GTN May-June 2026 - Summer Showroom Special - Garden Trade News UK

MAY/JUNE 2026

gardentradenews.co.uk

Advice & information for garden centre professionals

SMALL BUT MIGHTY

Fakenham’s secrets of success

Hot Spots to visit this summer

17 pages of GTN’s Summer Showroom Special

INCLUSIVE CATERING

Drive revenues through inclusion

CHELSEA GOLD

Industry wins and trends

KEEPING FURNITURE MOVING Supply chain update from LOFA

Europe’s most loved garden trade show

Get your free ticket gleebirmingham.com

Comment MAY/JUNE 2026

gardentradenews.co.uk

Phew, what a scorcher!

A

fter the coolest April and start to May in living memory we get a late May heatwave! And what’s more we had warm (some say very warm) dry weather for the Bank Holiday. BBQ’s, garden furniture and watering equipment have been reported as being in high demand. Let’s hope this is the start of a glorious summer when customers can spend whole days in the garden and as a result pop into their local garden centre to buy more plants etc.

While this season is still underway thoughts are starting to turn to 2027, hence our Summer Showroom Directory in this issue. The GTN team have been visiting as many as possible this month and we can report that suppliers are really upping their game when it comes to showrooms and showroom visits. We hope this helps with your planning. Drive safely!

Just as this issue of GTN magazine went to press we received the sad news that John Ravenscroft had died.

Most widely known for creating Bridgemere Garden World garden centre and its Show Gardens, John was also a long-time contributor to Garden Trade News writing a regular column about making the most of nursery stock. In GTN December 1991 he signed off his column as follows: “A final word: remember that people visit

In this issue...

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Small but mighty Fakenham Garden Centre Glee Roadshow 2026 – the industry gathers Celebrations and trends at Chelsea J-Class Moongate redefines outdoor structures Making Napoleon famous Comfort and joy from Bramblecrest GTN’s Summer Showroom Special over 17 pages GTN’s Summer Showroom Directory 2026 Grass expertise from DLF and Johnsons Lawn Seed 24 LeisureGrow open for business 26 Welcome to Westland’s brand-new showroom 28 Introducing Royal Garden UK 31 Plant show round up for Summer 2026 34 Food allergy awareness and safety - New GTN series 36 Create an experience - Adapt or Die 37 Floral Spectacular at Chelsea - GTN Planteria 38 Keeping Garden Furniture moving - LOFA Viewpoint 39 Putting on a show - HTA Viewpoint

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SMALL BUT MIGHTY

Advice & information for garden centre professionals

you all year round and if your nursery stock is nonexistent in the winter and this was your customer’s first visit to your premises, you will be judged on the showing that day. A degree of risk with plants has to be taken and accepted if your garden centre is to look impressive all year.” 35 years on John’s advice rings true and reminds us that plants really are the heart of our business.

Fakenham’s secrets of success

Hot Spots to visit this summer

17 pages of GTN’s Summer Showroom Special

INCLUSIVE CATERING

Drive revenues through inclusion

CHELSEA GOLD

KEEPING FURNITURE MOVING

Industry wins and trends

Supply chain update from LOFA

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING

The team at GTN, present and old thank John for his wisdom and vision. We send our heartfelt condolences to Johns family.

Trevor Pfeiffer

Advertisers in this issue 2 Glee 2026 7 Melcourt 10 Handy 12 Napoleon 16 SOLEX 2026 18 Bramblecrest 18 Celtic Leisure 18 Hartman 18 Smart Garden 19 Tom Chambers 19 Woodlodge 19 GreenKey 20 Hartman 25 Smart Garden Products 30 W Garden Living 32 Durstons 33 Four Oaks Trade Show SOLEX 2026 40

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?

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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, 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 2026. 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.

May/June 2026 3

Garden centre profile

Expanding the area of covered space has enabled plant sales to be generated 12 months of the year. The roof space also accommodates 250,000 lights which illuminates the space at Christmas.

Small but mighty On just 1.75 acres, the family run Fakenham Garden Centre in Norfolk generates an impressive £4.5 million annual turnover. How do they do it?

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t the second Glee Roadshow held at the end of April hosted by Gates Garden Centre, Oakham, Martin and Jennie from nearby Fakenham Garden Centre were in the hot seat revealing how they generate a multimillion-pound turnover from a small site with just 68 car parking spaces. That equates to an impressive £65,000 a year from each space.

A traditional site with around 50% of sales coming from plants, Fakenham Garden Centre, around 25 miles north west of Norwich, has been in the same family for more than 40 years. After seeing an advert for the garden centre in The Lady magazine, Martin’s parents secured the garden centre

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for £160,000 and soon after bought an additional parcel of land from a neighbour, bringing the site to 8000m2.

Martin joined the business in 1999 after a plan to run his own garden centre fell through.

Instead, he invested his money into Fakenham by adding more glass and doubling the size of heated covered sales area.

Surprisingly Fakenham is one of Westland Horticulture’s biggest customers. Taking 500 pallets a year, it retails growing media from a space just 62m2. Stock is kept off site three miles away, so it’s a logistical feat to transport it to the garden centre.

It is also a member of Choice Maketing and although one of the smallest members,

it ranks fifth in rebate chart. “Being a member has been a game changer for us,” says Martin. “Our pricing is done for us so we don't have to negotiate. When we go to shows we don’t have to ask for the best price, we ask how can we sell more.”

Gifting A constant stream of small deliveries and displays that are regularly moved helps keep the gift area fresh and inspiring, and with a new team manager, sales have increased by 25%. Visits to trade shows mean searching out new and interesting suppliers and the centre has a high number of suppliers.

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Garden centre profile

Above: Fakenham sells an impressive amount of growing media from a small space.

Careful investment Around 15 years ago, another investment was made with a Fordingbridge structure added to the front of the garden centre.

Just seven years later, more poly tunnels and a curved section resulted in around half of the plant area being protected from the elements. “It's been brilliant,” says Martin.

“It has meant we now have plant sales 12 months a year now, whereas before it was, it

pretty much stopped in the winter.”

More recently in a bid to reduce water wasted through irrigation, a further £90,000 went to flood benches. Not only is watering more efficient, it has also eliminated the spots on foliage caused by chalk deposits in the water applied through overhead sprinklers.

It’s not just equipment and capital that benefit from investments, Martin and Jennie also look for that certain spark in their staff and support their career.

“For the last 30 years, we have taken on two sixth form college students in September,” explains Martin. “We now have eight members of staff who started on the tills or bagging dog food and are still with us.

Our Pets and Aquatics Manager has been with us 27 years, and one of our marketing team came to us at 16.

“We currently have two students, one working on the till and other in the coffee shop, and Jennie saw they would make good managers. We approached them to see if they wanted a full-time job after college and we’ve now put them on a management degree course at a local college one day a week.”

Martin adds both are now keyholders and

Right, Top to Bottom: Fakenham has a specialist aquatics and pet department with outdoor koi and plants which is runs itself. “We do everything.

We don't have anybody on site that isn't part of our own staff.”

Fakenham’s coffee shop has 85 covers and generates a £750,000 turnover. The menu is kept simple, and food made and delivered quickly to allow for efficient customer through put.

Stock rotation little and often has been a key to increasing gift sales by 25%.

Below: The 20m long and 7m high Santa and his sleigh on the top of the centre roof is a Christmas spectacle that was brought back by customer demand.

run the store at quiet times. It’s hoped one will look after furniture and the other take over sundries. “The idea is that if we decide to retire, we have two people who we know can step in,” says Martin.

The two new intakes from 2025 are also looking promising with one hopefully building a passion for plants. “It’s a case of finding the right people that show aptitude.

We don’t look for them, but when we recognise it we will jump on it and try to nurture them.”

Above: Jennie and Martin (far left) with some of their team.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

May/June 2026 5

Glee Roadshow 2026

Glee hits the road Gates Garden Centre in Oakham hosted the second Glee Roadshow in April, bringing the industry together for a day of netw tworking and idea sharing.

Nigel Gates in conversation with GTN’s Editor Trevor Pfeiffer.

L

ast year, the organiser of Glee held a free roadshow in Devon to bring neighbouring garden retailers together for honest conversation, practicalinsightsand meaningful networking.

Such was its success that this year the event moved to Lincolnshire and the number of attendees doubled. Panel discussions on the challenges and opportunities shaping garden retail where shared with fellow retailers at Gates Garden Centre in Oakham.

Nigel Gates gave an overview of his family business, and attendees heard from Guy Moreton of recruitment company MorePeople. He dispelled some of the myths surrounding working in garden retail and asked how best to attract great people and make garden retail their career of choice.

Industry figures including Michael Smith from Meadow Croft Garden Centre in Essex and Martin Ward, GIMA’s new Director, joined panels to explore the diversity of additional revenue streams, while Jennie and Martin Turner from Fakenham Garden Centre shared the story of their small, but highly successful garden centre.

