Glee went Floral Thursday today in support of Greenfingers Charity. 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.

See our gallery of floral pictures below...

Winning the Best Display at Glee is Anglo Aquatic with a display that captured the spirit of the Green Heart which this year has been bought into the show in Hall 10.

With beautiful plants, it gave retailers ideas on how to display and use point of sale to promote and sell aquatics plants. Handing over the award was Boyd Douglas-David who described Anglo Aquatics as a ‘worthy winner’.

Caroline Everett said she was very surprised to get the award. “It’s unexpected but lovely that all the effort we have put into the stand, and the enthusiasm which we speak to our visitors has been recognised.”

The Glee New Product Award winners have been celebrating their success during the show. Glee Daily News got their reaction to their award success.

Landscape

A Perry Ltd

SleeperSecure Steel Sleeper Brackets

“Delighted to have won the award. It’s a simple and effective product that’s fit for purpose. Landscapers can fit and forget, and it's the perfect retail upsell opportunity.”

Leisure & Entertaining

Blackstone

Blackstone 36 Inch Griddle with Air Fryer

“Amazing to win the award and so pleased. So far, everyone who has visited the stand has said ‘yes’ to working with us which is unprecedented.”

Plants (two winners)

MNP Suntory

Catharanthus Soiree Light Pink Dark Eye

“Thrilled to have won the award. This plant is easy and fast growing providing a pop of colour from June onwards. Although they are called Catharanthus, they are being marketed with the catchy and recognisable name of Soirée.

Colegrave Seabrook Foundation

Malus domestics 'Peter’s Gold'. 

“Super to have won the award and grateful the Seabrook family is donating the royalties from the sale to the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation.”

Glee Sustainability Award

Urban Wyrm worm casts and Growmoor Black Gold peat-free growing media

“We are over the moon. Initially I was shocked as winning the award means so much to us. We have only just launched the product and already creating quite a stir with it. To get the Sustainability Award is the cherry on the top.”

Gifts 

Seedball 

Set of 5 Herbs

“It was really exciting to win the award. The judges asked some great questions and I was able to answer them all. It’s also good feedback for me as well. Glee has been excellent. Everyone is coming to see the product because it’s displayed in the New Product Showcase so it’s helping to bring people to the stand and create lots of interest.”

Home

Siroflex

The Siroflex Home and Garden Kit

“This is our first time exhibiting at Glee. We've bought the products from all over from Italy and we're just over the moon that one of products won. We were advised to enter the awards, and we have come out winners!”

Wildlife and Bird Care

CJ Wildlife

Cork Peanut Butter Feeder - Wall Mounted 

“The team are over the move and really happy. It’s brilliant.”

Pet Care

Mountain Paws.

Dog First Aid Kit

“It was a little bit of a surprise. We know it's the most popular product from our range. To be shortlisted was a bit of a surprise, but to win was even more of a surprise.We're over the moon and have had plenty of interest from people so winning has really helped.”

Retail Services

Meadow View Stone.

Augmented Reality.

“It feels amazing to win. I got the idea when I was doing up my house. We were putting in new carpets and flooring and I thought, well, surely there must be a way to do this for your garden? So, we got in touch with a company, and we've worked really hard with them to get the aesthetic right, especially on the blended products where it's multi-tonal and getting the angles. To launch it at GLE and for it to win a new product award is just phenomenal.”

Tools & Machinery

Creative Products

Aqua Power

“It’s sensational. We were not expecting it really, but really pleased. We think the product is really good. It's great that the buyers warm to it and can see all the benefits.”

Growing Containers PLUS Runner up of overall Product of the Year

Woodlodge

Maxwell Pot

“Woodlodge is having a fantastic Glee. There's a general theme that recycled products and ethically sourced products are something that people are looking for and this product is very good value for the size. It's nearly 60cm in height! Dad was more than happy. He loves being here and catching up with old pals and people he’s met over the years. And he got the opportunity to come twice and get an award.”

Growing Materials and Overall Glee New Product of the Year

Sipcam Home & Garden

Ecofective Slug Stoppa

“It feels fantastic, thank you and it's nice to be recognised for what we're doing. We're very proud of it. I think we're doing the right things and we're very happy that we've won.”

Garden Decoration

Treadstone Products

Orchard Garden Sculptures

“It's great to win. Not only is it great reward for the team, but it's great marketing for us and really pushes the the product out there. Awards like this always made a great difference to creating interest for people.

Best of British

Natures Menu

Natures Menu Freeze Dried Dinners 250g

“We very honoured and excited to have won Best of British. We very proudly make our product in Norfolk, where we're based, so it was a real honour to win. It's been really positive because it's such an innovative product that a lot of stores and retailers haven't heard of before. It's a new product and we are trying to fill a gap in the market.”

Woodlodge, the leading supplier of home and garden products, is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest additions to the popular and best-selling ROOT Indoor range. Designed to cater to the increasing demand for stylish and sustainable indoor planters, these innovative designs will captivate homeowners, renters and garden centre buyers alike.

One of the highlights is the Como planter, available in a vibrant palette of white, black, pink, blue, dark grey, ochre, and green. Its sleek, minimalist design makes it a versatile addition to any space. For a more traditional aesthetic, the Capriplanter offers a classic design in neutral colours. Those seeking a touch of whimsy will appreciate the Daphne planter's cottagecore floral design or the Ana planter's coiled design. For those who appreciate intricate detailing, the Gatsbyplanter's embossed design or the Elena vase-like planter's glazed finish is sure to impress.

If customers are looking to add greenery to a small space, the Isla hanging pots or the Fern planters are ideal. For a touch of elegance, the Marta urn or Telma planter offer classic and modern options. For a rustic and natural look, the Finn and Bay planters are perfect. The Deco planter features a geometric pattern for a modern touch, while the Monoplanter is a simple and elegant choice. The Tide planter's playful wave design is perfect for adding a fun and functional touch to your space, whilst the Lemon planter's citrus design adds a cheerful touch to any room.

Michael Wooldridge, Director of Woodlodge said: “Our ROOT Indoor planter collection has been thriving, garnering enthusiastic support from garden retailers across the board. Our commitment to innovation is evident in the exciting new designs we've recently added to our lineup, which are sure to drive sales and captivate customers seeking stylish and sustainable home décor." 

Woodlodge will be showcasing ROOT Indoor in Hall 8 at Glee – stand 8D80-F81, 8D64-F65. 

For more information on Woodlodge’s new ranges for 2025, please contact your local sales representative or visit www.woodlodge.co.uk. 

Primeur is renowned for its exceptional and sustainable range of garden solutions, from the multi- award-winning style of the iconic Tierra Verde Planters to the fabulous, lightweight EcoWay stepping stones and ingenious EZ Borders, which are flexible enough to suit any curve or angle in the garden. 

With so much to choose from, the friendly family team at Primeur is keen to work closely with both new and existing customers to drive growth together and generate even greater profits for retail stockists.

Managing Director, Jenny Douthwaite, explains: “Glee is a fantastic opportunity to meet customers face-to-face and have those in-depth conversations which will help drive future growth. We want to ensure that all our stockists, from the largest multiples to the most exclusive independent, are really making the most from their Primeur merchandise. We don’t just want to know their bestsellers and what works really well in their stores, but also what needs improvement and where we can do more to help.

“Our highly experienced team can also offer valuable advice, if that’s needed. For example, in a challenging market it’s important to pare down merchandise to the essentials in order to focus on proven best-sellers. With our integrated marketing solutions, we can offer really flexible cross-merchandise solutions, which will enable retailers of any size to stock exactly what they need to optimise profits in the new season.”

The runaway best seller in the Tierra Verde collection is the stylish Sonata, the perfect way to enhance entrances, steps, patios and other outdoor spaces. Thanks to their elegant and versatile design, they will look equally beautiful indoors and are lightweight enough to be moved around. Combining elegance with the superb eco-friendly credentials for which Primeur is renowned, these beautiful self-watering planters will not crack, rot, fade or stain. They are non-toxic, UV stable and mould resistant.

In the category of recycled rubber Eco-Way stepping stones, the timeless Rail Road design has proved most popular. As well as being eco-friendly, they are supremely durable, non-slip, easy to install as able to withstand the rigours of any weather conditions, from baking sun to freezing winters. Child safe, pet safe, mower and strimmer safe, plus resistant to mould or mildew, it’s no wonder consumers love them! 

When it comes to borders that bend the scallop design EZ Border tops wish lists. As with all designs in this brilliant collection, the scallop borders are incredibly robust, sharing all the durability features of Primeur’s other recycled ranges. They come supplied with spikes to secure the border in place and are flexible enough to hug the edges of gently curved gardens. 

You can see Primeur in Hall 8 Stand D40-E41.

The launch of Burgon & Ball’s revolutionary new BoronGreen range of boron steel tools has been enthusiastically received by the trade at Glee this week.

Burgon & Ball has unveiled the range at its new location in Hall 9, where BoronGreen’s unique and compelling proposition has attracted great interest. Believed to be a first in UK gardening tools, the range offers superior boron steel performance combined with robust environmental credentials - including 80% recycled steel.

Adding the element boron to carbon steel gives a composition that is stronger, tougher, and more durable than regular carbon steel. It’s used in the car industry and in the agricultural sector, where it delivers stronger structural components and longer-lasting wear parts. With BoronGreen, Burgon & Ball has applied this materials technology to gardening tools, producing a new level of performance, superior to an equivalent tool in carbon steel. 

Visitors have also been impressed by BoronGeen’s robust environmental credentials, which has strong appeal for today’s sustainability-minded consumer. Uniquely, the tools heads are crafted in 80% recycled steel, with handles and shafts in FSC-certified white ash wood, selected for its strength and shock-absorbing properties.

All this is combined with Burgon & Ball’s hallmark considered design, which includes a tough powder coating in olive green, to protect the metal; a visible sharpened edge on spade, trowel, etc. to highlight lasting sharpness; and a thermo-treated FSC-certified ash grip for comfort, increased durability and moisture resistance. What’s more, the range comes with RHS endorsement and a 25-year guarantee.

Don’t miss out on this revolution in gardening tools. Make sure you see it for yourself on Stand 9H10-G11, right by the Buyers’ Lounge.

Taylors Bulbs are excited to show off their new range of Spring 2025 gifts at Glee. Featuring 10 brand new products, the range has undergone something of a re-vamp for 2025. 

This has already been attracting attention in the trade as Richard Carrick, Sales Manager says:

“It’s always really exciting for our sales team to have a new range and new products to get their teeth into and talk to customers about. The new Spring 2025 gift range has caught customer’s eyes already with some new customers taking an interest plus many existing customers having a re-think. where perhaps before they did little or no gifts from us in the spring, they are now seeing these products and visualising how they could fit into their stores with our new look and placing orders."

Visit the Taylors Bulbs stand @ Glee 2024, Stand 9E51

www.taylors-bulbs.com

email: sales@taylors-bulbs.com

Tel: 01406 422266

Haskins and Simpsons discuss their success with Woodmansterne’s new gift packaging range with an invitation to see for yourself at Glee.

For many garden centre customers, being able to select from a comprehensive range of greeting cards and gift packaging is now expected. As garden centres increasingly take over the role left by department stores leaving the high street, meeting the expectations of customers will become even more important.

Woodmansterne has been working hard over the last few years to supply garden retailers with a range of quality greeting cards and has created its W-Select service to make this department run smoothly. Testament to its success is the GCA Supplier of the Year award it won at the beginning of the year. Voted for by GCA members, it’s proof that Woodmansterne is offering exactly what garden centres need.

On the back of its success with greeting cards and taking on board retailer feedback, Woodmansterne introduced a gift packaging range this spring. Now customers can co-ordinate card, paper, tag and gift bag purchasing while retailers benefit from a one-stop solution for the planning and category management of gift packaging.

The range gives retailers the option to dedicate up to 5m of wall space for premium quality gift packaging. Working with licences such as Emma Bridgewater, Sanderson and Quentin Blake, eco-credentials have been a priority. Gift bags have 100%woven paper handles, tags have paper string, and rolls of gift wrap are protected by a paper sleeve.

Adding to the everyday range, will be a full gift packaging selection for Christmas.

Strengthening relationships

Woodmansterne has been a Haskin Garden Centre strategic partner for a while and Vicky Moore, Haskin’s Gift Buyer says both companies share similar values. Adding sustainable, plastic-free gift packaging to its range, she says, was an opportunity to further the relationship. “Working with Woodmansterne has been great,” she says.

“They are easy and accommodating to work with and have helped us find solutions to a custom sized layout sized layouts and fixtures at our centres.”

Vicky reports sales have grown across all Haskins sites and customers love the contemporary and licensed designs. “We’ve worked closely with the W-Select team and would definitely recommend them.”

Top ups for Simpsons

Having introduced the Woodmansterne card range a few years ago, both Simpsons garden centres are seeing a positive increase in sales. “It was an easy decision to extend the department and include a bigger gift wrap offering,” says Robin Bosworth, General Manager at Simpsons in Inverness. “The new extended wrap display compliments our card department very well. Customer feedback has been excellent, and sales have been very positive, with a lot of repeat purchases. We had five top-ups in the first few months and often see customers purchasing matching items from cards and wrap to tissue and ribbon. Our team also love the ranges and are happy to show customers the department whilst highlighting their own personal favourites.”

“We would recommend W-Select to anyone looking for a fresh and exciting quality greeting card and gift packaging offering. The service from the team, and the sales from the new collection have made the move worthwhile. The products are of the highest quality, and sustainable which fits in well with our sustainability policy, and attention to detail and re-stocking has been excellent,” says Robin.

Why Woodmansterne?

Woodmansterne has been a family-owned, family-run business since 1953. Selling over 30 million cards in the UK every year, it is now delighted to have branched out into gift packaging. Following the success of its W-Select programme for greeting cards, it now offers a one-stop solution for the planning and category management of your gift packaging display. You can be assured that every service it offers receives the same dedicated attention to detail as its publishing.

