If your garden centre catering team are famous for their afternoon teas, this is the last chance for the to enter GTN's Greatest Garden Centre Afternoon Tea competition at Glee next week.  It’s free to enter and the winners receive the accolade of The Greatest Garden Centre Afternoon Tea – there will be regional as well as overall awards.

There will be a dedicated food prep area with fridges etc for final preparations before display so all your team have to do is bring the items that make up your afternoon tea along with the stand etc and be ready for the display and judging at 3:00pm on Wednesday 17^th September at Glee.

More details are below:

Do you serve The Greatest Garden Centre Afternoon Tea?

FREE to enter competition, all you have to do is bring your Afternoon Tea to Glee at the NEC on Wednesday 17^th September.

One of the most eagerly sought after catering awards that GTN ran in the past was for The Greatest Afternoon Tea Team.  The judges really had a tough job going out and tasting them all!

This year, if you believe your team currently serve The Greatest Garden Centre Afternoon Tea, you have the opportunity of bringing your Afternoon Tea to Glee to be displayed on the “Feed Your Business Stage” and judged by a panel of experts who will decide an overall Afternoon Tea Team winner plus regional awards too.  The judges will also be looking for The Greatest Garden Centre Scone, and The Greatest Garden Centre Traybake within the Afternoon Teas displayed.  Both sweet and savoury Afternoon Teas can be entered.

The competition takes place at 3:00pm on Wednesday 17th September with the entered Afternoon Teas taking pride of place on the “Feed your Business Stage”.  There will be a food prep area available for your team to compile your Afternoon Tea in advance of the display and judging.

To reserve your teams FREE place in the display and be in with a chance of winning The Greatest Garden Centre Afternoon Tea Award please send an e-mail to Trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk stating why you think your team should be part of the competition.  Closing date for entries is Wednesday 10^th September.

Please feel free to contact me on 07973 504214 if you have any further questions.

Looking forward to receiving your entry and seeing you at Glee.

Every good garden centre Food & Drink operation is only as good as the back of house support they get from their Wash-up teams, their Marketing Teams and increasingly their EPOS teams.

This award is for The Greatest teams that keep it all going without ever being seen by the customers.  For that reason, to enter your Catering Support Teams all you need to do is send an e-mail by Wednesday 10th September 2025 to trevor@pottingshedpress.co.uk with:

• photos of the team
• their names and roles
• plus an up to 200 word citation as to why they should be crowned The Greatest Garden Centre Catering Support Team at Glee 

We look forward to receiving your nominations. The closing date for entries is Wednesday 10th September.

The winners will be announced at 5:00pm on Wednesday 17th September on the "Feed Your Business Stage" at Glee.

Garden Centre customers are the judges of Greatness.

Over the past six weeks, garden centre customers across the country have been voting, both on-line and in-store for their favourite garden centre Food & Drink team.

As hundreds of votes pour into the GTN offices after voting closed on Sunday, the votes will be counted and the winners - The Greatest Garden Centre Food & Drink Teams will be announced and awarded on the "Feed Your Business" Stage at Glee on Wednesday 17th September, 5:00pm.

If your food & drink teams have been collecting in-store voting forms please send them in urgently to:

The Greatest Food & Drink Awards

Garden Trade News

Potting Shed Press 

Dairy House, 8 Dairy Drove

Thorney

Peterborough

PE6 0TX

For in-store paper votes to be counted in the final result they need to be received at the GTN offices by Wednesday 10th September.

The Nunhead Gardener joined CSY Retail Systems in 2017, a year after setting up their first site under the railway arches in Nunhead, London. Specialising in small gardens, balconies, indoor plants and gifts, The Nunhead Gardener provides Londoners with a way to make the most out of the smaller spaces available to them. 

Challenge

As the pandemic hit in 2019 and everyone was forced to stay indoors, the demand for appealing outdoor spaces grew and The Nunhead Gardener found business booming. They opened up a new warehouse alongside more stores in Camberwell, Elephant Park and Mayfair, ensuring that everyone had access to the supplies they needed to make their outside space their own. 

The garden centre were relying heavily on their CSY EPOS to see them through this busy period. This growth created a demand for solutions that could help future proof the business and allow them to evolve seamlessly. 

This included finding ways to ensure that sales continued after this surge in business by providing flexible shopping options, incentives and rewards to their customers.

Solution

Scaleable EPOS - When The Nunhead Gardener first implemented CSY's software they knew that growth was a possibility in their future which is why the scalability of CSY was so important to them. “If we ever did decide to grow we knew it would give us the scalability to be able to do that - which is exactly what ultimately went on to happen!”said Peter Milne, founder and co-head gardener.

The future-facing solutions included: 

CSY, WooCommerce integration - This enabled them to manage their website and start trading online, providing customers with simple convenient ways to shop with them during the pandemic and beyond.

Gift cards - With the new online capabilities The Nunhead Gardener were also able to introduce digital gift cards that are sold online and usable in stores as well as  rolling out the physical gift cards too that are also usable online and in-store.

Implementing a loyalty scheme - To ensure they could maintain future sales The Nunhead Gardener also implemented a loyalty scheme. Customised to their brand, the loyalty scheme reinforced the brand image with customers and provided them with an incentive to keep returning. 

What did the CSY and The Nunhead Gardener team have to say?

CSY team: “It's a real pleasure working with Peter and everyone at The Nunhead Gardener. They're a fantastic team - passionate, friendly, and helpful. It's great to see how they've used our EPOS system, over the past 8 years, to keep things running smoothly as the business has grown. We can't wait to see what the next 8 years have in store, and I look forward to supporting them every step of the way.” Deanna Snowden, Business Development Manager

The Nunhead Gardener team: 

“The set up (of giftcards) was really straightforward. The helpdesk and implementation guys created a new database and rolled it out, and it made the whole thing really easy. We absolutely love the help desk. They’ve always done an amazing job and seem to be available instantaneously all the time, and manage to resolve all of our issues almost immediately. 

“The loyalty programme is extremely popular with our customers and it forms a big part of our marketing.” 

If you’re interested in expanding your garden centre and need an EPOS system that can scale with you, plus provide your customers with features they love, speak to a member of the CSY team today to find out more.

To compliment the growing RocketGro range of growing media products, RocketGro is launching at Glee their new Organic Fertiliser product. The product is in a granule form and is perfect for topping up nutrient levels for flower beds, pots, lawns, and older compost with a generous N:P:K of 5:3:6 and a 75+ day release.

RocketGro can now take customers on a journey through the season with their River Cottage favourite Seed Compost, to their best-selling Multi-Purpose 50L Compost, Liquid Feeds, Mulch, Soil Improver, and now fertiliser. All Soil Association Approved for Organic growing. With a flourish of Manure, Top Soil, Lawn & Turf Dressing, Chicken Manure and Bark, RocketGro can now provide the full suite of growing media products to Garden Centres and their customers. Their 25th product launches in 2025.

Managing Director Toby Thomas commented: “We are excited to launch this product into the market. The Ferts and Chems section of garden centres is far too ‘chems’ and not enough Organic. Customers want to use Organic products in their gardens, particularly when growing their own food. This easy to use granular product is user friendly, feel good, easy to understand, and a standout on the shelves with its bright colours & Organic status. 

"Too many so called environmentally friendly fertiliser products look and feel like bad synthetic chemicals. This product is Soil Association Approved and has a nice harmless crumbly texture to it, and no odour. Priced to sell, and an eye-catching linked sale to our best-selling Multi-Purpose 50L compost product.

"With the unbeatable RocketGro sustainable story behind the product, and top up deliveries at only 3 working days for this product, RocketGro will maintain their outstanding levels of service to garden centres for deliveries of this new product as we approach and move into 2026."

Find out more

If you want to learn more about RocketGro or are keen to discuss adding its product portfolio into your 2025 offering, please contact Toby Thomas (hello@rocketgro.co.uk /07936 928 981) or Andy Abraham (andy@rocketgro.co.uk / 07446 937902). View the full range and discover more about the RocketGro story at www.rocketgro.co.uk

Tildenet Gardenware will be showcasing the latest developments to its hugely popular Bosmere Tidy Up range at Glee 2025 – with an extended product offering and increased merchandising flexibility for retailers.

Building on the success of the Bosmere Tidy Up range, more lines are now available in branded shippers, giving retailers greater choice in how to present the collection in-store. 

