In This Issue
Kelkay has the complete offer with new products
Glee delivers another thriving showcase for the garden retail industry
Rebooking for Glee 2017 breaks records
10 out of 10 for Glee 2016 from garden centre owners and buyers
Johnsons Lawn Seed gets recharged at Glee
Glee 2016 a great success for Zest 4 Leisure
Think Outside's new releases a huge hit at Glee
No slip ups for Protek when it comes to exterior wood finishes
Growth through ideas and inspiration
Laura Ashley planters are a big hit for Apta
They're Houseplant Happy at Empathy
Briers launches largest-ever licenced gardening collection
Sweeping success for self-watering Whitefurze planters
Compass offers award-winning solution to garden centre catering
A New Star from Creative Products
Frosts, Blue Diamond, B&Q, Gardensite and John Lewis are winners in the Glee Buyers Power List for 2016
SkALE Greenwall wins Best Product at Glee
Glee New Product Awards - Full list of winners
Great British Cards raise £18,000 for industry charities
Diarmuid Gavin congratulates MossOff
Bord na Móna GroWise Fertiliser range launched
CPL introduce the next generation biomass fuels
Bonningtons customer wins VIP trip to New York
Training elves...that's our business
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Fantastic new ranges from Petface
Choice Marketing celebrate success with Westland
Deco-Pak’s sand offers full educational play experience
Gardena unveils mobile control system for watering and mowing
WAGNER showcased new electric Fence & Decking Sprayer
STV key stockists lock in to increased profits
Karcher puts pressure washer users in Full Control
Retailers Choice is inspired by the Japanese art of origami and an opening seed
GIMA 'Buyers Connect' proves popular
All the industry news, as it happens
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Kelkay has the complete offer with new products
With approaching 100 new lines for 2017 Kelkay has been highly creative with their new ranges aiming to broaden the appeal of landscaping projects to a wider audience including less experienced gardeners and those with smaller spaces to care for...



The ‘Collections’ themed merchandising created in partnership with Andy McIndoe, 25 times Chelsea Gold Medal Winner, was a big hit for Kelkay at Glee.



With approaching 100 new lines for 2017 Kelkay has been highly creative with their new ranges aiming to broaden the appeal of landscaping projects to a wider audience including less experienced gardeners and those with smaller spaces to care for.

In the aggregates category, there’s three new regular colours and textures to add to the growing range including a fashionable shiny Black Slate. Kelkay has also added four new ‘Rockin Colour’ shades which introduce a vibrant statement including the bold Lime Time. The whole range is available in standard large bags or bulk bags for home delivery.

The New Pot Toppers range, packed in smaller bags that are easy to carry home, has been launched to cater for indoor and patio gardeners who need just small quantities of coordinating stone or gravel for containers. It comes in a selection of 8 different colours – the subtle shades of natural stones are smooth, semi-polished and tactile whilst the vibrant gravels are in the same bold tones from the Rockin Colour pallete to suit both traditional and modern designs.

Kelkay’s new Artificial Grass is available in Classic and Luxury as well as 3 bright jewel coloured  play grass variants. It’s easy to stock and merchandise in space saving display boxes.

In the Borderstone paving range, Kelkay has added the contemporary-styled Sawn Limestone in two sizes with sawn edges to give a beautiful smooth surface with minimum joints. And in natural Sandstone they’ve added random stepping stones in five variants of shape and colour, plus two additional edging stones.

To enhance their range of cool contemporary cobblestones they’ve added the Granite Star in two tone grey.

A total of 49 new fountain designs have been added to the Easy Fountain range, including lots more modern and contemporary designs as well as new pond fountains themed around animals.

Finally, the sophisticated Henri range of real stone water features sees five new classical additions.



The ‘Collections’ themed merchandising created in partnership with Andy McIndoe, 25 times Chelsea Gold Medal Winner, was a big hit for Kelkay at Glee.

“To encourage younger and less experienced gardeners, retailers need to build consumer confidence and provide really easy-to-execute garden landscape ideas,” says Andy McIndoe 

“Kelkay’s Aggregate range is a great starting point because it’s so easy to get an instant solution to the most common landscape challenges. The range of Kelkay Collections I’ve created take the use of aggregates one step further, helping customers to understand how they can add other textures and plants to create a well-designed garden space.”

The range of Kelkay landscaping products feature in each of the collections which are designed to help create cross-merchandising opportunities in store and encourage customers to shop not only the landscape materials, but in plants and sundries too. Cleverly merchandised, they present a great opportunity to grow average project spends and provide inspiring ways to increase average basket values.

To find out more about Kelkay’s range of decorative aggregates and their other successful garden landscaping brands, go to www.kelkay.com or e-mail the general enquiries office on salesenquiries@kelkay.co.uk or call to speak to us on 01405 869333.

Glee delivers another thriving showcase for the garden retail industry


Glee delivered another unrivalled platform for the growth of the garden retail industry, with full-to-capacity exhibiting space, a positive, business-building atmosphere and the launch of hundreds of exciting new product innovations...



Glee delivered another unrivalled platform for the growth of the garden retail industry, with full-to-capacity exhibiting space, a positive, business-building atmosphere and the launch of hundreds of exciting new product innovations.

Offering buyers the chance to shop across every aspect of their gardening ranges, Glee continued to successfully build on its ongoing programme of development, including a strengthened ‘Green Heart’, refocussed show sectors and a sold-out roster of exhibitors including over 220 new or lapsed brands and 100 international companies.

The show has drawn praise for its strong, business-focused visitor features, but more than this it continued to facilitate a vital platform for growth for suppliers and retailers within the garden retail and leisure sectors.

This year’s Glee attracted several thousand British and international garden retailers, online buyers, DIY stores, landscapers and builders’ merchants.  Events such as the Leaders for Change lunch and Buyers Power List helped to increase the number of CEOs and MDs attending the show alongside their core category buyers. UK garden centres also attended en masse with over 98% of Garden Centre Association (GCA) members visiting the show to place orders and source innovation and inspirational products ahead of the 2017 season.

Matthew Mein, Glee event director said: “From the opening of the show we have been inundated with positive responses from both visitors and exhibitors, with many stating that Glee 2016 was one of the most successful shows for some time.

"We know that many people used the show to forge new partnerships, as well as networking with their peers, and building their professional knowledge through Glee’s seminar content. But more importantly, business was being done.

"Many exhibitors have remarked that this year’s exhibition has delivered more orders and leads than at any other show they have exhibited at within the last 12 months. This is exactly what Glee is there for – to help businesses to build better business and profitable futures, so it’s great to hear that this has been achieved.”

Glee 2016 – an overview

The seven dedicated sections featured in this year’s Glee encompassed every aspect of garden retailing including garden care; landscaping and garden decoration; plants & nursery; outdoor entertaining; home, gift & clothing; retail experiences and services; and pet.  More than 550 exhibitors showcased their latest ranges, including 220 new and lapsed exhibitors, plus more than 100 international brands.

