Plant hunter Ben attends California Spring Trials

by | Apr 28, 2017 | News | 0 comments

A member of staff at one of the UK?s leading nurseries in Hereford has recently just got back from attending the California Spring Trials in the USA (April, 2017).

Ben Gregory, product development manager at Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford, visited 12 nurseries in the country searching for some unusual plants and building relationships with breeders and growers.

The 24-year-old from Worcester said: ?This is the largest trial event of new breeding focused on annual, perennial and shrub varieties in the world. Approximately 70 breeders from around the world show their latest products and trials at nursery sites throughout California. It was eye opening to see such a huge range of exciting new introductions, which I am looking forward to bringing to the UK market.?

The California Spring Trials is an annual weeklong event held at various locations throughout the state. The event is a launching ground for some of the newest plant varieties, signage and packaging products, and merchandising programs and concepts. In addition, many locations include PGR experiments, outdoor trialling and technical information and help.

Ben added: ?I also visited a few nurseries in the Portland area of Oregon. One highlight was visiting J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co, one of the leading tree growers and introducers of new tree varieties in the world. It was a very productive and successful trip with lots of possible developments and new products.?

The product selection available from Wyevale Nurseries is enviable across the industry and the talented team regularly introduces new, award-winning plant varieties.

Its main business is to supply garden centres, landscape contractors, local authorities, foresters and landowners with a comprehensive array of trees, shrubs, hedging, herbaceous and specimen plants.

For further details about Wyevale Nurseries, which is based in Hereford, please call 01432 845 200, visit www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk, follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/WyevaleNurs or log on to www.facebook.com/WyevaleNurs.

more latest news ➡

Steve Morgan

GCR PROFILES STEVE MORGAN, CHAIR OF ZEST OUTDOOR LIVING

A popular and well-known figure in the garden industry, Steve Morgan is the sort of person you would want to be on your side. In many ways he built Zest and the wider P & A Group of which he is also Chair, to the same model. It’s a family business, where the...

autumn

Moving From Summer to Autumn Without Confusing Customers

Seasonal transitions are among the most delicate moments in retail. For garden centres, where atmosphere and emotion drive purchasing decisions, the shift from summer to autumn must feel natural, not abrupt. Customers should sense continuity, not contradiction....

Engineering before technology

Engineering Before Technology

Commercial organisations across the UK are navigating a rapidly changing energy landscape. Energy systems are evolving, regulation is tightening, costs remain challenging,and expectations around sustainability and resilience continue to increase. In this...

Christmas

Why August Matters More Than October for Christmas

For decades, October was considered the unofficial start of Christmas retail, the moment when festive displays appeared, stock arrived, and customers began to think ahead. But in today’s supply‑chain reality, October is no longer early; it’s reactive. The smartest...

spirits

Craft Spirits, Gifting, and Seasonal Tasting Events

Craft spirits have evolved from niche indulgence to mainstream fascination, and garden‑centre retail is increasingly embracing this shift. With customers seeking authenticity, provenance, and experience, craft spirits offer a natural extension of the lifestyle and...

deli and bakery in garden centres

Bakery & Deli Freshness, Display, and the Power of Smell

Few retail experiences are as instantly evocative as walking into a garden‑centre bakery or deli. The scent of freshly baked bread, the sight of golden pastries, and the hum of conversation around the café create an atmosphere that feels both indulgent and...

footwear

The footwear conundrum: A Year‑Round Opportunity

Footwear has quietly become one of the most consistent performers in garden‑centre retail. Once seen as a functional add‑on, it now represents a category that bridges lifestyle, leisure, and practicality, appealing to customers across seasons and demographics. From...









Subscribe ToThe Wednesday Word

Subscribe To
The Wednesday Word

 

Get all the latest news, events & more straight to your inbox every Wednesday.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This