The IHNSA 2015 Trolley Fairs took place in Punchestown and in Schram plants recently. HC was there get a sense of where the industry feels it is heading. There was lots of positivity around in general which comes across in the comments below from garden retailers and growers alike.
PHOTO: KORALEY NORTHEN
EAMONN WALL (ARBORETUM HOME & GARDEN HEAVEN)
Growers need to stop giving consumers what the grower thinks they want. Instead, start giving them what they really want which is to treat gardening like fashion i.e. it's ever-changing and whatever is in vogue that is driving the consumers buying decisions.
PHOTO: KORALEY NORTHEN
VAL FARRELL (B&V NURSERIES & CHAIRMAN OF THE IHNSA)
Growers need to come together in ever more meaningful ways to get the support that we feel we need and deserve. The trolley fairs remain important events for us to gauge
demand from plant retailers and also give us the chance to discuss current issues facing the sector.
PHOTO: KORALEY NORTHEN
WILLIAM BLACKLEY (DERRYLEA TREES)
The landscape side of the business is really improving. The trolley fairs are also important for me because I do a lot of business with other growers at these events.
PHOTO: KORALEY NORTHEN
TIMMY O'MAHONY (KINSEALY GC)
Our customer base continues to be price and value conscious. In partnership with growers, we must meet their expectation.
PHOTO: KORALEY NORTHEN
NIAMH TULLY (TULLY NURSERIES)
We are excited about expanding the Bella Bloom range in 2105. I also have a sense that as a sector, we are finally turning a corner after some very tough years.
PHOTO: KORALEY NORTHEN
GERALDINE MC CONVILLE & MICHAEL DEVITT (NEWLANDS GARDEN CENTRE) With construction works almost completed on the overpass we will be doing a relaunch of the business. Our online and Click & Collect sales continue to improve.
PHOTO: KORALEY NORTHEN
PETER & STEPHEN MCGRANE (MCGRANE NURSERIES) 2015 for us will be about researching new plant trends. A lot of good ideas come from our existing customers, so we will continue to develop our range based on their needs.
PHOTO: KORALEY NORTHEN
PAUL HARVEY (WINDYRIDGE NURSERIES & GARDEN CENTRE) I am quite optimistic as we are busy adding a 1000m2 covered area to the garden centre. A 'like to see' in 2015 would be improved plant labeling from growers.
PHOTO: KORALEY NORTHEN
ROSS MCMAHON (NAD) Both our sales and technical team are focusing a lot of energy on the 'Sustainable Use Directive'. We are planning and facilitating a number of training events throughout 2015
PHOTO: KORALEY NORTHEN
PJ PHELAN (MOUNT CONGREVE NURSERY) The Trolley Fairs have been important to Mount Congreve over the years and have provided invaluable networking opportunities with colleagues, where we can discuss problems and opportunities with garden retailers.
PHOTO: KORALEY NORTHEN
JOE & JOSEPH YOUNG (YOUNG NURSERIES) There is a lot of positivity around among growers and retailers and my one hope is that the weather is also going to deliver on that optimism.
PHOTO: KORALEY NORTHEN
DAMIEN CONLON & LOUISE DEASY (HANLEY'S GARDEN CENTRE) We are increasing the interior floor space by 40% and have been taking on new staff. Visiting suppliers at home and abroad is an important use of our time, as we are always on the lookout for new plants and related products.
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