GTN October 2022 - Garden Trade News UK

OCTOBER 2022

gardentradenews.co.uk

Advice & information for garden centre professionals

MEADOW VIEW UNDERSTANDS STONE GTN Interview

Heigh-ho, it’s off to work we go!

Mark Portman on the shop floor of Camden Garden Centre

HORTICULTURE AND GOVERNMENT Boyd’s new OHRG column

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Glee New Products part 2 plus Solex New Products

CRYSTAL BALL GAZING

Horticulture in 2030

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Comment

Christmas gets off to a flying start

I

t may be due to Christmas opening earlier in centres than last year, but as this issue of GTN goes to press the sales volumes of the Top 50 Christmas products in the GTN Bestsellers Garden Centre Epos data during the last week of September were up 75% on the same week last year and 48% up on 2019.

We’ve been out and about seeing some of the first Christmas displays in advance of the launch of GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards for 2022 and we’ve seen for ourselves how avariciously the early displayed Christmas lines are being shopped. Hopefully that is a good omen for the rest of the season.

Details of our Greatest Christmas Awards 2022 can be found on pages 16 & 17. As usual we have a team of judges, with their sleighs, on standby ready to come out and meet the nominated teams so please make your

nominations by the end of October.

Next month we’ll be revealing the winners of the GIMA Awards in our GIMA Roll of Honour special issue and then in December we’ll be bringing you the fourth edition of GTN’s Sustainability Directory.

In the meantime, we look forward to meeting as many GTN readers as possible over the coming weeks at awards events and on our Christmas judging visits. We can’t wait!

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING Garden Trade News Potting Shed Press Ltd Dairy Drove Thorney Peterborough PE6 0TX Tel 01733 775700 www.gardentradenews.co.uk THE GTN TEAM Editor Trevor Pfeiffer trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk Advertising Sales Alan Burdon Alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk Features Editor Anisa Gress anisa@pottinghsedpress.co.uk Associate Editor Mike Wyatt mike@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 Kirsty Craner – 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?

In this issue...

4

An understanding of stone – GTN

16

Interviews the Meadow View Stone

8

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

Alternatively, if you prefer your Garden Trade News digitally, sign up for GTN Xtra, our weekly e-mail newsetter at www.gardentradenews.co.uk And, if you want the fastest garden centre sales analysis, take out a subscription to GTN Bestsellers our printed weekly sales data newsletter. For just £145.00 per year you get Top 50 sales charts created from weekly garden centre epos data.

Contact trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk for more details and to subscribe.

Potting Shed Press Ltd

GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2022 – Nominate you teams now

7

Evergreen Garden Care

22

Apsley Farms

22

Meadow View Stone

22

Sipcam

23

Mr Fothergill’s

team

18

Serious about selling plants at Four Oaks

Crystal ball gazing for 2030 – HTA

20

Glee New Product Directory, Part 2

Conference 2022

26

Solex New Product Directory

29

Change brings opportunity – GIMA Column

11

Camden Garden Centre Photo Tour

12

Tales from the shop floor – Mark Portman at Camden Garden Centre

30

Horticulture and government – ORHG column

23

The Real Soil Company

23

Vitax

24

Fandango Fire Tools Pot Mate Solex 2023

14

Rosey future at Mr Fothergills

Advertisers in this Issue

24

15

Celtic Spa’s – LOFA Member profile

2

32

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

The Solar Centre

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 2022. No part of this publication may e reproduced in any form whatsoever, either for sale or not, without the express permission of the publishers.

The information supplied in this publication is published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Potting Shed Press Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any error or misrepresentation. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by reliance on information contained in this publication or in the vent of any bankruptcy or liquidation or cassation of the trade of any company, individual or firm mentioned, is hereby excluded.

October 2022 3

Interview

An understanding of stone Meadow View Stone is transforming the way decorative stone is sold in garden centres thanks to its strength as a family business and indepth knowledge of the global aggregate market.

T

here is a rich history behind the decorative stones sold by garden retailers for customers to brighten up their pots and gardens, and it goes back as far as the Roman times. It may not seem relevant to gardeners of today but mining lead, to extract silver for coins, has shaped

events leading to Meadow View Stone now being one of the driving forces in the decorative aggregate business.

Meadow View Stone is part of the much larger Long Rake Spar Co. which began life in 1867 as the Long Rake Mine famed for its bright white and sparkling calcite. Formally

a waste product of lead mining, it found new markets in the gardens, driveways and gateway columns demanded during Victorian Britain. After several owners and decades, the company came up for sale and Trevor Broadhurst, who was working with his father in their nearby fluorspar

The four Long Rake Spar depots.

Left: Garston, Mersyside.

Centre: Prees, Shropshire.

Right: Youlgreave, Derbyshire. Below: Rye, East Sussex.

4 October 2022

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Interview Lifestyle displays using Meadow View Stone product can significantly increase garden centre sales.

business, decided to invest with his mother who became company secretary. By then mining had ceased at Long Rake but it’s above ground activities of preparing aggregate from other quarries was alive and something Trevor planned to exploit. Since then, investments in washing, bagging and specialist mineral processing has enabled the company to become a specialist in suppplyyingg a wide choice of products to the building industry and landscape sector.

Following the acquisition of Meadow View Stone in 2009, it has also brought this high quality and choice of decorative aggregates to the garden retail industry too. “Physically and financially we are transforming the face of garden centres, with product that is more superior in terms of the packaging and quality,” says Jess Dabell, Brand Manager.

Today Long Rake Spar Co has four production sites in Derbyshire, Shropshire, Merseyside and East Sussex. The latter, a 20-acre dockside depot in Rye, is the most recent acquisition which has supported the company’s growth in the South East. Four dockside storage locations in Rye, Garston, Gunness and Rosyth further facilitate more than 50 shipments of loose material a year, most of which are from Europe, but also closer to home from Wales and the North East. Products are brought into these sites and stored in large bays before being processed, bagged and redistributed.

“It gives us a greater stockholding across

50+ 100,000 shipments annually

tonnes+ of loose stock the group of products in logistically strong locations and puts us in complete control of our supply chain,” explains Jess. And with more than 100,000 tonnes of loose product being handled annually, it’s thought to make Long Rake Spar Co. the largest importer of decorative aggregates in the UK. This proved to be a huge asset during the covid pandemic as Trevor shrewdly imported large amounts of stock to protect the company against unknown effects of Brexit. “We filled all our dockside storage

facilities and production sites with £9 million of stock,” he says. As it turned out this meant the company could satisfy fyy the spike in demand during covid when other supply chains around the world were struggling.

Turnover figures for Long Rake Spar in 2021 were a healthy £38,000,000 but back in the 1990’s when interest rates topped 16%, times were tough. Trevor recalls the main business, around 80%, was aggregates for concrete and precast. Then came demand for white concrete which couldn’t be produced from aggregate found in the UK. Trevor looked to Spain for supply and his company is thought to be the first in the UK to do so. “We started to import white dolomite from Spain, and this opened our eyes to other opportunities where more premium decorative products could be utilised,” says Trevor.

Charlie Dimmock and Alan Titchmarsh also came to the rescue with the BBC television programme Ground Force. “Decorative aggregates then became fashionable, and the demand started to dramatically increase. We were working with decorative stone for use within pebble dashing and specialist concrete at the time,” says Trevor, “so it wasn’t a great leap to satisfy the increasing demand from gardeners.”

Meadow View Stone for garden centres only Long Rake Spar Co. had been supplying garden centres since as early as the 1993 and Trevor recalls the early deliveries. “I remember the first garden centre we sold into was near Chatsworth and we mopped up a few other local ones with only three pallets at the time, which were delivered on a Nissen flatbed lorry. The first full articulated lorry-load we ever sold was to what is now Hayes Garden World in Ambleside as the owner had just built a new garden centre.”

Jess, Trevor and Sarah proudly show off their latest batch of awards. At this year’s GLEE, Meadow View Stone displayed its Alpine Collection in large bags which received the award for the best new product in the Landscaping & Garden Building category. In 2021 it was named GCA Supplier of the Year at the GIMA Awards.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

October 2022 5

Interview The Derbyshire site retains its mining head gear

It had also been supplying raw material to Meadow View Stone, which at the time was run by a father and daughter team, before it came up for sale in 2009. Once acquired, Meadow View Stone became the face for the company’s retail supply and today its products can only be found in garden centres.

Its current range of gravels, chippings, slate, pebbles, cobbles, horticultural grits and sands, also come with a printed till book detailing product prices, barcodes, product attributes and suitability guides, along with inspirational POS and a multitude of merchandising display options.

Renowned for its range of exclusive premium decorative aggregates, three of which are in the top ten sellers and account for 33% of sales, Sarah Hill, Managing

6 October 2022

Trevor’s car with its roof top tent, ready for the next adventure.

Director, comments: “It’s an easy win really for garden centres to come on board and get a great result from just a small selection of products.”

One of the company’s distinct differences and an advantage over its competitors, is that premium products are sold prewashed. “If you look at our Flamingo stone, it looks like a completely different product when it’s unwashed. Washing removes the silt and fines from the product so there is no horrible residue on the stone or in the bag and the gravel is also more accurately sized as the undersized stones are emmitted in the washing process. This is the quality that garden centres want and expect,” says Sarah.

Meadow View Stone was the first comppanyy to introduce smaller 10kgg baggs into garden centres with 58% of this range also being exclusive. “Our exclusive products are key to our growth, and the sales growth of our customers. Many of our products significantly contribute to increases in turnover due to their higher RRP, but also as they are selling in considerable volumes, so can contribute as much as 30% to turnover,” says Sarah.

Displaying product has proved to be key.

“We have helped to reinvigorated the in-situ displays in garden centres and lots of centres have seen big increases in sales (between 25- 40%) as a result of these lifestyle driven displays,” says Jess. “But it’s hard convincing others that dedicating the space to a display will, in the long term, deliver better results than product left on pallets.”

Sarah adds: “There is growth to be had in our category, but you’ve just got to have somebody on the shop floor to manage it.

We have all the tools that can drive sales and we know there is considerable growth out there. If you just get those products in, look after them and make sure they look right in store.”

The business has now switched from Foamex to a fully recyclable material for all its point-of-sale presentation. “This new medium retains the many benefits of

Foamex, such as rigidity and longer lifespan, with a smooth print face, and it’s less likely to bend or warp like Correx,” says Jess.

A minimum of 30% of the material used in the production of aggregate bags, stretch film, and pallet hoods is recycled and any bags, film or wrap that fails in the production process is collected by a certified recycling company, broken down and re-used. The company recognises there is a taste and the demand for bags that consumers can recycle kerbside, and they are in constant conversation with their supplier, but at the moment the technology just isn’t there.

Pastures new Trevor is a self-confessed traveller and during covid he described himself as ‘an eagle with clipped wings’. Only a small amount of aggregate is sourced from the UK, Welsh slate, Scottish pebbles, and Gold Coast gravel being a few examples so in the search for new products he happily travels to quarries across Europe in his car equipped with roof-top tent. “I’ve built relationships with family run quarries in Norway, Turkey, Portugal and Spain and these relationships are still working 30 years on,” he says.

The rising cost of fuel with new leggislation,, resultingg in plant and mobile equipment used in the quarrying and mineral processing having to switch to white diesel, is putting pressure on the aggregate market. “I think we will be facing a difficult time next year,” says Trevor.

“We have maintained our prices through this year which has been tight and has squeezed us, but we’ve done it to keep our commercial edge,” says Sarah.

Customer satisfaction rates top 90% and staff are encouraged to take pride in what they produce. Four of Trevor’s children now work in the business and there is definitely an appetite for innovation and success.

Sarah adds: “I think we are now seen as market leaders in product innovation in our category. There is a definitely a hunger for us to go out and explore the wider world to find what’s out there and see if there are new products or better quality products that would complement the range.” Trevor is definitely in the long haul. “I could have sold the business many times over, but we understand stone and love what we do.” he says.

