Garden Centre Retail June 2023

Welcome

Welcome to our June edition.

I am delighted to introduce myself as the new editor of Garden Centre Retail, and am incredibly excited to be joining this community of passionate garden centre enthusiasts.

This issue marks the beginning of a significant evolution in GCR’s long-term content strategy; we are ramping up our publication frequency to keep pace with the dynamic world of horticulture. You can now look forward to ten issues per year; effectively a monthly publication with special double issues for July-August and December-January. It’s our way of ensuring you’re always in touch with the industry’s latest trends and insights.

It will surprise few that Glee, one of the industry’s most eagerly anticipated events,

resides at the heart of this edition. We explore Glee’s transformative journey through the eyes of event director Matt Mein as he looks ahead to his 18th iteration.

Elsewhere, as the industry grapples with sustainability, Sizzle founder Trewin Restorick sheds light on the mammoth task of replacing the estimated 1.7 million cubic metres of peat used in horticulture with practical alternatives. Meanwhile, GCR investigates the relevance of trade shows in a post-pandemic world, as well as brings you insight from the recent House of Lords Horticultural Sector Committee.

I look forward to becoming integrated within this burgeoning industry. If you have any queries, or simply wish to say hello, I am available via james.groves@eljays44.com

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James Groves

WE ARE RAMPING UP OUR PUBLICATION FREQUENCY TO KEEP PACE WITH THE DYNAMIC WORLD OF HORTICULTURE

News A round-up of the latest news

Appointments

Movers and shakers throughout the industry

11 16 19 22 25 30 35 38 44 47 50

Fostering the peat-free revolution

Sizzle pushes to turn its founding principles into reality

Utilising your time

Andrew Burton on how to make the most of Glee

Maximising pelargoniums

Make hay while the sun shines

A new era of packaging compliance

Andrew McCaffery discusses the obstacles

Glee Day

GCR sits down with event director Matt Mein

What challenges do growers and retailers face?

From the Horticultural Sector Committee

A week in Germany

Spoga+gafa on its return to Cologne

Must the show go on?

How relevant are trade shows in a post-pandemic world?

GIMA

GIMA readies its members for Glee

Five minutes with… Tong Garden Centre

Product roundup

New Glee launches

Associations

HTA calls for “realistic” peat-free transition

Meet the Brand Durstons

News

Squire’s steps up

sustainability commitment

Squire’s Garden Centres has announced a number of changes in its bid to reduce its carbon footprint and drive to be increasingly more sustainable.

Only ‘home compostable’ carrier bags and boot liners are available across all Squire’s garden centres, replacing biodegradable bags, for easier composting. Made from vegetable starch, the new bags and liners can be added to garden or food compost bins to break down. In addition, a new reusable 100% natural cotton bag-for-life will be available for purchase at centres, encouraging customers to return using their own handy shopping bag. Charitable donations will be made from both the sale of

the new recyclable carrier and cotton ‘bag for life’ bags.

New, ‘reuse & recycle’ stations have been introduced to all 16 garden centres, enabling customers to easily recycle plastic pots, trays and compost bags. Working closely with one of the UK’s leading recycling providers, each garden centre prepares the waste from the three recycling bins for collection. This material is then 100% UK recycled in the most appropriate and efficient way, with nothing going to landfill, prepared ready for re-manufacturing into new everyday items.

squiresgardencentres.co.uk

British Garden Centres revamps e-commerce store

British Garden Centres has recently revamped its e-commerce store “to service nationwide gardeners’ demand and capitalise on the ever-growing online market”.

Wyevale Nurseries scoops Plant Healthy Certification

Wyevale Nurseries has been awarded a Plant Healthy Certificate for its high biosecurity standards for the third year running.

Production manager Kyle Ross (pictured) received the certification from the Plant Health Alliance following a “rigorous” independent external audit.

Speaking of the win, Ross said: “We’re delighted. It’s pretty significant to be announcing our news this week as 12 May marks the United Nation’s International Day of Plant Health to raise global awareness and take action to keep plants healthy and help protect the environment and biodiversity.

The family-owned garden centre group said: “BGC is always looking for new ways to connect with the next generation of gardeners. Through this online shopping experience, we’re offering consumers a new platform to order everything they would love for the outdoors without leaving their homes.”

“The web team take great pride in sourcing and offering a wide range of products to bring your garden to life. Our small and dedicated web team ensure our customers’ needs are at the heart of the website, delivering a personal service to get your product safely to your door.”

britishgardencentres.com

“I’d like to thank every team member involved in the process for cooperating and sharing their time and knowledge. It was a massive team effort. Plant Healthy Certification is a huge asset to us in securing work.

“The Group has been established to have a representative in our containers, field and container trees and transplants departments who will be responsible for implementing Plant Healthy standards and protocols for their production departments. This demonstrates just how seriously we take our responsibilities.” wyevalenurseries.co.uk

RocketGro agrees partnership with River Cottage

RocketGro has announced it is now the exclusive provider of compost to River Cottage HQ, supplying Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall’s smallholding with its organic, peat-free growing media for use in the iconic Kitchen Garden and across the site.

The partnership is said to be a result of two businesses whose ethos and passion for sustainable growth are closely aligned. River Cottage grows as much of the produce for its restaurant, cookery school and events catering “as it possibly can”. The culinary organisation

Choice Marketing reaches 48 garden centres

Choice Marketing has announced the addition of another new garden centre to the Group, Bay View Garden Centre in Carnforth. This brings the number of centres within Choice Marketing to 48 and a total group retail turnover in excess of £170m.

Lisa Clarke, Bay View owner, said: “We are excited to have joined Choice Marketing and to be working with the central team and other member garden centres. Membership presented many opportunities for us to benefit from the knowledge and support within the group. We have already been warmly welcomed and look forward to meeting fellow members over the coming year”.

The addition of Bay View comes hot on the heels of Bow Garden & Aquatic Centre of Crediton and Cardwell Garden Centre, of Gourock, which both joined earlier this year. choice-marketing.co.uk

believes in organic and peat-free growing and now uses RocketGro’s compost and growing media products to propagate these vegetables, fruits, salads and herbs.

The collaboration between RocketGro and River Cottage came to fruition when head gardener Jonny Callis approached the RocketGro team about trialling compost at River Cottage HQ which is located in Devon, the county just next door to RocketGro’s Somerset farm. “So impressed was the organisation with the performance of the products on trial, the decision to make

RocketGro exclusive provider was an easy one,” read a RocketGro statement. rocketgro.co.uk

MP visits Knights Garden Centre to hear of regulation impact

Sir Paul Beresford MP met with the HTA and Knights Garden Centre on Thursday to discuss policy issues impacting the horticulture industry.

Director Andy Knight and manager Martin Lines, alongside HTA’s David Lydiat, invited the Mole Valley MP to the Betchworth store. On the agenda was the cost of doing business, import checks at borders, the effect of bringing forward a potential peat ban and planning permission to expand their business.

Knight said: “We were pleased to welcome Sir Paul, who spent a long time with us discussing our experiences and concerns.

Horticulture businesses are facing several challenges at the moment as we enter our peak season. Businesses need certainty to plan for the future and we appreciate Sir Paul’s support.”

Beresford, whose career included time as an Environment Minister, was concerned by the amount of regulation and its negative impact on running a business in horticulture. He said, “Spring having arrived means plant nurseries are in demand. I paid a visit to Knights in Betchworth, a busy store, and met with the HTA for a briefing which I will take up with ministers to ease pressure on hardworking nurseries and their suppliers.” knightsgardencentres.com

Appointments British Garden Centres

Boyd Douglas-Davies has left British Garden Centres to set up his own consultancy business, advising the garden industry and visitor attractions on various projects.

For the immediate future, Scott McCabe, group buying director, will take on the overall strategy of plant buying with Julian Palphramand promoted to head of plants. Amy Stubbs, development and project manager, will head up marketing and communications. Iain King, operations director, has assumed responsibility for the e-commerce business.

BGC credits Douglas-Davies with overhauling the family-run chain’s plant

AMES UK

AMES UK has appointed Becki

Allon and Kim Huynh to its products team. The company said the pair’s combined previous experience “includes playing an integral part in the launch of a tool brand, as well as working within garden décor and building supplies with a focus on paving and aggregates. This ‘insider knowledge’ will give the team a real edge and a truer understanding of how AMESrepresented product categories sit within the current marketplace.”

The brand teased that the team will be working hard behind the scenes to put “the final touches” to a new venture for AMES UK. “Details are firmly under wraps until Glee, but rest assured that this exciting diversification

operations, with the group now projected to grow over two million plants from three nursery sites – the most recent addition being the leasing of Temple Nursery from Hawkesmill.

Douglas-Davies was also the head of communications and PR, and “significantly” raised the profile of BGC, including the rebranding of the group and the development of the red butterfly logo that was launched to represent the transformation and development of the business as it opened its 62nd store in 2022.

Douglas-Davies said, “Working with the

BGC family has been an exciting journey since I joined in 2019. The business has grown hugely through, without a doubt, the industry’s most ambitious acquisition programme ever. I’ve enjoyed being part of the transition from regional favourite to national player and I’ll be cheering the team on as they develop the business further.”

Charles and Robert Stubbs, directors and owners of BGC, added, “Our thanks go to Boyd for his many years of enthusiasm and commitment to BGC. We wish him much success in the future and will miss him in the BGC family but will continue to work with him. We hope to continue to see his big character create waves in the horticulture industry with his new venture. The strong team Boyd leaves at BGC are ready and determined to continue driving sales and promoting gardening to the local communities each store serves.”

will further cement AMES’ role as the garden retail sector’s supplier of choice,” it said.

Nick Jones, commercial director at AMES UK, added, “The appointment of Kim and Becki is the definition of ‘dream team’. Their experience, knowledge and passion will work together to ensure that our product offering is not just the best out there but will also work to strengthen bestselling lines, ensure product quality, and create longevity for our family of brands.”

Fostering the revolutionpeat-free

FOUNDER, TREWIN RESTORICK, SHARES HOW HIS COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY, SIZZLE, IS TURNING ITS BROAD FOUNDING PRINCIPLES INTO REALITY

Replacing the estimated 1.7 million cubic metres of peat used in horticulture with sustainable alternatives is a huge challenge, but it’s one that Trewin Restorick appears to take in his stride.

Six months ago, he created Sizzle, an environmental innovator that has brought together waste management companies, garden retailers, trade bodies, NGOs and academics to explore new sustainable alternatives to peat. Having spent eight years founding and running

envionmental charity Hubbub, Restorick has considerable experience in the field. “Hubbub was doing really well, but you don’t want the founder hanging around forever!” he smiles. “It was in a really strong place, so I thought it was time for something new.

“Hubbub was about encouraging people to change their behaviour, but I’d increasingly come to the conclusion that you can [persuade] some of the people, some of the time, but if their products and services are more expensive, or don’t work as well, or are too

inconvenient, then the majority are not going to change.”

Equally important to Sizzle’s peat-free ambitions is making it “easy for people to do the right thing”, according to Restorick. “We wanted to get new collaborations together so that people can rethink the legislation and the products they provide and the way they are marketed.”