The update offers retailers a flexible merchandising solution – products can be displayed in their shippers, on existing shelving, or on Tildenet’s tailor-made Flexible Retail stands, which feature both hook and shelf options depending on the retailer’s preference.

The expansion reinforces Bosmere’s reputation for practical, high-quality products designed to make gardening easier, while also ensuring retailers benefit from space-efficient, eye-catching displays that maximise sales potential.

Andrew Downey, Managing Director at Tildenet, said: “The Bosmere Tidy Up range is a bestseller for us and popular with both gardeners and retailers. By increasing the number of products available in branded shippers, we’re giving our retail partners more ways to showcase the range and adapt displays to suit their stores. It’s a simple but effective way to make bestselling lines work even harder at the point of sale.”

The expanded Bosmere Tidy Up range including the Handy Sweep in Garden Bag will be on display at the Tildenet Gardenware stand 9G100 at Glee 2025, where visitors can explore the full retail solution in action.

www.tildenetgardenware.co.uk

Capi Europe, the internationally renowned designer and manufacturer of stylish, sustainable pots and planters, has announced a new distribution partnership with UK-based Treadstone Products. The agreement brings the exciting Capi range to the UK market with local supply, significantly reducing lead times and minimum order values (MOV) for retailers.

Under this new agreement, Treadstone Products will serve as the exclusive distributor of Capi Europe’s collection in the UK, enabling garden centres and retailers to order from a UK-based warehouse. This streamlined supply chain will provide greater flexibility and faster access to the innovative Capi range, known for its striking designs and eco-conscious manufacturing.

The partnership also allows retailers to mix the Capi collection with other products from Treadstone’s award-winning garden portfolio, including the best-selling ClipGlove range, making ordering simpler and more efficient.

In a reciprocal agreement, Capi will become the sole distributor of the ClipGlove brand in Benelux, Germany & Austria.

"This is a significant step for our UK strategy," said Toine van de Ven, Managing Director at Capi Europe. "By partnering with Treadstone, we’re making our products more accessible to UK retailers, while aligning with a company that shares our values for quality, innovation, and sustainability."

Treadstone Products, known for its commitment to quality garden innovations, sees the collaboration as a natural fit. "Capi Pots are a fantastic addition to our portfolio," said Marco Abbiati, Managing Director at Treadstone Products. "This partnership gives UK retailers access to a unique, design-led pot range with the convenience of UK-based service and logistics. We're excited to be working with such an innovative brand."

The 2026 season will see Treadstone distributing pots to existing Capi stockists, whilst the two companies prepare for a launch of a revamped collection and innovative new product category at GLEE 2026. 

Retailers interested in the Capi range can contact Treadstone Products for more information: sales@treadstoneproducts.com

Dobbies Garden Centre in Beaconsfield is the latest store to complete its refurbishment as part of the retailer’s national programme of investment across the store estate. 

Unveiled to customers on 4th September, the store offers a new selection of plants and gardening products while introducing brand new landscaping ranges. There is a new clothing offering from Klass Clothing and Regatta, as well as a giftshop featuring home, gift and spa products.

The refurbishment of the store includes a new and enhanced coffee shop with space for 82 customers indoors and 48 for the outdoor seating area. Customers can also enjoy an increased menu, now with a selection of hot food items including soup, toasties and baked potatoes. 

To support the increased footfall predicted by the refurbishment, Dobbies has also created additional car parking spaces at the Beaconsfield store.

General Manager, Paul Gibson, commented: “We’re delighted with the transformation of our store. Gardening is such a popular pastime in Buckinghamshire and we’ve tailored the changes to suit our local community of garden lovers. The refurbishment is the result of fantastic teamwork from our colleagues and partners and we’d like to say a big thanks for all their hard work. We’re looking forward to welcoming customers to our new look store!”

Dobbies’ Cadnam, Brighton and Hungerford stores have already completed their refurbishments this year. With a strong commitment to offering the best possible customer experience, the focus of the refurbishment plans is around improving the overall fabric of the stores, freeing up space for larger and new ranges and generally improving the ease of shopping.  

David Robinson, CEO of Dobbies, said: “Following the success of the first three refurbished stores, it’s been great to maintain momentum with the completion of Beaconsfield. The results from the first three stores have been encouraging, with an improvement to both footfall and sales, as well as positive feedback from our colleagues and customers. We’re continuing with this investment with further store refurbishments to be completed over the course of this year, and into 2026.”

Peckish & Gardman, two of the UK’s leading wild bird care brands, are tapping into the growing demand for wildlife-friendly gifting with two specially crafted festive sets. Designed to attract both bird enthusiasts and Christmas shoppers looking for thoughtful presents, these gift sets provide garden centres with a unique seasonal sales opportunity.

Peckish Wild Bird Gift Set 

A charming, ready-to-retail gift, this set is tailored to the UK’s most loved wild birds, the robin. It includes a reusable Peckish Seed Feeder and a pack of Peckish Robin Insect Mix, enriched with mealworms, insects, and the brand’s unique CalVita® vitamin mix to boost bird health through the colder months.

The refillable feeder is reliable, recyclable, and simple to use, making it a perfect starter gift for novice bird feeders, as well as an attractive add-on for existing customers.

Gardman Festive Feasts Selection Box 

Bringing the concept of the Christmas selection box to the bird care category, this premium gift set is designed to encourage new customers into the wild bird category with a beautifully packaged gift set. 

The box includes: 

• Gardman Flip Top Seed Feeder – a plastic feeder with a flip top lid for easy filling
• Gardman No Mess Seed Mix (1.6kg) – a premium blend of sunflower hearts and peanut bites, with 100% edible ingredients, so there’s no mess, no husks, and no waste 
• Gardman Seed & Mealworm Suet Feast – a protein-packed suet block that’s a year-round favourite
• Gardman Suet Filled Coconut – a natural, ready-to-hang coconut shell filled with suet and seeds for a tasty, energy-rich meal
• Gardman 6 Pack of Fat Snax – suet, cereal and seed balls for a nutritious snack that keeps wild birds’ energy up even in the depths of winter. 

Anastasia Scaife, Head of Marketing, Bird & Pet Care Division, commented: “Winter is a key period for the wild bird category, and to capture seasonal gifting and impulse purchases we’re bringing to market two gift sets that are perfect for wildlife enthusiasts. They’re both packaged in attractive and eye-catching designs and offer a strong shelf appeal to capture shopper attention.” 

In common with all Peckish and Gardman products, the wild bird seasonal gift packs can be ordered 24/7 via Westland Live, and frequent top-ups are easy as part of a Westland weekly delivery. Scan here to login in or sign up. To benefit from the in-store POS and display units contact your Westland Account Manager.

The Horticultural Trades Association policy and public affairs team has spent the summer engaging with politicians, MPs, and Members of the Senedd (MS) to ensure that horticulture’s challenges and opportunities remain on the political agenda. 

Whilst the UK and devolved parliaments were in summer recess, supported by the HTA’s policy and public affairs team, HTA members across the country hosted visits to discuss top sector issues and to build relationships with policymakers and influencers. These constituency visits provide an opportunity to showcase the wide-ranging and diverse nature of the industry, from growers and manufacturers to retailers and landscapers, and help HTA members demonstrate the vital contribution their businesses make to the wider industry and the economy.

The HTA represents the entire supply chain for the UK’s environmental horticulture and gardening industry. Last year, the sector contributed £38 billion to the UK economy and supported the employment of 722,000 people. By 2030, the environmental horticulture industry could be worth £51.2 billion.¹

During a visit to HTA member Mile Oak Garden Centre on 13 August 2025, Sarah Edwards - Labour MP for Tamworth and member of the Business and Trade Select Committee - learned more about the challenges facing small and medium-sized businesses in the industry, such as business rates and workforce costs. The HTA estimates that changes to National Insurance Contributions and the increase in the National Living Wage will cost HTA members £134 million, with 70% of member businesses having to increase prices, over half freezing recruitment, and just under half having to reduce or postpone capital investment. 

A few days later, the Rt Hon Caroline Nokes - Conservative MP for Romsey and Southampton North - visited Hillier Nurseries Ltd to hear about the HTA members’ transition to peat-free growing, trade and water resilience. As an industry that relies on water to flourish, the HTA is continuing its campaign for a long-term water resilience plan to ensure that water-related issues faced by its members are recognised and addressed by the government.  Garden centres and ornamental plant growers use approximately 20 million cubic metres of water each year, the equivalent of just 0.2% of the UK's total water use. However, messaging around water restrictions can have a direct, adverse effect on the sector.   

