Christmas Glee!
After Glee it’sfull on intoChristmas forall gardencentreteams and theGTN team as we set up and launch our Greatest Christmas Awards for 2025
Judging by the numberof centres that havecontacted us asking for details before the launch we areexpecting this year’s awards to be extra special and our team of judges arebusy preparing theirsleighs to make the 100 centreChristmas visits. To ensureyour team receive one of our judges visits, please nominatethem straight away –the details areonpages 6to8or just send an e-mail right nowto trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk.
Onceagain,weare giving garden centrecustomers the ultimate say in who is The Greatest at Christmas thisyear, with our on-line and in-store voting.Eventhough the voting only went liveon-line lastweek we’vealready had hundreds of votescast, and voting continues right up to Christmas, closing on Monday 22nd December, so thereisplenty of time to get amongst thewinners
Withvoting awards for regional winners as well as overall winners to be
announced at SpringFairin February2026, everyvote countsand the winners are always thoseteams whoreally engagewith their customers thebest. Theyare The Greatest! Full details, including downloads of posters and
voting forms can be found in theGTN Xtra newsletter:www gardentradenews.co.uk
We look forwardtoseeing youwhile we areout on our Christmas travels. Ho,ho, ho!
Trevor Pfeiffer
Will your customers vote youThe Greatest at Christmas2025?
EDITORIAL &ADVERTISING
GardenTrade News
Potting Shed PressLtd DairyDrove Thorney Peterborough PE60TX Tel01733 775700 www.gardentradenews.co.uk
THE GTNTEAM
Editor Trevor Pfeiffer trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk
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Crowning Team Christmas
Nominations forGTN’sGreatestChristmas Awards arenow open and remember your customerscan vote too.
Wehaveofficiallylaunched the GTNGreatestChristmas Awards for 2025 and can’t wait to hit the road and meet allthe teams makingthe Christmas magic happenin garden centres acrossthe country.
It’ssimple to submit anomination, and with numerous categories youcan be sure teams in all your festivedepartments will be recognised. The closing date for nominationsis2nd November andjudges, wearing their best Christmas jumpers,will be visiting garden centresinNovember and December
To nominateateam or severalteams, email trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk including afew wordsaboutwhy we should come andmeet youall, and aphotoor twotoinclude in our GTNXtraChristmas photogalleries.
Customer vote
The Greatest Christmas Teams category is decided by your customers andlast year morethan 20,000 voteswerecast onlineand via paper slips. Encourageyour customers to vote by printing the posters, thereare four different designs to choose from, accessed via GTNXtraat www.gardentradenews.co.uk. Display
them in store, in toiletsand cafes andadd avoting link to your social mediapages or website
Your customers can also vote in-store using postcards (templates alsoonthe website). Collectthem andsendthem to us forcountingbefore Christmas. This is agreat wayfor your team to seejustwhat customers really likeabout your Christmas, as they can read thepositivecomments andtakeabig patonthe back too.
Results
Judges willmeet in early Januarytoreview alltheir visits andthe winners will be announcedatSpringFaironMonday2nd February2026.
AreweThe Greatest at Christmas?
If youthink we are, please
VOTE FORUS
GTN’sGreatestGardenCentre ChristmasTeam Awards
Vote on-line by scanningthis QR code, or vote on oneofour forms, just ask amember of theChristmas team.Thank you
GTNGreatest Christmas Awards categories 2025
•The Greatest Winter &ChristmasHouseplant Team
•The Greatest Outdoor Plant andChristmas Tree Team
•The Greatest GardeningasaChristmas GiftSales Team
•The Greatest Christmas Gifts Team
•The Greatest Garden CentreChristmas Promotion
•The Greatest Christmas BBQ& Outdoor LeisureTeam –TheSOLEXSizzle
•The Greatest Christmas Food &Drink Popup
•The Greatest FestiveRetail Food Team
•The Greatest Christmas WildBirdCare& PetTeam
•The Greatest Garden CentreGrottoTeam
•The Greatest Group SmallGardenCentreChristmas Team*
•The Greatest Group LargeGardenCentreChristmas Team*
•The Greatest Small Garden CentreChristmas Team
•The Greatest Mid-Sized Garden CentreChristmas Team
•The Greatest Large Garden CentreChristmas Team
•The Greatest Giant Garden CentreChristmasTeam
•The Greatest Christmas Garden CentreTeam –Overall and regionalwinners -asvoted forbycustomers
*Group Garden Centre awards are forgroups withfive or more centres 2025
Ivote for the GardenCentreTeamat (name of retailer) ............................. as TheGreatest Christmas Garden Centre 2025 because.
And thethingthey do best at Christmas is
Voted for by:
Postcode
Email:
VOTINGCLOSES at 4pm on Monday22nd December 2025
Conditions:
Prizes galore
As well as thekudos andfame from winningone of GTN’sGreatestChristmasawards, Gold winners in each category will winprizes including stock, services or hotel accommodationfromour sponsors Without thesupport from oursponsors, theawards couldn’t go ahead. Companies lookingtoget involved, sponsor acategory andreceive bespokemedia coverage can contact Alan Burdon:alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk
Thanks to:
•GardenRadio
•Glee 2026
•Museums &Galleries
•SmartGardenProducts –Three Kings
•Solex 2026
•Woodmansterne
To nominate email: trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk
Deadlinefor judging visit nominations: 2nd November 2025
To get your customers voting foryou seeall thedetailin GTNXtra
Voting closesatmidnighton22nd December2025
Formoreinformationonwhatthe judges arelooking for andtemplatesfor customervotingvisit www.gardentradenews.co.uk
Supersuppliers
This year’s ChoiceMarketing Conference, Trade Showand GalaEvening welcomedarecord 135suppliers. Theevent culminatedina dinnerwith 425 delegates and presentations forthe ChoiceSupplierofthe Year awards.The evening’s raffle and auctionraisedmorethan£4,000 for Greenfingers Charity andThe ColegraveSeabrookFoundation.
Winnersofthisyear’sChoiceMarketing Supplier of theYearAwards2025
Plants –Allensmore Nurseries
Furniture &Outdoor Living –Leisuregrow
Non-RetailServices -Corby& Fellas
Giftware -SmartGarde
Sundry AssociateSup -Tom Chambers
Sundry MajorAssociat
Supplier andWinnero the PeterWilson Cup
Westland
NOURISH &BLOOM
NOURISH& BLOOM NOURISH &
Greeting cards andgift packaging in full bloom
Bringing anew range of cardsand gift packaging, Woodmansterne is unlocking hiddensales and offering profitableadd-on categories that garden centres can’t affordtooverlook.
With exclusivedesigns, strong environmental credentials and trusted W-Select category managementservice, Woodmansterne has been instrumental in bringinggreeting cards to gardencentreshop floors. At the same time finding theperfect gift at agarden centrehas alsobecome morecommonplace as retailers build on their reputation of being trusted destinations for inspirationand leisure.
The rise in gifting as agarden centres category, continues to steadily rise bringing with it moreopportunities to sell cards. In fact, according to the Garden Centre Association’sBarometer of Trade, gifts
continue to be one of the strongest performing non-plant categories.InAugust 2025,gifts led the waywith salesup+10.1% year-on-year,underlining the growing importanceofgifting,cards and homewareto overall gardencentreturnover.
