Infivesizes,the Venushasbeen designed forgardenersofany experience andanysizedgarden.
Growingopportunities
Vitaviais afamily run businessbasedinSuffolk, sellingquality hobby greenhousesandgreenhouse accessories.Theyprovidehomeand tradedeliveriesthroughouttheUK.
VitaviaisalsotheUKdistributor forJanssensgreenhousesandgarden roomsfrom Belgium,theperfect complement to thealready well establishedVitavia range.
As awholesaler,Vitaviasellviaa trustednetworkofgarden centres andgardenbuildingspecialists,oneof which couldbe you!
Whatmakes Vitaviadifferent to othergreenhouse companies?
Offering amplespacefor growingplants,theSirius canalsobeused forrelaxing.
Vitaviaoffer averypersonalhomedelivery service, using wellinformeddriverswhowill deliverthegreenhouses to thecustomer’s preferredplaceofchoice.Theyalsooffer exceptionalaftersalesservicewithdirect contact to endusers.
Whatarethe keysellingpoints?
AllVitaviagreenhousesare madewith anodisedaluminiumandpowder coated framesinseveralcolours,withgreenhouse
accessories to match.Allproductshavefull assemblyinstructions andvideos to support customerswhodecide to buildthe greenhouse themselves.
Whatsupportare youoffering garden centres?
Vitaviaoffergenerouslydiscounteddisplay models,product literature and pointofsale material.Staff trainingcanbearrangedon request andtheVitavia team aresoonhandto answer anyqueriesif andwhentheyarise.
Whyshould agarden centre sellthe Vitavia products?
Vitaviaoffer ahassle–freeoperation. Once the greenhouse is purchased, Vitavia dothe rest!Theytakeover from receiptoforder,liaising directly withthecustomer to arrange delivery and allaftercare isdealt with Vitavia directly.Inaddition,greenhouseshave a relativelyhighpurchase price and profitmargin –soitreallyis win-win!
Smallandpractical, theHeliosUrbanis justthe greenhouse forcity gardens or terraces.
Get in contact with us today.Email: info@vitavia.co.uk
AbusySpring–foralltherightreasons
Forthepastfewyears we’veallbeenbusy tryinghardtomakethingshappenand this year we’veallbeenbusyjust keeping upwithdemand.Suppliershavehad to pullout allthestops to keep re-stockingproductsand garden centreshavebeenridingthecrestofa waveofgardenshoppinganddiningthatjust keeps on coming.
When we’vebeenoutvisiting centresyou can sensethepositiveenergy that flowsfromhigh levels ofplantsales, delightfulhospitalityand greatcustomer feedback.
We nowlookforward to asummerofglorious flower showsandthenthetrade show season kicksin,wherewehopetosee many of youwhile youare making your buyingdecisionsfor2026.
Aylettshave addeda newcoffeebar intheirhouseplantarea,called Roots it feelsasthoughit’sbeenthere foryears!
Left:Great customer feedback forthe Norfolk Leisureinstall team from Aylettsgazebosales
Below,Left: Longacres continuestosellhuge plant volumesevenwhile development workscontinue
Below,Right:DavidDomoney hasbeenseenmostoftenin centresthisspring
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SMALLPRINT:All material ©Potting ShedPressLtd 2025.Nopartofthispublicationmaybe reproduced in anyformwhatsoever, either forsale or not,withoutthe expresspermissionofthepublishers. Theinformation supplied in this publication ispublishedingoodfaithand everyefforthas beenmadetoensureitsaccuracy.Potting ShedPressLtd cannot accept responsibilityforany error ormisrepresentation.Allliabilityforloss,disappointment, negligence orother damage caused by relianceon information containedinthispublication or in the event of anybankruptcyor liquidationor cassation of thetrade of anycompany, individual or firm mentioned,ishereby excluded.
GTNEditor,TrevorPfeiffer,helpedout with aTreager cookingdemonstration at BaytreeovertheBankHoliday
David Robinson, CEOofDobbies sinceJuly2023has alreadymadehis markontheestate’s centreinBrighton.
Retailingforthe 21st century
DavidRobinson,completeshissecondyearasCEO of Dobbies GardenCentresthissummer andtalksto GTNabout thestore investmentatBrighton whichisalreadystartingto bear fruit.
Sincetheannouncementin Septemberlast yearoftheclosing of anumberofstores,anyone lookinginfrom theoutsidecouldperhaps questionthefutureoftheDobbiesgarden centres.Butthis yearDobbies celebrates 160 yearsinbusiness,andDavid Robinson, CEO, saysit’sherefor alongtime yet. Of themilestone,Davidsays:“Colleagues are
soproud. It's been abit toughinthe last 18monthssoit’snicetore-establishthe business andreflectuponthecolleagues whohave been with us alongtime.”
Dobbiesaccountsareplannedtobe releasedthis summer, butDavid saysthe last12monthshave requiredsome ‘heavy liftingtogetourselves back into an even keel’.Thishasbeen followedbyestablishing
astrongmanagement team andsorting outlease liabilities.“Nowwe'reinpretty goodshape. We'vegot aclear strategy, and we'vegot an opportunitytodrivethe core estate significantly.”
So,whileother centreshavebeen investinginthesitesnolonger run by Dobbies, theretailer hasbeen revamping itsstore inBrighton,WestSussexand
isalreadyseeingpayback.The resultis happycolleagues,happycustomersandan increaseinsales.“The NetPromoterScore hasgoneup by 50%,”saysDavid. “I’m not sure I’ve everdone arefitinall of mycareer wheretheNPShasgoneup by 50%!” Thisisquitesomething consideringDavid has worked withArgos, PetsatHome and Bestway Retail.
Above:Now nearerthe carpark, customers don’t have to move heavy bags ofgrowing mediaand aggregate fromtheback ofthestore.
Elevating Brighton
Withintheestate,Brightonisclassedas justbelowaverage in terms ofstoresize andturnover, butwiththechangesand even though thefootprinthasn’t been increased,turnoveris nowjustabove.“It’s nowone ofourtop tenstores. Theplace to startiswiththe average sitesbecause youcan dosomuchmore there, andthen pushthebigstores andtakeall of the best bitsandputthem into thesmall stores.”
Below:Sales ofsmaller ‘tea fortwo’ setsremain strongat the Brighton store,but largersets areproving to bepopular.
Possiblyoneofthefurthest storesfromtheheadoffice in Edinburgh,Brightonisthe first to have afacelift and changes herewillhelpshapewhatmay happen at otherstores too. David explainsthatBrightonis astrong shopping areawhereit’shardfor retailers to securesites.Notonlydoes thecentrehave space,it also has great viewslookingthe countryside andnearbyracecourse, and has local heritagewiththe restaurant previously beingthejockey’s weighing room.
Toys and Spa arenew and successfullines, whiletherangeof clothing has been increased.
Buttherewas work to be done.Over time,attentionhadslipped resultinginspace beingused unwisely. “Ithinkpeople gotstuck intousingspreadsheetsratherthangetting intoastore to seewhat wasgoingon,”says David. “AsIwalked around, the retailerin me couldseesquarefootage Icould putback to use.It lookedtomelikea storeIcouldget somethingoutofquitequickly,withnot too muchinvestment,”explainsDavid.
“Effectively,withabetteruseofspace, we have been abletotaketheopportunity to laythestore outbetter andintroduce more andnew ranges andredothefood andbeverageoffer.The changes needed to begood forcustomers,but notvanity projectssowehavespentmoneywhere customers notice andit'snecessary.”
Physicalchangeslikereusingthespace left vacantbyEdinburgh Woollen Mill,have enabledthe creationof acoffeeshop,a widerplantrange includingspecimens,
changestotheoutdoorpot displayarea andarelocationofplantsalesundera recentlyerected span.
