GARDEN centre staff from across the country who attend the GCA's annual conference (January 20 until 23, 2019) can learn how they can become a game changer from guest speaker John Stanley.

With just weeks to go until the second annual Glee at Spring Fair event (3rd – 7th February, NEC Birmingham) the show’s exhibitors reveal what garden and gift buyers can expect to see from this thriving section of the exhibition.  

Following the success of last year’s show, Fordingbridge, the leading specialist design and build contractors of inspiring canopy, walkway and building solutions, will be returning to Glee

Introduced ahead of the 2018 show, Glee’s new guided Discovery Tours will provide a fresh insight into the show’s extensive catalogue of content, features, educational seminars and inspirational retail displays.

This pet trade event showcases thousands of products and over 300 brands and companies all under one roof. Running since 2009, the event has grown to attract over 4,000 retailers.

Watch out for: Different Dog, bringing the first home-cooked frozen dog food to the UK retail market for the pooch with the picky palate. And since 1976 Kong have been making toys which boast quality, durability, safety, and value and are recommended by veterinarians, trainers and behaviourists worldwide. Their teeth-cleaning models are a must for canines.

“From country homes to city apartments, from urban lofts and public spaces to luxury hotels... the indoor-outdoor phenomenon affects all types of living spaces,” say show planners. From weatherproof rugs to outdoor kitchens, this trade event is dedicated to garden designers, landscape architects and contractors and features high-end projects to drool over.

Watch out for: Speakers including Sarah Morgan from the Society of Garden Designers, and Peter Heath – architect and town planner from Atkins Global. And don’t forget visitors are learning along the way. Expand your knowledge by attending the free CPD-accredited seminar sessions.

Glee showcases the freshest and most exciting brands, amazing new products and inspiring garden retail insights. With sections including landscaping and garden decoration, outdoor entertainment and home, gift and clothing, Glee has it covered. Bring your comfy shoes because you will be walking for miles to fit everything in!

Watch out for: Neat Ideas, who offer innovative products such as the Aqua Globes pictured, as well as clever, high-tech in-store media promotion. Yorkshire Flowerpots are manufacturers of a British-made, guaranteed frost-proof range of planters and their solid designs offer customers longevity.

spoga+gafa is billed as the number one event worldwide among the garden fairs. With out-of-the-box thinking on a global scale, the focus here is on the state of affairs in the worldwide trade, the big names in industry and exciting newcomers.

Organisers say, “Over 2,000 exhibitors from all over the world begin their success stories, set trends and trigger off the decisive developments of the coming months at spoga+gafa. The trade fair is the place-to-be and a clear must-attend event for all those, who want to celebrate success in the garden industry.”

Four Oaks – the commercial horticultural show now in its 48th year – takes place on a 23-acre nursery site. Event planners say, “The last decade has brought a steady growth to the nursery sector, specifically specimen plants and mature stock from across Europe. Massive displays of plant material form the heart of the show, with associated supplies and services from production to point-of-sale. Over 40% of participating companies will be from overseas.” 

Watch out for: The Christmas Cabin – sorry for using the “C” word but as we all know, preparations begin early in the trade. This retailer offers everything you need for your Christmas tree displays, from water-holding stands to pallets used for transporting bulk supplies straight from the field. Zest 4 Leisure uses FSC-certified timber for its garden furniture, fencing and outdoor living products and its gazebos really are something to cherish.

Perfectly timed for short orders and Christmas, Autumn Fair is the ideal place for retailers and buyers to find new brands and the latest products from thousands of suppliers. The event will give you “loads of fresh inspiration” for the season ahead.

Watch out for: Addison Ross, a British company specialising in luxury photo frames, clocks and home fragrance. The designs are fresh and sleek, which customers are bound to appreciate. GetRetro sells products related to science-fiction, fantasy, cult genres, and classic TV and movie brands for those hard-to-buy-for people.