Visit us at Glee in Hall 8-20, stand 7B50-C51 to discover more and see first hand, Woodmansterne’s gift packaging and card ranges.

Get in touch

Call 01923 200600 or email hello@woodmansterne.co.uk

Vitax is excited to announce a new partnership with the children’s charity – Greenfingers -to help raise funds over the next 12 months through the sale of promotional packs of Vitax Q4 All Purpose Plant Food (Vitax Q4)

Set to be a hugely popular fundraising project, the special 2.5kg promotional packs will include helpful information about the charity with the aim of not just raising funds, but also awareness. 

The new promotion boxes will be available to order pre-season and for every box sold, Vitax will donate 25p to the charity. To help promote the partnership, boxes will be available in an eye-catching quarter pallet display, which can be seen on Vitax’s stand. 

Working with hospices throughout the UK, Greenfingers aims to provide all life-limited children, their families, and carers, with therapeutic gardens and outdoor spaces to enjoy and spend precious time together away from the bedside.

Anja Gooding, Vitax’s chair, says: “We have supported Greenfingers for many years through a variety of its fundraising activities, but we wanted to do more, and the sale of special donation packs of Vitax Q4 is a great way to raise funds.

“Greenfingers is a fantastic charity, and our partnership is as much about raising awareness of its work as it is about raising funds. The best way to do this is through the sale of one of our most popular products – Vitax Q4.”

To date, Greenfingers has created almost 70 inspirational gardens, including its latest sensory garden at Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley. 

Linda Petrons, director of fundraising and communications, says: “We are thrilled Vitax has chosen Greenfingers as its new charity partner.

“Vitax Q4 is so well known amongst keen gardeners, we know the association with Greenfingers will be well received and help make more people aware of our work.”

For more information about Greenfingers, please visit: www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk

Visit Vitax in Hall 7, Stand B80-C81

E: sales@vitax.co.uk

T: 01530 510060

W: www.gardenworld.co.uk / www.vitax.co.uk

Sipcam Home & Garden are doubling down their efforts to raise money for Greenfingers charity at this year’s Glee. All sales made on ecofective® Basket & Tub Feed on Floral Thursday 12th September will be donated to Greenfingers.

Charity has always been a focus wherever possible at Sipcam and in recent years Greenfingers has been the charity of choice. For the last two years Sipcam have donated 50p from the sale of every bottle of the high-quality, organic-based ecofective® Basket and Tub Feed (RRP £7.49), helping Greenfingers to continue to build therapeutic gardens at children’s hospices across the country. However, on ‘Floral Thursday’ 12th September at Glee instead of 50p going to charity an amazing 100% of sales made at Glee will be donated. Grab one bottle for £6 or two for £10.

This specialist feed actively encourages nutrient uptake to enhance plant development and promote healthy and abundant growth. Suitable for use in hanging baskets as well as tub grown flowers, fruits and vegetables, a single 1.5L bottle can supply enough feed for 50 watering cans. Like all ecofective® products, Basket & Tub Feed is safe to use around children, pets and beneficial insects including bees. Available to all trade customers, the hope is that Sipcam can hand over a sizeable cheque to the charity.

Greenfingers is a national charity that creates beautiful, well-designed outdoor spaces for children to enjoy with their family, friends, and siblings, whether through play and fun, or therapeutic rest and relaxation. The charity is driven by the belief that time spent outdoors, away from the bedside, can offer children and families under considerable stress a vital opportunity to embrace the benefits of being in the fresh air and engaging with the natural environment.

Sipcam will be giving their all to raise as much as possible on Floral Thursday. Do your bit for charity and help them achieve this by purchasing ecofective® Basket and Tub Feed. Head over to stand 7D40-E41 at Glee Birmingham on the 12th September, don’t forget to wear your best flowery attire!

Altico’s Drift & Flow range of water features is proving to be a big hit at Glee with extremely positive responses from customers enjoying the extended range and sales incentives. This is helping enforce brand recognition and lead to Altico projecting its turnover from water features to double next season.

For the 2025 season, the range has been boosted by 40 new products which form part of the 70% range change, with styles and attractive prices to suit all tastes and budgets.  The comprehensive choice includes best-selling lines and exclusive new products in traditional and natural styles through to quirky and artisan lines. A particular favourite with visitors so far has been the stylish Affinity range made from 100% recycled materials. Garden centres can also benefit from the Price Lock deal programme and the ability to request small orders which can be chosen from the whole range.

Still a relatively new range, Drift & Flow is on target to be a multi-million-pound category in its first three years.

To find out more, please visit the Altico stand at Glee: 7C60-E61

Embark on an immersive journey at Glee 2024 with The AMES Companies, where innovation and expertise converge to shape the future of garden retail. Located in one of the exhibition’s largest stands (Hall 8, Stand A80-D81, A60-C61), this is a must-visit for any garden retailer aiming to diversify and enhance profitability in 2025.

Explore, discover, and elevate your offering

Your visit begins at the reception, where you’ll be guided through an in-depth tour showcasing everything from the latest tool innovations and decorative aggregates to market-leading pot and planter brands, as well as a new generation of water features.

With access to multiple leading brands and over 700 brand-new products, The AMES Companies will further solidify their position as the ‘supplier of choice’ in the garden retail sector.

Key highlights of The AMES Companies tour

Innovative Tool Collections: Discover the new AMES Tools cutting and pruning range, featuring products like the Bypass Pruner and Telescopic Hedge Shears. Visualise this collection in your own store with the new AMES Tools island stand, designed to display the full range of 19 tools effortlessly. A dedicated product manager will be on hand to discuss the unique features and benefits that are poised to make this collection your next bestseller, whilst brand ambassador David Domoney will join Glee’s seminar stage to share his insight into this exciting new offering.

Next generation water features: Witness the launch of Easy Fountain’s solar and solar battery back-up water features. With extended usage time and enhanced design flexibility, these collections are supported by educational and inspirational point-of-sale materials. The product team will be available to discuss their journey to market and how they’re set to redefine the water feature category.

Expanded pot range: Discover the all-new Apta range, set to expand by 70% for the 2025 season. The Apta Signature collection introduces exciting new sales opportunities, enhancing the giftability of the pot category. Experience hundreds of pots up close and engage with the product manager who will share insights into design stories and the latest trends.

Sustainable solutions: Explore Kelkay’s extensive displays, featuring everything from aggregates to rockery essentials and the expanded stepping stone collection, including the first range made from 100% recycled post-consumer materials.

Exclusive partnership with Artevasi: Celebrate the exciting new partnership between The AMES Companies and leading Portuguese pot brand, Artevasi. As the sole UK distributor of Artevasi’s recycled plastic and traditional terracotta pot collections, and with combined MOVs across Apta and the wider AMES portfolio, retailers can unlock new opportunities. Don’t miss the exclusive launch of Artevasi’s all-new point of sale at Glee 2024.

And if that wasn’t enough, a tour of the AMES Companies stand will conclude with a trip across the aisle to the Scheurich stand, where the latest designs from Germany’s leading sustainable pot and planter brand will be on display. In 2025 the AMES Companies will also be exclusive UK distributors for this ever popular brand, opening even more variety and profit opportunity for garden retailers.

Experience the future of gardening

The AMES Companies’ stand at Glee 2024 is an essential destination for garden retailers who want to stay ahead of the curve. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions, AMES continues to lead the way in garden retail.

Further details about the AMES Companies and its family of brands, including Kelkay, AMES Tools, La Hacienda, and Apta, can be found at www.ames-uk.com.

Take advantage of the brand new Bulldog Plastic Leaf Rake Merchandiser – they are perfect for raking and collecting leaves without damaging the lawn. 

The plastic head is lightweight and slightly flexible, tines are cranked at the end for better collection of leaves and the 48” straight shaft is perfect for reaching the backs of borders and beds.

This is a lightweight tool that makes raking an easy job. Each merchandiser contains x 40 BPR Rakes. To see the merchandiser and take advantage of show offers go to the Bulldog Tools Stand at 7E74-6A75

To see the range and take advantage of special show offers please come and chat to the team on Stand 7E74-6A75.

Visit www.bulldogtools.co.uk

With a major new launch at this year’s show and their brand-new website now live, Durston Garden Products have their sights firmly set on a peat-free future and urge retailers to get on board now to ensure they have a peat-free offering that won’t disappoint and guarantees customers success. 

Figures presented by GfK at GLEE yesterday highlighted the growing interest in peat-free products, with predictions that this demand is only set to climb further. Despite a delay with the market-wide ban, a peat-free industry is inevitable.

Durstons promised buyers they would be coming to Glee with a great story, and the family-run business hasn’t disappointed. As well as showcasing their exciting new peat-free collection – which significantly outperformed not just competitor products in independent growing trials, but also professional grade mixes and even peat products – they have also launched a new-look website this week to arm retailers with the tools they need to maximise sales in the category.

Heralding the start of a new customer journey, Durstons’ new website is more interactive, with great visuals, and fresh, engaging content. It is also much easier to navigate, with products clearly categorised and a dedicated trade area that provides retailers with sales support tools, including downloadable product images that stockists can use on their own websites or in marketing material. 

With buyers clamouring for a peat-free range that really works and bemoaning results from other products in the market, there is no time to waste on suppliers that look set to disappoint your customers. 

Simon Blackhurst (SJBQC Ltd), GMA chair and peat-free expert says: “There might be some uncertainty over the timeline of the peat ban but now is a fantastic time to get ahead, use peat free products and support gardeners with the transition.

“It has been so exciting to work with Durstons to ensure their peat free range of products is first class and consistent. They have invested heavily in infrastructure and are embracing the peat free notion.”

He continues: “Peat-free growing media does not behave like peat-based products – the nutrients and watering requirements are different, as is the aesthetic. We will all need to support our customers grow, which in turn helps grow the industry. It’s worth highlighting that some products actually perform better than peat!”

Durstons’ brand-new peat free collection harnesses the power of two unique ingredients: Gro Fibre – the most consistent wood fibre available – and Gro Boost, which is 100% natural, renewable and vegan friendly. 

Durston Garden Products Director, Dan Durston says: “I’m thrilled with our new range, it’s great for Durstons to move forward knowing we have an amazing offering that will perform extremely well and consistently.

“Retailers should be looking forward to the future without peat and ensuring they stock high quality peat free products. There’s little point in delaying the inevitable just because they keep moving the goalposts. Paying lip service to it and just being seen to stock something that makes sustainable claims isn’t good enough if those products don’t perform. We have developed a tried-and-tested, high-quality peat-free range that we know delivers consistent results, outperforming competitors along the way.”

Find out more about this exciting range by coming on stand 7C30 to talk to the team, visit www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk or call 01458 442688

Stand 7C30

01458 442688

www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk

EKJU's commitment to sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We believe that great products shouldn't come at the expense of the environment.

That's why we use eco-conscious packaging solutions, including sturdy cardboard for safe and sustainable shipping.

Our impregnated products are meticulously packed to ensure they reach you in perfect condition, minimizing waste and reducing our carbon footprint.

We are proud to introduce our latest innovation: the ThermoWood picnic sets. These sets are the epitome of modern design combined with lasting durability. ThermoWood, known for its exceptional resistance to weather and wear, ensures that your outdoor furniture remains beautiful and functional for years to come. Our picnic sets are perfect for all outdoor spaces, whether it's a cozy backyard, a public park, or a large commercial area.

What sets our ThermoWood picnic sets apart is their massive size, offering ample space for gatherings of all sizes. They are designed not only for style but also for resilience, making them a smart investment for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor environment.

Experience the perfect blend of form and function with our ThermoWood picnic sets, and join us in our mission to create sustainable, durable, and beautiful products that stand the test of time.

Stand – 7D90-E91

www.ekju.com

Not only is local company Doff the only UK manufacturer of slug control, pioneering pellet control products since 1946, their slug pellets have the lowest carbon footprint on the market. With the main component of slug pellets being wheat, they source their wheat from local farmers just 10 miles away from their site, based in Nottingham.

This not only supports local agriculture, but also ensures the freshest ingredients, and sustainable practice. The wheat is then milled on-site before additives and dyes are added to create the special in-house formulation for slug control. This mixture is then processed through advanced pelleting technology, producing rain-resistant, blue mini-pellets to the exact required size. Once the pellets are cooled, they are then packed in the comprehensive, high-speed packing facility next door to their mill.

Doff, home to the Power Up™ brand, offers the strongest slug and snail control product on the market. With 3x the active ingredient in their formulation, it provides 3x the coverage, compared to most available on the market that contain Ferric Phosphate, meaning less product goes a lot further. 

Slug control has been in short supply this year due to the optimum weather conditions for the garden pests. Looking ahead to next year, Doff will be introducing a brand new one-top shop solution to slug and snail control at Glee. With Doff’s slug control products being produced in the UK they are committed to servicing their customers, no matter the demand. 

To find out more:

Visit Doff at stand no. 8E92-F93 and make an appointment to visit the site at Hucknall for a full tour of their facilities. 

www.doff.co.uk
0115 983 4300
sales@doff.co.uk

Evergreen Garden Care (EGC) has chosen Glee to launch its refreshed Miracle-Gro range. What the company classes as its ‘largest consumer research project on the lawn category to date’ has resulted in easier and clearer messaging for consumers and a longer season of repeat sales for retailers.

“We've stripped back the range, made it really clear and easy to shop, made the communication on the pack simpler and made the master brand Miracle-Gro impact of the yellow and green much more vibrant,” said Colin Stephens, Evergreen MD. “We believe this will make it so much easier for consumers to shop. It'll mean they'll shop more frequently, and the challenge is to get them in early and to keep them buying.”

The range has been sub-categorised into Lawn Treatment’, ‘Maintenance’, and ‘Seed’ to immediately help consumers identify the product they need. Karen Wilkinson, Evergreen’s Marketing Director said they spoke to experienced and inexperienced gardeners and found they wanted products to treat a specific problem and those that were happy with their lawn but wanted to keep it looking healthy all season.