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Miracle-Gro® has been helping UK gardeners grow bigger and more beautiful plants for over 35 years, but it’s not just plants we help to grow.

Miracle-Gro® is the number one garden care brand and consistently delivers category growth through its market leading product ranges, investment in NPD and advertising support, as well as industry-leading PR and online campaigns, partnering with celebrities and influencers to reach consumers at every stage of their shopping journey and creating growth opportunities that benefit us all.

rand -Gro® b Miracle rth over is wo

£69m RSV*

In 202

2 Mira delive cle-Gro® red

£9m

of cat egory (vs 20 growth 19)*

NEW for 2023 For 2023 the entire Miracle-Gro® liquid plant food range will be updated and move to yellow bottles made from 98% recycled plastic. Having the full range in yellow bottles will enhance Miracle-Gro®’s standout on fixture, providing a beacon for the plant food category. The simplified pack designs will make it easier for shoppers to choose the best product for their needs, helping to increase conversion at fixture and drive category growth. *Source: GfK Total Garden Care Market, MAT April 2022 Miracle-Gro® is a registered trademark of OMS Investments and is used under license from OMS Investments.

HTA, The Conference 2022

Crys ystal ball gazing at horticulture in 2030 At September’s HTA conference, What will our industry look like in 2030? delegates heard that a blend of pessimism and optimism will be key to successfully navigating through the financial, political and climate change challenges into the next decade.

A

fter a considerable break, the Horticultural Trades Association was pleased to once again be hosting a conference, bringing together people from across many sectors to consider the future of horticulture. With presentations taking in finance through to the role of robots and shopping habits, delegates were left with no doubt that business is heading for a rocky road. But alongside digital opportunities, horticulture’s unrivalled role within the climate change agenda must be fully exploited to ensure the sector’s long-term future.

James Barnes

8 October 2022

James Barnes, HTA Chairman, kicked off proceedings saying: “The two key drivers are climate change and technology.” He asked if it is now time to change the term ‘ornamental horticulture’ to ‘environmental horticulture’? “I believe this would have a fundamental effect on how we're perceived by all stakeholders, by governments, and particularly by academia,” he says. “If we're going to attract young, talented people to our industry, then that direct association with environmental sciences must have a wider appeal and an understanding within government that climate change policy in

the UK cannot take place without a strong domestic horticultural industry.”

Having an online and even virtual presence would be key within the digital world and, he says, are likely to bring opportunities that haven’t existed before.

“Weaving together our physical spaces and people's experiences virtually is where success will lie,” he says.

So what does the future of horticulture in 2030 look like? GTN asked some of the conference speakers and delegates to gaze into a crystal ball.

Josh McBain. Global Consultancy Director. Foresight Factory Wider environmental and eco concerns will become decoupled from financial trends and sustainability will remain an embedded factor in consumers commercial choices.

Developments we are likely to see are indoor hydroponic systems that use less water to grow herbs in the home and apps to track personal carbon footprints so individuals can be more informed about the impact of their eating, travel practices, buying decisions and lifestyles. Other

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HTA, The Conference 2022

areas of research that will heighten garden product propositions in nclude those being bred with the molecule zubrin that have a higher capacity to storee carbon.

As customers increassingly demand that brands support the wider regeneration of biodiversity and resources, companies will move beyond net zero targets and will be showing their carbon positive (net plus) brand positioning. The garden centre industry could easily dial up carbon positive propositions across packaging and point of sale to drive future custom.

Dominic Harrison. Director of Global Trends. Foresight Factory Shoppers will become more digitally connected and will hop between buying online and instore so retailers need to make this progression more seamless, both in their garden centres and how they present themselves online. How garden centres and brands are perceived online will be crucial to success. We will also see retailers redefining their sales space with more of it being used as places for customers to get involved, like classroom, workshop or community spaces, or perhaps areas just for relaxing.

The virtual economy will progress and garden centre retailers are ideally placed with product and plant knowledge to make the most of this new opportunity to help

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Celebrating the best in the business

Mark Gregory

customers populate their own metaverse worlds with virtual plants, lifestyle and gardening solutions.

Mark Gregory. Garden designer.

Landform Consultants Will there still be real gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2030? Yes, absolutely 100% but the gardens will have cleaned up their act on sustainability, impact and waste reduction. Chelsea is where trends are set and careers are made but the greatest challenge for designers, landscapers and nurseries supplying the plants will be to prove their sustainability credentials in the application phase. By 2030, gardens will have to be relocated afterwards or else they won’t be selected. This will be part of the audit and judging criteria so they will need to designed differently, possibly almost flat packed, so they can be easy to take down and build again. People like me will be teaching the next generation how to build sustainably, reduce waste, remove concrete, reuse landscaping products and come up with engineering solutions.

By 2030, QR codes and other digital channels will have replaced the 50,000 paper leaflets given out by each garden and I think Sunflower Street will come back in a contemporary way to focus on people's front and smaller gardens. This will also attract different investors with smalleer, but equally vital, budgets.

Making its debut at the conference evening dinner was the HTA Ornamental Grower of the Year awards to recognised and celebrate best practices in sustainable ornamental production. Launched at the association’s National Plant Show in the summer, it attracted 45 entries across five categories. Four industry judges came together to review all the submissions and consider their commitment and progress towards criteria including CO2 reduction, peat removal and water resilience.

Winners of the Best Inspirational Business, Best Young Plants Grower and Best Finished Plants Grower can now be entered into the International Grower of the Year competition hosted by the AIPH (the International Association of Horticultural Producers) results of which are announced at IPM, Essen, the horticultural trade show in Germany from 24-27 January 2023. “AIPH is delighted the HTA has identified such high quality businesses to be entered into the AIPH International Grower of the Year Awards 2023. In being part of this process, these companies have the opportunity to be aligned with the very best in the world and I wish them all the best,” says Tim Briercliffe, one of the judges and AIPH Secretary General.

• Best Young Plants Grower.

Winner: Ball Colegrave • Best Finished Plants Grower.

Winner: Allensmore Nurseries Highly commended: New Leaf Plants • Best Inspirational Business.

Winner: Palmstead Nurseries.

Highly commended: Allensmore Nurseries and Majestic Trees.

• Best Young Grower (under 35 years of age).

Winner: Eliot Barden. Majestic Trees.

Highly commended: Mollie Higginson, New Leaf Plants • Best Staff Member.

Winner: Gareth Edwards, New Leaf Plants Highly commended: Maria Bengtsson, Majestic Trees.

October 2022 9

HTA, The Conference 2022 Speakers at Horticulture – The Conference. What will our industry look like in 2030? were:

Simon Reeve. Television presenter and author I’ve seen, first-hand, the negative effects of climate change which are rapidly accelerating, and shifting agricultural patterns in Africa and South America.

Over the next few decades we are going to have to adapt our islands for the future or we will fail as a country. We have the ability and the power to dramatically alter our world. We are going to have to plant, grow, landscape and reshape the hell out of Britain. Horticulture has got to take its place in the ranks of the professions alongside law, medicine and accountancy.

Michael Perry. Mr Plant Geek and social media influencer I think we will be seeing customers wanting to take more control of their personal carbon scoring which will flow into how they garden and the plants they choose to put in their gardens. It offers real guidance to consumers

10 October 2022

and will make them feel they are really doing something to help the environment. I can see products and plants will need additional information on their label and packaging related to carbon scoring.

As an industry we are very good at passing down knowledge, such as why roof and rain gardens should be considered.

I think we will see more of an industry focus on helping consumers appreciate and understand the wider benefits of horticulture and this, along with more ready-made packages (for example combinations of plants, pots and growing media), will make their buying decisions easier making them more likely to become gardeners.

Trevor Pfeiffer.

Editor GTN In 2030 bulbs will break through the soil and bloom, grass will grow, trees will burst into life, new plants will be planted to brighten gardens and patios, veg plants will be raised from seed, garden spaces will be used for parties and celebrations, children will play in gardens, bounteous veg and fruit crops will be harvested, birds and wildlife will be welcomed into gardens, gard dens wiill be lit to celleb brate Chriistmas.

The only things that will change will be the quantity of the above, changes due to fashions, colours and difference in timings due to climate change, which we

• James Barnes. HTA. • Josh McBain. Foresight Factory.

• Vicky Pryce. Centre for Economics and Business Research.

• Simon Reeve. Television presenter.

• Dominic Harrison. Foresight Factory.

• Tayhsan Hayden-Smith. Grow2Know project.

• Michael Perry. Mr Plant Geek.

• Tim Briercliffe. International Association of Horticultural Producers.

• Mark Gregory. Landform Consultants.

• Melanie Asker. Greenwood Plants.

• Hattie Webb. Planet Mark.

• David May. Lincoln Institute of Agri-Food Technology.

• Arit Anderson and Boyd DouglasDavies. Closing remarks.

can adapt to during the intervening years.

So as long as we have homes with garden spaces and balconies then the future for horticulture for 2030 and beyond is far from pessimistic. No one wants to look out on drab spaces and plants are the best way of decorating gardens and homes.

Plants and flowers make people smile!

Many of the speakers at the conference commented on how great the floral stage display, created by Tom Cook from British Garden Centres, was. ‘The best conference backdrop ever’ and ‘worthy of a Chelsea garden’ were the exultations. What they missed however was that the display was, in itsellf, thhe best cllue to whhat hortiicullture woulld be like in 2030. Absolutely wonderful! We must all remember that and put our nurturing sense of positivity hat on to make sure we are the ones bringing joy to so many people in the UK.

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Camden in pictures

Packing a punch Retail space is at a premium at London’s Camden Garden Centre, so stock has to be bought, stored and displayed efficiently to maximise profits.

Camden happy customers. Around 10,000 hold the garden centre’s reward card.

1

3

2

4

What space have we got? How best can we do it? What sells, what doesn’t?

We review it regularly and go for the products we know cover all bases.

Peter Hulatt, Camden GC Managing Director.

Camden has a selection of key suppliers and concentrates on stocking their bestselling lines.

5 www.gardentradenews.co.uk

1. Helping customers with easy solutions for growing plants in tight spaces.

2. Tempting displays of autumn colour in the plantaria.

3. Lush houseplants looking fresh and healthy.

4. Many local customers with balconies, courtyards and small gardens are restricted to growing in containers but Camden’s selection has something for everyone.

5. Neat, tidy and ready for the days’ customers.

October 2022 11

Real Life Retail Experiences

Tales from the shop floor Mark Portman, UK Managing Director of Evergreen Garden Care, brushed up on his customer care skills by spending a September afternoon working in London’s Camden Garden Centre.

I

t doesn’t matter how high up you are on the industry ladder, gaining an understanding of the customers who buy and ultimately use gardening products is one of the most valuable insights in the world of garden retail. The best way to find out is to actually spend time on the shop floor, but when time is so precious this can be hard to organise.

This autumn Mark Portman from Evergreen Garden Care and Peter Hulatt, Managing Director of Camden Garden Centre, London coordinated diaries and as a result, Mark spent an enjoyable afternoon serving customers, collating orders and answering telephone queries. “I was really looking forward to the experience but was surprised how nervous I was when I first worked the till and then again when answering the customer queries on the phone,” says Mark.

As well as a thriving and profitable business among the hustle and bustle of life near Kings Cross Station, Camden Garden Centre is also a social enterprise project enhancing, through

work and training, the employability of those with additional needs and a history of being out of work.

Not surprisingly then the first thing Peter did was to go through a few bits of basic training about safe lifting and manual handling.. This is extremely important as Camden is a small site with just 20 parking spaces and little storage room. Its delivery service is vital and relied upon by customers.

Camden has around 10,000 customers signed up to its reward card programme so Mark quickly found out that checking out items at the till is more than just taking the money. Mark had to also link customers to their reward cards to see if they could claim any special offers, give gardening advice and organise delivery dates.