Guy Moreton says: “I’ve been recruiting in this sector for 26 years and without a shadow of a doubt, gardening, horticulture and retail get wrapped together even though they’re quite separate. Those who don’t know anything about the industry perceive that salaries are really low and uncompetitive. We, in garden retail know this is not true. My team do nothing but recruit in the garden centre sector and we know the most decent businesses are paying whatever it takes to get really good talent”.

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Gates – family values and a hands-on approach The garden centres of Gates and Fakenham vary greatly in size but have many similarities. Both are family run with the owners very much part of everyday business.

Gates was set up by Nigel’s grandfather following the purchase of a Victorian walled garden Cold Overton Hall in 1948. He paid £2,500 for the 3.5 acre site and grew veg to sell at local markets.

On the brink of the 1980’s, the business began to diversify and since then evolution of Gates has mirrored that of the garden retail industry.

Today the site has 10,000m2 of covered retail space, with a cafe and restaurant of 520 covers. Onsite warehousing has expanded to 5,255m2, which Nigel describes as a ‘real game changer’ and Gate’s own farm shop supplied with meat from the 550 acre farm run by Nigel’s son Jack has become its own success story.

Gates recently took over the former Dobbies garden centre at Hinkley.

“It’s been great fun and a massive challenge. We’ve been constantly backwards and forwards to keep things on track, but it’s been a great success story for the team.”

Nigel believes a key to success is being hands on and making the time to chat to everyone, even if it’s over a cup of tea. When the business takes on new starters, the family values and expectations are clearly communicated at the beginning and excitement about future plans are filtered down to all team members.

Pride generated by working at Gates is highly valued and customer service is paramount as the garden centre is relatively rural. Customers know they are going to be looked after and guaranteed a pleasurable shopping experience so are happy to drive the extra miles. In fact, data from the loyalty club (with more than 70,000 members across both centres) indicates some travel up to 50 miles to shop at Gates, Oakham.

Once there, they take advantage for a free hot drink offered once a month and typically spend a further £8 in the restaurant.

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RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026

Industry strikes gold Another RHS Chelsea Flower Show has kicked off the gardening season in style and GTN was there to catch up on industry wins and trends.

B

lue Diamond Garden Centres has hailed 2026 as another successful year at Chelsea securing a Gold for its exhibit and third place in the show’s new plant competition.

The largest exhibit in Chelsea’s Great Pavilion, the garden centre created a walkthrough horticultural spectacle with an eclectic mix of plants 80% of which it offers either online or instore. Orchids, flowering dog wood, acers, ferns and an assortment of trees were complimented with perennials and shrubs in themes from Indoor Tropical Walls, through to Tapestry Garden and Exotic Shade Loving. Customers can see full plant lists from all the areas on the Blue Diamond website.

It also included several new plant introductions, exclusive to Blue Diamond, one of which Hydrangea VELVET NIGHT RED LACE took third place in the Chelsea Plant of the Year competition. Available only at Blue Diamond centres for a year, it’s dark crimson flowers and deep purple, almost black foliage, will ensure this new cultivar becomes a garden favourite.

Mind the gap Naturalistic planting continues to be a theme with often considered wild plants rubbing shoulders with cultivated ornamentals.

Experienced garden designer Sarah Eberle, took Best in Show for The Campaign to Protect Rural England Garden: On the Edge, which celebrates the wild and natural spaces on the fringes of towns and cities. Here viburnum and geranium were complimented by dog rose, foxglove and field maples. Sarah also became the most awarded garden designer in the history of the show.

Planting combinations at Chelsea are always inspirational but the beauty of individual plant forms and colours could be appreciated thanks to spaces left between them. This was further highlighted with decorative hard landscaping, such as

8 May/June 2026

sandstone, crushed shells, and different colours and sizes of gravel.

Great combinations were seen in The Asthma and Lung UK Breathing Space Garden, where Rotherham Red sandstone offset woodland plants. The openness of the planting symbolised the need to take time and breath deep, while in The Children’s Society Garden, spaces enhanced the appreciation of individual plants in their entirety.

Meadow-grown success In the RHS Sustainable Excellence Awards, the Lifestyle Product of the Year award went to Seilich for its Meadow Blend Tea. Created by the company’s founder Dr Sally Gouldstone, it allows the beauty of natural meadows to be enjoyed as a herbal infusion.

It sits within a range of other meadowgrown blended teas and skincare products from natural botanicals, some of which are already available in garden centres such as Burford and Petersham. “We are hoping other garden centres will be interested in our products too and want to stock them,” says Sally.

Formally working at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and with a PhD in Nature Conservation, Sally ploughs back proceeds from sales into the maintenance and creation of new meadows. Set up just four years ago, Seilich has now conserved 8 acres of meadow land near Edinburgh.

• Sustainable Garden Product of the Year went to the Gaze Burvill National Trust Planter.

Left: Rotherham Red Sandstone frames planting on The Asthma and Lung UK Breathing Space Garden.

Right: Crushed seashells bring natural ornamentation to The Killik & Co A Seed in Time Garden.

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RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026

L-R : Evie James, Steph Dunn James, Henry James, Charles James and Nick Dunn (third, fourth and fifth generation) celebrated as Frank P Matthews Trees was awarded a Gold for its exhibit bringing the beauty and diversity of the Malus genus to the Great Pavilion. A Gold two year’s running is the icing on the cake for the company which is also celebrating 125 years in business.

The Blue Diamond Team celebrate success.

they make a quality, long-lasting gift for experienced and novice gardeners alike.

Also new is an entry level range which Felco describes as a gateway to discovering the heritage and durability of its products.

The company’s Tom Sullivan says it was using Chelsea to ‘test the water’. Retailing at around £30, they come with a two year-guarantee.

In two sizes, Medium and Large, customers

Sally Gouldstone with her meadowgrown range at Chelsea.

Taylors Bulbs did it again and received a Gold for its display of more than 4000 narcissus stems from 46 varieties. It’s 33rd Gold, it again proves the company’s skill in bringing flowering cut stems to Chelsea in mid-May when their natural season for blooming starts in January. To ensure there are enough for the display, it grows 15,000 bulbs in controlled conditions to produce 6000 stems to ensure tip top displays for the Chelsea week.

can choose from an anvil or bypass model.

Packaging for the 171M and171L has a distinct white backing board to easily differentiate in the retail setting.

Colour combos Fresh out of the factory and onto the stand of Felco, was the new Colour Edition range of secateurs with matching leather holster.

Gardeners can choose Felco 6 in a choice of Pink Passion, Electric Blue, Power Green and Tangerine Orange. Retailing at around £70 for the secateurs and £32 for the holster

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

May/June 2026 9

RHS Chelsea Flower Show

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Bring in the bats In contrast to the meters of space allocated to lighting in garden centres, The Bat Conservation Trust’s Nocturnal Garden focused on a garden under cover of darkness. With a purple and deep pink planting palette lightened by pale yellow, plants were chosen to attract nocturnal insects, which in turn bring in the bats.

It contained a wealth of wildflowers but planting consultant Cecilia Sandrini, says the garden’s cultivated plants would work well in a bat-themed display in any garden centre. Her

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top five plants are: 1. Linaria purpurea ‘Canon Went’. Tall flowering perennial flowering in summer to early autumn.

2. Thymus from Turkey . Producing mounds of delicate pink flowers 3. Centaurea ‘Jordy’. Another dark flowered choice which works great as ‘pops’ of colour in a garden.

4. Ajuga reptans Black Scallop. Creeping evergreen, great in part or full shade with dark purple leaves and purple flower spikes in spring and early summer.

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5. Viola ‘Bowles Black’. Velvety flowers with a yellow eye produced over a long period.

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Promotion Much interest was created by the Moongate from J-Class at the recent RHS Malvern Flower Spring Festival.

Garden design comes full circle Offering timeless garden charm, the J-Class Moongate redefines outdoor structures.

W

hile most garden structures simply occupy space, the Moongate by J-Class redefines it. Moving away from the predictable lines of traditional arches, its circular silhouette brings a sense of architectural permanence and organic balance to any landscape.

It is not merely a portal, but a carefully considered focal point.

Crafted from quality pressure-treated softwood, the Moongate is engineered using curved glulam timber construction.

This process allows the timber to follow a perfect radius without compromising structural integrity. The double-frame design creates a striking sense of depth, offering landscapers and garden designers a sophisticated way to frame borrowed

views or create a natural transition between garden rooms. Whether left to weather gracefully or used as a structural support for climbing roses, ivy or clematis, the arch retains its crisp geometric definition against the changing textures of the garden.

For the professional sector, including wedding venues and luxury hospitality settings, the Moongate serves as a versatile installation. Its clean lines provide a highimpact backdrop, working equally well as a minimalist stand-alone feature or as an ornate structure dressed with seasonal flowers and lighting.

