Record numbers of both visitors and exhibitors came along to the South West Growers Show at Exeter’s Matford Centre on Wednesday 1 October with the exhibition aisles were packed with visitors throughout the day.
David Jackson, chairman of the show’s committee said : “It’s fantastic news that the show was so warmly received by both exhibitors and visitors. Our key aim has always been to make sure that we encourage quality as well as quantity, that our exhibitors are able to make contacts, develop business relationships and, ultimately, take orders. We are heartened that this proved to be the case at this year’s show.”
Brenda Huggons, owner of Albion Plants explained : “The South West Growers Show proved to be an excellent platform for us; this year we took a lot of orders on the day and business has been brisk since! The quality of attendees is always very good and each year we enjoy touching base with our customers and reflecting on what has been a very good year for Albion Plants.”
Award winners
The event was complemented by three different award schemes this year.
The awards honoured a winner in the following categories :
Best New Plant Introduction - sponsored by IPPS European Region, The International Plant Propagators Society;
Best New Non-Plant Product or Service – sponsored by The CHA, The Commercial Horticultural Association;
Best Nursery Stand – sponsored by The South West Growers Show.
John Whetman, from The Chartered Institute of Horticulture and judging panel member said : “The South West Growers Show is an excellent showcase for commercial horticulture and we were delighted with the calibre and innovation of all the entries this year. Our job was incredibly challenging as so many of the exhibitors had worked hard to bring the very best of their businesses to the show. Congratulations to them all!”
The other judges were Kevin Croucher from Devon-based Thornhayes Nursery – which extends to 33 acres of field and container production – and industry expert, Kerin Owen.
The 2014 winners and runners up were :
Best Nursery Stand
Winner – Woodbeare Nurseries
Runner up – Rainbow Plants
Special commendations – Albion Plants and Hawkesmill Nurseries
Best New Non-Plant Product or Service
Winner – Melcourt Industries Ltd
Best New Plant Introduction
Winner - Ball Colegrave
Winner of the Best New Non-Plant Product or Service was Gloucestershire-based Melcourt Industries Ltd; the company entered its SylvaGrow multi-purpose growing medium for the award.
A sustainable growing media for the passionate gardener, the judges praised SylvaGrow as being extremely versatile, effective and deserving of merit.
Neil Gray, Technical Sales Manager at Melcourt Industries Ltd said : “We are delighted with our award which has already proved itself – since its launch in March of this year – offering profitable opportunities for retail nurseries and garden centres whose customers are looking for sustainable growing medium that works well every time.”
Stuart Lowen, Marketing Manager at Ball Colegrave, who was awarded the prize for its new Osteospermum ‘Serenity Blue-Eyed-Beauty’ in the Best New Plant Introduction category said: “With its unique and exceptional colour our Osteospermum will certainly help maximise retail patio pot sales. It has the same early flower timing and compact dwarf habit as its partner colours in the Serenity series, making production and marketing quick, easy and reliable. Naturally free-branching, it can be grown under low temperatures, making it particularly suitable for pot tight production. We are really pleased it has been recognised as a ‘best in class’ and hope the award will play a part in its success.”
Each of the winners was presented with their award at a special afternoon ceremony along with sponsors, judges and on-lookers!
David, chairman of the show committee concluded : “We are overwhelmed with the quality of exhibitors this year and this is reflected in the awards. The three different award categories reflect the diverse range on offer and we would like to congratulate all the 2014 winners and wish them continued success in their fields.”
The 2015 show will take place on Wednesday 7 October.
For more information
South West Growers Show
Kirsty Lane
T: 01404 821982