Peter Hulatt describes his till staff as ‘ambassadors of the garden centre’. “They are integral to the smooth running of the garden centre, and the last person customers see when they leave,” he says. Mark was curious to know how the staff dealt with queues and asked if they felt under pressure to rush. Peter’s advice is not to rush but to get as many tills open as possible and see if a member of staff can talk to those in the queue reassuring them everything is being done.

One of Mark’s sales of around £400 included 20 bags of growing media and a tricky calculation.

I was really looking forward to the experience but was surprised how nervous I was..

12 October 2022

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Real Life Retail Experiences

The customer wanted to know how many bags to buy to fill a pot of a known size so Mark and Peter worked it out longhand. However, says Mark, this has been made easier. “We have a calculator on our website where you can input the dimensions of the planter and it calculates how much compost you need. The second is that the back of our new bags of growing media will show how many pots, planters or hanging baskets each one can fill.”

Mark’s product knowledge is also tested in the store room. In recent times, the range of sundries at Camden has reduced with many ranges now including the top ten products only. This is partly due to space restrictions. “We review it regularly and go for the products we know cover all bases,” says Peter.

Conversely, says Peter, the number of lines in the plantaria as increased partly because of Brexit and having to find other nurseries now not supplying garden centres.

While manning the phones, Mark took calls from gardeners wanting advice on topics ranging from how to change the colour or hydrangeas to the best growing media for containerised blueberries.

“I didn’t think this was going to be quite so difficult” says Mark, who adds: “Well hopefully they’ll be pleased we’ve come back to them within five minutes. They’ve all said thank you very much and promised to come back to complete the sale.”

A development has also come as a result of the blueberry call. Currently the smaller 20kg and 10kg bags of growing media have a carry handle which

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Mark’s horticultural and product knowledge was stretched throughout his time at Camden Garden Centre.

often breaks. “We are now going to review the need for handles on the smaller bags of compost,” says Mark.

Mark’s experience at Camden proved to be both useful and fun. “Peter has a lovely team here at Camden. They have been helping me understand how to work the tills, how to manage the calls from customers and stocking the shelves. But what has come across really clearly is they are really customer focused.

They engage with all customers and they have a positive attitude. Their product knowledge levels are high and they have a real passion for what they do.”

Would you like to invite a senior industry figure to come and have a Real Life Retail Experience in your centre?

Back in 2005 GTN carried a series of these features involving Nick Davies, Edward Conroy and David Arnold so the GTN team would love to come and capture more days like the one at Camden Garden Centre for future issues.

Just drop an e-mail to trevor@ pottingshedpress.co.uk and we can synchronise diaries!

October 2022 13

Interview

Fothergill’s rosey future GTN speaks to Dave Carey, CEO of Mr Fothergill’s, about the company’s next stage of growth.

F

ollowing its £100m+ buyout in February, Mr Fothergill’s Seeds used its annual summer event held at its Suffolk trials ground to not only show off veg and flower cultivars of the future but also to reassure the sector that it’s ‘business as usual’.

Set up in 1978 by Brian Carey and Jeff Fothergill, the business has grown. Today alongside its core of supplying seeds, it also sells tools and gardening sundries contributing to an annual turnover of £50m and 250 staff. Jeff’s son John has now left the business but Brian’s son Dave Carey remains as Chief Executive Officer.

“In reality is it business as usual,” he says adding that Huw Bamford joins as Chief Technical Officer and Jess Taha as HR

14 October 2022

Director. “We are still going to be doing our trials and we not going to culturally change but are now at a point where we can start to reshape the business for its next stage of growth. We are all here for the journey and there is no loss of focus in any area. In fact,” adds Dave, “we are going to be providing even more focus, effort and energy. We’ve got a brilliant garden centre business to business relationship that we want to look after even better and grow.”

He adds ‘There are also opportunities’.

As the smallest player in the direct to consumer market there are chances to grow this sector and massive opportunities to develop the ‘good, better, best’ ranges both here in the UK and abroad – especially in Australia.

Dave Carey.

LOFA Member profile

Online sales, tools and price points

The trials ground at Kentford, Suffolk in full bloom this summer.

We’ve got a brilliant garden centre business to business relationship that we want to look after even better and grow.

In a bid to distance garden centre sales from those directly to online consumers, DT Brown, Mr Fothergill’s and Woolmans ranges are currently sold under the Greenregis umbrella. Dave Carey says a major piece of brand and insight work is currently going on so the company can fully understand how to make the most of all opportunities.

New for 2023, Mr Fothergill’s seed packets sold in garden centres will be without a visible price. For the last two years it has been slowly introducing coloured roundells, but also printing the price alongside. This year, for the first time, the price will not be printed with customers having to refer to the colour coding to work out how much they need to pay. “We have had a lot and very similar price points across the ranges from Mr Fothergill’s through to the Sarah Raven and Jekka’s herb seeds, so now we have just 10 price points,” explains Dave.

Another opportunity for sales growth that Dave sees is with Darlac tools, which Mr Fothergill’s acquired in 2017. “We didn’t know the tools market, but we looked at all the data and approached it in the same way we do with seeds. So rather than garden centers choosing everything, which they’re more than entitled to do, we worked out a way to get the best sellers on one stand.

And then we worked out what that would look like if there was space for two or three stands.” Using the same techniques for selling seeds, ie regularly topping up stock and ensuring it looks good, is paying off with tools and now the Darlac range is being sold at Notcutts, Choice Marketing, Blue Diamond and other groups as well as independents. “There is still plenty more room for growth,” says Dave, and on the subject of more acquisitions he says: “Yes certainly, if it [the company or product] was intrinsically linked with what we already do.”

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Hot tubs from Celtic Spas bring rewards for retailers and consumers With full training from marketing through to after sales, stocking Celtic Spas hot tubs and saunas couldn’t be easier.

I

n today’s world of modern technology it’s even more important for families to spend time together and hot tubs are a perfect solution – they offer screen free time for all the family.

Hot tubs create a unique and relaxing environment making it easy for people to talk through the trials and tribulations of the day and they boast a number of substantial health benefits including improved blood circulation and the relief of joint pain leading to a better night’s sleep.

In the UK, Celtic Spas distributes a number of products for the home leisure market to improve retail sales and enable consumers to expand the possibilities of their garden. It is also proud to be the UK sole distributor of quality hot tubs, swim spas and saunas produced by the European manufacturer, Hanscraft.

Why add hot tubs and saunas to your store product offering from Celtic Spas?

• Full training provided. From marketing through to after sales.

• 10-year structural warranty.

• 2-year electrical, jets and plumbing warranty.

• Triple insulation resulting in low running costs.

• Made in the EU with European and American parts • Flexible supply from UK stock wholesale to direct container orders • Excellent ROI for businesses.

• Achieve up to 45% margin with average order values of £8k • Fast delivery on bespoke orders – from four weeks

Winning formulation

In 2020, GS a long-established home store selling a variety of home furnishing including sofas, carpets and beds, began to stock Celtic Spas hot tubs. Full training was provided from setting up the new department and marketing to attract new customers, to delivering the product and after sales. Utilising its existing sales team GS decided to display five hot tubs near the outdoor furniture department.

In its first year of stocking, Celtic Spas was the fourth best supplier in terms of sales turnover in the store.

This was repeated for its second year of stocking from August 2021-2022. As a bolt on to its existing product offering, GS continues to see demand for quality outdoor leisure products Find out more and anticipates this to To discuss how you could benefit continue through 2022 from stocking spas, saunas and hot – 2023 and beyond. tubs, email sales@celticspas.co.uk or telephone 01633 848199. www.celticspas.co.uk

Who will be the Greatest Christmas Garden Centre teams of 2022?

Our team of judges have their sleighs ready to start the judging process for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2022.

I

f you think your Christmas teams are the best in the business, now’s the time to get them nominated for GTN’s Greatest Christmas Awards 2022.

There are categories to recognise display teams, Christmas trees sales teams, marketing teams and back this year are the much sought after Greatest Festive Garden Centre Catering team and The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto team awards.

It’s simple to take part, all you have to do is nominate your teams for the award categories listed in an e-mailto trevor@pottingshedpress. co.uk. Please include a few words about why our team of judges should come and meet your team and a photo or two that we can include in our GTN Xtra Christmas photo galleries. The closing date for nominations to guarantee a visit form our judges is Monday 31st October 2022.

16 October 2022

HERE ARE THE CATEGORIES FOR GTN’S GREATEST CHRISTMAS AWARDS 2022 • The Greatest Christmas Houseplant Team • The Greatest Outdoor Plant and Christmas Tree Team • The Greatest Christmas Community Event • The Greatest Garden Centre Christmas Video • The Greatest Christmas Marketing Team • The Greatest Gardening Gifts Sales Team • The Greatest Christmas Sizzle Team (for sales of BBQ’s, firepits, furniture etc) • The Greatest Festive Retail Food Hall Team • The Greatest Festive Garden Centre Catering Team

• The Greatest Garden Centre Grotto Team • The Greatest Group Small Garden Centre Christmas Team* • The Greatest Group Large Garden Centre Christmas Team* • The Greatest Small Garden Centre Christmas Team • The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden Centre Christmas Team • The Greatest Large Garden Centre

*The Group Garden Centre awards are for centres that are part of groups with 5 or more centres.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

GTN’s GREATEST CHRISTMAS AWARDS

Birkacre’s restaurant already has a festive entrance for 2022 The Quintessentially British Christmas display at Barton Grange is their early bestselling range for 2022

Judging visits will take place during November and December with the winners being announced on The Stage at Spring Fair on Monday 6th February 2023.

and his elf An early meeting with Santa genorth for judge Neil Gow at BGC Brid

Bents are already on the right track for Christmas 2022

Horticultural props feature in Christmas 2022 at Baytree

British Garden Centres take Christmas Around the World for 2022

As well as the kudos and fame from winning a Greatest Christmas award, our Gold winners in each category will win prizes including stock, services and hotel accommodation from our sponsors, which at time of going to press include: • DCUK • Garden Radio • Glee • Global Journey • Smart Garden Products • Solex • Woodlodge • Watch out for details of the prizes on offer in issues of GTN Xtra: www. gardentradenews.co.uk and in the next issue of GTN. • What are you waiting for, get snapping and send an e-mail today to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk to get your entry registered.

SPONSORS

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

October 2022 17

Four Oaks Trade Show

Are you serious about selling plants?

Neil Gow scours the Four Oaks Trade Show for new ideas and initiatives to boost retail sales.

I

f you are serious about selling plants then you may have popped over to the Four Oaks Trade Show in Cheshire last month.

Staff from Barton Grange, Baytree and Gordale garden centres were among those spotted tramping the aisles of what proved to be a very special event. The show, postponed because of Covid for two years, was the 50th since its small beginnings when the industry was just starting to use peat-based growing media. Also the first show since the sad death, just 12 months ago, of Pat Coutts the driving force of the event for so many years.

Garden retailers who have a horticultural base will see the benefit of visiting a show like Four Oaks. You can have meaningful discussions about growing media, fertilisers and environmental control systems with technical representatives on irrigation, ventilation and heating systems. In today’s modern retail outlets, these specialities may not be your mainstream everyday work, but without understanding and keeping up with developments how are you going to explain processes and train your newer staff, especially if they do not have the benefit of a horticultural training or years of experience?

And this is all before you have conversations with plant breeders and growers about the opportunities they bring for selling new varieties, plant combinations and containers.

If you want to generate colour and sales in autumn and winter, look no further than the range of conifers from Zoe and Roger at Golden Grove Nursery, Lincolnshire.

Their depth and breadth of range is amazing and their work towards ‘net zero’ is inspiring.

Petunia ‘Bees Knees’ from Ball, has flowered and flowered with a near perfect yellow hue. ‘Stunner’ is the best way to describe it. Gardeners are going to love it.