Uncompromising quality As part of the wider J-Class portfolio, the Moongate reflects a commitment to

high-end garden architecture. From robust carports and pergolas to elegant gazebos and durable larch planters, the J-Class range stands for uncompromising quality and timeless British design. Every piece is engineered for longevity, blending the warmth of natural timber with a refined, contemporary aesthetic.

Discover how J-Class continues to provide homeowners and trade professionals across the UK with timber garden structures designed to endure beautifully.

To explore the full J-Class range or place an order, visit the official J-Class website at j-class.co.uk or contact us on contact@j-class.co.uk

May/June 2026 11

Promotion

Making Napoleon famous Napoleon Premium BBQs marks 50 years of excellence with accelerated growth strategy and expanded UK team.

N

apoleon Premium BBQs is proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary marking five decades of innovation, design excellence, and passion for bringing people together through outdoor living.

As the proudly Canadian-heritage brand reaches this significant milestone, it is doubling down on its commitment to the UK market through an ambitious growth strategy focused on specialist retailer and garden centre footprint expansion, enhanced retailer support, and elevated brand visibility.

This strategy is being led by UK Country Manager, Jo McDonald who took on the role at the start of the year. She brings a wealth of sales and brand-building experience to the team and is on a mission to make Napoleon a household name.

“Napoleon is so well loved by those who know and have used the brand, but it’s still a hidden gem, says Jo. “Our products can truly elevate the home cooking experience and allow users to be their own food heroes!”

Growing retailer footprint In the past year, Napoleon Premium BBQs UK has made substantial strides in growing its stockist footprint across the UK, Ireland and Northern Ireland. This is supported by a growing retailer and consumer service, as well as a warehouse and spare parts team, which offers a quick and reliable service to partners and end consumers from the brand’s HQ in Coventry.

For the 2026 season Napoleon has started to develop a network of expert demo chefs and is proud to be working alongside BBQ personalities, Becky

Prideaux, Jon Scaife and Kirsty Redden. They will work closely with retail partners to bring the brand to life in-store, delivering live cooking demonstrations and showcasing the trademarked features of Napoleon’s BBQs.

Jo McDonald

Upgrades and new products Complementing this approach is a pipeline of continuously upgraded lines and new products to excite UK grillers. Recent launches include the Apollo Smoker range, to appeal to both entry-level and experienced BBQ enthusiasts with its versatile multi-tier cooking system. Alongside, Napoleon has expanded its popular and family-allrounder Freestyle and Rogue range models, as well as introducing advanced ‘Connected’ grills such as the Prestige 500 Connected 50th Anniversary Edition, which combines premium build quality with smart technology and infrared cooking performance.

As Napoleon Premium BBQs UK celebrates this landmark year, its focus remains firmly on innovation, partnership, and delivering exceptional outdoor cooking experiences to customers across the country.

To find out more visit www. napoleon.com/en/uk/barbecues Below: For the sixth year, Napoleon is the official sponsor of CarFest’s The Big BBQ Cookout, at Silverstone Circuit, hosted by BBQ legends Sam and Shauna where more than 20 celebrity chefs grill over the August bank holiday weekend. Aligning with one of the UK’s largest and family-friendly festivals helps people see the product in action and gives Napoleon huge amplification across social media. It also supports community-focused foodie festivals Feast On: Bristol and Cardiff.

The new stylish black matt OASIS 106 is the ultimate outdoor kitchen solution offering luxury, an affordable price and hassle-free planning

May/June 2026 13

Promotion

The new Prague range introduces the innovative Bramblecrest Bench design

The season of comfort and joy Bramblecrest is looking ahead and growing its product portfolio as it advances towards full employee ownership.

A

s the outdoor living season comes into focus, British-owned and designed garden furniture brand Bramblecrest is looking ahead, building on recent industry firsts and a growing product portfolio. Among the latest developments is the newly launched Bramblecrest Bench, an updated take on the casual dining sofa bench. Speaking to GTN, Tim Pennell, Head of Sales, outlines how innovation, growth and the company’s move towards employee ownership are shaping its direction.

This spring marks three years since Bramblecrest began its journey as an employee-owned business. Believed to be a first within the outdoor furniture sector, the transition to employee ownership has given the company a clear framework for long-term growth.

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“The move to employee ownership has acted as a growth catalyst across the business,” says Tim, who has spent more than 20 years heading up the company’s sales and marketing.

“That’s particularly evident within our product development team.”

Recent seasons have seen the introduction of an extensive offering of new designs, material combinations and colourways, alongside a steadily expanding range of premium accessories that support the core furniture collections.

Consistent innovation For Bramblecrest, innovation takes many forms – from industry-first designs, such as the adjustable-height casual dining table launched almost a decade ago – to more recent developments like the Bramblecrest Bench.

Advances in production technology have also played a role. Developments such as sintered stone table tops and heat-transfer processes that replicate natural wood finishes continue to feature across ranges, reflecting changing consumer preferences for durable, low-maintenance materials.

New ranges, Prague and Maine, both adopt adjustable-height tables and sintered stone tops as well as the brand’s signature Season-Proof cushions. Whilst both feature aluminium subframes, Maine is distinguished by a wood-effect, heat-transfer finish with rope back-detailing that combine to provide a natural aesthetic.

Colour has also been a focus. The increasingly popular mocha finish within the Zurich collection responds to growing demand for warmer, more neutral palettes. The new Sofia Textilene range now offers five colour options – the widest choice of colourways within a single seating range from the brand to date.

Sofia is designed with practicality in mind, offering durable, low maintenance sets with stackable chairs. Constructed using all-weather Textilene fabric with inherent comfort, there is no requirement for loose cushions or the associated storage.

Extensions across established collections – including Zurich bar sets and L-shaped sofa configurations – are intended to give retailers both broader options within established ranges

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Promotion

The RHS Wisley L-Shape Sofa set, partt of Bramblecrest’s exclusive collection, is a best seller

Ownership benefits Since transitioning to employee ownership in 2023, Bramblecrest has continued to invest in both the cultural and operational foundations of the business. Employees share the financial success of the company while also being encouraged to contribute ideas and improvements across the organisation.

Quarterly awards recognise and reward stand-out performances by individuals who have clearly demonstrated ‘living’ any one of the company’s core values. This supportive culture is strengthened by the continued rollout of a structured management system.

“The commitments we make give people a genuine sense of shared ownership,” Tim explains. “That creates confidence to learn, develop and challenge how we work – even when things are busy.”

The provision of exemplary customer service remains a key focus, particularly against the backdrop of wider market pressures and increased competition. Each trade customer is supported by a dedicated sales representative,

In-store launch at John Lewis in Milton Keynes

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

an offi ce-based trade account manager and a office-based bespoke online portal to allow real-time selfserve account management. This investment in service not only drives effi ciencies but also efficiencies delivers a seamless customer experience.

Recent research highlighted customer service as market-leading, reinforced by a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 67, widely regarded as best-in-class within the B2B sector.

That advocacy is reflected in trading performance, with 20 new accounts added in the past year and container sales up seven per cent year-on-year, as the business continues to anticipate further growth and market share gains.

Staying visible Close engagement with garden centres, furniture specialists and department store retailers remains central to the company’s approach. Annual research shows that more than half of the brand’s stockists have worked with Bramblecrest for over ten years.

A key driver has been the highly successful collection of garden furniture created as a licensee of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Launched in 2025, the RHS by Bramblecrest collection features three distinct ranges called RHS Rosemoor, RHS Wisley and RHS Bridgewater, each inspired by iconic RHS gardens in Surrey, Greater Manchester and Devon. These have been exceptionally well received, adding further credibility to its long-standing association with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where Bramblecrest showcases its collection.

Earlier this year, the brand also supported a series of in-store launches at John Lewis stores in Milton Keynes, Peter Jones and Reading, with members of the sales team present over several days to assist with the rollouts and engage directly with customers.

Alongside this, social media engagement has continued to grow, with content focused on product care, outdoor entertaining and seasonal inspiration, helping to support brand visibility further. Behind the scenes, additional services are being explored, including online

Introducing the Bramblecrest Bench

Designed to switch easily between a backless bench and a fully supportive seat, the Bramblecrest Bench uses two integrated backrests that store neatly within the seat base when not in use.

access to an expanded range of spare parts for trade customers.

“We genuinely care about shared success with our customers,” says Tim. “It may sound obvious, but providing great products at the right price, supported by the best service we can possibly offer, is fundamental to that.”

Three years into its employee-ownership journey, Bramblecrest continues to position itself as a people-focused business, investing in long-term thinking, collaboration and product development. Recent launches reflect a clear response to demand for contemporary styling, durable materials and space efficient designs.