However, thereisalso amindsetthat hadtobetweaked.“Thebusinesshad told itselfitdidn'tsellaggregates, andthey weren’timportant,” says David. But with anew space nearer to thecarpark,the departmenthas been revigoratedandis nowsellingaggregateand growing media hand overfist.“We haveworkedhardon therange andpresentationtoimprovethe ability to actually seethe products.It’sthe samewithtrellisandlattice–weare really payingattention to therange workingwith suppliers to makesureweget thebest out of thespaceforboththem andus,”says David.“It’s reallya jointspace.The more times Iturntheproduct,themoretimes I'm reorderingand thebetter thebusiness. Ifsomething's notworking,let'sswitch itout, putsomethingelseinand make it moreeffective.”
Anew spanhasinvigorated theplantsalesareaand bringplants closertothe restaurantwhilethe range ofspecimenplantshas alsobeenincreased.
Theviewfromthenewcoffeeshopis abigcustomerdraw.
Anew lickofpaintanddeepcleaningofthefurnitureinthe restauranthasgiventheplacealift.
Brand colourshavebeenpeppedupsayinggoodbye to thewhiteand greysignageinfavourofmoreuplifting andjoyfulgreensand yellows to reflectthat gardeningis ajoyfulexperience.
Loving avista
Customer flowhas beenimproved by some simple changes to layoutwhich hasalso openedup thevistasoshopperscansee thewhole storebefore them when they walkin.Thishas been welcomed tooby Pets Corner,whichis nowmorevisible,and provided theopportunity to have abigger seasonalmatofgardenfurnitureand Christmas.Toysand giftshave alsobeen increasedmuch to customer’sdelight as hasclothing. Thestore nowhasmanymore ‘shops withinshops’.
“Peopleare drawntogardencentres as they want to spendtime hereand they're willing to buythings thataren'tjustplants. When youhearourcustomerstalk,they say‘I'mlookingforanopportunitytobuy something.I don'tknow whatitis,butI'm looking foranopportunity’.Gardening drawsthemsothatmustbespoton.As aresult,youearntherighttoshowthem otherthingsso they hopefully willputone ortwointotheir basket. If yougetitright forcustomersandcolleagues, it flows into bottom line,” saysDavid.
Oneofthemostimpressiveviews to be openedupistheonefromthe restaurant looking to the countryside. Traditionally this wasthefencedoff aggregate sales area but whenDavidsawit,heknewit hadtobecome an outsideseating areafor the coffeeshop.Withnewfurnitureand plantedupsleepers,isnowa 60-coverdraw, especiallywhenthesunshines.Davidsays the team herereportthaton asunnyday, thechairs and tablesmigratetowardsthe edgeoftheareasocustomerscanmaximise onthe view. “This wasa tiredoldarea and nowit’smakingmoney,effectively forfree. Andit’stakingpressureoff the restaurant forthosethatjust want acoffee andacake.”
21st centuryretailing
With eyesset to thefuture, David can clearlysee thework thatlaysaheadof him.
“Thethings thatattractedme to the businessremaintrue.Gardencentres arealovely wayofpeoplespending time,
andI genuinely thinkare areallygood modelforthefutureofretail which ispart experiential,partservice,part retail. Ithink that's whereretailisgoing in general….and is amodelthat worksforthe21stcentury.
“I reallylikethescaleandthe brand of Dobbies. Icouldseethere were thingsI couldget after. Opportunity andmore standsaheadofus. We havegreatpeople, agreatbrandand goodloyal customers, andalotof thethingswe'redoing arejust good,sensibleretailingprinciples.
“The core businesshas been underinvested, and thereal opportunity nowistodrivethis, like we have inBrighton. We'vea prettyambitious five-yearplanbut fornow, we'vegot to run stores well andit isthisthatwillbuyusopportunitiestodo otherthingsafterwards.”
Newcharity partnership
Rolled outthisspring wasthe announcement of anew charity partnershipwith Alzheimer’s ResearchUK.It’sprevious affiliationwiththe Teenage Cancer Trustresulted in £1.4m being raisedin10 years,butthe company felt the time wasright to forge anew partnership witha stronger gardening link.
“Alzheimer's ResearchUK talksaboutbrain health, and we understandthat 50%of Alzheimer'scases couldbe stavedoff withbetter brain health. Thisis acombination ofsociability,physicalexercise andlearning.Gardening is connected to all ofthese soit’sa brilliantlinkforus as abrand and resonateswith ourcustomers,” explainsDavid.
Dobbies Brighton is one of the most successful food stores in the estate whichDavidbelievesisboosted by thecentre’sfreeparking andnearby hospital. “It'sreally convenient to popin,so we haven’ttouched this partofthe garden centresasitssuccessful inits ownright.”
The view from the new coffee shop is a big customer draw.
UNRIVALLEDEXPOSURE
GLOBAL
Findyourhappyplace at SOLEX2025
Find your happy place
As theeffectsofclimatechange andthe pressures ofcontemporary lifecontinue to intensify,theOutdoorLivingtrendisbecoming asignificant focus forthe garden industry.
Despitetheoccasionallychallenging Britishweather,thereisacollective aspirationfor year-roundoutdoor living.Afterall,itis well-documentedthat spendingtimeoutdoorscanenhanceboth yourmoodandproductivity.
Productsdesignedforcomfortable outdoorlivingthroughoutallseasons haveawideappeal. Consumersseeking outdoorlivingproductsareofteninpursuit ofhappiness,desiringitemsthatprovide genuinepleasure. At SOLEX2025,weare dedicated to assistingvisitorsdiscovertheir ‘HappyPlace’ byofferinginnovativeand aestheticallypleasing productsdesigned withenjoymentin mind.
Theriseofaspirational contentonsocial media,showcasing residentialoutdoor livingareas,fuelsthedesireamongUK consumers -whetherhomeownersor renters -for adedicatedspacethat canenduretheBritishclimate.
SOLEXpresentsideasforoutdoorspaces wherefamiliescan congregateandwhere joyfulgatheringscantakeplace.Thisis essentialforseatingarrangements,and equallyimportantforoutdoor cookingareas. Adaptableoutdoorsolutionsthatcanbe moved,stored,and adjusted to different spacesareidealfor everyone.
Thistrendison asignificantupward path, withbroadmarketappeal.End consumers acrossallincomelevelsaspiretocreategreat spaceswithinthe constraintsoftheirbudgets andavailableareas.Theydesiresimilarlevels offunctionalityasfound indoors.Styleswith afocusonpractical,durablematerialsthat requireminimalmaintenance.
Summerget together SOLEX25brings together top-tierbrands fromtheoutdoorlivingindustry. Beyondan exhibitionspacebrimmingwithversatileand cutting-edgegardenfurniture, we striveto addanextraelementofjoywithourAwards andAfterpartyon 8July,this yearF1themed
to coincidewiththeBritish GrandPrix taking place at Silverstoneon 4-6July.
Inpoleposition and live onstagethis year we arejoined by SKYSports Lead Commentator David‘Crofty’ Croft. Famedforhis passion and enthusiasmhewillsharesomeexclusiveinsights andtalk about allthingsF1, and presentthe SOLEXAwards to thesevenluckywinners. Guests canalsoputthe pedaltothemetaland test their drivingskills onourF1 race simulators.
To add to thefeel-goodfactorthe Loving Outdoor Livingareaisback forthethirdyearin arow.Locatedjust outsideHall5,thissection highlightsourBBQ brands in their authentic
setting,enabling them to fireupand cook for theduration of thethree-day event.
In theLovingOutdoorLivingarea, we will alsobejoinedbyThe BBQMagazinewho willbe on hand to mixand mingleacross thethreeshow days, andonWednesday 9July, TheShropshireLad,AdamPurnell is aspecialguest. Adam wonHeston Blumenthal’s show ‘Crazy Delicious’on Netflix andChannel4 andwas acritic on MasterChef theProfessionals wherehewas describedas‘oneoftheleadersinthe UK streetfood andpop-scene’. His specialityis firecookery,and he willbetakingitinturns to cookwith eachofourBBQ Brandsand give some firehints andtips to visitors.