At manycentres,customers cannow findthe perfect gift and pair it with the perfect card.And this has presented yet more opportunity to build on sales of both categories,extending the shopping journey and encouraging cross-category buying
The opportunity
Lastyear, Woodmansterne launched its first range of gift packaging including wrap and
bags, gift tags, tissue paper,and at this year’s Glee addedtothat choicewithnew designs. Butgreeting cards and gift packagingaren’t just standalone categories
Displays on its Glee standthemed around Cards and Gift wrap in Full Bloom, hinted at ways retailers can effectively cross merchandise to maximise sales. The dedicated storeenvironment featuredgreeting cards and Woodmansterne’slatest gift packaging collection, completewith fixtures, displays, and agifting table
“Weextended ourgift packaging range, building on the success of our first collection and following the overwhelming positive feedback from ourretailers. By pairing wrap
At Glee, Woodmansterne inspired visitors with a display to encourage cross merchandising of gifts and packaging
On topofbeing fullyrecyclable, Woodmansterne’s contemporary collections of gift packagingwillcatch shoppers’eyes.
and bags with coordinating cards, we’rehoping to help retailers unlock incremental sales and offer their customers acomplete gifting solution in one place,”says Louisa Guelcé, Head of Marketing.”
By presenting cards, wrap,and gifts together, Woodmansterne demonstrated howgarden centres can encourage cross-categorybuying and inspirecustomers with ready-made gifting solutions.
Benefits for shoppersand retailers
Cards and wrap don’tjust sit alongside gifts,
theyactively enhancethem. Awell-chosen card adds meaning,while abeautifully wrapped presentelevates the entire gifting experience. It improves convenience, and shoppers appreciate completingthe whole gifting solution in one visit.
Forgardencentres,these arepowerful add-on categories that deliver strong margins consistently and encourage repeat visits. When displayedthoughtfully,they:
•Complement and elevatealmost every otherproduct area, from booksand toys to homewareand plants.
•Increase spend and driveincremental sales from add-on: customers aremorelikely to add acardand wrap when prompted at the point of purchase.
“We’re really delighted with theongoing upgrades to ourrecentlyacquired centre in Fochabers including the refreshed andupdated cardsection. TheteamatWoodmansternehas done asterlingjob re-merchandising thecard and wrap department whichiscomplimenting therefreshed gift department perfectly! Feedback from customers andour team has beenverypositive.” Simpsons GardenCentres.
•Boost impact: colourfuldisplays add vibrancy and inspiration to storelayouts. Put simply,theymakegood businesssense and areaneasy win.
Nowisthe right time to build on the momentum from Glee and the Woodmansterne team is waiting to share insights,advice, and tailored solutions to makecards and giftwrapa thriving partofyour business.
Formoreinformation
Visit:www.woodmansterne.com
Email:hello@woodmansterne.co.uk
Call:01923 200600
Glee 2025
Another successfulGlee hasboughtindustry together and helped make garden centresthe envyofthe retailingworld.
Fromthe moment the doors opened on the first day of Glee2025there wasserious businesstobedone. Buyers from acrossthe UK descended upon the NECBirmingham in September to see the latest newproducts,innovationand services for retailers to keep their customers happy. Many exhibitors we spoketosaid the quality of conversations and meetings was higher than ever.And added to this were firstclass displays, morethan 300 entries into the NewProduct Awards, the debut sector
Food @Glee andGTN’sGreatest Afternoon Teaand Catering Awards. The Hivestage buzzedwith energy from afullprogramme of seminars andpresentations from industry leaders, catering expertsand retailers, and of course, therewas much networking
“We’ve seen real positivity in terms of everything we’veadded to the showthis year, whether it’sexhibitorgrowth, newfeatures or the launch of newsections. It’sbeen a positiveyeargenerally,supportedbythe first ever Glee Road showwedid back in April
which set the scene andhelp us understand market conditions,”saysMattMein, Glee Event Director
“Getting Food at Glee launched wasareal highlight. It’sa relatively newareafor us and we arelearning howbest to put it together
But youcan see the seeds of the idea starting to come together andIthink we’vegot something we canreally develop,growand evolvebecause it plays such avital role in garden centreturnover,” he adds.
the Feed Your Business
In conversation with Alan Roper
Alan Roper,Managing Director of Blue DiamondGarden Centres, sat down for an unfiltered, no-holds-barredindustry conversation on The HiveStage at Glee 2025
Renowned for reshaping garden centre retail and setting newbenchmarks for success,Alan answered questions head-on, from businessgrowth andleadership to the futureofthe sector,and even what comes after achieving your vision.
Thefabulous displayofconifers secured RogerWard of Golden Grove Nurserythe award forthe best stand in Glee’sGreen Heart.
In conversation
Guiding the conversation wasPhil Wright, host of The Underground Podcast, who put questions directly to Alan in front of thelive Glee audience.
Whether it wascustomer experience innovation, resilient businessmodels, company culture, or Blue Diamond’sjourney towards 2035 –notopic wasoff limits.
Many of the topics that Alan discussed can be foundinanexclusiveinterview in the September edition of GTN, which canbe read here: https://isu.pub/XBlcJEq
Amy andLibbyStubbs,the next generation of retail leaders from British Garden Centres were in conversation with Boyd Douglas-Davies extoling the values of workingwithin afamily business.Withnew centres coming intoBGC this year Amy said: “Weappreciate it is daunting for us andthem but at the endofthe day we have familysupportand strength when we work together.”
David Robinson, Dobbies CEO, talked about the need for stores to set themselves apartfromonline retailers by becoming morerelevant. “Everybody keeps talking about experiential retailingthe idea that it’snot just purchasing things because youcan do thatonline andget it delivered, but actually what you’ve got to do is makethe storemorevaluable. In a worldofretail whereeverybody’s fighting for footfall, people choose to come and spend their leisuretime with us,” he says One of the ways it does this is by attracting customers to its14,5000 covers acrossits sites, making catering akey component of the business.“Online cannot giveyou anicecup of coffee and acake, lunch or afternoon tea. It sets you out andgives youareason for peopleto come, staylongerand spendmoremoney.”
One visit,two shows in 2026
Next year,Gleewill takeaplace week earlierfrom8-10 September and due to industry driven demand, will crossoverwithAutumn Fair (6-9 September).Both shows willretaintheir individual brandsand identities, andfor the first time willco-locateatBirmingham NECwith both shows happening on Tuesday8th and Wednesday 9th September.Gleewill occupyfour halls with Autumn Fair spanning five halls. Visitors willget seamlessaccessacrossboth events with no barriers between halls allowingfor a connected and efficient retailer event for exhibitors andenabling buyers from everygarden retail department to see thelatest in home andgarden. www.gleebirmingham.com
On
stage, Blue Diamond’snew Stepby-stepgardening videos on Youtube, were introduced by the programme’shost David Domoney.
Waterstopping ingenuity
The inventor of ingeniousdevise for automatically cutting waterflow from ahose when awatering can is full, has been awardedthe GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund. PresentedatGlee to Isabelle Richardsonthe awardcomes witha prize package to help fast-track thegrowth of SealStopincluding up to £4,000 of tailored supportcovering design, development, consultancy,manufacturing or marketing.The prizealso offers a year’s free membership of GIMA and Anti Copying in Design.
“Judging wasreally tough, but SeatStop definitely stoodout,”says MatthewMein, Glee Event Director.“What really helped wasthe video whichbrought the story aliveand showedhow SealStop related straight away to gardening.It’ssensibly priced and hopefully will be awinner in the marketplaceaswell.”
Isabella created SealStop so people could placethe hose intoatrough, barrel or watering can and walk away without the worryofwasting waterfromover filling.After lookingatthe markettofind theright product, Isabella realised there wasnothing available so set about, with her partner,creating her own. “Winning the awardwill definitely help because we arejust at the cusp of getting SealStop intoafew garden centres –itmeans Ican nowwork to makebetter display units.”
