In This Issue
Glee New Product Awards 2020 – the shortlists
What's happening at the Glee Gathering?
Turning over a new leaf: EVERGREEN Garden Care launches autumn campaign
Let’s celebrate #FloralFriday on Friday 18th September
Vitax invests in organic for 2021
Food tastes better with a Traeger 
Bulldog Premier Hand Trowel and Fork Gift Set
Taylors promote Glee specials as bulb sales bloom
Southern Trident launches 100% natural peat free coir compost with plastic free packaging
New-for-2021: Primeur confirms range expansions ahead of the new gardening season
Sipcam Home & Garden introduces SPOT-ON range of clean and weed control products
READYBLAZE – A safer firewood brand
Bloomin Amazing extend the highly successful product into new uses, a new size and a totally biodegradable pack
Pleydell Smithyman – planning for the future
Primus presents its new team at Glee
Empathy welcomes you to Glee2020
Come and talk to Zest!
Grow Your Own kits for the novice entered by Taylors Bulbs in the New Product Awards
Fordingbridge canopy sets off transformation at Hilliers Marlow garden centre
Hygeia launches the next generation of liquid tomato and plant food: Biogold Vigor 
EKJU's new UK sales team ready for the road
Two days filled with exclusive content
Glee Gathering will present two days filled with exclusive content
Tuesday, 15 September: 11:00 – 12:00
Tuesday, 15 September: 12:30 – 13:30
Tuesday, 15 September: 14:00 – 15:00
Tuesday, 15 September: 15:00 – 16:00
Tuesday, 15 September: 16:00 – 17:00
Wednesday, 16 September: 11:00 – 12:00
Wednesday, 16 September: 12:30 – 13:30
Wednesday, 16 September: 14:00 -15:00
Wednesday, 16 September: 16:30 – 17:00
Product Showcase
Glee New Product Awards 2019 - The Winners
Introducing Glee Gathering, 15-16 Sept 2020
Virtual Showroom & Product Showcase
Never fear, Glee Daily News is here
One-to-one meetings and virtual networking
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Phone 01733 775700

 

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Glee New Product Awards 2020 – the shortlists

After a long weekend of virtual judging by our expert panel the following products have been shortlisted in six of the eleven Glee New Product Awards, in association with GTN.

 

All of the shortlisted products will be pitched LIVE! to the judges in the first Glee Gathering Glee New Product Awards session tomorrow, Tuesday 15th September 2020, starting at 12:30pm...


After a long weekend of virtual judging by our expert panel the following products have been shortlisted in six of the eleven Glee New Product Awards, in association with GTN.

 

Garden Decoration (Garden ornaments, garden lighting, plant supports, wall art etc)

Gardena ClickUp! System - Husqvarna UK

Laguna Wall Fountain by Henri Studio - Henri Studio / Stonecasters

Peppa Pig & Friends Metal Garden Ornaments - Primus

Prehistoric Garden Metal Dinosaur Ornaments - Primus

Solar Micro Led Lantern - Kaemingk

 

Garden Home, Giftware and ClothingWild Bird and Wildlife Care

Family of Indoor Pot Covers - Woodlodge

Feeder Friends Plant Drip Feeders - Jardinopia

Make Your Own Wax Wraps Kit - Goodtobee

 

Garden Leisure & Entertaining (BBQ's, garden furniture and accessories etc)

Burghley Arbour - Zest 4 Leisure

Solo Stove Bonfire - Specflue Ltd

Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 - Kamado Joe

 

Garden Retail & Industry Services

Flexible Walkway - Fordingbridge

FUSE Mobile Loyalty App - Swan Retail

 

Garden Tools & Machinery (Hand and powered garden tools, garden gloves, garden kneelers etc)

Gardena Leaf and Grass Collector - Husqvarna UK

GARDENA Garden Rollup Hosebox 20m - Husqvarna UK

Fruit Collector Harvesting Net - Fruit Collector

 

Garden Wild Bird and Wildlife Products (Wild bird feeds, feeders, wild life products etc)

Solar Insect Houses - Kaemingk

Acorn Bird Feeders – Fallen Fruits

The Hedgehog Barn - Wildlife World

Artisan Wild Bird Nesters - Wildlife World

Perched Bird Feeder Stake - Woodlodge Products

 

Technology willing, all of these products will be pitched LIVE! to the judges in the first Glee Gathering Glee New Product Awards session tomorrow, Tuesday 15th September 2020, starting at 12:30pm.

 

Watch out for the five remaining shortlists to be announced tomorrow in advance of the Wednesday LIVE! pitching session.

 

The shortlists have been selected from an entry of over 160 products submitted by Glee Gathering exhibitors for this first virtual version of the annual Glee New Product Awards.  This years judging panel is:  Andy Bunker - Alton Garden Centre, Roger Crookes - Garden Centre Consultant, Nicola Pugh - Pughs Garden Centres, Tom Grinell - Blue Diamond Garden Centres, Mel Livingstone - Fron Goch Garden Centre, and Ian Hodgson - Garden News.  Trevor Pfeiffer from GTN will be chairing the pitching sessions and keeping the strict time limit of 2 minutes per pitch.

 

To tune in and watch register for the Glee Gathering here.

 

It should be fun!

 

See you there.

 

 

What's happening at the Glee Gathering?
Products, industry insights, virtual 1-2-1 meetings via video link, private messaging

Reconnect with the gardening community at Glee Gathering, a unique two-day digital experience taking place 15th – 16th September.  The Glee Gathering platform is fully interactive and enables private messaging and virtual 1-2-1 meetings via video link. Start networking with those who matter most to your business...


Reconnect with the gardening community at Glee Gathering, a unique two-day digital experience taking place 15th – 16th September.

 

Register now on the Glee website to receive your login details where you can update your profile with your interests.

 

The Glee Gathering platform is fully interactive and enables private messaging and virtual 1-2-1 meetings via video link. Start networking with those who matter most to your business.

 


Search for the brands you love or browse product categories to find the latest product inspirations. Plus, don’t miss out on exclusive content sessions and industry insights, which are all hosted on the Glee Gathering platform. Add the sessions you’re interested in to your Outlook calendar to receive updates so you don’t miss a thing!

1. Register today for Glee Gathering using this link
2. Open the registration email and activate your profile
3. Update your profile with your information and product interests
4. Start networking!
5. Make an agenda of appointments and seminar sessions you want to attend

 

See What's happening at Glee Gathering? video here

 

Register for the Glee Gathering here

Turning over a new leaf: EVERGREEN Garden Care launches autumn campaign
Aim is to encourage new gardeners to carry on gardening into autumn season

With over a quarter of keen gardeners looking to continue gardening post-lockdown, leading garden care brand Evergreen Garden Care has launched an innovative campaign to inspire people to make the most of their garden throughout Autumn.

 

This is the largest Autumn campaign to date by Evergreen Garden Care, backed by a £250k marketing spend. The new campaign will combine clever POS merchandising, a through the line digital and radio advertising campaign with PR and influencer activity, and a celebrity ambassador – ex-Footballer and father of seven, John Barnes...


With over a quarter of keen gardeners looking to continue gardening post-lockdown, leading garden care brand Evergreen Garden Care has launched an innovative campaign to inspire people to make the most of their garden throughout Autumn.

 

This is the largest Autumn campaign to date by Evergreen Garden Care, backed by a £250k marketing spend. The new campaign will combine clever POS merchandising, a through the line digital and radio advertising campaign with PR and influencer activity, and a celebrity ambassador – ex-Footballer and father of seven, John Barnes.

 

As well as being an expert on the pitch, Barnes has spent much of his lockdown learning the skills of maintaining a fresh lawn at home to enjoy with his family. Like many new gardeners, he is looking to extend his love of the garden into the Autumn season.  The new partnership will involve him working with the expert team at Evergreen Garden Care to demonstrate, advise and educate people on how to use their garden beyond the summer months.

