbrellas too. ”Havingthe licensed brandsmeanswecan have access to,anddelveinto, archives to come up withoptions forbeautiful gifts,”saysSophie.

Forgardencentres

M&Gisproud thatallits cards and wraparemadeinthe UK,and to maximisewarehousespace,cards aredelivered to Corbyflat-packed. As itcanholdsomuchstock, the in-houseteamcan quicklyreact to andsendout orders. It also holds spareenvelopes andisstrengthening brandrecognition byofferingbranded envelopes onselected ranges. Garden centreretailersalso have thechoiceofstockingcardswitha paper‘ecoband’or cellowrap. Sam

Poulton, Relationships Co-ordinator explainsthatas some centreshave sales areasthatmightbeopen to the elements,the cellowrapis agood option.“Butif retailers want to go plastic-free they canhavethe bandingat noextracost.Beingable toofferboth is areallygoodtooland aselling point.”

Thecreative teamcan alsooffer bespoke designswhich couldbe ofinterest to garden centrechains orbuyinggroupsplus thereisa merchandising andre-ordering service coveringalltheMintand M&Granges. Forsmaller retailersthenominimum orderisappealing,althoughcarriagepaid is onlyoffered onordersvaluing£200or more.“Oursalesagentsareonthe road

maintainingtheirrelationships withtheir customersbylookingafter them withinitial orders,reordersor topups. Some retailers mightnotneedthat support,butfor others,knowingsomeoneisgoing to come inon aregularbasismeanstheydon’t have to worry,”saysSophie

Retailers alsohavetheoption of buying cardsandgiftsdirectlythroughM&Gand Mintorviaabrokeragepartner.“This works wellforus andthecentres because ourlicensedproductssit well ingarden centresalongside allother cardbrands,” says Sophie. “Plus,theydon’t need to worryabout replenishingorplanning.”

Developments in card retailing ForMint, thehighstreetisstill abigpart

the business but the has “We used to supply shops that just sold cards, but now they have diversified to survive and many have moved into gifting,” explains Sophie. has worked well for Mint and M&G which have moved into gifting at the Museums &Galleries brandshave something foreveryone; cards, journals, notebooks andgifting.

of thebusiness butthe landscape has changed. “Weusedtosupply shopsthatjustsold cards,but nowtheyhave diversifiedtosurviveand manyhavemovedinto gifting,” explainsSophie. This hasworked wellfor MintandM&Gwhichhave movedintogifting at the same time.Gardencentreshavean addedbonusofcustomersbeingable to alsobuy agift,packaging,coffee and cakeand getfreeparking.

Despitedevelopments in digital communication, cardbuyingisstill strong,withcustomers wanting to recognisespecial daysandeventsin the calendar andsendpersonalmessages. Atrend forsmall cardsis alsobeing seen.ThisincludesChristmasanddated whichaccounts forabout athirdof M&G’sbusiness.

“Wehear that many peopleare not sending cardsbutdonatingmoneyto charitiesinstead.Ourcharitycards benefitNSPCC, Mind,Shelter,Marie Curie,MacmillanandtheBritishHeart Foundation,socustomerscanactually do both,”saysSophie. “Through these cards we donate aphenomenal amount ofmoney.”

Stillgrowing

MintandM&Ghave grownsignificantly andquickly –ithas an extra10,000sqft at Corbyready andwaiting forthenext phase ofexpansion.Butitremainsa family businessatheart.

Manyofits staff have beenwiththe companyfor more than10 years andits offerofeither 9am-5pm workinghours or aschool-friendly9.30am-2.30pm workswellformany team members.

“Youspendsomuchof your time at work it’s importantyou’reinaplace youfeelcomfortableandvalued,’says Sam.“Thereisn’t onejob we expect somebodytodothatwewouldn’t be willingtodoourselves.If thesituation arises, we all work togetherin the warehouse– it’s allhandsondeck.”

www.museumsgalleries.co.uk Tel: 01373462165 sales@mgml.co.uk

ulton, Co-ordinator maintaining their relationships with their

Captivatingcurves

Howanelegant,bespokehorseshoe canopyfrom Fordingbridge, haselevatedoutdoor retailatHaskins GardenCentre.

WhenHaskinsGarden Centre approached Fordingbridge to enhance the outdoorplant area atitsWestEnd centre,the ambitionwas clear: ashowstoppingdisplayareathatencouraged explorationin allseasons,whileenabling open-airbrowsingonfair weatherdays.

Asolutionwithstandout

Fordingbridge’ssolution? To utiliseexisting foundations to create abespoke 101mlong, 13mwidetimberandsteelhorseshoecanopy that connectsthemainbuildingandoutdoor area. Curvingaroundthespace,thestriking canopydrawsvisitorsintothearea and perfectlyframes the centre’svastseasonal plantdisplays.

Thecurvedstructure provides robust weatherprotectionwhilesubtlyenhancing theflow andvisibilityoftheoutdoorspace andincreasingdwell timewithinthearea.

TheoutcomeofHaskins’briefis far morethan acanopy. It’salonglastingretailassetthatincreases usabledisplayspace and creates aesthetically pleasingareas thatwill last fordecades.

Ano-hasslespacethatdelivers inspades

Forthe Haskinsteam akey benefit was Fordingbridge’sfullymanaged, turnkey delivery.Fromremovalofexisting structures,through to foundationworks, irrigation,canopydesign,manufacture andinstallation.Fordingbridgemanaged everystage, ensuringminimal disruption andclear communicationtohelpmake theprojectrun smoothly andefficiently.

Theresult?Astandoutcanopythat hasalreadyincreased both footfalland dwell time.

Whyleadinggardencentres choose Fordingbridge

• Decadesofextensive sectorexperience.

• TrustedbytheUK’s most respected garden centrebrands.

• Design-ledsolutionsthat maximise year-round tradingpotential.

• Turnkey, stress freedesign anddelivery.

• All weather performancethat transformscustomerexperience andprotectsstock.

• Sector-leading25-year guarantees forlong-termpeace ofmind.

If you’reready to elevate your outdoor retailspace,getin touch todaytoarrange your complimentarysitevisit.Our expert teamis ready to help youimagine what’spossible!

Visit: www.fordingbridge.co.uk Tel: 01243554455

Spreadingtheword

TheannualGardenPressEventin Londongivessuppliersdirect accesstojournalistsand influencers so theycanpromote everythingnewand excitingfor thegardeningyearahead.

Celebratinggardenvisiting TheNationalGardenScheme(NGS)has agreat yearaheadbutitalsogearing up to 2027 whenit celebrates100years of gardenvisiting.

For2026, ithas arangeofproductsfrom plantsthrough to gardenornamentswhich centrescansell to promotethecharity andgardenvisiting.“Everythingwillraise moneyfortheNGSandalltheactivityin garden centressellingthese productswill ultimatelybenefitmedicalcharitiesthrough NGSdistribution,”saysBoyd DouglasDavies,whohasbeenhelpingitgearupfor its centenary.

Garden ownersareintheprocess of comingupwithnamesfor anew treegrownbyFrank PMatthews,anda rosewhichwillbelaunched attheRHS SandringhamFlowerShowinJuly.

LevingtonwillbepromotingtheNGS withinformationonitsbagsofpeatfree,multipurposewithaddedJohn Innes.The companyisalsosendinga freebag to eachgarden.DCUK products dressedasgardenershaveprovedtobe the company’s second-bestselleroutof itsentirerange.A thirdwearing apinny decoratedwiththefamiliar NGSyellowand blackdesignisdueoutsoon.

Fromthe week of theRHSChelsea FlowerShow, selectedgarden centres willbeable to sellsome of the10,000

Clematis‘Queen’sNurse’, anew cultivar fromRaymond Evison.It’sbeinggrown by NewLeafPlants,GardenCentrePlants andBaldwins. From2027,volumeswillrise allowingformuchgreateravailabilityin garden centres.

Norfolkcompany LV Bespoke has created anew rangeofornamentalgarden stakesbeing launched in May with asecond additionalrange at Gleein September.

“Garden centreshavebeenaroundfor 70-80years but for100 years,theNGShas beengettingthemexcited aboutgardens,” saysBoyd.“Forall the yearsasproprietors ofgarden centres, we have hadthese wonderful3000plusgardensopeningand inspiring half amillionpeople. Andthose peopleare goinginto gardencentres to buyplants.If everyone shoutsandmakesa noisenextspring, andgets connected with localgardens, volunteers,and holdsevents like aGardeners QuestionTimewithlocal garden owners, it wouldbeafantastic way tocelebrate.”

Newplantsforthe centenaryare also beingintroducedfromBrandsford,Webbs, AllensmoreandBall, andacatalogue ofproductsfromall thecompanies supportingthecelebrationwillbesent to garden ownerstoraiseawarenessand boostsales.

