Kelkay have launched an exclusive range of horticultural grits and sands at Glee 2015, with the products being endorsed by the Royal Horticulture Society.
Kelkay’s RHS Gardeners Collection comprises Sliver Sand, Grit Sand, Sharp Sand, Potting Grit and Washed Gravel. All are available to retailers in large packs and handy packs. This versatile, bespoke range offers infinite options for the garden from improving drainage, aeration, aquatic planting, creating rockery and Alpine gardens to mixing with composts for seed planting. Included on the reverse of each bag are expert tips from the RHS on how to get the very best from the range.  Antony Harker, managing director at Kelkay, said: “It’s fantastic to launch a new range with the support of the RHS. The RHS only supports the best products on the market, so it’s a real honour to offer retailers products with such prestigious endorsement. The RHS Gardeners Collection embodies everything retailers and their customers love about Kelkay products – durability, versatility and longevity.
To help retailers maximise sales, this range is supported by a new stand with eye-catching point of sale materials to promote the RHS Gardeners Collection and special deals. The RHS is the world's leading gardening charity. It works with carefully selected companies to develop products that set the highest standards of quality and design. Kelkay’s brand portfolio includes Borderstone®, Build Mate, easyfountain® and Henri®, providing retailers with a single source of supply for a wide range of garden products. These include aggregates, stone, water and garden features, paving, edging and walling, building materials, horticulture, growing media and winter garden products. By promoting aggregates, paving and fountains with eye-catching point of sale, merchandising units and display stands, garden retailers have seen sales grow in these categories. Taking place at the NEC, Birmingham from 14 to16 September, Glee 2015 will host over 500 UK and international wholesale garden suppliers. Kelkay will be on stands 19 A10 – C11 and 20 G06 – J07. For more information, visit www.kelkay.co.uk. Like Kelkay on Facebook and follow on Twitter.
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More hot NEW collections launched by BRIERS!
Stand 19H05
Glee is the culmination of months of work – significant research and then the whole process of creating new products with up to date, relevant designs and patterns. It’s also the first real opportunity that retailers get to see the supplier’s vision for their new products and collections. A time of excitement for all!
Glee is the culmination of months of work – significant research and then the whole process of creating new products with up to date, relevant designs and patterns. It’s also the first real opportunity that retailers get to see the supplier’s vision for their new products and collections. A time of excitement for all!Two of the many highlights on the Briers must-see stand…. To start with, there’s their NEW impactful collection of Clocks, Weather Stations & Thermometers. Working with retailer data, the latest on-trend design trends and the talent of Briers team of in-house designers, this collection has been crafted to sell, and really does tick-tock every box. It offers retailers a refreshingly up-to-date range as a comprehensive one-supplier solution for this category. NEW for Glee 2015 – this range is completely NEW and right on time! This well-researched collection of refreshed best sellers, modern designs and classic styles includes: - Weather stations
- Skeleton clocks
- Station clocks
- Classic clocks
- With/without inset thermometer or hygrometer
- Decorative thermometers
- Volume line stacking solutions
- Promotional opportunities
All are fully weather resistant and are therefore perfect for indoors and outdoors. And finished with quality clock movements to ensure reliability. With packaging that’s completely fresh for this sector, this collection appeals to those making considered purchases and those all-important impulse sales alike. Customers will be coming back time after time… Then there’s their NEW design partnership which follows hot on the heels of Briers’ current successes – the award-winning The Gruffalo, and the award winning and last year’s Glee winner - Historic Royal Palaces. This Glee sees Briers launch yet another set-to-be successful design-led partnership with NEW collections in collaboration with the William Morris Gallery: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”. Drawing on inspiration from one of the most influential of British designers and craftsmen from the Arts & Crafts movement, whose own creativity was fittingly inspired by nature - from his passion as a gardener. William Morris and his family’s world famous designs form the much loved and trusted patterns used to create Briers’ largest ever gardening collection! NEW for Glee 2015 – this collection is completely NEW and is being launched in its entirety at the show! These three quintessentially British collections are: - Strawberry Thief
- Honeysuckle
- Marigold
Their aesthetics look at home anywhere: in the house, in the potting shed or when out for a stroll. There is everything to buy into from tools in shelf-ready units or colour gift-boxed; stylish fabric-feel rubber boots; gorgeous gloves; extra-large kneeler cushions; bags for almost every occasion; pots for string, seeds or bits and bobs; mugs for a brew or two, and still there’s more… Every item is perfectly finished with well-thought-out, artful labelling; pre-priced with an easily removable label. Beautiful products deserve to be seen at their best! So, inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement the new stands are finished in darker, earthier tones and in a stylishly practical tiered format – an easy-to-merchandise, easy-to-shop retail solution. These three collections certainly stand out from the crowd and are well worth the visit to get those tills ringing in the run up to Christmas and across next year. Plus, you can look forward to warm welcome from the Briers Team. GLEE 14–16 Sept. Hall 19, Stand H05 01963 269077 sales@briersltd.co.uk
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Launching as a range for the first time, Deco-Pak's handcrafted rainbow sandstone water features and statuary will also feature inspirational displays as the range expands with new additions.
The Eastern Stone Co. range is designed in the UK but draws inspiration from the east.
Featuring high-quality, handcrafted, rainbow sandstone water features and statuary, these distinctive centrepieces will not only add a unique visual impact in the garden centre, but would also provide a stunning focal point in any garden.