 

Aiming to grow the garden care category, the campaign launch has been driven by a long term goal to extend the gardening season.  The campaign will focus on driving awareness for Autumn-focused products and allow more people to continue learning and trying new things this year.

 

Phil Harrison, UK & ROI Sales Director at Evergreen Garden Care, says of the campaign’s success so far: “The new lifestyle concept for our Autumn campaign has been greatly received across all major garden centre groups. Our POS sold out immediately, and we have since doubled our investment for in-store to ensure that more POS is now available for garden centres that are yet to sign up. We’re glad that we can support our customers during a very unusual year.”

 

Evergreen Garden Care plans to engage new customers to the category and support garden centres, both online and in-store. In-store the new merchandising will showcase the best products for Autumn use, supporting new gardeners to keep up their habit longterm. While online, the campaign will target the millennial audience with how-to videos on social media and guides on the Love The Garden website.

 

Evergreen Garden Care’s Managing Director, Mark Portman, said: “Extending the gardening season has been an ambition of Evergreen Garden Care over the years, and with appetite for new rituals on the rise, now is the right time to focus on this aim. With many people taking up gardening for the first time this year, we’re delighted to partner with a familiar face like John Barnes. He’ll be encouraging new gardeners to continue investing in their outside space and stay within the category for longer.  We know socialising at home is going to be very popular this Autumn, so we want to educate and inspire shoppers to make the most of their outside space.”

 

If you’re interested in finding out more about how Evergreen Garden Care can help you make the most of sales this Autumn please contact your Evergreen Garden Care account manager.

 

To find out more, click here.

Let’s celebrate #FloralFriday on Friday 18th September

Greenfingers Charity sends its thanks to all those who supported their #FloralFriday initiative that helped to keep beautiful flowers and plants appearing on social media throughout this difficult year for the gardening industry...


Greenfingers Charity sends its thanks to all those who supported their #FloralFriday initiative that helped to keep beautiful flowers and plants appearing on social media throughout this difficult year for the gardening industry. 

 

Splashing a large number of pictures on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter ensured Greenfingers Charity remained in the hearts and minds of garden lovers and raised a very valuable £1000 for the charity.

 

As more of us have spent time at home this year, the recognition by the public of the benefits of gardens and gardening has never been higher. People appreciate their space and the benefits that nurturing nature brings to mental and physical health. Just like the benefits obtained by all those who spend time in the 58 gardens Greenfingers Charity has created in hospices throughout the UK.

 

If you feel the same – and who doesn’t? – Greenfingers Charity is inviting you to once again could post a picture on social media to mark the first anniversary of the launch of this fun floral day, initiated by Trevor Pfeiffer and Linda Petrons at Glee last year. 

 

The date to post pics of your best smile with a beautiful flower from your garden or garden centre, or wearing your favourite floral attire, is Friday 18th September 2020. To link up with hundreds of others from the garden industry please remember to include #FloralFriday and @greenfingerscha, and the name of your plant variety if you know it.   There’s a fabulous prize to win for the best photo! 

 

Linda Petrons Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers Charity reminds us that donating funds on #FloralFriday could not be easier, if you can, simply text FloralFriday to 70085 to donate £5. 

 

Linda hopes that all those joining virtual Glee and many others will get involved on #FloralFriday’s birthday and on many Friday’s to follow! 

 

To find out more about Greenfingers Charity’s plans for the coming months, join Linda at Virtual Glee, at 3pm on Wednesday. 

Vitax invests in organic for 2021

Vitax is bringing the ‘feel-good’ factor to gardening into 2021 by launching a new organic range in response to gardeners’ demand for products which are environmentally-friendly and chemical-free...


 

Vitax is bringing the ‘feel-good’ factor to gardening into 2021 by launching a new organic range in response to gardeners’ demand for products which are environmentally-friendly and chemical-free.

 

Vitax Organic All Purpose Plant Food and Vitax Organic Tomato Food are set to super-charge gardens next spring, with both new products containing 100% natural ingredients, child, pet and bee-friendly and suitable for vegan gardening.

 

With the demand for more sustainable and eco-friendly gardening products increasing, Vitax Organic All Purpose Plant Food has all the growing power needed to bring gardens to life and is completely versatile. 

 

An easy option for anyone looking for a good all-round feed, it is rich in organic nutrients and this concentrated plant food can be used all around the garden and greenhouse.

 

For use with flowers, shrubs, fruits and vegetables, it can be used to feed plants from spring onwards.

 

Packaged in a recyclable bottle, it has been designed to disrupt traditional product designs and reflect the joy and reward of gardening, whilst distinguishing it as an organic product. It also carries the Organic Farmers & Growers approved mark.

 

Joining the new all-purpose feed is Vitax Organic Tomato Food. A super concentrated feed which includes nutrients (such as magnesium) which are not present in many traditional tomato feeds, it will satisfy even the greediest of tomato plants to deliver an abundance of the juiciest and tastiest tomatoes. 

 

A high potash fertiliser, Vitax Organic Tomato Food has all the quality nutrients needed including the added benefit of magnesium, iron and trace elements naturally present, which helps provide a super-charged boost to tomatoes and other fruits.

 

Vitax Organic Tomato Food also bears the Organic Farmers & Growers approved mark and stand-out, recyclable packaging.

 

Both Vitax Organic All Purpose Plant Food and Vitax Organic Tomato Food are available to order now ready for the new season.

 

To find out more visit: www.vitax.co.uk or email: info@vitax.co.uk

Food tastes better with a Traeger 
Cooking with wood means more flavour

As the world’s number one-selling wood fired grill, Traeger continue to lead and revolutionise the industry, perfected by decades of mastering the craft of wood-fired cooking. All-natural hardwood is the perfect fuel for Traeger’s signature flavour, infusing food with unparalleled flavourful smoke - making food taste absolutely delicious...


 

As the world’s number one-selling wood fired grill, Traeger continue to lead and revolutionise the industry, perfected by decades of mastering the craft of wood-fired cooking. All-natural hardwood is the perfect fuel for Traeger’s signature flavour, infusing food with unparalleled flavourful smoke - making food taste absolutely delicious.

 

As the inventor of the world's top selling wood-fired grill, Traeger Grills use hardwood-fired grilling to provide the utmost versatility to outdoor cooking, from BBQ, grilling and smoking, to baking, roasting and braising – creating BBQ meals to perfection every time.  

 

The best-selling wood-fired grill demands the best pellets on the market, so Traeger’s wood pellets are made from all-natural hardwood, producing perfect smoke. Designed specifically to work with Traeger grills, the pellets are calibrated for maximum consistency, so you get perfect results and perfect taste, every time.

 

Traeger pellets also come in a variety of flavours to suit every type of food. Fruit woods like cherry and apple impart a sweeter, more subtle flavour that matches perfectly with poultry, pork, seafood, and baked dishes. Bolder seasoning like oak, hickory, and mesquite are tailor-made for savoury flavours like beef, wild game, and vegetables.

 

 

Whatever you are cooking and whether you are rubbing, shaking or marinading your food – Traeger also have a fantastic range of rubs and sauces to enhance food with delicious flavours and spices. 

 

Traeger owners and BBQ enthusiasts agree that wood-fired flavor is what they love most about their grill, because it simply tastes better. Real wood, real flavor – every time. 

 
Bulldog Premier Hand Trowel and Fork Gift Set

Strength, British heritage and reliability reflect the traditions upon which the Bulldog name has been built. Skill and craftsmanship are key to the company’s success for over 240 years...


 

Strength, British heritage and reliability reflect the traditions upon which the Bulldog name has been built. Skill and craftsmanship are key to the company’s success for over 240 years.

