Six buyers from across six garden retail channels were named yesterday as winners in the 2018 Glee Buyers Power List.

The Blue Diamond buying team won the Multiple Garden Centres category for the fourth year running.

Voted for by Glee exhibitors, the winners were:

• Best Supermarket Buyer – Waitrose
• Best High Street Buyer – The Range
• Multiple Garden Centre Buyer – Blue Diamond (pictured on cover page)

• Best Independent Garden Centre Buyer – Perrywood (above)

• Best Builders Merchant Buyer – Stax (above)
• Best Online Buyer – Primrose
•  

The growing trend for natural paving continues to feature in Borderstone’s product development strategy and the latest exciting introduction is their new GEOMETRICS range.

Granite is now a popular and fashionable choice for modern and contemporary outdoor landscaping projects and the demand for Borderstone granite cobbles has fuelled the search for new designs in this most practical material.

Granite is also low maintenance, highly durable and provides a non-slip surface. The new GEOMETRIC range includes a subtle mix of light and dark grey and is available in diamond and plank shaped slabs that can be laid in distinctive and stylish patterns.

Sarah Winn, Head of Marketing for Kelkay said “The Borderstone brand has come a long way from its roots in standard paving and this latest development is representative of the consumer demand for more exciting ways to style their outdoor spaces. GEOMETRICS is a very practical solution but it’s also a little braver in the style department!”

In line with all of Borderstone’s key ranges, GEOMETRICS will be supported in store with ‘see it used’ lifestyle POS and merchandising which compliments the existing range of granite paving.

To find out more about Kelkay  and their successful garden landscaping products, 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

For more information on The AMES Companies go to http://global.ames.com

Kelkay The Old Airfield, Heck & Pollington Lane, Pollington, East Yorkshire, DN14 0BA

Burgon & Ball today is respected as the UK’s oldest manufacturer of garden tools and accessories, and enjoys an enviable reputation for quality and innovation. And since the Sheffield-based company joined the Venanpri global family of the finest hand tool brands at the start of the year, it has also enjoyed the support of a multinational organisation with truly global reach.

Ruth Posey, head of sales at Burgon & Ball, says: “Joining the Venanpri group has allowed us to benefit from the expertise of a family of well-established, high quality brands, which are well-known across Europe and North America, and as a result we are operating more productively.

“Commercially, too, there are advantages; we are seeing exports of Burgon & Ball products increase, and of course we are able to bring the outstanding tools manufactured by our fellow Venanpri brands to the UK – extending choices for British garden retailers, and for their customers.

“The first of these, of course, is Corona, which is launching at GLEE this autumn. These exceptional tools, engineered for durability and performance, have been a byword for quality in North America since 1928; they’re a favourite with both landscaping professionals and keen gardeners. We are very pleased to be the exclusive UK distributor for this American heritage brand.”

The Burgon & Ball facilities in Sheffield, including the factory in Malin Bridge which first opened its doors in 1873, have seen significant investment under Venanpri, and commitment to the continuing manufacture of tools in the renowned steelmaking city remains as high on the agenda as ever.

The new Super Slice launching at Glee is hand-forged in the Sheffield factory. This excellent new tool extends the capabilities of the award-winning and top-selling Weed Slice. It’s superbly efficient at weeding larger areas, such as veg beds or even allotments, and it’s also extremely adept at weeding in the contemporary finishes used in today’s gardens, such as aggregates, which can prove a challenge for some other weeders.

With the backing of the Venanpri family of brands, and its finger as firmly as ever on the pulse of gardening trends, Burgon & Ball is set to continue growing on strong roots.

The Green Heart – Glee’s horticultural hub - has this morning awarded Golden Grove Nursery with the inaugural Best Green Heart Display award. 

Selected by judges Emma Coupe of Waitrose, and Batsford Arboretum’s Sue Burn, the new award was a hotly contested one, with many stands catching the judge’s eye. However, it was Golden Grove that took home the title in 2018.

Golden Grove’s stand was selected for its ease of translation into a retail environment, the quality of product, and the eye-catching POS and display ideas incorporated.

The award was presented to Golden Grove’s Roger Ward, by Glee’s Event Director, Matthew Mein, Richard Newton of Woodlodge - the Green Heart’s official merchandising bench supplier, and Neil Gow, Glee’s Green Heart Special Project Manager.

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director, said: “Our congratulations to Golden Grove. Plants remain the heart of garden retailing, and displays such as this one continue to set the standard. Thank you also to our judges for giving up their valuable time and insight, and also to Woodlodge for its continued support of the Green Heart.”

Featuring more international companies than ever before, the Green Heart is home to brands such as The Bransford Webb Plant Company, Javado, Armlee Nurseries, Darby Nurseries, Morley Nurseries, Farplants, Craigmarloch Nurseries Ltd, John Richards Nurseries Ltd, Lovania Nurseries Ltd, Porters Fuchsias, Lowaters Nursery, The Plant Yard, Wyevale Nurseries Limited, Florna Plants,  Viking Nurseries, Chamberlain Nurseries, Hawkesmill Nurseries co Ltd, Philip Sonneville, Anglo Aquatic Plant Company, Dataflor, Deforche Export, Helleborous (Wilgenbroek), Herbachef, VDW Plants, Wharton Nurseries, and Worfield Plants - all coming together to create the strongest display of new plant varieties and inspiration for plant buyers and retailers looking to develop both their indoor and outdoor plant offering in the coming season.

Meadow View Stone will be unveiling a collection of Porcelain Paving, Decorative Chippings and Gravels and new POS on their stand at Glee.

Porcelain Paving is becoming increasingly popular due to the products great versatility which offers a virtually maintenance free paving solution.  Porcelain is also frost and stain resistant, is extremely consistent in its colour and finish quality whilst being naturally slip resistant with its finely textured surface.  Available in four on trend colours in a 600 x 600mm slab size, this new product category delivers great opportunity for high value sales. 

The larger slab sizes deliver a more contemporary feel to the product, which is not without complications due to the difficulty in handling heavy and awkward products of this size in store, with the increased potential for breakage or damage. 

However, Meadow View Stone have alleviated any potential issues of damage or breakage that could occur by providing a direct drop ship service to customers.  This ultimately relieves the need for stock holding or handling with customers only requiring limited space to display their new fully merchandised display stand to promote this new product collection.

A further selection of decorative aggregates, chippings and gravels will also be available which will further enhance the range and provide a good strong mix of core commodity products that can be sold on price, alongside more new and exclusive products.

The focus of the stand will be on the New POS which is due to be unveiled after its initial testing at a selection of stockists where it has already proved a great tool for sales growth. 

Customers are invited to come and see the new product collections and Point of Sale merchandising on Stand 19C30-D31.

La Hacienda’s focus for 2019 is simple – to drive and expand the outdoor heating and garden décor categories through genuine innovation and excellent service.

“We’re celebrating 30 years of trading with even more innovation and new product as well as exciting new merchandising and POS for our wide range of garden leisure products,” Simon Goodwin, Category Product Manager said.

“We are excited to be providing effective and efficient solutions to our customers through superior execution of merchandising and display services. Our merchandising solutions are designed to help garden centre customers increase traffic, increase customer loyalty and ultimately increase sales,” Mr. Goodwin said.

