On behalf of Ireland’s extended horticultural family, HORTICULTURE CONNECTED is delighted to welcome garden retailers from around the world for the 2014 Garden Centre Congress

Ireland is honored to have been chosen to host this gathering of garden centre owners from all over the world. Work on organising this exciting event began as early as 2012 to ensure that it will go down in memory as one of the best Congresses ever.

The congress also coincides with the first Irish presidency of the International Garden Centre Association, of which Rachel Doyle took on the mantle in October last at the Congress in Australia.

WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL GARDEN CENTRE CONGRESS?

It is an annual congress held for one week between August and October, each year in a different host country. This comprises of an International Garden Centre Association business meeting, which elects officials and administers the affairs of the Association, a concentrated business study tour and an excellent social programme.

From August 10th to 15th 2014, up to 250 garden centre owners from 18 countries will converge in Ireland to explore, learn from and enjoy what we have to offer in terms of garden centre experience, and see how we do things here. During this time they will also enjoy a full programme of the best Ireland has to offer in terms of horticulture, food and hospitality and the Irish experience.

Selecting the garden centres to include on the itinerary was no small task, but we feel we have included a broad selection, from a large home, garden and lifestyle centres to smaller plant focused centres, to showcase the best of what Ireland has to offer in terms of garden centre retailing.

While it is only possible to include up to nine garden centre visits on the week’s itinerary, garden centre owners/managers have been invited to participate in the event, whether as delegates or by playing a role in either hosting/welcoming/accompanying their peers from overseas over the five days. We have also encouraged our nurseries to participate in this opportunity to showcase the best of our horticultural products.

The opportunity for networking and benefiting from the experiences, both positive and negative, of other garden centres around the world, cannot be underestimated. So don’t miss out, be part of it. You can get a flavour of what the Congress entails by visiting the website at www.igccireland2014.com.

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A NOTE OF WELCOME FROM RACHEL DOYLE (PRESIDENT IGCA)

From my heart, a huge welcome for everyone to the 56th International Garden Centre Congress.

A busy and exciting week lies ahead. We are looking forward to showcasing the best of Irish garden centres, stately homes and historic gardens, Irish hospitality and of course to having some Irish fun.

Enjoy our welcome reception here in the historic Carton House Hotel in Kildare, built in 1739 and former home to the first Duke of Leinster. This is the perfect point from which to explore the destinations on our itinerary.

As we travel throughout the week I hope you will all take in the scenery and rolling fields that Ireland is famous for and bring home some great memories and stories from your time spent here with us.

We have visits to a number of award-winning garden centres on our schedule whose teams have been busy preparing for your visit. From small plant focused centres to larger home and lifestyle garden centres, we hope that you will get a great insight into the garden centre business here in Ireland.

There will be no shortage of food, drink, entertainment and fun during this busy week and we are looking forward to sharing the days ahead with our international friends.

Finally, I’d like to extend a sincere thanks to all our main sponsors: Westland Horticulture and Bord Bia and also to Leisuregrow, Bord na Mona, Roesle, Weber Kaemingk BV, Neurdorff, Rob Roberts, Taylors Bulbs, Eve Tigwell and Red Mills. Enjoy your visit.

Rachel Doyle – President IGCA
Here’s Céad Míle Fáilte to a friend and to the rover. That’s a greeting that’s as Irish as Irish can be. It means you are welcome, thousand times over, wherever you come from, whosever you be. ✽

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