Well-known giftware brand DCUK (The Original Wooden Duck Company) have unveiled a brand new line of hand-carved bamboo characters, designed to literally bring the beauty of the brand into the palms of their collectors. Standing at just a tiny 5cm in height, the new Diddy Dinky Ducks are half the size of the already small examples currently in their Dinky Duck Collection. 

The brand blurb states that they are "...as tall as a birthday candle and as petite as a strawberry. In fact, they're so tiny, you may need to use your imagination".

On an extremely limited release, official stockists and new customers alike are encouraged to express an interest online by midday today, via www.dcuk.link/diddy

To celebrate the opening of their new kitchen, bakery and extended food retailing area Thetford Garden Centre held a Celebration of Food on Friday evening, 28^th March 2025, which included the first ever “Unlimited Cake Club” event.

Over 90 tickets were sold for the event in The Lime Kiln Kitchen where attendees were greeted with a warm salad, either Chicken Ceaser or Roasted Vegetables, unlimited tea or coffee plus the highlight of the evening: unlimited visits to the cake counter.  At the counter they were served by Thetford’s new baker, Charlotte, who had baked all of the cakes on offer for the evening.

Lucy Nixon told GTN Xtra: “The tickets for tonight’s event are the fastest selling tickets for an event we’ve ever held.  I’m sure we could have sold double if we’d had room for them.”

Head of Food at Thetford, James, said “Our main aim for the evening is to showcase our new bakery with all our cakes now baked in house and an extended range.  This is part one of our food developments, later this year we will be adding a patisserie and then next year we will be baking and selling our own food products in the retail food area.”

See photos from the “Unlimited Cake Club “ event and a photo tour of the centre, the first garden centre in the UK to achieve B Corp status below

With news that Bloomin’ Amazing has departed the horticulture market, British brand RocketGro is able to step into the breach, with stock of its flagship Magic Mulch 50L ready to go, meeting the needs of retailers who are left with a gap in their offer for the season.

At a great wholesale price enabling a two-for-£12 retail offer, Magic Mulch sells all year round.

Endorsed by River Cottage and used to great effect across the culinary organisation’s farm – including in its iconic Kitchen Garden – RocketGro’s Magic Mulch offers a wealth of benefits for gardeners, including:

• Improving soil health
• Adding microbes
• Protecting plant roots
• Aerating & adding porosity
• Breaking down clay
• Suppressing weeds
• Attracting earthworms
• Retaining water
• Keeping slugs and snails at bay

Ideal for no-dig gardening, Magic Mulch is rich in bio-ready nutrients, Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc. Users simply need to spread it over their beds and borders, and let the organic goodness slowly feed their soil for 3 months. So, for those looking for a line to plug the gap left by Bloomin’ Amazing, Magic Mulch is the perfect match.

Retailers will not only benefit from the year-round sales opportunities this versatile product provides but can also take advantage of the rest of the RocketGro portfolio, including its popular Multi-Purpose Compost, which is now a number-one seller in hundreds of UK garden centres.

Browse RocketGro’s comprehensive range of organic, peat-free composts, which provides gardeners with a genuine, eco-friendly alternative to peat-based growing media thanks to an unmatched eco-story – which includes the recent addition of a brand-new CO2 capture plant on site.

A firm favourite with garden retailers – from independent garden centres to the likes of Crocus and Waitrose – and praised by River Cottage for delivering “fantastic results”, RocketGro’s outstanding collection of 26 products is great for the garden, the environment and addressing climate change… all whilst helping to keep your tills ringing.

Get in touch today to find out more about stocking Magic Mulch and other RocketGro lines to take your growing media up a notch.

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

Davidson Richards have announced that Wymondham and Aylsham Garden Centres have implemented its renowned OpSuite EPoS and retail management solution for their garden centres, coffee shop and restaurant.

Owners Brenda and Gary Groucott have been running garden centres for over twenty years and pride themselves in offering customer service through their experienced team and being a ‘proper’ garden centre that sells everything needed to create a beautiful garden.

Brenda Groucott said: "We are extremely happy with the service that Davidson Richards has provided and the whole team has been fantastic! As specialists for the sector, it’s almost as if they’ve done it all before! The transition from our previous system was seamless and we’re delighted to already see the benefits across the business. The information OpSuite’s reports provide are a real help day-to-day and for future planning."

Davidson Richards’ Co-CEO Keith Bateman added: "We are delighted to work in partnership with Brenda, Gary and everyone at the centres and want to say a big thank you to everyone for the amazing team effort!"

Swiss brand ALPEN offers a comprehensive range of garden tools that cater to both professional gardeners and home users.

The Gelbhorn series of manual pruning shears are lightweight and ergonomic, making them perfect for extended use without causing fatigue. Ensuring clean cuts on smaller branches and stems, the Gelbhorn 140 & 150 are ideal tools for precise pruning tasks.

For more demanding jobs, the Wildhorn 32 electric pruning shears provide efficient cutting power. These shears are cordless, offering the convenience of mobility and extended use without the hassle of cables.

The Wildhorn 40 electric pruning shears are designed for heavy-duty pruning tasks, offering a cutting diameter of up to 40mm. Featuring a high-speed steel (HSS) blade with a titanium coating, the Wildhorn 40 offers exceptional durability and clean cuts. For added versatility, the lightweight Wildhorn 40 extension pole extends up to 2.1 meters, allowing users to reach and prune high branches safely from the ground.

The Beverin 10 electric chainsaw is ideal for precision cutting, suitable for both professionals and home gardeners. With a blade length of 10 cm and a weight of only 1.15 kg, including the battery, it offers optimal comfort and control.

The Pilatus hedge shears are designed for trimming and shaping hedges with precision. Their robust construction and sharp blades make them a reliable choice for maintaining hedge aesthetics. Similarly, the Weisshorn loppers, are perfect for cutting through thicker branches, providing the strength and durability needed for tougher pruning jobs.

ALPEN also offers a range of saws, including the Bernina folding saw and Bernina curved saw, which are designed for efficient cutting of larger branches and logs. These saws are lightweight and easy to handle.

Order from Burton McCall Ltd 
T: 0116 234 4611
E: sales@burton-mccall.com

Following the success of four heartwarming and inspiring Front Garden Facelifts in 2024, David Domoney is back with ITV’s This Morning for the first live makeover of 2025. And once again, David has used the opportunity to inspire young people in horticulture, inviting students from Shuttleworth College to participate. 

In all five Front Garden Facelifts since March 2024, David has welcomed horticulture students from Sheffield College, the Lackham Campus of Wiltshire College and University Centre, Moulton College, Hadlow College, and now, Shuttleworth College. 

David has long championed encouraging young people to enter the horticulture industry and sees these live makeovers as a unique opportunity to inspire, educate, and showcase the valuable skills the next generation brings to the sector. By involving students hands-on, he hopes to plant the seeds of passion and confidence that will grow into lifelong careers.

David said: "Involving students in these makeovers gives them real-world experience and a sense of pride in their work. I’ve always believed in nurturing young talent through projects like my Young Gardeners of the Year. These opportunities help build confidence, practical skills, and a genuine love for horticulture—essential for growing the future of our industry."

RHS Course Lead at Shuttleworth College, Peter Lickorish, stated: “For me, a great opportunity like this embodies what we do at Shuttleworth, where we hope to transform people, giving them the chance to do something they wouldn’t normally do, taking up horticulture, either as a hobby or as an industry. And a day like today, where the students worked so hard under the pressure of time, TV, weather and more, just shows how resilient they are. They’ve really done us proud.”

David and his team of volunteers were live from Milton Keynes to transform the garden of Carole Kirton.

The transformation began live at 10am, as Dermot O’Leary and Josie Gibson introduced David knocking on Carole’s front door. What followed was a whirlwind day of digging, planting, painting, and celebrating.

Carole, 65, was nominated by her youngest daughter, Samantha, as a heartfelt thank you for years of love. Samantha was joined by her two older sisters, Linda and Lisa, for the emotional surprise.

After marrying her late husband Alan when they were just 16, Carole spent the last 18 years of Alan’s life as his dedicated carer, whilst he was living with Parkinson’s and dementia until his passing in July 2024. She now shares her home with her daughter Linda and loyal collie, Misty.

Over 5 million people in England and Wales identified as carers in the 2021 Census, with many, like Carole, caring for Alan, supporting loved ones with dementia, Parkinson’s, or other disabilities. Carers play an honourable and vital role, often providing emotional comfort, medication, mobility support, and help with daily routines.

Support came from all corners. Blue Diamond’s Frosts Garden Centre donated a beautiful range of plants and sent two expert staff to help bring the garden to life. Meanwhile, students from Shuttleworth College offered their time and skills, working closely with David throughout the day. 

When time was called on the makeover after less than 2 hours, David escorted Carole around her new front garden. The planting scheme was designed with heartfelt symbolism. Shades of blue in the wall planters paid tribute to her beloved husband, Alan, whilst the pink blooms of the statuesque Indian Hawthorn ‘Baby Pink’ were chosen to honour Carole’s late mother, June, who passed away in March 2024, whose favourite colour was pink. Carole was thrilled to see the front of her home and garage door freshly repainted, and a lovely bench with a heartfelt message from her daughters engraved on a plaque. 

David said: “These makeovers wouldn’t be possible without the help of our fantastic volunteers and contributors. I’d like to pass on my gratitude to Blue Diamond Garden Centres. Shuttleworth College from the Bedford College Group, Tillers Turf, Ames Tools, The Fun Blue Plaque Company, MBT Decorating, The Lazor Boutique, ITV Shop, Hippo Bags and Horwood House Hotel. It was an honour to create, alongside all these wonderful volunteers, a lovely garden for Carole, today was our way of giving something meaningful back to someone who has given so much to others.”

Carole’s garden makeover carries the powerful message that behind every front door is a story worth celebrating. This Morning is planning for David Domoney to do more Front Garden Facelifts, transforming front garden spaces into spaces to be proud of.

British Garden Centres has raised £20,000 in support of Garden Re-Leaf Day. Friday, March 21st, saw the UK’s largest family-run garden centre group organise various events in its 72 stores across the UK.  

Centres held many fun and exciting fundraising events, including raffles, cake sales, bingo nights, quizzes, fancy dress, tombolas, and “Naming” and “Guess the Number of” competitions, providing opportunities for customers to participate and raise money.

Wolseley Bridge held a book sale, Burford House and Charlbury cycled distances on an exercise bike.  Shipley Park hosted a treasure hunt and created a floral selfie box for customers, whilst a team from Ramsgate is doing Tough Mudder South, a gruelling 15km obstacle course in September. At Carr Gate, Leanne (Garden Centre Manager), Fay (Restaurant Manager), and Vikki (Restaurant Deputy Manager) did a 16-mile sponsored walk from the centre to Pugneys Country Park and back.