 

The company's newly launched, solid forged hand trowel and fork have heads uniquely made from one single piece of steel.

 

No welds, no weak points and Bulldog believe they have the strongest available on the market.

 

Bulldog use only the finest quality Ash timber from FSC accredited sustainable sources to make the handles, and each one comes with a Lifetime “no quibble” Guarantee. 

 

RRP: £38.00 

 

www.bulldogtools.co.uk

Taylors promote Glee specials as bulb sales bloom

Much as would be the case at a traditional Glee, Taylors Bulbs have some BIG bulbs to show off about and are offering these and other retail promotional lines in a mid-September retail promotion offer...


 

Much as would be the case at a traditional Glee, Taylors Bulbs have some BIG bulbs to show off about and are offering these and other retail promotional lines in a mid-September retail promotion offer.

 

Giant spider-like Foxtail Lilies and large Snowdrops have often been found on the Taylors stand at Glee as eye-catching promotions and are available again.

 

After last year’s enormous interest in the huge amaryllis bulbs on display, Taylors have repeated the offer of amaryllis Double King, Carmen and Samba with bulbs that have a circumference of 40cm+.  To retail at £11.99 per bulb, these massive amaryllis bulbs are crowd-pleasers.

 

Adam Taylor said: “We always have promotions on the GLEE stand for delivery now as sales are normally just taking off.  This year, they appear to be flying high already!  As well as some Giant Bulbs and some retail packs on promotion, we also have a special fundraising pack for a charity that I am proud to be an ambassador for, the Urology Cancer Research & Education charity.  For every pack of their specially named tulip we supply, we will donate £1.50 to UCARE.  At this time, charities need all the help we can give.”

 

The tulip was chosen by the charity as it reflected the shape of the U in their logo, and we selected the variety from one of our growers before the right to name it was won at auction by a supporter of the charity. 

 

“It’s a fantastic story to be part of, and packs would normally be sold nationwide by the charity at events and markets, but the opportunity to retail them and earn much needed funds for the charity has been removed by Covid”, added Adam.

 

Spring flowering bulb sales have had an excellent start with many centres reporting very large increases over last year’s sales.  With a relatively mild and dry September for many areas still to come, sales are expected to continue to rise.

 

Details of the special promotions are available from the Taylors Bulbs sales team.

Southern Trident launches 100% natural peat free coir compost with plastic free packaging

In under three years Southern Trident, through the brand Coco & Coir, has set new standards for the highest consistency and quality of Coir compost combined with the highest regard for the environment...


In September 2017, Southern Trident was formed by its three founders, to bring their experience, knowledge, and passion for Coir from their home state of Tamal Nadu, India to the UK marketplace.  

 

Southern Trident supplies high quality coir based growing medium and eco-friendly doormats. Coir is a 100% natural, sustainable, renewable, and organic material. Certified raw material is supplied direct from audited sources to the UK in a seamless fully Southern Trident managed operation. Product is further inspected, then packaged in the UK using 100% recyclable, compostable materials. Southern Trident markets in the UK under the Coco & Coir brand. Sustainability is at the heart of Southern Tridents foundation, products that work for the consumer, the environment and meet the aims of the Southern Trident strongly held company values of Green today, Greener tomorrow. 

 

The UK is moving towards the cessation of peat extraction from natural bog lands, to protect, wildlife, the natural environment, habitats key to continued biodiversity and ensure that peat bogs continue to lock away Carbon Dioxide. Coir compost is the most stable of the peat free growing medium materials, coming from a single organic source. 

 

In under three years Southern Trident, through the brand Coco & Coir, has set new standards for the highest consistency and quality of Coir compost combined with the highest regard for the environment. These facets together with dedication to customer service and professional presentation of commercial propositions has led to a sales performance that has far exceeded budgets, resulting in the expansion of the management team and a move to a much larger production and distribution site.

 

The branding, products, range, and labelling have undergone a complete review for launch from September. NPD has resulted in additional new Coco & Coir products, such as COCO DOTS and innovative, unique, recyclable non plastic packaging, that carries appealing, interesting reading to inform consumers and links to additional product background and information, that reinforce the authenticity of Coco & Coir. Litre for litre Coco & Coir products are lighter, easier to shop, and are impulse carry home compost purchase. Coco & Coir ranges are ideally suited to instore, click & collect, and online sales – requiring no further packaging or handling costs.

 

Recognising the importance of merchandising to appeal to consumers and further drive sales, Southern Trident have developed fully merchandised display units, that adhere to and maintain the strongly held company ethos of minimal environmental impact. The displays are constructed of recycled material, that can be further recycled after use.  

 

Customer service is paramount to Southern Trident. In September Southern Trident launches its Garden Retail Response Unit, trade show on wheels. In these challenging times, absence of trade events, let Southern Trident visit you, observing all protocols, to view the Coco & Coir ranges, view merchandising options discuss trading agreement options and meet your requirements. 

 

To join and benefit from the Southern Trident, Coco & Coir  success:

Email - ian@southerntrident.com or call 07368 134605

www.southerntrident.com

https://www.facebook.com/cocoandcoir

https://www.instagram.com/cocoandcoir/

https://www.twitter.com/cocoandcoir

https://www.linkedin.com/company/southerntrident

 
New-for-2021: Primeur confirms range expansions ahead of the new gardening season

Primeur – the leading supplier of the multi-award-winning Eco Garden collection of Tierra Verde self-watering planters, as well as Recycled Rubber Stepping-Stones, Deck Tiles and flexible Recycled Rubber Borders – has confirmed a number of new additions will bolster its product offering in the year ahead...


 

As we start to look ahead to the 2021 gardening season, Primeur – the leading supplier of the multi-award-winning Eco Garden collection of Tierra Verde self-watering planters, as well as Recycled Rubber Stepping-Stones, Deck Tiles and flexible Recycled Rubber Borders – has confirmed a number of new additions will bolster its product offering in the year ahead.

 

Going grey in 2021

The popularity of the colour grey shows no sign of abating in 2021. A colour that can be complemented with a wide range of accent colours, grey provides consumers with the perfect base on which to build their new look, whether it is steeped in traditional design or pushing the boundary with a fresh, contemporary look.  Recognising this and wanting to ensure that its garden retail customers have access to product that meets this consumer need, Primer has updated its bestselling product ranges to ensure that grey options are made available.

 

The bestselling Railroad Tile (25x60cm), which provides a rustic touch to paths, will now be available in a grey colourway, whilst the popular Ultra Curve EZ Border will also benefit from updates in this on trend hue.  Previously only available in Earth, the 122cm-long Brick borders will be available in heights of 9cm or 15cm, helping gardeners to add a cutting-edge look to flower borders and vegetable beds.

 

The new Carolina Border collection will also see the introduction of a further grey colour option.  This new border style is the perfect example of understated elegance, with a curved top and sleek geometric lines, making it the top choice for when the planting needs to take centre stage.  The Carolina Border (2x15x120cm) will be supported by a retail price of just £16.99.

 

New planter sizes to meet the needs of modern living

Primeur has confirmed that it has added a selection of new planters to its Eco Garden range ahead of the 2021 season. These new planters have been added to specifically meet the needs of modern living, providing solutions for a host of gardening jobs.

 

 

First up is the new 15cm Octavia Planter (RRP £24.99). Ideal for houseplants and smaller blooms, these new 15cm planters present a much smaller size option within this popular planter collection than was previously available.

 

The bestselling Sonata range will see the introduction of two new trough planters in response to both retailer and consumer demand, where sleek design and increased functionality combine perfectly. At 71cm wide and standing at 50cm high, the larger trough will be a commanding planter in any garden setting and is perfect for kickstarting grow-your-own projects and even small-scale vegetable gardens. The smaller trough, standing at 61cm wide x 15cm high, will provide the ideal solution for window boxes and herb gardens alike.

