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MANAGING DIRECTOR
Emma Hatherall
EDITOR
Nick Lavigueur
nick@euromediaal.com
ADVERTISEMENT SALES
Julie Cross Nichola Newton
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Sheila Helm
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Elle Creamer
With the Bank of England and our government doing everything they can to pour water on retail spending through repeated interest rate hikes, it’s incredible that garden centres continue to thrive.
The GCA has reported relatively strong performances by member retailers over the past few months and hopefully that is the case for your operation too. With summer in full swing, fingers crossed that sales will be flowing as families enjoy their gardens for many more weeks.
The height of summer also has you thinking of Christmas I’m sure! The
inescapable winter celebration requires planning with shelves needing to be filled by early November at the latest. If you delve inside you’ll find a few features on ideas and suppliers of Xmas themed stock and trees.
Last item of business for us is our much valued Garden Trade Specialist magazine manager, Julie Cross, is leaving us after 12 years. She’s done a marvellous job and she will be missed. I’m sure anyone who’s worked with her will wish her good luck for the future. Taking over as magazine manager is Nichola Newton, a very safe pair of hands who is very much looking forward to working with you all in a bid to promote your brands and companies.
Nick LavigueurIN THE NEWS
British Garden Centres showcase the sector’s challenges at the House of Lords’ Horticultural Sector Committee
British Garden Centres, the UK’s largest family-run group of garden centres, has given evidence at the House of Lords’ Horticultural Sector Committee. Boyd Douglas-Davies, the company’s former PR, Communication and Plants Director at the family-run group, was invited to set out the challenges that the retail horticulture sector is facing. Boyd addressed the Lords Horticulture inquiry about garden retail and the worker shortage, the impending peat legislation and how net zero will affect the industry. Boyd highlighted to those present how vital the horticultural industry was, contributing £29 billion to the UK economy in 2019, and forecasted to grow to approximately £42 billion in 2030.
“The value of horticulture to our world is worth far more than just money,” Boyd said.
“It also has vital benefits to our environmental policies and its value to our health and wellbeing is beyond measure. This is what we should be talking about beyond the pound value.” British Garden Centres’ operation is 30% plant offering with other departments at each store there to ensure yearround employment. The diverse offering of British Garden Centres often brings customers to a horticultural establishment for the first time, where they discover plants and broaden the marketplace. Only 3% of British Garden Centres workforce are seasonal workers, the rest are in permanent employment” Boyd explained.
The biggest single challenge to the industry is the proposed 2026 government peat legislation. “This has stopped our investment plan whilst the threat of the 2026 peat ban is in place.” said Boyd.
“The scale of the issue is based around our knowledge that out of the 8 million plants, 51% are grown in the UK and 49% in Europe and none of the nurseries in Europe are far on the peatfree journey. British growers are way ahead of everyone else so bringing in a peat ban in 2026 would put us at risk of being 4 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?”
Boyd also went on to address the committee outlining how Post-Brexit plant import paperwork had cost an additional £15,000 per week. Plants waiting to be inspected on lorries can spend 24-48 hours in the dark which is not good for their health and puts biosecurity at risk.
The Horticultural Sector Committee invites the public, particularly those working in the industry to provide their views on the future of the sector as part of its inquiry. Topics of discussion include the challenges, opportunities and risks faced by the horticultural
sector, including the impact of rising input costs and labour and skills shortages and the impact of climate change on productivity.
Jack Ward (British Grower Association, Mike Norris (Newey Group/West Sussex Growers Association), Ali Capper (National Farmers Union), George Hillier (Hillier’s Garden Centres and Nurseries) and Jo Lambell (Beards and Daisies) also spoke at the event.
Jennifer Pheasey, Director of Public Affairs, at the Horticultural Trades Association, who was also present at the meeting, commented: “This year-long special inquiry is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our sector’s challenges and opportunities to parliament and wider policy makers.
“Boyd’s evidence was impactful in setting out the here-and-now and longerterm asks that are common to our sector - whether that be a feasible and sustainable peat deadline or the impact of trade disruption on industry growth potential.
“We thank Boyd and other HTA members for contributing to the evidence-building for the sector and delivering the experience of British horticulture business to parliament.”
Haskins celebrates world-class performance from in-house barista at international competition
Haskins Garden Centres is celebrating after Michaela Wilson, 28 years old from its West End centre in Southampton, was named as one of the best baristas in the world, taking third place in the Costa Coffee Global Barista of the Year competition.
Costa Coffee has partnered with Haskins Garden Centres for over 14-years, with Haskins being the only garden centre brand in the United Kingdom to serve Costa Coffee within its centre restaurants.
The popular coffee brand has been running a Barista of the Year competition for 15-years, with local, regional and national heats taking place to curate a list of finalists from across the world. Once the finalists have been decided, they progress to take part in a final competition to name the brand’s Global Barista of the Year.
The international competition final was a two-day event at the end of April, consisting of a behind-closed-doors technical coffee making challenge, with the second day open to a live audience, focusing on creativity and customer service skills.
Michaela impressed the judging panel of coffee experts with her technical prowess and uniquely curated speciality drink, ‘Autumn Walks’, a delightful pumpkin-spiced coffee drink forged from fond memories of her childhood. After a UK final featuring 20 of the top baristas nationally, three progressed to a world final of 6 international entrants. After the two-day event, Michaela was named Costa Coffee’s No.3 barista globally, in a competition featuring entries from Qatar, China, the Middle East and Europe. Michaela was the highest-ranking finalist from the United Kingdom. Speaking about the experience, Michaela said: “The final was massively nerve-wracking but went well. The speciality drink element of the competition is one area where I don’t think I could have done anything
differently.
“Being able to represent Haskins at such a prestigious event was a brilliant opportunity, and I am grateful for the support from my West End centre team, which has enabled me to develop as a coffee expert in my time with the company. Overall, it was a fantastic experience to have and one that I will be proud of and remember for many years to come. I cannot wait to bring my learnings and experiences from this event back to my role at Haskins’ West End centre.”
Sandy Gourlay, Senior Account Manager at Costa Coffee, added: “Michaela wowed the judges with her technical ability in handcrafting perfect drinks whilst demonstrating exceptional skills, performed under a huge amount of added pressure from lights, cameras, and a live audience! Michaela’s speciality drink ‘Autumn Walks,’ was based around her childhood Thanksgiving
celebrations, featuring a homemade family pumpkin spice mix combined with Costa Coffee’s Mocha Italia coffee. The judges commented on the balance of spice, chilled coffee and hot oat milk creating an imaginative and unique experience.”
“The Haskins group aims to promote personal development and growth of its colleagues as often as possible, and we have been running in-house ‘Barista of the Year’ competitions for several years. Our relationship with Costa Coffee allows our restaurant offering to stand out from other garden centres, and we are proud that this partnership has now enabled one of our very talented team members to achieve the recognition they so richly deserve.”
Haskins has five garden centres across the south of England and owns Birdworld in Farnham. The business is celebrating 140 years in the horticultural industry this year. The business is proud to have been a Costa Coffee partner business for over 14-years and is the only garden centre brand in the United Kingdom to serve Costa Coffee within its centre restaurants.
To find out more about Haskins Garden Centres please visit the https:// www.haskins.co.uk/
GCA reveals trade enjoyed ‘very strong’ May
The Barometer of Trade (BoT) figures from the Garden Centre Association (GCA) show a huge leap in sales of seeds, bulbs and outdoors plants.
GCA member garden centres recorded seeds & bulbs up by 113.59% last month when compared to May 2022 and outdoor plants were up by 24.94%.
Peter Burks, Chief Executive of the GCA, explains: “We saw a very strong set of figures returned for May, especially considering the weather didn’t improve until mid-month. It certainly shows what a bit of sunshine, coupled with some pent-up demand, can do.
“Eleven out of our 13 categories were very positive with furniture & BBQ the
only one significantly down at -10.76%.
“The other good performers in May were catering, up by 20.16%, and our food hall/farm shop category at 16.97%. Clothing sales saw an uplift of 14.08% and garden sundries 8.02%.
Pet & aquatics came in at 6.08% and houseplants were up by 5.62%.
“In fact, it was a very strong month for gardening overall, with food and catering still doing well too. The only real concern remains furniture but that has definitely improved with the warm weather. Our
May data has helped to close the yearto-date figures right down.”
May’s BoT returns also revealed gifts were up 1.25% and hard landscaping up 0.38%.
Overall sales for the month came in at 12.31% with a year-to-date variance of -2.39%.
“By region, the North East (1.55%) and Wales and the West (1.09%) are both now recording positive sales for the year. While all our other regions are posting negatively, they aren’t too
far behind with South Thames at the bottom of the table at -3.48%. So, things are looking much brighter all round.”
April
BoT figures show an ‘encouraging’ increase in sales
In April, the BoT report showed food hall/farm shop and catering continued to perform well, while other categories also saw encouraging increases too.
Across GCA member garden centres, the BoT recorded that catering sales were up 21.63% when compared to April 2022 and food hall/farm shop sales remained good at 9.08%.
GCA CEO, Peter Burks, says: “Also doing well in April were seed & bulb sales, which were up by 19.99%. While outdoor plants showed a 10.39% uplift. House plants were up at 7.68% and clothing at 8.18%.
“In fact, 10 of our 13 categories recorded improvements with just three showing negative results. Understandably, given the weather, the furniture & BBQ category took the biggest hit and was down by -33.28%.
“It was great though to see a small increase in sales for the middle month of our peak season. This is very
encouraging and all the members I have spoken to recently remain very positive and upbeat. However, considering retail price inflation, it means volumes are still a bit below last year.
entertaining outside much during April, even over the long Easter weekend.”
The April BoT figures also revealed garden sundries were down at -3.05%. However, pet and aquatic sales were up 3.08% and gifts also saw an uplift of 2.46%.