“As a business built around people – whether customers or employees – investing in trust and better day-to-day interactions is strengthening the brand for the long term.”

Tim concludes: “We’re now around halfway through the transition to full employee ownership and slightly ahead of the growth targets needed to get there.”

Explore the full Bramblecrest collection and the latest innovations at www.bramblecrest.com For further information, please email a member of the Bramblecrest sales team at sales@bramblecrest.com

May/June 2026 15

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

and greater flexibility when merchandising, while creating additional opportunities for incremental sales.

Bramblecrest is also broadening its accessories offer, with two new parasol products planned, alongside the recent launch of own branded cleaning and care products, enabling retailers to offer a more complete outdoor living solution.

Why visit one showroom when you can visit them all?

Discover the country’s leading outdoor living brands under one roof at SOLEX. Free Parking - Free tea & coffee - Free wifi

SOLEX Exhibition 7 - 9 July 2026 NEC, Birmingham

REG GISTER HERE en Furniture | Barbecues | Shading | Ou utdoor Living Accessories | Garden Decoration Garde Gard den Leisure Buildings | Outdoor Heatin ng | Outdoor Health | Outdoor Entertainment

GTN’s Summer Showroom Directory

Showrooms to visit this Summer TOM CHAMBERS Goole - DN14 6UE

i As summer fifinally arrives, now is the time to be planning your showroom and show visits in preparation for the 2027 buying season.

SMART GARDEN

Peterborough - PE7 3AG

HARTMAN

DLF/JOHNSONS LAWN SEEDS Inkberrow - WR7 4LJ

SOLEX

Telford - TF1 7GP

National Exhibition Centre - B40 1NT

WESTLAND

Alconbury - PE28 4HY

LEISUREGROW Baldock - SG7 5HG

GREENKEY GARDEN & HOME Lydney - GL15 4EJ

BRAMBLECREST Gloucestershire - GL6 8GA

SMART GARDEN CELTIC LEISURE Newport - NP20 1EN

WOODLODGE Tetbury - GL8 8YL

Abingdon - OX14 3PL

ROYAL GARDEN Rochford - SS4 1YH

GTN’s Summer Showroom Directory

Bramblecrest Whether we’ve worked together for years or you’re discovering Bramblecrest for the first time, we’d love to welcome you to our showroom in the heart of the Cotswolds this June to explore our latest collections, meet the team and experience the brand in person.

If you haven’t booked your visit yet, contact us to register your interest at sales@bramblecrest.com

Bramblecrest

Travel to the heart of the Costwolds to explore Bramblecrest’s latest collections, meet the team and experience the Bramblecrest brand in person. Contact sales@ bramblecrest.com to arrange your visit.

Celtic Leisure

By appointment only, come and see our range of aluminium pergolas designed for UK gardens. Open from 8th – 19th June, please call 0330 133 9579 to make your appointment.

Showroom at HQ Gloucestershire

Aluminium Pergolas Designed for UK Gardens We specialise in the design, manufacture, and supply of premium, weatherproof aluminium pergolas. Our core lines include motorised, retractable, and fixed waterproof models engineered to withstand real UK weather conditions.

DLF/Johnsons Lawn Seeds

Come and see the Living Showroom of grass seed that has been developed by DLF / Johnsons Lawn Seed and you’ll have all the information you’ll need to make the best lawn seed sales for 2027 and beyond. Phone 01386 791113 E-mail: info@johnsonslawnseed.com

Celtic Leisure, Newport , NP20 1EN 8th-19th June , by appointment only.

Www.celticoutdoorleisure.co.uk 0330 133 9579

Hartman UK Throughout June, Hartman invites buyers to preview its full collection ahead of SOLEX in July. Featuring over 50 sets across 20+ ranges, the showroom highlights comfort, innovative design, and exceptional quality. Carefully curated to inspire, the collection offers buyers a distinctive and exciting choice when selecting their outdoor furniture offering.

SHOWROOM: Hortonwood 7, Telford, TF1 7GP

Book A Smart Visit!

Opening August 2026, discover the latest trends, inspiring displays and exciting product launches in the Smart Garden 2027 Spring/Summer Main Range Showrooms with over 400 NEW designs! From innovative solar lighting and stylish indoor/outdoor living to everything garden and gifting, our showrooms are always packed with fresh ideas designed to help retailers maximise sales.

Contact your sales manager to book your slot today!

Greenkey Garden & Home

Visit the showroom with over 500 products, the hidden gems of he Greenkey garden products range in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.. E-mail sales@greenkeygarden.co.uk to book your visit.

Hartman

See the Hartman 2027 collection in their exclusive Showroom Previews including fresh designs and sophisticated new colour palettes. By appointment only, at the Hartman HQ in Telford. Call 01952 231231

LeisureGrow

This month, LeisureGrow is throwing open the doors to its LG Outdoor, Sanctuary and Grillstream showrooms, giving buyers and exclusive first look at their exciting 2027 collections. E-mail trade@leisuregrow.com or call 01462 744500 to book your visit.

Royal Garden

The new Royal garden Showroom, near Southend airport, opens its doors for the first time in June, displaying a select range of garden furniture and accessories, perfectly suited to UK independent furniture and garden retailers. Contact salesuk@ mwhgmbh.de

Smart Garden Products 2 Pentagon South, Barton Lane, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 3PZ Website: www.sgpuk.com Email: sales@sgpuk.com

18 May/June 2026

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

GTN’s Summer Showroom Directory

Smart Garden Abingdon

Spend the whole day reviewing the entire Smart collection at their Abingdon HQ. 5,000 sq ft of showroom and meeting rooms await trade only visitors. Contact sales@sgpuk.com

Smart Garden Peterborough

Visit the Eureka building in Peterborough to see the two floor, 6,000 sq ft Smart showrooms. Smart typically add 400 new products each year, so its well worth a visit. Contact sales@sgpuk.com

Showroom is open!

Tom Chambers proudly presents a refreshed furniture collection for the 2027 season, blending innovative concepts with timeless favourites. Designed for both contemporary and traditional gardens, each handcrafted range features distinctive weave styles that add texture and character. Highlights include elegant bistro sets with striking hourglass tables, alongside versatile dining and lounging sets incorporating integrated ice buckets for effortless outdoor entertaining.

Book your appointment by emailing sales@tomchambers.co.uk Tom Chambers Ltd Showroom address : A W Nielsen Road, Goole, DN14 6UE

Come and see us...

Solex

24,870 sq m of Outdoor Living Products under one roof at the NEC, July 7-9. Register now at www.solexexhibition.com//

Woodlodge Products, home to premium lifestyle brand W Living, is the UK’s leading gardenware supplier. Since 1987, the familyowned business has supplied over 2,000 retailers with gardenware, homeware and seasonal collections across Woodlodge, W Living, ROOT, Snowlodge and Heritage Garden Pottery, and is proud to be both GIMA and GCA Supplier of the Year.

Woodlodge Products Showroom Address - Unit 3, Babdown Airfield, Tetbury GL8 8YL

Tom Chambers

Tom Chambers proudly presents a refreshed furniture collection for the 2027 season, blending innovative concepts with timeless favourites. Book your appointment by emailing sales@tomchambers.co.uk

Westland

Immerse yourselves in all the Westland brands to boost your sales and discover their latest innovations and marketing campaigns at their brand new Alconbury Showroom. Contact your Westland sales representative to arrange a showroom visit.

Woodlodge

Discover the extensive range of Woodlodge pots and accessories plus the W Living range of outdoor furniture in the 20,000 sq ft showroom. Contact showroom@ woodlodge.co.uk

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

May/June 2026 19

C O M FO R T . D E S I G N . Q UA L I T Y .

JOIN US! Hartman opens its showroom doors throughout June, giving buyers the chance to preview the complete Hartman collection ahead of SOLEX in July. With over 50 sets being showcased, from 20 plus ranges, you will be completely spoilt for choice!

The inspiring new collection has been thoughtfully curated, with an unwavering focus on comfort, innovative design, and exceptional quality. Offering industry buyers an exciting point of difference when selecting their furniture offering.

Call your Area Manager today to book your appointment or call us.

t: 01952 231231 | e: info@hartmanuk.com

Hartman Showroom Hortonwood 7, Telford TF1 7GP

Promotion

Please step on the grass In Worcestershire, DLF and its brand Johnsons Lawn Seed has created a living catalogue of grass seed. Its professionally managed pitches, fairways, creases and trials plots for garden lawns are open to those working in the sporting, amenity and retailing sectors to see first-hand the performance of grass seed and different mixes.

W

ith more than 300 grass cultivars sold in more than 80 countries across the world, DLF is one of the world’s leading grass seed suppliers based in Smoerum, Denmark. It has unmatched experience and into every box of lawn seed on retailers’ shelves it pours a century of science, breeding and trialling.

