As many in the horticultural sector unite to support the industry through the impact of Coronavirus, Candide the gardening app is offering its sophisticated technical resources to help independent nurseries, growers and gardens to promote their services, free of charge, to a wider audience.
Candide has an online community of over 300,000 plant and garden lovers who are all eager to support the gardening industry through the current difficulties, following the cancellation of many horticultural events (RHS Shows, nursery events and Rare Plant Fairs).
These gardening events provide the lifeblood for many of the small independent nurseries to sell directly to gardening customers. Similarly, public gardens are facing a time of great uncertainty following this week’s government announcement, but Candide are working around the clock to help.
Commenting, Candide’s CEO Andrew Philbrick said, “These are obviously extremely challenging times for everyone in the horticultural industry, and we want to do everything we can to keep the season blooming. We are delighted to offer free support, video advice and creative solutions to help nurseries, private gardens and garden event organisers through this difficult time.”
A recent survey carried out by Candide showed that 80% of growers sell their plants at horticultural events across the country and only 40% of those surveyed currently sell online. 60% of respondents expressed concern about online deliveries of plants. Candide are supporting these small businesses in taking their sales online, given the UK government is allowing online retailers to continue with deliveries during the Coronavirus lockdown.
To kick-start the campaign of support, Candide have joined forces with designer, broadcaster and passionate plantsman Chris Beardshaw who has worked in the industry for over 30 years. Chris has created a video message to plant and garden enthusiasts, which highlights how they can help support the UK’s growers and nurseries.
Candide are currently listing every UK nursery in their app, for free, connecting their 300,000 users directly with those nurseries who have websites. Candide have also opened a free Marketplace enabling nurseries to sell directly to gardeners through the app, with all profits going directly to the nursery. Instructions on how to list and sell safely online can be found here.
Plants sold via the Marketplace on the Candide app before 30 June, by a professional grower, will be covered by Candide for loss and damage in transit (terms and conditions apply).
To help ensure that plants arrive in the best condition, Rosemary Hardy of Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants has created a video guide for nurseries on practical packaging for growers posting plants, using sustainable methods to avoid damage in transportation. The video can be viewed and shared from here.