The Eastern Stone collection includes a majestic 90cm Buddha head and a striking 95cm tulip planter.
Rod Slater, from Deco-Pak, said: "Displaying the Eastern Stone Co. range in this way will allow garden centres to sell these products in the most attractive way, whilst also creating valuable add-on sales from related products featured within the display." Find out more Visit Deco-Pak on stand 20K30-L31 to find out more. Alternatively, visit www.deco-pak.co.uk, connect via twitter @deco_pak, or call the sales support team on 01422 204394.
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Get potatoes out early urge Taylors
Taylors Bulbs director Adam Taylor (pictured) was advising visitors to the stand today (19G02) to put their seed potatoes on display early if they are aiming to maximise sales...
Taylors Bulbs director Adam Taylor was advising visitors to the stand today (19G02) to put their seed potatoes on display early if they are aiming to maximise sales.
Taylors will deliver stocks into retailers in December, but January is traditionally the month for peak seed potato sales.
"The problem is," Adam told Glee Daily News, " that a lot of retailers hang on until after Christmas before organising their displays, which means that it can be the third week of January before they can start selling. It's much better if they set out the display in December so the stock will start selling as soon as the doors open after Christmas. If they order now and get their stock set out soon after it is delivered in, they will make the most of those first two weeks in the New Year."
Taylors seed potato bags will benefit this year from a new design, completed just before Glee and not yet on show. But you can see the new packaging design on the pre-packs, with clear information that makes it easier to choose the best varieties for your needs.
There is as raft of new packaging to check out on the Taylors stand, including a re-design of the already popular Select range of choice bulbs (pictured). They have been selling strongly since first stocks went out a few weeks ago and were among the most-ordered lines at Glee today.
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Mainframe starter kits are a big hit for Tildenet
There was huge interest in the Mainframe starter kits being showcased on the Tildenet Gardenware stand (20N16) today. Mainframe is a simple modular frame system enabling the construction of fruit cages, vegetable protection, pond covers, and pet or chicken runs...
 There was huge interest in the Mainframe starter kits being showcased on the Tildenet Gardenware stand (20N16) today. Mainframe is a simple modular frame system enabling the construction of fruit cages, vegetable protection, pond covers, and pet or chicken runs.
The system allows gardeners to design and build frames to their size and requirements. Large frames are easy to build by joining standard tube lengths, whilst simply cutting the tubes with a hacksaw can make even the smallest of frames.
The aluminium tubing can be connected together in virtually any configuration, or size required, and with a range of UV-stabilised UPVC connectors, Mainframe is rust and rot proof giving longevity outdoors.
The most popular sized fruit and vegetable cages are now available as pre-packaged options for the consumer to simply pick up and take away.
Packs contain all the poles, connectors, netting and pegs required and can grow over time with the gardeners' confidence by adding further components from the system.
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The world's finest garden rooms, now under your own brand name
When it comes to the world’s finest garden buildings, there is one brand that stands head-and-shoulders above the rest: Crown Pavilions. With clients ranging from celebrities like Duncan Bannatyne and Gloria Hunniford to Champneys Health Spas and European royalty, customers know that if they want the very best then they should ask for Crown Pavilions by name...
When it comes to the world’s finest garden buildings, there is one brand that stands head-and-shoulders above the rest: Crown Pavilions. With clients ranging from celebrities like Duncan Bannatyne and Gloria Hunniford to Champneys Health Spas and European royalty, customers know that if they want the very best then they should ask for Crown Pavilions by name.Now, for the first time ever, Crown Pavilions is launching a collection of garden buildings that will be available exclusively through its retail network: the Lifestyle Collection. None of the products in this unique new collection will be available direct from Crown. Instead, handpicked retail partners will be able to market products under their own brand names. And, by limiting the number of partners within any given geographical radius, Crown plans to add an even greater layer of exclusivity to the collection. “We are delighted to be launching the new Lifestyle Collection at GLEE 2015,” said Crown’s Marketing Manager, XXXXXXXX. “This is a fantastic opportunity for any retailer wishing to offer its customers a top-of-the-range product with the added advantage of being able to brand this product under their own name.” Initially the Lifestyle Collection will comprise two garden buildings: the Valentine and the Eden, with more planned for the future. Both can be viewed at GLEE where Crown Pavilions colleagues will be on hand to answer questions. Interested retailers can find out more about becoming a Crown Lifestyle trade partner at the Crown Stand Number XXX, GLEE, NEC, between the 14th and 16th September.
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Bord na Móna launches new 'single brand strategy' at Glee
Stand 18L10-M11
Following its recognition as Best Buy by consumer ratings magazine, Which? Gardening in the raising young plants category, Bord na Móna UK has launched a completely new peat to peat-free range at Glee 2015 all under the Bord na Móna Growise brand...
Following its recognition as Best Buy by consumer ratings magazine, Which? Gardening in the raising young plants category, Bord na Móna UK has launched a completely new peat to peat-free range at Glee 2015 all under the Bord na Móna Growise brand.
With raising young plants traditionally the most challenging area for peat-reduced and peat-free growing media, the consumer acknowledgement of excellence which outstrips all types of alternative growing media in this sector has prompted the move.
 The new Bord na Móna Growise brand, which benefits from bright, freshly designed colour coded packaging, encapsulates the company’s single-minded commitment to best in class consumer satisfaction. Its range of growing media and soil improvers offers the perfect combination of peat-free and peat-reduced, including specialist blends, all from one reliable source.
