Following criticism at the reduced size of Glee 2012, the Garden Centre Association (GCA) executive committee has spoken up in the trade show's defence.
Saying the horticultural show is "still an important diary date for the industry," the GCA added it is encouraging its members to keep attending despite the show's smaller size.

GCA chairman Peter Burks said: "We believe GLEE is an integral event for serious garden centres and suppliers.

"The show has a very specific place in the industry. While it may not focus on plants as much as it did in the past, it is excellent for gardening goods. It has a niche role within the industry.

"Some people have commented that the event this year was smaller than previous years, but we believe this just makes it more manageable. In the days that there used to be nine halls to make your way through it was almost an impossible task, now there are just the best products in a smaller space."

"Not only is Glee a great show for meeting suppliers and finding out about the latest products on the market, it is also an invaluable opportunity for networking and catching up with friends from the industry."