By combininginnovativedesign,practical solutions, andatouchof joy, SOLEX continuestobeattheforefrontofoutdoor livingtrends,helpingpeoplecreatetheir idealoutdoorlivingspacesandenhance theirquality of life,nomattertheseasonor theweather.
To registerforSOLEX andbook your placeattheF1 ThemedAwards and Afterparty www.solexexhibition.com
SOLEX2025 8-10July2025 NEC, Birmingham
Adamwill be showingoff hisfirecooking skillsinthe Loving OutdoorLivingarea.
Peat-free masters
Gardencentrescancounton Melcourt’s growingmediafor exceptional freshnessand quality,backedby robust scientificresearch
anddeep-rootedindustry expertise
Inamarket floodedwithnew‘peat-free’ labelsin recent years,gardencentres, theircustomersandprofessional growers havebeenable to relyonthe consistencyandperformanceofgrowing mediafromMelcourtIndustries.
Sincethe1980’swhenit wasfounded, Melcourthasneverworked with peat,so itsapproachhasalwaysbeendifferent. It hasn’thad to change itsstanceorscramble to alternatives -ithasbeenable to develop andgive 100%ofitsfocusonbark-based growingmedia.Thislongheadstart means itsproductshave beenhonedthrough decadesof real-world testingandnottrial anderror on theshop floor.
“We’re notenteringthemarketasa formerpeat-basedsupplier,” saysVictoria Wright,Melcourt’sTechnical Manager. “Ourexpertisehasalwaysbeenrooted inpeat-freeinnovation. We takepride in understandingouringredientsat every stage—right from themomentthey leave thetree to whenthey’re placedina pot.It’s
this depth ofknowledgeand carethat underpinsthequalityand consistency of ourproducts.”
The rawingredients usedbyMelcourt are finebarkandwood fibrefrom sustainablymanagedBritishforests, plus coir fromknown sustainablesources and balanced nutrients.These giveMelcourt’s SylvaGrow Multipurpose growingmedia itsmuch-lovedlook andfeelwitheach ingredientplayingitsown essentialrole. Inaddition, SylvaGrow withadded John Innesisan optionfor gardenerswho want amediawithaddedloam.The wider SylvaGrow rangeisbuiltaroundour high-performance, peat-freecomposts andalsoincludesquality barks for landscaping,mulches, andsoilimprovers. Melcourt’srigorous trialling, cleardata, andaproductportfoliohasbeenproven inprofessionalanddomesticsettings. Andwith newregulationsandshifting publicattitudestowardpeatuse,garden centrescan be suretheircustomerget
NikkiBurton, Melcourt’s Managing Director,joined the company19 monthsago.
Melcourt’sTechnicalManager, Dr Victoria Wright andProcurement &OperationsManager,Nathan Scrivens at theproductionsiteinTetburyshowcasing SylvaGrow withadded JohnInnes.
agrowingmediathatis alreadyproven, coupledwiththestrongbackground supportand advice from Melcourt’s team.
Uncompromisingonquality
Melcourtwasfoundedona firm environmentalstance—long before itbecame arequirement,andthis foundationaldecisionhasshaped everyaspectofthe company’sDNA: noshortcuts, nodilutionof quality,and no deviationfromhighperformance standards.“Beingpeat-free isn’ta badge— it’saresponsibility.And we took it on decadesago,” says NikkiBurton,Melcourt’s ManagingDirector.
Itisalsoproud to be acompanywhere greenwashing hasnoplace.“Theforestry industryoperateswith remarkable efficiency—everypartofthetreeisutilised, from root to tip,”explainsVictoriaWright.
Left:Stacked to precision.
“At Melcourt, our focus is on the bark. no longer seen as a waste
with a vital role in sustainable growing
“AtMelcourt, ourfocusisonthebark. It’s nolongerseenasawaste product, but rather as avaluable co-product with avital role insustainablegrowing media.”
Plasticpackagingisa common questionfromcustomers—and oneMelcourtisactively addressing. “We’re delivering amoist,heavy product,andfornow,plastic remainsthemostpractical and durablesolution,” saysVictoria Wright. Importantly,Melcourt’sbags arefully recyclableandcontain 30% recycledplastic.The companymaintains strong relationships withitspackaging suppliers, continually exploringinnovative ways to enhancesustainabilityand reduce environmentalimpactacrossits operations.
together to makeanunfalteringly consistent growing media.“We arereally closetoall ourrawmaterials andaudit them asthey come in,”saysNikki.
Anumberofprogressive gardencentres, includingTheGardens GroupinDorset, aresupportingsustainability by adopting Melcourt’s Bagfor Life.Thisinitiative helps reduce single-use plastic by enabling retailers to purchasegrowingmediain bulk, whilecustomersbuy adurable, reusablebagthatthey can returnand refillasneeded.It’sapractical step toward cuttingplasticwaste andpromotinglongtermenvironmental responsibilityinthe retailspace.
Behindall of this,isa deep understandingoftheindividualingredients andthesciencewhich weaves them
“When gardeners chooseMelcourt,they knowexactlywhat they’regetting—every singletime,”saysVictoriaWright. “It’sa bitlikeatrusted household brand;people comebackbecausethey love it and know it will performjustasitdid before.But achievingthat kindof consistency doesn’t happen by chance.Wedon’tjust getitright once andleaveitatthat—we’re constantly monitoring andfine-tuning. Because at Melcourt,consistencyisn’tjust agoal—it’s thefoundationoftrue quality.”
Melcourt operates acrossseveral sites, with Tetburyservingasthe central hub forblendingandbagging.The siteisset upforefficiency,allowing materialsto move swiftlyfromproduction to delivery. “Wedon’t stockpile because our aimis to
Above:SylvaGrow Multi-Purpose –rooted inqualityandtrusted by gardenersand professionals alike.
Melcourt is the only supplier to datestamp itsgrowing mediaso userscanbe assuredofits freshness.
deliver compostatitsfreshest,” explains Nikki.“Every gardencentreandgrower receives recentlyproducedstock—fresh fromthelineand ready to perform.”
To ensurefreshnessisretained, Melcourtisoneofthefewmanufacturers to printthedate ofproductiondirectlyon itsbags.Thisallowsretailers to manage stockrotationmoreeffectivelyandensures customers arealwaysusingfresh,highqualitygrowingmedia.
Researchanddevelopment takesplace atlabsin TetburyandCambridgeshire and it’salldoneinhouse.“Wedo workwith partners,nurseries andgrowers,but we
Beingpeatfreeisn't abadgeitsaresponsibility.Andwetook it ondecadesago.
reallyunderstandouringredientsfrom back to frontand keepingthingsinhouse means we areclose to our research,”says Victoria.Melcourtisalsorefusing to rest onitslaurels.“We’re constantly researching andtrialling newoptions,”saysVictoria. “It’sanongoingprocess—wenever stop exploring ways to do thingsbetter.”
Builtforthetrade
Garden centres,alongwithgrowers, landscapers,andBuildersMerchants,have come to rely onMelcourtasmorethan just asupplier.The companyvalueslongtermpartnerships, workingcloselywith eachsector to deliverproductsblended to precisespecifications,backedbyexpert technicalsupport.This commitmentto qualityandservicehas earnedthetrustof theentiresupplychain—fromboutique garden centres to large-scalenurseries.
Packedandready to besent outto garden centres. Someproductcan be blended,packedand beontheroadin24 hours.
Andif youstillneedconvincing, take it fromHMtheKing.
Melcourt’sRHS endorsement andRoyal warrantstatushave playedanactive role inshapingpeat-freestandards and underscoreMelcourt’spositionasaleader in the growingmediaindustry, nota follower.