Futureplants
In Glee’sGreen Heart, the FuturePlants display wasadrawwithplants to pique interest of buyers andplanteria managers.
CuratedbyMichael Perry, the100 on display ranged from houseplantstotrees and were all chosenbecause of their potentialto be big sellers. “It’snot alwaysnew genetics though,”says Michael. “It’sabout whatplants we’regoing to sell in the future whether they arenew,different,unusual or reimaginings. Consider plants sold in the 1980s. We’vegot acompletely differentaudiencenow so we could launchall of those thingsagain butina really different way.”
From the display, Michael’stop tips were:
• Agastache ‘Pink Pearl’ and‘Bee Licious’–lavender alternatives with tropicalcoloured flowers.
• Chamaecyparis‘El Pso’ –the confier that thinks it’sacactus.It’scoming soon and could open up ‘funkyfoliage’ to awhole new audience
Originally Isabella targeted the equestrian market but cannow seeits benefits for the leisure industrysuchas making it easiertofill hot tubs. “I’mreally passionateabout waterconservation and my next dream is to makeSealStop help with saving rainwater so it worksonlow pressure from awater butt.”Isabella has currently sold 2500 units, all made in the UK, from heronline shop.Theyretailat £39.99.
‘Itsy Bitsy’ – masses
• Petunia ‘ItsyBitsy’ –masses of small flowers and for the UK climate,it’srobustand weather tolerant
• Alocasia‘Tiny Dancers’ –with spoon-like leaves, thisunusual houseplantcould tempt
morepeople intokeeping plantsathome.
• Streptocarpus ‘Betty’and ‘Beverley’ –houseplants with amazingflowerpower and the potential to be enjoyedoutside in the summer
Isabella Richardson with Kate Ebbens, GIMA President (left) and Matthew Mein, Glee EventDirector.
Michael curated theFuture Plants display with plants to add another dimension to plant sales.
SohoSumex Tools area well-establishedmanufacturer of gardening products -including gardening hand &power tools, watering accessoriesand gloves&kneelersaswellasstorage systems and general handtools -and we’vebeen supplying private labeltothe UK forover15years
Customers can select from our wide range of products, which offerexceptional valueand canbetailoredto yourindividualrequirements.
We areproud to have some of theUK’slargest DIYretailersand builders’ merchants among our customers -atestament to the quality andserviceweprovide
And with our newlyestablished UK supportteam, we can nowoffer an even higher levelofcustomercareand support.
We supply mostly on an FOBbasis, andwith ournewly established UKsupportteam, we look forwardtodiscussing your requirements!
www.saintytools.com
lisa.bartle@saintysumex.co.uk
Tastingthe difference
New awards highlight the skills and excellence of garden centre catering and food teams.
Seeing trollies of afternoonteasbeing wheeled intoGleewas asighttobehold andthe spectacleformedpartthe GTNGreatest Food &Drink Awards.Chiming perfectly with the shows newsector, Food @Glee, the awards recognisethe skillsand creativity of teams working in garden centre catering
To find the winners of the GTNGreatest Afternoon Teaaward,ateam of lucky judges had thetask of samplingand scoring six afternoon teas bought to the showand displayedbesidethe Feed Your BusinessStage. Thisisanew category and entries included savouryafternoonteasand atake-away version, perfectfor picnicsand when visitingrelatives. As well as tasting some of the sandwiches and cakes, judges also considered presentation, creativity and value formoney.
“Our Greatest ChristmasAwardshave become arealsuccess,recognisingall the talent andhardwork thatgoes intomakinga great festiveseason. Butwemustn’t overlook catering which has become and continues to be an increasingly valuable garden centre sector,” says Trevor Pfeiffer,GTN Editor.“We have reintroduced The Greatest Food &Drink Awards at Glee this year to makesureweshine alight on the skills and creativityofthe catering teams, plus thebackstage crews, which keep ourcafes andrestaurants buzzing allyearround.”
Although judges at Glee decided on winners of the best afternoon tea, it wascustomers who ultimately had their say forThe Greatest Food &Drink SupportTeamAward andThe Greatest Garden CentreFood &Drink Teams. Winners were decided by customers votes.
Right,Top: Judging thhe bestafternoontea is a serious business.
Right, Below:Prepping AfternoonTeasina Glee kitchenbeforeunveiling them forjudging.
TheGreatest Garden Centre
Food &Drink Support Team Award
• Gold Award –British GardenCentres CateringSupportTeam
• SilverAwards –DavidsonRichards, Corby&Fellas
• Bronze –Washupteams at Planters Garden Centres
TheGreatestGardenCentre
Food &Drink Team 2025
• Gold Award -Old RailwayLineGardenCentre
• SilverAward –CharlecoteGardenCentre, BGC
• Bronze Award –MeadowCroft Garden Centre
• Highly Commended -PerrywoodTiptree
•Highly Commended –PerrywoodBuckhatch
•Highly Commended -PerrywoodSudbury
• Highly Commended –CharlburyGarden Centre,BGC
Greatest Afternoon TeaAwards GOLD
British GardenCentres
Great value formoney andavaried selection. Judges likedthe lemon possetwhich didn’t appear on anyofthe otherteas, andthe cheese andpickle quichewas atasty savouryoption. Goodsizes scones
PlantersBrookfields
Beautifulpresentation. Asavoury or sweet teawas offered andthe chocolatecoated strawberries addeda touchofluxury.
Planters Pacific
Great presentationand thoughtful selection of foodswhich includedcheese andbiscuits.The take-away optionwas inspirational.
SILVER
Planters Bretby
Excellentsavoury selectionand the breakfast optionwas abrilliantidea to attract adifferent audienceinthe morning andextend the sales window of teas
BRONZE
PlantersTamworth
Excellent scones,probablythe best onesinthe competition,while thejudges also noted the addition of freshfruitand salad.
GardenKing
Lovedthe selectionofcakes andthe generous sausageroll. Theminitriflewas an excellent idea andgoodadditiontosweets.
Left:Winners of the Greatest Food &Drink SupportTeamcategory.
Right:The Food &Drink Awards areback,and all winners have set ahigh barfor yearstocome
Florally recordbreaking
Thanks to everyone who got into the floralspirit on the Thursday of Glee. We brokerecordsand raised thousands for charity.
This year,Floral Thursday at Glee, raised £4,200for the Greenfingers Charity –the highest amount raised sinceits inception five years ago
By wearing something floral,visitors and exhibitors came together to share the fun, receiveawardsfor the best dressed teams, and be partofarecord-breaking photograph. This year we counted173 smilingpeople in the actual photo- but we would liketoadd Paul Webb whotook the picture, and PeterWalker whowas holdingthe ladder for Paul.
Thanks also to allthe companies who donated products for the charity raffle hosted by Bob Marley. Some of these products were entered and could beseen in the NewProduct Showcasesoare stil recent introductions to the industry.
“Floral Thursday is always such a special day at Glee for the Greenfingers Charity,” says Linda Petrons,the charity’s Director of Fundraising &Communications. “Seeing the horticultural industrycome together in their best florals, all in supportofchildre and families who spendtime in hospices, is both moving and inspiring.”
Forthe first time, the GTNteam coordinated theirfloral wardrobes. Raising money throughthe raffle.
Above:Johnson’swon aTeam Awardinrecognitionof theirfloral bucket hats.
Above: Bee outfits andfloralshortswereorder of theday forteamSipcam.
Left:Shake‘em up! BobMarleycallsout thewinning raffle ticket numbers
Flower powerfromteam Grassgains.