 

Jenny Douthwaite, Sales Director at Primeur said: “We’ve curated a range of new product additions, all of which have been carefully considered following retailer and consumer feedback. This isn’t product development for the sake of product development, instead we have complemented existing ranges, offered designs and new sizes that help consumers to engage with gardening in a number of ways, and provided updates that perfectly fit with future trends. We’re excited for the industry to see what we have to offer and are confident our new additions will help to drive sales in 2021.”

 

Find out more

To find more about Primeur’s full product range as well as how to join one of its new virtual showroom tours, please contact the team on 01274 518800 or email sales@primeur.ltd.uk

Sipcam Home & Garden introduces SPOT-ON range of clean and weed control products

 

 

 

 

Sipcam Home & Garden is bringing to market a brand new range of powerful, simple-to-use cleaning and weed control products. SPOT-ON will help retailers to ignite sales via innovation, with this economical, performance-led portfolio...


Sipcam Home & Garden is bringing to market a brand new range of powerful, simple-to-use cleaning and weed control products. SPOT-ON will help retailers to ignite sales via innovation, with this economical, performance-led portfolio.

 

Driving sales of sanitisation products during Covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the market for hygiene and sanitisation products growing exponentially during 2020, as consumers step-up cleaning routines in a bid to keep their properties free from the coronavirus. To meet soaring demand for powerful, trustworthy cleaners, SPOT-ON Natural Antiviral and Antibacterial Surface Cleaner (pictured on cover page) – a new and efficient surface cleaner that kills up to 99.99% of bacteria, will help in the fight against coronavirus. It has the added bonus of being formulated from natural ingredients, widening its sales appeal to eco-conscious consumers – a known growth area in UK retail. 

 

This pioneering multi-purpose cleaner is both an antiviral and antibacterial sanitiser that cleans and disinfects a plethora of surfaces around the home – including kitchen areas, hard surfaces and regularly touched features in high traffic areas such as door handles that require frequent sanitisation. SPOT-ON Natural Antiviral and Antibacterial Surface Cleaner is available in three sizes: a 5-litre RTU, 750ml RTU and a 200ml concentrate that’s capable of refilling a 750ml container.

 

Effortless cleaning of patios

With convenience combined with rapid results established as key drivers of sales of garden cleaning products, new 5-litre ready-to-use SPOT-ON Black Spot Remover and Patio Restorer transforms grubby hard standings without any scrubbing required, enhancing its appeal to time-pressed consumers. As well as eradicating unsightly, slippery green growth such as algae and lichen spores, patios are restored to their natural colour in as little as two to four hours.

 

Find out more

To find out more about the new SPOT-ON product line-up click here

 

READYBLAZE – A safer firewood brand

Winterfuel experts Dizmezs Ltd are launching READYBLAZE, a new firewood brand for the UK Garden Centre market. The brand marries superior performance with environmentally friendly features...


Winterfuel experts Dizmezs Ltd are launching READYBLAZE, a new firewood brand for the UK Garden Centre market. The brand marries superior performance with environmentally friendly features.

 

Every piece of timber in their firewood products is kiln dried to under 20% moisture content level, leading to cleaner, hotter flames and less harmful emissions.

 

Dizmezs operate a large 110,000 square metre manufacturing hub in Latvia which has an 18,000 square metre warehouse. The site has modern processing facilities, including a sawmill, a dimension mill and splitting and drying equipment. By using state-of-the-art processes and historic knowledge, the consistency and quality of their products have been refined and perfected since they were established in 1996. 

 

 

Product Range

The range consists of kiln dried hardwood split logs, ideal for use on stoves, open fires and chimineas. In addition to Birch logs, READYBLAZE also offer more premium options such as Ash, which burn hotter and longer than Birch logs. 

 

Food Grade Logs and Kindling are also available for wood fired cooking specially prepared to reduce unwanted flavours being added to food. Also available in the range are Round Heat Logs and accessories for the fire such as Wood Wool Firestarters and standard Kindling.

 

The range packaging is well thought out, with recyclable consumer packs in the form of plastic bags and cardboard boxes. The range also conforms to high quality and sustainability standards, being a member of the PEFC (Promoting Sustainable Forest Management) scheme. READYBLAZE is also a member of the Woodsure ‘Ready to Burn’ initiative to reduce harmful air pollution. All timber is kiln dried to less than 20% moisture levels ensuring cleaner emissions and a higher temperature than timber above 20% moisture levels.

 

With 25 years’ experience of manufacturing and distributing winterfuels behind it, the READYBLAZE  brand represents the new age of firewood products by offering safer and more efficient firewood solutions from a carbon neutral source with high capacity in order to supply the UK market.

 

If you would like further details on the Readyblaze brand, please contact Neil Sims on 07368 617124 or email neil.sims@dizmezs.lv

 

The READYBLAZE website is now live, where you can browse the range – www.readyblaze.co.uk.

 
Bloomin Amazing extend the highly successful product into new uses, a new size and a totally biodegradable pack

Bloomin AmazingTM has proven to be a huge success in garden centres since launch in 2018, with sales of the award-winning product growing by more than 450% in 2020. The company has now developed a new product for gardeners planting new shrubs, trees and roses. Bloomin Amazing Rich Planting Stuff is a convenient 50litre size and is packed in a new, unique and completely biodegradable bag...


Bloomin AmazingTM has proven to be a huge success in garden centres since launch in 2018, with sales of the award-winning product growing by more than 450% in 2020. The company has now developed a new product for gardeners planting new shrubs, trees and roses. Bloomin Amazing Rich Planting Stuff is a convenient 50litre size and is packed in a new, unique and completely biodegradable bag.

 

Bloomin Amazing reports a wealth of consumer feedback over the past 2 years which alerted them to some of the additional benefits of using their unique product as a no-dig mulch. Gardeners report much less slug damage and, when blended with soil or multipurpose compost, healthier vegetables with higher yields.  Many gardeners also asked how best to use the product when planting up new shrubs, roses, trees and evergreens as well as herbaceous and summer bedding. That’s been one of the principle drivers behind the development of Bloomin Amazing Rich Planting Stuff.

 

The 50 litre size has been chosen to be lighter and easy to manage and contains enough Bloomin Amazing to plant up and mulch the average trolley full of plants. Merchandised adjacent to specimen plants, it presents a compelling add-on sale thanks to the proposition to ‘successfully establish all new plants’.

 

But the most innovative aspect of the new product is the packaging. Seeking to match their packaging sustainability with that of the product itself, the team at Bloomin Amazing have sought an alternative to conventional plastic film. Whilst most growing media packaging is fully recyclable, there is a lack of effective recycling facilities and infrastructure in the UK for this type of plastic, which means it often ends up being incinerated or in landfill. 

 

Working with their film suppliers, Bloomin Amazing have identified a special additive which makes their new bags 100% biodegradable. Importantly, the new additive does not leave any microplastics, but results in the complete biotransformation of the plastic into water and carbon dioxide. And the additive is chemically programmed to begin breaking down the plastic only after a fixed period and when in contact with air, water and moisture. 

 

What this effectively means is that the bags look, feel and behave as normal bags and can go through normal recycling where it is available. However, if the bag is discarded into the environment it will fully decompose harmlessly and cannot end up polluting the countryside or ocean.

 

Nick Finding, Managing Director said “We have always sought a truly sustainable alternative to plastic film in which to package our products. The real challenge has been to find something that is genuinely degradable but will not contaminate recycling waste streams – which is a problem with some of the compostable films. We believe this material presents the best alternative – because it can be treated as an entirely conventional plastic in normal household waste streams, but should it escape into the environment, or ultimately into the ocean,  or end up in landfill, we are confident that it won’t be there to pollute the environment in the future.”