“Our head office team continues to deliver excellent customer services from our base in Gloucestershire, and for the new season they’ll be supported by the new sales agent team in the field. Both teams are dedicated to bringing our customers an exceptional level of service and building strong partnerships.”

As well as providing excellent products and service, their recognised brand and exceptional reputation will help you to establish, build and retain high volume sales with consumers who associate La Hacienda products with quality, happiness and great memories.

Don’t settle for anything less – inspire and excite your customers with the huge variety of options La Hacienda have to offer.

“Thank you to all our valued customers for your support over the past 30 years – We look forward to serving you in the next 30 years, and beyond!”

Visit La Hacienda on Glee Stand 6N30-P31 and speak with one of their agents to learn about their not-to-be-missed GLEE ONLY special deals.

To find out more about La Hacienda and their market leading range of outdoor heating and garden accessory products, go to www.lahacienda.co.uk or email sales@lahacienda.co.uk

Leading lawn seed company Johnsons Lawn Seed has strengthened its portfolio further with improvements to two popular products at Glee 2018 – Shady Place and Luxury Lawn, to bring the greenest of grass to its customers.

These widely used bestsellers have been substantially improved with the addition of Johnsons’ innovative  Seedbooster™ treatment , a revolutionary two in one seed coating.   

Used in the professional turf market but now available to the amateur gardener, Seedbooster™ is applied to each individual seed, creating a parcel of fast and slow release nitrogen based fertiliser, resulting in more offshoots and a denser grass sward.  Seedbooster™ contains 10% nitrogen – at least five times as much nitrogen as the 1% to 2% found in other brands, meaning the lawn gets the nourishment at the root where it needs it the most.

Those that use a single application of either the improved Shady Place or Luxury Lawn seed will now benefit from a much more hardwearing and energised lawn, with the Seedbooster™ treated seed increasing the lawn thickness by up to 30%, compared to applying lawn seed on its own or with loose fertiliser.  The result - improved sowing rates, a reduction of fertiliser leaching by 50% and improved value for money for the customer.

Johnsons Shady Place is one of the company’s leading products. Ideal for creating luscious green lawns in shaded areas, under trees or next to high walls and hedges, the 2019 improved reincarnation will still  feature the original bestselling mix of Browntop Bent, Strong and Slender Creeping Fescue, Hard Fescue and Red Fescue; combined with the  advanced Seedbooster™ coating. 

Luxury Lawn will also retain its original selection of premium grass varieties, with the 2019 mixture providing optimum growth with the added Seedbooster™ coating, whilst harmlessly deterring  birds and other animals.

The refreshed Johnsons products will also be supported with new packaging, designed to signpost the Seedbooster update and enhance in-store visibility.

Guy Jenkins, Consumer Manager at Johnsons Lawn Seed said; “The addition of our unique Seedbooster coating will further cement Shady Place and Luxury Lawn as leaders in the market and drive Johnsons forward as the most trusted lawn care brand.  With the addition of the Seedbooster coatings, we’ve made both products more effective, but also more precise in their application, meaning consumers will get the lawn they want even quicker.”

Find out more

DLF/Johnsons Lawn Seed will be exhibiting at Glee on their stand B50-C51 in Hall 8.  For current product ranges from Johnsons Lawn Seed please visit http://www.johnsonslawnseed.com/product-range.aspx

The Laura Ashley range of planters has been proving very popular on the Apta stand on the opening days of Glee.

Laura Ashley's style is constantly evolving to remain distinctive and inspirational, evoking a timeless mood of peace and serenity.

The 2019 collection incorporates more of the brand's best known patterns and sees the introduction of traditional terracotta pots, additions to the award-winning Pelham glazed range and a beautiful design inspired by natural stone.

These elegant Laura Ashley planters are designed to appeal to gardeners of all tastes.

Glee has welcomed valuable networking, media appointments and business opportunities for Bord na Móna UK. New for 2018, the company has launched its Growing Media Academy and Raw Material Information Guide, providing retailers with all the essential training tools they need to become confident, knowledgeable brand ambassadors.

Steve Harper, Head of Commercial for Bord na Móna, said; “Glee is always a key date on our calendar, and our focus on the quality, responsible sourcing and sustainability of our products was of great interest to existing and prospective customers at this year’s show. Our Bord na Móna Growise trending specialist range of growing media, including Houseplant Compost, Orchid Potting Mix, and Cactus and Bonsai Compost, proved particularly popular due to their convenient 10L packs; while the premium Pro 5 All Purpose Compost also gained wide attention.”    

From all-rounder multipurpose to specialist ranges and innovative plant food, the reputation of the Bord na Móna Growise brand is built on consistently delivering the very best performing products, whatever the task.

High-quality benefits in the Bord na Móna Growise blend

• Packed with macronutrients for added strength
• Rich in micronutrients for healthy plant growth
• Excellent re-wetting properties for easy water management
• A stable pH for optimum results
• Good storage properties for season-long performance

Raising the game with Pro 5 performance

A trending product for Bord na Móna at Glee, the Pro 5 All Purpose Compost is a real innovation in the premium multipurpose compost category. The carefully crafted, professional grade formula includes a blend of high quality Irish peat and sustainable alternative ingredients, along with essential plant nutrients to produce a premium compost perfect for germinating seeds, growing on seedlings, tubs and baskets.

Meet the new team members

Bord na Móna UK is delighted to announce the addition of two new Business Development Managers, Alex Hryciuk and Tina Burrows, both of whom joined the wider team at Glee to meet with new and prospective customers for 2018/19 and beyond.

Alex is a qualified horticulturist with 15 years of sales and commercial experience, and has joined Bord na Móna UK from Glendale to cover the South East region. A keen marathon runner and family man, Alex is looking forward to his new role. He said; “It’s a very exciting time to join Bord na Móna as I could see the vast amount of work which had been going on in the background, both with the product range and service to their customer base, and was therefore an easy decision to be a part of it.”

Having previously worked for Wyevale Garden Centres for a number of years, Tina was keen to continue working within the garden centre sector. An experienced retail and sales professional, she has joined the Bord na Móna UK team to cover the South West. She commented; “My background is in retail, and I have a real eye for detail. The Bord na Móna Growise brand was something which really excited me, and it’s a sector I find particularly enjoyable.”

To find out more, visit: Stand 20U30-V31 at Glee and www.thegreenergardener.com  

There was a high degree of positivity emanating from the Petface stand at Glee with news of great plans and great achievement since the brand was acquired by Leisuregrow.

So much has been achieved in the 83 days since the acquisition as the company’s Wayne Stevens explained.

Here are some of the achievements:

• 7,000 pallets moved from two locations into the Leisuregrow distribution centre within 10 weeks.
• 60 shipping containers paid for and delivered 182 SKUs from the port into the company’s distribution centre in eight weeks.
• 90% availability – 1,120 SKUs in stock from a LIVE range of 1,245 in our national distribution centre.
• Did not stop trading for a single day to endeavor to maximize supply continuity to its customers .
• £3.2m UK stock on hand for customers to order from Leisuregrow Products.
• £6.2m stock on order – open purchase orders placed with its global supplier base with containers on the water.

