In This Issue
Glee 2021: Refueling Garden Retail
Round-up of Glee 2021...in pictures
Floral Thursday fund raising for Greenfingers
Evergreen launches three new product ranges
Westland Visiroot...visibly better results!
Smart-tech grills to suit any size of garden
Hozelock looks forward to a greener Spring
£7m investment in peat-free roadmap for 2022
Onduline raised the roof at Glee
A successful Glee for Zest
Right product at the right time
Spread some joy with Woodmansterne cards
Exciting launches from premier brands
Meadow View Stone's most successful Glee
Amazing year for Patio Black Spot Remover
Glee New Product Awards - Winners revealed
The shortlisted New Product Awards entries
Glee Buyers Power List Winners Revealed
Best Green Heart Display winners confirmed
Houseplant sales on crest of a wave
Zest 4 Leisure presents over £8,000 to Greenfingers
New date announced for next year’s Glee
Get your copy of GTN Xtra
Blue Diamond donates £10,000 for horticultural scholarships
Vivid Arts’ Rabbit raises over £10,000 for Greenfingers
Greenfingers gardens update
Glee 2021 Show Guide available online
Burgon & Ball extends top-selling indoor range
Altico launch ‘Earth & Green’ specialist Horticultural Grits & Sands for professionals
Cut above the rest – ARS Japanese Pruning Range
Specflue offers something for every garden and budget
Q Garden delivers power, reliability & performance
Apollo introduce range of easy-fit fencing and arches
New innovations for Primeur’s Eco-Garden range
Pot-mate is a simple yet great idea from hobby gardener
Bloomin Amazing is a firmly establish bestseller
Campingaz® Attitude range perfect for limited outdoor space
Springbok Rake stands the test of time
Starring TV role for Protek products
Hygeia grows its UK customer base
Dizmezs - The home of firewood
High-quality range of peat-free, coir-based composts
Yorkshire Flowerpots unveil British made terracotta planters
EKJU furniture brings people together
Vitax showcases growing organic range
Deco-Pak’s crazy golf at Glee held important meaning
The professional grower’s best-kept secret
WHM Pet Group are flying into the new season
Quality gloves for the fashion conscious gardener
Norfolk Leisure turns up the heat
A quality product from a quality supplier
Glee success for Woodlodge as garden industry reunites
Fountasia – first to market with garden décor
Silk flowers are in vogue!
Algon: simple to apply and gives great results
BBQs from BLACK+DECKER and Tower blow away Glee
New products and expansion plans from Garland
Looking for EPoS? Relax, your search is over!
Leon Boots Co donates part of Glee sales to Greenfingers
Natural palm leaves turned into sustainable tableware
PLEYDELL SMITHYMAN – proof is in the pudding
Henry Bell at forefront of eco initiatives
Ecofective Refills use 60% less plastic
Clever Pots make vegetable and plant growing easy
Taylors Bulbs launch new Spring 2022 ranges
Gro Expert brings professional strength plant feeds to market
Garden Sculptures standing proud for Primus
Sizzle next summer with HJ Hall’s new SS22 Collection
Impressive range of water features from Hamac Trading
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Glee 2021: Refueling Garden Retail
The UK’s key trade event for garden and outdoor living helped set the trends and fill up the order books

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder and this certainly felt like an accurate sentiment at Glee, when the garden retail sector was finally able to reunite after a two-year hiatus...


 

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder and this certainly felt like an accurate sentiment at Glee, when the garden retail sector was finally able to reunite after a two-year hiatus.

 

Millions of new British gardeners have made the past two years, even with all its many challenges, a period of tremendous growth and innovation for the industry and Glee is the most important launch platform, where suppliers can bring new products to market and engage with the retail trade.

 

Featuring over 300 brands, 125 of which were brand new to the show this year, the long-anticipated return of Glee as an in-person event was positively received from all corners of the retail sector: from traditional garden centres, DIY Stores and farm shops to high street retailers, department stores, builders’ merchants and thriving e-commerce sites. 

 

As the first occasion since 2019, when so many gardening brands and retailers could meet face to face under one roof, it wasn’t surprising that Glee opened its doors on Tuesday, September 14th to a large and eager crowd, who helped create “the busiest start to Glee ever” for many exhibitors. The show provided an essential hub for educational business content and future trends; also hosting a number of prestigious industry award ceremonies to celebrate the best of garden centre retailing and the most innovative and exciting new products launched over the past 24 months. 

 

Buyers flocked to the NEC, raring to go and ready to meet their regular suppliers, source new product solutions and place those all-important trade orders at Glee. The ability to touch and feel products in person – something that’s been sorely missed over the past two years – brought a fantastic buzz to the busy show, which lasted for the full three days.

 

Among the many show highlights, British Garden Centres was voted Garden Retailer Buying Team of the Year (six stores or more) and Aylett Nurseries was named Overall Independent Garden Centre Buying Team of the Year (up to five stores) in this year’s Buyer’s Power List Awards; Pot-mate™ was awarded this year's GIMA Innovator's Seed Corn Fund; Hills Plants scooped the Best Glee Green Heart Display award; and 19 fantastic new garden and pet products were named winners of the coveted Glee New Product Showcase.

 

All the fun of the fair

Individual exhibitors had plenty of their own highpoints at this year’s exhibition. Nigel Thompson of Sipcam Home & Garden, which provides innovative solutions for home, pet and garden care, said:  “We had some great leads at Glee 2021. In fact, we had probably as much quality in one day as we might do in three days previously. People were really engaging and were just glad to be there. There was a great vibe, and you could feel the halls buzzing. We saw existing customers but some new as well. It also feels as though people were really open and responsive to change. The consumer demographics have changed, and they are not your traditional gardener. There is maybe some good to have emerged from the world spinning on its head.”

 

GYO specialists, Green Digit (Grow So Simple™), were also feeling the buzz, saying: “It doesn’t seem that long ago that we were making our Glee debut within the GIMA Innovators Zone, with one product and a head full of ideas and now, we are here as a fully-established brand that is growing its portfolio and international reach. This has easily been our best-ever Glee. Everyone has been so positive about being back at shows, but more were ready and willing to place orders. There is such a thirst for gardening and retailers are engaged with diversifying their product offering to keep this momentum going. We’ll definitely be back next year.” 

 

The positive sentiment was echoed by visitors. Paul Smith of Chessington Garden Centre explained: “It’s great to be back at Glee, it’s been a long time coming and the whole organisation of the event has been really good, especially given the challenges. What we’ve really found encouraging is the number of new suppliers we’ve seen. That has definitely made our visit worthwhile!  We are particularly looking for environmentally-friendly products – especially peat free – and many of the companies we’ve’ seen have ticked all the right boxes in that respect. They’re really trying to do the right thing and that’s been the standout for us; it’s a huge achievement.”

 

Glee also offered the perfect sourcing ground for new entrants to the garden retail market. One such example is Ariel Martin and brother Samuel, who launched online garden centre, City Garden Horticulture, 18 months ago and were visiting Glee for the first time this year. Ariel said: “We’re selling everything you’d expect to find in a bricks-and-mortar garden centre and we have a very varied customer base - urban gardeners, indoor plant enthusiasts, traditional cottage gardeners, lots of young people; anyone and everyone, really! I’ve found this to be a really good show. It’s been great to make physical connections with suppliers and there’s a really good variety of products here. We’re particularly looking for new Christmas lines and also want to shop new ranges for spring, new plants and tools. Sustainability is very important to us and we already have over 50% recycled packaging; something we plan to improve on over the next few years.” 

 

Event Director, Matthew Mein commented after the show: “I am truly delighted with how this year’s show went. It has exceeded all of our expectations and I’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our loyal customers and retailers who turned out to support Glee after such a challenging time. I really don’t think it could have gone any better and we are now looking forward to Glee 2022, when our biggest-ever change will come, with a different June date for the show. We are confident that this new date will be better aligned with buying cycles for the garden retail sector and can’t wait to unveil the new event when the time comes.  Rebooking has gone very well and 65% of next year’s plan has already been booked, so this is already looking like a really welcome move.” 

 

You can also visit www.gleebirmingham.com/news-and-views to see all the news from the 2021 event, including the winners of the Glee New Product Awards and Buyers Power List.

 

Many more exhibitors, visitors and Glee’s supporting trade associations have shared their thoughts on Glee 2021, where retail was reignited and the growth of gardening was celebrated.

 

Woodlodge: “Glee 2021 was an amazing show for Woodlodge. Not only was it an opportunity to meet all of our customers that have supported us over the past 24 months, but also to showcase our entire product portfolio. Though outdoor pots will always be our main focus, we have been busy building additional product ranges that complement our core offer. Pride of place went to the container range we have developed with the RHS. This was warmly received by all of our customers, and orders are well above our initial expectations. Though we had featured our garden & home décor brand, Honey & Wild, and the extensions to our Root Indoor pot range at the on-site showroom in Tetbury, the return to Glee gave us the opportunity to present this to a wider audience. Glee also provided us with the perfect vehicle to launch our extended furniture, fire pit and water feature collections as the outdoor living category continues to grow. We look forward to building on the success of the show over the coming months and would like to pass our thanks onto the team at Hyve for their organisation in putting on such a well-run event.”

 

Antony Harker, Altico: “I’ve always been a big advocate of Glee and it was a pleasure to be back this year presenting our new business to the industry. It was great to see the show back in action and to connect with so many familiar faces during the event and subsequently. We’re delighted with the early reaction we’ve had, and Glee definitely provided us with a strong platform to showcase our offer to the market ahead of the new season. We look forward to returning in 2022 with even more new products.”

 

VegTrug: “We saw a good mix of new and existing customers and took some very nice orders - we were pleasantly surprised. We launched a new watering system, which has had a lot of interest but, to be honest, people have been interested in everything we’ve got on the stand this year. It’s been great! Previously, we have just been all about product but, this year, we have done things a bit differently and have been more geared towards merchandising and showing what you can do with the space in store. We have taken a more focused approach for garden centres, saying ‘this is what you can do with a six-pallet space’. Retailers have really liked that and gone for it.”

 

Ivyline: “Glee 2021 was an incredible show for us. We had expectations regarding visitor numbers and quality, but these were far exceeded. We’ve taken orders, built new relationships and generated a really important buzz ahead of the 2022 season. We’ve also rebooked for the 2022 show, as we have to be there!”

 

Goodchaps: “Glee 2021 was definitely about quality over quantity, which is what you want. Our Friendly Squid, which is helping to clean up the coast, and our Treat a Dog in Need products have had a lot of interest. People mentioned seeing them in the New Products Section, which has brought them over to us, which we were happy about. Our first Glee was in 2019 and we have only done two other trade shows since then. We were pleased to be back and to have seen such a wide number of garden centres, as well as the other organisations, such as RNIB.”

 

DLF Seeds & Neudorff: “Glee is an important event for us, and the 2021 show did not disappoint. The quality of visitor was incredibly high, and all were wanting to place orders, as well as being keen to learn more about latest innovations across both our product and merchandising offering. There is no question that Glee was missed, so it’s great to be back and to see our sector thriving.”

 

Deco-Pak: “We did things a little differently on our stand this year, which really paid dividends but, even without this, we believe we would have been walking away from another successful show. From the open of the show, we were busy talking with both new and existing customers, all of whom were looking to place orders and were really positive about the coming season.”

 

Zest 4 Leisure: “Glee 2021 was a fantastic tradeshow for Zest 4 Leisure. The event was well run and the Zest 4 Leisure stand welcomed more customers than ever before. Zest enjoyed having a bigger stand, as it was extremely important for customers to feel safe and to have enough room to move around the stand and see the new product ranges. The Glee portal allowed us to share business updates and to communicate with new and existing customers about the developments that the business has made in preparation for 2022. Zest is already looking forward returning to Glee in June next year.”

 

MSpa: “We saw all the big retail chains, as well as lots of garden centres expressing an interest in our spa offering. This is our second time doing Glee, but we have already seen a huge difference since our last time exhibiting here. The interest was far greater this year.”

 

MNP Plants, winners of the Glee New Product Award 2021: Plant, Seed & Bulbs: “Glee was just brilliant. We’ve missed attending shows and Glee is such a great event to come to and to kickstart the season and the return of events. Glee is great for both plant suppliers and buyers, and we’d like to thank Glee for having us – we’ll be back next year!”

 

Kamado Joe – winner of the Glee New Product Garden Leisure and Entertaining award: “We’re over the moon to win best new product for our Kettle Joe. Glee New Product Awards is always extremely competitive, with a staggering number of entries from many of the well-known brands across the UK. Our team of engineers are passionate about designing innovative products that inspire people to grill all year round. The awards recognise our hard work, dedication, love and care that each and every one of our team contributes to making our products.”

 

YPHA: “As an association that represents young people who work within horticulture, we view Glee as a key event, as it enables us to tell more people about the work we do, gain more sponsorship and grow our membership.”

 

“There is no substitute for face to face,” visitors say

 

Simon Bourne – Perrywood Garden Centre: “I loved being back at Glee and did lots of great business. It felt just as busy as normal and there was a really good vibe amongst exhibitors and visitors. There were a few people that should have been there, and I hope they will be back another year. Those that were there went to great lengths to be back at a trade show and it really was appreciated.” 

 

Woodstone Plant Centre – Emma and Stephen Emmerson: “We spent a lot of money at Glee! We expected to spend money but not maybe as much as we have. It is so great to see, touch and feel product again. And, also to see nice, friendly faces; to talk to and meet up with people we know – it has been so nice to be back at live events again.”

 

William Blake, St Peters Garden Centre: “Glee was absolutely fantastic, really pleased I took the time to be there for a couple of days! So nice that things are getting back to normal and that we can again meet industry friends face to face! Everyone was on good form & the place certainly had a buzz about it. In reality must of our preseason ordering had been done prior to Glee, but it was certainly useful to see new suppliers, ranges & new product developments. Great to see sustainability becoming a bigger part of the offer too!

 

Speaking on day two of the exhibition, Dan Kirby of British Garden Centres, said: “It’s really good to be back at the show and we’re here for all three days – we have 58 stores, so there’s a lot to do! I’m looking for everything across the whole landscaping category, and sustainability is something we’re looking at options for. There are some very good lines coming through that are made from recycled materials. We will also use our time at the show to start developing relationships with new suppliers.”

 

Michelle de Lavis-Trafford – Choice Marketing: “We really enjoyed Glee, it was great to re-connect with the industry and to spend time with the exhibitors.  It really was so good to be back”

 

Sue Allen, Millbrook Garden Centre & Greenfingers Charity Chairman; “I have not attended Glee for eight years and had feared it would now be too small to justify one, never mind two or three days. I was glad to be proved wrong!From Greenfingers point of view it gave us a great opportunity to reconnect with our already committed supporters and to meet some who did not know of our work. We were able to get the message over that we are now able to push on with creating new children’s hospice gardens and to build up our new ‘makeover’ programme. The need for this has become more apparent following the pandemic and the enforced restrictions on volunteers in the hospices. From Millbrook’s perspective I know the team thought it was two days well spent, and we all appreciated the value of, at last, being face to face with real people and seeing and touching the products. All the zooming in the world can’t make up for that.” 

 

Trade associations back the triumphant return Glee

Amanda Sizer Barrett, Director General of Gardenex and PetQuip: “It was great to see so many in our industry at Glee. Face-to-face contact in business has been sadly missed by suppliers and buyers, so the three show days were really welcomed. We’d like to congratulate the Glee show team for putting together a strong showing of exhibitors this year in testing circumstances. We are looking forward to working with the team on planning the next Glee event on its new dates in June 2022.”

 

Vicky Nuttall, Director of GIMA: “It was a joy to be back at Glee this year, and well done to Matthew Mein and all the team at Hyve for bringing it all together.  GIMA members were there in force and we were very pleased to host around 200 introductory meetings with key retailers as part of our Buyer Connect event at the show.  On a personal note, it was so great to reconnect with all those fantastic people that make the UK garden retail sector such a great industry to work in. Lovely to see so many new faces too, many of which we hope will be joining GIMA in the not-too-distant future!”

 

Martin Simmons, Director of Membership at the HTA: “It was a real pleasure to be back at Glee this year. The show was buzzing, and it was great to see so many of our members there. HTA’s involvement in the seminar programme and Leaders for Change Lunch provided the perfect platform for us to talk about some of the challenges and opportunities the industry is facing post covid and the EU exit. We’re in a good position to take advantage of those opportunities and help meet the challenges of climate change and health & wellbeing.” 

 

See the HTA’s latest news here: https://hta.org.uk/news-current-issues/news-current/news/uk-s-green-economy-worth-42-billion-by-2030.html

 

Glee 2021: a new chapter for the leading garden retail exhibition

Whilst the doors may have closed on the 2021 event, the momentum keeps moving and the sector is already gearing up for Glee 2022, which will represent the biggest change to ever take place at the exhibition. 

 

In 2022, Glee will take place from Tuesday, 28th June to Thursday, 30th June. This move, reflective of the changing buying cycle, has been well received by the industry with exhibitors rushing to secure their place on the 2022 floorplan. During the 2021 event, more than 65% of the 2022 floorplan was secured by a host of big brands, as well as emerging innovators and many companies making their return to Glee after a short break, as the value of the show became too hard to ignore!

 

Talking about the 2022 event, Matthew Mein added: “As a hub for the industry, it is our responsibility to move with the times and to create an exhibition that works best for all those involved. After much consultation with key stakeholders, it became apparent that a move to a June dateline would be the most logical development for Glee as it aligns better with the buying cycle. This significant development has been met with huge positivity from across the industry, and to see so much buzz building around the 2022 event has been heartening. We look forward to delivering yet another valuable event; one which we hope will help facilitate the further growth of our industry.”

