Originally designed as a showcase of UK growers, Glee's Green Heart feature will be expanded at this year's show to incorporate international growers and new promotional ideas.
The Green Heart was introduced in 2014 to help bring plants back to the centre of Glee - which takes place at Birmingham's NEC September 14-16 2015 - and was very well received.

This year, over 60 growers are expected to use the area to launch 2016 ranges and latest varieties, as well as participate in a new programme of activity, designed to encourage further engagement with plants from all sectors of the garden retail industry.

Led by The Garden Works' independent garden centre consultant, Kevin Waters, the Green Heart will benefit from an interactive and live element in 2015. Throughout the show Mr Waters will lead a number of guided tours around the Green Heart to demonstrate how cross-merchandising can highlight a continual year-round association with the plant offer.

In total 12 promotional displays will be created to showcase how plants can take centre stage every month of the year, each developed with three key criteria in mind: inspire action by giving ideas; make buying easy; and ensure subsequent success for the customer.

Using plants from Green Heart exhibitors, plus products from the wider show, the displays are designed to help garden retailers think of new ways to link departments and sales across the store.

The Green Heart will be housed within the glass-roofed atrium area outside the entrances to Glee's new home with NEC halls 17 - 20. Growers and nurseries will be showing everything from herbs and bedding plants to trees, shrubs, alpines and houseplants.

Key names already confirmed for the Green Heart in 2015 include Darby Nursery, Whartons Nurseries, Morley Nurseries, New Leaf Plants, Channel Island Plants, Chamberlain Nurseries, Chapel Cottage Plants, Javado, Addenda, Northumberland Nurseries, Anglo Aquatic, Tamata, Gedney Bulb Company, Kilworth Conifers, Topbuxus and Laurica.