 

The Cycle+ technology is proven in rigid plastics where it has been successfully deployed in disposable coffee cups, takeaway food containers and yoghurt pots. But Bloomin Amazing, in partnership with their bag manufacturers and film producers, are pioneers of its’ use in flexible plastic packaging.

 

To find out more about Bloomin AmazingTM go to www.bloominamazing.com or e-mail Nick at nfinding@bloominamazing.com or call head office to speak to us on 01305 889525

Pleydell Smithyman – planning for the future

As planning, design and business consultants, throughout ‘Glee’ Pleydell Smithyman are going to be highlighting some key opportunities for the garden centre Industry...


 

As planning, design and business consultants, throughout ‘Glee’ Pleydell Smithyman are going to be highlighting some key opportunities for the garden centre Industry.

 

Today we are looking at PLANNING. Now is a great time to secure meaningful approvals to enhance and strengthen your centre.

 

Firstly, from this September the Use Class Order is changing with the creation of a new use class- Class E. This effectively amalgamates shops, cafes, restaurants, offices, light industrial and storage, into one use class and enables some businesses and property owners to switch use without the need for planning approval (on which advice is critical). This is effectively a softening of policy and will allow a lot of businesses to change to meet market conditions and whilst it is primarily aimed at making the high street a more flexible and therefore vibrant place, it certainly has advantages to garden centres too.

 

The second point is that despite political and economic pressures, local authority planning officers will still be working to their policies and have no reason to deviate from these, however with Government and Local Authorities keen to be seen to be supporting the local economy, communities and jobs etc, it is important, if we are to lever change in the current climate, that we promote the changing needs of the industry, reinforce our importance in the local economy, and get in front of the planning committees, where decisions are political and applications that support economic vitality, employment and strong community values will currently see a stronger chance of success.

 

We are at hand to discuss any requirements you may have or just to chat through your ideas.

 

Do please contact us psl@pleydellsmithyman.co.uk www.pleydellsmithyman.co.uk 01952 433211 or call Paul Pleydell directly on 07976 734626 or paul@pleydellsmithyman.co.uk

 

 

Pictured: Top, the recently built Rosebank; above, a superb extension progressing well at Tong Garden Centre.

 

 

Paul Pleydell and his team are marking 25 years working in partnership with Garden Centres. For more about this special anniversary watch the video by clicking here

Primus presents its new team at Glee

Primus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of handcrafted and eye-catching gifts for the home and garden, has introduced the latest additions to its sales team, having made nine new full time appointments over the summer...


 

Primus, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of handcrafted and eye-catching gifts for the home and garden, has introduced the latest additions to its sales team, having made nine new full-time appointments over the summer.

 

Highly recognised and renowned within the industry already, the new appointments firmly bolster the Primus sales team for what is set to be a record-breaking year for the firm.  Having successfully broken the £1m turnover barrier this year, the future is certainly looking buoyant with exciting times ahead.

 

The new additions to Primus give the brand increased penetration across the UK with Matt Thomasson, Mark Lucas, Stuart Denholm, Richard Knights, Andy Looby, Andy Mold, Ed Willoughby, Peter McAlister and Stephen Manns setting their sights firmly on increased brand awareness and increased brand presence in outlets across the UK and Ireland.  

 

Steve Perry, Head of Marketing at Primus, said: “This is a pivotal time for Primus where we feel we now have the necessary blocks in place and firm foundations to grow significantly, yet sustainably over the coming 12 months; and it is a pleasure to have the new team on board who all share our vision and goals.  

 

"The ethos at Primus is to consistently bring something new to the market which doesn’t compromise on quality and we feel we can achieve that and more with the new team onboard.”

Empathy welcomes you to Glee2020

Over the next three days Empathy will introduce its brand additions for the 2021 season, its existing range of RHS accredited products, merchandising and link selling options, plus the wide range of benefits that stocking its hero product, rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi can provide...


Over the next three days Empathy will introduce its brand additions for the 2021 season, its existing range of RHS accredited products, merchandising and link selling options, plus the wide range of benefits that stocking its hero product, rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi can provide.

 

First up is a run down of the latest additions and new additions and existing key products in range:

Rootgrow™ - Core to the Empathy range is rootgrow™ Mycorrhizal Fungi, an all-year-round product which is unique in its function to increase root area and is designed for use at time of planting to promote ‘strong, healthy plants’ in the most natural way possible. There are 60g, 150g and 360g options for rootgrow™. There is also ericoid and a gel option; the latter is a quick and easy treatment for bare-root plants.

 

Granular feeds - Brand new for the 2021 season is After Plant for Climbers & Flowering Plants which exchanges out the existing All Purpose version of the company’s granular offering to create a complete plant-specific range of five covering a wide variety of applications for plants, trees and shrubs.

 

Starter products - A further addition to the range which includes Tomato and Basket Starters, is a 250g option for the popular Bulb Starter with rootgrow™, designed to give bulbs, corms and tubers the best start possible by introducing and enhancing microbial life in the soil. The combination of mycorrhizal fungi and natural humate helps to build a healthy root system and soil and provides continued support for the lifetime of the plant, an ideal product for autumn and spring bulb sales.

Liquid feeds - The existing packaging for the After Plant Bio-Fertiliser range will be phased out and replaced with the new white and green livery. The popular range, which includes seven options covering ornamentals, edibles and shrubs, feature a blend of high quality seaweed extract and plant derived amino acids designed to feed the microbes in the soil and stimulate healthy plant growth.

 

Lawns - The Supreme Green Lawn Care range, launched at Glee 2019 includes everything needed to create, maintain and enjoy a lush, high quality lawn the natural way. Featuring premium quality lawn seed, a liquid concentrate lawn feed and a granular lawn feed. The feeds are formulated to reduce chemical use in gardening by increasing the natural biology in roots, soils and substrates. These pioneering products are highly effective, environmentally friendly and easy to use. 

 

Birds - Produced by one of the largest seed houses in Europe, RHS Wild Bird Feed, distributed by Empathy offers a variety of high energy formulations including bird seed, suet balls, suet cakes and mealworms, ideal for stocking all year round with promotions during cold spells ad nesting season.

 

Look out for Empathy’s merchandising options tomorrow…

 

For buyers interested in setting up meetings with members of the Empathy team to discuss new and existing products please get in touch either directly via email info@rootgrow.co.uk or via the Glee Gathering. To view the current range of products visit rootgrow.co.uk

Come and talk to Zest!
Amazing new products and the best customer support package in the business

Decorative garden structures and outdoor furniture expert Zest 4 Leisure is welcoming customers old and new to the Glee Gathering with a fabulous selection of new products; backed by its well-established home delivery service and extensive marketing package. Book an appointment with the Zest sales team now on the Glee Gathering website...

 


Decorative garden structures and outdoor furniture expert Zest 4 Leisure is welcoming customers old and new to the Glee Gathering with a fabulous selection of new products; backed by its well-established home delivery service and extensive marketing package.  The whole Zest team will be online to take customers through all the news for the 2021 season.  Book an appointment now on the Glee Gathering website!

 

One of the biggest opportunities for retailers in the new season is of course online sales – and that requires tip top home delivery.  In fact, high quality home delivery is what the customer now expects, so a reliable and easy solution is paramount.  Zest 4 Leisure now provides delivery to homes throughout the UK and Northern Ireland as part of its extensive retailer support service.  Called Zest Direct, the service is great for retailers – easy to use, eliminating the need for product storage and with full customer service and reporting.