The single brand strategy will be delivered with the full backing of the massive resources, technological innovation and marketing support of the premier global supplier in this category, combined with the tight knit and fleet of foot accessibility of the UK sales team.
Head of Consumer in the UK, Charles Farmer said: “A single -minded and well supported proposition like this, backed wholeheartedly and delivered with absolute efficiency on the ground adds up to a great opportunity for UK garden retailers of all sizes and profiles.” With the Bord na Móna winter and summer fuels range available through the same channel, this adds up to a raft of benefits from a company that can really deliver growth.
The Bord na Móna Growise brand will cover all the peat-based and peat-free growing media and soil improver bases. The new range includes peat-based and peat-free multipurpose growing media and peat-free Chelsea Mix as well as specialist blends such as ericaceous, sowing and cutting, rose, tree and shrub and tub and basket as well as a John Innes range, a grow your own collection and a selection of peat-free soil improvers.
The launch benefits from a new catalogue, a new website and a full trade and consumer promotional programme with multi-buy promotions across all Bord na Móna’s core horticultural products throughout the season.
Charles Farmer continued: “The Which? recognition has been great news for us, acknowledging as it does our superiority in terms of quality and consistency across the peat to peat-free spectrum from a consumer point of view.
"Add to that our reputation for reliability of supply for retailers and we are confident that the new Bord na Móna Growise range ticks all the boxes for consumer and retailers. Our mission is to ensure the consumer can buy the very best performing product whatever the task in hand and whatever their preference in terms of peat and peat-free.”
Bord na Móna UK trades peat–reduced and peat-free growing media and soil improvers through garden centres nationally and is the largest own brand supplier of compost and bark in the UK. It is part of the Bord na Móna plc, which specialises in eco-fuels, growing media, recycling, resource recovery and renewable energy.
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GIMA award winners Zest 4 Leisure are impressing Glee visitors (stand 20L30-M31) with their 2016 range of dining sets, benches and an outdoor bar and table set...
The Zest 4 Leisure Lily Two-Seater Bench The new Lily Relax 2 Seater Bench is an addition to the ergonomically designed Lily range. Designed with both comfort and style in mind, it features wide arm rests, lower seat height and angled back rest, allowing for total relaxation, whilst providing a unique, lower-angle perspective on your garden. Put your feet up with the matching foot-stool and don’t forget the matching side table, perfect for your refreshments. This premium product, is not only ergonomic, but adds charm to any garden. The Zest 4 Leisure Harriet Table and 2 Bench Set Launching a new series in our outdoor living range, the Harriet Table and 2 Bench set, combines a solid design, aesthetically enhanced with smooth curves, in a Bavarian style. The table and benches complete with crossover style legs, are simple, yet understated, providing any outdoor setting with a classic feel. The Zest 4 Leisure Bahama Bar, The Bahama Bar makes a fun addition to the garden, especially for those who enjoy entertaining. It is a classic design with three large shelves for storing glasses, drinks or food. The Bahama Table and Stools & Bahama Bar The Bahama table and 2 stools is a sturdy and attractive outdoor furniture set giving a sophisticated flavour to eating outside. The raised seat height is supported with bracing which also acts as a great footrest. Combined with the Bahama Bar the complete set is perfect for entertaining.
 Brighton Corner Arbour The Brighton Corner Arbour is an ideal product when thinking of entertaining family and friends. Complete with a fixed corner table big enough for drinks and a bite to eat. The slated roof gives shade or shelter and the open panels on both sides make it feel airy and bright. Rebecca Table & Bench The Rebecca Table and 2 bench set is simple and straight forward in design and fits beautifully in a garden or patio area. It is manufactured from solid timber which over time is likely to naturally weather. Sold separately
Pergola The pergola is substantial and comes in two sizes, 2.40m and 3.00m, complete with 7 roof rafters and 4 strong legs. It is ideal simply as a feature or can be used to grow a range of climbing plant which over time enhance the beauty of the structure. Emily Side Table The Emily table is an addition to the elegant Emily seating range and is ideal next to the Emily bench or chair when you want somewhere for drinks.
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Prepare to be amazed by some very special football skills on the Johnsons Lawn Seed stand (18H26-K25). Why? Read on… Johnsons see next year’s Euro 2016 tournament as an exciting sales opportunity for garden centres. Around 80% of the seed used to create the pitch at the Park des Princes stadium in Paris where the final will be staged was supplied by Johnsons’ parent company DLF Trifolium – and is the same mixture sold by Johnsons as Turfline. “We believe Turfline will appeal to consumers who want to buy into a little bit of that occasion,” said Guy Jenkins of Johnsons.  Johnsons hired footballer John Whetton (pictured left ond on the cover page), 26, former Derby County professional and now the UK’s Freestyle Football champion, to demonstrate his art for the benefit of visitors. John has been earning a living by demontrating his ball control skills since leaving Derby nine years ago, exciting spectators at events and competitions all over the world.
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Derek Bunker of Alton Garden Centre and Bob Hewitt of Klondyke both turned up at Glee on crutches.
"Nothing would keep me from attending this show," said Derek.
"I"m not sure how long I'll last but I certainly try to see as many people as possible."
Jim Hagedorn, chairman and CEO of Scotts Miracle-Gro, briefs the UK work force at Glee this morning (below) after flying in from the United States. He was due to fly back this evening.
The company unveiled a host of new products, new packaging and marketing initiatives on its stand in hall 18 (M20-N21). Read about 'Gro-ables' elsewhere in this edition.
