The garden industry's finest gathered at the prestigious Celtic Manor Resort in Newport this evening (12th November) for the GIMA Awards 2026, as the sector came together for a spectacular celebration of innovation, excellence and achievement.

Bringing together leading suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and industry professionals, the annual awards once again shone a spotlight on the businesses, products and people helping to shape the future of garden retail.

From groundbreaking product developments and clever merchandising solutions to inspiring marketing campaigns and sustainability initiatives, this year's winners demonstrated the extraordinary breadth of talent, creativity and ambition within the industry.

With entries assessed by a panel of respected garden retail and industry experts, the awards recognise not only innovation and originality but also commercial relevance, consumer appeal and the ability to make a meaningful difference within the garden retail sector.

Craig Hall, GIMA President, said: "The GIMA Awards are always a highlight of the industry calendar, and this evening has been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the businesses and people who make our sector so special.

"What really stands out when you look at this year's winners is the sheer diversity of innovation taking place across our industry. From products that make gardening more accessible and enjoyable to businesses challenging traditional approaches, embracing sustainability and finding exciting new ways to engage consumers, there is so much to be proud of.

"Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors, the commitment of our judges and the enthusiasm of everyone who enters. A huge thank you to them all, and congratulations to every finalist and winner. Being recognised by your industry peers is a tremendous achievement and something to be genuinely proud of."

GIMA AWARDS 2026: THE HEADLINE WINNERS

Westland Horticulture claims the coveted GIMA Sword of Excellence

One of the evening's most prestigious accolades, the GIMA Sword of Excellence, was awarded to Westland Horticulture for its innovative Westland Multi-Planter, a product that impressed with its fresh approach to one of gardening's most familiar formats.

Reimagining the traditional growbag, the Multi-Planter offers three growing configurations in one versatile product. Gardeners can lay it flat for salads, herbs and shallow-rooted crops, turn it on its side for additional planting depth or stand it upright to accommodate longer-rooted crops such as carrots and potatoes.

Combining practical innovation with strong consumer appeal, the product demonstrates how thoughtful design can make gardening more accessible, flexible and rewarding, while offering retailers an exciting new proposition within an established category.

GCA Supplier of the Year Awards recognise outstanding service

The Garden Centre Association (GCA) Supplier of the Year Awards once again celebrated businesses demonstrating outstanding service, reliability and support to garden retailers.

Woodlodge Products retained its title in the Large Business category (turnover above £5 million within the UK garden retail sector), while Meadow View Stone also celebrated back-to-back success, securing the Small to Medium Business award (turnover below £5 million within the UK garden retail sector) for the second consecutive year.

Both wins underline the importance of strong supplier-retailer relationships and the vital role that consistent service, product quality and commercial support play in helping garden centres thrive.

Competition was strong across both categories, with Evergreen Garden Care, Smart Garden Products and Westland Horticulture joining Woodlodge on the Large Business shortlist, while Grass Gains and Greenkey Garden and Home were also recognised in the Small to Medium Business category.

Luxus Home and Garden celebrates export success

The Gardenex Export Achievement Award saw Strata Products shortlisted for its international growth in decorative planters, alongside SoilWorx for its success in exporting organic fertilisers. However, it was Luxus Home and Garden that took home the accolade, recognised for its international expansion and growing export success with its premium, sustainable teak outdoor furniture.

The award celebrates the ambition of British garden industry businesses successfully developing overseas opportunities and building their presence in international markets.

Love Logs recognised for sustainability innovation

Sustainability was another major theme of the evening, with Love Logs claiming the Sustainability Award for its British Hardwood Pellets.

Manufactured in the UK using 100% British hardwood, the pellets offer a domestically produced alternative for BBQs, smokers and pizza ovens, supported by a plastic-free packaging proposition.

Love Logs also secured the Outdoor Leisure category award, making it a particularly successful evening for the business.

Associate of the Year

Winner: Hornby George PR

The GIMA Associate of the Year Award, voted for by members, recognises the valuable contribution made by associate businesses supporting GIMA and the wider garden industry.  This year's finalists were MorePeople, Hornby George PR, CM Ventures and Honest Communications.

GIMA AWARDS 2026: PRODUCT AWARDS

Garden Care, Incorporating Seeds & Bulbs

Winner: Westland Horticulture - Westland Multi-Planter

Finalists: Westland Horticulture - Unwins Wildflower Seed Blends; Melcourt Industries Ltd - SylvaGrow® Indoor Range; Vitax - Vitax Clematis and Climber Feed; Grass Gains - Plant Gains Liquid & 6-Month Plant Feeds; Johnsons Lawn Seed / DLF Seeds - Ace Lawn.

About the winner: The Westland Multi-Planter takes the traditional growbag to a new level, offering three planting configurations in one convenient product. With growing depths ranging from 18cm to 37cm, it accommodates everything from herbs and salads to tomatoes, carrots and potatoes. Its versatility makes productive growing more accessible to gardeners with different spaces, experience levels and ambitions.

What the judges said: “A clever reinvention of a familiar product that solves a genuine growing challenge. The flexibility will appeal to gardeners with different spaces and needs, while giving retailers an easy-to-demonstrate product with excellent sales potential.”

Growing & Planting Equipment & Sundries

Winner:Fothergill's - Oh Sow Simple Self-Watering Grow Kits

Finalists: Greenkey Garden & Home Ltd - 10 Pot Micro Drip System with 10 Litre Water Bag; Treadstone Products - Orchard Sculpture Trellis; Elho BV - Vibes Fold Watering Can and Plant Mister.

About the winner: Combining stylish design with practical growing innovation, the Oh Sow Simple Self-Watering Grow Kits offer a convenient introduction to growing at home. Featuring attractive coloured glass mason jars and an integrated wicking system that draws moisture into the compost, the kits help maintain consistent watering while reducing the risk of over- or under-watering. Particularly suited to smaller living spaces, they offer an appealing gift proposition for beginners and experienced growers alike.

What the judges said: “This takes the guesswork out of watering and makes growing feel achievable for beginners. It’s attractive, simple to understand and well suited to gifting, which makes it a very strong retail proposition.”

Garden Tools & Machinery

Winner: Flymo - Flymo EasiHover 300 Lawnmower

Finalists: Grass Gains - Grass Gains WeedXtractor; Sumec UK/Yard Force UK - i600 iVISION Robotic Lawnmower; GARDENA UK - GARDENA Combisystem Levelling Rake.

About the winner: Flymo's EasiHover 300 brings a world-first innovation to lawn care, combining cordless hover mowing with grass collection. Building on more than six decades of hover technology, the new mower delivers greater freedom, manoeuvrability and convenience, alongside collect-and-compact functionality and space-saving storage. It represents an exciting evolution of an established and much-loved gardening format.

What the judges said: “A genuinely useful development of an iconic product. Combining cordless convenience with grass collection tackles two common frustrations, and the familiar brand gives retailers a compelling story to tell.”

Outdoor Leisure

Winner: Love Logs - British Hardwood Pellets

Finalists: HunterStoves - Pollen Hex Smokeless Fire Pit; Zest Outdoor Living - Terraza Outdoor Kitchen Island Set; Greenkey Garden & Home Ltd - LUXE LIVING Recycled Mats & Cushions.

About the winner: Love Logs British Hardwood Pellets offer a sustainable, UK-produced fuel option for BBQs, smokers and pizza ovens. Made entirely from British hardwood and presented in plastic-free packaging, the range supports domestic timber supply chains while creating a distinctive retail proposition within the growing outdoor cooking category.