In March, Sizzle landed a £320,000 grant from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation – all of which will support an 18-month trial

investigating how to enhance the quality and consistency of composted materials derived from waste streams.

“The Foundation have been pushing for this for a long time,” explains Restorick. “I think they got to a point that they wanted someone to look at it with fresh eyes; to ask why the change, which has been mooted for so many years, has never happened.

“I spoke to as many people as possible from the industry and all parts of the supply chain to understand the obstacles. One of the main issues was finding a sustainable alternative material that actually works and is costeffective. So we submitted an application for the £320,000 to run the trial and address some of the core issues.

Intially, it was anticipated that the total cost of the project would be around £500,000. However, after such a significant and

widespread positive response, “the ambition has grown quite substantially,” Restorick explains. “We’ve just put in a bid to another funder for an additional £500,000, which would ramp up the trials that will be taking place.”

Toon trial

So, what exactly will the trial entail? Restorick explains, “We must hasten the transition from the use of peat in horticulture to more

The UK and Welsh Governments are currently leading the way in banning retail peat-based growing media sales in horticulture. The Scottish Government is currently consulting on this issue.

This welcome step will help towards tackling the climate and biodiversity crises and support the transition to net zero; seeks to help gardeners transition successfully to peat free and provide evidence to inform legislation change to increase the replacement of peat with more sustainable peat alternatives. The growing media industry has been moving to peat free but also needs support to find alternatives at scale that are of high quality, consistent and readily available.

sustainable alternatives. However, to achieve this, we need systemic change, from producers through to customers. We’re particularly keen to explore whether a sufficiently high volume of well-composted waste-derived material could be used at the scale and quality required by the industry.”

After speaking to various local authorities, Sizzle will carry out its initial trials in Newcastle, in part due to the “diversity of organisations” willing to participate in the area.

“The city council has given us access to their local authority-run costing and green waste site, which is where we’ll focus the trials, explains Restorick. “We’re also working with Northumberland council, who carry out food waste collection, and looking at how we can link with them and use that as a source material.

“The partnership in that area is also backed by numerous community groups who are looking at things like the transition to carbon

or net zero or biodiversity. So it’s a really interesting coalition of organisations in that area.”

As part of the trial, Sizzle hopes the resultant composted materials will potentially have a wider range of uses helping to reduce the number of raw materials needed by the industry. The organisation aims to explore the use of derivatives from green, agricultural and food waste streams and work closely with the local authority and waste processor to deliver key messages and increase the quality of feedstocks and compost.

The project will also demonstrate to gardeners how best to use peat alternatives as a growing medium and highlight how composting and the use of wormeries can create mulch and soil enhancers.

If successful, the results will be openly shared, enabling it to be rolled out on a national level.

How do you go about building a movement?

We understood from the outset that systemic change can best be achieved by actively involving influential organisations and individuals at all levels of the decision-making process from government to citizens.

We started by undertaking a listening exercise with key players to understand their views on how the transition from peat could be achieved, the role they could play and the obstacles and opportunities this presented. We undertook this exercise with no preconceived views and no ‘organisational baggage’ which encouraged people to openly share opinions.

We compiled a summary report of our findings setting out thoughts on how the transition from peat could be hastened. These views were tested in a meeting with 15 organisations from across all sectors and led to the submission of a successful funding bid. Encouragingly the initial cohort of organisations is growing ensuring the campaign is informed by all sections of the supply chain, reducing the risk of duplication and maximising the reach and impact of activities.

There are now two challenges. The first is how can we keep the consensus together during the transition from a conceptual approach to delivery. This is the point at which organisations need to consider putting the aims of the campaign above their desire for individual profile and branding. The second is how can we more constructively engage with the national government. They were involved in the initial listening exercise but have stepped back despite requests to participate. They are an integral part of the solution, so their lack of involvement is a risk.

How do you become a credible insurgent?

Sizzle does not have extensive knowledge of the horticultural sector but has got deep experience in creating successful and impactful collaborative campaigns. This lack of sector-specific knowledge was helpful during the listening phase as we were able to ask fundamental questions.

Moving into the delivery phase the situation has changed and we require sector knowledge to be credible. We have addressed this by identifying and recruiting four recognised experts to lead different workstreams covering everything from legislation to composting trials. These individuals are essential as they help to retain a collaborative approach and can challenge organisations to step out of their usual comfort zones.

How will you achieve cut-through?

To create impact, our aim is to make as much noise as possible raising the profile of the challenge with decision-makers and the wider public. Compelling and innovative messaging will be at the heart of the campaign and we are already working on a playful interactive display to attract attention in high-footfall areas.

More importantly, we are thinking about unexpected places where our messaging could authentically land and which influencers and partner organisations can help us deliver this ambition. Our hope is that this approach will reach new audiences with surprising messages that will provoke conversation and change.

On a personal level, the development of the campaign has been challenging and enjoyable. It is the first time I have looked at the wider systemic issues that are driving existing habits and sought ways of addressing them at every level. I will be intrigued to see whether this more systemic approach coupled with the knowledge I have gathered on creating compelling marketing and behaviour change campaigns can create fundamental change. Only time will tell.

The trial will help address changes that are required across the whole system, including the legislative framework, business practices and citizen behaviour. Areas of focus include reducing contamination from waste streams to enhance the quality of materials that could be part of the peat replacement process and identifying potential legislative blockers which might unexpectedly hinder the use of waste derivatives as part of the transition from peat.

Garden centres, according to Restorick, will be “crucial to the whole campaign”. “We aim to help them provide materials and messaging that they can push out to their consumers as well as helping them to demonstrate to gardeners that there are

peat alternatives, but they have to be used slightly differently,” he explains.

“We’re wondering whether, should a site have catering facilities, we could talk to them about how to turn garden and food waste from catering into things that people can use for soil enhancements or mulch.

“We’ll also be recruiting gardeners in the local area to use peat alternatives and to tell their stories – good and bad. We want to help educate gardeners that this transition is coming and these are the things they can do. We hope to provide garden centres with a whole source of new information which is authentic and robustly tested that they can use in any way they like.”

SIZZLE HOPES THE RESULTANT COMPOSTED MATERIALS WILL POTENTIALLY HAVE A WIDER RANGE OF USES HELPING TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF RAW MATERIALS NEEDED BY THE INDUSTRY

Maximising your time

ANDREW BURTON EXPLORES METHODS FOR MAKING THE MOST OF THE GLEE 2023 EXPERIENCE

Glee 2023 is upon us, providing the garden centre industry with the valuable opportunity to work together to create a vision and strategy for 2024 and beyond. Glee markets itself as ‘the definitive marketplace for the garden industry’ and ‘the hub for networking and trade within the garden industry’, and while I often hear the word ‘networking’, I do wonder if this opportunity is utilised to its full extent by visitors and exhibitors alike.

When I watch people at Glee, I think that sometimes networking happens by chance – usually bumping into someone they know or stumbling across an interesting business mid-visit. While it’s great that this can happen, strategic networking is essential to get the best out of your visit and to gain relevant information for the right people to aid your business.

For example, let’s say you want to develop your proposition in seasonal goods and further understand if or how you can, and why you should. Is it more productive to find your way

around the NEC and hope to find an answer during your visit, or plan who you want to speak to and seek an opportunity to meet with them ahead of time?

There is plenty of scope to do both. It’s definitely worth combining a sweep of the show to gain insight from and have conversations with other garden centre owners and managers who operate successful seasonal areas, and to chat to consultants or suppliers specifically involved with seasonal goods, but do make firm arrangements to visit key advisors at their stands.

To ensure you maximise your time and speak to everyone you need to, it’s best to get the diary out and invest some time in trawling through the Glee guides to plan your time with everyone. So, make this the year for a new, strategic approach and see what an impact it makes on both your experience of the show and your plans for your business. While some attendees visit for all three days of the event, not everyone can afford to invest that much

MAKE THIS THE YEAR FOR A NEW, STRATEGIC APPROACH AND SEE WHAT AN IMPACT IT MAKES ON BOTH YOUR EXPERIENCE OF THE SHOW AND YOUR PLANS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

if you arrive with a list of goals, you are likely to come back with the information you set out for.

time into the show, making it even more important to make it count. With that in mind, here are my top five tips to maximise your time at Glee 2023. I hope to see you there!

Prioritise your people: Have a people goal. Know who you want to speak to and if possible, contact them beforehand to arrange a place and time to meet. Everyone is really busy and is juggling lots of balls at Glee, and there’s a good chance that they may already be involved in discussion when you get to them. Diarising a coffee or a conversation means that both people are committed to making time for one another, rather than hoping to grab five minutes on the hop.

You will likely have specific suppliers and service providers you want to see. I can only speak from experience here after attending as a retailer and a supplier. The planned time versus ad hoc time was always around 30% planned and 70% ad hoc, but that 70% fills up quickly and this is why the 30% planned time is so important to consider.

Don’t forget to meet up with friends and trusted contacts too, though! Glee is focused on driving our garden centre industry forward, but it is also the perfect chance to reconnect with friends and acquaintances that – particularly in

light of the last three years – you may not have caught up with in a while. Our industry is so close-knit that Glee is a wonderful opportunity to put a smile on your face by seeing those people you don’t get to see as regularly as you’d like.

Allow adequate time: If you try to fill your whole visit with scheduled visits, chances are you are going to rush visits or skip some. Be realistic when arranging to visit stands or people; allow for meetings that may take longer than anticipated and give yourself a little breathing room to move between those meetings. Glee is a three-day event and whilst it is time away from the business, that time can be invaluable.

Give and take: Networking is a two-way street. The garden centre industry is so strong at maintaining and fostering strong connections with customers to develop a lasting rapport with them, but applying those skills to build relationships with other businesses, colleagues and suppliers is an essential part of networking. Getting to know other professionals helps build trust, and with trust come candour, honesty and support. You should always be willing to give advice and offer guidance whenever possible to others too: Remembering that networking is a two-way process ensures that you will often be better off working with others rather than looking at them as competitors. There will always be exceptions, but this industry thrives on togetherness.

1 2 3 4

Review and refresh: Before you leave, or as you stop throughout the day, review your notes and objectives and make sure you have achieved everything you wanted to and sourced any information you specifically set out for. This is a measure point of each objective and it will help you to check you have maximised your networking, expanded your contact base and are leaving with more knowledge than you arrived with.

5

About Andrew Burton Andrew works for garden centre and farm shop business strategy and rural planning specialists Malcolm Scott Consultants. He provides commercial, operational and business development experience and commercial advice to clients in the retail and catering sectors. Andrew now sits on the Farm Retail Association Council, having previously been on the Garden Centre Association Board. andrewb@malcolmscott.co.uk

Maximising pelargoniums before the end of the season

THE KEY SALES PERIOD FOR PELARGONIUMS MAY BE IN FULL FLOW, BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN RETAILERS SHOULD SIT BACK AND RELAX, WRITES DR SUZANNE LUX

In the case of pelargoniums, Pelargonium for Europe (PfE) has created a wealth of material which retailers are able to optimise via their social media channels. This content not only reduces the time a retailer has to dedicate to social media, but it is designed to inspire consumers, with the aim of encouraging them into store to make purchases of pelargoniums and associated sundries.