In Wales, Mark Isherwood MS, Conservative Senedd member for the North Wales region, visited HTA members the Klondyke Group’s Daleside Garden Centre to discuss horticultural skills, the importance of securing the future workforce and the role of garden centres in driving tourism to Wales.  

Samantha Smith, Public Affairs Manager at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), said: 

“Showing politicians what HTA members do in their local areas is a valuable opportunity for everyone involved. Site visits really help to bring the sector’s story to life; they highlight the challenges facing the industry, whether that’s cost of business, grant support, or the transition to peat-free.

“It’s especially rewarding to see the MP genuinely start to understand the value and role not just of the local business they are visiting and local jobs, but also the wider environmental horticulture sector – whether that’s its economic contribution, health and wellbeing benefits, role in tackling climate change, or positive impact our green spaces have on community cohesion.” 

Additional member visits are scheduled to take place over the coming weeks, including one with the Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner. 

The HTA policy and public affairs team also attended an event hosted by The Spectator on 27 August. Cabinet Office Minister Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds MP confirmed that detailed negotiations on the SPS trade agreement would begin in the Autumn, with legislation to be brought before Parliament to approve and implement by 2027. At the event, HTA’s Public Affairs Manager Samantha Smith highlighted the importance of an SPS agreement for HTA members and asked about the government's approach to divergence - giving plant protection products, where approval for active ingredients varies, as an example. The Minister confirmed the negotiation process would be conducted in tandem with business and stakeholders, like the HTA, so that these issues can be addressed.  

The HTA advocates for the industry’s contributions to the economy, environment and health and wellbeing. This summer, the policy and public affairs team also worked with members to prepare environmental horticulture manifestos for Scotland and Wales, which will be launched in the coming months, ahead of the Holyrood and Senedd elections in May 2026. As Party Conference season approaches, the team continues to engage across the political spectrum and will attend party conferences this month and in October to highlight some of the key sector issues that have been raised by members over the summer.  Learn more at hta.org.uk/policy.  

Westland Horticulture, home to market leading brands such as Jack’s Magic, Boost, Resolva, and Peckish, is issuing a final call for garden centres across the UK and Ireland to take advantage of the opportunity to join its in-store autumn lawn care promotion, designed to drive seasonal sales and engage customers with the chance to win international rugby match tickets.

Designed to drive participation in autumn lawn care and boost garden centre sales during a critical period, the promotion reinforces a clear seasonal message: The best spring lawns start in autumn. Shoppers who purchase qualifying lawn care products will be entered into a prize draw to win one of five pairs of tickets to major international rugby games across the UK and Ireland. Additional branded mini rugby balls will be available as runner-up prizes, adding extra excitement and in-store visibility.

At the core of the promotion is a strong educational component, aiming to shift consumer habits by highlighting the importance of autumn lawn care. Westland’s consumer research shows that many gardeners are unaware of the significant benefits of applying lawn care products in autumn, when soil is still warm and conducive to grass seed germination, but without the harsh summer heat. A dense lawn established in autumn helps grass outcompete moss and weeds during winter, setting the stage for a lusher, healthier lawn in spring. Furthermore, Westland’s research found that 88%* of those surveyed are looking for advice on an autumn lawn care routine. 

George Pitcher, Brand Manager, at Westland, added: “Lawns are at the heart of many gardens – whether as a place to play, relax, or entertain. Our autumn lawn care campaign is all about raising awareness of this crucial seasonal window and helping consumers take proactive steps now for outstanding results in spring. With international rugby tickets and branded giveaways, it’s a campaign designed to inspire engagement at the point of sale."

"We’re also supporting the initiative digitally through our Westland Lawn Care Hub – featuring educational videos and expert guides to make lawn care more accessible and less intimidating for every gardener. This is a key opportunity for retailers to tap into a seasonal message with strong potential for growth.”

Participating retailers will receive eye-catching point-of-sale materials and promotional displays, helping to create a dynamic in-store experience that drives shopper engagement and conversion.

With limited time remaining, garden centres are urged to place orders now to ensure they are ready for the campaign launch.

To activate the promotion in store, speak to your Westland Sales Representative. 

Planters Garden Centre group has opened a new Pet and Aquatic Centre, costing £2m, at its Bretby site near Burton on Trent, Staffordshire.

The centre is housed in a new standalone building (70m long by 20m wide) and includes an independent veterinary practice and a purpose-built 40 seat coffee shop and patio that is pet friendly.

The aquatic and pet accommodation was supplied by Aquaja in the Netheralnds and delivered in five arctic lorry loads.   

“The Dutch team took three weeks to build everything on site,” said Planters director Gerald Ingram. “We visited Interzoo two years ago and were very impressed by Aquaja. Our team spent a day in the Netherlands touring some of their installations.”  

Within the pet side of the centre there are eight guinea pig/rabbit enclosures as visitors enter the building plus a small animal unit for hamsters, gerbils, mice and rats. 

There are around 30 vivariums for reptiles, spiders, lizards and snakes, including a unit where children and adults can crawl through and pop their heads up in the enclosures.

The centre also includes large aviaries for birds, which are decorated with forest images.   

Gerald said the expansion at Planters Bretby should take the pet and aquatic turnover from £350,000 to £1.5m pa in two years. This would make it the largest pet and aquatic centre within the Garden Centre Association membership. Staffing has increased from five full and part time employees to a total of 10.

This development will have its own entrance from the car park, meaning that the Pet and  Aquatic and Gardening Gift and Restaurant customers are separated. It will release about 400 sq m of space within the garden centre for a new Regatta clothing store and more space for the farm shop. 

Josh Winter, Pet and Evenets Manager at Planters, said: “The opening was a great success. It was busy as soon as the doors opened. We have only done a soft opening so far while we let the staff settle in, and we’re hoping to do a big opening in a few weeks’ time.”

Josh added that sales in the Pet and Aquatic Centre were double the usual amount for the opening two days.

Henry Bell merchandising experts have revamped and refreshed the wild bird care category at Haskins Garden Centres with their innovative shop-in-shop displays, premium bird feeds and high-quality hardware.

The new store layouts, designed to simplify the shopping journey for consumers, maximise sales opportunities and introduce wild bird care to a wider audience, have been rolled out across four Haskins centres – Ferndown (Dorset), Snowhill (West Sussex), Forest Lodge (Farnham, Surrey) and Roundstone (West Sussex) – with work at the fifth and final one, West End (Southampton), set for October.

Henry Bell has been the primary wild bird supplier for this leading independent since October 2024. Its most recent re-lay was completed at the Roundstone site this month (August). “We were thrilled to join forces with the Haskins teams to create attractive shop-in-shop arrangements with our vertical merchandising solutions where hardware and corresponding feeds are co-located,” said Henry Bell Wild Bird Care Group Account Manager Jason Perrins. “They have proved a great way to drive up sales, increase basket-spend and encourage impulse buys.”

Haskins Garden Goods/Bird Care Buyer Alan Sheppard added: “Excellent merchandising is a key player in growing our wild bird category and we couldn’t be happier with the brilliant service we have received from Henry Bell. Thanks to Jason and his colleagues, our shop-in-shop looks phenomenal and is really helping to drive sales and encourage trade-ups, while ensuring our customers enjoy a fantastically enhanced store experience. The category needed a new focus and radical change; it has had the desired effect.

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the change of ownership of Layham Garden Centre, in the village of Staple near Canterbury, Kent, which has been let on a long term lease to expanding regional operator Ripleys Garden Centres.

The garden centre was owned by brothers Mark and Peter Johnson, who had recently extended the buildings and added a large café. The site has a long history and strong reputation for its horticultural excellence, particularly its renowned rose selection.

Layham Garden Centre occupies a substantial site featuring a large retail glasshouse, twin-span poly tunnels, a newly built café with 70 internal covers, and a spacious retail plant area. The site also benefits from a large customer car park and modern commercial kitchen, and is located just eight miles from Canterbury and five miles from Sandwich.

