With the first of our trade shows well underway and as I begin to smell the faint whiff of Spring in the air I want to remind you of a few things ahead. For those of you in the pet and aquatics industry we have for the first time PATS show and after 2008 success SOLEX returns with its stunning array of outdoor living products, throw in the GIMA awards and of course last, but not least GLEE and I believe we have plenty to be optimistic about in the coming months.

The TV star has teamed up with Garden Centre Update, and Dunweedin' - the recycling company that makes attractive landscape chippings for gardens - to give her expert advice on the latest issues facing the modern gardener.

Growing your own fresh vegetables can be hugely rewarding - not to mention delicious! As well as the joys of getting to cook your own great tasting food, having a vegetable patch or allotment is fantastic fun for kids, and can even save you money. Tasty carrots, potatoes, onions, and salads can all come from small dedicated plots, providing they are maintained properly.

Garden Centres have been the logical place to buy Wellington boots and other waterproof footwear such as clogs for many years, and the success of the likes of  Town & Country is testament to that. But now there's a step towards a wider range in garden centres.

Tetra, the global leader in fish food, treatments and equipment, has just launched its new-look website which hosts a vast array of advice and information for retailers and fishkeepers, whether they're a beginner or an expert.  It includes something for everyone.  The website's new, easy to use, format offers ‘News and Hints' across the Pond, Aquarium and Koi sectors, with information on products, and articles offering in-depth advice, and answers to frequently asked questions. 

KATHRIN Ashworth from Cirencester has been promoted to Commercial Manager for Trade for one of the UK's leading mat suppliers.

Dedicated to delivering outstanding performance and reliability, Ryobi is leading the way in the lawn and garden power tool market in 2009 as it unveils its latest ranges featuring revolutionary technology and product innovation.

Bright colours are the fashion tip for 2009 and so www.dejager.co.uk is bringing in new and exciting colourful bulbs in to their spring and summer ranges. Among the brightly coloured and unusual bulbs is the tacca ingrifolia, a relative of the Bat Plant that makes visitors to Wisley's new greenhouse stop, stare and click their cameras.

Nest boxes are an excellent way of creating space for birds to nest, whose natural habitats are disappearing.   Shrinking woodland areas and suburban garden makeovers have led to a significant reduction in suitable housing for birds. 

Outdoor living specialist Rowlinson Garden Products has introduced a Vegetable Box and Raised Bed as part of its new collection of ‘grow your own' products, designed to help stockists capitalise on the trend for self-sufficiency.

Outdoor living specialist Rowlinson Garden Products has teamed up with Garden Organic, the UK's leading organic growing charity, as part of a unique venture to encourage more gardeners and homeowners to grow their own, organically.

Alison Adams from CWA Pets in Ludlow has used CASCO 3D Graphics to make the most of an amazing £20,000 GLEE prize. Alison has just approved her layout with help from 3D technology. She was the lucky GLEE 2008 CASCO prize draw winner who is about to benefit from new animal enclosures for birds, reptiles and small pets as well as new aquarium racks. Alison's store is an independently owned family business and a worthy winner of such an amazing prize.

The annual Gardening Which? compost trials are one of the most important independent measures of which products offer outstanding performance and value. This year the trials were devoted entirely to peat-free composts and once again saw Sinclair products take the top slots.

"While the UK consumer business of Scotts Miracle-Gro generally welcomes the new EU legislation because it matches with the company's commitment to the safe, environmentally sound use of our products, the long-term implications to specific active ingredients are not precisely laid down. 

The key to the success of Maxicrop's Houseplant Fertilisers is the unique blend of seaweed extracts that the range contains.

Maxicrop Original seaweed extract has long been a firm favourite with keen gardeners and commercial growers - for both conventional and organic growing - according to Maxicrop's marketing director, Shane Deaville.

Castle Gardens, award winners of the Garden Centre Association Christmas Display competition, have retained Red Cherry to supply their new store shelving. Red Cherry use the very best supplier -Tegometall, who's product has long proved to be the one that really stands up to the rigors of constant use with safety. ‘ Tegometall shelving has been used in the industry for years', says Michael Bridgeman, ‘ it really stands up to the job and will take substantial weight. We recommend it 100% for safety and quality'.

Home2Garden's products are increasingly asked for by gift stores and this market is excellent for the company to branch out into. New products aimed at this market were included this year at Spring Fair.

Black Country MetalWorks has long been the trade mark of quality and successful product. This season we bring you yet another crowd pleaser, with our range of distinctive Weather Vanes designed to make quality gift the best seller in garden centres for 2009.

Happy New year to all of our customers for 2009 and a big thank you for supporting us through these turbulent times.

We know that your customers want to buy products from sustainable sources and do not want to contribute to climate change by purchasing garden furniture made from unsustainable and illegally felled trees.

Following a successful launch in Italy & Spain, Valagro have introduced to the UK an exciting new plant nutrition product titled "ONE"

With a unique yet undeniably simple to use product, completing a project with good clean pointing has become a much easier task thanks to the introduction of Pointrite mortar templates.

Warwickshire company Baxters Perfect Edge Ltd have launched their unique and revolutionary lawn and garden border design and cutting system.

As garden centres struggle under tightening margins and rising costs, retailers need to innovate to stay ahead of the game. The landscaping season traditionally drives up sales, but in the current climate clever retail strategies are needed to encourage customers to trade up to premium products.

Increasingly homeowners are looking for ways to conserve water, which in turn saves money on their utility bills.

Sankey Home & Garden Products has introduced an innovative new product where saving water takes very little effort but can make a big difference.

The CADAC Skottel Braai originated in South Africa. When the original ‘Boer' farmers were out in the open field, to prepare their dinner they took an old ploughshare, lit a fire under it and ‘Braai-d' (barbecued) their meat. They had no butter or oil, which wasn't a problem because the grease from the meat prevented burning.

At Anchor Fast we specialize in the design and manufacture of fine outdoor furniture,arbours and associated products.With nearly 20 years of experience,we have built a reputation for the quality of our products and the high standards of service we offer throughout.