In This Issue
Garden Centre Sales double during half term
What Lies Ahead for 2021? - GTN's February Issue On-Line Now
Last chance to view Woodlodge’s new Snowlodge Christmas Décor range
Sue Allen and Tammy Woodhouse to Brave the Shave on Garden Re-Leaf Day
Hozelock adds to popular trigger sprayer range
Beast from the East (2021 edition) hits sales
It's 'love plants' as Valentine's Day boosts sales
Petitions in Wales and Scotland go over 6,700 and 3,100 signatures, but they still need our help to get centres re-opened
Garden centre seeks planning permission for holiday lodges
HTA reacts to Wales, Scotland and North Ireland plans
More walkers welcome! Join the Garden Re-Leaf Lands’ End to John O’Groats virtual walk
Gardening comes to the Sun on Sunday
The Plant Based Podcast returns with new format and new sponsor to celebrate the continued popularity of gardening
New company offers eco-friendly greetings cards
Altons BBQ World, Aylett Nurseries, Barton Grange, Baytree, Busy Bee, Groves, Pengelly, Pughs, The Old Railway Line and Squires Badshot Lea are the winners of GTN's Greatest Christmas Awards
Christmas Future Trends at Glee's Festive Focus Day
GTN's Christmas Special Issue - read on-line here
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
James Parr joins Smart Board
Pots and seed trays beat the cold
Spring has begun at GROEN-Direkt in 2021
Growing media sales hit by big freeze
RHS members vote in support of a change to the RHS Bye-Laws for recruiting Council Members
Wild Bird Care up by 21%
The best of last week's
Online garden products retailer sold to private equity firm
One good week and gardening sales get going
Scotsdale warehouse extension gets green light
Floralsilk opens impressive purpose built showroom
Garden centres in Top 10 list for 'popular local retailers'
Record manufacturing output and inventory holding to serve increased customer demand
Get set go – supporters confirm plans for Garden Re-Leaf
Get your own copy of GTN Xtra
Barton Grange Christmas 2020 - Exclusive GTN Xtra Photo Tour
Squires Badshot Lea - Christmas 2020
Perrywood at Christmas 2020 - with correct photo gallery now...
British Garden Centres open their 58th centre at Thatcham
Haskins Snowhill re-opens after £15m re-vamp
Bestsellers Top 50 charts every week
Buy your subscription to the GTN Bestsellers printed weekly newsletter
All the latest news from the world of pet products
Henry Bell secures exclusive contract with Blue Diamond
Nature's Harvest dog food unveils new brand packaging
Skinner’s celebrates 50 years with a range expansion
Wilsons Pet Food extends eco-friendly dog food range
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HTA reacts to Wales, Scotland and North Ireland plans
 

Reacting to news that the Welsh government will consider non-essential retail in a review on 11 March, James Barnes, Chairman of the HTA, said: "With the busiest season for horticultural businesses about to start, the First Minister's statement today leaves us with very little room for manoeuvre and anxious to see garden centres opened on 11 March.

 

"Our members - growers and retailers alike - need certainty around opening dates and the key trading occasion of Mother's Day will be even more important after such a difficult period which will now include closure on St David's Day.

 

"We recognise the part we have to play in seeing this pandemic brought under control and have revisited our Safer Trading Guidance so that garden centres, which naturally lend themselves to Covid-secure trading with open and airy spaces, continue to provide one of the safest retail environments.

 

"Plants and gardening contribute to health and wellbeing and provide activities which have helped people safeguard their wellbeing and kept them occupied at home during lockdown. We call on the Welsh government to recognise the valuable contribution horticulture has to make as the country begins the process of recovering from the pandemic, by enabling garden centres to trade again as soon as possible."

 

James Barnes also reacted to news that lockdown in Northern Ireland is to be extended until 1 April.

 

"This is very bad news for horticultural businesses in Northern Ireland where growers and retailers will now lose out on the start of the busiest time of year. The key trading date of Mother's Day is now certain to be written off and without click and collect, there is no hope that investments made in producing/ordering Springtime favourites such as primroses can be recouped.

 

"We are particularly disappointed that the huge contribution plants and gardening can make to health and wellbeing has been overlooked by Ministers. Our members provide access to a safe and healthy hobby that keeps people at home and allows purchases to be made in a naturally airy and spacious environment.

 

"We will lobby hard for the Northern Ireland Executive to reconsider the classification of garden centres - we believe they  should be included in the list of 'essential' retailers and will continue to press for them to re-open as soon as possible."

 

HTA statement on Scottish FM address on lockdown restrictions:

 

“The news that the Scottish Government will set out a timetable for lockdown easing will provide a degree of certainty for our hard pressed members. Garden centres are well placed to be in the first wave of any relaxations, offering outdoor, naturally light and airy environments. Gardening benefits people’s health and wellbeing and keeps them at home with something to do. With the season fast approaching, it’s crucial for Scottish growers - who predominately supply Scottish garden centres - to have this route to market to ensure the valuable plants they have produced are not wasted. While the announcement today of business rates relief being extended to the whole of the year is extremely welcome, it needs to be easy for businesses to apply for. However, fundamentally the Scottish horticulture industry need garden centres to reopen as soon as possible. Delays further into the season will heap more misery on to a sector struggling under lockdown.”

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