What the judges said: “A strong combination of product quality, British sourcing and sustainability credentials. The environmental story is easy for shoppers to understand, and it offers retailers a point of difference in a growing outdoor cooking market.”

Garden Landscaping

Winner: Keter UK Ltd - Keter Garden Bar Shed

Finalists: Altico Garden Products - Granite Bench Collection, Curved & Straight; Sipcam Home & Garden - Block Blitz Gravel & Stone Cleaner & Restorer; Monty Miracle Ltd - Monty Miracle Outdoor Cleaner; Deco-Pak Ltd - Charred Wood Sleeper.

About the winner: Combining practical storage with outdoor entertaining, the Keter Garden Bar Shed transforms from a compact garden shed into a cabana-style bar in minutes. Offering generous serving and storage space, alongside provision for a mini-fridge and television, the design delivers a multifunctional solution for modern outdoor living. Its low-maintenance construction adds further appeal for consumers seeking style without the upkeep.

What the judges said: “A great example of getting more value from limited outdoor space. The dual-purpose design is practical, easy to visualise in use and taps into demand for flexible outdoor entertaining solutions.”

Gardening Clothing, Gifts & Other Retail Products

Winner: Burgon & Ball - Burgon & Ball RHS Gifts for Gardeners 'Woodland Wonders' Collection

Finalists: Ivyline - Teardrop Glass Lid Terrarium, TGLT25; Smart Garden Products Limited - BeeFlection Home & Garden Mirror Goldgris (50cm); Fallen Fruits Ltd - Sharpening Stones Set of 6.

About the winner: Drawing inspiration from the heritage artwork of the RHS Lindley Collections, Burgon & Ball's Woodland Wonders range combines beautiful design with practical gifting appeal. Reflecting the growing popularity of woodland-inspired gardens, the collection includes gardening accessories and lifestyle gifts, with prices starting at £7.99. The combination of RHS endorsement, accessible price points and distinctive styling offers strong potential for garden centre gift departments.

What the judges said: “Beautifully presented with a clear gifting opportunity. The RHS connection adds credibility, while the range of accessible price points gives garden centres real scope to encourage impulse and repeat purchases.”

Pet Care, Aquatics & Wild Bird Products

Winner: Elho BV - Cosy Bird House, Bird Feeder and Insect Hotel

Finalists: Thorncrest Limited - The Birdfy Nest Ebony; CJ Wildlife - Protector Nest Boxes; Henry Bell Ltd - Heritage Squirrel Defence Sunflower Hearts Feeder.

About the winner: Elho's Cosy collection brings contemporary design to wildlife care, offering a coordinated bird house, feeder and insect hotel designed to encourage biodiversity in gardens and outdoor spaces. With soft shapes and muted colours, the range combines practical habitat support with lifestyle-led aesthetics, creating an appealing proposition for consumers looking to make their gardens more wildlife-friendly without compromising on style.

What the judges said: “A well-considered range that makes supporting wildlife appealing to a wider audience. It combines a genuine purpose with contemporary design, creating an opportunity to attract shoppers who might not usually buy traditional wildlife products.”

Garden Lighting, Water Features & Décor

Winner: L V Bespoke - National Garden Scheme Collaboration, 3D Orb Garden Stake Collection

Finalists: L V Bespoke - Colourful Cluster of Three Garden Orbs, British Made; Woodlodge - Edwater Heritage Stone Blue Water Feature; The Solar Centre - Lavenham Solar Wall Light, 2 Pack; Altico Garden Products - Blair Rustic Brown Water Feature; Woodlodge - England Terracotta Pot Man.

About the winner: Created in collaboration with the National Garden Scheme, L V Bespoke's 3D Orb Garden Stake Collection combines distinctive decorative design with British craftsmanship and charitable purpose. Manufactured in Norfolk, the sculptural collection offers striking 360-degree visual appeal, premium durability and a meaningful story that helps connect consumers with the wider benefits of gardens and gardening.

What the judges said: “Distinctive design with a strong British-made and charitable story. It gives retailers something visually different and a clear conversation starter that should work particularly well as a statement purchase or gift.”

Decorative Pots & Planters

Winner: Elho BV - Colour Gradient Round Range

Finalists: Keter UK Ltd - Keter Tulip Screen Planter; Primeur Ltd - Tierra Verde Melody & Harmony Collections; Woodlodge - Strawberry House Planter 20cm; Woodlodge - Allium Planter Collection.

About the winner: Elho's Colour Gradient Round Range introduces a distinctive new aesthetic to decorative planters through an advanced injection moulding process that blends multiple colours within a single product. The resulting seamless gradient effect delivers contemporary visual appeal and creates a striking decorative statement for indoor planting, offering retailers an eye-catching addition to their planter ranges.

What the judges said: “The colour treatment makes this range stand out straight away. It offers shoppers something fresh in a competitive category and gives retailers a strong visual display opportunity with clear lifestyle appeal.”

GIMA AWARDS 2026: MARKETING AWARDS

Best Point of Sale Material

Winner: Meadow View Stone - Mediterranean Garden

Finalists: Deco-Pak Ltd - Gravel Glue™ 5L Outdoor Merchandiser; Treadstone Products - ClipGlove Ankle Boot Display Stand; STV International - Zero In Bug Bat POS Display and Retail Promotion; Westland Horticulture - Unwins Wildflowers Gondola POS Kit.

About the winner: Meadow View Stone's Mediterranean Garden display takes an immersive approach to garden centre merchandising, bringing together chippings, feature stones and planting in a fully styled outdoor setting. By showing how different landscaping products can work together in a real-life garden, the display helps consumers visualise their own outdoor transformations while encouraging complementary purchases across multiple product categories.

What the judges said: “This makes the products much easier to imagine in a real garden. By presenting a complete look rather than individual materials, it simplifies the buying decision and creates an obvious opportunity for linked sales.”

Best Marketing Campaign

Winner: FLYMO (Gardena) - 60 Years of Flymo: The Hunt for the UK's Oldest Flymo

Finalists: GARDENA UK - GARDENA Top of The Plots Campaign; Westland Horticulture - The Westland Garden Newspaper Campaign; RocketGro Ltd – ‘He Waits’ Advertising Campaign.

About the winner: Celebrating six decades of one of Britain's most recognisable gardening brands, Flymo's Hunt for the UK's Oldest Flymo campaign brought nostalgia, heritage and consumer engagement together. By inviting gardeners to rediscover their longstanding connections with the brand, the campaign created a compelling story around Flymo's history, encouraging participation, generating awareness and strengthening brand affinity across generations.

What the judges said: “A smart use of a much-loved brand’s heritage. The campaign gives people a reason to engage and share their own stories, delivering a memorable message with strong potential to build awareness and affection for Flymo.”

GIMA AWARDS 2026: SPECIAL AWARDS

Sustainability Award

Winner: Love Logs - British Hardwood Pellets

Finalists: Greenkey Garden & Home Ltd - Jute Gardening Range; Elho BV - Cosy Bird House, Bird Feeder and Insect Hotel; Elho BV - Colour Gradient Round Range.

About the winner: Manufactured entirely from British hardwood, Love Logs British Hardwood Pellets demonstrate how local sourcing and sustainable woodland management can support a more responsible outdoor leisure category. Produced in the UK and available in plastic-free packaging, the range supports domestic forestry and manufacturing while offering retailers a compelling sustainability story.