18 October 2022

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Four Oaks Trade Show

The Plant Pioneers at MNP Suntory has so many new varieties to choose from. Perhaps my star of the whole show was its Petunia Surfinia ‘Heartbeat’ which I’ve not seen before.

It has some fantastic display opportunities and could drive volume impulse sales. Perhaps too there are potential links with a UK cardiovascular research charity to raise funds and gain extra PR.

And while you might think the show is more of a regional event, it certainly has an international flavour too. Growers from countries including Holland, Belgium, Italy, Denmark, Spain and Israel provide an opportunity to access plant stock your customers will not see everywhere.

Don’t get too carried away though, as we all know, the majority of your sales will always come from the core of your range. However, who can resist something a bit different like the new pink rose ‘Cutie Pie’ from Seiont Nurseries in Caernarfon and the benefits to be had for your business from thinking outside the box.

Neil’s highlights While focusing on its climbing plants and ever-increasing selection of clematis, New Leaf Plants, Worcestershire, has introduced a selection of roses representing good value.

Knowing the short supply of roses earlier in the year, there are some great late season sales to be had as many varieties were still full of colour and bud.

Instant impulse sales and good value plants were on offer from Criagmarloch Nurseries, Glasgow. Its pansy and viola packs, were displayed alongside a range of heuchera which are sure to get the tills ringing and some of the best looking cyclamen I’ve seen for a while.

Find out more Even though your soft If you missed it this year, or fruit stock is already have never been, then put organised for autumn the dates in your diary now. sales, it might be Four Oaks Trade Show, worth reserving more 5-6 September 2023. www.fouroaks-tradeshow.com from James McIntyre & Sons, Perthshire, ready for spring. By building on concerns about freshness, traceability, food miles and empty supermarket shelves, spring 2023 could be a renaissance of grow your own especially if boosted with veg, herbs and fruit from

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

If, by next summer, we are beginning to climb out of a gloomy recession then good value colour, like the Glimmer series of double impatiens from Ball, Oxfordshire, could be big sellers in garden centres next May-June. If the trial plant of Impatiens ‘Apple Blossom’ I have sitting on my patio is anything to go by, it is about the only plant still flowering as strongly as it has done since early June.

Ipomea Sunpuma Purple definitely has value as a specimen bedding plant.

Usually sold for its brilliant blue flowers, this new variety has strong foliage interest and will look particularly good displayed alongside strongly contrasting shocking pink petunias.

Gardeners Kitchen, Worcestershire. Its plants have been grown pesticide free for many years and it is now heading towards peat free too.

This fabulous display by the team at Allensmore Nurseries, Hampshire is sure to inspire all teams working in covered areas. Great plants and a celebration of 50 years of perfecting their business, so far!

Congratulations to Team Allensmore.

October 2022 19

New Product Directory for 2023

Find your winning New Product cts ts for fo o 2023 - part rtt 2

W

ith a stagging number of new products entered in the Glee New Product Showcase in September, we decided to list them in a more digestible form by splitting them into two

parts.

In the September issue we published Part 1 of the New Product Directory. In this October issue we complete the listings with Part 2 covering products in the categories Wild Bird Care & Wildlife; Retail Services & Experiences; Landsca Landscaping & Garden Buildings; Homewares, Giiftware, Toys & Games, Clothing and last bu ut not least Pet Products. Plus there are a feew late entries.

Sadly, we don’t have room to include pictures of all the products but it’s easy to contact the companies for more in nformation. All their details can be found in the Glee Show Guide or online by ssearching for ‘Glee 2022 show Guide’ at de Show Guid www.issuu.com. w If you are working on new products ffor next year, why not consider entering them into the Glee New Product Showcase 2023?

- 18:00 Tuesday, 28 June - 9:00 - 9:00 - 18:00 Wednesday, 29 June - 16:00 Thursday, 30 June - 9:00

Organised by

Discover our NEW range

at

Stand 20C40-D41

trademark Miracle-Gro® is a registered

of OMS Investments

and is used under license

from OMS Investments.

16/06/2022 16:11

20 October 2022

Wild Bird Care & Wildlife Winner Bermuda My First Pond Kit. Bermuda. RRP £99.99 Pond dipping fun for all the family. The kit includes PVC pond liner, fountain pump, water conditioner, barley straw, net, magnifying glass and pond dipping guidebook, all in one attractive box.

Shortlisted Bali Island Range. Wildlife World. RRP £39.99-£49.99 The Bali Island Range comprises three handmade products: artisan nest box, hanging bird table and solitary bee hotel each decorated with the hand-painted stylised Indonesian dot painting technique.

Shortlisted Flo Festival™. Jacobi Jayne & Company. RRP £39.99-79.99 An unmissable trend-setter, Flo Festival™ is the company’s largest tubular seed bird feeder with ultra-wide tube, vibrant styling, click-off perches and base. Made from chew-resistant metal and with a lifetime guarantee.

Peckish Natural Balance 100% Local Seed Blend. Westland Unwins.

RRP £3.99 - £18.99 New, improved recipe contains more seeds for more birds which are sourced from within the UK and Ireland, providing great quality feed. Plastic free packaging can be recycled from the kerbside.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

New Product Directory for 2023 Artisan Natural Bee Skeps. Wildlife World. RRP £34.99

For the Love of Birds Premium Blend Mixed Seed. Plantworks Ltd. RRP £6.20

Fair-Trade Artisan Natural Bee Skeps are a fusion between traditional European bee skeps

Premium blend of high energy seed mix to attract a range of wild birds into the garden.

and the skilled handmade style of artisans from Bangladesh. Each is created using natural

Endorsed by the RHS, it contains seeds grown on Fair to Nature farms. Recyclable bags.

seagrass and recycled saris.

Peckish Complete Seed Blend. Westland Unwins. RRP £4.99 - £24.99

Honeyfield’s Metro Seed Feeder. WHM Pet Group Limited. RRP £11.99 Modern twist on classic, elegant but hard-wearing feeder, perfect for all weather. Comes

Peckish leads the way in UK and Ireland with products that are naturally good on the inside

in a range of five different feeders perfect for wild bird enthusiasts looking to brighten up

and out. With 100% paper, plastic free packaging that can be recycled from the kerbside.

their garden.

Winged Insects Wildlife Pack. Field Studies Council. RRP £16.50

NatureArk®. Rolawn Ltd/Bioscapes®. RRP £399.95

Featuring five-fold out guides for bees, butterflies, day-flying moths, hawkmoths and shield bugs, the Winged Insects Wildlife Pack gives information on insects that buzz, drift and

A range of specialist planters from BioScapes, designed to quickly boost biodiversity in any residential, educational, community or commercial setting. Provides multiple habitats for

zoom around the garden.

butterflies, bees to hedgehogs and amphibians.

Nature Spotters In Trees & Woodland. Field Studies Council. RRP £5

Park & Garden Birds. Field Studies Council. RRP £3.75

Children’s Nature Spotting paperback book to help identify tree and woodland finds with a handy recording sheet to note down and tick off each one as they are spotted.

Honeyfield’s 100% Recycled, Recyclable and Biodegradable Packaging: Robin Mix 1.6kg.

WHM Pet Group Limited. RRP £5.99 Feed blend formulated by experts to give robins a helping hand especially in the winter.

Packing is 100% recycled, recyclable and biodegradable and manufactured less than 50 miles from Honeyfield’s headquarters.

For the Love of Birds Energy Rich No Grow Mix. Plantworks Ltd. RRP £7.49 Energy Rich No Grow Mix contains seven no-germinating seed varieties to attract wild birds to the garden. Seeds are grown on ‘Fair to Nature’ farms and packaging is 100% recyclable.

Hive Butterfly Hotel. Capi Europe. RRP £17.99 A new and geometric design made from 100% recycled materials. Smart click system means hotels can be easily attached, and mixed and matched to make a butterfly mansion in the garden.

Peckish Ready to Use Feeder. Westland Unwins. RRP £4.99 Easy to use, pre-filled bird feeders designed, manufactured and packaged in the UK, removing the requirement for shipping and transport from the Far East. Two new products and two new display formats.

Eco – Beehive. Garden Beehives Ltd. RRP £295 Honeybee Nest-box Beehive is like a bird box but for honeybees. Designed in the UK for the bees and not the beekeeper, they make it possible to have honeybees in the garden.

Flamboya Seed Feeder – Bees. Smart Garden Products Limited. RRP £14.99 Joyful bee design to delight gardeners this feeder holds sunflower seeds and a wide variety of seed mixes. Tough glazed ceramic tops and bases are frost resistant and easy to clean.

Hive Water/Plant Dish. Capi Europe. RRP £12.99 The geometric and contemporary Hive Water/Plant dishes fix to a wall or fence to either be potted up or to provide water for wildlife. Mix and match to create a larger display.

NatureArk®. Rolawn Ltd/Bioscapes®. RRP £399.95 Mid-size unit with 11 wildlife habitats to encourage species-rich ecosystems, the NatureArk is ideal for different outdoor spaces, from private gardens to educational settings and community areas Hive Bee Hotel. Capi Europe. RRP £27.99 The hexagonal Hive Bee hotel has a geometric design and due to the smart click system on the back gardeners can mix and match different hotels together to make one larger hotel.

Designed for the speedy identification of garden birds using guide features and colour paintings by Chris Shields. Accompanying text on the reverse covers body size, food and conservation status.

Urban Garden Water Station. WHM Pet Group Limited. RRP £9.99 Plastic bottle drinker for birds with quick filling and re-filling thanks to the easy release twist base which can be removed to enable efficient, easy cleaning to promote better hygiene and bird health.

No Mess, No Grow with Verm-X. Copdock Mill. RRP £6.99 Nutritional, vet approved, high energy bird seed with Vern-X a 100% natural blend of 11 herbs and spices to support health and wellbeing. The first time Verm-X has been added to wild bird food.

Wellness Mix with Verm-X. Copdock Mill. RRP £5.99 All-season mix with Verm-X which provides calcium, helps repel ticks and fleas, aids recovery from moulting and supports intestinal health. Vet approved. Designed and manufactured in the UK.

Retail Services & Experiences Winner Westland Live. Westland Unwins. RRP £n/a New online ordering tool with a central ordering and account management hub plus access to marketing assets, including imagery, descriptions and videos. Also has a training academy for each garden care category.

Shortlisted Compost Bag Recycling Bin. Evergreen Garden Care (UK) Ltd. RRP £free The new Compost Bag Recycling Bin allows consumers to easily dispose of their bags at garden centres. Bags are then collected and recycled into garden furniture. Innovative scheme with Veolia and Dobbies.

Shorlisted Refill Stations. Evergreen Garden Care (UK) Ltd. RRP £variable For grass seed, liquid and granular plant foods, the filling stations encourage shoppers to reuse their packaging saving them money and reducing the amount of single use plastic.

Shortlisted Garden Essentials Merchandising Solution (GEMS). Westland Unwins. RRP £n/a New garden essentials merchandising system from Westland designed to enhance a traditionally unloved part of a garden centre. GEMS is modular, weatherproof, durable and can adapt to any garden centre layout.

Betty Bumble Seed Ball and Activity Set.

Shortlisted

Wildlife and Birdcare Nature Recovery Project CIC. RRP £12.95

Augmented Reality allows visitors to use their smartphone to place plants, garden furniture

Made from peat-free compost and in a plantable wrap, the educational Betty Bumble Seed Ball and Activity Set is made by people with learning disabilities. Includes a booklet and

Garden Connect AR. Garden Connect Ltd. RRP £n/a and other products in their home or garden. Boosts online sales by more than 94% and reduces returns by 40%.

poem.

Honeyfield’s Eco Refill Wild Bird Bins. WHM Pet Group Limited. RRP from £9.99 Bird on spade bird feeder. Eastern Connections. RRP 19.90

Bringing the refill concept to the wild bird sector, Honeyfield’s has cut out single-use plastic.

Ornamental free standing bird feeder with new designs with ornamental laser cut robin or

Using the refill station shoppers pay for the tub and return with it to refill.

blue tit resting on spade.