Colour and innovation in the Green Heart
Situated in the light and airy atrium there are lots to excite all visitors to Glee – a showcase of some of the best plants available to garden centres and some interesting new ideas.
Situated in the light and airy atrium there are lots to excite all visitors to Glee – a showcase of some of the best plants available to garden centres and some interesting new ideas.
Probably one of the most colourful stands in the atrium is Channel Island plants, (NB33) the company are showcasing a number of new introductions for 2016 including a number of UK bred fragrant nemesias which offer great performance pot performance. Of particular interest is Nemesia ‘Easter Bonnet’; compact, fragrant and an interesting colour combination. Paul Jackson, from Channel Island Plants feels the new varieties, grown for British conditions have a great future. Chamberlain Nurseries (NB29) are showing their range of 24 pack bedding, giving retailers the opportunity to offer a value option alongside their volume 6 pack offering. Similarly, Wyeplants, specialist in smaller pot climbing plants, or showing a range of climbers in “garden centre packaging”. New to their product range are a selection of ‘Duo’’ and ‘Trio’ climbers; two (or three) selected Clematis planted together to provide contrast and interest when in flower. (Stand NB75). New merchandising ideas are also on display, Key Essentials (Stand NB73) showing a vertical attractive solution to demonstrating their range of planted Kalamitica magnetic pots, and a new display and merchandising concept from Addenda: the Innovation Table. Incorporating a video screen to show the customer how to make the perfect result, the package includes the ability to communicate via ‘Facebook’ with potential customers in a 15km radius of the centre. John Hak from Addenda says “the concept has worked well in Germany and Holland, and is being tailored to the design styles and tastes of the UK market. Garden centres using the system are consulted over the shelf plan, the videos are automatically uploaded to the garden centre’s system”.
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More ‘Key Essentials’ to help build houseplant sales
Building on the successful introduction of the Key Essential’s ‘Love Tillys’ airplant range, the display in the Green Heart area introduces a new development; combining their knowledge of the decorative and gift market with the innovative Kalamitica magnetic pot range...
Building on the successful introduction of the Key Essential’s ‘Love Tillys’ airplant range, the display in the Green Heart area introduces a new development; combining their knowledge of the decorative and gift market with the innovative Kalamitica magnetic pot range.Designed to display plants on any metal surface, (refrigerators being an obvious item), their selection of specially selected plants are shown off to good effect on bespoke metal stands. Mark Smith explains: “We have focussed on developing a range to meet the needs of our customer, but are flexible enough to work with them on precise packages."
The metal display stand can be positioned anywhere in the garden centre, demonstrated the use of the product and is a great impulse item. Key essentials are to be found in the atrium at the entrance to the halls on stand NB73.
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Lovania Nurseries extend the season with impulse colour
The challenge of keeping good impulse items in the plant area in the quieter months is an issue faced for most centres. Lovania Nurseries have addressed this issue by the extension of their plant range to allow centres to bring in a range of impulse items from their ‘one stop shop’...
The challenge of keeping good impulse items in the plant area in the quieter months is an issue faced for most centres. Lovania Nurseries have addressed this issue by the extension of their plant range to allow centres to bring in a range of impulse items from their ‘one stop shop’.Paul Taylor explains: “This point in the year there are still plenty of visitors to garden centres, but it is also a time when stock levels are under great scrutiny.
"Our range of packages such as a minimum 1 trolley order means that ‘seasonal essentials’ such as gentians can also be combined with other colourful shrubs and herbaceous plants. Similarly we are able to offer sale and exchange packages for the alpine plant section to keep displays colourful and selling through." The approach builds upon the concept developed this year and has resulted in the company having its best year so far. Lovania Nurseries are located in the Atrium, stand NB84.
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First time exhibitors with lots of offer
New to the Green Heart area in the atrium to Glee are Bristol Tropical Centre (NB95). This husband and wife team are real plant enthusiasts and are bringing the world of tropical and exotic plants to garden centres in small quantities so that even smaller sites can offer these to their customers...
New to the Green Heart area in the atrium to Glee are Bristol Tropical Centre (NB95). This husband and wife team are real plant enthusiasts and are bringing the world of tropical and exotic plants to garden centres in small quantities so that even smaller sites can offer these to their customers.Sara Clover co-owner said: “We are importing a wide range of different plants direct from the growers, not via the traditional garden centre routes, other unique items include tropical flowers direct from Thailand”. To support the retailer and their customers all plants have care sheets to help those less experienced." Sara and Adrian identify their “no minimum order” approach will allow centres to keep interesting items in stock all year round.
Glee's Top 100 chart offers clues to what's hot
A new Top 100 Product chart on the Glee website highlights the most popular products that buyers are currently viewing, offering a valuable insight into trends and potential bestsellers...
A new Top 100 Product chart on the Glee website highlights the most popular products that buyers are currently viewing, offering a valuable insight into trends and potential bestsellers. 
Constantly updated, the chart is a living barometer of ‘what’s hot’ right now, reflecting products that are sparking the interest of retailers and visitors to the Glee website.
Matthew Mein, Glee event director hopes the chart will encourage greater interaction with the site from both suppliers and retailers. “The chart will be constantly changing, and we believe this will provide a barometer of sorts, in that it showcases which products – from the hundreds and thousands on offer from Glee’s 500-plus exhibitors are appealing the most to our visitors and therefore representing an early glimpse at next season’s bestsellers.” The chart can be accessed from the homepage (www.gleebirmingham.com).