It is a success story at stand #20Z30 for leading trade supplier of quality timber garden products, Zest 4 Leisure at its sixth consecutive year exhibiting at the Glee tradeshow.

Award winning, Zest 4 Leisure is currently showcasing its wide range of exciting new and existing timber garden products at the NEC in Birmingham for Glee 2018.

Head of Zest 4 Leisure, Alwyn Williams says:

“I am delighted to say that we have had another successful Glee show. This is our sixth consecutive year exhibiting at Glee and the hard work in gearing up for this tradeshow is always worth it.

“Not only do we have the benefit of showcasing our new and bestselling products as well as announcing our new business plans but tradeshows such as Glee allow us to meet our customers and therefore take the opportunity to discuss our products and ideas.

“Zest 4 Leisure’s aim is to continually improve upon our successes with new concept products like our Noah’s Arbour, as well as responding to customer feedback with range extensions of existing customer favourites and bestsellers.”

Zest is showcasing a host of innovative new products from stand #20Z30 at the NEC in Birmingham. In addition, the company is profiling its wide range of outdoor timber garden products - from matching outdoor furniture comprising of a range of seating options, to arches and arbours, to an interesting variety of summerhouses.

Zest 4 Leisure has established itself as a successful timber garden product manufacturer and supplier. Zest 4 Leisure’s garden furniture is low maintenance, and will stand the test of time with a 10-year guarantee against rot. The timber used is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Managing Director, Steve Morgan says:

“We have received some really positive feedback about the Zest products on show. So far, of the new products, the Noah’s Arbour and the Christina Set are proving particularly popular.

“The team will now be preparing for the 2019 season, ensuring our business operations and customer service is tip-top.

“2018 has been a busy year with a new site, new systems, and new personnel. We believe that it is important to continue to invest in our business and focus on our long-term business development plans.”

Visit Zest 4 Leisure during the final day of the Glee tradeshow on stand #20Z30 to see its timber garden product range and to learn more about the company’s future development plans.

For more information about Zest 4 Leisure, which is based in North Wales, visit http://www.zest4leisure.co.uk. You can keep up to date with company news via Twitter: https://twitter.com/Zest4Leisure and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zest4Leisure

A great start to the Autumn bulb selling season is being reported by Taylors Bulbs customers at Glee.

Adam Taylor told Glee Daily News; “where centres have given bulbs plenty of space and great displays they are getting superb sell through already. After the hot summer it really looks as though we will have a proper Autumn planting season this year.

"We have been busy with replenish sales both here at Glee and back at the office.  There are plenty of bulbs still available over a good range of varieties.

"Look forward to seeing more people on the stand in Hall 6 (6N03).

Extra large novelty amaryllis bulbs proved a big draw to the Taylors Bulbs stand (6N03) on day one of Glee.  The supersize bulbs are the biggest Taylors have ever brought to the show and are true showstoppers, just as amaryllis are about to hit the shop floors of garden retailers nationwide. 

“Amaryllis sales have grown consistently year-on-year, driven largely by the increase in popularity of the Taylors Premium amaryllis gift boxes” said Adam Taylor, director of Taylors Bulbs.  “These extra-large bulbs are certainly catching the eye of discerning garden retailers.”

Also on offer from Taylors are other large bulbs including Allium ‘Globemaster’, Amarcrinum (a cross between Amaryllis and Crinum), Urginea (Maritime Squill) and the giant spiderlike Eremurus (Foxtail Lilies).  The giant Eremurus have become a highlight of the Taylors stand at recent Glee shows and commonly feature in Hallowe’en displays in garden centres.

Autumn bulb sales are reported to have made a strong start for many garden centres. Adam Taylor said: “We have heard that many customers achieved strong sales in early August sales and with the peak weeks now in full swing, the reports continue to be positive.  Despite the growing year, we still have plenty of stocks of many bestsellers and a good assortment to maximise any opportunities for replenishment. After the dry summer, I am hopeful of a good autumn planting season for spring flowering bulbs.”

Taylors are also showing their added value gift range in a new display style, and speaking to all customers about seed potatoes for Spring 2019.

It has been an amazing few months for GIMA Award winners Primeur with the coming now picking up two Glee honours, including Best New Product at the show.

Managing director James Keighley said: "We're absolutely delighted. It has been a roller-coaster ride over the past few months but in a great way.

"Picking up the GIMA Award was unbelievable, and now to be crowned Best New Product at Glee is fantastic."

Primeur are showcasing  their Eco-friendly Garden Products alongside a new and exciting range of Doormats at Glee.

As well as a new stand and new products, they will also be promoting a selection of new display concepts.  The new merchandising solutions for the garden range will allow customers to house products in multiple store locations and bring displays inside. 

New wooden display stands are available for both stepping stones and borders.  The stands will allow stores to display these products inside without taking up too much space and allowing for year round sales.  They can also be displayed outside or there is still the option to take mixed pallets for outdoor displays.

Westland says re-formulated products in its New Horizon growing media range, launched at Glee yesterday, represent an unprecedented breakthrough in peat replacement technology.

The company unveiled its BIO3 additive which, in combination with coir and the well-established wood-based West+ ingredient, have produced a growing medium whose appearance, texture and performance was enthusiastically received in consumer research.

The new range is the culmination of an 18-year research programme and £35m investment in a search for sustainable alternatives to peat with outstanding performance.

Westland says performance was the number one target during development. “BIO3 is the compost for the next generation,” said the company’s Simon Mcardle. “It combines wood, premium quality coir and bio fibre to deliver one of the highest quality composts on the market, that just so happens to be peat-free.”

The New Horizon BIO3 range includes All Plant Compost, All Veg Compost and Tomato Planter, all in eye-catching new packaging.

Block Blitz is back at Glee for a third time with their biggest stand to date and has already had a great response to its showcase of new products. Visitors to Stand 20U70 have been showing a lot of interest in their new range of hassle-free paving treatments.

The company’s new Block Blitz for Artificial Grass has been going down well with lots of interest from retailers. The new 3 in 1 treatment self-cleans and sanitises artificial grass keeping it clean and germ-free. The treatment is not harmful to pets or people and is applied by dissolving the product in water and spreading over the area. Block Blitz have also launched a 1 litre spot treatment spray version of the treatment which can be used to spot clean areas of grass that have been soiled by pets.

Other new products include Block Blitz Multi Pave, which can be used on paving slabs, tarmac drives and decking to deter algae moss and weeds and protect from the sun whilst cleaning the area, and Block Blitz Paving Sand, a new ‘top up’ paving sand, which will keep paving joints clean and deter weeds and moss.

Block Blitz founder, Dave Moore explains, “This is our third year at Glee with our biggest stand and product range to date and we’re thrilled with the response we have had so far to Block Blitz and our new products. We’re excited to continue to spread the word throughout the rest of the show and hope to come away with even more interested stockists.”

Interested retailers should visit Block Blitz on Stand 20U70 at Glee. For further information, contact the company on 01302 246 451 or email enquiries@blockblitz.co.uk. You can also visit their website at www.blockblitz.co.uk.

Gardman’s vibrant and eye catching stand has been attracting plenty of attention from of buyers, giving the company a great first two days at Glee.