As well as centre events, a team made up of Ricky Towers (Group Restaurant Director), Libby Stubbs(Marketing & Communications Coordinator), Andy Matthews (Garden & BBQ Buyer), Alan Bright (Tring Centre Manager), Jamie Donaldson (Tring Supervisor), Georgina Trainer, (Roxton Restaurant Manager),Storm Moore (Stevenage Coffee Haven Team Member) and Sam Coxall (Stevenage Restaurant Manager) participated in the 25km Garden Re-Leaf walk from Tring Garden Centre, whilst a 25-mile bike ride was completed by Steve Descombe (Tring Department Manager) – his third time doing the fundraising event.

A team from British Garden Centres' head office, made up of Nick Maw (Copywriter and Online Coordinator), Eve Kerrigan (Content Creator), and Nicola Moore (Customer Service Advisor), brightened up St Andrew’s Hospice in Grimsby by planting hundreds of primroses and tidying the gardens for spring, creating a welcoming area for children and families.

Future fundraising efforts include Leeds organising a sponsored walk on Easter Sunday, Shannon Middleton from Louth tackling the Lincoln 10k run on April 6th, whilst Langlands is taking on the challenge of the Wolds Way, a 10.3-mile walk to Beverley on August 22nd.

The team at Harrogate is currently participating in a virtual walk spanning 650 miles to support Garden Re-Leaf, the distance you'd need to walk to visit all of Greenfingers’ hospice gardens.  So far, the team has completed 435 miles by walking on treadmills at the centre and during their spare time. They aim to finish the challenge by March 31st.

James Ducker, Events Manager at British Garden Centres, said:  "We are so proud that the entire British Garden Centres family has come together to fundraise on Garden Re-Leaf Day for Greenfingers Charity, which is celebrating 25 years of creating magical gardens for children in hospices across the UK. These gardens have touched millions of lives, and we are aiming to smash last year’s incredible £15,000 and continue supporting this amazing cause that gives so much to so many.”

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications, added: “Greenfingers extends heartfelt thanks to every British Garden Centres store and team member for their outstanding efforts during Garden Re-Leaf Day. We deeply appreciate the generosity of the centres, teams, and customers, whose contributions will help us create therapeutic green spaces where families can make cherished memories.”

GIMA has confirmed that Hillier, the UK’s fourth-largest garden centre chain, will be the featured retailer at the next Buyer Connect event, taking place on Tuesday, 17th June 2025.

Set against the backdrop of Hillier Botley Garden Centre in Southampton, this event is one of several Buyer Connects scheduled for 2025. Designed to foster valuable supplier-retailer relationships, these exclusive sessions provide GIMA members with the opportunity to expand their networks and accelerate business growth through direct engagement with influential retail buyers.

This Buyer Connect event will focus on sourcing new and innovative product ranges for Hillier’s 2026 portfolio. Known for its commitment to innovation and sustainability, Hillier has been a Planet Mark-certified business since 2018, actively working to reduce its carbon footprint and implement environmentally responsible practices.

Hillier’s buying team is particularly interested in fresh, unique product ideas, as well as seasonal ranges for Autumn/Winter 2025, giving suppliers multiple opportunities to present their latest innovations to one of the UK’s most respected garden centre chains.

GIMA Membership Ambassador, Tony Kersey, said: “This Buyer Connect event is an invaluable opportunity for GIMA members to showcase their latest products to one of the garden sector’s most established and forward-thinking retailers. Hillier’s dedication to quality, sustainability, and product development makes them a key retail partner. By providing direct access to decision-making buyers, GIMA continues to help members unlock new business opportunities and drive long-term growth.”

How to participate:

• Open to GIMA members and non-members: Each participating supplier will have a 25-minute appointment with the Hillier buying team. Additional slots can be booked for multiple product categories.
• Attendance limit: A maximum of two representatives per company per session.
• Cost: Free for GIMA members; £180 + VAT for non-members. No extra charges for multiple meetings.
• Application deadline: Friday, 9th May 2025. Interested suppliers must complete an application form and submit it to info@gima.org.uk. Suppliers with multiple product categories should submit separate applications for each range. All applications are subject to approval by the Hillier team and confirmed meeting times will be communicated by the GIMA team in due course. 

Find out more

For further information and to register your interest, please visit https://gima.org.uk/calendar-of-events/ or email the GIMA team directly via info@gima.org.uk

With no Government legislation on a Peat ban, no official guidance on Peat Free definitions and little funding, the RHS is having to introduce concessions at its world leading Flower Shows to support growers in their final stages of transitioning to 100% Peat Free up to 2028.The RHS had been striving to be Peat Free across all its operations in 2026.

Next year in 2026, an estimated 40% of nurseries exhibiting in the Floral Marquee at RHS Shows will be allowed to sell Peat Starter Plants, which started life grown in a small plug containing peat and were then grown on peat free. The decision is due to a complex horticultural supply chain where 60% of young plants, many grown in peat, are sourced from abroad and to help safeguard nurseries who are vital to maintain Britain’s extraordinary plant diversity.

However, the horticultural industry has made significant headway in transitioning to peat free and in 2026 all Show Gardens, Judged Floral Displays and Trade Stands at RHS Flower Shows will be No New Peat Plants (either 100% peat free plants or plants grown in an element of peat before Dec 2025).  The UK continues to lead the world in the transition to a peat free future.

RHS Director General, Clare Matterson CBE, says: “Every decision we make is about growing an environmentally sustainable industry and maintaining our position as world leader in peat free horticulture.

“However, without any Government legislation on banning peat, it’s not a level playing field for growers leading the charge and the RHS as a charity can’t steer this ship alone.  Despite the lack of legislation, we along with the industry, have made great headway, but it’s disappointing with so much effort, investment and trailblazing work we’ve had to make this decision today.

“Whilst some nurseries have excelled at going peat free, it would be damaging not to support the nurseries still making huge investment in their transition to be peat free. As the UK’s gardening charity, we need to support them, not punish them, for their efforts and through the final stages of changeover.    

“The more growers producing peat-free plants, the better for the planet.”The Government has still not defined what ‘peat-free’ means for consumers given there is old peat in the supply chain for plants that have been growing for several years.  To provide clarity for gardeners wanting to choose the best plants for the planet, the RHS has created its own definitions to help the public make informed choices:    

• No New Peat Plants – plants grown entirely peat free or older plants containing peat extracted before 31 December 2025
• Peat Starter Plants – plants which started their life in peat (as a plug plant or liner) but have since been grown peat free
• Peat Plants – grown in peat since 31st December  2025

In 2026, the RHS President’s Award for nurseries in the Great Pavilion at RHS Chelsea will only be open to growers who have transitioned to No New Peat Plants.  The RHS is looking at other ways to celebrate these growers.               

Over the last 12 years the RHS has spent 150,000 hours researching peat free growing and supporting the industry to transition. The charity has invested £2.5 million into peat free research, engaged over 850 nurseries in workshops and discussions, provided tailored advice for over 200 retailers and is undertaking major research projects with growing media manufacturers and ten commercial nurseries who produce circa 500 million plants each year.    

Clare finishes: “We need to save precious reserves in our peatlands to help with carbon storage and sequestration, help mitigate climate change and provide a home for nature. We’re an island here with no legislation on peat, little funding for research or knowledge transfer and not enough support for our voluntary peat-free ambitions, we need Government to step in and see UK horticulture continue to lead the way transitioning to become peat free.”    

The industry is reliant on the 60% of young plants – predominantly Peat Starter Plants - brought in from overseas, primarily Holland.  With no Government legislation on peat imports and complex supply chains, nurseries remain dependent on these lines as the UK transitions to Peat Free. To support sustainable growing and nurseries to make the important transition to peat free the RHS is calling for funding for research and development into technology and potting compost alternatives and clear legislation.    

The RHS’s five gardens at Bridgewater, Wisley, Rosemoor, Hyde Hall and Harlow Carr will all be No New Peat Plants only by June this year and the aim for its retail outlets is to be peat free by end of 2025, with major work being undertaken on supply chain challenges.  There will be no Peat Plants across RHS Operations from 2026.    

The RHS has been growing No New Peat within its own nurseries for the last two years and has been 98% Peat Free for nearly 25 years.

Glee has announced an important update to its inaugural nationwide roadshow. The first event will now take place on Thursday, 23rd April 2025, at Monkton Elm Garden Centre, Taunton, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

This roadshow is so much more than just a series of regional events - it is a dedicated platform for uncovering the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of garden retail. By diving deep into the regional landscape, attendees will gain real, tangible insights into the unique factors affecting their locality while also understanding how these issues fit within the broader national picture.

With a clear focus on practical solutions and knowledge sharing, the Glee Roadshow is an extension of Glee’s mission as a 365-day resource, supporting retailers in their long-term success. This isn’t just about attending an event; it’s about being part of an ongoing conversation that will shape the future of the industry.

What to expect at the roadshow

Attendees will enjoy a networking lunch with live food demonstrations before hearing from Glee Strategist Boyd Douglas-Davies and other industry experts. The event will also include:

• Regional market insights: A deep dive into local retail trends, challenges, and growth opportunities.
• Interactive fishbowl panel: “Navigating Budget Cuts: How Garden Centres Are Planning for Growth” – an open forum for retailers to share experiences and discuss financial strategies.
• Hands-on workshop: “How to Be the Heart of the Community: Creating a Destination, Not Just a Store” – a practical session exploring ways to enhance customer engagement and increase footfall.
• Collaborative discussion & idea sharing: delegates will work together to explore new strategies, with the key findings shaping future industry conversations.

The insights gathered from these sessions won’t just end here - Glee in September will take these discussions even further, offering in-depth analysis on how today’s challenges and opportunities will drive change in 2026 and beyond.

Glee Roadshow expansion

Following its launch in the Southwest, the Glee Roadshow will expand to two additional UK locations, with dates and venues to be announced soon. Each event will offer tailored content specific to the region, ensuring garden retailers gain actionable insights relevant to their local market.

How to join the Glee Roadshow

Attendance is free, but spaces are limited. Early registration is encouraged to secure a place at the first event. To register your interest and stay updated, please visit www.gleebirmingham.com/roadshow

Find out more

Glee connects the garden industry to inspire change, drive growth, and promote innovation. To find out more or to register your interest in exhibiting at the 2025 edition, which will take place 16th – 18th September at the NEC, please visit www.gleebirmingham.com or call +44 (0)203 3545 9752.

Alexander Mackie Associates has announced the sale of Chard Garden Centre located in Cuttifords Door, Chard, Somerset. TA20 3AA. The company handled the sale on behalf of clients, Neil and Carol Cline.