Another key development is the inclusion, on the reverse of all the packs, of illustrations showing consumers a timeline of what to expect. “For those who are not so confident or don’t have so much expertise we are showing them what they need to use when in the season,” said Karen. “It’s not just about a new look and feel, but fundamentally we're trying to help bring more people in, buy products for longer through the season and get great results by using them properly.”

Karen also announced exciting plans for enhanced communication on and offline, with information and know-how videos being available soon on a new lawn portal. “For some gardeners we are talking about changing behaviours and this takes time. It’s not just about telling them once – we need be showing and guiding them.”

Totally peat-free

New peat-free growing media mixes were also launched including the specifically mixed Miracle-Gro Peat Free Premium Seeds, Plugs & Young Plants Compost. This formed part of the Evergreen’s celebration to be completely peat free. “It a huge step for us as a business. Not just for consumers but for our whole supply chain,” said Colin. “We've put a lot of investment into the way we and our suppliers manage raw materials and we're passionate about continuing to improve the quality, growing efficacy, how they look and the consistency. There's a lot still to be done, but we're moving the dial forward. We’ve learnt a lot, but I agree there is still too much variability. The only way to improve is to consistently learn.”

To this end, Evergreen is investing £4m into capital expenditure to improve its processing so it can continue to raise the bar on quality.

Sales of the ingenious Kindling Crackerand Scandinavian Espegard range of fire pits from Fandango Fire Tools are soaring. Make sure you are part of the success and show customers why ditching the axe in favour of the Kindling Cracker is a no brainer.

All around the world, gardeners and lovers of outdoor living are enjoying the synergy of two ranges brought to the UK by Fandango Fire Tools. What could be better than cooking outside on an Espegard fire pit, fuelled by wood cut easily and safely with the Kindling Cracker?

Sales of both the Kindling Cracker and Espegard fire pits, with a comprehensive range of accessories, continue to grow as more and more stockists have come on board since seeing the range on Fandango Fire Tools stand at Glee in 2022 and 2023. These include Fairways, Longacres, Burford Garden Co, Blue Diamond, Crocus/Waitrose/RHS, and Yarnton Home & Garden. 

This year, they even have an exclusive promotion - on offer to attendees. 

Both ranges fit perfectly in camping supply shops through to outdoor kitchen specialists and homeware stores, and garden centres are absolutely integral too. 

Since the introduction of the patented Kindling Cracker in 2021, Fandango Fire Tools has witnessed sales increases every year with more than 12,500 sold in 2023 alone! It’s now also becoming a staple for sellers and users of fire pits, fireplaces, pizza ovens, chimeneas etc. 

In Spring 2024, Fandango was able to reduce the RRP of both the Kindling Cracker Original and the larger Kindling Cracker King while still maintaining the same margin to stockists. Swing by the stand to find out more.

Fandango Fire Tools 

Paul Jenkinson (UK Manager)

Phone: 0161 327 3984

Web: www.fandangofiretools.co.uk

Email: info@fandangofiretools.co.uk

Hall 10 Stand B50-A51

Fargro are thrilled to unveil our National Product Catalogue 24-25, showcasing over 250 innovative new lines tailored for both growers and retailers.

Our expanded range includes exclusive designs and colours in plastic planters and containers, perfect for enhancing any retail offering. In addition, we’re excited to introduce new Magnesia garden planters and ornaments, as well as fresh designs in our popular metal and polyresin products.

Our Store Ready solutions now feature the stylish Kubu rattan baskets, complementing our extensive ceramic range. Sustainability remains at the forefront of our mission, and we are proud to highlight our new Eco Flexi Tubs and Infinity containers, crafted from recycled Tetra Pak-style materials, offering retailers eco-friendly options.

Beyond our diverse product selection, we offer a bespoke design and sourcing service, allowing you to create exclusive products tailored to your needs.

Join us at Stand 6A80 to explore our full range of innovative lines, exciting concepts, and meet with our passionate team. We look forward to helping you grow your retail business!

Johnsons Lawn Seed, the UK’s leading lawn care brand, is proud to continue to bring to market one of the most comprehensive and innovative lawn seed portfolios. With a range that caters to every possible consumer lawn seed need, Johnsons Lawn Seed ensures that customers can make confident purchasing decisions, resulting in enhanced customer loyalty and increased repeat orders - a perfect outcome for stockists.

The latest innovation to join the line-up is the new-for-2025 is 'Nature’s Lawn with Mowable Wildflowers'.Representing a significant leap forward in the integration of biodiversity into traditional lawn spaces, this innovative seed mix is designed for gardeners who wish to enjoy the beauty and ecological benefits of wildflowers, without sacrificing the functionality of their lawns. By combining a selection of lawn grasses with UK native perennial wildflowers such as Birdsfoot Trefoil, Black Medick, Black Knapweed, Ladys Bedstraw, that can tolerate regular mowing and will adapt to the prevailing mowing height, Johnsons Lawn Seed offers a solution that attracts pollinators such as butterflies and bumblebees while maintaining a usable, aesthetically pleasing lawn.

A solution for all lawns

The extensive Johnsons Lawn Seed product range is designed to meet the diverse requirements of gardeners, whether they are seasoned professionals or enthusiastic beginners. From high-quality lawn seed mixes that deliver lush, green lawns to specialist products designed for specific conditions, the portfolio is a testament to Johnsons’ commitment to quality and innovation, with every product brought to market following a rigorous R&D process that ensures that every variety is fit for purpose.

This breadth of choice empowers consumers to find exactly what they need, whether they are looking to establish a new lawn, overseed an existing one, or tackle a challenging garden environment. Johnsons Lawn Seed makes it easy for everyone to achieve a beautiful, healthy lawn.

Driving consumer confidence and loyalty

Johnsons Lawn Seed doesn’t just provide products; it offers solutions. The comprehensive nature of the range gives consumers the confidence to purchase the right product for their specific needs, driving satisfaction and fostering brand loyalty. This, in turn, translates to repeat purchases—a key factor for stockists seeking to maximise their sales and customer retention.

Lawn seed innovation

Johnsons Lawn Seeds’ ground-breaking seed formulas boast the latest in grass seed technology. Mixtures are continually improved to ensure quicker germination and establishment in lower temperatures, as well as requiring less fertiliser and watering than standard grasses, the bestselling formulations are more tolerant to drought, develop greener lawns, and are resistant to dog patches.

Such innovations include Tuffgrass with Patch Resistance, which optimises a tetraploid fine-leaved dwarf perennial ryegrass that enjoys superior resistance to dog urine, plus Quick Lawn with Accelerator-treated seed which provides accelerated germination and requires just a third of the amount of water needed for lawn establishment. The clever technology rapidly directs a carefully formulated blend of bio-stimulants in the seed coating – including seaweed extract, humic acids, amino acids, micronutrients and root developers – into the seed. This method is not only efficient in getting lawns started, but it provides up to 38% more grass in the first seven days than non-coated seed.

Join Johnsons Lawn Seed at Glee 2024

To find out more about Johnsons Lawn Seed’s market-leading portfolio, visit the team at Glee, the UK’s premier garden and outdoor living trade show, this September (10^th – 12^th, NEC Birmingham), in Hall 9, stand H50-G51.

To find out more about Johnsons Lawn Seed leading product portfolio please visit www.johnsonslawnseed.com

Discover the ultimate in sustainable footwear with LBC Boots' ground-breaking Ultralight range, where eco-conscious design meets exceptional comfort and style.

Renowned for their popular Ultralight Ankle Boots, LBC Boots UK offers a collection made with sustainability at its core. These boots are crafted from environmentally friendly EVA materials and are injection-moulded in Poland, providing a lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional, heavy PVC wellingtons often mass produced in China. This innovative production process not only minimises environmental impact but also ensures that every pair is built to last, offering long-term value and reducing waste.

The Ultralight range extends beyond just ankle boots. LBC Boots also offers full-length Wellingtons and Kids' boots, all made from the same sustainably sourced materials. Recently, the range has expanded to include the new Ultralight Leisure Clogs, perfect for spring and summer. Like the rest of the collection, these clogs are designed with sustainability in mind, offering a 100% waterproof, lightweight, and durable option for eco-conscious consumers. Available in four refreshing pastel shades for both men and women, these clogs bring a vibrant, sustainable touch to any warm-weather wardrobe.

With prices starting from just £9.99, the Ultralight range offers an affordable and eco-friendly choice for customers looking to combine sustainability with quality and style.  All boots are packaged in eco-friendly cardboard boxes made from recycled materials, offering a fully recyclable alternative to plastic.

Be sure to stop by stand (9G70) to explore a collection that’s perfect for every season and make the sustainable choice with LBC Boots UK.

Stand: 9G70

Website: www.lbcboots.com

With over 150 years’ experience in our sector, and a recognition for stockists to be ahead of trends, we are thrilled to unveil our newest ranges of horticultural pouches, steel edging and porcelain stepping stones on stand (8F50-7A51).

All ranges offer modern versatility designed to transform outdoor spaces:

Steel edging – A combination of durability with aesthetic appeal

• Unmatched durability– Our range is available in three finishes: corten, anthracite and black, all engineered to withstand elements. A long-lasting investment for landscaping needs
• Easy Installation – Sales of concrete edging have decreased due to breakages, handleability and the expertise required for installation. Flexi-fix offers a single-solution with its integrated spikes and interlocking assembly. 
• Easy installation – Available in 10mm sizes for all finishes or 150mm for Corten Steel, the edging offers flexibility to fit design needs, adapting to curves and corners, whilst defining beds, pathways and lawns

Horticultural pouches – Aiding in bridging the knowledge gap 

• Tested and trusted – Recognising a lack of “how-to” horticultural advice, we have collaborated with Chris Jesson (Groovy Gardener), a professional horticulturist and avid podcaster with a large social media presence. Our resealable, pouch bags have graphic how-to-guides, with additional QR codes linking customers to simple step-by-step videos, informing how and where to use.
• Convenient, user-friendly packaging – Handy pouch bags offer a smaller scale purchase for customers wishing to improve soil structure and drainage. 

Porcelain stepping stones – A fusion of exclusivity and quality 

• Sophisticated design – A combination of form and function that transforms space, with three colours (graphite, shadow and oatmeal), and three styles (round, random and hexagonal). 
• Unparalleled longevity – Premium porcelain works to withstand elements whilst maintaining a pristine appearance with its slip-resistant, non-porous surface 

We invite you to join us and take advantage of our exclusive show offers.

Melcourt is a market leader in the supply of peat-free garden and landscape products.

The company's rigorous, science-based approach to peat-free horticulture has been painstakingly perfected over the last four decades. Ensuring your customers’ fruit, veg, trees and flowers get the very best start in life, grow strong, and stay healthy, whilst continuing to care for the natural world in a way your customer’s demand.

In fact, because we’ve been bringing you peat-free garden and landscape products longer than any other supplier, our range is widely recognised as the best you can stock – and your customers can buy.

The future of gardening is peat-free. Discover why our products, pricing, service, and sustainable sourcing leads the way

Presenting SylvaGrow Seed Compost…

Formulated from our unique blend of 100% peat-free compost, dedicated to raising seeds and pricking out.

• A fine, friable blend based on expertise gained after more than two decades of serving the professional grower market
• Supports root growth and development, giving seedlings a strong start with a balanced feed
• A great start for plants to grow and advance into our award-winning SylvaGrow range of composts
• Available in 15L & 40L

Listening to our customers….

Also at Glee, we will be introducing a new bag size for our SylvaGrow John Innes range (John Innes Seed, 1, 2 and 3) following requests from our customer base for a bigger bag size. Fresh colour packaging and a 22litre bag will be available from January 2025.

It’s been a busy and exciting year for Melcourt, we welcomed Nikki Burton to the team back in October 2023 as Operations Director, Nikki will become Managing Director in January 2025, supported by Andy Chalmers who retires from his role as MD but will stay within the Melcourt family as company Chairman.

We look forward to seeing you at Glee 2024, and to tell you more about us and our products! We will be on stand 7E30.

The future of gardening is peat-free. Discover why our products, service and sustainable sourcing leads the way… 

The SonnenPartner lifestyle invites you to experience the finest moments of life outdoors. It is about enjoying nature, whether alone or with loved ones, accompanied by music, good food, and pure pleasure. These intense, vibrant experiences that make your heart race and give you a pleasant stomach, for SonnenPartner, the essence of happiness.

We are a family-owned business in North-Rhine-Westfalia, Germany with over 30 years in the market. This includes our family-oriented management style. Everyone knows each other; our closeness and warmth towards one another and our customers set us apart. 

We have remained loyal to our headquarters in Bielefeld. Hidden Champion – okay. But "local heroes" is a better fit. Our factory, administration, warehouse, high-rack storage, logistics, development, training centre, and exceptionally large showroom are all located in one place. Conveniently situated on the A2, our delivery readiness is as great as our heart. In this respect, our customer is traditionally king.

Primus, the award-winning Garden Décor brand from The Perry Group, is set to launch its highly anticipated 2025 product catalogue at the upcoming Glee exhibition, marking the brand's most extensive collection to date, featuring over 100 new products designed to inspire creativity and elevate garden spaces across the UK.

A New Era of Garden Décor: Primus 2025 Collection

The 2025 Primus range is the brand’s largest and most diverse yet, offering a wide array of new products that blend timeless elegance with contemporary design. From whimsical garden ornaments to functional outdoor décor, the new catalogue is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of tastes and garden styles.

Visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to view the entire range and place pre-season orders with special terms. Primus will operate on a strict first-come, first-served basis for the delivery of pre-season orders.

“We are incredibly excited to present our 2025 collection at Glee this year,” said Steve Perry, Marketing Director at The Perry Group. “This new range is a testament to our ongoing commitment to creativity and innovation, and we believe it will resonate with both new and returning customers. Building on the success of the 2024 season, our team has worked tirelessly to expand our product offering. Our goal is to firmly establish Primus as the first choice for Garden Décor in the UK and beyond.”