Amongst the show’s visitor features were the Glee New Products display (featuring the New Product and Retailers Choice award winners), the Glee Inside Retail Theatre and Green Heart plant area, which featured an exciting series of merchandising displays. Other initiatives included Glee’s Buyers Power List awards, a Leaders for Change lunch attended by top industry decision-makers, and an extensive Innovators Zone launching entrepreneurial new products. The Garden Industry Manufacturers’ Association (GIMA) Business Village and Buyers Connect meetings and UKTI / Gardenex International Buyers' Centre created even more business-building opportunities.

A full ‘What you missed at Glee’ report will be made available shortly. The report will include an interview with Glee’s event director, a look at the keynote seminar sessions with Diarmuid Gavin, the HTA’s David Denny, and Chris Collins. The latest news from exhibitors will also feature, helping to paint a complete picture of everything that took place at the show.

Praise from retailers

Praise from retailers visiting the show extended from independent garden centres, to on-line providers and major multiple retailers.

John Cleland, Chief Executive at Dobbies: “I’ve only been at the show for a few hours and I’ve taken hundreds of pictures, it’s such an inspirational show.”

Emma Kelly, Bents Garden & Home: “Glee is the main garden show with the latest innovations and inspiring products. We’ve been coming here for 34 years.”

Stephen Searle, Monkton Elm: “I love that there are top quality suppliers all in one place.”

Lily Knowles, Sherwood Garden Features: “I really like how the hall is organised, everything is clear and easy to find. I’ve been coming for the last 10 years”

Toolstation: “The commercial side of the show is what really appeals to us, all the products are very innovative and there’s such a wide range to choose from.”

Find out more

To keep up-to-date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com.  To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2017 call 020 3033 2160.
 
Rebooking for Glee 2017 breaks records
Following the successful 2016 show, it has been confirmed that the 2017 show has already broken Glee’s own rebooking records. Event director Matthew Mein said: “The level of rebookings is testament to the value that Glee holds for the industry in which it operates.


Following the successful 2016 show, it has been confirmed that the 2017 show has already broken Glee’s own rebooking records.

Event director Matthew Mein said: “The level of rebookings is testament to the value that Glee holds for the industry in which it operates.

"We will of course be working closely with our exhibitors and supporting trade associations to build on this momentum.

"Further details about our plans for the 2017 show will be revealed soon. For now, I would like to thank everyone who has continued to support Glee.”
10 out of 10 for Glee 2016 from garden centre owners and buyers



It was a really busy Glee from a GTN point of view. But what about Glee from the point of view of the most important people; garden centre owners and buyers?  After the show GTN asked the questions:  How useful was Glee 2016 for you?  And what was your highlight of the show?




It was a really busy Glee from a GTN point of view. The Glee Daily News, produced by the GTN editorial team, published more stories about suppliers and products than ever before and the New Products Showcase in association with GTN presented over 300 entries and encompassed a full days judging on Monday before the winners were announced.

But what about Glee from the point of view of the most important people; garden centre owners and buyers?

After the show GTN asked the questions:  How useful was Glee 2016 for you?  And what was your highlight of the show?

Here are the first ten responses:

Adam Wigglesworth, Aylett Nurseries:  “The third year of the new hall layout provided a vibrant and easy to navigate show.

“As a buyer I found that once we were on the stands and talking to the exhibitors there were a variety of exciting new products and tweaks to existing ranges that will improve 2017 s offer.

“I also took part in the GIMA buyer connect for the first time which was a really useful session and a number of the people I met will become new suppliers!”

 

Alan Mercer, Hillmount Garden Centre:  “We found lots of new products for 2017 at Glee.  We will be stocking 3 new BBQ brands in 2017.  Traeger, unni and Kadi.  It was brilliant to see Webers new Genesis grills when will revamp our BBQ range.

“We where able to catch up with Dan from the weber BBQ Grill academy to discuss our BBQ cooking school for 2017.  We will become a weber certified BBQ schools for 2017.

“The atmosphere at the show was very positive with lots of suppliers offering fresh new products for 2017.

“We took Kerri the manager from our Bangor store for the first time as the show is a brilliant way to let her see the new gardening products each year.  It also let her see new ways to display products that can sometimes be seen as the boring stuff in the garden centre.

“It was also nice to catch up with other garden centre's from N Ireland and Ireland and hear what's happened this year so far.”

 

Brian Archibald, Coolings Nurseries:  “I am certainly going to stock the wall planting system from Lowes when available next year, and also Pot Pal 'The Perfect Plant Pot Partner' as a Christmas line.

“We have sold a great deal of the Roundup Gel and looking at our customer base as the older set I will also stock their extending handle so you don't have to bend over to apply the Roundup gel. A nice add-on sale.

“Another good product was the Westland lawn feed that highlighted it was safe for children and pets on the front. I think this is probably the most asked question for ferts and chems.

“I found Glee very useful, yet again, in finding those smaller suppliers who do not have a large sales force. It is a great opportunity to speak to them and also find new products that are not mainstream.

“I generally don't go to Glee to see the Scotts and Westlands of this world, it is the small companies that I am interested in that makes us different from local competition.”

 

Caroline Owen, Scotsdales:  “A great show I thought and lots of innovation on merchandising solutions. I asked our new manager who as well as taking on food hall and cook shop is going to assist our mangers on visual merchandising across the stores and he was really excited about the merchandising for garden care and we can make the product exciting...he even said sexy!!

“So on this front highlights had to be the Westland stand and some of the Smart Garden stand innovation - What can be done with a lightbulb!

“I actually think the best stand in the show was Kelkay.

“It’s difficult to pick only one or two but we are looking for manufacturers to provide a merchandising solution to enable us to sell volume at good prices and not necessarily cheap. For example the Gardman poppy bird feeder which we have sold 500 already from a simple stand. Burgon and Ball always do the same for their products as do Creative Products.

“I am very excited for next year.

“There are of course many others and it really is difficult to just mention one or two.”

 

Stuart Whalley, Blue Diamond:  “Glee this year has surpassed expectations, especially with the number of suppliers now exhibiting. I hope this will encourage more to come back in future years.

“By having the vast majority of suppliers all under one roof it allows direct comparison of all the products so buyers can make a far more informed and detailed choice.

“There were many great new ideas (some not so new) and innovation and I will be keeping secret my thoughts on those until they hit the centres next year.”

 

Peter Self, Whitehall Garden Centres:  “Good annual showcase for new innovation, seemed busier following a steady year, great for the suppliers.

“Highlights were Smart Solar with their extended ranging of lighting and the new Noma garden lighting ranging,  Woodlodge New Chelsea and Heritage range of pots.

 

Andy Bunker, Alton Garden Centre:  “I thoroughly enjoyed the whole event.  It was interesting the  variation form very busy to steady to quiet over all three days, however it seemed a lot of the so called bag collectors were not in attendance in the usual numbers.

“I am sure some of the big boys are looking at costs and pointing out the fact no need for the tea lady to go to Glee.

“We will almost certainly be stocking the BLOCK BLITZ , the OLIVE CHARCOAL from CPL and look at quite a few of the other lines .

“Highlight; in fairness nothing jumps out but I would say generally the more professional attendance was a big help.”

 

Matthew Bent, Bents Garden & Home:  “Overall I thought it was the best Glee yet. It was more focused to what we wanted which was the garden care and landscape category.   There was a real positivity to the show with suppliers seeming to have had a good year.