Overall sales for the month were up 0.79% with a year-to-date variance of -6.67%.
The GCA BoT reports are compiled using actual sales figures and provide an upto-date trading position statement. They are made available mid-month following the end of the prior month after all member garden centres have submitted their results.
The BoT reports allow members to compare their trading positions with other centres.
The GCA represents garden centres nationwide.
“As a gardener myself, I know it’s been hard to find days when the weather has been good enough to get outside and get the essential jobs done. The chillier, unsettled weather has also meant furniture sales are still to get going. No one really had the option of sitting or
plants grow!
Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.
For further information, please visit www.gca.org.uk.
“Generally, the trends are as they have been all year, with catering and food doing well, which is good news. It means we’re still seeing plenty of visitors who want to support their local, independent garden centre. However, the unsettled start to our spring, thanks to the poor weather, has meant gardening has suffered.”
Gardena Goes Green For Greenfingers, Raising Over £4,200 For UK Charity
Leading supplier of high-quality and sustainable gardening products, GARDENA, recently became Silver Supporters of Greenfingers Charity, raising over £4,200 with a day of fundraising.
show their support.
Greenfingers Charity’s mission is to create precious green spaces in children’s hospices across the UK, as a place for children and their families to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. Due to the teams’ efforts, GARDENA UK have become official Silver Supporters of the charity, and have committed to continue raising funds for Greenfingers Charity over the next 2 years.
Sarah Bentham, UK Marketing Manager at GARDENA, said “It was fantastic to see our staff come together to support such a worthy cause, raising a significant amount of money to contribute to the future of Greenfingers and its ongoing efforts to create more magical spaces for children.
The GARDENA UK team recently took part in ‘Go Green for Greenfingers’, participating in a series of fundraising activities throughout the day, to raise money for the UK-based initiative Greenfingers, that create beautiful outdoor spaces to support children and families in children’s hospices. Activities included a staff sale on a selection of GARDENA watering and gardening tools, Flymo lawnmowers and trimmers and McCulloch petrol handled products. The team also organised a raffle for a chance to win two robotic lawnmowers, a selection of gardening goodies and more. Staff also completed a Greenfingers garden Re-leaf walk to
Eco-friendly bee nest blocks. Seeds in a subscription box. Floral patterned pruning gloves.
Set of tools they’re sure to love. Cushions for Mum’s favourite chair.
Pots that cope with wear and tear.
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Garden centre staff selected to attend IGCA Congress study tour in Italy
The Garden Centre Association (GCA) Trust has selected Louise Kemp from Coolings Wych Cross Garden Centre and Ashley Bains from Barton Grange to attend this year’s International Garden Centre Association (IGCA) Congress (2023).
and leadership skills to date, has been awarded a place to attend the IGCA conference. Her passion for the industry is remarkable and this is a great opportunity for her to visit many worldclass garden centres in Italy.
“Spending time with highly successful and motivated retailers from all over the world will undoubtedly broaden her horizons further. The lasting impact will be very positive for both Coolings future, as well as Louise’s career.”
The two candidates will receive a sponsored place at the IGCA Congress in September as part of the Dick Allen Scholarship Award Scheme. Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Will Armitage says: “We are delighted to announce that Louise and Ashley are this year’s successful applicants and we wish them all the very best for September.
“The Trustees were thrilled to receive so many applicants for The GCA Trust’s IGCA delegate places this year. After much deliberation, our two candidates were carefully selected for this year’s congress study tour to Italy in September.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the applicants and assure them that it was a very close call. We are very much looking forward to hearing all about Louise and Ashley’s experiences in Italy when we meet at the 2024 GCA
Conference at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park in January.”
The object of the GCA Trust is to advance among the general public and, in particular among horticultural students, education in horticulture, and particularly garden centres, by the provision and administration of scholarships and bursaries, including prizes to foster such education. The Trust also aims to assist horticultural students to study, research into and gain experience of horticulture. Gary Carvosso, Chairman at Coolings explains: “We are delighted that Louise, who has shown such flair in her retailing
Louise started in 2016 at Wych Cross, working for Wyevale as part of the plant sales team, she eventually led the plant area team. In 2019, Coolings purchased the site and shortly afterwards Louise was promoted to site manager.
Meanwhile, Ashley is a senior member of the outside sales team at Barton Grange.
He explains: “I am thrilled to have been given this opportunity to go on the IGCA tour. It’s a great opportunity for networking and meeting likeminded people. It will also help me gain confidence in meeting new people, as this is not something I would usually do. For the company, I hope to bring back some fresh ideas or different ways of doing things, as well as sharing our own methods of working with others.”
Ashley has been with Barton Grange since October 2019.
Guy Topping, Managing Director at Barton Grange, says: “I’m so chuffed for Ash. He’s a great lad who will make the most of this opportunity and will contribute well to the group.”
AMES UK expands merchandising team to increase countrywide coverage
In a move to further support retail customers across the garden centre, DIY and retail channels, and to ensure optimised sales opportunities on the shop floor, AMES UK has expanded its merchandising team.
With national coverage and a focus on the entire AMES UK brand portfolio, including Apta, Kelkay and La Hacienda, this new singular merchandising team will offer significant improvements for all customers, who can now access an expert team whenever needed. Led by Dan Charles, Jack Dorien and Brian Cobb, this 40-strong team –which includes new recruits such as Martin Turner and John Evans in recent weeks - has over one hundred years of combined experience; experience that enables them to recognise new merchandising opportunities and create
displays that work best for individual consumer demographics in each individual customer centre. This new larger team not only provides an unrivalled playbook but it also means AMES UK customers, whether stocking Apta pots, La Hacienda water features or Kelkay aggregates, will benefit from a dedicated point of contact. Covering smaller areas, retailers will enjoy a more personalised and connected service, with more products brought to life instore.
Talking about this new expanded team, Nick Jones, AMES UK Commercial
Director said: “Historically we have worked in specific sales channels with specific teams dedicated to these channels; this in turn has meant we only focused on certain parts of our total AMES product offer. Through the 2022 season we expanded the breadth of products that our merchandising team interacted with at store level which we know paid dividends for retailers.
This latest development, with the consolidation into one cohesive team, marks a significant milestone for AMES UK and for the service levels we can provide to our customers.”
Form Plants on the move to bigger base after three years of success
Award-winning Form Plants, established in 2020, has announced expansion into a new 8-acre site in Chobham, Surrey.
Situated just off junction 11 of the M25, the larger, more versatile site, offers greater scope for company growth, expansion of its range and bespoke services to design and landscape industry professionals.
Jamie Butterworth, Managing Director of Form Plants, says: “I’m so proud that Form Plants is growing and expanding. It’s been an amazing few years, including supplying plants to 11 gardens at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2022, to battling hurricanes and drought. However, by moving our main operation to the larger Surrey site, means we will have more space. More space means more plants, which will deliver on value, quality and choice. We hope it becomes evident, to all our current and future customers, that we will continue to be an independent, knowledgeable, enthusiastic team that is dedicated to offering a bespoke service that is second to none.”
The new site’s larger acreage is more
than eight times the size of the first Form Plants home at Dorney Court, in Windsor. The added space will enable greater opportunity to expand the range of plants, further develop the unique Form tree showroom concept and offer bespoke contract growing for garden and landscape designers, including the coveted RHS Flower Shows.
A central hub on site will offer a creative space for customers to meet with the Form team to discuss projects and services or network with like-minded industry professionals. Form Plants’ original home at Dorney Court, Windsor will continue to operate, servicing the needs of designers, landscapers and retail customers.
Jamie adds: “Our biggest energy rush is when we work with garden designers, landscape architects, contractors and members of the public, delivering on their needs. So, we will be asking all our customers for the type of nursery, customer care levels and pricing structures that work for them. If anyone has views about what we should do next – and how we do it – please get in touch, we want to hear from them.”
Primeur’s increased capacity gives retailers’ confidence for a successful sales season
Primeur’s innovative recycled garden range continues to inspire retailers who are looking for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to sell, inspire and influence consumers.
The free-standing unit can be positioned to create a stand-alone display up against a wall, placed back-to-back, or can be used in conjunction with other gardening sundries, to cross-sell products and ranges for gardeners instore.
Primeur, a pioneer of eco-conscious products made from recycled rubber tyres, is sure to delight garden centres everywhere. From stylish, lightweight planters and hard wearing steppingstone products to indestructible garden borders and weather and mould-resistant decking, you can order a complete range of market-leading products from an award-winning and forward-thinking supplier.
Increased operational capacity with new warehouse
A staggering 82% growth has been achieved by the West Yorkshire-based company in just five years. In addition to its Bingley head office and 50,000 sq. ft warehouse, the company has recently invested in a new warehouse in nearby Skipton to increase capacity in its garden
division. The investment in this site has upgraded Primeur’s capacity for retailers to meet customer demand, especially after the pandemic increased gardening popularity. During peak season, this will ensure complete efficiency for the supply chain and extra storage space ensures the stock is available at all times during seasonal sales spikes and simplifies Primeur’s picking and logistics.
Merchandising Solutions
Now coming fully built, Primeur’s merchandising offering is simple for garden centres and comes fully stocked with products and provides clear messaging to make shoppers aware of the environmental benefits of recycled rubber tyres, as well as inspiring imagery on how to use Primeur’s collection in the garden.
Sarah McLafferty, National Account Manager at Primeur, said: “Over the last few years, Primeur has seen substantial growth in the garden market. We have learnt a lot over the last few years and that shows in the changes they have made.
“It is our goal to capitalise on this by providing the logistics and order fulfilment services that help retailers to keep up with consumer demand. Our new warehouse will ensure we can keep up with seasonal spikes in demand and respond quickly and efficiently to our customers’ requirements. We want to honour our commitment by driving volume and profitability for retailers.”