“As we celebrate 100 years of A. Perry Ltd, this launch is a significant milestone for our company and the Primus brand,” added Steve. “We look forward to sharing this exciting new chapter with our valued partners and customers at Glee.”

With huge excitement and demand coming from the trade and builders merchants, A. Perry are delighted to launch this amazing product to garden centres and DIY merchants at Glee.

A. Perry’s unique access to different markets, as well as controlling its own supply chain for the product as it manufactures them directly, means that demand can be maintained all year round.

In early Spring this year, trade only manufacturer and distributor of Hardware and Ironmongery, A. Perry, launched the groundbreaking product line into the fencing and landscaping market. Engineered to redefine timber sleeper installations, these innovative SleeperSecure Sleeper Brackets have quickly become a sensation among landscaping professionals, driving unprecedented demand for the range.

Traditionally, the market has been lacking an accessible solution that seamlessly combines durability, versatility, and ease of installation for timber sleeper projects such planters and driveway edging. Built for purpose, A. Perry's SleeperSecure Sleeper Brackets have filled this void, offering unmatched strength, stability and convenience like never before.

Commenting on the overwhelming response to the range, Steve Perry, Marketing Director at A. Perry, said, "We are thrilled to witness the tremendous excitement surrounding SleeperSecure, the unprecedented demand underscores the industry's recognition of the need for a superior solution that before SleeperSecure was not available in the UK merchant sector, and we believe Garden Centres will have the same success.”

A. Perry have also created a highly efficient retail solution for the range, designing a purpose-built display stand which perfectly holds all SKUs within the range with taking up very little floor space and a large area for POS. This can be supplied free of charge when an MOQ of the range is placed on the first order.

Podium Pet Products are attending Glee for the first time this year, bringing with us our innovative and natural pet products, as well as show exclusive offers and free samples. 

Visit stand 9C30 to talk to our amazing staff and find out everything you need to know about our products and how they can enhance the pet range in your shop!

Dog Rocks

The perfect product for people who care about gardens and their pets alike. Dog Rocks help stop those unsightly yellow pet pee spots ruining lawn, grass and hedges. They are the original, 100% natural solution to prevent dog urine burn marks on lawns and they are endorsed by both pet parents and vets worldwide. Customers love them as they’re so quick and easy to use - simply rinse them and add them to the dog’s drinking bowl for them to start working their magic!

Be:Loved

Be:Loved is an award-winning wellness & lifestyle range of pet care products. Ideal as gifts, our products are hand poured using the finest quality ingredients.

Fur oils, paw & nose balms, shampoo bars, kennel & home sprays & odour eliminating candles make up our range of beautifully presented products to be enjoyed by pets and their parents.

Our premium pet shampoos, enriched with essential oils, deliver a lustrous, silky coat - perfect for pet owners. Our balms, each offering unique benefits, ensure high customer satisfaction. From a first aid balm for healing cracks, to a soothing balm that treats and prevents rough patches, our products promise great margins and repeat purchases.

Weblinks, stand and contact details:

www.podiumpetproducts.com

www.belovedpetz.com

www.dogrocks.co.uk

Stand name: Podium Pet Products
Stand number: 9C30

Email: hello@podiumpetproducts.com
Phone: +44 (0)1628 822247

Debuted exclusively at Glee, RocketGro’s brand-new Herb & Alpine Compost helps retailers fill a gap in their offering with the world’s first compost dedicated to the growing needs of both alpine plants and herbs in a 20-litre bag.

Leading the charge in sustainable growing media, RocketGro is first to market with a Vegan-friendly, Soil Association Approved Organic, Peat-Free, Coir-free compost that is free from synthetic chemicals and perfectly tailored for growing alpines and edible herbs. Boosted by Organic Fertiliser Superfood, this compost really works!

Whilst alpine compost is already available in the market, there are currently no options for herb mixes supplied in anything more sizeable than small pouches, meaning retailers often aren’t able to meet the needs of gardeners growing in larger areas.

RocketGro’s new specialist Herb & Alpine Compost is designed to create a faster sell-through on what can be a slow-moving line, tapping into a growing market and driving more customers into garden centres on the hunt for herbs and a supportive compost that does the job.

Ideal for growing alpines, succulents and herbs, the loamy compost – comprising RocketGro Multi-Purpose Compost with added John Innes and Cornish Grit – provides excellent drainage and performed extremely well in trials, with a 100% success rate across multiple plant varieties.

This brand-new launch creates another fantastic point of difference for the leading British peat-free brand, generating a wealth of opportunities for retailers alongside RocketGro’s other game-changing sustainable products. With such a small commitment from garden centres – a minimum order of just one pallet – trialling this exciting new line is a no-brainer.

Herb & Alpine Compost joins RocketGro’s stellar line-up of organic peat-free growing media products, which includes its best-selling Multi-Purpose Compost, Seed & Cutting Compost with added John Innes, Fruit & Veg Compost, and Magic Mulch – all of which are firm favourites of the growers at River Cottage HQ – plus its popular line of Liquid Plant Feeds, which are having huge success in online and bricks-and-mortar garden centres alike.

Find out more

If you want to learn more about RocketGro or are keen to discuss adding its product portfolio into your 2024 offering, please contact Toby Thomas (hello@rocketgro.co.uk /07936 928 981) or Andy Abraham (andy@rocketgro.co.uk / 07446 937902). View the full range and discover more about the RocketGro story at www.rocketgro.co.uk

Sipcam Home & Garden has expanded its garden maintenance range with innovative products designed to keep outdoor surfaces impeccably clean. Block Blitz, a leading brand in outdoor cleaning solutions, has broadened its portfolio to include products that not only clean but also protect and restore outdoor spaces. The ultimate patio care range from Block Blitz now features powerful cleaners and weedkillers, ideal for ensuring your outdoor areas remain pristine and weed-free throughout the year.

Original Eco Cleaner is now ready to use

Proudly developed and manufactured in the UK, Block Blitz Original Eco Cleaner can be used on various outdoor surfaces like, block paving, gravel & decorative aggregates, artificial grass, tarmac, paving slabs, resin drives and decking. Previously available as a concentrated powder solution Eco Cleaner has a new 5 litre ready to use option that covers up to 15m².  With a self-cleaning action, Eco Cleaner offers ultimate convenience for eco-minded home owners containing no bleach, no acids, no biocides and is biodegradable. Simply apply using a watering can and let the solution go to work providing protection against moss and weed build up for up to 6 months with no jet washing, scraping or scrubbing required.

For that extra boost users can take advantage of The Original Eco Cleaner with Electric Sprayer.  This is the ultimate ready to use Eco Cleaner option where users can treat their outdoor surfaces directly from the 5 litre jerry can with no need for a watering can!

Tackling the most stubborn challenges

The Block Blitz range is going from strength to strength tackling the most stubborn challenges in outdoor cleaning. Block Blitz Patio Restorer & Black Spot Remover is a brand new ready to use formulation which powers through patio black spot and lichen stains using this easy application formula. The solution works on a wide range of outdoor surfaces to keep your patio, garden paths and driveway looking their best all year round. Covering 25m² results can be seen in just 2-4 hours providing a quick and easy to use solution in restoring patios, paths and driveways.

With a track record of providing effective point of sale solutions, Sipcam have new Block Blitz merchandising concepts designed to deliver higher sell through rates, including the patio care interactive spinner stand and tv screen displays! 

Visit stand 7D40-E41 at Glee Birmingham to explore Block Blitz, the UK’s number one block paving treatment brand, exclusively distributed by Sipcam Home & Garden to retailers in the UK. 

As gardening evolves towards more sustainable practices, one challenge that has emerged is managing peat-free growing media. While these eco-friendly alternatives are better for the environment, they can be tricky to work with—particularly when it comes to watering. Enter Sustee, the revolutionary plant care tool that takes the guesswork out of watering and ensures your plants thrive.

Launching this September at the Glee trade show at the NEC, Sustee is designed to help gardeners, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice, easily monitor soil moisture levels. This sleek, simple device changes colour to tell you exactly when your plants need water—no batteries, no fuss, just insert it into the soil and let Sustee do the rest.

Why Sustee is a Game-Changer:

• Ideal for Peat-Free Growing Media: With peat-free composts requiring more precise watering, Sustee provides the accuracy you need to keep your plants healthy and hydrated.
• Easy to Use: The clear visual indicator lets you know when to water at a glance, making plant care easier than ever.
• Versatile: Whether for houseplants, containers, or garden beds, Sustee works with a wide variety of plants and growing conditions.

Brought to you by Southern Trident, a leader in sustainable horticulture, Sustee is the perfect companion for any gardener looking to make their plant care routine more effective and environmentally friendly. Visit our stand in 8F61 to see Sustee in action and discover how this small tool can make a big difference in your garden.

Glee Stand: 8F61

Web Link: https://southerntrident.com/

Contact: Kaz Edwards

Email: kaz@southerntrident.com

Fungus Gnats or more commonly known as Plant Flies are attracted to the Super Ninja Plants Fly trap. Plant Flies are a growing nuisance to household plants due to changes in soil composition and climate change.

Visit our stand 9J62 to see how customers with Fungus Gnat problems can be turned into buyers.

The team at Tildenet Gardenware have been incredibly busy over the past few months putting together a whole host of versatile merchandising solutions aimed at making it easier for garden centres to choose the right selection of products for their business - a one-stop shop for gardening essentials.

We are excited to be launching the BRAND NEW Tildenet Flexible Retail System – an innovative system designed to adapt to a wide variety of store layouts, which creatively displays each of our powerful brands to maximise retail sell through enabling retailers to maximise space and increase product visibilitycomplemented by attractive displays. 

Featuring vibrant headers, back wall graphics and integrated aisle flags that signpost range USPs, the system is and provides retailers a with fresh and effective way to merchandise products which will support sales growth in any setting.

Look out for all new packaging which has had a bright and colourful facelift with a commitment to sustainability at the core of Tildenet's approach – leading the market for 2025 with unique 100% recycled and resealable packaging we are proud to offer the most sustainable option in the market available as own branded lines for all sizes of garden centres.

There’s lots to see on TWO impressive Tildenet Gardenware Stands at Glee 2024 

Don’t miss out on seeing the whole range, lifestyle displays and special Glee show promotions for 2025 as well as the chance to hear more about the many developments including shelf ready packaging, bulk buys and deals we have planned for next season.

Visit the Tildenet team at Glee to learn more about our dedication to sustainability, quality, and service excellence, and discover how the Flexible Retail System can support your gardening needs, whatever the size of your business. 

Visit us on Stands 6G80 and 6E65

www.tildenetgardenware .co.uk

info@tildenetgardenware.co.uk

Treadstone Products are launching a new garden glove range for 2025, designed to give retailers a concise offering that’s easy for shoppers to find the right glove for the job! 

From the makers of the award-winning ClipGlove comes Coppice Gloves - an attractive collection of value for money gloves that are designed to see sales soar.

With a keen price point of £3.99 for all SKU’s, there are eight unique gloves that are suited to key gardening tasks featuring neutral, on-trend earthy tones. The range is easily segmented in store with simple packaging that guides consumers with messaging such as “The one for weeding” or “The warm one”. Standardising pricing across the range will result in a quicker decision for purchasers in store who will be able to focus on the right glove for the garden task intended.

Coppice Gloves is a no-nonsense brand that measures up well with four sizes per type of glove – small, medium, large and extra-large. As a budget friendly option, it also provides huge potential for retailers by appealing to new and price conscious gardeners.

To support sales in store the Rustic Glove Crate is the perfect merchandising vehicle for Coppice Gloves. The dark stained timber display provides the perfect backdrop for the natural colours of the gloves, whilst the header is supplied complete with a removable £3.99 retail price message, ideal to highlight promotional messages in store.  

Coppice Gloves – key takeaways:

• Entry level range featuring eight glove types, each pair is £3.99.
• Rustic Glove Crate merchandiser available, two crates hold the complete range.
• Easy to shop packaging.
• Ideal for budget conscious gardeners offering huge promotional opportunities for retailers.

Put your garden glove category in the right hands today by contacting Treadstone Products – sales@treadstoneproducts.com.

At UK Greetings, we don’t believe one size fits all, that’s why we carefully curate our product displays specifically to cater for consumers differing needs and voices.

Our Homegrown initiative is a perfect example of how we have done this, specifically tailored for garden centre shoppers.

Homegrowns modern and stylised display units offers a perfect showcase solution for our distinct and established brands which have been developed with the differing consumer lifestyle choices in mind, as well as offering a differentiated retail solution.

Designed for garden centres, Homegrown offers a comprehensive display planning service including product brokerage, a quick and easy one stop solution ensuring your displays are filled with the most sought-after designs, full display sales analysis and an excellent merchandising service! 

At UK Greetings we are passionate about product but equally, service and sustainability.

We are committed to playing our part to help secure the future of our planet for future generations and in doing so we are constantly introducing innovation to our products, initiatives to reduce waste reusing and recycling as much as possible.

If you are visiting Glee this year, you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to speak with our fabulous team and view our fantastic product, including a beautiful range of RHS cards and our new premium range by Camden! So, make sure you head to stand 8A50-B51.

https://www.ukgreetings.co.uk/

Stand: 8A50-B51

Contact: Robert Marsden 

Email: robert.marsden@ukgreetings.co.uk

Tel: 07779 348196

Peckish, the UK’s leading wild bird food brand, is proudly introducing a new collection of wild bird feeders that are crafted from 100% recycled materials and sustainably sourced wood, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s commitment to sustainability. 

The Peckish brand is centred around inspiring consumers to care for wild birds and support nature, and sustainability is at the brand’s heart, from sourcing local ingredients to plastic-free packaging. The new Woodland Feast feeder range exemplifies the brand’s on-going journey toward true environmental responsibility, and has been designed not only to enhance garden aesthetics, but also to repurpose waste, giving new life to recycled materials.