 

Find out more 

Glee is the UK’s leading garden retail show, focussing on building year-round profits within core product categories including Garden Care, Outdoor Entertaining, Landscaping and Garden Design, Pet, Home, Gift and Clothing, and Plants. Each year the show attracts thousands of buyers from top retailers, such as leading UK garden centres, builders’ merchants, multiple retailers, and DIY stores. To keep up to date on all the latest news log onto www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752 to find out about exhibiting.

Round-up of Glee 2021...in pictures

Here's the Glee Daily News photographic record of a memorable Glee 2021...


See the gallery of pictures

 

Here's the Glee Daily News photographic record of a memorable Glee 2021

Floral Thursday fund raising for Greenfingers

Glee’s Floral Thursday promotion in aid of the Greenfingers Charity has raised at least £2,000 so far – and the total could be even higher as donations continue to pour in. The event, supported by Garden Trade News, saw exhibitors and visitors to Glee joining in the fun by wearing an array of floral clothing throughout the day...


See gallery of pictures from Floral Thursday...

 

Glee’s Floral Thursday promotion in aid of the Greenfingers Charty has raised at least £2,000 so far – and the total could be even higher as donations continue to pour in. 

 

The event, supported by Garden Trade News, saw exhibitors and visitors to Glee joining in the fun by wearing an array of floral clothing throughout the day.

 

All those taking part were asked to support the charity by buying a raffle ticket which was entered into a prize draw to win fabulous prizes, donated by generous Glee exhibitors.

 

In 2019, when the first Floral Thursday took place at Glee, over £1,420 was raised for Greenfingers, with the array of floral looks bringing smiles to the faces of everyone who took part.

 

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications said: “We’re so grateful to Glee for allowing us to run Floral Thursday on the final day of the show. We are so pleased that the garden retail industry gets together and embraces the Floral Thursday concept. From a flash of floral to outrageous outfits, Floral Thursday represents an incredibly easy way to show your support for our work, and we are forever grateful to every single person that joins in and especially to the exhibitors who so generously donated prizes for the Floral Thursday Grand Raffle."

 

Winners of the award for the best-dressed large team in Floral Thursday attire was Evergreen Garden Care – for the second year – while SP Trading of Brechin took the award for the best small team.

 

The organisers were inundated with prize donations from exhibitors for the Greenfingers draw. The winning ticket was drawn by Andy Smith of Hyve Group, the organisers of Glee – it won him a top of the range grill from Kamado Jo of Farnham.

 

See below a gallery of pictures from Floral Thursday...

Evergreen launches three new product ranges

Evergreen Garden Care has launched three new product ranges this year following consumer demands: Nourish and Protect, Clear and a new range, which was announced at Glee...


Evergreen Garden Care has launched three new product ranges this year following consumer demands: Nourish and Protect, Clear and a new range, which was announced at Glee...

 

Launching in January 2022, a new ‘Nourish and Protect’ range will be widely available to the UK market. Pesticide free, sustainably packed with each product having two uses – an industry first! The new range will provide the necessary nourishment for healthy garden growth, whilst protecting the garden from unexpected weather changes, as well as unwanted bugs and slugs. The four new products in the range include: Nourish & Protect for Rose, Shrub & Ornamentals; Nourish & Protect for Flowers, Fruit and Veg; Nourish & Protect Seaweed Plant Food and Nourish & Protect Seaweed Lawn Food.

 

The second new product range is exclusively made to protect gardens and homes from pests and diseases. The Clear® range is certified by OF&G (Organic Farmers & Growers), using formulas that are mainly from plant-based ingredients – exclusively developed by the scientists at Evergreen Garden Care. The range will consist of the following products: RoseClear®, FungusClear®, BugClear™, FlyClear™, MothClear™, AntClear™ and SlugClear™. 

The third new launch was announced during Glee.

 

For more inspiration, please visit www.lovethegarden.com.

 
Westland Visiroot...visibly better results!

For both novice and well-versed gardeners, Westland's Visiroot propagation range allows gardeners to use recycled plastic, whilst also getting increased performance. It makes great growing even clearer to see, and that in turn means better results... 


 

Horticulture is by its very nature a ‘green’ industry and Westland is doubling down on efforts across all categories to deliver sustainable success.  

 

For both novice and well-versed gardeners, Westland's Visiroot propagation range allows gardeners to use recycled plastic, whilst also getting increased performance. It makes great growing even clearer to see, and that in turn means better results. 

The performance comes from the transparent rPET material, making roots visible to the eye enabling gardeners to easily check root growth and moisture levels without disturbing the plant. The specially developed UV filtering green tint, also ensures that the roots of the germinating plants are not damaged by direct sunlight.  

Additionally, unlike other cell trays on the market, the integrated moisture bridge technology ensures even water and nutrient transfer across the cells.  The Visiroot range is recyclable in all homes through kerbside collections, as all UK councils consistently recycle rPET. rPET is also incredibly strong and easy to handle, ensuring success year-after-year.

 

The addition of the Visiroot Deep Root Cell Kit is ideal for growing plants like beans and Sweet Peas that benefit from a deep root system. The unique cells are easy to open for transplanting without any root disturbance and as they are made of the same rPET material as the rest of the Visiroot range, they are durable for repeated use. Available as both a starter kit with propagator and cell inserts.

 

 

Martin Ward - Senior Westland Brand Manager comments, “With such increased demand in the home gardening and grow-your-own sector, we wanted to make the journey for all gardeners as easy as possible. We feel the Visiroot range offers just that, from a variety of different propagators, and growing kits, we have everything to help consumers on their growing journey.  This isn't the end of the journey, not only will we transition all of our propagation range into Visiroot technology. Visiroot becomes the heart of a new Gro-Sure ® growing system, incorporating Gro-Sure ®Seed and Cutting Compost, and Gro-Sure ® Perlite and Vermiculite.

 

The response to Visiroot from the customers we have seen during the summer has been incredible, we are very excited about the opportunity that this range brings to the growing category - we believe it will make ‘grow-your-own’ accessible for everyone.”

 

Available in pre-loaded display units (full pallets and ¼ pallets) with informative point of sale, it can be rolled directly onto the shop floor to create true standout at store level.  Displays will be available across all propagators, seed trays and inserts.    

Smart-tech grills to suit any size of garden

Traeger Grills, inventors of wood pellet grilling, is changing the way the world thinks about wood-fired cooking with its range of smart-tech grills to suit any size of family or garden...


 

Traeger Grills, inventors of wood pellet grilling, is changing the way the world thinks about wood-fired cooking with its range of smart-tech grills to suit any size of family or garden.

 

After spending nearly 30 years tweaking and testing its grills to reach the ultimate perfection, Traeger now enables its grills to be controlled remotely with its patented WiFIRE® technology, creating a new approach to smoke science and the category's most advanced grills to date.

 

Traeger makes wood-fired cooking more customizable than ever before, giving everyone from novice grillers to seasoned aficionados the power to remotely control their grill from the palm of their hand. The Traeger App makes it so easy to set the cook time and desired temperature of the grill from afar and also check the status of food and adjust settings.

 

The app also grants access to Traeger's recipe vault with thousands of tried-and-tested wood-fired dishes and lets users connect with the worldwide Traeger community to share recipes and get inspired. 

 

Traeger's cutting edge WiFIRE® technology gives you the ability to cook with ease and confidence and deliver mouth-watering results, whilst spending fun time with friends and family, rather than having to watch over the fire.   

 

To find out more about Traeger Grills – visit: www.traegergrills.com or contact: Jo McDonald - Country Manager for UK and Ireland on: (0) 7884 115817. 

Hozelock looks forward to a greener Spring

Glee 2021 was another fantastic show for Hozelock. The leading garden brand used the four day show to unveil a range of new products across their comprehensive product portfolio and also showcase their pledges towards a sustainable future...


 

Glee 2021 was another fantastic show for Hozelock. The leading garden brand used the four day show to unveil a range of new products across their comprehensive product portfolio and also showcase their pledges towards a sustainable future. 

 

The new EasyMix 2-in-1 Tumbling Composter, which was shortlisted in the New Product Showcase Awards, and redesigned Jet Spray and Multi Spray guns were praised by representatives from both independent retailers and larger garden centers. The products will further bolster Hozelock’s existing range of market leading garden tools and have been designed as a result of the brand’s continued investment into R&D to equip gardeners with the tools for all seasons. 

 

 

Another interesting topic for retailers visiting the stand was insight into Hozelock’s commitment to a greener approach to gardening. One hot topic was the commitment to reducing its single use plastic packaging across their range, including removing over 95 tonnes of single use plastic packaging in 2022. These changes were positively received, with retailers commenting that it will help drive more awareness amongst the end user and wider garden community. 

 

 “Glee 2021 was an exciting show for us and has really set the scene for an exciting season in 2022,” commented commercial director, Alan Bird. “I have only recently joined the Hozelock team but Glee was the perfect opportunity to hit the ground running and meet our key customers including national accounts and garden centre customers. As the 2022 key garden season fast approaches, I am very much looking forward to developing these relationships and driving the business forward.”

£7m investment in peat-free roadmap for 2022

Evergreen Garden Care is set to increase their Peat-Free production capacity with an investment of £7million in 2022. The investment will help in cementing EGC’s position as leading the Peat-Free roadmap...


Evergreen Garden Care is set to increase their Peat-Free production capacity with an investment of £7million in 2022. The investment will help in cementing EGC’s position as leading the Peat-Free roadmap.

 

EGC boasts a vast range of newly launched Peat-Free products for 2021 and is a key member to all official bodies driving the Peat-Free future. The investment will increase the brand’s production capacity, in terms of research and development as well as storage capacity.

 

The investment and innovation in Peat-Free products comes in response to the increased consumer demand for environmentally sustainable garden care products, in particular a demand for alternatives to peat. GfK data from January to September 2020 showed that the trend for Peat Free accelerated 74.9% YOY, with Peat Free worth £1 in every £7 spent in the category. This combined with the government ban on Peat Free by 2024 indicates a worthy investment with forecasts of strong Peat Free sales performance in the future.

 

With the investment also comes challenges in transitioning to Peat-Free, for example, alternative ingredients not being readily available, or performing as well as peat products, has been combatted by Evergreen Garden Care’s patented Fibre Smart technology. The Fibre Smart patented process creates hollow fibres that have been infused with organic nitrogen, so that it doesn’t absorb nitrogen from the plants.

 

Mark Portman, Managing Director of Evergreen Garden Care says: “Our investment announcement highlights our dedication and commitment to providing our customers with the most comprehensive, high-quality range in the market and to make it easier than ever for them to switch to a more sustainable compost option. As well as consumer demand, we are committed to sustainability and its environmental impact, which is displayed in both our new range of Peat-Free products, as well as our investment into the future of Peat-Free.’’

 

This year, EGC launched the most comprehensive range of high-quality Peat-Free products which provides solutions for all gardening needs under both the Miracle-Gro and Levington brands. 

 

Miracle-Gro Performance Organics will be the only range of products that is 100% organic and 100% sustainable, which performs equally as well as existing synthetic products. The Miracle-Gro Performance Organics range is also dedicated to responsible packaging. Each product is packaged in at least 80% recycled material and is 100% recyclable. 

 

The range includes:

  • Miracle-Gro Peat Free Premium All-Purpose Compost: available in 20L (RRP: £4.99) and 50L (RRP: £5.99)
  • Miracle-Gro Premium Peat Free All-Purpose Compost with Organic Plant Food: available in 40L (RRP: £6.49)
  • Miracle-Gro Peat Free Premium Azalea, Camelia, Rhododendron Ericaceous Plants Compost: available in 40L (RRP: £6.99)
  • Miracle-Gro Peat Free Premium Bulb Fibre Special Plants Compost: available in 10L (RRP £3.99) and 20L (RRP: £5.99)
  • Miracle-Gro Peat Free Premium Moisture Control Special Compost for Pots and Baskets: available in 40L (RRP: £6.99)
  • Miracle-Gro Peat Free Premium Orchid Special Plants Compost: available in 6L (RRP: £3.99)
  • Miracle-Gro Peat Free Premium Houseplant Potting Mix: available in 10L (RRP: £4.49)
  • Miracle-Gro Peat Free Premium Border Booster Soil Improver: available in 40L (RRP: 5.99)
  • Miracle-Gro Peat Free Premium Fruit & Vegetable Compost (RRP: 5.99)
  • Levington Peat Free Multi-Purpose Compost with added John Innes: available in 50L (RRP: £6.99)
  • Levington Peat Free Organic Blend Topsoil: available in 20L (RRP: 4.99)
  • Levington Peat Free Organic Blend Soil Conditioner: available in 50L (RRP: 6.49)
  • Levington Peat Free Organic Blend Farmyard Manure: available in 50L (RRP: £5.99)
Onduline raised the roof at Glee

Taking centre stage at Glee 2021, Onduline’s innovative EASYLINE Point of Sale (PoS) display units proved to be extremely popular...


 

Taking centre stage at Glee 2021, Onduline’s innovative EASYLINE Point of Sale (PoS) display units proved to be extremely popular.

 

Introduced by the market leading manufacturer, the free-standing displays have been designed to help garden centres and other leisure retailers drive sales.

 

Visitors to Onduline’s stand were able to see first-hand how these attractive displays are the ideal solution for helping retailers make an impact with customers and influence impulse purchases in-store.

 

 

Nisha Kumar, Head of Marketing for Onduline Building Products, said: “The show was a fantastic opportunity for us to network with key buyers in the industry and to discuss our DIY friendly roofing solutions.

 

“The PoS pallet was very well received, we even had comments saying that it was the first time a roofing company has actually made a product retail friendly, which is brilliant feedback and the reason we designed the units in the first place.”

 

Simple to stock on the shop floor, the PoS displays perfectly showcase the EASYLINE range for customers, complete with accessories and fixings.  The displays also include a QR code that, when scanned, leads the customer to a simple-to-follow installation video.

 

The ONDULINE EASYLINE range is a compact and lightweight roofing system which can be used for sheds, studios, pet shelters and other garden buildings and annexes.  

 

Available in a number of bright and vibrant colours, EASYLINE is an attractive alternative to traditional shed felt.  Its 10-year waterproofing guarantee and eco-credentials - with each sheet made of 50% to 60% recycled fibres – are also key selling points, plus the fact that it contains no hazardous substances, making it completely safe for people and family pets.

 

To find out more, visit www.onduline.co.uk.

 

A successful Glee for Zest

A brilliant show all round was garden furniture and garden structure specialist, Zest 4 Leisure’s verdict on Glee...


 

A brilliant show all round was garden furniture and garden structure specialist, Zest 4 Leisure’s verdict on Glee. 

 

It showcased new products for the 2022 season winning accolades in both the Glee Awards and the Grow Your Own Awards which were announced at the show.  

 

Zest also featured its award-winning range from Glee 2020 including the much-praised Easy Build concept and unveiled a programme of investment in new product development and robust, sustainable product supply.

 

Among several new products, the Folding Garden Bar, the Tall Vertical Herb Stand, and the Small Space Cold Frame were all finalists in the Glee New Product Awards with the Tall Vertical Herb Stand, winning the Growing Containers category.  

 

The Tall Vertical Herb Stand maximises growing space on a small footprint and gives easy access to five separate troughs.  

 

The new Small Space Cold Frame, which will fit onto Zest’s best-selling Raised Herb Planter to create an easily accessible cold frame, will also work as a standalone product.  Ideally suited to the massive trend for outdoor entertaining, the Zest Folding Garden Bar comes ready built for ultimate ease and enjoyment.  Multipurpose, it can also be used as a potting table and folds away easily for storage in winter.

 

In The Great British Growing Awards held by Grow Your Own Magazine – The Marford Hexagonal Planter Set won in the Best Growing Container Product category and the Vertical Herb Stand won the Space Saving Garden Gear category.

 

Whilst at Glee, Zest presented Greenfingers with a giant cheque for over £8,000 raising money from sales of the Tiverton planter by donating £2.50 from every planter sold. 

 

Zest 4 Leisure sells to garden centres, online retailers, and major UK groups - visit www.zest4leisure.co.uk.

Right product at the right time

The word on everyone’s lips at Glee 2021 was “sustainability”, which according to a visitor from BBC Gardener’s World was an essential part of “every conversation”...


 

The word on everyone’s lips at Glee 2021 was “sustainability”, which according to a visitor from BBC Gardener’s World was an essential part of “every conversation”.

 

In a world where environmental concerns are running high, sustainability has become one of the most important trends in retail, with consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products growing like never-before and brands with green credentials rising to the top of their wish lists. 

 

First time Glee exhibitor, The Real Soil Company, who showcased its all-new organic topsoil offering, SuperSoil, has “the right product at the right place and the right time” to help sustain the green revolution in gardens all around the country. 

 

The organic topsoil - aimed at the premium garden centre customer - has been specially enhanced using ethically sourced, 100% traceable natural components to create a new chapter for topsoil quality and customer loyalty, plugging the gap at the higher end of the market.

 

 

SuperSoil’s natural components – which go above and beyond the BS3882 standard for compliance and reliability - are added to enrich and enhance the soil, providing quicker plant establishment, better resilience against pests and disease, whilst also encouraging a higher crop yield, better water retention and also providing a more balanced and workable material for gardeners.

 

The Real Soil Company has specifically set out to create a standout brand; one that competes within a highly saturated marketplace. Featuring bright colours and hand drawn illustrations, SuperSoil’s packaging is informative, friendly and inspirational, helping to draw the consumers eye and assisting them in making better, more educated purchasing decisions at the point of sale.