Awardwinning MeadowViewStone with coordinating head gear
MiracleGro continuestobeahuge supporterofFloral Thursday
Spotlight on newness
With morethan 300products across14categories to study, judging to findthe best new products at Glee wasa trickytask. But afterhours of deliberation and some highly professional pitches fromfinalists, the winners were announced. We hope theywillall go on to have great success in the marketplace
Overall Glee NewProduct Award
OrchardSculptureTrellis. Treadstone Products.
“After being shortlisted last year forthe original OrchardSculpturesthe latest addition is the OrchardWall Trellisand we arepleased they have been giventheaward for the best in show. We’vehad afantastic reaction from visitors and taken plentyoforders forstock ready in January2026.”Dean Winters, Product and Marketing Director
Sustainability Award
EcoCropfor its EcoCropwillowproducts. “Weare supporting local ecocropfarmers and growers acrossthe UK and to winthe
Celebrating with New Product Awards at Glee
overall Sustainability Award for ourproduct is amazing.Thank youGlee!” Neil Watkins, Managing Director
Best of BritishAward
Andermatt. Biofleece 18.
“Our Biofleece is sustainable, but we also believe in low air miles which is why our product is made in the UK.” Robbie Di Nardo.
GardenDecoration
Orchard SculptureTrellis.Treadstone Products.
Shortlisted
LargeWall Mounted Solar LED HotAir Balloon - Tripletoned Primus Set of 3planter/lantern columns. Eastern Connections.
GardenTools &Machinery
Hori Hori Trowel.EPBarrus
“It is always and honour to win an awardand be recognisedinthe industry. It is an accolade for us and givesour customers the confidence to buy.” Tracey Cooper,National SalesManager
Shortlisted
Buffalo Heavy Duty Metal Dustpan and Brush Wilsons
Kent & Stowe Watering Set Westland Horticulture
Roughneck Sharp Edge Micro Shovel TOOLBANK
Retail Services & Experiences
SecureFixtures Intelligent Lockable Cabinets. Formbar Ltd.
“Weare super delighted to havewon andare very excited to be able to offer a new loss prevention product.Wehavebeen offering trollies and baskets for 20 years so this is a new venturefor us. Thereception at Gleehas been enthusiastic and we’vehad lots of enquiries.”
HannahLewis, ManagingDirector
Shortlisted
Own-Branded Feeds. BronteHeritage. Plastic-free Plant Drop Shipping Service. Colletta &Tyson/Accelopack.
Food &Drinks
Numilk. iSqueeze.
“Winning the NewProduct Awardhas definitely helped raise awareness at Glee We have noticed an uptake in garden centres looking to expand their alternative milk option and Numilk machines can be bought outright or rented ”
Elias Ebert, Managing Director
Shortlisted
Giant ChocolateTools DIY Lovers Gift
Selection Box. The Amazing Chocolate Workshop
Debag Global Baking Technology.Whitco Catering and Bakery Equipment Ltd
Homewares,
Clothing & Fashion
National Garden Scheme Queen’s Landing Luxury Washable Mat. Primeur Ltd.
“Weare proud to beone of the firstcompanies to collaboratewith the NGSwith aproduct and excitedtodevelopmoredesigns for the future. We worked closely with oursenior designertocomeup with amat with colours that compliment current home decor trends, is functional and generates £1 for NGS with every mat sold.” Sarah McLafferty, National Account Manager
Shortlisted
Half Moon Coir Tray Mat. Primeur Ltd.
Heat Holders RHS Wellington Boot Socks.
SOCKSHOP
ClipGlove Ankle Boots. Treadstone Products.
GrowingGrowing Containers
Liberty Blue Pots.WoodlodgeProducts
“Winning the award has highlight the Liberty range which brings an affordable line of large pots to a more people There are three sizes, and they can be use indoors or outdoors ” Amy
Oxford, Marketing Manager
Shortlisted Manresa. WoodlodgeProducts.
GardenCentral Essential Collection –Range Extensions. Primeur Ltd.
TierraVerde Melody &Harmony Collections. Primeur Ltd
Tierra Verde Raised Planter Bed Primeur Ltd
Rustic Show Bowl Planter Rago Planters
Pet Products
Aqua Paws. Creative Products Ltd
“It’sfabulous to win an awardatashowlikethis as it’sbrilliant for us to be recognised in such acompetitive category.It’sbeen agreat show overall and highlighting theAqua Paws product has generated lots ofinterest ”Richard Booker, Director
Shortlisted
ThermaCool PetBowls. The Buffalo Co Get Off,Lawn Rescue. Sipcam Home and Garden.
EcoSoft Animal Bedding.Eco Crops Ltd.
Landscaping
PrestigeWater 250L Classic Slim Wall Water Butt. PrestigeWater Ltd.
“The award and the congratulations we have been getting from visitor has bought people to us to ask lots of questions It’s a great coup for the company and we’ve had tons of positive feedback ” Junaid Patel, Managing Director
Shortlisted
Orchard GrandeSculptures. Treadstone Products.
Block Blitz Gravel Cleaner. Sipcam Home and Garden.
Wild Bird Care & Wildlife Products
Eggologic Nester Pod Eggologic
“This is our debut Glee and a great opportunity to talk to bricksand morter garden centres. We’ve spent lots of time building theproduct so now it’s time to talk about what makes our product different. Lots of people have noticed and commented on theaward- the productis easy for customers and greatfor the birds and the bees ” Todd Wente, CEO
Shortlisted
Bat Box Gardening Naturally
Hive Pod Eggologic
Audubon Eggpicnic Squirrell Resistant Metal Chateau Feeder. Panacea Products Ltd BuzzBox –Beekeeper’s StarterPack. BuzzBox.
Growing Accessories
Tulip Flower Alert. Mayhem.
“This is our owninvention to help houseplant growers known when to water their plants to preventover and under watering. The long probe means they cansee if compost is wet near the roots and it can be moved to different pots. Theprice point of £10 means it has generated lots of interest.” David Merricks, Managing Director.
Shortlisted
Moisture Keeper Mosaic Glass Self-Watering Globe. Panacea Products Ltd.
ClipGlove Ankle Boots.Treadstone Products Bokashi BinStarter Kit. Growing Naturally Ltd.
Growing Materials
SylvaGrow House Plant Compost 5L Melcourt.
“We are delighted to have been awarded New Product status at Glee 2025 A huge thank you tothejudges,theGlee team and,of course, ouramazing team at Melcourt.” NikkiBurton, Managing Director.
Shortlisted BioFleece18. Andermatt.
MAD Soldier Frass MAD Company Westland Multi Planter Westland Horticulture
Plants, Seeds and Bulbs
Joint winners
Salvia ‘Strawberry Melba’.DarbyNursery Stock.
Euphorbia LittleTreasure. Farplants.
“Glee awards are a great opportunity to showcase new varieties and impulse purchases in garden centres which are a key driver for sales The new salvia is colourful and impressive and will bea successful plant in 2026 -it has long season interest flowers from May untilthe first frost.” Matt Bent, Sales Manager, Darby Nursery Stock
“Very delightedour euphorbia has been acknowledge as an excellent newintroduction. The award is an assortment and we have certainly beenpromoting it on oursocials.”
Andy Merrick, DirectorHead of Sales.
Shortlisted
Colourful Spring BulbsCDU.BeesSeeds Limited
Peanut Plant. Gardener’s Kitchen.
Gifts, body and bath, Christmas, greetings cards, toys and games
GuardmanFestiveFeasts Selection Box.
WestlandHorticulture.
“We wantedtocreate aspecialofferfor customers this festive season and it’s lovely the selection box has been recognised as a good idea and concept ” Anastasia Scaife, Head of Marketing - Westland Bird and Pet Category
Shortlisted
Peckish Wild Bird Gift Set Westland Horticulture.