The Woodland Feast feeder collection features five distinct feeders: the Multi Feeder, Suet Cake Feeder, Seed Feeder, Energy Ball Tower Feeder, and Seed & Suet Cake Tower Feeder. Each feeder is engineered to attract a diverse array of wild bird species, bringing vibrant colour to gardens across the nation.

A standout feature of the collection is its design, which includes a slate-effect roof and hard-wearing mesh to hold suet cakes. These components of the feeders are made using approximately 125 recycled food and drink cartons. The wood featured is PEFC Certified, ensuring responsible forestry practices and further aligning with Peckish’s environmental ethos.

To support retail partners, the Woodland Feast collection is available with a bespoke wooden display stand, designed to hold approximately £2,000 RRP worth of stock. The visually striking stand not only maximises in-store impact, but also highlights the environmentally conscious nature of the range, driving consumer engagement and impulse purchases.

Laura Craig, Head of Category & Insight at Peckish, commented: "Our commitment to nature is unwavering, and the development of a wild bird feeder made entirely from recycled and sustainably sourced materials is a natural progression to our Field To Beak strategy. We are excited to offer retailers and their customers a product that not only supports bird care but also contributes to the greater goal of sustainability."

Come and view the range of new Peckish Woodland Feast Feeders at Stand 7C80-E81

It's Glee 2024, day two, and Glee Daily News caught up with Show Director, Matthew Mein. With the buzz definitely back at the exhibition this year we asked: what feedback have you had from visitors and exhibitors so far?

"I agree the buzz is back. I've been fortunate enough over the last two days to get around and talk to lots of different buyers about the show. I think there's just an overwhelming joy that we've moved the show to September. I think it's really been galvanized today by the feedback we've had. We've had so many great buyers coming in already over the last day and a half. The general feedback has been positive with lots of big buying groups right the way through to some of those smaller, independent garden centers who now have the availability to come to a show in September."

The Glee Daily News team have spoken to lots of retailers over the course of Tuesday and Wednesday, in fact, it's been difficult getting around the show without bumping into people that wan't to stop and say hello. They've all commented how good the show is, how they found loads of new stuff, they particularly like all the areas we're in Hall 9 where there are many smaller exhibitors. We really recommend anybody who comes tomorrow (Thursday) to come and visit the smaller stands in Hall 9 because there's just so much good stuff there for people to look at and buy.

Matthew added:  "The specific sectors where we are getting great feedback include retail services and experiences where there are some really interesting exhibitors that will help garden centres aid their business. Whether it's shop fitting right the way through to catering solutions. Then moving into the home and gift village, that's also in Hall 9, there are some really fantastic brands in there that will help, I think, especially pre-Christmas, to get some additional impulse sales.

"The other area, you know, which we've growth in this year is the pet section. There are some really interesting pet food brands and pet accessory brands at Glee 2024. Something again for garden centres to make their pet offering a little bit more interesting, a little bit more engaging. And again, thinking about the time of year, some of the product is regular weekly sellers like the pet foods, and also some of the of the gifting items or items to treat your pet, leading up to Christmas and beyond."

The exhibitors at Glee this year have really pulled out the stops, not just in terms of their stands and the way they look, but actually the quality of the new products that they've brought to the show and the new offerings of point of sale and new services.

"There's so much new to be seen," said Matthew, "I would say a lot of colour and vibrancy in everything that's going on with people's branding here at Glee.  Looking around the show, the interesting parts I've also found is the sustainability piece as well. Companies that are really looking at how their products are manufactured, made, and packaged.

"Talking to some of the exhibitors despite the UK weather not playing its part its part thsi year there's a lot of positivity looking ahead to next year. And that's the exciting bit. I think people wanted to come together and have that feel good factor saying, come on, let's get on with next year!"

The buzz is back at Glee and we're all now looking forward to Floral Thursday tomorrow.

"Hopefully we can get even more people wearing floral and break the records that we break most years. Supporting Greenfingers with raffle ticket sales and of course wearing floral attire."

See you tomorrow at Glee for Floral Thursday!

Surfinia has been named as the most influential 'hero' plant in Glee’s 50-year history as voted for by readers of GTN and GTN Xtra. First introduced 30 years ago, this series of trailing petunia has revolutionised the hanging basket and bedding market and it’s thought that 1.5 billion plants have been sold in Europe alone.

Paul Jackson collected the certificate during Glee’s first day where it is now displayed on the MNP Suntory stand in Hall 10. He told GTN it was first discovered by MNP where it stood out because it was flowing across a trials field. “It actually looked like it was surfing,” he said. “They put ‘surfing’ and ‘petunia’ together to come up with the name.”

Included in the display is a new cultivar for this year. Surfinia Dark Yellow Morn is a rich buttery yellow and adds a new dimension in flower colour to the ever-expanding choice.

Ground-breaking new garden and pet products have been confirmed as the winners of the coveted Glee New Product Awards 2024, run in association with GTN. The Overall Best Glee New Product went to Sipcam Home and Garden for its Ecofective Slug Stoppa.

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.

Gifts 

Winner: Set of 5 Herbs by Seedball – Seedball

Home

Winner: The Siroflex Home and Garden kit – Siroflex UK

Wild Bird Care

Winner: Cork Peanut Butter Feeder (Wall Mounted) – CJ Wildlife

Pets

Winner: Dog First Aid Kit – Mountain Paws

Retail Services

Winner: Augmented Reality – Meadow View Stone Limited

Tools & Machinery

Winner: Aqua Power – Creative Products Ltd

Growing Containers

Winner: Maxwell Pot – Woodlodge Products

Growing Materials                           

Winner: Ecofective Slug Stoppa –  Sipcam Home and Garden

Garden Decoration

Winner: Orchard Garden Sculptures – Treadstone Products

Leisure & Entertaining

Winner: Blackstone 36 Inch Griddle with Air Fryer Combo – Blackstone

Landscape

Winner: SleeperSecure Steel Sleeper Brackets – A.Perry Ltd

Growing Accessories

Winner: Sustee Aqua Meter –  Southern Trident Limited

Plants Seeds & Bulbs

Winners: Malus domestica ~ Apple Peter's Gold –  CSF                                                              

Catharanthus Soiree Light Pink Dark eye – MNP Flowers / Suntory

Best of British Award

Winner: Natures Menu Freeze Dried Dinners 250g – Natures Menu Ltd

Glee Sustainability Award

Winner: Urban Wyrm Worm Casts – Growmoor BetterGrowing

Overall Glee New Product Award

Winner: Ecofective Slug Stoppa – Sipcam Home and Garden

Runner-up: Maxwell Pot – Woodlodge Products

The Glee New Product Showcase, in association with GTN, has generated huge interest as Glee. After drawing up their shortlisted products for the New Product Awards, the judges listened to pitches from exhibitors.

Glee New Product Awards 2024 – Shortlists

Pitching orders and timings

Tuesday morning

09:30 am            Gifts

• Anthurium 'Zizou and Lilli in festive glass                The Horti House              Green Heart
• Burgon & Ball ‘Nurture & Nourish’ gift set                 Burgon & Ball                    9H10-G11
• Animaker Flash                                                                Maped Helix                      9D71
• Candle Making Kit                                                          SOLAS Home                    9B70
• Set of 5 Herbs by Seedball                                         Seedball                              9G71

09:50 am            Home

• The Siroflex Home and Garden kit.                         Siroflex UK                         9J64
• Dragonfly Trivet                                                               By Jo Crafts                        9E62-D63
• Eco-flow Solar Tap Adapter                                        Siroflex UK                         9J64
• Haago Reusable Handwarmers                               Haago                                   9D70
• Halliesphere                                                                     Halliesphere                     10F70
• Mighty Mats Eco Doormat Colletion                      Primeur Limited               8D40-E41

10:15 am            Wild Bird Care

• Cork Peanut Butter Feeder - Wall Mounted                 CJ Wildlife                          9H32-G33
• Illuminest                           The Green Earth Box Company Limited           9L60
• 'Woolie' the Sheep - Hanging ceramic wool dispenser            Wildlife World  9D31
• Kettle Grills & Smoker Bird Feeder                         Panacea Products Ltd  9G30-E31
• Reli Birddy Smart Feeder GreenTough                  Reli Technologies LLC  9D40-C41

10:40 am            Pets

• Recycled dog toys                                                          Spetacular      
• Natures Menu Freeze Dried Dinners 250g                Natures Menu Ltd           9B30-A31
• Dog First Aid Kit                                                               Mountain Paws                9B40

10:55 am            Retail Services

• Flopro display units: Connect, Spray, Sprinkle               Westland Horticulture Ltd                7C80-E81
• Westland Welsh Dresser                                            Westland Horticulture Ltd                7C80-E81
• Augmented Reality                                                         Meadow View Stone Limited                8F50-7A51

11:10 am            Tools & Machinery

• Aqua Power                                                                       Creative Products Ltd   9E10-D11
• Crawling Insect Freeze Spray                                    Pelsis Ltd            9H31
• GARDENA 18V Multi-Cleaner AquaBrush                Husqvarna / Gardena   8F60-7A61
• Auto Reel Mobile                                                             Hozelock Ltd     7A80-B81
• Flymo 18V EasiWeeder                                                Husqvarna / Gardena   8F60-7A61

 11:30 am            Growing Containers

• Maxwell Pot                                                                       Woodlodge Products    8D80-F81
• Rhubarb forcer               
• Sustainable Bamboo Saucer Covers                    Panacea Products Ltd  9G30-E31
• Haxnicks Earth Pots Windowsill Set                      Tildenet Gardenware    6G80, 6E65

11:50 am            Growing Materials

• Empathy Bioactive Compost Improver                 Plantworks                         9H30-G31
• Grass Gains Premium Lawn Feed                           Grass Gains Ltd               9H61
• Ecofective Slug Stoppa                                                Sipcam Home and Garden                7D40-E41
• Urban Wyrm Worm Casts                                           Growmoor BetterGrowing                7E90-6A91 

12:10 pm            Garden Decoration

• Venetian Planter                                                             Jagram S.A.                        9E34
• Orchard Garden Sculptures                                      Treadstone Products    9L04
• Animal Stakes                                                                  Panacea Products Ltd  9G30-E31
• Ballon Solar USB Festoon Lights - Set Of 20                 The Solar Centre             9E30

Tuesday afternoon

1:30 pm Leisure & Entertaining

• EcoFuego Campo                                                                           Eco Fuego          10B65
• Blackstone 36 Inch Griddle with Air Fryer Combo Blackstone         F4, 10B61
• Mighty BBQ Steam Cleaner                                                       Creative Products Ltd                9E10-D11

1:50 pm Landscape

• Orchard Garden Sculptures                                      Treadstone Products                    9L04
• Eden Collection                                                               Meadow View Stone Limited                8F50-7A51
• Eco Sparkle 20mm                                                        Meadow View Stone Limited                8F50-7A51
• SleeperSecure Steel Sleeper Brackets                 A.Perry Ltd                                         6A73

2:10 pm Growing Accessories

• Germie Seed Propagation Kit                                    Germie SAS                                       9G73
• Coppice Garden Gloves                                              Treadstone Products                    9L04
• Snail Stop                          
• Sustee Aqua Meter                                                         Southern Trident Limited            8F61

2:30 pm Plants Seeds & Bulbs

• Malus domestica ~ Apple Peter's Gold                 CSF                                                        NB30
• Catharanthus Soiree Light Pink Dark eye                MNP Flowers / Suntory               
• Nature's Lawn with Mowable Wildflowers                Johnsons Lawn Seed                     9H50-G51
• Marigold Glow Up [Tagetes erecta]                        CSF                                                        NB30
• Ready to plant onions & shallots                             Kapiteyn B.V.                                    9J52

The New Product Award judges.

See pictures from the pitching sessions in the gallery below...

Calling all planteria teams and plant buyers. Make sure you stop by Hall 10 to see the nurseries at the Green Heart with the latest plants and availability for the coming season.

Michael Perry's collection of Future Plants includes some intriguing new introductions, such as the purple leaved Hibiscus Carousel Ghost with white flowers and heavily scented Cyclamen ambiance. But it's not all about the newness. "I also want to show plants which will succeed and cope with the challenges of the future and of climate change," said Michael.

Particular favourites, which Michael would recommend garden centres to stock, are Rose Scentifall Lemon, great for hanging baskets and containers where its delicate yellow flowers can be fully appreciated. It's one of the last to come from Thompson & Morgan's own breeding programme and as its name suggests, it also has fragrant blooms with several other colours in the pipeline.

Sundavilla Double Blush - in a soft pink - is one of many now being propagated in the UK by Kernock . "This means the supply is completely in the UK which has come at the right time for the market," said Michael.

The 50th Glee officially opened with a ceremonial cutting of a green ribbon by Derek Bunker and Daivd Domoney. Representatives from all walks of the trade cheered as the ribbon fell and the doors to Hall 9 were opened.

Derek Bunker, of Alton Garden Centre, remembered businesses from decades past which helped shaped the industry we have today. “Many of those companies have now gone but Glee carries on and it's necessary for us. It's the highlight of the year in the trade and an opportunity to meet and talk to the people who make the decisions. I know Glee stand for Garden Leisure Equipment Exhibition but to me it’s a word that means joy and happiness. I think what we are celebrating today is 50 years of happiness.”

TV gardener David Domoney recalled and compared Glee exhibitions through the decades from the 1980s onwards. “It’s key to remember that we are all working together, creating something that brings great pleasure and has a positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing,” he said.

“Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Glee is a momentous landmark for the show,” said event director Matthew Mein. “We have welcomed thousands and thousands of people over the past five decades, so we thank them for all the support. Our visitors are the heartbeat of our industry. It's another year of Glee, but a key one."

Glee runs until Thursday (12th September).

Glee’s 50-Year Heroes were announced on the first day of the exhibition, with the winners being named in four categories.

Members of the industry and readers of Garden Trade News magazine and GTN Xtra have spent the past four months nominating and voting for Glee’s 50-Year Heroes.