The new owners Carl McDermott and Gill Vigus have issued the following statement:

"Chard Plant & Garden Centre: A New Chapter Begins

"Chard Plant & Garden Centre are happy to announce the transition from Chard Garden Centre to Chard Plant & Garden Centre, a name that reflects our ongoing commitment to quality plants, expert gardening advice, and exceptional service.

"As a proudly independent garden centre, we want to honour the incredible legacy built by Neil and Carol Cline, who, alongside their dedicated team, have created a much-loved destination for gardeners and visitors alike. Their passion, expertise, and hard work have made a lasting impact, and we are proud to build upon everything they have achieved: made possible with the support of Alexander Mackie Associates, who facilitated the process and helped ensure a smooth handover.

"Part of that legacy is The Potting Shed Café, a welcoming haven renowned for its friendly atmosphere and delicious offerings. The café’s wonderful team, affectionately known as The Pink Ladies, have built an outstanding reputation for warm hospitality, and we are excited to see this cherished part of the garden centre continue to flourish.

"While our name may be evolving, the heart of what makes this place special remains the same. As an independent business, we remain dedicated to offering expert advice, high-quality plants, and a personal touch you won’t find elsewhere.

"Thank you for your continued support, we look forward to growing together at Chard Plant & Garden Centre."

Pictured: The new owners Carl McDermott and Gill Vigus taking the keys from Neil and Carol Cline.

The annual GIMA Day conference, held on March 25th, brought together industry professionals to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in garden retail. The event focused on AI’s principles and its potential to drive business growth, improve efficiencies, and enhance strategic decision-making.

The day began with an insightful session from Reza Yaghoubi of Manchester Metropolitan University, who is currently collaborating with Zest Outdoor Living through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership. Reza shared how this partnership has enabled Zest to integrate AI into its strategic marketing, helping the business refine its decision-making, improve time efficiencies, and plans for the future. His session highlighted AI’s ability to assist with market research, offering valuable insights into industry trends, competitor analysis, consumer behaviour, and macroeconomic factors. He also discussed machine learning and how AI-driven product profile management can enhance data analysis, providing businesses with faster and more actionable insights.

The second speaker, Edwin Meijer from Green Solutions, provided a balanced perspective on AI, outlining both its opportunities and challenges. He emphasised that while AI is a powerful tool, it is only as effective as the quality of input it receives, reinforcing the importance of well-structured prompts and data. Edwin explored various applications of AI, including image generation, podcasts, and prospecting, as well as highlighting how AI can analyse online reviews, sentiment, and comments to generate actionable insights. He also clarified the distinction between AI tools and AI agents, helping delegates better understand their capabilities. To ensure a well-rounded discussion, Edwin also addressed the ethical considerations of AI, covering topics such as fake news, data security, and responsible AI usage.

Up next was Robert Patton from Empathy at PlantWorks, who brought an early adopter’s perspective, passionately advocating for AI’s value in business. Robert provided a brief history of AI and the different model types, including LLMs, generative AI, and agentic AI, but primarily focused on its real-world application within PlantWorks. He detailed how AI is being used across the business’ marketing, management, accounts and ‘science’. One of the standout moments was his deep dive into its in-house AI system, “Ask Emily - Your Gardening Assistant” and the ease in which podcasts can be created based on existing written and video content – together two elements that made delegates sit up and notice!

The afternoon featured a thought-provoking AI and Intellectual Property session led by the team from ACID (Anti Copying in Design), alongside Intellectual Property legal experts. Together they explored how AI is challenging traditional IP laws, the legal grey areas surrounding the use of AI-generated content, and how businesses can safeguard their intellectual property. The session provided invaluable practical tips on protecting creative assets in an AI-driven landscape.

Following this, the AI in Action panel debate took place, where Dave Harker (Fothergills), Jonathan Stobart (Smart Garden), and Stuart Whalley (Woodlodge) discussed how AI is already being integrated into their businesses. Their insights highlighted key synergies and similarities, with a strong focus on productivity, translation tools, meeting summaries, website enhancements, product design, and administrative efficiencies.

There is no question that the information shared ignited a spark amongst delegates. One attendee, Ian Riggs from Cocogreen said: ““A collective “Road to Damascus” epiphany moment, as the impact of AI was explained, a most impactful conference, that WILL change businesses”.

The headline speaker, Alan Roper from Blue Diamond, closed the conference with a highly anticipated and engaging session. Offering a transparent, insightful, and often humorous look into Blue Diamond’s success, Alan shared financial insights and core business principles that have made the company one of the UK’s leading and most profitable garden centre chains. He covered key strategies such as the “snowball of profit,” and the importance of building roles around people rather than fitting people into roles. A standout concept was his discussion of “emotion per square metre” being just as vital as profit per square metre, underlining the importance of customer experience in retail success. He also outlined Blue Diamond’s key business pillars, providing invaluable insights for those looking to align their businesses with Blue Diamond’s approach.

The day also provided opportunities for GIMA partners to share updates. This included Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers, who took the stage to thank supporters of the charity and shared exciting plans for the summer, including the Dragon Boat Race and the Floral Ball. Matthew Mein, Event Director at Glee, outlined the 2025 and 2026 plans for the garden retail trade show, offering key insights into the future direction of the event. Boyd Douglas Davies then discussed the National Garden Scheme, which will celebrate its centennial year in 2027. He highlighted brand licensing opportunities and the potential for growth within garden centres, as consumer interest in garden-related products is expected to surge in celebration of this milestone.

Speaking about the Day Conference, GIMA Director, Vicky Nuttall said: “It’s safe to say that we’re thrilled with the positive feedback we’ve received regarding our Day Conference. Our goal has always been to empower our members to fully embrace AI, not just to streamline processes and improve efficiency, but to drive meaningful, long-term sustainability across the supply chain. The opportunities in our industry are vast, and by leveraging AI effectively, we can create smarter, more resilient systems for the future. A huge thank you to our incredible speakers for their valuable insights and for sparking such important discussions!"

Find out more

For further information about GIMA and the benefits membership brings visit www.gima.org.uk or contact the GIMA office on 01959 564947 or email info@gima.org.uk

SOLEX is in Top Gear this year, bringing you a British Grand Prix F1 Themed Afterparty and Awards evening on Tuesday 8 July at The Vox, NEC, Birmingham.

To drive up the excitement and to coincide with the Formula 1 British Grand Prix Weekend, which takes place between 4-6 July at Silverstone, SOLEX has raced to bring you a fantastic night of celebration and networking. 

In pole position and live on stage this year we will be joined by David "Crofty" Croft, Sky Sports F1 Lead Commentator, famed for his passion and enthusiasm, who will share some exclusive insights and talk about all things F1. 

The evening begins with a welcome drink and slipstreams into a hot food buffet. 

Guests can look forward to not only the prestigious SOLEX awards but also to the high octane F1 atmosphere where you can put the pedal to the metal and test your skills on our F1 race simulators,  as the evening pits business with pleasure, bringing together visitors and exhibitors in the outdoor living industry. 

So, it’s lights out and away we go! 

BOOK YOUR PLACE TODAY WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR SOLEX AT WHAT IS GOING TO BE A FANTASTIC QUALIFYING EVENING.

The GIMA Annual General Meeting saw the association welcome new members and re-elect others, whilst also celebrating another year of growth, standing the organisation in good stead as it navigates 2025 and beyond.

Sarah Hill, Managing Director of Meadow View Stone and Nigel Thompson from Sipcam Home & Garden joined the Council as full members, while votes from members confirmed the re-election of Jenny Douthwaite from Primeur.

Capi’s Kate Ebbens, re-elected for a second consecutive term as GIMA President, addressed attendees, expressing her thanks for their input, passion, and dedication. “I want to thank all the nominees for stepping forward to join the Council, especially Jenny, Nigel, and Sarah – congratulations! Your enthusiasm and commitment to supporting the association will be invaluable.

“I am honoured to have been nominated for a second year, and I’m excited to share my objectives for the year ahead. My focus will be on ensuring that all members and associates fully understand the benefits GIMA offers, while encouraging greater participation across the board. I also plan to help members build stronger connections with retailers, particularly in light of the economic challenges we face. Alongside Vicky and the team, I’m committed to fostering the continued growth of the association with the ongoing support of our Council members. Above all, I will continue to champion the five key pillars of GIMA: saving, connecting, promoting, representing, and supporting.”

During the AGM, GIMA Treasurer, DLF’s Guy Jenkins, provided an update on the association’s financial standing, reporting a small profit for 2024. He attributed this positive financial performance to the continued success of the GIMA Awards, as well as the continued growth of GIMA membership. “I am pleased to confirm that GIMA remains in a strong position,” said Guy. “The team has worked hard to enhance the association’s value for members and non-members alike, with a full calendar of events and support packages that ensure value for money and tangible benefits.”

Meet the GIMA Council

Working closely with the GIMA team headed up by Vicky Nuttall, GIMA Director, and supported by Tony Kersey as GIMA Membership Ambassador, the full GIMA Council for 2025/2026 will be made up of the following representatives:

• Kate Ebbens of Capi Europe – President
• Craig Hall, Deco-Pak – Vice President
• Guy Jenkins, DLF – Honorary Treasurer
• Mark Butler, Vitax - Honorary Secretary
• Jenny Douthwaite, Primeur
• Chris Ramsden, Hozelock
• Sarah Hill – Meadow View Stone
• Dan Durston, Durston Garden Products
• David Nicholson, Elho
• Edd Cantle, Gardena
• Simon Davison, Zest Outdoor Living
• Nigel Thompson, Sipcam Home & Garden

Find out more

Membership of GIMA is open to all manufacturers and suppliers of products to the garden retail sector, with a UK or EU base.

For further information about GIMA and the benefits membership brings, visit www.gima.org.uk or contact the GIMA office on 01959 564947 or email info@gima.org.uk

Melcourt SylvaGrow Tub & Basket has been recognised as a Which? Best Buy. This marks the 23rd time a Melcourt product has received this independent endorsement, reaffirming the company’s commitment to sustainability, product excellence, and professional-grade results.

Which? is the UK’s consumer champion, a not-for-profit organisation that tests thousands of products each year to help consumers make informed decisions. A Which? Best Buy is only awarded to products that meet high standards of quality and performance following rigorous testing.

Designed specifically for hanging baskets, tubs, and containers, and based on a blend of fine bark, wood fibre and coir used widely throughout the UK, SylvaGrow Tub & Basket is a high performance, 100% peat-free growing medium that offers:

• Outstanding water retention to keep plants thriving.
• Long-lasting nutrient supply for vibrant, healthy growth for the first 4-6 weeks
• Responsibly sourced materials, making it an eco-friendly choice
• A blend that’s perfect for bedding plants, herbs, tomatoes, strawberries, peppers and other fruits.

Having already been endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and audited by the Responsible Sourcing Scheme, this Which? Best Buy endorsement further enhances the reputation of this unique blend.