Safeandbusy littlefingers

Felcoisencouragingchildren to get gardening with anew rangeofgloves, apron, toolsandabook.In threesizes, the Felco 720gloveswithsoftsheepskinleather across thepalmand fingers, retail at£9 andmatch exactly withthebrandingon adult ranges.

TheFelco490Kids Apronismadefrom tear-resistant cottoncanvas andthe steel trowelandforkaretoughenough for genuineuse whilebeingeasy to use.The Felco14secateurhas been ergonomically designed to suitsmallerand weakerhands, withadvice to beused with parental assistance.Rather thanadopt a‘do nottouch’ approach,Felcoisencouragingand teaching safety with itssharp secateurswithina book whichalsooffersideasforseasonalactivities.

Forgardeners whodoalot of pruning, thenew Felco2eelectric secateur comes in at apricepointof£225 to better compete with otherrangesonthe market.It comes with CUTSHIELD technology in theform of aspecialglove whichactsas asafety mechanism.Ifthe blade detects agloved fingerbetween theblades,thecuttingaction isautomatically stopped.The company’s TomSullivanexplainsthe gloveonits own willnotturnoff thecutting motion– itis conductivityfrom thehandthrough the glove that isdetected.

Boyd withNGS ChiefExecutive Richard Claxton.

Small,andbignewwonders Thompson &Morgancontinues to elevate interestingardeningwithseveral newreleases for2026.

Forcut flowerlovers,Allegra petunia brings awholenewopportunity.Plantsare said to reach 1.5minheightproducingsturdystems holdingflowerswhichfrom adistance look like sweetpeas. Youngplantsare availablein three colours –lavender,magentaandwhite.

TheSuttonsheirloom rangeof tomatoesin potswillbe with retailersatthe beginningof Aprilwithfruitsofdiffering coloursandsizes to addbrightnesstoanysalad.New this yearis Froglet, aminiplumtyperipeninggreenwitha golden-yellowblush.

FromDobies, asoft-skinnedmelonthatyou caneatstraightoff theplantlike anappleis creatinginterest.The company’s RobSmith successfullygrew melon‘HoneyDropsDara’in Yorkshireanditissaidoneplant canproduce up to 15fruits.

VickyAger, Commercial DirectorofBranded Products,promoting thebenefits of Incredi MulchPlus, another newrelease.

RobertDyaslooks to premium lines

Last spring,RobertDyaslauncheditsonline gardencentre(gardencentre.co.uk),which according to TanyaCarter(pictured)has been agreatsuccess.“We havea lotof gardeningproductson theRobertDyas site,sothenewonlinegarden centre is awayforus to consolidate productand separateitout to appeal to adifferent audience,”says Tanya.

Despitetheproductmix on both sites beingsimilar,thetypesbeingbought is turningout to bequitedifferent. Tanyasays thatsofaritseemscustomers arechoosing the RobertDyas websiteforutilitarian productslikeshedsandbbq’s while gardencentre.co.ukisgeneratingmoresales oflive plantsandseeds. Forthe coming year Tanyaislookingto attract more suppliers from thetraditional garden centresectorsogardencentre. co.ukcan elaborateonitsofferingwith, forexample, more premiumproductslike

Gourmetseeds

BlueDiamondGarden Centreslaunched itsvegetable GourmetGardenerSeed Collection chosen to appeal to gardenerswhoalsoliketocook. It boasts 100 seedtypesacrossherbs,salads,vegetables,seed potatoes,peasand beans,and eachpackhas links to arecipesomeofwhich were designedbyClaire Willett,BlueDiamond’s Head Chef.

At theGPE,Vlad Djukanov, DevelopmentChef andSupplyChainManager explained therange was chef-curated with images of afinisheddish oneach pack.Thisincluded CarrotKetchup,madefrom carrot ‘SweetCandle’whichisnow also going to be sold readymadeinbottlesinBlue Diamondcentres.

Visitors to theGPE were delightedtomeetJim Carter, who wasthere to promotethe Greenfingers Charity of whichisa Patron.His booming voice encouragedmembers ofthe pressand what hedescribes asthe‘horticulturalfray’to supportthe charityand help itannuallyraise£1m.Jim is seenhere with thecharity’s founder RichardJackson andindustryconsultant Boyd Douglas-Davies.

Gourmet seeds

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Investmentunder cover drivesthe futureforMiracle-Gro

Withthelaunchofnewcampaignstopromotethe Miracle-Gro brand anda moneybackguarantee on Miracle-GroAll PurposeCompost andPlantfood range,GTN visitsthe Evergreen GardenCare site atHatfield Moortofindoutabouttheir developmentsincompost productionandlearnmoreaboutthe futurevisionforthe company.

Thesignsleading to the EvergreenGarden CaresiteatHatfieldMoorstill direct you to the“PeatFactory”,indeed Hatfield is wherepeat hadbeen extracted,processedand bagged foroverhalf acentury.Butnowall the compostthatiscreated, baggedandshipped fromthesite ispeat free andthepeatbogs have beenhanded over to NaturalEngland whereareasricher in wildlifeand woodland thanthepeat moorswereoriginallyhavebeen created.

The company,has been working towardsa 100%peatfreeproductionfora numberof years,learningat everystepabout thebest waytodeliver aqualityproducttogarden centresandtheirgardeningcustomers.Now

they aresoconfidentwiththequalityoftheir Miracle-GroAll Purposecompost they are promising aGrowwithConfidencemoney back guarantee.

To achievethisthere have beenmulti-million poundinvestmentsatboth of theircompost manufacturingplants,at Kirby in thenorthwest andHatfieldtotheeastof Doncaster.

Above thegroundtheinvestmentcan be seenin thestorageandhandlingofraw materials andbelowthe groundinacresof newconcretetoincreasestorageareas and streamlineproductionlogistics.

Theappointment of Dean Newellas Head ofOperations GrowingMediaacrossboth KirbyandHatfieldsitesgives aclueas to

thedirectionoftravelfor theircompost production. Dean came from afood productionbackground whereconsistency andquality ofproduct areeverything, soit’s no surprise thattheimprovementshehas implemented,and hasplanned forthefuture, arewithconsistencyandqualityin mind.

“A massive pieceofR&D work lookingat howall ourmaterialsperform in different conditionsbetweenhereand Kirbyhas seen significant investmentinnew storagefacilities to ensureevery materialishandledoptimally” explained Dean.

Theinvestmentshave also delivereda benefitinoperationalefficiencies.“We can manufacturemoreatscaleand nowstore raw

Evergreen Garden CareUK MarketingDirectorKaren Wilkinson andManaging Director ColinStephens launchthe Glovers &Co campaignatThe Garden Press Event

materialsinthetimesof theyearwhere they’re notnormallyavailable. In 2024,for example,wewerebringinginraw materials almostjustintime.So,whenthere were suddenlyshortagesofcertain things you’re stuck.Nowit’shasallowedustohave better flexibility in manufacturingthrough thefull year.”

Akey ingredientprocessatHatfield is thecreation of wood fibre. Woodchip is loadedfromoutside, blastedwithsteam to softenthechips.Thereare twohugediscs withbladesthatshred it and thenairis blownin to createa fluff thatisjust like hamsterbedding.

Theblown wood fibreadds structuretothe compost.Another partoftheprocessthat’sunique is the woodgets enrichedwithnitrogen through theprocessingas well.

Inthemixingandbagging areas,quality controlis ano1priority.All themixesare computer controlledandthebagging lines do regularchecksontheoutputs. Every bagproduced hasa timestampadded to thepackagingsothereisfull traceability. Currentlythe compositionof recycled plasticsusedinthe evergreenGardenCare bagsaveragesat60%.ProductManager JaneHartleytold GTN:“30% is commonin themarketbecause youdon’t getrewarded forputtingmore recycled contentinto your film.Solongas youhit that30%, then youdon’tgettaxedforit, butyoudon’tget abonusbecause youputmorein.”

The finalpartofthelogisticalchallenge atHatfieldistransportinandout asthere isonlyoneentrance/exit road.However, nowwithsufficientstockproducedready fortransportingtheyare able to deliverto garden centresmorequicklythan before.

Boosting aleadingbrand

InvestmentatEvergreenGarden Care doesn’tjuststopatinfrastructure and

Above:Blown woodfibre addsstructuretothe compost.

Below: HeadofOperations

GrowingMedia,Dean Newell, givesGTN atour ofthesiteandthenew coveredstorageareas.

manufacturing. 2026 seessignificant marketing investment in theMiracle-Gro brandtoo. MarketingDirector KarenWilkinson talked aboutthemarketingstrategy: “It’stimefor agroundbreakingchange atMiracle-Gro. Somethingbiggeris taking root withabold newlook andamoney back quality guarantee. We’reintroducingsomeknowledgeablebrand characters to spreadthe word.Enter Glover& Son,our handypairofcheeky, green fingered heroes.Equalparts expertise andentertainment, they’reheretoteardown thebarriers, bring thejoybacktogardening,and plantthemselves firmlyinthe nation’shearts foryears to come.