 

To find out more about The Real Soil Company please visit www.therealsoilcompany.co.uk or email info@therealsoilcompany.co.uk

Spread some joy with Woodmansterne cards

After receiving such a positive reception when exhibiting at Glee for the first time in 2019 the Woodmansterne team returned this year with great impact...


 

After receiving such a positive reception when exhibiting at Glee for the first time in 2019 the Woodmansterne team returned this year with great impact.

 

A third-generation family business based in Watford, Hertfordshire the company is headed up by Managing Director, Seth Woodmansterne.

 

Seth comments: “It is great to be back and we are delighted to be showcasing our product to our growing garden retail audience.The show provides a fantastic opportunity to engage with our existing customers as well as meeting new ones. As a category greetings cards are a great footfall driver providing add-on sales and helping to boost basket values.”

 

 

As well as showcasing their W-Select category management system, Woodmansterne unveiled their latest card series after teaming up with iconic UK textile and wallpaper brand Sanderson. After gaining access to their amazing archives the quintessentially English country designs were interpreted to create a stunning series of blank floral cards with great visual impact.

 

Woodmansterne takes its environmental responsibility extremely seriously with all cards produced in the UK on FSC certified pulp from responsibly managed forests.

 

Since 2019 Woodmansterne has introduced ‘Smart Seal’ packaging to fasten the card to the envelope, eliminating the need for plastic wrapping.

 

Find out more at www.woodmansterne.com

Exciting launches from premier brands

E.P. Barrus unveiled a range of new and exciting products under the brands Wilkinson Sword, WOLF-Garten, and Town & Country at this year’s Glee...


 

E.P. Barrus unveiled a range of new and exciting products under the brands Wilkinson Sword, WOLF-Garten, and Town & Country at this year’s Glee...

 

The E.P. Barrus stand was a great opportunity for buyers to see first-hand the new products, materials and Point of sale material that has been developed to enhance the shopping experience within the buyers stores. E.P . Barrus showcased the research and development that has been taking place over the past year across the three brands, with all new products widely accepted and a short list in the NEW products showcase – Kids light up cloggies.

 

For those looking for something for the kids, the hugely popular Light-Up Kids Wellington Boots range has been expanded to include the new Light-Up Kids Cloggies. Cool, comfortable, and practical, Cloggies make the perfect shoes for children whether they are playing or walking as they are easy to put on, light to wear, and durable. The Light -Up Cloggies are available in a bright pink and brilliant blue with flashing, coloured LEDs that light up when in use, brightening up the dullest of play days.  

 

To see the new range of products please use the below links \

Wilkinson Sword - Wilkinson Sword Gardening Tools | Wilkinson Sword Gardening Tools (wilkinsonsword-tools.co.uk) 

Wolf Garten - Wolf-Garten Tools | Wolf-Garten Tools (wolfgarten-tools.co.uk) 

Town & Country - Town and Country | Town & Country 

Meadow View Stone's most successful Glee

 

Sarah Hill, MD of Meadow View Stone, outlines why Glee was one of the best the company has witnessed...


 

Sarah Hill, MD of Meadow View Stone, outlines why Glee was one of the best the company has witnessed..!

 

It was great to see so many new and existing customers on our stand and amazing to receive such great praise, on how we had performed this year, along with positive feedback on our new products, merchandising concepts and literature!

 

Our new “Corner POS” concept was launched, which has been designed to showcase both aggregates and paving together in a corner display garden to help maximise cross selling opportunities.  Customers were also raving about our new Till Books which will make the ordering, stocking and sales of our products effortless, as it provides all the key product information to help sell, order and advise customers on the suitability of all our products, in one easy to reference pocket sized document.

 

Stock availability was a question that repeatedly came up in conversation and we were only too pleased to put these concerns aside.  As the company continues to increase its market share and further strengthen its product collection’s, the need to scale up and at pace, is a requirement the company has been planning for the last 6 months.  The new infrastructure starts in January, with the addition of 5 NEW robotic packing lines, due to be installed at three of our four production sites, which will see the capacity of our pre-packed aggregates doubled, this gave our customers the confidence that a seamless supply of aggregates would be maintained for the impending season.

 

As a business we are ready to supply the big increases in demand we have seen and even more eager to prove just how well our products sell and why our customer service is second to none in our sector.

 

We can’t wait to catch up with you all again at Glee on 28th – 30th June 2022 but if you missed us and need a visit please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Amazing year for Patio Black Spot Remover

Garden centres stocking Patio Black Spot Removal products have reported sales above pre-pandemic levels which is a great reflection on the strength of the garden retail business...


 

When we left the NEC halls, having exhibited in September 2019, none of us guessed it would be two years until we returned? Our at Glee 2019, relating to 2020 Vision, retrospectively, can now be completely re written.

 

Company results, across the Garden Retail Market, ranged from catastrophic, to amazing! I am glad to say that Patio Black Spot Remover was lucky to be in the category of “Amazing”.

 

There were times when we wondered if things would ever be quite the same again – and to an extent, we still do.

 

Following our success at Glee 2019, with our award for “STONEKING” as the ‘Best New Product in the Garden Landscaping Section, the product was entered at RHS CHELSEA 2020, and was singled out as one of just 11 finalists, out a total of some 238 entries.

 

RHS Chelsea had to become ‘Virtual RHS Chelsea’ but the interest was, none the less,  phenomenal.

 

 

Since the garden centres have reopened, we are pleased to report that many of the centres that stock our Patio Black Spot Removal products have reported sales above pre-pandemic levels which is a great reflection on the strength of the garden retail business.

 

 
Glee New Product Awards - Winners revealed

Ground-breaking new garden and pet products have been confirmed as the winners of the coveted Glee New Product Awards 2021, run in association with GTN. The Overall Best Glee New Product went to Treadstone Products and their Pot Trellis...


 

Ground-breaking new garden and pet products have been confirmed as the winners of the coveted Glee New Product Awards 2021, 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 new products entered, 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:

 

Plants Seeds & Bulbs: Granvia Pink Flame Imp – MNP Flowers

 

Growing Materials: Harmony Gardens – Southern Trident

 

Growing Containers: Tall Vertical Herb Stand – Zest 4 Leisure

 

Garden Decoration: St John's Solar Mirror – Woodlodge Products

 

Tools & Machinery: Kent & Stowe Capability Trowel – Westland Unwins

 

Landscaping: Carolina Border – Primeur Ltd

 

Leisure & Entertaining: Kettle Joe – Kamado Joe

 

Homewares, Gifts, Toys & Games: Wholeleaf Platters, Bowls & Plates – The Wholeleaf Company

 

Pet Food: Edible Greeting Cards for Dogs – Scoff Paper

 

Pet Health & Beauty: (Joint winners) Anti-Bacterial Dog Shampoo with Hosepip Applicator – Aqueos; The Woof Pack (Deluxe Doggy Bag & Grooming Kit) – Sniffe & Likkit Ltd

 

Pet Accessories: (Joint winners) Petface Planet (Toucan) – LeisureGrow; The Friendly Squid (Cleaning up our coast) – Goodchap's

 

Retail Services & Experiences: Evergreen Trade Website & Training Academy – Evergreen Garden Care

 

Wild Bird and Wildlife Products: Gardman Aura Bird Bath & Feeder – Westland Unwins

 

Growing Accessories: Pot Trellis – Treadstone Products

 

Sustainability Award: Harmony Gardens – Southern Trident

 

Best of British Award: Kent & Stowe Eversharp Secateurs – Westland Unwins

 

Overall Best Glee New Product 2021 – Pot Trellis, Treadstone Products

 

The 2021 judging panel was made up of Ian Hodgson, Garden News; Andy Bunker, Alton Garden Centre; Mel Livingstone, Fron Goch Garden Centre; Nicola Gow – Retired garden centre owner; Rachel Gilbert – Rosebourne Garden Centre; Lilidh Matthews, Primrose.com; Elliot Kirby, RHS Wisley; Jack Slater, Summerseat Garden Centre, and Trevor Pfeiffer, Editor & Director, Garden Trade News.

 

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director said: “After such a long period of lockdown and our first live event in two years, we were thrilled to see so many superb new products entered for the 2021 Glee New Product Awards. Huge congratulations to our 19 very worthy winners and a big thank you to the judges who were so generous with their valuable time and expertise”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
The shortlisted New Product Awards entries

The Glee New Product Showcase, in association with GTN, has generated huge interest at the exhibition. A panel of expert judges drew up a shortlist of finalists from which the finalists were chosen...


 

The Glee New Product Showcase, in association with GTN, has generated huge interest at the exhibition. A panel of expert judges drew up a shortlist of finalists from which the finalists were chosen. 

 

Here is the list of shortlisted products so far:

 

Plants Seeds & Bulbs

Aglaonema Red Star – JAVADO

Cuddly Cactus – JAVADO

Granvia ® Pink Flame Imp – MNP Flowers

Spathiphyllum Diamond – JAVADO

 

Growing Materials 

After Plant House Plant – Plantworks Ltd

BlackGold Compos – RocketGro

Natura Grow Bed & Basket Feed Liquid 1L – Natura Grow

Nature Safe Slug & Snail Barrie – Hygeia Chemicals Ltd

Harmony Gardens – Southern Trident

 

Growing Containers

Flower Towe – Useful and Practical Ideas Ltd

Tall Vertical Herb Stand – Zest 4 Leisure

Tierra Verde Planters – Primeur Ltd

 

Garden Decoration

Metal Frame Flower Wall Art – Woodlodge Products

Resin Hippo Statue – Green Tones

St John's Solar Mirror – Woodlodge Products

 

Tools & Machinery

EasyMix 2-in-1 Composter – Hozelock

Kent & Stowe Capability Trowel – Westland Unwins

Kent & Stowe Eversharp Secateurs – Westland Unwins

 

Landscaping

MultyDeck – Primeur Ltd

Planter cascade – Primeur Ltd

Carolina Border – DecoPak

 

Leisure & Entertaining

Campingaz Attitude 2Go CV Table Top Gas Barbecue – Campingaz

Folding Garden Bar – Zest 4 Leisure

Kamado Joe - Kettle Joe – Kamado Joe

 

Homewares, Gifts, Toys & Games

Earthy Natural Bamboo Side Tables - Set of 2 – The Satchville Gift Company

Kids Light-up cloggies – EP Barrus Ltd 

Pup's 1st gift Box – Goodchap's 

Wholeleaf Platters, Bowls & Plates – The Wholeleaf Company

Bee Activity Box – Kidzplay 

 

Pet Food

Churu Pops – Collarways Ltd 

Home Barking Kit – Sniffe & Likkit Ltd 

Scoff Paper Edible Greeting Cards for Dogs – Scoff Pape

 

Pet Health & Beauty

Anti-Bacterial Dog Shampoo with Hosepip Applicato – Aqueos

Furrish Cordless Pet Clipper – Furrish

The Woof Pack - Deluxe Doggy Bag & Grooming Kit – Sniffe & Likkit Ltd

 

Pet Accessories

Glove My Dog Deluxe Bamboo Towel Glove – Sniffe & Likkit Ltd

Petface Planet (Toucan) – Leisure Grow

Pup's 1st Cracker - The cracker your pup can pull – Goodchap's

The Friendly Squid - Cleaning up our coast – Goodchap's

 

Retail Services & Experiences

Evergreen Trade Website & Training Academy – Evergreen Garden Care 

Honeyfield's Floor Display Unit – WHM Pet Group

Tri-Star Adbags –Tri-Star Packaging

 

Wild Bird and Wildlife Products

Gardman Aura Bird Bath & Feeder – Westland Unwins

Water is Life Bath and Drinker – Wildlife World

WildPod – Bioscapes 

 

Growing Accessories

BB Rain Can  –Block Blitz Ltd

Gro-Sure Visiroot Twin Propagator Set – Westland Unwins

Pot Trelli – Treadstone Products

Small Space Cold Frame – Zest 4 Leisure

 

 
Glee Buyers Power List Winners Revealed

The winners of the Glee Buyers Power List were revealed today. The Glee Buyers Power List was set up to recognise the individual buyers and buying teams who have gone above and beyond to make a difference within the garden retail industry this year...


 

The winners of the Glee Buyers Power List were revealed today. 

 

The Glee Buyers Power List was set up to recognise the individual buyers and buying teams who have gone above and beyond to make a difference within the garden retail industry this year.

 

This year’s Buyers Power List was voted for by readers of Glee Daily News and GTN Xtra.  When voting closed at midnight last night (Tuesday) almost 1,000 votes had been made.

 

Speaking at the Glee Buyers Power List awards ceremony, which was well attended by retailers and suppliers alike, Glee’s Event Director Matthew Mein said: “The Glee Buyers Power List was set up to recognise some of the most essential of our industry employees - garden retail buyers. After the most challenging of times for retail in general we are particularly proud to announce this year’s winners, who’ve done so much to keep trade buoyant and in good shape as we carve out a new normal. The biggest possible congratulations are due to all the very worthy winners and the many excellent shortlisted nominees.”

 

The winners received their awards at a special presentation at lunchtime.

 

The Nominations and Winners 2021

 

Plants Buyer/Buying Team of the Year

  • Andy Bunker – Alton Garden Centre
  • Marcus Cousins – Aylett Nurseries
  • Will Clark – Barton Grange
  • Tom Cook, Rod Austin & Julian Palphramand - British Garden Centres
  • Mel Livingstone - Fron Goch
  • Jessica Logan – RBG Kew

Winner: Marcus Cousins – Aylett Nurseries

 

Garden Care Buyer/Buying Team of the Year

  • Derek Bunker – Alton Garden Centre
  • Andy Matthews & Paul Williams – British Garden Centres
  • Ian Underwood – B&Q
  • Keith Wilbin – Downtown Garden Centre
  • Matt Shorter - Longacres
  • Ross Allen – Milestone Garden Centre
  • Duncan Wills – Stewarts Garden Centre

Winner: Duncan Wills – Stewarts Garden Centre

 

Outdoor Leisure Buyer/Buying Team of the Year

  • Ian Richardson - Garsons
  • Keith Laird – Hayes Garden World
  • Matt Shorter – Longacres
  • Darran Oakley – Squires
  • Peter Self – Whitehall Garden Centres

Winner: Darran Oakley – Squires

 

 

Landscape Buyer/Buying Team of the Year

  • John Birch – Baytree Garden Centre
  • David Danning - Blue Diamond
  • Dan Kirby – British Garden Centres
  • Paul Smith - Chessington Garden Centre
  • Scott Provan – Klondyke
  • Mick Bruniges – Oaktree Garden Centre
  • Jack Slater – Summerseat Garden Centre 
  • Michelle Thompson – Thompsons Garden Centres

Winner: Dan Kirby – British Garden Centres

 

Home & Gifts Buyer/Buying Team of the Year 

  • Emma Davis – British Garden Centres
  • Sarah Cooksley – Dobbies
  • Claire Jenner - Frosts
  • Geoff Stapleton – Gates Garden Centre

Winner: Emma Davis – British Garden Centres

 

Pet Buyer/Buying Team of the Year

  • Sue Shaw - B&M
  • Zack Sargent – Bents Garden & Home
  • Chessington Garden Centre
  • Dan Reep – Squires Garden Centres

Winner: Chessington Garden Centre

 

Retail Food & Drinks Buyer/Buying Team of the Year 

  • Claire Bryce - Barton Grange
  • Melanie Sykes - Bents
  • Phil Hales – Gates Garden Centre
  • Longacres

Joint Winners: Claire Bryce - Barton Grange and Longacres

 

Christmas Buyer/Buying Team of the Year

  • David Danning - Blue Diamond 
  • Chris Slack - Frosts
  • Michelle Martin – Haskins
  • Stuart Whalley – Rosebourne

Winner: Chris Slack – Frosts

 

Overall Multiple Garden Retailer Buying Team of the Year – 6 stores or more

  • Blue Diamond
  • British Garden Centres
  • Caulders
  • Dobbies
  • Hillier Garden Centres
  • Klondyke
  • Notcutts
  • Squires Garden Centres

Winner: British Garden Centres

 

Overall Independent Garden Centre Buying Team of the Year – up 5 stores 

  • Alton Garden Centre
  • Aylett Nurseries
  • Gates Garden Centre
  • Haskins
  • Longacres
  • Rosebourne Garden Centres
  • Thompsons Garden Centres
  • Webbs

Winner: Aylett Nurseries

 

Matthew Mein added: “I would also like to thank all those who took time to vote for their retail superstar, every one of whom deserved to be recognised. Hard-working retail staff are the lifeblood of our industry and I’m delighted so many people also felt they deserved to be recognised at the Glee Buyers Power List Awards.”

 
Best Green Heart Display winners confirmed

The Green Heart – Glee’s horticultural hub - crowned Hills Plants as winners of its 2021 Best Glee Green Heart Display award...


 

The Green Heart – Glee’s horticultural hub - crowned Hills Plants as winners of its 2021 Best Glee Green Heart Display award.

 

As first time exhibitors not just the Glee Green Heart but exhibitions in general, the award has been warmly received by the team at Hills Plants, who have been using Glee to promote its range of British grown houseplants to garden retailers and plant buyers. 

 

The award was a hotly contested one, with the judge – Mike Wyatt of Garden Trade News - deliberating for some time before making his final selection. The Hills Plants stand was selected due to its commercial strength, superb design and high-quality stock which has been merchandised to inspire and entice, providing retailers with ideas that they can recreate within their own stores for maximum impact.

 

The Best Green Heart Display Award was presented to Hills Plants’ by Neil Gow, Glee’s Green Heart Special Project Manager, and Glee Event Director, Matthew Mein.