Find out more
To find out more about Primeur’s 2023 Eco-Garden offering, please contact the team at 01274 518800, emailsales@ primeur.ltd.uk, or visit www.primeur. co.uk
Balancing out the argument for artificial lawn
A senior figure in the artificial turf industry has hit back at calls from the Lawn Association to have fake grass to be banned.
The association accused Defra of ‘letting the country down’ as the nation’s outdoor spaces are increasingly carpeted in what it described as ‘non-recyclable, oil based’ fake turf.
A spokesperson said it had “always been a mystery why anyone would
replace a key sustainable component of our living environment with a coal and oil-derived product, one with only a limited life span, and that is almost impossible to recycle.”
It was backed by the LANDSCAPE show who have said they will only support real turf at their event in
September 2023.
Below, Sam Baylis, a surveyor and sales professional for Artificial Lawn Company has responded to the association’s campaign.
Would it surprise anyone that I am in total agreement that we should not carpet this country of ours with plastic? It might if you knew that I actually work with a company that supplies and fits artificial lawn. And while there is a lot of criticism against the use of artificial lawn, some of which I totally agree with, I wanted to balance out the argument. Not all artificial lawns are the same I would be the first to complain about the fact that there are some pretty rubbish fake grass products on the market. These products are manufactured using cheap plastic that does not perform well, and with little care and attention to issues such as drainage. Other than a quick and cheap cover up of old and ugly paving then I would not countenance the use of such products in a landscaping project. Having established that no one wants cheap plastic in the environment, when could artificial lawn be considered a
suitable alternative to real grass?
It’s not an either/or situation
Artificial lawn is not here to replace real grass - far from it. Rather, it exists as an alternative to other options such as paving or concrete. There are many who would rather have the colour and softer texture of grass rather than hardstanding, and when used as part of an overall landscaping project it can enhance the finished look without compromising the collective biodiversity contribution of a garden any more than any other ground covering alternative. And of course, when installed properly artificial grass is fully porous and does not impede drainage.
Balance is the operative word here. Ripping out a complete garden and blanketing it with artificial lawn is not something we would ever advocate. But if a homeowner was overwhelmed with trying to maintain a garden which they had loved and nurtured for so long, then we can help them integrate a lower maintenance alternative to decking, paving or concreting over their garden without compromising on the aesthetics. Also, in some cases with pets, children and shade natural grass will always struggle to grow.
We work with many older couples
and families of disabled children who cannot cope with the high maintenance requirements of lawns, but don’t want to have the harsher edges that hardstanding can sometimes give. We work with them to establish a design that combines elements of a garden that is easy to maintain but still encourages biodiversity, while significantly reducing the maintenance element of their garden.
An alternative safe and soft ground covering for playgrounds
Additionally, artificial lawn is a practical and safe alternative for nurseries, schools and playgrounds. With heavy foot traffic and lots of mud getting into the school, such areas are suitable for artificial grass. When installed with our impact-absorbing Grassflex underlay, our own lawn has a 1.5 metres fully certified critical fall height. And there is a reason why it has been used for many years as the surface of choice for many sports clubs across the UK - artificial lawn is tough and durable, resistant to the rough and tumble of thousands of feet.
Working towards greater sustainability
While the artificial lawn industry as a whole is investing in improving the recycling infrastructure for the product,
we make sure that our own lawns are as durable and hard-wearing as possible to get the maximum use out of it, with a lifespan of up to 20 years and more. What we need to be aware of are cheaper fake grass products that don’t fulfil the same function as a premium lawn, become quickly worn out, and ultimately end up in landfill. Too often, fake grass can be seen as a quick fix to make a garden project look instantaneously good - unfortunately, that ‘Instagram’ immediacy never lasts with a poor quality product or installation.
Fake grass is not a quick fix or a replacement for natural grass. Artificial lawn is a viable alternative where growing natural grass is not possible. There is a difference. As a professional, it’s always disappointing to see fake grass laid out as a cover-up, either with a cheap product or poor installation - it immediately makes me wonder what might be underneath, and I know immediately the raft of problems those householders will be dealing with in time. I would not want to compromise the longevity of any installation with a quick fix.
Four Oaks Trade Show 2023
5-6 September, Cheshire #fots2023
With more than 40 brand-new exhibitors signed up so far, Four Oaks Trade Show 2023 looks set to be an essential visit for all in the sector. A pavilion organised by VLAM - Flanders’ Agricultural Marketing Board, inside and at the front of House D will be made up of 11 nurseries from the Flemish area of Belgium to include a wide range of young indoor and outdoor plants, hedging, shrubs, trees, in vitro planting material and floriculture licensing programmes. See the news item on the trade show website for full details.
The return of Laurica-plants and debutants JR Pépinière Rigaux SRL, together with the Belgian Direct division of The Plant Team, look set to complete something of a Belgian take-over at #fots2023! Exhibitors from around the world including new entrants Szmit Nursery and Sutkowski Nursery from Poland, returnees Javadoplant and W. de Jong & Zonen B.V., will be alongside UK nurseries like first-timers Evergreen Exterior Services and Wykeham Mature Plants.
Long-term exhibitors LBS Horticulture (above) are once again planning an
impressive display. LBS, supplies one of the largest ranges of horticulture, irrigation and landscaping products in the UK and is Jiffy’s exclusive UK & Ireland distributor. As part of the stand on A7-A15, A27-A42,A24 A25 will be Jiffy’s new Botanian range of home propagation.
Among the 100+ categories of nonplant exhibits for 2023 you will find Klass/Eleganze bringing clothing, Kent & co (Twines) CJS Display and Ligneolus exhibiting retail display stands, Growflo with ERP and production software, Evergreen Pots and Soil, All Grow Supplies with compost and, Biobest with pollination and biological control products, Proptek UK and Van Tuijl Haaften BV with pots and trays –practically everything the sector needs! The Four Oaks Trade Show is the UK’s premier event for the horticulture profession, covering an area of 23,000m2 under glass with additional outdoor areas. Entry is free, by registration only, with parking and catalogues complimentary. The free-toattend seminars and expert panels offer advice on subjects such as transitioning
to peat- free, sustainable practices, importing and exporting plants, how to address skills gaps and opportunities available for candidates by way of apprenticeships, training schemes and bursaries.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to grow your business, expand your knowledge and build your contacts, at the Four Oaks Trade Show 2023. We look forward to seeing you there!
The 51st Four Oaks Trade Show 2023 will take place on September 5th and 6th at Four Oaks Nurseries in Cheshire. You can register for free by scanning this QR code or going online at www. fouroaks-tradeshow.com.
Follow the hashtag #fots2023 on social media for updates
Fargro are specialist importers of decorative pots, planters, baskets, gifts and garden sundries for garden centres and horticultural businesses throughout the UK.
CJS Display Ltd has a rich history in the horticultural industry with roots tracing back over 30 years.
Originally, Paul Jackson ran the family factory, C Jackson & Sons that specialized in producing timber displays for garden centres and suppliers to garden centres. Unfortunately, due to the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic in 2020, the difficult decision had to be made to close the factory.
Undeterred by the circumstances, we partnered up with another local family run manufacturer with similar values and established our current business. Since then, we have been dedicated to providing high quality timber products and services to our valued customers which includes large garden centre groups to small independents. We take pride in our extensive experience and expertise in designing and manufacturing quality visual merchandising products, which include plant display tables, a variety of display crates/boxes
To stay up to date with our latest products and offerings - join our mailing list via the QR code. By subscribing you will receive regular updates, promotions
and a comprehensive price list
Whilst C Jackson & Son previously exhibited at Four Oaks, we’re excited that this September CJS Display will be at Four Oaks for the first time. We look forward to showcasing our products and services and meeting as many of you as possible.
So pop along to stand C14 and C15 and to say hi and take a look.
Discover why garden centres love our display products...
CJS Display Ltd (formerly C Jackson & Sons) have over 30 years experience of designing and supplying timber display products to garden centres, farm shops or store. Our products can help increase potential sales, improve visual merchandising of your products and enhance your customers retail experience.
Our standard range includes the outdoor range of plant display tables, square tables, hexagonal tables to an indoor range which includes trestle tables, houseplant display stands, plinths, A-frames and our very popular and highly versatile display crate range. Display crates can be personalised with your store logo.
We also benefit from having an in-house designer who can offer a bespoke service for example a plant table with an increased collar (to protect against extreme weather conditions), and unusual size table etc.
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utilise advanced lithium-ion technology that provide fast charging capabilities and increased reliability.
Customer focused
All HELI forklift trucks are built from the ground up, meaning that every component is designed and produced inhouse. By controlling every aspect of the manufacturing process, HELI can ensure that each forklift meets its strict quality standards. This also allows it to incorporate cutting-edge technologies to improve performance, safety, and efficiency, and to meet the evolving needs of customers around the world. A prime example of the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability is HELI’s Lithium Lite range from 1.5T - 2.5T. Designed to provide maximum efficiency and performance with zero emissions and noise levels, these forklift trucks
HELI forklift trucks are designed with a strong focus on customer needs and feedback. A great example of this is the ‘plug and play’ built-in charger, which is available on all HELI Lithium Lite battery forklifts. This charger can be plugged in anytime, in any socket, for quick opportunity charging over breaks and mealtimes. Originally designed in response to feedback from customers who only needed a forklift for a few hours of work and didn’t want the expense of installing a specialist charging station, the built-in charger provides a cost-effective and convenient solution. With features like these, HELI forklift trucks provide businesses with the tools they need to improve efficiency and productivity in their operations.
