FERNHILL WINNERS AGAIN


On Friday February 8, 2008, Bord Bia presented the National Amenity Horticulture Awards at a gala celebration combining The Nursery Quality Programme Awards; The Landscape Quality Programme Awards and The Garden Centre Awards. Almost 200 industry representatives attended the Awards which were presented by Minister of State with responsibility for Food and Horticulture, Mr. Trevor Sargent T.D. in Mullingar Park Hotel, Co. Westmeath.

 

Athlone based garden centre, Fernhill were awarded the Best Small to Medium Garden Centre in Ireland and 4 Stars, on the night. In response to the awards Mr Eoin Reid from Fernhill said, “we are delighted to achieve the 4 stars and the Best Garden Centre award is the icing on the cake.
We have put a lot of work into Fernhill over the last few years, we have one of the best facilities and the best staff  in the country, and it is great to get the national recognition to confirm this.”

 

2007 was the 16th year of the Bord Bia Garden Centre Quality Awards Programme. The Bord Bia Garden Centre Quality Awards have been instrumental in raising standards within garden centres throughout Ireland. Over the years, the aim of the awards has been to set achievable standards for the industry while simultaneously rewarding those centres that consistently strive for excellence.

 

Speaking at the ceremony Minister Sargent said “The Government, as it continues to support producers under the NDP Scheme of Investment Aid for the Commercial Horticulture Sector, recognises the important contribution that the horticulture industry makes to the overall economy. Additionally, the activities of the producers, contractors and retailers contribute enormously to our quality of life. I’d like to congratulate all the award recipients this evening, I appreciate every aspect of the business is investigated, and the standards are high. When a company achieves a Quality Award, it is a real achievement.”

 

Mr. Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive, Bord Bia acknowledging the importance of the evening commented “The National Amenity Horticulture Awards provide the perfect platform to recognise the excellence of the industry and its achievement over the last twelve months. The market for amenity horticulture and its products has experienced significant growth in Ireland in recent years. Consumer research, carried out by TNS MRBI on behalf of Bord Bia, has shown that the time poor consumer is veering towards convenience and ready made solutions. This provides an opportunity for the horticulture industry to capitalise on a growing consumer need for expedient options.”

 

The study highlighted low maintenance and convenience as the most important factors currently influencing consumers’ purchase behaviour. Further research suggests that many consumers now prefer to spend time entertaining in their garden, with maintenance and upkeep being outsourced. The growing demand for landscaping services and the significant increase in the value of ready planted hanging baskets (64% increase from July to September 2007 versus the same period in 2005) is further supporting evidence of this emerging ‘convenience’ trend. Bord Bia has estimated the amenity / garden products industry is worth almost €1billion, a growth of over 71% since 2002.

 

Each participating garden centre undergoes a comprehensive audit conducted by an experienced consultant. The centre is assessed on plant quality, customer service, merchandising, outdoor / indoor presentation, information, accessories and marketing. The facility achieves a Star rating based on the audit score.

 

 

Award Winning Design and Construction Specialists

With Austin and Eoin Reid at the helm of the landscaping sevices Fernhill has achieved numerous awards and recognition for their work. Fernhill offer a complete service, we will design and construct your project to your specifications after in-depth consultation and site visit.
Association of Landscape Contractors Of Ireland Fernhill Landscapes is a member of this organization which offers a guarantee of satisfaction scheme and a network of quality suppliers and services.

 

 

Award Winning Garden Centre 

Achieving numerous awards over this period but most recently winning the Bord Glas Best Plant Quality Award as well as The Best Developing Garden Centre Award. Plantsplus Fernhill is a member of the Plantsplus Group of Garden Centres.

Plantsplus is Irelands network of leading independent garden centres, with well-established members adhering to the highest standards of excellence.

 

 

 

  • Leisure Grow
  • Weber
  • Oase - Living Water
  • Neptune Classics