What the judges said: “Sustainability is built into the product rather than added as a marketing claim. British hardwood sourcing and plastic-free packaging offer a credible, easy-to-communicate proposition that makes commercial sense for retailers as well as consumers.”

RocketGro are delighted that their recent audit from the Responsible Sourcing Scheme further highlights the sustainable eco credentials of the RocketGro business.

With all audited products achieving the highest A & B grades within the scheme, this forms an excellent base line for RocketGro to make tweaks to push those B’s into the A category and do even more to sustainably produce their products.

RocketGro Managing Director Toby Thomas commented: “We are really happy that our product range has scored so highly in our recent audit. As the only supplier of growing media (at scale) that does not use Coir in the production of our products we believe that our scores should improve further as the scheme matures and perhaps better rewards the use of 100% sourced mainland UK substrates.’’

‘‘The RSS scheme is an important industry standard and we are very pleased to have this audit completed and to have supported the scheme as we will continue to do so.’’

‘‘Being a member of the RSS scheme, having never touched Peat, now capturing the CO2 at our bio-gas production plant, still powering 13,000 local homes with green energy, being the only compost producer that powers their bagging plant with green energy, and with 100% British substrates in their compost, RocketGro continue to go above and beyond and have set the industry eco standard at a very high level.’’

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

Corby + Fellas are delighted to welcome Norwich Camping & Leisure to the WinRetail family!

With more than 55 years of family-run retailing behind them, Norwich Camping & Leisure is a much-loved destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Based at The Leisure Village in Blofield, Norfolk, the business brings together camping and caravanning equipment, garden furniture, barbecues, and a garden centre, alongside a farm shop and Butterflies Coffee Shop.

Our colleagues Matt Chrisostomou and Brian McCrum have been on site working alongside James Holmes and his team as they implement WinRetail- an exciting next step for this established Norfolk business.

A warm welcome to everyone at Norwich Camping & Leisure. It’s a pleasure to support a fellow Norfolk company with such a strong tradition of friendly service and expert advice. We look forward to a long and successful partnership!

Pictured – Alan McCammon C+F MD and James Holmes, Partner, NCL.

The Horticultural Trades Association’s monthly Market Update shows that garden centre sales increased by 10% in October 2026 compared with October last year and 19% above October 2024 levels. Plants and gardening products sold particularly well despite a sharp drop in consumer confidence.

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said: “October's figures show that people are continuing to make time for their gardens, even as confidence in the wider economy has weakened. Customer transactions were up 7% on last year and 11% compared with 2024, with garden/gardening sales up 9% by volume, showing that people are still keen to get out into their gardens as Autumn kicks in. With those figures broadly in line with inflation, it is encouraging to see more people coming through garden centre doors rather than relying on customers spending significantly more each time they visit.

“However, strong turnover does not necessarily mean stronger returns. Garden centres continue to face higher employment, fuel and supply costs, which are absorbing much of the benefit of increased sales. Following the Autumn Budget, we continue to call on the government to provide greater certainty and a supportive operating environment if they are to invest, employ people and continue contributing to their local economies.”

Gardening sales were a particular highlight, up 13% from October 2025 and 19% from 2024. Every garden product category grew against both previous years, with plant care sales up 21%, hardy plants up 18%, and outdoor containers and garden furniture both up 13%. Bedding sales also rose by 5%.

The relatively mild, sunny conditions during the first half of October likely helped extend the gardening season, encouraging people to keep investing in their outdoor spaces later into the autumn.

Catering remains another important contributor to performance, with café and restaurant sales increasing by 11% compared with October 2025 and 23% compared with 2024.

Christmas and other non-gardening sales also held up. Christmas products were the third-largest non-gardening category by sales value in October, up 2% year on year. Food and farm shop sales rose 9%, and clothing rose 8%, while indoor living sales edged down 1%.

The positive trading figures come against a more challenging consumer backdrop. The GfK Consumer Confidence Index fell by 11 points to -24, the second-largest monthly decline since July 2016, driven by the Brexit vote. The Major Purchase Index dropped by 14 points to -22, while the General Economic Outlook fell by 14 points to -36.

GfK attributed the decline to continuing cost-of-living pressures and the impact of the Iran War on inflation, which have eroded the optimism that followed the arrival of the new Prime Minister in the summer. This means that garden centre sales were particularly strong in October against this backdrop.

Weather conditions were mixed during the month. October was the ninth consecutive month with above-average temperatures, at 0.9°C above the long-term average. After a dry, sunny first half, Storms Austen and Boelo brought heavy rainfall in the second half, taking UK rainfall to 113% of the typical October level. However, the Environment Agency has warned that 120% of average rainfall is needed over the winter months to avoid drought conditions extending into spring 2027.

For the year to the end of October, garden centre sales remain 2% ahead of 2025 and 12% ahead of 2024. Gardening sales have returned to the same level as last year and are 8% ahead of 2024, following October's strong performance.

Despite continuing to trade well against an exceptionally strong 2025, garden centres remain under pressure from rising employment, fuel and other operating costs. Inflation is also absorbing sales increases, making it difficult for many businesses to translate stronger turnover into improved profitability.

The HTA represents around 1,400 businesses across the UK environmental horticulture sector, including garden centres, growers, retailers, landscapers and manufacturers. The HTA’s monthly Market Update brings together garden centre sales data with consumer confidence, weather, inflation and other economic measures affecting the horticulture sector. HTA members can find more detail in this month’s Market Update on our website.

Family-owned garden retailer Notcutts has strengthened the connectivity supporting its 19 garden centres across the UK, partnering with TalkTalk Business to upgrade its network infrastructure and introduce a more robust failover solution.

Established in 1897, Notcutts has grown from its heritage in horticulture to become one of the UK’s leading garden retailers, helping customers bring their gardens and homes to life. As the business evolved, bandwidth was becoming a constraint, and its existing network infrastructure was no longer keeping pace with the demands placed on it.

Notcutts’ previous MPLS network had provided reliable primary connectivity, but its ageing infrastructure and limited secondary failover solution created challenges. The backup connection was designed to keep essential services such as emergency till transactions running but could not support the full range of modern systems and services used by colleagues across its garden centres. With connectivity increasingly critical to day-to-day operations, Notcutts needed a solution that would provide greater capacity and resilience without introducing unnecessary technology or complexity.

TalkTalk Business worked with Notcutts to develop a solution around its specific requirements, retaining its proven MPLS approach while introducing enterprise-grade, high-bandwidth primary connections and full secondary failover. The project also included refreshed network equipment at each garden centre and an upgraded central connection linking Notcutts’ support office and the wider business to the internet. The entire migration was completed with zero downtime.

Andy King, Head of IT at Notcutts, said: “TalkTalk Business really listened to what we needed and didn’t try to oversell us on technology that wasn’t right for the business. They shaped the solution around our requirements and gave us confidence throughout the project, from delivery through to ongoing support.

“We now have the performance and capacity we need, with a secondary connection that can take over seamlessly if the primary network goes down, ensuring we can always serve customers without interruption.”

The upgraded infrastructure provides Notcutts with the capacity to support other projects reliant on internet connectivity without impacting established systems already using the network. It also provides a stronger foundation for the business for what comes next.

Ian Cairns, Sales Director at TalkTalk Business, said: “For a multi-site retailer like Notcutts, reliable connectivity is fundamental to keeping its garden centres running and delivering a consistent customer experience. 