For the Love of Birds Energy Sunflower Hearts. Plantworks Ltd. RRP £12.99

Honeyfield’s Wild Bird Info Hub. WHM Pet Group Limited. RRP£n/a Bringing a new level of education into stores to guide customers on what they should

High quality sunflower hearts to attract a range of wild birds into the garden Endorsed by

be feeding birds. The website is designed to act as a questionnaire and can be changed

the RHS, seeds are grown on Fair to Nature farms. Packaged in 100% recyclable bags.

seasonally.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

October 2022 21

New Product Directory for 2023 Luna Grey Premium Pebbles. Altico. RRP £14.99

Apsley Farms Natural Plant Food 2.5L/5L

Silver grey pebbles from premium quality natural stone. Not available or sold through any other landscape supplier within garden retailing. Packaging is made with 30% reclaimed

Our concentrated fertiliser is a by-product of UK-based renewable energy production, fully traceable, and made PURELY from the digestion of whole crops. Organically certified, net-zero, more nutritious than seaweed, and packaged in a 100% recycled bottle: possibly the greenest liquid plant food on the market. Proven to double fruits and flowers, enhance root development, promote vegetative growth, and prolong flowering.

Apsley Farms Sales Ltd RRP £12.50/£20 Launched: 18/02/22 Contact: r.stewardson@apsleyfarms.com, 07932 096453 Website: www.apsleyfarms.com

materials and is 100% recyclable.

Pewter Paddlestone. Altico. RRP £29.99 High quality natural slate paddlestone, hand-cut to provide multi-toned finish with marbled grey-stone colouring. In various sizes for rockeries or stepping-stones to attract consumers to purchase varying sizes.

Tweet Tweet Water Feature. Altico. RRP £179.99 Charming traditional-style water featuring reflecting nature with a competitive price point.

Manufacturing process allows it to be made with 55% recycled materials. Packaging is 100% recyclable.

Smart Solar Hybrid Power Buddha Water Feature. Smart Garden Products Limited.

award winning

RRP £249.99

raNnEW ge

alpine collection

6 premium miniature gravels

The classic Buddha Water Feature has a soothing curtain rainfall effect. Even when not working, it is a statement piece for the garden. Power source automatically switches between solar and battery.

Protek ESP Panels. Protek. RRP £25 ESP Panels extends the life of plywood and panel products by creating a watertight seal around the edge of the boards, stopping moisture penetration to protect against delamination.

glee new product winner

landscaping & garden buildings category 01948 841 607

sales@meadowviewstone.co.uk

www.meadowviewstone.co.uk

ORGANIC SUPERFOOD & PEAT-FREE COMPOST BOOSTER Offering a complete package of essential nutrients, all-new Organic Superfood has an NPK of 5-4-3 and is packed full of natural biostimulants, magnesium and organic matter. Each 800g box will help up to 40 plants to thrive.

Peat-Free Compost Booster has been created to partner with peat-free compost suppliers and is carefully balanced to boost compost with a range of essential nutrients. Available in powder form, gardeners can easily mix it into the compost.

Sipcam Home & Garden - Launch date – June 2022 RRP £6.49 www.sipcamhg.co.uk enquiries@sipcamhg.co.uk

Redfish Group Loyalty App. Redfish Group Ltd Inspired by the supermarkets, the Redfish Group Loyalty App allows garden centres to

Gro-Sure Visiroot 12 Tray Growhouse. Westland Unwins. RRP £69.99 Solving the problems of greenhouses blowing away or quickly falling apart. The contemporary leaf shaped house creates an easily accessible growing space for 12 standard seed trays. Top and bottom anchor points.

Eco Stone – Terracotta Slate/Chippings. Deco-Pak. RRP £4.99 Roof tiles and plant pots rejected during production are diverted away from land fill to become decorative landscaping gravel. Eco-friendly with a low carbon footprint, it is processed and packed in Yorkshire.

Country Bond – Kensington Gold. Deco-Pak. RRP £4.99 A self-binding gravel that creates functional and natural looking paths. A blend of gravel, sand and clay it is easy to lay and maintain and will bind without additives.

Homewares, Giftware, Toys & Games, Clothing Winner Plantsmith. Plantsmith Houseplant Care Set. RRP £14.99 The perfect gift for any indoor gardener. Combining gifting and houseplant care, the beautiful cracker contains houseplant feed tonic and mist spray made to a professional formulation.

replace plastic rewards cards and paper mailings. Powerful, simple and easy to use taking

Shorlisted

just minutes to set up.

Primus Mini Wallace & Gromit Garden Sculptures. Primus. RRP £24.99-£44.99

Landscaping & Garden Buildings Winner Alpine Collection in Large Bags. Meadow View Stone Limited. RRP £6.99 - £8.99 Popular, crated Alpine Collection of six premium miniature gravels has been replicated into a large bag range to accommodate the upsurge in sales of smaller grade decorative alpine grits.

Shortlisted Potstars Outdoor Living Range. Meadow View Stone Limited. RRP £4.99

Based on the Wallace & Gromit phenomenon these smaller sculptures now have an attractive price point making them an ideal gift and can decorate any space, including gardens large and small.

Shortlisted TP Wooden Deluxe Potting Bench. Mookie Toys. RRP £159.99 The TP Wooden Deluxe Potting Bench gives children their very own gardening station where they can experience the joy of gardening by taking a seed and turning it into something delicious.

An external display stand featuring a collection of eight pot-topping slates and pebbles in handy-

Shortlisted

pack pouches to satisfy the demand for smaller bags of pot toppers.

Berti. Airflow Ltd. RRP £19.99

Shortlisted Recycled Rubber Mower Edge Border. Primeur Ltd. RRP £19.99 A flexible and hard-wearing border made from recycled rubber tyres. Designed to make

Quality British made Christmas tree stand designed to support trees from 4-9’ high with trunks up to 150mm. Can hold up to 1 gallon of water to reduce needle drop.

Unwins Gardeners’ Seed Box. Westland Unwins. RRP £19.99

lawn maintenance even easier, doing away with the need for strimming. Won’t crack, rot

The perfect gift for a gardener, a beautifully crafted, high quality wooden box to safely

or fade - supplied with installation spikes.

store and organise seeds and sowing essentials. Contains seeds, twine, notepad and

Azpects EASYJoint Select. Azpects Ltd. RRP £45.81 EASYJoint Select retains the sweep-in application method that made EASYJoint so popular,

plant labels.

ClipGlove Activity Boots. Treadstone Products. RRP £39.99

while offering contemporary solid colours comparable to cementitious slurry grouts.

Stylish boots with contoured tops in men’s and ladies’ styles. Easy to pull on using hand

Suitable for porcelain and natural stone paving.

grip apertures or finger loops and with a giant carabiner clip to aid carrying and storage.

22 October 2022

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

New Product Directory for 2023 Wellies and Tulips Garden String Holder. Talking of Plants. RRP £12 Wooden string holders that double as a wellington boot ornament once the twine has

Premium Liquid Plant Feeds

been used. Designed by artist and gardener Hannah Weeks. Includes 10m of jute twine,

The team at Mr Fothergill’s have been working in partnership with plant nutrition experts with a vast experience of supplying fertilisers to farmers and professional growers, combining our passion for all things growing with their expertise to produce a range of six high quality, organic based, liquid plant feeds, and a pure seaweed tonic.

perfect for tying-in plants.

My Living World - Bug Photography Kit. PlayMonster UK Ltd. RRP £15.99 Kit to help take 10x and 20x magnification photos of insects. It comes with the bug guide written by Nick Baker and the capture device and macro lens clip onto your phone.

Super Ninja Sustainable Fruit Fly traps. Super Ninja. RRP £9.99 Ready to use fly traps with self-adhesive strip on back to attach inconspicuously. Food grade, highly effective and non-toxic it is made from 100% recycled materials.

Greenfingers Greeting Cards. Woodmansterne Publications Ltd. RRP £2.85

Mr Fothergill’s Seeds Ltd. £6.49 - £8.99 Launched: 27th June 2022 email address: Sales@mr-fothergills.co.uk

Woodmansterne’s new range of garden inspired greeting cards is raising funds for the Greenfingers Charity. Designs use floral imagery and garden scenes to portray the beauty

dream combination for consumers and also for retailers as the 3-in-1 nature minimises its shopfloor footprint. Like all products in The Real Soil Company portfolio, SuperLawn does not feature artificial fertilisers or added chemicals.

of nature.

Emma Bridgewater Greeting Cards. Woodmansterne Publications Ltd. RRP £3.00 Woodmansterne is delighted to work with the iconic Emma Bridgewater brand to create a beautiful range of cards for all occasions. The perfect add on sale. Fully recyclable using FSC paper.

National Trust Harmony Greeting Cards. Woodmansterne Publications Ltd. Range of beautiful greeting cards generating funds to help the vital work of the National Trust. Designed and made in the UK using vegetable-based inks and FSC paper.

SuperLawn is a rich blend of natural topsoil, soil improver and horticultural sand packed full of slow-releasing nutrients, trace elements and minerals. Designed to The Real Soil Company support seeding and turf laying and RRP from £5.99 as a lawn dressing, SuperLawn is a Launch date – June 2022

www.therealsoilcompany.co.uk nfo@therealsoilcompany.co.uk

My Fairy Garden Hedgehog Haven. PlayMonster UK Ltd. RRP £19.99 Join Tara the Earth Fairy and her Hedgehoglet friends, to grow and play in your own magical Fairy Garden. Red cabbage seeds provided to sow, nurture and watch grow.

Plantsmith Cacti & Succulent Care Set. Plantsmith. RRP £14.99

Vitax Organic Lawn Feed

This eye-catching gift kit contains an environmentally friendly bug spray and specialist

Gardeners looking for a lush, green lawn need look no further than Vitax Organic Lawn Feed.

Chemical-free, it’s packed with natural, plant-based ingredients which not only feed the turf, but also helps grassed areas cope with drought and out-compete moss and weeds to produce a thicker and more durable lawn.

Child and pet friendly. Suitable for organic and vegan gardening and bears the Organic Farmers & Growers approved mark.

feed to grow strong, healthy cacti and succulents. An ideal gift for the new generation of gardeners.

Sachets Advent Calendar 25 Tea Bag Sachets. English Tea Shop. RRP £6.99 This holiday season, delight any tea lover with an English Tea Shop advent calendar.

Choose from of a triangle, chest, tree or old-fashioned calendar shape filled with delicious surprises.

Spider and Insect Vacuum. Pelsis Ltd. RRP £8.99 The Pest-Stop Spider & Insect Vacuum provides is the perfect solution to managing spiders and other insects in the home including cockroaches, woodlice and silverfish without the use of chemicals.

Veritable Indoor Garden - Peat-Free. Veritable Garden. RRP £149.9

Vitax Limited £8.99 Autumn 2022 Email: info@vitax.co.uk Web: www.vitax.co.uk Tel: 01530 510060 Hempe CBD SOS Balm. Hempe®. RRP £14.99 A multi-purpose natural balm that is intensely nourishing, soothing and regenerative for

A revolution in garden technology, the Veritable Indoor Garden allows consumers to grow

dry, inflamed or irritated skin experienced by gardeners. Fragrance free and free of any

their own fresh, organic herbs, edible flowers, small fruits and salad leaves.

other potential irritants.

Plantsmith Orchid Care Set. Plantsmith. RRP £14.99

Battersea. UK Greetings. RRP £2.29

Special gift set to help orchid-lovers keep their favourite plants thriving. Each colourful

Battersea’s new cards are perfect for pet lovers – plus your purchase helps Battersea

cracker contains a 100ml bottle of orchid food and tonic and a 100ml bottle of orchid care

continue its work helping pets and pet owners. Designs on a veltique board are

mist.

complimented with a kraft envelope.

Christmas Sausage Dog Bakers Twine Holder and Decoration. Talking of Plants.