Nikki Burton, Managing Director at Melcourt, said: "As pioneers of peat-free horticulture, we’ve spent more than four decades refining our products to ensure they outperform traditional alternatives. Receiving a Which? Best Buy endorsement for the 23rd time further reinforces our dedication to providing gardeners and professionals with high-quality, sustainable growing media."

Gardeners should look out for the Which? Best Buy sticker on SylvaGrow Tub & Basket point of sale displays in garden centres and stockists across the UK – https://melcourt.co.uk/where-to-buy/

The Greenfingers Charity has announced the generous support it has recently received from Kaemingk, the international decoration supplier. Sander Teunissen of Kaemingk travelled all the way from the Netherlands to take part in the South Garden Re-Leaf Sponsored Walk in the Hertfordshire on Friday, 21st March. His participation was further bolstered by an incredible £2,025 donation from Kaemingk – a symbolic nod to Greenfingers’ 25th anniversary this year.

Kaemingk is a well-established name in the garden retail industry, particularly renowned for its Christmas ranges. However, in recent years, the company has been expanding its Spring-Summer collections, offering an extensive selection of over 6,500 products. With its 2026 showroom set to open soon, Kaemingk is keen to utilise its growing presence to support the Greenfingers Charity as it celebrates a quarter century of fundraising success.

Explaining Kaemingk’s motivation for supporting Greenfingers, Sander Teunissen said: “For us at Kaemingk, the decision to support Greenfingers Charity was an easy one. This incredible organisation has become the heart of the garden industry’s charitable efforts, and it only feels natural for us to align ourselves with such a meaningful cause. But beyond that, it is the work that Greenfingers does that truly moves us. To provide children facing unimaginable challenges with a space where they can laugh, play, and find peace is something truly special. These gardens aren’t just outdoor spaces – they are places of healing, love, and memory-making for children, their families, and hospice staff. We are honoured to contribute to this mission this Garden Re-Leaf Day.”

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising & Communications at Greenfingers Charity, added: “We are delighted that Kaemingk has chosen to support us this Garden Re-Leaf Day. Sander’s dedication in travelling from the Netherlands for our sponsored walk speaks volumes about their commitment to our cause. Their generous donation will also play a vital role in helping us continue our work - creating magical gardens for children in hospices and providing much-needed moments of joy for them and their families."

Find out more

To find out more about Greenfingers Charity, and how to get involved in a range of fundraising events please visit www.greenfingerscharity.org.uk. You can also join in the conversation by joining Greenfingers on social media - https://www.facebook.com/Greenfingerscharity/, @GreenfingersCha on Twitter, and @Greenfingerscharity on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

To learn more about Kaemingk please visit www.kaemingk.com.

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre has raised £1,103 at a Quiz & Curry Night in support of Greenfingers charity. An impressive £513 of this total came purely from the half-time raffle.

Retail & Event Manager, Mathew Lewis, expressed his gratitude, stating, "We're pleased to have raised this fantastic total and want to say a huge thank you to our local community for coming along and helping us raise such a significant amount for an amazing cause. Your support truly makes a difference."

The event was a huge success, with over 120 attendees enjoying an evening of trivia, delicious curry, and fundraising fun. The generous support from customers who participated in the quiz, purchased raffle tickets, and donated to the cause was key to reaching this fantasti

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre is always looking for ways to support important causes through fundraising events. With more charity events in the pipeline, keep an eye on their website and social media for upcoming announcements.

For more information about The Old Railway Line Garden Centre and upcoming events, please call 01497 847055 or visit www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk.

As Hillmount celebrates 85 years in business, the Mercer family has been honoured with the Business Success Award at the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Business Awards 2025.

The fourth generation, family owned, garden lifestyle business, has a longstanding association with these awards, which celebrate excellence in the Lisburn and Castlereagh area.

Hillmount won Best Family Business at the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Business Awards in 2018 and Business of the Year at the inaugural Castlereagh Borough Council Awards in 2014.

Expressing his gratitude at receiving the Business Success Award, Alan Mercer, managing director of Hillmount, said: “We are filled with pride to win the Business Success Award. As our family celebrates 85 years of supporting our loyal customers in the Lisburn and Castlereagh area this year, this award reinforces our commitment to growing and sustaining our business for our customers, our staff and future generations. We appreciate everyone who chooses to visit Hillmount as they are contributing to our success each and every day.”

Hillmount also received a Highly Commended award for Excellence in Customer Service which Alan attributes to the dedicated staff. He added: “I’m thrilled that our dedicated and hardworking staff have been awarded highly commended for Excellence in Customer Service. This recognition from a shortlist of eight finalists reflects their commitment to ensuring every customer enjoys their shopping experience at Hillmount and highlights the invaluable impact they have on our business.”

Hillmount was named finalist in the Best Family Business category. Robin Mercer BEM was a finalist for Business Person of the Year, an award he previously won in 2020, and The Gardener’s Rest at Hillmount was named as a finalist in the Best Eating Establishment category, an award which was previously won by the café in 2018.

Established by Hill Mercer in 1940, Hillmount is operating in five prime locations – Ards, Bangor, Belfast, Carrick and Cheshire – by Hill’s grandson Robin, wife Edith and their sons Alan, David and Andrew.

Find Hillmount at www.hillmount.co.uk and follow the business on social media.

Following the success of four heartwarming and inspiring Front Garden Facelifts in 2024, David Domoney is back with ITV’s This Morning for the first live makeover of 2025. And once again, David has used the opportunity to inspire young people in horticulture, inviting students from Shuttleworth College to participate.

In all five Front Garden Facelifts since March 2024, David has welcomed horticulture students from Sheffield College, the Lackham Campus of Wiltshire College and University Centre, Moulton College, Hadlow College, and now, Shuttleworth College.

David has long championed encouraging young people to enter the horticulture industry and sees these live makeovers as a unique opportunity to inspire, educate, and showcase the valuable skills the next generation brings to the sector. By involving students hands-on, he hopes to plant the seeds of passion and confidence that will grow into lifelong careers.

David said:"Involving students in these makeovers gives them real-world experience and a sense of pride in their work. I’ve always believed in nurturing young talent through projects like my Young Gardeners of the Year. These opportunities help build confidence, practical skills, and a genuine love for horticulture—essential for growing the future of our industry."

RHS Course Lead at Shuttleworth College, Peter Lickorish, stated: “For me, a great opportunity like this embodies what we do at Shuttleworth, where we hope to transform people, giving them the chance to do something they wouldn’t normally do, taking up horticulture, either as a hobby or as an industry. And a day like today, where the students worked so hard under the pressure of time, TV, weather and more, just shows how resilient they are. They’ve really done us proud.”

David and his team of volunteers were live from Milton Keynes to transform the garden of Carole Kirton.

The transformation began live at 10am, as Dermot O’Leary and Josie Gibson introduced David knocking on Carole’s front door. What followed was a whirlwind day of digging, planting, painting, and celebrating.

Carole, 65, was nominated by her youngest daughter, Samantha, as a heartfelt thank you for years of love. Samantha was joined by her two older sisters, Linda and Lisa, for the emotional surprise.

After marrying her late husband Alan when they were just 16, Carole spent the last 18 years of Alan’s life as his dedicated carer, whilst he was living with Parkinson’s and dementia until his passing in July 2024. She now shares her home with her daughter Linda and loyal collie, Misty.

Over 5 million people in England and Wales identified as carers in the 2021 Census, with many, like Carole, caring for Alan, supporting loved ones with dementia, Parkinson’s, or other disabilities. Carers play an honourable and vital role, often providing emotional comfort, medication, mobility support, and help with daily routines.

Support came from all corners. Blue Diamond’s Frosts Garden Centre donated a beautiful range of plants and sent two expert staff to help bring the garden to life. Meanwhile, students from Shuttleworth College offered their time and skills, working closely with David throughout the day.

When time was called on the makeover after less than 2 hours, David escorted Carole around her new front garden. The planting scheme was designed with heartfelt symbolism. Shades of blue in the wall planters paid tribute to her beloved husband, Alan, whilst the pink blooms of the statuesque Indian Hawthorn ‘Baby Pink’ were chosen to honour Carole’s late mother, June, who passed away in March 2024, whose favourite colour was pink. Carole was thrilled to see the front of her home and garage door freshly repainted, and a lovely bench with a heartfelt message from her daughters engraved on a plaque.

David said: “These makeovers wouldn’t be possible without the help of our fantastic volunteers and contributors. I’d like to pass on my gratitude to Blue Diamond Garden Centres. Shuttleworth College from the Bedford College Group, Tillers Turf, Ames Tools, The Fun Blue Plaque Company, MBT Decorating, The Lazor Boutique, ITV Shop, Hippo Bags and Horwood House Hotel. It was an honour to create, alongside all these wonderful volunteers, a lovely garden for Carole, today was our way of giving something meaningful back to someone who has given so much to others.”

Carole’s garden makeover carries the powerful message that behind every front door is a story worth celebrating. This Morning is planning for David Domoney to do more Front Garden Facelifts, transforming front garden spaces into spaces to be proud of.

Burgon & Ball is unveiling a major RHS-endorsed tool range that marks a revolution in gardening tools, one which presents a truly unique and compelling proposition: BoronGreen.

The patent-pending BoronGreen range offers the strength and durability of boron steel, together with sound sustainability credentials including 80% recycled steel. It’s believed that this combination marks a first in UK garden tools.

The addition of the element boron to carbon steel creates a new level of performance. This composition of steel has long been used in the automotive and agricultural sectors to deliver stronger structural components and longer-lasting wear parts. And now, in gardening tools, boron steel offers performance above and beyond that of a like-for-like tool in carbon steel.

And advanced performance isn’t BoronGreen’s sole attraction. The range also holds great appeal for today’s environmentally-aware consumer, thanks to Burgon & Ball’s ambitious sustainability targets.

Uniquely, the steel used in the tool heads is 80 per cent recycled, believed to be a first in UK gardening tools. In addition, the handles and shafts are crafted in FSC-certified white ash wood, sourced from sustainably managed forests.

All this is combined with Burgon & Ball’s hallmark considered design. There’s a tough powder coating in olive green to protect the steel, and a visible sharpened edge on spade, trowel, etc. The FSC-certified white ash is selected for its strength and shock-absorbing properties, and the grip is carefully thermo-treated for increased durability and moisture resistance.

The comprehensive BoronGreen range consists of 17 top-selling items across large tools and hand tools. All tools in the range carry a 25-year guarantee. The new tools join Burgon & Ball’s flagship collection of RHS-endorsed tools, the only garden tools to carry endorsement from the Royal Horticultural Society.