“There were lots of new products and some really good ideas for next year.  Solar powered items were still leading the innovation and a massive category for this year and next.

“Areas not great, the new product area was not as good as previous years and did not show the products off in the best way.

“Highlight of the show was meeting with suppliers and networking.”

 

Alan Roper, Blue Diamond:  “After a decline a few years ago the past couple of years have seen the show strengthen.

“A test of any show is retailers finding new suppliers, new products and on this point it’s getting marginally stronger.

“I am sure that’s what all the visitors want to see.

“More new, more choice, will lead to more GLEE visitors.

“It's important the organizers ensure it's affordable for smaller new suppliers to create choice diversity.  In the past price is often sighted as the reason some suppliers stay away.”

 

Justin Williams, Fron Goch Garden Centre:  “I spent two days at the show with three of our team.

“A packed two days of dealing with the nitty gritty of comparing suppliers and products but also of getting a gut feeling for future direction and choices; what are we to stand for as a garden centre; what are we to be to our customers?

“Interestingly, we were looking more than ever at the appeal of impulse products aimed at either decoration or as a gift.  A focus which is a reaction to a change in customer demographic; as more traditional customers are replaced by younger ones. A focus which we must balance with authority and ownership of our sector.

“As usual we are looking for innovation to create new opportunities and new revenue but what struck me more than ever was the importance of deciding what not to stock; to control our retail environment for our customers and avoid confusing duplications which can overfill our centre.

“Glee of course provides the opportunity to chat with everyone in the industry; sharing vital information, your own mistakes / winners and having a good laugh with other garden centres.”

 

And the final word, for today, goes to Nigel Poyner. Nigel has exhibited at Glee for over 20 years and this year was his first opportunity to see it from the other side working as a consultant buyer for garden centres and as one of the Glee New Products Showcase judges:  “It was an honour and pleasure to be a judge this year.  l think the pitching idea was a real winner it helped the final outcome so much.

“It is so hard to be innovative in this day and age, but from my first walk around Lowes green walling stood out, but also the single seed cell also impressed me and something that could be used with youngsters to encourage them to get into gardening.

“The overall atmosphere at the show was relaxed, positive and upbeat with a lot of effort going into stand design and dressing the Halls and avenues wide and inviting.  Not cramped like some other shows, l think the Glee team have done a great job.

“Can't wait till 2017.  According to my phone app l walked 19.88 miles during the show!”

 
The one negative that came back in our initial feedback was about hotels in the area.  Andy Bunker commented:  "One point I would like to raise and that is of the costs of hotels, I know Glee has a handle on most aspects but hotels are a real issue not just cost but traveling to and from the halls.

"Now they are a lot further away than the old days it is a problem.  Surely one should not have to get a taxi from crown plaza to the show!

"They have a captive audience I know, but trust me some will lose out eventually as buyers start to mushroom out further afield.

"Lastly the fact it is now cast in stone for a Monday start so hotels are a must for many more to avoid the Monday motorway madness.  My suggestion would be to list hotels from a cost low to high and even a rating like trip advisor type thing, traveling distance etc. I'm sure there are a lot that buyers are not aware of."

If you want to keep up to date with all the latest garden industry news and comment subscribe to GTN Xtra using this link or e-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk

 

Johnsons Lawn Seed gets recharged at Glee


In an exciting move Johnsons Lawn Seed launched its recharged branding at Glee 2016. Waving goodbye to its old packaging design which has graced the shelves of retailers for the last decade, the new look Johnsons Lawn Seed marks a new era for the UK’s favourite consumer lawn seed provider...

In an exciting move Johnsons Lawn Seed launched its recharged branding at Glee 2016. Waving goodbye to its old packaging design which has graced the shelves of retailers for the last decade, the new look Johnsons Lawn Seed marks a new era for the UK’s favourite consumer lawn seed provider.

Born from a desire to create something new and exciting for the garden retail market, as well as a direct result of ongoing feedback from a number of focus groups and consumer research, Johnsons Lawn Seed’s new look offers something completely different to what is currently already available.



With a strong colour palette, the new packaging takes a step away from the green colours that dominate garden centre shelves and creates an eye-catching display with its charcoal grey and accent colour collection, which directly correlates to each product in the range. With updated front of pack information, plus an easy to understand seed data section, it has never been easier or quicker for consumers to make educated purchases at the point of sale.

Each pack also features a QR code which, when scanned, leads consumers to Johnsons’ quick advice YouTube videos, plus each box comes complete with a re-sealable side, increasing its shelf-life.

Guy Jenkins from DLF, Johnsons Lawn Seed’s parent company said: “The redesign of the packaging has been a work in progress for some time. It was important that we got it right, which is why we have taken our time to consult with the latest market research and consumer focus groups, as well as working with our retail customers to create a style and look that met the combined needs and wants.

"Our new packaging is slick, contemporary and creates a real point of difference within the retail environment. What’s more, it makes it easy for customers to find the right lawn seed for their gardens simply by glancing at the front of the box! We hope the industry loves it as much we do!”

Green Lawn Technology

Johnsons Lawn Seed’s new packaging comes at a time when the company has been heavily investing in the product inside the box. Earlier this year, the company brought to market one of the most exciting lawn seed innovations for many years. 

Rolled out across its General Purpose, Tuffgrass, Quick Fix and Quick Lawn products, the new formula lawn seed represented a significant evolution within lawn seed technology. Marked as ‘Green Lawn Technology’ on the new packaging, Johnsons Lawn Seed will be investing time and effort in 2017 to further communicate the benefits of this new technology to end users.

Guy Jenkins added: “We are passionate about delivering a product that achieves real results for customers. Our ‘Green Lawn Technology’ has been developed through years and years of dedicated R&D. Put simply this new technology means that a lawn grown from our seed will benefit from a number of time and money saving benefits – including quicker germination and establishment, the ability to sow at temperatures as low as 3°C, improved colour, better drought tolerance and the need to water and fertilise less regularly compared to other lawn seed products. This new technology really is a game changer, and we’re excited to continue to roll this out into the market”

Find out more

To find out more about Johnsons Lawn Seed, visit www.johnsonslawnseed.com, email consumer@dlf.co.uk, or telephone (01386) 791113.
Glee 2016 a great success for Zest 4 Leisure


Award winning Zest 4 Leisure, part of the P&A group, received a record amount of stand visits at this year’s Glee...



Award winning Zest 4 Leisure, part of the P&A group, received a record amount of stand visits at this year’s Glee.

The company is a leading supplier to the Garden trade industry with an inspired collection of timber garden products which range from seating and dining sets, to gazebos, award winning arbours and arches, grow your own beds and a wide selection of landscaping timber products including fencing, rustic sleepers and edging.

This year’s Glee show saw the fourth time the company had exhibited, with each getting bigger and better.

The GIMA 2015/2016 award winners showcased dinning sets, picnic tables, outdoor table sets and BBQ shelters, all a part of the new leisure range for the 2017 season.

“We are so pleased with the positive outcome we’ve had yet again from exhibiting at the Glee Trade Show. The new range went down really well and was a great success with visitors to the stand. It was fantastic to have the opportunity to not only speak to our existing customers but also meet potential new customers for the 2017 season and beyond. We would also like to say a big thank you all who helped organise and make the show such a success.," said Zest Sales Manager, Alwyn Williams.