Melcourtwas firstgranted aRoyal Warrantin2018bythe thenPrince of Wales.“We’reproud to displaytheRoyal Arms onourpackaging,but whatmany don’tseeis therigorous processbehind it,”explains Victoria.“We’re required to provideongoing evidencethatwemeet thehighstandardsexpectedof awarrant holder, andweundergo aformal audit
AselectionfromtheSylvaGrow range– trusted, premium-grade compostsfor everygardenneed.
Alookinsidethe bag
Melcourt believes in total transparencyand that retailers andend-customers deserve to knowwhatgoesintothe productsthey buy.Tothat aim, itis alwayshappytowelcome growers andretailers to its Tetburysitefor exclusive behind-the-scenesfactory tours.
Visitors willsee:
•Raw material processingfrom sustainablymanagedBritish forestry
•Blendingandscreeninglines ensuring consistent texture andquality
•On-sitetestingand quality control that underpinevery batch
•Conversationswith the technical teamandleadership behindtheproduct
everythree years.It’saresponsibility we take seriously,and we’recommitted to maintainingthosestandardsatthehighest level.”
Getintouch
Formoreinformation, to booka tourofthebagging siteorbecomea stockist,phone:01666502711 or email:mail@melcourt.co.uk
GardenCentreMagazine-thetrustedinhousemagazineprovider
AcrosstheUK,Garden CentreMagazine (GCM)hasbecomea valuableaddition for gardencentreslooking toenhance customer experienceandpromote their offeringina meaningful,low-effort way. Forcentreslike BuckinghamNurseries, TheOld RailwayLine,and Thetford GardenCentre, thepublicationoffers morethanjustseasonal advice— it’satrusted tool forcommunication, brandalignment,and communityconnection.
Since2018,Buckingham NurseriesandGardenCentre hasstockedGCMasa waytoinspire customersandshowcaseitsspecialist offering.“Ourgardencentrehas grownquiteliterallyfromthe groundup,” saysPaulineBrown,part oftheseniorteam.“Itbeganin asecond-handportacabin,and now we’reknownnationallyforourmail-orderhedgingandbare-rootfruit plants.”GCM,shesays,helps reinforcethecentre’s valuesand customer relationships.“We’veusedittopromotespecial events,answerFAQs andshareourstory. It’sareallyusefulextensionofourbrand.”
Paulinealsohighlightsthe smooth stockingprocess:“It’sreliableand easy.Ifweeverneedmorecopies,one phonecallis allittakes.” She addsthatthemagazine’s professionallayoutandcustomisable pages help themconnectwithcustomersmorepersonally.“It’sfun too. One ofour mostmemorablepages featuredour retiredMedicalDetectionDog readingthemagazine!”
ForTheOldRailway LineGardenCentreinBrecon,thedecisionto stockGCMwas apractical one.“We’dbeenthinking aboutproducing our ownmagazine,” says JoeAldworth,Marketing &E-Commerce Director.“Butwhen we sawGCM,itwas ano-brainer.It’sbeautifully puttogetherand filledwith seasonalcontentthatspeaksdirectlytoour customers —and we didn’thavetostartfromscratch.”
Joeparticularlyvaluesthebrandedcentrepages.“They allowusto promote events, offersandcampaignsin away that fits seamlesslywith the restofthecontent.”Customers,hesays,areconsistentlyengaged. “We’re always restocking thestands.Peoplecomment on thequalityof thecontentandoftentakecopieshome.”
InThetford,Operations Director JulianChittockechoesthis enthusiasm.“Themagazinehasbeen very well received across our
diverse customer base. People read itinthe restaurantor pickitup ontheirwayout.It adds tothe experienceand encourageslongervisits.”
Thetford displays GCMat keytouchpoints,including the coffee shop andgiftarea, with copies regularly needing replenishment.
Julianalsopraises the distributionteam.“Johnand Amyare brilliant.Everything runssmoothly.”Hesees the magazineas aperfect fitfor Thetford’s brand and ethos: “It’s allgoodpublicity.The content alignswithourvalues, andourcustomersappreciate itsquality.”
Eachofthese gardencentrespointsto thesameconclusion: GardenCentre Magazine is ahigh-impact,no-riskopportunity.With zero financialcommitment,centresreceive aprofessionallyproduced publicationthatnotonlyenhancestheirofferbut alsostrengthens communityties.
To jointhelikesofBuckingham,The OldRailway Line,and Thetford, contactTrishNicholsonatpatricia@yhgmedia.co.uk orvisit www.gardencentremagazine.com.
Keeping retail fresh
Formorethan50years,Glee hasbeenattheforefront ofgarden centreretailing, bringing companiesandbrands together to makeiteasyforbuyers to see thelatesttrends,new products andinnovation. Anddon’tforget networking. Theshow makesiteasy to meetsuppliersandother retailers facetofaceinawelcomingand friendly environment.
Inthattime,gardencentre retailinghaschangeddramatically andwhatexhibitors andvisitorscan expecttosee duringthethree-day event,haschangedwith it.
Perhapsthemostsuccessful developmentis the evolutionof coffeeshops,cafésand restaurant
weloveithere.Weuseit moreasan
With enhancedan Glee tobetheessentia de WecometoGlee everyyearandhave doneformanyyearsas weloveithere.Weuseit moreasanopportunity tostrengthenexisting relationshipswith suppliersratherthan lookingtobuynew productsorservices.
enhanced and new features, Glee 2025 continues to be the essential show for all garden centre buyers.
Cherry Tree Garden Centre
which,withtheirhigh-qualityofferinginrelaxing environments,arebeginning to definemany retailoutletsandgeneratevaluableincomein quietermonths.
Reflectingthistransformationisthe newfeatureF&B @Glee(Food &Beverage atGlee)which brings anew focus to this sectorforthefirsttime.Specialist content, including cateringsuppliers,andeducational talksled by industryexpertswillenable visitorstolearnaboutbestpracticesfor establishingcafesand restaurantsand howtomaximiseonseasonalofferings to increasefootfall.
Foroutdoor cooking, Fire,Grill &Chill returns for athirdyear.Outdoor entertaining exhibitors willbeshowing howtheirproducts work,while servingupdeliciousfoodandofferingtheirhints andtips on boostingsalesthroughoutthe year.
Exhibitorscanalsobenefitfrom:
• Newhalllayoutwithimproved navigationand zoneclarity.
• Enhanced content areasandonsite activityto supportbuyer and exhibitorengagement.
• Continuedcommitment to environmentally consciousexhibitorsandstandbuilds.
• Amoreconnected eventatmosphere strengthening communityand collaboration between exhibitorsand buyersresulting from valuablefeedback.
• TheNewProductShowcasebrings morethan300recentlylaunchedproducts intoonelocation.
We’vefound it very usefulcominghereas we’renow up todatewith current andupcoming industrytrends.Wealso get to meetsuppliersin person, whichissomuchbetter thanvia emailorvideocall andhelpsto speed up the dealmakingprocess.
Glee 2025showsectors
•Plants
We’ve found it very Glee 2025 show sectors into one location.
•Landscaping &Garden Decoration
•GardenCare
•F&B @Glee
•OutdoorEntertaining
•PetProducts (PAWE)
•RetailExperiences &Services
•Home,Gift&Clothing
•Source Garden
Visitorinformation
Glee2025
16-18September
NECBirmingham
Visitor registrationis free. www.gleebirmingham.com
Nurseries
Doddington Nurseries
Designed forOutdoorLiving...
HartmanUKtoUnveil2026Collectionin
ExclusiveShowroomPreview
Starting2ndJune, Hartman UK proudlyopensthe doors of itsshowroom, offeringgarden centre buyers an exclusiveopportunity to previewtheall-new2026 outdoor furniture collection—well aheadoftheSOLEX exhibitionthisJuly.
