Garden Centre Retail December 2019/January 2020 by Eljays44

Garden Centre Retail ISSUE 47

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PEOPLE • PRODUCTS • PROFIT

December 2019/January 2020

IS GARDEN R E TA I L S H U N N I N G

younger employees?

T H E PE AT F R E E D E B AT E

AN INTERVIEW WITH

COLIN BARRIE

CAULDERS GARDEN CENTRES TRAINING WITH GCA GROW THE GCA’S E-LEARNING INITIATIVE

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UNDERAGE WEAPON SALES

COMPLYING WITH THE OFFENSIVE WEAPONS ACT

POTS AND PLANTERS

TOP PICKS FOR BOTH INDOORS AND OUTDOORS

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Welcome

WELCOME TO...

Garden Centre Retail A

s we approach the end of the year, I think it’s worth reﬂecting on another great period for garden retail. In an economic climate that has seen huge high street heroes disappear, and the Great British high street in general decline to unrecognisable lows, garden centres across the country continue to buck the trend and prove that there is still life in bricks and mortar retailing. Maybe it’s because garden centres have learned to diversify. Or perhaps, it could be that the target audience of the market is of a certain age and demographic, and physical shopping is all they know. It might even be because of the vast amounts of parking spaces, the more spacious layout of a garden centre, the coffee shop, restaurant, or the aquatics departments. In all honesty, it’s probably because of all the above. But it’s right of me to say well done. Well done for continuing to be successful, and for taking this market to new heights, that few may have predicted a few short years ago. Christmas is a time to reﬂect, and a time to enjoy the things around us. When you have a moment to yourself, you should be proud of the industry you have created. This is our last issue of 2019. We’ve got all the usual features, including a wonderful interview with Colin Barrie of Scotlandbased Caulders Garden Centres. Wait until you read about how he got into the industry – it’s quite a unique story! Have a peaceful Christmas, and we’ll see you again next year.

CONTACT Eljays44 Ltd 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA EDITORIAL Managing editor – Joe Wilkinson joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 577 Head of content – Nina Mason nina.mason@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570 Subeditor – Katrina Roy katrina.roy@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570 Subeditor – Sam Seaton sam.seaton@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 570 ADVERTISING Head of sales – Jessica McCabe jessica.mccabe@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 587

Joe Wilkinson Managing editor, Garden Centre Retail joe.wilkinson@eljays44.com

Christmas is a time to reﬂect, and a time to enjoy the things around us

Sales manager – Tina Savelle tina.savelle@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 584 Horticulture Careers – Liam Colclough Tel: 01903 777 570 liam.colclough@eljays44.com PRODUCTION Design – Kara Thomas, Kirsty Turek Printed by Pensord Press Ltd, Gwent, UK Published by ©Eljays44 Ltd MANAGEMENT Managing director – Jim Wilkinson Director – Lisa Wilkinson Business development manager – Jamie Wilkinson MARKETING AND CIRCUL ATION Client relations – Amber Bernabe amber.bernabe@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 581 Subscription enquiries – Jessica McCabe jessica.mccabe@eljays44.com Tel: 01903 777 587 Garden Centre Retail is published bimonthly by Eljays44 Ltd. The 2020 subscription price is £95. Subscription records are maintained at Eljays44 Ltd, 3 Churchill Court, 112 The Street, Rustington, West Sussex BN16 3DA. Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Eljays44 Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, non-commissioned photographs or manuscripts.

Joe and the GCR team

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Whilst every effort has been made to maintain the integrity of our advertisers, we accept no responsibility for any problem, complaints, or subsequent litigation arising from readers’ responses to advertisements in the magazine. We also wish to emphasise that views expressed by editorial contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Reproduction of any part of this magazine is strictly forbidden.

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C on t en t s

Garden Centre Retail ISSUE 47

•

PEOPLE • PRODUCTS • PROFIT

December 2019/January 2020

IS GARDEN R E TA I L S H U N N I N G

younger employees?

T H E PE AT F R E E D E B AT E

CO NTE NT S NEWS

BUSINESS

06 NEWS

09 NEWS EXTRA

Matthew Mein on Glee at Spring Fair

CAULDERS GARDEN CENTRES TRAINING WITH GCA GROW THE GCA’S E-LEARNING INITIATIVE

UNDERAGE WEAPON SALES

TOP PICKS FOR BOTH INDOORS AND OUTDOORS

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

12 INTERVIEW

26 PLANT FOCUS

16 TRAINING – GCA GROW

29 GIMA

18 CHSI STITCHES 2020

30 CAN GARDEN CENTRES

The GCA’s e-learning initiative

20 UNDERAGE WEAPON SALES

GO PEAT FREE?

Industry opinions on peat use

Tony Allen of the ACCS shares advice following the Offensive Weapons Act

22 RECRUITMENT

Easy care succulents Suppliers share sustainable planters

Looking towards 2020’s event at NEC Birmingham

32 PEAT-FREE COMPOST

A selection of peat-free compost options

35 POTS AND PLANTERS

The latest indoor and outdoor containers

Is garden retail shunning younger employees?

POTS AND PLANTERS

COMPLYING WITH THE OFFENSIVE WEAPONS ACT

PRODUCTS

Colin Barrie, Caulders Garden Centres

A round-up of the latest news from the sector

AN INTERVIEW WITH

COLIN BARRIE

39 WHAT IS A BULB?

Understanding the varied types of bulbs and their characteristics

40 BULBS

Top bulb options for garden centre retailers

42 ARTIFICIAL GRASS

Modern choices from top suppliers

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N ew s

NEWS CENTRE Davidson Richards and Garden Connect to develop Scan & Go App

avidson Richards and Garden Connect have agreed to a partnership for joint solutions. One of the rst services the companies will release is an OpSuite Scan Go app, powered by Garden Connect. It will allow garden centre customers to scan their own shopping cart and then pay on their mobile. Keith Bateman, director of avidson Richards, explains “Allowing customers to scan their own purchases in-store and pay on phones transforms the experience. It removes the need to stand and queue at a till point. Scan Go can be used with the customer still scanning their own purchases and at the payment stage. They can visit any till point using our OpSuite retail management and EpoS solution. The entire customer basket is processed at the till with the phone and payment processed as usual.”

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Edwin Meijer, the founder of Garden Connect, is excited with this opportunity. “We were in touch with Davidson Richards last year when one of our customers requested to integrate their webshop with OpSuite. “Having gone so well, we started talking with Keith about a closer partnership. We were both aware some companies are doing everything OS and online marketing. But OS is not something you can do as a side job, nor is online marketing. “So, having a partnership between our two companies will give garden centres the best of both worlds.” www.davrich.co.uk

Garden Centre Retail December 2019/January 2020

Success leads Dobbies to become £300m business

arden centre chain Dobbies has seen its growth spurt pay off as it announced that sales topped £300m. This is after becoming the UK’s biggest player. The company says like-forlike store sales have performed well, with an increase of 5%. This is together with a 6% hike in “customer basket size”. It points to a strong performance in its core plants and gardening business as well as in its food halls. These have expanded the range of produce on offer. Accounts for the 12 months to 24 February show that total sales were up 12% to £166 million. During the year, the group acquired six sites and disposed of two “non-core” garden centres.

nderlying operating pro t rose by 35%, while acquisition and associated restructuring costs amounted to a total of £3.3m. This is non-recurring to the operations of the business. Dobbies chief executive of cer Graeme Jenkins adds “Dobbies has delivered a strong performance this year. This is as we continue to differentiate our retail and hospitality offerings. “Our trading performance is testament to the hard work of the team. We are well positioned to enjoy a successful Christmas season. “We are continuing to invest across the estate to ensure our customers enjoy the best shopping experience we can offer.” www.dobbies.com

B&M plans garden centre expansion in Blackburn

&M has lodged plans for a garden centre in retail units abandoned by Maplin and Mothercare. The cutprice chain wants to merge three units at Blackburn Retail ark, and part of the

expansion will be a new garden centre. There will be 18 new full-time jobs if the development goes ahead. If approved, the scheme will include fencing, groundworks and alterations

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Highfield Garden World reveals major investment and new restaurant plans

igh eld Garden World has revealed how an increase in pro ts and footfall has helped with new restaurant plans. High eld’s annual gures for 2019 reveal that turnover grew from , 4 ,24 in 201 to , 9,0 in 2019. ootfall is up while pro ts have also risen, leaving over . m of cash in the bank and over m of equity for High eld. Tim Greenway, director of High eld Garden World, reveals the business believes it can continue to make progress. avourable weather early in the year resulted in strong

growth. specially compared to the beast from the east’ weather in early 201 , said Tim. 2019 has seen improvement in trading. Both turnover and gross pro t shows growth year-on-year. There has also been a growth in footfall on the year of . per cent. Membership of our customer loyalty programme now stands at 1 , 00. We have grown to 1 0 staff, with concessions as well, 1 0 people working on the site. We decided four years ago, as the business had grown so much,

that we needed a general manager said Tim. We have planning permission to put in 110 to 120 more car parking spaces. We can extend the restaurant to at least 100 to 1 0 covers, and add retail space as well, said Mr Greenway.