Zest 4 Leisure also took the opportunity to raise awareness for their chosen charity of the year, Meningitis Now. The company believe it is vital to support the community and enjoy being involved with events, fundraisers and charity work.

Zest 4 Leisure’s Managing Director feels it is very important to raise money and raise awareness for a very important charity Meningitis Now. This follows the success of 2014/2015 when as a group we raised over £15,000.00 for The Alzheimer’s Society. Our Managing Director, Steve Morgan and John Vaughan, Timber Buildings and Fencing Manager completed the Iron Man challenge as part of our fund raising activities.

This year, Steve and John took part in the Iron Man Poland challenge to help raise money for our chosen charity of the year, Meningitis now. The company is halfway through the year and have raised over £2000 already.

The company is also on course to take part in the Manchester Marathon next year.

You can support Zest 4 Leisure in their fundraising journey here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/PandAGroup-and-Zest4Leisure-MeningitisNow

Think Outside's new releases a huge hit at Glee


Glee was a fantastic event for Think Outside, launching 80 new products for 2017. Their refreshing new collection of planters really caught buyers eyes from all over the UK and Europe...



Glee was a fantastic event for Think Outside, launching 80 new products for 2017. Their refreshing new collection of planters really caught buyers eyes from all over the UK and Europe.

The look of the renowned ee-i-ee-i-o collection in a range of Funky planters adds a completely new look and feel to this category.

Harry the Hedgehog and Terence the Turtle were just a couple of the new items in their highly successful decorative sculpture collection that everyone was ordering.



Think Outside's functional sculptures are always strong – the new additions like the Silver Arrow, Outdoor Wall Clock and Golf Buggy Cooler sculptures also featured strongly in buyers orders.

The new offering of Elements planters gave a fresh new selection of planters from £5 up to £50, giving customers some great new styles at everyday pricing.  

For more information on the newest items for 2017 and receive some exciting new promotional offers contact Graham Miles at Think Outside on 07747801397 or visit www.thinkoutside.biz
No slip ups for Protek when it comes to exterior wood finishes


Wood finishing experts Protek, who supply wood finishes for ITV's Love The Garden, launched a brand new anti-slip decking finish at Glee...

Glee 2016 - TP 130916_GTN093.jpg

Wood finishing experts Protek, who supply wood finishes for ITV's Love Your Garden, launched a brand new anti-slip decking finish at Glee.

Director Ben Thornborough explained: "We've been supplying water based wood finshes for 30 years and now we have extended our range by adding Restol oil based finshes the newest of which is the Horva Anti Slip for decking."

Glee 2016 - TP 130916_GTN099.jpg

"It has an added natural UV extra that protects against the sun, as do the rest of the Restol range. They were very well recieved by existing an new customers at Glee."

Protek's Royal Exterior Wood Range is the finish of choice for ITV's Love Your Garden.  With 58 colours this high end product is ideal for centres to stock as you only have to physically stock the top 10 most popular colours, advertise the other 48 and when a customer buys any of them Protek will either ship next day to the centre or direct to the customer.

"Our Wood Preserver is also proving a good seller as it conforms to all of the latest regulations, as does our Stable Coat which has been developed in conjunction with the racehorse trainer Paul Nichols."
Growth through ideas and inspiration


Meadow View ticks all the boxes. Find out how...

Laura Ashley planters are a big hit for Apta


The Laura Ashley planters were a big hit on the Apta stand at Glee, with the company reporting wide interest in the premier range...



Founded in 1953, Laura Ashley has become one of the world's best loved fashion and home furnishing brands.

From humble beginnings when Laura and Bernard were inspired to print fabric at the kitchen table, Laura Ashley has become synonymous with serene beauty and design.

The brand has always been able to inspire and delight through its ability to capture the mood and trend of the moment.

These fabulous new Laura Ashley Planters are designed to appeal to gardeners of all tastes, and beautifully incorporate some of the brand's best known colours and patterns.

Mr Jones is a classic geometric design with historic influence. First launched into the range by Laura Ashley herself it became one of her most popular designs. In 2013 Mr Jones was relaunched in new colourways as part of the company's 60th anniversary collection.

Introduced by Laura and Bernard Ashley in the early 1970s, the Bramble Logo represents the British heritage embodied in the brand. The wild hedgerow plant has since become synonymous with Laura Ashley, a design classic recognised worldwide.

This elegant collection of garden planters bears the Bramble Logo and is available in a carefully selected palette of three ever popular Laura Ashley colours.
They're Houseplant Happy at Empathy


The team at Plantworks, producers and distributorsof the Empathy range of biologically active products including Rootgrow, had huge smiles on their faces every day at Glee after the launch of Happy House Plant...

Glee 2016 - TP 130916_GTN105.jpg

The team at Plantworks, producers and distributorsof the Empathy range of biologically active products including Rootgrow, had huge smiles on their faces every day at Glee after the launch of Happy House Plant.

Director of Sales, Mark Matthew told Glee Daily News: "Happy House Plant is our first product for the houseplant market. It is natural and sustainable.  The pack sells for £2.99 and that will feed a plant in a 5 litre pot for 6 months."

Helen Thomas, Technical Sales and Research added: "We've had a great response to the launch of Happy House Plant.  It will be a big Pick Me Up for houseplant sales."
Briers launches largest-ever licenced gardening collection


Quintessentially British designs form the beautiful patterns on Briers’ largest-ever licensed gardening collection...



Quintessentially British designs form the beautiful patterns on Briers’ largest-ever licensed gardening collection.

Affordable pricing is key and this range certainly does not disappoint.

Briers has selected a design partner who is recognised in industry awards and already successful with a number of established brand partnerships.

Julie Dodsworth is a renowned artist who paints and creates her original patterns on her canal boat – Calamity Jane - mixing her own colours through a traditional one paintbrush method. She mixes with just three colours for a simplicity that is the cornerstone of everything she creates.

Her designs are a modern yet respectful interpretation of a tradition craft with designs influenced by her canal boat and artisan lifestyle. Briers has selected her most popular creations to bring a beautiful and highly commercial range to life.

The pattern Flower Girl focuses on the beauty of the English rose for a design which is perfectly timeless and quintessentially British.

Whilst Orangery offers a sophisticated charm with its stylised florals, influenced by traditional narrowboat art and the flora of the waterways.
 
Over 60 NEW products selected for their superb cross-purchasing ability across:
  • Boots
  • Clogs
  • Boot bags
  • Socks
  • Goat hide gloves
  • Triple packs
  • Tool belts
  • Garden bags
  • Aprons
  • Casual and shopper bags
  • Hand tools
  • Tape measure
  • Hammer & screwdriver set
  • Torch
  • Kneelers
  • Tins, buckets & troughs
  • Tool box
  • Watering can
All of this can be supplied on a bespoke high specification wooden stand.

www.briersltd.co.uk
sales@briersltd.co.uk
+44 (0) 1963 269077
Sweeping success for self-watering Whitefurze planters


Buyers at Glee responded with enthusiasm to the new self-watering range by Whitefurze, with special acclaim for the company’s commitment to product development across many of its garden ranges...

