Professional Horticulture Group views growing and production at Golden Acres

Golden Acres group operations director Simon Edwards addressed the Professional Horticulture Group–South West during a visit to Golden Acres’ nursery and wholesale division.

   The group is built up of horticulturists from various backgrounds, some retired and others still in employment.

   Many had been attendees at the GAN trade show, run by Golden Acres until February this year, and had expressed interest in seeing the group’s advanced growing and production facility. 

www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk      
Picture by Phil Dowding

Golden Acres: trade cash & carry turnover up by 44%

Cash and Carry supervisor Nathalie Phillips

Southern nursery group Golden Acres has reported a 44 per cent year-on-year turnover increase in its trade cash and carry business near Christchurch in Dorset. 

   The cash and carry division – where trade customers such as landscapers choose and collect plants onsite – has been gradually expanded since being separated in 2007 from its previously joint wholesale nursery business.

   Golden Acres’ group operations manager Simon Edwards said there were several reasons for the high sales figures: “There is generally more confidence out there, and with people putting things off last year, landscapers are now getting consistent bigger jobs.

   “After two cold winters, some plants need replacing – often with a hardier species. And supervisor Nathalie Phillips returned after a period in one of our garden centres, she is very respected for her plant knowledge. The property market has helped too.”

www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk     Picture by Phil Dowding

Women business owners brighten Boscombe’s business environment, thanks to plants grant

Women business owners in the Boscombe community group Friends of Roumelia Lane joined forces to win a grant to brighten up the exterior of their workplaces with plants.

   Headed by Helene Bowman-Brown of Gazelle Design & Marketing and Rishi Ludgate of Gallery La Boheme, the six ladies were awarded £1,000 by the local Green Goals Community Fund.

   They approached Golden Acres garden centre at West Parley for advice on the best plants to buy because the section of lane is north-facing, and the most suitable plant food and compost.

   Rishi said: “We wanted some black bamboo to add height and really stand out against the cream background wall. Staff at Golden Acres helped us a lot and the plants look fabulous. We had a lot of fun putting the project together.”

   The plants occupy two groups of planters and 12 hanging baskets in a 100-metre stretch.

   Helene said: “There is an extraordinary community spirit in the lane and it’s a pleasure to work here; there’s a lot of support for each other.”

   The plants have caused such a stir in the lane that the local councillor convinced the ladies to enter Bournemouth in Bloom as a last-minute entry.

   Other business owners involved in producing the displays were Nancy Beardall from 19th Century Tailoring, Bunty and Howard Gray of Bunty’s Beads and Rosanna Bavoso of Rosie’s Cafe.

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Picture by Phil Dowding:  Left to right: Howard and Bunty Gray, Nancy Beardall (back), Rishi Ludgate and Helene Bowman-Brown

www.bournemouth.gov.uk/StreetsTransport/StreetCareCleaning/EnvironmentalProjects/GreenGoals.aspx

www.gazelledesign.co.uk

http://gallerylaboheme.com

www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk

Marion’s surprise reunion

Marion Knight had the surprise of her life at work on her 70th birthday – when her daughter Fiona and granddaughter Siân turned up from Australia!
   Due to arrive three days later, Fiona and Siân had conspired with the manager of the coffee shop – at Golden Acres garden centre at Landford – to make Marion’s birthday on Sept 1 really special by coming early and surprising her.
   They have lived in The Sunshine Coast in Queensland for the last six years and obviously cannot see Marion as often as they would like, although Marion managed to fly out and visit them last year.
   Fiona said: “I told mum we were coming a week later to add the surprise element. It took a few phone calls to her bosses at Golden Acres, but they were great and let me arrange an early holiday for mum.”
   Marion said: “What a surprise! I saw them come through the coffee shop entrance, recognised them immediately and just ran over to hug them.”
www.golden-acres-nursery.co.uk     Picture by Phil Dowding