We are very pleased that we will be moving forward in these stages. Over the next ve years we plan to invest 2m into the business. The last big spend was 2. m, and that was six years ago now. ou cannot stand still. highfieldgardenworld.co.uk

Haskins Garden Centre to promote inclusivity this festive season

for the garden centre. planning statement submitted as part of the application by B M reads The proposed garden centre would be linked to an existing operational retail use and cannot be disaggregated. It is neither workable, nor realistic, to move the entire

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retail operation to add a 441m2 garden centre at an alternative site. rom an operational perspective, it is impractical to locate a garden centre, whether standalone or part of a wider use. Given the need for immediate customer parking and handling of

askins Garden Centre in erndown is hosting a festive autism-friendly shopping night. This is in partnership with utism Wessex and will take place on Wednesday 2 ovember from . 0pm to pm. This free event is open exclusively to those affected by autism and their families. It will allow attendees to enjoy Haskins’ festive activities, including crafts and the opportunity to meet ather Christmas, in a quieter shopping environment. Simon Hallam, general

manager at Haskins Garden Centre in erndown, added Christmas is a time to spend with loved ones and we’re proud to be working with utism Wessex to host an event which promotes inclusivity at our centre. utism Wessex was the garden centre’s nominated Charity of the ear in 201 , with more than k raised for the charity through a variety of events held at the erndown centre and from change collected in Haskins’ Wishing Well’. www.haskins.co.uk

larger and bulkier goods. This proposal is in response to B M’s need to upsi e their existing store. The proposed alterations to the front elevation maintain the same design approach. This will complete the refurbishment of the retail terrace. The layout of the

proposed garden centre will not affect existing retailers on the park. Besides these works, other repairs, together with remedial works, will be carried out. This will be to the building fabric as part of the investment to con gure units 2 and . www.bmstores.co.uk

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Thetford Garden Centre plans big extension

hetford Garden Centre says it has “big plans” for an entertainment and children’s play area, and is also planning another coffee shop. The business, founded in 1982 by Jean and Paul Nixon, has become a popular destination, but before the plans can take a step forward, the business needs to extend its of ce and storage space. They have lodged an application with Breckland Council to do so. Thetford Garden Centre is now run by the couple’s daughter Lucy Nixon and her husband Shane Hinkley. Lucy says the success of the garden centre meant it needs more room behind the scenes to allow the business to grow.

“The more the business grows, the more back room and of ce space is needed to support it. This extension will increase ef ciency, provide more quiet spaces and bigger toilets. This rst extension is important. We will be submitting a bigger planning application later on for an extension of the shop. “We also need a refurbishment of our outside plant area. We also hope to include an entertainment area, children’s play area and another coffee shop.” The business also plans to build a new entrance to its restaurant as it looks to organise more evening events in the future. thetfordgardencentre.co.uk

Environmentalist to speak at 2020 GCA conference

nvironmentalist and CEO of the Hubbub Foundation Trewin Restorick has been announced as the rst speaker for the GCA’s annual conference, held in Bristol for 2020. Iain Wylie, chief executive of the GCA, explained: “This year’s conference has a real focus on the environment and what we can do as an industry to be more environmentally-friendly and aware, so we’re thrilled to announce environmentalist Trewin as the rst of our speakers for the event. “He will be speaking about corporate social responsibility, behaviour change to combat climate change, green living and charity and business partnerships. We think he will be a real inspiration to our members and help them to think more about the issues we’re facing – not just as an industry, but as individuals and as a country.”

Trewin is the founding CEO of Hubbub, a charity which makes environmental issues fun. He is also the former CEO and founder of independent environmental charity Global Action Plan. Trewin acted as the chair of the Environmental IT Leadership Team (EILT) and sat on the Defra Third Sector Advisory Board, is a trustee for Sustainability and Environmental Education (SEEd), and co-chaired Defra’s Compact Group. www.gca.org.uk

Houseplant sales grow for third month running

he UK’s current love for houseplants shows no sign of diminishing. This is according to the Garden Centre Association (GCA) as new research claims most ﬂatsharers own at least one indoor plant each. In the GCA’s Barometer of Trade for October 2019,

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Garden Centre Retail December 2019/January 2020

houseplants were recorded among the bestsellers by member garden centres for the third consecutive month. It saw sales rise 13.47% from last year. Iain Wylie, GCA chief executive explains: “The UK’s current love of houseplants seems to be growing, particularly amongst renters, as new research from the company, Spare Room, has revealed recently. “They appear to have become popular among millennials, who said in the research that they buy houseplants to have something to nurture, love and care for. “Houseplants are also being featured in more lifestyle

magazines as desirable household accessories. It’s trendy to have a cactus or a succulent and to have cyclamen on your table for Christmas. “But it wasn’t just houseplants that recorded good sales in October, clothing was up 13.88% too. Sales of outdoor plants, however, were down by 16.68% as the weather continues to be erratic for this time of year. Garden sundries sales were also down 12.41%. But it was a better month for seed and bulb sales at 3.16% up.” Overall sales for the month were down by 1.69%, with a year to date change of 5.74%. www.gca.org.uk

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G lee N ew s

GLEE AT SPRING FAIR 2020 Find out more from Matthew Mein, event director

s the third annual Glee at Spring Fair gets ever closer, the show’s event director, Matthew Mein, provides an update on what the industry can expect, and why garden retailers should make the event a ‘must attend’ part of their spring 2020 plans.

Glee at Spring Fair – how does it differ to the September show?

Glee at Spring Fair was introduced in 2018 for one simple reason – Spring Fair is the UK’s number one home and gift fair, boasting a 58,000-strong audience which is already engaged and ready and willing to do business. Running from 2 to 6 February at NEC Birmingham, the exhibition already welcomes a strong garden centre contingent, with owners and

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operators, gift buyers and those with a primary and secondary interest in garden products, DIY and seasonal ranges out in force. Glee at Spring Fair will give retailers the opportunity to see new and best-selling ranges ahead of the spring season. This ‘second edition’ of Glee, taking place in the early pre-spring season, will give retailers an additional destination to refresh and make impulse buying decisions ahead of key retail spikes. It will also provide garden buyers with valuable insight into the latest concepts and trends for 2020, helping them to better direct their buying.

What can visitors expect to see within Glee at Spring Fair?

Glee at Spring Fair will be a concession that will deliver a selection of some of the best products from Glee’s core product sectors. Core gardening will remain at its heart, with key brands such as Charles Taylor Trading, Creative Products, Dizmes, Neat Ideas, Chirpy Bird Foods, Euromedia, Fargro, Riverco Trading, Juice & Jam, Logs Direct and Laurica Plants showcasing their 2020 ranges. The concession will retain Glee’s signature boulevard aisle and highly-recognisable branding throughout. A Glee Café will act as a hub for Glee’s supporting trade associations, such as the HTA, GIMA and Gardenex. Offering a wealth of knowledge and bene ts, the presence of these trade associations will add some fun and interactive elements to the ve-day event. GIMA will once again be bringing its popular Buyer Connect event, to help those exhibiting to maximise their exposure to key garden retail buyers through special speed networking

sessions. Meanwhile, international buyers will be able to meet with enthusiastic suppliers within Gardenex’s own International Buyers Connect event. A popular part of both the September show and the 2020 Glee at Spring Fair event, the Glee New Product Showcase will be making its home within the Glee Café. This dedicated area will bring together the most exciting new products from Glee at Spring Fair exhibitors and will also provide a source of inspiration for retailers looking to nd exciting new product innovations.