Hero Product of the last 50 years
Miracle Gro

Hero Plant of the last 50 years

Hydrangeas

Surfinia Petunias

Most Influential Person of the past 50 years

Paris Natar

Edward Conroy

Caroline Owen

John Ashley

The Character of Glee's 50 years

Stuart Kitchen & Michelle de Lavis-Trafford

Peter Seabrook

Boyd Douglas-Davies

Anthony Harker

Derek Bunker

Nick Davies

It was smiles all round as Glee returned to the NEC Birmingham in style today (Tuesday) with the 50th anniversary exhibition halls a hive of activity as soon as the doors opened at 9am.

An impressive list of suppliers were joined by UK and international key decision makers, buyers and trend setters, to showcase the future of gardening.

This year’s show has brought together hundreds of brands and thousands of exciting products under one roof, providing garden buyers with an ideal opportunity to ‘shop’ new ranges to boost their retail offering.

There are still two days to go – Wednesday and Thursday – to see all the latest new products so if you’re still planning your trip make sure you register for free entry. Click here to register now.

Gallery of pictures from Day One below...

The debut edition of Source Garden, Europe’s newest responsible sourcing show for the gardening sector, offered a show floor full of responsible manufacturers, plus the opportunity for visitors to meet with industry experts for one-to-one advice sessions.

Taking place alongside Glee - the UK’s leading garden and outdoor living trade show - from today until Thursday at the NEC Birmingham, Source Garden is a unique sourcing platform where worldwide responsible manufacturers are united with retailers, garden centres, brands, and contractors who are looking to explore sourcing and private label opportunities. Brands and retailers in attendance today include Sainsburys (Argos), B&Q, Kingfisher, Blue Diamond, Aldi, Tesco, Home Bargains and many more.

Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director of Source Garden says, “I’m so happy to launch Source Garden. It is perfectly placed to nurture new ideas, find inspiration, bring knowledge about what goes into responsible products and manufacturing methods. We are passionate about creating connections, bringing the brightest minds in the industry together, connecting all elements of the retail supply chain and ensuring our buyers find exactly what they are looking for.”

Building the foundations of new product lines, Source Garden aims to provide the best in responsibly sourced garden products including outdoor entertaining, garden tools, outdoor decoration, pets, landscaping, and retail services. Visitors discovered new ideas and inspiration that champion environmentally friendly and fairtrade practices.

Ruizhi Gao, Assistant Manager, of exhibitor Guangzhou Konda Import & Export said, “We are located in Guangzhou, China, and we are a factory which produces durable and realistic artificial flowers and plants suitable for indoor and outdoor use. We came to Source Garden to exhibit for the first time last year and had a great show. We are very excited to be exhibiting again this year. I spoke to some of our clients before I arrived, and I expect to meet them here, they plan to visit the show!”

The new Ask the Experts sessions offer a chance for visitors to connect with industry leaders and learn how to continue building more ethical and sustainable practices within their business. Taking place in the Buyers Lounge in Hall 6, visitors are invited to book in free 20 minute consultations on topics including buying, merchandising, sustainable storytelling, supply chain resilience, retail trends, creative marketing strategies, and digital marketing techniques.

Retail consultancy, Retail 100 are delivering sessions on all three days of the show, covering the following topics; buying, merchandising, sourcing and regional differences, brand development, sustainable storytelling and building your brand narrative, assortment review, supply chain resilience, and retail insight - future trends, consumer behaviour, in-store experiences.

Today, visitors booked in with Louise Welsby, Managing Director of Buy-From about to discuss topics including; creative marketing strategies, business communication and growth, brand development, innovation and storytelling, empowering people through effective communication, and retail insights and predictions. Amy Hobson, Digital Marketing and Social Media Trainer from Social B was also on hand to discuss franchising, retail business development, digital marketing and converting customers, using social media platforms to engage with your audience, and retail insight.

Tomorrow, Edwina Mullins, Director of Social B is onsite to talk about digital marketing techniques and strategy, social media plans, go-to-market insights, capability development, digital transformation and innovation tapping into the need for companies to connect with their customers through storytelling and marketing strategies. Thursday welcomes Therese Oertenblud, Founder of Small Business Collective offering advice on creating a purpose-driven brand, strategic sales, effective goal setting, wholesale supply chain, and building tools for business growth.

Source Garden takes place from 10th - 12th September at the NEC Birmingham.

Register for your Source Garden free ticket at www.source-garden.com to shape the future of gardening.

Gallery of Source Garden pictures below...

Potr, the creators of the world’s first flat-packed, self-watering planters, has been announced as the winners of this year’s prestigious GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund, with Andrew Flynn, founder and designer at Potr, receiving the accolade earlier this morning during the opening day of Glee 2024.

Potr’s revolutionary planters, not only champions sustainability through the use of 100% recycled material but they also open up exciting new opportunities for plant subscription services and gifting, redefining how consumers can access and enjoy gardening.

The letterbox-friendly, flat-pack design solves many logistical challenges of traditional plant pot shipping, offering a more convenient and accessible solution for today’s eco-conscious consumers.  Plus, with a CO2 footprint over 100 times smaller than a conventional planter, Potr’s products are a breakthrough in sustainable design. This drastic reduction in environmental impact is achieved through their IP-protected flat-pack system, which uses minimal materials and 100% recycled plastic, making Potr a leader in eco-friendly gardening solutions.

As the ninth recipient of the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund, Potr will receive an incredible prize fund package, comprising a grant of up to £6,000 which includes a year’s full GIMA membership, plus a wide range of business support tools including free exhibition space at Glee and free PR support during the event. In addition, the winners package also includes design, development and manufacturing or marketing cost support up to the value of £3,000; access to an industry business consultant; one-year ACID (Anti Copying in Design) membership; and an advert in the next GIMA Buyers Guide.

Andrew Flynn, Founder and Designer of Potr, shared his excitement: “Winning the 2024 GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund is a huge honour. We’ve always believed in the potential of Potr to make a real impact in the gardening industry, and this recognition highlights the importance of sustainability in everything we do. The opportunities this award brings, particularly in plant subscription services and gifting within garden retail, are incredibly exciting, and we look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of eco-friendly design.”

Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director, added: “We are delighted to announce Potr as the winner of this year’s GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund. Their innovative flat-pack design, coupled with a commitment to reducing waste, makes Potr a standout in the market. Their ability to serve the subscription and gifting sectors while drastically reducing their CO2 footprint aligns with the growing demand for sustainable gardening solutions. We look forward to supporting Potr’s growth in the UK market.”

For more information about Potr and the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund, visit the GIMA Buyer Lounge in Hall 9, stand H60-G61 at Glee 2024.

Find out more

For further information about GIMA and its wide range of member benefits, contact the GIMA Press Office on (01959) 564947 or info@gima.org.uk

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

After this launch issue we will be publishing further Glee Daily News issues as follows:

• Glee August Update - 28th August
• Glee Preview - 3rd September
• Glee Build-up - 9th September
• Glee Day 1 - 10th September
• Glee Day 2 - 11th September
• Glee Day 3 - 12th September
• Glee 2024 Omnibus - 30th September

Exhibitors should contact Alan Burdon, alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk, or 07939 048899, for advertising details. 

Glee 2024 took shape on build-up day as exhibitors put the finishing touches to their stands in halls 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the NEC. Glee Daily News photographer Paul Webb captured all the action to give you a clear picture of what to expect over the next three days. The exhibition is open from 9am until 6pm tomorrow (Tuesday)...

See the picture gallery below...

The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation which supports students studying Horticulture at UK and Ireland colleges and universities is returning to the Green Heart area of Glee 2024.

The charity, funded by the industry with the likes of Blue Diamond Garden Centres, Smart Garden Products and Westland Horticulture being amongst the many industry supporters, will use Glee as an opportunity to introduce the garden retail trade to two stunning new plants. Breeders and growers who recognise the value of the work done by the Foundation, often will give a percentage of the Royalties from new plants as their contribution to the scholarships awarded annually by the Trustees. 

The new plants being introduced this year are:

Malus domestica ~ Apple Peter's Gold 

A superb desert apple, late keeping variety. Consistent cropper of round golden fruit, sometimes with a pink flush. Large attractive pink to white flowers. Grafted onto MM106 semi-dwarfing rootstock so suitable for smaller gardens. The sale of each tree helps to support students studying Horticulture.

A brand new eating apple variety, with a good 'crunch', aromatic and full of flavour and juicy. A good keeper to, well into the new year without any special care. Easy to grow, easy to prune and a donation from the sale of every tree helps support students studying Horticulture. Peter Seabrook, the renowned gardening journalist and horticultural expert, was a Trustee of the Foundation and ‘found’ the original tree growing near his home. Frank P Matthews, the premier tree grower in the UK have developed the tree and bringing it to market in time for autumn sales in 2024 and also taking reserve orders for spring 2025 from retailers. 

Tagetes erecta ~ Marigold Glow Up 

Three stunning flower colours in the range of this new African type Marigold, bred by Indus Burpee and being distributed by Pro-Veg Seeds  - gold, yellow and orange. Flowering from June until the first frosts of autumn. Grows to 40cm tall, best in full sun in containers or borders. Very weather resistant, doing well rain or shine. Early flowers are tennis ball sized and loved by pollinating insects.

A new development in large flowered Marigolds, showing much great weather tolerance than traditional varieties. Strong flower colours, healthy glossy green leaves easy to grow and a long flowering period. Extensive trials show consistent results right across Europe. Totally programable for growers, allowing precise cropping times, maximising sales potential and minimising waste.

Guests at the Foundations Summer Garden Party to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the formation of the Foundation, held at Ball Horticultures trial grounds in Oxfordshire in July this year, were each treated to a pack of the young Marigold plants as a ‘thank you’ for coming. One guest recently posted on social media: 

The Marigold Glow Up plants you gave me have been fantastic - I squashed them all in one pot and they have proved great companions for my tomatoes this year.  The flowers seem to last for weeks - I have only had to deadhead one to date! - and they’re certainly bright and cheerful even on the dullest of days. Very many thanks.  And all this from someone who would not normally plant marigolds!

Both of the Apple and the Marigold come on the back of the Foundation winning the 2023 Glee New Product Award [Plants] with Kerley & Co. bred Petunia Tumbelina ‘Nicola’. Described at the time as:

“the latest member to join the Tumbelina family, the flower type is best described as an open double, with a unique colour combination of magenta and white outer petals with deep coloured centres and shows good weather tolerance. Perfect for planting in hanging baskets and patio pots where they can tumble over the edges. Thrive in either full sun or part shade, flowering for over six months, until the first frost in November. Its compact habit yet prolific outdoor flowering makes this ‘must have’ in every summer garden. Water as required and feed regularly, weekly in the key growing season, particularly when grown in a container.”

Petunia Nicola has gone on to become a favourite with gardeners and growers this year.

Do visit Green Heart while you are at Glee, and do have a look at the work of the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation. There may be an opportunity for you and your company to get involved. It might be selling some of the plant varieties that earn the charity some money, or supporting their work in other ways. It may be that you have a member of your team who would benefit from the support of a scholarship to help them advance their own career.

As the Glee exhibition rapidly approaches, the show’s exhibitors have been sharing their latest news.

ARTIFEX NATURA (NEW AT GLEE)

Formed in late 2022 from a labour of love, Artifex Natura Ltd offers market leading terrariums, moss art and niche house plants to retailers at attractive trade prices.  We are best known for our strikingly colourful tropical terrariums that feature unusual glass, colourful plants, captivating crystals, rocks and gemstones and beautiful coloured sands.  

BACKDOOR SHOES (NEW AT GLEE)

Backdoorshoes Ltd, a leading innovator in the garden footwear industry, is excited to announce the launch of its latest collection of garden and leisure shoes, designed to combine exceptional comfort with unique, vibrant designs. Renowned for their lightweight, waterproof, and durable footwear, Backdoorshoes continues to set the standard for practical and stylish shoes that cater to a wide range of gardening, outdoor and leisure activities.

BRITISH FLOWERPOTS

FLOWERPOT MERGER ANNOUNCED - Naylor Gardenware has merged with Smith & Jennings with effect from Friday 1 March 2024. Naylor is a 4th generation family business which has been manufacturing clay pipes & other ceramic products since its foundation in 1890; its Yorkshire Flowerpot range dates back to the early 1990’s. Smith & Jennings is a Welsh based manufacturer of high quality glazed & terracotta ware, founded by ceramicist Simon Smith in 2013. Liz Hudston on 01226 794059.

BURTON MCCALL

Showcasing information from ALPEN, FELCO and Thermacell.

CREATIVE EDGE (NEW AT GLEE)

Creative Edge was formed in 2015 and is a designer, manufacturer and installer of commercial interior spaces and foodservice facilities for the hospitality, education, health care, retail, leisure and business sectors across the UK.

DERCO HORTICULTURE

Derco’s mission is to provide superior seasonal product distribution solutions to our customers, offering fast and reliable delivery services, while maintaining high standards of customer satisfaction. At Derco, we aim to be the Canadian leader in customer solutions for the distribution of seasonal products. We strive on our core values everyday, which are commitment, respect, rigour, and innovation.

DOODLEBONE (NEW AT GLEE)

2014 was the start of our epic Doodlebone journey, we set out to bring something new and fun to the doggie world.  To this day, we design colourful, comfortable, and durable products, always putting the dog at the heart of every product. Come and visit us at GLEE to find out why Doodlebone’s exciting range of dog accessories is so loved by dogs, dog owners and retailers alike.

DRAKKAR INTERNATIONAL

Since 1998, Drakkar International designs, manufactures and markets a complete and innovative range of products intended for retailers in different markets. We have become specialists in increasing efficiency in the handling of goods. We offer an innovative solution for the storage of unit products and a system for optimizing shelf filling. We are committed to providing high quality, safe, functional and value-added products.

FANDANGO FIRETOOLS

Since its UK launch in 2021, Fandango Fire Tools has swiftly established itself as a premier provider of innovative and high-quality firewood splitting tools and outdoor and indoor fire accessories. Central to its success is the patented Kindling Cracker^TM firewood splitter, which has rapidly become a favourite among both retailers and consumers.

