Probably one of the most colourful stands in the atrium is Channel Island plants, (NB33)  the company are showcasing a number of new introductions for 2016 including a number of UK bred fragrant nemesias which offer great performance pot performance. Of particular interest is Nemesia ‘Easter Bonnet’; compact, fragrant and an interesting colour combination. Paul Jackson, from Channel Island Plants feels the new varieties, grown for British conditions have a great future.

Chamberlain Nurseries (NB29) are showing their range of 24 pack bedding, giving retailers the opportunity to offer a value option alongside their volume 6 pack offering.  Similarly, Wyeplants, specialist in smaller pot climbing plants, or showing a range of climbers in “garden centre packaging”. New to their product range are a selection of ‘Duo’’ and ‘Trio’ climbers; two (or three) selected Clematis planted together to provide contrast and interest when in flower. (Stand NB75).

New merchandising ideas are also on display, Key Essentials (Stand NB73) showing a vertical attractive solution to demonstrating their range of planted Kalamitica magnetic pots, and a new display and merchandising concept from Addenda: the Innovation Table. Incorporating a video screen to show the customer how to make the perfect result, the package includes the ability to communicate via ‘Facebook’ with potential customers in a 15km radius of the centre. John Hak from Addenda says “the concept has worked well in Germany and Holland, and is being tailored to the design styles and tastes of the UK market. Garden centres using the system are consulted over the shelf plan, the videos are automatically uploaded to the garden centre’s system”.