Who should visit?

Any retailer who wants to maximise sales of garden products in the year ahead – especially those with a strong design focus – will not want to miss out on visiting Glee at Spring Fair.

Where do go to find out more

Visit www.gleebirmingham.com for all the latest developments regarding the main September show, as well as Glee at Spring Fair 2020. Brands that are interested in exhibiting are invited to call +44 (0)203 3545 9752 for more information. ◗

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SAVE THE DATE 15-17 September 2020 NEC Birmingham UK

The UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading garden and outdoor living trade show. Discover more at www.gleebirmingham.com Glee_Birmingham Glee.Birmingham1

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DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

BUSINESS 12

THE INTERVIEW Colin Barrie, Caulders Garden Centres

TRAINING – GCA GROW A look at the GCA’s e-learning initiative

CHSI STITCHES 2020 Looking towards 2020’s event at NEC Birmingham

UNDERAGE WEAPON SALES Tony Allen of the ACCS shares tips

RECRUITMENT Are businesses turning their backs on younger workers?

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B u s i n es s I n t er v i ew

AN INTERVIEW WITH

COLIN BARRIE

CAULDERS GARDEN CENTRES

Colin Barrie, founder of Caulders Garden Centres, explains how his love for plants led him to running his own business

ounded in 1999, Caulders Garden Centres is an independent garden centre group based in Central Scotland. Garden Centre Retail speaks with Colin Barrie, owner of Caulders Garden Centres, to nd out about his business, and how things differ north of the border. His is not a story many have heard. As he explains: “I got into this industry totally by chance!” “I needed a weekend job when I was at school. A friend of mine was going off to university, and he sold me his job in a wholesale nursery for a can of lager. That’s the truth! He said that he worked at a wholesale nursery, and offered me a job

at the cost of a can of lager. I bought him one and that was that.” That was at Craigmarloch Nurseries, a wholesale nursery and garden centre supplier in Central Scotland. “I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to do when I left school,” he says. “I worked at Craigmarloch and I really enjoyed it. When I was leaving school they said I should stay on, so I did. They put me through college – I studied horticulture at the Scottish Agricultural College [now Scotland’s Rural College] at Auchincruive for three years and thoroughly enjoyed it.” Colin still feels a lot of gratitude towards the business that gave him his start in the

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I n t er v i ew B u s i n es s

business. He explains: “Craigmarloch was brilliant to me. When I nished college, I went back and worked there full time. I became their buyer, which I absolutely loved. The owner of Craigmarloch, rew Mc arlane, was brilliant, I learned a huge amount from him. It was during this time at Craigmarloch that Colin opened his eyes to the garden retail market. Having had a lot of dealings within the industry, and networking with many people that worked in garden centres, a business idea was formed. I met a lot of people in the garden centre industry, so I got to know them. t the same time, I always knew I wanted to start my own business. I was looking out for a site to do that. I was out on a walk one day with my wife, Mandy, and we saw an empty walled garden. We approached the owners to see if they would lease it to us to build a garden centre. This led to the creation of Mugdock Country ark, our rst garden centre. We started the business as a plant centre – not selling gifts, no coffee shop, just plants. It’s funny starting a business from scratch, you have no customer base and you really appreciate every customer that comes through the door. The importance of our customers and the people that have helped us along the way – they taught us a lot as we’ve gone on to grow the business. xactly 20 years later, the group has expanded to seven centres and the business is going through a planning application for a new garden centre on a site they’ve purchased. It’s all been organic growth too – Colin puts this down to hard work and determination, and by taking opportunities that present themselves. He says Our second garden centre, our irkintilloch centre, was

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previously a londyke Garden Centre. That was a great opportunity for us – the centre didn’t quite t with the londyke business at the time, but we could make it work. Within two years, the company had two centres. Its routes to opening could not have been more different, although the irkintilloch centre was considerably changed after moving in.

Our customers and the people that have helped us along the way – they taught us a lot as we’ve gone on to grow the business Signi cantly, Caulders haven’t ever been in the position where they could just throw money at refurbishments or acquisitions. One thing we’ve done pretty much all the way along is working with tight budgets. We’ve done it all ourselves with a small amount of support from the bank. We’ve had no outside investment, so money’s always been quite limited for us. We’ve had to work hard and make the best of things. The two most recent centres in the Caulders portfolio were purchased from obbies. We took two obbies centres that, again, didn’t quite t within their business Colin explains. They were too small for them. They t very nicely with what we do – our centres range from 900,000 to million. Two of the largest groups in the market also have their base of operations north of the border – but does Colin feel as though he has to compete with obbies and londyke He explains

o, not particularly. I don’t think of the competition as competition. obbies are doing very well with what they’re doing on a much bigger scale. londyke, just by watching what they do, we learn quite a bit – we do that with a whole lot of the other groups too. We’re always keen to see what other people are up to. We learn a lot in terms of systems and procedures from watching all the groups in the market. s we’ve grown, we’ve needed to put systems in place that work for us as a group rather than as individual centres. We’ve always had very good relations with londyke, he also notes. avid ardley, the chief executive of the business, is a good friend of mine. Given we bought a centre from them early on, I’ve known the londyke guys for an awfully long time. s those two Scottish businesses have crossed the border into ngland, Colin doesn’t think that will happen for Caulders. Whilst he’s in charge of the business, any future expansions will be in Scotland. Technology s the market has expanded, businesses’ needs for innovation have grown. lthough Colin says he doesn’t have a personal interest in technology, it has made a huge difference for his business. bout six or seven years ago, we put oS into our centres, which has been brilliant for us. It makes a huge difference to the business. It’s great for inﬂuencing our buying decisions with the sales data. rom a garden centre point of view, oS is such an important technology. But it’s a simpler form of technology that Colin feels has made the biggest difference. Since we started in business 20 years ago, the biggest change in technology has been email! It allows us 

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to communicate rapidly with our centre managers and get information out quickly. In terms of technology, although very simple and often taken for granted, it’s been hugely important for us.” The industry Colin was an interested spectator during the Wyevale sell-off over the past 18 months. He feels that move was one that could have a very positive effect on the market. “It was good to open up and to give independents the chance to take on other centres and to break the industry down a bit. It’s not healthy when one chain almost monopolises the whole top end of the industry, so it was great to see British Garden Centres, Blue Diamond and Dobbies all having similar numbers of centres. It splits it up a lot – everyone does things a bit different anyway, so hopefully it makes things a bit more interesting!”

It was good to open up and to give independents the chance to take on other centres and to break the industry down a bit He felt the industry grabbed the opportunity with both hands too. “I thought that was an opportunity that was never going to come back. When centres went to Wyevale in the rst place, I thought they would never get back into independent hands. It puts the market in a strong place.” And as many garden centres are diversifying, often beyond recognition, Caulders is remaining focused. There are no play areas, the core audience is still the traditional garden centre customer, and their beating heart is their plants. “As a garden centre, plants are our reason for being. My whole background, going back to when I started working, is in plants. They’re my passion and it’s what we do well as a business.” Alliances Although not currently a member, Caulders has spent 10 years as a member of the Garden Centre Association (GCA). “We came out of the GCA this year when we bought our two extra centres. We felt as though we’d have a couple of years out of it.”