Tom Ripley, Managing Director of Ripleys Garden Centres, said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Layham Garden Centre into the Ripleys family, which we have rebranded Ripleys Garden Centre and The Rose Garden Café. It’s a beautifully maintained site with a rich horticultural heritage and a fantastic team. Our aim is to expand the existing retail offering by enhancing the plant offering, adding many additional product categories and investing in the café experience.”

Tom Glanvill, Director – Garden Centres at Christie & Co, managed the sale and added, “Layham Garden Centre is a high-quality site in an affluent area, offering a fantastic opportunity for growth. We’re pleased to have facilitated this transaction between two committed parties and to see continued momentum in the garden centre market. This speedy letting is another example of the strong demand we’re seeing for well-established garden centre businesses and I am confident that the business will flourish under the new ownership.”

Hyve Group has unveiled more details of the eagerly anticipated 2026 co-location of Glee and Autumn Fair at the NEC Birmingham, a move driven directly by industry demand and underpinned by strategic evolution, designed to create the UK’s most powerful and future-focused September retailer experience.

Glee, the definitive event for the garden, outdoor leisure and pet industries, 8th – 10th September 2026 will run side by side with Autumn Fair, the UK’s leading retail marketplace for Home, Gift and Fashion, 6th – 9th September 2026. While the two shows will retain their individual brands and identities, they will co-locate for the first time, unlocking massive potential for both visitors and exhibitors.

The new format provides a two-day crossover, Tuesday 8th - Wednesday 9th September, allowing seamless access across both shows. With no barriers between halls, a unified layout and thoughtfully curated sector adjacencies, visitors will enjoy a free flowing, energised buying, learning and networking experience designed to inspire discovery and maximise return on investment.

The co-location is a direct response to feedback from the retail and garden communities. Buyers and exhibitors have been calling for a more connected, efficient, and impactful retailer event, and in 2026, Hyve is delivering exactly that.

The fastest-growing UK retail trade events

For exhibitors, the benefits are compelling. Delivering unparalleled exposure to a wider network of high-quality retailers across multiple sectors. This confidence is built on strong 2025 momentum, Autumn Fair is 15% up on visitor numbers year-on-year, while Glee is set to deliver its largest ever footprint since 2005 seeing a 15% growth. Buyer attendance by close of show, across both shows is projected to rise by 20%, proving the strategy for creating compelling retailer experiences is working.

With shared footfall during the two crossover days in 2026, exhibitors will have the opportunity to engage not only with their core customer base but also with new and adjacent audiences, from independent retailers and garden centres to department stores, lifestyle boutiques, and online stores. It is anticipated that this broader reach will deliver up to a 50% increase in 2026. Combined buyer audiences shopping both shows translates into more leads, greater brand visibility, and increased order potential, underscoring Hyve’s position as a leader in the retail events industry.

A Week of Inspiration, Innovation and Efficiency for Retailers

Visitors to both Autumn Fair (Halls 6–9) and adjoining Glee (next door in Halls 17–20) in 2026 will feature dynamic layouts and vibrant feature areas designed to maximise visitor flow and spark discovery. As Autumn Fair continues to grow, from 2025 further enhancements will be added to the value-added visitor experience with more opportunities for new product discoveries, as well as a revitalised content programme delivering masterclasses, trend forecasts, growth workshops and seminars, experiential features, and exclusive spaces such as the Buyers Retreat for buyers to relax, be inspired, and network.

As the epicentre of horticultural innovation and inspiration, Glee will complement this with a highly targeted showcase for garden, outdoor leisure, and pet buyers, spanning eight key sectors from garden care, landscaping, and plants to outdoor entertaining, pet products, home & gift, and food & catering. Alongside its unrivalled sourcing opportunities, Glee will immerse visitors in lifestyle-driven outdoor entertaining areas and premium garden showcases such as Garden Lux, while focal points including Food at Glee and Fire, Grill & Chill will highlight growth in outdoor dining and cooking.

Together, these interactive features, content-led programmes, and new experiences will create an energised environment designed to inspire, connect, drive commercial growth, and help buyers transform their business.

One venue, one trip, two shows

This isn’t just a one-off. The co-location reflects Hyve’s long-term strategy to evolve and futureproof its portfolio by building events that align with the evolving buying landscape and respond to the full spectrum of retailer needs. Autumn Fair x Glee 2026 will deliver engaging and business-altering experiences that go beyond product discovery, from immersive content programmes and expert-led masterclasses to peer-to-peer learning and strategic networking opportunities. With global September shows facing uncertainty, this unified platform is poised to become the biggest and most influential trade event in the second half of the year, offering retailers and suppliers alike a marketplace that inspires, connects, and equips them for success. With a single NEC visit, buyers can cover two leading shows, reducing travel time and cost, a huge win for time-pressed retail professionals.

Jackson Szabo, Retail Portfolio Director, Hyve Group commented, “The co-location of Glee and Autumn Fair is a pivotal step in our long-term strategy to evolve with the changing retail landscape. Our communities told us they wanted more than just a buying event, they wanted a platform that delivers inspiration, learning, and connections that can transform their businesses. By bringing these two powerhouses together, under one roof, we are creating an experience that goes beyond sourcing new products to provide the insights, partnerships, and opportunities that today’s retailers need to thrive. This is about futureproofing not just our events, but the industries we serve. Our ongoing partnership with the NEC – which is celebrating its 50th year in 2026 – means Autumn Fair and Glee at the NEC are consolidated as the home of retail.”

Glee and Autumn Fair continue to connect industries by driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and inspiring growth. To learn more or to register interest in exhibiting at Autumn Fair 2026 (6th – 9th September, NEC Birmingham), visit www.autumnfair.com and Glee 2026 (8th  - 10th  September, NEC Birmingham) visit www.gleebirmingham.com

Mark your calendar:

Glee 2026: 8th – 10th September (Tuesday–Thursday), NEC Birmingham

Autumn Fair 2026: 6th – 9th September (Sunday–Wednesday)

David Barrow, Haddonstone’s outgoing Managing Director and new Chairman (left), with Nick Lantsbery, former Finance Director and now Managing Director.

Family-owned Haddonstone has come a long way from humble beginnings in the garage of the innovative founder, Bob Barrow, nearly 55 years ago. The company now operates a purpose-built manufactory in Northamptonshire, with stunning Show Gardens and offices in the nearby village of East Haddon.

Throughout the company’s evolution, Haddonstone has remained a family enterprise managed, for the past 15 years, by the founder’s son, David Barrow. Under David’s tenure as Managing Director, the company, which designs and produces impressive garden and architectural stonework, has grown in the UK and worldwide, while also establishing a successful operation, including manufacturing, in the USA.

Haddonstone’s new chapter sees David handing over the role of Managing Director to former Finance Director Nick Lantsbery, while staying very much involved in the company as Chairman.

While recent years have been challenging for the housebuilding market, Haddonstone’s clients have been assured by the quality of the company’s products, the technical support they have come to know, and the maintenance of financial stability; now is the time to move to the next phase.  As David Barrow explains,

“It has been a great privilege to lead Haddonstone as Managing Director for the past 15 years. I’m incredibly proud of the dedicated and talented team that continues to drive the company forward, and what we’ve achieved together. As I step into the role of Chairman, I look forward to supporting the business in new ways and helping to shape its continued growth and success.”

Nick Lantsbery is equally enthusiastic about his new challenge,

“I’m honoured and excited to be taking on the role of Managing Director after serving as Finance Director for the past seven years. David has achieved a great deal during his time at the helm, and I look forward to building on the strong foundations he has put in place as we continue to grow and evolve as a business.”

For more information call Nicola Clements on 01604 770711 or nicolac@haddonstone.co.uk 

Autumn Fair, the UK’s leading retail marketplace for home, gift, fashion and lifestyle, opens its doors on Sunday 7th September at the NEC Birmingham, unveiling a reimagined visitor experience that blends inspiration, sourcing, insight, and interactive learning like never before.

Running until 10th September, this year’s show will welcome over 12,000 UK and international buyers and thousands of exhibitors across Home, Gift and Fashion, supported by an enriched programme of workshops, mentoring and trend-led content designed to supercharge retail growth and add value to the visitor experience.

This September marks the most dynamic edition yet, with a bigger event footprint and record-breaking exhibitor growth:

• 16% increase in exhibitors
• 38% increase in new exhibitors
• 60% increase in international exhibitors
• Over 30% of exhibitors are exclusive to Autumn Fair

The expansion has also attracted new categories of buyers, adding to the show’s scale, pride, and energy, and cementing Autumn Fair as a must-attend sourcing ground for independents and multiples alike.