Cleanseand PurifySmudge GiftSet.Mindful Living Co.
Lux-FitGauntlet DragonFly. EP Barrus Ltd.
Garden Leisure&Entertaining
Sahara Ark BBQ Sahara
“We’ve had a great reaction from day one of the show and the award has definitely validated the product’s innovative concept ” Stephen Kinsella, Sales
Shortlisted
Eco Willow Wood Briquettes. Eco Crops Ltd Eco Soft Furnishings. WLiving.
Ziptrack Outdoor Blinds.Solar Solve Limited.
Investing in retail
Thompson &Morganand theSuttons brands arebackwitha bang offering newproducts andcomprehensive servicefor retailers.
For the first time in sevenyears, visitors to Gleetook delight in seeing the latest productsfrom Thompson &Morgan and Suttons Heritagebrands, theyhavebeen stalwarts in gardeningfor more than 150 years, and in 2026 arepoised to makeastatement on the shop floor with newrangestodelight this and thenext generation of gardeners
“We’ve got alot of positivityto sharewith our retail partners,”says Mark Burberry, B2B Sales Director of Branded Garden Products(BGP), theumbrellacompany specialising in the sale ofhorticultural productsto retailers and direct to consumers. “The businesswas recently thesubject of ‘for sale’ speculation,but this is no longer the case with BGPmaking significant investments in theretail channel and we arehearing Glee visitors say “it’sgreat that youare back’’.
Product update
StoppingGlee visitorsintheir trackswas T&M’snew Fungi Farms mushroom kits. With eight varieties to choose from, the cardboardfreestanding unit is perfect forgift promotions at Christmas and Father’s Day.Kits come ready to grow in eitherthree or four litrevarieties with attractiveRRP’sof£19.99and £24.99
Incredible edibles
Grafted vegetable plants continueto forgeaheadofferingcustomersstrong plantsproducing high yields. “Garden Centres can offer apremiumproductat apremiumprice,all the while confident the consumer is going to get abumper crop,” explains Mark. Point of sale clearly highlights the differentranges and retailers likethe fact it can go on bench ends or trollies.Trialsare currently ongoing in Yorkshiretofind new heirloom type (open pollinated) varieties which will be exclusivetoT&M
The Sutton’sGourmet Vegetables range of seeds is helping growers with
recipe ideas fortheir home-grownharvests. Picturesonthe front of the pack showthe vegetable and the mouth-watering dish, while aQRcodeonthe reversetakes wouldbe chefsdirectlytorecipeinstructions for between threeand fivedifferent dishes from something easythrough to amore challenging meal. “Weare trying to make it a little bit different,”saysRob Smith from BGP. “So we areoffering rainbowcarrots and beetroot, sweet corn thatcan be cooked like ribsand cucamelon.”
Backing up the newproducts areseveral senior,areasales and merchandiser appointments. “We’ve gotafull complement ofsenior roles now,”saysMark, “and afull complement of area salesmanagers and merchandisers, so we arereadytogofor thenextseason to supportour retailers with great brands, great productand newness as well.”
Formoreinformation
Thompson &MorganPoplarLane,Ipswich, Suffolk. IP8 3BU www.thompson-morgan.com
Email: retail@thompson-morgan.com Phone: 01473 695330
Mark Burberrywithgrafted tomatoes offering retailersahigherprice point
RobSmith with Yellow Oyster from thenew FungiFarm range.
THEDIFFERENCE IN DURSTONS
For generations, Durstonshavebeen at theheart of Britishgrowing.Fromtheir Somerset base, this family-run business hasbuilt itsreputationoncompost expertise, trusted quality and products that deliverresults.Now,for 2026, Durstons have unveiled abold new brand identity – one that is rooted in heritage butlooksfirmly to thefuture.
This re-brand marks a complete stepchange for the Somerset compost producer and has clearly resonated with the industry, as enthusiastic buyers at GLEEE ravedaabout the newlook andthe opportunities it looksset to create in thecompost category
What prompted the change? Durstons newly-formulated peat-freerange hastaken the industry by stormoverthe past twoyears,blowing competitor products outofthe waterin independentgrowing trials andhelping gardenersachieve consistently outstandingresults Theexcitinglaunchinearly 2024 ledtoareviewbehindthe scenes andsometough thinking to ensure theDurstonsbrandingwas in keepingwiththe trailblazing productsthe businessisbringing to market.
SalesDirectorDan Durston explains: “Theperformance of ournew peat-freerange speaks foritselfwhenyou see thetrial resultsbut we felt that ouroriginalbrandingwas a step behindand didn’t keep pace with ourgame-changing products. Therehas been alot goingoninthe background over the past 10 months.Wehave been workinghardbehindthe scenestochallenge theindustry’s perceptionofDurstonsand deliversomething that truly representsour expertise and passion, thekey strengthsofour excellentproducts, andhow we canhelpgardeners make avisible difference.”
What does it mean forDurstons products?
Newliveryand showstopping packaging have instantly transformedthe look of Durstons products on shelf; guaranteed to
garner consumer attentionand create opportunities forretailers. However, it’s notjustabout aesthetics,asthe growingmedia brand certainlyhas theresults to back it up!Launchedjustlastyear atGlee, Durstons’peat-free range absolutelystormed independent growingtrials, outperforming even peat-based products and consistently producing bigger plantsand increasedblooms. Thekey wasmakingsurethat this wasall clearlycommunicated onpack. Fortunately, thefresh new, slickbrandingharnesses the outstandingnatureofDurstons’ offer,putting keymessagesfront andcentre, andhammering home to gardenersthe factthat usingDurstonsgrowing media willresultinbiggerplants andincreased blooms.Strong iconography andclear on-pack information mean shoppers can find what they need at a glance – while the design itself
signals trust, performanceand sustainability.
Crucially, it’s notjustabout givingDurstonsproducts greaterstand-out on shelfbut also making it even easier for consumers to usethe range effectively andmakequicker decisions at pointofpurchase.
There-brand has also createda betternew range structure, with products dividedintothree clear collections:
•Everyday –Great valuepeatfreeand peat-based composts ata competitiveprice,without compromisingonperformance (formerlyknown as ManorFarm).
• Traditional –Highperformancepeat-based compost and peat-freelandscaping range, made usingDurstons’ tried-andtestedtraditional mix
•Advanced –Durstons’ flagship, professionalgrade,independently proven andfuture-ready peat-free compost
Foreasyregonition, each productfamilyisgrouped by colour –white forEveryday, greenfor Traditional, dark brown for Advanced –and adorned with avibrant letter ‘D’for Durstons.Beautiful imageryaids identification further, as each ‘D’ filled with appropriate flowers, foliageorproduce pertainingto the specificproduct type.
What canDurstons do foryour business?
Overwhelmingpraisefrom theindustryatthisyear’sGlee confirmsthatDurstonsisonthe righttrackand settoshake up a category in need of innovation
Forretailers, this isn’tjust about shelfappeal– it’s about substance. Independenttrials
consistently provethatDurstons’ growing mediaoutperforms even professional-grade alternatives. Theresults areclear:bigger blooms, faster growth and stronger, healthier plants. This performance-ledapproach givesretailers theconfidenceto recommend Durstons andthe reassurancethatcustomers will return
Thebrand relaunch also signals Durstons’long-terminvestment in thefutureofthe growing media category.Withpeat-free mixesdeliveringupto150%more growth than standard alternatives, thecompany is helping gardeners succeed whilesupportinga more sustainable industry.Durstons’ commitment is simple: to cut throughthe noisewithproducts that notonlylookgoodbut do good.