“With increased capacity, resilient failover and refreshed equipment across its estate, we’ve helped Notcutts trade with confidence, delivering a network that’s ready to support its continued growth.”

Christmas is in full swing at Dobbies Garden Centres across the UK, and this week it becomes even more festive as 40,000 poinsettias arrive at its 52 stores, bringing a spectacular sea of seasonal colour to garden centres nationwide. 

To ensure the plants arrive in peak condition, Dobbies sources its poinsettias from two specialist growers, one in the north and one in the south of the UK. This regional approach helps minimise transportation times, allowing the plants to reach stores looking their very best.

One of the nation's most recognisable Christmas plants, the Poinsettia is as synonymous with the season as mince pies, twinkling lights and Christmas trees, and its arrival is one of the first sure signs that the festivities are getting underway. 

Taking pride of place in stores, the traditional red Poinsettia will be joined by an elegant selection of other colours, giving shoppers plenty of choice to complement their Christmas decor. 

Originally from Mexico, the Poinsettia, also known as Euphorbia pulcherrima, has a history stretching back centuries, becoming associated with Christmas as early as the 16th century. The plant takes its name from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the American diplomat who introduced it to the United States in the 1820s.

Customer interest in the traditional Christmas plant remains strong. While customers can choose from a range of colours and varieties, classic red continues to be the most popular choice, reflecting its enduring place in festive displays. 

Claire Bishop, Dobbies’ Senior Plant Buyer at Dobbies Garden Centres, said: "There's something so special about seeing the first Poinsettias arrive in our stores. When you see all that beautiful red starting to fill our Houseplant shop, it really does feel like Christmas is on its way, and I think our customers feel that excitement too.

"Poinsettias are one of those lovely Christmas traditions that people come back to year after year, and they're such an easy way to start making the house feel festive, even before the tree goes up. While red remains a classic Christmas favourite, there is also a wide range of colours available, making it easy to find one that suits your style and decor. 

"We had a fantastic response last year, so we're really looking forward to seeing our stores fill with colour again. Whether used for decorating or gifting, poinsettias are a simple yet effective way to bring that classic Christmas feel to any room." 

Claire's top tips for keeping Poinsettias looking their best this Christmas. 

Claire said: "The key to keeping Poinsettias looking their best is warmth and a little care. They don't like the cold, so choose a bright, warm spot away from draughty windows and radiators, where the temperature stays consistent.

"Overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes people make. Let the top of the compost dry out slightly between waterings and never leave the plant sitting in water. It's also important to protect your Poinsettia on the journey home. A sudden drop in temperature can cause the plant's bracts (the red parts of the plant) to drop, so make sure it's well wrapped when leaving the garden centre, especially on colder days."

Whether displayed on a shelf, grouped together as a festive table centrepiece or given as a seasonal gift, Poinsettias are a simple way to bring a splash of Christmas colour into the home.

Alton Garden Centre and Tring Garden Centre have raised more than £5,700 for Greenfingers Charity following two successful festive fundraising events held to mark the start of the Christmas season.

Both garden centres opened their doors to local communities for dedicated evening events aimed at combining festive shopping with support for the national charity, which designs and creates therapeutic gardens for children in hospices across the UK.

At Alton Garden Centre, guests attended an exclusive Charity Preview Evening that officially launched the Christmas period. The doors opened to reveal the centre’s biggest Christmas department to date, following the store joining the British Garden Centres family this year. Ticket holders enjoyed live music, festive drinks, and nibbles as they explored the new Christmas themes and festive displays. Visitors were also treated to an exclusive 15% discount across the department, a meet-and-greet with Santa, and a special early Christmas gift to take home, with all ticket sales donated directly to the charity.

Meanwhile, Tring Garden Centre hosted a popular festive quiz night and late-night shopping evening. Alongside the trivia competition, visitors took part in a Christmas raffle featuring prizes donated by local supporters and businesses. Guests shopped at the newly unveiled festive department, enjoyed seasonal treats and got into the holiday spirit while raising funds for Greenfingers with a smile.

Through ticket sales, quiz entries, raffle tickets, and customer donations across both evenings, the total raised came to over £5,700.

Libby Stubbs, Events Manager at British Garden Centres, said: “We are thrilled by the incredible turnouts at both Alton and Tring. Our team worked hard to create two memorable evenings for our customers, and seeing everyone come together to celebrate Christmas while supporting such a vital charity was fantastic. We want to thank every customer and team member who contributed to making these events such a success.”

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers Charity, added: “We are incredibly grateful to the teams at Alton and Tring Garden Centres, as well as all who came along to support these festive events. This fantastic amount raised will go directly toward creating inspiring, therapeutic hospice gardens across the UK, offering life-limited children and their families, magical outdoor spaces to spend precious time together.”

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre, Farm Shop and Restaurant is celebrating after its Grand Charity Raffle raised an incredible £8,870 for The Bracken Trust, its chosen Charity of the Year for 2026.

The raffle draw took place at the garden centre on Saturday 7th November, bringing the fundraising campaign to an exciting close. With more than £5,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, the draw featured some fantastic top prizes, including a Bramblecrest Chedworth 4-seat dining set and a Weber Spirit E-315 Gas BBQ, alongside a wonderful selection of other prizes.

All winners have now been contacted, and The Old Railway Line would like to extend its congratulations to everyone who was lucky enough to win!

Every penny raised will go directly to The Bracken Trust, and the garden centre would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who purchased tickets, donated prizes and helped make the raffle such a success.

Lisa Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer at The Bracken Trust, said: “We would like to thank everyone at The Old Railway Line, their customers and suppliers for supporting The Bracken Trust as your chosen charity of the year. The amazingly generous monies raised make an enormous difference to the communities we support across Powys. Thank you to everyone who has supported The Bracken Trust through our wonderful partnership with The Old Railway Line, supporting events and buying tickets for the Grand Draw.”

The Bracken Trust provides support to people affected by cancer, as well as their families and carers. Through its centres and community support across Powys, the charity offers a welcoming place for people to access practical and emotional support.

The Old Railway Line is incredibly proud to support The Bracken Trust throughout 2026. The £8,870 raised through the Grand Charity Raffle is a wonderful reflection of what can be achieved when a community comes together for a good cause.

A huge thank you once again to everyone who played a part in making the Grand Charity Raffle such a success!

GTN October – November 2026. In this issue: Interview with British Garden Centres Restaurant Director Ricky Towers, Heavenly Coffee for garden centres, Behind Hamstreet Garden Centre’s Greatest Restaurant Team Award, Highlights from the 2026 Choice conference, Formbar helps with new recycling rules, WD-40’s new Bio Lubricant, Gardena’s Top of the Plots, LOFA invites applications to its new Outdoor Leisure Retail Academy, Invitation to Toy Fair 2027 , New Product Directory from Glee 2026 – Part 1, Opportunities with edible plants, Cyclamen in the Spotlight – GTN Planteria, Gluten-free messaging for café’s & restaurants, Pet trade success at PATS 26, Your silent salesperson - Adapt or Die, Keep things fresh - GCA Viewpoint, A glimpse of the future - HTA Viewpoint.