Driver driven
By placing the operator
at the centre of its design philosophy, HELI creates forklifts that are efficient, comfortable, and easy to use. Its Lithium Lite range is equipped with all the essential features to ensure operator comfort and productivity. The spacious cab provides ample room for the operator to work around, while the suspension seat helps reduce driver fatigue, even during extended periods of use. An LCD display monitor adds to the overall driving experience by providing easy access to key information and controls, and the newly designed dashboard includes cup holder, integrated storage space, and a USB port for convenient charging of electronic devices. The design of HELI forklift trucks is all about convenience, especially when it comes to maintenance. For instance, in the Lithium Lite range, the counterweight of the forklift contains the main electric components, which can be accessed with ease
by simply opening the cover by hand - no tools required. This clever design ensures that all the main components are visible, making it easy for operators to perform checks and maintenance as needed.
Peace of mind
Forklift trucks have come a long way since their inception, with significant technological advancements being made in recent years. By embracing new technologies and innovative manufacturing processes, HELI has been able to stay ahead of the curve, making its forklift trucks a popular choice among businesses that require a reliable and cost-effective materials handling solution.
Every Lithium Lite truck comes with a 5-year or 10,000 hours battery warranty, backed up by a dedicated engineering team that come to you, wherever you are.
Built from the ground up, HELI forklift trucks boast a range of technical advancements that make them a standout choice in the material handling industry. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, HELI forklifts provide businesses with solutions that help them reduce emissions, lower operating costs, and improve productivity. With a strong commitment to quality and affordability, HELI forklift trucks are the reliable and efficient choice for businesses of all sizes and industries.
How biochar can be introduced to support a more eco-friendly garden
By James MacPhailof Positive Biocarbon, a leading supplier of responsibly sourced FSC biochar
Gardening continues to trend across many demographics, with more than 7 million Brits taking it up since the pandemic to help ease stress and manage their mental health. But a more eco-conscious approach is now being favoured, as climate change concerns, water shortages, fears around the impact of pollutants, and threats of species eradication have all made us more self-aware.
These factors, coupled with a strong desire to be more active and healthier, are driving the consciousness about eco-gardening and what we want to surround ourselves with. For instance, there is now a greater understanding of the impact of products like artificial fertilisers on our environment and our health.
All of this presents both a challenge and an opportunity for garden trade
suppliers like garden centres and DIY sheds to introduce new relevant products like biochar to help customers create an eco-friendlier garden.
What is biochar?
Biochar is a charcoal-like substance made through a controlled process called pyrolysis (the heating of an organic material, such as biomass, without oxygen) that converts organic biomass waste into stable soil carbon. Biochar is something garden retailers can stock and offer to customers to help them improve soil quality and capture carbon.It is an easily accessible and usable product that can capture carbon and re-fertilise poor, low-quality soil. For every tonne of Biochar, three tonnes of atmospheric CO2 are captured, and carbon is permanently stored when sequestered in soils or building materials.
Biochar effectively stores carbon for hundreds of years in the ground, and today is one of the most promising near-term commercially viable carbon removal approaches.
Current applications
Positive BioCarbon is already taking a collaborative approach to the use of biochar on a large scale, partnering with local authorities on initiatives to support the bid to meet net zero targets. These include the use of biochar in soils to reduce the impact of salts, heavy oils and other pollutants that kill street trees, as well as the remediation of former industrial sites.
Biochar is also being used in public spaces to capture and store carbon in the soil. Where trees are being planted, they’re being given a greater chance of survival simply by including biochar in the planting hole.
Benefits for eco-friendly gardeners
The principles behind these initiatives can easily be adopted on a smaller scale in the home garden. For instance, the creation and cultivation of communal areas to provide useable outside space for those without their own gardens is also a growing trend, which biochar can support.
Shared city gardens, areas for growing communal produce within residential developments, and tree-planting programmes all provide opportunities that benefit both the environment and our overall wellbeing.
Ultimately, the use of products like biochar within these places helps to make them more sustainable. The more of them that can be developed, the more chances a greater number of people have to achieve that sanctuary and stress relief gardening and being outside with nature can provide - a winwin for all.
Embracing Growth! Garden Trade Specialist and LANDSCAPE – The Industry Trade Show Continue their Partnership.
Fostering collaborations that bring together industry knowledge, innovation and networking opportunities is crucial for growth. The partnership between Garden Trade Specialist and LANDSCAPE – The Industry Trade Show continues for 2023.
up your game! It’s the place to be for retailers, designers, landscapers and garden centre owners seeking to stay ahead of the competition, expand their product offerings and attract a loyal customer base.
LANDSCAPE is established as the industry-leading event and recognised as a must-visit event showcasing the latest trends, innovations and solutions in the gardening and horticulture trade. The show welcomes hundreds of companies exhibiting new products and solutions that will most definitely
Alongside the exhibition, LANDSCAPE provides a wealth of features to keep you busy. The show has secured over 100 incredible speakers who are keen to share their knowledge and expertise. Each seminar session is carefully curated as the programme aims to educate, inspire and connect professionals while providing an informal setting to share ideas.
We are extending an invitation to all readers to visit the upcoming
LANDSCAPE 2023 and to immerse yourself in a world of possibilities, where ground-breaking products, innovative technologies, and expert insights will be showcased under one roof. It is an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, connect with industry leaders and discover the trends that will shape the future of gardening. Don’t miss out on the event of the year and the chance to learn, listen and be inspired at LANDSCAPE 2023 at the NEC, Birmingham on the 27th & 28th of September 2023. For more information and to register to attend for free, please visit www.landscapeshow.co.uk. See you there!
AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT HEIGHTS AND TYPES
The Mobilane Green Screens are available in different heights and plant types.
HIGH-QUALITY
The Mobilane Green Screen is known for its quality as an instant green hedge
TRACHELOSPERMUM JASMINOIDES
The Green Screen
Trachelospermum jasminoides is a slow-growing climbing plant with dark green glossy foliage and white fragrant fl owers. Suitable for a sunny and sheltered spot.
SUSTAINABILITY
The Mobilane Green Screen is sustainably grown, in the characteristic biodegradable pot made of coconut fi bre.
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 are the leading company in flood benching, saving you time and money hand watering.
Sit back and enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors with Morsø’s outdoor living collection.
Allowing you to grill delicious food during the day and relax next to the warm flames when the sun starts to set, a Morsø Kamino will bring comfort and sleek Scandinavian style to your home.
With over 165 years of experience, Morsø strives to develop products that are both aspirational and extremely functional.
www.morsoe.co.uk
Wheely good! New Webb Wheelbarrow with puncture proof wheel
British garden manufacturer Webb - renowned for its high quality, award winning garden machinery – has introduced a 90 litre wheelbarrow to its range to make moving garden material around that much easier.
But it’s not just any wheelbarrow: the new Webb wheelbarrow comes with a puncture proof wheel for all terrain use and longevity.
The Webb Wheelbarrow, with its spacious 90 litre tub capacity and 150kg load capacity, allows for substantial amounts of material - garden waste, soil,
mulch, rocks, or construction materials –to be moved in a single trip, saving time and effort. What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to handle and manoeuvre thanks to the ergonomic grip handles and that puncture proof wheel. Made with a sturdy steel frame and polycarbonate tub, the Webb
Wheelbarrow is very durable, as you would expect from a Webb garden product. It has been designed to withstand the rigours of heavy-duty use. The Webb Wheelbarrow measures 153cm x 60cm x 69cm and has a recommended retail price of £89.99. The Webb Wheelbarrow is the latest addition to the Webb range of quality gardening tools and products which offer exceptional performance at an excellent price point. To discover more on the Webb Wheelbarrow and other Webb products, please go to webbgardenpower.co.uk. For trade information, please go to www. handyonline.co.uk
Image courtesy of Handy
Walford Timber launches new sustainable premier panel range
Walford Timber, the local award-winning manufacturer and supplier of premium fencing and outdoor timber products, has launched a new range of sustainable premier panels for modern garden spaces.
With the current trend for slatted panels taking the garden industry by storm, WalfordTimber’s new range is available in four different styles and combines the contemporary with the practical, enabling light and wind to pass through the panels whilst also creating attractive, private spaces. Manufactured in the Wye Valley and made to last, the new range benefits from Walford Timber’s own unique, innovative preservative treatment process.
Developed with a focus on sustainability, durability and aesthetics, the range harnesses almost 80 years of heritage and expertise, thanks to Walford Timber’s own innovative technologies in preservative treatment. For example,
their PermaTimber® range has been developed to extend the service life of ground contact timber and is WPA Benchmark certified, to offer an exclusive range of pressure treated, incised timber products that come with a 15year guarantee against fungal decay and wood destroying insects.
Walford Timber’s products are also FSC® certified, demonstrating their commitment to only using timber from sustainable and responsibly managed sources.
The panels come in four
pre-made standard sizes of 6’ x 3’, 6’ x 4’, 6’ x 5’ and 6 ‘x 6 ‘
For further information, visit: www. walfordtimber.co.uk.
Our gloves, we think you will agree, are stylish and practical. Offered in vibrant colours to cheer up all those garden chores and in a more robust design for those heavy-duty garden tasks. Sizes for Men, Ladies’ and Children. We
Greenworks and Webb Lawnmowers Receive BBC Gardeners’ World Best Buy Awards
British garden equipment manufacturer Handy is delighted to announce it has been presented with 2023 Best Buy status by BBC Gardeners’ World magazine for two of its products in its Greenworks and Webb lawnmower ranges: the Greenworks 24V Cordless Lawnmower and the Webb ‘Autoset’ Sidewheel Lawnmower.
Featured in the printed May issue of BBC Gardeners’ World, Best Buys are also featured online at GardenersWorld. com and promoted on social media, in prominent site placements and newsletters for increased coverage. BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine has been the UK’s best-loved gardening title for over 30 years, with the website considered the go-to online destination for gardeners and plant lovers, now reaching more than 30 million users per year.
Reviewed independently by a team of experts, the Best Buy award is part of BBC Gardeners’ World ‘On Test’ feature. Its recent test of lawnmowers involved rating four key areas: set-up, handling, mowing and value for money. Marks out of five are awarded to produce a final score.