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I n t er v i ew B u s i n es s

Six or seven years ago, however, Caulders decided to join Choice Marketing, a marketing and buying group dedicated to the garden retail market. It’s a big decision to make, but one Colin says he would make time and time again. “If you were just an independent working with yourself, it would be quite dif cult to make sure you’re getting the right product range and the right stock. We absolutely love being a Choice Marketing member. Although we have seven centres, we’re still a small group. “Choice Marketing has given us the buying power we enjoy, and we enjoy the rebate that we get. We love the camaraderie and the friendship we have within Choice. It makes us feel not so alone. “Since we’ve joined Choice, it’s given us more con dence. It’s not just about the pricing you can achieve and the rebate you get, it’s about sharing that information. It’s about being able to pick up the phone and discuss with someone why the sales gures might be up or down. It’s a brilliant organisation for us to be a part of and we fully embrace it.” The future After a year of expansion, the future for Caulders, at least over the next 12 months, is all about updating. “We’re currently redeveloping our Cumbernauld centre, which is one of the centres we took from Dobbies. That will be complete by the end of March 2020. We have plans to look at refurbishing our Kinross centre, the other one we got from Dobbies. “After that we’ll go back and refocus on our Kirkintilloch centre. It’s been 18 years since we bought that from Klondyke and it’s needing a bit of a refurb now. For the next year or 18 months, we’re concentrating on upgrades and refurbishments to our existing centres. However, we are always on the lookout for the next opportunity.” But the plan is to keep growing the business. “The business is owned by myself and my wife, but we’ve recently made four of our key people directors of Caulders. That’s important to us, we must make sure there’s stability and a future for our business, and at the same time, acknowledging the amazingly loyal longstanding team who have been on the journey with us! We have some fantastic people and looking after them is key. If it wasn’t for our people, we wouldn’t have been able to grow the business.” ◗

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B u s i n es s G C A G R O W

EDUCATION

MADE EASY

A look at the GCA’s e-learning initiative, Garden Retail Online Workshops, and how it’s changing training for centres across the UK

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12/12/2019 15:07

G C A G R O W B u s i n es s

The Garden Centre ssociation’s GC e-learning initiative Garden Retail Online Workshops GROW launched in 201 to give garden centres an opportunity to train staff to ensure their level of basic horticultural understanding is increased. It also ensures that the necessary compliance training on topics such as health & safety and food hygiene is delivered. The GC represents nearly 200 garden centres nationwide. Through sharing information and a rigorous inspection programme, the GC helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability. Iain Wylie, chief executive of the GC , said We have in excess of 1 ,000 staff members from more than 112 member garden centres who access GROW. “The programme is ideal for our members, it is a resource available to them days a year. It enables targeted and speci c training on topics related to the operation of a garden centre, enabling retailers to maintain their customer service standards at the highest level possible. What started as an initial idea, thought up during a strategy meeting of the GC ’s executive committee, to bring education and training to individuals employed in the garden centre industry, is now a self-funding facility with 95 modules and 1 ,000 users across the country.

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The 95 modules include a wide range of topics that cover horticulture, customer service, health and safety, food safety and regulated sales. The units are classi ed by categories and the majority are covered by the terms basic’, intermediate’ or advanced’. The accredited health & safety and food safety topics are categorised as either level one or two.

The customer service programme is designed to be worked through in module order The customer service programme is designed to be worked through in module order and the three categories covered are designed around the customer experience and how to make their visit to the garden centre easy,’ enjoyable’ and inspirational’. The horticultural units available have been written by various members of the GCA, and other modules – such as health safety and hygiene – have been bought from speci ed leading trainers in those subjects. Iain added Thanks to using the GROW e-learning facility, garden centre staff can improve their knowledge, gain con dence

and expertise and improve the quality of the customer’s experience. sers can be assured that they are always receiving the correct, practical and unbiased advice, solutions to problems and help with gardening projects. It is the most cost-effective way of delivering training to everyone employed within your garden centre. s well as being available exclusively to GC member garden centres, the GROW facility is now also available to Horticultural Trades ssociation HT members too. Each year, from all the users of GCA GROW, the most proli c centre’ – the one with the highest number of modules completed per user – is awarded the GCA GROW Training ward. The award will once again be presented at the next GC conference, which takes place at Mercure Bristol, Grand Hotel in Bristol from January 2 until 29, 2020. If garden centres are interested in signing up to GROW, they can enquire online at www.gca.org.uk, or contact antony.snow@gca.org.uk or iain@gca.org.uk to arrange an on-site demonstration or guest access. For more information, please call 01244 952170, visit www.gca.org. uk or follow the organisation on acebook at www.facebook.com/ GardenCentreAssociation or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GC_Association. ◗

Garden Centre Retail December 2019/January 2020

12/12/2019 15:08

A d v er t or i a l

CRAFTS FOR 2020

CHSI STITCHES Important craft consumer data revealed in the Craft Report at CHSI Stitches 2020

ital craft industry data and consumer insight will be revealed exclusively at CHSI Stitches 2020, providing unique trend predictions and craft customer understanding for garden centre retailers. The Craft Report research, commissioned by ICHF Events, is gathered via qualitative interviews and focus groups

chsi stitches.indd 18

as well as quantitative questionnaires, with a combined sample in excess of 3,000 dedicated crafters in the UK. Simon Burns, managing director of ICHF Events, says: “Garden centre buyers considering expansion into crafts or those looking to develop their craft ranges can get exclusive access to vital craft industry data at CHSI Stitches. The Craft Report research is presented every day of the show, providing a deeper understanding of craft customers. Attending CHSI Stitches is a unique opportunity for garden centre buyers and retailers to see where customer pro les overlap and can spot new opportunities for their businesses.” New product launches at CHSI Stitches 2020 include The Crafty Kit Company showcasing its new range of Dinky Dogs Needle Felting Kits including The Royal Corgi, a Scottish Terrier, a West Highland Terrier and the family favourite, Yellow Labrador. Korbond is launching a new range of sewing baskets

including a new shade palette of cosy warm tartan, and Stix2 is moving away from plastic packaging in favour of recyclable cardboard box packaging, and has also added eight beautiful colours of biodegradable glitter to its range. Organised by ICHF Events, CHSI Stitches showcases over 200 exhibitors from across the world, featuring more than 100,000 products, and showcasing the latest innovation in products and designs including craft kits, gifts and accessories. The trade show also features a Trending Now showcase and a dedicated Bright Sparks area for the newest designers and creative companies. To register, free of charge, visit www.chsi.co.uk ◗ CHSI Stitches 2020 takes place from 16 to 18 February 2020 at the NEC, Birmingham, UK. For more information, visit www.chsi.co.uk Twitter @CHSIstitches Instagram @CHSIstitches Linked In CHSI Stitches

12/12/2019 14:52

magrini high chairs The Magrini Breeze commercial high chair stacks up to 8 high for easy storage and comes in a choice of colours that will not fade or peel. The strong, sturdy design allows your smallest customers to feel safe and the chair pushes up to the table to create a relaxed family mealtime. The Breeze high chair is manufactured in the U.K. by Magrini.

tried & trusted by young professionals safe - strong - stacks Tel:t:01543 sales@magrini.co.uk• • w: www.magrini.co.uk 01543375311 375311 • •Email: e: sales@magrini.co.uk www.magrini.co.uk

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12/12/2019 09:31

B u s i n es s Wea p on S a les

OFFENSIVE WEAPONS:

WHY RETAILERS MUST ACT TO AVOID PROSECUTION

Tony Allen, founder and head of certiﬁcation at ACCS, discusses age veriﬁcation processes for garden retailers

nife crime is a growing issue in the UK, with over 40,000 offences involving a blade reported to police last year. The involvement of children in knife crime is also on the rise, with a fth of those cautioned or convicted of knife offences in the 12 months leading up to March 2019 being between 11 to 16 years old. Part of the problem, aside from the underlying societal issues that make children feel they need to carry a weapon, is the ease at which underage consumers can access blades in the rst place. The Offensive Weapons Act, which received royal assent in May, strengthens the processes and procedures that retailers must follow when selling knives to under 18s, and reinforces the fact that

The involvement of children in knife crime is also on the rise it is a criminal offence to dispatch bladed products without verifying the buyer is over 18. Garden centres – which will naturally sell secateurs and other bladed items – are inherently tied up in the ght against underage violence in the UK. Those that do not follow the necessary procedures face signi cant nes and reputational damage. It is, therefore, vital that each retailer has a thorough age veri cation procedure in place. Create an expectation of challenge The rst step in the age veri cation process should be to create an expectation of challenge from the start.