Backed by amulti-millionpoundadvertising

campaign, you’ll spotthem everywhere,pointing youinthe right directionin-store, grabbingyour attentionon TV andstopping your thumbson socials.Always on hand withthe right product.

“WithGloverand Sonleadingtherevolution, Miracle-Groisheretogrowthe futureofgarden careand creategreenerspaces forhappier, healthierlives. Everyoneneedsa little help in the garden.”

Launchingjustbefore Easter,the TV campaign will featureonmainstream TV as well as streamingchannelsandsocial media.

Theadcampaigns willbebackedupin-stores withbrightandboldMiraclepointofsale materials andacompetition forcustomers to

win a£5,000gardenmake over,whichcanbe spentwiththegarden centre where theentry wasmade. Awin-winforallconcerned.

And forthefuture?

EightyearsonfromExponent buying Evergreen GardenCarefromtheScottsMiracle-Gro Companyfutureinvestment plansare keyto futuregrowth.

The Levingtonbrand celebrates60years in 2027 and EvergreenUK MD ColinStephenssays: “IntheUKthe Evergreen businesscontinuesto investforthelong terminthegardeningsector, with over£7mspentontheGrowingMedia factories in thelast 3yearstosupport the ongoingdevelopment of consistent highquality peatfreeproducts.

“Inaddition, we areexcited to revealour multimillionpound TV advertisingcampaign onMiracleGro,featuringournewfamily

Left:Instore POSgetsthe Miracle-Gromessage to customers.

Right:ProductManagerJane Hartleywiththe re-designed compost packaging,hotoff thebagging line.

members, ‘TheGlovers’, coming to the marketin lateMarch. Theobjectiveistoeducateand encouragemore consumers to getoutandgarden. Furtherevidence that Evergreen arecommittedtoleadingthe gardening sectorinUKforthelongterm.

Final word goestoMark Portman,CEO of EvergreenGarden Care: “Whenwelookforward, both for thewidergardeningsectoracross Europeandforthe position that Evergreenhas withinitsdifferentmarkets we remain confident, we continue to seeconsumers comeback into the gardening sectordrivingboth volumeand valuemarketgrowth.Wehaveanever-changing regulatory environmentandongoing macroeconomic andpolitical challengesaffecting us all, we believethatthe gardeningsector offers consumers an opportunity to step away and reconnect withnature,aspartofthatwe

see theongoingimportance of brands to attract consumersandthatiswhy Evergreen continuestoinvest behind itsleadingbrands acrossall markets.

“More broadlyacrossEvergreen, we are very pleased to bepartofthe Exponent portfolioandthisisarelationship that continuestostrengthen, we haverecently completedoureleventhacquisition,ofAgaris theEuropeanleadingprivatelabelplayerin thehorticultural industry,specialisingin the production anddistribution ofhigh-quality substrates,soilimproversandsoil covers acrossFrance, PolandandBelgium.This acquisitionof Agaris with its commitment to qualityproducts,focusoninnovation andsustainability,withstrongcustomer relationshipsin retailand professional segmentswillcomplement andstrengthen Evergreenin thesecoremarkets.

“Withtheongoing support andbackingof Exponent combinedwithourleading brands andscale, Evergreenis well placed to lead the gardeningsectorinthe coming yearsand we arelookingforward to it.”

EvergreenGarden Care

Tel: 01276401300

email: info@lovethegarden.com

Web: www.evergreentrade.co.uk

Keeping itin the family

Withmoresitesbecoming BritishGardenCentres, Charlesand Amy Stubbstalk exclusivelyto GTNabout takingonnewbusinesses,andtheirambitionstohave agroupof200gardencentresanda £1bn turnover.

It’sbeen abusytimeforBritishGarden Centreswiththeinkbarelydryonits takeoverofthetwoMillbrooksitesin Kent,AltonGarden CentreinEssex and DowntowninLincolnshire. Withthetally nowat78sites, theStubbsfamily believe thetimeisright to reassesstheir view of theirbusinessandmissionstatement.

“Withinthelast fiveyears, we havegone from amediumsizedbusinessworking like asmallbusiness, to onethatisworking morelikea largebusiness. We nowhave standardsinplace,and everythingis measuredfromGP’stoperformance,”says Charles Stubbswhostartedthe business withhisbrother Robert.Theseeven encompassgardencentreentrances and iswhylitterispickedandhedgesandgrass kepttrimup to 100yardsfromanysite entrance.“Firstandlastimpressionsare important,”believesCharles. ManagingDirectorandCharles’daughter, Amy Stubbsadds:“We'vejust rolled out ournewmissionstatementandsetof valueswhichisallaboutbeing aproud familyrunbusiness.Inthelast year we have acknowledged we areabig business,butwe want to keepourfamilyvalues.

“Thishasbeen abigstepchange forus. We areacknowledgingweare notperfect in everything, butwewanttocarryon improvinganditshowsweare serious aboutlistening to ideasand challenges of our teamsinsupportfunctions andonthe shop floor.”

Discussionswith teamat BGC’s first conference have also beenilluminatingwith theannouncementofthe Stubbs’family ambitiontohavea£1bnbusinessof200 garden centres. “Wefeelthe timeisright to letthe team know ourtrueambition.If it'sin mylifetimethen great, butthereis notimescale.I mightnot bearound, but maybeAmy will,”saysCharles.“We likea mixofsizes of centres, andnow we havea formulathat worksforsmall, medium and destinationcentres”.

“Wewanttocarryongrowingand we wantour teams to enjoygrowingwithus,” addedAmy.

Fromonefamilytoanother

Unlike themajority ofthecentreswhich BGCtakes on,MillbrookandAlton have beenrun by thesame familysincetheir inception. Both thriving businesseswith

Centre.

healthystock levels andsolid, loyal teams, andAmy andCharleshave been delighted withhowthe changes havebeen adopted.

“One ofourfears wasthatthere wouldbelotsofemotion. Yes, it hasbeen emotional,butit hasbeenlovely to see howteams have gonefromonefamilyto another remarkably well.” says Charles. “Thisis ahuge complimenttothe previous ownerswhohave built up theteams.”

It’s stillearlydays forMillbrookand Alton, butFerndaleGardenCentre (now tradingas BGCDronfield Garden Centre) wastaken on atthe beginningofthe year. “They'veembracedussowell. We'vetried not to overwhelmthem fromdayone and justgently feedin BGCways, butif anything,

Amy and Charlesat RugbyGarden

it'sbeenthempushing usbecausetheylike whattheyare seeing,” saysCharles.

“Ithinktheir nervousness initially was thattheywerenotgoing to seethe us,[the newowners]every day. But Ithinkthat's settleddownandthey arenow seeingthe differentopportunities by being part of BGC,” saysAmy. “Someofthemnowdon’t have to deal with health and safety and

HR andbecause we have abiggersupport network thereare more peoplethey can speak to.They'veallbeen quiteexcited to show us what they do andwhatworks wellandsomewillcertainlyhavemore responsibility.”

Charlesadds:“They may be fearing they'regoing to get lessfreedom,butin reality, they're probably going to get more.”

Transitions

On therunup to takeovers, the Stubbs family likestoget to know the teamsand aims to closestoresfor theminimum amountoftimewhilechangingover ownershipandbringinginnew stock. Typically,justoneday,butAlton Garden Centrewas closed forthree days to make sureeverythingwasupandrunningand that staff were comfortablewiththe new EPOSsystem.

TeamsatDowntown have dealtbrilliantly with stockdeliveriesonhundredsofpallets andmanyhave risen to thechallenge. “And whenit comestoChristmas,”saysCharles, “Ithinktheywillblowitoutof the water.”

Whenit comestonames, BGClikesto keep theoriginal names wherepossibleso customerscan continuetheirconnections withthesite.However, astheowners of theMillbrook Garden Companyhave decided keep thename, thenew Kentsites willbe BGC StaplehurstandBGC Pepper Hill to reflect theirlocations.

“Butoneofthemostimportantthings we need to doisjustlisten,”saysAmy. Still less than ayearintothe role of MD,Amy is beginningtoappreciatethe value of time. “Changestaketimeand transformations don’thappen overnight whichiswhy we need to respect that teamsneed time to settle in.That said we need to go into anew storewithenoughimpactso customerscan seethe change, soit’safine balance.”

Having78 centres to stayin touchwith does come withnew challenges andfor Amythismeansfinding enough time to be ather deskinBrigg.“Ineed to bevisible andifI’m notthere forawhile, things tend to mountup.It’shardtobeatBriggand h h s.” the other centres.”