Forgarden retail buyers, thisisanopportunitytobring somethingfresh and d future-ready totheir shelves –a a trusted name
with proven results, presentedin away that resonateswithtoday’s consumers.
Allthree collectionsare supportedbyfresh newstriking POS material,new beautiful lifestyleimagery,and an updated websitewithadditional retailer resources.
DanDurston concludes: “The retailerswesaw andspoke to at Glee absolutely lovedthe newlookand describeditasa ‘winningcombination’because they know it’s g going to catch the customer’s eye but they also know ourproducts are going to deliver consistently outstanding results, whichwill keep gardeners coming back.We may be looking to the future with our re-brand but I must stress that our heritage is still extremely important to us, as are the values we hold dear as a family-run business, so customers canstill expect to receive the exceptional levels of service we pride ourselves on ”
Now open for making memories
In just three autumn weeks, Greenfingers Charity opened four newchildren’shospice gardens.Thanksto strong industry supportinthe way of funding, materials and manpower, thegardens arenow places wherefamilies andstaff canspend precious time.
Chestnut Tree House Hospicein Arundel, West Sussex
Designed by Fisher,Tomlin &Bowyerand built by Baylis Landscapes, The Kitchen Garden combines ornamentalplanting,growing beds, and pollinator-friendly features to encourage
hands-onengagement with nature, supporting sustainability,exploration, educationand wellbeing.Children will be abletolearn more about thejourneyfrom‘gardentoplate’and producegrown will be used in thehospice kitchen.
These gardens havebeencreated thanks to allthose whohavefundraisedfor Greenfingersincluding Garden Re-leafday.Their generosity– alongwiththe dedication of designers, landscapers,volunteers and thoseincluding Alexander Rose, Arbour Land Solutions, Greenwood Plants, Rolawn,Veg Trug,Vitaxand LOFA,havehelped makethese very special projecta reality.
The
Together GardenatBluebell
Wood Children’sHospice, Sheffield
Firstunveiled at the RHS Wentworth Woodhouse FlowerShowwhere it received aSilver-Gilt medal, The TogetherGardenhas nowbeen relocated and rebuiltatBluebell Wood
Designed by Phil Hirstand co-creator
Joanne Charlton with Jus Landscapes, the Together Garden inspires reflection, connection andcomfort through its immersiveplanting, flowing layout and thoughtful details. Curved timber benches invite families to pause and sittogether,a bespokecanopyoffers shelter, andsculptural forms symbolisehands held in unity. Located outsideone of thehospice’sendof-life bedrooms, the gardennow provides a tranquilsanctuarywherefamilies can make memoriesand find moments of solace “It wasareal privilege to be askedbythe GreenfingersCharity to designagarden for Bluebell Wood,” says Phil Hirst.“Many of the charity’s gardens arecentred around children, butthis timethe focuswas different –tooffer parents andfamiliesa spacetoprocess grief and find comfortatan unimaginably difficult time.”
TheCentredGardenatAcorns
Children’sHospiceinWalsall GreenfingersCharity Patron,David Domoney cutthe ribbontoThe Centred Garden, anew sensory space designedbyVaraGardenDesign andbrought to life by Paul Taylor Landscapes. An inclusive gardennomatter of age or ability, it gives thechance to interact witheach other andthe natural world,throughoutthe seasons. Special thanks mustgotoanumber of supporters, trusts andfoundations who helped to fundthisproject, including:
TheGatheringHeartGarden at HopeHouse, Oswestry,
Shropshire
Describedbythe hospiceteam as their new ‘haven forplay, laughterand peace’, this gardenoffersmovement, interaction and sensory experiences,whatever the weather
Createdbythe talented teams at CW Studio andLandstruction,the garden has been thoughtfullydesignedwithinclusiveplay equipment, shaded seating areas, and quiet spacesfor reflection, theGatheringHeart Gardenprovides life-enhancing moments forchildren, families,and staff,evolving beautifully withthe seasons
“Every daywesee thedifferencethat outdoorspacemakes to thechildrenand families whocometoHope House. The Gathering HeartGarden is far more than a garden– it is asanctuary of play,laughter, andpeacewherefamiliescan createlasting memories together,” says Andy Goldsmith, CEOofHopeHouse Children’sHospice.
Stepping Stone andHanging Wall Plaque
Fresh designswithstrong in-storeperformance.
Fournew collectionsinspired by Britishanimals andrural ls andmixed em idealfor th strong
ry for 26
s designs to elevate your outdoor space.
tStone is ment waterfeatures, blending elegantforms with authentic stone finishes.Designedas true focalpoints, they come with branded POSfor strong in-store impact.
ca high-volume sales with promotional pricing. new LED-lit with strong
Individually handcraftedfountains with amoderntouch.
The Virtue rangegrows in 2026 with newLED-lit designs. Hand-finished features with strong visual appeal,provendemand and attractive pricing.
MAKEANY GARDEN
by
Altico leadsinlandscapeand decorative garden products,witha 2026 rangebuilt on innovation and in-store impact.Fromaggregates and paving to waterfeaturesand premiumcaststone,the refreshe line-upaddsnew categories,exclusive collections and smartPOS.Backedbyour partnershipwith KatieRushworth,it’sdesignedtodrive sales, inspire customers andMakeAny Garden Beautiful. and Make Any Garden
NEW category for 2026
Compactformat. Bigimpact.
GardenScapethe new decorative aggregaterange, idealfor smallerstores& indoor areas. With alifestyle stand and POS, it delivers strong shelfpresenceand derreach. shelf presence and
Promoting that festivefeeling
Coinciding with Christmas departmentsopening in garden centres across thecountry,
The BigChristmas PressShowinLondonboughtcompanies and communicators together the kick off festive consumer promotions.
Journalists and influencers were out in force lastmonth to findthe hottest newproducts to promote for this year’s festiveseason. Companies including Baylis &Harding,Matteland Ruggable, including many othersthat supply garden centres, had plenty to talk about at TheBig Christmas PressShowin mid-September
As well as promoting product,British Garden Centres (BGC) and Dobbies were showing off their newChristmas linesand spreading the message that garden centres arethe perfectplace to find everything forthe season and makeChristmas family memories. BGC also promoted seasonal stats showing is sells 169,302 sets of Christmas lights, morethan1million decorations and 30,432 real Christmas trees.
“Thegarden centreisn’tjust about plants,”said Phillipa Stubbs, Head of British Garden Centres. “It’sa massive part,but we aretrying showhow much we do at Christmas, the qualityand the whole experience thatyou canbuild on. From displays to the fun with children
andfamilies, to food in the restaurants, it can be aday out.It’s allone bigmemoryexperience.”
Libby Stubbs adds: “Wehavedone a lot with influencersoverspringsummer whichhas been good forus. Nowwehave navigated that, we arelooking to expand and workwith more home and lifestylepeople over Christmas to show thatmaybe even if customersare not themostgreen fingered,
agardencentrecan still be forthem.”
BCGkickedoff Christmas at its Bridgenorthstore on Saturday September 19th, followed aday later by Brigg Garden Centre. Allcentres willbesellingChristmas by 12th October
Dobbies welcomed visitors with foam snow andenergetic elves.“This event gives us theopportunitytomeet with influences,retail andconsumer media to
Left:A snowy welcome from Dobbies.