 

 

Backed by that reassurance, Zest retailers can reap the benefits of a whole raft of new products for the 2021 season – all on video display at the Glee Gathering.  There are over 20 new products in all – spanning outdoor seating, grow your own, decorative structures and shelters, as well as great new fencing panel designs.  This season Zest 4 Leisure’s renowned product development team has added ‘wow’ with the launch of its easy to build concept for two new arbours – the Tenby (above) and deep canopy Burghley (pictured on cover page) – a real breakthrough in product design and manufacture that ensures assembly is easier.

 

The Zest team will also be unveiling a host of new consumer-facing videos that retail customers can use as marketing content, plus new photography and point of sale. Ask about Zest’s renowned customer marketing support packages; and see how well Zest will sell!

 

To see the new products and find our more information, visit the Zest 4 Leisure at Glee Gathering or click here.

 

Manufactured from pressure treated timber, Zest 4 Leisure’s garden furniture is low maintenance, and will stand the test of time with many products having a 10-year guarantee against rot. The timber used is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and has been harvested from responsibly managed forests.

Grow Your Own kits for the novice entered by Taylors Bulbs in the New Product Awards

Grow Your Own products are a major part of the Taylors Bulbs Spring 2021 catalogue which contains over 40 new varieties of summer flowering bulbs, seed potatoes, onions and garlic...


Grow Your Own products are a major part of the Taylors Bulbs Spring 2021 catalogue which contains over 40 new varieties of summer flowering bulbs, seed potatoes, onions and garlic. 

 

As more and more people discovered or rediscovered the benefits of fresh, homegrown produce during the lockdown period, we have all seen growth that is driven by existing as well as new customers to the gardening market.

Included in the range are two new Grow Your Own kits; for the novice, the Vegetable & Seed Growing Kit and the Potato Growing Kit from Taylors Bulbs are designed to be the perfect solution for those new gardeners who are a little unsure what to select and how to grow them.

 

The Vegetable & Seed Growing Kit contains a broad range of easy to grow favourites including onions, garlic, seed potatoes as well as lettuce, courgettes and tomatoes.  Each kit comes with planting labels and full and easy to follow planting instructions.  The Seed Potato Growing Kit contains three varieties of seed potato with a potato growing bag for each variety, perfect for the smaller garden, patio or even balcony.

 

Both kits are packaged in attractive crate style packs, and with an RRP of only £9.99 they are a superb impulse purchase product.

 

For more information, contact Taylors Bulbs on 01406 422266, Email sales@taylors-bulbs.com, or visit their website www.taylors-bulbs.com

 

Fordingbridge canopy sets off transformation at Hilliers Marlow garden centre

Construction specialists Fordingbridge have installed an impressive new entrance canopy as part of an impressive transformation at the Hillier group's Marlow garden centre...

 


An exciting transformation has been completed at the Marlow site of Hillier Garden Centres. Acquired in June 2019 following the Wyevale closures, the family group has completed extensive internal and external improvements that provide a comfortable and rewarding shopping experience for visitors.

 

Customers are now greeted by an impressive and welcoming glulam timber canopy provided by industry construction specialists Fordingbridge. The canopy provides a 12m clear span, enabling a more open layout that makes it it even easier for shoppers to find the right plants for their garden – all protected from inclement weather as autumn sets in.

 

“We are delighted to be working again with the Hillier family following their purchase of the site,” said Stephen Toone, Fordingbridge’s Managing Director. “We have enjoyed a fabulous working relationship for a number of years and are very pleased to have been involved in this project from the outset. Our ethos is to help from a concept stage and assist at every step of the project.

“With a refurbishment scheme such as this, it is incredibly satisfying to see the completed transformation. What was previously a tired site is now completely refreshed and we are delighted to be a part of that.”

 

The significant retail area with an overall length of almost 65m under the canopy is covered by Fordingbridge’s exclusive Opal 60 fabric, a durable roofing fabric specifically designed to allow optimal light transmission, ensuring a bright welcome for visitors as they journey through the new plant area and beyond into the freshly refurbished store.

With no live Glee this year, Fordingbridge is inviting interested parties to view its nationwide portfolio of canopies and covered walkways in person. If you would like to know more, click here to contact the company or here to email. You can also phone them on 01243 55 44 55.

 

 

 
Hygeia launches the next generation of liquid tomato and plant food: Biogold Vigor 

As a leading supplier of organic and veganic plant and lawn feeds, Hygeia is leading the way once again with the introduction of its all new Biogold Vigor Tomato & Veg Food. Launched ahead of the 2021 gardening season, this next generation liquid fertiliser incorporates Alltech Crop Science, developed by the worldwide leaders in plant performance through nutrition and scientific innovation...


As a leading supplier of organic and veganic plant and lawn feeds, Hygeia is leading the way once again with the introduction of its all new Biogold Vigor Tomato & Veg Food. Launched ahead of the 2021 gardening season, this next generation liquid fertiliser incorporates Alltech Crop Science, developed by the worldwide leaders in plant performance through nutrition and scientific innovation.

 

Through the harnessing of advanced scientific research, Hygeia’s Biogold Vigor encourages a more efficient energy and nutrient uptake, as well as a higher crop yield and quality. Optimising the top end of the tomato and plant feed market, Biogold Vigor is backed by significant research and development having been formulated with Alltech Crop Science; a level of formulation innovation that very few other brands can boast. 

 

Tom Stolworthy, Hygeia’s UK Country Manager explains: “The liquid plant food market is currently saturated, however there has been very little deviation in recent years, meaning retail shelves are full of ‘me too’ products. With Biogold Vigor we are able to offer something different; something that has been developed to fill a gap at the higher end of the product category and offer some truly advanced product innovation. Backed by significant science, and inclusive of Alltech’s third-party expertise, Biogold Vigor has been formulated to deliver incredible results throughout the growing process without compromising on the use of natural ingredients. For us, it’s a real game changer and one we believe will help retailers to expand sales of plant feed in the year ahead.”

 

Biogold Vigor Tomato & Veg Food, with its stand-out, high-end packaging, has been formulated to deliver three distinct benefits derived from ‘the science of nature’ and deliver these USPs to the consumer. It incorporates natural biostimulants that promote plant growth and lead to higher fruit and veg yields; the feed is enriched with humics to boost root development, and added seaweed delivers the highest level of plant nutrition. The level of science that has brought the product to market, however, sets it head and shoulders above the competition.

 

About Alltech Crop Science

The result of extensive research and development including thousands of collaborative projects, Alltech Crop Science ensures that every plant enjoys purposeful and beneficial support, all while using naturally derived alternatives to chemicals – a sector that’s growing exponentially due to rapid momentum in the markets for organic and veganic fertilisers.

 

Alltech specialises in microbial fermentation, a process that has brought to market new natural alternatives to traditional chemicals, as well as pioneering technology in biostimulants and nutrigenomics: put simply, these processes result in products that improve plants’ resistance to stress and result in higher yields of fruit and vegetables, better quality produce and more uniform crops, helping consumers to achieve superior results by harnessing the power of science that has traditionally been utilised in commercial crop production.

 

This advanced science is designed to support and enhance the plant throughout the growing process, including revitalising the soil, optimising performance and galvanising plant defences. Together these elements help to create ‘happy crops’, which in turn results in the maximum possible yields with improved energy efficiency.

 

To find out more about Hygeia please visit www.hygeia.ie / www.mygardenexpert.com

EKJU's new UK sales team ready for the road

Quality garden furniture and grow-your-own products supplier EKJU, which recently set up a new UK limited company, has assembled a team of vastly experienced sales professionals tasked with generating new garden centre stockists.


 

EKJU is one of Europe’s biggest manufacturers of timber garden furniture and has been supplying products into the UK for several years, using northern European FSC pine and spruce that is ideal for use on garden furniture due to its high density and durability.