With the launch of Moulton Mill carbon steel tools and a complete range of premium cutting tools, Gardman has a fantastic range of core products. The beautiful Butterfield Collection and EdenBloom artificial ranges are a great way to add colour in an instant – you can’t miss them on the stand.

Cole and Bright showcases a new Dual Power range in outstanding premium packaging and Gardman Wild Bird Care, the UK’s No.1 bird care brand, has lots to offer, including great FSDU solutions.

There are 23 market beating concepts and the company is urging visitors not to  miss its Glee Mega Deals.

Gardman is in Hall 8 on stand D40-F41.

Making its industry debut at this year’s Glee, the latest new product innovation from the UK’s number one weedkiller brand, Roundup®, has been well received by visitors to the show.

The first non-glyphosate weedkiller for the brand, Roundup® Speed Ultra will further bolster Roundup®’s existing range of market leading products. Still tough on weeds, Roundup® Speed Ultra is a fast acting solution that will deliver visible results within one hour of application and the new formulation allows for replanting as soon as the next day.

Evergreen Garden Care, now in control of the creative license for the brand, believes that Roundup® Speed Ultra is a direct result of the need to diversify its weedkiller offering, providing a wider choice for both retailers and consumers alike.

The introduction of this no glyphosate range means that anyone with a weed problem can quickly and efficiently target weeds in those tricky areas.

Janne Hansen, Controls Category Manager at Evergreen commented: “We are pleased to announce the launch of Roundup® Speed Ultra, which will further enhance the brand’s No. 1 position in the market. Whilst continuing to support our wide range of highly effective glyphosate weedkillers, we also recognised that there was a need to diversify our product offering to provide a wider choice of formulation for consumers. Roundup® Speed Ultra is the result of that and one that we are highly confident will be as popular as the rest of the Roundup® range with both consumers and retailers alike.”

Roundup® Speed Ultra will be available in 1L and 3L bottles and will be supported with TV advertising and cut-through POS in-store throughout 2019.

For more information visit www.roundup-garden.com.

‘The Heritage Collection’ was launched at Glee 2017 - a unique selection of high end planters developed in association with English Heritage, the high-profile charity who care for over 400 historic sites, buildings and monuments.

The Heritage Collection is inspired by History. Each planter incorporates a period design feature found at an English Heritage property, such as the Tudor Rose motifs on fireplaces at Dover Castle in Kent and detailing on statues at the gardens in Wrest Park in Bedfordshire.

Initial models were available in Terracini and Clayfibre. Whilst both are hardwearing and frost resistant materials, they offer very different looks; Terracini is a harder wearing variety of Terracotta whilst the eco-friendly Clayfibre provides an authentic, faux lead finish. A variety of sizes and shapes will be available, from a 27cm classic box to a tall 80cm square.

The latest addition to the range is the Osborne Urn, a 32cm high cast iron urn in a rust finish inspired by Osborne House. With an RRP of £45 and discounts available for larger orders this is a unique traditionally styled piece.

As with the entire Pot Company range, planters can be ordered individually or in nested sets and pallet combinations. Good margins are on offer to the end retailer and increase with volumes purchased. Merchandising solutions are also available, including point of sale marketing material.

See the full range at The Pot Company stand 20W10-X11.

About the Pot Company:

The Pot Company have over 30 years’ experience in supplying garden industry professionals.  With over 30 ranges to choose from, The Pot Company give customers the flexibility to order whatever they want and only what they need. Ranges include contemporary, rustic and traditional styles from value lines to high end items. The Pot Company stock over 250,000 pots at their warehouse in the Kent countryside and have established a rapid fulfilment delivery network.

About English Heritage

English Heritage cares for over 400 historic buildings, monuments and sites - from world-famous prehistoric sites to grand medieval castles, from Roman forts on the edges of the empire to a Cold War bunker. Through these, we bring the story of England to life for over 10 million people each year.

Much loved garden brand Briers have extended their ever-popular Kids range with the addition of a brand-new selection of play tents and a series of ‘Paint Your Own’ for the garden industry.

The two new ranges reinforce Briers’ ethos of encouraging kids to get outside, learn and play. For retailers, it represents a great opportunity to offer on-trend Kids collections at really competitive price points.

Briers’ Play Tents Collection is showcased in their Kids collection signature colour scheme and suit a variety of children’s play times. Suitable as a den indoors or outside there is the Playhouse (RRP £19.99) and Teepee (RRP £17.99). A way to link the two or as a great hiding place is the Play Tunnel (RRP £15.99) and for extra fun is the domed tent with 100 balls (RRP £29.99).

The Paint Your Own sets encourage kids to get creative at home and in the garden. Give garden birds a home and something to drink with the Birdhouse (RRP £7.49) and the Birdbath (RRP £6.99). Add some style to your garden with some ornaments designed by the little ones with Gnome (RRP £5.99) or Animals set (RRP £6.99). Provide them the opportunity to grow from their own personalised pots (RRP £4.49) that come with 30 sunflower seeds to brighten up inside or out. Make telling the time imaginative with a Paint Your Own Clock (RRP £7.99).

These new additions provide the same quality and reliability to the compliance safety standards as the current hugely successful kids range and are available in new bespoke merchandising solutions. The stand concepts maximise sales and profits with their eye-catching appeal and compact footprint.

Come and see the new collections on the Briers stand at Glee 8D50-E51. To find out more information about the UK market leading range of gardening gloves, footwear and accessories, please visit www.briersltd.co.uk

On the opening day of the show Neudorff revealed the new names and designs for its bestselling weed and bug killer ranges to the industry.

The company’s glyphosate-free, systemic weedkiller range, which includes Fast Acting Weedkiller and Fast Acting & Long Lasting Weedkiller products, will now be known as WeedFree and the Pyrol Bug & Larvae Killer range will come under the BugFree name.

The new naming has been introduced after the successful launch of the innovative nematode range, which includes LeatherjacketFree, LawnGrubFree and the award-winning VineWeevilFree.

Speaking about the updates, Neudorff sales director, Jude Beharall said: “

Many products in the Neudorff range are certified by the Organic Farmers & Growers Association. For example, Sluggo Slug & Snail Killer uses Iron-III-phosphate, an active substance that also occurs in nature, instead of using metaldehyde. The WeedFree range is biodegradable and completely glyphosate-free, using pelargonic acid, which does not accumulate in the soil. BugFree Bug & Larvae Killer is free of neonicotinoids and the range of liquid and solid organic fertilisers is made of 100% natural ingredients.

Neudorff has always been proactive in developing products that have as little impact on the environment as possible. It is one of the very few companies worldwide to develop its own plant protection and care products, which are tested independently across Europe to confirm their efficacy.

For more information visit www.neudorff-trade.co.uk or call 0121 767 1821.

Reflecting on the first day of the show, National Sales Manager Dave Gibbs said:
‘Glee 2018 is already our most successful show to date. The launch of Suburban Stone has been phenomenal. We were always confident that offering premium-quality products at competitive rates would be attractive to the garden centres- we could have never imagined the uptake that we have received. I have put this down to our new diverse offering, fantastic presentation and ongoing development of our devoted team’.