Right: Phillipa andLibby Stubbs from British Garden Centreswere first timerstoThe Big ChristmasPress Show
Above:The Matcha Advent Calendar from Bird& Blend wasa Judges Pick in the event’sWishlist Awards. “Wewerethe first brand to come up with the teaadvent calendar and thisyearwe have three types –with caffeine,caffeine free and matchawhich is newfor this year,” says MeganBond from Bird&Blend. Each dayhas twoteabags while the matcha has atin with enoughfor twodrinks. Retailingat£39.50and £55for thematcha,the advent calendarshave, forthe first timethis year,been pickedupby Selfridges and John Lewis.
Left:Ruggable’sElwood Forest GreenRug is part of the new2025 collection and brings Christmas to any room with retailprices starting at £89.99.
showcase what Dobbies has on offer,” said Amelia Whittaker,PRand Communications Manager.
Thisyear it will focus on bringing Christmas to lifeinevery sense with scent being high on the list.“We also havegifts for everyone on allbudgetsand gifts forgardeners includingthe newly launched bulbcollection with £5 from everypack going towards our charity partner Alzheimers UK.”Christmas will be in Dobbies stores from October 2ndwith Santa from Nov23rd.
To accompany wreath making Agreat idea for garden centrestoadd to craft or wreath makingworkshops came from LowerNortonFlowerFarm basedin Winchester.Using dried flowers,it’seasy
From Ravensburger, anew launch is theMyLittle Plants Play+PretendCollection with an rrp of £29.99.Itcomes under the PlayPlusbrand with productssuited from birth to four yearsand includes, forthe firsttime, arange of booksto encourage playand development.Also newisan advent calendar jigsawwith24separatepuzzles which can be linked together to makeone big festivepicture.
ZoeSouthworthofKAP Toys with Mini Garden Mermaid, anew line from Creativity forKids KAPToysiskeentomakeconnections with garden retailersasitbelievesits productsare a good fit forgarden centre customers.
Above:Eventhoughitwas newlastyear,the ChristmaswreathfromLEGOwas still generating much interest.It’spartofthe Botanicals range retailing at £89.99.
Left:Inarange of six colours, Icon Can Insulators from Thermos area great Christmas gift retailing at around £15.
to fill aclear plasticorglassbaublewith dried flowerheads andstems.Add astrip of velvet in acoordinating colour andyou have anaturallyinspired bauble to addto anytreeorgiveasagift. “It’salsoperfect forhen do activity or Christmas wedding,” says thefarm’sfounder Alison Coleman. “Thisisa newthing forus, but we bought thematerialstothe show as it wasaneasy waytoget visitors involved.It’ssosimple but it’s been fantastic andareal success.”
Keep itreal… and British
Newassets and advice from the British Christmas Tree Growers Association, helpsgardenretailers make the most of home-grown trees.
With its newpublication, printable resources, readymade social mediaposts, guidanceand links to videos, theBritish Christmas Tree Growers Association (BCTGA) is forging close collaboration between growers, buyers and retailers. Theaim is to collectively bringcustomers acrossthe UK, the freshest, highest quality real Christmas trees to make thefestive season asuccess
The 2025 Buyers SupportPack: Customer Information Toolkit has everything retailers need to updateteams on howtocarefor and promotetrees in theretailsettingthis November and December.Plus, it offers guidance and informationfor point of sale to pass on to consumers so theycan enjoytheir tree for the whole of the festiveseason.
“Likecut flowers, real Christmas trees areperishable. With theright care, a well-chosen tree can lastuptofourweeks Whilegrowers takeevery careto delivera premium product, howtrees arehandled on arrival plays akey role in maintaining their freshnessand condition —whether in-store, on display,orawaitingsale. To maintain freshnessand shape,it’sessential to remove treesfrompallets within 1–2 days of delivery, storethem upright, and keep them in acool, sheltered area,” advisesRussell Parkins, BCTGAChair
The supportpack is afirst forthe BCTGA, which has 300 growerand growerretail members, and includes datafrom the 2023 market research. It reveals36% of consumers bought acut tree beforethe first Saturday in December illustrating the need forgoodaftercare.
For2025, it recommends launching the Christmas tree sales season fromSaturday 26th November.“UK-grownChristmas treesare in excellentshape thisyear. With no latefrosts to damage newgrowth, trees
arelooking strongacrossthe board. We encourage buyers to look locally —our growers offer arange of differentspecies andsized trees,”saysRussell.
It’s notjustaboutChristmas
The Association is also working to get acrossthe all-year-round benefits of British Christmas treestowildlife, therural economy andthe environment. It takesaround10years to grow 6ft treesduringwhich time they providea vitalhabitat forwildlife, contributetoflood alleviation, boostbiodiversity in arable areaswhile allthe time photosynthesising Theyare also fully recyclable, withmulch returningtofarms andgardens
Economic benefits support thelocaljob market andfor some farmers, it is auseful optionfor diversifying.
At Perrywood Garden Centre, Sudbury customers are encouraged to take a photograph of the care information, so they have it to hand at home.
Coolings, TheGardener’s Garden Centre, in Kent lets customers knowits treesare locally grown.
Above:
Left:Ready-madecare
Turningheadsand changingminds
More than 130begonias in an independent trial, add colour to theFloral Fantasia demonstrationgarden and help retailersfindnew varieties for futuresales.
Intothe autumn, and the Floral Fantasia gardencontinues to wowvisitors to RHS Garden Hyde Hall,Essex.Thanks to industry support,including Miracle Grofor the20205-26 season, morethan 130 varieties of begonia have been trialled in beds and containersto show the breadth of this colourful plant group.This is in addition to many shrubs, perennialsand other annuals in the ornamental borders.
“Begonias may not be your favourite, but hereyou can really see their garden value,” saysMichael Smith, Chair of the Floral Fantasia Working Group
An asset for garden centres, avisit with growers is encouraged to aid future production decisions andkeepplanteria staff up to date with newideas. Andy Bunker,partner of Alton Garden Centre, Essex saysFloralFantasia promotes an almost ‘backtobasics’way of gardening.“Thereare alot of straightforward beddingplants being grownhereand this is one of biggest categories of plantswesellingarden centres because theyare simple to grow in a container or border.”
Andy sees Floral Fantasia as an independent platform in the UK to bring industry sectors together –abit likeamini FlowerTrials in Holland and Germany wheregrowers and retailers see new plants and get ideas. “One thing we don’tso do well is tie up betweengrowers, breeders and retailers. I’ma firm believerineveryone talking andworking together.”
Begonia trials
Throughout the whole summer,begoniashave been assessed and the best varieties willreceive an RHS AwardofGarden Merit.Coupledwith this, is the People’sChoicevisitor vote,which can help garden centres confidently choose varietieslikelytoultimately be best sellers Results of both will be made knowninthe autumn.
Although apriority is assessing individual varieties, the trial alsoshows howimpressive many of theplants can be in thegarden border and landscapesetting oncetheyhavematured, as theyare smothered in flower andhave thebonus of highlyglossy leaves. Selling this message at retail when plants aresmall can be difficultand is something Michael is looking at to find asolution.
Under aperfect Essexsky,begonias perform alongside arange of otherbedding andseasonal plants
Ideas for combining begonias with otherplants forcolourful containers.