Thisinspiringnewrange hasbeenthoughtfullyand meticulouslycurated,withanunwavering focus on comfort,innovativedesign,and exceptional quality. The 2026 collectionshowcases astunningarray of fresh designs,introduces sophisticatednew colour palettes, andincludes extendedlines of some of ourmostpopular andbest-selling ranges—ensuringa perfect blendof familiarityandinnovation.
Createdtoelevate outdoorlivingspaces, theHartman 2026 collection offersretailers adistinctiveand exciting point of difference.Withtrend-ledstyling,enhanced durability,and arefinedaesthetic,thecollection is tailored to meetthe evolving tastes of today’sconsumer.
Be amongthe first to experience thenextgeneration of outdoorliving.
Book yourshowroom appointmenttodayanddiscover whyHartmancontinues to leadtheway in premium garden furniture.
ByAppointmentOnly:
To bookanappointment to visittheshowroom,pleasecontact your Area SalesManager or call01952231231
CastAluminium:AProvenPerformerwithRenewedConsumerAppeal
Cast aluminium has seen a strong resurgence across all demographics in recent years and it continues to gain momentum with today’s consumer Known for its timeless aesthetic, outstanding durability, and lasting comfort, cast aluminium furniture remains a highly commercial and dependable category for garden centre and retail partners
For 2026, Hartman proudly introduces Avebury a striking new addition to our cast aluminium offering Designed to resonate with a broad customer base, Avebury blends classic elegance with contemporary detail, making it a standout piece in any outdoor furniture display
Now available in an appealing new colourway, Avebury elevates the category further, offering buyers a fresh, eye-catching alternative that enhances your in-store or online assortment
As a market leader in cast aluminium furniture, Hartman is proud to expand its portfolio with this exciting new range crafted not only to meet consumer demand but to drive margin and offer a clear point of differentiation for our trade partners
Whereit’shappening
Essentialdatesforthediaryas the2025show seasonfor allthings gardeninggetswell under way.
HTANationalPlantShow Plantsand everythingthatgoeswith them,frompackagingthrough to display benchingandgrowingmedia, arethe focusofthisincreasingly populartrade event. TheNew Plant Awards,withmorethan100entries, areahighlight.Seminarsduringthe twodays,fromindustryleaders offeringinsightandknowledge,add value to avisit.
HTANationalPlantShow 18-19June
NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire www.hta.org.uk/national-plant-show
SOLEX 2025 8-10July
SOLEX2025
Threedaysofoutdoorlivinglovelinessbringing leadingmanufacturers togetherunderoneroof to display their latest newdevelopmentsindesign,environmentalmanufacturingandsustainability. Adding to theexcitementistheSOLEX
Afterparty &Award Evening,withspecialguest SkySportscommentatorforF1,David ‘Crofty’ Croft,theFireFood& OutdoorLiving Zone where visitorscanseeandtastefood cooked by experts usingthe topbbq brands,andlivecooking fromTheShropshireLad(AdamPurnell).
Spoga+gafa2025 24-26 June
KolnMesse, Cologne, Germany www.spogagafa.com
Spoga+gafa2025
The world’slargestgardenandbbqfairmovestomid-weekwith aspotlightonthe themeofDesignGardens andhow to make freespaceintogreenlivingspace. CompaniesfromcountriesincludingNorway, Canada,Hong Kong,Spain andIndia bringinspirationalnewproductsandinternationaltrendstopickuponforsummer2025 andbeyond.
NECBirmingham www.solexexhibition.com
FlowerTrials 10-13June
At locations across TheNetherlands and Germany flowertrials.com
BBCGardeners’ World Live 12-15June
NECBirmingham bbcgardenersworldlive. com
Blenheim Palace FlowerShow 27-29June
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire blenheimflowershow. co.uk
RHSHampton Court PalaceGarden Festival 1-6July
Hampton CourtPalace, EastMolesey, Surrey rhs.org.uk
HarrogateHome& Gift20-23 July
Harrogate Convention Centre,North Yorkshire homeandgift.co.uk
New for2025 RHSFlowerShow WentworthWoodhouse 16-20July
WentworthWoodhouse, Wentworth, Rotherham, South Yorkshire www.rhs.org.uk
Takingthe industry’s temperature
At thefirsteverGleeRoadshow,businessowners sharedinsightsonthe community, the budgetand howtopositively face thefuture.
MonktonElmGardenCentrehostedtheinaugural Glee Roadshow–thefirsttimeinits50plus-year historythe showorganiserhastakenanelement ofthe eventoutofBirmingham.With representativesfrom thesectorandspeakersfromothergardencentres, itsmission wastogain adeeperunderstandingoftheindustry as its currentlystands,andseehowit’sreacting to themanyand variedopportunities andchallenges. GleeorganiserHyve, hopes toconvertand sharethe informationboth digitallyand attheshow.
Theday wasaboutsharing andprovedtobeafascinating exerciseunearthingsomefantastic ideas.Matthhew Mein,Glee ShowDirector,says:“It’sgettingtothe root causesofsomeof thechallenges goingonand findingsolutionsif we can.”
Navigating thebudget
MikeBurks,founderofThe GardensGroup
Ilistened to the budgetbackin the autumn, started to workonthe numbersand thoughtI must have got adecimal pointin thewrong place.It wasgoing to putan additional coston the businessof about£375,000.Wemet withevery single memberofstaff and showed themthe financial performance becauusethey need to understand what’s h happening.Wepledgednottolay off any staff but askedthem forefficiencies flexibility.Weworked outweneeded ean extra69ppertransactionin ther 1.550inthe garden centres. erealisedit wasaboutsellinghuman interactionand g-term relationshipswithcustomers,our teamand suppliers. We look afterour customers,makeita safe spacefor them to come and shopwithoutcutting downon thetimewespendtalking to andlooking afterthem.
PaulPlaydell,DirectorPleydellSmithyman
Astrongfocusnow isfinding ways to restoreand enhanceprofitand get retail towork alot better.We have benchmarkdata to seehow much everysquare metreoffloor is providing within adepartment so we cancompare and seewhichareperforming well and ch arenot. Withthemetrics youcan seewherethe weak are.
stomer flow, getting people to walkpast your product,is allowing youtorebalanceand get thedepartment to the right size in theright place andthen build apromotional plan.
CharlotteBroadbent,Strategy andOperations,Faire
Focuson connectingtheheartsand mindsofcustomersthroughproducts anddoubledownonbestsellersasthey areoftenthehighestmarginproducts. Don’tbeafraid to negotiateonmargins andlookatdealingdirectly withsuppliers.
Betactical onnewnessand give customers areason to come intostore likenew products,new lines,ortestingnew categories.As aruleofthumbour retailersa looking to investup to about20%oftheir into newness.
StephenMay,UKManager
Theattachment rate ofpurchasesas MacDonalds is 74%because thet askifyou wantfries,if youwant adrinkorif youwant to ‘go large’ –theykeepoffering youthenextlevelup. You can findthe wordsand phrasestooffer thebest thingnextfor customers (ieapotor compost) andteachstaff tooffer it eachtime. Forexample,for everyBlackstonegriddlea customerbuys,theybuythree and ahalfaccessories,which equates to nearly75%ofthe co ofthegriddle.
In everygarden centredepartment, youcanhaveacustomerjourney tellthecustomer,bytalking to themandthrough signs,what elsetheyshouldbuy.Createan attachmentor anofferbut remember you’re notselling your offering–you areallowingthe customertomaketheirown choice.
Communityengagement
NicolaPugh,Pugh’sGardenCentresand GardenKitchens
We identifiedopportunitiestodiversifyandstartedopening concessionslinkedwiththe interestsofour customers. We areexpertsingardeningbut wanted to bring in expertise inotherareas.Inthe 1990’sweimplementedcatering and hospitalityandnow have15concessionsatPugh’s Garden Village.