Burgon & Ball houseplant mister. Burgon & Ball. RRP £24.99

RRP £12

Houseplant mister with super-fine spray and 300ml capacity. Available in a choice of three colours,

Dachshund twine holders that double as a sausage dog Christmas tree ornament, once

two co-ordinating with existing watering lines. No-fuss design colours add a contemporary edge.

the string has been used. Perfect for wrapping presents. Comes with 10m biodegradable, recycled cotton twine.

Burgon & Ball indoor watering can. Burgon & Ball. RRP £18.99 Moulded steel indoor can with FSC beech handle and durable powder coating. Its small

Dachshund garden string holder. Talking of Plants. RRP £12

size (14cm) and fine spout give a precise pour and its attractive design means houseplant

Wooden string holder which becomes a sausage dog ornament, once the twine has been

lovers can have it on display.

used. Perfect for tying in plants and general use around the garden – includes 10m of jute twine.

Butterfly Garden. UK Greetings. RRP £2.49

Hempe CBD Hot Muscle & Joint Gel. Hempe®. RRP £17.99

featured on premium veltique board. Multiple foil finishes and a verse insert offer a more

Powerful warming gel enriched with CBD, clove oil, menthol, eucalyptus and vitamin E to bring

modern twist on classic florals.

rapid relief of muscle and joint pain. Reduces the feeling of fatigue after physical exertion.

Gorgeous design from a contemporary collection called Butterfly Garden, with florals

Cedarwood Moth Rings. Pelsis Ltd. RRP £4.99

Hempe CBD Ice Muscle & Joint Gel. Hempe®. RRP £17.99

The Green Protect Cedarwood Moth Rings provide a discreet and effective solution to

Great for gardeners, this powerful cooling menthol gel is enriched with CBD, mint, pine, menthol

deterring adult clothes moths and their larvae, without the use of insecticides. Use in

and laurel to give rapid relief of stiffness in muscles and joints and other common complaints.

wardrobes, drawers and storage boxes.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

October 2022 23

New Product Directory for 2023 Ladies Adele Fleece Lined Rubber Ankle Boot. Stormafit Ltd - Jane Austin &

Kindling Cracker

JACKDAW. RRP £44.99

“Kindling Cracker™ is the patented wood splitter that makes splitting firewood safe and easy. It makes light and safe work of splitting logs for chimineas, fire pits, outdoor pizza ovens, grills and indoor log burners.

everyday wear.

New Zealander Ayla Hutchinson was 13 when she invented this fantastic tool.

Made in Australia from top-grade, recycled cast iron.

Safe. Easy. Smart.”

Launch in UK: September 2021 RRP - Kindling Cracker Original £119.

Kindling Cracker King £179.

Fandango Fire Tools Web - www.fandangofiretools.co.uk Email - info@fandangofiretools.co.uk

New Jane Austin stylish ladies rubber ankle boot with cream fleece lining. Great for

Link2Home Smart Plug. Link2Home. RRP £15.99 Manage electrical devices and appliances from anywhere at any time using a smart device with the L2HSmartPlug. Turn devices on or off and set up timers using the Link2Home Pro app.

Peter Rabbit. UK Greetings. RRP £2.29 Marking 120 years of Beatrix Potter’s imagination, this design encapsulates the heartwarming and nostalgic essence of Peter Rabbit, pairing sweet sentiment with foil finishes and a kraft envelope.

Popcorn Kitchen Treat Selection Box. Popcorn Kitchen Ltd. RRP £12.99

Pot-mate Award winning Pot-mate is the modern alternative to pot feet. A contemporary, innovative design which sits underneath your pots creating a visually pleasing “floating” effect. We manufacture in the UK using 100% recycled polymer, comes in three sizes 150mm, 200mm and 250mm.

RRPs £3.99 £4,49,£4.99.

S&S Garden Designs Ltd. Launched Spring 2022 web www.pot-mate.co.uk email phil@pot-mate.co.uk Diffuser Décor. Jardinopia Ltd. RRP £9.99 An ideal present at any time of year, new reed diffusers are sold in 100% recycled craft card gift package. Decorative figures sit on top of the reeds to add glamour.

Fairford Ochre Speckle Leaf Planter. IVYLINE LTD. RRP £49.99 Handmade in Portugal, this versatile premium stoneware planter catches the eye with its tall silhouette. Debossed with an organic speckle leaf design which adds depth and detail.

Fuzzikins Unicorn Sleepover. PlayMonster UK Ltd. RRP £13.99 Customise the three adorable unicorns and get them ready for magical dreams. Make and decorate their tepee tents, sleeping bags and sleep masks. Wash the unicorns and colour them in again and again.

Garden Ankle Boots. LEON BOOTS CO UK. RRP £39.95 Garden Ankle Boots in the ULTRALIGHT range are perfect for leaving by the backdoor and

A festive themed selection box with six full size bags of gourmet popcorn including Chocolate Orange and Lemon Drizzle. Brings together for the first time a mix of family favourite recipes.

Reclaim A5 Notebook - Blue Wool. VENT for Change. RRP £13.99 Tactile A5 notebook with 100% certified sustainable paper and covers made from reclaimed wool. Each book comes with narrow feint lined pages throughout. Page marker supplied as standard.

Recycled A5 SUCSEED Notebook – Cherry. VENT for Change. RRP £13.99 Ethically produced notebook with covers made from reclaimed cherry husk and recycled board produced with 100% green energy. 100% recycled paper and with a page marker made from reclaimed corn pulp.

Recycled Leather A5 Notebook – Purple. VENT for Change. RRP £14.99 A beautiful, sustainable, lined notebook. Made in Italy using offcuts of leather from the Italian fashion industry and 100% sustainable FSC paper. Available in nine colours and three sizes.

Smart Kettle. Link2Home. RRP £89.99 Four pre-programmed temperature buttons (70, 80, 90, 100°) and modes to select for different types of beverage. Heats to the temperature, turns itself off and will even keep warm for two hours.

TORE Ladies Boot Socks. The Sock Shop. RRP £14.99 Three pair multi pack of TORE, totally recycled socks made up of recycled cotton, polyester, polyamide and elastane. Breathable mesh and arch support for comfort.

Uplifting Moments - 32 Tea Bag Sachets. English Tea Shop. RRP £11.99 A luxurious selection of organic teas blended for superior tastes and flavours from

sliding on to step outside. Weighing only 219g. Durable, comfortable and in a choice of

traditional to exotic. New sachet range with a selection of four blends, holding 32 tea bag

colours.

sachets.

Christmas Farm Scene Sock. HJ Hall. RRP £4

Verre Snowdrop Atlantic Blue Frosted Vase. IVYLINE LTD. RRP £54.99

HJ Hall celebrates its 140 years-experience with a new sock depicting a Christmas farm

For a fresh botanical look at home, this premium glaze, waterproof planter is handmade

scene on a starry night with an expanse of green fields ploughed by a bright red tractor.

from recycled, mouth-blown glass and guarantees a statement on your dining table, windowsill or mantelpiece.

Fluffy TOT Cable Knit Sock. HJ Hall. RRP £10 The Cable Knit Turn Over Top sock fuses flexibility, style and comfort, with a pop of colour to brighten winter afternoons. The fluffy top can be turned down for ankle length style.

Multi Stripe Comfort Top Socks. HJ Hall. RRP £5 Exceptional new Comfort Top socks uses soft organic cotton and a mesh knit top to alleviate circulatory restriction while the multi-stripe design means you don’t need to compromise on style.

Hope Bear. Mood bears. RRP £22.99 Bright and colourful, Hope Bear wears a beautiful rainbow. When days are difficult, or much harder than usual, Hope turns storms into rainbows. Made from 100% recycled materials.

Kent & Stowe Hand Trowel & Fork Set. Westland Unwins. RRP £14.99

Wireless charger with portable nightlight. Link2Home. RRP £24.99 Versatile charging stand to charge a portable nightlight and phone simultaneously. Dim the nightlight with touch control and mount anywhere using the inbuilt magnet or hook.

Advent Calendar Triangular 25 Pyramid Tea Bags. English Tea Shop. RRP £15.99 Delight any tea lover with a revolutionary advent calendar and celebrate the holidays by enjoying the delicious flavours of the festive season with this selection of beautifully blended, organic teas.

Akemi Vase, Carbon Black. IVYLINE LTD. RRP £34.99 Hand thrown in southern Europe, the waterproof and UV stable Akemi planter is the perfect accent piece for displaying blooms which will perfectly offset the hand finished, carbon black planter.

Bird Activity Box. Kidzplay. RRP £12.95

A perfect gift for gardeners bringing together best-selling Kent & Stowe stainless steel

Box with shared focus activity for all the family to connect with nature through screen-free

hand trowel and fork hand tools with beautifully crafted FSC ash wood handles in an

and eco-friendly projects. Box contains a pine-cone feeder to assemble and decorate plus

attractive gift box.

six activity sheets.

24 October 2022

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

New Product Directory for 2023 Tree Activity Box. Kidzplay. RRP £12.95 Shared focus activity for all the family. Learn about printing, create a woodland character and build a den while enjoying the benefits of forest bathing.

Bug Activity Box. Kidzplay. RRP £12.95 Fun for all the family, this box will help you become a bug bodyguard. Activities include using home recycling to make a house for bugs and a guide on how to observe how they move.

1000-piece jigsaw. Museums & Galleries Ltd. RRP £14.99 Arts & Crafts designer CFA Voysey’s ‘Birds of Many Climes’ features on this new jigsaw.

Presented in a reusable printed box, the jigsaw is an entertaining puzzle and work of fine art in one.

Organic Cotton Tote Bag – Wildflower Hare. Museums & Galleries. RRP £15.50 Strong and stylish, this premium organic canvas tote bag has an internal pouch pocket and coordinating handles. Featuring a contemporary floral montage ‘Wildflower Hare’ by Helen Ahpornsiri.

Pet Products Winner PARK LiFE Fris-Bix. PARK LiFE PET LIMITED. RRP £5.99 Frisbee shaped biscuits for throwing, catching, and playful snacking. Made from a few simple, human quality ingredients including organic sunflower seeds, peas and coconut oil.

Plant based and puppy approved.

Shortlisted Scruffs® Classic Long Eared Dog Bowl. Scruffs. RRP £15.99 Modern twist of contemporary colours to the Classic range and new design for long-eared dogs. Ears fall to the outsides of the bowl rather than inside keeping them clear of food and water.

Shortlisted Zoon Treat & Seek Farm Friends. Smart Garden Products Limited. RRP £9.99 Treat & Seek toys bring treat dispensing fun. Durable plush toys provide a mentally challenging treat puzzle and a squeaky cuddle or fetch toy. Easy to clean and long-lasting.

Black Midi Dog Walking Bag. Barking Bags. RRP £29.99 Barking Bags are a solution to the problem of how dog walkers carry essential items.

Appealing to urban dog owners, the new stylish Midi Bag can be worn cross body or as a bum bag.

Camouflage Dog Walking Bag. Barking Bags. RRP £39.99 Inspired by young British designers, Barking Bags have mesh pockets for water bottles and soggy toys, a poo bag dispenser, a safe place for keys and mobile and more. May be worn cross body or attached to a belt.

Harriet Soft Harness. Ditsy Pet Ltd. RRP £22.95 Exclusive floral design made from soft neoprene with a padded inside mesh for extra comfort. Adjustable polyester webbing straps at two points. Quick drying with matching collar, lead and poop bag holders.

Training Treats Jar - Zero Waste Shopping. Goodchap’s. RRP £2.20 per 100g Large Training Treats Jar perfect for zero waste shops and packaging free environments.

Filled with 80% fish and 20% potato fish-shaped training treats and 1200g refill packs available.

Harriet Dog Collar. Ditsy Pet Ltd. RRP £11.95 Exclusive floral design. Made from hardwearing printed polyester webbing and with a padded neoprene handle for added comfort when walking. Quick drying with matching harness, collar and poop bag holder.

