Glee 2024 has wrapped up with a bang, celebrating 50 incredible years as the UK’s number one garden and outdoor living trade event.

With buzzing aisles, inspiring new products, and a palpable sense of optimism, Glee 2024 proved once again why it’s the beating heart of this flourishing industry.

The move to a September event has clearly struck the right chord, with industry leaders hailing the timing as a game-changer for the buying cycle. Attendee numbers were up year-on-year, with an increased presence of owner/operators, category buyers and buying teams, buying groups and retailers eager to place orders, and discover the latest trends - fuelled by an infectious atmosphere of discovery and opportunity. One marked change was the number of ‘new’ visitors to Glee, demonstrative of the perceived value of gardening from not just the garden centre market but from the wider retail landscape. As gardening thrives, more retailers are looking to benefit from this profit opportunity, with the likes of Dunelm, Robert Dyas, John Lewis, B&Q, QVC joining Blue Diamond, British Garden Centres, Dobbies, Hilliers, Tillington, Choice and dozens more garden centres in the quest to source new supply partners.

Looking ahead, Glee 2025 is already generating excitement about the 2025 season.  A staggering 60% of the 2025 floorplan was snapped up during the show, with equates to 77% of 2024 floorspace – a significant increase of 40% when compared to 2023 data – racing to secure their spot for what promises to be another unmissable year. Many of the event’s bellwether brands led the charge, setting the stage for Glee 2025 to build on this year’s remarkable momentum.

Glee Event Director, Matthew Mein captured the excitement perfectly, saying: “From the second we cut the ribbon to officially open the show, the energy was electric. One exhibitor summarised it perfectly by saying ‘the buzz is well and truly back in the aisles’, and that is all due to the enthusiasm and willingness of our visitors and exhibitors. Glee has become the ultimate platform for growth and innovation, opening dialogue on those opportunities and challenges shaping our industry, and this September this role felt more relevant than ever. The passion and optimism that filled the aisles and exhibition stands, and a bulging floorplan for the 2025 show, marks an exciting tipping point for both Glee and the wider garden retail sector.”

Celebrating garden retail

With hundreds of new and returning brands in the spotlight, Glee 2024 was a true celebration of all things garden, home, leisure, and lifestyle. Innovation was everywhere, and buyers responded in kind, placing substantial orders and fuelling an atmosphere of growth and excitement.

Sponsors from both within and beyond the gardening sector added to the excitement, underscoring the growing reach and impact of the garden retail industry, including big names brands such as eBay, Shark Ninja, plus Gardena, The AMES Companies and Westland. The sponsorship mix reflected the diversity and strength of a sector that continues to grow across omnichannel platforms, as well as within the realms of traditional bricks-and-mortar trading.

A key feature of Glee 2024’s success was the support of top trade associations, including the HTA, GCA, Gardenex, and GIMA. GIMA’s ‘Meet the Buyer’ events were a huge highlight, with over 150 sessions fostering valuable new retail partnerships that will shape the future of the sector.

Charitable highlight

The final day of Glee saw a heartwarming display of solidarity and generosity, as the Floral Thursday fundraising initiative took centre stage. In partnership with the Greenfingers Charity, the garden retail community raised over £3,000 to help the charity create even more therapeutic gardens at children’s hospices across the country, with visitors donning floral shirts, dresses, and suits in every colour imaginable. It was a fitting end to a show that was not only about business but also about giving back.

As the countdown to 2025 begins, all eyes are on Glee to continue leading the charge in garden retail innovation. The 2025 event will be marked with a new hall layout – halls 8-12 – that will provide more opportunity for expansion. The date for diaries is Tuesday 16th-Thursday 18th September.

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 please visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

Glee went Floral Thursday in support of Greenfingers Charity. The event, supported by Garden Trade News broke records for the number of people at Glee in Floral attire and funds rasied for Greenfingres during 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. And there prizes too for winners of the Greatest Floral Team Awards, in association with GTN.  A total of 148 people set the new record for joining in the group photo on The Stage at Glee and over £2,500 was raised.

Evergreen Garden Care, winners again!

