MAGAZINE

Well, welcome to what passes for summer in this country – though, despite the recent downturn (at the time of typing), the weather so far this year has been ideal for trading (if not for the flowers and plants themselves). Indeed, this is backed up by the Garden Centre Association’s latest set of Barometer of Trade figures, which reported that all 13 categories that are tracked saw a positive increase. Turn to News on page 6 for more on this.

When it comes to the summer social calendar, on the flower front there is one clear jewel lily in the crown. I was lucky enough to be invited to RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May, and it really was quite the experience. You can find out how hospitality rivals horticulture as the most important element in my report on page 34.

Looking further afield, I also travelled to the west country to take a gander at The Gardens Group (Big interview, page 16), as well as to Norfolk to find out how Green Pastures Garden Centre places a real emphasis on afternoon tea. Director James Debbage tells me on page 12: “The local paper reported on it and that has had a very positive effect. Our afternoon sales have increased by 200%. It also meant an incredible amount to our chefs.”

So, bringing us back to where we started, if you would like to emulate Green Pastures, we have now officially launched our 2025 Garden Centre Catering Awards. Go to gardencentrecateringawards.co.uk to enter free of charge – or to News on page 6.