GIMA Buyers Guide & New Product Digest - Autumn 2026 - A valuable reference for the UK Garden Trade

New Products for the UK Garden Trade for 2027 from GIMA Members: Altico, Angro, Auto Pot Global, Backdoor Shoes, Bees Seeds, Burgon & Ball, Cerland, Charles Bentley, Claber SPA, Durstons, Ecoo BV, elho, Emerald Eternal Green BV, Evergreen Garden Care, Floramadia, GreenKey, Glee, GRDN Living, Greenman Garden Tools, Handy, Hortiwool, Husqvarna, Jeyes, Johnsons Lawn Seeds, Lava-Lite, Lodi UK, Lohas Fertilliser, LV Bespoke, Meadow View Stone, Melcourt, Mims Pottery, Museums & Galleries Ltd, Norfolk Leisure, PlantWork, Sipcam, Super Ninja, The MAD Company, Toro, Vitavia, Vita, Woodmansterne, Zero - STV, Zest and the GIMA Member Directory.

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RHS Chelsea gold medal winner Joe Perkins has designed The Wimbledon Garden: Nature in Play. The garden marks 150 years of The Championships by celebrating a love for tennis, its history and explores how gardens can adapt to the changing climate.

Designed for both an avid tennis fan and keen gardener, the space interprets the All England Club’s long-standing horticultural ethos, ‘tennis in an English garden’, by featuring richly textured, climate-adaptive planting and striking trees. 

At the heart of the garden visitors will find an open pavilion that acts as a rain-capture feature. Drawing on how technology has influenced the evolving sport, the pavilion’s construction will use laminated timber, which was first used in aviation and later adopted in early tennis rackets.

Rills and pools will invite visitors to acknowledge Wimbledon’s enduring relationship with the elements and showcase how water can be managed effectively and sustainably in gardens. In addition, the use of a weather monitoring system, drought tolerant planting and shallow gravel mulch considers the impact water scarcity will have on gardens.

Planting / Colour Scheme

Purples, greens and pale apricot will feature in the design. The purple Iris ‘Bishop’s Robe’ acts as a nod to Wimbledon’s classic colour and provides an important nectar source for pollinating insects. The garden will also feature six Liquidambar, representing a team of six ball boys and girls. In addition, their straight stems reflect the galleries of a monastic cloister, where many believe the very first game of tennis was played in medieval France.

Statement trees such as Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala and Crataegus × lavalleei ‘Carrierei’ will also feature.

Spring Fair 2027 is putting some of the biggest names in retail, business, fashion, technology and licensing centre stage, giving visitors the opportunity to hear directly from senior industry leaders and experts, with all talks and sessions included free of charge as part of their show visit.

From the CEO of The Works and the creative minds behind the Cath Kidston x Aardman collaboration to experts from Google, FlightStory – home of The Diary Of A CEO – as well as Hamleys and the Natural History Museum, the latest speaker announcements underline Spring Fair’s commitment to delivering an exceptional programme of insight, inspiration and practical advice alongside its world-class retail buying experience.

These speakers join an already impressive line-up of industry leaders announced for Spring Fair 2027, including Debenhams CEO Dan Finley, Blue Diamond’s Alan Roper, Small Business Commissioner Emma Jones CBE, British Retail Consortium Chief Executive Helen Dickinson, and retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 7th – 10th February 2027, Spring Fair brings together the retail industry not only to discover new products and brands, but also to access the ideas, expertise and connections that can help businesses grow. Unlike events where access to high-profile conference content comes at an additional cost, Spring Fair makes its speaker programme available to visitors free of charge, creating an added-value experience for independent retailers and major buyers alike.

Fay Tranter, Event Director of Spring Fair said, “We believe access to great insight should be part of the Spring Fair experience, not an added extra. We are incredibly proud to bring such a high calibre of speakers to the show, giving retailers the opportunity to hear directly from some of the most influential names and organisations in the industry, completely free of charge. Whether it’s learning from the people behind iconic retail experiences, understanding the next generation of consumer behaviour, exploring the power of creators or discovering how AI can support a business, buyers can take away ideas and inspiration that would be difficult to access elsewhere. It’s about making Spring Fair much more than a buying event – it’s a place to learn, connect and be inspired.”

The power of physical retail

As retailers continue to consider the role of physical stores in an increasingly digital world, Spring Fair will bring a major retail name to the stage to share its perspective on the enduring power of bricks-and-mortar shopping. These talks are particularly relevant commercially for independent retailers looking to drive footfall and create compelling in-store experiences.

Gavin Peck, Chief Executive Officer of The Works Stores Ltd, will explain why the retailer is backing physical stores, fresh screen-free products and the thrill of discovery. In Bricks & Mortar? It Works – Why The Works is Putting Stores Before Screens, Gavin will discuss the thinking behind the business's strategy, what customers are responding to and why he believes the high street still has a compelling future.

Keane Herman, UK Business Lead at Hamleys, will reveal how one of the world's most famous toy shops transforms a visit into an unforgettable experience. In A Little Hamleys Magic: How Hamleys Turns Play, Theatre and Discovery into Memorable Retail Experiences, Keane will explore how live shows, hands-on activities and character meet-and-greets bring theatre and discovery into the store, and what other retailers can learn from its approach.

Both sessions take place on Tuesday 9th February on the Heart of Retail stage.

Behind the Cath Kidston x Aardman collaboration

What happens when Cath Kidston's distinctive prints meet Aardman's much-loved characters? Holly Marler, Creative Director at Cath Kidston, and Ilona Sunderland, Creative Services & Product Development Manager at Aardman, will take visitors behind the scenes of this playful partnership to explore how two iconic British brands have brought their creative worlds together to create a fashion collection full of personality.

In Cath Kidston x Aardman: Behind the Collaboration – How Two Iconic British Brands Bring Character to Fashion, Holly and Ilona will trace the journey from the first idea to the finished designs, exploring how creative collaborations can bring fresh energy to familiar brands, attract new audiences and create products customers love. The session takes place on Monday 8 February at 11am on the Style Studio stage.

What retailers can learn from the creator economy

With creators increasingly building successful product businesses and turning engaged audiences into customers, Natasha Birk, Head of Product & Ecommerce at FlightStory, home of The Diary Of A CEO, will share the lessons retailers can take from this fast-growing commercial landscape.

In The Creator Playbook: Lessons for Retailers, Natasha will explore how creators develop products, build communities and turn trust into commercial power, offering practical insight into storytelling, product development and launch strategies. The session takes place on Monday 8th February in the Masterclass Studio.

Fashion insight for the season ahead

For fashion buyers planning their next collections, Deryane Tadd, founder and buyer at The Dressing Room, will deliver her SS27 Trend Report: The Looks, Colours and Details to Know – Fashion's New Language of Trust.

Drawing on her experience as an independent retailer and buyer, Deryane will identify the key products, colours, fabrics and silhouettes shaping Spring/Summer 2027, helping visitors understand the trends and opportunities to consider when building their next ranges. The session takes place on Monday 8th February in the Style Studio.

Behind the licensing success of the Natural History Museum

From immersive hotel experiences and tonies® audio stories to fashion collaborations with Lucy & Yak, the Natural History Museum is finding unexpected ways to bring nature into everyday life.

Join Louisa Skevington, Licensing Manager, as she shares how the Museum turns its scientific heritage and collections into creative partnerships, reaches new audiences and develops products and experiences that inspire curiosity while creating commercial opportunities.

The session, Nature Reimagined: How the Natural History Museum Brings Nature into Products, takes place on Tuesday 9 February in the Licensing Studio.