The concept ofthe PughsGardenKitchenishospitality drivenand we arereallyproudthatweinvestheavily inour chefs. We haveafoodhall,indoor plantsandgifting,and encourageourcustomers to walkthroughthistoget to hospitalityandthenbackoutthrough retailwhentheyleave. We arepassionateaboutprovidinglocallysourcedWelsh produce, sellingitandit beinginour restaurantssowe can tellthestoryofthesupplier to the community,and we engage alot on socialmediawith 100,000 peopleon eight channels. Capturingpeople beforetheyhaveevencome throughthedoorhasbeenamassive driverof footfall.
Linking withAge Cymru withthe Pugh’s Bear Don’tBearChristmasAlone campaignhasbeen fantastic.Itcosts us becausewebuy thebears,but the knock-oneffectinterms of community engagementisphenomenal. Thebear changes everyyear becausepeoplewwant something collectibleand want tocome to thegarden centreatChristmasandcreate stalgicmemories withtheir family.
SarahDaniels, Pengelly Garden Centre avel30 to 40 milestocometo us because of ourreputationwith plants. Onceyou havetheproduct right, youneedthe rightteam. If customers walk in and don’t meet omebody who’s smilingandis reallypleased tosseethem, they oing to comeback.
e alwaysdonedifferent themedopen weekends,like stamaking to celebratethearrival of allourItalian stock, dwehavebuiltlinkswithschoolsand run aprogramme in 11 primaryschools.Oneofourteamspends either a day or half aday withthemeachterm to teach themaboutgrowingand we putresourcesintothe schools to helpchildrenknowwheretheir food comesfrom.
During theCovid pandemic we worked witha localfruit andveg wholesaler,egg producerand baker to supply foodboxesandhad volunteers to distributethem.Therewas areal sense of community, and we gained respect because people allyappreciated whatwedid.
Through social mediaweare keepingincontactwith omers and working witha local housingcharitytohelp legetbackon their feet through running vegetable ing programs.Theytaketheir seedlingsaway withthem, grow them on andit givesthem confidence thattheycan actuallydo things.
Likeallbusinesses we getaskedfor donations and now we donatea£10gift voucher.It’salot cheaperthan doing an advert and the chancesare,theywillspendmorethan£10.It’s alsoa waytoget out to different communities whomightnot necessarilybe comingintoyourcentre. And youmight gaina new, loyalcustomer.
Below:NicolaPughand Sarah Daniels.
Showrooms –Openfor Business
Withstock selling through at an alarming rate thanks to thegreat weather,nowisthe time tobeplanning yourshowroomand show visits in preparationfor the2026buying season.
HARTMAN
TelfordTF17GP THE SATCHVILLE GIFT COMPANY
-MeltonMowbray LE130PB SOLEX NECB401NT
GREENKEY GARDEN &HOME
Lydney GL154EJ
FLORALSILK
Bourne PE100BQ
WESTLAND
Peterborough PE27BW
SMART GARDEN
Peterborough PE7 3AG
SMART GARDEN
Abingdon OX143PL
For many consumers,deciding whethertomakeapurchasedepends onbeingable to seeand touch products beforetheybuy,thesame applies forbuyers.Astradefairsdiminishinsize and popularity,company showroomsarethe best waytoexperiencea rangeofproducts in awaythat websitesdon’t allow.
merchandisingdisplaysandinspiringcollections that reflect upcomingtrendsin their6,500sq ft, centrallylocated, Bourneshowroom.Just10 minutesoff theA1,itiseasilyaccessiblebycar as wellastrainand hastwo 22kw electriccar chargingpoints onsite.
Floralsilk’s tradeshowroom,whichis openviaappointment,is atreasure trove of incredibly realistic,high-quality florals andfoliagefor everyseason,artificialplants andtrees,aswellasChristmas,Easterand Autumndécor.Experienceseasonalvisual
Specialist lineslikethesustainablyproduced ECOFlowerand Foliage stem collection, whichisexclusive to Floralsilk,andmadefrom recycledplasticandfabric,need to be seen (and touched)inperson,tobefullyappreciated. TheirUVprotected rangecanbeused outdoors withoutworry ofsun-bleaching,andwhen fireregulationsneed to be met, theyoffer an Immerseyourselfinthebeauty
attractive andcomprehensiverange of fireretardantpieces.Theirunrivalled,extensive collectionsmean thereare pieces to suit everystyleandbudget.
AmyThorley, Floralsilk’s Marketing Manager,says:“Ourcustomers frequently commentonhow glad they aretohave takenthe time to visit ourshowroom.With awealthofknowledgeandexperience, oursales team can help eachcustomer source theperfectproductsfor their unique businessrequirements.OurlargeUK stockholdingmeanswecan providea fast delivery too.”
Theirin-houseUKfloristry team designsand produces alltheirfauxflower arrangements,whichforlarger companies, can becreated completely bespoke.Order during yourvisit to theirinspiringand beautifulshowroom,aswell asviaphone, tradeshow, amemberoftheir sales team, or viatheir responsive tradewebsitethat allows youtocheckstocklevels, browse ranges, and checkorderstatusandhistory.
Bookanappointment to visit the FloralsilkShowroom by emailing: sales@floralsilk.co.uk or phoning: 01778425205. Floralsilk,Meadow Drove, Bourne, PE10 0BQ www.floralsilk.co.uk/trade
VisitWestland’s littlecornerof the earth
little corner of the earth
Westland’s flagshipshowroominPeterborough, is amust-visitdestinationforgarden centrebuyers
Whenit comes to shapingthe futureofgardenretail, Westland Horticultureisleadingthe way, andits flagshipshowroomin Peterborough is amust-visitdestination forgardencentre buyerslooking to stay aheadoftrendsand experiencethefullpowerofWestland’s market-leadingbrands.
Coveringanimpressivespacedesigned to bothinspireandinform,the Peterborough showroomoffersanimmersivejourneythrough Westland’sdiverseportfolio.Fromthepowerof theYourLittle CornerOfTheEarthcampaign thatdrives cross-categoryWestlandsales, to thequalitycraftsmanshipof Kent &Stowe tools, to thevibrantwildlifeofferingsof Peckish, every brandisgiventhespotlightitdeserves.
Westlandunderstandsthatbuyingdecisions areaboutmorethanjust products —theyare aboutstories,solutions,andhowcollections connectemotionallywith consumers.That’s whythe Peterborough showroom isdesigned bringproducts to life throughdynamic, real-worldmerchandising concepts,seasonal promotions,andcategoryinnovations.
Recentadditions to the showroominclude bringingtolife Westland’sYourLittle Corner OfThe Earthcampaign,which celebratesall the differenttypesofgardens.Thecampaign encourages everyone to discoverthe joyof gardening,nomatterhowmuchspacethey have. Retailersvisitingthe showroomcansee howWestlandhasunifieditsmerchandising acrosskey categories —includinglawncare, growingmedia,andplantnutrition —under asingle, cohesivelook andfeel.The Kent& Stowe ExtraordinaryShopisan innovative in-storeretail conceptnowrollingoutacross
garden centres.It brings to lifethe extraordinary essenceofthebrand,drawinginspirationfromthe classic KentBarn, to reflectthe brand’sheritage andcraftsmanship.TheExtraordinaryShop reimagineshowtools andglovesare merchandised to deliver atruly differentiated retailexperience thatencourages consumerstoslowdown,explore, and engage with products on adeeper level.
Furthermore,the Peterboroughshowroom highlights the Peckish brand’scommitment to drivingcategorygrowththroughits marketing investments that celebratethe colourand joythat feeding wildbirdsbrings to thenation’sgardens year-round.The leadingwildbirdfood brand’s ColourInYour Garden campaign canbebrought to life instorethroughouttheseasons. Visitors canexplore thenewgiant birdhouse-inspired merchandisingdisplay,designed to inspireimpulse purchasesandmaximise returnfroma compact
footprint,as wellasthe Woodland
collection.
