RANGE REVIEW: PEST CONTROL Deter unwelcome guests with rodent-proof flooring


For decades, the garden shed was a humble home for bicycles, tools and, at times, the odd mouse or two. However, The Posh Shed Company has created the ultimate garden status symbol: a shed so impossibly chic it comes with rodent-proof flooring. As well as a whole host of additional extras, The Posh Shed Company’s ultimate specification – ‘Unbelievably Posh’ – comes with upgraded flooring to keep pesky rodents at bay. As standard, all Posh Sheds


floors are sturdy, dry and incredibly resilient. They are constructed using high-quality pressure-treated timber, snug insulation panels and elegant tongue-and-groove boarding. Plus, there is also an added moisture barrier to fend off dampness. Unbelievably Posh models also


feature the addition of an integrated wire mesh layer to keep rodents out. Jenny Davis, head of marketing for The Posh Shed Company, says: “Posh Sheds are designed to be the ultimate garden retreat. Nobody wants their luxury bubble burst by a


pesky mouse or rat. “Our rodent proof flooring is the ultimate added extra for those who want their sheds to remain off-limits to unwelcome furry guests.” The Posh Shed Company currently offers seven different


New national survey launched to strengthen plant pest and disease detection


UK environmental horticulture and landscaping businesses are being encouraged to take part in a new anonymous survey designed to strengthen the detection and reporting of plant pests and diseases and help protect the long- term resilience of the sector. It’s an exciting collaboration between industry and government into understanding the information, training, and other needs of businesses to enable more effective non-native plant pest and disease detection and reporting. The survey, launched on 22 January, is open to any business involved in buying or selling ornamental plants, including e-commerce traders, garden centres, retail nurseries, supermarkets and shops, growers and traders of plants, trees and bulbs, garden designers, landscapers, and gardens open to the public.


It takes less than 10 minutes to complete, is entirely confidential, and includes multiple-choice questions


alongside agree/disagree statements covering business practices, skills and knowledge, and training needs and preferences. The survey will close on Monday 16 February. Forest Research is the delivery partner for this project as the principal organisation for forest and tree-related research in the UK and a major contributor to plant health social research.


Non-native pests and diseases pose a growing risk to the UK’s plants and trees, as well as to businesses in their supply chains. With better enablers of early detection and rapid reporting, the industry and government together can help reduce both economic and environmental impacts. David Denny, Director of Research & Knowledge Transfer at the Horticultural Trade Association (HTA), says: “The HTA is delighted to be playing a leading role in this project. Plant health is critical to the commercial success and sustainability of UK environmental horticulture and our members.


This survey provides an important opportunity for businesses across the supply chain to share their experience and help shape practical, evidence-based training and other potential support.


“By taking part, businesses can play a direct role in strengthening our collective ability to detect and report plant pests and diseases at an early stage, helping to reduce their potential impact on businesses and the wider environment.” The project is led by Defra, funded by the Integrated Security Fund, and delivered in partnership with Fera Science, Forest Research, Yorkshire Arboretum and an industry stakeholder group. Forest Research is the UK’s principal organisation for forest and tree-related research and a major contributor to plant health social research.


Defra Chief Plant Health Officer


Professor Nicola Spence says: “Growers and businesses play a key role in early detection and reporting to support Defra’s surveillance programmes for non-native plant


Doff Portland launches exclusive programme to support independent garden centres


Doff Portland, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of garden care products, has launched a new exclusive programme to support independent garden centres. The Doff VIP Club recognises


and rewards both new and existing retail partners who commit to a qualifying level of stock, offering exclusive benefits designed to enhance in-store performance and the shopper experience. Doff is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of sustainable garden care products and the only UK manufacturer of slug control pellets. The company produces a range of branded and private label products for major retailers across the UK


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and EU, having been awarded a King’s Award for International Trade. These brands include Doff, Portland Garden, Power Up, and Pest-Stop. Members of the VIP Club will gain access to a bespoke suite of point of sale (POS) materials to enhance shelf visibility and improve both shopper navigation and customer experience. In addition to the POS material, VIP Club members are also package identified as ‘chosen retailers’ by Doff.


The programme underlines Doff Portland’s ongoing commitment to the independent garden centre community, offering tangible support to help retailers drive sales, strengthen customer loyalty


and grow their business.


Commenting on the VIP Club launch, Kim Huynh, head of marketing at Doff Portland, said: “It’s fantastic to launch our new, exclusive programme and support independent garden centres across the UK in improving their in-store experience.


“Our solutions help cut through the noise, making it easier for customers to find what they need, while simultaneously positioning retailers as reliable sources for


pests and diseases, helping us to respond quickly and effectively. “This survey will inform further support we can provide to the horticulture and landscaper industry, boosting detection abilities in order to continue to safeguard the country’s plants.” Commenting on the research, Dr Bethan Stagg of Forest Research says: “I am really excited about this survey and looking forward to finding out more about the challenges that businesses are facing. Please consider completing this survey and sharing it with your contacts. Tackling invasive pests and diseases is a major challenge facing UK plant trade - working together is our best line of defence.” To take part in the survey, visit https://forms.office.com/e/ rnPUxcvpJ2


models in three specifications. Standard ‘Posh’ sheds boast floor insulation, glazing, two roof options and seven external paint colours. The ‘Comfortably Posh’ specification has the addition of wall and roof insulation, while ‘Unbelievably Posh’ also offers interior shelving, guttering and a water butt and of course, rodent proof flooring. All models are handcrafted and installation comes as standard, with prices starting at £4,999. To find out more, visit The Posh Shed Company website at www. theposhshedcompany.co.uk


garden care essentials.” Doff is part of the Pelsis Group, a leading global manufacturer and supplier of specialist brands in the pest and garden care sectors. For more information about the


Doff VIP Club, or to enquire about joining, visit doff.co.uk/contact-us


JANUARY 2026 DIY WEEK 21


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