Hosting the largest and most diverse gathering of UK retailers, Autumn Fair brings together buyers from every corner of the retail landscape. From the nation’s leading department stores and multiples to garden centres, heritage attractions, entertainment venues, and charity shops, through to the thousands of independent retailers that form the beating heart of the high street, the show is unrivalled in its breadth and depth of attendance. This unique mix creates an extraordinary platform for exhibitors, offering access to the UK’s most influential and varied buying community, all under one roof.

Retailers already registered include Sainsburys, Ryman, Wolf & Badger, Wilkies, Frasers, Hoopers, Argos, Disney, Diageo, Hamleys, Matalan, Waitrose, Voisins, Fenwicks, BrandAlley, TJ Hughes, Dunelm, WHSmith, WWF, World Duty Free, Trago Mills, TJC, Tiger Feet, N Brown, The Very Group, The Royal Mint, The Newt in Somerset, The National Gallery, Tesco, National Trust, Sue Ryder, F Hinds, Elphicks, Squires Garden Centres, Silverstone, Halfords, Science Museum, Royal Museums, Oxfam, Royal Botanical Gardens, Robert Dyas, Ragdale Hall, QVC, Poundstretcher, Ocado, Next, Longleat, Nest, Morrisons, LaplandUK, Interflora, Haskins Garden Centres, Harris Tweed, Duchy of Cornwall, Cotswold Trading, Cadw, Boyds Stores, Blenheim Palace, Aston Martin, and thousands more.

Soraya Gadelrab, Event Director, Autumn Fair says, “Autumn Fair has always been about more than transactions – it’s about helping retailers and brands grow, evolve, and thrive. This September’s show marks the beginning of a new era. Alongside our unrivalled exhibitor mix across Home, Gift and Fashion, we’ve transformed the visitor experience with pre-bookable workshops, mentoring, and interactive learning. From future trend insight to practical retail toolkits, this is an unmissable opportunity for retailers to get inspired, stock up, and build the skills to thrive long term. The growth in exhibitors and new buyers also reflects the pride, excitement, and energy around the show this year – it’s a truly re-energised Autumn Fair. And there’ll be a few extra surprises for visitors along the way.

Taking place at a pivotal moment in the retail calendar, 81% of buyers visit to source new products. The show fuels both immediate order placement and long-term partnership building. Retailers can discover fresh collections, seasonal bestsellers, and future-forward products all under one roof.”

A Supercharged Visitor Experience

Autumn Fair isn’t just about what you buy, it’s about a host of experiences to enhance your visit, from retail masterclasses to networking retreats. Shaking things up this year, the newly reimagined feature areas are packed with fresh content, practical insights, and real support, all designed to help independent retailers grow, adapt and thrive in a competitive market.

Staying ahead in today’s fast-moving retail world takes more than great products so the new curated content programme of short, practical sessions packed with real-world strategies aims to help retailers buy smarter, sell better, and future-proof their business.

For the first time, buyers can pre-book their place at Autumn Fair’s expanded content programme, ensuring guaranteed access to the most in-demand sessions and workshops and enable handy forward-planning (autumnfair.com/session-booking).

The new Retail Corner is a hub for industry icon trend talks, trend forecast presentations and practical sessions - discover new trends and learn from inspiring success stories at this charming shop front stage. Retail Corner will facilitate a myriad of sessions from masterclasses, trend forecast presentations by official trend partner BDA London, and inspiring industry icon interviews including Harriet Hastings from Biscuiteers and Bruce Langlands from Trotters.

Pitch Live will welcome exhibitors to the stage with their most innovative products, pitching to an esteemed panel of judges and a curious retail audience. Sectors include Kids, Fashion and Gift and the 9 finalists will have the opportunity to enhance their brand’s awareness, gain invaluable feedback and possibly get a new listing.

Kids finalists presenting on Monday include Play Press highlighting sustainable playsets; Worgan Games who debut as a family-run tabletop publisher offering high-quality, shelf-worthy card games, and Blue Bear & Co introduces a luxury keepsake bear with multi-sensory features, designed in memory of the founder’s son.

In Fashion on Tuesday, Nudie Jewellery brings skin-first, affordable-luxury designs that are hypoallergenic and waterproof, crafted from 18k gold vermeil and freshwater pearls; Tie Bags, a women-led brand, collaborates with artisans for stylish, durable bags that go beyond mass market; and Mama Movement presents raincoats and padded jackets in exclusive prints by Australian female artists, available in inclusive sizing to make outerwear both vibrant and functional.

Gift finalists on Wednesday include Jellow, reinventing greeting cards as interactive, sentiment-driven experiences; Seedball, which encourages wildflower planting to support native wildlife; and Fruu Cosmetics, pitching REBREW, a men’s grooming gift set made with upcycled grains from British breweries for beer-loving recipients.

The Buyers Retreat is a buyer-only, peaceful oasis to refresh, reflect, and take meetings in private. New Retailer Social Workshops blend collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity in an intimate ‘retailer therapy’ format. From Retail Confessionals: The Pricing Mistakes That Kept Us Up at Night to Small Business Growth Hacks for eBay and Cracking the Code on Next-Gen Shoppers, these interactive sessions provide practical takeaways and authentic peer-to-peer learning.

The show also introduces free one-to-one mentoring sessions with some of the UK’s most experienced retail experts as part of its Retail Makeover Mission initiative. Bookable in advance, these 20-minute consultations cover everything from visual merchandising and brand strategy to PR, digital integration, and high street transformation.

All buyers benefit from a buyer’s benefit package saving £30+ per day which includes free parking, complimentary tea, coffee and water, and free cloakrooms.

Discover more at https://www.autumnfair.com/whats-on

Growers from across the country are preparing the fruits of their labour for the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show this September. Attracting more than 30,000 visitors over three days, the show brings together hundreds of exhibitors, competitors and volunteers, and celebrates the very best in fresh produce and flowers.

The Incredible Edible pavilion will be ripe with displays of perfectly grown seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables as growers compete across scores of classes to take home the honours.

Returning will be the giant veg competition alongside the National Onion Championships –firm favourites with visitors to the Autumn Flower Show which takes place at Newby Hall, Ripon on 19-21 September.

New for this year is The Makers Table, showcasing the benefits of growing your own and homesteading, the art of self-sufficiency. Experts will demonstrate the use of edible flowers and how to pickle and preserve as well as infused oils and vinegars.

Harrogate Autumn Flower Show is organised by the North of England Horticultural Society (NEHS) and this year there is a particular focus on inspiring the next generation of growers. Creative workshops will give children the chance to create their own posy, plant a mini garden plot and build a bug hotel to encourage garden insects.

Award-winning author, horticulturist and homesteader Stephanie Hafferty will host The Makers Table with demonstrations across all three days. She said: “Edible flowers are not just about them looking pretty in salads. I'll be showing how you can preserve them to use in many recipes, and even crafts for children and adults.

“Pickling and preserving is a great skill to have. I’ll be explaining the dehydrating process and how you can make quick jams and pickles as well as infused oils and vinegars.

“Everyone can grow their own at home, it’s surprising how much you can grow on a windowsill. Homesteading is all about growing stuff and using it in many ways. It’s good fun, reduces the use of chemicals and makes you more sufficient.”

Stephanie will be joined on The Makers Table with other experts including Sarah Richardson of Leafy Couture who will demonstrate the art of floristry using homegrown flowers and plants.

The popular Northern Championships, hosted by the Northern branch of the National Vegetable Society, will again showcase produce grown on allotments, in gardens or by amateur clubs.

Dorothy Ambridge, secretary of the West Yorkshire District Association of the National Vegetable Society, said: “Most of our members enter the classes with high quality, in-season vegetables. There will be everything from cabbages, onions and leeks to lettuce, potatoes and peas.”

Dorothy has been a keen grower since childhood. “There is such pleasure in going out and picking fresh from a plant such as peas from the pod,” she said. “You can’t get fresher and it’s a real sense of achievement.”

Fruit show co-ordinator Hilary Dodson is expecting bumper entries across this year’s fruit classes. She said: “The pear crop this year has been amazing because of the warm and dry weather. I’m also hoping for large entries in dessert and cooking apples, plums and gages as well as in soft fruit and grapes. It’s been totally bountiful this year.”