Available for download from the PfE trade website, content for social media use includes stunning aspirational lifestyle imagery where retailers can ‘sell the look’ as well as downloadable social media banners and posts, which have been optimised for use across Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Retailers need only upload and let the imagery and supporting text do the hard work for them.

with a competition is a great way of opening up a conversation regarding specific product groups. A simple mechanism for entering will inspire more participants whilst also providing an opportunity to showcase a key fact; a fact

DRAWING CUSTOMERS’

Retailers can still maximise the sales potential of pelargoniums through social media, direct marketing and easy-to-achieve updates to point of sale in-store to drive sales throughout the summer.

Capture your customers’ attention with social media

As we spend more time at home than normal the internet and, more specifically, social media, has become our shop window. Much of our buying is done via these channels or is at least influenced by the content which fills our timelines. Any retailer who has a strong presence on social media will be able to engage with new and potential customers before they even set foot in the store.

PfE’s consumer site also lends itself well to providing retailers with inspirational written content, perfect for use on Facebook or their own website. From step-by-step craft projects to an in-depth look at the history and care of pelargoniums, this resource can enable retailers to build a profile as experts in all things pelargoniums, reinvigorating the consumers’ confidence in them.

Competitions, giveaways and workshops

One of the easiest ways to increase engagement with your customers both online and in store is with competitions and giveaways. Drawing customers’ attention

PRODUCT GROUPS

that may surprise entrants and therefore help encourage them to make a purchase. In the case of pelargoniums this could relate to their ease of care, resilience or the many different varieties available.

Invite winners into the store to collect or, even better, select a prize for themselves. This could result in more sales being made and a relationship forged with a new, potentially long-term customer.

Workshops are also a great way of inviting customers into the store before the end of the sales season. Consider a summer workshop on ‘the new generation of pelargoniums’ and utilise different colours and types of pelargoniums to create something that defies expectations, or even a craft workshop for wedding flowers or al fresco dining décor. These workshops are reliant on staff availability but can deliver a strong influx of customers wanting to secure plants. Communicate workshops through social

ATTENTION WITH A COMPETITION IS A GREAT WAY OF OPENING UP A CONVERSATION REGARDING SPECIFIC

media and also with direct marketing to your retail database.

Make noise in the retail setting

With so much choice available to them, it is sometimes hard for consumers to know what to buy. With PfE’s dedicated point-of-sale tools, including banners, posters, flags and flyers, it makes it easier than ever to direct their attention to this key summer seller. They’re quick and easy to download and print so you can have yours in a matter of days.

The inclusion of dedicated signage promoting pelargoniums also supports the psychology of shopping in that consumers are more likely to engage with a brand that is visible throughout the store. The investment in merchandising support and prominent positioning throughout the shop floor or plant area, promotes a brand or product that can be trusted and is confident that it will deliver on what it promises.

What am I buying?

Many consumers like to know what they are buying before committing to a purchase. In the

case of pelargoniums this might relate to the ultimate size of the plant, quick information on care and watering, and flowering time. Whilst much of this information will be present on the plant label, retailers can help increase impulse sales by making this basic information even clearer so that the customer attention is drawn from across the shop floor. A chalkboard, for example, is a quick, simple and cheap way to communicate these key details, whilst providing consumers with the confidence to purchase.

Keep displays fresh

The display you set up at the start of the season does not need to be the one that you finish the season with. As pelargoniums have such a vast array of colours and types - such as zonal, ivy-leaved, regal, scented leaf and angel – keep your display fresh by mixing up colours and cross-merchandising pelargoniums

alongside planters, complementary plants and even gardening gloves to increase the average basket spend. In doing so, retailers can entice customers who might not have previously noticed the pelargonium stock, whilst also encouraging repeat sales amongst existing customers. If you do refresh your displays don’t forget to add a photo to social media to entice customers to come and see for themselves!

About Dr Suzanne Lux

Dr Suzanne Lux currently serves as the European project manager at Pelargonium for Europe, the marketing initiative of European geranium breeders Dümmen Orange, Elsner PAC, Florensis/P. van der Haak Handelskwekerij, Geranien Endisch, Selecta One and Syngenta Flowers. The Pelargonium for Europe initiative was founded in 2016 with the aim of promoting and securing long-term geranium sales in Europe.

Trade: pelargonium-trade.com

Consumer: pelargoniumforeurope.com

of packaging compliance Walking wisely into a new era

ANDREW MCCAFFERY ANALYSES THE CHALLENGES FACING RETAILERS AND CONSUMERS

There’s a proverb that states: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

When it comes to tackling the 92 million tonnes of packaging waste in Europe every year, we have very far to go indeed. As a result, making this journey will require truly continuous collaboration and learning.

Consider the top reasons people give for not making sustainable lifestyle changes: “too expensive”; “not interested”; “not enough information”; “too complicated”; “not available”; “too inconvenient”; “too time-consuming”; and “not good quality”.

Horticulture brands offering sustainable alternatives need to consider these barriers

and their environmental credentials to achieve their true potential for impact. Adoption of sustainable lifestyles is on the rise, but according to Deloitte’s How Consumers are Embracing Sustainability report, however, consumers need more help.

Now, how can these issues be addressed through design? As an established data

specialist supplying leading brands, retailers and supply chains with a range of compliance and sustainability data, tools, and expertise, we assist businesses in efficiently minimising their environmental impact and maximising the effectiveness of their packaging.

We fundamentally understand the role of packaging in protecting, preserving, and presenting goods and how to optimise it for today and tomorrow.

Are we there yet?

The failure to achieve a UK-wide reform of waste and recycling services is a case study of back-sliding, incompetence, and political amnesia – back in 2018, then Defra Secretary

ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLES IS ON THE RISE

Michael Gove shepherded a well-thoughtthrough Resources and Waste Strategy to reform waste collection and recycling services in England.

Firstly, the consistent collection would mean that all councils recycle the same materials in the same way – glass, paper and card, metal, green waste and food waste.

Secondly, under EPR, the packaging producers we generally throw away with little thought would pay for its by councils rather than council taxes and government grants – a sum estimated to be £2.7 billion.

Lower fees are payable for packaging that uses materials economically and is easy to recycle. Thus, EPR incentivises brand holders to wrap up their often extravagantly packaged goodies with fewer materials and more recycled content.

The third main element is a deposit return scheme. It will mean that consumers will be paid back a deposit, estimated at 20p, for each glass or plastic bottle or drink can that they return. Revenue raised helps to pay for further collection and recycling infrastructure, with the scope of the scheme likely to expand to

include garden staples like HDPE bottles and cartons at some point.

The Resources and Waste Strategy slipped with each in the four years that have elapsed since we had four Defra secretaries. Essential consultations have been missed, and deadlines have slipped. Last year a national scheme administrator was supposed to be in place. It didn’t happen. Long-delayed EPR will begin nationally in 2024 and DRS the following year for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Inevitably, there are suspicions the full strategy might never happen and there may be some good reason part of the strategy needs to be reconsidered. However we must realise the main aims of the strategy to improve the nation’s sustainability.

Data: a problem-solving pre-requisite

The waste and resources sector is evolving fast, and the pace of change can sometimes seem daunting. The industry is going through considerable change, fuelled by a desire to move towards a more circular economy and better manage resources. The types of waste we need to process are shifting, as is the technology available to us with which to do it. We already have legislation in form of landfill tax and new legislation is here, the plastic packaging tax and bans on disposable plastic, and more is on the way in the form of DRS and EPR.

Data collection and reporting are complex and intensive, and companies often become overwhelmed. Without help, they will not respond appropriately.

For example, imagine a customer faced with paying £20 for patio cleaner, who then spots artificial grass cleaner on sale for half that price. They may question why they shouldn’t buy the cheaper product, as surely they can both be used for cleaning?

The way businesses currently gather packaging data is similarly confused. Some take a product off the shelf, empty the contents, and record the weight of each piece to make a guess at the material.

The same could be said for their way of reporting. The majority still rely heavily on reams of information in multiple databases and platforms, fragmented across the company.

While the above scenario represents cleaning products, parallels could be drawn between

the two cleaning solutions and a granular data standard, and providing users with an accurate and holistic picture of their packaging. It enables businesses to target problematic materials and more easily understand the carbon footprint or environmental impact of their packaging.

IT’S IMPORTANT TO SPEND TIME, WITH INPUT FROM STAKEHOLDERS, DEFINING EXACTLY WHAT CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE

Our tools, particularly when deployed in tandem with our sustainability consulting services, can give more accurate advice about tweaks that can make products more recyclable. We can help understand the end-oflife implications of design choices.

It’s important to spend time, with input from stakeholders, defining exactly what change we want to see – ensuring we understand all the potential connections and links involved. This helps ensure we’re monitoring the right things, so we won’t attribute changes to the wrong actions or miss something.

We must do better because consumers demand it. Today’s consumers demand more than promises. This is particularly pertinent given the need to tool up ahead of the enhanced ‘greenwashing’ vigilance with a new Green Claims Directive proposal across Europe.

With all of this in mind, remember; what we hope to do with ease; we also must learn first to do with diligence.

About Andrew McCaffery Andrew McCaffery is the chief strategy officer at Ecoveritas and has a career spanning more than 30 years within the environmental sector. He is responsible for overseeing Ecoveritas’ transition to the new EPR and DRS systems being proposed by the UK and Scottish Governments. ecoveritas.com

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Matt Mein, event director at Glee, has had a career spanning over two decades in the events sector. Speaking exclusively to GCR, he shares his journey, his passion, and what makes the garden centre sector distinct and captivating.

Having been recently appointed as sales manager for the show, Mein arrived at his first Glee in 2006, and in doing so, found himself immersed in the intricacies of the garden industry. He tells GCR, “I had recently become a homeowner a couple of years before joining, which sparked my passion for gardening. I found

An interview with Matt Mein

GCR EXPLORES GLEE’S TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY THROUGH THE EYES OF EVENT DIRECTOR MATT MEIN AS HE LOOKS AHEAD TO HIS 18TH ITERATION

myself captivated by garden retailing. I enjoyed visiting garden centres, observing how they were organised, the suppliers they worked with, and witnessing how they evolved as businesses. I consider myself fortunate to work in this sector. It’s not just about selling an event; I am deeply embedded in the market because I love it.”

Mein’s passion for the industry is evident, and it extends beyond the personal to a broader appreciation of the sector’s structure and ethos. He explains, “One of the things that fascinates me about the garden industry is the predominance of independent garden centres. Each one has its unique identity and approach to

retailing. I have developed a real passion, drive, and interest in the industry as a whole. When we are on-site during the show, surrounded by fantastic products, it’s sometimes a challenge to switch off my consumer mindset.”

“The garden industry is not a corporate world. While there are a few large-scale businesses, the majority of suppliers are small to medium enterprises. Many of them are family businesses, spanning second or even third generations, and they are driven by a deep passion for what they do. It’s an industry that thrives on sharing experiences and knowledge. That’s why I’ve stayed in it for so long.”