Lodi added floral socks and footwear, even Ratty went floral

Ames added a new dimension with floral facepainting for their team and other vistots which rasied a further £250 for Greenfingers

Grass Gains and Sipcam won the awards for the most co-ordinated floral outfits at Floral Thursday this year.

See our gallery of floral pictures below...

Woodlodge had a successful showing at the recent Glee Birmingham event, where it introduced it’s biggest range of new products and innovations for 2025.

One of the highlights of the show was Woodlodge’s new Maxwell planter, which won the Glee New Product Award in the Garden Growing Containers category. Made from 100% recycled materials, the lightweight planter combines quality with sustainability. Its natural earthy tone makes it a versatile addition to any garden, and it is fully recyclable, appealing to environmentally conscious retailer and customers. 

At this year's event, Woodlodge launched over 2,000 new SKUs, expanding both its outdoor pot range and the ROOT Indoor collections. Visitors also had the chance to see products from Woodlodge’s furniture line, W Garden Living, as well as its collection of garden sundries, décor, and water features.

Michael Wooldridge, Director at Woodlodge said: “Glee Birmingham 2024 has been an incredible show for the Woodlodge team. The award recognition, enthusiastic customer response, and successful product launches all contribute to our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional retail solutions. Looking ahead we want to build on this year's momentum and hope our new products launches drive sales for our garden centre customers.

Woodlodge’s showroom in Gloucestershire is open for those interested in exploring the latest range of indoor and outdoor pots for the coming season. The dedicated and knowledgeable team is ready to showcase the 2025 product range and discuss how its products can enhance your gardening experience.

If you are interested in scheduling a showroom visit or have any enquiries, please get in touch with your local sales representative or contact us at showroom@woodlodge.co.uk

Primeur has declared Glee 2024 a resounding success for the company, as its commitment to sustainability, quality, and customer satisfaction resonated strongly with retailers and throughout the halls.

One of the standouts during the three days was the Mighty Mats brand, which made its debut at the show and generated an extremely positive response. Eco Flex, Scrape n Sorb, and designer stencilled Coir Tray Mats proved to be a hit with retailers and the Eco collection including doormats crafted from recycled materials even earned a place on the shortlist in the Glee New Product Awards. With their unique designs and exceptional quality – and with over six million units sold annually – Mighty Mats have the potential to revitalise the doormat category and boost sales for retailers.  

Primeur’s partnership with renowned wildlife artist Bree Merryn added a unique and captivating element for stand visitors, elevating the humble doormat to a desirable home accessory and making it a ‘must stock’ for garden centres keen to maximise sales over the winter season.

However, it wasn’t just Mighty Mats that caught visitors’ attention at Glee. Primeur's ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident in its latest product offerings, with the introduction of a new five-tier stacking planter proving a hit with many buyers at the show. This versatile planter provides retailers with a practical and space-saving solution for displaying their merchandise. Its attractive design and multiple tiers allow for a variety of plant arrangements, creating visually appealing displays that will pique customers’ interest and drive them to the plant area.

In addition to the stacking planter, Primeur showcased a range of new colours for its existing Tierra Verde planter collection. These new on-trend shades in the Sonata and Octavia models are guaranteed to help retailers create more dynamic and engaging pot benches; adding a fresh, modern touch to their garden centre. Recognising the current challenging economic climate, Primeur has also introduced a new value planter range. Designed to appeal to a wider demographic of customers, these planters offer a more affordable option without compromising on quality or style, allowing retailers to cater to different budgets and tastes. 

Other sustainable and durable garden solutions on the stand included Primeur's recycled rubber EcoWay stepping stones and flexible EZ Borders. The best-selling Railroad Tie design and Scallop-edged designs offer a variety of options for creating pathways and borders in gardens, providing both practicality but also contributing to a more environmentally-friendly outdoor space.

Jenny Douthwaite, Managing Director of Primeur concluded: “Glee 2024 was a remarkable success for Primeur, with our mats and eco-friendly planters driving significant sales. The positive response from retailers confirms a growing market demand for sustainable products, which not only resonated with buyers but also helped us stand out in a crowded marketplace. It's clear that there's an increasing appetite for sustainable products, and we're proud to be at the forefront of this change.”