Garden retailers selling knives should use effective in-store signage and 18+ symbols on websites, making it clear that ID will be required to purchase age restricted products. In-store age verifi cation When selling blades in store, it is vital that garden centre staff are thoroughly trained and made aware of the age veri cation policy. Each staff member must make sure that all ID contains the customer’s photograph, date of birth and a holographic mark, such as a passport, PASS card or photo driving licence. It is important to reinforce that student ID cards, bank cards or National Insurance cards are not proof of age. What about online? For garden centres selling knives or blades online, it is crucial that a clear age veri cation policy is built into the checkout process of each site. This must be veri ed by submitting proof of ID or using an independently certi ed age veri cation solution. When selecting a solution, it is important to ensure that the provider has S 129 201 independent certi cation. The Offensive Weapons Act bans the sale of bladed products to residential addresses without age veri cation. ge checking must now happen at the point of sale and a second time when the goods are delivered. Retailers must duly consider the coordinated approach that this process now demands. Testing the solution If garden centres are unable to recognise fake IDs, they are still putting themselves

Garden Centre Retail December 2019/January 2020

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at risk of prosecution, and testing that the age veri cation solution works is crucial. n independent age veri cation certi cation company will be able to provide test purchasing, using someone who is seemingly under 18 to attempt to purchase knives, both online and in store. ◗ ABOUT Age Check Certiﬁcation Scheme (ACCS) ensures robust age check practices are followed by providers of age-restricted goods, content and services. Its market leading scheme delivers trusted, independent certiﬁcation and validation of processes and employee awareness in accordance with the provisions of ISO 17065:2012. ACCS is also the auditor for the UK’s national Proof-of-Age Standards Scheme (PASS) and provides the UK’s only recognised training course for Advanced Practitioners in Age Restricted Sales Enforcement. www.accscheme.com

www.gardencentreretail.com

12/12/2019 16:31

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12/12/2019 09:35

B u s i n es s R ecr u i t men t

IS AGE RELEVANT

WHEN RECRUITING? Survey consultants this year have demonstrated that retail businesses are turning backs on younger workers to favour older generations

early half (41%) of business owners in the retail, hospitality and catering sector would choose to recruit an older worker than a younger candidate with exactly the same skills and experience, according to new research. In a national survey, more than a third of 1,000 SME business owners (36%) said that they would sooner recruit a 55-year-old than a 24-year-old, with 41% of business owners in the retail, hospitality and catering sector saying the same. Less than a fth 19 of retail, catering and hospitality business owners preferred a 24-year-old with the same CV. One of the issues raised by business leaders about so-called ‘Millennial’ employees included ‘lower productivity’ and ‘higher absence rates’, instead preferring ‘loyal’ older employees, according to data gathered by the UK’s most trusted business healthcare provider, Benenden Health. The study, which also surveyed 1,000 employees, found that nationally more than half (56%) of employees aged 16 to 23 felt they have been overlooked for roles due to their age, compared to 47% of those aged 24 to , 29 of aged 9 to 54 and a third (34%) of those aged 55 to 72. More than a third (41%) of employees surveyed in the retail, hospitality and catering sector felt they had been overlooked for a job due to their age. However, when it comes to attracting and retaining a workforce, the ndings

have shown a major discrepancy between what employers and employees see as a priority. This is unsurprising considering that nearly half (45%) of retail, hospitality and catering sector businesses have not asked employees what should be involved in a strong health and wellbeing scheme. Health and wellbeing packages are starting to command increasing importance for employees, with almost half (46%) of all respondents in the retail, hospitality and catering sector saying a strong health and wellbeing bene t would increase their likelihood to join or stay with a business. Nationally, employees aged 16 to 23 revealed they would be willing to

Research was carried out by Censuswide, the independent survey consultants, in September 2019. It questioned a total of 1,000 SM business owners 1-249 company si e including sole traders, and 1,000 employees. Of these, 166 employers and 141 employees were from the South East.

Garden Centre Retail December 2019/January 2020

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sacri ce a third of their salary to receive a healthcare package that ts their personal needs. Yet, despite this, as many as 87% of SMEs surveyed in the retail, hospitality and catering sector reported that they don’t have a healthcare package in place for employees above statutory allowances, with 42% of those without one claiming they don’t believe it is necessary, and more than half (62%) saying they don’t believe or weren’t sure a strong health and wellbeing package is valuable for recruiting and retaining employees. Almost half of retail, hospitality and catering businesses (44%) revealed that they have never consulted workers on what they would value in a healthcare package, despite employees having different priorities depending on their age. Nationally, younger workers revealed that they place value on mental health

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12/12/2019 15:00

R ecr u i t men t B u s i n es s

support, counselling sessions and life skill lessons, whereas older generations said regular medical checks and ﬂexible working were top of their list of potential healthcare bene ts.

Younger workers revealed that they place value on mental health support, counselling sessions and life skill lessons Helen Smith, chief commercial of cer of Benenden Health, commented: “Our research has highlighted some alarming discrepancies between the attitudes of employers and employees when it comes to healthcare and wellbeing schemes, with the majority of businesses in the retail, hospitality and catering sector not even having a healthcare package in place for employees. This comes despite healthcare becoming increasingly valued by workers – often more so than other bene ts and

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employment/epos.indd 23

even salary – indicating that businesses should prioritise a strong, tailored health and wellbeing programme to meet the varied needs of a modern workforce. “Younger generations told us that mental health support is of great importance to them, but these priorities change over time. Generation ’ workers often have the dual commitment of looking after children and parents. With this in mind, ﬂexible working is often immeasurably valued by them. This comes at a time where employees are working longer than ever, and ensuring your older workers are catered for as well – through amenities like regular eyesight and hearing tests and ergonomic of ces, for example – is vital to maintaining a strong modern workforce. t Benenden Health we rmly believe that a healthy workforce is a productive and motivated workforce, and having these open conversations with employees and tailoring a healthcare approach to suit will put businesses in a prime position for recruiting, retaining as well as maximising talent.

Benenden Health is a not-for-pro t society with a UK-wide membership of over 815,000, founded in 1905, bringing people together to help pay for medical care when they might need it. Today, it has a mission to support businesses by providing affordable healthcare that helps keep employees healthy, valued and businesses thriving. ◗

About

Benenden Health is a not-for-pro t organisation, founded in 1905, with the purpose of people joining together to help pay for medical care. It is one of the UK’s longest serving and most respected mutual healthcare societies, offering an affordable alternative to health insurance to more than 815,000 members. Many UK businesses have also chosen to offer Benenden Health membership as part of their employee bene ts package, with the organisation named as the UK’s most trusted provider of corporate healthcare by Moneywise in 2019.

Garden Centre Retail December 2019/January 2020

12/12/2019 15:00

CHRISTMAS & GIFT FAIR Harrogate UK 12 – 15 January 2020

HALL M | STAND M1

SPRING FAIR

Birmingham UK 2 – 6 February 2020

HALL 6+7 | STAND 6F40-J41

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12/12/2019 09:39

DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

PRODUCTS 26

PLANT FOCUS Easy care succulents

GIMA Planters are set to go green with GIMA suppliers’ pots

GOING PEAT FREE Can garden centres go peat free?

PEAT-FREE COMPOST A selection of peat-free compost options

POTS AND PLANTERS The market’s latest indoor and outdoor pots

WHAT IS A BULB? Exploring the varied types of bulbs available

BULBS The latest bulb options for garden centre retailers

ARTIFICIAL GRASS The latest in artiﬁcial grass products

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12/12/2019 15:14

P la n t F ocu s S u ccu len t s

Easy care succulents Sedum morganianum (burro’s tail) Origin Southern Mexico Expected growth (approx.) 40cm tall, 0cm spread Light levels irect sunlight preferred Water requirements Water once soil is dry to the touch Pet-friendly? es Flowering roduces small ﬂowers at the tips of the stems Foliage Thick soft leaves, although small. The leaves that hang over the pot are green and greyish in colour.

Lithops fulleri (living stones)

Origin Africa Expected growth (approx.) 10cm tall Light levels Bright, direct light Water requirements Let pot dry out before watering Pet-friendly? No Flowering The plant ﬂowers during the summer months and into fall. white ﬂower that is similar to a daisy grows from the ssure Foliage Cone-shaped, with a width of up to 0mm. It divides itself into two lobes.

Garden Centre Retail December 2019/January 2020

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Aloe vera

Origin North Africa Expected growth (approx.) 60cm tall Light levels Bright, indirect light Water requirements eep soil moist, not wet Pet-friendly? No Flowering loes are not in any rush to bloom flowers. It could take up to three or four years for an Aloe to mature, then flower. loes flower when they’re primarily kept outdoors, or have enough sunlight indoors Foliage eaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on their upper and lower stem surfaces. The margin of the leaf is serrated and has small white teeth.