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Buttacup launches at Glee
For the first time in the UK visitors to Glee will be able to see the innovative range of Buttacup garden planters on display...
For the first time in the UK visitors to Glee will be able to see the innovative range of Buttacup garden planters on display.
Buttacup Flow is the world’s first crescent shaped planter designed specifically to brighten up the common garden water butt. Curved to fit the side of any standard circular butt, its drip-feed valve system keeps plants watered even when homeowners are away on holiday.
The Buttacup Bloom is a multi-functional crescent shaped planter, designed either to use against any circular item or feature as a freestanding enhancement within a garden.
Developed and manufactured in the UK, both planters are robust yet lightweight, making it incredibly easy to create a new habitat for flora and fauna anywhere in the garden.
As well as dark green to match a standard water butt, the range is available in a choice of colours, is easy to install and comes complete with all components and clear instructions.
Visit the Buttacup stand in Atrium Halls 17-20, number 20B37 at Glee, to discuss stocking and selling these unique products. Buttacup is happy to assist with promotion using its point of purchase displays and by providing information for website etc.
The Buttacup Flow and Bloom are patented and trademarked. For further details visit www.buttacup.co.uk or call Bjorn Wood, the inventor of the Buttacup on 020 8785 2802 / 07830 174573.
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Winner of the Trolley of Booze
The first winner of the Greenfingers' Trolley of Booze was drawn by John Whetton, UK's freestyle football champion. The lucky winner was Patricia Denning. The booze was donated by Woodlodge Products...
The first winner of the Greenfingers' Trolley of Booze was drawn by John Whetton, UK's freestyle football champion. The lucky winner was Patricia Denning. The booze was donated by Woodlodge Products.
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Glee New Product Awards 2015 - Winners revealed
Nine ground-breaking new garden products have been confirmed as the winners of the coveted Glee New Product Awards 2015, with Baksaver Barrows (above) winning the Glee Innovation Award...
Nine ground-breaking new garden products have been confirmed as the winners of the coveted Glee New Product Awards 2015, with Baksaver Barrows (above) winning the Glee Innovation Award.
Selected from hundreds of entries before Glee opened its doors (14th – 16th September, NEC Birmingham), the winning products were chosen by an expert panel of judges representing independent and multiple retailers, the media and international suppliers.
Entries were submitted into nine key garden retail categories, comprising: - Best Garden Care (Accessories) Product
- Best Machinery and Tool Product
- Best Plants, Seeds, and Bulbs Product
- Best Garden Care (Chemicals, Fertilisers and Compost) Products
- Best Pet and Wildlife Product
- Best Leisure Product
- Best Catering and Speciality Product
- Best Landscaping and Construction Product
- Innovation Award
One further award – the Retailers' Choice Award – will be announced on Wednesday (16th September) morning at 10:00am. Retailers visiting the Glee New Product display are invited to vote for their favourite product after viewing the entries on display. Voting is open now and shall close on Tuesday evening. An additional ‘Innovation Award’ was also added to the award programme for 2015. Created in response to industry feedback, this new award celebrates true innovation from the 500+ exhibitors which will be filling Glee in 2015. Judges considered each entry on a challenging range of criteria, including innovation, design, quality, environmental credentials, pricing and retail potential – resulting in some hot debates and close runners-up in a number of categories. 
On the judging panel were: Brian Archibald (Coolings), Tony Kersey (Homebase), Marcus Cousins (Aylett Nurseries), Kevin Waters (The Garden Works), Conna Powles (Haskins), Michelle de Lavis-Trafford (Choice), Gábor Knorr (British Garden), Yvonne Ritchie (Brechin Castle), Trevor Pfeiffer (Garden Trade News), Susan Fairley, Matthew Mein and Saul Leese (i2i Events).
All entries can be found in a single central located ‘new products hub’ within the heart of Glee’s location with halls 17 – 20. Winners’ round-up Best Garden Care (Accessories) Product Winner: Cloud Controller, Hozelock First runner up: Solar Powered Eureka! Lightbulb lantern, Smart Garden Products Ltd Second runner up: 3 Pattern Spray Ball Best Machinery and Tools Product Winner: Baksaver Barrow, Baksaver Barrows First runner up: Batavia Multishifter Second runner up: Duraball, The Walsall Wheelbarrow Company Ltd Best Plants, Seeds and Bulbs Winner: Raspberry Ruby Beauty, Wyevale Nurseries First runner up: Nemesia Sunpeddle Painted Rose, Channel Island Plants (UK) Ltd Second runner up: Gro-Sure Sow Smart, Westland Horticulture Best Garden Care Chemicals, Fertilisers and Composts Product Winner: Sylvagrow Compost 100%, Melcourt Industries First runner up: Rootgrow Ericoid Mycorrhizal Fungi, Plantgrow Second runner up: Sea Maid Calcified Seaweed Meal, Mydas Best Pet & Wildlife Product Winner: Loktop 2 Port Mealworm Feeder, Petface First runner up: Tweetie Feeder, VegTrug Second runner up: Hobnail glass bird range, Fallen Fruits Best Home, Gift & Clothing Winner: Occasions Gift Range, Spear & Jackson First runner up: Lovers Umbrella, Fallen Fruits Second runner up: Buttacup Flow Best Leisure Product Winner: Outdoor pouffe, Fallen Fruits First runner up: ONJA, Rosker Ltd Second runner up: Solar Bulb Stake and String Lights, Gardman Third runner up: Brighton Corner Arbour, Zest 4 Leisure Best Catering & Speciality Food Product Winner: Findlater's Gluten Free Bread Runner up: Smoke It All Best Landscaping & Construction Winner: Miniature World Range, Vivid Arts First runner up: RHS Gardeners Collection, Kelkay Second runner up: Noocity Growbed i2i’s Matthew Mein, Glee event manager confirmed: “We were delighted that so many superb, new products were entered for this year’s Glee New Products, and offer many congratulations to the worthy winners. Our thanks also go to the judges who so kindly lent their valuable time and expertise.” See more details about the Glee New Product Showcase winners in tomorrows Glee Daily News.