Put to trial with 15 other lawnmowers from well-established brands, BBC Gardeners’ World rated the Greenworks 24V 33cm Cordless Lawnmowerone of its best budget cordless mowers, scoring it 18/20 and awarding it five stars for mowing capabilities and overall value for money. Kay Maguire, Reviews Editor for BBC Gardeners’ World magazine said: “Greenworks cordless 24V 33cm Cordless Lawnmower is sturdy, greatvalue cordless mower with good features, including a long run-time and the fastest charge-time in our test. It has a comfortable handle, five cutting heights that are adjusted with the simple lift of a lever and the choice of mulching or collecting clippings.”
Featuring a high-performance brushless motor for extended runtime and long
life, as well as premium features such as single lever height adjustment and a 2-in1-mulching or collection feature, the trial describes the light and manoeuvrable 24V Cordless Lawnmower as easy to handle and set up and store, awarding four stars for both. The review also highlighted the 24V lithium-ion battery, which is interchangeable with other 24V Greenworks tools, identifying it as an important consideration in terms of representing value for money. Also awarded Best Buy status by BBC Gardeners’ World is the simple but effective hand push Webb ‘Autoset’ Sidewheel Lawnmower, which provides an environmentally sound way to maintain a small, grassed area. “The Webb’s hand push 30cm Autoset Sidewheel lawnmower is easy to put together and use,” Kay states in the magazine. “This simple hand push mower is comfortable, even over longer grass and its six-cylinder blades cut right down to 10mm, so it gives a precise, neat cut. The front collector works well and was the best at collecting clippings from a push mower in our test.”
Mark Moseley, Handy’s Sales & Marketing Director, comments on this latest achievement: “Receiving positive feedback from independent reviewers is always a great validation of our brands and when it comes from such a well-respected title as Gardeners’ World it has genuine value. It reinforces the trust that retailers have in choosing to stock our products, knowing they are reliable and of high quality. For consumers, they have added confidence in a Best Buy product. As a next step, the Best Buy logo will be added to our packaging, and retailers can look forward to receiving stickers to display next to the product in their stores.”
For trade information, please go to www. handyonline.co.uk
Introducing AMES Tools
Take advantage of early access to benefit from game changing incentives
The AMES Companies, already well regarded for its incredible portfolio of brands, is about to see its star rise even higher with the official launch of the new AMES Tools brand, exclusively debuting at Glee 2023 with delivery into store in early 2024.
This launch marks an exciting new chapter for the AMES Companies, but it also offers revolutionary change for the wider garden retail sector which can now exclusively access one of the most comprehensive and carefully curated lawn and garden tool portfolios to hit the market in several years.
AMES Tools – everything you need to know
Featuring both carbon (24 SKUs) and stainless-steel (26 SKUs) options, AMES Tools will no doubt become synonymous with not just incredible quality and breadth of range, but it will demonstrate the ‘art of possible’ that comes from combining over 250 years of heritage and experience, with unrivalled passion for design and innovation and extensive market research.
Additionally, with tools to suit a full calendar of lawn and gardening jobs, AMES Tools offers retailers the opportunity to maximise tool sales 12 months of the year. The styling also lends itself well to creating a more collectable offering – with the stamped AMES logo taking centre stage - ideal for encouraging repeat sales through the seasons with particular emphasis on critical gifting periods.
Starting new conversations regarding material and manufacturing processes
The old adage of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” certainly doesn’t apply to the AMES Tool debut collection. In fact, the team started from a blank page, ensuring that every step of the manufacturing and design process maximises product quality. In fact, new manufacturing processes introduced within the AMES
Tool offering will flip everything we know about tools on its head.
Maximising the retail environment
Not only do AMES Tools draw the eye thanks to the premium look and feel but an extensively researched programme of merchandising and point of sale will undoubtedly drive sales and help to create a loyal customer base. From back wall displays and freestanding solutions to promotional FSDUs and doublesided banners, the number of possible configurations offers the ultimate flexibility for retailers. Every single product will also come complete with a highly detailed swing tag which outlines the tools’ use, plus features and benefits, with a QR code providing access to further information. This approach to informative retailing has been driven by the AMES Tool’s desire to create more positive experiences within gardening.
Educate and entice with AMES Tools Brand Ambassador
Representative of its passion and belief in the AMES Tool range, gardening ‘celebrity’ and passionate horticulturist, David Domoney has been appointed to help educate and inspire consumers, with the aim of driving them into store
Images courtesy of AMES
to start the tills ringing. Aligning with delivery of AMES
Tools into stores during spring 2024, David’s multi-platform content will provide detailed product walkthroughs and top tips to build consumer confidence in gardening. In-store appearances, ongoing use within David’s TV work and ongoing endorsement will all add up to create a direct buzz amongst shoppers before they even see the product in the flesh.
Don’t miss out
A dedicated catalogue and further insight into the range can be accessed via www.ames-tools.co.uk. To find out more about the AMES Companies family of brands please visit https://ames-uk. com/
Christmas 2023 - book your visit to the Ivyline showroom
View the new Christmas Collection in comfort at Stoneleigh House
and tealight glasses, stunning Advent centrepieces, Christmas tree skirts, stocking hooks and decorative wreaths. All with the creative flair and special touch of luxury which is the hallmark of Ivyline’s covetable product portfolio.
From brand new Christmas ranges to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Licensed collection; from Grow Your Own accessories and SpringSummer lines to AutumnWinter style, retailers can see it all at the Ivyline showroom in the heart of Warwickshire. If you missed seeing Ivyline at Spring Fair but are keen to discover what this fantastic British supplier has for 2023, have no fear! Retail buyers are warmly invited to view the Ivyline collection in full at the company’s dedicated showroom at Stoneleigh
House in Kenilworth. Already a well-established and preferred supplier in the garden centre trade, Ivyline also has much to offer gift and home retailers, especially those who are seeking beautifully coordinated merchandise for the aspirational lifestyle. Functional beauty is the order of the day at Ivyline, achieved through excellence in design and sustainable manufacturing principles which run through the offering and across all seasonal collections. Many collections are made from recycled materials – be it glass or ceramic-based, jute, rattan or seagrass - and are handmade or handfinished close to home in Europe by carefully selected manufacturing partners who adhere to high ethical standards.
Christmas Spirit
Pride of place will be given to Ivyline’s sensational new Christmas collection, which includes a broad selection of ornamental candleholders
If you’re more interested in Spring-Summer lines, you’ll be delighted by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBGK) licensed collection, which features distinctive RBGK artwork on some of the most giftable pieces, complete with eco-friendly gift boxes. Elegant watering cans and plant misters are also great for gifting, whilst stylish zinc or stoneware pots make for eye-catching home accessories.
A breath-taking array of indoor and outdoor planters in all shapes and sizes will leave you spoilt for choice, alongside 95% recycled glass vases that will elevate any tablescape or merchandise display. With so many houseplant lovers out there – and millions more Brits joining the ranks of devoted
gardeners - Ivyline’s extensive offering has something to suit any gift or homeware retailer who wants to make the most of this unstoppable lifestyle trend.
The showroom is open Mon-Thurs 8am – 5pm, Fri 8am – 3pm and all visitors are treated to a complementary lunch. To book your visit or request a brochure email: marketing@ivylinegb.co.uk or call 024 7633 9180.
To find out more about the Ivyline difference visit www. ivylinegb.co.uk
Christmas Trees
www.thechristmascabin.com
Sales & Distribution
The Christmas Cabin Limited, CV13 0BD
T: 01455 293 097 E: office@thechristmascabin.com
Sales & Marketing
The Christmas Cabin Limited, NG33 4SP
T: 01780 411 114 E: sales@thechristmascabin.com
Cadeby Tree Trust New Farm Rural Industries, Ashby Road, Cadeby, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV13 0BD
www.cadebytreetrust.co.uk
Office 01455 292267 sales@cadebytreetrust.co.uk
Tom (Plantation Manager) 07899 950091
tom@cadebytreetrust.co.uk
Christian (General Manager) 07939 817117
christian@cadebytreetrust.co.uk
Sharon (Sales Manager) 07786 678113
sharon@cadebytreetrust.co.uk
#cadeby_tree_trust
@cadebytreetrust
Premium Christmas Trees: it’s so much more than trees!
The sun might be high in the sky, but for many retailers, Christmas is starting to sneak into view again. One brand that is helping retailers optimise festive sales is Premium Christmas Trees.
The supplier has continued to innovate to help retailers meet customer needs, bring to market even more sustainable tree options, plus sales support to help stores to personalise their retail offering. Here the PCT team shares details of their 2023 offering.
Slimmer Trees follow trends
In recent years there has been a significant shift towards trees that meet the needs of modern living, especially as ethical consumerism becomes more widely appreciated by UK shoppers. With real trees being celebrated for their environmental benefits when compared to artificial plastic-rich trees, a new generation of real tree cheerleaders has been born. But gone are the days of one-size-fits all. Urban dwellers, apartment living, and even multiple-tree homes have generated an increase in demand for Nordmann slimline trees. Not only has PCT responded to this demand by being the first to introduce the Nordmann Slimline back in 2016, but it has set the benchmark for how slimline trees should best look aesthetically and how they should perform within the retail environment and also within the home.
A great choice for first-time purchasers of real trees, or those where space is at a premium, the Slimline Nordmann is 30% narrower than its namesake thanks to the specialist attention that is required to produce these trees – every tree is hand pruned several times a year from year four before being allowed to fill out in their last growing year. Those retailers that have taken the time to tell this story, supported by Premium Christmas Trees’ video and dedicated point of sale, have been able to
successfully charge a premium for these unique trees and meet the needs of an ever changing and growing customer base. Those retailers that order the trial pallet (30 x 5ft 60 x 6ft) almost always report that they are the first to sell out and significantly increase their order of them in subsequent years.