 

Glee’s Matthew Mein said: “Our congratulations to Hills Plants. As always plants remain the heart of garden retailing and displays such as this one continue to set the standard and demonstrate new ways of thinking to display and merchandise all types of houseplants. I’ve no doubt that any retailer who visited the Hills Plants stand will be inspired to replicate key elements to entice repeat custom and build a reputation as a leading houseplant retailer.

 

“I’d also like to thank Mike for his excellent judging and for picking such a worthy winner, and also to Woodlodge for its continued support of the Green Heart.”

 

Receiving the award, Hills Plants’ Assistant Production Manager, Laura Marner said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive the award. It means so much to get this kind of recognition, especially during our debut year at Glee, and it has certainly helped us to generate conversation with those retailers that have visited the Green Heart. We will certainly be back next year!”

 
Houseplant sales on crest of a wave

Houseplant sales are riding the crest of a wave – and Chichester-based Hills Plants are exhibiting in Glee’s Green Heart area in the Atrium with an aspirational display of mostly UK-grown foliage plants...


 

Houseplant sales are riding the crest of a wave – and Chichester-based Hills Plants are exhibiting in Glee’s Green Heart area in the Atrium with an aspirational display of mostly UK-grown foliage plants.

 

It’s the trade show debut for the nursery, founded in the 1920s and majoring in recent years on meeting the demands of multiples and supermarkets. But now they are reaching out again to garden centres and targeting a younger demographic – 25 to 45-year-olds who, says Greg Hill (pictured) believe that “a bit of horticulture in their lives is good for the soul”.

 

The Glee stand features an exotic display piled high with a huge selection of foliage plants of different colours, heights and textures – enough to persuade any garden centre buyer of the potential of taking this category seriously. 

 
Zest 4 Leisure presents over £8,000 to Greenfingers

Garden furniture, wooden products and decorative garden structure specialist, Zest 4 Leisure (stand number 20A40-C41) has presented a giant cheque for over £8000 to the Greenfingers charity at Glee...


 

Garden furniture, wooden products and decorative garden structure specialist, Zest 4 Leisure (stand number 20A40-C41) has presented a giant cheque for over £8000 to the Greenfingers charity at Glee.

 

The company raised the money from sales of its Tiverton planter over the last 2 years. £2.50 from every planter sold was donated to the charity.

 

Zest (Part of the P&A Group) is this year celebrating ten years of fundraising success having raised nearly £110,000 for charities including Nightingale House, Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospices, Cancer Research UK, Action for Children, Alzheimer’s Society, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Meningitis Now. With Macmillan Cancer Support being the company’s chosen charity for 2021 and they continue to raise money through a variety of fundraising activities. 

 

Zest 4 Leisure was established in 2005 to bring high quality, FSC® certified timber garden products to garden centres, online retailers, and major purchasing groups across the UK. 

 

For further information about Zest 4 Leisure’s GYO, decorative and furniture products, visit www.zest4leisure.co.uk.

 
New date announced for next year’s Glee

The Glee team has confirmed that the 2022 event will move to a new date in order to meet the ever-developing needs of the garden retail sector. As a result, Glee 2022 will take place 28th-30th June...


 

The Glee team has confirmed that the 2022 event will move to a new date in order to meet the ever-developing needs of the garden retail sector. As a result, Glee 2022 will take place 28th-30th June.

 

Over several months, the Glee team undertook an in-depth consultation with key stakeholders, representing suppliers, retailers and trade associations. The outcome of these discussions was that a shift to a different time of year would better reflect, and support, the ongoing development of the garden retail supply chain and associated buying cycles.

 

This decision received unanimous support, and it has been confirmed that the annual Glee exhibition will take place in June, effective from 2022. The first show hosted under the new date line to take place on the 28th-30th, 2022.

 
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Blue Diamond donates £10,000 for horticultural scholarships

The David Colegrave Foundation (DCF) announced at Glee today that The Blue Diamond group of garden centres has donated £10,000 to provide a set of horticultural scholarships...


 

The David Colegrave Foundation (DCF) announced at Glee today that The Blue Diamond group of garden centres has donated £10,000 to provide a set of horticultural scholarships.

 

The awards will be in addition to the foundation’s existing scholarships, which support horticultural students as they target careers in the UK’s ornamental horticulture industry.

 

Blue Diamond CEO Alan Roper (second from right) is pictured shaking hands with DCF trustee Stuart Lowen, watched by fellow trustees, Caroline Owen of Scotsdale Garden Centre and broadcaster and writer Peter Seabrook (right) and Neil Gow.

Vivid Arts’ Rabbit raises over £10,000 for Greenfingers

First launched at Glee 2018, the gorgeous rabbit figurine from leading garden décor manufacturer, Vivid Arts, has now raised over £10,000 for the Greenfingers charity...


First launched at Glee 2018, the gorgeous rabbit figurine from leading garden décor manufacturer, Vivid Arts, has now raised over £10,000 for the Greenfingers charity.

 

Since 2018 the Vivid Arts rabbit has been sold throughout garden centres across the country, with gardeners being drawn by its cute styling including a garden spade and bearing the trademark Greenfingers green gloves. The realistic ornament, made from high-quality resin, stands at approximately 18cm high and since its launch has been supported by full POS material – and a special miniature rabbit collection box - to aid retailers in encouraging rabbit lovers and gift-givers to purchase the ornament in support of the charity.

 

Paul McGuire, Sales Director at Vivid Arts said: “It has been a privilege for Vivid Arts to work with the Greenfingers team over the last three years. It’s amazing that one short conversation resulted in two hundred and fifty bespoke collection boxes being distributed to collection points and over seven thousand “fundraiser Rabbits” being sold through the trade. 

 

As a result, and thanks to the generous support of our trade customers, we have been able to raise £10,640 to help fund further magical Greenfingers projects. We’re so pleased we have been able to make a small contribution to such a worthy cause that supports life-limited children and their families in such a positive way. Brilliant people, brilliant cause.”

 

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers said: “Our sincerest thanks to Vivid Arts for its incredible contribution to supporting Greenfingers and helping to place the charity in front of garden centre customers. The rabbit has become our unofficial mascot having been part of our fundraising efforts for so long, and we will be forever grateful for the profile it has helped to create for the Greenfingers charity amongst consumers as well as retailers.”

 

The Greenfingers team will be exhibiting in Hall 6 at 6A17, Vivid Arts will also be exhibiting at Glee alongside its Greenfingers Rabbit in Hall 20, stand D11.

 
Greenfingers gardens update

With gardens at its heart, it is hardly surprising that the team at the Greenfingers charity is currently in the midst of several garden builds with many more on the horizon, together marking an incredibly busy year for the charity. Here we find out more about the gardens that will join the Greenfingers roster in 2021 and beyond...


With gardens at its heart, it is hardly surprising that the team at the Greenfingers charity is currently in the midst of several garden builds with many more on the horizon, together marking an incredibly busy year for the charity. Here we find out more about the gardens that will join the Greenfingers roster in 2021 and beyond. 

 

St Oswald’s Hospice – Newcastle

There is no question that the pandemic has impacted the garden builds earmarked for Greenfingers’ 2020 and 2021 to-do lists. The 61st garden – St Oswald’s in Newcastle – saw its grand opening delayed due to COVID-19, a new date will be announced shortly. This new garden includes a play area with accessible play equipment, as well as the existing summerhouse which has been given a makeover, complemented with new seating areas and a stunning willow wall to add impact and interesting architectural lines. 

 

Haven House - Woodford Green, Essex

Over at Haven House in Essex, the garden has been transformed thanks to the incredible efforts of the team at AMES who took part in a planting day, helping to bed in some of the 1,000 plants kindly donated by Scotscapes Landscaping and using compost donating by Evergreen Garden Care. These plants have joined the existing planting scheme created by Stewarts Landscapes, who have been bringing to life the vision for the garden created by award-winning RHS Chelsea designer, Tom Hoblyn. Further donations have also come from Smart Garden and The Solar Centre, both providing gorgeous lights to help bring the garden to life during the night.

 

Ty Hafan - Vale of Glamorgan

Greenfingers 63rd garden has broken ground at Ty Hafan in the Vale of Glamorgan. As one of the UK’s leading paediatric palliative care services, offering care to children and support for their families throughout Wales, a sensory garden was a much-needed part of the support on offer and, of course, Greenfingers was only too happy to help. This new garden space, designed by Victoria Wade, has been designed to increase biodiversity, sustainability and will be a haven for wildlife, enabling the children to connect with the natural world.  We are grateful to The Heritage Lottery, the Postcode Lottery and many more friends of Greenfingers for supporting this project. 

 

The Nook – Norfolk

East Anglia’s Children Hospice’s (EACH) newest site The Nook – officially opened by HRH, The Duchess of Cambridge in 2019 – is set to become one of Greenfingers’ flagship garden projects, Thanks to generous donations from leading skincare brand, Clarins and the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA), the work to start the Nest & Reflect Garden along with some of the gardens infrastructure will begin in earnest shortly. 

 

Designed by Ann-Marie Powell, this special space – the first of many gardens to be built at The Nook – will feature quiet corners where families can relax together, whilst a racetrack for wheelchairs, wind mobiles, a forest school and a bright outdoor classroom with a green roof amongst a meadow and plenty of beautiful trees, all connected by accessible winding pathways will complete this garden which is designed to encourage participation and not just spectating. 

 

Forthcoming gardens

Three additional Greenfingers gardens are also in the first stages of development. 

 

Demelza Hospice Care for Children, based in Sittingbourne – the site of Greenfingers’ first-ever garden - has recently seen Andrew Fisher Tomlin from multi-award-winning garden designers, Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer, appointed as designer for this project. Andrew has previously created the stunning ‘Let’s Explore’ garden at Richard House Children’s Hospice in East London and will be looking to work his magic again at Demelza where the garden space will be refreshed for the first time since its creation back in 1999. 

 

Greenfingers is also working with Derian House in Chorley and Jigsaw Children’s Hospice in Carlisle.  The charity looks forward to both gardens coming to life in 2022. 

 

Garden Makeovers

Thanks to a generous donation from a private donor, the charity is now able to revisit hospices they have worked with in the past to ensure their very old Greenfingers gardens continue to be useable spaces.  Helen & Douglas House in Oxford and Keech Hospice Care in Luton have recently benefitted from the initiative.  

 

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications said: “We’re so pleased that, despite the pressures of the pandemic, we are able to continue to create gardens at a wide range of locations. All the hospices we are working with are so deserving of these garden spaces, and we are so appreciative to every person, team, company, designer and product donation that come together to make each garden possible.

 

“We look forward to sharing further details regarding the development of all our gardens in the coming months.”

 

Find out more

To find out more about Greenfingers Charity, and how to get involved in a range of fundraising events please email Linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk. 

 

You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn.  

 
Glee 2021 Show Guide available online

The Glee 2021 Show Guide is still available in digital format as well as being a printed version, which was available free at the exhibition. To view the online Show Guide click here.


The Glee 2021 Show Guide is still available in digital format as well as being a printed version, which was available free at the exhibition. To view the online Show Guide click here.

 

 

 
Burgon & Ball extends top-selling indoor range

Burgon & Ball adds fresh flair to its indoor gardening offering, with the launch of stylish new lines in indoor watering and indoor pots...


 

Burgon & Ball adds fresh flair to its indoor gardening offering, with the launch of stylish new lines in indoor watering and indoor pots.

 

Cleverly mixing and matching colours and styles to complement existing top-selling designs, the new products refresh Burgon & Ball’s successful range for the flourishing houseplant trend.

 

Mister Right

An essential accessory for the houseplant fan, this autumn sees the launch of Burgon & Ball’s new collection of houseplant misters, in a choice of colours and offering a quality which has until now been missing from the market. Crucially, an all-metal pump gives the sturdiness and long life which plant lovers are looking for, with a fine uniform spray and no irritating drips or splatters.

The misters are available in three colours: classic stainless steel, or finished with a tough powder coating in either neutral Stone or Charcoal grey. The powder-coated options match the colour choies in Burgon & Ball’s top-selling indoor watering can, making these misters a great upselling pportunity for retailers. 

 

Making a splash

Glee also saw the unveiling of two new colour options in Burgon & Ball’s top-selling indoor watering can. Just 12cm high, these stylish beech-handled little cans have been a sales phenomenon, perfect for mini plants and of course the adored succulents. The new shades, Pale Jade and Heritage Blue, reflect the latest trends in interiors and are echoed on this season’s new indoor pots to make an attractive pairing that’s perfect for gifting sales. These cans are sure to work hard for retailers. 

 

Top of the pots

Completing the line-up of exciting launches, two new indoor pot designs combine to give six choices across a range of colours, patterns and sizes. Available in on-trend Pale Jade and Heritage Blue, the Bilbao indoor pot is strikingly contemporary, picking up on the trend for bold geometrics. This unusual footed pot features a mesmerising design in strong diagonals. In contrast, the soft grey Provence pot features a design of grasses and flowers in a loose, impressionist style, reflecting the ongoing trends for bringing the outdoors into the home, and for all things artisanal. 

 

Together the houseplant misters, indoor watering cans, and new pot designs extend and refresh Burgon & Ball’s houseplant care range this autumn, bringing exciting new opportunities to retailers for the season ahead.

 

Burgon & Ball

T: 01202 684141

E: sales@burgonandball.com 

www.burgonandball.com

 
Altico launch ‘Earth & Green’ specialist Horticultural Grits & Sands for professionals

Altico unveiled their new specialist range of high-quality Horticultural Grits and Sands, perfect for professional gardeners, at Glee...


 

Altico unveiled their new specialist range of high-quality Horticultural Grits and Sands, perfect for professional gardeners, at Glee. 

 

Spotting a gap in the market to provide Garden Centres with an alternative brand choice for their Horticultural Grits and Sands, Altico’s Earth & Green branded range enables customers to retain strong profit margins, whilst aiming to generate customer loyalty and repeat purchase. 

 

Packaging is user-friendly, with supportive tips and know-how and striking merchandising solutions offer flexibility for retailers to drive linked sales, inside and out. 

The Horticultural range includes Sharp Sand, Grit Sand, Alpine Grit, Washed Gravel and Potting Grit, each having been carefully selected to ensure they meet horticulturalist standards, and importantly, improve cultivation results.

 

This versatile collection offers countless opportunities for the more expert gardener, from improving drainage and aeration, to creating foundations for aquatic planting and rockeries, or to dress Alpine gardens and to mix with composts for seed planting. 

 

 

Supporting Altico’s pledge to reduce single use plastic waste wherever possible, their Earth & Green large packs are offered 100% recyclable bags, with 30% reclaimed material added. Specially engineered, handy-sized ‘stand-up’ pouches are also available across the collection – perfect for smaller projects and top up purchases.

 

Web: www.altico.co.uk    Email: sales@altico.co.uk    Tel: 01302 354500

 
Cut above the rest – ARS Japanese Pruning Range

The ARS Corporation in Japan have been manufacturing the highest quality pruning tools since 1876. Sorbus are the master UK importers/distributors of this impressive range which includes saws, polesaws, secateurs, telescopic pruners, shears and loppers.


 

The ARS Corporation in Japan have been manufacturing the highest quality pruning tools since 1876. Sorbus are the master UK importers/distributors of this impressive range which includes saws, polesaws, secateurs, telescopic pruners, shears and loppers.

 

Also available are products for fruit harvesting, floristry and general/handycraft uses. When you purchase an ARS product you are investing in a tool for life and Sorbus supply a complete range of spare parts just in case they are required.

 

The secret to the superior performance of ARS tools lies in steel quality, design, thermal treatment, grinding & hardening. ARS have developed their own specialised manufacturing techniques that are unique to the ARS range. Many copy but none can match the Outstanding Sharpness and Functional Beauty of ARS tools.

 

https://www.sorbus-intl.co.uk/tools/ars-range

 

Sorbus International - Tom Wade

Email: Sales@sorbus-intl.co.uk

Tel: 01373 475540

Website: www.sorbus-intl.co.uk

 
Specflue offers something for every garden and budget

Specflue have been in the flame game for circa 30 years as the UK’s leading distributor of chimneys, flues and stoves to both the domestic and commercial markets...


 

Specflue have been in the flame game for circa 30 years as the UK’s leading distributor of chimneys, flues and stoves to both the domestic and commercial markets.

 

Continually looking to expand its offer we are excited to bring you an exclusive range of outdoor living products which continue our theme of all things fire and flame.

 

Supplying innovative, quality products, backed by superior service the range covers cooking appliances and outside heating products. From smokeless firepits to environment friendly pellet patio heaters to the stunning Vulcanus Grill giving a new meaning to both social and healthy outdoor cooking.

 

The Specflue outdoor living range offers something for every garden and budget.

 

 

VULCANUS Grill – A range of stunning Corten, wood fired grills, providing a unique and sociable cooking experience, endorsed by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

 

SOLO STOVE smokeless firepit – a range of contemporary firepits ideal for any garden that does not annoy the neighbours with smoke due to its patented design.

 

Pellet Patio Heater – A stylish eco-friendly alternative to gas or electric patio heaters. Cost effective to run and low on emissions, the natural choice for outdoor heating.

 

BIOETHANOL FIRES – A stylish range of freestanding and tabletop fires, using Bioethanol fuel they provide a smoke free, environmentally sustainable, centrepiece.

 

CLASSIC FIRE BOWLS – A classic fire bowl design available in Corten or black finish.

 

JOHN & VITO EGG – A firepit with a difference, an eye-catching architectural piece that will grace any garden.

 

SCHIEDEL GARDEN FIREPLACE – Make a statement with these pumice outdoor fireplaces, available in three sizes to suit any garden.