Readyfor springat BGCRugby.

PhillipaStubbsand daughterLibby promoting Christmas atTheBigChristmas PressShowlast autumn.

ForCharles,helpwiththe workload isonthe way. Thebusinesswillbe geographicallydivided in two. IainKing, OperationsandRetailDirector, will continue to overseeallcentres andbring ontwonew peopleto focuson each area soifCharlescan’t visitacentre,thereare otherswhocan.

Gearingup

BGChasalso takenona newwarehouse in Coventry, enabling containers tocome inandoutquickly,andsecure keenprices whenbuying.Alsoacting asthegroup's maindistributionhub,itis threetimes thesize ofthehangarcurrently used.

“Itis aslick24-houroperationthat handle containers as wellasplantstock andwill continuetoevolveasweare workwithourtransportpartner through 2026 andbeyond”saysCharles.“Buying by thelorry loaddirectfrom thegrower meansfor example,Charlescanoffera mature, floweringrhododendronat£12 compared to £24.99formost retailers.”

Thisisalsoinstrumental in BGC working towardsa24-hourturnaround forfurnituresets over £600. Centrescan take orderswhicharedespatched to the customerdirectlyfromthe hub. “Atthe moment we'vegot afive-day turnaround, but ouraimis to geta 24-hour turnaround.Weare notguaranteeing anything yet,butthat’s themodel” explainsCharles.

Healthy competition

There isnodoubtwewillbehearing aboutmorecentresjoiningtheBGC familyinthemonthsand yearsahead. Butallindustriesthrive on competition. “I thinktheindustryisin as good aposition asit everhasbeen,buttheworstthing forthesector is nothaving competition. Forallthe reasonsunder thesun,there needstobecompetition,”saysCharles.

Spring fling

BGC hasrolledout itsspring and summercampaign MakeitBloom, leaningonthe expertiseof threegarden mascots,Bernardthe butterfly,Georgie thebee andCharliethe bird (their initials spelloutBGC).

SaysLucyHewitt, Marketing Campaigns Manager:“Thereisalotof fungoinginto spring this yearandit’s really exciting to roll outthe campaign.”

Createdin house,characterswillbe seenonpointofsaleacrossall BGC stores,offeringadviceand toptips onallproductsfromplantsthrough to chemicals,fertilisersandfurniture. Added QR codesdirectcustomers to more tipsandideas on theMakeit Bloom webpages.

Thereare alsofull-size costumes so teams candressupasBernard, GeorgieorCharlieandwanderthrough centrestobringthecharacters to life. Characters willalsobeonthe company’s stand at BBCGardeners World Liveto encouragevisitors to signupfora BGC family card.

Coming up withthe characters and promotionwas ateameffortand the idea wasinitially sparked by thefictional

story of finding an old journal belonging

storyoffindinganoldjournalbelonging to CharlesStubbs, fullofgardening notesandobservations. Theaim was to sharethe tips,tricksandadvice withcustomers. “Thesecharacters havecome to life to spread thesecrets hiddenwithinthe book,”says Lucy. “It’sthe perfect wildlifeangleand the characters arenot toochildlikesoit’s funforeveryone.Thebookalsoties into thefamilyaspectwhich brings everything back to whoweare asa business.”

Using amagazineformat style quiz, BGCissimplifyingdecisionmakingoffurniture purchases. Italso helpsstaffengagewithcustomersbygivingthemthe perfectway to startaconversation.

Charles’s fictional gardening journalis thebasisof BGC’sspring andsummer promotions.

LucyHewitt with BGC’s newest gardening experts.

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to us

CheerstoChristmaspast

Inlastmonth’sissueof GTNweboughtyouthecategorywinnersfromthe GTNGreatestChristmas Awards. Thismonth we focus onthegardencentres comingtop in theirclass.

Well,thatwasChristmas2025!

Judges of theGTNGreatest ChristmasAwardshave stowed awaytheirfestivesweaters andour sponsors,forwhom we aremostgrateful, arelooking towards abusysummer. Christmasaccountedforjustunder aquarterof turnoverinDecember. According to theHTA,the fiveweekends inNovember,sales ofChristmas products

were up9%.Having justthree weekendsin Decemberappears to have hadanegative impact with salesdownby-5%on lastyear. So,acrossNovember andDecember,there isa positive 4%.

with 2023.

Although teamshave nowturned their sightsonfurnitureandoutdoor living it’s goodtoreflecton thesuccesses of Christmas past.

We hope youfind inspirationandideas from thenext12pagesof festivemagic fromsomeof thebestretailersinour sectorillustratingwhygarden centres are theenvyofthe highstreet. in November, sales of Christmas on 2024 and a whopping 25% compared the envy of the high street.

But whenit comestomarketshare acrossayearingardencentres,Christmas is now7%,up atadon2025.Thiswas helped by strong salesinOctober.Up8% on2024 andawhopping 25%compared

Festive: www.festive.co.uk

Glee: www.gleebirmingham.com

Kaemingk: www.kaemingk.com

Melcourt: www.melcourt.co.uk

Museums &galleries: www.museumsgalleries.co.uk

PelsisDoff: www.pelsis.com PleydellSmithyman:

www.pleydellsmithyman.co.uk

Smart GardenProducts&Three Kings: www.sgpuk.com

Solex: www.solexexhibition.com

KINDLYSPONSORED

BY KAEMINGK

THEGREATEST

GiantGarden CentreChristmasTeam

GOLD

GatesOakham

Theoutstanding teamsatGates Oakham were extremelyproud oftheirdisplaysand madesure Christmas wasinevidence throughoutthewholestore. Christmastrees couldbefound inthesundryarea,popupfood expandedthis yearandChristmas toysseamlesslymovedintogifting. Signposting wasexcellent,all illustratinghowthe teamswithin thedepartmentspull together to makeChristmasatGates Oakhama magicalexperienceforshoppers.

SILVER

AliceinWonderland wasthe themeforthelit-upgardensand walkthroughevent at Bents this year,andthe teammadesure it wasexecuted to thehigheststandard.Theycreated theatre throughoutthestore,carrying on theAlice themeintothehouseplantdepartmentand were on topofcommercialhotspotpromotions.Aware that Bentsisfamous forits upmarket experience,the team is working hard to ensurethis continues to be aUSP.

BRONZE

Choosing to themeChristmason thebestdisplays from thepast,the PerrywoodTiptree team saw that nothingwasout ofplaceinorder to providea memorablecustomer experience.Attentiontodetail was second to none andthisyear the wholeteam workedacrossChristmas so everyonehadknowledge ofsales acrossthewholedepartment.

KINDLYSPONSORED BY SMARTGARDEN PRODUCTS –THREEKINGS

THEGREATEST LargeGarden CentreChristmas Team

GOLD

Birkacre Garden Centre

From maximising verticalspace,merging Christmas into indoorlifestyleandhaving pictures of colleagueswithindisplays,Birkacre Garden Centre teamsillustratedtheirskillfor crisp retailing. AdoptinganAmericanChristmas themewith aNew Yorkcinemaandposters,and Central Perk coffee shopdisplay, they successfully createdanatmosphereeveryone wanted to join in andbepartof.

SILVER

Castle Gardens

Greetedbygardening gifts,customers were infora Christmas treat at CastleGardens.The fantasticteam kepton topofsustainability messaging andsignage without it beingoverbearing, andtheChristmas displays were notonlybeautiful butalsointeresting with props bringingdisplaystolife.The standardofretailing was amazing, andstaff were happytostopand talk,all of whichled to it beingastand-outcentre.

JOINT SILVER

Old Railway Line Garden Centre

Fromthe beautifully plantedcar park to theartwork on thedoors,customersareleftinno doubtthatthefriendly teamat OldRailwayLinemakethemostof everysquareinch.Judges said they really‘go to town’ making customers welcomebybeinggreeted at theentranceand encouragingthem to sitwithinthedisplays. Gifting andChristmas wasstrongthroughoutthe store, agreatefforthad beenmadein thepetdepartment andchildrenparticularly lovedthe real donkey andgoats

JOINT SILVER

Henry Street Garden Centre

Atraditional,familyrun centrewhichisgearedup to family shopping.The conceptof theWhere’sMyHusky displays,bookand toyswas cleverlycreated inhouseand adoptedbythewhole team, leadingtogreat commercial opportunities. An excellentexampleofcreativeretailing, ithung together beautifully envelopingthe wholecentre with awarmandfuzzyfestivefeeling.

JOINT

BRONZE

Summerhill Garden Centre

Fromthe endofAugust, Summerhill Garden Centre bringsits enthusiastic customersa Christmasofferinglikeno other.Everyone,includingadmin teams, gets involvedtocreatehouse-style wreathes,tablecentredecorationsand massive ‘wow-factor’ displays. As one, they keepfit reshand invitingensuring nooneleavesempty handed.