Elsewhere in the range, Premium Christmas Trees is placing more emphasis on its Silver (Korean) Fir and Fraser Fir trees.
The Fraser Fir has been around in the UK for some time and is loved for its narrow, full shape and wonderful fragrance. Premium Christmas Trees source its Fraser Firs specifically from a remote part of Scotland that is hard to access with machinery, but the ground is perfect for growing this variety, meaning they require very little human intervention in the growing process. The Korean Fir (sometimes called a silver fir for the end consumer), by comparison, is a more recent arrival in the UK but is already making a name for itself. The tree’s popularity is due to its full shape, lovely scent and its ability to suit smaller spaces. Korean Firs also enjoy a softer needle and very strong needle retention, making them great for those making their first foray into living trees in the home. The inclusion of cones and a blueish colouring to the underside of branches, coupled with an extremely careful growing and handling process, are also helping to increase the popularity of this tree amongst the Instagram generation. Premium Christmas Trees predicts a bright future for Korean Firs in the UK in coming years and is urging retailers to get ahead of the curve now to ensure they are offering something different.
Christmas and the cost of living
Whilst inflation may be easing, the cost-of-living crisis isn’t over and for many that means cutting their cloth more efficiently this Christmas. But cost efficiencies don’t have to mean missing out as PCT’s Cost-ofLiving Tree proves. Available in a 165cm – 240cm height range and priced at only £12.95. What’s more, they provide a great option for retailers who want to continue offering the real tree experience to their customers who may not feel able to stretch to a premium tree – a great example of responsible and considered retailing.
The most organic Christmas tree
As consumers ask for more and more sustainable solutions, PCT has been working tirelessly to find a solution. The result of this effort is bringing back the Lodge Pole Pine – pruned by hand into a slimmer tree than in years gone by. Grown without herbicides or fertiliser, this new introduction is considered by the team at PCT as being as close to a truly organic Christmas tree as it is possible to be. First introduced to the UK in 1855, the Lodge Pine offers remarkable tolerance to poor soil, meaning it will flourish almost anywhere. Resistant to winter cold, spring frost, exposure, air pollution and internal warm, dry condition, it is also one of the hardiest trees available. And even more – it has the best needle retention of any tree. Available from 5-8ft and available with a minimum order quantity of just 25.
Personalised care instructions
Launched in 2022 to great success, the 2023 festive season will see PCT return with even more personalised care information. These tailored A5 leaflets – which include bespoke retailer details when the minimum order quantity is reached – are the ideal way to educate consumers on the ‘story’ behind their tree, whilst increasing confidence at the point of sale.
Each A5 leaflet features information that speaks to the consumer, including details on the provenance of their selected tree and complete care instructions. Armed with this information, many of last season’s festive shoppers were secure in the knowledge that their purchasing decision had minimal environmental impact. This in turn helped to strengthen the retailer’s position as an environmentally responsible seller – a win/win for all involved.
Find out more
For more information regarding Premium Christmas Trees’ 2023 offering, please visitwww. premiumchristmastrees.com or call the team on 01257 793748 to discuss your tree requirements. There is also a dedicated team of sales experts who can be in touch or come to visit retailers nationwide
Christmas Trees
Delivered direct from Aberdeenshire to retailers throughout the UK
Plantation visits welcome - 30 min from Aberdeen Airport
▶ Nordmann from 80 cm to 8 m
▶ Premium Noble Fir
▶ Premium and Standard Nordmann
▶ Potgrown trees
QuoteGTS5 for5%discount!
Growers of quality Christmas trees in Lincolnshire. We are able to supply cut and pot grown trees including:
Nordmann Fir (high needle retention) Norway Spruce (traditional UK tree)
• Blue Spruce
• Omorika
• Fraser Fir
Trees can be reamed or supplied on wooden blocks to suit the customer. All trees are cut as late as possible to maximise freshness and aid needle retention. Nationwide, flexible deliveries including palletised loads on request. Advice and after sales support is available direct from the grower.
Contact Hans Rafn:
E: hansrafn@festivefir.co.uk
T: 07738 321919
W: www.festivefir.co.uk
Fraser Fir ~ Nordmann Fir ~ Norway
Spruce
Pot Grown Norway Spruce and Nordmann Fir.
All grades available, delivered direct anywhere in the UK.
Tel: 07939929096 Email:brian@taysideforesrty.co.uk
Templeton Christmas Tree Farm, Strathmartine, Dundee, DD3 0PP www.taysideforestry.co.uk
Fillingham
Christmas Trees
Tel: 01427 667014 • email sales@fillingham-trees.co.uk web: www.fillingham-trees.co.uk
Large Nordmann Fir Noble Fir Foliage Noble Fir TreeA JAKINS AND SONS
CHRISTMAS TREES Est 1986
A Jakins and Sons is a family run business that supplies nationwide in excess of 200,000 real Christmas Trees, primarily to garden centres, wholesale markets and farm shops.
We harvest Christmas trees from many plantations throughout Scotland, Denmark and Belgium. Whether premium grade, standard grade or second grade, we pride ourselves on our quality at a very competitive price.
We supply most varieties of Christmas trees from 60cm to 5 metres, as well as pot grown trees and also of course, netting machines, netting, bases and other Christmas tree related products.
Our quality and service ensures our regular customers continue to return year after year and we continue to expand each year through new customers.
Tel: 01525 861444 Email: enquires@jakinstrees.com
Kikkerland releases new gift range for dogs
For trade enquiries contact: Kikkerland Europe B.V.
Beurs-World Trade Center, Beursplein 37 Room 540, 3001 DE Rotterdam
The Netherlands
P: +31(0)108-208-511 europe@kikkerland.com
Kobe Take Your Dog to Work Day, £13
Employee of the month right here folks!
Includes: 1 name tag bandana, 1 elastic string, 3 paper glasses, 1 “World’s Best Boss” sticker, 1 paper name plaque
Kobe Identification Charm, £6
A fire hydrant collar charm with identification insert
Bath Kit, £18
Bath time! This tin includes: lavender scented petsafe shampoo, sponge, microfiber towel
Kobe Road Trip Kit, £13
Hitting the road with your pup is an amazing way to experience the world!
Includes: 1 dog seat belt, 2 paper bowls, 3 wipes and 1 booklet.
Kobe Hiking Kit, £16
Go for an outdoor adventure with your furry friend with ease with this pet hiking kit from Kikkerland, featuring everything you need for peace-of-mind on the trail. Kit Includes: 3 Biodegradable Poop Bags, 3 Wet Wipes, 2 Paper Water Bowls, Dog Light, Tick Removal Tool With Magnifier and Dog Traveling Guide Booklet.
Kobe Beach Day Kit, £20
This dog grooming kit from Kikkerland has everything you and your pup will need at the beach. The set includes a cooling bandana, a shower bottle cap and a floating fish toy. The set is made of high quality material. The item is compact in size, which is easy to carry. Includes: a cooling bandana, shower bottle cap, floating fish toy
Pond FOOD and CARE that puts fish
FIRST
FIRST
Feed Your Pond Fish Right with Tetra Pond Food
• Complete food
• Growth-promoting
• Protein source
• Digestive
• Strong Immune System & Vitality
We commit. We act. We impact.
We save 38t of plastic per year!
Elevate your in-store pet department with Su-Bridge Pet Supplies
Su-Bridge
What sets Su-Bridge apart is their unwavering commitment to delivering superior products, exceptional customer service, and reliable support to their partners. Their extensive range of top-quality items encompasses leading brands and exclusive offerings, establishing them as the ultimate onestop-shop for all your pet supply needs. When you partner with Su-Bridge, you choose a company dedicated to fuelling your business growth and achieving success. With a proven track record of driving sales through expert range recommendations and innovative fixture refreshes, Su-Bridge instils confidence
in their ability to help you reach your business goals.
Why settle for anything less than the best? Make the right choice and select Su-Bridge Pet Supplies as your trusted partner, and witness the transformative
impact of their quality products, exceptional service, and reliable support. Contact us today on 01953 882485 or via email info@su-bridge.co.uk to set-up your account and begin ordering today.
Pet food supplier offering new products after contract win
Norfolk Industries is thrilled to have secured a new contract with leading pet food and accessories wholesaler, Bestpets.
This is our first contract with a major wholesaler and as a small company employing people with disabilities, we’re proud that our products will be joining
the 8,000 lines they hold in stock. It is also a great opportunity for us as a business. Bestpets will be fully utilising Norfolk Industries own branded products, extending our reach to smaller retailers across the UK and raising our profile in the marketplace. We’ve already established a great working relationship with two new product lines developed which Bestpets will also stock. The first of these is Cloth
Bedding which is currently in production and, for the first time, is being sold using Norfolk Industries own branding. A number of our factory production lines are involved in fulfilling the Bestpets contract, so we’re equally pleased that it provides additional work for our regular employees as well as new opportunities for people on our work placements. The product is supplied to Bestpets on mixed pallets, another first for us and has necessitated a dedicated picking and packing area to be created which is providing further tasks that we can train and develop people to carry out. A big win, win for us!
Visit us at www.norfolkindustries.co.uk
Pet Supplies, the proud recipient of the prestigious PIF Wholesaler of the Year Award, stands as an industry leader with a remarkable four decades of knowledge and experience, making them best placed to help you grow your in-store pet offering.Image courtesy of Norfolk Industries
Autumn Fair Announces a Host of New & Exclusive Brands for Home & Gift
Retailers are making a beeline for Autumn Fair this September as it announces a raft of new and exclusive brands to the Home & Gift destinations alongside returning favourites including Hill Interiors, Hanlin, Blooms by Samuel Baker, Jellycat, Malini, McGowan & Rutherford Ltd, Nordic Style, and Rex London. Thousands of leading retailers including Card Factory, John Lewis, Coney’s, Robert Dyas, Walt Disney Co., Holland & Barrett, Marks & Spencer, and Wilkies have already pre-registered to attend from the 3rd – 6th September at NEC Birmingham.