With RRPs ranging from just £8.99 up to £32.99, the new BoronGreen range offers accessible pricing, coupled with superior benefits over traditional carbon tools. Add in its advanced environmental credentials, and BoronGreen gives retailers something truly unique to offer their shoppers: a true revolution in gardening tools.

BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Arit Anderson and internationally renowned daffodil breeder Ron Scamp were among 19 recipients of the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) People Awards.

Anderson was one of six recipients of the Veitch Memorial Award for her outstanding contribution to the science and practice of horticulture. An acclaimed garden designer, landscape architect, and passionate advocate for sustainable horticulture, Arit’s work spans hospital gardens, community spaces, and major public projects, all with a strong focus on climate resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable materials. Her fellow recipients included Dr Charlotte Allender whose stewardship of the UK Vegetable Genebank has been vital in preserving crop diversity for future generations and Maïté Delmas whose impact spans policy, research, and education, shaping international biodiversity strategies and mentoring future generations of horticulturists.

Scamp was one of six to receive one of the RHS’ highest two honours: the Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH) and the Elizabeth Medal of Honour (EMH), which recognise exceptional contributions to horticulture and gardening. At any time, only 63 VMHs and 70 EMHs are held, reflecting the lengths of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II’s reigns.

Recipients of the Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH):

• Ron Scamp - internationally renowned for breeding, growing and saving daffodils, his own collection in Cornwall holds around 2000 varieties.
• Sarah Cook – for her work reintroducing the celebrated bearded irises bred by Cedric Morris as well as the Tulipa sprengeri, now extinct in the wild.
• Martyn Rix - an exceptional plantsman whose popular Garden Plant Series titles has sold more than four million copies worldwide and who has led extensive botanical explorations around the globe.

Recipients of the Elizabeth Medal of Honour (EMH):

• Sir Nicholas Bacon – former RHS President, a passionate horticulturist, conservationist and leader who has established an arboretum, a wildflower meadow, and a renowned snowdrop collection at his family home, Raveningham Hall and Gardens, Norfolk
• Dr Clare Hermans – alongside a successful career as a GP, Clare developed a love of tropical and hardy orchids and became the first female Chair of the RHS Orchid Committee.
• John Sonnier - Head Gardener at the British ambassador’s residence in Washington D.C, John is custodian of a large collection of historical orchids at the Embassy, which were almost lost during the Second World War.

The 2025 People Awards mean that for the first time in living memory there are now two married couples in which both husband and wife hold a VMH or EMH. Sarah Cook’s husband, Jim Marshall, received the VMH two years ago for his long and distinguished service to horticulture, while Dr Clare Hermans’ husband, Johan Hermans, received the VMH in 2016 for his own work on orchids.

The awards ceremony was held in London at the Lindley Hall on the afternoon of Tuesday 25th March. The annual RHS People Awards celebrate the dedication, achievements, and hard work of individuals in horticulture through eight distinguished honours and are open to everyone to make a nomination. This year’s nominations will open on 1st June 2025. All nominations are assessed by experienced horticulturists from across the industry. The strongest applications are then assessed by the RHS Horticulture and Sustainability Board and the RHS Council.

Tim Upson, RHS Director of Gardens and Horticulture, said: “Congratulations to all the recipients of this year’s RHS People Awards. These honours acknowledge the extraordinary passion, dedication, and expertise of those who have made a real difference to horticulture. This year’s recipients have not only enriched gardens and communities but have also contributed to the future of horticulture through conservation, education, and sustainable practices around the world.”

For more information on the RHS People Awards and all of this year’s recipients visit:https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-us/our-people/rhs-awards

The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation has announced this year’s winners of The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation Scholarships. With competition for these awards increasing year on year, selecting the best students form the numerous applications is always difficult. 

Colegrave Seabrook Foundation Chair, Jeff Colegrave, said: "The task of selecting scholarship winners seems to become harder each year and we are always sorry that we do not have the funds to support more students. This year the quality of the applicants was particularly high, so we are very grateful to all our sponsors who, between them, have made it possible for us to support 16 students. We received applications from numerous different colleges and universities and from students studying a range of different courses. We feel confident that all these students will go on to pursue a career in horticulture and contribute to this vibrant and important industry. We wish them well as they begin their horticultural journey.”

The final scholarships awards for the 2025 season, totalling almost £25,000, were made to:

British Ornamentals Association Scholarship:
Sam Evans, Pershore College

John Gibson Environmental Scholarship:
Jenny Campbell, CAFRE

Smart Garden Products Scholarship:
Tammy French, SRUC & RBGE
Sandy Carney, CAFRE
Emmeline Yourston, Pershore College
Harley Lord, SRUC & RBGE
Nicole Harding, Pershore College
Gerard Curry, CAFRE

Colegrave Seabrook Foundation/RHS Bursary:
Joe Hudson, Merrist Wood College
Kate Cobley, Coleg Sir Gar
Laura Wileman, BEST in Horticulture
Olivia Lockyear, Eden Project

Ball Colegrave Scholarship:
Rebecca Gilroy, CAFRE

Wyevale Nurseries Scholarship:
Daryl Young, CAFRE

Trip Bursary:
Beth Davidson, Capel Manor

Peter Seabrook Honorary Award (awarded to a younger student at the very start of his horticultural studies):
Daniel Miles-Ronson, Cirencester College

Congratulations to all the students who have been awarded scholarships this year.

Further information about the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation and the scholarships that are offered through them can be found on their website Home - Colegrave Seabrook Foundation or by contacting Nicci Gow, the administrator for the Foundation on info@colegraveseabrookfoundation.org.uk

Bradford-based Yorkshire Garden Centres has announced that Martin House Children's Hospice will be its Charity of the Year for 2025, ten years after its first site at Tong supported the Wetherby based registered charity.

Through a series of fund-raising events, collection boxes at the tills and a new ‘Pennies' initiative, the teams at Yorkshire Garden Centres' seven sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley, Bingley, York, Scarborough and Pennine hope to raise £30,000 for the independent charity that cares for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions from across West, North and East Yorkshire.

The Charity of the Year fundraising is managed by a committee led by the People and Culture team. YGC's Group People and Culture Manager, Steph Harrison said: "Every year Martin House cares for more than 550 children and their families, as well as supporting around 200 bereaved family members, at its hospice, in hospitals and in the community. It is open 24/7, 365 days a year, whenever families need help and support.

"It costs around £10.5 million a year to provide this care, the majority of which comes from voluntary donations and fundraising. We're proud to adopt Martin House as our charity of the year and look forward to smashing our fundraising target."

Plans to raise funds include a cycling sportive organised by the group's directors, a sponsored family walk, charity bag collections, Grass Hoppers parties plus in-house raffles, bake-off competitions, and the Pennies initiative whereby customers will be given the chance to donate 25p at the till point. There will also be an internal raffle for the YGC team to win an additional day's holiday.

Chris Verney, Capital Appeal Fundraiser at Martin House said: "We're delighted that Yorkshire Garden Centres are supporting Martin House again this year, ten years after we were their first charity of the year at Tong, and we're really looking forward to working closely with them to develop this ambitious partnership.

"Their dedication to keeping gardens and homes at the heart resonates strongly with us as we progress with The Build at Martin House, reshaping our gardens and creating the hospice our families deserve.  Their support will mean that children and families across the region will continue to receive the vital, specialist care they need, when they need it most."

Martin House has 15 beds, nine for babies and children, and six for teenagers and young people. Its support includes planned respite stays, symptom control, emergency care, end of life care and bereavement support.

Since Tong Garden Centre was acquired in 2015, the team and supporters have raised over £100,000 for charity. Previous beneficiaries of the Charity of the Year initiative include Yorkshire Children's Charity, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Forget Me Not Children's Hospice, Luke's Lads,Butterflies Mental Health, The Cellar Trust, Candlelighters and National Literacy Trust. In addition, the team has supported hundreds of smaller charities in the local community through its Kindness Pot initiative.

The Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) group comprises Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley Garden Centres, Dean's York and Scarborough plus the former Dobbies Pennine site at Shelley, near Huddersfield.

The Horticultural Trades Association gave oral evidence to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee as part of its inquiry into border biosecurity. This inquiry examines the UK's animal and plant health controls, with a focus on the movement of plants, plant products, and related goods in and out of Great Britain and their impact on businesses and consumers.

Sally Cullimore, Technical Policy Manager at the HTA, outlined the challenges that member businesses face due to a lack of control over their supply chain, substandard biosecurity and SPS agreements. These include increased costs, delays, and administrative burdens that disproportionately impact small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The HTA is advocating for effective biosecurity measures and a smooth, cost-effective border, crucial for the success of UK horticulture.

The HTA’s written evidence, submitted in January 2025, highlights the sector's critical reliance on plant imports, with 79% of UK nurseries relying on plant product imports (99% from the EU). In 2023, these imports were valued at over £770 million.

Speaking after the session, Sally Cullimore said:

"We're passionately committed to securing a thriving future for our members. The disproportionate impact of current border procedures, with full plant health controls since 2021, is unsustainable. We must enhance public awareness about the risks associated with personal plant imports, address the inefficiencies of current Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) controls, and address the shortcomings of the Border Target Operating Model, including poor communication and capacity issues at Border Control Points (BCPs).

“We need the government to act on these issues urgently: improving communication, unblocking BCPs, fairly reviewing risk categories, guaranteeing the GB Plant Passport easement beyond June 2025 and supporting our seed trade.

“Ultimately, long-term stability requires an SPS agreement with the EU. To be effective, this agreement must be based on mutual recognition of each other’s plant health regimes, maintain biosecurity, enhance smooth and cost-effective trade and support UK horticulture. We will continue to collaborate to make that a reality – because our members deserve nothing less.”

The HTA views an SPS agreement with the EU as a key solution to address border issues and friction. The HTA is calling on both the UK and the EU to negotiate this agreement, which has the potential to facilitate the swift and efficient movement of plant imports and exports across the UK-EU border, without undue delay or cost. If crafted correctly, an SPS agreement will not only maintain biosecurity but also have the potential to enhance it, which is of great importance to the sector. Any agreement with the EU must be based on mutual recognition of each other’s plant health areas, which is of paramount importance. The HTA is developing a detailed positioning on this and would be pleased to provide this to the committee.

The HTA is advocating for the following actionable solutions:

• Improving communication and data transparency.
• Addressing capacity issues at Border Control Points (BCPs).
• Revisiting the UK's commodity risk categorisation.
• Confirming a guarantee for a continued easement to allow GB Plant Passports to be affixed to retail-ready plants in the EU beyond June 2025.

The HTA maintains its commitment to working with the government to find practical solutions that ensure both effective biosecurity and a thriving horticultural sector.