FEATHERSNAPS (NEW AT GLEE)

FeatherSnap, a brand created to revolutionise birdwatching, proudly introduces the new Scout smart bird feeder, a Wi-Fi enabled feeder that brings the wonder of nature to your fingertips. Effortlessly experience the joy of birdwatching by receiving captivating photos and videos directly to your phone.

FELT PRODUCTS

Felt Products Ltd was founded in 2011 and ever since we have been supplying our premier range of felt and shingle products to timber merchants, roofing merchants and builders' merchants across the UK. Notably, we have built strong relationships with some of the largest shed manufacturers in the country. Over the last 13 years we have continuously worked on improving our products and expanding our range, bringing in items such as breathable membrane, damp proof course and damp-proof membrane, amongst many others.

FEVERFEW (NEW AT GLEE)

Innovative women's gardening wear brand Feverfew Garden Company is showcasing its award-winning products at Glee 2024, the UK's leading garden trade show. This marks a significant debut for the young company, celebrating its first birthday this year.

GOODLIFE GETAWAY (NEW AT GLEE)

Goodlifegateway is known for simplicity, effectiveness, excellent customer service and good value for money. I source the raw materials, produce and sell four varieties of Organic Plant food: Leaf & Stem Boost (Nitrogen Rich), Multi-Purpose (Balanced NPK), Fruit & Flowers (Potassium Rich) and finally, Roses & Tomato (Also Potassium Rich). They are all made FROM plants, FOR plants, no other additives at all. I also donate £1 for every bottle sold, to the Woodland Trust, as I truly believe we need to care for all of our Planet, not just the soil!  

GREEN OLIVE FIREWOOD

We are Green Olive, a company dedicated to providing a wide range of high-quality BBQ fuels, firewood, and compost products. At the core of our business is a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. We take great pride in the elegance and sophistication of our branding, a feature that consistently garners compliments from both our stockists and customers. 

HARVEST PET PRODUCTS (NEW AT GLEE)

Harvest Pet Products is a family led business of 3 generations and over 25 years wild bird food manufacturing experience. We are based in North Lincolnshire and on our own site, we are a one stop shop within the wild bird category with full onsite manufacturing capabilities for Seed, straights and suet products. We are SEDEX certified and the only BRCGS certified manufacturer of Wild Bird feeds holding A+ grading.

HOTHANDS 

One of 4 key brands for Kobayashi Healthcare Europe Ltd, HotHands continues to go from strength to strength and during the 2023/24 autumn winter season HotHands could be found in nearly 7,000 retail stores across the UK.

INTERNATIONAL CARDS & GIFTS CARDS (NEW AT GLEE)

From birthday cards for dog lovers to finalist status in the Henries awards in the Best Traditional Words & Sentiments category, the team at International Cards & Gifts have a lot to get excited about.

INVISIBLE CREATIONS (NEW AT GLEE)

At Invisible Creations, we prioritize your needs and your home’s aesthetics. Our products are ergonomically designed, sturdy, discreet, and stylish. With a variety of finishes, our assistive products complement both your indoor and outdoor spaces. This year at GLEE, we are excited to unveil our latest innovation: a range of dual-purpose grab rails that double as path lights, planters, and plant pots. Known for the multifunctionality of our products, we continue to lead the way in versatile, purpose-driven design.

JANOD

Kicking off the summertime fun, timeless French toy brand Janod, is thrilled to launch a playful new collection of roleplay toys including a wonderful barbecue designed to inspire children to learn whilst having fun too!  

JARDINOPIA

Jardinopia, the multi award-winning Somerset based garden and home gift company, launched a new dinosaur planter range at the recent Home & Gift Show in Harrogate, aimed at dino enthusiasts young and old.

JEMSOX

Jemsox is a family ran business founded in the 1970 by Frank Pain (Grandfather), who was one of the pioneers in producing socks and tights from the heart of Leicestershire, the British sock manufacturing capital of the UK. With over 50 years in the socks and hosiery industry, we have decided to launch our own Jemsox collection. Jemsox socks are your one stop shop for sustainable socks!

JURATOYS

Founded in the picturesque landscapes of France in 1970, Juratoys has been delighting children and families for over half a century. Originating from a passion of crafting high quality toys, Juratoys has blossomed and now offers three wonderful brands Janod, Kaloo and Lilliputiens.

LICKIMAT (NEW AT GLEE)

LickiMat^® is part of the family of brands by Australian based Innovative Pet Products Pty Ltd. Lickimat UK Ltd was formed in August 2023 to distribute the fantastic LickiMat^® product range throughout the UK to pet professionals, retailers and wholesalers, as well as reaching out directly to the consumers to build awareness and appreciation of how the LickiMat^® products can improve the wellbeing and health of dogs and cats.   Produced with veterinary knowledge, LickiMat^® was originally designed to help your pet feel less anxious when you left home.  

MOUNTAIN PAWS (NEW AT GLEE)

Mountain Paws was first started in 2006 by the team behind both Lifesystems and Lifeventure. When they couldn’t find the robust kit they needed in order to enjoy the great outdoors with their dogs, the team set about designing their own. Fast forward to 2024, Mountain Paws has a range of reliable and safe products, ready for adventure no matter where it takes you, and at a good price point. From leads to collars to quick-drying towels, we aim to provide everything you and your dog need to enjoy the outdoors.

LITTLEMORE CANDLE COMPANY (NEW AT GLEE)

Littlemore Candle Company is a family run business based in Rural Oxfordshire. We started our small business in 2017 and specialise in home fragrances with unique decor including foraged botanicals, eco-glitter and healing crystals. Our signature products include crystal jar candles, tealights and wax melts all made using natural, plant based soy wax. Sustainability and individuality are at the forefront of our values!

MAGMA LONDON (NEW AT GLEE)

Magma London creates innovative scented products that celebrate cultural histories and timeless designs.

NEVE’S BEES (NEW AT GLEE)

The business was founded by Mother and Daughter Beekeeping Team, Julie and Neve in 2017 – the bees were Neve’s idea when, just 9 years old, she decided the family should keep bees – so she asked her Grandad Jim to buy her a beehive for her 10th Birthday. Suffering from dry skin, and trained as a chemist, Julie had long tried, and failed, to find a range of skincare products that didn’t compromise the skin’s natural protective barrier (therefore didn’t contain the emulsifiers bactericides and other chemicals prevalent in all water based skincare (i.e. all creams and lotions))…so set out to create her own range inspired by traditional recipes, and just using JUST pure plant oils and butters blended with natural Oxfordshire Beeswax. These were so popular with friends and family that the business kind of took off organically! Winning several products awards as well as Blenheim Palace Start up business award in 2018 and Oxfordshire’s most sustainable business award in 2023, the business really took off!

PELSIUS

Leading global pest control manufacturer and supplier Pelsis Group has acquired Nottingham based garden care product manufacturer, Doff Portland, strengthening the group’s portfolio of leading retail, agricultural and professional brands.

PETERALS

Peterals was formed in 2018 by two friends frustrated with their green lawns turning to mud. The cause? Dog pee.

PODIUM PET PRODUCTS (NEW AT GLEE)

We exist to fulfil the joy that pets give us as their parents by bringing to market trusted, innovative & natural solution-based products. Our ‘Hero’ brands are Dog Rocks and Be:Loved.

POLLY & ANDY (NEW AT GLEE)

Polly & Andy are an Irish sustainable footwear brand. The brand is inspired by Polly’s son Andy. Andy’s dislike of seams on socks and the lack of options in the market drove Polly to create her own range of bamboo socks with seamless toes in 2019.

SANDART (NEW AT GLEE)

Sandart, a leading producer of high-quality craft kits, is thrilled to announce its participation at Glee 2024. With roots dating back to 2002, we've dedicated over two decades to crafting safe and innovative products that inspire creativity across generations. As we make our debut at Glee, the ultimate hub for industry networking and brand exposure, our primary goal is to elevate the Sandart brand and introduce more enthusiasts to the magic of our craft kits.

SIMPSON STRONG TIES

Since 1956, Simpson Strong-Tie has been driven by a commitment to design and manufacture structural connectors, fasteners and anchors that improve and simplify traditional building methods while developing performance tested and approved solutions for new ones. Everyone who comes into contact with our products experiences technical support, advice and aftercare that is second to none. Already a familiar name among building professionals in the residential and public building sectors, we recently turned our expertise in timber construction to ‘outdoor living’. 

SÒLAS HOME (NEW AT GLEE)

SÒLAS Home, derived from the Scottish Gaelic word for "light & brightness," specializes in eco-friendly, vegan and cruelty-free home fragrances, proudly made in Warwickshire since 2020. Our range includes candles, reed diffusers, wax melts, and room sprays, crafted with materials responsibly sourced from within the UK. Our packaging is FSC approved and either recyclable or recycled.

STANDS OUT (NEW AT GLEE)

In a small Welsh Village where the foothills of Snowdonia meet the Irish Sea, Stands Out was created by James and Nikki. Over the next 15 years, Stands Out grew from strength to strength, thanks to our talented team and our wonderful customers. It all started in 2008 with our original Friendship Bracelets (still one of our best-selling lines), since then we’ve worked hard to produce fabulous gift concepts and continue to develop exciting new ideas to extend our range. We now offer a completely bespoke service to some of UK’s favourite gift shops, tourist destinations and retailers.

STOREYS & TAILS (NEW AT GLEE)

Storeys and Tails have spent the last 13 years honing their craft and perfecting the art of handcrafting leather and BioThane pet accessories. Specialising in high-quality and distinctive dog collars, they have set the standard for premium leather pet products, which exude character and style.

SUPER NINJA WASPINATOR

Super Ninja, a leading provider of non-toxic pest control solutions, has acquired Waspinator Ltd, the UK-based company renowned for its innovative wasp prevention product, the Waspinator. The Waspinator deters wasps by mimicking a wasp nest.

WITT UK (NEW AT GLEE)

Witt is a Danish brand with a 30-year history of developing and marketing some of the finest household products available throughout the Nordic region, UK, Ireland, and The Benelux countries. Specialising in unique, innovative products, Witt offers a portfolio of premium brands such as Liebherr, Segway, Hygge! and V-Breathe, as well as designing and developing its exceptional products for the home. Witt now sells its portfolio across Europe, into premium market sectors where functionality, quality and design are the main priorities.

We take a look at some of amazing brands that are returning to the show after a considerable absence. They range from some of Europe’s biggest suppliers of bulbs, seeds, tools and garden equipment, to festive giants, children’s clothing and specialty food providers.

They join more than 400 exhibitors who are lined up to exhibit at this year’s show, around half of which (180+) are making their debut in 2024. Visitors can look forward to discovering a breathtaking array of brand new brands and products, as well as the latest collections and innovations from those who are returning after a few years away from the show.

The welcome return of almost 30 lapsed brands was facilitated by Glee reverting back to its original September date, which is ideally placed for pre-Christmas and early spring buying. The news follows an announcement made in July that Deroma, the world’s largest manufacturer of terracotta pots, will be returning to Glee this season following a three-year absence. 

Brands returning to Glee in 2024 include H.S.Hommers, Seeds of Italy Ltd, The Barking Bakery Ltd, Sorbus International Ltd, Leisure Grow, Tildenet Gardenware, Premier Decorations, Doreen Preston and Son Ltd, Bonfeu UK, outTrade BV, Jiangsu WMGrass Co.,Ltd, ACD, Eastern Connections, Nutscene Twines Ltd, Nostrand Limited, Taylors Bulbs, Evergreen Horticulture, Marissa's Gifts, Scheurich Ltd, Spear & Jackson, Bugalugs Pet Care, Hozelock Ltd, Deroma, Rowlinson Garden Products Ltd, Blade and Rose, Nuova Deroma UK Ltd and Dizmezs Ltd.

Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee, said: “The return of so many great brands in our 50^th anniversary year is great news for Glee and demonstrates the importance of our September timeframe. 2024 is shaping up to be an exceptional year for Glee and we’re all looking forward to reconnecting with our customers - whether they are industry giants or artisan producers – and welcoming hundreds of newcomers to the fold. This is one event that garden retailers won’t want to miss”. 

Back once again this year!

Hozelock

Industry giant, Hozelock, has a combined knowledge and passion for gardening which extends over 60 years, with a pride in craftsmanship and special knack for finding and meeting the needs of gardens and gardening. Its comprehensive range of watering, spraying, plant protection and pond solutions helps gardens to flourish. Spare parts are also available. See them in Hall 7 Stand A80-B81

Taylors Bulbs

Taylors Bulbs is a fourth-generation family business, which has been growing and supplying bulbs and associated products for more than 100 years. Daffodils are grown from the family farm in Lincolnshire, where they design and pack a large range of products, primarily for the UK and Irish markets. The company is renowned for its award-winning service. See them in Hall 9 Stand E51.

Rowlinson Garden Products

Family business, Rowlinson Garden Products, traded in timber for almost a century and is now a leading UK manufacturer and importer of garden structures, buildings and storage solutions, with a wide range of garden furniture, grow your own and landscaping materials. Their ever-expanding range reflects a broad and diverse array of consumer styles and tastes. See them in Hall 8 Stand F90-7A91

Premier Decorations

Established for over 30 years, Premier Decorations is the number one designer and importer of Christmas decorations, trees and lighting, with a huge product range that also covers gardening and outdoor living, gift and homeware, plus Halloween and party decorations. Their customers include garden centres, DIY stores, multiples, department stores, wholesalers and high street retailers, alongside mail order, e-Commerce and specialist outlets. See them in Hall 7 Stand 7A90-B91

Evergreen Horticulture

Exclusive to Glee this season, Evergreen Horticulture produces a wide range of expertly blended growing media and professional mix substrates, all from premium quality ingredients to suit a wide cross section of growing conditions. Based in Country Tyrone in Northern Ireland, Evergreen started out as a small family business in the 1950s, which is now in its third generation. Their extensive portfolio includes entirely peat-free and peat reduced options, alongside hugely popular originals. See them in Hall 8 Stand D60.