Theexperience of theteam at Wentworth shines throughat Christmas withanAladdin’scaveofbeautifully curated collections.Merchandising and retailing wascrispand well stocked leadingtoextremely temptingdisplays. They successfullycreated a‘toyshop feel’ to thestore anda contagious festiveatmospherewhich kept customers comingback formore.

Wentworth Garden Centre

THEGREATEST

Mid-SizedGardenCentre ChristmasTeam

Withstrong rootsinthe community,ChristmasatSunshinestarts slowly by opening room by room andculminating with afirework’s partyattheendofOctober.Theexperience andskillof theteamshines throughtheexcellentChristmas displays whichexactlymatchcustomer expectations, whilecleverspecialoffers,whichpairupproducts,inspire customersandboostaddonsales.There’saways ateammemberat theentrancetogreetcustomerswhile abackendimpressive stock controlsystemiseasilyaccessible to thesales team,boostingtheir confidence ontheshop floor. KINDLYSPONSORED

GOLD

Sunshine Garden Centre

Thefamilyfeelofthe TARDIS-like Jackson’sBoutique filtersright throughtothe customers whofeelinvestedinthe business. The impressive teamsput alotof thoughtintotheirdisplays,creating great theatrefromfloortoceiling andwithattentiontodetailtoensure customers keptdiscovering inspiringproductsaroundevery corner.

Abeautiful garden centre run by fabulousteams. Theone-way system for theChristmasshoptook customerspast fantastic displays with lots to see, whilethe large amount oflocallyproduceditems onofferillustrated the carefulthought that goes into purchasing.Pictures of team membersappear on aboardatthe back of tillsaddingapersonal touchtothe centre.

Brimsmore Gardens

KINDLYSPONSORED BY WOODMANSTERNE

THEGREATEST SmallGarden CentreChristmas Team

GOLD

Munro’sNurseries

In asmallspace,the teamat Munro’screatesand amazing experience.Wreathmakingclassesarea draw foradultswhile children’sworkshops to createtabledecorations bring in younger customers. Ledbya family team,the garden centre hasexcellentlevels of plant-relatedlinkedsalesand becauseofitsrurallocationitusestreebranches in displaysanddoes astrongline in tractorbaubles.Stevethe resident robin has becomea bitofastar andanyoneinthecafebuying ahotchocolateservedinarobin decoratedmug,can takethe mughome.

SILVER

Cook’s Garden Centre

Bigonplants,theCook’s teamhave strongplanteria sales wellinto November andthe houseplantrange, especiallyatChristmas, is adefinite draw.Througha festivearch, customers were ledthroughtoChristmas displaysbasedon different roomsinatypicalhouse accompanied by an in-house createdmap.Famous for theirwreathsand garlands, thereare stationsset up around thecentretowatch teamsat work.

JOINT BRONZE

Pengelly Garden Centre

At Pengelly,the hardworking team overcome limitedindoorsales area by creatingaChristmas tunnel in andaroundthe planteria.Crammed with Christmas products,including everycolourand size of bauble, it waswell lit, heated and hada great central space.The welcoming team ensure thereisplentytosee andwithsevenwreath makingstations, thereisplentytodotoo.

HIGHLYCOMMENDED

SnowdoniaNurseries andGarden Centre

JOINT BRONZE

The Garden Society

An interestingrestaurantand events venuewitha garden retailarea,thisyear themedon an EgyptianPharos’s ball. Well curated,thebeautifuldisplays includedproducts specificto TheGardenSocietysuchas ownrange candlesand home fragrances. Christmas wasmixedwithgift ware to create averydifferent butimpressiveretailexperience.

Proud of growing theirown poinsettias onsite,the teamat Snowdoniamaximise on theopportunity by sellinga rangeincluding threecolouredplants in onepot.Thecentre hasmovedahead and brought more theatre andfuninto itsdisplays andisalso makingits owncandlesonsiteto addtoitsUSP.

KINDLY SPONSORED BY FESTIVE

THEGREATEST

GroupLarge Garden CentreChristmas

Extraordinarysales volumesatLongacres,Bagshott areachieved by the teamwho certainlyknow howto sell it.Withceilingsdecorated withfluffycloudsanddrapes,andjumpersand socksusedfor displays,the team certainlyknowhowto catch everyshopper’s eye. Judgessaidtheenthusiasticteamhasseizedthechallengeofcreating aChristmas to rememberfortheir generalmanagerwhodesignedthe conceptandlayoutofthedepartmentusing LEGOwhile recoveringin hishospitalbed.

Longacres, Bagshott

SILVER

Blue Diamond Van Hage Garden Centre

Drama, excellence,detailand theatreare all wordsto describe what theteamat VanHagecreatedthis year.No wonder it’sastore that others in thegroup come to see. Fromcategory managersthrough to theVMandshop floor teams,the coordinatedapproachshines through helped along by take-awaypizzaonlatenight builds. This yearan enchanting Christmasstory wastoldateach themecontributing to arecord-breakingweekendofsales inearlyDecember.

BRONZE

The teamsatPlanters know exactly what their customerslike and make suretheshelvesin everydepartmentarefilled withtheright products.With ownershipandpride,theycreated agreen andpink Wickedthemecombinedwith rainbowsfromtheWizard ofOz forthe focalpointfor Christmas,plus areasonablypricedlight trailensured therewasfestivefunforall.Withjusttwoprice points forChristmas trees, theteam made sure choosing atreeeasy,whilein thehouseplant sectionlinkedsellingofpotscreatedanothersales opportunity.

THEGREATEST Group SmallGardenCentre Christmas

GOLD

The welcoming teamatCaluders Linlithgowwere thelifeandsoulof the centre. Retail standardswere excellent,and the commercialdisplays meantcustomers would neverhave knownstocklevels were dipping. Teams keptthe centrespickand spanandbannersin the ceilingfeaturing membersofstaff madethewhole experiencefriendly andpersonable.

Caulders Linlithgow

BRONZE

SILVER

BGC Harrogate Garden Centre

Christmasdisplays arehomemadeat Harrogate created by thesmall team. They bring in their ownfurnitureand props,whilestatuesand Christmas trees come fromoutsidesalesareas to ensuredisplaysareeye catching andhavethe wowfactor.The walk throughplanteriais dotted with groupsofdisplays to encourage plantsasgifts.

It’s easy to seethatthe team at BurfordHousehas considerablyuppeditsgameand created alovely andcohesiveChristmasareawith different rooms decoratedwiththeirown themes. Camouflagenetting created asubtlelightandacosyfeel,and teams are encouraged to unleashtheirartistic flair,illustrated by theChristmastreemadefromhouseplants.Muchuse ismadeofthecentre’sunique Georgianhouse -the perfectsettingforSanta’sGrotto.

BGC Burford House Garden Centre

Spring into retailaction

New productsandtrendsfromSpring Fair2026

Always abustlingshow atNECBirmingham, Spring Fairis agreat eventtoget the retailing yearoff to agoodstart.This year there wastheadded bonusofthe newGlee@ SpringFairarea,bringingtogethersuppliers fromtheoutdoorleisureand gardeningsector.

Fothergill’shad asuccessfulshowand tooktheinauguralBestNewProductat Glee@SpringFair2026 awardforitsSelfWaterGrowingKit.Notonlythat,just afew weekslatertheproduct wonagainatthe GardenPressEventin London.

Kits arenow beingsentout to UK retailers aftertheyweresuccessfullytriedand tested in Australia. Part oftheOhSowSimplerange, the colouredglassjarscontain achoiceof threeherbsand everythingneeded to grow themfromseed.

“Fothergill'sisaiming to grow thewhole categoryratherthanjustgrow oursection ofthecategory, whichiswhywehave launchedtheOhSow Simple range. We want to makeitaseasyaspossibleforpeople to succeedwithseeds,whichthisnew product willdo,andit’sa nicelittlegifttoo,” says RichardKeegan,HeadofFieldSales

“We'vegot alimitedamountofstock for this seasonandalreadyhad alotofinterest fromour keycustomerswhogot asneak previewjustbeforeChristmas.But we are takingthenextstepsanddeveloping the range,”headded.

Judgespraisedtheproductforitsappeal to gardeners,non-gardenersandparticularly children.

Starting aseed revolution MaxMancroftattendedhis firstSpringFair, to promotehis newcompany aimedat tempting ayoungerdemographictogrow wildflowersfromseed.

With itsupbeat imagery andsimple pricepoint, Maxhopes to catchthe eyeof potentialshopperswhomightotherwise feel abitintimidated by thetraditional rangeofseeds.

“Youngerpeople want to getinvolved in gardening –theylikeand wanta connection to nature.But Ithinkthey're turnedoff by howcomplicatedit is to either buyor grow plants andtheydon’t relatetothepackaging. Data shows around 50%ofpeople whogotogarden centres areintheunderthe40-agegroup –they rock up once,feelitisn't really forthem, getthe onethingtheyneedanddon't comeback,”says Max.

