Record sales of National Garden Gift Vouchers reported

New figures have shown a record number of sales of National Garden Gift Vouchers (NGGV) in March.

Sales were up 60 per cent year-on-year last month and jumped 13 per cent above the highest number on record for March, according to the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA).

The organisation has been using a range of media resources to promote the products – including the Alan Titchmarsh Show – and targeted Mothers Day as a focal point in its campaign.

However, HTA marketing director David Butler explained he expects sales to climb even further in the run up to Easter.

"The strong sales for March exceed previous levels and provide a good indicator that garden centre trade has picked up over the last couple of weeks," he said.

Mr Butler also said noted that the vouchers are one of the best selling garden centre products during the first few months of the year.

The news will please the Royal Horticultural Society, which recently announced it had agreed to assist the government with its We Will If You Will food growing project.