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12/12/2019 15:11

S u ccu len t s P la n t F ocu s Sedum pachyphyllum (jelly bean plant)

Origin Mexico Expected growth (approx.) 20cm tall, 30cm spread Light levels Direct sunlight preferred Water requirements Plant must dry out before watering Pet-friendly? No Flowering Blooming during the summer months, the ﬂowers are yellow with tiny pure yellow petals. Sepals are club-shaped and uneven, while stamens are short and stout Foliage The leaves are short and thick, with an upward curve. They are a grey or light green in colour, while giving off a bluish-tinged bloom. During the winter months, the tips of the leaves turn red.

Sansevieria trifasciata (mother-in-law’s tongue)

Origin Western Africa Expected growth (approx.) 1m tall Light levels Can cope in low light conditions Water requirements Water when soil is dry to the touch Pet-friendly? No Flowering Small greenish white ﬂowers can appear once this species matures in age Foliage Fleshy leaves form a rosette pattern. Leaves are green with yellow-tinged edges.

Haworthia zebrina (zebra cactus)

Origin South Africa Expected growth (approx.) Leaves grow to 25cm, plant grows to 15cm in diameter Light levels Bright light required Water requirements When soil is bone dry Pet-friendly? Yes Flowering Small tubular white or pink ﬂowers growing from an inﬂorescence thin kind of stems Foliage The plant forms a rosette of leaves – these are very thick and patterned, with zebra-like white stripes or tubercles that look like warts. It is a clump forming plant in the wild, so they can be grown with multiple plants in one container.

Crassula ovata (jade plant)

Origin South Africa Expected growth (approx.) 1m height Light levels Few hours of direct light a day Water requirements Let soil dry between watering Pet-friendly No Flowering Small, white star-shaped ﬂowers if the conditions allow Foliage A similar look to a bonsai tree with a thick trunk and branches. The leaves are a thick oval shaped type which are a shiny dark green and possibly red coloured outer edges.

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Garden Centre Retail December 2019/January 2020

12/12/2019 15:12

Available from Su-Bridge Pet Supplies Ltd www.su-bridge.co.uk | 01953 882485

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12/12/2019 09:47

S u s t a i n a b le P la n t er s G I M A

FOR GREENER PLANTERS

Planters are set to go green as GIMA suppliers unveil sustainable pots aimed at environmentally conscious consumers With sustainability dominating the retail agenda, container suppliers are bringing a new generation of eco-friendly pots to market in a bid to capture a growing share of the green pound. Head of brands at Treadstone, Dean Winters, explains that the new Recycled Pot Range is made from 100% recycled plastic and is also 100 recyclable. “The heavy-duty pots are made in Italy and feature a unique, textured surface in an ontrend mocha colour. Woodlodge Container supplier bamboo pots Woodlodge has unveiled a host of ranges. eading the line-up is a new collection of lightweight sustainable pots made from bamboo. Managing director Michael Wooldridge says: “The use of environmentally friendly bamboo raises the bar for pots and containers, offering a sustainable option without compromising on quality or style. Bee Kind is Woodlodge’s new bumblebeeinspired pottery range, while it has also unveiled Modena, a contemporary collection of lightweight planters. A planet-friendly theme dominates Tildenet’s 2020 ranges, which includes stylish pots and planters as part of its expanded Growers Choice range.

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A Tildenet spokeswoman says: “The range is made from 100% recycled waste plastic that would otherwise go to land ll. Clear and engaging graphics champion the sustainability message. Primeur’s Tierra Verde Recycled Rubber Planters are proving to be a game-changer in the sector, diverting waste tyres from land ll and transforming the recycled rubber into ultra-tough, stylish containers. Winner of the GIMA Sword of Excellence at the 2019 GIMA Awards, the containers are weather and frost-proof. Primeur’s project manager Sarah McLafferty says: “Tierra Verde Planters come with a self-watering base and are perfectly for those looking for recycled products or alternatives to plastics. elho says it’s combining sustainability with embracing nature while catering for owners of small gardens. The new Corsica ertical orest meets all three criteria, giving retailers the opportunity to capitalise on these trends whilst offering stylish, designer pots. An elho spokeswoman explains The Corsica ertical orest is a unique hanging system, ideal for balconies and creating a vertical garden in minutes. Agralan points out that the Plug Plant trainer is RHS-endorsed and UKmanufactured using recycled plastic while being recyclable. gralan’s otato Gro ot is also made from recycled plastic. Meanwhile, Thorndown is targeting consumers’ growing appetite to make do and mend. Director Caroline Thornborough says: “Many gardeners can’t afford the higher price tags of glazed or ceramic pots so opt for terracotta instead. ainting a terracotta pot in Thorndown Wood Paint looks great and protects from frost and water damage. Suppliers have been styling ranges to tap into the latest fashions. Panacea’s marketing manager Eloise Lamsdale explains: “With the continuing popularity of indoor plants, we are excited about Panacea’s new Urban Gardener collection

Kadai Planter

of glass terrarium succulent planters and copper trays. ach container is presented in its own full-colour box to inspire and capture the customer’s attention. Rainer Schubert, managing director at Burgon & Ball, says: “January 2020 brings a new trio of Baby Dotty hanging pots. The new Malibu pot design offers a choice of sizes in soft coastal shades, while the San rancisco design includes an air plant dish. inally, the uji Japanese ﬂower arranging bowl introduces a more unusual gifting line, giving a taste of the exotic art of Ikebana. inally, Kadai says its 40cm Kadai Planter “adds tons of character to gardens . spokeswoman adds Because of the bowl shape and elevation, adding draping foliage makes this planter a total showstopper. or further information please contact GIMA on 01959 564 947 or info@gima.org.uk ◗

Thorndown Blues Wood Paint on terracotta pots

ABOUT

The Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Association (GIMA) is a membership organisation of around 150 members representing the majority share of suppliers and manufacturers operating in the UK gardening industry. Formed in 1999, its goal is to promote the commercial, trading and industrial interests of UK and EU-based companies supplying the UK garden industry.

Garden Centre Retail December 2019/January 2020

12/12/2019 15:52

P r od u ct s P ea t F r ee

CAN GARDEN CENTRES GO PEAT FREE? In the wake of TV presenter Bob Flowerdew opening up the discussion surrounding the value of going peat free, GCR explores why opinions in the industry range from indifference to calls for a complete ban Bob Flowerdew kicked up a storm on Twitter earlier this month. The TV presenter and contributor for Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time took to the social media site to campaign against a total peat ban in horticulture. He wrote that “some seeds, some plants and some scienti c research need peat” to be successful, and has called for “regulation, licencing and taxation” to control the use of the product. Not everyone agrees, though. In fact, most of the responses to his tweet argue that horticulture can function without the soil, and that

peat bog conservation and restoration is of a much higher priority than that of ornamental horticulture. It’s a debate that has been raging for years, and with the voluntary ban not having much effect, the tables could be turning on those using peat. But is a total peat ban 100% necessary? Would garden centres suffer under the ban? And are peat-free alternatives up to scratch? Peat became popular in the horticulture sector in the 1960s when it replaced soil or loam as a component in compost. It was recognised to have a good

Garden Centre Retail December 2019/January 2020

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capacity for holding air and water in high quantities whilst retaining important nutrients. Peat wasn’t a new material, though – it has been used for heating since the Roman times when it was found to burn cleanly and was widely available. Today, however, peat bogs are increasingly recognised as valuable habitats for wildlife and important stores of carbon. Peat bogs are home to a range of animals, including deer, otters and geese. It’s no surprise, then, that the horticulture industry’s reliance on peat

has come under re, and as a result, some businesses are detaching themselves from the controversial product. Ban peat Bud Garden Centre in Burnage, south Manchester, is one of these. Brenda Smith, owner of the centre, is an advocate for peat-free gardening and runs her centre completely peat free. The aim of her business is threefold – to provide quality plants and gardening products as sustainably as possible, in order to encourage creative planting and gardening and a care for the environment through sustainable practices, and trade with customers and suppliers in a fair and sustainable way. eat is a nite resource, a carbon sink,” says Brenda. “The voluntary target of phasing out our peat use by 2030 has largely been ignored by the horticulture industry, and very few retailers bother to stock one brand of peat-free compost, even though there appears to be an appetite from many amateur gardeners. “The industry has had

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12/12/2019 16:26

P ea t F r ee P r od u ct s

plenty of time to adjust, but it has chosen money and destruction over any commitment to the environment. The environment is too precious to leave to market forces and to personal choice.” Though there are environmental concerns to using peat, a complete ban might not be the answer, argues Bob Flowerdew. Speaking exclusively to GCR, Bob says a 100% peat ban is a ‘populist over-reaction’ to a genuine and pressing

A 100% peat ban is a ‘populist over-reaction’ to a genuine and pressing problem problem. “We most certainly need to preserve, and ideally increase, areas of peat bog for wildlife and climate change. I’ve always been for a massive reduction in peat use, both in horticulture and, more importantly, in power stations where it’s still being burnt.”

