Gardeners are making cleaner, greener choices, meaning brands and retailers are having to reshape their ranges to meet rising expectations and unlock new growth. As the demand for eco-
friendly alternatives fuels innovation and drives new retail opportunities, GIMA members explore the latest sustainable solutions.
Unlocking value in the unwanted
Mindful of the amount of rubbish sent to landfill each year, there is a great array of garden products that repurpose old materials into something more valuable, so that yesterday’s waste becomes tomorrow’s must-haves. Treasure Gardening’s new Wonderfuel premium peat-free compost proves that waste can become wonder. Made entirely from recovered waste materials, Wonderfuel champions the circular economy by transforming what would be discarded into a high-performance growing medium. Independent testing by Which? awarded Wonderfuel 5-star ratings in two growing categories, while BBC Gardeners’ World named it one of the best peat-free composts available. By choosing Wonderfuel, gardeners support sustainable growing while enjoying exceptional results. Turning waste into wonder is at the heart of Treasure Gardening – and Wonderfuel is the first step in that mission.
Meanwhile, Deco-Pak’s EcoStone range – including Glasglo and Shells – demonstrates how sustainability and strong retail performance can go hand in hand. Glasglo is produced from recycled
glass, diverting waste from landfill while creating a striking, contemporary decorative finish. Shells product repurposes natural by-products, offering a circular alternative to traditionally quarried stone. Both ranges reduce reliance on virgin aggregates and support retailers looking to strengthen their eco credentials, while delivering strong visual appeal and margin in decorative landscaping and pot topping categories.
Magic Rainbow Bubbles add a touch of magic and tranquillity to the garden. Each piece is hand-blown in Poland from 100% recycled glass, lovingly crafted from old Polish vodka bottles. They look just like real soap bubbles – but last a lifetime. Designed to withstand the elements, they are frost-proof all year round, bringing colour and charm to any outdoor space throughout the seasons. The radiant rainbow effect is melted directly into the glass, ensuring the vibrant colours will last a lifetime without fading. Also available is a beautiful Rainbow Bird Bath.
Town & Country’s Eco Essential Wellington Boots and Half Boots are crafted from recycled wellingtons, giving discarded footwear a second life, while helping gardeners tread more lightly on
the planet. Designed for comfort, durability, and all-weather protection, these boots provide practical, eco-conscious solutions for everyday gardening. For retailers, stocking the Eco Essential
range offers a clear sustainability story that resonates with environmentally aware customers and supports growing demand for products that combine performance with responsible, circular design.
Built to last
Durability and longevity are central to sustainable gardening, and the Wilkinson Sword Stainless Steel range exemplifies how quality construction reduces waste by extending product life. With rust-resistant heads that stay cleaner longer and resist corrosion, this range supports gardeners in getting more seasons of use with fewer replacements. For retailers, stocking the Stainless Steel range enables them to offer products with clear eco credentials: tools built to last, easier to maintain and less likely to be discarded prematurely – helping customers choose sustainable, high-quality gardening solutions.
Shoppers today are placing more importance on environmental credentials than ever before. Products which offer sustainability without any compromise on performance are especially
appealing – such as Burgon & Ball’s new RHS-endorsed BoronGreen range. The range won ‘Sustainability Champion’ recognition at the GIMA Awards last year, and the company believes it
marks a genuine first in UK garden tools. The range combines the superior performance of boron steel, with sustainability credentials including steel that’s 80% from recycled sources, as well as FSC®-certified wood.
Charles Bentley’s Charnwood range of brooms features FSC®-certified wood and natural fibres, responsibly sourced to protect forests and give shoppers peace of mind. Hand-finished at its
Loughborough factory with high-quality materials and thoughtful design, the brooms deliver durability, comfort, and long-term reliability. With natural bristle options like coco and bassine
alongside robust outdoor styles, the portfolio offers retailers sustainable, long-lasting solutions that strengthen garden centre credentials while appealing to environmentally conscious customers.
Supporting biodiversity
Johnsons Lawn Seed is helping gardeners to create a greener, low-maintenance, and biodiversity-rich lawn all year round with Ace Lawn, a unique lawn seed mixture boosted with Microclover. Designed for the modern gardener, Ace Lawn combines Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass, Red Fescue and Microclover to create a resilient, multipurpose lawn that is practical for everyday use while also working in harmony with nature. The inclusion of Microclover means Ace Lawn is naturally self-sufficient and requires no fertiliser, making it both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. It is also drought-tolerant, shade-tolerant, and provides valuable forage for vital pollinators if gardeners reduce mowing frequency and allow clover to flower.
Meanwhile, Elho’s b’s collection helps retailers offer stylish, sustainable solutions to customers looking to support garden wildlife. The range of nest boxes, bird feeders and insect hotels is made from 100% recycled plastic and developed with nature experts, with features such as insulation, ventilation, and drainage to ensure comfortable, hygienic habitats. From the cosy range’s timeless natural tones to the modern essential and organic designs, the portfolio blends purpose with style. Durable, easy to use, and visually appealing, the collection meets growing consumer demand for eco-friendly outdoor products, helping garden centres boost sustainability credentials while driving sales in a thriving sector.
The Little Birdhouse range from Harvest Wildlife Products combines more than 125 years of wild bird feeding expertise with responsible UK manufacturing in rural Lincolnshire. All suet products are made using fully traceable British beef tallow, and products come in recyclable packaging to reduce environmental impact. As Sedex members, Harvest Wildlife Products is committed to ethical sourcing and continually optimises distribution to minimise CO₂ emissions. For retailers, The Little Birdhouse delivers affordable, high-quality wild bird food that actively supports biodiversity and garden bird populations.