 

Egons, Klauss, Juris & Uldis, the founders of EKJU, had a vision to create garden furniture that is crafted with the care and attention needed to ensure the product lasts as long as it takes to re-grow a new tree. Since 1992 the company has sourced only from FSC certified forests, upholding its founders’ ethos.

 

The new sales team covers England, Scotland and Northern Ireland and consists of specialist sales agents who have been selling into UK garden centres for many years, strengthening the EKJU team with a dedicated UK resource and logistical network.

 

Stockists can look forward to a high-quality reliable range of timber products. They will also find a supplier that takes the upmost care and attention at every stage of production, using extensive knowledge, techniques and state-of-the-art machinery to ensure consistently robust and smooth product finishing.

 

To book an appointment with your local EKJU sales representative, please see an accompanying image which shows by region contact details. If you want to know any general information about EKJU then you can contact EKJU Sales & Marketing Director Laura Galzone by email here  or click here to view the EKJU catalogue to browse the product range.

Two days filled with exclusive content

Glee Gathering will present two days filled with exclusive content. The theme behind our content this year is to discuss and explore how garden centres can continue to take advantage of the new groups of customers that are have discovered their outdoor spaces...


 

Glee Gathering will present two days filled with exclusive content. The theme behind our content this year is to discuss and explore how garden centres can continue to take advantage of the new groups of customers that are have discovered their outdoor spaces.

 

Over the two days we will explore the future of garden centre retail, we will talk about how you can take advantage of the shop local trend, where consumers are incredibly motivated to support local business. We will explore the impact of hospitality and in store food retail, and not forgetting how stores are more conscious of the importance of ensuring sustainable operations.  

 

With 15-20 leading garden centres sharing their views and experiences, the Glee Gathering agenda is not to be missed… but if you do miss a session … it’s all available on demand for you to catch up on. 

 

How to get involved 

Glee Gathering brings the gardening community together this September. Register for your space to benefit from the latest insights, best new products, exclusive networking opportunities and more. https://www.gleebirmingham.com/register-Glee-Gathering-2020

 

Showcase your brand at Glee Gathering and reconnect with the industry.  https://www.gleebirmingham.com/glee/apply-for-a-stand

 
Glee Gathering will present two days filled with exclusive content

Bringing you two days full of exclusive content and industry insight. Hear expert guidance on upcoming trends, essential business tips and tricks and advice on best social media practices. With 3-4 sessions taking place each day, there's a session for you on the topics that matter to you the most. Glee will keep you up to date with the market from the comfort of your own home or office.

Check out our upcoming agenda below.


 
Tuesday, 15 September: 11:00 – 12:00

Unlocking the opportunity: Reimagining the Garden Centre Retail...


 

Unlocking the opportunity: Reimagining the Garden Centre Retail

 

Whilst there is no doubt that 2020 has been a challenging time for retail, for garden retail, it has unlocked a number of new opportunities.  Spending more time at home has unlocked a new customer base and outdoor living and garden care has never been more on trend. The question now is how to continue to take advantage of this popularity wave to ensure these new customers become your new regulars.

 

Join us for this discussion as talk through how to garden centre retailers can take advantage this new consumer trend and continue to connect with consumers as we come out of a pandemic,  what is the evolution of the customer experience in store, where can digital fit in, and where do our panel see as the next big opportunities for the industry?

 
Tuesday, 15 September: 12:30 – 13:30

Glee New Product Awards: Pitch the judges Part 1...


 

Glee New Product Awards: Pitch the judges Part 1

 

The Glee New Product awards are back, albeit virtually, and hosted by Trevor Pfeiffer, Director of Garden Trade news.  

 

This time you get to see the pitches, the product, and the panel of expert buyers as they judge the entries and question brands about their products as they try to uncover what the best new products are coming onto the market this year and next.

 
Tuesday, 15 September: 14:00 – 15:00

Customer Experience: Engaging a new generation of customers...


 

Customer Experience: Engaging a new generation of customers.

 

Many garden centres have struggled to authentically connect with new generations of gardeners.  Covid-19 in many cases has opened the door to a new generation of consumers who are growing for the first time.

 

The key question is how you can connect with them in a way that encourages them to come into store.

 

Join us for this discussion as we talk about how to harness the power of online channels to drive customers to you, and what are the tips and tricks for improving in-store visual merchandising, to encourage basket size and dwell time? 

 
Tuesday, 15 September: 15:00 – 16:00

The Great British Growing Awards...


The Great British Growing Awards.

 

Grow Your Own magazine’s Great British Growing Awards are returning to Glee again this September – virtually, as a part of Glee Gathering.

 

These awards recognise all that is great within the gardening industry – from tool companies, to seed suppliers, garden writers to fruit nurseries and everything in between, and really shine a light on those who are going the extra mile.

 

This year’s Great British Growing Awards are nominated and voted for by consumers. This highlights to the industry the favourite products and brands chose by gardeners and what will be in demand for 2021!

 
Tuesday, 15 September: 16:00 – 17:00

The e-commerce conundrum: Creating sustainable online operations...


 

The e-commerce conundrum: Creating sustainable online operations.

 

During lockdown many garden centres were forced to rapidly evolve their online operations.

 

One such area is in eCommerce and online presence. With the slow resumption of normal operations, how can you develop an online strategy that is sustainable for the long-term?

 

How can an online presence help to engage with your customers? What are the big wins of operating online? How can you set up a sustainable fulfilment operation?

 
Wednesday, 16 September: 11:00 – 12:00

Hospitality and Food: Taking advantage of the ‘Shop Local’ trend...


 

According to research it takes 66 days to build a new habit. During lockdown, many consumers formed new habits, with many being forced to discover local food retailers on their doorstep when supermarkets and deliveries where difficult to access.  This has led to a consumer movement around shopping locally and supporting local businesses.

 

Importantly, customers can see who their money is going too and are really embracing the notion of supporting their community and voting with their wallets with which businesses they are now supporting.

 

Developing a hospitality or food offering within your Garden Centre is a well-established way to help make your location a destination experience and diversify your income, but for many local farm shops have also helped tap into the conscious consumer market. What are the best ways to set up a farm shop/café?

 

How can you build lasting relationships with local farmers and suppliers? How can you continue to make yourself a centre of the community whilst ensuring a level of business resilience?

 
Wednesday, 16 September: 12:30 – 13:30

Glee New Product Awards: Pitch the judges Part 2...


 

Glee New Product Awards: Pitch the judges Part 2.

 

The Glee New Product awards are back, albeit virtually, and hosted by Trevor Pfeiffer, Director of Garden Trade news.  

 

This time you get to see the pitches, the product, and the panel of expert buyers as they judge the entries and question brands about their products as they try to uncover what the best new products are coming onto the market this year and next.

 
Wednesday, 16 September: 14:00 -15:00

Sustainability: Time to #BuildBackBetter?


Sustainability: Time to #BuildBackBetter?

 

The retail industry as whole is undergoing transformational change as it explores new operating models and supply chains.

 

However, it’s vitally important that in a post-Covid world, the sustainability agenda is not forgotten as to consumers it’s still toward the top of theirs.

 

Join this cross industry panel as they discuss their journey, key starting points, and the importance of building goof practices into the core of your brand values.

 

The question is, with many competing priorities, how can you continue to bring sustainable processes into your business, and importantly, how do you communicate this to your customer?

 
Wednesday, 16 September: 16:30 – 17:00

Glee New Product Awards: The winners...


Glee New Product Awards: The winners.

 
Product Showcase

Brought to Glee Gathering by popular demand, the Product Showcase is set to feature exciting walk-arounds, brand presentations and introductions to the latest products in exciting video profiles...


Brought to Glee Gathering by popular demand, the Product Showcase is set to feature exciting walk-arounds, brand presentations and introductions to the latest products in exciting video profiles.

