association comment Connecting the garden industry through events
Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Association (GIMA) director Vicky Nuttall believes making connections is the key to success The awards sponsors lead by example, with
Gardman and Smart Garden supplying the pre-dinner bubbly, whilst in the main room beautifully decorated tables featuring La Hacienda lanterns and Kelkay pot toppings greeted guests sitting down to their dinner and complimentary wine sponsored by Bord na Mona.
All around, heads of rival businesses shared valuable networking time often with the same customers, while sales and buying staff swapped their war stories and all revelled in the opportunities for team bonding away from the workplace.
This year’s GIMA Awards – held at the Celtic Manor resort and hosted by actor Stephen Mangan – showcased competition as hot, if not hotter, than the heatwave that coursed throughout the summer. Neudorff wielded the Sword of Excellence, Woodlodge supped from the Supplier of the Year cup and Crest Garden held aloft the Export trophy. But beyond the awards results themselves, it was interesting to see how our industry networks and collaborates ahead of this year’s Glee.
The main awards sponsor – Glee, the UK’s leading garden and outdoor trade show - will look to carry the theme of togetherness and teamwork throughout this year’s show at the NEC September 10 to 12. With a change in layout this year, the GIMA Business Village and lounge area will be situated in hall six. The UK Buyers Connect is a speed
networking event held during Glee with the aim of uniting buyers and sellers in pre- arranged, 10-minute appointments. The aim of the meetings is to be short yet highly effective, presenting key opportunities to make personal contact with premium brands and
manufacturers from across the UK and beyond. These are fantastic opportunities to grow your business, and even on the third day of Glee last year we had a full stand - so it is advisable to register your interest now if you haven’t already. GIMA also supports the Innovators Zone, an area of Glee that has perhaps the greatest potential for exhibitors - many coming to the show for the very first time, and visitors - from independent gift shops to national department stores, all scouring the stands to discover the next big thing. The winner of the GIMA Innovators’ Seed Corn Fund, a £6,000 prize designed to attract brand new companies and cutting-edge products into the garden industry, is announced on the first day of Glee. With many of our associate members and
other experts also at the show, we can immediately begin to provide all manner of advice and set the ball rolling with the big-name retailers that Buyers Connect attracts. Geraldine and myself look forward to welcoming you to the show this year, as we continue to encourage the team working, networking and togetherness that drives our industry forward.
• For further information please contact the GIMA Press Office on (01959) 564947 or
info@gima.org.uk
Laburnum anagyroides Yellow Rocket®
attracting bees and butterflies to the garden. It is also winter hardy and heat resistant. The New Plant Awards, sponsored by the RHS,
Laburnum anagyroides Yellow Rocket® from Frank P Matthews has been crowned this year as Best in Show at the New Plant Awards on the opening morning of the HTA National Plant Show.
The show, sponsored by Hortipak, took place on June 19 and 20 at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry. Laburnum anagyroides Yellow Rocket® is a fantastic form of the already popular spring flowering Laburnum. It is a columnar growing tree with a very narrow upright habit, so perfect for any size of garden and even patios and balconies. The bright sunny yellow pendant flowers adorn the tree in May creating a beautiful sunny effect and perfect for
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are the beating heart of the show and create an area bursting with inspiration for visitors. Judging panel member Sabatino Urzo from RHS commented: “We really were spoilt for choice with this year’s plants with all the category winners really bringing something different to the market. It was a unanimous decision that the Laburnum won overall – perfect for gardens of all sizes with its compact nature and bright yellow flowers.” In the annuals category, gold and best in category went to Helianthus annuus SUNBELIEVABLE BROWN EYED GIRL from Thompson & Morgan.
In herbaceous perennials, gold and best in category was won by Eryngium Magical Blue Globe from Allensmore Nurseries Ltd. In houseplants, gold and best in category went to FICUS ELASTICA PETIT MELANY from Plant Partners.
In shrubs and climbers, gold and best in
takes best in show at New Plant Awards The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has announced the winners in the New Plant Awards at the annual HTA National Plant Show
category went to Rose ‘Timeless Purple’ from Whartons Roses.
In trees and conifers, gold and best in category was won by Laburnum anagyroides Yellow Rocket® from Frank P Matthews Limited. This year’s judging panel included Ken Cox from Glendoick Garden Centre, Sabatino Urzo from RHS, Val and Steve Bradley from The Sun Gardening Correspondents with HTA’s Martin Simmons overseeing. All the entries were validated by Joy of Plants. In addition to the formal announcement in the New Plant Awards area on the opening morning of the show there was also a seminar session for visitors highlighting the award- winning plants and the benefits that they bring to help bolster plant sales. All New Plant Award entries were on view at
the show, with visitors having their say by taking part in the Visitor Vote Awards, sponsored by Floramedia. The winner of the Visitor Vote Award was announced on the afternoon of Wednesday June 20, with Rose ‘Timeless Purple’ from Whartons Roses, taking home the accolade.
GCU July/August 2018
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