Morethanplants
Thenew partnershipwithMiracle Gromeans FloralFantasia is nownot justabout monitoring plants,productstoo arebeingusedtosee how they perform growingabroad rangeofsubjects in differentplantingscenarios
KarenWilkinson, MarketingDirector forUK& Ireland at Evergreen GardenCare, said theideal behind Floral Fantasia,which is to encourage everyone to garden, perfectly aligned with Miracle Gro’saims to inspire andeducate. “It gives us feedback, insight andanindependent viewonhow ourwateringand feedingproducts andpeat-freegrowing media areworking in a real andchallenging environment,”she said
For2026, antirrhinum willbetrialled. Breederswantingtohavetheir plants includedinthe trial or in the gardenare encouragedtocontactMichael Smith at WD Smith &Son, Chairofthe Floral Fantasia Working Group. michael@wdsmith.com
Industrysupport
Floral Fantasia is an independent legacy project createdbythe latePeter Seabrook to promoteseasonalplants in atrial and gardensetting.Its working group is made up of representativesfrombreeders, growers, retailers andmarketing
To further developFloralFantasia, the working grouptolooking to improve signage andmessaging andcomeupwith a package to tempt aretail partner
Industry supporters
•Miracle Gro
•Volmary
•Ball
•Bpoa
•Beekenkamp
•Kerley& Co
•Syngenta
flowers
•Whartons
•MrFothergill’s
•Hayloft
•Kings Seeds
•The ColegraveSeabrookFoundation
Newselections of begonia aredisplaying highlyglossy foliageand provingtoberobust landscape and border plants.
One of the 59 Begonia tuberhybrida in the trial.
MichaelSmithtalks to membersofthe press at Floral Fantasia
Gettingdown to business
Report launches, retail innovation and marketinsights top thebillofthe HTA’sannualHorticulture, TheConference.
HTA Conference2025opened with “we arewidely recognised asanindustrythat makes things better.”
Josh McBain gaveableak viewofthe geopolitical future which wasthen countered by aseries of sessions focussing on the positives ofour industry. Gifts for Teachers as agrowing trend was highlighted by David Denny,Liz Dowlingillustrated the success of brand building through storytelling and AmyStubbs explained that BGC were striving to gain customers forlife by creating memories and experiences that makethem smile.
Your Garden Year,anew HTApromotional kit waslaunched, MP’s and ministers spun their messages intothe horticulturaltheme. Caroline Voaden, MPfor South Devonsaid that garden centres arethe happiest retail places in Britain AlanRoper extolledpassion as akey factorin leadership excellence.
James Barnes wasthanked by all as he retires, for his role in the Covid period, and Hillier Nurseries won mostofthe Growerofthe Year Awards
Well done HTAfor astimulating and most useful conference.
Celebrating UK Growers
It wasabig nightfor HillierNurseries, which wonthree of theHTA Grower of theYear awards presented afterthe Conferenceatan eveningdinner. “We’ve seen an increasein thenumber of nominations, awider variety of businessesentering, andyet more entries of aphenomenally high standard,” says Pippa Greenwood, HorticultureManager at the HTA. “The standardofentriesfor theBest Staff Member awarddemonstratesjust how importantstaff aretothe industryand the businessesthemselves.The YoungGrower awardnominations were exceptional, and aclear reminder that UK environmental horticulturehas agreat future.”
Congratulations to thewinners.
•BloomingMarvellousEmployer
•HillierNurseries Ltd
•Inspirational Business
•Greenwood Plants
•LifeBeyondPeat
•HillierNurseries Ltd
•PlantProducer
•HillierNurseries Ltd
•BestStaff Member
•Jane Poyner,MajesticTrees
•Young Grower under 35
•Thomas Smith,MajesticTrees
The Value of Gardens
With theambitiontobuild 1.5m new homes in theUK, theHTA has, for thefirsttime, deliveredanew report clearly outliningthe value of gardens to health, jobs andthe environment andwhy they shouldbeanintegral partofthe plans. The Value of Gardens will be used by theHTA andEnvironmental Horticulturesectortolobby fora GovernmentOffice forGreen Spacesand secureaminimum garden density forall newhousing developments.Bybringing together facts andfigures, thereportprovides theevidence policymakers need when makingimportantdecisions. Amongthe findings it showsthat29.5% of urban Great British is coveredbygardens andthat86% of UK adults have either aprivategarden, terraceorpatio garden.
Congratulationstothe teamsfromHillier Nurseries which enjoyedsuccess in the awards.
Natalie Boynton is the 2025 recipient of the HTA’sPearsonMemorial Medal.Presented by Will Armitage,the awardrecognises her substantial contributions to theindustrywhichincludes herroleasSales Director at Happy Plants, beinga leading participantofthe HTA’sNursery Working Groupwhich ledtothe development of taupe pots and as afounder of the YPHA.
Forthe retail sector,the HTAhas launched Your GardenYear.This seasonal schedule of online support andassetswill help promoteall-year-round gardening
t your values and your
It’s all aboutyour business valuesand your people
Will Armitage, HTAPresident
Essentially, we grow and sell plants, but ourindustryismuchmorethan that.
How do we ensure success? Aside fromthe obviousfactors (weather,sales, customer satisfaction), my key takeaways fromthe HTA’s Horticulture, the Conference are: values, people and authenticity. Sitting in theauditorium of the iconic Barbican Centre in London,listening to Alan Roper, Natalie Boynton and Colin Stephens’ Business Leaders’ discussion, Irealisedregardless of the style, sizeor type of business, thereare afew significant themes that connect all our businesses. Alan informed us that Blue Diamond’s annual turnoverwas in the region of £370 million, but the same three things can measurethe success of his business as asmall family-run business…values, peopleand authenticity.
Business values andpeople
In my own career,I would agreetheseare some of the most critical areas of business. Any emerging business needs to establish core values early on. By communicating them to your team, your employees will then hold those values true in everyarea of decision-making. If youhaven’t done so already, it’s essential to focus on what your business values are and how well you
communicate those to your team. If you can successfully convey yourideas and beliefs, your staff will want to liveand breathe those values and you, as an employer, will be able to rely on and trustyourpeople.
About 15 years ago, Ivisitedan organisation in North Yorkshire that made gas sensorsfor submarines. Iwas taken down the stairsfromthe officestowhere the technicians workedinhermetically sealed rooms. The one thing Inoticed was that everywhere Ilooked, the company’s values were displayedonthe wall. I remember at the time thinking it was agreat way for the management team to constantly remind everyone of the company’s values; from top to bottom,everyone knew, and thereforeeveryone held those values to be true. Ithen enlistedthe help of athird-party consultant to incorporate that into our organisation. This isn’t rocket science…but it works.
Backatthe Barbican Centre, Inoticed that values and caring for staff were prominent themes during the Growerofthe Year Awards presentation on the evening of the Conference. Both the Young Grower and Staff Member awards demonstrated how their organisations had taken the time to understand and communicate their values,
fostering apositive culture andcreating an environmentthat encourages the best possible working conditions
Authenticity
When it comestosocial media and marketing, authenticity is one of the words you hear frequently. It’s something we’re already seeinginthe next generation of horticulturists coming intothe industry, thanks to groups likethe YPHA. The younger generation understands this. They understand the importance of upholding these values, being truetooneself, and being authentic. The question is… is your business there yet? Have you already adopted authenticity into yourbusiness values and social media posts?
Don’tforget theplants
Horticulture, the Conference wasalso a perfect opportunity formetochat with our members and listen to what they’re saying aboutthe state of business at themoment Ithink we can all agree that retailers have had apretty good year so far. The long, hot spring provided fantastic conditions for retailers,but it tailedoff towardsthe end as it gothotter, and water restrictions were introducedwhich meant ourgrowers didn’t benefit from the backend of theseason. My final words of advice… While you’re busy putting outChristmas stock,don’t forget that autumn is theperfect time for planting treesand shrubssothere’s still plenty of value in stockingplants.Remember your growers; theyneed your support at this time of year, so they’ll still be there foryou in the spring.
Find outmore
TheHorticultural Trades Association is the UK industry’s leading membership organisation and welcomesall sectors of environmental horticulture. To learn more, please visit www.hta.org.uk or to enquire aboutmembershippleaseemail: membership@hta.org.uk