Renowned for its eclectic mix of new and exclusive brands as well as its support for up-and-coming start-up businesses, visitors to Autumn Fair are in for a treat this September. Buyers will discover new brands and collections that either haven’t been seen before or won’t be available at any other show including Moult England, Candles Bloom, CIMC Home, Harrow Trading, Burton Blake, Zoe Lan, Grupo Erik, and many more including up and coming new talent in the show’s Debut areas.
In Home, Living & Décor, buyers will encounter the latest on-trend home accessories, textiles, furniture, lighting, tableware, kitchenware and outdoor living, whilst The Summerhouse offers beautiful hand-picked and curated style-led interiors and lifestyle products. Joining the inspirational line-up and showing exclusively is CIMC Home, the go-to-source for stunning and timeless furniture, lighting, and home accessories for design-conscious retailers. Firsttimers Harrow Trading will delight visitors with their extensive collection of heritage-style mirrors, wall-hangings and furniture. Hill Interiors, McGowan & Rutherford, London Ornaments, Walton & Co, Malini, Wild Java, Ancient Mariner Furniture, Richard Cooper
Bronze, Sompex, Deluxe HomeArt, Febland Group, BespOak Furniture, Final Touches, Edge Company, Katrina Hampton by Ambassador Textiles, Teal International, Satchville Gift Company and Dutch Imports & Daughters are amongst the other leading brands presenting their new ranges and next bestsellers. From contemporary designs to unique, personalised and licensed gifts, soughtafter beauty and wellbeing products, creative, fun and colourful greeting cards, wrapping papers, stationery and paper decorations, as well as the finest, most magical children’s toys, gifts and gadgets, the Gift destination offers it all under one roof.
Many of retail’s most-loved brands will also be presenting their newest collections including Lesser & Pavey, Sass & Belle, Kikkerland, Joe Davies, Powell Craft, Richard Lang & Sons, Chalk UK, Bomb Cosmetics, Fizz Creations, Sting in the Tail, Abysse Corp, East of India, Gift Republic, Upper Canada UK, The English Soap Company, Heathcote & Ivory (also featuring Cath Kidston and William Morris at Home collections), Sevin, TY UK, Keel Toys, Inside Out Toys,
and many more.
As an increasingly popular sector, Greetings & Stationery is going to be packed full of the most vibrant collections of every kind of greetings and stationery products, bringing together creative, fun and colourful greeting cards, wrapping papers, stationery and paper decorations.
Joining the line-up for the first time is Manuscript, which distributes its own brand calligraphy and pen products across the world as well as an extensive collection of pens and craft products from leading brands, as well as luxury ribbon brand Ribbonly with its unique and popular range of ribbons for decorating. For cute, sarcastic humour for all occasions, make a beeline for Hazel Bee Cards for its 100% recycled, compostable, FSC and UK made cards. Thousands of buyers have already joined Connect @ Autumn Fair 2023, the new programme that will enable retailers and exhibitors connect before the show opens and arrange mutually agreed meetings in the exhibitor stands. Registration is now open via this link: https://af23-registration.personatech. com. Registration deadline is 9 August 2023.
www.autumnfair.com
Apta launches new Lightweight pot range
A creative partnership between Apta and fellow industry stalwart, formwerk, has resulted in two unique collections – Weben and Beton.
Characterised by first-class, energyefficient production and optimum workflows to maintain quality control, this new partnership develops a new generation of plastic pots which showcases the true value of lightweight solutions within the UK marketplace. With trend led designs normally seen in classic planter mediums but at a fraction of the weight, Apta Lightweight is set to amaze consumers, whilst the robust quality and 10-year guarantee will offer even more peace of mind for shoppers. All of this together means Apta Lightweight will plug the gap where rotational moulded designs were once lacking.
Commenting at the launch of Apta Lightweight at Glee 2023, AMES UK’s Managing Director, Paul North said: “Apta Lightweight marks a true next chapter for the Apta brand, and one that
we believe will offer real tangible value for our retail customers.
“Our new lightweight offering, alongside Apta’s existing products, means the brand will now have a product hierarchy that opens up container gardening to all consumer demographics. In doing so, Apta reaffirms itself as the go-to supplier for all things pots.
“The scale of this venture is only possible due to our ground-breaking new partnership with formwerk. Being able to work so closely with the production team to curate a product profile that best suits Apta’s needs has been an incredible journey that I’m sure is representative of a long and prosperous working relationship.”
A spokesperson for formwerk, added: “As market leader and powerful supplier for all kind of outdoor planters formwerk is proud to be chosen as
Apta’s new partner to develop the Apta Lightweight product range. The excellent know-how of both players, the use of very modern and sustainable production technologies, and our great logistic capacity are a good basis for a successful long-term relationship we are very much looking forward to.”
About Apta Lightweight
Boasting strong environmental credentials, the full Apta Lightweight offering will be constructed from recycled materials and the pots will be fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan. Perfect for indoor and outdoor usage, every product will be frost and UV resistant.
Two collections will officially launch the range, both the result of significant market research undertaken by AMES UK to identify those trends which have mass consumer appeal. Weben will showcase “woven” designs in three neutral colourways and three pot sizes to choose from, whilst Beton will feature four “concrete” planters in the same three neutral colourways. Season 24 will also see the transition of the Plant Avenue brand into Apta Lightweight to create an allencompassing lightweight range. Previously part of the Kelkay portfolio and having been incorporated into Apta last year, rebranding Plant Avenue will allow Apta to truly lead the way with a full portfolio of planters across all material types and orderable from one trusted supplier.
Don’t miss out
To find out more about the Apta Lightweight launch, including how you can start stocking it, please visit www. apta.co.uk. For more details on the AMES UK family of brands please visit https://ames-uk.com/
Say goodbye to dull and dreary drainpipes and say hello to even more greenery!
Despite spending hours outdoors creating a space to relax and enjoy nature, there is often one unsightly but essential addition that can ruin any green oasis – the dreaded, dreary drainpipe!
Sustainable plant pot innovator, elho, has created the perfect solution to make adding even more greenery easy, while hiding those ugly downpipes.
The vibia campana drainpipe clicker is a clever innovation that can be secured to the pipe without any tools – simply wrap the sturdy Velcro strap around and pull it tight to secure it, attaching the nonslip section behind to stop it from sliding down.
Available in seven on-trend colours, there is a style to suit everyone’s taste, whether it’s creating a tranquil space with silky white or anthracite, adding a pretty pastel shade with vintage blue, pistachio green or dusty pink, or injecting a pop of colour with honey yellow or terra. There’s no need to worry about not being able to reach those precious plants once they have
been attached, as the pot can easily be lifted from the hook to allow easy access for watering.
Pots even feature a clever overflow pipe in the bottom, so that excess water will drain away into a reservoir, meaning plants can store water for exactly when they need it and roots won’t become waterlogged.
The vibia campana drainpipe clicker makes a beautiful addition to any balcony, patio or garden. Try stacking two or three pots on one pipe and adding trailing plants to create even more of an impact!
As with all elho products, the range is made from recycled materials produced with wind energy and is also 100% recyclable.
For business enquiries visit https:// www.elho.com/en/for-business/forbusiness-contact-form/
Woodlodge Launch New Trade Portal
Woodlodge, the UK’s leading supplier of garden pots, décor and sundries for over 35 years is proud to announce the launch of its new trade portal, which will allow its trade customers to order direct and access a range of resources designed to help drive sales.
develop an even stronger relationship with our retailers, helping them to effectively communicate the necessary details to their customers. The portal will definitely help our retail partners save time and improve the overall service we offer.”
Woodlodge will be
showcasing the new Trade Portal in Hall 20 at Glee where the team can talk you through the order process and benefits.
For more information on Woodlodge’s new ranges for 2023, please contact your local sales representative or visit www.woodlodge.co.uk.
The trade portal can be accessed by visiting https:// trade.woodlodge.co.uk
Here customers can order from all of Woodlodge’s key categories including Outdoor Planters, Honey & Wild, Down to Earth, Root Indoor, Water Studio and Emberwood. The site, which can be accessed via a desktop PC, tablet or smartphone, allows retailers to place orders quicker, check live stock availability levels, source promotional assets and obtain delivery information all from one webpage 24/7.
Garden centre retailers can also download point-of-sale material and trade supplies such as benches, stands and trollies. Product images and useful documents will also be available to download, and customers can access the warehouse clearance page
discount offers.
With garden retailers and buyers busier than ever, the goal of the trade portal is to make the ordering process as seamless as possible, even when Woodlodge’s offices are closed. The new platform will make working with Woodlodge easier than ever before for many hundreds of stockists throughout the UK.
Michael Wooldridge, Director of Woodlodge said: “We are excited to announce the launch of our new trade portal. Woodlodge is committed to providing our loyal customers with a comprehensive service and the portal will be an invaluable asset in helping them drive sales within key garden ware categories.
Woodlodge prides itself on its customer service and the trade portal will allow us to
HIGH-QUALITY, PRACTICAL AND LONGLASTING OUTDOOR WOODEN FURNITURE
EKJU furniture is known for its exceptional quality, innovative designs, and commitment to creating comfortable and stylish outdoor living spaces With a focus on durability and functionality, we offer a wide range of furniture options that are suitable for both residential and commercial environments
We are committed to sustainable and responsible practices in our furniture production, including the use of FSC®
(Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood All products are treated to safeguard the furniture from environmental factors, extend its lifespan, and maintain its aesthetic appeal
Interested? Contact us for more information:
Join Johnsons Lawn Seed’s mission to rewild the UK’s lawns as wildflower production ramps up
Wildflowers and meadows are admired in the UK for their beauty and importance to pollinators.
