Groveley Detection: commissioning for Shell Philippines on Malampaya gas platform

Aspirator specialists at Groveley Detection have returned from the Philippines after commissioning a single channel unit and autodrain system on the Malampaya Gas Platform, South China Sea.
Gas produced by the platform is cooled by a circulating water system. The aspirator will monitor the nitrogen blanket within the cooling water storage vessel.
Groveley managing director Robert Bennet said: “Our aspirators are installed across the globe and we had a 30% increase on orders last year. I believe this is because the oil and gas market recognizes the key strengths of Groveley GD-A aspirators, they are often an integral part of site safety.”
www.groveley.co.uk    Picture courtesy of Shell

GAN 2011: New products at the show

Viola Floral Power Purple Tiger Eye from Moles Seeds

Exhibitors at the GAN 2011 southern horticultural trade show, which takes place on February 9, will show several new products, many for the first time. The first to announce are:
Syngenta FloriPro Services will launch new pansy, viola and primula varieties, including new additions to the popular Viola Cornuta Deltini™ F1 series, with some exciting new colour additions such as the Deltini HoneyBee.
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company will show its new RoseClear Ultra, a systemic insecticide and fungicide for combined control of pests and diseases on roses and other ornamental plants.
Ornamental and Vegetable seed supplier Moles Seeds has added Aubergine Pinstripe and tomato Ambrosia to its vegetable range, while ornamental introductions include the trailing petunia Spangles Pink Vein and the new, eye-catching Viola Floral Power Purple Tiger Eye.
Specialist insurance brokers Farm and General has launched a comprehensive Environmental Liability policy to protect against new regulations for preventing and dealing with environmental damage.
House Plants Direct will launch its 2011 range, including new Mothers Day plants and a new category of air plants in its range of Sand Art plants.
Mail order seed and plant company Thompson & Morgan has doubled its young plant range this year to 350 varieties. It will show its new patio vegetable seeds and young plant range and launch new varieties from its own breeding, plus a new range of Hardy Primrose.
Plantopia will show its new Easyfit Christmas tree stand that keeps christmas trees looking fresh all through the season by feeding only the bark and causing no stagnant water.
GAN 2011 director Simon Edwards said: “These are early indications of the range of new products at the show, more are being announced as exhibitor information is received. Visitors will have plenty of new products to investigate."
He added there were still a few stands available for late exhibitor bookings.
The annual show is organised and hosted by Golden Acres Nurseries - an independently-owned grower/retailer chain - on its wholesale site near Bournemouth Airport, Dorset.
www.GANshow.com

Christmas special events at Golden Acres and John Browns garden centres

Local bell-ringers will feature when Golden Acres garden centre at West Parley hosts its first-ever pre-Christmas open evening on Tues November 30 - as a thank you to its customers for their patience during the alterations that took place during the year.
Meanwhile a children’s puppet show will be part of the fun at sister company John Browns garden centre, at its annual pre-Christmas event on Tuesday Dec 7.
During the evenings staff will give away mulled wine and mince pies and there will be double customer bonus points, free prize draws to win garden centre vouchers, and special meals served in the cafe.
Golden Acres’ centre manager Kevin Legg said: “It’s so easy to do your Christmas shopping at our two centres, with free parking, no crowds, no pressure – and always something a little bit different for you to find for your friends and family.
“Our refurbishment is now complete and the event gives us a great chance to thank all our customers for their patience!”
The events will both take place from 5.30pm to 8pm. There will also be displays of Christmas trees, decorations and gifts.

www.goldenacresgroup.co.uk       Photography by Phil Dowding

Cadnam Garden Centre thanks Lyndhurst police station with plants

Cadnam Garden Centre was so grateful to police officers for their help over the years they donated around 60 plants to brighten up the front garden at Lyndhurst police station.
Group plant area co-ordinator Emma Green said: “Staff at the centre know their local beat officers, who are always out and about in the community, so when they approached us to help tidy up the station garden we were very happy to help.”
Chief Superintendent Richard Rowland said: “Most people visiting a police station will be doing so as a victim of crime, or they might be in trouble, so we are keen to help alleviate that stress and make it a better place to be.
"Plants are known for their calming influence, and tidy, colourful premises encourage people to respect themselves and the environment they are in. Staff like them too and it helps them to be proud of their place of work."
Emma added: “We came up with a plan of flowering shrubs and ornamentals with seasonal colour. Plants needed to be low-maintenance and able to withstand nibbling by deer, so we recommended lavender, rosemary, fuchsias and azaleas that need pruning each year. Plus a nice clematis to grow up a bare tree and add some interest.”
www.goldenacresgroup.co.uk         Photography by Phil Dowding

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PICTURE:   Emma Green of Cadnam Garden Centre with Chief Superintendent Richard Rowland of Lyndhurst Police Station.