Get to grips with AI with Google

Helping retailers understand the opportunities and practical applications of artificial intelligence, Christine Braithwaite, Digital Skills Trainer at Google, will lead Making Sense of AI with Google, part of the Grow with Google programme.

The session will introduce the fundamentals of AI and machine learning, explore real-world applications and explain the responsible use of generative AI, including its limitations and risks. Visitors will also get hands-on with effective prompting techniques through a simple framework and live demonstration.

Google will deliver daily one-hour workshops at 10.30am in the Masterclass Studio, designed to help retailers strengthen their digital knowledge and explore practical ways to use AI in their businesses. The first session takes place on Sunday 7th February, with further workshops running throughout the show.

More than a buying show

The latest speaker announcements add to Spring Fair's wider programme of expert-led content, designed to give visitors access to fresh thinking and practical knowledge across the retail industry.

The programme brings visitors unparalleled opportunities to hear directly from some of the most influential voices shaping the future of retail, gaining valuable insight, practical advice and fresh perspectives – all included free of charge with their Spring Fair visitor registration.

Visit https://www.springfair.com/stage-programme-2027 for the full programme.

Spring Fair 2027 takes place at the NEC Birmingham from 7th – 10th February 2027. For more information and to register, visit www.springfair.com.

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Two Scottish Government Ministers joined representatives from across Scotland's environmental horticulture sector at a parliamentary reception hosted by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) at Holyrood on Tuesday evening, highlighting the sector's economic, environmental and social contribution and its potential for future growth.

Tom Arthur MSP, Minister for Business and Fair Work, and Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands, both addressed the reception, alongside Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, and event sponsor Rachael Hamilton MSP.

The reception gave parliamentarians an opportunity to meet HTA members and hear directly about the opportunities and challenges facing businesses across the sector. Sponsored by Rachael Hamilton MSP, it also provided an opportunity to discuss the HTA's call for a Scottish Horticultural Growth Strategy and its priorities ahead of the Scottish Budget on 3 December.

Together, environmental horticulture and landscaping contribute £2.6 billion to Scotland's GDP and support almost 60,000 jobs, with the potential to grow their contribution to £5.1 billion by 2030. The HTA is calling on the Scottish Government to build on the UK Government's work on the Horticulture Sector Growth Plan, with the ambition of developing a Scottish Horticultural Growth Strategy, supported by cross-government collaboration.

The reception included discussion of the HTA's priorities ahead of the Scottish Budget on 3 December, following the Association's recent Budget submission to the Scottish Government. The submission calls for action to improve the competitiveness of Scottish businesses, support investment in climate resilience alongside sustainable growing, and unlock the sector's contribution to economic growth, green infrastructure and public health.

The HTA also highlighted the importance of recognising green spaces as essential infrastructure. Gardens, parks, trees and wider green infrastructure make a significant contribution to physical and mental health, productivity and climate adaptation. The Association is calling for greater protection and investment in green spaces, including increased support for Social Therapeutic Horticulture.

Rachael Hamilton MSP, event sponsor, said:

"I was delighted to sponsor the Horticultural Trades Association's Parliamentary Reception and welcome representatives from across Scotland's environmental horticulture and green spaces sector to the Scottish Parliament.

“The sector makes a major contribution to Scotland's economy, supporting almost 60,000 jobs and generating £2.6 billion each year.

“It was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from Scottish horticultural businesses about the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, and how we can help ensure they continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead”

Fran Barnes, Chief Executive of the HTA, said:

“The challenge for government is to join the dots. Environmental horticulture has a role to play across economic development, climate adaptation, public health and community wellbeing, yet too often these areas are considered separately.

“We need to move beyond recognising the value of green spaces and look at how we deliver and maintain them, and how we support the businesses that make them possible. Our members have the expertise, ambition and willingness to invest, but they need the right conditions to do so.

“Scotland has a real opportunity to lead the way. We want to work with the Scottish Government to turn that opportunity into practical action, creating a greener, healthier and more resilient Scotland.”

Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said:

“The horticultural sector makes a significant contribution to our economy and enriches the lives of people across Scotland. I welcome the Horticultural Trades Association's continued engagement with us and hosting this event to highlight how government and industry can work together to unlock the sector's full potential, deliver our shared ambitions and recognise the businesses behind Scotland's green spaces.”

Business and Fair Work Minister Tom Arthur said: 

“Economic growth is a core priority for the Government over this parliamentary term, and I welcome the valuable contributions Scotland’s environmental horticulture sector makes as businesses to Scotland’s economy, and job creation across a wide range of career pathways.  I look forward to closer working with the HTA and environmental horticulture sector.”

Registration is now open for the AIPH Spring Meeting 2027, taking place from 28 February to 4 March 2027 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The event will bring together association leaders from across the industry, horticultural professionals, and Expo organisers to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and explore the challenges and opportunities facing membership organisations.

Organised by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), in collaboration with Host Partner the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) and with the support of Headline Sponsor Biblo, the five-day Meeting will provide a platform for international dialogue and professional development. With a particular focus on the evolving role of industry associations, the event will offer valuable insights for those involved in leading and managing membership organisations, both within horticulture and across other sectors.

Under the theme 'Leading Associations in a Changing World', the AIPH Horticultural Industry Conference will explore how membership organisations can adapt, remain relevant, and deliver meaningful value to the communities they represent.

Drawing on international perspectives and practical experience, discussions will explore approaches to effective leadership, supporting the next generation, and driving change. The Conference will provide a forum for participants to exchange ideas, learn from different organisations, and consider how associations can strengthen their influence and impact in a changing world.

Keynote speaker Jennifer Maxwell, DISC Human Behaviour Practitioner, will deliver an interactive session titled ‘The Leadership Advantage of Understanding People – Reading the Room’. Participants will discover their own behavioural style, explore how different personalities interact, and gain a deeper understanding of how these differences influence communication and leadership. The session will equip delegates with practical strategies they can apply immediately to strengthen working relationships, improve communication, and lead more effectively.

AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference

The AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference will bring together organisers of AIPH-approved Expos and key stakeholders to share progress and discuss the planning and delivery of major international horticultural events.

Delegates will hear updates from upcoming Expos, including the much anticipated GREENxEXPO 2027 Yokohama in Japan, Expo 2029 Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) in Thailand, and Expo 2031 Minnesota in the USA. The Conference will also provide an opportunity to explore how Expos can promote the power of plants, support horticultural producers, and create lasting benefits for host cities and communities.

Local Tours and Professional Visits

Complementing the conference programme, delegates will have the opportunity to explore Victoria and the surrounding region through a series of local tours and professional visits.

Located on Vancouver Island, Victoria provides a distinctive setting for the Meeting, with its gardens, green spaces, and strong horticultural heritage. Professional visits will provide first-hand insight into Canadian horticulture, showcasing local businesses, production practices, and industry expertise.

Registration is now open

The AIPH Spring Meeting 2027 offers a valuable opportunity for association leaders and horticultural professionals alike to gain international insight, strengthen professional networks, and share best practice. Whether representing a horticultural organisation or leading an association in another industry, delegates will benefit from exchanging experiences with peers and exploring new approaches to shared challenges.

For more information about the programme and to register: AIPH Spring Meeting 2027

60 Years Strong – Building Tomorrow Together

As LOFA prepares to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee in 2027, marking 60 years of supporting the UK outdoor living industry, we are delighted to announce the launch of the LOFA Outdoor Leisure Retail Academy, a brand-new training initiative designed to help garden centre and retail staff feel more confident when selling outdoor leisure products.