There are two classes for head gardeners from some of Yorkshire’s well-known estates - a large basket of fruit for presentation and a fruit-inspired table centre. These classes are intended to showcase the produce of the estates where the gardeners work.

As well as individual classes, there is an allotment category where communal entries are encouraged comprising a plate of soft fruit and three other plates. Novices are also encouraged to enter the classes.

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Hilary, a keen fruit tree grower, added: “I’m absolutely delighted to see so many people growing good fruit. Like all growers, we are dependent on the weather but it’s important to look after your trees. Make sure you prune, thin and feed them for a good crop.”

Additional show highlights include the magnificent floral displays in the Grand Floral Pavilion,

the return of the popular Human Gardener and Grow Live! stages and stunning floral arrangements throughout Newby Hall’s magnificent Adam interiors.

Tickets are £23 per person available online from https://www.flowershow.org.uk/ until 2 September or £28 on the door. Admission includes access to Newby’s gardens which feature some of Europe’s biggest herbaceous flower borders, 15 stunning garden ‘rooms’ and family adventure garden. 

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Wildlife World is resuming all of its own distribution, order processing, invoicing and sales with immediate effect. 

You can place orders now via info@wildlifeworld.co.uk or via the trade website, with your account and payment options active as before.

The company wrote to its customers saying: “All products and pricing are loaded, and we are ready to take your order, delivered and invoiced by Wildlife World Ltd. We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause you.

“We have implemented a new trade price list for 2025/26 – with the majority of SKU’s seeing a price reduction of around 5% compared 2024/25 pricing.

"The trade website also has many delisted lines at 25% off last year’s pricing."

If you have any questions or queries, please speak with your account manager, email info@wildlifeworld.co.uk or phone 01666 505333.

Commenting on the appointment of Emma Reynolds MP as the new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - Fran Barnes, Horticultural Trades Association Chief Executive:

"I would like to congratulate and welcome Emma Reynolds on her appointment as the new Environment Secretary. We look forward to having the opportunity to ensure HTA members and the importance of environmental horticulture continue to be heard and valued at the heart of government. Together, we share the ambitions of the UK increasing green growth, achieving net zero and boosting our urban areas. 

"It is a challenging time, with many businesses hit hard by employment taxes, regulatory costs, weather, and ongoing uncertainty. I look forward to inviting Emma Reynolds and her team to visit our members to see how environmental horticulture businesses are delivering for the UK.  There is huge potential for green growth and a green infrastructure to deliver even more for the environment, our health and wellbeing and the economy.

“I would also like to thank Steve Reed for his time as Secretary of State for the Environment and look forward to working with him in his new role as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure that green spaces are at the heart of our communities.”

Branded Garden Products (BGP), owner of iconic gardening brands Thompson & Morgan and Suttons, has announced the appointment of Mark Burberry as B2B Director to strengthen the company’s retail and export strategy during an exciting period of growth.

In his new role, Burberry will be responsible for overseeing all BGP retail and export operations, with a clear focus on delivering excellence in the supply of seeds and quality plants to garden retailers. He will also be spearheading initiatives to improve the overall proposition to retailers including customer service, store support and campaigns to drive the sales of BGP’s extensive range of gardening products, including fertilisers and other hard goods. 

He brings more than 25 years of account management and leadership experience, and a track record for developing profitable business with major UK retailers on behalf of leading brands including Weber-Stephen, Keter and Akzo Nobel.

Burberry commented: “I’m really looking forward to bringing a fresh approach to these iconic brands and helping our retail and export partners realise value when selling to their customers. We will be strengthening our retail team by appointing a mix of area sales managers and merchandisers to ensure that our retail customers receive the best possible service and help drive the sales of seeds, plants, fertilisers and other hard goods.

I look forward to meeting existing customers and potential new stockists over the next few months to explore how we can collaborate to engage our consumers with the simple act of sowing seed.”

BGP CEO Chris Wright added: “Mark’s appointment is a significant step in reinforcing our commitment to our retail and export partners. His leadership will ensure we continue to deliver outstanding service and value, while preparing the business for the next phase of growth.”

The appointment signals BGP’s ongoing commitment to investing in talent, strengthening its supply chain, and supporting partners with outstanding service, quality, and product innovation.

Burberry’s appointment is the first in a series of key retail announcements from BGP.

A host of further team appointments and exciting product range developments are set to be unveiled around the GLEE trade show, 16-18 September, NEC Birmingham. Make sure to visit the BGP stand 9G74 on your way around the show.

With just three weeks to go, time is running out to book a place at the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) Horticulture, The Conference, taking place at the iconic Barbican Centre in London on Thursday, 25 September.

The event includes insightful discussions from key speakers and industry experts, a day of valuable networking opportunities and is followed by a celebratory dinner in the Barbican’s Garden Room, recognising excellence and innovation across UK horticulture with the HTA Grower of the Year Awards.

The recipient of the 2025 prestigious Pearson Memorial Award will also be announced. The medal, for outstanding service to the garden industry, has been awarded by the HTA annually since 1930, in memory of the HTA's first General Secretary, Charles Pearson.

The conference programme is packed with sessions addressing current industry topics, politics, investment and business leadership.

Horticulture, the Conference - Full Programme

Registration: 9am

Conference start: 9.45am

• What’s Shaping Our Industry? A Strategic Perspective: Josh McBain, a leading global foresight expert and founder & CEO of strategic intelligence consultancy Next Up, brings a wealth of experience in futures research and strategic analysis. His keynote session will explore the key global forces shaping the future of UK environmental horticulture – from economic forecasts and geopolitical dynamics to evolving consumer behaviours and breakthrough technologies.

• Making Sense of the UK’s Economic and Political Future: Economist and policy expert Dr Tim Leunig returns by popular demand to join Jennifer Pheasey, HTA’s Director of Public Affairs, in a compelling fireside chat. Together, they will explore the geopolitical forces shaping the UK horticulture sector, including the evolving landscape of international trade, climate policy challenges, and strategies to enhance the industry’s visibility and influence during uncertain times.

• Engaging Your Customer: from Insight to Action: Led by David Denny, HTA’s Director of Research and Insights. The session will bring together four expert speakers, each delivering a focused presentation on a key aspect of customer engagement – from data-driven insights to brand storytelling, real-world retail practice and industry-wide collaboration. Dave Denny will open the session with the latest findings from the HTA’s consumer insight programme, highlighting how evolving customer behaviours, AI tools, and market research can help businesses turn data into actionable strategies. Liz Dowling (Marketing Consultant & Career Coach) will be delving into the art of brand storytelling, Amy Stubbs (Managing Director, British Garden Centres) will share the story of growing the business from local to national, and Neil Grant (Managing Director, Ferndale Garden Centre & HTA Retail Committee Chair) will discuss how HTA members are driving retail innovation.

• Political Updates – speeches from across the political spectrum

• Member Investment & Successes: Facilitated by Will Armitage, HTA President, the panel will hear directly from HTA members who have made bold decisions during challenging times. Topics include technology upgrades and site redevelopment, and panellists, Dave Richardson (Forestart), Nigel Thompson (Sipcam Home & Garden) and Keith Nicholson (Westland Horticulture) will discuss the reasons behind their recent business investments, the methods they used, and the impact of these changes.

• Business Leaders and Business Efficiency: Facilitated by Jon Kay, Chief Presenter on BBC Breakfast. Today’s horticulture leaders need to strike a balance between resilience and reinvention, so panellists Alan Roper (Blue Diamond), Natalie Boynton (Happy Plants) and Colin Stephens (Evergreen Garden Care) will explore what makes a modern leader effective, from strategic thinking and infrastructure planning to people management and communication. Gain insights from those navigating growth and challenge with vision.

Closing address from HTA chairman James Barnes

Conference Finish: 4.25pm

Dinner

• HTA Grower of the Year Awards: The dinner will be a special celebration and presentation of the 2025 HTA Grower of the Year Awards.  These awards demonstrate the high-calibre of UK nurseries that lead the way in quality, levels of service, innovation and peat-free production and recognise young and upcoming talent that ensures our world-class industry can thrive in the future.

• After Dinner speaker - Jeremy Vine: Known for his sharp interviewing skills and engaging presentation style, Jeremy Vine will share his perspectives with industry professionals. He established his reputation as a smooth-talking but tough presenter on Newsnight. He now presents the lunchtime show on BBC Radio 2 and his own chat and magazine show on Channel 5.

