Young plant supplier Yoder Toddington staged its 'Look Ahead 2004' event recently. More than sixty attendees visited the Cheshire open day for a preview of an extensive range of products offered by Yoder Toddington, Four Oaks Nurseries and Channel Islands Plants.

New varieties of pelargonium, from German breeder Fischer were on display with a crop of ivy-leaved varieties including the successful early-flowering Pelfi Butterfly, the red Pelfi Beech and Narina, an orange early flowerer. Zonal Compacts included Vulcan 2002, widely tipped for success and Charmant.

Jacob Smolenaars from Moerheim New Plant described how his company has helped to develop the Japanese-owned Suntory range of ornamentals by cultivating a strong brand with an equally strong product range. Of particular interest was a new cream-coloured Surfinia, Vanilla.

Yoder Toddington plans to launch a new website in 2004 and its new catalogue will be available from the end of July. There will be further appearances at trade shows throughout 2003.