You can watch the entire session via Parliament TV here:

https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/b1c5edd4-10ed-44d4-bbe1-b09452ed29bf

The Horticultural Trades Association's written evidence will be available on the Parliament website here: https://committees.parliament.uk/work/8790/animal-and-plant-health/publications/written-evidence/

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After over 40 years in the gardening and leisure industry (over 33 years of which have been as director general of Gardenex and PetQuip), Amanda Sizer Barrett will be retiring from the Federation on Monday (31 March). The new director general will be Joe Denham, managing director of DogDoov, who will take over on Tuesday (1 April).

Amanda’s career in the industry started as a business journalist at Link House Publications Ltd, covering the garden and DIY sectors. Following her promotion to editor, she was responsible for reporting on the industry and retail news within the gardening, DIY and housewares sectors and got to know the majority of businesses, trade exhibitions and retailers within this rapidly changing business environment.

She was then headhunted to head up Gardenex and to expand its services and was also heavily involved in the launch of the Garden Products Association which subsequently merged with GIMA. Over the years she has been working in the industry, she introduced the very popular ‘meet the buyer’ events, now adopted by many other associations; established an export technical helpline to support exporters during and following the navigation of BREXIT; created unique promotional and exhibition opportunities at venues in countries from Austria to Japan; organised international trade conferences and introduced a raft of specialised support services, with the help of her expert team. 

She was also instrumental in launching PetQuip, the trade association for the pet care product sector which provides similar services to those of Gardenex to firms in this expanding industry.

During Amanda’s tenure, the federation has also taken on the running of the secretariats for the Commercial Horticultural Association, and then GIMA. 

For her work in promoting and developing exports, Amanda was awarded an MBE. 

“I have loved working in the gardening and pet product sectors, which are full of innovation and feature some inspiring entrepreneurs and wonderful personalities. I would like to thank everyone I’ve worked with and alongside over the many years I have been privileged to be part of these exciting and dynamic industries”. 

Amanda has been working with the board of the Federation to ensure a smooth handover to the new Director General, Joe Denham, who will take over as Director on 1 April.

 “Amanda has built an extensive knowledge of the UK’s gardening and pet product sectors and international retailing,” says Director Joe Denham. “On behalf of myself, the board of directors and everyone within the Federation, its member companies, the Gardenex and PetQuip team and all the valuable connections she has made over the years she has worked in this industry, we would like to thank Amanda for everything she has done to help and support UK suppliers, exhibition organisers and international retailers to expand their businesses in the UK and internationally during her many years of  service to the federation.”

For details of all the business advantages of Gardenex membership, email info@gardenex.com or visit www.gardenex.com

In recognition of her outstanding contribution to horticultural science and sustainability, the prestigious Veitch Memorial Medal has been awarded to Catherine Dawson, a trailblazer in the field of growing media and a horticultural innovator. 

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Catherine’s transformative work has played a key role in revolutionising the development and widespread adoption of peat-free growing media.

Catherine’s remarkable journey began with a background in soil science and agriculture, and in 1992, she joined Melcourt, a company that would become the epicentre of her pioneering research and development efforts. 

Her expertise and leadership were instrumental in the creation of Sylvamix and SylvaGrow—two groundbreaking peat-free growing media products that have set new standards in the horticultural industry. These products have been praised for their environmental responsibility, commercial viability and high performance, and they are now widely used by both professional growers and home gardeners alike.

“I am incredibly honoured to receive the Veitch Memorial Medal,” said Catherine. “This

recognition is a testament to the collective effort of many passionate individuals who have worked so hard with technical rigour and attention to detail. Together, we’ve been able to create products that perform at the highest level at the same time as helping growers and gardeners alike towards the successful uptake of peat-free growing media.”

The Veitch Memorial Medal is awarded annually to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the science and practice of horticulture. Catherine Dawson’s leadership in developing peat-free growing media and her profound impact on the horticultural community make her a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award.

Voting for the 2025 Royal Horticultural Society Partner Garden of the Year competition opens on 17 April.

Now in its fifth year, the annual competition aims to uncover the nation’s favourite gardens from 231 stunning RHS Partner Gardens from across the country and the world. Open to all garden lovers to vote, this year’s competition theme is joy.

Dr Tim Upson, RHS Director of Gardens and Horticulture, says, “We're delighted to be running the RHS Partner Garden of the Year competition once again. Gardens have a unique way of uplifting us, and the gardens in our scheme are truly special, each offering a unique experience for visitors. Now is your chance to ensure your favourite garden gets the recognition it deserves – cast your vote and help celebrate the joy and beauty of these incredible spaces."

One winner is announced in each region with an overall UK winner. Previous winners are Green Island Gardens in Essex in 2024, Hidden Valley Gardens in Dorset in 2023, Nant y Bedd in Monmouthshire in 2022 and the inaugural winner, Larch Cottage Nurseries in Cumbria in 2021.

Voting opens on Thursday 17 April at 10am and closes on Monday 29 September at 12pm. The winners will be revealed in December and will receive a special plaque to display at their garden as well as a professional photoshoot of their garden (UK gardens only).

RHS Members, RHS Partner Garden visitors and any members of the public interested in gardens can vote in the competition at www.rhs.org.uk/pgoty. All voters will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 RHS Garden gift voucher.

There are currently 231 gardens in the RHS Partner Gardens scheme, including 15 new gardens in 2025, which RHS Members can visit free of charge at selected times of the year. They comprise some of the most famous gardens in the world as well as privately-owned hidden gems, including organic gardens designed with nature in mind to kitchen gardens, private gardens with beautiful design and heritage landscapes with manicured topiary. Beyond the UK, RHS Partner Gardens can be found in eight countries, including Barbados, Japan and South Africa.

Feverfew Garden Company, the UK’s first garden wear brand created for women, has appointed Chloe Plumstead as a new Director.  This strategic move marks a significant step forward for the company, following exponential growth since the company launched less than two years ago.

Chloe, a popular gardening influencer, started her journey with Feverfew with a desire to create some high-quality gardening gloves for her dedicated community of followers. Initially reaching out to collaborate on this limited-edition project, Chloe’s vision and passion impressed Feverfew’s founder, Rachel Eunson.

From this, the Feverfew Maple Mushroom gloves were born, an immediate hit with Chloe’s following. Her expertise in social media and community building has amplified the brand awareness of Feverfew and its mission to grow into a hub for women who care about regeneration and working with nature.

This successful collaboration highlighted the synergy between Chloe and Rachel and made Rachel realise Chloe was the perfect person to come on the brand’s growth journey and help take Feverfew to the next level.

Rachel said, “Chloe came to Feverfew with a clear vision: to create practical and stylish gardening gloves for women that resonated with her audience and reflected her personal style. What followed was an exciting six-month period of designing and manufacturing, resulting in the launch of the Maple Mushroom gloves, which were a huge success. At the time, I was realising that the business was approaching a stage where it needed a second person on board to help me drive growth, and I knew there was only one person I wanted to join me on the journey. Thankfully, she said yes!”

Chloe added, “Feverfew’s mission to encourage people into gardening is parallel to my own, so I am beyond thrilled to be joining the team alongside Rachel. The Maple Mushroom glove collaboration was a joy to work on and further highlighted what I already knew - just how much of a gap there is for functional yet beautiful women’s gardenwear. What we have planned for the next few years promises to be truly exciting, so watch this space!”

Feverfew Garden Company has enjoyed a remarkable first couple of years since it launched in June 2023. The company's flagship product, the Original Ladies Gardening Gloves, has garnered widespread recognition, receiving the "Best Buy Award for Lightweight Gloves" from gardenersworld.com in the first six months of trading.

This was further bolstered by a £10,000 funding boost from Scottish EDGE and being stocked in leading retailers including Marshalls Garden, St John’s Garden Centres, Long Barn and Hortus London, as well as selling directly from its own website.

Feverfew gloves are designed specifically for female hands and are the only brand to come in four sizes, so no more one-size-fits-all.  Available in sizes XS to L in green and plum, the gloves boast reinforced fingertips, touchscreen compatibility, and padded palms for enhanced comfort and protection during demanding gardening tasks. A convenient clip keeps them paired, and they are both vegan and packaged sustainably.

The company has also diversified into new product lines, including Boonie hats, T-shirts, and gift hampers, collaborating with other trailblazing brands like Beevive, recently seen on BBC Dragons’ Den.

You can follow Feverfew’s journey at https://www.instagram.com/feverfewgarden.co  or visit the website www.feverfewgarden.co.uk 

In response to this week’s Spring Statement from the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) Director of Public Affairs, Jennifer Pheasey, said: 

“The Chancellor’s Spring Statement offers little relief for horticulture businesses and has failed to put a spring in the step of our members across the sector. Facing fragile consumer confidence and rising costs on all fronts, from inheritance tax to border chaos to plant health fees, this is not an agenda for growth for the environmental horticulture sector. 

“Confidence and certainty are key, but with imminent new costs this April, such as National Insurance Contributions, confidence to invest remains elusive. Whilst we welcome measures to drive housebuilding and unlock planning, green spaces and gardens must be part of this, and we know these ambitions will not be immediately realised. We urge the government to prioritise decisive action to alleviate the cost burdens in the sector and commit to fair policies, so that our members can continue to contribute to the UK's environmental sustainability and overall economic wellbeing.” 

The Royal Horticultural Society has announced a partnership with Tildenet Gardenware. The agreement will see the launch of RHS-endorsed products under Tildenet Gardenware’s admired Country Forge brand, a comprehensive range of handcrafted garden structures, hanging baskets and plant supports.

Both beautiful and functional, the Country Forge range offers a variety of styles to suit any garden setting. All RHS-endorsed items will carry the highly recognisable RHS logo.

Country Forge product distribution will be via independent garden centres and retailers across the UK  and  online from Tildenet partners. The RHS-endorsed products will be available from April 2025.

The Country Forge brand is represented by strong ‘Hand Crafted’ messaging on all packaging with clear point-of-sale displays, giving customers confidence that they are buying a traditional high-quality product.

Tildenet Gardenware is a leading horticultural manufacturer with over 50 years of expertise in outdoor leisure, garden and home markets and is part of The Tildenet Group Ltd, an ambitious and fast-growing company that exports to over 100 countries. There are now five divisions of the Tildenet Group offering services to the garden retail, horticulture, sport, industrial, and fencing industries.

Andrew Downey, Managing Director at Tildenet, says: “We are delighted to be working with the nation’s favourite gardening charity to bring these useful and attractive products to gardeners everywhere. This partnership with the RHS underlines both our continuing leadership in horticulture and gardening and our ambition to further develop our products and services, focusing always on innovation and improvement.”

Cathy Snow, RHS Licensing Manager, adds: “As the leading independent horticultural specialist in the UK with a comprehensive and ever-expanding portfolio of products, Tildenet has a reputation for high-quality, stylish and practical products for horticulture and gardening. Its Country Forge range offers a comprehensive range of garden structures, hanging baskets and plant supports that appeals to gardeners across the UK and that we are delighted to support.”