“Seed Revolutionis tryingtomakeseeds attractive to themandalso to thestandard seedbuyer.Seedsshouldn'tjustbea commodity -Idon'tseewhytheycan't alsobe agift.It'saboutsimplifyingthe sellingprocess,thebuyingprocess, and

GiftoftheYear

Entries into theGiftofthe Year 2026 competition were on display at Spring Fairandseveralnew products would work well ongardencentre shelves.

TheCardboard VaseSleeve by IF isa novelway ofgiving plasticbottlesa secondlife.Slipping abottle, from asmall 250mlup to 2litre into thedecorative sleeve completely hidesitfromview. Madefromrecycled card.RRPof£4.99.

IF alsoentered FlowerBookmarks in12 bright designs. Madefromfaux leatherandwitha handpainted look, they aredecorated on both sides. RRP£5.99.

In theFestive& Occasionscategory, HeavenSends enteredits UK andIrelandGlass Hanging Books. Each decoration looked like asmallbook of folkloreorfairytales, with asubtleglitter finishandvelvet ribbonforhanging. RRP£7.99.

TheMegHawkins Indulgence Collection of hand wash,lotion, soapandcreams,iswrappedinpackages beautifully decoratedbyillustrations by Megandwillsit perfectly in anygarden centredisplay.RRP’s startat£4.99

thegrowingprocess whilst making alittle bitmoreattractive,easy andfun.”

Nowattheendofthe firstyearof funding,Max is looking to breakintothe independentgarden centre retail market tocomplimenthis online sales.“Online is continuing to grow aggressively,but this won’tcompete withindependents because ouronlinepricepointishigher,” added Max.In retailenvironments,seeds sell for £2.99 comparedwith£3.49for asingle packonline.

Left: Max Mancroft and JamesCoulthurst Right: At theGPEDavid TurnerandCharlotte Gorringe, SeniorMarketingManager accepted acertificate forbest new product to add to the onealready wonat Spring Fair.

Tailoringadviceon invasive plants

Specialistininvasive plants, Daniel DockingTechnical ManageratthePropertyCareAssociation,explains whygardencentreplanteriasarekeyinmanaging, and evenpreventing,thespread of invasiveplants.

Quiteoftenthehorticulturalsector isthe firstpointof contact betweentheplantandthewider environment.Theadviceyougive,the waythe plantissold,andhowrisksareexplainedto thecustomer,directlyinfluence whether there willbean issueorifspread canbeprevented earlyon.”

SpeakingattheinvitationoftheHTA, DanielDocking, says thehorticultural trade includinggarden centres,influence which plantsaregoing to be introduced, howtheyare going to be marketedandcrucially,how their growthhabitsandbehaviour isexplainedtobuyers. Correct advicegivenatpointofsaleor duringplantingoften shapeswhat happensinthelong term.The key forgarden centreteams is to be able to identifyhigherriskplants and communicateinformation clearlyandproportionally.

Correctlabellingforbamboos

Probablyoneofthemostinfamousinvasive, non-native plantsisJapaneseknotweed butsincethe1990’s,whenmake-over gardensbecamepopular andbamboowas recommendedforitsquickgrowthand screeningproperties,this toohas becomean issue.“Concerns we have forbamboo, now mirrorthoseofJapaneseknotweedin terms ofimpact,”saysDanielwho addsalthough thereislittle evidencebamboos area problem forthewiderenvironment,theyare causing problemsinurbanareas.As yetthere isno legislationbutthereisariskofcivilliability ifbamboospreadsacross boundariesand causesproblem.

Labellingis keyandcustomersneedto knowiftheyare buying a‘runningbamboo’ which spreadthroughundergroundrhizomes andcanbecomeinvasive or a‘clumping bamboo.’ Thelatterarelessaggressive

andusually growninpotsand containers.ButDanielsays they are notcompletely riskfreeand there have beeninstancesofmislabelling.

Discussionwiththe customeriskey.

“Customersneed to understand that when they areplantingbamboosin theground, they canput underground barriers to containthe spread,”saysDaniel.It’salsocrucial to givethe correctmanagement advice,assimplycutting backbamboo to controlitsspreadis notthe answer.

Prohibited sales andalerts

Historically,confusionwithGunnerahybridshas nowled to theblanket ban onof G tinctoria, G manicata and Gx cryptica.Itisnow unlawful to sell,groworcausethespread of theseplants. Disposingofwaste materialfrom plants already incultivation(which can continue to begrown) mustbedone soonsite oratanapproved centre.

TheHTA’s Sally Cullimore says a2022 inspection by theAnimal andPlantHealth Agency visitedmore than 3000sitesofwhich 1,315weregardencentres.Ofthoseonly 4% were non-compliant.Butit’sworth checking

stockandSallyis asking gardencentres to ensure they arenot sellingtree of heaven(Ailanthus altissima),or theaquatic plant Myriophyllum aquaticum‘Red Stem’ both of which arebannedfrom sale.The purplepitcher plant(Sarraceniapurpurea) is alsoaplantofconcern but isnotcurrentlybanned sostill abletobesold. Viginiacreeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)and monbretia(Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora)and recognisedasinvasiveandlisted on the WildlifeandCountryside Act.However, Buddleia davidiiandcherrylaurel(Prunus laurocerasus)canalsobeproblematicand arenot listed.

From ahorticulturalperspective, Daniel believesgardencentre teams must understand thedifferentrisksplants pose dependingonwheretheyare to be planted andrecommends conversations with customers to understand more andoffer alternativecultivars. “It’snot about reducing choice orcreating fear.It’sabouttheright plant in therightplace with therightadvice,” says Daniel.

Updatesand training

ThePCAofferschargeable training sessions plusfreeupdatesonitsYouTube channel.

Visitthe PCAon YouTubeandsearch forModule 0(zero)to findseveralfree unitsoflearning. www.property-care.org/training www.nonnativespecies.org

DanielDocking

“

Clear customeradvice on pointof saleat Woodlands Garden Centre in Kent,can reducetheriskand potentialspreadof non-native invasiveplants.

Thelabelof Fargesianitida Jiuzhaigou’1statestheplantis notinvasiveasitdoesn’tproduce runners.

AI,your partner in business

JohnStanley,SidRaischandDriesJansen discusswhereAIfitsin business planning.

Wewererecentlytalking to aclientabout tradingpatternsin2025inthedifferent categories.Oneclientmentionedhehas operatedhis restaurantformany yearsas aprofitablepart ofhiswholebusiness.He workedon theold benchmark ruleof30% of costsallocatedtolabour,30% to food, 30%for overheadsand10%profit. This worked until2025 whenhislabour costsbecame45%andhisfood costs rose to 40%.

We stoppedhimthere. “So,you’re making aloss,” we asked.“Yes,”hesaid.“This year we willnotchargerentto the restaurant.”

Thisisnotananswer whenglobally,wages andthe wholesale price of goodsaregoingup;both areoutof yourhandsandwillnot comedown.Analternativeway of doingbusinessisessential.

Whatisthenewway ofdoingbusiness?

We need to keepholdofourbest teammemberssowe candevelopthem to maximisetheireffectinthebusiness. Thereisno longer aplaceforunderperforming team members.

Inthedaysahead,AI toolstrained to replicate routine taskscanbecome yourfriendandhelp youshinein business.Oneexampleisstocktaking,whichis achore;it employsatleastonepersoncountingstock.If we were honest, we wouldask‘why wastethislabour?’

POSsystemslikesquareupandshopifyareintegrating AIwithinventorymanagementand aclientofoursusesAI. Hetalks into hisphoneandwithinsecondsthephone tells

himhow muchstockhehas,howmuch he needs,when to orderit again,whentopromoteit,what to display next to it andwhattheaveragesaleisofthe items hehas selected.Hehas more accuratecontrol overhis business and hassavedatleastone,ifnot two, team membersfrom amundanejobenabling them to betterserve customers.

Themessage is clear

Develop AI-poweredcustomerexperiences that save your team timeandenhancethecustomerexperience. The consumer wantsfastanswers,seamlessexperiences andmorevalueformoney.Either your AIwillprovide dependable ‘touch point’orsomeoneelsewill be ahead of you.

WhileAiis apowerful tool,itisnot apanacea.Itwill notsolve all challenges and may,infact,createnew ones. Researchcarried out by the AustralianHRInstitutein January 2026 found companies that frequentlyusedAI reported37% oftheir workforce experienced lowerwellbeing and civility towardscolleagues due to thepressure ofusingthis technology.

