Growing media and plant care supplier Westland Horticulture says the crisis at Solus should compel everyone in the garden industry to consider the best way now to move forward.
Edward Conroy, Westland's joint managing director, has added his voice to the growing industry debate that has followed the garden wholesaler's collapse into administration two weeks ago.

"Our industry relies on good businesses to innovate and create engaging initiatives to get more people to realise the pleasure of gardening," he said. "We are a consumer industry that has changed more than most. Garden centres have developed enormously in the last 10 years, with a bigger range of products and one of the best food offerings available to consumers.

"Solus were a very good business for a long period of time...We should use this news as an opportunity to reflect on our progress as an industry and to consider what still needs to be done.

"There is much that we could still do to give consumers a better helping hand in the garden, and if this news sparks that debate, then something positive will have come of this," he added.

Westland is providing financial backing and infrastructure support to the new business, Crest Garden, being set up by former Solus managing director Nick Davies.

Mr Davies left Solus last November after 29 years with the company, and said of his new venture: "At this time next year the business will be a major force within the garden industry."

Crest Garden is expected to start trading this summer.