Vital Earth Sales Ltd (previously a horticultural focused business) has generated huge interest since presenting 31 new Suburban Stone products to key garden centre buyers. The buyers love the diversity of the new product range being offered at Vital Earth Sales Ltd, as well as the fact that the products are sourced, packed and distributed by us.

Other new launches included the release of new Winter Fuel products such as Burnbrite House & Smokeless coal additions. Coal orders can be mixed with decorative stone orders if required. Whether it is traditional house coal or smokeless fuel, they offer a solution for every solid fuel appliance. All of our coal products are either mined or manufactured within the United Kingdom.

North East & West sales representative, Shannon Bee, quoted:
‘I have been employed by Vital Earth Sales Ltd from conception and still carry the same commitment, which is to offer products that require regular replenishment at prices where my accounts can retain more than healthy margins; whilst ensuring products are delivered on time, every time’.

At Vital Earth Sales Ltd we ensure that all our green compost range is peat-free and free of harmful chemicals; making perfect garden products. SupaGrow’s Organic Garden Compost is designed to improve the quality of existing soil- perfect for mulching uses and planting. Likewise, the Enriched Topsoil and Peat Free Multi-Purpose Compost are perfect for beds and borders, as well as lawns and for general garden uses. New to the range, we have added our Farmyard Manure; rich in organic matter and perfect for soil conditioning.

Vital Earth Sales Ltd have a number of fantastic Glee exclusive offers this week, such as full load specials of Peat Free Multi-Purpose Compost 50l, Farmyard Manure 50l and Organic Garden Compost 50l. Ensure to call by our stand for light refreshments and a super Glee deal!

All standard deliveries operate on our new large fleet of dedicated artic curtain-sided vehicles. However, we are able to accommodate 18tonne or 7.5tonne vehicles for sites with difficult access; resulting in a fast and efficient delivery service. Vital Earth Sales Ltd are proud to offer a next day delivery service and can react promptly to all our customers’ needs and requirements. When placing an order with us you can expect a premium-quality product which is safely delivered direct to your site, in full and supplied on-time.

Power washing is an accepted short-term solution to a dirty patio, but can also lead to further problems down the line. Whilst this cleaning method will remove surface dirt, when the stonework is older than 3 years, instead of revealing a sparkling new patio it will start to reveal ugly ‘black spots’.

Patio Black Spots are caused by microscopic lichen spores, that feed off the minerals in the stone and put down fibrous roots, anchoring themselves like limpets and then blooming on the surface as black spots. Pressure washing then becomes futile and intensive washing can dislodge the pointing and cause damage to the surface of the stone.

In addition, most proprietary patio cleaners will remove green algae, but can take weeks to work and rely on dry weather. Equally they have no obvious effect on black lichen.

However, help is at hand! The Patio Black Spot Remover and Preventer System doesn’t just remove those hideous patio black spots but also prevents their return! Exhibiting at Glee 2018 on stand 6L80-M81,

The Patio Black Spot Removal Company will be launching a new product this year with ‘monumental’ performance, capable of being applied to vertical surfaces such as statues and garden ornaments.

www.patioblackspotremoval.com

After a very busy first day at GLEE, RockinColour strongly believe from the visitors they’ve had on their stand that there is a real need and opportunity to add something new and fresh to the decorative aggregates category in the UK for retailers.

Jamie Stevenson, RockinColour Director says: “We feel that in the ‘dec aggs’ category RockinColour can have a big impact and provide retailers something new to offer their customers. The vibrant colours on offer also work and sell with existing natural gravels as they complement each other. We recommend setting up a small display to show customers how to use the stone. And where this has been done, retailers have had great success launching and selling pallets worth of RockinColour, while complementing natural stone sales”.

The team at RockinColour will be happy to discuss success stories and best practice on how to set up and sell RockinColour in your retail space.

To find out more about RockinColour, visit: www.rockincolour.com and stand 19C40 at GLEE.

Treadstone Products, which offers a wide range of branded gardening accessories, is launching its innovative Clip Glove product at GLEE (stand 6U75) and showcasing a bespoke merchandiser on the stand demonstrating the new range’s eye-catching styling and quirky features.

The Wrexham-based business is excited to be unveiling its Clip Glove range which offers a new take on garden gloves with built in professional DNA and a touch of genius.

In a joint venture with Jiangsu CLS Technology Corp, who are a major supplier of Safety Gloves, Treadstone’s Clip Glove offers gardeners gloves that don’t just look good but offer great performance and protection. The addition of an aluminium carabiner clip to keep them together when being displayed or stored away by the gardener means no more lost gloves too! Simply clip them to a belt or garden bag or hang them in the shed until needed again.

Shop floor impact and space efficiency

Providing high impact and space efficiency, the Clip Glove main range display unit holds the complete collection of 20 Clip Gloves in two sizes and takes up less than 0.4m2 of floor space. The panels feature informative graphics to help the customer select the correct glove as well as a clever sizing guide for both men and women. A specially designed hook system prevents the Clip Gloves falling off the spinner even when fully loaded. The unit holds 240 pairs of Clip Gloves and 48 packs of replacement clips.

No more torn header cards

As well as providing the gardener with a great way to keep their gloves together when not wearing them, the clever carabiner clip is a great merchandising tool too. The clip holds the pair of Clip Gloves together in store, so no more header cards, and allows the customer to try both gloves on without removing the clip, no more torn header cards! Genius.

The Right Glove

To complement the Clip Glove full range display unit, Treadstone is also offering ‘The Right Glove’ merchandiser concept, which features seasonal gloves for volume sales opportunities throughout the year with SRP’s from £3.99. The merchandiser is provided free of charge with a combination of 144 assorted pairs.

Head of Brands, Dean Winters explains, “Visual merchandising plays a vital role in the customers’ shopping experience and we are keen to provide retailers with everything they need to maximise consumer appeal on the shop floor.

"The new Clip Glove merchandiser enables the retailer to create an engaging display whilst maximising stock capacity and the gloves’ clip design helps to keep the display unit much tidier too.”

With exclusive distribution of a number of internationally recognised brands in the garden sector, Treadstone Products is one of the leading suppliers of garden products to garden centre chains and independents.

Retailers interested in working with Treadstone can find out more by visiting the company at GLEE (stand 6U75) and should visit www.treadstoneproducts.com or contact the company on 01978664667 or email sales@treadstoneproducts.com

Must sees’ for this year’s exhibition.

The Brilliant Flex-Fill Tubs and Trugs range. In 4 sizes - 15, 28, 42 and 60 litre sizes in an amazing 9 great attractive colours. With a display stand designed to capitalize on retail space while taking the minimum of floor space and maximising profitability.

Another is the Stainless-Steel fence and gate hardware. This range is a winner! Manufactured from A4/316 Stainless Steel this strong, reliable, weatherproof and corrosion resistant range combines the unmistakeable look and feel which only stainless steel can give, with superior protection against salt and rust corrosion. Speak to the team about our great POS wall boards.

Don’t forget to look for the Decking accessories. Chain, Decking Rope, Rope Hooks, Handrail Brackets, Fixings and Fasteners – the complete range for decking. Plus, great POS – two styles to meet the demands and make the most of your retail space!