Tildenet Gardenware

With more than half a century of experience in the field, Tildenet Gardenware is the UK's leading horticultural manufacturer, with expertise in outdoor leisure, garden and home markets. See them in Hall 6 Stand G80.

Nutscene Twines

Nutscene Twines Ltd, a UK based producer of the finest raffia and twines – including coloured craft twines and heritage jute spools – plus an array of lovely gifts and homeware, is exhibiting exclusively at Glee this year. this great British company offers many lines that are made entirely in the United Kingdom. See them in Hall 9 Stand F63.

Scheurich

With the mantra, 'my pot, my style', Scheurich creates a broad spectrum of contemporary planters in coordinated shapes and colours, in standard sizes to facilitate retail merchandising and multiple customer purchases in store. Designed to enhance the home and garden, Scheurich pots are sustainably produced and great for gifting. See them in Hall 8 Stand C70-D71.

Spear & Jackson

Exclusive to Glee this year, Spear & Jackson is a historic business that has been making hand tools since 1760. Their premium quality collection includes trusted tools for every gardening task, from cutting and pruning to cultivating and digging, as well as watering, maintenance and accessories. See them in Hall 9 Stand L02.

Seeds of Italy

Seeds of Italy is the sole importer and distributor of Franchi branded seeds in the UK. Established in 1783, Franchi is the world's oldest family-run see brand and remains in the same family after seven generations, specialising in endangered, heritage seeds, ethical and regional vegetable varieties and lost flavours. Flower seeds, including organic and hard-to-find varieties, plus seed for pets and the flagship Eden Project seed range are also available. Packets are generously proportioned. See them in Hall 9 Stand 71.

Dizmezs Ltd.

Exclusive to Glee in 2024, Dizmezs Ltd is a family run business which started as a sawmill for production of birch lumber. Nowadays there are three business divisions, including forest management of own forest land, harvesting and logging activities, sawmilling and production of birch furniture components and production of biofuels. See them in Hall 10 Stand B40-A41.

Sorbus International

Another brand exclusive to Glee in 2024 is Sorbus International Limited, a wholly owned British Company based in Frome Somerset. Sorbus is the exclusive UK importer of the award-winning Japanese pruning range, ARS (Always, Razor, Sharp). The comprehensive range includes handsaws, high reach polesaws, secateurs, shears, loppers, telescopic pruners, fruit pruners, scissors, and floristry products. See more in Hall 6, stand A71.

Register now for Glee 2024!

Registration for Glee 2024 is now open.  To find out more, and to secure your free ticket to the 50^th edition of Glee please visit www.gleebirmingham.com/visitor-registration

Find out more 

Glee connects the garden industry to inspire change, drive growth, and promote innovation. To find out more or to register your interest in exhibiting, which will take place 10^th – 12^th September at the NEC, please visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

Glee has announced the rebranding of the Glee Innovators Zone to Glee Firsts. Since its inception in 2009, the Innovators Zone has been an essential part of Glee, dedicated to showcasing fresh talent, groundbreaking ideas, and the latest innovations in garden retail.

The newly named Glee Firsts will continue to uphold its original mission of celebrating and providing opportunities for entrepreneurs, inventors, and grassroots product developers. This vibrant area of Glee will once again host dozens of suppliers making their debut at the show, many of whom bring innovative ideas, prototypes, and a strong desire to break into the garden retail sector.

Glee Firsts will also be the home of the annual winners of the GIMA Innovators Seed Corn Fund. Previous winners of this prestigious award include Germie, Natural Grower, VivaGreen (MossOff), Pot-Mate™, and Green Digit (Grow So Simple), all of whom have significantly impacted the industry with their pioneering products.

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director, commented on the rebranding: “For the last 15 years, the Innovators Zone has been a must-attend part of Glee. Recognising that the exhibitor roster has developed to include more established companies making their debut at Glee and, by extension, to the garden retail sector, we wanted to rebrand the area to better reflect this evolution. Under its new name, ‘Glee Firsts,’ visitors to the show will have a much clearer understanding of what to expect from this area and how time spent here can help forge exciting new supply partnerships. It also provides access to products not yet seen within garden centres – a proposition that will certainly appeal to retailers looking to curate unique and fully personalised stock profiles.”

As Glee celebrates its golden anniversary, Glee Firsts is set to be a highlight of the event, promising to deliver innovation, inspiration, and new business opportunities for all attendees. Don’t miss the chance to discover the future of garden retail at Glee Firsts.

Register now for Glee 2024!

Registration for Glee 2024 is now open, with a number of exciting registration incentives sett to launch soon. To find out more, and to secure your free ticket to the 50th edition of Glee please visit www.gleebirmingham.com/visitor-registration

The best of home, gift and clothing suppliers are gearing up to join the Glee community at the NEC, Birmingham. Many companies exhibiting under the Home, Gift & Clothing banner are exclusive to Glee this season, ranging in size from artisan British producers to some of the biggest suppliers in the business and nationwide buying groups.

With the garden industry performing better than most retail sectors and consumers still striving to merge their indoor and outdoor spaces, there has never been a better time for home and gift retailers to gain market insight at Glee, where they’ll discover a lot more than fertiliser and seeds! State of the art garden solutions will share exhibition space with fantastic gift ideas that will delight the millions of amateur gardeners who live in our green and pleasant land. Outdoor clothing and greetings cards, toys, home fragrances and lighting will all be there on the show floor, alongside decorative accessories for Christmas and spring seasons.

Commenting on the importance of gifting in garden centres, especially at Christmas, GCA CEO, Peter Burks, says: “Giftware is fairly steady throughout the year, with a 20% rise above the average in March/April due to Mother’s Day and Easter but then 40% of the total years sales are done in Oct-Dec, with December being well over double the monthly average. These non-gardening categories are seen as very important to our members as a way of getting both the weather impact and the seasonality of gardening reduced”.

Home, Gift & Clothing at Glee

Returning to Glee in 2024 is Cardgains (Stand 9C85), the national buying group for independent retailers selling cards, gifts and associated products, and a very familiar name to the home and gift retail community, for whom it’s been central to the independent trade for 35 years. This underscores the ever-growing importance of garden centres to the UK’s world-leading greetings card trade.

Cardgains MD, Penny Shaw, commented: “At Cardgains, amongst many other card and gift selling retailers, we support quite a few independent garden centre members and will be looking forward to seeing them at Glee.  We also hope to get to know many more garden centre people at the show. We know that Glee is a great show for both retailers to visit and suppliers to exhibit at, so we’re hoping to engage with those already associated with Cardgains and those who want to find out how we can work together. I will be on the stand at the show with our Financial Director Helen McManus and our Sales Manager, Charles Dyson.  We’re excited to welcome everyone to the Cardgains stand in Hall 9, stand C85

As well as being represented by Cardgains, Woodmansterne, Noel Tatt and UK Greetings will have their own stands at Glee, offering a golden opportunity for retailers to view their extensive new collections in a major exhibition setting. They are joined by the master of humorous greetings cards, Emotional Rescue, whilst major stationery brand, Robert Frederick, will bring an exceptional collection of licensed paper products and gifts to the powerful Glee audience.

Matthew Mein, Glee Event Director, commented: “As the GCA trade barometer consistently demonstrates, home, gift, clothing and related product categories are of great importance to an increasing number of garden centres, which especially rely on the Christmas gift trade and typically inspire buying with fantastic in-store displays. The presence at Glee of major industry suppliers from non-horticultural sectors is further indication that gift shops in garden centres are very much here to stay. With so many exceptional brands and products to source from, the 50th anniversary of Glee is a must-attend show for both garden centres and high street gift shops who want to find something new and exciting ahead for the Golden Quarter of the year when the bulk of profits are made. We are looking forward to welcoming many of them to the show in September!”

Preview the Exhibitors: New & exclusive to Glee

Visitors to Glee’s dedicated Home, Gift & Clothing sector this September will be treated to a wealth of established brands and new names, including the likes of Creative Products, UK Greetings, Rouchette, Woodmansterne, Blade & Rose, Tilnar Art, Seedball, Freckleface, Biohort and Turtle Mat. Here we shine a light on those brands that are not only new but exclusive to Glee, meaning you won’t find them at any other UK trade show this year.

Annie Bennett Jewellery: Stand 9A70

Annie is a Bristol-based jeweller whose jewellery is made entirely from recycled silver giftware, silver jewellery and silver electronics. Packaging is also recycled and recyclable, meaning that every part of the making and packaging process is eco-friendly and sustainable. Annie’s designs are inspired by geometric shapes found in nature as well as by abstract art.

By Jo Crafts: Stand 9E62-D63

By Jo Crafts is a small business run by two ladies who enjoy bringing colour and beauty into people’s homes, whether that’s with coasters, hessian bags, scarves or Christmas decorations, we have amazing products with vibrant designs to suit every home, every room, and every season. Jo comes from a family of artists with her background in teaching Art & Textiles, whilst Gem’s experience of working in the corporate world brings organisational skills and business acumen to drive the business forward. The result is that By Jo Crafts is a multi-award winning company with products sold across the globe. Jo & Gem are both mothers and wives who love spending time with their families.

Candle Academy (Wacky Wax): Stand 9C83

Wacky Wax is all about spreading joy, one hand-dipped candle at a time. Their vibrant and whimsical taper candles are designed to add a touch of personality and colour to any space, whether it’s a cosy living room or a special occasion dinner.

Emotional Rescue: Stand 6A67

Emotional Rescue has the largest, award-winning humour portfolio in the greetings card industry, across Birthday/Blank, Relations, Occasions, Age, Spring Seasons and Christmas. The award-winning publisher is constantly updating existing ranges, so they are packed-full of contemporary and topical material, as well as working hard to introduce new ranges to the market.

Häago: Stand 9D70

At Häago, the journey began with a simple mission to create eco-friendly solutions for outdoor enthusiasts, whatever activity they’re doing. Today the company is proud to be a leader in the eco-friendly product industry, providing an extensive range of retailers, television production studios, garden centres and individuals with high-quality warmers and tableware that are both effective and environmentally conscious.  Dedication to sustainability remains at the core of everything they do, and they are constantly working to find new ways to reduce our environmental impact and promote positive change while making the great-outdoors just that little bit more comfortable.

Invisible Creations: Stand 9E80

Invisible Creations specialises in the design of stylish and accessible products for the home and garden. The attractive designs offer the safety and support of traditional grab rails while seamlessly blending into the surroundings, avoiding the institutional look: for beautiful homes without barriers.

Jexsox: Stand 9D80

Jemsox is a small family ran sock brand who highly focus on being as sustainable, eco-friendly whilst ensuring they give their customers pure comfort. Jemsox thrive on ensuring it produces high quality, on trend socks whilst working closely with its factories to ensure the fabrics and process of creating Jemsox socks are made sustainably.

Littlemore Candle Co: Stand 9C63

Littlemore Candle Company is a family run business based in rural Oxfordshire, specialising in home fragrances with unique decor including foraged botanicals, eco-glitter and healing crystals. Signature products include crystal jar candles, tealights and wax melts all made using natural, plant based soy wax, with sustainability and individuality held at the forefront of the company values.

Monique Me Retail & Concessions: Stand 9F75

Monique Me Retail & Concessions is a UK ladies and men’s wear clothing concession. Its offering includes MONIQUE a stylish Italian clothing range, ME a modern classic made in UK range, and MNQ MAN a contemporary men’s wear range.

Pawprint Family: Stand 9C70

Pawprint Family’s quality pins and patches feature a selection of favourite literary and heritage brands. At pocket money prices, it’s just the item to help boost the gifting area in stores or shopfront.  Featured brands include Wallace & Gromit, Julia Donaldson books, The Smurfs, Moomins, Care Bears and many more.

Sandart: Stand 9F82

The Sandart story began in 2002 in a beautiful coastal town known as Wilderness, found along the Garden Route in South Africa. Now, twenty years later, they employ eight full-time staff members and supply over 150 local and international distributors. Sandart was acquired by Turrim in 2021, joining the TOWER and Kidico brands. SandArt has been developed for 20 years with proven success in providing high-quality creative craft products.

Slipfree: Stand 9B75

Slipfree is on a global mission to keep children (& adults) safe with its unique, sustainable non-slip swim shoes for beach, pool & home.

Soctopus Ltd: Stand 9D62

The family-run, Leicestershire-based company makes socks identified by their bold design steeped in British, European and contemporary humour and history. Socks are either a cotton or bamboo blend retailing from £8 making them the most perfect gift.

SÒLAS Home: Stand 9B70

SÒLAS Home create luxury home fragrances which look and smell great as well as being planet friendly. They are handmade in its Warwickshire studio from eco-friendly, sustainable, vegan and cruelty free ingredients. The range includes candles, reed diffusers, wax melts, room sprays and gift sets, all CLP compliant, with a new pick ‘n’ mix wax melt range launching exclusively at Glee 2024.  

Sow Easy: Stand 9L74

Sow Easy are a sustainable promotional products supplier specialising in creating fun, seed-based plantable promotional products that grow into flowers and vegetables.

Stands Out Ltd: Stand 9B77

Stands Out offers fresh, colourful and fun gift ideas that suit any retail outlet, from family attractions to garden centres, giftshops and grottos. The team prides itself on displaying products at their very best with wooden display units that are created at the Stands Out HQ.

Register now for Glee 2024!

Registration for Glee 2024 is now open, with a number of exciting registration incentives sett to launch soon. To find out more, and to secure your free ticket to the 50th edition of Glee please visit www.gleebirmingham.com/visitor-registration

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

After this launch issue we will be publishing further Glee Daily News issues as follows:

• Preview - 21st June
• Build-up - 26th June
• Day 1 - 27th June
• Day 2 - 28th June
• Day 3 - 29th June
• Omnibus - 28th July

Exhibitors should contact Alan Burdon, alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk, or 07939 048899, for advertising details.