 

Telephone: 0333 999 7974

Email: sales@specflue.com

Website: www.specflue.com

Video: https://youtu.be/w3KKJjcryzM

 
Q Garden delivers power, reliability & performance

Q Garden delivers the power, reliability, and performance you expect of garden machinery at an affordable price that is value for money....


 

Handy Distribution is a one-stop-shop supplier of multiple brands of machinery and  spare parts and with over 84 years’ experience, strong heritage and expertise we are one of the largest distributors in the UK garden machinery industry.

 

We are proud to have grown our three home brands over the years with Q Garden being our latest introduction to the portfolio seven years ago.

 

Q Garden delivers the power, reliability, and performance you expect of garden machinery at an affordable price that is value for money.

 

This opening price point range is targeted at people who believe gardening should be easy and enjoyable, using a selection of the right machines that are readily available and easy to use to make light work of gardening tasks.

 

Aimed at the smaller garden or first-time buyer the Q Garden products include a range of corded electric garden tools from hedgetrimmer, lawnmowers, linetrimmers, blowers and vacuums through to a garden poly dump cart.

 

Although Q Garden offers opening price point products or price fighters across all categories, every machine comes with a comprehensive 1 year warranty offering consumers peace of mind.

 

https://qgardenrange.co.uk/product/40cm-16-self-propelled-petrol-rotary-lawnmower/

 
Apollo introduce range of easy-fit fencing and arches

Endless design possibilities are now possible, thanks to Apollo's brand-new range of modular, easy-fit fencing and arches...


 

Constructing garden fences and arches that perfectly complement your garden has never been an easy or quick endeavor, until now.

 

Introducing Apollo's brand-new range of modular, easy-fit fencing and arches, endless design possibilities are now possible.

 

Whether you want to create an elegant gateway into different sections of the garden, or a perfect spot to sit with your morning brew, the arches are designed to be used either standalone, or with a bench or gates.

 

 

Installing the fencing panels is as easy as positioning the panel where you want it, then driving in a fence post on either side.

 

The options are limitless, and your perfect outdoor space is within reach.

 

 
New innovations for Primeur’s Eco-Garden range

Primeur showcased a number of additions to their Eco Garden range at Glee – all made from unbreakable recycled rubber...


 

Primeur showcased a number of additions to their Eco Garden range at Glee – all made from unbreakable recycled rubber.

 

These include the Flamenco planter – a new style for 2022 within their multi-award-winning recycled rubber contemporary planter collection. Recognising the demand for larger showcase planters have an integrated self-watering reservoir and are perfect for both inside and outdoors.

 

Also new is Primeur’s MULTYDECK product – an exciting innovation to speed up the decking installation process, as well as opening the door to many new ways of using decking boards to create flooring and pathways. A versatile product that can be used not only in gardens but allotments, balconies, hot tubs, and bin tidies.

 

Given that the product can be applied temporarily it is also great for caravan and camping, events and for those renting their homes and not wanting to install permanent decking.

 

A new style of rubber edging has also been added to their range. The Maryland, available in earth and grey, mimics picket fencing, providing an attractive finish to beds and borders.

 
Pot-mate is a simple yet great idea from hobby gardener

Find out how keen gardener Phil Wilson turned his hobby into a business with Pot-mate™...


 

Phil Wilson has been a keen gardener all his life and he especially enjoys growing in pots and containers on his patio.

 

Over recent years he’s been troubled by several aspects of managing heavy pots in the garden and dissatisfied with traditional pot feet for several reasons.

 

That’s what drove him to design Pot-mate™. It’s a simple idea, but then lots of great ideas are. To begin with, Phil had some 3D printed models made of his design and used them to great success in his own garden. 

 

Then he began to wonder if there might be a wider market for his idea?

 

Speaking with colleagues and neighbours and then researching more widely, it became clear that Pot-mate™ answers the same problems for all gardeners.

 

That’s when his journey from hobby gardener to entrepreneur began!

 
Bloomin Amazing is a firmly establish bestseller

Bloomin Amazing was first distributed in March 2018 and was officially launched at Glee in September 2018, since when it’s become firmly established in the growing media sector as the leading organic soil enricher and mulch...


 

Bloomin Amazing was first distributed in March 2018 and was officially launched at Glee in September 2018, since when it’s become firmly established in the growing media sector as the leading organic soil enricher and mulch.

 

From a standing start just three years ago, Bloomin Amazing is now found in more than 340 garden centres across the UK and regularly features in the GTN Best Sellers lists.

 

It’s a great British success story and we caught up with Nick Finding, Managing Director as he prepared for Glee 2021 to ask him how he’s achieved such remarkable success in such a short time.

 

1. Where did the idea for Bloomin Amazing come from?

Our anaerobic digester (AD) which produces green gas for the town of Poundbury, was opened by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2012, who takes an active interest in the project. Sustainability has always been key to all of us, and we wanted to look at ways we could make effective and sustainable uses of our by-products. We have always used the digestate by-product very successfully on the farms as a fertiliser to replace artificial imported fertilisers, and also by using its organic qualities as a soil conditioner. However, after also using it with enormous success in our own garden, and in a friends’ garden who was hosting a wedding, it gave us the confidence to develop it for home gardeners too.

 

2. How is it produced and what gives it such a good sustainability profile?

The AD plant is fed with green crops grown within a few miles, so the raw materials are entirely natural and local. The crops are fed into the digester which behaves just like a huge cow’s stomach creating methane, and we were the first in the UK to clean the biogas produced from the digestion process for the biomethane to be extracted and injected into the national gas network to heat local homes - 7500 in winter and over 100,000 in the summer. What’s left after the gas is extracted is a rich, moist and crumbly by-product of entirely organic material, loaded with nutrients – the perfect soil conditioner, mulch and plant feed.

 

3. How did you come up with the brand name?

Initially ‘Bloomin Amazing’ came from discussing it with my wife in a hot tub in the mountains! However, then we spent quite a long time researching the market and reviewing all the information and, of course the competitors. It was quite helpful being new to the garden category because we found that lots of people didn’t really understand the technical descriptions of mulch type products. So, we needed something that was memorable and distinctive, but also easy to understand the principle of what to expect when you buy a bag!

 

4. How did you go about designing your brand?

We started with very clear objectives, a well-defined consumer to aim at, and an understanding of the retail environments we hoped to compete in. Then we invited several experienced and respected design agencies to present their ideas – from which we selected our partners for all aspects of our graphic design. One of their clearest objectives, that pretty much sold their pitch to me, was that we had to ‘disrupt the consumer’. Since then, and after investing heavily into the black art of marketing, we’ve been very careful to stick to the brand guidelines they helped us to develop, and maintaining clear and consistent graphics has been a cornerstone of our marketing.

 

5. What marketing did you undertake when you launched?

Most importantly we had the good fortune to link up with our business developer Jane Lawler, who has held our hand throughout our journey, and has been critical to our success. On her recommendation we applied for GLEE 2018 which was our launch pad really, and we entered the new product awards which definitely helped our profile at the show, especially when we won the ‘Best of British’ award as well. I think the thing that really got us noticed though, was being awarded the GIMA Seed Corn Fund – which was a recognition of our work and success and such a great boost for the whole Bloomin Amazing team too.

 

6. To what do you put down your initial success with garden centres?

Early on we were introduced to a couple of people – as a result of rugby links - with long-established experience in garden products supply, especially in the growing media sector. Their guidance on issues like pricing, supply chain, deliveries and terms, plus an in depth understanding of the technicalities of bagging, storing and transporting bagged media were invaluable. It helped us avoid all sorts of pitfalls in the early months.

 

7. How do you feel about the new competitors that are now following in your footsteps?

We always knew that some of the other 100 or more biomethane injection AD plants that came after us, and the 500 odd electric generating AD plants in the UK were likely to try and follow our example, and of course it’s really good news for gardeners and garden retailers. With the need to eliminate peat, everyone is looking for viable alternatives, and there should be room for all of us to help resolve this.

 

8. How do they compete with Bloomin Amazing?

From a technical perspective, all crop-based digestates are quite similar with high organic content and moderate nutrient levels. However, it is important that the feed stocks used are entirely plant based if they’re going to be successful garden products. AD plants that use green waste, or food waste, or animal products for example can produce digestate with variable nutrient consistency and, occasionally, may be contaminated with plastics or worse. Waste digestate is also pasteurised which isn’t great really if you want a product that will perform best organically.

 

9. How does Bloomin Amazing compare on price?

We set out to use a system of market pricing from the very start. For a commercially successful product we knew that the price needed to be in line with existing competitor product. So, you’ll find Bloomin Amazing on a par with the established and brand leading products from the major suppliers. Some of the new entrants have clearly adopted a very different approach with much higher pricing both at retail and online. It’s not a strategy that we believe will drive the volumes we aspire to, and the best proof of that is probably the number of garden centres we are currently distributing to.

 

10. How can you be so competitive on price compared with other digestates?

Our business model is very simple and streamlined. We invested significantly at the start in fast, sophisticated filling machinery that requires the minimum of operator support and maintenance. Our plan is to continue to focus on building further efficiencies into the production and distribution of our single product – a 50 litre bag. I don’t’ believe that proliferating into lots of variants and formulations will add value, and it would certainly add complexity and therefore cost, never mind add to the plastic problems facing the industry when we should be looking more to reducing them, as we have in pioneering trials of a new biodegradable plastic.

 

11. Have you been able to maintain supply through the recent volatile demand?

Firstly, we have pretty much unlimited supply of raw material, and a bagging plant that can run at up to 8 bags per minute. Then we have a team that are highly motivated and happy to put in the extra hours in evenings and weekends when required for which I am very grateful. We were caught out earlier this season due to unprecedented demand and we ran out of bag film that delayed us by a few weeks, but compared with some other horrific lead times of 8 weeks or so we heard about in the industry we soon recovered and were able to get back to next day or latest 2-3 days. Lessons learnt as well, and our bag film orders are now ordered months in advance to cope with most things.

 

12. What are you plans for 2022?

Increase our garden centre coverage to nearer 500, we already have commitment to circa 400 for next year, and then we are doing trials to look at a blended product that should make a big impact in the market.

 
Campingaz® Attitude range perfect for limited outdoor space

Allowing barbecue enthusiasts to enjoy great alfresco dining no matter how little outdoor space they have or if they are away from home, the Campingaz® Attitude collection of table top gas barbecues offers clever technologies and precision cooking in a portable package with sleek, urban styling...


 

Allowing barbecue enthusiasts to enjoy great alfresco dining no matter how little outdoor space they have or if they are away from home, the Campingaz® Attitude collection of table top gas barbecues offers clever technologies and precision cooking in a portable package with sleek, urban styling. 

 

 

A portable package for barbecue enthusiasts 

Weighing just 13kg, the Attitude 2go CV is designed for those who don’t want to compromise their barbecue experience when camping, caravanning and picnicking. It is conveniently shaped for easy storage and features soft rounded handle for effortless lifting. This makes packing it in the boot of a car or a motorhome and transporting it to a campsite a breeze. It also works well for those with extremely limited outside space at home. 

 

 

The Attitude 2go CV runs off a Campingaz® CV470 Plus cartridge, which slots securely into the integrated basket at the back of the barbecue. These gas cartridges are compact and lightweight for ease of transport and they can be disconnected and reconnected even when they’re not empty. Campingaz® gas cartridges are readily available throughout Europe and end users can find retailers at the click of a button using Campingaz®’s gas store locator on the website. 

 

 

Instant, even heat cooking 

The updated burner and grid design used for the Attitude 2go CV removes the requirement for burner protectors and greatly reduces flaring during cooking. The Campingaz® Blue Flame stainless steel burners deliver a single row of vertical flames directly to the grilling surface and evenly across the entire cooking area, and the heat can be easily adjusted by turning the knob at the side of the barbecue. The burners come pre-attached to the front flow control panel and the fact that the batteries for the piezo ignition are included means you can take the Attitude 2go CV out of its box, attach the gas canister and start cooking at the press of a button.  

 

 

 

Built to last

Campingaz® provides a 5 year warranty on the Attitude 2go CV’s enamelled cast iron grid, which provides non-stick cooking, and a 10 year warranty on the die cast aluminium lid. This features a built in thermometer, enabling the temperature to be checked without lifting the lid. 

 

Attitude 2100 LX

The Attitude 2100 LX from Campingaz® has proven itself to be a popular choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who want a barbecue with versatility you’d expect from the brand’s full sized barbecues but in a smaller package. 

  • Thanks to Campingaz’s powerful Blue Flame two-burner system and Even Temp® Technology, the entire cooking surface, which is a split cast-iron grid and reversible griddle, can reach temperatures over 250°C so food cooks evenly. 
  • Versatile cooking and grilling options are offered by Campingaz’s ingenious Culinary Modular Accessory system. 
  • The stylish cast aluminium lid retains heat to allow for convection grilling.  
  • When you’ve finished cooking, Campingaz’s unique and patented InstaClean™ System allows you pop all the parts in the dishwasher in less than 60 seconds. 

 

To find out more about the full collection contact Christopher Stuckey at Campingaz®: Christopher.Stuckey@newellco.com / 07827 838578  

 
Springbok Rake stands the test of time

Bulldog Tools is celebrating over 100 years of manufacturing the Springbok Rake, famously strong and made from over 20 oil quenched high tensile steel tines for superb strength and flexibility...


 

Bulldog Tools is celebrating over 100 years of manufacturing the Springbok Rake, famously strong and made from over 20 oil quenched high tensile steel tines for superb strength and flexibility. Each tine is made from one continuous piece of wire, rivetted in place with no joints or crimps.

 

The rake is hand made by our team of craftsmen at our factory in Wigan and is loved by both professional and hobby gardeners for maintaining lawns, flower and vegetable beds and gardens in general.

 

Available in both standard and long handle lengths and covered by a “Lifetime Guarantee".

 

Or watch the Springbok being made in Wigan, Lancashire on our You Tube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnkouXxO4-Y

www.bulldogtools.co.uk

 

 

 

 
Starring TV role for Protek products

Over the past year Protek have been busy supplying all the key TV garden makeover shows with their fabulous wood stains and paints.


Over the past year Protek have been busy supplying all the key TV garden makeover shows with their fabulous wood stains and paints.

 

With over 100 colours to choose from, it is no wonder they have become the destination for TV shows.  

 

Of course, the fact that they manufacture from their Somerset base, has meant that they have managed to supply wood stain to customers, timber businesses, Influencers and TV shows throughout the pandemic, which has been no mean covid feat!

 

 

This Autumn Protek will be on your TV screens, look out for: ‘A Year in Prue’s Garden’ after 46 years in the same house Prue Leith moved into a new build and a blank canvas of a garden.  With clever zoning and bucket loads of colour the garden has been transformed.  It is a delight to be seen. 

 

All her garden furniture is painted in Protek Wood Stain.  The show will go out on C4 at the end of September.

 

Protek have been a key supplier for over 10 years to the ‘Love Your Garden’ TV show.  The garden transformations use colour to create something special for the recipient and inspiring for the viewers.  The new series starts on ITV Mid Sept. 

 

Finally ‘ Garden Rescue’ with Charlie Dimmock and award-winning garden designers the Rich brothers are on hand to make the most out of some of the most challenging gardens across the country.  Colour is used to marry the design with any planting patterns. Latest series is on our screens now. 

 

Email: sales@protekproducts.co.uk

Call:  01749 344697

 
Hygeia grows its UK customer base

Hygeia has seen rapid expansion of its UK customer base in the last 12 months especially within it’s lawn care and organic feed categories...


 

Hygeia has seen rapid expansion of its UK customer base in the last 12 months especially within it’s lawn care and organic feed categories.  

 

Their Green Force 4 in 1 lawn feed, weed and moss killer has seen rapid growth due to it’s proven results of fast-acting greening whist killing even stubborn weeds and moss, but specifically due to its advanced coverage versus the market - 750m2 per 15kg bag.  

 

 

Hygeia’s Lawn Gold range has had a well deserved make over to highlight the child and pet safe nature of the product, and its organic based credentials. The application of Lawn Gold certainly delivers exceptional results offering a ‘no rake’ action whilst effectively killing moss. This is complemented by seaweed which further develops and strengthens roots and offering nutritional benefit to the soil underneath. 

 

Hygeia’s Nature Safe liquid tomato and plant feed, with added cold pressed seaweed, have been particular highlights.  Hygeia have big plans to expand the Nature Safe offering with their sustainable seaweed and 100% organic material at its heart.  

 

Tom Stolworthy, Hygeia’s UK Country Manager, explains: “We’re excited to be sharing our new innovations ahead of the 2022 gardening season, but right now we are busy working with our retail customers to help them optimise autumn and winter sales.

 

"We anticipate seeing the increased demand for lawn care products continue into the autumn and winter season as consumers will not want to see their hard work and money spent to go to waste over these colder months."

 
Dizmezs - The home of firewood

With 55% of Latvia covered in forest, producing sustainable firewood comes naturally to Latvian manufacturer, Dizmezs. There is over 3 times more access to well managed hardwood species in Latvian forests when compared to the UK...


With 55% of Latvia covered in forest, producing sustainable firewood comes naturally to Latvian manufacturer, Dizmezs. There is over 3 times more access to well managed hardwood species in Latvian forests when compared to the UK. There is local access to a larger bank of raw material which results in higher capacity of product available.

 

State-of-the-art manufacturing

Dizmezs’ 167,000 m2 manufacturing hub has had a significant recent investment of  € 2.5m which has come at the perfect time, with many other suppliers struggling to keep up with higher market demand due to the pandemic. 

 

With quick access to raw materials, Dizmezs were able to react to a 40% increase in demand and supply 4.5 million more bags of firewood during the pandemic.