For 60 years, LOFA has been bringing the industry together, supporting its members and championing the outdoor living sector.

As we look ahead to this milestone year, we want to do more than celebrate our heritage. We want to invest in the people and businesses that will shape the future of our industry.

And what better way to do that than by helping the people on the shop floor who are talking to consumers every day?

SCAN TO APPLY

FREE Outdoor Leisure Retail Academy Training

Applications close 16 December 2026

Listening to the Industry

We have listened to retailers and know there is a real gap in the market for sales training specifically focused on outdoor leisure products.

Selling a garden furniture set, barbecue or other higher-value outdoor living product can be quite different from selling everyday garden centre items. These are often considered purchases, and we know that some retail staff can feel uncomfortable or lack confidence when approaching customers or discussing higher-priced products.

We want to help change that.

The LOFA Outdoor Leisure Retail Academy has been created to give retail staff the confidence, skills and understanding to engage with customers more effectively, recognise what they need and ultimately help them make the right purchasing decisions.

The training will cover key areas including:

• Recognising different customer types and understanding how they like to shop.
• Engaging with customers at the right level and building confidence in those conversations.
• Helping customers to buy rather than making them feel they are being sold to.
• Understanding how to create urgency without applying pressure.
• Developing practical sales techniques that can be used every day on the shop floor.

Our aim is simple. We want retail staff to feel more comfortable and confident when selling outdoor leisure products, while giving consumers a better, more engaging shopping experience.

And, of course, if we can help retailers sell more outdoor leisure products along the way, that is good news for everyone in our industry.

Building on Success

This new initiative follows the success of our internal LOFA Sales Academy, which we introduced to help newer and younger members of staff working within our member companies navigate an increasingly complex and changing outdoor leisure market.

Over the past two years, 22 members of staff have completed the programme, gaining practical sales skills and techniques that they can now use in their day-to-day roles.

The feedback and experience from running the Sales Academy has encouraged us to take the next step and extend this training opportunity to the retailers who sell our members' products.

After all, the more confident and knowledgeable retail staff are, the better equipped they are to support consumers and help grow the outdoor leisure market.

Taking the Academy Across the UK

The LOFA Outdoor Leisure Retail Academy will launch in February and March 2027, with training taking place in four locations across the UK, covering the North, South, East and West.

Each location will host two half-day training sessions, with 12 places available per session, giving us the opportunity to train up to 96 retail staff as part of this first programme.

We are thrilled to be working with four fantastic garden centres that have kindly offered to host our training sessions:

• Bents – 5^th March 2027
• Planters Garden Centres – 3^rd March 2027
• Aylett Nurseries – 11^th & 12^th March 2027
• Old Well Garden Centre – 24^th & 25^th February 2027

Their support means we can take the Academy out into the industry and make this valuable training accessible to retailers across the country.

And the best part? The training is completely free of charge.

We welcome applications from garden centres and outdoor leisure retailers of all sizes across the UK. Whether you have a new member of staff who would benefit from some additional support or an existing team member who would like to develop their selling skills, we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply

If you feel that you or a member of your team would benefit from this free training opportunity, we would encourage you to apply.

Applications close on 16 December 2026.

Places are limited, so we would encourage retailers to get their applications in early.

https://lofa.co.uk/retail-training-application-form/

60 Years Strong – Building Tomorrow Together

As the organisation behind SOLEX, the outdoor living trade exhibition organised by the industry for the industry, LOFA has been connecting retailers and suppliers through the show since 2008.

The launch of the LOFA Outdoor Leisure Retail Academy is another way we can strengthen those relationships and support the industry beyond the exhibition itself.

Our Diamond Jubilee is an opportunity to look back with pride at everything LOFA and its members have achieved over the past six decades, but just as importantly, it is about looking forward.

The Retail Academy is one of a number of initiatives we will be introducing during our anniversary year, all with the same ambition: to support our members, connect our industry and help build a stronger future for outdoor living.

60 Years Strong. Building Tomorrow Together.

Celebrating Our Heritage. Connecting Our Industry. Building Our Future.

SCAN TO APPLY

FREE Outdoor Leisure Retail Academy Training

Applications close 16 December 2026

QD Commercial Group, the owner of the Cherry Lane outlets, has announced it is actively looking to acquire more garden centres after a positive set of financial results.

In its annual report in the year to 28 February 2026, the company said: “The strategic plan for the QD Commercial Group continues to build momentum and the directors are delighted to announce continued growth above and beyond in both turnover and profit. The business is actively looking to acquire more garden centres, destination and market town stores.”

Group turnover for the year increased by 4.5% to £123,325,000 compared to £117,965,000 the previous year.

The company achieved a net profit before tax of £1,436,000, and at the end of the year its net assets were £4,535,0000, an increase of 1.3%.

Crocus and Primrose have announced a merger to create one of the UK’s largest online horticultural businesses, bringing together two complementary brands to offer an unrivalled range of plants and gardening products to British gardeners. 

The announcement follows a significant turnaround for Primrose. Having faced considerable financial difficulties in 2023, Primrose entered administration in late 2023 with losses exceeding £5M. In December 2023, Mark Fane and Peter Clay, founders of Crocus, acquired the business and have since focussed on a comprehensive turnaround strategy. Following three years of restructuring and operational improvements, Primrose is now expected to return to profitability in 2027.

Combining Crocus’s range of more than 6,000 plant varieties with Primrose’s extensive range of gardening products will create the UK’s broadest horticultural offering for British gardeners. Both companies will retain their distinctive brands and websites, while benefitting from combined operational and logistical facilities. The combined group will employ approximately 250 staff and have sales of over £50M in 2027.

Crocus has experienced record sales growth in 2026, finishing the year 23% up year on year. Founder Mark Fane attributes this success to a long-term strategy of investing in its own UK nursery production, alongside broader operational improvements that have helped ensure strong stock availability and consistently excellent customer service throughout the peak season.

It has been an exceptional year for Crocus on all fronts. The company has maintained its ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot and secured its 36th Gold Medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, collaborating with Tom Stuart-Smith on the TATE Britain garden.

Mark Fane said “It’s very exciting bringing these two businesses together to form such a significant horticultural online group. Crocus is committed to offering the widest possible range of plants, with 85% now coming from our own nursery or from our key UK suppliers. Over many years Primrose has established a strong business in a number of key product categories. The combination of the two businesses forms a formidable horticultural group."

APAC launched their Christmas 2027 range last week with a grand opening at the APAC Showroom in Leicester.

Amid a party setting guests were busy placing orders for "Made for Christmas by APAC" products and taking part in wreath making demonstrations.

See GTN Xtra's gallery of photos from the evening below.

To book your visit to the APAC showroom please contact your usual APAC sales representative or call 0116 230 2555

https://www.apac.co.uk/

The Greenfingers Charity is getting into the spirit of the season as it prepares for its biggest and most jumperful Christmas fundraising campaign yet!

Returning for another year of festive fun, the much-loved 'Most Jumperful Time of the Year' challenge is back for 2026, with British Garden Centres’ Eve Kerrigan (Content Creator), Scott McCabe (Group Buying Director) and Ricky Towers (Group Restaurant Directorpreparing to don their finest (and possibly most questionable!) Christmas knitwear in support of the charity. Their festive effort forms a key part of British Garden Centres’ final push to hit its £100,000 fundraising target for Greenfingers before the end of the year.