Mein Machine

Navigating through years of changes in the market and public interest, Mein has contributed considerably to Glee’s transformation since his initial involvement. The event’s evolution mirrors the garden industry’s resilience and adaptability, even in the face of significant challenges.

“Since my first Glee in 2006, the show has undergone significant evolution,” Mein recalls. “At that time, just before the banking crisis, there was a tremendous surge of interest in gardening. It was a vibrant time when I joined.”

But like many long-standing events, Glee started facing challenges around 2007. The event’s long-standing heritage and predictability, while once a strength, had begun to feel stagnant and even resulted in a segment of attendees seeking fresh experiences elsewhere.

“The show had maybe lost a little freshness and excitement, and perhaps had become too predictable,” Mein reflects. “We saw certain sectors starting to break away from Glee.”

In 2012, Mein was appointed as Glee’s new event director, and this fresh perspective brought significant change. Through the formation of steering groups and prioritising feedback from buyers and retailers, Glee embarked on a significant transformation. This led to a shift in 2013, with a complete overhaul of the show’s layout and approach. “We needed a fresh start,” Mein says. “We relocated the show from Halls 1 to 5 to the atrium side of the venue. We decided it would be a good idea to have plants and plant benches

in the registration area of Glee, creating a welcoming atmosphere where buyers would be greeted by plants as they entered. The natural light flooding in from the atrium’s big glass area enhanced the experience. We reimagined the layout of the entire show, aiming to create an environment where visitors would shop the entire event and have a fresh experience.”

Glee introduced its signature ‘boulevard’ feature and brought a renewed focus on new products. The seminar theatre was not only retained but was complemented by interactive and future-focused content like the concept store.

THE EVENT’S EVOLUTION MIRRORS THE GARDEN INDUSTRY’S RESILIENCE AND ADAPTABILITY

This feature, resembling a ‘garden centre of the future’, showcased upcoming trends and concepts, receiving positive feedback from visitors. Mein elaborates, “Working with creative director Romeo Summers, we developed various themes and concepts that looked ahead 18 to 24 months, incorporating the latest trends, colours, and textures. We collaborated with suppliers to bring these concepts to life across different categories within the potential garden centre.”

To Zoom and back

The COVID-19 pandemic brought forth unprecedented challenges across all sectors, and the garden industry was no exception. The shift towards digital platforms was a necessary pivot for many, with Glee launching a successful digital version in 2020. However, when the restrictions eased in 2021, Glee was one of the first events to re-emerge, reaffirming the irreplaceable value of face-to-face networking and showcasing.

“When we were running the show in September ‘21, people were so happy,” smiles Mein. “There was initial fear about bringing people back, but because we put all these safe and secure measures in place, we got such a good response. People were so happy to be

back together as an industry because it is a very face-to-face networking industry. We did run a digital gathering in 2020 when we couldn’t run the show, and that went down really well.”

Despite the smooth transition to the digital space, Mein noticed a palpable yearning for physical interactions among industry members. The pandemic had imposed a stark disruption in the sensory-rich product discovery and sourcing process that simply wasn’t replicable online. This confirmed to him that live events and exhibitions would always be integral in B2B.

“After Covid, there was a real requirement for buyers and suppliers to meet,” Mein recounts. “Retailers were opening their businesses; they wanted to meet the suppliers. When Boris allowed events to open, people got back to it very quickly. Sourcing product in garden retail is very much about touch, feel, see; it’s about all the senses, and making good product judgement, you can only really do that in a live environment. It’s not straightforward to do it online. Exhibitions and shows like Glee have done well over the years because it’s all about newness, new products, and buyers and suppliers want to meet each other in this marketplace. That’s undoubted.”

Mein’s optimism is clear as he reflects on the post-COVID-19 landscape, dispelling early fears

that the world might move entirely to virtual interaction. “There was a fear that would people ever want to meet again, with the world beyond Teams, will it all be virtual, but that soon went away. People were just so keen to get back face to face and meet and greet each other.”

Retaining pandemic trends

As the clouds of COVID-19 cleared, the industry as a whole has had to contend with declining sales rates compared to those witnessed during the pandemic. Consumer habits have shifted, and the enthusiasm for gardening that emerged during the pandemic is waning. “While there was a surge of interest in gardening during the pandemic, with approximately three million new consumers taking it up, the challenge lies in retaining or bringing back these consumers. This is an industry-wide challenge that requires careful consideration,” Mein explains.

While it grapples with these consumer behaviour changes, the garden industry is also adjusting to post-pandemic sales rates. “Prior to the pandemic, the industry was experiencing steady growth, averaging around 4 to 4.5 percent per year. But, during the pandemic, there was a significant spike, reaching as high as 25 percent for about 18 months. Both retailers and suppliers are now navigating this adjustment,” says Mein.

Stock management also poses a significant issue. High levels of leftover stock from the previous year, particularly for items related to outdoor entertainment, need to be addressed. “The industry needs to address and sell through this excess stock. Additionally, challenging weather conditions, particularly in March and April, have impacted sales. However, with improving weather conditions, we hope to see a positive impact on sales and a reduction in

SOURCING PRODUCT IN GARDEN RETAIL IS VERY MUCH ABOUT TOUCH, FEEL, SEE; IT’S ABOUT ALL THE SENSES

excess stock levels. This will allow the industry to reset and adapt to the new normal.”

Changing seasons

From 2022, Glee made the significant decision to shift its annual event from September to June.

“We were receiving more and more feedback that buying decisions were being made earlier, as retailers became more organised,” says Mein. “We noticed this trend reflected in preseason orders, which were starting to come back.

CHALLENGING WEATHER CONDITIONS, PARTICULARLY IN MARCH AND APRIL, HAVE IMPACTED SALES

“It was crucial for us to investigate this further. When Glee took place in the third week of September, many staff members were occupied with Christmas displays, resulting in fewer attendees at the show. Considering these factors, we made the decision to move the show to a different timeline, specifically the end of June.”

Separating itself from spoga+gafa – which also took place annually in September – looked like a bonus point for Glee’s new space in the calendar until the Colonge-based event

made an identical move. “When we examined the timeline, Spoga+Gafa had traditionally taken place in September since its inception in 1974,” Mein explains. “Obviously, there ended up being no change in timing between the two shows. Our focus was on our customers and what they wanted, while Spoga+Gafa arrived at their decision through separate research,” Mein clarifies, adding that the decision was not without challenges and dissenters. “September suited one group of customers, while June catered to another.”

Glee will rock you

“Looking at Glee 2023, it’s shaping up to be a fantastic year with a focus on newness,” Mein says. The show is expected to expand its footprint, operating in approximately four and a half halls, up from last year. “We had around 380 exhibitors last year, and this year we are already on track to surpass that number. We expect to have around 410 to 420 exhibitors, including approximately 150 new ones.”

As for Glee’s long-term trajectory, Mein emphasises an ongoing pursuit of growth and evolution. “The industry is undergoing adjustments and changes, and we aim to reflect that in the show,” he shares. In 2023, two new elements will be introduced: the DIY sector and the Source Garden.

From power tools to coatings and fixings, the DIY sector will offer a comprehensive resource for attendees engaged in gardening and garden projects.

The Source Garden, meanwhile, focuses on the manufacturing of garden products. “This sector is relevant for garden retailers seeking private label products and suppliers looking for manufacturing services for their own brands,” Mein says.

Alongside these additions, familiar sectors such as garden care, landscape garden decoration, outdoor entertaining, and home gifting clothing continue to thrive.

“The heart of the show lies in the green heart section,” Mein shares. Located in the atrium, this area showcases growers and plants, underscoring their importance to the industry.

Last but not least, Glee 2023 will see the launch of the Talent Store, a programme developed in partnership with the Garden Centre Association (GCA). “The Talent Store aims to nurture talented individuals within garden centres,” Mein explains. “I’m incredibly excited about this, and I hope it inspires them and allows them to take that experience back to their stores.”

What challenges do growers and retailers face?

THE HOUSE OF LORDS HORTICULTURAL SECTOR COMMITTEE RECENTLY HEARD EVIDENCE ON CHALLENGES FACED IN THE HORTICULTURAL INDUSTRY

Labour issues, peat legislation, and measuring environmental footprint are just some of the challenges faced in the horticultural industry. These were discussed at the House of Lords Horticultural Sector Committee on 20 April, with the session split into two parts to hear evidence from a range of witnesses, covering issues for both growers and retailers.

Retail and supermarkets

One of the first questions asked in the session was on the challenges growers face when doing business with retailers, in particular

supermarkets. Ali Capper, director at Stocks Farm, a 200-year-old hop and fruit farm on the Herefordshire/Worcestershire border, said: “Shoppers need somewhere to buy and we need somewhere to sell. Supermarkets offer us a slick, efficient and relatively cost-efficient way to present and sell our products. We need them and they know that we need them.

“[Secondly], it is demanded of us that we help provide 365 days supply. That’s often not well understood, that if you have a direct relationship with a retailer, you are often responsible for not only what you’re producing,

but in your off-season what you’re importing on their behalf, or packing on their behalf.”

The big challenge is the power imbalance, Capper continued, as supermarkets are multi-billion pound turnover businesses with very strong negotiating power. “In contrast, our sector is very diverse and made up of lots of family farming partnerships. Even the biggest businesses in our sector, very few of them are corporate. It makes negotiating very difficult.”

Jack Ward, chief executive officer of the British Growers Association, a grower-owned

and grower-led, not for profit umbrella group of organisations operating in the UK horticulture industry and fresh produce sector, said one of big issues faced with retailers is the competition between the retailers for market share, which is “so intense”.

“I would suggest that dealing with the UK retailers, you’re dealing with the toughest retailing environment anywhere on the planet. I think it’s also fair to say that a lot of growers have long standing relationships with retailers that work quite successfully.”

Labour shortage and seasonal workers

Another challenge within the horticulture industry is labour - both the quantity and the quality. “Businesses need certainty, and we will always need people,” said Mike Norris, director of the Newey Group and the West Sussex Growers Association. “In the case of daffodil harvesting in Cornwall, which is labour intensive, we’ve been heavily reliant on the seasonal

worker pilot scheme and will be for a long time.“We still need people and they’re the lifeblood of what we do. Certainty around labour supply is going to be critical for the industry going forward, not just in ornamentals, but for the wider horticulture community.”

Rising costs and production decline

Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies, which delivers plants directly to a customer’s door, spoke in the second session and said the company is suffering at the moment with inflation and the downturn in the market, and the cost of living. “We have a number of polytunnels which we have to heat.

“The cost of heating these polytunnels has more than doubled since last year, but we’ve now got gaps in our range where the growers in Holland are no longer providing the same depth of range because they’re also facing the same struggles of heating the glass houses.”

George Hillier, director of property at Hillier Nurseries, spoke of how garden centres have changed over the years - where they now sit between out-and-out-retail and a leisure activity - and on the challenges faced. “The production has been in

decline for decades, and there are many factors. It’s now dominated by Europe. Figures released by Defra say that 91% of the plant material sold in the UK has its origin outside of our borders. My belief is that we have to encourage investment in the sector.

