Features

We’ve all been there. You’ve got a million presents to buy at Christmas, very little time and, quite frankly, inclination to go gift hunting for the hard-to-buy-fors. Your customers are no different – they want stand-out products which are reasonably priced and readily available – preferably in an eye-catching display near the tills. Instead of leaving empty-handed, they could be tempted by one of these beauties as chosen by Garden Trade Specialist editor Victoria Galligan in our Xmas gifts guide…   Gingerbread Digital Kitchen Scale (£19.99) salterhousewares.co.uk Sugar and spice and…

A NEW range of mains powered centrally heated dog beds featuring a pressure activated heat pad - Hot Dog Pet Products is a family owned business located in the beautiful market town of Northallerton, North Yorkshire. Our entire range of thermal and central heated dog beds are all crafted by our dedicated and skilled workforce. Made in Britain our unique, luxurious dog beds are all designed, produced, packaged and posted from right here in Yorkshire.  How It Works The centrally heated dog beds feature a pressure activated heat pad, so when your dog lays on the bed the temperature will rise to…

Tom Chambers have announced the launch of a full range of Eco-friendly coco fibre liners developed with an innovative ‘WaterSave’ layer. This biodegradable material covers the bottom section of the liner and works as a reservoir to hold and retain water, meaning much less watering. The liners also feature an integral built in over-spill which avoids over-watering and root saturation and allows excess water to drain away. The new liners are exclusive to Tom Chambers and are a new and exciting concept to the market. The important message of using less water and being environmentally aware is…

THE UK’S current love for indoor plants shows no sign of diminishing according to the Garden Centre Association (GCA) as new research claims most flatsharers own at least one houseplant each.   In the GCA’s Barometer of Trade for October (2019) the houseplant was recorded among the bestsellers by member garden centres for the third consecutive month, with sales up 13.47% on last year.   Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive explained: “The UK’s current love of houseplants seems to be growing, particularly amongst renters, as new research from the company Spare Room has revealed recently. According…

Inspired by modern urban architecture, Woodlodge introduces Modena – the ultimate contemporary planter range Woodlodge is introducing a contemporary collection of lightweight garden planters, designed to appeal to consumers who are keen to make bold statements in gardens that reflect modern interior décor. The Modena range features clean geometric lines and has been inspired by contemporary urban architecture, where a minimalistic approach combined with bold statement features is playing an increasingly popular role in modern living. With TV series such as Channel 4’s Grand Designs fueling…

Greenfingers Charity is delighted to announce that Sue Allen, founder of Millbrook Garden Centres has joined the charity’s Board of Trustees.   Sue is a well-known face within the garden retail sector, having established the first Millbrook Garden Centre in Crowborough, East Sussex, in 1979, alongside her late husband, Dick. Since then, Millbrook has grown to incorporate three centres in the South East of England and is now run by the extended family including daughter, Tammy, her husband Ben and sister, Kirsty, with Sue holding the role of Chairman. In addition, Sue also sits on the Board of…

Strong consumer demand for natural controls is underpinning confidence in the sector, says ecofective®   Ecofective®, the pioneering brand of environmentally friendly natural controls, reports that high levels of footfall in organic categories at retail outlets is seeing demand for chemical-free solutions gain rapid momentum – helping ecofective® to expand and develop its customer base.   The company, part of crop protection giant Sipcam UK, has reinforced its position as a leading supplier of natural plant feeds, pest controls, lawncare, weedkiller, animal repellent and garden cleaning…

Introducing Evika’s unique new collection of contemporary greenhouses backed by a community that will nurture the next generation of gardeners   Engaging a new generation of gardeners while catering for the needs of experienced green-fingered enthusiasts is the ultimate challenge for retailers. If there’s one product that offers the potential to attract novices and seasoned growers alike, it’s a greenhouse. Growing under glass dramatically extends the gardening season in the UK – and while the sale of a greenhouse itself presents lucrative opportunities for stockists, savvy retailers know…

