The horticultural heart of the exhibition, Glee Plants, showcases an extensive range of plants, trees and shrubs from UK and international suppliers. To date a host of brands – of all sizes – have confirmed their presence at the September show (10th – 12th September, NEC Birmingham), bringing with them the best new plant varieties for the season ahead.

Look out for key suppliers such as Laurica Plants, Javado, Florna Plants, Strawson Woodland, H.S Hommes & Sons, Key Essentials, Leybaert BVBA, and The Christmas Cabin. Together these brands – along with a host of yet to be confirmed names -will be showcasing an exciting mix of nursery stock, bedding plants, house plants, cut flowers, trees and shrubs, herbs and florist sundries.

As always, Glee Plants will also be supported by Glee’s dedicated Green Heart, which places plants right at the entrance of the show to help inspire buyers the second they enter the exhibition.  Working in partnership with Woodlodge – the Green Heart’s official merchandising bench supplier – this year Green Heart will be supported by the ‘Best Green Heart Display’ award. Launched tocritical acclaim in 2018, the award was scooped by Golden Grove Nursery, receiving praise from the judges for its stand’s ease of translation into a retail environment, the quality of product, and the eye-catching POS and display ideas incorporated.

Matthew Mein, Glee’s Event Director, said: “Plants, seeds and bulbs are the bread and butter of any garden retail offering. Appealing to consumers across all demographics, they are the lifeblood of any domestic garden, whether it be vegetables, herbs, shrubs or flowers. We are changing not only what we garden, but how we garden. This is reflected in latest market stats that show plant sales accounting for over £1.4billion of the total £5billion that the garden retail sector is worth. Current forecasts highlight a strengthening of this, following strong first quarter sales. As a result, we believe that visitors to Glee Plants and Glee’s Green Heart later this year will be treated to not only the latest and most exciting plant innovations, but also have access to ranges that are proven sellers, helping to optimise sales throughout the season. It’s an exciting proposition.”

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It's a 'Gardener's Delight' as first quarter sales indicate a strong gardening season ahead

Closely tracking garden centre sales, the GTN Bestsellers report highlights a great start to the gardening season. 2019 quarter-one data shows plant volume sales up 34% YOY, and 4.7% on the strong 2017 season. Young vegetable sales in particular are thriving with volume sales up 50%. Tomato plants are currently the second biggest selling plant behind Primulas, with the Gardener's Delight variety topping the tomato charts.

In addition to plant sales, growing media sales, and that of pots and planters are also witnessing a positive YOY increase (Growing Media volumes up 30% on 2018, up 8% on 2017.) As consumers look to start their gardening journey through the year, these add-on sales opportunities are enjoying a great start. Additionally, these positive numbers also indicate a good gardening season to come as consumers look to see their gardening projects through to the end, and therefore will keep garden centre tills ringing throughout the season.

Find out more

Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focusing on building year-round profits for buyers and suppliers within the core gardening and outdoor leisure product categories.  To keep up-to-date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com.  To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2019 call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.