Glee 2015 - Don't miss out! The show is still on for two more days. Opening times: Tuesday - 9:00 - 6:00pm Wednesday - 9:00am - 4:00pm
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Greenfingers will become one of the first charities to benefit from the new carrier bag tax, which comes into operation on 5 October. All businesses with 200 employees or more will have to start charging 5p per carrier bag – and donate the money to their nominated charity. The Squires garden centre group announced at Glee today that they would be donating all their bag tax revenues to Greenfingers, an unexpected windfall for the charity in its quest to raise £1 million over the next three years through its ‘million moments’ campaign, to fund the building of more gardens at UK children’s hospices. 
Greenfingers chairman John Ashley said he hoped many more garden centres would follow Squires’ example. “We need tremendous support from the industry to fund these projects,” he said. “The cheapest of the 15 gardens in the pipeline is £50,000 so we're talking large sums. We are aiming to raise £300,000 this year alone and are well on track.”
Squires MD Dennis Espley said: “We had no hesitation in choosing Greenfingers as the beneficiary. It’s really easy for garden centres to do this, because the whole system is automatic, so doesn’t mean extra work.”
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“Petface’s client base is driven by an emphasis on design, and they expect more from us than our competitors,” says Adam Bowler head of Bird development.
Adam’s experience within the trade, now driven by Petface’s shared passion for design, has been the platform for Adam to develop Petface’s new and exciting 'Wild Bird Range'.
The 80 new product lines are dominated by the ‘Loktop’ Bird feeders that generated fantastic feedback during their initial trials and now Petface are expecting the same enthusiasm from their customers. “We recognise this is an enormous market, supplied by some large and established players so we didn’t want to rush in. We had to get this right! “Our philosophy is to make ‘Wild Bird’ more appealing; not only for the experienced consumer, but also for the new younger market who already have pets but want to understand more about bird feeding and have the budget. "We’ve taken a 'fresh look' approach to Bird that we believe is interesting, easy for consumers to navigate, and looks incredible when merchandised, it really 'stands out' particularly on our Petface stand.
“At GLEE 2015 we will be unveiling an exciting, dynamic, and interactive point of sale not to be missed!” The full range is available to 'touch and feel' on stand 18M30-M31.
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Glee 2015 gets off to a fantastic start
Glee 2015 got off to a great start today with crowds of visiting retailers and buyers flocking to the NEC.
Glee opens at 9am tomorrow (Tuesday). So make sure you visit.
Glee 2015 got off to a great start today with crowds of visiting retailers and buyers flocking to the NEC.
There was a buzz in the exhibition halls throughout the day and the 530 plus stands were a hive of activity.
Glee opens at 9am tomorrow (Tuesday). So make sure you visit.
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Key industry figures were brought together at a networking event to meet and discuss the challenges that garden retailing faces in the future – the Leaders for Change lunch.
 Acting as a catalyst for discussions, Ian Charles (left), founder of online garden retailer primrose.co.uk, gave his ‘wish list’ when shopping. Commencing in 2003 his company now has an online turnover of over £40m.While recognising that online sales of garden retail products is still small (at 5%), Ian outlined his own person need for specialist shopping; the internet offering a range (and customer feedback) not readily available when walking into a conventional store. His ‘wish list’ included the desire for an app on his phone which instantly sensed his presence near a product and as a result supply him with the relevant product information, options and review of performance. “I can then decide whether to buy this item or order another (from a virtual catalogue) for delivery soon after”. The challenge therefore for retailers, is to be able to offer this ‘specialist requirement’. Leaders at the meeting had a good starting point for their subsequent discussions.
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Town & Country new look hits the spot
Town & Country says its new brand image and updated ranges, unveiled at Glee today, have been going down a storm with show visitors...
Chairman Barry Page shows off some of the new glove designs, in front of the new Town & Country merchandising display.
Town & Country says its new brand image and updated ranges, unveiled at Glee today, have been going down a storm with show visitors. With new logo, new products and new POS and merchandising, the makeover is the result of a 12-month development project following in-depth research involving end-users and retailers. The new products will be delivered in-store in February. Meanwhile, the company’s UK sales manager Mark Butler reports that company’s current autumn sell-in ranks as its best-ever, even before Glee’s doors opened today. Town & Country’s market and design executive Nicole Dopson says the development of the new range was a major challenge, pulled off against the clock. “In research the clear message was that everybody loves our products, our quality and our service but our ‘look’ was quite dated. We believe we have addressed that successfully to achieve a balance between products with a fashionable appeal and the core products like Master Gardener gloves that are the best sellers.” Master Gardener and the other non-patterned lines account for around 80% of Town & Country’s glove turnover. Chairman Barry Page says new glove merchandising display, together with re-vamped simplified packaging, will make it easier than ever for consumers to choose the right gloves for their needs. “Every garden centre in the country would benefit from having it!’ he said.
