Angie Goosen, category manager for books, cards, gifting and giftwrap at Blue Diamond Group of garden centres:

“It was my first PG Live and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The show had such a good energy about it. I really liked that the stands were smaller as this meant the suppliers were showing their best lines which meant it was easy to appreciate what was on offer without feeling overwhelmed.

I saw a lot of individuality from the suppliers, whether it was pop-ups, laser-cut wooden accessories, flowers and embellishments – everyone seemed to make a real effort to stand out and be unique.”

Angie’s top picks: “There were loads! I really liked Middle Mouse, specifically its Cardlets and also the ‘grow your own pot’ lines. The company seemed to go back to the roots of what giving a card to someone means – sentiment. I feel my customers would really want to keep a card like that.

The talent of some of the artists, notably Sophie Brabbins, Deckled Edge and Dollyhotdogs, blew me away. Lucy Ledger and Catherine Lewis also stood out for me, predominantly because they epitomise the garden centre customer, with a contemporary edge.”

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