Buyers at Glee responded with enthusiasm to the new self-watering range by Whitefurze, with special acclaim for the company’s commitment to product development across many of its garden ranges.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, the new Boston range features a self-watering system which guarantees a balanced water supply for optimum plant growth. A specially-designed insert tray in the base of each planter creates a water reservoir which keeps the soil moist; reducing watering intervals and keeping plants fresh and healthy even when regular watering is not possible.

Matching overflow saucers are available separately, making the pots suitable for growing flowering plants, herbs, fruit and vegetables.

“The versatile nature of these products will make them popular with consumers,” says Managing Director Philip Lanni.

“Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, the Boston range is ideal for establishing a growing area whether you have a garden, patio, conservatory or balcony."

The Coventry based manufacturer offered buyers an even wider choice as it strengthened its core gardening category. Brand new Blacksmith tubs were showcased in two sizes and the well-established Athens range was enhanced with the addition of four new planters.

“Glee is an excellent launch pad for new products,” says Philip Lanni. “We have historically embarked on major garden launches at the show and this has been a contributor to the success and growth we have experienced.”

The launch of new products wasn’t the only thing that had retailers talking about Whitefurze this Glee. The industry-leading plastic manufacturers turned heads with a bespoke, custom-made new stand which aided in promoting the products on offer and capturing potential buyer’s attention.

Whitefurze very successfully showcased a full range of items and reinforced the prospect of tailored products to garden retailers by exhibiting a selection of garden ranges in bespoke colours. The company also displayed a ‘specials’ bay with unique garden storage and carrying solutions demonstrating their manufacturing flexibility and capability.
Compass offers award-winning solution to garden centre catering

Catering outsourcing company Compass Group celebrated at Glee after winning the show’s New Product Award’s retail experiences and services category...



Above: Compass business development manager Ed Fletcher and development chef David Steel.


Catering outsourcing company Compass Group celebrated at Glee after winning the show’s New Product Award’s retail experiences and services category.

Compass deliver fully outsourced cafes and restaurants for retailers who choose not to run their own but want their catering to match the business’s quality offering and brand values.

“We call ourselves a ‘silent partner’,” said Compass’s business development manager Ed Fletcher, “because as far as the customers are concerned we are part of the garden centre’s own operation. Nobody is aware that it is outsourced.”

Compass takes full responsibility for all aspects of the client’s catering, including menu planning and development, employing staff, choosing suppliers and health and safety.

“One of the biggest benefits for our clients is that we can keep the offer fresh. Clients who run their own catering often don’t have the time or resources to do that but it’s a central part of our approach. We run it as if it were our own business.”

Increased average basket spend, dwell time and customer satisfaction are often achieved, as well as a significant concession return for clients.

More information: Ed Fletcher on 07775 950339 or ed.fletcher@compass-group.co.uk

A New Star from Creative Products


Creative Product's Star Magic Laser Light Shower will be sparkling over the outside of houses all over the UK this winter...

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Creative Product's Star Magic Laser Light Shower will be sparkling over the outside of houses all over the UK this winter.

Avaialble from Mid October their new Laser Light Show product will retail for £49.99.  "It comes with a spike or a stand fitting and a 10 meter lead, so it can easily be placed at the end of the garden to give a really great show," said Richard Booker of Creative Products.

Glee 2016 - TP 130916_GTN125.jpg

"Of course it comes with the usual Creative Products TV display unit, so sales will be high, especially in the run up to Christmas," he told Glee Daily News.


 
Frosts, Blue Diamond, B&Q, Gardensite and John Lewis are winners in the Glee Buyers Power List for 2016
The winners of the 2016 Glee Buyers Power List have been announced today (Tuesday) at the heart of Glee 2016 within the Inside Retail Theatre...
Full results and pictures
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The winners of the 2016 Glee Buyers Power List have been announced today (Tuesday) during an exciting awards ceremony at the heart of Glee 2016 within the Inside Retail Theatre.

From individual garden centre buyers to multiple retailer buying teams, the Glee Buyers Power List was launched one year ago to recognise and celebrate the many garden retail buyers who have gone ‘above and beyond’ to make a difference within the industry in the past 12 months.

Speaking at the Glee Buyers Power List awards ceremony, which was attended by retailers and suppliers alike, Glee’s Event Director Matthew Mein confirmed: “The Glee Buyers Power List was set up to recognise a key group of decision makers in the gardening industry who have often been overlooked: garden retail buyers.  Through this initiative, we are pleased to be able to celebrate and reward their hard work and dedication.  Our huge congratulations to all of the winners, the finalists and the many excellent shortlisted nominees.”

Glee, organised by i2i Events, launched its inaugural Glee Buyers Power List initiative to the market in 2015, coinciding with the continued period of change at development at the show.  The strong response from the industry since its launch has seen an increase in nominations year-on-year, with the shortlist for each of the five categories being a closely fought competition.  These shortlists were then opened up to everyone in the gardening industry, enabling them to cast their votes online for their top three buyers or teams in each category.

The winners and finalists were announced as follows:

Best Independent Garden Centre Buyer/ Buying Team

FINALISTS

  • Ayletts Nurseries
  • Bents
  • Brookfields Garden Centre
  • Codsall & Wergs Garden Centre
  • Longacres - John Connell
  • Chessington Garden Centre - Paul Smith
  • The Old Railway Line
  • Stephen H. Smith’s Garden & Leisure
  • Scotsdale Garden Centre

WINNER
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  • Frosts Garden Centre

Best Multiple Garden Centre Buyer/ Buying Team

FINALISTS

  • Tillington Group - Darran Oakley
  • Haskins Garden Centres
  • Dobbies – John Forbes
  • Wyevale Garden Centres

WINNER
Glee 2016 - TP 130916_GTN067.jpg

  • Blue Diamond Group

Best DIY/Builder Merchant Buyer/ Buying Team

FINALISTS

  • Jewson
  • Homebase - Sophie Taylor
  • Travis Perkins
  • Wickes

WINNER
Glee 2016 - TP 130916_GTN069.jpg

  • B&Q


Best Online Buyer/ Buying Team

FINALISTS

  • Amazon 
  • B&M Stores
  • GR Garden Retail
  • Internet Gardener
  • Primrose buying team
  • Wayfair - Rebecca Allsopp
  • Wayfair Outdoor Category Buying Team
  • YouGarden.com

HIGHLY COMMENDED

  • Dobbies

WINNER
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  • Gardensite

 

Best ‘Other’ Garden Retailer Buyer/ Buyer Team

FINALISTS

  • Aldi
  • Argos
  • B&M Stores
  • Ness Botanical Gardens
  • Poundstretcher
  • Tesco
  • The Range
  • Waitrose buying team

HIGHLY COMMENDED

  • Wilkinsons

WINNER
Glee 2016 - TP 130916_GTN076.jpg

  • John Lewis

 

Matthew Mein added: “I’d love to offer my sincerest congratulations to all those who were shortlisted, and also to this year’s winners. There is no doubt that you are all highly deserving of their commendations. Our thanks also to all of those that took the time to vote – your continued support of the awards is greatly appreciated.”
 