 

With 4 hours of product showcases streaming each day, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the newest products for next season and 2021 from hundreds of our exhibitors.

 

View the timetable below, and stay tuned for more details.

 

Tuesday 15th September

10am – Garden Care

11am – Outdoor Entertainment and Decoration

12pm – Landscaping

1pm – Home and Gift

2pm – Pet Care

 

Wednesday 16th September

10am – Garden Care

11am – Outdoor Entertainment and Decoration

12pm – Landscaping

1pm – Home and Gift

 

 
Glee New Product Awards 2019 - The Winners

Ground-breaking new garden products were confirmed as the winners of the coveted Glee New Product Awards 2019, run in association with GTN...


 

Ground-breaking new garden products were confirmed as the winners of the coveted Glee New Product Awards 2019, run in association with GTN...

 

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

 

After initial judging of the 362 new products entered first thing the judges selected finalists in each category. Then those finalists had the opportunity to meet the judges, answer questions and make a pitch to be chosen as the winner.

 

The results:

 

Garden Decoration: Jardinopia Cane Companions

 

Growing Containers: Primeur Tierra Verde Planters

 

Garden Growing Materials: Environmental Factor NamaKnight Nematodes Biological insect control

 

Garden Giftware, Home & Clothing: Joint winners – Luxa London,The Holly Branch Candlesticker and Smart Garden Products Faux Bouquets

 

Garden Landscaping: Patio Blackspot Removal Co Ltd, Stone King Restorer

 

Garden Leisure & Entertaining: Mookie Toys Muddy Madness Wooden Mud Kitchen

 

Garden Tools & Machinery: iTip Rotating Handles for Wheelbarrows

 

Garden Plants, Seeds & Bulbs: MNP Flowers, Granvia Gold Zerochrysum

 

Garden Retail & Industry Services: The Christmas Cabin, Vacu Bio Net Christmas Tree Netting

 

Garden Wild Bird and Wildlife Products: Jacobi Jayne, Easy Peasy Bird Food

 

Best House Plants and Accessories Award: Tradescantia Nanouk from Javado

 

Best of British Winner: iTip Rotating Handles for Wheelbarrows

 

Best Eco Initiative Award: Tierra Verde Planters by Primeur

 

Best Overall New Product at Glee:  Granvia Gold Zerochrysum from MNP Plants

Introducing Glee Gathering, 15-16 Sept 2020

Glee Gathering is a unique two-day digital experience designed to inspire whilst engaging buyers and connecting our community together. The Glee Gathering will host a virtual showroom of our exhibitors, engaging product showcases, exclusive content sessions and panel discussions, a platform to connect buyers and suppliers in a one-to-one environment, and the 2020 New Product Awards. All from the comfort of your home or office.


 

Glee Gathering is a unique two-day digital experience designed to inspire whilst engaging buyers and connecting our community together.

 

The Glee Gathering will host a virtual showroom of our exhibitors, engaging product showcases, exclusive content sessions and panel discussions, a platform to connect buyers and suppliers in a one-to-one environment, and the 2020 New Product Awards. All from the comfort of your home or office.

 

How to get involved 

Glee Gathering brings the gardening community together this September. Register for your space to benefit from the latest insights, best new products, exclusive networking opportunities and more. https://www.gleebirmingham.com/register-Glee-Gathering-2020

 

Showcase your brand at Glee Gathering and reconnect with the industry.  https://www.gleebirmingham.com/glee/apply-for-a-stand

 
Virtual Showroom & Product Showcase

With 150-200 brands taking part in the Glee Gathering, you’ll be able to browse the latest and most innovative products from exhibitors, including look books, videos, news and more. The Glee Gathering will connect buyers and suppliers directly, all with a few clicks of a button...


 

Virtual Showroom

The Virtual Showroom is all about brand discovery. With 150-200 brands taking part in the Glee Gathering, you’ll be able to browse the latest and most innovative products from exhibitors, including look books, videos, news and more. The Glee Gathering will connect buyers and suppliers directly, all with a few clicks of a button. 

 

Product Showcase

Brought to Glee Gathering by popular demand, the Product Showcase’s video first format is a must see. Each day we will feature 5 hour-long sessions dedicated to Garden Care, Outdoor Entertainment and Decoration, Landscaping, Home and Gift and Pets. Each hour will feature 10 companies who will show you what’s new, and importantly when you can have it in store. They will walk you around their showrooms, show you what they are excited about whilst introducing you to the latest products. What’s more you will be able to directly download brochures and show offers, and talk to the company as you watch these sessions.

 

This unique platform presents the newest products to the Glee community, companies who will be showcasing in these hours include Evergreen, Woodlodge, Schuerich, Deco-Pak, Kaemingk, Meadowview stone, Hygeia, Kelkay Primus, Beefeater, Steiff, Chive … and over 100+ other brands. The Glee product showcase is not to be missed.

 

How to get involved 

Glee Gathering brings the gardening community together this September. Register for your space to benefit from the latest insights, best new products, exclusive networking opportunities and more. https://www.gleebirmingham.com/register-Glee-Gathering-2020

 

Showcase your brand at Glee Gathering and reconnect with the industry.  https://www.gleebirmingham.com/glee/apply-for-a-stand

Never fear, Glee Daily News is here

While we can't all meet up at the NEC in September, the team at GTN will still be bringing you the Glee Daily News to keep you in the Glee mood...


While we can't all meet up at the NEC in September, the team and GTN will still be bringing you the Glee Daily News to keep you in the Glee mood.

 

We'll be providing updates about the wonderful Glee Gathering that's taking place, on-line, on Tuesday 15th September and Wednesday 16th September and bringing all the news from the exhibitors taking part in the Glee Gathering throughout the week that we would have been at the NEC.

 

After this Main Preview Issue we'll be publishing an issue every day of the Glee week beginning on Monday 14th September.

 

Glee Daily News will bring you the results of the Glee New Product Awards, in association with Garden Trade News and we'll end the week with a #FloralFriday celebration for Greenfingers Charity.

 

If you'd like other members of your team to receive Glee Daily News 2020 they can sign up via this link.

 

We hope Glee Daily News helps fill the gap this year and provides plenty of inspiration when it comes to buying decisions for 2021.

 

Any Glee Gathering participating exhibitors that would like to place adverts or advertorials in Glee Daily News 2020 should contact alan@pottingshedpress.co.uk or call 01733 775700.

 

Click here to view Issue 1 of Glee Daily News.

 

See you soon!

 

 

One-to-one meetings and virtual networking

At the heart of the Glee Gathering is our secure meeting platform that will enable one-to-one meetings and virtual networking with the individuals who matter most to your business. Each meeting room will enable you to talk face to face and share materials in a secure environment, with the software ensuring that you stay on track with all the people you want to see that day...


 

At the heart of the Glee Gathering is our secure meeting platform that will enable one-to-one meetings and virtual networking with the individuals who matter most to your business. Each meeting room will enable you to talk face to face and share materials in a secure environment, with the software ensuring that you stay on track with all the people you want to see that day.

 

The Glee Gathering is also proud to be working with GIMA again to take GIMA Connect into a virtual environment. This exciting speed-networking opportunity is designed to put the best brands in front of pre-qualified and purchase-ready buyers for an hour each day. Dynamic and fast paced, as always this is an hour well spent for all participants.

 

If you are a GIMA member or a buyer who would like to participate please get in touch with GIMA to secure your space. 

 

How to get involved 

Glee Gathering brings the gardening community together this September. Register for your space to benefit from the latest insights, best new products, exclusive networking opportunities and more. https://www.gleebirmingham.com/register-Glee-Gathering-2020

 

Showcase your brand at Glee Gathering and reconnect with the industry.  https://www.gleebirmingham.com/glee/apply-for-a-stand