It’s soil and climate make Denmark the perfect country for growing and producing grass seed, and DLF, a Danish agricultural cooperative, has been doing it for more than 100 years. Owned by its farming investor shareholders, with many farms handed down over generations, it is run like a traditional business. Over time, it has built on its agricultural roots and expanded to include professional sports and amenity seed breeding. Acquisitions, including PGG Wrightson in New Zealand, have resulted in DLF now supplying around 34% of the globes cold season grasses (grasses for temperate zones).

In the UK, DLF has its headquarters in Worcestershire where, on more than 35ha,

teams of professional greenkeepers and trials experts work alongside those in the mixing, bagging, boxing and despatching to distribute first rate seed.

Garden retail is just one part of DLF’s remit along with professional amenity and agricultural industries. “Most people don’t appreciate the scale, scope and technology behind getting Johnsons Lawn Seed into the box,” says Guy Jenkins, Consumer Manager at DLF Seeds and Johnsons Lawn Seed. “And it is not even the end product.

The end product is the lawn.”

Assessing wildflowers for pictorial lawns

In the breeding All the work that goes on behind the scenes to create premium grass seed is, says Guy, rather invisible. Once harvested, seed must be cleaned, dried, processed, and certified before it’s ready for sale.

But even before that, success depends on the gene pool.

Like all plant breeders, DLF has its own seed varieties which it uses for making crosses, but it also looks to nature for certain characteristics and abilities to overcome stresses that might benefit performance now and in the future. “Grass isn’t a clone it’s a population and we do not and have never used genetically modified organisms,” says Guy who cites an example of a Slender Creeping Red Fescue growing around Mount Saint Michel in France which has good tolerance to slightly salty water.

And one of the first amenity perennial ryegrass was found in New Yorks’ Central Park! It also exhibited good shoot density, tolerance to wear and being continually mown and walked on. In a nod to its

May/June 2026 21

Promotion

place of discovery, it was marketed as Manhattan and was available for more than 20 years.

Much like the breeding of ornamentals and for a grass seed cultivar to be commercially viable, it needs to be recognised, officially registered, protected, and prove itself to be distinct, uniform and stable. It’s a slow process which Guy describes as ‘evolution not revolution’, often taking up to 18 years for a seed or mix to be commercially available.

Comparing grass for agriculture to that needed for amenity illustrates the big difference between cultivars and technical know-how needed to match the right mix to the right situation.

“Two types of perennial ryegrass might be botanically the same, but they do completely different things – one is like a bonsai and one like an oak.”

Delving deeper, there are also tetraploid and diploid grasses – the former with four sets of chromosomes, and the latter having two sets.

Chromosomes influence many things such as cell size, leaf width, disease resistance and ability to regenerate and both types have a place in specific situations. Tetraploid Amenity Perennial Ryegrass has deeper roots, leading to excellent drought resistance, better colour and from it’s research dog urine resistance. “Trials in Denmark have shown some roots to reach 1.5m in length – a useful characteristic considering current climate trends. In times of drought, a lawn with a high percentage of perennial

ryegrass will stay green the longest. Perennial Fescues will go brown first, but their roots will happily wait until the next rains and quickly produce green shoots again, so a lawn with a mix of both is the ideal.

Guy is also keen to point out there is also an important distinction when it comes to selling seed as UK native. Although some grass species like red fescue are native to the UK, the seed sold today is not native stock, will most likely have been produced elsewhere. This is also true of seed for pictorial meadows and wildflower lawns.

Promoting seed as native when it isn’t, is a trading standards issue, and Guy warns that buyers and consumers need to be aware.

Home lawn considerations One small garden lawn can have more environmental variation then a large agricultural field of sports pitch. Compaction due to regular walking to a washing line, or shade from trees, dry areas near fencing or damp spaces in lower lying areas, are why most lawn seed is a mixture of species. “Over time, one species may fizzle out, but the remainder will thrive and adapt and continue to give a green, healthy lawn,” says Guy. And then, of course, there is tolerance to dog urine. “Just before the covid pandemic, we had some trials with different concentrations of dog urine on our grass plots. We found that Tetraploid Amenity Perennial Ryegrass is very resistant and so we now sell a mix called Tuff Grass.”

When it comes to mowing, some species tolerate being cut better than others. “Fescues and bents can take closer mowing than ryegrasses, but [because of

Below and right: The Titan mixing and packing machine will handle 650-700 tons of grass seed a month which equates to 500-600 bags an hour. Roughly 8000 tons of seed goes through Titan. The UK handles 1200 SKUs plus special mixtures Above: Specialist mixes are also created for agricultural headlands and crop cover for game birds Below: Guy and George are keen for retailers to visit the Living Catalogue and learn more about the science behind grass seed

22 May/June 2026

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Promotion

The UK headquarters in Worcester

UK trials and the Living Catalogue

Summer colour from seed in the Celebration Annual Wildflower Tin.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

breakthroughs in breeding] the gap has narrowed,” says Guy. “Cutting the grass regularly leads to a finer leaf width. If you let any grass grow, generally (apart from some fescues) the leaf width just gets bigger so regular mowing does actually keep the lawn looking more attractive.”

So, what does Guy think of the current ‘No Mow May’ campaign to leave lawns to their own devices for a month? “It’s fine, but don’t necessarily do it for the whole lawn because you will actually benefit one lot of wildlife at the expense of another,” he says. Ground feeding birds like blackbirds and robins like a short sward so they can feed and keep an eye out for predators.

At the end of the day, the type of garden lawn chosen by a homeowner and how they manage it is entirely down to them. The ranges from DLF and Johnsons Lawn Seed ensure there is plenty of choice for all. “It comes back to the fact that there is no absolute right or wrong. If people want perfect lines or a natural lawn, it’s still a plant area producing oxygen. You grow long, short, medium, or put clover in it. Whatever you decide, it’s fine.”

DLF has the largest trials centre for grass seed performance in the UK and will test material from Ireland, France, Germany and the Czech Republic, to name a few. However, it also sends seed for independent trialling by the Sports Turf Research Institute which looks at the effects of close mowing as well as shoot density, colour, and disease resistance.

The Living Catalogue in Worcestershire is relatively new and began life as a plan during the covid pandemic. “Before we opened the Living Catalogue, DLF mainly hosted select groups at its R&D sites in the UK and across Europe,” says George Griffiths Marketing & Digital Communications Executive. “While these visits were valuable, we realised customers would understand and learn more about grass species and varieties if they could see them in real-life situations and end-use environments.”

Now in its second year, Matt Lewis, a former green keeper and groundsman is responsible for maintaining the Living Catalogue and welcomes lawn maintenance professionals, private contractors, amenity suppliers, retailers and sports clubs. As well as seeing the grass in situ, DLF also offers training programmes.

A separate area includes squares of single mix and species and one devoted to Nature’s Lawn and Ace Lawn. This mix contains species and micro clover which Guy says should be a hit with gardeners because the clover fixes nitrogen which becomes available to feed the grass and will grow in nutrient poor soils. From an environmental point of view, the thick coverage of grass and micro clover helps to reduce weeds and reduces the need to apply nutrient. From an ornamental point of view, it also stays green and will flower if left to grow above a regular mowing routine.

Gardeners in Europe and professionals looking after stadiums in Finland have already adopted the new mix but not all markets are convinced. “There’s still some work for us to do in the UK. Microclover is a new concept with many benefits to lawns and sports fields, but we are eager to help consumers and retailers develop their knowledge of it,” says George.

May/June 2026 23

Promotion

Open for business

This month, LeisureGrow Products LTD is throwing open the doors to its LG Outdoor, Sanctuary, and Grillstream showrooms, giving buyers an exclusive first look at the exciting 2027 collections.

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uyers are invited to visit the showrooms at LeisureGrow’s Hertfordshire headquarters, where the latest LG Outdoor, Sanctuary, and Grillstream collections are brought to life across more than 7,000m² of inspiring display space.

24 May/June 2026

Designed to showcase every collection at its very best, the showrooms offer an immersive environment where buyers and merchandisers can explore the latest trends, discover standout products, and gather fresh ideas to inspire their retail spaces and captivate customers for the season ahead.

To arrange a showroom booking or speak to our team, please email: trade@leisuregrow.com or phone 01462 744500 www.leisuregrow.com LeisureGrow Products LTD, Dewmead Farm, New Inn Road, Hinxworth, Hertfordshire, SG7 5HG

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

GTN Promotion

Westland’s new showroom – a must visit for garden retailers Simon McArdle, Divisional Director - Hardware, gives GTN a guided tour of the new Westland Showroom at Alconbury just off the A1(M) near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.

W

estland has unveiled a major new showroom at its Alconbury headquarters – investing more than £250k to inspire the future of UK gardening retail. Its investment reflects Westland’s longterm commitment to helping retailers grow the gardening category through stronger merchandising, clearer shopper journeys and more inspirational retail execution.