Thesolutionpoints to agreaterneedformanagement to demonstratecompassion.AIiscapableofperforming 99%ofthe cognitiveandknowledgework currently done by people.Thevaluejobsthatwillskyrocketin the futurewillbethoseinvolvinghands-onengagement with the physical worldlikegardening,plumbing andphysical therapy.

Remember,our big assetisthat we aredealingwith NATURE. Losethat, andweloseourmarket.

AI tipsforgarden centres to consider. Andy Burns, AI Retail Consultant. (www.scottaussie.com)

•Theone-photoprojectplan LetAIuse acustomer'ssmartphone phototoinstantlygeneratea completegardendesign mood boardand apreciseshopping listfortheexactamountofsoil, mulch,and plants required(https:// neighbobrite.com)

•The‘for you’garden Trainan AI on loyalcustomer purchasehistoriestocreatea personalised‘foryou’service, recommendingplantsand products withNetflix-likeaccuracy.(www. Klaviyo.com)

•Thedigital plantdoctor Installan AI-poweredkiosk to supportstaff by instantly identifying pests and diseases from acustomer'sphoto,allowing your team to providethe perfect solution.

•Future-viewyourgarden

Use AI-drivenaugmented reality to letcustomers usetheir phoneto seewhat atreewilllooklikeand howmuchspaceitwill fillintheir actualgardenin10years' time. (MetaglassesandGooglegoggles areboth working onthis).

•Dynamicpricingforplant health

Implement an AI that drawsfrom stockdata, weatherreportsand othersources to automatically promoteplantsbefore theyshow signsof stress,increasingsales and preventing waste.

•Answerreal community questions

Usean AI to analyselocalgardening forums to find thespecific, unansweredquestionsyour communityareasking,and then create contentthat directlysolves their problems.

•The expert-trainedchatbot Createa24/7chatbottrained exclusivelyon your own

horticulturalists'advice,ensuring customersget yourexpert answers, in yourunique voice, even when you're closed.

•Theinternal ‘expertinyour pocket’

Buildan AI knowledgebase thatgives junior staff instant, searchableaccesstoyourmost seniorhorticulturalists'decades ofexpertise, empowering them to answerany question with confidence. Thisisalreadybeing developed by bigboxstores,so we need to move quickly.

•Prove yourgreencredentials

Use AI to calculateanddisplay the precise‘carbon miles’ of your locally sourcedplants versus big boxcompetitors,providing tangible proofof your sustainability.

•Data-driven staffing

Use apredictiveAItooptimise staff schedules based on weather,sales trends,andlocal events,ensuring essential plantcareisdone during the quietesttimesfor zero customerdisruption.

•Theneighbourhood ecosystem advisor

Usean AI to mapyour local ecosystem. Byasking fora customer's streetand town, your AI can recommendplants that createpollinator corridorsby complementingwhatneighbours boughtand arealreadygrowing, positioning youasthe strategic advisor fortheentirecommunity's environmental health.

Hungry forchange. Aregardencentres turning to food?

PaulPleydell– Founder andDirector of Pleydell Smithyman.

Forty yearsonand Istilllove thepositive attitude ofourgarden centreindustry. Theglassalwaysseems to behalffull or even brimming over. Ilove theoptimism andtheneverflinching‘cando’attitude. At events, conferencesandatclientmeetings, thereare alwayssmiles andagenuinebelief ingreatdaysahead.

Noneofus candeny thehorrorsand uncertainties we seeandhearonthenews, northeeconomic rollercoaster,andthe day-to-dayknocksthataffectallofour businesses. Andthismakesme evenprouder ofour collectivedesiretoacquire,expand, improve,and refine.

Garden centresarebeautifullypositioned andmust be theenvyofsomanyhigh streetretailers.If yousellshoes,itishard to reinventyourself, butgarden centresare able to change, evolve, anddonew things,at amoment’snotice. We arelightonourfeet andable to makequick decisions,andwhatis mostimportantis that we areused to doing this andhavebeendoingsofordecades–we areready.

At PleydellSmithyman we workwith businesseslargeandsmallacrosstheUK andI like to thinkweare bothproactiveand reactiveinmakingthesechangeshappen. We helpourclientscreate clarityinthe visionfortheirbusinessandthenidentifythe changesthatneed to takeplaceandhelp to makethem happen.

Thebiggest discussiontopicin thelast yearhasbeenaboutprotectingprofitsrestoringmoneyonthebottomlineand reestablishingthe comfortthat comesfrom looking at ahealthyProfit &Loss. We have hadsomegreatsuccesses inthisareaforour clients,but notthingswecanshoutaboutas it is,ofcourse, confidential.

Foodforthought

So,whatarethebig headlines?Theyare mostlyaboutfood -new orimproved

Create‘frontofhouse’ delightwith ‘backof house’efficiency.

cafesand restaurants -second,third(and even fourth), cateringoutlets, to drive footfallintothe centres and enhanceretail spend;foodhalls to increaseturnover;and production kitchens to protectand enhance marginandsellprovenanceandthat warm andwholesome comfortof‘home-made’.

In cafésthemove isawayfromserveries, and more toward a‘call to order’ –pubstyle, servicemodel,ortableservice. Andapps andQR codes,arebringing tech to thefront ofhouse. Ipreferthe chancetochat to the staff,but Ialso recognisethesignificantly enhanced averagespendthatappordering candeliver.

Caféseating isfar more focusedonthe experienceand interactionwith your family orfriends.Eatingoutisnolongercheap and we need to makeitadelight. Frontof houseseatingareasaregetting extensions and makeovers;all groundedonstrong commercialunderstandingofthe caféinthe

widerbusiness as wellasthe waydesignand improvedprocesses canimproveprofits. Seatingdensitiesare relaxingslightly to make more space(perhapshardwiredintousfrom thepandemic restrictions),andseating/ occupancy ratiosareking to make thevery bestuseofthespace.

Retailfood

Foodhallsareingreatdemand,although the titlefarmshopis known to resonatebetter withthe customer.Andwhynot addfood to your retail mix,notjust giftfood with along shelflife,but meals, eitherasingredientsor in an ovenreadyform. Afoodhall witha butcherscandeliver fourtofive timesthe turnoverper m2 compared to most core gardening categories,anddespitewhat many perceive, with adecentmargin. Withfood hallsinsomeofthelarger centres delivering £3-4million perannum, itisn’tanareatobe overlooked.

Butthereisalsoheadroom to grow this. When we comparedatafromour farm shop clients,theirsalesperformanceincafes and food retailoutstripthedata we areseeing from gardencentres,andso thereare definitely lessons to learn. Next time youare passing afarmshop,popin andtakealook. Whilstitneedsbackofhousestorage too, would youcreatea250m2 retailspace in yourgardencentrefor afoodhallif you knewitcould deliver aturnoverofsome £1.5million/annum?Ithink Iknowthe answer, butdo give us acallif youthinkit might work for you…

Findoutmore

Paul Pleydellisadirectorat PleydellSmithyman– specialist design andbusinessconsultants whohelp gardencentresandfarmshopsgrow, develop,andimprove performance. paul@pleydellsmithyman.co.uk 01952 433211www.pleydellsmithyman.co.uk

Outdoor living: What’s shaping Britain’s gardens this year?

Gina Hinde, LOFA General Manager

If the past few years have taught us one thing, it’s the sheer joy a well-loved garden brings to everyday life Picture that quiet corner for yourmorning coffee,ora welcomingspotfor weekendbarbecueswith friendsandfamily.Our outdoorspacesreally have become partofhow we live.Andfrom LOFA’s 2025Barometer of Trade,ourmembers’ experiences show this evolution continuing in excitingandpositiveways.

The outdoor furniture market feels muchmorebalancednow, andthe choices homeownersaremaking tell awonderful story aboutmodernliving.We’re seeing arealrise infurnitureblendingmaterials beautifully— thinksleekmetalframeswithwarm woodor textured ceramic details popping up in gardens nationwide.Itbringsthatfresh, interior-like charm outdoors. Timberfurniture isalso enjoyingrenewedinterest, remindinguswhy naturalfinishesnevergooutofstyle.

Somefamiliar favourites aregently making wayfornewideas.Resin weave,once everywhereingardens, has taken astep back aspeopleexploreexciting textures andmixes, withmetalfurniture following asimilargentle shift.Butpremiumcastaluminiumisenjoying

a resurgence its durability and elegant curves make it a smart, lasting choice that homeowners truly value

Sparkingjoy

Accessoriesare wherethe gardenreally comes alive.Shopperslove adding statement parasols, boldcushions, andthosestylish touches that refresh a patio in an instant no need for a fullfurnitureoverhaul.There’s suchstrong

…ourgardensaren’tjust extrasanymore,butvital livingspaces.

enthusiasm forsimple,affordable ways to personalise,and we’reseeingretailers respond withvibrantseasonalcolours, inventive fabrics, andcleverdesignsthatsparkjoy.