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It’s a big decision A 100% ban, though, would have unfortunate side effects that haven’t been considered in this argument, adds Bob. He says he would rather see regulation, taxing and control – similar to the use of tropical hardwoods. “We already licence its abstraction and, as substitutes become suf ciently available, a tax on peat will automatically reduce its use. By setting this high enough, peat simply and rapidly becomes uneconomic. This would still allow some consumption where deemed necessary or worthwhile.” Bob does admit, however, that a ban would have a minimal impact on retail horticulture, saying “there’s probably more peat leaving in the compost of plants sold in pots than actually sold in bags”. For Brenda, a ban is unlikely to negatively impact Bud Garden Centre at all. She says: “We’ve never sold peat, and many of our plants are grown in peat-free compost.” She’s also positive about the effect a ban could have on other garden centres, arguing: “They won’t suffer, as they

will all be in the same boat – gardeners still need to buy growing media. Perhaps it will encourage some to home compost, which can only be a good thing.” The alternatives But how do the alternatives match up to their peat-free counterparts? Bob notes that he doubts that most customers will be concerned. “It’s more about whether it works and if it’s good value.” Well, according to Brenda, some of the alternative options available are exactly

that. “I’d ask the question, ‘is peat a good enough option?’ – certainly not! One of the brands we sell, SylvaGrow, has been awarded many ‘Best Buys’ by Which? Gardening. We’ve been selling it for around four years, with no complaints from our customers who travel a good distance to buy it. “We also use it to grow our own perennials and vegetable plants with fantastic results, and I know that some of the nurseries that supply Bud use it too.” Bud Garden Centre is potentially showcasing how the industry could cope without the use of peat, and it’s a success story which could be replicated if a ban were to be put in place. If Brenda and Bob are to be believed, garden centres have little to be concerned about – though this is unlikely to stop the debate from rearing its head again in the future.

Garden Centre Retail December 2019/January 2020

12/12/2019 16:27

L a t es t P r od u ct s P ea t F r ee

PEAT FREE

Happy All Purpose Compost – 20L Bord na Móna

Peat-free MultiPurpose Compost Durston Garden Products Ltd • Eco-friendly • Produced from entirely renewable sources • Available in 40L sacks • 70 packs per pallet • Reduced environmental impact

• All ingredients recycled or bi-products • Recyclable packaging • Suitable for vegans • For successful seed sowing and productive fruit and vegetables • First quarter sales quadruple that of Bord na Móna’s old peat-free compost RRP £4.99 www.bordnamona.ie

RRP £3.99 www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk Tomato Compost Dalefoot Composts • Launched at RHS Chelsea 2019 – the latest product to join the Dalefoot family • Contains all the must-have nutrients needed to grow organic tomatoes • Nutrients are naturally present in the wool and bracken, no need for any additional feed • Approved by the Soil Association for organic growing • The wool also retains water, halving the amount of water needed

New Horizon All Plant Compost Westland Horticulture • Made with BIO3 – a revolutionary compost formulation engineered to outperform peat-based blends • Naturally 100% peat free • Provides instant plant energy • Promotes healthy roots and leaves • Nourishes plants for longer RRP £6.99 www.gardenhealth.com

RRP from £7.50 www.dalefootcomposts.co.uk

Garden Centre Retail December 2019/January 2020

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12/12/2019 11:28

P ea t F r ee L a t es t P r od u ct s

Miracle-Gro Premium Peat Free All Purpose Compost for All Plants – 40L Evergreen Garden Care • Feeds for up to three months • Contains a unique combination of vital minerals • Contains a unique patented technology – Fibre Smart™. The hollow wood bres ensure optimum balance of air and water for strong roots to grow healthy • Contains coir. Coir is an organic component that provides near-ideal pH • Works well for young and established plants RRP £5.99 www.lovethegarden.com

Grow It Peat Free Compost Growing Discs Gardman Crest • Made from 100% peat free, biodegradable coir potting compost • Ideal for sowing seeds • Promotes stronger, healthier plants by minimal disruption • For use in any seed planting pot or tray • Pack of 50

SylvaGrow ® Multi-purpose Peat-Free Compost Melcourt Industries Ltd • Award-winning multi-purpose compost • 100% peat-free compost • Endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society • Suitable for a wide range of garden applications, including potting-on, planting out and as a growing bag • Suitable for vegans RRP £7.49 www.melcourt.co.uk

Enriched Top Soil 35L Supagrow • A blended topsoil mixed with Organic Garden Compost Ideal for tur ng, lawn dressing and general landscaping • 100% organic RRP £3.99 www.vitalearth.uk

RRP £9.99 www.gardman.co.uk

www.gardencentreretail.com

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Garden Centre Retail December 2019/January 2020

12/12/2019 11:30

YOUR DELICIOUS

LUXURY SWISS CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES FROM YOUR CONFECTIONERY LTD.

NEC 19-22 JAN 2020

e use onl the ﬁnest chocolate and ingredients to ring ou a trul delicious e perience such as our est selling one ara el a il chocolate shell rapped in a dar chocolate la er dusted ith cocoa and ﬁlled ith a hone in used cara el centre Also available: Raspberry Champagne, Hazelnut, Espresso, Champagne and Salted Caramel. Earn up to

44%

Sale or Return

margin

available

(when sold at SRP)

INTERIORS

For more information, please contact us on: 01234 604095 | info@yourconfectionery.com

W design e & your g build arden centre

A specialist with 140 years of experience in glasshouses and conservatories, and especially an expert in the development and construction of garden centres.

New build projects

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Extension

Renovation

www.thermoflor.com

12/12/2019 09:59

P ot s a n d P la n t er s L a t es t P r od u ct s

INDOOR POTS Terni Planter Mustard 18cm Ivyline Trend-led planter remium quality Gla ed Waterproof RRP £18.99 www.ivylinegb.co.uk

Tropicana Pots Scheurich GmbH & Co. 100 waterproof Range of colours German made eatures a hummingbird ﬂuttering between red, yellow and purple blossoms RRP £5.99 to £13.49 www.scheurich.de/en Elizabeth Bergs Potter

b.for studio range elho mbraces contemporary industrial trends vailable in black, living concrete or brilliant red Comes with a stand Three si es and styles Self-watering inserts are available to accompany the b.for studio pots

Made as a tribute to all women Made for plants to breathe lants love the clay erfect thriving growth RRP £10 to £45 www.bergspotter.com

RRP £49.99 to £74.99 www.elho.com/en

Glazed Lacepot B Green ace design around the top rim give a timeless style vailable in a range of si es 14cm, 19cm, 2 cm and 0cm Supplied with accompanying saucer range of Gla ed colours RRP £11.99 www.bgreen.dk

www.gardencentreretail.com

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Stilo Round Monacis • Soft outlines meet colours xclusive nishings Round elegant shape Inspired by interior design RRP POA www.monacis.it

Garden Centre Retail December 2019/January 2020

12/12/2019 11:27

L a t es t P r od u ct s P ot s a n d P la n t er s

OUTDOOR POTS

Wensleydale Churn Yorkshire Flowerpots • Sold in full pallet quantities, with 54 planters per pallet • Manufactured from Yorkshire natural red clay • Frost-proof • Can withstand extreme winter weather

ierra erde ecycled Rubber Planters Primeur Ltd

RRP £40 www.yorkshire owerpots.co.uk Large Resin Planters Primus • Made from frost-proof polyresin • Eye-catching colours • The range includes a London bus, a telephone box, a shoe (in various colours) and a small boot (in various colours), as well as the pictured ladybird and ladybird boots in various colours RRP from £19.99 www.primus.co.uk Cut Stone Apta • Lightweight • Made from cement • Inspired by quarried brownstone • Available in a wide range of shapes and sizes