In its biggest-ever Glee, Burgon & Ball launched over 90 new products this autumn – and the reaction from the trade was an enthusiastic thumbs-up!

A big draw for retailers was the new BoronGreen range of RHS-endorsed boron steel tools. BoronGreen offers the strength and durability of boron steel, combined with sound sustainability credentials including 80% recycled steel. This unique and compelling proposition is thought to mark a first in UK garden tools. Visitors also loved the hallmark Burgon & Ball elegant design touches, including FSC®-certified white ash with thermo-treated handles, and wooden inlay on hand tools. 

Also attracting a lot of attention was the new Collector range, an exciting cross-category collection designed for gifting and self-treating. Bursting with colour and choice, the range incorporates watering, indoor plant pots, giftware, tools, gloves and more. With key on-trend colours repeating across all categories, the collection is designed for retailers to range in a way that works for them. Buy by category, by colour, or mix and match – the Collector range offers a sure-fire way to create appealing and shoppable displays, and it’s packed with ready-made upselling opportunities.

The Collector range, a colourful and flexible new gifting concept

An appealing array of new limited-edition lines also proved popular. This season there’s a selection of counter-top displays of RHS-endorsed cutting tools, helping retailers boost sales with impulse buys. Limited-edition Kneelo® kneeler designs help keep displays fresh. And new gift sets take Burgon & Ball gifting in a new direction, including two new tool-and-toiletries gift sets. One of these, the Nurture & Nourish set of transplanter, gardener’s soap and hand cream, was even shortlisted in the Glee New Product Awards. 

With all this on offer, it’s no wonder the Burgon & Ball stand was a must-visit at Glee. If you missed it, contact your area sales manager to find out more about Burgon & Ball’s 90+ new products, or email sales@burgonandball.com

Westland Horticulture, home to brands such as Boost, Resolva, Jack’s Magic, Peckish, Kent & Stowe, and Unwins, unveiled a collection of new product at this year’s Glee and welcomed customers from near and far. 

Stand out launches from this year’s Glee for Westland Horticulture included its first carbon neural compost, the Boost Growing System, Resolva Patio Power Cleaners range, the Kent & Stowe Capability Spade, Peckish Woodland Feast Feeders, and much more. 

Sustainable gardening

Westland was thrilled to launch its first carbon neutral compost incorporating biochar into the trusted John Innes collection at this year’s GLEE. The addition of enriched biochar into the John Innes composts will allow gardeners to benefit from improved aeration and water management, as well as to hold and release nutrients for when plants need it. It will also allow home gardeners to naturally improve the health of their soil, sequester carbon and mitigate climate in a simple, accessible, and sustainable way.

Driving the container and basket category forward 

The highly successful Boost brand has expanded its range, which now features a simple 3-step format to help gardeners achieve the best container and basket displays. The additions include a handy 25 litre Mini Bale format of Boost All-Purpose Compost, as well as the new Boost All Purpose Multi-Action Granules, designed to support plants from the initial planting and establishment phase, all the way through to vibrant, blooming displays.

Unrivalled strength and durability

Kent & Stowe proudly introduced The Capability Digging Spade this year, which is designed to tackle the most challenging gardening tasks. It features a breaking strain of 130kg, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship and exceptional performance expected from the Kent & Stowe brand. It owes its strength to an extended shank, reinforced with a hardened stainless steel pin, with a formed, hardened steel bar welded inside the head, so the spade can withstand the strain of heavy duty gardening. 

Inspiring shoppers to discover the joy of feeding wild birds

Peckish launched two brand new products at this year’s GLEE. The new Woodland Feast Feeder collection is made entirely from 100% recycled materials and sustainably sourced wood, giving new life to waste. The second launch aims to ease consumer frustration surrounding refilling wild bird feeders, with a no mess Funnel Feeder, that makes the job of refilling the feeder quick, simple and hassle free. 

Retail Excellence

Westland’s Welsh Dresser for its houseplant care collection and Flopro’s Connect, Spray, Sprinkle merchandising solutions held 2 of the 3 spots for shortlisted products in the New Product Awards for Retail Services & Experiences, demonstrating Westland’s commitment to its retail partners and driving purchase in store. 