Spanning more than 400m², the new space brings together Westland’s biggest brands, newest thinking and latest merchandising concepts under one roof, creating what is effectively a live walk-through of modern gardening retail.

Designed as both a commercial hub and innovation space, the showroom allows customers to experience how Westland believes gardening categories should look, feel and perform in-store - from lawncare and plant health through to houseplants, bird care,

26 May/June 2026

Seeing complete ranges fully merchandised can help buyers and garden centre owners make more informed buying decision.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

GTN Promotion

A visit to the new Westland showroom in Alconbury is vital for buyers, retailer merchandisers and customer sales teams.

watering and tools.

“This isn’t simply a product showroom,” explains Simon. “It’s a space built by Westland to help retailers unlock growth. Gardening retail is evolving rapidly, and we wanted to create an environment where customers can see new ideas, challenge convention and have meaningful commercial conversations about the future of the category.”

Every area has been built around real shopper missions and category growth opportunities. Visitors move through inspirational retail environments that bring together products, merchandising, branding and shopper communication in a way designed to drive engagement and sales.

Large collaborative meeting spaces and integrated digital presentation areas allow retail teams to workshop opportunities directly with Westland’s

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

commercial, category and marketing specialists - all based on-site at Alconbury.

The showroom is now open for appointments with garden centre and retail partners.

The showroom showcases dedicated zones for: • Lawn care and grass seed solutions • Plant feeds and fertilisers including Boost and Big Tom • Weed, pest and disease control led by Resolva • Growing media and propagation • Indoor gardening and houseplants • Bird care for Peckish and Gardman • Watering with the latest FloPro merchandising concepts • The full vision of a Kent & Stowe tool shop

Displays to provide buyers with up to date information about growing media.

To arrange a visit, contact your Westland representative or email marketing@westland.com

May/June 2026 27

Showroom Special

Royal showroom debut Opening its doors for the first time this month, is the new Royal Garden showroom near Southend Airport, displaying a select range of garden furniture and accessories, perfectly suited to UK independent furniture and garden centre retailers.

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resenting new opportunities and easy delivery options, the Royal Garden range has been put together specifically for the UK market by familiar faces, Paul and James Cohen and Simon Whitehead. GTN was allowed a preview to the showroom to find out what Paul, Sales Director UK, James, Sales Manager UK and Simon, Operations Manager UK, have planned for this year and beyond.

L-R Simon Whitehad, James Cohen and Paul Cohen invite buyers and retailers to the new Royal Garden showroom.

Ranges to suit Since last year, the UK team has been working behind the scenes to choose the best products from a significant portfolio of products created

by Yotrio, the parent company and a global leader in the production of garden furniture and all accessories.

Selecting product has been just one part of the task, and finding a suitable location to display product was another. It was only in March of this year that a site was finalised enabling the UK team to start creating the new showroom which will be a permanent shop window and open all year round by appointment.

With around half the global sales for the company generated within the USA and just under that in Europe, it was clear to Paul that careful selection for the UK market was required to tick the boxes of discerning UK gardeners and homeowners and hit the right price points.

Paul explains although the company’s largest European showroom is in Neuss, Germany, the emphasis on the new showroom would be to display the bespoke ranges for the UK market.

“We have been backwards and forward to Neuss, The Far East, and the showroom in Paris, to get the right product, and we are excited to invite as many people as possible to our new showroom,” says Paul.

Exciting options Furniture ranges so far include those made from aluminium, steel, wicker and rope. Some like the Elegance Steel Mesh range are of a traditional

28 May/June 2026

design, and from the original Thermosint manufacturing process, where as the Norden range brings a contemporary element to the selection. In addition to choosing the right items, James has also been working to bring elements together to make ‘families’ which allow UK buyers to mix and match.

As well as the comprehensive furniture ranges, Royal Garden also offers pergolas, parasols and bases, plus a full range of camping chairs and tables, contemporary modular outdoor kitchens, a matching range of egg chairs and some exciting new outdoor storage solutions. The beauty of having such a comprehensive, flexible range, means Royal Garden can make it easy for buyers to fill a container as all ranges can be mixed, which is unique for such a large range of products.

“Having this flexibility is one of our USP’s and will allow garden centres to stock pick up

The Norden range appeals to customers looking for contemporay styling.

Showroom Special

and go lines,” says Simon, while Paul adds: “And we are working on a drop shipment programme to make distribution in the UK easy as well for the heavier, more bulky items such as pergolas.”

Pricing is sensitive at the moment with the cost of aluminium and artificial rattan which is oil based on the increase for everyone. Polyester, also oil based, has also been affected. “We are aware that as well as introducing brand new ranges we need to be competitive, and we have worked hard to stabilise things for our offers for 2027,” says James. “What we’re doing is solely for garden centre and independent furniture businesses. We can offer them full support from our new UK location” This is also backed up by a sales team on the road currently making appointments for buyers to visit the showroom, and Rafael Rosales, Marketing Director EU, who is also the Royal Garden Brand & Category Project Leader, bringing his knowledge and experience of the UK furniture industry.

A Point-of-Sale design service is being established, and a Brand Portal so stockists can download and print everything they need including instruction manuals. Royal New ratan weave rang ge comes in a choice of three colours.

The Norden dining range works well with the modular kitchen and parasol with integral lights.

Garden is also developing an app to make ordering easy, and the website will in time have a dedicated area for UK products.

“We have chosen what we believe are the best items with the best price points,” says Simon. “Not only do we want to be able to offer the most flexibility out of any company, we also want to have the most competitive range. It’s an expensive exercise to mix containers, but we’ve sorted it with the backing of the global company, and I think can approach the market with a good balance between pricing and flexibility which is so important.”

Pergola offering a choice of coloured lighting.

Steel mesh sets with quality Thermosint coating have a five-year guarantee against rust.

The power behind Royal Garden Based in China, Yotrio was set up in 1992 as a family business. The company began with parasols, closely followed by gazebos in 1995 and garden furniture in 2003.

The company has many factories across Asia with an emphasis on responsible production, something that has always been important to the UK team. Although the products are made with state-of-the-art precision machinery, the handmade touch is still called upon for wicker weaving and certain painted products that need extra attention to detail.

Being backed by such a large, reputable company, Royal Garden can’t afford to cut corners especially when it comes to environmental and social responsibility. So, when the company publishes targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is serious about reaching them through responsible procurement, energy saving, electrification and increased use of green energy.

An ever-increasing emphasis is placed on research, development, design and testing. With its own product testing and inspection centre all items are certified and tested before production.

To arrange an appointment to view the full range please contact your local representative, or: James: james.cohen@mwhgmbh.de Simon: simon.whitehead@ mwhgmbh.de General Enquiries: salesuk@ mwhgmbh.de

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

May/June 2026 29

Visit the

SHOWROOM Appointments available throughout June & July

View an exclusive preview of our new garden furniture collection.

Commercially proven designs and over 30 years of dependable supply.

Book your appointment today showroom@woodlodge.co.uk 01666 501000 join us at SOLEX 2026 Stand 230 7th - 9th July

Summer Shows

Where it’s happening Essential dates for the diary as the 2026 gardening and flower show season gets under way.

FlowerTrials 9-12 June At locations across The Netherlands and Germany www.flowertrials.com

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

May /June 2026 31

Summer Shows

HTA National Plant Show 17- 18 June NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire www.hta.org.uk/national-plantshow BBC Gardeners’ World Live 18-21 June NEC Birmingham www.bbcgardenersworldlive. com Blenheim Palace Flower Show 19-21 June Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire www.blenheimflowershow. co.uk Spoga+gafa 2026 22-24 June Koln Messe, Cologne, Germany www.spogagafa.com SOLEX 2026 7-9 July NEC Birmingham www.solexexhibition.com

32 May/June 2026

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Summer Shows

Ball Summer Showcase 2026 7-9, 14-16, 21-23 July Milton Road, West Adderbury, Oxfordshire www.ballcolegrave. co.uk RHS Badminton Flower Show 8-12 July NEW FOR 2026 Badminton, South Gloucestershire www.rhs.org.uk Harrogate Home & Gift Buyers Festival 19-22 July Harrogate Convention Centre, North Yorkshire www.homeandgift.co.uk

‘HOME & GIFT’

RHS Sandringham Flower Show 22-26 July NEW FOR 2026 Sandringham Estate, Norfolk www.rhs.org.uk

The place to create new business ... and meet old friends The UK’s Premier Show for the Horticulture Trade ... since 1971

Media partner

www. fouroaks-tradeshow .com www.gardentradenews.co.uk

2 - 3 Sept 2026 nd

rd

May /June 2026 33

Catering

Inclusive, profitable garden centre catering In a new series for GTN, Caroline Benjamin, Founder of Food Allergy Aware offers support so garden centre catering teams can drive revenue through inclusion.