THE GARDEN Centre Association (GCA) is expanding its team of inspectors after seeing a record number of new members join the organisation this year.   It is seeking a new inspector to visit member garden centres in one or two of the area groups around the country.   Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “We have seen a record-breaking 13 new members join us this year and we are processing further applications at the moment, which means we are expanding our team of inspectors in order to ensure we have the coverage required to help our members maintain their excellent standards and…

A new Greenfingers Charity therapeutic garden at Grace House, Sunderland was officially opened by the Mayor of Sunderland on Monday 21st October.  This inspiring new garden will provide a peaceful place for relaxation and enjoyment for the seriously ill children and their families that call GraceHouse ‘home’. The Nest and Rest Garden - Greenfingers 58th garden project to be completed - was designed and created by Sean Murray, who most famously won the BBC’s Great Chelsea Garden Challenge in 2015.  Working alongside Sean was landscaper Keith Ball. Together Sean and Keith transformed a …

Wyevale Nurseries Ltd says it is investing in the future with strong growth predicted   ONE OF the UK’s leading nurseries says it is investing in the future and has seen exceptional demand for British-grown stock.   Wyevale Nurseries Ltd says it’s able to supply British-grown plants from its extensive production facilities in Herefordshire into a market struggling to secure its supply-base for the next season and beyond.   Andy Johnson, Director at Wyevale Nurseries, which celebrates its 90th Anniversary in 2020, said: “As a company we are going from strength to strength and investing…

A DESPATCH and Stock Controller at one of the UK’s leading commercial nurseries in Hereford will take part in a sleep out in November, 2019 to help raise money for a homeless charity.   Sara Bowie, who works at Wyevale Nurseries, will be joining in with the annual fundraiser in Bristol on Thursday, November 14 in aid of 1625 Independent People (1625ip).   The 55-year-old, who lives in Norton Canon but grew up in Bristol, explained: “1625ip is a Bristol based charity that has been supporting homeless 16-25-year-olds for more than 30 years. It works with around 2,000 young people in the South…

HOUSEPLANTS were the best sellers for a second month in a row (September, 2019) at garden centres across the country according to the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) Barometer of Trade report.   Sales were up 12.34% compared to the same month last year (2018).   Iain Wylie, GCA Chief Executive, said: “The trend for houseplants doesn’t look like it’s going away any time soon, and after a positive August, it’s great to see that sales in this department remained up for September as well.   “Now is the perfect time of year for bringing some much needed colour indoors, so it’s no surprise people…

First look at progress made so far at Haskins Garden Centre Snowhill’s redevelopment Ealier this year, the popular Haskins Garden Centre based in Crawley opened the doors to its temporary building at the Snowhill site. Phase one of the Snowhill centre’s redevelopment plan has now been completed, including: New temporary building erected Half of new car park completed Car Park entrance has moved New landscaping and trees in place The Snowhill centre redevelopment plan is a 12-month project which will culminate in the main centre re-opening for business in spring 2020. In the meantime…

A visit to Frankfurt’s Christmasworld 2020 in January is a great way to start business planning for 2020 and to see the world’s most comprehensive range of seasonal and festive decorations. In 2019, 45,000 visitors and 1,080 exhibitors from 44 countries around the globe attended, and the event continues to attract key players in the sector. Within its multiple halls, it’s a perfect forum for B2B networking and discovering the latest trends, and a perfect opportunity to meet manufacturers, experts and colleagues from all over the world to share ideas and insights. It can also be a great way…

Deco-Pak offers the ultimate in urban style and convenience for a new generation of fashion-conscious consumers Deco-Pak, the innovation-driven garden landscaping and decorative aggregates specialist with a reputation for being at the forefront of the latest consumer trends, is revealing its latest line-up of top-quality products, designed to help consumers transform outdoor living areas. Deco-Pak’s new Enhance line-up of trend-driven garden accessories ranges from natural stone water features that create the ultimate focal point in gardens, to artificial grass laying accessories that have…