SkALE Greenwall wins Best Product at Glee
The team from Lows of Dundee were overjoyed when the innovative SkALE Greenwall was voted Best Overall Product at Glee...
The team from Lows of Dundee were overjoyed when the innovative SkALE Greenwall was voted Best Overall Product at Glee.

Lows are the sole UK distributor of the SkALE Greenwall, a product designed by Australian Edward Warburton who was at Glee on the first day of the show.

David Wrigley, International Product Sourcing Director of Lows, said: “It is fantastic to have won the New Product Award. Edward and I presented the case for the SkALE Greenwall to the panel of judges and we are delighted to have won the overall Best Product award. Unfortunately, Edward couldn’t be at the awards presentation but we made sure he knew of the win.”

SkALE is a new innovative vertical garden system. Its unique fish scale pattern of planting pods is just the start of the innovation in both form and function.

The product enables you to install your own greenwall. Now you can create amazing greenwalls, from traditional external settings to the highest grade designed interiors.

Pictured: Dave Wrigley and wife  Rosie, a director of Lows, alongside the winning product.

See the SkALE Greenwall on stand 19H51
 
Glee New Product Awards - Full list of winners
Ten ground-breaking new garden products have been confirmed as the winners of the coveted Glee New Product Awards 2015, including Wildlife World (pictured) who won the Wildlife and Pets category...



Ten ground-breaking new garden products have been confirmed as the winners of the coveted Glee New Product Awards 2015, with winning the Award.

The winning products were chosen by an expert panel of judges representing independent and multiple retailers, the media and international suppliers.

After initial judging of the 305 new products entered first thing the judges selected finalists in each category. Then, for the first time at Glee those finalists had the opportunity to meet the judges, answer questions and make a pitch to be chosen as the winner.

The winners were:

Retail Services and Experiences
Winner: Compass Group (stand 17U30)
Finalist:  Malcolm Scott Consultants (17T59)

Outdoor Entertaining
Winner: Cadac - Urban Chef (17Y26)
Finalists: CPL - Homefire Olive Briquettes (17V10) and Panacea - Vintage Beverage Washtub (19F60)



Garden Decoration
Winner: Smart Garden - Solar Daffodil (18K30-31)
Finalists: Fallen Fruits - Dog Bench (18H30) and Pot Pal - Classico (20A13)

Home, Gift and Clothing
Winner:  Briers - Julie Dodsworth Orangery Comfi Gardener Gove (19H05)
Finalists: Briers - Navy Neoprene Wellington Boot (19H05)  and JKS Creations - The Aquabrush (20B55)

Wildlife and Pets
Winner: Wildlife World - Simon King Brushwood Robin Nester (18M50)
Finalists: Petface - Memory foam and microfibre mattress (18M30 - N31) and Wildlife World - ground feeder range (18M50)

Garden Care - Growing Accessories
Winner:  Lows - skALE Greenwall (19H51)
Finalists: Burgon & Ball - Large Hip Trug (19C26-E27) and LBS - Flexigrow – (18L60)

Garden Care – Chemicals, Fertilisers and Growing Media
Winner: Block Blitz - Block Blitz (17R03)
Finalists:  Westland - Safe Lawn (19G20-H21) and Westland - Gro Sure Smart

Plants, seeds and bulbs
Winner:  Javado - Growing Light Bulbs (20C30)
Finalists: Channel Island Plants - Petunia Tumbelina Maria (NB33) and  Javado - Planted Wek Jar (20C30)

Tools & Machinery
Winner: Scotts Round Up Gel Wand (18M20-N21)
Finalists: Greenworks - 40 volt Cordless Garden Cart (19C30-E31) and NAP Brands - Black and Decker Snake Wand (17Y40)

Landscaping
Winner:  Decopak - Milano Porcelain Paving (20J30-K31)
Finalists: Cadix - Birdbath (20E26-F27) and Panacea - Decorative Landscape Edging 19F60 

Best of British
Joint winner: Pot Pals and Block Blitz

Going Green
Winner: CPL Homefire Olive Briquettes

Best New Product at Glee
Lows - skALE Greenwall

 
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Great British Cards raise £18,000 for industry charities
Giant cheques totalling £18,000 were presented to Greenfingers Charity and Perennial from the Great British Card Company from sales of its stunning ‘Floreo’ range of charity cards...
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Giant cheques totalling £18,000 were presented to Greenfingers Charity and Perennial from the Great British Card Company from sales of its stunning ‘Floreo’ range of charity cards.

The company’s card range provided a selection of 42 different designs, with 10p from each card being paid to both Perennial and Greenfingers Charity, the charity that creates gardens for children who spend time in hospices across the UK.

Chris Houfe, Sales Director of Great British Cards comments: “Our relationship with Perennial and Greenfingers Charity has been brilliant from the start, and our enthusiasm to create a card range specifically to support them evolved quite naturally.  Garden Centre retailers are a specialist trading sector for us, and ‘Floreo’ was able to gain impressive distribution countrywide, with consumers delighting in the fabulously colourful images and variety in design.  On the back of this success we’re launching twelve new designs at GLEE with an autumnal/winter feel.”

Carol Paris, Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association and Trustee of both charities was instrumental in bringing the partnership about. She comments: “This beautiful range of cards has been very popular with gardeners and has provided consumers with the satisfaction of knowing they are helping support two very worthwhile charities.”

Linda Petrons, Head of Fundraising at Greenfingers comments: “We are enormously grateful to the Great British Card Company and to Carol Paris for bringing this partnership together, and to all those garden centres who continue to support this fantastic fundraiser.  The money raised really will make a huge difference to the lives of so many children and families who spend time in hospices.”

Last year Greenfingers launched its ‘A Million Moments Appeal’, aiming to raise £1 million, over the next three years.  With the help of product promotions such as this, the charity is aiming to provide at least 5,000 children and their families that rely on hospices to enjoy spending precious time together outdoors.

 
Diarmuid Gavin congratulates MossOff
Diarmuid Gavin dropped by the MossOff stand and was pleased to hear all about the GIMA Seed Corn fund winner from Vivagreen.


Diarmuid Gavin dropped by the MossOff stand and was pleased to hear all about the exciting product from Vivagreen.

Photo  (above) shows Garrett Walsh and Russell Walsh, owners of Vivagreen welcoming Diarmuid to the stand and explaining why MossOff was such a success when it was trialled earlier this year in Ayletts.

A winner of the GIMA Seed Corn fund (pictured below), MossOff is in the Innovator Zone where the team for Vivagreen are also showing their range of other environmentally safe and responsible products.

 
Bord na Móna GroWise Fertiliser range launched
Bord na Móna UK is adding to its comprehensive peat to peat-free growing media and soil improvers range with the launch of a Bord na Móna Growise branded range of fertilisers...
Bord na Móna UK is adding to its comprehensive peat to peat-free growing media and soil improvers range with the launch of a Bord na Móna Growise branded range of fertilisers.

The new range comprises 18 new products in a selection of consumer-friendly pack sizes and formats, using innovative formats.  The launch follows the immense popularity of the brand’s growing media and soil improvers range launched in 2015 and considerably expanded at this year’s Glee.