As agarden centrebuyer,there’snobetter waytostayaheadthan to see, touch,and experiencethe very best that Westlandhas tooffer.Avisit to Westland’s showroomisan investmentin your centre’sfuturesuccess so speak to your Westland Account Manager to organise your visit.
Westland Horticulture, MorleyWay, Peterborough PE2 7BW
Please contact your Westland Account Manager to organise your visit.
Feast Feeder
Floralsilk
Floralsilks’ beautifultradeshowroom isspreadover6,500sq ft whereyou’ll see ranges fromequisitefloralsandfoliage to Christmasinallitsglory.Contact sales@ floralsilk.co.uk
Greenkey Garden& Home
Satchville
Visit theshowroomwithover500products, thehiddengemsofheGreenkeygarden productsrangeinthe ForestofDean, Gloucestershire..E-mail sales@greenkeygarden.co.uk to book yourvisit.
Handy
Handy hasdevelopedsome of theUK’s leadingmachinerybrandsincluding Webb, TheHandyand QGarden. Thesedistinctbrandsstand as atestament to the company’screativeand manufacturingprowess. Forshowroomvisitsgotowww. handyonline.co.uk
Hartman
Seethe Hartman2026collectionintheirexclusiveShowrooPreviewfromJune2nd including fresh designsand sophisticatednewcolourpalettes.Byappointmentonly, at the HartmanHQinTelford.Call 01952 231231
Smart GardenAbingdon
Spendthewhole dayreviewingtheentire Smartcollectionat theirAbingdonHQ. 5,000sq ft of showroom andmeeting roomsawaittradeonly visitors. Contact sales@sgpuk.com
SmartGardenPeterborough
Visit theEurekabuildinginPeterborough to see thetwo floor,6,000 sq ft Smart showrooms.Smarttypically add400 newproductseachyear, so itswellwortha visit. Contactsales@sgpuk.com
Solex
24,870 sq mofOutdoor LivingProductsunderone roof attheNEC, July8-10. Register nowatwww.solexexhibition.com/
Smart Showroom visitsontheincrease
SmartGardenProducts’Spring/Summer 2026 ranges will allbeavailable to viewattheir Peterboroughand Abingdon Showrooms frommid-August.
Asyou wouldexpect,therewill be awealth ofnewproducts to seeacrossalltheSmart product categories. At theendoftheyear, stateof-the-art ShowroomswillopeninEureka II,Smart’snew facilityjust400mfromthe existingEurekahub.ThiswillenableSmart to showcasetheirSpring/Summer, Seasonal andChristmas Ranges allyearroundwith dedicatedshowroomspacesforeach. Showroomvisits remain extremely popularwithSmart’scustomerswitha record numberof visitsin2024. Infact most visitoneofSmart’s showroomstwice ayear, some evenmorefrequently. Many ofthenewproducts introduced for2025 have provedtoberunawaysuccesses and bookings arealreadycominginthickand fast as customerslookforwardtofinding outwhatexcitementSmarthasinstorefor 2026!Beingabletospend aday comfortably reviewingtheentireSmart collection withoutdistractionisinvaluableandaffords muchmore timeandfocusthanisever possible on abusyexhibitionstand. CurrentlySmarthas twoUKshowrooms as wellas anew facility in Lille,France. TheShowroomsintheEurekabuildingin
Peterboroughspantwofloors covering 6,000 squarefeetplusmeetingrooms.Thesecond is atSmart’sAbingdonHQandis 5,000square feetplusmeetingrooms. Anew 5,000square foot Showroomwas opened lastyearin Lille, designed to caterforcontinentalEuropean customersalthoughofcourseanyoneis welcomeif they want to experienceapieceof Frenchhospitality.
book an early appointment and enjoy a Smart
Sodon’t delay, contact your Sales Managerto book an early appointmentandenjoy aSmart dayout!
TheSatchvilleGiftCompany
HomeandgiftwareshowroominMeltonMowbray,Leicestershire,isopenMonday to Fridayandhas over1800productsondisplay. Call 01664898490toarrangeyour visit.
Westland
Immerse yourselvesinallthe Westlandbrands to boost yoursalesanddiscover theirlatestinnovationsandmarketing campaigns. Contact your Westlandsales representativetoarrange ashowroomvisit.
Woodlodge
Discovertheextensiverangeof Woodlodgepotsandaccessoriesplusthe WLiving rangeofoutdoorfurnitureinthe20,000 sq ft showroom. Contactshowroom@ woodlodge.co.uk
CompactYet Powerful:A Smart AdditiontoAnyGardenMachineryRange
Webb LaunchesHigh-Performance2500W Electric Garden Shredder
Britishgardenmachinery brandWebbhas expanded its electric toolsportfolio with theintroductionofthe WEISWB Electric Garden Shredder- ahigh-performance2500W impact shredder designed to make garden wastereduction fast,safe, andefficient.
Idealfor medium-sized gardens, theshreddercombinesrobust cutting powerwitha compact, user-friendlydesign. Its 2500Wmotor drives steelbladesatanimpressive 4500rpm, effortlesslyhandlingbranchesupto45mmindiameter. The resultis fine,nutrient-rich mulchthat’sideal forcomposting or improvingsoilquality in flowerbeds andvegetable plots.
Featuringa practicaldesign, theWEISWBincludesa 40-litre collectionbox to minimise downtime,a removablehopper foreasyfeeding, anda largeon/off switch for straightforwardoperation.For addedsafety, alocking lever prevents access to cutting components during use, while built-inoverloadprotectionautomatically cuts powerifthe machinebecomes jammed.
Portable,withlarge integrated wheels, theshredderiseasy to move andstore,makingita smartchoicefor gardeners with limited space. Suitable forbeginners or experienced gardenenthusiasts, theWEISWBoffersa reliable, low-maintenancesolutionfor year-round garden clearance.
Retail-readywitheye-catchingpackaging andfullPOS support available, theWEISWBisavailable nowfor tradeorders.
Spotlightontrees andshrubs
Gardenvalueof crabapplespromotedatChelsea whileHaskinsspices up itsshrubselection.
FirstEditionsat HaskinsGarden Centresoffer something abit different.
Aspotlight willbebrightlyshining oncrabapplesthismonth thanks to adisplayattheRHS ChelseaFlowerShowdevotedentirely to Malus by Frank PMatthews Trees.The exhibitmarksthegrower’sdebut atthe show.“OrnamentalMalustreesareoften underestimatedinthegarden,butthey bringsomuch to thetablewiththeir beautiful blooms,rich colours, and great ecologicalbenefits,”says StephanieJames Dunn,SalesDirector.
Thedisplay willalsodemonstrate the artofformaltraining to showhow fruit treescanbemanaged to enhanceeventhe smallestgarden.
Inaddition to theornamentalvalueinthe gardenfromvaried blossom colours,leaf shapes,tree formsandfruits,theexhibit alsopromotesthe benefitstheybringfor wildlife. Pollinatinginsects areattractedto theblossominspring whileinautumnthe fruitsproveto beirresistible to birds.
Somethingspecial
The first four unusualshrub varieties sold under the First Editions brandare onoffer atallfive centresintheHaskin’sgroup.Eye catchingfor itspurpleand orange point of sale,therange includes plants notwidelyavailable,offering Haskin’s customerssomething alittlebit different.
The rangeinApril comprised Hydrangea macrophylla Eclipse(also soldas H macrophylla ‘Bailmacseven’), Physocarpus opulifolius ‘ZLENora’, Leucothoe axillaris ‘Bailcothoe’,and Vitex agnus-castus ‘Bailtexthree’. Followingclose behindare likely to be Buddleija davidiiFunky Fuchsia and Diervilla sessilifolia Cool Splash. First Editionsisone of severalbrandscurated by Bailey Nurseries basedin Minnesota and comprises75shrubs of which25are suited to the UKclimate.“Withthesupport of FirstEditions marketingand pointofsale we have alreadyseen some very positivesalesoftheearly springlines,” says Richard Lockwood,Plant BuyeratHaskins. “A reserve schedulewithourgrowerwillensure
Malus‘Cardinal’ and‘Sun Rival’willbeincluded in Frank PMatthew’s displayattheRHS Cheslea FlowerShow.