Barbecues remain amuch-lovedBritish tradition,withthemarketfindingitsnatural rhythm. Familiesare drawn to compact, portable optionsperfectforimpromptu gatherings, campingadventures,orcosysmallerspaces, whilebigger outdoorkitchensstilldelightatthe

top end Versatility is key here Outdoor heating feels more selective now, shaped by milder seasons and changing home priorities

Outdoorlightingexperiencedaquieter year,yetmanyother garden updatesare thriving.Homeownersarecreatingtrue home extensions—softlandscaping,spa-inspired relaxationspots,and versatile zonesfor both entertaining and quiet wellbeing moments It’s aheartfeltshift: ourgardensaren’tjustextras anymore, but vital living spaces

LOFA memberspaintanencouragingpicture of confidenceandfreshcreativity, even where some areas have eased.Supply chainsare steady, innovativedesignsare flowingin, andthere’s real focusonsustainable,quality materialsthat last Drawn from last year’s trading reality, we’re excited to seethese trends carryinto2026— acrossthe trade, ranges areevolving towards design-smart furniture, flexiblebarbecues, smartheatingchoices, andthose irresistible accessories bringing everyoutdoor haven to life.

Insights inthisarticleare drawn fromLOFA’s 2025Barometerof Trade. To findoutmore aboutLOFAorenquire aboutmembership, pleasevisit www.lofa.co.uk

Horticulture

Horticulture keeps usgrounded

WillArmitage, HTAPresident

Springhasdefinitelysprunghere onthenorthern edgeofthe Peak District.Thedaffodilsareout,the blackthornisinfullbloom,andthecherry tree flowerbudsarelookingliketheymight burstopenanydaynow.I’veheardmyfirst curlew ofthe year,andI’ve justseenmy first toadmakingits waytothestream(photo of said toadbelow!)

Withsnowforecastinsomeareasthis month,it’sprovingtobeatypicalBritish spring.Whointheirrightmind would workin aweather-dependentindustryin this country?Well,asthegreen-fingered eternaloptimiststhat we are, we knowthat whateverishappeninginthe world,spring will eventuallyarrive,theearthwill warm, thesunwillshine,andthingswillgrow. Customerswillbuyourgardeningproducts, andintimesofbothfinancialandemotional uncertainty, people willturn to theirgardens to nurture,gain asenseofachievement, relax,unwind andescape.

Thisiswhyit’ssoimportantfor retailers to staytrue to their roots. We hearhow garden centresarebecoming‘thenew departmentstores’,but to followthat to theextremeandmoveawayfromcore gardening wouldbe to leaveourselves exposed to thesame pressures,thesame

competition,thesameprejudiceandthe same risksasthehighstreet. Horticulturekeepsusgroundedand relevant to thenatural world.Asoil prices, wars andtalk ofinflation rage on, we needto remaintheoasisof calm thatourcustomers seek. Yes, we mustconstantlysearchfor products,rangesandofferingsthatappeal to ourcustomers andtrytoflatten the horticulturaltradingspikes thatplague ourindustry, butit’sthosehorticultural peaks thatde-riskourindustrywhenother pressuresincrease.

Simplerlegislation

means all councils should nowbeable to collect and recycle non-black plant pots from kerbside.

Pottyabout recycling

From peaksandtroughs to plant pots! With the government’ssimpler recycling reforms, there’sfinallyhopeforour customers who want to recycle theirusedplant potsat home.As youknow, oursectorhas spent years movingawayfromblackplasticpots sotheycanbefully recycled.Goodnews atlast…asof 31stMarch,simpler recycling legislation meansthatnon-blackrecyclable plasticplantpotsshouldnowbecollected kerbside.

We understandthat somelocal authoritiesare stilladvising residentsthat theydon’tacceptplantpots.Therefore,it’s importantfor us to support ourcustomers by encouragingthem to writetotheir localauthorityifpotsarenot acceptedin householdrecycling.After all,itisspringand don’t we alllove abitofspring cleaning?

Findoutmore

TheHorticultural Trades Association istheUKindustry’s leading membership organisation and welcomesall sectorsofenvironmental horticulture.

To learn more,pleasevisit www.hta.org.uk or to enquire aboutmembershipplease email: membership@hta.org.uk

Apricity andanticipation: cautious optimismasthe seasonapproaches

Vicky Nuttall, Directorof GIMA

Atthetimeof writing, we’restill waitingforthegardeningseason to trulybegin. Thecoldermornings arelingering,butthefirstsignsofspringare starting to appear.Thedaysfeel alittlelighter, thesun alittle warmerand –ifyou’veever comeacrossthe wonderfulwordapricity–you’llknowexactly thefeelingI mean:the welcome warmthof thesunon acoldday.

Withit comes afamiliar senseof anticipationacrosstheindustry.Assuppliers andretailersalikelookahead to theseason, thereisa definitefeelingof cautiousoptimism in theair.Thatoptimismdoesn’tmeanthe challengeshavedisappeared,of course.

Littleandoften

Onetrend manyof ourmembersare discussingis themovetowardssmaller pre-seasonorders, with retailersincreasingly favouringin-season top-ups ratherthan committingheavilyupfront.Thelogicis understandable –littleandoftencanprovide flexibilityand reduceriskatstorelevel –but it inevitablypushes more of theinventory pressurefurtherupthesupplychain. For suppliers,this creates additionalstrainon forecasting,production planningandstock holding.When everyone ultimately wants everythingatthesametime,thepressure intensifies.

Alongsidethis, we continuetoseechange across the retaillandscape. Consolidation amonggarden centregroupsremains anongoingtheme,while the wider retail environment continuestodiversify. Marketplacesamongsthighstreet retailers andDIY chains areallinfluencinghowgarden products reach consumers,reshapingthe competitivelandscapeinthe process.These developmentscreateopportunity, butthey alsoadd complexity.Ifleftunchecked,theyrisk concentratinginventoryresponsibilityeven furtherback towards thesupplier.

Forme,this onlyreinforcestheimportance of maintaining abroad andvariedsupply

base.Byoffering retailers adiverseselection ofproductsand manufacturers, we spread riskmoreeffectively while givingconsumers thechoicetheyincreasinglyexpect. This diversityisalsoreflectedinthe continued growth of GIMA’s membershipbasein recent years, includingtheintegration of Gardenexmembers,whichhasbroadenedthe association’sreachandstrengthenedits ability to support membersnotonlyintheUK market butalsoindeveloping exportopportunities. Today’s shoppersareconstantlylooking for somethingnew, uniqueandinspiring for theirhomes andgardens.Theone-size-fits-all, cookie-cutterapproach to productranges isnolonger the norm.If retailers arewilling to widen theirhorizons and embracethat diversity, thentheentiresectorstandsto benefit.

Aglobal watching brief

Beyond ourownindustry dynamics,it would be impossiblenot to acknowledge the wider geopoliticallandscapethatcontinues to dominatetheheadlines.Recent eventsinthe MiddleEastarecastinga shadowacrossglobal markets.Whilethe directimplications forour sector’s supplychains remainuncertain,there areunderstandableconcerns around risingoil pricesandthepotentialknock-oneffectsfor energycostsandhaulage.

Fornow,itremains awatchingbrief. Encouragingly,there arecurrentlynoknown disruptionstokey supplyroutesaffecting oursector.However,the potentialfor opportunisticsea freightpricingis something manywillbe keeping acloseeye on.

Closertohome,theindustry is alsoquietly awaitingnews regarding the futureofone of its majorsuppliers. Whateverthe outcome, thepotentialloss of jobs is neversomething anyonein thissectortakes lightly, andour thoughts remainwiththoseaffected during what must be an incredibly uncertaintime.

Despitethese concerns, thereare also positives to hold onto. Acrossmanycategories we arehearing of strongstockavailability, which putstheindustry in apositiveposition as the firstpeakofthegardeningseason approaches.

BeforeIclose, Imust acknowledgethat this willbe the finaltimeI signoff this column aheadofmydeparture from GIMAthis year. It hasbeen anabsoluteprivilege to serve the associationforthepast12years.Duringthat timeIhavebeenfortunateenough to witness first-handthe resilience,innovationand passionthatunderpin ourindustry.

From suppliersand retailerstopartners and colleagues across the sector,thepeople behindgarden retailarewhatmakethis industry sospecial. To everyone whohas supported GIMA –and mepersonally –over the years,thank you.

Andwiththeseasonjust around the corner, Ihaveevery confidencethatthe industry willonceagainprove just howstrongand adaptable ittrulyis.

Findoutmore

GIMAisamembershiporganisation ofmorethan230 companies representingthemajorityshareofsuppliers andmanufacturersoperatingwithintheUK gardening industry. Anybusinessinterested injoiningGIMA cancontact theteamon 01959564947 or info@gima.org.uk. www.gima.org.uk