The Bord na Móna Growise fertilisers range comprises Growmore, Fish, Blood & Bone, Bonemeal in 10Kg, 3.5Kg and 1.5Kg granules, Sulphate of Potash, Sulphate of Ammonia, Superphosphate, Sulphate of Iron, Epsom Salts in 1.5Kg powder form,  a 3.5 Kg granular formula of Lime, 10 Kg and 2.5Kg pellets of Chicken Manure, 7Kg, 3.5Kg and 900G granules of Slow Release General Purpose, 3.5Kg and 1Kg granules of Rose, Tree & Shrub, 1.5 Kg granules of Ericaceous, a Compost Maker, three types of All Purpose fertiliser and a 20 tablet pack of Water Retaining Gel.

Charles Farmer, Head of Sales UK said, “We have had huge success with our growing media and soil improvers range, and we have been frequently asked by our customers for a complementary fertilisers offer.  We are now bringing this exciting new range to market with the same quality, consistency and values that have proved extremely popular with customers so far.




Bord na Móna UK offers peat-based and peat-free growing media and soil improvers, primarily through garden centres nationally.  It is also the largest own brand supplier of compost and bark in the UK.  It is part of Bord na Móna plc, which specialises in renewable energy, horticulture, resource recovery and eco-fuels. 

The horticulture business is focused on the marketing and sales of growing media and other horticultural products to UK and Irish retail markets and also professional markets primarily in the UK, Ireland and Europe, where it provides innovative product and supply solutions to meet customer needs.  The business exports growing media products to over 30 countries and its goal is to become the leading supplier in the markets that it serves.

Retailers interested in working with the Bord na Móna Growise brand should contact 0800 973 555, email info@thegreenergardener.com or visit the website www.thegreenergardener.com.

 
CPL introduce the next generation biomass fuels
The Homefire Olive Briquettes created  lots of interest on the CPL Distribution stand. This totally new and innovative product is the result of extensive rearch by CPL.


The Homefire Olive Briquettes created lots of interest on the CPL Distribution stand. This totally new and innovative product is the result of extensive rearch by CPL.

People love burning firewood for the look, the feel and the environmental benefits but wish that it gave out more heat and last longer – in short they want firwood to perform more like coal.

With Homefire Olive Briquettes, CPL has developed a fuel that gives people the best of both worlds.

The Briquettes:
  • Burn 40% hotter than hardwood kiln dried logs
  • Lasts twice as long
  • 100% renewable
  • Made from olives
 
Bonningtons customer wins VIP trip to New York
Bonningtons customer Gary Singh, from Welch & Tidy Ltd, drew the star prize on the company's stand and won a VIP all expenses paid trip to New York.
Bonningtons customer Gary Singh, from Welch & Tidy Ltd, drew the star prize on the company's stand and won a VIP all expenses paid trip to New York.

Gary picked out the star prize in the 'prize cube draw' which was open to all visitors to Glee. 

Speaking after the win, Gary said that he was pleased to have won, especially as he has enjoyed such a long and successful trading history with Bonningtons stretching back almost 20 years.

"Ian and his team have a fantastic and varied range of products and their next day delivery gets me out of trouble every time! Their prices are always the most competitive, no one can really match them for value."

Ian Fisher said, "it's nice to show our appreciation to a long and loyal customer, it's partnerships like the one between Gary and Bonningtons that make our daily job a real pleasure!" He also confirmed that the prize draw will continue for the rest  of today and all day tomorrow. There are still plenty of other prizes to be claimed."



Pictured: Gary Singh receives his prize from Ian Fisher.
 
Training elves...that's our business
Summer may just be coming to an end but the team at Love To are already in the Christmas mood as they dressed up in elves' costumes for Glee.


Summer may just be coming to an end but the team at Love To are already in the Christmas mood as they dressed up in elves' costumes for Glee.

Brian Two, David Lovesy and Mike Holmes run an Elf Training Academy and have worked with award-winning garden centres like Frosts and Ruxley Manor.

At the Academy, the team run a one-day course that is designed for all those who are employed in or run Christmas grottos.

Brian and David are the creative force of Love To Ltd, and with their background in both performance and experience management they are ideally placed to offer practical advice.
 
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Fantastic new ranges from Petface


The stunning Petface stand had an amazing range of products with new launches in birdcare, collars and leads, pet bedding and toys...



The stunning Petface stand had an amazing range of products with new launches in birdcare, collars and leads, pet bedding and toys.

The birdcare range from Petface has been enhanced and can now be considered the most comprehensive in the marketplace.



Innovative design ensures that the new collars and leads are both functional and stunning to look at. They feature a new clip design and softer webbing.



The pet bedding is also stylishly designed with matching designs for bedding and bowls.



The toyz range is comprehensive with tough and robust products.

Choice Marketing celebrate success with Westland


Choice Marketing raised a glass at Glee to toast a successful first year trading with Westland Horticulture...



Choice Marketing raised a glass at Glee to toast a successful first year trading with Westland Horticulture yesterday.


The buying group celebrated a sales increase of 25% on core gardening on the Westland stand. Top selling skews for the group include Westland Multi-Purpose Compost with John Innes 60L and Aftercut All in One 400sqm.

Michelle de Lavis Trafford from Choice said: "We're delighted to be bucking the trend with 25% growth in core gardening in challenging market conditions. We're really pleased to be working with Westland."

James Mitchell, head of key accounts at Westland said: "After 10 years of working closely with the group we were delighted to win the contract last year. We've had a great first year and the sales with the group in the first year have been outstanding."
Deco-Pak’s sand offers full educational play experience


Already a popular favourite with retailers, Deco-Pak’s Play Pit Sand range was reinvigorated at Glee with a new product line that features additional on-pack and online content designed to help create the complete educational play experience. The product will also form part of the company’s charity drive for 2017...



Already a popular favourite with retailers, Deco-Pak’s Play Pit Sand range was reinvigorated at Glee with a new product line that features additional on-pack and online content designed to help create the complete educational play experience. The product will also form part of the company’s charity drive for 2017.

Unique among its contemporaries thanks to eye-catching colourful packaging with fun illustrations, the new Play Pit Sand features clear information on how to use the sand as well as examples for learning and sensory activities. 

Deco-Pak has also launched a special website to create further engagement and support for families, adding further value for money for the consumer.  Play Pit Sand is available in both 10kg and 15kg bags and is safe, non-toxic and fully tested for BSEN1177 impact absorption and BSEN71-3 chemical toxicity.

Deco-Pak’s Marketing Manager, Craig Hall, said: “Having experienced a large increase in demand for our original play sand this year, we wanted to reward our customers with a product that offers even greater value going into 2017.”

The new Play Pit Sand will be used to raise money for Greenfingers children’s hospice garden charity, with a special Glee pre-order promotion for retailers with delivery in time for Garden Re-Leaf Day (17th March).  The new product joins the existing range of coloured play sands, available in handy pack size (10kg) in blue, red and bright yellow. 

For more information, contact Deco-Pak’s sales office on 01422 204 394, or email via the form on the website, www.deco-pak.co.uk.

Gardena unveils mobile control system for watering and mowing



Gardena has announced its latest system designed to control irrigation and robotic lawnmowers via a mobile phone or tablet and an internet router...