Have you seen the Primus range of products? Make sure you don’t miss out. One of the great Perry brands. Primus specialise in unique, quirky and eye-catching gifts for the home and garden

GET READY FOR THE NEW CRAZE – MEET THE BOBBLE BUDDIES CREW from Primus

Cute, adorable, charming and delightful, with lifelike colours and “Bobbling” head, people are guaranteed to fall in love and want to adopt them all!

THE BOBBLE BUDDIES - MEET THE FAMILY

Sammy the Schnauzer, Billy the Bulldog, Darcey the Dachshund, Pablo the Pug and Bonnie the Basset Hound…

…5 of the cutest guys and gals you could wish to meet

Totally unique to Primus, The Bobble Buddies are guaranteed to be the New Craze for 2019

Perry brands are built on Quality and Performance, providing you with the best products, competitive prices and un-matched service.

From eye catching packaging and superb merchandising options all designed to help you sell more and maximise your profits.

With unrivalled support, Perry also offer you a dedicated account manager to help you select the best products to maximise your sales.

Head to Hall 6 and find us on Stand L20-M21 and see how your business can grow with Perry and Primus products and merchandising.

Wyevale Nurseries retail sales manager Colin Stanley says winning a Glee New Product award will hugely enhance the sales potential of its newest agapanthus introduction.

Agapanthus ‘Fireworks’, with its showers of bi-colour blue-throated white flowers, was voted best entry in this year’s plants, seeds and bulbs category.

“Retail buyers in the trade take a lot of notice of awards like this so we would expect to see it making a difference,” he told Glee Daily News. “Whether retailers then highlight it to consumers is another matter, but it should ensure the plant is widely stocked and displayed.”

Wyevale Nurseries is among the growers supporting the HTA-backed campaign urging a switch from black plant pots (which can’t be re-cycled kerbside) to taupe pots (which can) and is asking visitors to the stand in the Glee Green Heart area to take part in a survey to assess retail views about the switch. Wyevale Nurseries will be moving all its production into taupe pots next year.

It has been a great year for Garden Pride Marketing and the team have been sharing their plants to their Glee stand...

Who are Garden Pride Marketing and what do they do?
We are a family run Sussex based company who manufacture and import metal work for garden centres. Our products range from pot care, plant supports, baskets, brackets to accessories, giftware and Christmas Tree Stands.

How has the 2018 season been for you since the relaunch?
The relaunch at Glee 2017 has done wonderful things for our business. Not only are we still loving our new fresh new logo and brochure look but our customers are too. Our new labelling has been a big success and new designs of merchandiser stands are popular too. The 2018 season has been our best one yet, we have taken on a lot of new customers across the country and worked hard with existing customers to ensure our products meet there needs in every way.

Stephen, (Director) how are the new generation getting on since the hand over?
“Maxine and Luke have taken the business to new heights! They have worked so hard over the last year to ensure our products are always of the highest quality, to improve on delivery times and the ordering processes and to ensure we always have new product ideas in the pipe line, and although still working hard to continue to improve our product range and efficiency also found the time to get married!”

Maxine and Luke – How has the last year been for you?
“The last year for us has been a real journey. We have taken the solid foundations that were given to us and have worked hard every day to build on those. Our new 2019 product brochure speaks volumes for this when you see the expansions across our ranges and the new lines we have added for 2019. We have been working closely with our customers and really listened to what they want.”

So what does 2019 hold for Garden Pride?
2019 will see us continuing to work hard to develop our product ranges. Our aim is to continue to improve in every area of the business…We are so excited for the next 12 months and cant wait to report back at GLEE 2019!

Plantworks, manufacturers of rootgrow and RHS endorsed Empathy bio fertilisers, are exhibiting a new range of RHS Wild Bird Feed.

The range comprises 13 SKU’s including seeds, peanuts, meal worms, suet cakes and fat balls, servicing all the current trends in this sector in the UK.

The packaging, with the strong RHS branding, offers to garden centres the ability to display this premium range of products prominently for best retail effect.

Simon Taylor, Sales Director at Paintworks, says: "The interest in the range has been incredible, even though this is a well-covered sector the RHS branding really does influence buying decisions."

The full range will be available to order along with all empathy products and benefit from efficiency and consistency of supply Plantworks have become renowned for.

For further details contact Simon Taylor
07756846578
simon.taylor@plantworksuk.co.uk

Leading indoor pot supplier, Ivyline, has been spreading happiness throughout 2018 which has led to a fantastic donation of nearly £3000 to Greenfingers Charity.

Ivyline launched a range of “Happiness Teacups” which proved to be an instant hit with garden retailers and their customers.  The set of two set of two triple pack teacup planters, each with an adorable face and their own unique persona, are ideal for cacti, succulents, herbs and alpine plants, or simply as decoration within the home.

The teacups were launched at Glee last year, with large orders coming in immediately from large garden centre groups and thousands being sold across the country.  25p from every set sold has been going directly to Greenfingers to aid their work in funding, designing and creating magical, inspiring outdoor spaces in hospices for children to relax in and benefit from.

UK and Ireland Sales Manager, James Brindle at Ivyline presented Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers Charitywith a cheque for £2835.25 at Glee on Tuesday.

James said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Greenfingers and sales of the Happiness Teacups have been strong since their launch last year. The fun, quirky teacups appeal to both gardeners, as well as non-gardeners and are on trend in gardening today.  We are thrilled with the response to them so far and hope they continue to raise funds for Greenfingers’ precious work into 2019 and beyond.”

Linda commented: “The teacups have really put a smile on people’s faces and we are grateful that Ivyline has chosen to partner with Greenfingers on this fantastic initiative.  The money raised so far will certainly spread happiness to children and their families who use our gardens as a place of respite in hospices across the country.  We look forward to seeing how the sales continue to progress next year, which will help future gardens become a reality in 2019.”

Ivyline’s Happiness Teacups’ success and further fundraising for Greenfingers will continue following the announcement that Next will be taking on stock in the New Year.

If you wish to stock the teacups in your store, please contact your Ivyline agent for further information or contact Ivyline direct on 0844 8002214 or on sales@ivylinegb.co.uk.

Ivyline are exhibiting at Glee in Hall 20, stand 20Y30-Z31 and in the Retail Lab in Hall 19.  To find out more about Greenfingers Charity work, the Greenfingers team can be found on the HTA stand in Hall 19, stand no 19P69. 

Ten ground-breaking new garden products have been confirmed as the winners of the coveted Glee New Product Awards 2018, run in association with GTN.

The winning products were chosen by an expert panel of judges representing independent and multiple retailers, consumer gardening media and trade media.

After initial judging of the 330 new products entered first thing the judges selected finalists in each category. Then those finalists had the opportunity to meet the judges, answer questions and make a pitch to be chosen as the winner.