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arden centres have long been more than just retail spaces; they are destinations of choice.

Customers visit not only to shop, but to relax, meet friends and spend time enjoying the environment. At the heart of this experience sits catering. When customers are fed and watered, they stay longer — and crucially, they spend more.

But what happens when a customer can’t eat safely because of food allergies or intolerances? Will they walk away and not spend in the retail? From personal experience, I have walked into venues, reviewed the offering, and left without ordering, not by choice, but because of a lack of communication. I could not be assured the food was safe.

Many of your customers will have done the same. They will have been unable to find clear allergen information, experienced staff lacking confidence to answer questions, and menus that feel restrictive or unclear. In some cases, they simply leave and that is lost revenue…. but get it right and food hypersensitive customers (FHS) will become some of your most loyal visitors, returning regularly because they trust you.

With over a decade of industry experience and lived experience of food intolerance Food Allery Aware works across sectors including hospitality, healthcare and increasingly, garden centre cafés and restaurants. Our focus is simple: to help businesses serve FHS customers safely, confidently and inclusively, without compromising commercial success.

• Lifestyle-driven exclusions where crosscontamination may still be a concern While much focus is placed on gluten-free, it often surprises businesses to learn that milk is the most common allergens, frequently more prevalent than gluten in food allergy cases. The question is: “Are your menus, processes and teams set up to cater confidently for this customer group?”

Cultivating confidence Inclusive catering is not just about compliance, it is about confidence, trust and opportunity. When you create an environment where every customer feels safe to eat, you don’t just meet expectations, you exceed them. And in doing so, you unlock one of the most valuable opportunities in garden centre retail: customers who stay longer, return often, and spend with confidence.

How we support garden centres We work with garden centre catering teams to: • Review and improve Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) • Strengthen allergen policies and procedures • Create clear, accurate allergen matrices • Train teams to communicate confidently with customers • Identify safe opportunities for upselling

A key message we reinforce is that your FSMS and allergen documentation should be working documents, not files that sit on a shelf. So, ask yourself, when did you last review your FSMS? Has your team read and understood them and are your standard operating procedures (SOP) clear and usable?

Regular internal audits, team briefings and management reviews are essential to ensure systems are being followed in practice not just written down.

The opportunities Over the next 12 months, articles will explore a range of topics around food safety and food allergen awareness and provide practical and actionable guidance.

From back-to-basics food safety through to upselling, customer communication and supplier solutions, we will ensure that every garden centre customer has a good experience.

Who is the food hypersensitive customer?

The FHS customer includes anyone who needs to avoid certain foods for medical or health reasons. This spans: • Food allergies (e.g. peanuts, milk, eggs) • Auto Immune Disease (Coeliac) • Food intolerances (e.g. dairy, gluten, sulphites)

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Catering Upselling

Garden centre catering thrives on add-ons like pickles, relishes sauces, toppings and sides but these too can introduce hidden allergen risks. Introducing items for sale which you offer in the restaurant will encourage the FHS customer to purchase and return to purchase these good quality items e.g. savoury items, sausage rolls and pies, cakes and brownies. Because when FHS customers find safe, exciting options, they come back with friends and family, and they spend!

Through the articles, we will explore: • How to include add-ons clearly within allergen matrices • Safe communication techniques for front-of-house teams • Managing cross contamination at condiment stations • Turning ‘can I eat here?’ into ‘what else can I enjoy?’

• Labelling – checking your suppliers for compliance

Suppliers and solutions

You don’t have to do this alone. We will introduce you to a range of suppliers, products and services that can help make your offering more inclusive, including: • Free-from product suppliers • Labelling and allergen software solutions • Training resources and support tools We will also explore the pros and cons of allergen matrix software, including common pitfalls because while digital tools can be powerful, they are only as effective as the data and processes behind them.

Food safety: back to basics done well

Strong allergen management sits within strong food safety. The aim is not to overcomplicate, but to ensure systems are clear, usable and consistently applied. Future columns will cover: • What a robust FSMS should include • The importance of SOPs and staff understanding • Practical audit tools for managers • Managing risk across storage, preparation and service

Customer communication: confidence is key

For FHS customers, communication is everything. Confidence at the counter translates directly into customer confidence. We will share practical guidance on: • How to ask the right questions • How to explain what you can, and cannot do safely • Building trust through honest, consistent messaging • Supporting front-of-house teams with scripts and prompts

Allergen certification: building trust and ROI

Done properly, certification is not just a compliance tool, it can differentiate your business and drive return on investment.We will also explore allergen certification: • What it involves • How it validates your processes • How it can support reputation and customer trust

Upskilling your team

A well-trained team is your greatest asset and there are many free resources available. Investing time in these resources helps build staff confidence, consistency in service and a safer customer experience. To support the sector, we provide free resources to help upskill staff, including our #AllerJanuary toolkit, designed to help businesses review and improve their processes at the start of the year. This includes free access to online recorded webinars ranging from coffee shop allergen management to FreeFrom labelling.

We want to hear from you

This column is here to support you. If there are areas of allergen management or food safety, you are struggling with or topics you would like us to cover we encourage you to get in touch. Your questions and the answers we give can help shape content that not only benefits you but also the wider garden centre catering community.

Food Allergy Aware is a specialist training and consultancy business supporting hospitality and catering operators to improve allergen management, food safety systems and customer experience. Can we help?

Email: Caroline@foodallergyaware.co.uk or telephone: 07732637292.

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May/June 2026 35

Adapt or Die

Create an experience, don’t just sell a product John Stanley, Sid Raisch and Dries Jansen on ways to make your customers enjoy a memorable experience.

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he world of retailing has, and is, changing rapidly. Some retailers focus on selling products, others on creating memorable experiences and getting customers to Buy the Dream rather than Buy the Product. Retailers must decide which model suits their business and the key is not to get stuck in the middle.

Whether intentional or accidental, an experience is being created. The question is more about whether it is a memorable experience, and whether it is positive or negative.

Before delving into experiential retailing, it’s important to ensure all experiences are ‘on brand’.

In other words, the experience relates to your values. The key is to make the customer experience memorable. You want them to talk to their friends about you and for them to become more loyal to you so provide activities that engage them and have stories intertwined with your brand

Start with the journey Customers should walk through retail zones with each zone ideally providing a different experience. This can be achieved by merchandising designs, colours, music, and space allocations, but you must keep on brand. IKEA is brilliant at achieving this and garden centres can do the same. Vignette displays to bring ideas to life such as A Pollinators Paradise or a Curb Garden are more engaging than rows of plants.

Contextual retailing is a seasonal event, as is gardening. Gardens change with the seasons, and so should a garden centre. This is a great opportunity to revitalise your centre at a minimum of every three months and up to six times a year.

The Go To garden centre Your aim should be to be the local Go To garden centre. This means engaging with suppliers to launch new releases at your store, hosting garden classes (but you need to get your topic right) or having live demonstrations, for example, showing customers how to build a garden in a weekend.

Engaging with the community may also include hosting local art festivals, farmers’ markets or other community-based events.

Accept the future The consumer is splitting into two groups.

One will always want to go to a grid layout store, pick up plants from benches based on price. The other group are seeking an experience, making their journey meaningful.

The box stores are catering to the first group exceptionally well and independent garden centres need to focus on the second group of customers.

For more information contact John on email: john@johnstanley.com.au

Anticipation Signage at Marks and spencers, Selby store, Yorkshire, UK

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How to create interactive experiences • Experiences are based on emotions and customers can touch, smell, hear, and taste will all add to the experience. Create workshops in the coffee shop to combine food and plants, and workshops such as Garden to Plate to bring gardening together with the food preparation and cooking.

• Product sellers tell you what it is and how much it will cost while anticipation sellers often sell more because they create anticipation. Marks & Spencer does this exceptionally well in its fresh produce department. When it comes to merchandising, don’t just sell the product. Take and Make Kits allow you to bundle products and remove price sensitivity.

• You can create a paradise for the consumer, but people buy from people, and the team makes a big difference to the average sale. The consumer expects a Plant Doctor, a Plant Guru and engaging service, all from the same person. Once you have the right team, you need to care for them.

• Explore how AI can personalise the customer experience.

Clothing stores are now using smart mirrors and QR codes are an ideal way to communicate stories about plants and how to care for them.

• Customers are also looking for Instagrammable moments. Have these located around the store and make sure your name is visible in the photograph.

Amendment We appreciate your feedback on this series of articles. In article one, we mentioned that the first garden centre was developed in 1955. David Green, owner of Primex Garden Centre in Pennsylvania, reminded us that his grandfather set up a garden centre in 1943.

David still operates Primex Garden Centre as a family business.