 

Green at heart

Firewood manufacturing is conducted with the environment in mind. There is no wood waste in the onsite sawmill as this enables all the wood waste to be utilised to produce heat for the kiln drying facilities.

 

With company operations being carbon neutral, Dizmezs also source all timber from well managed forests, and they plant 8 trees for every tree that is cut down.

 

Dizmezs is also a member of the Woodsure ‘Ready to Burn’ initiative to reduce harmful air pollution. Dizmezs firewood is kiln dried to less than 20% moisture levels ensuring cleaner emissions and a higher burning temperature than timber above 20% moisture levels.

 

 

More capacity, more choice

The recent investment in the Dizmezs manufacturing hub means extra volume of Firewood for brands WOODENSOUL and GLOWWOOD. There is also an opportunity to produce more variety of products, resulting in a more complete product range of stock. This capability also supports Dizmezs new brand, READYBLAZE, which is a range of premium firewood making its debut at Glee. 

 

More availability, faster lead times, more variety…. The home of firewood just got better!

 
High-quality range of peat-free, coir-based composts

Southern Trident is proud of its high-quality range of peat-free, coir-based composts and other growing media, and the company unveiled even further advances at Glee...


 

Southern Trident is proud of its high-quality range of peat-free, coir-based composts and other growing media, and the company unveiled even further advances at Glee...

 

We already have a great range of established dry, compressed coir products, which are stocked by more than 250 UK garden centres and numerous reputable online stores.

 

And for 2022, we have developed an outstanding range of new products, doubling our collection from 66 to 132 products. These include a new range of coir-based bagged composts and other growing media, under our new Harmony Gardens brand as well as the established Coco & Coir brand, coir plant pots, basket liners and other accessories, plus new sizes and designs in our popular coir doormats.

 

 

All products in the Harmony Gardens portfolio are mixes of coir together with other natural substrates and for the first time ever, as well as being peat free, are all carbon neutral.

For more details on the full range of products, visit southerntrident.com

facebook.com/cocoandcoir

instagram.com/cocoandcoir

twitter.com/cocoandcoir

linkedin.com/company/southerntrident

 
Yorkshire Flowerpots unveil British made terracotta planters

Barnsley based Yorkshire Flowerpots is the UK’s only volume producer of ceramic flowerpots, producing in excess of 200,000 pots per year. It is part of the 4th generation Naylor Group of Companies, a family business which has been making ceramic products since 1890...


 

Barnsley based Yorkshire Flowerpots is the UK’s only volume producer of ceramic flowerpots, producing in excess of 200,000 pots per year. It is part of the 4th generation Naylor Group of Companies, a family business which has been making ceramic products since 1890.

 

Yorkshire Flowerpots attended Glee for the 26th year, showcasing their range of British made terracotta planters at Glee 2021.

 

Yorkshire Flowerpots are:

  • Made from robust Yorkshire natural red clay
  • Fired to temperatures in excess of 1050 degrees centigrade
  • Manufactured with a high strength blue core
  • Independently freeze/thaw tested to minus 15 degrees centigrade

 

Also on display will be a range of imported products:

  • Naylor Clough Mill – craft glazed clay conservatory pots, cylinders and bowls.  The Naylor Clough Mill range of products are available in three colours – Leaf, Mist and Sky.
  • Naylor Lime Tree – a wide range of handpainted wallpots, planters and wall plaques. Available in a variety of Mediterranean colours.
  • Naylor Patio Pots – Italian terracotta bellpots, troughs and planters.

Yorkshire Flowerpots

Clough Green

Cawthorne

Barnsley

South Yorkshire

S75 4AD

Tel 01226 794059

Fax 01226 794130

Email info@naylor.co.uk

Web www.yorkshireflowerpots.co.uk

 
EKJU furniture brings people together

EKJU are a manufacturer focussed on crafting quality Garden Furniture. Their overall mission features a genuine love for the environment and bringing people together outdoors...


EKJU are a manufacturer focussed on crafting quality Garden Furniture. Their overall mission features a genuine love for the environment and bringing people together outdoors. 

 

Making memories outdoors

EKJU have a broad range of Garden Furniture products that are designed with comfort in mind, so that end users can relax and enjoy the great outdoors. Using the forests natural resource they aim to make every piece of furniture count towards making memories outdoors, whilst making their manufacturing process as environmentally friendly as possible. 

 

Quality first

Part of the EKJU mission is to maintain high product standards, creating garden furniture that is crafted with care and attention. The EKJU ambition is to make a product last as long as it takes to regrow a new tree in a forest. One way these high standards are achieved is by selecting the best sustainable live wood from local northern European forests which is stronger due to its slow growth, ideal for use on garden products due to its high density and durable nature. 

 

Garden Furniture for all occasions

EKJU have a large assortment of functional products ready to ship that have the end consumer in mind. Picnic Tables such as the Classic Picnic Bench allow families to graze in the great outdoors providing a place to relax together. Table sets such as the Cross Leg Table Set are a fantastic solution to alfresco dining in summer evenings. The Garden Bar Table Set is ideal for enjoying a well-earned drink after a long week at work. Benches and Chair sets such as the Double Relax Chair can be used in your favourite garden spot to enjoy afternoon tea.

 

In the last 18 months EKJU have been able to forge reliable UK logistical networks and set up a regional UK sales team, allowing UK retailers to buy more EKJU products than before.

 

Browse the whole range now by clicking here.

 
Vitax showcases growing organic range

Organic products took centre stage for Vitax at Glee this year as the demand for environmentally-friendly products which are non-toxic and chemical-free continues to grow...


 

Organic products took centre stage for Vitax at Glee this year as the demand for environmentally-friendly products which are non-toxic and chemical-free continues to grow.

 

2022 will see the launch of Organic Rose Guard which follows hot on the heels of last year’s two main product launches – Vitax Organic All Purpose Plant Food and Vitax Organic Tomato Food.

 

Organic Rose Guard is completely natural and pesticide free. Offering protection against aphids, such as greenfly and blackfly, it also guards against spider mites and other bugs.

 

The new addition to the organic range joins two of this season’s most popular products which have helped bring back the ‘feel-good’ factor to gardening and meet the need for alternative feeds that are completely natural, but still pack a punch.

 

Vitax All Purpose Plant Food has added extra growing power to this year’s crops and plants and has fast become a consumer favourite. Delivering plentiful blooms with eye-popping colour and the tastiest fruit and veg, Vitax Organic Plant Food is rich in organic nutrients and so versatile it can be used all around the garden. An easy option for consumers looking for an all-round feed.

 

Specifically formulated to satisfy even the greediest of tomato plants, Vitax Organic Tomato Food is a super-concentrated feed with the added benefits of magnesium, iron and naturally present trace elements to provide the ideal balance for tomatoes and other fruits.

 

Bearing the Organic Farmers & Growers approved mark, both are child, pet and bee-friendly, and suitable for vegan gardening.

 

All three products are part of an ever-growing range of organic products, including: Slug Gone, 6X, Organic Seaweed, Organic Liquid Rose Feed and Organic Rooting Gel, plus many more.

 

E: info@vitax.co.uk

T: 01530 510060

W: www.vitax.co.uk

 
Deco-Pak’s crazy golf at Glee held important meaning

Visitors to Deco-Pak’s stand during Glee were able to enjoy the company’s crazy golf themed stand. With six holes to test golfing prowess, there was also a much deeper meaning to the themed holes, as Deco-Pak Director, Craig Hall explains...


 

Visitors to Deco-Pak’s stand during Glee were able to enjoy the company’s crazy golf themed stand. With six holes to test golfing prowess, there was also a much deeper meaning to the themed holes, as Deco-Pak Director, Craig Hall explains...

 

“Our customers have been superb throughout the pandemic, from their patience when stock availability and logistics were impacted, to working with us to identify key sellers and successful merchandising and POS solutions. As a way of thanking them for their support, we have created a different Glee stand; one which we hope will offer real value for those that join us on-stand.

 

“Each of the six crazy golf holes has been themed to reflect the challenges that the garden retail sector has faced during the last 18 months, as well as the resulting consumer demand. Supported by our product offering, designed to tap into these trends, retailers can enjoy a little fun as they educate themselves on how changing consumer spend will impact the 2022 season, and how these themes will hopefully drive us towards a new sense of normality, whilst also increasing profitability with products that are considered and truly reflective of what consumers want and need.”

 

The Deco-Pak crazy golf themes

 

1)         Sustainability – the pandemic has accelerated the inevitable growth in demand for sustainable and environmentally conscious products. With consumers actively seeking out brands and products that meet these exacting standards, retailers wanting to optimise this will find Deco-Pak’s EcoStone range the top choice for the landscaping category.

 

Available to see at hole one, Deco-Pak’s EcoStone range raises the bar when it comes to sustainability, transforming waste materials once destined for landfill into decorative aggregates that meet the latest design trends. Glasglo are translucent tumbled glass stones, pot topper stones and cobbles made from recycled televisions; EcoStone Rubber Chippings give new life to former tyres, recycled into chippings that provide safe play areas and act as a weed-suppressing mulch, while EcoStone Sea Shells – sourced from a whelk processing factory, transform pots and terrariums when used as a dressing, and provide natural slug control in borders, too.

 

Ahead of the 2022 season, Deco-Pak has introduced an uplift in colour tones and a new logo for the EcoStone range to represent the true eco-nature of the product and packaging. Made with up to 60% of recycled material, all EcoStone bags will have a craft paper look to really set it apart from the other categories.

 

2)         Mindfulness – with multiple lockdowns and enforced distance from friends, family and much of our normal day-to-day lives, the importance of protecting mental health has come to the fore – in fact it is at an all-time high. According to one report, the global meditation market is expected to reach $9billion growth by 2027. As a result, many of us are now looking at ways to improve our mental health, with gardening proving a popular option as the estimated three million new gardeners* are testament to. 

 

Water gardening is one area consumers are turning to as the benefits of being near water have been well documented. From lower stress levels and anxiety, to boosting physical and psychological wellbeing, water gardening is a great way to add interest and relaxing sounds to garden spaces, no matter their size.  Deco-Pak’s water feature collection – set to be extended for the 2022 season -  will help retailers to raise the bar when it comes to staging high impact displays of instant aquatics. Featuring many ‘plug and play’ options, the complete offering is supported by informative and inspirational point of sale to help appeal to time-pressed consumers who want to introduce the tranquil, calming effect of water to gardens and demand products that can be quickly installed and instantly spurred into action. Find out more at hole two.

 

3)         Family & Community – the last 18 months has shown just how important the notion of family is. Whether they be relatives, friends or the wider community, we have all reached for those we hold dear. 

 

Since 2017, Deco-Pak’s Toy Town range of play pit and play sand – including coloured play sand are available to see at hole three – has been raising money for the children’s hospice garden charity, Greenfingers, and will continue to do so throughout the 2022 season. Talking about this product offering, Craig Hall said: “Greenfingers is such a fantastic cause which is needed by, and resonates with, everyone in our industry, and is one that we are so proud to support.  Through the sales of our play sand, we aim to leave a lasting impression for the charity, and help provide more gardens for children with life limiting illnesses and their families.”

 

4)         Growth – with gardening growing in popularity, business confidence is increasing in turn. One area that is seeing an increase in consumer spend is home and garden improvement, with landscape essentials such as stepping-stones proving popular thanks to their ability to transform paths and long-forgotten corners of the garden. From leaves and timber to penny coins, paws, half crescent moons and rustic circles, the Deco-Pak range is extensive and offers styles for all tastes and garden designs all of which will be available to view on hole four.

 

5)         Inspiration – the pandemic has brought new gardeners to the market, including many younger and inexperienced customers. As such it has never been so important for retailers to offer new ideas and inspiration at the point of sale. As a result, hole five will showcase Deco-Pak’s new point of sale support, which is designed to showcase what can be achieved quickly and easily to drive up the average basket spend and build consumer confidence. New ‘get the look’ aggregate merchandising solutions will deliver quick, visual cues that demonstrate how products can be easily used to maximum effect with minimum effort.

 

6)         Efficiency – growing demand has placed unprecedented pressure on the supply chain, with retailers and manufacturers both having to quickly adapt to changing sales patterns. Improved service and logistics will be key in ensuring a smooth path through the 2022 season. One key update for Deco-Pak will feature on hole six – new quad rockery crates for the market-leading Rock & Roll range of rockery and boulder essentials.

 

Find out more

To find out more about Deco-Pak’s leading product portfolio visit the website at www.deco-pak.co.uk

 

https://hta.org.uk/news-current-issues/news-current/news/millions-of-new-british-gardeners.html

 
The professional grower’s best-kept secret

Originally only available to our commercial trade customers, Carbon Gold’s Biochar Biology Blend is our most potent microbiological product formula ever...


 

Originally only available to our commercial trade customers, Carbon Gold’s Biochar Biology Blend is our most potent microbiological product formula ever.

 

Biochar Biology Blend is formulated as an organic substrate rejuvenator, it brings an intense boost of all the trace minerals and natural biology (fungi and bacteria) your plants will need for the season ahead - which encourages healthy root systems reflected in the quality of the aboveground plants. Ideal for sprinkling into seed drills; or around the roots of young plants as you put them into their growing positions.

 

Biochar Biology Blend is also a great product to use if you want to simply give a boost to your houseplants or if you are thinking of repotting. Likewise, if you have some existing biochar-based composts and are going to plant back into those pots you can use Biology Blend to rejuvenate for lasting benefits for the year ahead.

Biochar can bring a physical and permanent change to your soil. It improves structure, aeration, water-holding capacity, nutrient retention, and provides a refuge for beneficial microbiology which we add to improve plant health.

 

All of this combines to deliver increased fertility, improved vitality and root growth which means you will have healthier and more vigorous plants.

 

Biochar Biology Blend is made from 100% natural ingredients – FSC Certified and Soil Association Approved for organic growing, although it is widely used by both organic and conventional growers alike.

 

It is easy and simple to apply.

 
WHM Pet Group are flying into the new season

Wild Bird Care & Pet Food specialist WHM Pet Group, best known for their brands Marriage’s and Honeyfield’s, have added new capabilities to their UK manufacturing in the past 12 months, following strong sales results in 2020...


 

Wild Bird Care & Pet Food specialist WHM Pet Group, best known for their brands Marriage’s and Honeyfield’s, have added new capabilities to their UK manufacturing in the past 12 months, following strong sales results in 2020.

 

Capital investment from WHM Pet Group into their Driby site in Lincolnshire will now see their brands and product ranges set up well for further growth in 2021 and beyond.

 

 

In the height of the season during 2020, many pet food manufacturers were having problems with cost and shortages of raw materials, yet WHM Pet Group were able to accommodate increased demand and help these manufacturers and retailers out during this challenging time for the market. This was due to WHM Pet Group supply chain expertise but also because of continuous investment in UK based manufacturing. WHM Pet Group have invested £5m in their manufacturing site in Driby since 2012, which has seen it develop into one of the UK’s most advanced wild bird food manufacturing plants, with 110sqft of storage and racking. 

 

In the last 12 months, £2m in capital investments has produced end of line robotics (which has increased tonnage produced per hour), automation and high-speed packing machines. This has all helped contribute to improved manufacturing levels, increased capacity to cope with increased market demand and allowed better quality packs and new formats. This has also helped achieve year on year growth of 31%, to achieve £36m sales turnover. Through this growth and operational efficiencies, this has allowed more investment into the quality of NPD and technical functions. 

 

Moving into the 2022 season, WHM Pet Group are set to transform the market with the launch of their brand-new packaging for their Honeyfield’s brand. The ground-breaking packaging is 100% Recycled, 100% Recyclable and 100% Biodegradable.

 
Quality gloves for the fashion conscious gardener

Mechanix Wear’s Ethel Glove line reflects the brands long history of quality craftsmanship while keeping in mind the hand protection needs of today’s multitasking woman.


 

Mechanix Wear’s Ethel Glove line reflects the brands long history of quality craftsmanship while keeping in mind the hand protection needs of today’s multitasking woman.

 

She trusts her hands with a brand proven in the field, and designed to fit the contours of her hands with unparalleled performance.

 

Ethel Gloves are specifically designed to fit a woman’s hands and provide the necessary fashion, function and protection to tackle whatever your day holds.

 

The Ethel line will be exhibiting in Stand 8D60 with Gardiner Brothers, the leading footwear wholesaler in the UK. With over 70 brands in it’s portfolio, Gardiner Brothers service the entirety of the UK and Ireland with a multitude of different styles of footwear for all markets. 

 

 

Ethel video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHBTI6vhjdE&list=PLRNwZ8iQx-O84WHxOJ264fagNvfaIUHFS&index=16

 

Mechanix Wear Contact Info:

Stuart Darby, +44 7368 134 342 (mobile), sdarby@mechanix.com

www.mechanix.com

 
Norfolk Leisure turns up the heat

Norfolk Leisure turned up the heat at Glee as the company showcased an exciting range of new and existing outdoor cooking products including Cook King, Norfolk Grills and Ooni Pizza Ovens...


Norfolk Leisure turned up the heat at Glee as the company showcased an exciting range of new and existing outdoor cooking products including Cook King, Norfolk Grills and Ooni Pizza Ovens...

 

Browse our range of Cook King Firebowls, Stoves and Baskets all handmade in Europe from high quality crude steel. With an extensive range of handmade accessories you can turn your Cook King into a versatile garden feature for grilling, roasting, and entertaining. 