Scruffs® Scandi Non Tip Pet Food & Water Bowl. Scruffs. RRP £16.99 Influenced by Nordic designs this non-tip shape bowl has clean, simple lines with a flared base. Made from heavy stoneware ceramic it’s designed to prevent pets moving the bowl around when eating.

Whitefish Jerky Jar - Zero Waste Shopping. Goodchap’s. RRP £1.20 per 10g (roughly one chew) Whitefish Jerky in a half gallon jar is filled with 100% fish skin dog chews. Refill packs of 320g available. Extra-large refillable jars also available so you can charge per chew or gram.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Eco Fetch. Goodchap’s. RRP £7.50 An eco-friendly alternative to plastic ball throwers and tennis balls. Easy to throw, this 100% natural cotton rope toy is hand woven in Somerset using no harmful dyes, bleaches or glues.

Blue Diddy Dog walking bag. Barking Bags. RRP £21.99 Suitable for urban walks and country rambles, the Blue Diddy bag, is super stylish and neat with room for keys, mobiles and poo bag dispenser. The solution for carrying essential items without compromising on style.

Scruffs® Kensington Box Bed. Scruffs. RRP £124.99 With a contrasting and reversible centre cushion which accentuates the bed’s detailing, the luxuriously finished Scruffs® Kensington Box Bed has deep side walls and high-sided rear offer the ideal pet resting environment.

Weenect GPS tracker for pets. Weenect. RRP £49.95 With almost eight-years-experience developing GPS trackers, French company Weenect is an expert in this field. Its animal tracker has been updated to become lighter and have even greater location precision.

Harriet Dog Waste Bag Holder. Ditsy Pet Ltd. RRP £8.95 Exclusive design made from neoprene with zip opening at the back. Easily clips onto a lead or bag and can be refilled with standard sized poop bags. Matching harness, collar and leads available.

PARK LiFE Love-Bix Red Berries. PARK LiFE PET LIMITED. RRP £5.99 Heart-shaped cookies with real red berries and no added sugar. Seed based recipe and grain free, they can even be eaten by humans. Perfect for selling in dog-friendly shops and cafes.

PARK LiFE Chill-Bix with Honey & Chamomile. PARK LiFE PET LIMITED. RRP £5.99 Star-shaped biscuits with honey and chamomile and calming properties to help chill boisterous dogs. Seed-based recipe that’s 100% natural.

PARK LiFE Milk Bones. PARK LiFE PET LIMITED. RRP £5.99 (large). £3.99 (small) Long-lasting, bone-shaped chews relieve boredom for up to an hour. Made with lactosefree milk protein they also clean teeth and support strong muscles and bones.

Late entries Garden Decoration Zen Kojo, Wellbeing Water Feature. Deco-Pak. Water feature to channel Eastern influences for a calming aura and tranquil experience.

Mood lighting, grow your own herb kit and scented water feature cleaner included to stimulate all five senses.

Sisene Table Lamp. SunTime. RRP £89.99 Cherry bulb system of 900 lumens and rechargeable with a USB giving a battery life of up to 20 hours. Design is patented and the lamp can be remote controlled.

Garden Accessories Garden tools apron. Evercreatures.

One of three new designs marketed by Evercreatures for its garden ranges from Julie Dodsworth illustrations.

Garden Growing Containers Home Garden Louis. Jagram SA. RRP £119 Elegant, light but solid timber planter for herbs and vegetables. Exceptional construction and smart design with 10-year guarantee.

Garden Leisure & Entertaining Pelican on a Pier. Juakali.

Made from sustainable materials, this elegant pelican decoration is perched upon a pier.

Master Armchair. SunTime.

UV resistant chair made from recycled materials and available in a range of colours. Made in Europe.

Palm Print Parasol. SunTime.

Multi-functional Parasol with crank and tilt functions plus on-trend palm print design available in two sizes, 2.7m and 3m. Material is resistant to UV50+.

Garden Tools & Machinery Edgemate Pro. Vertak Mechanical.

Multi-functional sharpener for gardening and workshop tools such as an axe or chisel plus household items including bread knives. Easy to use, can sharpen almost any tool and comes with interchangeable cartridges.

October 2022 25

SOLEX New Product Digest 2022

Winners and full new product line up from

SOLEX 2022 26 October 2022

Winner of the Best Barbeque was ProQ with the portable Flatdog.

SOLEX New Product Digest 2022 Alfresco Vita Tutto. Alfresco Brands Ltd. A new, innovative multi fuelled (gas and wood) outdoor oven from Alfresco Brands. Available in two sizes ready to launch into stores 2023.

Cabinex 6 Burner Premium Outdoor Kitchen.

BeefEater Europe.

This complete DIY outdoor kitchen includes the BeefEater Proline 6 Burner BBQ, single door fridge, sink and tap, triple drawers and storage space. The outdoor kitchen platform can be used with other BBQ brands.

BeefEater 7000 Series Premium BBQ & Trolley.

BeefEater Europe.

The new generation Signature Series BBQ including rear burner, hood lights, LED knobs, adjustable trolley stand and other high quality features.

Performance Power Edition 3. Char-Broil.

Infrared cooking technology with high performance sear burner and stainless steel emitter plates. Durable steel construction and porcelain enamelled cast Iron grates with

Winning Best Sustainable Product was the colourful Nassau patio furniture range made from recycled plastic bottles.

Second place

five-year warranty and eco-friendly packaging.

The Glowbus® Dewdrop fire pit is made of corten steel which on average lasts eight times

Airforce E-Cook 110cm BBQ With a 58cm

longer than regular steel. It’s built with a perfect

Induction Hob. Devine Distribution LTD. With an all-electric system, the Airforce E-Cook is the first of its kind. Built to bring the kitchen outdoors it comes with a wide range of accessories from spice racks to knife blocks.

The Smokey Olive Wood range introduces Mediterranean aromas and flavour to barbequed food. All are biproducts

The Airforce E-Cook can be configured with either an

from, for example Iberico pig farming and olive oil

induction or Teppanyaki cooking area. Made from the

production and dried using solar power.

Grillstream Classic 6 Burner. LeisureGrow/Grillstream.

Geneva. Leisuregrow.

The Geneva uses ECO-Core technology. Cushions are filled with between 70% - 100% recycled material, with each

The Classic 6 Burner is Grillstream’s next generation BBQ.

back cushion requiring around seven 1-litre plastic bottles

With a complete modern redesign and functional outer

to make enough filling for a comfortable, plump cushion

body, it also boasts patented Grillstream technology and hybrid cooking (charcoal, gas or both).

Three-piece tool set. Tramontina.

This rustic style, long handled barbeque tool set

Portable Charcoal Grill. Kamado Joe.

comprising a knife, fork and tongs has wooden handles

Providing the flavour of charcoal with the ease of a gas grill

made from FSC certified wood, which are ergonomically

on the go, the Portable Charcoal Grill has a SteadyTemp™

designed for both comfort and safety.

dial to maintain temperature up to four hours and easy

Best Furniture Product

folding with the QuickCollapse™.

Kettle Joe. Kamado Joe. Kettle Joe is a 57cm kettle grill with ceramic features to ®

improve heat retention, fuel efficiency and smoking ability.

The 2-Tier Divide & Conquer® system means food can be

Best BBQ Product

cooked at different temperatures.

Winner

Katherine Wheel. Firepits UK.

Flatdog. ProQ Barbecues and Smokers.

Inspired by Spanish outdoor cooking, the Katherine Wheel

A portable grill the same thickness as a laptop when folded

collection features a wheel mechanism to raise and lower

and ready to light in a second. Unlike disposable barbecues,

the grill plate. Made from British steel, they can sit on a

the Flatdog can easily feed a family time and time again.

table or heat resistant work top.

Second place

Fryton. LANDMANN.

Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle Series. Dansons.

The Fryton is an innovation that combines a barbecue with

Innovation meets versatility with the Ultimate Griddle by

the flexibity of an air fryer offering the ability to grill, fry and cook outside. It comes with a cast iron grill and four

precision to create a bigger, hotter and heavier outdoor

burners.

cooking experience.

Best Sustainable Product

Third place

Winner

Timberline. Traeger.

Smokey Olive Wood. Que Fresco.

Hob. Devine Distribution LTD.

weather cover and soft close drawers.

Pit Boss® Grills. They perfectly blend power, portability and

Third place

Airforce E-Cook BBQ With a Teppanyaki Induction

highest quality marine steel and beech it features a

Winners line up at SOLEX

balance of authentic handicrafts and modern techniques.

Nassau Range. Lifestyle Garden @Scancom.

Winner Garden Bar and Two Stool Set. Zest.

The perfect party piece and ideal for large or small outdoor places. Innovative and versatile, it’s storage doors open to become a counter top while hinged doors reveal a drinks cabinet with shelving.

Second place Height Adjustable Extending Table. Innovators International Ltd. The Innovators ceramic tile top, height adjustable can be used for dining or lowered by pressing the easy-to-use lever to become a coffee table. It can also be extended to create extra space.

Third place Octo Sun Lounger. Tramontina United Kingdom Ltd. In five colours, the stylish and versatile Octo Sun Lounger creates striking and comfortable areas. Mix and match with the Casa Delta range for balcony, patio, garden or commercial settings.

Knightsbridge. A.Mir & Co.

The all-new wood pellet Timberline grills offer consistency,

Created using ethically recycled plastic, the Nassau

A corner lounging set, for up to six people, designed for

convenience and versatility while redefining what a grill

collection of chairs and tables in a range of exciting

comfort. Water and stain resistant cushions sit atop a

can do. Pushing the limits of outdoor cooking, they bring

colours is the outcome from a long-term partnership with

lightweight but strong aluminium frame which is naturally

people together to create wonderfully memorable meals.

Social Plastic® and The Plastic Bank.

rustproof and fully recyclable.

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

October 2022 27

SOLEX New Product Digest 2022 Monterey Adjustable Firepit Table. Bramblecrest.

The adjustable height dining firepit table offers more versatility than its ‘fixed’ height predecessor. Perfect for dining or informal drinks, it can be used for cooking, enhancing ambience or extending outdoor evenings.

B Table. Extreme Lounging.

The B table is the perfect side table with a multifunctional top that can be used as a table or taken off to become a tray. It is compatible in all weather and situations.

Flamingo 2 Seat Sofa set. Glencrest Seatex Limited (Katie Blake).

Every chair in the Flamingo range reclines including dining chairs and two-seat sofas that double as sunbathing recliners. High quality, innovative set designed by Katie Blake capable of withstanding the British weather.

Chatsworth Royal. Katie Blake (Glencrest Seatex).

The Chatsworth design with aluminium frame in creamy coloured weave has been designed by the Katie Blake team.

Competitively priced. Sew-in labelling has been produced from recycled polythene bags.

Ibiza Endless Modular Lounge Set. Hartman.

Venice. Leisuregrow.

Venice by LG Outdoors is a new range of contemporary lightweight aluminium furniture, featuring teak-effect tabletops and EcoCore polyester fibre.

Risha 6 Seat Dining Set with Superstone Tabletop.

Supremo Ltd. The Risha Dining Range, with its modern, curved lines, is made from responsibly sourced eucalyptus and a strong inner aluminium frame encased in recycled, marine grade rope. Exceptional ability to handle all-weather conditions.

Zest Olivia Bench. Zest.

Zest Curved Bench Seat. Zest.

Curved bench designed for informal, everyday use. The kidney shaped seat is perfect for sitting around a fire pit or and

Zest was on a winning streak with its Garden Bar and Two Stool Set taking the prize for Best Furniture Product.

it can stand end-to-end with another for a

baffles circulate the air enhancing and drawing the flame upwards.

Beer Barrell & Pizza Oven. Tramontina.

Combining the passion and tradition of

Zest Cherry Blossom Bench. Zest.