The results:

Garden Decoration

Winner: Smart Garden Products Ltd  (Wannabees)

Wildlife and Pets

Joint Winners: RSPCA (Slow Feeder Bowl); Westland Horticulture (Peckish Squirrel Proof Suet Pellets)

Outdoor Entertaining

Winner: Smart Garden Products Ltd (Lit Firefly Balloons)

Landscaping

Winner: Primeur Ltd (Recycled Rubber Stepping Stone Medallion)

Home, Gift and Clothing

Winner: Tilnar Ltd T/A Tilnar Art, Besmo & Mo-Home (Meg Hawkins Collection)

Tools & Machinery

Winner: Block Blitz Ltd (Block Blitz Big Blitz)

Garden Care – Chemicals, Fertilisers and Growing Media

Winner: Westland Horticulture (Deadfast New Rodenticides Range)

Garden Care - Growing Accessories

Winner Tildenet Gardenware (Haxnicks Bamboo Pots & Seed Trays)

Plants, seeds and bulbs

Winner: Wyevale Nurseries Ltd (Agapanthus Fireworks)

Best of British Award

Winner: West Country Soil Improvement Ltd (Bloomin Amazing)

Overall Glee Best New Product

Winner: Primeur Ltd (Recycled Rubber Stepping Stone Medallion)

With more new products than previous years, the Glee New Product Showcase, in association with GTN, was a focus for hosts of buyers as Glee opened yesterday morning as visitors headed to the stand in Hall 19.

Before the show opened, the panel of eight judges whittled the 330 plus new products entries across 9 categories down to the following 30 final contenders.

Garden Decoration

• Smart Garden Products Ltd | 60L50-R51 | Llama Rama
• Smart Garden Products Ltd | 60L50-R51 | Wannabees
• The Solar Centre | 20U44-V45 | Trueflame USB Solar Crook Lantern
• Greenkey Home & Garden | 7H80-J81  | Flamelights

Wildlife and Pets

• RSPCA | 19R12 | RSPCA Slow Feeder Bowl
• Westland Horticulture | 7G50-K51 | Peckish Squirrel Proof Suet Pellets.
• RSW International Ltd | 6S70-T71 | Fetch & Treat Ball Game

Outdoor Entertaining

• Burton McCall Ltd | 7K74-L75 | Thermacell Halo Mini 
• Smart Garden Products Ltd | 6L50-R51 | Lit Firefly Balloons
• Zest 4 Leisure | 20Z30 | Maisy Set

Landscaping

• Deco-pak | 20Y36-Z37 20Y40-Z41 | Lumi Pave
• Primeur Ltd | 19D10-E11 | Landscape edge
• Primeur Ltd | 19D10-E11 | Recycled Rubber Stepping Stone Medallion
• Smart Garden Products | 6L50-R51 | Solar Picket Fence

3:00pm Home, Gift and Clothing

• Burgon & Ball | 8E50-F51 | RHS Gifts for Gardeners 'British Bloom' collection – pocket pruner & holster set
• FallenFruits Ltd | 7F50-G51 | Plant Terrarium with tools
• Tilnar Ltd T/A Tilnar Art, Besmo & Mo-Home | 6S80 | Meg Hawkins Collection

Tools & Machinery

• Block Blitz Ltd | 20U70 | Block Blitz Big Blitz
• Burgon & Ball | 8E50-F51 | RHS-endorsed single-handed grass shear
• Gardman Ltd | 8D40-F41 7F40-G41 | Carbon Steel Large Shovel

Garden Care – Chemicals, Fertilisers and Growing Media

• Block Blitz Ltd | 20U70 | Block Blitz Mulit Pave Treatment
• Block Blitz Ltd | 20U70 | Block Blitz Block Shield
• West Country Soil Improvement Ltd | 19U14 | Bloomin Amazing
• Westland Horticulture |7G50-K51 | Deadfast New Rodenticides Range

Garden Care - Growing Accessories

• Tildenet Gardenware | 20U50 | Haxnicks Bamboo Pots & Seed Trays
• Vegepod | 8F75 | Vegepod Raised Garden Bed- medium
• Vegtrug Limited | 20Z50 | Grow Care

Plants, seeds and bulbs

• Javado |19G40-H41 | Ficus Mangrove Melany Petit
• Wyevale Nurseries Ltd | NB114 NB115 | Salvia
• Wyevale Nurseries Ltd | NB114 NB115 | Agapanthus Fireworks

Their sales pitches were made on the New Product Showcase area from 2-4pm.

Antony Harker, Managing Director for AMES UK welcomed senior executives from The AMES Company and parent company, Griffon Corporation, to Glee on Monday.

Simon Hupfeld is AMES Company CEO and Robert Mehmel is COO for Griffon Corporation (NYSE:GFF), a US public company with approximately USD$2billion in annual revenue.

Simon and Robert flew in from Australia and United States and spent Monday exploring the show and discussing their ambitions for AMES UK.

Antony said “AMES and Griffon have been hugely supportive and I’m delighted that Simon and Robert have made it a priority to visit GLEE this year. I think it demonstrates the opportunity they see in the UK market and just how serious they are about the group’s growth and expansion plans.

He went on to add “Our immediate focus for AMES UK is on ensuring we continue the development of our garden centre business, integrating the new categories of outdoor heating, garden décor and wooden garden structures. We are working hard to make it easy for our garden centre customers  to access the whole range, with the same merchandising, logistics and service levels they enjoy on their Kelkay business.”

Simon and Robert were both impressed with the professionalism and standards in evidence at GLEE which they believe reflects the significant potential in the UK garden market. They both confirmed their support and optimism for Kelkay and La Hacienda category development plans for 2019.

For more information on The AMES Companies go to http://global.ames.com

Glee has a proven track record of evolving and changing to meet the needs of the industry it represents. The latest update is a continuation of this theme, as it is confirmed that the 2019 event will take place on Tuesday 10th – Thursday 12th September.

The simple act of moving Glee one day later in the week has been decided upon due to increasing demand from the show’s retail visitors. Visitor trends in recent years have hinted at the popularity of the show days later in the week and following a period of consultation with both suppliers/ manufacturers and retail partners the move to a Tuesday – Thursday format has been confirmed.

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director, said: “Glee needs to adapt in order to be more responsive to the needs of our visitors. With Sunday trading continuing to dominate the weekly schedule within retailing, we are seeing more and more visitors attending Glee on Tuesday and Wednesday as many dedicate Monday as the day to reflect after weekend trading, to catch up with their teams and order additional stock for the weeks ahead. Recognising this, we have decided to amend our opening days to provide retailers with the opportunity to focus their attention post-weekend, before visiting Glee unhindered later in the week. During our period of consultation, the response to this was extremely positive so we hope the wider industry will be equally supportive.”

Find out more

Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focussing on building year-round profits for buyers and suppliers within the core gardening and outdoor leisure product categories.  To keep up-to-date on the latest Glee news visit www.gleebirmingham.com.  To enquire about exhibiting at Glee 2019 call 020 3033 2160.

The all new Flopro Classic Hose Reel from Crest Garden will hit the market at Glee with 30,000 units being given away absolutely free of charge at garden centres across the country.

Flopro have arranged the deal with a The Sun newspaper whose readers simply collect the vouchers and visit their nearest participating centre where they will receive their brand new hose reel at no charge. Crest Garden MD Nick Davies told Glee Daily News today that between 70 and 80 garden centres had already signed up.

The promotion, which is thought to be the largest ever giveaway in the garden industry, was launched yesterday in readiness for the consumer press launch on Easter Saturday 2019.  Up to 270 participating garden centres will receive 108 Classic hose reels free of charge. The deal, which represents £2m investment by Flopro, is designed to move the brand to a ‘must stock’ range for all garden centres.