With the demand for rewilding continuing to rise, Johnsons Lawn Seed is going one step further by increasing production of its native wildflower mixes, which will allow retailers to continue to bloom, year-afteryear. The UK’s oldest lawn seed brand is committed to tackling climate change and biodiversity loss by promoting plant and insect life through rewilding of the nation’s gardens, verges and other grassland areas. Recognising that this is also a great opportunity for retailers,
Johnsons is ramping up its wildflower seed offering. Seeds are provided by thirdparty growers and mixed inhouse for optimum customer and consumer needs.
Embarking on an extensive three-year business case testing, led by Wildflower Production Manager, Klaas Broersma, DLF UK has worked hard to meticulously cultivate various wildflower species and assess their adaptability, growth patterns, and yields to suit the UK’s lawns. The result is intended to feed the environmental
consciousness amongst increasing numbers of consumers, whilst beautifying Britain with as many wildflowers as possible.
Tim Kerridge, Managing Director of DLF UK, found a way to make wildflower production successful with the expertise of the inhouse R&D team. He said: “We started to create some wonderful mixes that will set retailers’ tills ringing and appeal to consumers who want to do their environmental bit. By doing this we are creating better quality wildflower mixes, which is something previously not offered in the market.”
DLF UK is now expanding production efforts after a successful testing phase, which has seen 31 species of native-origin wildflowers being grown and increased their crop yields by up to 40%. With the insights gained from testing, they plan to increase cultivation and relocate back to their Inkberrow offices and warehouse on a 14-hectare arable farm for greater production capabilities in the area.
The result is Johnsons Country Wildflower Meadow mix, designed to create an eco-friendly wildflower meadow in the backyard or front lawn. The gorgeous mix of native wildflowers includes Birdsfoot Trefoil, Black Medick, Black Knapweed, Common Vetch, Meadow Buttercup, Oxeye Daisy, Ribwort Plantain, White
Campion, White clover, Self Heal, Yarrow, Musk Mallow and Red Campion, are all highly popular with pollinating insects and look good in an urban setting too.
This was closely followed by the launch of Celebration Wildflower Tins last year, which contain 15 types of wildflowers that grow to different heights and at different times so over the course of a summer, gardeners will get an array of colours, blooms, scents and foliage covering up to 15 square metres.
Guy Jenkins, Consumer Manager at Johnsons Lawn Seed, said: “Not only is it good to have wildflowers in your garden but, by producing them on-site at Inkberrow on such a scale, we are creating a fantastic environment for pollinators. All the species grown on the grounds are allowed to complete the flowering cycle so we can harvest the seed, satisfying the consumers’ desire to maintain habitat creation and stop pollinator decline. By growing the wildflowers and letting nature take over it increases diversity and encourages the ecosystem to flourish.”
Find out more
If you want to start stocking Johnsons Wildflower Mixes, then please call your local sales agent or visit the website http://www. johnsonslawnseed.com/ product-range.aspx
Wyevale Nurseries unveils plans for ongoing sustainability
Wyevale Nurseries renewed its commitment to sustainability recently in a full staff meeting with all team members present by unveiling a six-point plan for the future (June 2023).
Managing Director, Andy Johnson outlined what the leading UK commercial grower has already been doing and went on to identify its vision for the future.
He said: “We recognise that we operate within our local environments with responsibilities to add positive value for our staff, shareholders, local communities and many other stakeholders. We’ve identified several strands of priority environmental impacts to manage on an ongoing basis.
“These six key areas include efficient use of water, peat reduction, sustainable land management and biodiversity contribution, waste reduction and circular economies, energy use efficiency and carbon footprint reduction – moving towards net zero – and maintaining the highest levels of biosecurity.
“However, we also recognise that these objectives have complex interactions that may conflict. We’ve agreed to set ourselves challenging goals and report on progress using the ISO 14001 framework.”
Wyevale Nurseries has already built a reservoir to help capture, conserve and recycle water at its King’s Acre container site, as part of its ongoing sustainability plans and annual environmental targets.
Work was completed on the reservoir, which holds 20,000 m³ of water when full, at the start of this year and it currently has two Canada geese and four goslings living on it.
Andy added: “Water is an increasingly fragile resource and by installing our new reservoir we’re securing the future. This is part of a nursery-wide water infrastructure development linking all our boreholes and water recycling collection points and move water between all production areas. It helps us increase our ability to capture more water from run-off from structures and develop more closed system areas reducing our reliance on our onsite boreholes.
“It also connects with our rapidly expanding Container Tree Production site. While securing our water sources, we’re now working with all our production divisions on projects to increase water use efficiency through improved irrigation systems and controls. This work should also free up water for the critical establishment phases for open ground tree production.”
Wyevale Nurseries has also been heavily trialling production in peat-free compost for the past four years.
Andy continues:
“We’ve already cut down on our peat use by more than 50% by reducing the percentage of peat in our standard compost and via a threeyear trial growing a selection of final and liner plants in a peatfree compost.
“Our Propagation Department is already way ahead with 92% of our cuttings totally
peat-free, apart from some specialised cells for phormiums. But we’ve now trialled peat-free medium for our phormiums this year and the results were very promising. So, we’ll be able to work on reducing that percentage further next year and eliminating peat at propagation by 2025.
“In our Containers section, 62% of compost used is already peat-free, our target for this year was 60%, so we’re ahead of the curve and are now working towards bringing this down even further
“We’ve already potted 75,000 plants into peat-free compost so far this season and are aiming for more than 85,000 in total. We have potted 180,000 liners into peat-free compost and will pot 200,000 by the end of the season. Our large container tree production has already been 100% peat-free for at least 10 years. We are on target to be producing all our plants in peat-free by 2026.”
“However, using non-peat-based composts requires changes to practice related to watering and feed. Watering is best applied little and often and there is an increase in nutrient leaching so more liquid fertiliser is needed in some cases. The majority of our species have grown successfully in peat-free compost, but we are continuing to develop strategies to improve the remaining varieties.” Wyevale Nurseries supplies garden centres, landscape contractors, local authorities, foresters and landowners with a comprehensive array of trees, shrubs, hedging, herbaceous and specimen plants.
For further details about Wyevale Nurseries, which is based in Hereford, please call 01432 845 200 or visitwww. wyevalenurseries.co.uk.
Source Garden Launches For 2024
Cultivating Responsible Sourcing
ource Garden, a unique global sourcing show where manufacturers from around the world can connect with retailers, brands, wholesalers and importers, will launch in 2024 as the new event for sourcing sustainable garden products. Joining its recently launched and highly successful stable mates Source Fashion and Source Home & Gift from organisers Hyve Group plc, Source Garden’s first edition takes place on 25th – 27th June 2024 at NEC Birmingham.Source Garden brings together audited responsible global suppliers and manufacturers who are practising sustainable production and responsible manufacturing methods with retailers, brands, wholesalers and importers, who are looking to develop new sourcing and private label opportunities.
Providing a new sourcing environment where high quality meets ethical responsibility, visitors will discover show sectors including Outdoor Entertaining, Tooling, Garden Landscaping, Garden Decoration, Pets, Garden Care, and Retail Services and feel reassured that all exhibitors at Source Garden have undergone a recent SEDEX audit or another recognisable audit institution. Suzanne Ellingham, Sourcing Director, Source Garden says, “Following the hugely successful launches of Source Fashion and Source Home & Gift, we are excited to introduce Source Garden. Beautiful products can be produced responsibly, and we strive to give our
visitors the opportunity to source from manufacturers who are championing environmental and fair-trade methods. Source Garden is designed to nurture new ideas, seed inspiration, and grow knowledge on responsible and sustainable products and manufacturing methods. We are passionate about creating connections - bringing the brightest minds in the industry together, connecting all elements of the retail supply chain and ensuring our buyers find exactly what they are looking for.”
Sectors include:
Garden care
Sometimes flowers need a little help to bloom. In garden care, you can find everything needed to support the growth and enrichment of plants and agriculture. Source irrigation and watering systems, right through to chemical, fertiliser and peat & peat free compost solutions.
Tooling
Garden maintenance can be hard work, good thing you can create the proper tools for the job! Meet suppliers and manufacturers for smaller hand tools such as trowels and spades, or larger garden implements such as mowers and strimmers.
Garden Landscaping
Source for different surfaces and
materials to transform the design of garden spaces. Find decking, composites, stones, tiles, bark, gates, concrete panels, water features, and so much more in the Garden Landscaping sector.
Outdoor entertaining
Where the garden becomes a home, outdoor entertaining showcases the best suppliers and manufacturers to bring the garden to life. Find soft furnishings and larger furniture items such as tables, parasols, and hammocks, as well as entertaining equipment like utensils, BBQs, and firepits.
Garden decoration
Turn gardens into lifestyles, not just functional spaces, with the garden decorations sector. Source a range of accessories that reflect different consumer personalities, and find outdoor lighting, sculptures, gnomes, plant pots, and more.
Pet
Pet lifestyle products are fast growing in consumer popularity. Meet manufacturers who can help you create bespoke, luxury, high-end pet accessory ranges. Or source for eclectic pet product lines, such as bee hotels and aquatic supplies. Of course, you will find general wildlife care too, such as bird feeders, seeds and more.
Retail services
Retail services improve procurement and supply chain service efficiency, to help make the supplier-to-store process one step easier. You can meet consultants, find the latest supply chain tracking technology, talk with packaging suppliers, and much more.
Source Garden takes place on 25th – 27th June 2024. Visit www.sourcegarden.com for more information.
2023 TRADE SHOWS
Autumn Fair
3rd - 6th September
the UK’s leading wholesale marketplace for home, gift and fashion, showcasing fantastic new products from the best brands in retail.
Four Oaks Trade Show
5th & 6th September
An international exhibition covering the whole of commercial horticulture.
LANDSCAPE Show
27th & 28th September
The UK’s leading trade event dedicated to products, services & innovation for the design, build & management of exterior & interior landscape projects