Inspired by Japanese architecture and beautifully crafted to

barbequing with contemporary elements and efficiency,

bring an oriental feel to the garden, the new Cherry Blossom

Tramontina has re-invented the Beer Barrel Grill.

Bench from Zest is functional, elegant and absolutely on trend.

Professional grade designed to be easy for beginners and

Best Individual Product Winner

garden. Robust and sturdy with an angled top section

El Fuego Firepit. The Crop Candle Company.

to the front legs. Simple to build from FSC certified

Green alternative to conventional fire pits burning 100%

sustainable slow grown soft wood.

eco-friendly vegetable wax producing a large, hypnotic and

The Freya presents a new aesthetic with alternate width

flame inside a glass tube. Its surrounding

Third place

serpentine arrangement.

The contemporary Olivia Bench looks at home in any

Zest Freya Seating and Dining Range. Zest.

bioethanol fuel, produces a warm dancing

therapeutic flame. Smokeless and with a burn time of eight hours, it’s ideal for urban gardens.

wooden slats cleverly spaced for a comfortable, ergonomic

Second place

seating shape. The extended high back improves support

Spin Lantern. Ginique.

adding a sense of drama to outdoor dining.

For home and garden, the Spin Lantern, powered by The El Fuego Firepit was given the award for Best Individual Product.

exceptional for chefs.

Sirius Fire Pit. Gardeco Ltd. A new firepit design from Gardeco, the Sirius comes in six bright pastel colours. Inspired by mid-20th century retro furniture and appliance designs, the Sirius offers a curved, soft and gentle style.

Stella Chimanea. Gardeco Ltd. A new chimenea design from Gardeco available in a choice of six bright pastel colours. Inspired by mid-20th Century retro furniture and appliance designs, the Stella offers a curved, soft and gentle style.

Casa Mia Tempo Chiminea. Leisuregrow.

Elegant Casa Mia Tempo Chimineas are multi-use gas powered offering a low maintenance, easy to clean heating system.

Casa Mia Pizza Oven. Leisuregrow.

Cooking pizzas to perfection, the range of Casa Mia Pizza Ovens incorporates a U-shaped gas burner system, which combined with a ceramic stone, disperses heat evenly. Variable gas control.

Enders Flame Heater. Lifestyle Appliances.

Combining the bespoke beauty of a living flame with warmth.

The fuel efficient eco burner in the Enders heater is easy to light while LED mood lighting enhances the atmosphere.

Parasol Umbrella. Mercer Agencies.

Aluminium garden parasol umbrella with bistro bar round table and crank and tilt functionality can be used as a standalone parasol. It’s 38mm pole fits most standard tables and bases.

Square Griddle Pan. Tramontina.

From healthy stir-fry’s to sumptuous curries this 27cm cast iron square griddle pan with a 2.2L capacity, features an ergonomic handle with hanging hole, helper handle and two pouring lips.

28 October 2022

www.gardentradenews.co.uk

Viewpoint

Change brings opportunity Vicky Nuttall, Director of GIMA

W

e are just emerging from the havoc the Covid 19 pandemic wrought, only to head into the eye of another storm, as we face a cost-of-living crisis. The papers are spouting doom and gloom but, before I get too caught up in that, I am reminded of the millions of people who turned to their gardens for sanctuary during lockdown and can’t help but feel the latest challenge could well offer new opportunities for the garden industry.

We welcomed an army of three million new gardeners during the pandemic, which helped to keep garden centres’ tills ringing at a time when many businesses floundered. The wellbeing and health benefits associated with gardening were already well documented but the trend for people upping tools accelerated massively through lockdown, as people sought refuge from uncertainty in the world and created a haven in their outdoor space. This did absolute wonders for our industry, although we could certainly have done without the supply chain issues! Looking at the turmoil the Great British public is facing now, the optimist in me has a strong feeling there is still potential for our sector to do well. Yes, there will be a squeeze on household finances but what stands us in good stead is that gardening is a relatively inexpensive hobby. Plus, if people are cutting back on going out to eat or heading off on expensive holidays, they will want home comforts and to enjoy being in their space as much as possible, which is where areas, like grow-your-own, may well come into their own.

In a recent seminar for GIMA members, leading trend expert, Scarlet Opus discussed how the departure of the pandemic is making way for other mounting personal and societal concerns, including fears about climate change, losing personal freedoms, inequality and discrimination, job security and, of course, the cost-of-living crisis. People are going to need reassurance during this time, with gardens and outdoor areas providing the perfect opportunity to explore and experiment with planting and space, while allowing them to be more adventurous and celebrate their personality and lifestyle. Experts also predict more collaborative and community-minded thinking, as people will increasingly need to

feel involved and part of something. This desire to reconnect with one another is expected to result in a host of new community gardens and shared allotment plots. On top of that, a really encouraging stat I heard recently was that 63% of consumers say spending time gardening makes them happy, something we all know to be true from both a mental and physical wellbeing standpoint. If we can fully communicate these benefits to consumers, who are seeking things that bring joy during tumultuous times, then it does seem as though there is unrivalled potential to see them heading straight to their local garden centre.

I’ve talked about the potential – and it is there – but we mustn’t be complacent. These opportunities won’t just fall into our laps. Consumers are spoiled for choice with ways to spend their time and money, and if we, as an industry, want to win that disposable income, we need to work twice as hard to benefit.

As I write this, we are in countdown mode for our annual GIMA Awards, where we will celebrate a wealth of innovation from our members, along with their commitment to customers. So much of the innovation we will be celebrating will serve to boost consumer confidence, as they turn to their gardens once again as a retreat, including those products that look to minimise environmental impact or offer water and cost-saving benefits. It’s an exciting prospect to see the garden retail sector leading the way with such innovation and I know so much more is forthcoming.

I can assure you that, no matter what the next few years hold for us, commitment from our members will remain and we will endeavour to help drive sales for retailers in the garden sector and take advantage of any, and all, of the opportunities that present themselves.

This desire to reconnect with one another is expected to result in a host of new community gardens and shared allotment plots

Find out more

For further information about GIMA and its wide range of member benefits, please contact the GIMA Press Office on (01959) 564947 or info@gima.org.uk

The garden retail sector is leading the way with innovative new products.

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October 2022 29

Viewpoint

Getting horticulture to the centre of governmen nt planning Boyd J Douglas-Davies, Chair of the Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group

O

ver the last three years I have discovered the work of the Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group (OHRG) – something I knew little about before becoming President of the HTA. It was no surprise then that when I recently became the OHRG Chair the most frequent question from friends and colleagues (sometimes one and the same!) was: “What‘s that?”

The OHRG is a group of horticultural

organisations, including the RHS, British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), HTA, Arboricultural Association (AA), and the NFU, which have come together to champion the value of the UK’s ornamental horticulture and landscaping industry. The aim is to demonstrate that the benefits and opportunities arising from supporting horticulture align with the government’s strategic objectives and DEFRA’s

departmental priorities.

Until recently, ornamental horticulture and landscaping have been hugely undervalued and regularly misunderstood. As the original ‘green economy’ industry, the OHRG aims to demonstrate how our industry can contribute to numerous government objectives including fulfilling its 25 Year Environment Plan, achieving ambitious climate change targets, and ‘building back greener’. Almost every

763,000 jobs supported by horticulture by 2030

30 October 2022

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Viewpoint

industry in the world is looking to find ways to reduce the impact it has on the planet.

Horticulture is in a unique position, in my opinion, in that what we do improves the planet. Everyone in this country realized the value of plants and even the smallest outdoor space during lockdown. This was especially demonstrated with the reopening of garden centres and their subsequent ‘essential’ status. Our challenge now is to ensure the incredibly important role our industry has played over the last few years, is not forgotten over the next few years. Ours is a vital industry and we need to speak about that loud and clear.

Huge potential for growth

Helping DEFRA reach its goals

DEFRA’s 25 Year Environment Plan established ambitious goals to improve the natural environment. Its priority is to ‘further embed environment into wider policy development and departmental planning’. This is great news for every sector of our industry. To help it on its journey the OHRG has four sub-committees taking forward its priority areas of activity.

Research & Development. Chair, Wayne Grills, BALI Chief Executive.

Alistair Griffiths, RHS Director of Working with government and Science and Collections. Looking to planners to research best practice on green space design to ensure our establish a more proportionate plant health regulatory regime for plants landscape is a green one. Pushing and seeds imports, and a plant health for the ‘regreening’ of urban areas agreement with the EU for exports, and the incorporation of more and seeking a coordinated research community green spaces within the urban planning process and and development plan, including match funding, to deliver industry establishing strategies towards growth. simplifying water abstraction, Education & Employment. Chair, particularly after this summer which Martin Emmett, Director of Tristram highlighted the challenges our Plants (part of Farplants) and country faces.

The Commercial Committee. Chair, Chair of the NFU Horticulture and James Barnes, HTA Chair. Acting Potatoes Board. Increasing the flow as the bridge between DEFRA and of horticultural knowledge and enthusiasm and looking for every industry to mobilise consumers and opportunity to ensure the 100,000+ businesses to back environmentalbased initiatives, including social increase in workforce is achieved at prescribing schemes. Continuing to the earliest opportunity by working work with government to establish a with DEFRA and departments such as the Department for Work & Pensions. pragmatic solution to the post-Brexit Lobbying for the additional seasonal trade regime and ensure our industry has access to business improvement workers this year was successful funds such as environmental land and very much down to Martin’s management schemes and the determination.

Planning & Infrastructure. Chair, Farming Investment Fund.

How big could our industry be? Pre-pandemic it was calculated that the UK’s ornamental horticulture and landscaping industry was predicted to grow to almost £42 billion in 2030. When compared to the £28.8 billion from our last ‘normal’ year, 2019, it’s clear we are - pun intended - a constantly growing industry. Aside from all the environmental benefits, our industry could contribute up to £8.7 billion in predicted UK tax revenues by 2030, up from £6.3 billion in 2019. The number of jobs across the country supported by the industry also has the potential to increase from 674,200 in 2019 to 763,000 in 2030.

Not only are these numbers important for our industry and the people who work in it, but it is also important for this new government that is so focused on generating in predicted UK tax sizable economic revenues by 2030 growth.

£8.7bn

Collaboration is vital In short, by working together, the OHRG can support DEFRA in meeting its overarching priorities: improving and protecting the environment and growing a thriving green economy. But how do you play your part?

Consultation is a two-way process.

DEFRA has an open approach to support the decisions it is tasked with making. It is imperative that we all speak up when the opportunity presents itself. I attended a retailer meeting recently, hosted by DEFRA, to discuss the potential impacts of the incoming peat legislation. Many garden retailers, including the supermarkets and big box operators, were invited to the meeting – it was available as both an in-person and

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online event. Sadly, only five ‘traditional’ garden centre/ retail nursery operators turned up. Without strong representation the team at DEFRA will only be left with one conclusion… we are happy to let them make the decisions. They want to hear from the industry, they are investing significant time in consultations so we need to play our part and share our thoughts.

As the new Chair, one of the vital things I need to do is keep the industry informed of several things. What it has achieved, what we want it to achieve and what you can do to play your part. I have already talked of the need for you to collaborate with DEFRA; what I also ask is that you look for every opportunity to talk with decision makers and influencers at a local level. School teachers could be doing more to explain to their pupils the benefits of working in our industry. Are you reaching out to them

and offering workplace opportunities, or did H&S say ‘too much hassle!’? Local planners and developers are being encouraged from on high to green Britain, one plant at a time, but are you throwing open your doors and making your knowledge available? The mass plantings of berberis and vinca may not be the most exciting – so help designers by inviting them into your business to discover the vast array of plants you sell.

Find out more

The OHRG is made up of volunteers, seeking to ensure horticulture flourishes for generations to come. We seek your support and, hopefully, approval but most importantly, we want your input and feedback. I will update you through GTN on a regular basis but in the meantime don’t hesitate to email me. choyp16@hotmail.com

October 2022 31

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