For the garden trade, September is all about Glee, but the cancellation of this year’s show due to the Covid-19 pandemic has failed to dampen suppliers’ enthusiasm to support retailers with innovation. The halls of the NEC may be lying empty, but GIMA members are pressing ahead with launches – here’s a glimpse of what’s new for 2021.

Darlac is expanding its tool ranges, designed to drive sales in 2021. Its four new products include secateurs with a hard-wearing, tough, titanium blade, edging shears, a lightweight double-sided rake and an addition to its bamboo range – a hand rake. Darlac’s Brand Manager, Kasia Krezel said: “Bamboo has the tensile strength of steel and is recognised as one of the fastest growing plants in the world which can be harvested annually and does not require the use of fertilisers. This not only makes bamboo far more productive when compared to trees per acre, but it is also more eco-friendly, safeguarding tropical rainforests by preventing deforestation or the permanent destruction of forests.”

Gardena claims that market trends demonstrate a big focus on grow-your-own and sustainable, natural solutions for plant protection. Gardena’s UK Trade Marketing Manager, Taryn Griesse, explains: “Gardena’s new range of pump and pressure sprayers from 0.45L to 12L capacity, now offer a range of improved features such as an insertable filter for filling self-brewed liquids and EasyPump battery solution – so no pumping is required on certain models.”

Tarryn adds: “Gardens are increasingly associated with wellness and relaxation, and used as outdoor living spaces. With a growing desire to decorate outdoor spaces, Gardena is launching its ClickUp! range which includes a SkyBowl planter, rain gauge, insect hotel, bird feeder and torch fireplace.”

Suppliers are continuing to innovate to meet demand for environmentally friendly growing media. Southern Trident’s Marketing Director, Paula Parker, said: “Coco & Coir™ Peat-Free growing media blocks are being re-launched to the market with striking new designs in robust recyclable and bio-degradable packaging. Even the new pre-merchandised pallet display is made from FSC board, which is fully recyclable. New for this season are peat-free coir pellets: the 100% recyclable COCO DOTS™ are wrapped in a biodegradable, compostable bag presented inside an FSC-sourced cardboard box.”

Continuing the eco-friendly theme, Primeur is expanding its leading range of recycled rubber garden products, made from former tyres, to meet demand for on-trend grey tones in gardens and outdoor living areas. Primeur’s Sales Director, Jenny Douthwaite, explained: “We will be listing one of our best-selling recycled, lightweight, flexible rubber borders – the Ultra Curve EZ border 9 and 15cm – featuring Brick design, in grey, whereas it had only been available in Earth until now. We will also be offering our best-selling recycled rubber stepping stone, Railroad Tie, in grey as well.”

Taylors Bulbs is responding to rising interest in kitchen gardening by boosting its offering. Ian Clark, Business Manager at Taylors Bulbs, said: “Following on from the surge in demand for self-sufficiency and grow-your-own in March and April, Taylors Bulbs has introduced five new seed potato varieties for Spring 2021 to add to its burgeoning range of over 75 varieties. These will be available to order from August 2020 for delivery in December 2020 and January 2021.” The increased range will complement Taylors Bulbs’ line-up of onion sets, shallots, garlic and grow-your-own varieties destined for sale in spring 2021.

Sipcam Home & Garden, the company behind the ecofective^® and RHS Garden Care ranges, is announcing a major expansion after it signed a deal with Blumen International that will see Sipcam distribute Blumen’s product portfolio across the UK and Republic of Ireland. Blumen supplies a substantial number of UK stockists with its Fito brand of plant fertiliser and drip feeders and Get Off range of animal repellents, insecticides and natural detergents. Nigel Thompson, Head of Sales at Sipcam Home & Garden, said: “The new agreement will allow our customers to easily access combined product portfolios with an excellent synergy from one single supplier. We are delighted to be working with Blumen International at a time when the natural gardening and pet care categories are ripe for expansion.”

With interest in outdoor living at an all-time high following lockdown, RSW International – often recognised as a specialist in the Christmas and pet product categories, is expanding its Outdoor Dining Collection for 2021, following a strong summer season. Lee Kennerley, Head of Garden & Leisure at RSW International, said: “We found that our garden and leisure clientele are looking for product that is great value, includes stylish designs, and are designed, developed and supplied by a UK-based business.”

Finally, for the new season, Vegepod will be building on the success of its new Vegebag, which won the coveted RHS Chelsea Garden Product of the Year award. Aimed at gardeners who are seeking to grow fruit and vegetables in small spaces, the Vegebag features Vegepod’s signature mesh which offers full protection from pests, with amazing growth rates and high yields – while the product, which is available in two sizes, is collapsible for easy storage. Neil Urry, Head of UK Sales and Operations at Vegepod, said: “Grow-your-own is a hot topic that we believe will continue strongly into 2021. Following lockdown, and the prestigious RHS Chelsea award, sales of the Vegebag have really taken off.”

For further information about GIMA, please call (01959) 564947 or email info@gima.org.uk