“We are now a Government accredited employer provider of apprenticeships. We had to bring that to the table because that was the only way that we could find to get the right training and experience for people coming into our business, whether that’s on the growing side or the retail side. We were able to do this partly because of our scale. We had to do it out of necessity, but the point is that smaller organisations just won’t have that facility.”

Climate change and the peat ban

Climate change is also a big issue for the horticulture sector, with certain weather conditions presenting different challenges for obvious reasons. “You don’t even know what kind of weather you’re going to get from one year to the next,” said Ward. “The situation has become so uncertain that short-term, it’s really challenging.”

“[Another] thing with climate change is the new pests and new diseases that we’re not experiencing at the moment,” said Capper. “I would say that the sector is really good at pest and disease research and it’s grower-funded, we’re all over it. There are some other areas on climate change where we need clarity from the Government. I’d like clarity around what fuel will be going into tractors in the future. Will it be hydrogen, will it be electricity, will it be something else?

THE COMPANY IS SUFFERING AT THE MOMENT WITH INFLATION AND THE DOWNTURN IN THE MARKET, AND THE COST OF LIVING

“Carbon counting is important because most British fruit and veg will have a lower carbon and water footprint than that which we import. We as a society should be encouraging Britishgrown over imported. It’s morally reprehensible, in my opinion, that we would offshore our environmental footprint.”

Both sessions also addressed the upcoming ban of peat-containing products, with the complete ban now delayed from 2026 to 2030. Boyd Douglas-Davies, director at British Garden Centres and chair of the Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group, addressed the

proposed 2026 government peat legislation as the biggest single challenge to the industry.

“This has stopped our investment plan whilst the threat of the 2026 peat ban is in place. The scale of the issue is based around our knowledge that out of the eight million plants, 51% are grown in the UK and 49% in Europe and none of the nurseries in Europe are far on the peat-free journey,” said Douglas-Davies.

“British growers are a way ahead of everyone else so bringing in a peat ban in 2026 would put us at risk of being four million plants short. There simply is not enough production in the UK to satisfy what we need as a company, let alone the rest of the industry. This could mean a lack of plants in spring 2027 and then what happens?”

Biosecurity and environmental footprint

Hillier also spoke on the topic of biosecurity.

“If we look at what has happened to the industry over the years, we have been too slow to react. We have allowed material into a country that has led to the devastation of native species of trees and plants and there are still many threats around that could be really significant. We’re at 85% UK-grown crops and as many of those as possible are grown on our own facilities. One of the key reasons behind that is biosecurity.”

But how easy is it for retailers to measure their environmental footprint, including that from overseas trade? “It’s not easy at all,” said Douglas-Davies. “I think part of the problem is, what are you measuring?

“Because there are two sides of the environmental footprint. There’s what we can see as our carbon footprint but what’s also a green handprint that we’re leaving behind, because everything we do as an industry is creating an environmental bonus.

“Are we measuring both things and putting the two together? How do you take that then and go across to Europe and actually establish the international measure of a carbon footprint? I don’t believe there is an international measure at the moment.”

THERE ARE TWO SIDES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT. THERE’S WHAT WE CAN SEE AS OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT BUT WHAT’S ALSO A GREEN HANDPRINT THAT WE’RE LEAVING BEHIND

About Us

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Cologne A week in

SPOGA+GAFA TREND RESEARCHER MANUEL RUCAR SPEAKS TO GCR AHEAD OF A RETURN TO COLOGNE

As a trend researcher, what evolutions are you witnessing in gardening?

It is paradoxical between very enjoyable products and timeless ones. On the one hand, consumers want to enjoy their garden sometimes with vivid colours for pots, sun shades, cushions and lights, but on the other hand, long-lasting products are very important with timeless design and materials. So, to sum things up, let’s say that the market has to provide a joyful experience with ready-to-use products, and a more sustainable range for outdoor furniture, structures and materials. And generally speaking, all the signals reveal that the market is facing a need for better quality products, especially for the furniture, lights, garden toys and fabric.

How do you see trends evolving over the next five years?

The answer has to be adapted for each country and even for each area, but if we make

a comparison between markets, something very interesting emerges: We have seen very strong and overly normalised business models over the years, but now young entrepreneurs, artists, craftsmen with a high level of study and a desperate need to find meaning for their professional life by doing something that is important for nature and people and

linked to strong values are coming in. They build new models, they start flower farms, concept shops, solar-powered tools, slow living. It’s very difficult to describe because they are numerous, they are not organised in associations or organisations, they are just many, many individuals building very small and local empires. Suppliers have started to reach out to them with online wholesalers and I think that will increasingly be the future.

During the pandemic, people began to place an increasing value on their own gardens.

Do you expect this trend to continue?

Yes. After such a trying time, people now understand the importance of having their own safe private Eden. It is, socially speaking, a very big change to understanding our market. The garden is not an accessory; we collectively have understood that it brings us a safe space to face some difficult times. It can be for mental health, leisure or just to relax. It can be in a lush green jungle or in a very graphic mineral garden.

Speaking of which, the main theme at spoga+gafa this year is Social Gardens. The theme has so many meanings and it is very interesting because the garden industry is not only dedicated to retail, DIY and garden centres, but also to landscape contractors for example. Urban architects are asked to build parks and green spaces to enable people to meet, to have a rest and even to work. In the garden, people take time! In different countries, the outdoor space has different functions.

For example, in the UK, you often find something at the back of the garden and a very nice and tidy lawn in the middle. The back of the garden is more and more used as a second terrace with a gazebo or a fire pit to meet the neighbours or family. In Eastern Europe, the garden is often full of toys for the kids, not only for the family but also for friends and the neighbourhood. In the northern countries of Europe, the garden can be very disturbing (for Americans for example) because sometimes there are no fences! No limits between your space and the neighbouring houses. The way they share space and even facilities can be a great example for all of us!

How much are you looking forward to spoga+gafa this year?

As always, I’m very excited to come to each edition! It is THE place where you can have

an overview of quite all the products in a few days – who else can do that? For me, it is very exhaustive because there is so much information to gather. Our team takes more than 1,000 pictures per day to build our report – it is just amazing. There is no website in the world where you can see all this diversity, so even if the nights are short, the trip is definitely worth it!

About spoga+gafa 2023

Suppliers from all continents will meet up with decision-makers from the specialised trade and worldwide largesurface outlets at the Cologne Fair from 18 to 20 June.

spoga+gafa welcomed over 1,000 exhibitors from 52 countries in 2022. It is anticipated that figures will be topped in 2023, with the opening of four additional halls taking the total count to 14.

AFTER SUCH A TRYING TIME, PEOPLE NOW UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING THEIR OWN SAFE PRIVATE EDEN. IT IS, SOCIALLY SPEAKING, A VERY BIG CHANGE TO UNDERSTANDING OUR MARKET.

Our high stock levels and state-of-the-art UK warehouse means we fulfil orders quickly. We offer dropshipping, enabling you to sell a wider range without holding stock, and we’ll deliver direct to your customer.

With award-winning products and a TrustPilot ‘Excellent’ rated customer service team, why not see how we could help grow your sales this season?

University by Dr Geoff Whiteley. It is made from wheat straw, is an earthy brown colour has a neutral pH and lasts on the surface for up to two years.

Strulch stops weeds germinating by blocking light, retains moisture in the soil and the added minerals and texture deters slugs and snails.

13.5kg bags of Strulch are available on pallets of 12, 25, 40 and 48 bags. Delivered within 4 working days.

Trade discounts available

Must the show GO ON?

GCR INVESTIGATES THE RELEVANCE OF TRADE SHOWS IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD

At the height of the pandemic, the exhibition industry was hit hard due to event spaces having to close and in-person contact that went against public health guidelines at the time. It was no surprise that trade shows transitioned into the virtual world, and we saw shows such as the Garden Press Event, Glee, and SOLEX go digital. We ask organisers, exhibitors, and retail visitors: must the show go on?

Is a virtual event more beneficial as businesses look to rebuild balance sheets after two years of financial firefighting? Or has it gone the other way, with people keener than ever to get out and meet in person?

How

do organisers feel?

At the height of the pandemic, interactive technology online was a no-brainer and provided a lifeline for event organisers who may have otherwise been furloughed. Many event organisers have found that online platforms have been effective during the pandemic.

The GCA Conference is the first event of the year and allows its members to network over three days; the 2021 and 2022 dates fell while Coronavirus rates were still high, although there was no conference, the speakers were postponed until 2023 and the inspectors’ feedback and awards were done virtually instead, which proved to work well. Peter Burks, CEO of the Garden Centre Association (GCA),

says: “Meeting face-to-face is back in fashion after people have been locked up and hidden away for so long. There is a big need for highquality trade shows for many reasons, not just getting buyers and sellers together, but for the whole industry to come together, from students upwards.”

SOLEX was also unfortunately hit twice a row by the pandemic with both its 2020 and 2021 shows having to go virtual. Gina Hinde, marketing manager at LOFA explains: “While online events served their purpose, there is no denying that it cannot compare to the real thing. As humans, we crave social interaction. You cannot sit on garden furniture or feel the build quality of a BBQ and taste the delicious food cooked by exhibitors at an online event. Although technology has advanced, it still cannot replicate the experience of a physical exhibition. The SOLEX event was missed, and the online version was not as successful.”

2021 saw the Garden Press Event go online for the first time, a decision made by organisers HTA and GIMA. “With such growth

in gardening and many new gardeners needing help and advice, with the help of the HTA, we needed to provide a continuation of the platform provided by the physical exhibition,” says Vicky Nuttall, director of GIMA.

“Those that took part were very pleased they did, but it was more difficult to get as many people and businesses engaged as there was some cynicism around virtual exhibitions. Virtual meetings now sit alongside physical meetings as a normal business practice between buyers and sellers, continues Nuttall. “But it is our conferences and networking events that have become more popular as people are keen to meet.

The HTA agree with GIMA that in-person events have soared in popularity on their return. “We have seen a real buzz and excitement at our interactive events this year and are seeing bigger numbers than ever, says head of marketing Elia Johnson.

“The Garden Press Event, which is a jointly run event with GIMA, had a fantastic

atmosphere welcoming over 400 garden media visitors that wanted to interact with innovative new products. This event also saw the largest number of new products enter our awards at the show.

“We welcomed the largest amount of delegates ever at our APL Awards, and we have the biggest number of exhibitors preparing for the HTA National Plant Show. We still believe there will be a place for online events, and this can still be a fantastic tool for information sharing or networking on a smaller scale.”

What exhibitors think

A hiatus in trade shows made it easier for buyers to go online and research the latest products and services they needed, as a consumer would buy a new TV or car. While this meant that businesses could showcase what they needed in a virtual showroom, would that approach still work now?

AMES UK believes in-person events are pivotal as managing director Paul North tells us:

“As a business that operates multiple sites and represents a wide portfolio of brands (Apta, La Hacienda, and Kelkay), the opportunity to come together under one roof to showcase everything we have to offer is too good an opportunity to miss.

“Exhibitions are a great barometer for the opportunities and challenges that are impacting our market. Whether it’s accessing or inputting into the educational core of these shows, optimising networking opportunities, or maximising the media exposure they offer, they offer so much value for us as suppliers, as well as for the wider retailer network.”