The trio will be embracing the festive spirit throughout December, wearing Christmas jumpers every day in the run-up to Christmas, whether they're at work, attending meetings or simply going about their daily lives. And, of course, they're hoping the garden industry will join them in spreading a little Christmas cheer.

First launched in 2020 by Natalie Boynton, the Most Jumperful challenge has become a firm favourite within the garden industry, raising more than £31,600 for the Greenfingers Charity and proving that a little festive silliness can make a very real difference.

This year, the lucky jumper wearers will be inviting suppliers and industry friends to sponsor individual days of their challenge, helping turn their daily wardrobe choices into much-needed donations for the charity. With sponsorship opportunities available throughout December, there's plenty of scope for businesses to get involved, support the trio and enjoy some festive publicity along the way.

Eve Kerrigan, leader of the BGC Jumperful Team, said: "I'm so excited to be taking part in the Most Jumperful Challenge for Greenfingers. Christmas jumpers are one of my favourite things, and if it were up to me, I'd wear one 365 days a year! What makes this challenge even more special is that it's raising awareness and support for Greenfingers, a charity very close to our hearts at British Garden Centres. The work they do brings moments of comfort, joy and togetherness when they're needed most, so it's fantastic to be able to support such an important cause. Also, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't also looking forward to seeing Scott and Ricky in full festive attire. The tackier the Christmas wardrobe, the better, if you ask me!"

To show your support visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/bgcrocksxmasjumpers 

Even more ways to get jumperful in 2026!

But that's not all! For 2026, Greenfingers is expanding its Christmas jumper fundraising activities, creating even more opportunities for garden centres, suppliers and businesses to get involved.

Alongside the daily jumper challenge, the charity is launching a separate initiative to recruit 24 garden centres to host their own Christmas Jumper Days throughout December.

Participating centres will be encouraged to choose a date, rally their teams and invite colleagues to swap their usual workwear for something suitably festive in exchange for a donation. From wonderfully tacky knitwear and festive fancy dress to cake sales, raffles and best-dressed competitions, there's plenty of opportunity to make the occasion their own, while bringing colleagues and customers together for a fantastic cause.

With a suggested fundraising target of £500 per garden centre, the initiative alone could generate £12,000 for the Greenfingers Charity, with the potential for even more as the industry gets behind the campaign.

Meanwhile, businesses sponsoring the trio's daily challenge will also be encouraged to organise their own Christmas Jumper Days, helping spread the festive fun even further. Together, these activities have the potential to raise more than £20,000, making Christmas 2026 one of the charity's most ambitious festive fundraising efforts yet.

Linda Petrons, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Greenfingers Charity, said: "We know it's only October, but we simply couldn't keep the Christmas excitement to ourselves any longer! The Most Jumperful challenge has become such a wonderful part of our fundraising calendar, and we're incredibly grateful to our festive fundraisers for stepping forward to take it on this year.

"What makes this campaign so special is just how easy it is for everyone to get involved. Whether you're a garden centre organising a Christmas Jumper Day, a supplier sponsoring the daily challenge, or simply someone who fancies wearing something fabulously festive for a good cause, every contribution really does matter.”

Get involved and spread some Christmas cheer

Greenfingers is now inviting garden centres to register their interest in hosting a Christmas Jumper Day, while businesses and individuals can also support the Most Jumperful challenge by sponsoring a day or making a donation.

Further details of the expanded Christmas fundraising activities, including how to take part, will be announced in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, anyone wishing to support the Most Jumperful challenge can visit www.mostjumperful.co.uk, while garden centres interested in joining the Christmas Jumper Day campaign can contact Greenfingers Charity directly.

Greenfingers chairman Boyd Douglas-Davies was presented with the Prince Edward Award for Excellence in Horticultural Career Development by the Worshipful Company of Gardeners.

The award recognises those who have inspired others to enter horticulture and supported their career development. Previous recipients include Carol Klein, Jekka McVicar, Raymond Blanc and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

Throughout his career in horticulture and garden retail, Boyd has championed the opportunities the sector offers. His enthusiasm and ability to bring people together have also made a lasting difference to Greenfingers.

As founder of Garden Re-Leaf Day, Boyd created an annual fundraising event that unites garden centres, suppliers, colleagues and friends through walks, challenges and other activities. Together, they have raised more than £1 million, helping the charity create and maintain magical, therapeutic gardens where children with life-limiting conditions, their families and carers can enjoy precious time outdoors.

Since becoming Chairman in October 2024, he has continued to give his time and expertise, building relationships and helping the charity develop its work.

Richard Jackson, Founder President of Greenfingers Charity and a close friend of Boyd, said: “I am delighted to see Boyd receive this award. He cares deeply about our industry and the people within it, and has helped so many recognise what they can achieve. At Greenfingers, we see first-hand the difference a garden can make and Boyd works tirelessly to help us bring that gift to more children and families.

“Boyd, my friend, this is richly deserved. Congratulations on an honour that I know will mean so much to you and everyone who knows you.”

Honeyfields is reminding wild bird fans that good hygiene should be an essential part of any responsible feeding routine, helping to create a safer and healthier environment for garden birds.

With feeders, tables and water vessels often used by multiple birds throughout the day, these shared surfaces can quickly become contaminated with saliva, discarded food and droppings. Regular cleaning can play an important role in helping to reduce the potential spread of infectious diseases.

“Most bird lovers know feeders should be cleaned but very few do it often enough,” says Sarah Kitson, Head of Marketing at Honeyfields. “Research suggests fewer than 2% of people follow best-practice cleaning advice. That leaves a big gap in bird health protection. This is why we are encouraging retailers to help their customers put good hygiene at the heart of their wild bird feeding.”

Birds gather closely at feeders, tables and water vessels making it easy for diseases to spread from bird to bird rapidly, this can include infections like salmonella, conjunctivitis, and trichomonosis, through contaminated food and surfaces. 

In addition, wet or old seed can grow mould that produces toxins dangerous to birds. Dirty feeders can also attract rodents, insects, and other wildlife susceptible to these diseases.   

Honeyfields’ top tips for retailers to share with their customers include:

• Try and feed regularly all year round as birds will come to rely on the food you put out.
• Choose a quality food specially formulated to help support health and well-being of wild birds.
• Consider a variety of feeds and feeding methods to help fulfil birds’ differing needs.
• Supplementary feeds should be fresh and in suitable quantities (ideally enough for 24 hrs) to help prevent waste.
• Space feeders apart to help minimise crowding and the spread of any infectious diseases.
• Regularly remove wet and uneaten food to help prevent mould and pests.
• Provide clean, fresh water for drinking and bathing, changing daily to help keep hygienic.
• Wash feeders, tables and water vessels at least weekly; Scrub with hot soapy water Disinfect with a 1:9 bleach-to-water solution and then rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before refilling.

“Think of a feeder as a shared dinner plate or water vessel as a shared drinking glass - lots of birds may be using the same surfaces, so regular cleaning is an important part of responsible feeding,” says Sarah.

“We hope retailers can help to reinforce our simple hygiene messages to their customers, ensuring that enjoying garden birds goes hand in hand with feeding them safely and responsibly.”

By making “clean, then fill” part of the everyday routine, bird lovers can take a simple but important step towards supporting the health and wellbeing of the birds they enjoy.

To find out more contact your Regional Sales Manager or call us on 0845 257 0232.