 

New for release is our Norfolk Grills BBQ range, something we have been working on for the last 2 years. Meticulously designing every feature with a team of experts the Norfolk Grills range of Gas, Charcoal and Electric BBQ’s has been created exclusively for Norfolk Leisure and the UK market. That’s not it! The Norfolk Grills range will also be offering a comprehensive range of BBQ accessories including tongs, skewers and much much more!

 

We are thrilled to be partnering with the global award winning Pizza Oven manufacturer Ooni. We are bringing along to Glee their innovative collection of Pizza Ovens including their recently released Karu 16 which will be the first time it has been shown at any trade show in the UK!

 

Weblinks: www.norfolkleisurelifestyle.com

Contact Info: 01553 811717 sales@norfolkleisure.co.uk

 
A quality product from a quality supplier

Supplying top-quality growing media products to garden centres and retailers throughout the UK is something which Durston Garden Products has been doing for many years. So it’s not surprising that its message to retailers at this years Glee was one of continued support and co-operation, particularly when working towards a peat-free future...


 

Supplying top-quality growing media products to garden centres and retailers throughout the UK is something which Durston Garden Products has been doing for many years. So it’s not surprising that its message to retailers at this years Glee was one of continued support and co-operation, particularly when working towards a peat-free future. 

 

 

Always at the forefront of technology, Durston Garden Products prides itself on its’ attention to detail when sourcing the right compost for its customers.  By using locally sourced renewable organic material, not only does ‘Gro-Boost’ technology help give plants a long lasting nutrient boost, but it benefits the local environment too.  

 

 

Producing a quality product is what Durstons do best and it’s for this reason that they are so extremely fastidious when it comes to checking the quality of all of its composts before allowing anything to pass through its factory gates on route to its customers.  

 

And it’s not just its products that the company care about, but the packaging it supplies its products in too. All Durstons bags are produced from 100% recyclable material.

 

 

So, as the world and the environment changes at a pace of knots, it’s vital that forward thinking companies like Durstons do the same. By continuing to invest heavily into its’ locally produced unique blend of organic materials – 'Gro-Boost’, Durstons is confident of its position in the marketplace to supply the industry throughout the UK for many years to come. 

 

For further information, why not visit us at Glee:  Hall 8 Stand D20

 
Glee success for Woodlodge as garden industry reunites

Woodlodge is celebrating its return to Glee with its order books full and a new accolade under its belt as the garden retail industry returned to trade events this month...


 

Woodlodge is celebrating its return to Glee with its order books full and a new accolade under its belt as the garden retail industry returned to trade events this month.

 

With a larger stand in the heart of Hall 6 that showcased the company’s entire portfolio, the UK’s leading supplier of pots, planters and gardenware had an extraordinary three days of sales at the show and won the coveted New Product Award for Garden Decoration. Woodlodge cemented its position as one of the market leaders in garden décor with its new solar mirror range, winning the category from an impressive amount of entries. 

 

Judges and visitors to the show were impressed with the clean, green solar-powered Heart Mirror which brightens up shade-filled spots and illuminates evening social spots in the garden. 

 

 

The show saw Woodlodge return to live events for the first time in two years with a larger 870 square metre stand packed full of new product ranges and innovation. Leading the way was the launch of the highly anticipated RHS planter collaboration. Having recently made an agreement with the RHS to become its licensee of outdoor pots, the carefully curated collection features glazed botanical designs, ageless terracotta and fibreclay that celebrate the charity’s history and the nation’s love of gardening.   The range was warmly received by all visitors and orders are well above initial expectations.

 

Other launches for 2022 included the new brand, Emberwood, Woodlodge’s new outdoor heating range of gas and wood firepits, fireplaces and chimineas to get retailers all fired up. Following on from extensive customer research and product development, the company’s furniture range has expanded to include on trend cocoon chairs, as well as new rattan designs that encompass sophistication, style and practicality.

 

The return to Glee also saw been Woodlodge build on additional product ranges that complement its core offer.  Garden décor brand Honey & Wild saw new additions to its range as consumers continue to extend interior design to their outdoor space.  This trend also saw an extension to Woodlodge’s successful Water Studio collection, a calming range of plug in and go water features with strong appeal for consumers who are looking to create a sense of tranquillity at home.

 

Visitors were treated to an early festive cheer through Snowlodge, Woodlodge’s Christmas range that was launched earlier this year. From ornaments to traditional décor, Christmas trees and plushes, winter stars and baubles, festive lighting and seasonal wreaths, the range, which combines innovation with quality, helps to provide retailers with a real point of difference and the potential to capture a greater share of the expanding Christmas market.

 

Woodlodge completed its extensive line-up of new product launches at Glee 2021 with the introduction of Down to Earth’s Garden sundries and essentials which will spur on impulse purchases instore,  and new on-trend designs within its Root Indoor interior range to capitalise on the popularity in houseplants with the younger generation.

 

Throughout the show, the company received great feedback on the ranges on display from a variety of garden centres, high street and DIY stores and other retail outlets that visited its stand.

 

Michael Wooldridge, Director of Woodlodge said: “ Glee 2021 was an amazing show for Woodlodge. Not only was it the opportunity to meet all of our customers that have supported us over the last 24 months, but also to showcase our entire product portfolio. With the increasing trend in gardening set to continue, it is more important than ever for Woodlodge to continuously develop products for both novice gardeners and experienced greenfingers.   We were delighted with the very positive response to our products at Glee and the quality of leads we received as a result of exhibiting.”

 

For more information on Woodlodge’s new ranges for 2022, please contact your local sales representative or visitwww.woodlodge.co.uk

 
Fountasia – first to market with garden décor

Fountasia, the independent family business, has for the past 20 years been ‘first to market’ with creative home and garden décor recognised for fine quality and good value...


Fountasia, the independent family business, has for the past 20 years been ‘first to market’ with creative home and garden décor recognised for fine quality and good value. 

 

Today, with the third generation joining the team, this remains our mission and the passion that drives us.

 

In addition to the constantly evolving ranges of Home & Garden and Christmas décor, Fountasia has inspired and created ‘The World of Make Believe’, where imagination is all you need to meet fairies, elves, pixies, and successfully built national distribution networks for Natures MelodyRobotime and the official licensed RSPB birds’ collection. 

 

The New Aqualina ranges of Aroma Room Diffusers, Fans, Air Purifiers and Touch Lamps creating Cool, Calm and Clean environments were launched at Glee.

 

RoboTime is a big hit at Fountasia

 

Michael Weedon and team were so busy at Glee taking orders for their Robo-Time range of model DIY kits.  “When buyers saw the full range of the kits they were queuing up to order the display cabinets and get supplies in for the run up to Christmas. 

 

The greenhouse kit; Cathys Flower House was the most popular to be ordered at Glee”

 
Silk flowers are in vogue!

The realism and authenticity of silk flowers demanded by the discerning consumer are driving factors behind the growth of this floral sector - and garden centres are important “go-to” places to purchase.


 

The realism and authenticity of silk flowers demanded by the discerning consumer are driving factors behind the growth of this floral sector - and garden centres are important “go-to” places to purchase.

 

Mezu’s silk flowers are realistic in their design, creation and look – and are individually hand-crafted and authentically coloured. With their longevity and non-allergenic properties, silk flowers are increasingly being used to create stunning arrangements and decorative displays and are seen as very cost-effective given the short life-span of fresh flowers.

 

Mezu is passionate about the silk flowers they offer and have some of the most beautiful and best silk flowers that can be found in today’s marketplace.

 

They specialise in working with independent garden centres and retailers and offer a personal and effective customer service and a quick turn-around.

 

Mezu Silk Flowers’ portfolio is largely designed around the country cottage garden and includes many of the UK’s favourite flowers - peonies, foxgloves, daisies, hollyhock, lupins, iris, sweet peas, lilacs, scabious, love-in-a-mist and so many more. Hydrangeas are an extremely popular range and for many customers, the pièce de resistance is the fabulous collection of Old English, hybrid tea single and spray roses.

 

To find out more, visit the website www.mezusilkflowers.com; e-mail us for a brochure at info@mezusilkflowers.com or call Donna on +44 (0)1248 42227

 
Algon: simple to apply and gives great results

The organic way to clean paths, patios, decking, garden furniture and more. Safe for pets, wildlife, children and non-toxic. Algon has been a bestselling product for many years across garden centres, it is simple to apply and gives great results.


The organic way to clean paths, patios, decking, garden furniture and more. Safe for pets, wildlife, children and non-toxic.

 

Algon has been a bestselling product for many years across garden centres, it is simple to apply and gives great results. 

 

Keep the exteriors areas clean and presentable for a number of months with a simple application of Algon Organic Path, Patio & Decking cleaner. Use Algon on driveways and brighten up the exterior of homes and gardens.

 

Algon can be used on fence panels, brickwork, patio flags, conservatories, roofs, artificial grass and a wide range of materials. It is versatile and safe to use where animals are without waiting for it to dry into the surface due to the non-toxic ingredients and formula.

 

Using the organic cleaner to prevent surfaces from becoming slippery when wet and maintain them from attracting general build up on stone, brick, wood and much more.

 

Product Features:

  • Organic
  • Easy to apply
  • Non-Toxic
  • Safe for pets/wildlife/animals
  • Can be used around fish ponds
  • No need to rinse off
  • Treatment can last up to a year
  • All year round use
  • Shelf life of decades

Products Available:

  • 2.5 litre Algon Concentrate covers 60 square metres (RRP of £8.99)
  • 20 litre Algon Concentrate covers 480 square metres. (RRP of £54.99)

Great retailer margins, simple and effective.

 

Algon Ltd.

Tel: 01772 823370

email: info@algonorganics.co.uk

Website www.algonorganics.co.uk

 
BBQs from BLACK+DECKER and Tower blow away Glee

Exceeding expectations for the brand’s debut at Glee 2021, Tower has received a record number of new enquiries and customer orders for the Outdoor Living range during a trade show...


 

Exceeding expectations for the brand’s debut at Glee 2021, Tower has received a record number of new enquiries and customer orders for the Outdoor Living range during a trade show. 

 

The new Tower Barbecues, Fire Pits and Outdoor Heaters enjoyed positive feedback from retailers from all around the UK, praised for design, pricing and range versatility.

 

It has been an incredibly successful and exciting show for the outdoor living and garden brands which appeared on the RKW Ltd stand; Tower, Coast & Country, Barbary & Oak, BLACK+DECKER and DeWalt products all received a fantastic response from customers over the full three-day event.

 

A brand-new BLACK+DECKER Gas Barbecue range was revealed to show attendees on Tuesday, debuting a signature black and orange design and premium build quality expected from the world-famous brand.

 

If you missed RKW’s Glee showcase, you can book an appointment to visit its state-of-the-art showroom in Staffordshire. The two-story site is home to over 4,000 quality products from over 40 of the UK’s biggest brands including Tower, Coast & Country, Barbary & Oak, BLACK+DECKER and DeWalt. From housewares to floorcare to outdoor living, RKW is a one-stop shop for all home and garden retailers. 

 

About RKW:

RKW has a 30-plus year pedigree in successfully developing and distributing top brands and products with a group turnover of £100m+. It is Europe's leading manufacturer and distributor of small domestic appliances (SDA) and housewares products for its owned and licensed portfolio of brands. As well as Tower, BLACK+DECKER, Morphy Richards, Akai and Carmen, RKW distributes for leading brands including Breville, Russell Hobbs, Swan, Hoover and new partnerships with SMEG, Lavazza and The Funky Appliance Company. In 2020, RKW acquired the award-winning online retail brand Andrew James.

 

Contact: 

Website: https://rkwltd.com/#/Glee/

Email Address: sales@rkwltd.com

Phone Number: 0333 220 6070

 
New products and expansion plans from Garland

The launch of over 25 new products accompanied by 54 other items not previously exhibited, and the chance to announce the company’s positive plans for the future were the key reasons for Garland Products return to Glee in 2021...


 

The launch of over 25 new products accompanied by 54 other items not previously exhibited, and the chance to announce the company’s positive plans for the future were the key reasons for Garland Products return to Glee in 2021.

 

Garland’s sales director, Mark Dedman said: “The fact that Glee did not take place last year means that we will be showing 80 items not previously exhibited.  During the past year we have achieved a massive 66 per cent growth in sales.  

 

"As a result, we are already increasing our staffing numbers again for next season and will be investing in brand new warehouse management software as well as opening a new customer showroom. Glee will give us the opportunity of discussing these progressive plans face-to-face with visitors to our stand.”

 

Garland Products Limited 

Product launches for 2022 will include a new range of decorative trellis for plants, comprising three plastic options and three designs of metal trellis each in four sizes.  These will help add style and support to the growing trend in houseplant sales as well as being suitable for outdoor pots and planters.

 

There will also be three new Premium brooms and a Premium dust pan and brush that are ideal for tough outdoor jobs.  A new product called Little Sprinklers is being added to the company’s ever popular Garden Basics range.  Other new items are a red 5lt watering can and 14lt Flexi Tubs available in three colours; green, sage and anthracite.

The popular Furniture and Barbecue Covers range is being extended with the addition of a new black Rotary Line Cover and a new extra-large bistro set cover, available in black or green.  The total number of furniture covers in Garland’s range is an impressive 212 and they all feature Garland’s market leading Zero Fade Technology meaning that they retain their colour for life.  

 

Garland Products Ltd., First Avenue, The Pensnett Estate, Kingswinford,  West Midlands, DY6 7TZ, England

web:   www.garlandproducts.com                      

email: sales@garlandproducts.com

Tel:   +44 (0) 1384 278256    

Fax: +44 (0) 1384 400091

 
Looking for EPoS? Relax, your search is over!

As EPoS specialists for garden centres and nurseries, Davidson Richards have over 44 years’ experience and can help you manage your entire retail operation from a single cloud-based solution – reducing costs, saving time, and increasing your profit...


 

As EPoS specialists for garden centres and nurseries, Davidson Richards have over 44 years’ experience and can help you manage your entire retail operation from a single cloud-based solution – reducing costs, saving time, and increasing your profit.

 

Whether you’re new to EPoS or underwhelmed by your existing solution, they help those with single sites, multiple stores, or large destination centres. OpSuite, their cloud-based solution helps you deliver a connected experience to your customers through the EPoS in-store, stock management, order fulfilment, apps, mobile and webshop integration.

 

Over the last 18 months, they’ve been really busy helping new and existing customers thrive in the face of the recent challenges; through integrating webshops, streamlining customer order fulfilment and delivering exceptional customer loyalty with their innovative range of apps including Scan & Go and hospitality.

 

With all the features you need, you can easily manage your products, customers, suppliers, promotions, loyalty and much more! Freedom to access your information 24/7 from wherever you are, their powerful real-time reporting, dashboards and alerts keep you and your team in control.

 

You’re in safe hands too as they already help over 80 garden centre organisations including Barton Grange, Bents, Creative Gardens, Frosts, Garsons, Groves, Longacres, Orchard and Scotsdales, to name just a few. Their team includes ex-garden centre retailers who bring a wealth of real-life experience; ensuring you gain the maximum benefit from your solution now and for the long term.

 

Call 01332 383231.

 

https://davrich.co.uk/retailers/opsuite-epos-for-garden-centres/

 
Leon Boots Co donates part of Glee sales to Greenfingers

Making its debut at Glee 2021, the Leon Boots Co. pledged to donate 2.5% of all sales generated at the garden retail exhibition to the Greenfingers charity...


 

Making its debut at Glee 2021, the Leon Boots Co.pledged to donate 2.5% of all sales generated at the garden retail exhibition to the Greenfingers charity.

 

Since launching to the garden centre sector in early 2021, Leon Boots Co. has proven popular thanks to its ultra-lightweight wellington boots offering. The range, which includes the Garden Ankle Boots and the Unisex Explorer styles, offers consumers and retailers more choice within the wellington boot sector. Up to 65% lighter than any other boot on the market today, the Leon Boots Co team is looking shake up the wellington boot category, bringing new colours, designs and unique characteristics to help drive year-round sales and maximise vital gifting.

 

But selling wellington boots is not enough for this ambitious team. They also wanted to help others, which is why this Glee Leon Boots Co will be donating 2.5% from every sale they make at Glee 2021 to the children’s hospice garden charity.

 

Kevin Burgess, UK Director at Leon Boots Co., said: “As soon as we were introduced to the incredible work that Greenfingers undertakes in children’s hospices across the country, we just knew we had to do something to help raise funds. Glee felt like an obvious choice to start fundraising, and one which we hope will raise lots of money for Greenfingers as garden retailers learn more about the ULTRALIGHT™ difference from Leon Boots Co.!”

 

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers added: “A huge thank you to Kevin and all the team at the Leon Boots Co. for their incredibly generous pledge. We are always eternally grateful to anyone who spreads the word regarding Greenfingers, and also to those that take up the fundraising mantle. We wish the Leon Boots Co. team and all our supporters a wonderfully successful Glee exhibition.”

 

Find out more

To find out more about Greenfingers Charity, and how to get involved in a range of fundraising events please email Linda@greenfingerscharity.org.uk. 

 

You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn.  

 

See more at www.lbcboots.com

 
Natural palm leaves turned into sustainable tableware

The Wholeleaf Co, designers and producers of home compostable palm leaf plates, bowls, trays for the retail sectors, are excited to be exhibiting at Glee...


 

The Wholeleaf Co. are excited to be exhibiting at Glee. We can’t wait to share our sustainable tableware with you.  

 

Wholeleaf® design and produce home compostable palm leaf plates, bowls, trays for the retail sectors.  We feel our products would be well suited to the garden centre sector, particularly with outdoor entertaining at a high!  Our products and PSDU will be on display at stand 20G04. 