Horticulture, The Conference is in partnership with: Glee, Citation, Troo, Towergate (HTA Insurance), Howden (HTA Healthcare), Lloyds, Evergreen Garden Care, Dura-ID Solutions, and The Horti House.

Don’t miss out – book your place by Friday, 12 September.

For more information, visit hta.org.uk/conference.

Sales skyrocketed this summer in the garden category, reveals new data released today from NIQ.

According to the latest data, garden watering products surged by 28% in value sales, as consumers fought to keep gardens thriving in the hot weather. Within this, sprinklers were the standout performer, with value sales up over 140% year-on-year. Peat free compost also climbed 14% as shoppers sought for sustainable gardening options. These categories provided significant growth in the gardening category overall.

Moreover, barbecue sales also flourished, with consumers making longer-term investments thanks to weeks of reliable sunshine. Gas and charcoal BBQs grew 8% in value, while the average spend on a gas BBQ was up 10% versus last year. Unlike 2024, when disposable BBQs dominated due to unpredictable weather, shoppers this year showed confidence in buying durable outdoor cooking equipment.

However, not all categories benefited from the sunshine. Pressure washers saw a -9% decline in value sales (volumes -7%), hit by exceptionally strong 2024 results and weather conditions less conducive to outdoor cleaning.

Anthony Creaby, Customer Success Manager at NIQ, said: “The weather so far this year has been extraordinary and for a number of categories this has provided the boost they very much needed after such a poor season of weather in 2024. Our data shows how quickly consumer demand responds to weather conditions and how critical these categories are in keeping the market resilient.”

The Horti House has unveiled its expanded Christmas 2025 collection which more than doubles its offer from last year with 69 products to pick and choose from as well as expanded marketing and merchandising support. Leveraging consumer insights, market data and expert product development for the UK consumer, the range combines two key themes; a Modern Classic Christmas and a Traditional Christmas theme. 

The range is designed to meet critical retail price points and gifting opportunities which ensures a cohesive seasonal strategy that drives strong margins.  “With our expanded range, focus on the UK market and a data-driven approach, we’re helping retailers deliver a profitable and stress-free Christmas” said Ed Hill, Founder of The Horti House.

With The Horti House’s mission of becoming a one-stop-shop, this year they will also be providing best in class imagery and labelling to better support the marketing and in store merchandising for garden centre customers.   Ed Hill went on to say, “From our experience marketing and merchandising support for plants is often an overlooked and under valued part of the overall offer.   With rising costs and pressures on retailers, we hope our support will be warmly welcomed and give more time back to garden centres to focus on supporting their customers”.  

Highlights of the 2025 Range

• Poinsettias: British-grown, available in white and red, with added-value options in ceramics and baskets. Sizes include 6cm, 13cm, and statement 17cm. 
• Modern Classic Christmas: Premium yet affordable planters featuring high-quality plants and handmade Portuguese pots.
• Traditional Christmas: Proven best-sellers such as Cyclamen baskets, Christmas Cacti, and Rose baskets in rustic and gold finishes.
• Festive Glassware: Expanded impulse gifting and premium glass products for differentiation.

For more information please visit www.thehortihouse.co.uk/collections/christmas

Choosing the perfect rose for a planting scheme has just become easier. Inspired by the timeless design of a Pantone colour guide, David Austin is proud to introduce the Pocket Handbook, a beautifully practical new tool created especially for garden designers, landscapers, and trade professionals.

This pocket-sized swatch book brings together over one hundred varieties of David Austin Roses, arranged around a rose-inspired colour wheel. Each slim card displays a rose image alongside essential details such as fragrance and growth habit, making it simple to match tones against companion plants, garden surfaces, and surrounding architecture. 

The guide highlights the natural pairing of upright, formal forms for structured areas and spreading, arching varieties for more relaxed plantings, enabling designers to build schemes with both elegance and ease.

Selected by the Professional Trade Team for their proven reliability, the roses featured represent the finest of David Austin’s collection. 

They are dependable bloomers, consistent in health, and remarkable in fragrance. Bloom size, repeat flowering, and suitability for different settings are all captured at a glance, turning the full palette of our roses into a practical, portable reference. Recyclable and durable, the Pocket Handbook is designed to withstand the realities of day-to-day design work.

“The handbook in your pocket. A beautifully simple idea that turns the full palette of our roses into a tool you can carry anywhere.” –  Liam Beddall, Head Rosarian at David Austin

Supporting Professional Gardeners

The Professional Trade Department at David Austin works closely with designers, landscapers, and trade customers, offering tailored advice, project costings, and planting guidance to support professional schemes. Their expertise helps ensure roses are not only beautiful but practical, long-lasting, and perfectly suited to each unique project.

Exclusive Launch

The Pocket Handbook will launch exclusively at the Professional Trade Services Open Week (w/c 8th September 2025). 

It is the first tool of its kind and is set to become an indispensable companion for designers who wish to work with the full spectrum of David Austin Roses in an intuitive and time-saving way.

Caragh Nurseries, a well-established, family-run plant nursery and a leading supplier of mature trees and shrubs across the UK and Ireland, has acquired Earlswood Garden & Landscape Centre, a Midlands-based plant nursery garden centre, and manufacturer and supplier of landscaping products.

The acquisition brings together two complementary businesses to create a group with broad geographical coverage across the UK and Ireland. 

By combining Caragh’s established plant nursery operations with Earlswood’s strong retail and B2B client base, the group will operate across the full value chain and be well positioned to increase its market share in both regions.

The acquisition was backed by Beechbrook Capital, a specialist lender to small and medium-sized businesses, which has completed a senior debt investment in Caragh Nurseries.

Caragh Nurseries is led by husband and wife team Ian and Jo McGarry (pictured above).

Jo McGarry, Caragh Shareholder and Head of Marketing, commented: “Beechbrook’s support has been instrumental in unlocking this next chapter for Caragh. With their backing, we’re well placed to grow our UK and Irish presence under two brands with strong local reputations, elevate group performance and enhance margins across the group via a range of strategic and operational endeavours.”

Richard Smart, Head of UK Investments at Beechbrook Capital, added: “Caragh is a high-quality business with an ambitious management team that have a clear growth strategy. We are delighted to support this acquisition and look forward to working alongside the team as they expand their footprint and realise the full potential of the combined group.”

Businesswoman, broadcaster, author and activist Mary Portas OBE will be speaking about retail at the Garden Centre Association’s (GCA) annual conference at Carden Park Chester on Tuesday, January 27 (January 25-28, 2026).

Mary made her name creating change and in 2024 she was awarded an OBE for her services to business, broadcasting and charity in the King’s New Year Honours’ list.

GCA Chairman Elect and Operations Director of Haskins Garden Centres, Ben Harrison, who is organising the conference with GCA CEO Peter Burks, explains: “Aged 30, Mary became a board member at Harvey Nichols before founding her own retail consultancy. She has since worked with some of the biggest names in global retail and we’re very excited she has agreed to be one of our keynote speakers for our 2026 conference. We’re also delighted that our associate member Evergreen Garden Care has very generously agreed to sponsor Mary for our event.

“Her BBC series – Mary Queen of Shops – premiered in 2007 and she has presented on television and radio for the BBC and Channel 4 ever since. In 2009, she partnered with Save The Children to reinvent charity shops. To date, the 26 Mary’s Living & Giving shops nationwide have raised more than £30 million for charity. She also conducted a review of the future for high streets for the British government in 2011.”

Mary is the author of three books: an autobiography Shop Girl (2015) and two non-fiction books - Work Like A Woman: A Manifesto (2018) which looks at the restructuring how we work for the future; and Rebuild: how to thrive in the new Kindness Economy (2021). The Kindness Economy podcast was #1 on the business chart.

Peter Burks, GCA CEO, says: “Our 2026 conference explores the theme of ‘Growing a Better Future’ with a focus on profitability, sustainability and innovation in the industry, so Mary will fit in brilliantly.”

As co-chair of the Better Business Act, Mary heads a coalition of businesses calling for a change in the law to ensure UK companies align their interests with those of wider society and the environment.

In addition to presenting two series of ‘Portas: On Style’ for BBC Radio 4, Mary is also a podcaster – in her latest series ‘Beautiful Misfits’ she interviews fellow changemakers taking the imaginative leap to create a better world.