Respecting resources
Vegtrug’s self-watering kit is designed to make growing easier while reducing water waste. The system features a reservoir that sits at the base of the VegTrug, allowing plants to draw up the water they need through their roots. This smart design ensures plants stay consistently hydrated without overwatering, helping prevent root rot while maximising water efficiency. Ideal for busy gardeners and eco-conscious consumers, the kit supports healthier plant growth while promoting more sustainable watering practices, giving retailers an innovative product that delivers both convenience and environmental benefits.
As the industry continues its transition to peat-free composts, many gardeners are struggling with poor water retention and reduced microbial activity. The Bronte Heritage Collection has developed two solutions designed to help gardeners succeed while supporting more sustainable growing. AquaBoost is a professional-grade granular wetting agent that improves water absorption and keeps compost re-wettable for up to six months, helping reduce water waste and dry patches. TripleBoost is a microbial inoculant containing three beneficial bacteria strains that restore soil biology and support stronger root development. Together they help unlock the full potential of peat-free composts.
0For 2026, Blackstone Products brings sustainability and performance together in its Iron Forged range. Every model now features the Omnivore Blackout Plate – factory pre-seasoned for immediate use, eliminating unnecessary burn time and reducing gas consumption from day one. Delivering 35% greater fuel efficiency and 30% faster heat recovery, it cuts energy use while improving cooking consistency and control. A strengthened lid design enhances durability for longer product life, reducing waste. Exclusive to UK BBQ specialists and garden centres, Iron Forged proves that smarter outdoor cooking can mean lower emissions, lower running costs and long-term value.
Melcourt has spent more than 40 years refining high-performance growing media, combining science, innovation and practical horticultural expertise. Its RHS-endorsed SylvaGrow range has
achieved 26 Which? Best Buy recommendations since 2015, giving gardeners at every level confidence in reliable results. Developed using responsibly sourced ingredients and carefully-
balanced formulations, SylvaGrow supports everything from seed sowing to container planting. For garden centres, stocking composts with consistent independent recognition helps build customer trust while offering products that combine proven performance with strong environmental credentials.
Doing business the right way
Sustainability at Meadow View Stone is built into how the business operates. As members of Planet Mark, the company actively measures and reduces its environmental impact. Continued investment in efficient production processes and automated packing has reduced waste and improved material control, while substantial on-site stock holdings help minimise unnecessary transport movements. The measures taken last year equated to a carbon emissions reduction equivalent to 4,952 trees being planted. Last autumn, the wider group was recognised with the Pro Landscaper Sustainability and BioDiversity Award, reflecting a consistent, long-term commitment to responsible and sustainable operations.
Taylors Bulbs has also taken decisive measures. Its bulb packs now feature 100% recycled plastic, which is also 100% recyclable, whilst the card used is all PEFC certified and fully recyclable. Taylors has also installed an automated packing line to pack paper sachets for bulbs rather than plastic. The paper sachets currently appear on its Select, Layered Planting and £9.99 value bags. In 2025, Taylors invested in a new forklift charging station which uses power from its solar PV system to power eight brand new state of the art energy efficient forklifts. Taylors has also ramped up its recycling with a 65% reduction in waste sent to landfill.
Working with nature
Aqua Culture, Natural Seaweed Fertiliser is sustainably made from 100% waste seaweed collected along Cornwall’s pristine coastline. Creation Culture is dedicated to helping plants flourish, while protecting our oceans and soils for a regenerative future. Celebrating the synergy between the sea and the earth, products use only natural, sustainable ingredients. From carefully collecting cast seaweed to crafting plastic-free, carbon-negative fertilisers, Creation Culture ensures its products nourish plants without harming delicate ecosystems. Our aim is to set a new standard for truly sustainable and circular plant care, what we call The Plant Power of the Sea.
When it comes to managing garden pests in the garden, Lava-Lite No-Slugs turns slug control into a sustainability win. As spring brings peak slug pressure, gardeners want protection without chemicals and Lava Lite delivers. Made from naturally sourced mineral granules, it creates a physical barrier slugs that refuse to cross, while staying safe for pets, wildlife, and soil. It can be reused and produces no toxic runoff, supporting greener gardening habits. For retailers, it is a high impact seasonal essential that boosts eco credentials, attracts conscious shoppers and drives repeat sales.
Maxicrop All Purpose Growth Stimulant is made from sustainably harvested Norwegian seaweed, grown in nutrient-rich tidal waters that naturally develop antioxidants and other beneficial
compounds. Harvesting is carefully managed to allow regrowth and protect the ecosystem, while gentle extraction preserves its bioactive compounds, producing a highly-effective natural
biostimulant. Certified organic by the Soil Association and free from harmful chemicals, Maxicrop is safe for people, pets, and wildlife. By offering a proven, eco-friendly product, garden centres can meet growing customer demand for greener solutions, and drive sales with a trusted, environmentally responsible choice.
Grass Gains Lawn Bulk – Black Edition is an organic-based lawn feed designed for modern, sustainable lawn care. Packed with natural bio-stimulants and soil-enhancing ingredients, it helps
lawns thrive while supporting healthier soil biology and reducing reliance on intensive chemical inputs. The formulation improves nutrient uptake, strengthens root systems and promotes resilient, greener turf with fewer applications. For retailers, it offers a compelling alternative to traditional lawn feeds as consumer demand for more environmentally responsible gardening products continues to grow. Lawn Bulk – Black Edition demonstrates how high performance and sustainability can work together, giving customers healthier lawns while supporting more responsible gardening practices.
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