Mark Pitman, managing director at Wildlife World agrees: “Physical shows for us have far more impact than an online version, particularly when dealing with our products that need to be seen and touched to appreciate the quality and workmanship that goes into the design of a safe, fit-for-purpose wildlife habitat. We have seen greater interest in physical shows postpandemic, the online versions didn’t work for us.”

ALTHOUGH TECHNOLOGY HAS ADVANCED, IT STILL CANNOT REPLICATE THE EXPERIENCE OF A PHYSICAL EXHIBITION

Paul Cohen, commercial director at LifestyleGarden said: “While we benefit from our showroom for year-round face-to-face appointments, exhibitions enable us to broaden our network and show more potential customers our product offering. Events are an opportunity to place our stake in the ground, promoting our

HAVE SEEN GREATER INTEREST IN PHYSICAL SHOWS POST-PANDEMIC, THE ONLINE VERSIONS DIDN’T WORK FOR US

key messages and journey towards a closedloop economy. Everyone under the same roof discusses trends, opportunities and challenges that are shaping our industry.”

Meeting people and future trends seem to be a key theme when highlighting the positives of in-person shows.

Toby Thomas, managing director at RocketGro said: “One of my standout takes from working within the garden centre industry is how friendly and people-focused it all is. The shows are a perfect opportunity for contacts to come together, an opportunity to see the ‘new,’ and a moment away from the day-to-day routine to be inspired by what is possible in the season ahead. The post-Covid world has reinforced the need to have these shows. The future is coming and it’s only at the big shows that we get a chance to see what that may look like.”

The Bransford Webbs Plant Company is a regular exhibitor at shows and holds its own on-site. “Customers seem to enjoy attending them, and they have been busy since they returned. It will be interesting to see how this continues in a ‘normal’ world. I do believe that if you are a buyer, you will see opportunities you won’t elsewhere, especially in the plant world you can’t beat seeing the product and getting your hands on it, they are very tactile products.”

explained David Chilvers, sales & marketing director at Bransford.

Wyevale Nurseries uses shows to introduce new, award-winning plant varieties. Andy Johnson, managing director says: “Both the National Plant Show and Four Oaks have become significant fixtures in our annual calendar, especially post-Covid, as we find, more now than ever, that our customers prefer to meet face-to-face. We all like to see each other in person, it’s good for us.“

Joy of Plants has created a library of more than 15,700 UK garden plants and trees, offering a platform of tools to help garden centres, retailers, growers, and breeders maximise their plant sales. Trade shows such as the National Plant Show or Glee are vital to showcase their solutions. Terri Jones, managing director at Joy of Plants, explains: “At the shows, we’ll meet more people in three days than see in as many months. We will also find out about new plants and industry trends, and with one journey, our mileage is low, making it better for the planet.

“If you’re there, you’re part of the industry and it’s very uplifting.”

The future of industry exhibitions post-Covid from visitors

After two years of disruption in events, how are retailers feeling when they want to make orders and gain insight from an array of new-season products and trends? Are trade shows still

a vital part of a buyer’s arsenal, and does it match the convenience of online trading?

Dobbies attend and exhibit at trade shows throughout the year. When we spoke to Richard Hodges, Dobbies’ commercial director, he said: “We find trade shows a really valuable part of our strategy, benefitting the business and our team members. It’s a positive way to engage partners, network, see products in real

WE

life, identify development opportunities and be inspired. When it comes to attending as an exhibitor, this presents an opportunity for us to showcase our great value ranges and the authority and expertise of our team.”

Bryony Taylor-Edwards is the head of marketing at Yarnton Garden and Home and attends Glee, Spring Fair, Top Drawer, SOLEX, Harrogate Home & Gift. She says, “Nothing

beats seeing a product in real life and meeting the people behind the product. Provenance matters more than ever; so, meeting the character behind the brand and hearing about its inception is important.”

Andy Bunker, Alton Garden Centre agrees: “We need these shows as many of the categories they cover are such a big turnover for us all. Trade shows are a lot about networking and

as we are a friendly industry, we don’t mind sharing our winners and you still pick up lots of little gems even in today’s clustered market.”

David Drew, retail manager at Aylett’s Nurseries adds: “A catalogue can give a wealth of facts and information about a product, but nothing can compete with touching and feeling the actual item. You cannot judge the quality, finish, and durability from behind a desk, and

in an age where we are trying to encourage customers to come into stores, we should not follow their example and do our new product shopping online.”

While it is clear that trade shows have not seen a reduction in popularity, many argue that consolidation is needed to improve the quality of brands and buyers’ attendance. Kate Hateley, group toy buyer at British Garden Centres says: “Trade show visitor numbers were down, even before Covid, for various reasons. Not only have we learnt to work more efficiently remotely, the cost and resources for retailers to visit some of these shows, whether nationally or globally, has meant we have had to consolidate which ones we visit that have the most benefit.”

Financial restrictions may also play a part in the current cost of living crisis, with businesses looking to reduce costs and operate more effectively. “The only cons with trade shows are the travel and the cost of travelling at the moment is not cheap,” said Emma Kelly, head of operations at Bents. “Online events have

their place and were great during Covid but often it would be difficult to get an idea of size, proportions, and colours, not to mention issues with Wi-Fi or not being able to get links to work.

NOTHING CAN COMPETE WITH TOUCHING AND FEELING THE ACTUAL ITEM

We find that it is the best way to be inspired and see a product in the flesh plus it saves our team a lot of time. “

Selina Hammond, garden sundries and growing media buyer at Perrywood echoes: “It is important to continue to search for new areas to focus on and revisit anything we have tried in the past to see if it could work for us again. Trade shows are brilliant for this; everything is

all under one roof! I’m looking forward to seeing what Glee has to offer this year!”

Darran Oakley, buying director at Squire’s Garden Centres comments: “Often, new products and contacts come about that may not have been considered or will have passed a buyer’s desk if you rely on remote selling. SOLEX, for example, is a brilliant opportunity to speak to suppliers and compare products - all in one location - and far exceeds the experience, as well as time, of visiting individual supplier showrooms. By the end of the time spent at a show, we have a great idea of ranges and how we want to progress our buying plan. While we managed to work through the Covid times, nothing beats meeting in person and with many suppliers all in one place, so the return of trade shows is very welcomed.”

Guy Topping, managing director of Barton Grange Garden Centre also summed up the answer should the show go on: “As long as individual shows are attracting new suppliers in abundance, then they have a secure future.”

GIMA members get ready FOR GLEE 2023

THE ANNUAL TRADE EXHIBITION FOR THE GARDEN RETAIL SECTOR IS JUST ON THE HORIZON, WITH GIMA MEMBERS COMING OUT IN THEIR DROVES TO LAUNCH EXCITING NEW PRODUCTS AND INITIATIVES TO SUPPORT GARDEN RETAILERS IN THE COMING SEASON

the Harmony Gardens brand, doubling the current range, resulting in a complete growing media portfolio. Elsewhere the company will be entering new categories as well as adding new products to our existing coir doormats and growing accessories. A coconut shy will add an extra splash of fun for visitors.

The theme of coir products will also continue on the Salike Limited stand (stand 7E48) and the CoirProducts portfolio, the largest of its kind in the UK. Natural, biodegradable, and peat-free, this year, the team will introduce new and innovative product varieties, including a coir door mats range.

Show stalwarts Burgon & Ball (stand 6E30-F31) will give buyers a first glimpse of a completely new RHS-endorsed range aimed at a key market segment, together with a unique communications concept to support it. The show also sees the launch of a range of RHSendorsed brushes, a new category for the RHS. Combining quality, durability and accessible pricing, every item in the eight-piece range carries a two-year guarantee. Glee is also the first show for the latest additions to Burgon & Ball’s RHS-endorsed stainless steel range. Garden furniture, grow your own and decorative garden structure specialist, Zest (stand 20D30-E31) is to use Glee as its debut platform for new branding, a new website, product development hub and initial new product offerings for the 2024 spring season, available for trade customers to see from July 2023. The new website –zestoutdoorliving.co.uk – is targeting outdoor living enthusiasts and is set to position Zest

as the natural choice for sustainable timber garden products.

AMES UK (stand 6C40-F41) – the band behind the La Hacienda, Kelkay and Apta brands – has several exciting launches up their sleeve for Glee 2023, including the launch of an exciting new brand, one that will shake up the marketplace and get retailers asking more questions about a bestselling product category.

Join Southern Trident (stand 6H52-J53) to find out about its award-winning range of Harmony Gardens and Coco & Coir 100% peat-free, environmentally responsible, Soil Association accredited carbon neutral growing media. New product introductions will launch for

Making their debut at Glee will be another growing media brand, AHS Ltd (stand 7F46), with its Heart of Eden range, which has been specifically designed for garden centres. Based on over 30 years of knowledge and experience, AHS Ltd will showcase a new range of 100% peat-free compost and bark, all sourced from sustainable resources.

Following on from the success of its 2019 Nature Safe launch, Hygeia (stand 6H30-J31) will be returning to Glee this June to launch a new range of indoor plant feeds. One of the most prominent ingredients of this range extension is wild Atlantic Seaweed which is hand-harvested and cold-pressed for a more nutrient-rich and sustainably sourced solution.

Hygeia will also introduce three new plant feed products to its seaweed-based outdoor range.

With the awareness and demand of the multi-use Hortiwool (stand 7F56) rapidly increasing, Glee 2023 will mark a one-year milestone for the brand. The team has added another product offering to its range, along with several exciting developments following retailer feedback.

Over at HJ Hall (stand 6H50-J51) – the UK’s largest branded sock manufacturer –the team are getting ready to release a new range of thermals and underwear. Renowned for stocking sock drawers with stylish and practical essentials since 1882, HJ Hall extends the same outstanding quality with the launch of its winter thermal staples, set to officially launch in stores in September 2023.

Outdoor cleaner will be the order of the day at Azpects (stand 7E70), where two new EASYCare products will launch. The first new product, EASYCare Wood Revive is an easy-to-use solution to refresh and restore both softwood and hardwood, including removing silvering caused by UV damage to restore natural tones, ready for wood to be over-coated or refinished. The second new products will be

EASYCare Rattan Revive – a new three-in-one product to clean, restore and protect synthetic rattan furniture in one simple application.

At Leon Boot Co. (stand 7G57), the team will be shouting from the rooftops about its game changing range of ultra lightweight wellington boots, with new styles joining the 2024 line-up. First launched at Glee in 2021, the brand is now stocked in over 135 UK garden centres and with the new warehousing and distribution supporting further growth, this is a brand on a mission to save the nation’s feet!

About GIMA

Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Association (GIMA) is a membership organisation of around 150 members representing the majority share of suppliers and manufacturers in the UK gardening industry. Formed in 1999, its goal is to promote commercial, trading and industrial interests of UK and EU based companies. GIMA is run by a small team of dedicated professionals and governed by a council of members. gima.org.uk

AHS LTD WILL SHOWCASE A NEW RANGE OF 100% PEAT-FREE COMPOST AND BARK, ALL SOURCED FROM SUSTAINABLE RESOURCES

Five minutes with Tong Garden Centre

GCR CATCHES UP WITH NEIL BARWISE-CARR, HEAD OF PEOPLE AND CULTURE AT TONG, AFTER THE BRADFORD-BASED GARDEN CENTRE WAS RECOGNISED AT THE BRITISH HR AWARDS

Can you give us a little background on Tong Garden Centre?