Most recently, Mary took on the government with Kevin McCloud & Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall in The Great Climate Fight on CH4.

Peter adds: “To find out more and book tickets, please go to the conference pages on our website members’ section or via https://gca.digitickets.co.uk/. There is also a dedicated email conference@gca.org.uk for any queries anyone may have. If non-members would like to join us, so they can attend, please email info@gca.org.uk.”  

The GCA represents more than 200 garden centres nationwide.

Through sharing information and its inspection programme the GCA helps members to achieve high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability.

The 2026 GCA Conference takes place at Carden Park Chester from January 25 until 28.

For further information and to book tickets for the 2026 GCA Conference, please visit www.gca.org.uk.

Leading specialist design and business consultancy Pleydell Smithyman is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of collaboration with some of the UK’s most innovative and successful garden centres.

Since its founding in August 1995, the consultancy has worked closely with independent and family-run businesses to transform garden centres into thriving destinations. Combining strategic insight, creative design, and hands-on operational experience, Pleydell Smithyman has played a pivotal role in the sector’s evolution — from traditional plant retail to dynamic lifestyle destinations offering food, leisure, and community experiences.

“Garden centres have always been at the heart of our journey,” said Paul Pleydell, Founder and Director at Pleydell Smithyman. “We’re immensely proud to have supported so many businesses in realising their ambitions — whether through innovative design, business strategy, or guiding generational transitions.”

"This anniversary is not only a celebration of our story, but also a tribute to the incredible people and businesses we’ve been privileged to work with over the past three decades.”

Over the last 30 years, the multidisciplinary team at Pleydell Smithyman has delivered more than 3,000 projects across the UK and Ireland, receiving numerous awards for both design excellence and commercial success. Renowned for their sector expertise, the consultancy has helped garden centres, food retail, and rural businesses adapt to changing consumer trends — from sustainability and destination retailing to future-proofing strategies.

Looking ahead, Pleydell Smithyman remains committed to championing the garden centre industry, ensuring these businesses continue to flourish as vibrant, sustainable, and customer-focused destinations for generations to come.

Find them at Glee on 16th-18th of September on stand 11D80.

With just three weeks to go until the doors open on the 2025 edition of Glee, the UK’s leading garden, pet and outdoor living trade show, the garden retail sector is busy preparing to make the most of three action-packed days at the NEC Birmingham (16th – 18th September).

One of the easiest ways for both visitors and exhibitors to maximise their time at the show is by using the all-new Glee App – a smart, intuitive event tool designed to make every moment count.

A personalised experience for visitors

For visitors, the Glee App acts as a pocket-sized event assistant. From the moment they log in, the app curates a personalised experience, suggesting the most relevant exhibitors, sessions and products to match their interests. The full agenda is available at their fingertips, making it easy to build a tailored schedule, bookmark talks, and plan meetings with suppliers and peers. An interactive floorplan ensures simple navigation around the NEC, while in-app chat and contact export tools mean new connections don’t end when the show does.

A powerful tool for exhibitors

Exhibitors benefit from a platform built to boost engagement and streamline lead management. The app allows teams to view and coordinate meetings, respond to company messages in real time, and track every visitor interaction. Contacts and leads can be exported instantly for seamless follow-up, helping businesses convert interest into long-term relationships.

Smart, seamless, strategic

What sets the Glee App apart is its ability to adapt. Powered by Grip’s AI, it learns from each user’s behaviour to deliver more accurate recommendations and networking opportunities, ensuring no one misses the connections that matter most.

How to get started

Getting started with the Glee App is simple:

1. Register for your free Glee 2025 ticket – access to the app is exclusive to registered attendees.
2. Download the app on the App Store, Google Play, or via desktop.
3. Log in using your registration credentials – you’ll receive an email with instructions to set your password.
4. Start exploring – build your agenda, schedule meetings, and discover exhibitors before you even arrive at the NEC.

Find out more

Glee 2025 promises garden buyers an unrivalled opportunity to discover an exceptional mix of new, returning and long-standing exhibitors. From fresh innovation to trusted favourites, the show is the ultimate destination to explore the latest products, connect with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights into emerging trends. Make sure to mark your diaries for 16th – 18th September 2025 and be part of the event that continues to define the future of garden retail.

For more information or to register your interest in exhibiting, visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752

In May 2025, G Plants officially changed its name to Bees Seeds Limited, beginning the next exciting chapter in the company’s journey. Under the guidance of Carly Jackson, appointed Group Managing Director in July 2024, the business has embraced this rebrand as a bold step forward, aligning with its mission to inspire and support growers everywhere. 
 

Carly said: “As our strapline says, we’re buzzing about growing. For me, this rebrand is about making sure our products are truly accessible – no matter someone’s level of experience, the space they have available, or their budget. We’re developing a range where there’s something for everyone. 
 

"My passion is to spread the joy of growing, and Bees Seeds gives us the perfect platform to do that. With the creativity and energy of the team behind me, I’m proud to put my stamp on the business and excited to lead us into this new chapter – helping more people than ever connect with nature and experience the reward of growing.” 

Visitors to Glee can discover Bees Seeds’ new 2026 product range in the GIMA area and grab a goodie bag from the sales team: 

• Adam Pindus – National Account Manager 
• Andy Lewis – Regional Account Manager 
• Vicky Hunter – Customer Engagement Manager 

For more information, and to see everything Bees Seeds has to offer, please contact: sales@bees-seeds.com 

And keep an eye out for our new website launching soon: www.bees-seeds.com 

Altico Garden Products have been adding character and charm into UK gardens this season with their Stone Merchant British Wildlife & Nature Stepping Stones. Featuring eight exclusive designs across two themed collections, these beautifully crafted stepping stones are perfect for garden centres looking to offer customers something truly distinctive.

British Nature

Featuring four floral etched illustrations, the British Nature Stepping Stones add a unique natural feel to outdoor spaces. Built to last many gardening seasons, they will add character for years to come. The natural barley stone-effect finish provides a timeless look for each of the four beautiful stepping stone designs - Wildflower, Sunflower, Butterfly, and Bee.

British Wildlife

The British Wildlife Stepping Stones allows customers to bring a 'Wildlife Feel' into their gardens. Featuring four stunning depictions of British wildlife, these stepping stones add a unique and picturesque element to any garden. Built to withstand the elements, they ensure long-lasting beauty and functionality. The natural stone-effect finish provides a timeless look whether it is the Robin, Hedgehog, Hare, or Owl design. 

Landscaping Innovators

Combining durable materials with artistic detail, these stepping stones aren’t just decorative, they’re conversation pieces that invite customers to connect with nature in their own back gardens.

As the leading innovators for the landscaping category, Altico are proud to provide Garden Centres with quality solutions to make beautiful outdoor spaces. These solutions are not just good ideas, they are delivered in the best format for retail. This is why the British Nature and British Wildlife collections are available as a mixed pallet of four designs, allowing retailers to showcase variety while streamlining stock management. This also allows garden enthusiasts to buy a mix of the designs to create an enchanting walkway.

With designs exclusive to Altico, garden centres can confidently stand out with a range that celebrates conservation and creative landscaping.

The popularity of these collections has sparked range development for the 2026 season, which is set to be unveiled at the upcoming Glee exhibition thismonth. Come and see the Altico team at Glee Birmingham September 16th-18th 2025 (Stand 10F51–G50) who will be presenting the next phase of exciting natural paving innovations. Alternatively, you can contact the Altico team today about becoming a stockist - salesoffice@altico.co.uk.

GTN September 2025 – Bumper Glee Preview. In this issue: Westland Glee Preview Special, GTN’s Exclusive Interview with Alan Roper, AMES are back on track for 2026, Art in bone china from Museums & Galleries, Zest have awards winning flexibility, Vitavia are the smart choice, GTN’s 34 page Glee 2025 Show preview: Glee floor plan and where to meet Team GTN, What’s on at Glee 2025, Glee Exhibitor News – Latest products and services, Floral Thursday FUNdraising at Glee, Hozelock’s Solar Select watering system, Fandango Fire Tools light up Glee, GTN Planteria – Inspiration from Ball, PATS 2025, Are you up for change? Paul Pleydell viewpoint, HTA Viewpoint – Getting out and about, GIMA Viewpoint – The perfect time to reconnect.