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Green Digit win the second GIMA Innovator’s Seed Corn Fund
Green Digit are the 2015 GIMA Innovator’s Seed Corn Fund winners and collect a prize of £5,000. Launched in 2014 the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund is designed to encourage new businesses, designers and innovators to enter the garden retail market.
Green Digit are the 2015 GIMA Innovator’s Seed Corn Fund winners and collect a prize of £5,000. Launched in 2014 the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund is designed to encourage new businesses, designers and innovators to enter the garden retail market.
Beating off stiff competition, the team at Green Digit are the brains behind SeedCell, a new concept in Grow-Your-Own. Put simply, its packaging you plant! SeedCell offers a fun, clever, and waste free way to plant seeds, making them the perfect tool to get children interested in growing their own food. Just snap the cells out and push them into some soil. The unique pointed triangle cell acts as a seed delivery system, removing the need for tools. The natural pulp will absorb any ground moisture and help deliver it directly to the seed aiding the germination while providing a safe, reliable micro climate in which to grow. Currently the SeedCell is available in nine varieties (Chilli Peppers, Tomato, Sweet Mixed Peppers, Sunflowers, Mixed Herbs, Chives, Parsley, Coriander and Basil).
GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said: “We’re incredibly pleased to confirm that Green Digit are the 2015 winners of the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund. The judges were impressed, not only with the product’s simplicity, but also with the design and creative flair with which it had been put together, as well as how the concept had been thought through to a finished, shelf-ready product being offered at a competitive price. Not only this, but the SeedCell is designed to make growing your own accessible to all, whilst also offering significant environmental credentials. Finally, the product firmly flies the flag for true British innovation with its proud ‘Made in Britain’ status. Green Digit are a most worthy winner, and we look forward to working with the team to help them make their mark in the garden retail market.”
In addition to choosing a winner, the panel also selected two highly commended companies. Those just missing out on the highly coveted title were:
- Buttacup with the Waterbutt Plant Pot: the Buttacup Flow is curved to fit perfectly to the side of any standard water butt using a simple nut and bolt. Once attached the self-watering system will do all the hard work. The Buttacup Flow is available in a range of colours including dark green to match your water butt. It is easy to install and comes with a full set of instructions and components.
- Baksaver Barrows with its namesake product, the Baksaver Barrow: Baksaver Barrows are designed from the ground up using feedback from a mixed range of wheelbarrow users. These high quality, durable wheelbarrows can be used with very little effort, where you don't need to lift to push or to tip. Each barrow comes complete with a three year warranty.
As the winner, Green Digit is now set to receive funding and help with the development and marketing of their product, together with support from experts within the industry.
To find out more about the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund please join GIMA on-stand at Glee 2015, Hall 20, stand H38-G40.
Meet Green Digit. Q&A with Dan Robson, founder
Tell us a more about Green Digit
Green Digit Ltd was formed in mid-2014, with the aim of the business being to design, develop and launch a well-considered product based on the concept of plantable packaging. The main objective was to engage with a new audience, and encourage them to have a go at growing their own. The products are intended to eliminate the complexities of growing plants from seed and encourages those who may have been put off by the idea of gardening or growing in the past. We truly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the experience of growing and eating their own produce, and we aim to make this a possibility through our products.
Can you tell us a little bit more about the journey of SeedCell, from concept to the finished product?
Our journey began four years ago, during my time as a design student at Northumbria University. While in my final year I submitted a piece of work which was based around the concept of a 100% biodegradable seed packet.
After completing my Masters in Design, Technology and Business in 2013 I decide to explore the possibility of starting a company to take my concept and turn it in to a real retail product. Determined to produce a small batch of my first design, I managed to raise a small sum through a government based innovation grant. Producing the first 10,000 products by hand, I found a distributor and began to test the market.
One year on we have developed the product further to ensure its full commercial potential. We also spent the last year setting up the infrastructure needed to produce larger volume orders with our own in-house facility.
One of our unique USP's is that although we are a small company we pride ourselves on the fact that we are now in a position to deal with multi-national retailers. We have put a lot of hard work into our quality systems, procedures, shelf-ready boxes, point of sale material and a national distribution network, and are now ready to hit the ground running.
How did you hear about the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund?
While doing some market research at last year’s Glee I found myself at the GIMA stand, I introduced myself to Vicky Nuttall who, in turn, introduced me to some potential suppliers. Vicky was hugely helpful and it allowed us to find a new seed supplier. We got some information on the fund and couldn't wait to enter.
What made you enter the award?
Having seen first-hand the connections GIMA helped us to make, we were keen to get the product in front of experienced people from the industry who could help us to make the right connections and steer us in the right direction.
What does the ‘win’ mean to you?
Winning the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund is our biggest achievement to date. It means a great deal to us to have our product recognised by such highly experienced people from within the gardening industry.
What can people at Glee expect to see from you?
We are really excited to be exhibiting at Glee this year, having been visitors for the past three years running. We are very much looking forward to launching the product on our stand in the Innovators Zone. As it is our first year at Glee we are keen to introduce ourselves to the world of gardening buyers and retailers.
What are your current retail distribution routes for SeedCell? What channels are you hoping to reach at Glee?