National Landscape and Garden Product supplier Altico has reported this year’s Glee show as being its greatest yet, with newly launched products, expanded ranges and promotional offers leading to a three-times order increase versus last year’s event.

With developments across all of their major categories, including Decorative Aggregates, Paving and Water Features, Altico has set the stage a successful year ahead with their new retail opportunities proving to be a hit with customers.  

Key Highlights Include:

Volume Driving Promotional Offers: Altico’s new range of Promotional Decorative Aggregates were head-turner at Glee with packaging and POS concepts to stop shoppers in their tracks and the promise of increased volume and cash margin for retailers. Their Buy 2 Get One Free initiative is available season-long to support key selling periods and to maximise sales opportunities from the store entrance. 

Stepping-Up Paving Accessories: With Paving Accessories driving more than 80% of Garden Centre sales across the Category, Altico has introduced creative and exclusive range additions for 2025. Their new Decorative Stepping Stones were a big talking point with buyers, who particularly loved the Nature and Wildlife Collections, having impressive detail and being great value for money.

Water Feature Range Transformation: With more than a 70% range change and with over 40 new products for the 2025 season, Altico’s Water Feature range was the jewel in their crown at Glee. Customers complemented their competitive depth of range, variety of design styles, Promotional Price Lock offers and new Collections.  

Commercial Director Richard Pyrah said: ‘Customer feedback has been exceptional with strong reorders on Landscape Products and demand for new products across Paving and Water Features exceeding all expectations. We feel very buoyant going in to next season and to growing our existing customer base as well as switching on new business.’

For more information about Altico and their new products for 2025, please contact the sales team on: 01302 354500 or email salesoffice@altico.co.uk

The annual Glee exhibition is a pivotal event for the garden retail industry, with significant effort going into ensuring its success. These three days are crucial, not only for influencing the upcoming season but also for sparking new conversations, forging retail partnerships, and securing future success for participating brands. For The AMES Companies, Glee 2024 has been celebrated as an overwhelming success, thanks to the exceptionally positive response from buyers and industry professionals to the company’s showcase, which brought to life a range of exciting brand and business updates set to shape garden retail in 2025 and beyond.

A key highlight of the exhibition was the introduction of the ‘111’ initiative, designed to streamline the ordering process across all AMES brands into a single order, invoice, and delivery. Retailers praised this innovative approach for its potential to reduce logistical complexity and enhance operational efficiency. Many commented on how it would allow for better stock management, improved access to the entire AMES brand portfolio, and simpler day-to-day operations – positioning it as a valuable solution for the industry.

In addition to the operational benefits of the ‘111’ initiative – which will be live from January – The AMES Companies launched over 700 new products across its brand portfolio, generating strong interest from buyers looking to diversify their offerings for the 2025 season. Apta, for example, expanded its range by 70%, focusing on contemporary terracotta, composite, and glazed designs. The introduction of the Apta Signature sub-brand, which offers bespoke garden design options, was particularly well-received for enhancing brand loyalty and the giftability of garden pots. Kelkay, another key brand, debuted its first stepping stone collection made from 100% recycled post-consumer plastic, along with eco-friendly packaging for its garden aggregates, underscoring AMES’ ongoing commitment to sustainability.

AMES Tools also garnered attention by expanding its range of stainless-steel cutting and pruning tools, offering durable, high-quality products that retailers believe will resonate with their customers. These tools are supported by informative point-of-sale displays, helping consumers make more confident and successful purchasing decisions. Meanwhile, Easy Fountain captivated attendees with its solar-powered and solar-hybrid water features, featuring innovative designs that make water features more accessible to "generation rent", urban dwellers, and those seeking increased flexibility. These products provide a distinctive offering for garden centres.

Paul North, Managing Director at Glee, commented: “Glee 2024 was a tremendous success for The AMES Companies. Over three days, our stand – the largest at the show – was packed with key decision-makers from across the garden retail sector, all eager to explore our immersive presentation of the latest brand updates. We were thrilled to receive such positive feedback, particularly regarding our ability to combine innovation, trend-led designs, cost-efficiencies and operational productivity. As we look ahead to 2025, the response from the exhibition reinforces our commitment to providing solutions that empower retailers and elevate consumer experiences. We’re excited for the future and look forward to working closely with leading retailers to offer consumers new ways to love their outdoor spaces season after season.”