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Planteria

Floral spectacular at Chelsea Highlights from the Great Pavilion at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

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lants beginning with H were the favourites at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year, with the muchanticipated winner of the 2026 RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year awarded to a hosta. Unusual with its deep red stems and variegation of the same on the leaf, Hosta ‘Red Ninja’ was exhibited by Sienna Hosta in Surrey and is the first time a hosta has taken the crown.

Young stock is being grown and bulked up

by Fairweather’s Nursery in Hampshire with plants ready for garden centre sales in 2028.

Bred by Ninja Kramer, this new cultivar brings a novel colour to the assortment of hosta with the flushed red in the leaves intensifying with age and exposure to dappled light or gentle sun. Blending well in mixed borders, Hosta ‘Red Ninja’ is also a standout plant on its own in a container, where its summer flowers in a typical lavender shade are also held on red stems.

Silver and bronze for Ruby and Red Lace Ground cover hydrangeas are gaining popularity as retailers and gardeners learn how to get the most from their naturally compact and low spreading habit. Hydrangea paniculata GROUNDBREAKER® RUBY took second place exhibited by Hare Spring Cottage Plants in Devon. As its name suggests, blooms which initially are a creamy white, turn red in late summer. Blooms put on a show from JulySeptember and beyond. For gardeners wanting a low maintenance plant, this new hydrangea is a definite contender, reaching a height of 40cm and spread of 80cm.

Rose revival

Shrub rose ’Sir David Beckham’ has deeply cupped blooms of white with a hint of yellow.

Bred by David Austin Roses, the fragrant flowers open and become flatter as they age.

Plants are highly floriferous with multiple blooms on one stem.

Available in Blue Diamond Garden Centres, is the third-place winner Hydrangea VELVET NIGHT RED LACE with striking deep red, almost black foliage. Its vibrant crimson lacecap flowers add another layer of bold interest. Initially plants are exclusive to Blue Diamond, but after one year plants will be more widely available.

Launched to celebrate the partnership between Blue Diamond Garden Centres and Diddly Squat Farm Shop, is a new rose called ‘Diddly Squat Farm Rosé’. Upright bushes produce apricot-orange blooms.

Harkness Roses continues its work supporting the Elton John AIDS Foundation adding Rosa WATFORD FOREVER to its range. Displaying the squad colours of Sir Elton’s favourite football club, its unusual two-tone blooms represent a breakthrough in rose breeding.

Eye-catching gently furled petals of deep coral inside and pale pink on the outside, helped the BBC ‘The One Show 20th Rose’ stand out on the display from Peter Beales.

With golden centres, this floribuna can reach a height of 90cm. Proceeds from sales will support BBC Children in Need.

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Viewpoint

Viewpoint

Garden G arden furniture furniture keeps moving movin ng – but on tougher terms Gina Hinde, LOFA General Manager for March and April were adjusted as services were rerouted, tightening space and increasing the likelihood of containers being rolled to later departures where vessels are full. In parallel, war-risk insurance and other risk related charges on ships using alternative routes are adding further pressure to ocean freight costs.

Cost implications

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t seems the outdoor living industry is becoming more and more adept at dealing with the economic crises that have hit our shores over the past six years. As an industry it is usually the weather that causes us the most grief; however, current global events now seem to be far more changeable than the weather.

Product is still flowing in from China, yet Middle East related disruption is adding time, cost and uncertainty to the supply chain for UK and European outdoor living manufacturers.

Aluminium prices have jumped and are at multiyear highs, due to supply distruption, as the Gulf region produces close to 10% of global aluminium, most of which moves through the Strait of Hormuz. Polyethylene (plastic) is directly tied to oil prices, which have also risen significantly due to the Middle East war.

As a result, cost prices of outdoor furniture manufactured in the Far East have typically risen in the region of 5-10%, and we are seeing similar pressure from Europe on transport, with current increases typically in the region of 10-15%.

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Shipping routes The security situation in the Middle East is continuing to affect key Asia-Europe shipping routes and, as a result, outdoor living products from China to the UK and Europe. Escalating tension is disrupting the main Asia–Europe shipping corridors, and this is now being felt in imports from China. Major carriers are diverting

With such volatility it is sometimes very difficult to know which way to move. vessels away from the most affected choke points, increasing transit distances, voyage times and fuel consumption, and putting pressure on capacity on the remaining routes into Europe and the UK. Freight forwarders report that shipping lines have been repricing services for sailings from mid-March 2026 onwards, with higher base rates and the potential for additional surcharges at comparatively short notice. Sailing schedules

Although individual contracts, lanes and buying strategies differ by importer, there is a clear upward trend in spot rates on Asia-Europe services compared with pre-Chinese New Year shipments, alongside longer and less predictable lead times. Typical seafreight transit times for China-UK movements that would be around 30-40 days in more stable conditions are now extending beyond that range once rerouting and port congestion are taken into account. For UK manufacturers and importers, the practical effect is higher landed costs and a need to build in more time, flexibility and contingency when planning spring-summer deliveries, rather than an outright inability to import.

There are risks that come with importing, which we are all aware of. Pulling orders forward to beat peak freight price spikes is a risk because, if the sun does not shine, businesses can be left with excess stock – a situation that harkens back to the years following Covid. Accepting higher spot rates on containers or paying premiums for guaranteed space only erodes already tight margins. With such volatility it is sometimes very difficult to know which way to move.

From LOFA’s perspective, product is still flowing, but it is moving on longer, more expensive routes and with less schedule reliability than buyers were used to before Chinese New Year 2026. LOFA will continue to monitor developments and share updates as the situation evolves. In the meantime, it is important that expectations on timing and cost reflect the realities of the current trading environment.

To find out more about LOFA or enquire about membership, please visit www.lofa.co.uk

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Viewpoint

Putting on a show Will Armitage, HTA President

In the Great Pavilion with Rose ‘Sir David Beckham’.

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ne of the most exciting and unique opportunities you get as the President of the HTA is an invitation to the President’s Press Day lunch at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show; I’m not going to lie, it was fabulous!

As a result, I got to see the show before the crowds arrived. Between 7am and 12noon on the opening day, I skipped around the show, getting up close to the plants, gardens, gardeners, designers, and landscapers. It’s an amazing experience, as you get to see so many people from the industry. I even bumped into GTN’s very own Trevor Pfeiffer, who got me to pose for a photo at the David Austin Roses stand by the new rose ‘Sir David Beckham’!

Hobnobbing Now, whilst I got to rub shoulders with the great and good (sorry, did I already mention that?!), the HTA Policy, Public Affairs and Media teams were also very busy throughout the whole Chelsea Flower Show Week.

They welcomed international delegates, parliamentarians, media and industry representatives to discuss the importance of our sector and the pressures facing our member businesses. They even managed to get MPs’ hands dirty, as part of a gardening workshop, bringing Chelsea to Westminster.

Reflections While at the show and since I got back,

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the most common question I’ve been Representatives from the HTA, Union Fleurs, VGB, Royal Anthos, and international diplomats met growers and supply chain representatives at Chelsea asked is: “Was this year’s Chelsea better to discuss what an SPS agreement could mean for the movement of plants and plant products between the UK and the EU. than last year?” The answer is quite simple. Last year’s Chelsea spends quite a bit of time swapping insights Flower Show was last year; this is what we and solutions to the issues we are all facing have this year. The gardens looked fabulous. on the subject.

I could hear the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from As good as Gold people as they walked past. The attention to detail was incredible, the quality of the plants Finally, I want to send a heartfelt congratulations to all our members who and planting was excellent and the designs made the magic happen at Chelsea this year. were inspirational. But the best thing of all is There were umpteen gold, silver-gilt and that because it’s on prime time TV every day silver medals for our landscapers, designers, for a week in the run up to potentially the growers, suppliers and retailers who were busiest bank holiday weekend of the year for involved in three-quarters of the show our retail members - other industries would gardens this year, as well as trade stands and happily hand over useful but non-essential exhibitors in the famous Great Pavilion. parts of their anatomy for an opportunity And while we’re all still on a Chelsea like this! I just hope you are all showcasing high, just a reminder… it’s Father’s Day next, your ‘as seen at The RHS Chelsea Flower an ideal time to stock up on Gift Cards, Show’ plants for customers to snap up. The barbecues, and Dad’s shed stuff. gardens seen on the TV coverage really are our shop windows; customers draw their inspiration and enthusiasm from them.

One thing I did pick up on was that a Find out more number of nurseries were talking about how The Horticultural Trades Association is the UK industry’s they would be able to produce the plants leading membership organisation and required for next year, when the show will welcomes all sectors of environmental be 100% peat free. Time will tell, but HTA horticulture. members can access the work we have To learn more, please visit done so far on adapting to peat-free and www.hta.org.uk or to enquire the HTA’s regional events - especially my about membership please Business Improvement Scheme group, which email: membership@hta.org.uk

May/June 2026 39

TRADE EVENT

Who’s ready for summer?

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