Gardena has announced its latest system designed to control irrigation and robotic lawnmowers via a mobile phone or tablet and an internet router.

Part of a range of similarly-designed products, the innovative system features an intelligent Gardena smart Gateway, which communicates with the Gardena smart Sensor, the Gardena smart Water Control and the Gardena smart Sileno via a high-powered antenna. With the help of the free smart App for smartphones and tablets, connected devices can be controlled from anywhere and at any time: users can turn them on or off, check their status or change their configuration.

The smart Sensor produces live data, for example on soil moisture, outdoor temperature, and light intensity, making it easier for gardeners not only to plan when to mow or water their lawn, but to also adapt their routine to potential storms. The corresponding mobile app will be available free of charge for iOS and Android users, and will be continually updated with new features.

NEW watering solution for small gardens and roof terraces

Gardena have introduced hose and hose box in a new format for the simple and convenient irrigation of small gardens or on roof terraces.

The new Gardena Terrace Spiral Hose is a solution for the irrigation of mini-gardens and plants on balconies and terraces. The 7.5m hose retracts to ist original shape after use, for storage on a bracket integrated into the Standard Hose Connector, so it can be stowed neatly at the tap. It is available as a set with the original Gardena System Parts and Gun Nozzle. A set with the Gardena Watering Sprayer will also be available.

The new lightweight and compact Gardena Terrace Hose Box carries 10m of 11mm hose and has a fold-in carrying handle. Easily transported, it is equipped with a 1.5m connection fitting, the required original Gardena System Parts and a Gun Nozzle.

The new Gardena Adapter for Indoor Taps is ideal for users without outdoor taps.

NEW hand tools with improved ergonomics

Gardena has also introduced new Classic Hand Tools, new Comfort Hand Tools and new combisystem Hand Tools.

Hobby gardeners have placed their trust in The Gardena combisystem across more than 40 years. In order to make handling even more pleasant, Gardena has once again improved the ergonomics. Whether large or small tools, every handle is compatible with every tool, and is guaranteed to connect without wobbling. Gardena provides a 25-year warranty for these products.

A new ergonomically shaped combisystem handle, easily attached via a soft plastic screw, features soft plastic elements and a rounded handle end.

The new Gardena Classic Hand Tools and  Comfort Hand Tools both benefit from new, ergonomically shaped handles that lie perfectly in the hand, the former with angled handle ends to prevent slipping, and the latter with rounded handle ends that resist slipping, even when hands are damp. Both ranges have a Duroplast coating for a long life.

Pictured: Tobias M Koerner, Vice President Global Sales, and Sascha Menges, President Gardena.
 
WAGNER showcased new electric Fence & Decking Sprayer
WAGNER demonstrated their brand new ultimate electric Fence & Decking Sprayer designed for all solvent or water based wood preservatives, fence paint and wood treatment...



WAGNER demonstrated their brand new ultimate electric Fence & Decking Sprayer designed for all solvent or water based wood preservatives, fence paint and wood treatment.

Compared to applying wood treatment with a brush or pump sprayer the WAGNER Fence & Decking Sprayer system is quicker to use, gives better coverage and protects surfaces for longer.

Anyone who has tried coating a fence with a brush or manual pump sprayer will know what a slow and laborious job it is. With a WAGNER electric fence & decking sprayer you can get the job done fast. A typical 1.8m x 1.8m fence panel can be coated in less than two minutes.

It is not only fast but fun as well. So if you want to restore, protect or recolour wooden surfaces in your garden there is no easier way.

Coating surfaces with a brush leaves an uneven surface coverage with potential hairlines where the surface isn’t protected and therefore is vulnerable to deterioration from weather damage.  With an electric sprayer you can achieve a completely smooth coverage which is visually better and provides better surface protection which lasts longer reducing the number of times they need recoated.



In recent years there has been a real trend to introduce colour into gardens whether to give garden furniture an updated look, make an outside fence the equivalent of a feature wall or bring colour to a tired shed. Now transforming your garden and bringing it back to life has never been easier or quicker to allow you to enjoy your outside space again.

For more information see www.wagner-group.com/fencesprayer

STV key stockists lock in to increased profits


STV's new Key Stockist programme allows retailers to lock in to season-long pricing and boost their profit margins...



STV is uniquely focused on supply of pest control products to retail, with market-leading ranges covering all key categories backed up by unparalleled support, including shelf-planning and merchandising.

The company is are committed to ensuring that its retail partners get the best deals and its Key Stockist programme allows retailers to lock in to season-long pricing and boost their profit margins.

You can see the core ranges for key stockists on stand 1850L and discuss STV’s new margin escalator, which offers an incremental increase in profit margin for each core range of STV product stocked.

   

Karcher puts pressure washer users in Full Control
Leading cleaning specialists Kärcher returned to Glee with a host of new products for both indoor and outdoor tasks, including the upgraded Full Control range of pressure washers...


The world’s leading cleaning specialists, Kärcher returned to Glee with a host of new products for both indoor and outdoor tasks.

An exciting addition to the Kärcher stand for its 12th year at Glee was the as yet unreleased 2017 range, offering visitors the first glimpse of some of Kärcher’s standout innovations for next year.

They include the Full Control range of High Pressure Washers, Kärcher’s biggest innovation of 2016 and further upgraded for 2017, completing and one of the largest product redesigns the company has ever done.



Above: Lauren Cooper demonstrates the new K7 Full Control plus pressure washer.

These pressure washers allow the user to intuitively understand which pressure setting is the best fit for each job using a crystal-clear LED display.

Kärcher’s collection of best-selling products will also be on display, including the Steam Cleaner range that can kill 99.99% of household bacteria and the industry-leading Window Vac, which leaves windows streak-free with little effort required.

You can also see the unique new VC5 easy-to-manoeuvre upright vacuum cleaner and the ingenious Cordless Electric Broom.

Click here for more information about Karcher.

 
Retailers Choice is inspired by the Japanese art of origami and an opening seed
The Retailers Choice Award at Glee 2016, sponsored by the HTA, was won by Adam Christopher Design, 20E35, for their Kronen 65 planter...



The Retailers Choice Award at Glee 2016, sponsored by the HTA, hwas won by Adam Christopher Design, 20E35, for their Kronen 65 planter.

Kronen 65, by British design Adam Christopher, is a glass fibre reinforced planter that has been inspired by the Japanese art of origami and an opening seed. Kronen 65 is the result of the collaboration between Adam Christopher Design Ltd and manufacturer Carlos A S Godinho Ltd, it is the first in a line of products.

The Retailers Choice Award is voted for by visitors to Glee and was presented to Adam Christopher by Glee Show Director Matthew Mein and HTA Commercial Director Martin Simmons.

Adam Christopher said: "We've had loads of interest on the stand, retailers are very interested in stocking the product and the new range that is being developed.  We are really pleased to have been voted "The Retailers Choice."

GIMA 'Buyers Connect' proves popular


The GIMA 'Buyers Connect' speed networking sessions proved to be a very popular feature at Glee...



The GIMA 'Buyers Connect' speed networking sessions proved to be a very popular feature at Glee.

The sessions are for selected exhibitors to meet with show visitors for 10-minute slots.

The 'Buyers Connect' sessions took place in the GIMA Business Village.
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