HydrangeamacrophyllaCherryExplosion (alsosoldas H macrophylla‘McKay’) isa newaddition this year to the 2025 Plants for Perennial collectionfromWyevaleNurseries, oneoffourwholesalenurseries involved in thecollaboration.Itjoins Salviagregii‘Cuello Pink’ and‘Cuello White’. In 2024,the collection raised£14,500.
we have stockforeachmonth,deliveredin peak conditionthat will helpcustomers in decidingwhatshrubstobuy.”
Isour planningsystem broken…?Andwhat can wedoaboutit..?
PaulPleydell– Founder andDirector of Pleydell Smithyman.
Are youthinkingofchangingor developing yourbusiness?– then let’sget started.
Thegarden centresectorischaracterised by itsabilitytoadapt, to be‘lightonitsfeet’ asthe worldaround us changesor,tobe morestrategic,as we decide wherewewant ourbusinessestobe.Andthisneedsone keything –physicalchange -alterationor extensionofourpremises. So,unlessyou want to facethewrathoftheenforcement team at yourlocal council, youdotheright thingandapplyforplanningpermission. That,as aconcept,istheeasypart.
Butthereisa problem.Localauthorities arestruggling to attractand retainplanning officerswhoareeithermoving to the privatesectorordoing somethingdifferent. Applications to studyTown&Country Planningatuniversity aredwindling,so thereisno‘newblood’.Councilbudgets arestifling recruitmentandmanyplanning departmentshavetoofewstaff –some80% areunderstaffed.
Overlaythiswiththe Government’stargetof 1.5millionnew homes,whichis astartingpistol
to any‘wannabe’developerswithapieceof land, andthenew‘Grey Belt’whichsoftensthe rigorously enforcedGreenBeltthat washes overmanygarden centre sites, and suddenly thenumber ofplanningapplicationsstarts to soar.The result, thesystemstarts to grind to ahalt, planningofficers(whoaregood people)start to falterunderthe workload, and applications regularlyexceedtheeightor13 weekstandard periods.In NorthernIreland,the average iscurrently53weeks.
Add to thistheecological requirement to surveyandassessimpactsonprotected species (bats,greatcrested newtsetc.),which aredatesensitivethroughspring andsummer, andthenadd theneedtodemonstratea BiodiversityNet Gain (an improvementin thevalueof thehabitats on your site)asa resultofthechanges youare making.Pilethis upwiththe various reportsthataccompany today’splanningapplication,andI haveto say ittakes somegrit to tacklethis.
So,let’slook atthefacts,fewerplanning officers,greaterdemand,increased requirements–and limitedcouncilfunding.It isn’tbrokenbutasitcarriesonitsoon willbe.
Time to change Ithinkitis timeforanoverhaul.I think we shouldstripbackthesystemtothe simplepostwarapproachwherebenefits of aproposalcanbedemonstratedand the planningofficergets to usetheir expertise andexperience to judgeeach application’s merits.Andincrease theopportunityfor permitteddevelopmenttoallow businesses to grow easily andquickly.This islikely to happen,as withoutpeopleandmoney, the existingsystemisn’t going to getany better, but it won’thappensoon.
In themeantime, thefriendlyteamin ouroffice arehelping to guideourclients throughthissomewhattortuousprocess, andweneed to do this ifour belovedgarden centresectorisgoing to continue to grow. We aresuccessfulatthis–why,because we understandthesystem, we knowhow to makethe planningofficer’sjob easier by doing the‘heavylifting’ forthem,andwespecifically knowhow to arguethecaseforgarden centres to developand flourish.
Mysimplemessage,if youare thinkingof developingyour business…starttoday.
Findoutmore
PleydellSmithymanis adesignandbusiness consultancythatassists gardencentresand ruralbusinessestobeevenbetter. Paul hasbeensupportingthegarden centresector with designandbusinessadvicefor some 40 yearssupportedbyanexperienced team ofprofessionals. They work nationwide forabroad rangeofcompaniesproviding businessstrategiesand masterplans, planningadvice,architecture, retail,caféandinterior concepts and designs,operational advice,andlandscape andecology services. Contact Paulon 01952433211oremail paul@pleydellsmithyman.co.ukwww.pleydellsmithyman.co.uk
and shows
Sunshine andshows
WillArmitage, HTAPresident
Spring2025hasnot managed to disappointussofar,andit’sgreat to hearaboutandseesomuchpositivity backin theindustry. Sincemy last GTN article, Ihavehadthepleasureofvisiting membersas acustomer, asHTABIS(Business Improvement Scheme)andNBIS(Nursery BusinessImprovementScheme) Chairman andinmycapacityasHTA President, andthe mood is somuchbetterthanlastyear.
As youmayhaveseenfromtheHTA MarketUpdates,the recentsunshineand improvedweatherhavesignificantlyhelped liftsalesinourgarden centres,aspeopleare embracingtheir greenspaces. Marchshowed aremarkable28%increaseinsales compared to the samemonthlast year,andatthetime ofwriting,Aprilwasset to continuethe positive trend.
Time to showoff
Oneof themanyfabulousopportunitiesI getasHTA Presidentisthe chancetovisit so manyofthe excellentflowershows our industrycreates allaroundthe country. Lastmonth, Ihadthehonourofvisitingthe HarrogateSpringFlowerShowcourtesyof theAssociationof ProfessionalLandscapers (APL)whereI caught upwithfriends and colleaguesoldandnewandvisited theinspirationalShowGardens. Garden designer, PipProbert’sgardeninconjunction withThe Greenfingers CharityandBritish GardenCentres netted aGoldwhileThe APL’sgardeninconjunctionwith JPaxman Landscapes anddesigned by MelissaMorten, tookBestinShow.
HTArepresentatives willbeat most of the UK’s flowershows,includingRHS
ChelseaFlowerShowthismonth, wherewe willbe meeting withMPsand stakeholders andshowcasingthe work ofour members. We willalsobesupporting various events and receptionstakingplace aroundthat week to raise theprofile of thebusinesses that deliver theseaward-winninggardens and plants.
TheAPL‘Garden forGathering’,in conjunctionwithJ PaxmanLandscapes scoopedBestinShow attheHarrogateSpring FlowerShow.
We alsohaveanumber ofothershows throughout thesummer,including theRHS Hampton CourtPalaceFlowerShow, and BBC Gardeners’World Live and Iurgeyou all to visitatleastone ofthem this year.Not onlydotheygiveyouanopportunity to networkwith colleagues, buttheyrepresent theshopwindowthat yourcustomers willbeseeing andtakinginspiration from. Seeingthisfor yourselves willhelp youkeep relevantandon topofcurrent trends. Shows arealso agreatopportunity to interact withfellowgardeners outsideyour own businessesandlisten to whattheyare talking about.If youare visiting ashowthis year and seesomeonefromthe HTA, pleasesayhello. Anotherrecentgreat gardeninginitiative wastheHTA’sthirdPlantsinParliament event, wheretheHTA’sPolicy andPublic Affairs teamhandedoutfreeplants to our peersandparliamentarians. Again, it was incredibly well received,giving the HTAan opportunity toraiseourprofile andpush for the governmental supportweneed.
Butit’snotall flowershows and hobnobbingforan HTAPresident, yesterday evening wasspent racing to re-cover polytunnels inthefadinglight, keeping my feet firmlyonthe ground(evenfromthe top of acherrypicker).
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TheHorticultural Trades Association istheUKindustry’s leading membership organisationand welcomesall sectorsofenvironmental horticulture. To learnmore,please visit www.hta.org.uk or to enquire aboutmembership pleaseemail: membership@hta.org.uk
