Features

Kindwood – the UK’s first true sustainable firewood company – is reporting that since the beginning of lockdown, firewood sales have increased by more than 320% as UK consumers look to make the most of their time in their homes and gardens during this period of uncertainty – a significant opportunity for retailers who want to optimise this increasingly popular product category.   Kindwood’s founder, Taylor Gathercole, has attributed this increase in sales to the public’s need to create a sense of calm and comfort within their homes, especially during a time of significant turmoil. Taylor said…

Earlier last week, the UK government confirmed that it will step in to prop up the trade credit insurance market, bringing welcome relief to GIMA members and other suppliers within the garden retail sector. Trade credit insurance is a contract bought by suppliers to make sure they get paid even if their customers default and cannot pay the bills.  British garden retail suppliers will now be able to access vital insurance more easily following this latest Government intervention during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. The latest announcement confirmed that by the end of May, the government…

It’s hard to think of a way that will truly demonstrate our gratitude for all the keyworkers that are holding this country together during the Covid-19 lockdown. LifestyleGarden® - one of the UK’s leading outdoor furniture suppliers – knew they couldn’t sit back and do nothing which is why the company recently launched a special #FeetUpWithLifestyleGardengiveaway as a way of showing their thanks for these incredible human beings.   Running across the company’s social media platforms, the LifestyleGarden® team asked its followers to nominate the keyworkers in their life for the chance to win…

With the nations digging their fingers into their gardens, making sustainable choices that will benefit the planet has never been more important. With the strong relationship between nature and its positive effect on the human psyche, enjoying time in green space can really benefit us as people during this pandemic. The current restricted access to our wider environment has turned many towards cultivating their own garden, a fact  highlighted by the 30% increase in demand for Veolia’s peat free gardening products. This demand has been further heightened by the recognition of the impact of…

Historic Glasshouse and Greenhouse manufacturer Hartley Botanic is experiencing a renewed demand from homeowners in their beautiful, handmade Greenhouses during lockdown, as the benefit of being more self-sufficient and ‘growing your own’ is thrown sharply into focus. The Lancashire-based business, which has been operating since 1938, has experienced a c.35 percent increase in customers citing ‘growing their own’ as the primary reason they want to invest in a Glasshouse or Greenhouse since lockdown, with customers saying they ‘never want to be caught out like this again.’ To meet the growing…

Many retail stores may be beginning to consider how they will tackle reopening once the government enforced lockdown is eased. But knowing where to start, and ensuring compliance, is causing confusion and stress for many. Help is at hand however, with the launch of the new Cleaner Retail online store; a store designed to cut through the noise and provide retailers with everything they need to create a sanitised retail environment that will enable them to reopen and stay open, whilst also protecting staff and customers as we navigate a new ‘normal’.  The importance of signage The government…

With the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic expected to change the way we shop for the long-term, Ivyline – more popularly known for its range of trend-led indoor plant pots – has launched Cleaner Retail with one mission in mind: to help retailers re-open, remain compliant in regards to hygiene and social distancing, and ultimately, stay open with a cleaner and more efficient retail environment to meet the demands of the post-lockdown world.   From sanitisation and hand washing stations, social distance signage and clothing, to PPE kit and equipment and screening, Cleaner Retail is a ‘one stop…

WYEVALE Nurseries’ new cold store facilities have allowed the company to extend its bare root hedging and forestry transplant supply season to assist customers seeking supplies.    Its recently doubled cold storage capacity means that although the final date for lifting bare root hedging and forestry transplants was March 31 the stock will be prime for despatch throughout April into mid-May.   Carol Dickinson, Head of Business Support at Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford, which celebrates its 90th Anniversary this year, said: “We now have 3,000 cubic metres of cold store space to help extend our…

There is no doubt that the continuation of the Covid-19 lockdown is placing significant and never before seen pressures on the garden retail supply chain, however the Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Association (GIMA) is issuing a call to action to retailers to keep cash flow active and that it continues to reach suppliers.   Pre-season deliveries in January and February would traditionally see payments reach suppliers in April and May, but in a world where Coronavirus is creating an unprecedented landscape, receipt of these payments are not necessarily a given as retailers tighten their belts…

Two of the UK's leading aquatic brands have officially launched online diagnostic tools for people social-distancing and self-isolating at home to get expert advice from the safety of their sofas (April 2020).   Aquarium specialist Interpet and its sister brand, Blagdon, which creates products for garden pond keepers, have formally unveiled tools designed to help people cutdown on non-essential trips away from home.   Adrian Exell, Development and Marketing Manager at Interpet, says: “Our indoor aquatics’ tool has been designed to help users diagnose common fish and aquarium problems with…

Primeur’s new generation of ‘virtually indestructible’ garden ranges, which are renowned for their ability to endure punishing levels of wear and tear without suffering damage, will remain in pristine condition whether garden centres are forced to remain closed for weeks or locked down for months. Unlike traditional materials commonly sold for garden use, Primuer’s Eco Garden range of recycled rubber innovations will not crack, fade, stain or rot. This exceptional level of robustness offers unrivalled reassurance for retailers, who have added peace of mind that their investment in stock…

According to new research from leading tool firm, Draper Tools, many people across Britain are finding DIY and gardening to be therapeutic right now, with several garden jobs cited as being ‘strangely satisfying’ in the current climate. Planting seeds, bulbs or plants in the garden topped the list of the UK’s most satisfying DIY jobs. The Draper Tools study also found that mowing the lawn, jet-washing the patio and perfectly trimming a hedge were among the most enjoyable tasks too. Others love painting a fence and digging out troublesome weeds. Kev Smith, Head of Marketing at Draper Tools…

Leading quality wild bird and pet food producer, Henry Bell & Co, is sharing its top tips on what to feed wild birds at this time of year. Spring is an important time for wild birds, as it is the season for egg development and for young birds to receive the right nourishment as they grow. It’s also important to look after parent birds to help them raise their chicks successfully. Henry Bell & Co is a fourth-generation family-owned British business that produces quality animal feeds. The company launched its own range last year, Henry Bell Wild Bird Care, which features 120 quality…

With many now spending a lot more time at home for the foreseeable future, experts offer their top tips to spruce up your outdoor space and improve your garden without spending a penny.  As people look to cut back on unnecessary costs and spending, experts at Hitachi Personal Finance share insight and handy tips to help create a simple and effective checklist for a low budget garden makeover.   Start with a tidy up Although it won’t necessarily add anything new to your garden, giving it a good straighten up could help you give your outdoor space a new lease of life. Scott Chandler,…

Historic Glasshouse and Greenhouse manufacturer Hartley Botanic has launched a new stately, bespoke Glasshouse as part of its Modern Horticulture range. The Opus Grand Botanic, which was set to be unveiled at Chelsea this year, will officially join Hartley Botanic’s unrivalled portfolio of beautiful and elegant structures in May 2020. The Opus Grand Botanic Glasshouse features the same clean lines and concealed engineering which give the Modern Horticulture range its unique contemporary look, but this time with imposing proportions – perfect for modern gardeners looking for Glasshouses large…

With the nation currently isolating in their homes and facilities shut down, we have little choice but to try and enjoy this enforced staycation.  Maintaining mental and physical wellbeing during this time will be of paramount importance as so many areas of our lives feel very much out of our control. Thankfully the sun is beginning to make a more regular appearance, which means the garden is finally open for business. Here, leading garden PR agency, Hornby Whitefoot PR,explore the vital role gardening has for mental and physical wellbeing – as if we needed any further excuses to get out…