contents


Providing some light relief


Events seems to have escalated, with Covid-19 affecting pretty much every individual globally. GCU hopes all of our readers are well, and remaining healthy.


Despite the obvious concern for retailers with the majority of shops having to close in March for an unknown amount of time, the spotlight on our industry during these troubled times may well play to our advantage. The fact that gardening is being encouraged during these times of self-isolation, and the improved spring weather may well bring the benefits of gardening, both physically and mentally, to a brand new audience.


However, for the independent retailer, at GCU we appreciate how tough the next few months may be; with uncertain economic conditions, the next few months will be tough. It’s time to pull together as an industry, and hope for more positive times.


In this issue we speak with Evergreen’s managing director in the UK, Mark Portman, we review Spring Fair, and our new feature ‘The Mystery Gardener’ marks his debut in the column. One not to miss!


CONTACTS Editor:


Alex Fordham Email: afordham@datateam.co.uk


Publication Manager: Sallie Payne - Tel: 01622 699 151 Email: spayne@datateam.co.uk


Product News Coordinator: Ed Waugh - Tel: 01622 699 153 Email: ewaugh@datateam.co.uk


Art Editor:


Claire Noe - Tel: 01622 607963 Email: cnoe@datateam.co.uk


Publishing Director: Paul Ryder


Email: pryder@datateam.co.uk


Curwood CMS Limited Datateam, PO Box 35, Robertsbridge TN32 5WN Tel: 01580 883844 Email: datateam@c-cms.com


4 6 9


@ GCUpdateUK News feature


Industry news Spring Fair review


13 Evergreen feature 16 Houseplants 20 Grow your own 22 Retail garden management 24 Lawncare feature 25 Association comment 28 New products 30 The Secret Gardener


@ GCUMagazine 9


Take care everyone.


Alex Fordham, Editor afordham@datateam.co.uk


20


Produced and published by Datateam Business Media Ltd.,


15a London Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 8LY


All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including recording, photocopying or any information storage or retrival system, without written permission from the Publisher.


16 GCU Spring 2020 www.gardencentreupdate.com | 3


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32