The first AIPH Green City Briefing of 2025 will showcase the development of climate resilient cities via urban greening initiatives. Registrations are open for this free online webinar, which takes place at 1pm BST on 10th April 2025. Visit the AIPH Website to sign up. 

Organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) in collaboration with the Worshipful Company of Gardeners (WCoG), the AIPH Green City Briefings are a series of one-hour webinars focusing on cities around the world that demonstrate significant progress in including plants and nature in their city’s form and function. The third series of Briefings, running from 2024-2025, features the winners of the AIPH World Green City Awards 2024.

Kobie Brand, Deputy Secretary General of ICLEI, Regional Director of ICLEI Africa, and Global Director of ICLEI’s Cities Biodiversity Centre leads as MC for the April Briefing, titled ‘Creating climate resilient cities’. With over two decades of experience in the field of urban sustainability, Kobie has a passion for greener, safer and more inclusive cities for a current and future urban population.

Speakers include Dr. Robert McDonald, Lead Scientist for Nature-Based Solutions and Lead Scientist for Europe at The Nature Conservancy. This global non-profit aims to conserve natural environments by addressing the biodiversity and climate crises. At The Nature Conservancy, Robert researches the impact and dependencies of communities on the natural world, and studies how nature can increase resilience in the face of climate change and improve human health and well-being.

The Briefing’s second speaker is Hon. Saleh Maalim Alio, Sub National Minister for Lands, Housing, Urban Development, and Municipality Affairs for the County Government of Mandera, Kenya. In 2024, Mandera Municipality won the ‘Living Green for Climate Change’ category of the AIPH World Green City Awards for its Greening Programme. This urban greening initiative transformed the semi-arid landscape by planting more than 200,000 trees, thereby increasing Mandera’s resilience to extreme weather conditions. 

AIPH is proud to showcase the success of Mandera Municipality’s Afforestation Program which has sparked a ripple effect extending beyond its initial scope to catalyse transformative changes in how a city and its partners can work with plants and nature. Read the full case study.

For more information and to register, visit the Event Page. 

Entries are open for the International Grower of the Year (IGOTY) Awards 2026, organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH). Showcase your excellence and achievements in the industry by submitting an entry now.

Established in 2009 with the support of Founding Partner FloraCulture International (FCI), the awards celebrate best practice and recognise the ‘best of the best’ in the industry. Winners are ornamentals producers from around the world who demonstrate innovation and expertise.

The awards comprise four categories: Finished Plants & Trees, Young Plants, Cut Flowers & Bulbs and Sustainability. From among these categories, only one winner will be crowned the ‘AIPH International Grower of the Year 2026’ and receive the ‘Gold Rose’ - the industry’s most coveted prize.

In January 2025, La Gaitana Farms, Colombia, was announced as International Grower of the Year 2025 and presented the coveted Gold Rose by Daan de Vries, CEO of Headline Sponsor MPS. La Gaitana Farms cultivate a wide variety of blooms with the utmost respect for the environment and communities. The family-owned, independent company grows carnations and produces bouquets from its 43 hectares of cropping area. Their commitment to sustainable practices, technological innovation, and social responsibility has positioned them as a trusted supplier in international markets.

Camilo Bleier, General Manager for La Gaitana Farms commented: “It’s a big challenge to step into these shoes and keep improving every day, but we’ve done our homework. It’s a pleasure to be in this industry, it’s fun every day, and you can never grow tired of nature.”

Candidates can enter the IGOTY Awards 2026 online and entry closes on Sunday 6th July 2025. Judging will then take place by a panel of industry experts who will access the entrants on five key criteria; economic performance, innovation, market insight, sustainability and human resources policy.

All winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony in January 2026 alongside IPM Essen. To find out more about the IGOTY Awards and to enter, visit the AIPH Website. For queries on entering the awards please contact: events@aiph.org

Fothergill’s has announced its partnership with the upcoming​ Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh channel on YouTube. The renowned brand will be supplying flower and vegetable seeds for the channel’s weekly episodes, which are set to launch on April 4th, 2025.

The Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh channel on YouTube will cater to both novice and experienced gardeners, providing expert advice, practical tips, and insightful guidance across a variety of topics. As the first season runs through to December 2025, viewers can expect a treasure trove of content designed to inspire and support their gardening journeys.

Sonila Troka, Chief Marketing Officer at Fothergill’s, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “To be asked to supply our seeds to the Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh channel on YouTube is a huge   endorsement of the reputation Fothergill’s has built over the years. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and we’re thrilled to be able to support such a fantastic resource for gardeners.”

As part of this exciting collaboration, Fothergill’s will be actively promoting their involvement with the Gardening with Alan Titchmarsh channel on YouTube through various channels, including social media, their website, and in-store displays.

This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for Fothergill’s, reinforcing its position as a leading supplier of high-quality gardening products and further solidifying its commitment to supporting the gardening community.

Blue Diamond's Harlestone Heath Garden Centre in Northampton re-opened yesterday, with customers pouring into the centre and shopping it heavily.

Having taken over the centre that was closed by Dobbies, Blue Diamond CEO told GTN Xtra they had invested £1.5m in the site to bring it up to Blue Diamond standards. "We've cleaned, painted over the old Wyevale green, replaced fences, builtinternal walls to create the customer journey and doubled the size of the restaurant and kitchen."

The restuarant has been named "The Ramblers Rest" in recognition of the areas parkland and walking community.

The re-lined carpark was full when we arrived late morning and still full mid-afternoon, with high sales activity and plenty of appreciative remarks being made to staff by customers.

"We've not done any advertising so far for this opening," said Alan Roper, "this is just as a result of local press coverage and social media."

Alan projects Harlestone Heath will become an £8m turnover centre as part of the group, a significant change from the £2.5m that Dobbies were acheiving.

See our photo tour of the new centre below:

Thetford Garden Centre has announced the completion of a significant development project, originally set to begin in 2020, now successfully finished on schedule.

Phase one, completed just before Christmas, included a side extension to the building, creating new offices, a modern meeting room, staff toilets, and a high-quality staff room featuring a patio area. This expansion also allowed for an increase in shop-floor space, enabling the Centre to offer a broader selection of garden tools, gloves, and footwear.

With phase one complete, phase two commenced in early January. This phase involved expanding the customer restroom facilities by repurposing the old offices and adding another extension to create a larger storage area for the restaurant, Lime Kiln Kitchen, as well as a brand-new bakery and development kitchen. The Food Department has also seen substantial growth, introducing dozens of exciting new product ranges with a focus on local suppliers and fellow B-Corps, including increased ranges of chiller and frozen produce. 

Lucy Nixon, Managing Director, commented on the developments: “Each phase of this project has been essential and long overdue. We initially planned to start construction in 2020, but the global pandemic delayed our timeline. It has taken several years for the business to recover, and we are thrilled to finally invest in these much-needed improvements.”

“Our previous staff room was inadequate, and we are pleased to now offer a space that everyone values and utilizes, fostering increased social interactions among our teams. Additionally, our customer toilets have been upgraded to a high standard, perfectly complementing Lime Kiln Kitchen. We dedicated considerable time to designing the décor, and we hope our customers will love it—many still ask about the wallpaper from the restaurant that opened in 2017!”

With the introduction of the new bakery, Lime Kiln Kitchen will now produce all its cakes, traybakes, and desserts in-house, with plans to offer pre-ordered celebration cakes and catering services in the future. Lucy added, “We have always strived to make as much as possible in-house, but our previous kitchen size limited our production capabilities. While we sourced high-quality cakes, nothing compares to homemade. Now, we can create exceptional cakes in generous portions that we believe our customers will truly enjoy.”

To celebrate the completion of these developments, Thetford Garden Centre will host a ‘Celebration of Food’ on Friday 28^th March, 5pm – 8pm, featuring a variety of food and drink suppliers offering tastings, along with an ‘Unlimited Cake Club’ in Lime Kiln Kitchen.

See gallery of pictures below...

Newbridge, top, and Wilton, below, Garden Centres were announced as the Blue Diamond Garden Centres of the Year for 2024 at a star studded event in Londons famous Roundhouse venue.

Over 700 members of the Blue Diamond team, plus guests from suppliers and the media were treated to an evening of celebration, great food and  entertainent.

See the full list of winners and the complete GTN Xtra photo gallery below

Blue Diamond Awards 2025 – Full Winners List

Stock Management

Winner: Redfields

Nominated: Brambridge, Newbridge, Redfields

Customer Experience

Winner: Sanders

Nominated: Fermoys, East Bridgford, Matlock, Nailsworth, Percy Throwers, Redfields, Sanders, Trelawney, Worcester

Home

Winners: Adam Smith - East Bridgford, Laura Ross - Coton Orchard

Nominated: Sarah Spilsbury-Thacker – Bridgemere, Adam Smith - East Bridgford, Cassandra Molver - Le Friquet, Sarah Thompson & Constantina Parvu – Redfields, David Pascall – Blackdown, Laura Ross - Coton Orchard, Josh Pack - Springfields

Fashion

Winners: Tracey Bull - East Bridgford, Lyn Walklet - Trelawney

Nominated: Lyndsey Smith – Brambridge, Donna Gee - Coton Orchard, Tracey Bull - East Bridgford, Jayne Ashwin – Melbicks, Sue Carter - Mere Park, Rachel Slark – Newbridge, Ricarda Preston – Springfields,  Lyn Walklet – Trelawney, Amada Rolf - Tunbridge Wells, Lydia Marcar - Weybridge

Christmas

Winners: Sophie Dawson - Le Friquet, Sadie Baker- Peterborough

Nominated: Amanda Higham – Derby, Sophie Dawson - Le Friquet, Newbridge,  Tracy Uphill – Chatsworth, Lisa Dellar – Harlow, Sadie Baker- Peterborough

Commendations: Tim Hatch - 3shires, Steve Thorne – Blackdown, Tracey Meadley - Matlock

The Magic Of Christmas

Winners: Max Davey / Esther Knaggs - Great Amwell, Bijal Mistry / Amy Robers - Fryers

Nominated: Richard Hind / Amanda Higham – Derby, Max Davey / Esther Knaggs - Great Amwell, Louise Gandy / Sarah Williams – Grosvenor, Claudia Love / Emily Groves – Newbridge, Susie Johns – Sanders, Kate Morgan / Andrew Gurd – Brambridge, Steve Thorne – Blackdown, Bijal Mistry / Amy Robers – Fryers, Tracey Meadley - Matlock              

Outdoor Furniture

Winners: Matthew Gouveia - Le Friquet, Sadie Baker - Peterborough

Nominated: Andrew Gurd – Brambridge, Jacinta Butler – Derby, Matthew Gouveia - Le Friquet, Mark Young – Chenies, Tracy Uphill – Chatsworth, Tracey Meadely – Matlock, Dennis Risdon - Trelawney