Flopro will receive substantial editorial in the newspaper right across the U.K. and southern Ireland, creating the biggest trade and consumer promotion in the industry. While at the garden centre, visitors may view and purchase accessories such as Flopro spray guns, sprinklers, connectors, timers and lots more creating incremental sales and profit for the retailer.

Consumers can enjoy quality no-leak products from Flopro, while ensuring 100% compatibility with all other watering brands, with an easy snap fit. Flopro products are robust, and UV protected.

Visit the Flopro stand (Crest Garden 7G50-K51) to receive full details and to register as a participant.

It has been a positive start to this year’s Glee for Aylett Nurseries, as it was announced as the winners of the RSPB’s Conservation Garden Centre of the Year Award yesterday morning (Monday).

The St. Albans based retailer, owned by Julie Aylett and Adam Wigglesworth, was presented with the accolade by John Capper, National Account Manager at the RSPB and Sam Marriage, Director at Marriage’s, leading supplier of quality pet foods and animal feeds.

Aylett’s were awarded for their work on the Butterflies and Celebration Garden, located adjacent to the store.  The beautiful garden was created in 2015 to celebrate 60 years of the family business and is now part of the renowned National Garden Scheme (NGS).

The garden is alive with impressive blooms including roses, dahlias, shrubs and perennials, celebrating the work and patience of the Aylett family.  The areais a peaceful and tranquil haven containing a spiral maze, bug hotels and wildflower meadows at the heart of the garden, providing a riot of colour for the best part of the year and creating a wonderful habitat for bees, butterflies and insects. 

Julie and Adam were presented with a framed certificate on the Pets at Glee Seminar stage to proudly display in-store, as well as winning a fun, interactive family event at the garden centre, where customers can learn about birds and wildlife and how to be more conservation friendly in their own garden.

Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee said: “Aylett Nurseries are worthy winners of the RSPB award, following all the hard work and commitment they have put into their Butterflies and Celebration Garden. So much time, effort and enthusiasm has been invested in the garden to create such wonderful havens of colour, as well as an appealing natural space for visitors and wildlife to enjoy.”

The RSPB will also be presenting at Glee this afternoon (Tuesday 5.15pm – 15.45pm) on the Pets at Glee Seminar stage, where John and Sam will be giving an insightful talk on “The Ethical Generation – how linking conservation, wild life and gardens can drive sales and add equity to your garden centre.”

The Retail Lab at Glee has been created in association with one of the garden retail sector’s leading trade associations, The HTA. 

Now in its second year, the Retail Lab benefits greatly from the HTA’s involvement, including sharing of its knowledge, trend foresight and utilising its vast membership base to access exciting new product innovations that fit this year’s Retail Lab theme of Happy Gardening.

Here we catch up with Martin Simmons, Director of Operations at the HTA to find out more about the association’s involvement in the Retail Lab, and those trends that are helping to shape the garden retail sector in the coming seasons.

Can you tell me more about the role of the HTA within the Retail Lab?

The HTA is very excited to be once again involved with the Retail Lab feature. It is a great way of demonstrating how storytelling can play such an important role in merchandising and selling products. We are helping to support the feature through providing market information and insight, via our relationship with trends agency, Foresight Factory, and providing the data and information behind the themes. We have also been very busy helping to source products and materials for the feature from plants and furniture through to books and biscuits! We have also been encouraging our garden retail members to send along merchandisers to help build the feature – getting an invaluable ‘on the job’ training experience with the Retail Lab Trend Forecaster and Concept Developer, Romeo Sommers. 

Of course, we are also involved in the practical element of helping to build and breakdown the Retail Lab and so we are very much involved from start to finish. It also provides a great opportunity for the HTA to showcase initiatives and activities that the association is working on for its members – from the Preferred Partners Scheme highlighting how businesses can save costs, to the trade pot recycling scheme through Ecogen and the development of recyclable taupe pots and National Children’s Gardening Week, 

Which of the Retail Lab trends are you most excited to see come alive?

With this year’s overall theme of ‘Happy Gardening’ each of the areas are sure to make you smile. It will be good to see how the ‘feel good’ area will come together – helping to demonstrate the positive effects of plants and gardening. Features such as a botanical bar and sensory path will also be worth looking out for. Areas like the play zone provides a great link with National Children’s Gardening Week and so it is good to be able to demonstrate how these initiatives can come to life instore.

Why should garden centres make the Retail Lab part of their Glee visit?

The Retail Lab provides great added interest to Glee – helping to make those important links between products and presenting them in different ways. The feature is an oasis amongst the hubbub of the show and seeks to provide inspiration. If visitors just take one element away with them to implement instore then that is great and worthwhile.

How is garden retailing changing?

The garden retail sector is constantly changing and over the last few years there has been a trend towards experiential retailing. Gardening is a hobby and retailers need to work harder to attract that disposable income spend on gardening rather than an alternative leisure pursuit. Garden retailers are ideally placed to take advantage of this with activities as events, educational programmes etc – and that can work for small as well as large garden retail businesses. At the larger end their ability to offer a wider range (catering, garden furniture, play) to cater for the leisure side of gardening puts them in a unique position.

How can garden retailers implement Retail Lab inspiration in their own stores?

We don’t anticipate that any visitors will take away the whole look and implement in the stores. However, it might just provide inspiration for a forgotten corner or an island site. It is really about sowing the seed and getting people to think differently to how they approach sales and link products together to tell a story in a captivating and inspirational way. Success stories from last year demonstrate the impact that a different approach can have on sales.

The team from GTN are proud once again to be the official media partners for Glee producing the Glee Planner, the Glee Show Catalogue and the Glee Daily News.

We're already well advanced in preparations for the Glee Planner which is posted to all pre-registered Glee visitors and the Glee Show Catalogue which is available for FREE as visitors enter the halls at the NEC and now we've published the first issue of this years Glee Daily News.

From now until the end of September the Glee Daily News, in its unique e-mail format, will keep visitors up to date with what they can see at the show and gives exhibitiors the most up to date e-mail vehicle for ensuring buyers know about their new products and other Glee activities.

To make sure you get your own copy of Glee Daily News sign up here

For advertorial and advertisng opportunties please contact Ben Greenwood, Alan Burdon or Mandy Davies at Potting Shed Press Ltd, 01733 775700, owners and publishers of Garden Trade News, Garden Radio and The Greatest Awards.

Boyd Douglas-Davies (below left), CEO of the Hillview garden centre group, was formally elected as vice-president of the HTA today.

HTA members ratified Boyd’s nomination at their breakfast-time AGM, held at the NEC. Three new members of the HTA board were also elected – Matthew Bents (Bents Garden and Home, above right)), Brian Fraser (Oakover Nurseries) and Richard Pyrah (AMES UK, above centre).

The HTA’s finance director, Alex Vick, reported an accounts surplus of £458,000 for 2017, a positive recovery from the £1m deficits of recent years. Reserves now stand at £922,000, with strategies in place to increase them further.

In response to a question from Neil Gow of Fresh@Burcot garden centre, HTA president Adam Taylor said the HTA board was monitoring the “turmoil in retail”  and in the event that the HTA’s finances were hit by further losses of income from National Garden Gift Vouchers, the association’s main source of income, would be considering how to handle it.