We have built up a network of independent retailers throughout the north of the UK, and we have a great relationship with our stockists. We offer promotional deals, and maintain contact to support our retailers and anyone dealing with us. We are looking to build on our current stockists and possibly find new territories.
To find out more about Green Digit and SeedCell visit www.seedcell.co.uk. You can also visit the company on-stand at Glee 2015, Hall 20, stand B29.
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Fiskars launch their new Light range
Gardening has just become more fruitful with the introduction of the new Fiskars Light range (stand 19G56). “Light as air yet sturdy as steel, these make ridiculously light work of even my back-breaking Croydon clay. There goes my excuse for a winter workout," says James Wong, Ethnobotanist and TV celebrity.
 Gardening has just become more fruitful with the introduction of the new Fiskars Light range.
“Light as air yet sturdy as steel, these make ridiculously light work of even my back-breaking Croydon clay. There goes my excuse for a winter workout," says James Wong, Ethnobotanist and TV celebrity.
Suitable for all gardeners, these innovative tools are the lightest on the market, reducing effort, minimising strain and encouraging gardeners to spend more time gardening and growing.
For 2016, Fiskars launches a new range of Light digging and cultivating tools, which as the name implies, are the lightest on the market, adding even more pleasure to growing your own gardening. "Fiskars Light is a range that makes everyday gardening easier and more enjoyable for the entire family," says Kerry Murfin, Trade Marketing Director of Fiskars UK. "Our designers thought long and hard about ergonomics. The simplest way to protect the back – in addition to choosing the right tools and working position – is to use light, well proportioned tools," she says. The Fiskars Light range offers a selection of lightweight tools for planting, cultivating, raking and other gardening tasks. The versatile range of soil rakes, hoes and cultivators are ideal for weed control, moving soil, creating narrow furrows for planting seeds and bulbs and even harvesting root crops. Fiskars Light fork and spades feature shorter shafts making them easy to use in smaller spaces. Despite their lightness, the digging tools feature durable steel heads and robust aluminium. The Light range is designed specifically for the lighter tasks involved in gardening. For more demanding work, such as landscaping rocky ground the Fiskars XactTM and SolidTM range are suitable alternatives. Comfort plays an equally important role in the design of every Fiskars tool and the Fiskars Light epitomises these values. The D shaped handles increase leverage and comfort, making digging easier. The rubber covering on the tool shaft increases grip and helps insulate from the cold. When Fiskars design award winning tools, they listen to what gardeners need, the Fiskars Light is the perfect introduction to an already comprehensive collection.
See Fiskars on stand 19G56.
James Wong (right) with Fiskars' new commercial director Richard Carr.
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Fiskars brand ambassador James Wong urged garden centres at Glee today to up their game in merchandising plants and garden products.
 In a talk in Glee's Retail Inspiration Theatre (hall 17), he said he believed garden centres were not always as good at merchandising as their counterparts in grocery and the high street. “Merchandising is not just about doing something new but about putting things together in a way that tells a story,” he said. He also warned garden centres should not forget the primary reason why people visit them. “I am not snobby about it and I am commercially minded but even when customers leave without buying a plant or a packet of seeds after just having a cup of coffee, they have chosen the garden centre rather than a high street Costa because they are looking for a horticultural experience,” he said. “They need to be reminded of that from the moment they walk through the door.”
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British families no longer need to travel abroad to experience a truly continental outdoor eating experience thanks to the introduction of Italian Fontana outdoor ovens, exclusive to Premier Decorations.
These high quality appliances are built to last and many of the beautifully constructed outdoor ovens are still being used after 30 years of service in Italy.
There are two types to choose from – the first indirect combustion 'outdoor pizza oven' which utilises a separate chamber that is used to build the fire and create a heated oven chamber; and a direct heat oven design which enables cooking and baking in the same chamber as the fire. This type of direct combustion oven can cook a pizza in as little as two minutes. The fire is usually wood burning, but now there is also available gas fired combustion too.
Fontana also has a range of accessories including pizza shovels, stones and grills. Plus for those who want an easy introduction to pizza making, try the new Premier range of table top electric pizz ovens.
Premier Decorations are on stand 17R20-T21, 17R30-T31.
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Former Gardman boss Stuart Hainsworth (above left) was at Glee yesterday in his new role as managing director of drinks giant Halewood International (17W54) – to promote the sales opportunities for garden centres in the drinks category. Halewood owns a clutch of high-profile brands, including Crabbie’s, Red Square Vodka, Whitley Neill Gin, Willow Spring Water and Eisberg Alcohol Free Wine. James Wright (above right), the company’s head of spirits and agency brands, believes its products are a good match for the UK’s garden centre demographic. The company has developed a Festive Drinks offering to present to garden centre food and drinks buyers in a special leaflet. It contains a number of lines exclusive to garden centres in the run-up to Christmas, including some attractive gift packaging. As well as its brands, Halewood owns a vineyard in Romania and produces a range of premium wines not available on the UK high street.
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Over the next three days of Glee 2015 the team from Garden Trade News will be covering all the latest developments for Glee Daily News.
The Glee Daily News is sent by free to all visitors of Glee. Advertising and promtion opportunities are available. To book your activity into The Glee Daily News, please email Mandy Atkin mandy.atkin@tgcmc.co.uk or Ben Greenwood ben.greenwood@tgcmc.co.uk
REMEMBER TO COLLECT YOUR FREE GLEE SHOW CATALOGUE AT THE ENTRANCES.
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