Gardening

Winners: Pat Langford -Le Friquet, Anne O'Hare - Tunbridge Wells

Nominated: Pat Langford -Le Friquet, Zoe Gillyett - St Peters, Larry Su - Percy Throwers, Jeanette Bryan – Chenies, John Shaw - Mere Park, Carl Meeks - Orchard Park, Anne O'Hare - Tunbridge Wells

Seeds and Bulbs

Winners: Mollie Oliver – Derby, Daniela Underhill - Nailsworth

Nominated: Kyle Price – Cardiff, Colin Roche – Cadbury, Mollie Oliver – Derby, Jerome Pressley – Grosvenor, Pat Langford - Le Friquet, Alan Matcham -Newbridge, Andrew Reed – Coton, Leanne Wilson - Lower Morden, Claire Poulton – Harlow, Daniela Underhill – Nailsworth, Anne O'Hare - Tunbridge Wells, Sharon Grant - Wilton

Wild Animal

Winners: Darren Gillott - East Bridgford,  Claire Poulton - Harlow

Nominated: Darren Gillott - East Bridgford, Jayne Field – Fosseway, Larry Su - Percy Throwers, Ben Smith – Sanders, Natalie Reynolds – Trentham, Ryan & Richard – Blackdown, Jeanette Bryan – Chenies, Claire Poulton – Harlow, Colin Travis – Matlock, Daniela Underhill – Nailsworth, Carl Meeks - Orchard Park, Jess Neil – Peterborough, Rake, Anne O'Hare - Tunbridge Wells

Seasonal Plants

Winners: Emma Nash – Cadbury, Eliane Purcell - Lower Morden

Nominated: Emma Nash – Cadbury, Jamie Rolling - Great Amwell, Sandy Heath - St Peters, Eliane Purcell - Lower Morden, John Moxon / Matthew Hood – Nailsworth, Rachel Parson – Trelawney, Talie Spencer - Tunbridge Wells

Hardy Plants

Winners: Gita Evertovska – Redfields, Dick Plug - Chatsworth

Nominated: James Bees – Cadbury, Josh Ozanne - Le Friquet, Jamie Rolling / Ben King - Great Amwell            , Fiona Holmes – Newbridge, Gita Evertovska – Redfields, Nelio Dinis - St Peters, Dick Plug – Chatsworth, Mercia Westbury - Lower Morden, Richard Meads - Rake                                         

Indoor Plants

Winners: Maria Carney - St Peters, Annette Dexter - Chenies

Nominated: Dav Bambhania – Cardiff, Cher Iron – Derby, Maria Carney - St Peters, Sianne Chambers – Blackdown, Annette Dexter – Chenies, Jonathan Feasy / Sarah Tull - Harlow

Food retailer 

Winners: Kirsty Membery – Cadbury, Sharon Strange / Ian Richardson – 3 Shires

Nominated: Kirsty Membery – Cadbury, Jo Sparks Coton Orchard, Ryan Green - East Bridgford, Jane Glanville – Endsleigh, Michelle Richardson – Trentham, Sharon Strange / Ian Richardson  - 3 Shires, Sian Gisbourne – Evesham, Rebecca Smith  - Lower Morden, Jane McGlinchey -Springfields

Barista of the Year

Winner: Chloe Sum - Sanders

Nominated: Charlotte Hassall – Derby, Lauren Trick - East Bridgford, Kate Stoke – Redfields, Chloe Sum - Sanders

Head Chef

Winner: Adam Winters - Melbicks

Nominated: Adam Gellender – Brambridge, Dom Stefanelli – Grosvenor, Adam Winters – Melbicks, Chris Baird – Nailsworth, Jason Harrison - Springfields

Pastry Chef

Winner: Joanne Romera - Bicester Origins

Nominated: Dean Young – Van Hage Amwell, Joanne Romera - Bicester Origins, Olha Protsiuk & Emma James - Cadbury Origins, Mariana Wright - Newbridge Origins, Tony Mclean -Peterborough Origins

Origins of the Year 

Winner: Mere Park

Nominated: Bicester, Mere Park, Newbridge

Restaurant of the Year - The Acorn Award

Winner: Nailsworth

Nominated: Harlow, Nailsworth, Worcester

Restaurant of the Year - The Oak Award 

Winner: Grosvenor

Nominated: Cadbury, Grosvenor, Percy Throwers

Core Garden Centre of the Year - The Acorn Award

Winner: Wilton House

Nominated: Wilton House, Lower Morden, Trelawney, Harlow, Tunbridge Wells, Hereford, Orchard Park

Special mentions to: Mere Park, Blackdown

Destination Garden Centre of the Year - The Oak Award

Winner: Newbridge

Nominated: Brambridge, Grosvenor, Le Friquet, Newbridge, Redfields, Sanders, St Peters

Special mentions to: Cardiff, Cadbury

This year’s north of England challenge took in the scenic trek through the Holmfirth region, organised by local Greenfingers Ambassadors, Jane Lawler and Will Armitage.

See the Northern Walk gallery of pictures here

The south route on Garden Re-Leaf Day for Greenfingers started and finished at British Garden Centres’ Tring Garden Centre, taking in a beautiful section of the Grand Union canal and the Chilterns countryside.

See the Southern Walk gallery of pictures here

Altico is proud to announce the expansion of its highly acclaimed Virtue Water Features range, following its resounding success in 2024. Celebrated for their elegant designs and handcrafted quality, the Virtue Water Features have become a favourite among garden enthusiasts, and the new collection promises to offer even greater variety and depth for 2025.

The Virtue Water Features range captured the hearts of garden lovers in 2024, achieving remarkable sales for this timeless classic. Known for their stunning aesthetics and superior craftsmanship, these water features have been a standout addition to UK gardens, transforming outdoor spaces into tranquil havens. The overwhelming response from customers has solidified the Virtue range as a must-have for any garden centre looking to offer the best to its clientele.  

Handcrafted Excellence

Each piece in the Virtue Water Features collection is meticulously handcrafted in a specialist workshop, ensuring that every water feature is unique and of the highest quality.

The attention to detail and dedication to craftsmanship sets the Virtue range apart from mass-produced alternatives. Made from glazed ceramic, which undergoes a heat-treated process, Virtue Water Features are designed to withstand the elements, with the treatment also lending to the aged appearance that adds elegance and serenity to any garden setting. 

Exciting Expansion

Building on the success of the 2024 collection, Altico is thrilled to introduce an expanded Virtue Water Features range for 2025. The new collection boasts a wider variety of designs, sizes, and styles, catering to diverse tastes and garden aesthetics. Whether your customers are looking for a statement piece or a subtle addition to their garden, the expanded Virtue range offers something for everyone.

Offering the same user-friendly features, the new additions also need no tools to install. Users can enjoy the calming benefits of Virtue Water Features in minutes by just adding water and connecting the low voltage features to the mains electricity.

The 2025 collection includes innovative designs that incorporate contemporary trends while staying true to the timeless appeal that the Virtue range is known for. This includes three new white antique products, with an adaptable colour tone to suit many outdoor spaces. The Enya Antique White is a space efficient sleek option that features the stunning Virtue signature waffle pattern. With a rounder appearance the Jada Antique White is a planter style feature that creates a tranquil and soothing effect. Similarly, the Zara Antique White offers a two-tier bowl feature, ideal for siting amongst rockery and plants. Providing a slightly darker tone, the Camille Rustic Grey provides a sophisticated and serene addition to any garden.

These attractive new options add to the existing range to give garden retailers an even greater selection to offer their customers.

A Must-Have for Garden Centres

For garden centre buyers, the Altico Virtue Water Features range represents an opportunity to elevate their product offerings and attract discerning customers seeking quality and beauty. By stocking the expanded Virtue collection, garden centres can ensure that they are meeting the growing demand for premium, handcrafted water features that transform outdoor living spaces.

Altico invites you to explore the new Virtue Water Features range and discover the unparalleled charm and craftsmanship that have made this collection a perennial favourite. With the 2025 expansion of this best-selling range supported by impactful point of sale, there's never been a better time to introduce the Virtue range to your customers.

Get in touch with the Altico team today to discuss how you can stock this captivating range - salesoffice@altico.co.uk.

Corby + Fellas has announced that New Hopetoun Gardens has implemented WinRetail.

C+F’s Jacob Parker and Jamie Cann arrived on site in West Lothian and installed the acclaimed WinRetail Epos, Retail Management, and powerful reporting systems in the both the garden centre and restaurant.

Set within Hopetoun Woods, in view of the Edinburgh Queensferry Crossing, their award-winning garden centre includes easy ample car parking, a well-stocked gift shop and Orangery tearoom - and like Corby + Fellas, has been a successful family business for over 45 years.

Dougal Philip & Lesley Watson are renowned in the UK gardening world. The couple judge the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society’s show gardens each year at Chelsea and Hampton Gardens and Lesley has also been a popular presenter on BBC TV’s The Beechgrove Garden.

Moving the business forward, Dougal and Lesley handed over ownership to their loyal garden centre team in 2019 to protect the future of the business which they have nurtured for so many years. Following the transfer to an Employee Ownership Trust, Dougal and Lesley continue to work at the business supporting the current team of around 37.

Pictured: C+F’s Jacob Parker and Jamie Cann, along with New Hopetoun’s Morag and Leona, thank you to them for heading up the project and working so effectively with our team; it’s been a real pleasure, and we look forward to a long and harmonious relationship.

Staff and customers alike are delighted with the three new kiosks supplied by Corby+Fellas as part of Fron Goch’s stunning restaurant refit.

The Kiosks are used in the restaurant for customer self-service ordering points. They have significantly helped with customer queues and help keep labour costs down as Fron Goch Managing Director Justin Williams explains:

“Just wanted to drop you updates on the kiosks, after our big restaurant re fit; we have one cash till, with three kiosks and the App for ordering.

The new kiosks are able to process vouchers, gift cards and staff discount cards which makes them very useful. Some good up take on their use already. Crucial for us removing need to queue and keeping control of labour costs.”

The Botanica restaurant boasts a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, the perfect place to meet friends and family, using high quality local ingredients where possible. It’s well worth a visit.

https://www.frongoch-gardencentre.co.uk/

GTN March 2025. In this issue: New greetings cards and gift packaging from Woodmansterne, Aylsham Garden Centre interview – From Covid auction sale to £5m turnover, Brewing up a quality coffee with Clifton Coffee, Spreading the message – News and new products from The Garden Press Event, Elevating seeds at retail, Growing opportunities with Vitavia, Retail Detail from IPM Essen, New beginnings for Dobbies closed centres, Promising Fragrance – GTN Planteria, Strengthening national reach – HTA Viewpoint.