Yorkshire Garden Centres Group (YGC) is an independently owned business with four garden centres in West Yorkshire that deliver great experiences for families.

YGC began with the acquisition of Tong Garden Centre by childhood friends, Mark Farnsworth and Tom Megginson in 2015. They invested £9 million to turn Tong Round from an ailing centre with a disenfranchised team to an award-winning destination centre that employs 247 people.

What sets Tong (and YGC) apart from other garden centres?

Whether it’s by inspiring visitors throughout the seasons with gardening and home trends, serving delicious food in restaurants, encouraging learning through play in our adventure playgrounds or showcasing local produce in our food halls, we believe we have created a unique mix of brands in our centres that never fail to deliver. Our family of garden centres comprises:

Tong Garden Centre – the largest of our retail destinations at 11,600m was our first centre and home to indoor and outdoor play that has been the blueprint for subsequent centres.

In addition to eating, retail and play experiences afforded by Blooms, Hearty’s and Grass Hoppers, Tingley Garden Centre is also home to a botanical-themed restaurant, The Garden Room, and Mission Out: an epic adventure playground for 6 to 14-year-olds.

Otley Garden Centre joined the YGC family in 2022, along with sister site Bingley Garden Centre. Both sites are currently

undergoing refurbishments to bring them into the Yorkshire Garden Centres family.

YGC currently employs 511 local people, but we are ambitious and hope to grow sustainably and create opportunities in our communities. We will continue our mission to create a great experience for all the family and aspire to be a place where people want to work.

place to work and we are always inundated when vacancies arise and we look forward to developing our teams as we embed our practices at all four YGC sites.

This year, we felt that our people and culture initiatives were embedded well enough in our business, and we felt confident that we could write a compelling nomination for a national HR award and compete against much bigger organisations for the first time. We won the award, and we were delighted that our dedication has been recognised. Our work family is at the heart of everything we do, we are passionate about developing our workplace culture and providing a great place to work, and we’d like to think that our passion to empower came across in our nomination and resulted in the win.

What would be your one piece of advice for garden retailers in 2023?

First and foremost to look after your team, which in turn will help give your customers the best possible experience, whether they’re visiting to buy plants, play, be inspired or enjoy great food and drink.

What are Tong’s plans for the rest of 2023 and beyond?

Tong recently won Retail Company of the Year at the British HR Awards. How did this come about, and what did it mean to the team? When we bought Tong in 2015, we inherited a poorly motivated and disengaged team. Thanks to the establishment of a people and culture team that has grown from one person to six, investment in staff training and reward and recognition schemes, YGC is now a great

Our aim continues to be one of the best employers in the UK and from a business perspective, we want to build on the reputation that we have earned as destination garden centres with strong retail, food and play offerings that give families throughout Yorkshire a great visitor experience. We will develop the sites at Otley and Bingley using key learnings from Tong and Tingley.

Looking for green solutions?

IN 2022, GOGREEN AND RETAIL SOLUTIONS MERGED TO FORM GREEN SOLUTIONS. THE DUTCH COMPANY, WHICH SUPPLIES GARDEN AND INDOOR PLANTS, HAS WORKED WITH UK GARDEN CENTRES FOR OVER TWO DECADES…

Green Solutions is firmly rooted in Boskoop, the heart of Dutch horticulture. We are located at one of the greenest locations in the country, from where we supply garden centres, retailers, DIY stores and supermarkets throughout Europe with garden and indoor plants. Our strong (supply chain) network guarantees top quality for both our plants and services. We believe in long-term partnerships with growers. Together we take business to

the highest level. We invest time and energy to develop our talents, quality and services with the goal to surprise and satisfy the customer.

So, why Green Solutions?

Full service to your doorstep

• Two deliveries a week nationwide

• Big assortment on indoor and outdoor plants

• All Brexit related matters are taken care off

• Half year stable pricing in £

• Our service is equal nationwide

• One trolley minimum order quantity

the business and trends.

• Our buying team has long-running relationships with suppliers in the Netherlands as well as the rest of Europe. These long-term partnerships have brought us knowledge of

Our southern European sourcing created grower relationships focused on respecting our standards in both quality and plant health. Dealing with UK garden centres for over two decades has given us the experience to create a very specific UK-

orientated assortment for both indoor and outdoor plants.

• We want to help garden centres to make a difference in quality and assortment. Our logistics are therefore aligned to ensure we can help you deliver both. Orders can be done with small minimum quantities of single trays and you can order twice a week. The minimum order quantity of one trolley per order helps to keep your sales shelf complete and fresh. Our warehouse team handles the order with great care and high efficiency to ensure quality and freshness. Our logistic partner ships your orders over to the UK at the right temperatures and humidity. When ordering on Monday by 10.30am, your stock will arrive right before the weekend on Thursday or Friday by 1pm. For restocking right after the weekend (Monday, Tuesday delivery) our order deadline is Wednesday 10.30am.

• We believe that we can help you to focus on selling the best plants to the public. We consider it therefore our job to take care of all currency, custom and plant healthrelated matters. Operationally dealing with GreenSolutions Ltd, a British-registered company, is identical to dealing with your local nursery.

• We invoice in pounds; there are no exchange risks or hidden costs for you. We secure a set exchange rate pre-season. This enables you to pay in pounds without regular price fluctuation.

We can even load your retail prices pre-season so you don’t have to worry about it when the sun is out and customers are in. This helps avoiding barcoding or pricing issues.

• We ensure all laws, regulations and plant health certifications are in place. By bringing your order to our Point of Destination in Spalding, Lincolnshire, we make sure all plant health inspections are carried out and are under our responsibility. This way, once the delivery arrives, you can put plants straight out for sale. We also provide authorities with traceability with UK plant passports.

• Our price labels contain your logo and a basic care instructions such as guidance for sunlight, watering and feeding for indoor plants, and pruning, planting and soil type instructions for outdoor plants.

• Our web shop runs on a fully automated, 24/7 live connection to the stock availability of our growers, so you can order whenever you want, wherever you are. When interested in ordering from a tablet, please contact Green Solutions to get one! So you can make your orders up within your plant sales areas or at home at your dining table.

Timber Displays Limited

Lodge Farm, 47 Spalding Road, Bourne, Lincolnshire PE10 0AU

T: 01778 422700

E: sales@timberdisplays.co.uk www.timberdisplays.co.uk

Timber Displays can offer you the very best quality in pressure treated timber display products at affordable prices.

Our products are designed to increase your turnover by showing your merchandise to its full potential and to add an attractive feature to your Garden Centre or store.

We offer a comprehensive range of standard items plus our ever expanding range of flood benching.

Products Glee Launches

THE LATEST ON THE MARKET FROM GLEE MEMBERS

Peat-Free Beds & Borders Compost RocketGro

A nutrient-rich compost for organic growing in your flower beds and quality borders. Our superior blend compost is the perfect mix for gardeners wanting a high-professional standard product with which to use for planting out Perennials, evergreen plants and shrubs. Our tried and tested balance of all-natural compost, soil improver and other natural substrates will genuinely give you superior results. Not suitable for seeds, cuttings or pricking out seedlings. Supplied in a 40-litre bag. Key benefits: 100% chemical-free and peat-free; 100% organic approved; for all planting out in flower beds; healthy balance of nutrients and N:P:K; optimum air pockets for your plant roots; ideal water retaining fibre addition; slow feeds for three months. rocketgro.co.uk

Activity Boots

ClipGlove

ClipGlove is re-launching its wellington boot range at Glee. Activity Boots are a range of wellingtons made from durable PVC, providing comfortable and value-formoney footwear. These innovative boots are full of features that give hours of comfort – whether being used for a morning of gardening or a long walk with the dog. Featuring a two-tone design, Activity Boots are available in two choices. The smart men’s boot is green with a navy top lip and tread, available in sizes 7-12. The stylish women’s boot features a sky-blue body with pink piping and tread, available in sizes 3-8. Adding its own unique style, a giant carabiner clip holds each pair of boots together and is perfect to hang them up for storage.

treadstoneproducts.com

Terrariums Ivyline

At Glee, Ivyline will present new collections for AW23, SS24 and Christmas from Stand: 6E60-F61. New lines have been created to optimise current consumer trends, whilst placing Ivyline front and centre as the go-to brand for the latest styles, sustainable designs and home décor must-haves. Manufactured exclusively in Europe from 100% recycled glass, these lovely new terrariums represent one of the ‘greenest’ terrarium ranges on the market today.

To increase impulse and gifting potential, as well as presenting terrariums as a complete indoor gardening solution, Ivyline has packaged its terrariums with all the substrates included. Each unit will come with charcoal, sand, gravel and rocks, plus a step-by-step to build an at-home plant paradise, making these new additions an obvious future bestseller.

ivylinegb.co.uk

Patterson and Rothwell, a long-established manufacturer of plant pots in the UK, launch their new planter at Glee 2023. The new Helenia planter is the latest addition to the comprehensive range of planters, with a wide variety of designs, styles and colours. All P&R planters are not only made from recycled Polypropylene, but they are also recyclable and proudly manufactured in the UK. The Helenia planter comes in three sizes, medium, small, and mini.

patterson-rothwell.co.uk

Helenia Patterson and Rothwell

STAND 6B50-C51

STAND 20J58

STAND 6E60-F61

STAND 6A44-B45

EASYCare Minis Azpects

EASYCare Minis, a new innovative range of retailfriendly highly concentrated cleaning products, will be on display at Glee. The new range offers products for all kinds of outdoor cleaning, featuring: Patio Cleaner, Algae Cleaner, Deck Cleaner and Exterior Fabric Cleaner. Simply dilute in a watering can or garden sprayer for easy and effective cleaning, with long-lasting results that are sure to delight customers.Available in 150ml bottles, these highly concentrated cleaners use less packaging and create less waste, presented in attractive shelf-ready packaging that can be re-filled again and again for an easy display in store.

Nature Safe Hygeia

Hygeia is extending its Nature Safe range to include an indoor plant feed range and new outdoor products to tackle all your gardening needs. The range includes two products: Indoor Plant Food for healthy, vibrant and flowering plants, and Orchid Feed for maximum immunity and healthy orchids. Both products come in a 250ml bottle format that you simply pump into the base of the plant and add water. From a sustainability perspective, they pack a punch. The bottles used are made with recycled plastic and the seaweed used in the Nature Safe range is handharvested along the pristine Connemara coastline. Once harvested the extract is obtained by using the most natural cold press process with no heat or chemicals added. hygeia.ie

Peat-Free Beds & Borders Compost

MightyBugs

Andermatt

Using biologicals like ladybirds against pests is common in organic gardening sectors, but they normally have to be bought online.