 

Did you know almost 60 billion palm leaves fall to ground in India every year?  
Wholeleaf® products are made in the beautiful green forests of South India from naturally shed leaves of the areca palm tree.  It’s a renewable material! We simply wash the leaf in locally sourced spring water and heat press it into shape. That’s it, we don’t use chemicals, resins, agents or glues. 

 

Our products are ethically made in rural India in a safe, clean, chemical free environment. 

 

 

The benefits of Wholeleaf® products: 

  • Compostable (product & packaging) 
  • Chemical free
  • 100% Natural & Sustainable 
  • Food contact safe 
  • Ovenproof and safe for microwaves and freezers 
  • Super strong and suitable for any type of food
  • Less mess with no washing up!
  • Famous for appearing on Dragons Den

The UK sustainable consumer goods and homeware market is worth almost £30bn. Wholeleaf can help you reach your sustainability targets which have never been more important. 

 

‘War on Plastic’ (BBC News, 28th August 2021) recent news headlines announced government plans to ban single-use plastic cutlery, plates and polystyrene cups in England.

 

Wholeleaf products are an alternative solution to plastic, all products are 100% natural and sustainable.

 

The Wholeleaf Co. can help you drive category sales across garden furniture and barbecues, an almost £330m UK market.

 

We would be keen to understand more about your business and how we can support you.

 

The Wholeleaf Co. Transforming natural palm leaves into sustainable tableware.  
For sharing good times. 

 
PLEYDELL SMITHYMAN – proof is in the pudding

Pleydell Smithyman have a great pedigree in helping develop exciting, individual, creative and inspiring designs to ensure garden centres maximise the potential of their food and retailing offering...


 

As food retailing continues to play a major part in the success of Garden Centres, the last 18months have shown us all that now is the time to re-evaluate how this most important sector is positioned within the structure of the garden centre offer.

 

Whether creating a first time café or expanding to develop a bespoke or enhanced Restaurant offer, Garden Centres are way ahead of the field in being able to offer superb welcoming, flexible, exciting and intimate dining with a quality of food and service second to none - with the emphasis on ‘service’ more important than ever.

 

 

Couple this with a great food hall, delicatessen or farm shop offering customers quality local produce with great provenance within an overall vibrant and well planned retail offer and what a draw we have to keep loyal customers happy and attract a new audience looking for something that little bit different.

 

Positioning of a restaurant and also the enhanced food retail offers we are seeing, has always been a key decision when considering how and where to site a new facility to ensure it not only creates a great customer experience in its own right but also becomes part of the customer journey and encourages and ensures the whole centre benefits. 

 

Customers are becoming ever more discerning, looking for value for money, great food, friendly all in a friendly and welcoming ambience, and Garden Centres are shining examples of ‘how to do it well’

 

Our team at Pleydell Smithyman have a great pedigree in helping develop exciting, individual, creative and inspiring designs to ensure you maximise the potential of your food and retailing offer. 

 

Contact us at psl@pleydellsmithyman.co.uk or by calling 01952 433211  

 
Henry Bell at forefront of eco initiatives

From our launch in August 2018, Henry Bell’s Wild Bird Food has been in recycled packaging.  We are proud to be at the forefront of the sector for delivering and implementing measures that improve the industry's ecological profile...


From our launch in August 2018, Henry Bell’s Wild Bird Food has been in recycled packaging.  We are proud to be at the forefront of the sector for delivering and implementing measures that improve the industry's ecological profile.

 

The Henry Bell 12.55kg bags – Superior Seed Mix, No Mess Mix, No Grow Mix, Peanuts and Sunflower Hearts are notable.  Each bag is resealable ensuring that the product stays fresh; they are 100% recyclable and are easy to carry with a handle included as part of the design.  Innovative, eco-conscious, and consumer friendly packaging.

 

Our Superior Seed Mix is a unique blend that is packed with energy and nutrition that is an ideal feed blend for wild birds across all seasons. The blend has been created to attract a wide variety of birds with over 50% of the mix containing a variety of seeds to encourage smaller species.

 

 

The latest addition to our range for 2021 are Calciworms. Calciworms are high in protein, energy giving fat and very high in calcium, that contributes to stronger bones and eggs. They are highly versatile and can be fed either as an addition to a seed blend to deliver a protein kick, or as a standalone food via one of our Mealworm Feeders.

 

 Our ingredients, industry knowledge and manufacturing expertise allow us to produce an extensive range of wild food blends. All our formulations, from high-energy to no-mess mixes, are carefully created by experts to meeting the feeding habits and nutritional demands of the rich variety of bird species found in the UK.

 

www.henrybell.co.uk

 

For further information please contact: Paul Barker, National Sales Director

paul.barker@henrybell.co.uk / 07305 562171 / www.henrybell.co.uk

Henry Bell & Co Ltd, Dysart Road, Grantham NG31 7DB

 
Ecofective Refills use 60% less plastic

Passionate about creating beautiful gardens with minimal impact on the environment, the ecofective® brand offers garden feed, clean and control products that are ‘safer for the family’, ‘good for garden wildlife’ and ‘kinder to the planet’...


 

Passionate about creating beautiful gardens with minimal impact on the environment, the ecofective® brand offers garden feed, clean and control products that are ‘safer for the family’, ‘good for garden wildlife’ and ‘kinder to the planet’.

 

Also used by professional growers, the brand primarily gives gardeners very effective alternatives to conventional chemical garden care products. The ecofective® formulas are pesticide-free and use recycled materials wherever possible. All ecofective® bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable.

 

The ecofective® range also includes a series of refills that use 60% less plastic than the larger pre-diluted bottles. Each 200ml refill contains a concentrated formula that, when mixed with water, can be used to create a new ready-to-use product in an existing ecofective® bottle. This means gardeners can continue using their larger bottle and simply recycle the smaller refill. Refills are currently available for ecofective®‘s Bug & Mildew Control, Bug Control, Plant Disease Defence, Rose Defender, Slug Defence Spray, and Organic Pour & Feed. An additional benefit of these refills is the fact that the smaller bottles have a reduced footprint on the shelf, helping to free up space and increase the ROI for retailers.

 

Glee will see the launch of enhanced instore POS solutions, along with an array of new products that includes Organic Seaweed, Organic Ericaceous Feed, Natural Green Clean, Liquid Compost Maker, plus a number of new Houseplant care products.

 

Visit ecofective.uk.com to find out more.

 
Clever Pots make vegetable and plant growing easy

Whatever the size of the outdoor space, the Clever Pots range of pots and accessories help make pot growing easier. Clever Pots products support the whole growing season, from propagation to plant care with products which are unique, sustainable and great value...


 

Whatever the size of the outdoor space, the Clever Pots range of pots and accessories help make pot growing easier. Clever Pots products support the whole growing season, from propagation to plant care with products which are unique, sustainable and great value.

 

Our products are frost proof, UV colour stable, and made to last. Clever Pots pots are made from 20-30% recycled plastic and all our products are reusable and recyclable.

 

Clever Pots growing pots are specifically designed to make vegetable and plant growing more successful and enjoyable, even in small courtyard gardens. 

 

Clever Pots Potato Growing Pot enables harvesting of the potato crop without upturning the whole plant, allowing plants to be grown for longer.

 

Clever Pots Tomato Planter contain a reservoir in the base of the planter to enable plants to remain watered for longer without overwatering. There’s also a cane slot in the base which fits canes up to 17mm diameter to support plants and prevent them from falling over.

 

Clever Pots Triangular Planter contain built-in supports for 3 canes up to 17mm in diameter. Perfect for plants that need cane support such as tomatoes, beans and sweet peas. The triangular shape tessellate to make the most of growing spaces and make an attractive feature.

 

To arrange an appointment to meet with us message contact@kinbrands.com

Twitter @kinlimited

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/kin-brands-ltd

Website www.kinbrands.com

 
Taylors Bulbs launch new Spring 2022 ranges

Taylors Bulb's new Spring 2022 catalogue is packed full of top selling summer flowering bulbs, grow your own vegetable products and seed potatoes...


 

Taylors Bulb's new Spring 2022 catalogue is packed full of top selling summer flowering bulbs, grow your own vegetable products and seed potatoes.

 

With over 60 new products for 2022, highlights include the vibrant Gladioli Circus Club (new to Select range), Mediterranean and Chill Out Collections (Garden Greats range) and Taylors Summer Bulb of the Year Lilium Lotus Elegance – a fragrant double flowered pink Lily. 

 

In the Grow Your Own category, Taylors offer a comprehensive range of loose and prepacked Onion sets, Shallots and Garlic as well as Rhubarb, Artichoke, Horseradish and Strawberry pre-packs. Seed potatoes are offered in 25kg sacks for loose sale, 2kg carri-packs and Taster pre-packs with a range of over 70 varieties to choose from. Deliveries and ranges can be programmed to each individual customer’s needs in coordination with their Taylors Account Manager.

 

Richard Carrick, Sales Manager, Taylors Bulbs said “Since launching our new Spring 2022 catalogue in July, we have seen strong interest from customers to book their requirements early. Grow Your Own demand remains very strong and shows no sign of slowing down and our new summer flowering bulb varieties have been really well received.” 

 

Taylors new catalogue offers a comprehensive range for garden retailers of all sizes. Summer flowering bulbs are offered as pre-packs, value packs, collections, and loose bulbs to suit all needs and are designed in house specifically for the UK market.

 

For more information email sales@taylors-bulbs.com or visit www.taylors-bulbs.com

 
Gro Expert brings professional strength plant feeds to market

Gro Expert, exhibiting at Glee for the first time in 2021, aimed to enhance innovation to the way the retail industry currently creates and sells plant nutrient products.


Gro Expert, exhibiting at Glee for the first time in 2021, aimed to enhance innovation to the way the retail industry currently creates and sells plant nutrient products...

 

Gro Expert’s drive is to bring professional strength plant feeds to the home and garden market using the Gro Expert products developed for and used by professional growers in numerous counties across the world.

 

Gro Expert comes with an excellent pedigree as the latest division of the Engage Agro Group, renowned for excellence in professional plant nutrient products and innovation in regenerative plant nutrition and plant health support products.

 

After a successful launch in 2020, which saw the division generate an online presence and superb response from RHS shows in 2021, Gro Expert launch three new product ranges at Glee 2021, as an introduction to the industry and prospective partners.

A new ‘All in One’ concept delivers multiple product packages specifically created for plant types such as Vegetable, Tomato, Berry, Flower and Lawn and are designed to support the nutritional and health requirements of plants.

A new range of ‘Professional’ strength feeds is showcased and directly taps into the professional feeds their parent company sells and Gro Expert’s unique ‘Speciality’ range of feed highlight some of the new innovative exciting new technologies they will bring to the home and allotment gardeners.

In line with consumer demand for improved product quality alongside sustainability, Gro Expert products include seaweed, organic elements, recyclable/reusable packaging, water saving technology and reduced pest pressure ingredients. 

 

www.gro-expert.com

 
Garden Sculptures standing proud for Primus

Integral to the new season collection from Primus, garden sculptures once again feature heavily with a further two ranges joining the coveted collection already offered. 2021 sees the addition of every child’s favourite - the GOOFASAURUS range of four fun, lovable dinosaurs with wobbly heads for added character...


 

Integral to the new season collection from Primus, garden sculptures once again feature heavily with a further two ranges joining the coveted collection already offered. 2021 sees the addition of every child’s favourite - the GOOFASAURUS range of four fun, lovable dinosaurs with wobbly heads for added character.  

 

This range perfectly complements the existing pre-historic collection but aimed at a younger audience.

 

Nine new zoo animal sculptures including the ‘roarsome’ Liam the lion and ‘snappy’ Brock the Croc are set to be collectables for any budding home zoo keeper that are all hand crafted and made using the highest quality metal that is all weather proof and rust proof.

 

Primus has quickly been recognised as a go to brand of choice and Steve Perry, Head of Marketing believes this isn’t just because of the products it offers to retailers but is also due to the investment the firm makes in improving the customer journey.  

 

Steve said: “The last 18 months have been difficult for many, but we have used that opportunity to look at our whole operation and how we can improve the Primus range but also the customer experience. We have invested heavily in stock as well as both production and robotic warehousing so we are in a great position – being able to keep control of our stock and supply where others have found this really difficult.  

 

“This should be music to the ears of retailers as we have autonomy of our supply chain now from product conception and souring materials right through to manufacture and to market through our valuable retailers.”

 

The investment in the robotic automation and factory is also complemented by a brand new, intuitive website from Primus with unrivalled functionality and user experience for retailers.  For further details, visit the website www.primus.co.uk

 
Sizzle next summer with HJ Hall’s new SS22 Collection

Leading UK sock manufacturer, HJ Hall, launched its Spring/Summer 2022 Collection, encompassing a variety of new styles tailored to both the outdoor enthusiast and housebound lounger alike...


Leading UK sock manufacturer, HJ Hall, launched its Spring/Summer 2022 Collection, encompassing a variety of new styles tailored to both the outdoor enthusiast and housebound lounger alike.

 

Combining practicality with style, the SS22 range offers an array of designs in rich colourways, all whilst providing feet with the utmost comfort for hours on end. 

 

Now available for trade orders, the new SS22 range includes a new comforting Loungewear collection, as well as additions to the Ladies and Outdoor categories. 

 

A whole new category for HJ Hall is the comforting Loungewear. It incorporates new socks to relax in style and comfort at home following the consumer demand and the huge success of its iconic Softop®range. There are four styles to choose from - HJ500, HJ501, HJ502, HJ503. The non-sleep feet warmers are terry lined and will prevent slipping due to the sticky pads underfoot, whilst a cashmere blend turn over top style sock offers the ultimate in indulgence. The HJ500 is available in sizes 4-7 and 6-11 in a range of colourways including grey, maroon, navy, and deep lilac for both men and women.

 

HJ500 in burgundy

 

To coincide with the launch of Loungewear for SS2022, HJ Hall has also updated its lead design - the Softop®. It offers a comfortable, lightweight, and smart sock perfect for casual attires and extended wear. Crafted for those looking for non-restrictive footwear, it has been designed with a non-elastic top, consisting of three relaxation panels to reduce compression around the foot and ankle. A reliable sock endorsed by the Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, it is especially beneficial for those with circulation problems or diabetes. For SS22, four socks now boast multiple new colours, including brown for the HJ91, plus two brand new styles – the HJ96 and HJ981.

 

HJ91 in brown

 

As well as offering a range of new colours to the original Softop® model, HJ Hall’s Ladies collection has been revamped for SS22 with new styles and colours designed for optimum comfort. The range now boasts new comfort top styles featuring daisy and floral motifs in cotton plus summery patterns and bright block colours. HJ531, a new SS22 floral style available in beautiful peach, navy, and light grey, has a soft grip and a comfortable top to prevent marking for wearing all summer long.

 

HJ531 in navy

 

Back and bigger than ever for SS22, in terms of colourway choice, are the garden socks, wellington boot socks, Protrek™ and boot socks. The HJ607 Garden Sock is available in cornflower, sage and navy offering arch support plus a reinforced heel and toe to ensure feet are protected whilst attending to shrubbery and weeding. 

 

HJ607 in cornflower

 

HJ Hall’s specialist, high performance, technical Protrek™ walking socks are designed to offer the very best in comfort and durability across any terrain. For SS21, the HJ700 Light Hike design is now available in black marl/red, pink marl/mint and raspberry marl/grey, each with contrasting sculpted cushioned zones. 

 

HJ700 in black marl/red, pink marl/mint

 

Following the success of HJ Hall’s cotton and wool diabetic styles, the company has now reinforced its Health collection with a wealth of special features to ensure ultimate foot comfort for a variety of conditions, all accredited by the Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. A new style for SS22 is the HJ1353, a lightweight diabetic style that has a comfort top, is non-restrictive and has a flat seam linked toe – available in black navy, indigo faded denim, mid grey silver, and mink oatmeal.

 

HJ1353 in indigo faded denim

 

Combining knowledge of British style and outdoor expertise, HJ Hall is an expert in crafting socks for everyday use, understanding there’s a style for everyone and every occasion. With over six new styles and more than ten colourways available, restocking your sock drawer will be hassle free. HJ Hall is set to celebrate its 140th anniversary in 2022.

 
Impressive range of water features from Hamac Trading

Hamac Trading have the largest range of water features in Europe with stock available all year...


 

Hamac Trading have the largest range of water features in Europe with stock available all year!


Hamac are the Sole European Distributors for Aqua Creations, Aqua Flo, Massarelli’s & Garden Creations. We have been suppliers to the garden trade since 1999.

 

The Aqua Creations brand is now in its 17th successful season. We offer Solar, Resin, Fibreglass Reinforced Concrete, Stainless Steel, Zinc Metal, Ceramic and Tabletop Self Contained Water Features.

 

The Aqua Flo brand offers a large selection of high and low voltage feature pumps, transformers, lighting and a full range of accessories suitable for all water features.


Massarelli’s are the leading USA manufacturer of Cast Stone Water Features and Statuary with over 40 years’ experience.

Included in the garden portfolio is Garden Creation resin animals and figurines and Glass reinforced concrete pots and Urns.

 

Hamac Displays is your one stop shop for Display, we have the widest range of realistic life-sized models, Animation and Vinyl Backdrops in Europe.

Hamac are the Exclusive distributors in the UK and Ireland of Animation brands Creation Group and Hansa Creation.


Our showrooms in Northern Ireland have over 2000 products on display. A visit is highly recommended, or if you are unable to visit, you can take our new virtual showroom tour.

 

 

Video link To Aqua Creation Promo Video - https://youtu.be/lneavmU0iAk

Hamac Trading Website- https://www.hamactrading.com/

Hamac Trading Contact Number- 028 2583 1201

Hamac Trading Email- sales@hamactrading.com