• Made from recycled rubber tyres • Engineered for all-season durability • Features an assortment of different design silhouettes • Available in multiple colourways • Available in a variety of sizes RRP £26.99 to £86.99 www.primeur.co.uk

Plum Pallets – Mirror Pots Woodlodge Contemporary egg-shaped planters nished with a high-quality mirrored glaze • Frost-proof design suitable for year-round planting • Each pot is supplied with a single drainage hole • Each pallet features nine sets of low mirror egg pots and nine sets of standard mirror egg pots. Each set contains four size variables • Also available in black, blue and mixed pallets RRP From £6.99 for the 15cm low egg pot to £29.99 for the 38cm standard egg pot www.woodlodge.co.uk

RRP £9.99 www.apta.co.uk

Garden Centre Retail December 2019/January 2020

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www.gardencentreretail.com

12/12/2019 14:44

England • Christmas Tree Stands and Skirts • Commercial Tree Display Systems • • Netting Funnels and Accessories • Pin Stands and Drilling Machines •

Here you’ll find the widest range of seasonal and festive decorations, florist supplies, fresh flowers and garden decorations.

The Market leading supplier of Christmas Tree Stands and Accessories in the U.K & Ireland

We look forward to seeing you! christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com

Quick Stand 8 Cinco 8 Advantage Linen Tree Skirt Sales & Distribution The Christmas Cabin Limited, CV13 0BD T: 01455 293 097 E: office@thechristmascabin

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Sales & Marketing The Christmas Cabin Limited, NG33 4SP T: 01780 411 144 E: sales@thechristmascabin

info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83

DU: 05.12.2019

24. – 28. 1. 2020

70237-016_CW_Gruene_Branche_Garden_Centre_Retail_91x240_SSP • FOGRA 39 • CMYK • es: 19.08.2019

Seasonal Decoration at its best

12/12/2019 10:00

The EPoS and Store Management System For Garden Centres www.corbyfellas.com

Contact Alan McCammon on 01493 658800 or alan@corbyfellas.com

...from design to install For over 45 years Clovis have been working with their clients to make the most of their outside space, how can we help you? A well placed canopy, or covered walkway, can transform your outside sales space from a seasonal to an all year round destination for your customers. Call us today for a free no obligation quote on 01622 873907 www.clovis-canopies.co.uk info@clovis-canopies.co.uk

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12/12/2019 10:02

B u lb s P r od u ct s

WHAT IS A BULB? Here, we explain the subtle differences et een t e ﬁve t pes of ul s, e a ples of eac one and t eir distinct eneﬁts

There are ve different types of bulb true bulbs, corms, tubers, root tubers and rhi omes. ach of these types are lled with carbohydrate sugars to fuel plant growth and development, but they each have subtle differences.

bulb – by de nition – is a structurally short stem with ﬂeshy leaves that act as food storage organs during dormancy. The bulb is a layered structure, lled with plant carbohydrates and a plant shoot in the core. They carry the genetic starting material of a plant, as well as a food supply to get the plant growing.

www.gardencentreretail.com

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True bulbs True bulbs are layered structures with a plant shoot in the centre. It has a basal plate where the roots shoot from, ﬂeshy scales and an outer skin for protection. There are two different types of true bulb tunicate bulbs, which have an Tunicate bulbs: llium, amaryllis, daffodil, tulip and hyacinth Imbricate bulbs: ily outer paper-like covering that protects the interior scales where energy is stored, and

imbricate bulbs which do not have the skin-like covering. Corms Corms are similar in appearance to bulbs, but they have a solid interior. The dictionary de nes a corm as an

Root tubers The main difference between a tuber and a root tuber is that a tuber is an underground stem, whereas, as the name suggests, a root tuber is

xamples of corms Crocosmia, gladiolus, crocus and freesia underground stem that acts as a food storage structure in certain plants. Corms store starches that help plants survive in less than ideal conditions and fuels these plants to grow. Tubers Tubers are distinguishable from bulbs as they don’t have a ﬂat basal plate. Tubers have eyes, which is the area that a new plant develops from. xamples of tubers otato, yam, tuberous begonia and cyclamen

a swollen root. They may also be known as root crops. Root tubers perform the general xamples of root tubers Carrot, parsnip, dahlia and beets function of roots – they absorb water and nutrients whilst anchoring the plant. Rhizomes Rhi omes are underground stems that store plant food and sprout new growth. rhi ome is also known as rootstock. They are known for their ability to spread swiftly and are often used because they can cover areas with foliage and ﬂowers very quickly. xamples of rhi omes Ginger, bamboo, calla lily and iris

Garden Centre Retail December 2019/January 2020

12/12/2019 15:45

L a t es t P r od u ct s B u lb s

BULBS Best of the Best Fragrance Taylors Bulbs • Bulbs for borders or containers • Ideal for summer displays • The most fragrant bulbs for summer scent • Unique packaging catches the eye

Flower Power Range De Ree • Creating good vibes based on hippy fashion • Bright and cheerful colour combinations • Range consists of begonias, callas, dahlias and more exciting varieties RRP £3.99 www.deree-uk.com

RRP £4.99 www.taylors-bulbs.com

Lily Lady Like Grow Set GPlants • Large frost-resistant planter • Dimensions 26 x 26 x 23.5cm illed with growing medium and three bulbs (size 15/14) • Makes the perfect gift RRP £9.99 www.gplants.com

Agapanthus Collection Taylors Bulbs

100 Days of Dahlia Blooms Kapiteyn • Great colour themed Dahlia bags with ve varieties • Individually packed in a paper carry home bag • Strong photography on packaging • Great borders and beautiful cut ﬂowers RRP £9.99 www.kapiteyn.nl

Bold and beautiful ﬂowers • Add colour to summer containers • Three cultivars in the collection RRP £9.99 www.taylors-bulbs.com

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Garden Centre Retail December 2019/January 2020

www.gardencentreretail.com

12/12/2019 14:41

e RetailGarden Centre Retail Garden Centr CTS PEOPLE • PRODU

ISSUE 42

•

• PROFITI S S U E

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PEOPLE • PRODU CTS

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IS ‘FLE XISM ’ HOLDING B U S I N E S S YO U R B AC K ?

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June/Jul y 2019

MAKING T A N I N T E RV I HE MOST O F

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ISSUE 46

•

October /Novemb

er 2019

SEASONAL WORKERS

MA S TCONS IAND PROS RTEMPO F O R C HOF RARY

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Please visit us at the SPRING FAIR: Stand 1N22-P23 or contact us for our trade catalogue: Tel 01460 75686 www.classiccanes.co.uk

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ask us about our special bundle offers for garden centres

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12/12/2019 11:19

L a t es t P r od u ct s A r t i f i ci a l G r a s s

ARTIFICIAL GRASS Click Clack Tiles Mercer Agencies Ltd

iDYLLIC 35mm iGRASS

• Easy-to-install tiles • Simply click the next tile into the slots and repeat the process • ‘Click clack’ tiles are interchangeable • Extremely low maintenance • Excellent drainage ability

• Dense, soft grass • Two-tone colour yarn • Realistic thatch • C shape yarn keeps pile standing tall

RRP £54.99 per square yard www.merceragencies.com

Barking Namgrass UK • Pet friendly • Incorporates a polyurethane backing instead of traditional latex • W-shaped yarn increases durability • Can withstand high usage RRP £25.99 www.namgrass.co.uk

RRP £11.99 www.igrass.co.uk

One-stop Shop POS Easigrass • A new onestop shop for arti cial grass • Provides multiple revenue streams • Currently in use across some of the country’s top garden centres RRP N/A www.easigrass.com

Garden Centre Retail December 2019/January 2020

LP artificial grass.indd 42

www.gardencentreretail.com

12/12/2019 14:39

www.easigrass.com

Book a meeting with us:

0800 488 0070 sales@easigrass.com

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