Recorded live on the show floor at Glee 2025, this episode of The Underground discovers how the garden sector is nurturing innovation, supporting newcomers and helping customers navigate a changing retail landscape.

Phil and Kate first sit down with Tony Kersey, Membership Ambassador at GIMA, to explore why the trade association is seeing record growth, how it is supporting over 200 members, and what smaller suppliers really need to know to make the most of a show like Glee. Tony shares how the supplier–retailer relationship is evolving, the rise of marketplace and e-commerce teams, and why collaboration is now critical for bringing “newness” and sustainability to market.
On the Evergreen Garden Care stand, Jude and Nick talk about the buzz at this year’s show, the 2026 relaunch of Miracle-Gro on TV, and why garden brands must do more to educate consumers, simplify complex categories like controls and weedkillers, and help garden centres bring new gardeners into the category with confidence.
Finally, Phil and Kate are joined by Belle Richardson, radiographer-turned-inventor and founder of Seal Stop, winner of the GIMA Seed Corn Fund 2025. Belle shares the story behind her water-saving valve, why British manufacturing and durability matter, and how she is working with water companies and the leisure sector to tackle water waste without greenwashing.

Perfect listening for garden brands, suppliers and retailers planning their next season, and their next big idea.

Tony Kersey: http://gima.org.uk

Belle Richardson: http://sealstop.co.uk