Summer might be coming to an end, but we couldn’t see show season out without squeezing in two last events – Glee and GroundsFest!
Glee 2024
First up on our road trip was Glee. Held at the NEC Birmingham, this annual trade show is one of our favourites – even if it isn’t quite as glam as the big consumer shows like RHS Chelsea Flower Show! As a specialist home and garden PR agency, these kind of B2B events are a fantastic way to network, discover what new products will be hitting the shelves next season, and explore the latest trends set to make waves in 2025.
This year’s Glee, like every year, brought together the best brands in the industry, from big names to start up businesses. So what big trends and new innovations did we find as we headed through the halls?
Plant pot paradise
If there was one thing you couldn’t escape this year, it was plant pots! Big ones, small ones, some as big as your head – it was clear that plant pots are going to be far from just practical containers next season. Instead, they’re set to become the centrepieces of garden décor and an opportunity to make a statement in outdoor spaces. We saw everything from bold and colourful designs to natural, organic shapes, and a real focus on pots made from recycled or sustainable materials. Luckily, we already know a thing or two about the wonderful world of plant pots thanks to our client elho, so we’re already all over this trend!
Outdoor living
The boundary between indoor and outdoor living will continue to blur in 2025. We saw a vast range of exciting products to transform outdoor areas into havens for entertaining and relaxing. Think state-of-the-art grills and barbecues, ambient lighting, unique water features, stylish bistro sets and seating, and plenty of plush cushions to create a comfy corner. For consumers next season, the message is clear: your garden should feel like an extension of the living room.
Sustainability is still key
Sustainability has been at the forefront of many product innovations for a good few years now (and rightly so!) but it felt like there was a real shift on the eco-friendly front at this year’s Glee. From socks made from bamboo and all-natural dog shampoo to peat-free growing and reclaimed wooden furniture, almost every brand exhibiting had clearly made a serious commitment to upping their green antics in the new products coming to market – and we’re here for it!
Gifts galore
Of course, gifting is a significant part of the garden centre retail space, but this year we noticed a real gear change in the amount of thoughtful and unique gifts on offer to buyers. As well as commanding a significant section of the Glee halls, the gift sector also dominated the new product section, with everything from handcrafted jewellery and beautifully fragranced candles, to gorgeous gardening gloves and even a brand new range of herb seed balls from our client Seedball (which just so happened to win!).
Plenty for pets and wildlife, too!
It wasn’t just all about us humans at Glee this year. We also had chance to explore an impressive array of innovations for our animal friends – whether they be the four-legged or feathered varieties! There was a big focus on caring for wildlife, with habitats and feeders taking centre stage – much to the delight of our client and wildlife fanatic Sean from Ark Wildlife. On the pet front, we discovered several household brands and new start-ups with some exciting offerings to get tails wagging. The cat collection from Bugalugs was a particular highlight!
GroundsFest 2024
Before the day was out, we hopped back in the car and headed over to a very wet and windy GroundsFest at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, where our clients Cobra, EGO, and Henchman were exhibiting. Despite the weather, it was wonderful to catch up with our contacts, capture content for socials, and mingle with the groundspeople, greenkeepers and landscapers at the show – all of whom were so enthusiastic about the latest products from each brand. We suppose they’re used to being outdoors whatever the weather, after all!
Event support
If you’re a brand looking to maximise your attendance at an event, exhibition or show next season, we can help! As a specialist home and garden PR agency, we can provide support with a whole array of activities, including:
- Securing pre-show coverage
- Creating press packs
- Photocall management
- Social media management
- Stand tours and interviews
- On-stand representation
- Handling all press enquiries
- Paid digital campaigns
- And much more!
Just get in touch to find out more!
