Increased sales of plants, flowers

SALES of plants and flowers have increased over the past three years, Bord Bia research has shown.

But it said a closer analysis of the findings indicates changes in consumer demand with a preference for instant colour and larger more expensive specimen plants.

Bord Bia said this presents opportunities for both nurseries and garden centres.

It said it will continue to work with all sectors to exploit all potential opportunities for Irish nurseries to supply the market.

A garden centre founded in Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow, 28 years ago by Frank and Rachel Doyle has, meanwhile, won the All Ireland Garden Centre of the Year Award. It has also become the country’s first five-star garden centre.

Minister of State Brendan Smith and Pat Toal, Permanent Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Northern Ireland, jointly presented the garden centre and nursery quality awards in Dublin Castle last night.

Minister Smith said the awards, a joint initiative of Bord Bia and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Northern Ireland, represent dedication to quality and best practice and have been instrumental in raising standards throughout Ireland and are another example of north-south co-operation.