That’s all set to change with Andermatt Home & Garden’s MightyBug range and their new O2O (offline to online) system. With the slogan “Buy in-store, deliver fresh to your door” customers can purchase at a garden centre, but get them delivered by post. Garden centre retailers also get a commission from future online purchases on Andermatt’s website as an incentive. Starter packs come with the more common 15 varieties of natural predators, everything from Lacewing Larvae to nematodes to lesser-known predators like Encarsia for dealing with whitefly.

andermattgarden.co.uk

RocketGro

RocketGro will exclusively unveil its new range of liquid concentrate plant feed. Launched to provide a value proposition for gardeners seeking a sustainable and organic option, the range comprises five liquid concentrate feeds: Tomato Food, Rose & Shrub Plant Food, All-Purpose Plant Food, Ericaceous Plant Food, and Lawn Feed. All products are 100% organic approved, British grown, sourced and manufactured, and are the by-product of renewable energy production. Offered in 1.5-litre bottles, including 50% extra free during 2023/2024, the products boast an attractive price point and outstanding vibrant, recyclable packaging with impactful imagery and a clear, compelling message.

rocketgro.co.uk

STAND 6B50-C51

Handy to assist retailers in at Glee maximising earning potential

STAND: 20H20-J21

AT THIS YEAR’S GLEE, BRITISH GARDEN EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER AND SUPPLIER HANDY IS EMPHASISING ITS SUPPORT FOR RETAILERS AND THE MANY OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE THROUGH HANDY TO MAXIMISE EARNING POTENTIAL.

At this year’s Glee, British garden equipment manufacturer and supplier Handy is emphasising its support for retailers and the many opportunities available through Handy to maximise earning potential.

Established in 1938 and still a family-owned British business, Handy is now one of the UK’s largest independent garden machinery wholesale distributors and manufacturers. Handy’s own brands include Webb, The Handy and Q Garden, and it is the UK-appointed distributor for Greenworks and Cramer cordless equipment. In addition, the company distributes access brands such as Flymo, Kärcher, Bosch, Solo, Walsall wheelbarrows and more. Many of Handy’s products are awardwinning and regularly feature as Gardeners’ World ‘Best Buys’. Handy also regularly supports retailers with their own label manufacturing needs with the design and production of exclusive models.

An intimate lounge area has been created on the Handy Glee stand specifically for visitors to the show to discuss their garden machinery needs in a relaxed environment. Handy staff will be on hand to advise retailers not only of the products

available but also of the support provided, including dropship opportunities and point of sale support, and Handy’s online portal for quick and easy access to spare parts; Handy carries over 70,000 spare part lines and has market leading availability thanks to its £6m+ stock commitment.

Mark Moseley, Handy’s sales & marketing director, comments on the change of direction for the company at this year’s Glee: “At previous shows, we have very much focused on our extensive product range, and we feel that the breadth and quality of our product lines are well understood. For 2023 we have chosen to change the emphasis to focus on the extensive support and service we have in place for retailers to help them get the most out of our products, by meeting their customers’ diverse needs and maximising sales. Our experience, expert knowledge and dedicated customer service are central to this. We not only understand product but also the needs of retailers and their customers and it’s important for us to convey this. It’s equally important for us to listen to our customers, so the new lounge area on the Glee stands will enable a two-way discourse, in an informal setting.”

Since the company’s creation in 1938, Handy has grown to become one of the UK’s largest independent garden machinery wholesale distributors and manufacturers, supplying specialist dealers, large national retailers, garden centres and mail order companies, from its purpose-built 70,000ft Swindon site which is home to more than 45 full-time staff. As the UK-appointed distributor for Greenworks and Cramer cordless equipment, Handy is at the forefront of leading battery technology, whilst its successful traditional brands – including Webb, The Handy and Q Garden –support a one-stop solution to all its customers’ garden equipment needs. To this day, Handy remains a family-owned British business. Its experience, expert knowledge and dedicated customer service – which includes carrying over 70,000 spare part lines – have enabled it to build a team driven by high performance and family values.

Handy brands

Trade handys.co.uk cramertools.com E-commerce

“An existential threat”

THE HTA HAS CALLED ON THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT TO DELIVER A SUSTAINABLE, SUPPORTED AND REALISTIC TRANSITION TO PEAT-FREE

The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has set out a detailed response to the Scottish Government Consultation on Ending the Sale of Peat, representing the views from the breadth of its 1,400-strong membership – from growers to landscapers, retailers to manufacturers.

The consultation, which launched in February and closed on 12 May, follows the 2022 UK government consultation. It is a critical issue for an industry which supports nearly 700,000 jobs, has a national GDP of almost £28 billion, mitigates climate change and benefits the health and well-being of 30 million gardeners in the UK. In Scotland, this is broken down as a contribution of £2.8bn towards GDP and over 64,000 jobs. This has the potential to rise significantly by 2030 if the industry and key stakeholders work together now.

James Barnes, HTA Chairman, said, “We welcome having the opportunity to feed our expert view into the Scottish Government consultation on ending the sale of peat in Scotland. This is a critical issue for HTA members. It has taken hard work and investment, and many businesses are still on the journey. The sector’s progress to date in reducing peat use must be celebrated.

“The arbitrary bringing forward of the date for peat removal from the professional sector from 2030 to 2026 by DEFRA remains an existential threat to the size and scale of the Scottish Industry. The industry is on target to meet this deadline with certain specialist exemptions.

However, reducing the number of growing seasons from 7 to 3 will seriously curtail the ability to trial new mixes effectively, leading to supply shortages. Moreover, banning all imports containing any peat will substantially

curtail choice for consumers, leading to both inflation and potential rationing.

“We urge the Scottish Government to refrain from following this example. To understand the required timeframes and support horticulture businesses with R&D funding to fully transition from using peat. We want to engage fully with the Scottish Government to ensure we can deliver growth for horticulture and increase gardening and greenspaces with the mass benefits it brings. Our commitment and ambition for the sector in Scotland have been set out in our recent Scottish Environmental Horticulture Growth Strategy, which we are eager can be delivered.”

The HTA response in summary:

• Work with horticulture experts to develop a roadmap to transition to peat-free in a way that is truly sustainable, achievable and delivers on sector growth.

• A ny regulation or policy on ending the sale of peat must have a comprehensive and open economic impact assessment looking at the environmental and economic consequences, informed by industry and sector expertise.

• Industry supports a transition to peatfree and has made huge progress.

• A lternatives to peat need to deliver on the quality and variety of plants and products that can be produced that are so valued by gardeners, green spaces and Scottish biodiversity.

• T ime is needed for transition –seasonality is key.

• Too early of an end-date for professional uses hugely risks UK plant and tree production.

• Each business is important and unique in its journey to peat-free, and we must sustain the whole sector so they can grow for Scotland.

IT HAS TAKEN HARD WORK AND INVESTMENT, AND MANY BUSINESSES ARE STILL ON THE JOURNEY

GCA confirms regional award meetings

THE TOP TEN CENTRES WILL RECEIVE A GARDEN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

The Garden Centre Association has revealed the dates for its summer regional award meetings when members will find out who has come top in its annual inspections for 2023.

Garden centres are encouraged to attend the event in their area and to bring as many of their team members along as possible. Peter Burks, CEO at the GCA, said: “Another round of our annual inspections is coming to a close and the early feedback is already looking positive.

“We’re inviting our members to attend the regional meeting for their area, where they’ll be able to hear the feedback in full and where our inspectors will be highlighting best practice and new ideas and will also announce all the category winners.”

• T he South Thames region will meet at Castle Gardens in Dorset on 4 July with inspector Gordon Emslie.

• T he Midlands regional meeting will follow on 5 July at Gates Garden Centre in Leicestershire with inspector Phil McCann presenting his findings.

• T he North East and North West meeting will also take place on 5 July with inspector Colin Farquahar at Tong Garden Centre.

• Members in Wales & West will meet on 6 July at Sanders Garden World in Somerset with Phil McCann.

• On 11 July, members in Scotland will be meeting at Simpsons Garden Centre in Inverness where inspector Alyson Haywood will be presenting her findings.

• Haywood will also be presiding at the North Thames regional meeting on 13 July at Poplars Garden Centre in Bedfordshire.

Burks added: “Many GCA members have said that the unique annual inspections and constructive feedback sessions are one of the

biggest benefits of membership. It is a fantastic motivational and management tool and really keeps staff on their toes, making sure they are always doing their absolute best.

“Garden centres receive no advance warning about when their inspection will take place and they do not have the option to turn away the inspector. It is all about making sure they are offering a consistently excellent service and improving their customer service standards, which is what all GCA garden centres must do to remain members.

The results of the inspections form the basis for many GCA awards, including Destination Garden Centre of the Year, Garden Centre of the Year, Area Winners, Highly Commended and Most Improved Garden Centre. The top ten centres will receive a Garden Centre of Excellence Award and all centres scoring 75% or above receive the Highly Commended certificate.

Glasshouses supplied, erected, dismantled. Bespoke structures. Expert reroofing in polycarbonate and composite panels. All aspects of glasshouse work and refurbishments. Maintenance, cleaning. Gutter and door replacement.

Meet the Brand

Durstons

Afuture of gardening without peat is imminent and, whilst some suppliers have come late to the party, Durston Garden Products made a concerted effort to begin investing early in the development of effective peat-free growing. The great news is that retail customers can now reap the rewards and tap into a comprehensive high-performing collection of peat-free products that serve to strengthen consumer confidence.

Durstons’ impressive peat-free collection has been bolstered by new additions for 2023, including Multi-Purpose Compost Peat-Free, produced entirely from renewable sources and featuring Durstons’ unique performance-enhancing ingredient, GRO BOOST; Durstons Organic Multi-Purpose Compost Peat Free, boasting a blend of the highest-quality organic, peat-free growing media, combined with a wetting agent; and the brand-new Peat Free Grow in the Bag, offered in an extra-large pack and ideal for

GROWING MEDIA SUPPLIER DURSTON GARDEN PRODUCTS LOOKS AHEAD AS THEY CONTINUE TO SUPPORT RETAILERS ENTERING A PEAT-FREE WORLD

growing a wide range of fruit, vegetables and salad crops.

Driving growth

Having served the garden industry for more than 150 years from their site in Somerset, Durstons are a proud British supplier that use locally-sourced material for their impressive range of composts, grow bags, top soil and soil conditioner. With their own lorries out on the road and a convenient UK location, Durstons offer great lead times, added flexibility and reliable service, helping retailers to react quickly to increases in demand.

Durstons are keen to drive growth across the entire business and continue to provide the excellent levels of service retailers have come to expect from them. Recent

investment in a new production line enabled Durstons to double capacity and further scale up operations at its state-of-the-art facility.

Meanwhile, Katie Durston, the seventh generation of the family joined the family business in 2021. In April this year, Katie completed an apprenticeship in business administration and now supports the Durstons sales administration department.

Sales director Dan Durston says: “We have been supplying the industry with high quality growing media products for decades and we back that up with the best service and support possible. We will continue to support retailers with outstanding products, as they make the transition to a peat-free future. Meanwhile, we are shaping our own future with new generations of the family coming on board and further investments in operations. These are exciting times.” durstongardenproducts.co.uk