To stay up to date with all the latest news from AMES Companies please visit www.ames-uk.com

Evergreen Garden Care is making industry-leading changes whilst focussing on the needs of its customers and consumers, exhibited in its move to 100% peat-free, and calls to make the RSS legislation.  

At  Glee, Evergreen Garden Care presented the latest developments in its peat free journey, and also offered insight into its refreshed, market-leading lawncare offering.

Evergreen Garden Care is moving rapidly towards becoming 100% peat-free within the growing media category alongside making industry-leading changes whilst focussing on the needs of its customers.

At Glee, EGC announced: 

Expansion of its peat-free offering:

EGC has expanded its peat-free offering with the launch of three innovative products: Miracle-Gro® Premium Peat-Free Seeds, Plugs & Young Plants Compost, Levington® Peat-Free Container & Basket Compost, and Miracle-Gro® Premium Pine Bark Nuggets.

A refreshed lawn care range under its market-leading Miracle-Gro brand:

The new packaging design has been streamlined to amplify the brand’s iconic yellow colourway and offer clear, informative detail in contrast to what consumers feel can often be an overwhelming fixture. The range has also been sub-categorised into Lawn ‘Treatment’, ‘Maintenance’, and ‘Seed’ to immediately help consumers identify which product will help them solve their problem.

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

For more product information, please visit https://evergreentrade.co.uk/  

Meadow View Stone wowed customers with a collection of new products, new ranges, new Point of Sale and award-winning AR technology on their stand at Glee.  

Reporting their best show to date, the Company delivered a master class on how to merchandise their category with their striking product display gardens, which featured their new fresh, impactful Point of Sale design. 

Jess Dabell Brand Manager said “We were thrilled to receive overwhelmingly positive feedback on our new products, ranges, and Point of Sale and customers were very complementary about the design of the stand, which was a big step change for us this year.  To be shortlisted for THREE product awards and receive the award for Best Retail Services for our Augmented Reality is a real honour – against some very stiff competition.!”

Understanding the changes in market trends is a fundamental catalyst for the company’s NPD.  The launch of their new Flexi-Fix edging was as a result of witnessing the decline in traditional concrete/natural stone edging, leading them to seek new innovative contemporary alternatives.  Similarly, as traditional rectangular slab sales have slowed, the Company launched a collection of NINE new Premium Porcelain Stepping Stones which are unique to Meadow View Stone so further expands on the company’s range of unique products.  

A new Eden Collection of pouch bags for their horticultural grits and sands was also launched and these were endorsed by a social media influencer called Chris Jesson.  Chris provided how-to guides and step-by-step videos, which are accessible via QR codes on the resealable pouch bags, to help better direct customers, of when, how and why to use these more functional products.

For more information about our Glee 2024 launches, contact our expert team!

Primus, the award-winning Garden Décor brand from The Perry Group, launched its highly anticipated 2025 product catalogue at the 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 were 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.

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.

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.

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 displa.

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

E: sales@vitax.co.uk

T: 01530 510060

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

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

Fargro unveiled its 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.

Haskins and Simpsons discuss their success with Woodmansterne’s new gift packaging range.

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.

Get in touch

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

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.

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.

Website: www.lbcboots.com

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.

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.

Visit www.bulldogtools.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.

www.ekju.com

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 introduced 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.

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

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 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.”

Visit www.durstongardenproducts.co.uk or call 01458 442688.

Podium Pet Products attended 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. 

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.

www.podiumpetproducts.com

www.belovedpetz.com

www.dogrocks.co.uk

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! 

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:

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

Taylors Bulbs showcased 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."

www.taylors-bulbs.com

email: sales@taylors-bulbs.com

Tel: 01406 422266

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.

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.

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.

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.

www.tildenetgardenware.co.uk

info@tildenetgardenware.co.uk

Treadstone Products launched 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.

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

Contact: Robert Marsden 

Email: robert.marsden@ukgreetings.co.uk

Tel: 07779 348196

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...

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

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. 

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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. 

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.”